APRIL 2017: Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

APRIL 2017 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Grayson Loganville Lawrenceville

Meet the team at Necessities by Sherrie, see story on page 5.

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Berens Frozen Custard: Making Smiles for Over 40 Years SportsTalk with Archer Girls Basketball: A Class Act One on One with Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce Making a Difference: Kathy Farriba & JMJ Home Care Services

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inspired by family After 12 years of providing superior healthcare to Members of our residential community, Park Springs Health Services opens to the general public this Summer. We’ve created a state-of-the-art health center that features the HOUSEHOLD MODEL, a new familyinspired approach to senior health. ™ Assisted Living

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PAGE 4

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Our Town

On the Cover:

Necessities by Sherrie

By Michelle Watson Necessities by Sherrie is an intimate apparel shop located at 2308 Henry Clower Boulevard in Snellville. They are a destination store for women all over the metro Atlanta area and beyond, and are centrally located in the heart of Snellville, where Highways 78 and 124 meet.

Sherrie Strong first opened Necessities by Sherrie twelve years ago. The store has become a fundamental part of the community and the efforts of many to build up the local economy.

Many people just don’t have time to shop in brick-and-mortar stores these days, or they like the ease of shopping online. However, the convenience of shopping online pales when compared to the personal service found at stores like Strong’s. As Strong is quick to point out, the only thing convenient about purchasing undergarments online is buying them. If there are returns involved because the fit or the style is not right, then that online purchase becomes a hassle very quickly.

Strong says that shopping at Necessities by Sherrie makes “the whole process convenient, not just the initial order.” You get trained specialists who look beyond the size of a bra or undergarment. Yes, they carry every cup size from AA to K, and they have every bandwidth 28-52. But there is much more to choosing the right bra than these two measurements alone. The staff at Necessities will look at things online consultants can’t see. They look at the structure of a bra or other foundation piece, whether it is the right style for your body shape. Strong’s staff will also take into consideration your height and breast symmetry. All these factors, and not just cup size, will determine whether an undergarment is the right fit for you.

Those who don’t live in the immediate area may not make it into the store very often, but that is when Strong says they become your online store. Simply stop into the store once a year. They store your measurements and all your previous purchases in their computer. All you have to do the next time you need something is call. They will get it shipped to you for a nominal fee of $7 for most purchases, or shipping is free if you spend $100 or more.

Customers can be sure they are getting very personalized care when shopping at Necessities

by Sherrie. The average staff member has worked at the shop for seven years. Judy has been

there the longest, having served alongside Strong for 12 years since they first opened.

If you are looking for great shapewear, bras, or other foundation pieces, stop in at Necessities by Sherrie. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

They can have you measured and out the door with your purchases in 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Strong says it is important for women, especially busy moms, to take this time for themselves. The right bra can alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain. If you are so busy that you think you don’t have time “pamper” yourself with a proper fit, then you are so busy that taking that time for yourself is probably a necessity. After all, if mom doesn’t take care of herself first, she can’t properly care for all her other obligations.

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PAGE 5

Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultZ.com

— An EndResultZ Media & Communications firm EndResultZ.com

Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultZ.com

Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett/Walton area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.

Editor Catherine L. Osornio

Entire contents copyright 2017 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Cover Photographer Amadorphoto

Our Town Gwinnett

Distribution Coordinator DeeDee Chapman Feature Writers Daidra Annis Heidi Campbell Dana Harvey Kim Hill Sarah Schneeberger Karla Socci Somers Michelle Watson

Contributing Writers Dr. Rodrigo Cruz Terie Hansen Kelly Webb

1227 Rockbridge Road Suite 208-171 Stone Mountain, GA 30087 678-825-2049 Info@OurTownGwinnett.com

Stay Connected!

OurTownGwinnett.com Read Online: OurTownGwinnettOnline.com OurTownGwinnett OurTownGwinnett OurTownGwinnett

IN THIS ISSUE 5 On the Cover: Necessities by Sherrie 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion: Make Your Story Count 8 Berens Frozen Custard Has Been Making Smiles for over 40 years 9 SportsTalk with Archer Girls Basketball: A Class Act 9 Pet Perch: Bad Dog or Bored Dog? 10 Getting to Know: Georgia State Retirees Association 11 One on One with Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce 12 The Girlfriends Cancer Foundation Raises Money for Kids with Cancer 13 JMJ Home Care Services: A Small Connection Sparks a Lifelong Passion 14 Special Kneads & Treats Bakery Offers Employment to Adults with Special Needs 15 Chaplain’s Corner: Trust Me on This One 15 Love and Vets: Locals Star in the Latest Cable Reality Show 16 Getting to Know: Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation 18 Fitness Fundamentals: Is Weight Training for Women?

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Our Town

From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion: Make Your Story Count @RyanSauers

By Ryan T. Sauers

In early February, as I shared in my column last month, I faced one of the scariest events of my life. I was grilling hamburgers for my family – like I have thousands of times before – when suddenly the grill exploded into an inferno.

Thankfully we are all okay and our house will eventually get back to some sort of normal. This month, I want to build upon that last column with some new thoughts that I hope will prove helpful to you.

Here is what I want us to ponder: What is our story? What do we want people to remember about us? If you think about it, we add something to our life story every day. This can be good, bad, or neutral. Our story develops based on how we live our lives, what we say, how we act, what we do, and who we are. d Opening! n ra G Life is a present. Life also is the present. We cannot change the past, just like we can’t alter the future. We can simply plan (to the best of our human ability) for the future and come to grips with the past. And, we can always seek to make others’ lives better in every encounter we have with them. Do you want to be this type person? I know I do. Life is stressful and hard. We all have a lot on our plates. So … love someone. Say “please” and “thank you.” Tell someone you care about them. Help someone when they are not expecting it. And, let’s stop being judgmental of others.

Remember, each minute in a short time becomes an hour, which quickly becomes a day.

In time these days blend together to become months and years. The years add up quickly, and even if we are healthy, we only have so manyeyears p ninong!this earth. We are not guaranteed dO GraInwas tomorrow, or even an hour from now. reminded about this in a dramatic way on Feb. Continued on page 11

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New Year • New Ladies workout • New You!

Berens Frozen Custard Has Been Making Smiles for over 40 years

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In 1976, the original Berens Frozen Custard shop opened on Buford Highway in DeKalb County. Fortyone years later, Mark Berens continues to run the family business started by his father, Don, who grew up in New York where frozen custard was popular. After relocating to Atlanta, Don left his engineering career to open up his first frozen custard shop in Doraville. “People come in and ask if we are the same shop as the one on Buford Highway in the 70s,” says Mark Berens, “and I tell them that yes, I’m that 12-year-old who was behind the counter!”

Frozen custard, a premium ice cream, is actually easy to distinguish for anyone who has tried it. While custard has the same initial ingredients as ice cream, a small amount of egg yolks is added to the mix during the pasteurization process, which gives it the uncanny smooth texture. Because Berens makes the custard fresh every two hours, they are able to offer three flavors at a time.

They make vanilla and chocolate every day, as well as a “Flavor of the Day.” By having over twenty other flavors, Berens rotates a different flavor of the day, with the most popular being butter pecan. “One of our unique flavors is one my father created over forty years ago. It’s a pistachio pineapple frozen custard that has become one of our signature flavors,” shares Berens.

“I also have fun occasionally introducing a new mystery flavor. In March I invented a lavender honey flavor!”

Customers who come in not only purchase cones and cups of their frozen custard, but many regulars come in for the pints that are available in various flavors. Perhaps the most popular item on the menu is the “concrete,” which is vanilla custard that is slowly blended with one of many toppings. It has this name because it is thick like concrete, but tastes much better! Many also order custom-made frozen custard cakes for special occasions. All of their brownies (for brownie hot fudge sundaes), frozen custard pies and cakes, Belgian waffles (for waffle sundaes), and berry toppings are handcrafted right in the shop.

Berens Frozen Custard also offers a “5 Star Loyalty” program in order to reward return visits. Customers can earn points and redeem them for free products. One customer has already logged over two thousand points. According to Mark’s wife, Debbie, “Mark has a true following. People come from DeKalb, Rockdale, Woodstock, Cumming, and inside the perimeter to get our frozen custard. They will pass by other ice cream shops!”

Customers can sit inside or enjoy a spacious patio. The patio also serves as a great spot for all sorts of team parties and birthday celebrations in nice weather. Berens enjoys getting to know his customers and his community. He got to know one couple quite well over the years. When the woman’s husband passed away, her son brought her back into the shop. “He drove her all the way here from Winder on black cherry day,” explained Berens, “in order to cheer her up. It is these kinds of connections that mean so much to us.”

Community involvement is a priority for the Berens’ family business, and they participate in numerous local events as well as philanthropic events to benefit the Side By Side Clubhouse and the First Baptist Church of Snellville.

They support the local elementary school d r with Friday Folder giveaways and contribua t us tions to “Bingo Nights,” and, in season, they C zen donate 10% of their Monday night profits to Fro individual charities. They also serve custard to children with special needs who attend Camp Twin Lakes each summer. “I’m in the ice cream business because I want people to be happy,” explains Berens. “Giving away some frozen custard is a small price to pay to get a smile.”

Berens address is 1132 Athens Hwy #210, Grayson. More information at www.berenscustard.com

For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049

Our Town

SportsTalk with Archer Girls Basketball: A Class Act

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By Dana Harvey The No. 5 ranked Archer High School girls basketball team’s (25-5 overall, 9-1 region) senior trio of Autumn Newby, Linsey Marchese, and Tia Shorter are no strangers to success. During their four-year tenure at Archer, they have accumulated 109 total wins, won two region championships, and earned three state final four appearances, including consecutive trips to the sweet sixteen.

After dropping two consecutive games early in the 2016-2017season, the Lady Tigers roared to win 21 of their next 23 games, which included a double-overtime win against Newton County to claim their second class 7A region championship, but their first in Region 8 due to the reclassification of the region this season.

Though Archer came up short in its quest for a state championship after dropping a tough semifinals loss to eventual state champion McEachern, the team did not disappoint. Ranked No. 3 headed into the state tournament, the Lady Tigers outscored its first three state championship opponents, Mountain View, Pebblebrook, and Colquitt County, by 32 points, which is a 15 point margin more than their regular season opponents.

“Anytime you can go to the state tournament as one of the top teams from the highest regional level (7A) in Georgia, is a pretty big accomplishment,” said Head Coach Bob Westbrook. “I was fortunate to have a very solid and experienced team with some really talented players.”

Depending on huge contributions from the “big three,” every game was necessary to the team’s success.

“All three are special individuals and tremendous student-athletes. We could depend on them to show up at practice and games and lead the team,” Westbrook said.

Their prowess in the paint was undeniable as Newby – a 6’2” power forward and Vanderbilt signee who had the ability and range to hit the three – averaged a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds per game. Linsey Marchese, a 6’4” post player and Indiana signee, contributed 13 points and 8 rebounds per game. To ignite the team, Westbrook looked to his “spark plug,” Shorter, a 5’9” point guard, who dished five assists per game and operated as the floor general.

Despite losing three of its best players, Archer will return two junior starters, Hannah Dunston and the team’s leading scorer, Asia McCoy, who averaged 14 points per game, along with a host of other players who are ready to fill some big shoes and to continue the traditions of winning and excellence already set before them.

More information at http://www.archerhighathletics.com/basketball

Pet Perch: Bad Dog or Bored Dog?

By Terie Hansen If you ask me, there are no bad dogs, really. Dogs don’t want to misbehave. However, even when they’ve been expertly trained, if they are not getting enough daily mental stimulation and physical exercise, they may vent that energy in undesirable ways.

See if any of these behaviors sound familiar: Your dog barks at every sound or at anything that moves.

He jumps on you or the guests entering your home.

He licks you or himself excessively, digs holes in your yard, toilets in your house, chews on himself, or is destructive in your home. He paws, nudges, barks, or whines for attention.

These are all signs that your dog may be bored and may need more mental stimulation and physical exercise. What can you do? Enrich your dog’s world!

A simple walk can do wonders because it expels excess energy and expands your dog’s world outside of just his or her home and yard.

Food dispensing toys are a great way to exercise your dog’s mind and body. A clean milk jug or empty water bottle with a few treats or kibble tossed in makes for great fun. Your dog will tip, tear, and tackle it to get the food out.

Continued on page 13

Our Town

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PAGE 9

Since 1976…Atlanta’s Orignal Frozen Custard

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State of Georgia retirees are glad to have an advocate in the Georgia State Retirees Association (GSR A). The organization is focused on keeping retirees informed about any impacts to their promised benefits, specifically in regards to health insurance. The statewide GSRA organization is celebrating its ten year anniversary this year. Local chapters began eight years ago with the goal of amplifying and supporting state goals among local members.

The bulk of the membership of the NE Metro Chapter is made up of Gwinnett County residents and the neighboring counties of Barrow, Hall, Jackson, and Walton. A $20 annual fee includes membership in both the state and local chapter and, to make it easy, the membership fee can even be deducted from state retirement checks for just $1.66 per month. Anyone who qualifies for a state insurance program or a retirement plan is welcome to be a member of GSRA, including educators, who also have their own separate retirement group. Word of mouth referrals are the primary way that GSRA gets the word out to potential members. At Open Enrollment time, they host an informational table and offer state-sponsored seminars to those who are about to retire.

The NE Metro Chapter hosts two chapter-wide meetings per year that take place in the spring and fall, and then every month, a smaller working group meets. Guest speakers include members from the Gwinnett County Police Department, who have taken on local issues like neighborhood crime and personal safety. Another guest, a Secret Service agent, explained cyber security and ways to combat online fraud.

Members of the NE Metro Chapter work hard to be good community partners. They love to support local businesses, and have even compiled a list of those businesses that offer discounts to retirees. A number of members are also active in church and community projects, and some volunteer their time to support the Gwinnett Animal Shelter, the Southeastern Railway Museum, and Saint John Neumann Catholic Church, among others.

But it’s not all “business” with the GSRA. They know how to have fun, too! Each baseball season the group hosts GSRA Night with the Gwinnett Braves. Last year, approximately 100 attended, and plans are already made for this years’ outing. Once a year, the group heads downtown for GSRA Day at the state capitol to meet elected state officials. Most recently, on February 1st, the seventy-five participants had the good fortune of being there the same day that the State Retirement Committee meeting took place. Former chapter president Mike Murdock said it was such a unique experience for them to be able to attend the committee meeting in person. The GSRA publishes a monthly newsletter and hosts an active Facebook page to keep members and the public informed.

More information at mygsra.com

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Our Town

Looking for a doctor to help you “digest”your treatment options?

We’re With You.

One on One with Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce

By Michelle Watson The Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce (GECC) is an organization that serves the businesses and communities of Loganville, Grayson, Snellville, and the surrounding area. Doug Adams is the current president. He owns several small businesses and has been with GECC for six years. Adams is excited to see all the business growth in the cities the organization serves.

The GECC truly helps business owners be part of the community. It is made up of both small businesses and corporate members, so there are a variety of interests represented within the Chamber. The GECC also gives to the local community. In 2016 they were able to donate more than $4,000 to local charities and organizations.

One thing GECC does to foster entrepreneurship in the community is support the City of Snellville’s Shark Tank competition for students at South Gwinnett High School. Students give presentations of business ideas to a panel, with the best ideas receiving money to start up those businesses.

Any business or business owner who joins GECC receives many benefits. A monthly luncheon is held the third Wednesday of the month at Summit Chase Country Club, and a Lunch and Learn is held on the last Wednesday of the month at Snellville City Hall. The Coffee and Commerce, held the last Friday of the month, is an open networking meeting hosted at different members’ locations showcasing their businesses. Members also have online access to training videos covering an array of topics pertaining to business and the issues business owners face.

One of the best things about joining GECC is that everyone is welcomed with great fanfare.

New businesses or businesses that open a new location get a ribbon cutting on site. Even homebased businesses may request a ribbon cutting, which can be hosted at the Chamber’s office in Loganville. Ribbon cuttings are available for any new member who wants one, no matter how long they have been in business. As Adams said, “It doesn’t matter how long you have been in business; you are new to us.” If a member wants to hold a meeting or a seminar, the Chamber’s building is available.

The Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce serves its members while remaining community focused at a grassroots level. “The GECC motto is ‘Where Business and Community Meet,’ and with the support we have from our three main cities – Snellville, Grayson, and Loganville – we are able to achieve that goal,” said Adams. “We have a family atmosphere here at GECC with members who care for and support each other,” he added. “That is our culture and that will not change.”

More information at www.greatereastsidecc.com

Make Your Story Count Continued from page 7 3rd, and therefore, I want to take every opportunity to encourage others to make this community a better place. How? By helping people grow and reminding them to love others, to quit focusing on petty things that don’t matter, and to make a difference in the present, which is the only time you know you have.

I challenge you, as I have done to myself, to make your story count. I am so thankful to be here and to be able to write this to you. May God bless each one of you in the months ahead. And, as always, thanks for continuing the journey with me of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

Our Town

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PAGE 11

3/15/17 2:18 PM

The Girlfriends Cancer Foundation Focuses on Raising Money for Kids with Cancer

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Six years ago, a group of girlfriends got together to take part in a cancer walk to benefit the Kimberly Chance Atkins Foundation. That walk became an annual event for these friends, and they began to get together and do their own fundraiser each year, starting with an event they called “Buncos for Boobies.” After three years of this, and calling themselves “BreastFriends,” the girlfriends partnered with Summit Chase and began running their fundraiser at the clubhouse. One year ago, these same girlfriends began talking about doing even more to help their local community. “We all had people close to us who were battling cancer,” shares Moe Lawson, one of the BreastFriends. “We knew we wanted to do something great! We met often and decided that we would focus on kids who were fighting cancer. We wanted to help these kids and their families. This is how we became, officially, the Girlfriends Cancer Foundation (GCF).”

The foundation is a not-for-profit organization made up of twenty volunteers and a board of directors led by President Missy Lee and Vice President Denise Price. This year, the foundation plans to expand their list of fundraising events. On May 6th, they have planned a Cinco de Mayo-themed golfing event, called A Shot in the Dark, at the Summit Chase Country club.

In this fun-filled evening, teams will participate in a nighttime golf scramble while enjoying some festive food and drink. The foundation will also host a Tennis Round Robin Tournament event on July 21-22, and a night of Bunco and Texas Hold’em on October 14th. “People can get involved by participating in these events,” explains Missy Lee. “All of the fees, sponsorships, and donations go towards our mission of giving to those who are fighting this dreaded disease.

Our most recent Stars and Strikes Bowling tournament in March raised almost $1,200 in just a few hours.”

The Girlfriends Cancer Foundation recently collaborated with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta AFLAC Cancer and Blood Disorders Center to provide hope, support, and encouragement for children and their families. They have events planned throughout the year, in order to fund “arts and craft” days, and to purchase toys like Play-Doh and Legos for the children in the hospital. They also plan to deliver GCF Care Bags – filled with things like beanie caps, water bottles, and coloring supplies – to the children who are undergoing treatment. “We’ll also provide both financial and emotional support for the families as needs are identified,” explains Lee. “At Christmas, we adopt deserving families in Gwinnett County to help provide them with a special, memorable holiday season.”

The girlfriends continue to participate in the cancer walk each year, in honor of one friend who is a breast cancer survivor, a niece who was recently diagnosed, and a nephew who is facing a very rare form of cancer. In 2015, they walked for a second friend who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Only days after her double mastectomy and just weeks before the start of chemotherapy, she was able to be present at the walk. “At that event,” shares Lee, “the Girlfriends ended our walk by presenting her with individual flowers to create a bouquet that represented her successful fight, and our dedication to helping others.”

The motto of the Girlfriends Cancer Foundation is to give so others can live. While coordinating efforts in their spare time, the Girlfriends are doing just that.

More information at www.girlfriendscancerfoundation.org/home.html

For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049

Our Town

A Small Connection Sparks a Lifelong Passion

By Sarah Schneeberger Ever since she was a child, Kathy Farriba has had a special connection with the elderly in her life. Listening to her grandparent’s stories about their experiences and having them teach her how to knit and how to cook, sparked a passion within her. This passion transferred to a lifelong career working within the senior care industry and a vision to provide the best possible physical and spiritual care for seniors.

After years of dedication and hard work, Farriba was able to earn her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant and to learn the ins and outs of the senior care industry. Having lived in Lawrenceville for over thirty years, she has come to care for her community and the people in it. She took these interests and developed a successful home care business in JMJ Home Care Services. “The variety of running a business and caring for seniors is one of my favorite parts of this work,” she said. Being a part of the community is a strength for Farriba because it creates a connection to the surrounding area and an awareness of the need for outstanding caregivers for her clients.

When Farriba opened JMJ Home Care Services four years ago, she was able to create a personal one-on-one experience for her clients. Now as JMJ Home Care Services grows, they continue to epitomize the word “care.”

“Building my business from the ground up, rather than buying into a franchise allowed me to personally design the vision for JMJ,” Farriba said.

JMJ is dedicated to providing superior care, to treating their clients with respect, and to meeting not only their physical needs but their spiritual needs as well. Some of the services they provide are companionship, light housekeeping, assisting with dressing and grooming, and prayer services. “Working every day toward a vision that is near and dear to my heart in providing outstanding non-medical in-home care with full and complete respect for the dignity of each human being is a dream come true,” Farriba stated.

What sets JMJ Home Care Services apart is the ability for their clients to receive full care from the comfort of their own home. “For my clients, the desire to stay in their own homes can easily become a reality with the one-on-one, in-home, personal care we provide,” Farriba said.

However, the care they extend goes beyond the home. JMJ is also able to “enhance the experience for a client who is in a facility by providing them with exceptional care where they are.”

Farriba shares the values of JMJ Home Care Services with her caregivers, and as a team, they strive to uphold these values every single day. As they continue to grow, JMJ Home Care Services will go on to assist their clients with dignity, integrity, honesty, and dependability.

More information at jmjhomecare.com

Pet Perch Continued from page 9 Try a flirt pole! This fun toy is a great way to positively redirect a high prey drive as well as burn off a lot of energy.

Scheduling weekly playdates with a compatible doggie playmate can go a long way in taking the edge off a bored dog.

Many owners report, “I bought my dog all kinds of toys and he never plays with them!” Most dogs will play a little by themselves, but to really burn off mental and physical energy, they need and want to be engaged. Don’t have time? Hire a professional pet sitter or dog walker. Two or more visits a week are a step in the right direction to enriching your dog’s life and lessening boredom, which can increase good behavior.

Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care.

More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com .

Our Town

For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049

PAGE 13

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PAGE 14

“Everyone kneads to be kneaded.” Those words are stenciled across the wall inside Lawrenceville’s most important and inspiring bakery, Special Kneads and Treats bakery.

Numerous magazines, newspapers, and even The Today Show told of the January 2014 opening of this unique, delicious eatery. The non-profit bakery, opened by Michael and Tempa Kohler, was their vision for not only helping the less fortunate, but also securing job opportunities for special needs adults. “Our twenty-seven year old son has special needs,” explains Tempa. “He has Fragile X Syndrome, so we moved to Gwinnett County for their great schools. After he graduated from Grayson High School, he completed his four years in the Strive program, and then there was nothing. There are so few job opportunities for these special adults, and so we decided we’d open this bakery and he could work there!”

While hiring adult special needs employees is their business model, the heart of the Special Knead’s mission is to provide a birthday cake for any child in the area who wouldn’t otherwise have one. They provide gift certificates to numerous local food banks, as well as organizations including Rainbow Village, DEFACS, Uniting Hope for Children, Bethany Christian Services, C.C. Services, Wishes for Me Foundation, and, most recently, the Partnership Against Domestic Violence. The organizations then give the gift certificates to clients who call the bakery, with twenty-four hour notice, to order their birthday cakes. They receive a 9”x13” sheet cake with their choice of four different designs.

The bakery’s donations don’t stop with birthday cakes, however. They reach out to as many charitable organizations as their donation intake allows. They recently gave four hundred cupcakes to the Village of Hope, a non-profit organization that helps the homeless in Lawrenceville. They also contribute to several events honoring veterans, to Night to Shine – the Special Needs Prom program that Tim Tebow developed – and to Gwinnett County’s sheriff, police, and fire departments.

The shop features a delectable selection of cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes, cookies, and “choc-corn.” Their cupcake selection includes twenty-six heavenly flavors – including salted caramel, Mississippi Mud, and German chocolate – with options for vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free dietary needs. They have eight flavors which they change out monthly. This month they featured a “New Year’s Resolution” cupcake for those watching their calories.

Justin, a regular customer with special needs, helps them create new cupcake ideas. His sixth and most recent idea, the Peppermint Bark Cupcake, is currently in the mix, and it features a vanilla cupcake with a mint chocolate ganache center, topped with white chocolate cream cheese icing and red and white chocolate shavings on top.

The “choc-corn,” available in small, large, and a $100 bag, may be their most unique and popular item. People rarely leave without a bag of the white chocolate-coated corn puffs. “We had a customer who was here from out of town,” recalls Tempa. “He tried our choc-corn and loved it so much that he went and bought a suitcase so he could bring home twenty bags!”

The bakery employs twelve special needs adults, ages twenty-two and up, who begin as volunteers. They also welcome seven volunteers who come in to help out with the large special orders. According to Tempa, they have a waiting list of 130 special needs adults who would like to secure a job at the bakery. “We are actually in the process of opening a new, larger location,” shares Tempa. “This will be off of Scenic Highway, and we plan to move in by the end of April. Once we have more space, we hope to really work down that list of 130 special needs adults looking for work.”

The bakery’s employees do all sorts of jobs in the shop, with the exception of using the ovens. They fold boxes, greet and help customers, attach date stickers to liners, decorate Continued on page 17

For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049

Our Town

Chaplain’s Corner: Trust Me on This One

By Dr. Rodrigo Cruz As you can probably guess from my name, I’m not a native from the state of Georgia. However, I was born in the south – the way-way south, as in south of the border of Texas. I was born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. I was a criminal lawyer there until God called me into ministry around eleven years ago.

Living in the United States has been a blessing. Actually, the fact that I am able to speak two languages has been a blessing. But it has been the source of a lot of work. People think I am a living dictionary. Often people in the grocery store or even in the street will ask me questions like, “How do you say, ‘Good morning,’ ‘God bless you,’ or ‘Have a nice day’ in Spanish?”

A couple of years ago I was talking with some of the kids in church, and I made the statement that I speak Spanish. All of a sudden they started asking me all kind of questions like, “How do you say French fries, Batman, or Sponge Bob?” I was able to impress all the kids until one little boy (because there is always one little kid) asked, “How do you say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?”

Honestly, I started to think about when I saw the movie Mary Poppins. I didn’t remember the subtitles for that phrase, but the song in Spanish is the same. So, I answered this kid, “Well, you say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” He looked at me with the look that only kids can give, and told me, “You don’t speak Spanish,” and he left.

I know you probably don’t know me, and maybe you have no reason to trust me, but I really want to encourage you to trust me on this: “There is hope for this world.”

If you are like me, you will hear on the news that somewhere around the world we have a new war; millions of people are starving to death; the ozone is falling apart; AIDS is killing millions of people; and another person kills for pleasure or hate.

I want to tell you that there is somebody who doesn’t want to see the world like that – who does not want to see more blood that racism can spill, who does not want to see more Continued on page 17

Love and Vets: Locals Star in the Latest Cable Reality Show

By Heidi Campbell The National Geographic Wild channel recently aired a new reality show starring a local Lilburn family: The Drapers. The show, which premiered on March 11th, highlights the balance between their busy veterinarian practice and their home life with four active teenagers, ages 13, 15, 17, and 19. The show focuses on animals – everything from rescuing stray cats to treating strange bumps on dogs. Yet the network artfully blends the Drapers’ love of pets with their love for each other, their family, their team, and their community.

Drs. Will Draper and Fran Tyler Draper were approached a year ago by the Half Yard Production Company who was searching the US for a married couple that worked together as veterinarians. After narrowing down the possibilities, the company selected the Draper family for their new show. “They knew they wanted a major city, and they chose Atlanta because we were here and we have the largest private practice in town,” explained Dr. Will. “They taped us from August through October in our home, at both our Decatur and Stone Mountain Village Vet offices, as well as in our two restaurants – Rivals On Five and Bump’s BBQ.” The premiere of the show, celebrated with a “red carpet” event at Rivals On Five, has been exciting for the Drapers. Jeanna Shiver, their practice coordinator, worked the premiere into their website, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. Their publicist and long-time friend Mara Davis arranged publicity on both HLN and NPR. The National Geographic Wild network has also promoted them, even landing them a spot on the Rachael Ray Show. “It was really exciting!” shared Fran. “They flew us up to New York City, and I even got to go have my hair styled at a Dry Bar!” Continued on page 18

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PAGE 15

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Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation (GCPR) has some of the most beautiful parks in the state of Georgia. They have won numerous awards, including the number one park system in the nation (2008), as well as the number one park system in the state (2016) by the Georgia Recreation and Park Association. The many aquatic centers are also routinely featured in numerous publications and online polls.

Gwinnett County parks are indeed wonderful, and it is easy to understand why. GCPR has acquired and preserved 10,000 acres of green space by building a variety of facilities, including aquatic centers, sports fields/gymnasiums, disc golf courses, and multi-purpose trails.

Nazanin Weck has been with GCPR for six years. She currently serves as the Resources and Marketing Coordinator for the county-wide park system. When asked why she chose this position, Weck says she wanted to see the impact her work had on the community. She also wanted to stress the importance of environmental stewardship while continuing to ensure the community is aware of the many affordable recreation opportunities GCPR offers.

In the summer, there are five-day camps for children ages 5-13. Campers are split into two age groups so they can participate in age-appropriate activities. Special programs for teens are also offered to prepare them to be future camp counselors or park volunteers. In addition to serving the youth through various activities, the park system offers events specific to seniors age 50 and up.

Community partnerships also allow GCPR to make a difference in the community. Partners such as Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and Gwinnett Public Library provide programs aimed at educating and improving the quality of life for the county’s citizens. Partnering with the community has increased the scope of activities/programs for all interests, affordable programming, and rental venues.

The programs are great, but so is the scenery. Volunteers from the community as well as from Master Gardeners help tend the GCPR gardens. Master Gardeners can apply for funding for plants and garden vegetation, which they then donate to GCPR. Volunteers put in 779,925 hours in 2016. With all of the activities and renovations, it is easy to see that volunteers are the most important part of making GCPR successful.

GCPR is funded through special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) dollars.

Community residents serve on steering committees to provide input on park sites. The most recent parks in Gwinnett County are J. B. Williams Park and E. E. Robinson Park. Parks undergoing renovations include McDaniel Farm Park, Pinckneyville Park, Tribble Mill Park, and Jones Bridge Park.

For more information on park activities, you can obtain a copy of their program guide, Gwinnett L.I.F.E., at any of the park facilities or most other Gwinnett County buildings and elections offices.

More information about volunteering at www.volunteergwinnett.net

For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049

Our Town

Chaplain’s Corner Continued from page 15 children in the streets without a mom or dad, who does not want to see people living in hopelessness.

There is only one hope for this world. He was born in a really small town. His mother was a virgin. He had to live in another land because a king was looking for him. His dad was a carpenter and he helped him until he was around 30 years old. He never wrote a book.

He never occupied a public position. He was only 33 years old when he died between two thieves. Yet, neither all the kings of the past, nor all the armies that may come, can provide a hope to the world today as He does.

There is a light that can shine in the middle of any darkness. His name is Jesus. Jesus is the only One who can provide that hope. I want to really encourage you to hope in Jesus, no matter how hopeless your situation may be. Just trust me and trust Him. If by any chance you don’t know who Jesus is and you want to find out, I’d love to tell you more about Him...in plain English.

Rodrigo Cruz is Lead Pastor of The Nett Church. More information at www.thenettchurch. com.

Devoted to serving with…

Dignity • Integrity • Honesty • Dependability …at home where you belong.

Special Kneads & Treats Bakery Continued from page 14 cakes, sweep, bag choc-corn, and chop pecans. “To see the expression on their faces when they do something they’ve never done before is amazing,” beams Tempa. “They are so proud of what they can do. One of our employees, Scott, who uses a walker, was 52 years old when he started working here. He’s now 54 and lives with his parents. When he got his first paycheck, he was so excited that he cashed it and took his dad out to lunch.”

This bakery truly has it all: heart, a higher purpose, and delicious sweets. The bakery is equipped to handle all orders large and small. Along with normal cake orders, they also do multi-tiered wedding cakes and have successfully filled numerous large orders such as the Pigs and Peaches BBQ event in Kennesaw which ordered 1,000 cupcakes. “The adults who work here are amazing employees. They take pride in what they do, they are always on time, and they love their paychecks!” explains Tempa. “We need to educate the public that these adults can do so many jobs. All they need is a chance.”

More information at http://specialkneadsandtreats.com/index.html

(678) 862-2591

www.jmjhomecare.com Please contact us if your desire is to serve or to be served.

GRAYSONEvents 2017

April 29 Grayson Day Parade @ 10 am Festival from 10 am - 4 pm

May 1 Yoga In The Park with Wellness Center

@ Promotion - Tuesdays @ 7 pm

May 20 Grayson Fun & Fitness Festival Hosted by Grayson Cycling Club 10 am - 4 pm

June 7 Grayson Farmers Market Opening Day Wednesdays @ 3:30 pm June 10 “Gimme Shelter” 6 - 10 pm presented by Chelsea Gardens Landscaping

July 29 Christmas in July Arts & Craft Festival - 10 am-4 pm

August 11 Party In The Park @ 6:30 pm Hosted by Graystone Church

September 17 Taste of Grayson @ 12:30 pm

Saturday • April 29th • 10 am - 4 pm Grayson Community Park

www.CityOfGrayson.org Our Town

Hosted by NG3

October 7 Love Thy Neighbor Car Show Awesome & Classic Cars 11 am - 3 pm

October 21 Grayson Blues & Brews 2 - 6 pm Presented by Precision Planning, Inc.

November 11 Hot Tamale Chili Cook-Off Hosted by GECC 11 am - 4 pm

December 3 Christmas in Grayson 2 - 6 pm

For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049

PAGE 17

Fitness Fundamentals: Is Weight Training for Women?

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“I don’t want to get bulky, so I don’t lift weights!” If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a hundred times. As women, we know all about cardio training, but we are undereducated on the importance of adding resistance training to our workout regimen. Listen up, ladies!

Here’s the truth about what weight lifting can do for you: Resistance training comes out on top in the fight to burn calories compared to cardiovascular exercise. Weight training increases your body’s ability to burn fat during and after exercise. After a lifting session, your body will consume additional oxygen in the hours and days that follow (this is known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, or EPOC). When your body uses more oxygen, it burns more calories and boosts your metabolism.

As we get older we are at risk of losing bone density and muscle mass. Resistance training combats that loss and decreases the risk of osteoporosis.

Building muscle helps us keep a nice hour glass shape. Muscle is denser than fat, meaning it takes up less room in the body. Building lean muscle mass will decrease your body fat. Thus, you will look noticeably slimmer.

Increasing strength and lean muscle mass will make you a calorie burning machine. Muscle contractions contribute to how many calories you burn during the day. More lean muscle mass equals more muscle contractions, and that equals more calories burned.

Strength training can reduce your risk of heart disease. Women who lift weights are less likely to have heart disease risk factors such as a large waist circumference, high triglycerides, elevated blood pressure, and elevated glucose levels.

Everyone needs more energy and a way to relieve stress. Strength training is a healthy outlet.

Next time those stress levels rise, hit the weight room (or your favorite resistance training class) and blow off some steam. You’ll not only feel better, you’ll have increased energy for hours after your session!

Lifting weights can be intimidating. We would LOVE to help you get started! Ladies Workout Snellville offers BODYPUMP®, the most popular strength training class in the world. So, ladies, come see us. It’s time to pick up some weights! Here’s to a stronger, more confident YOU! Kelly Webb is owner of Ladies Workout Snellville & co-owner of KF Fitness. More information at www.ladiesworkoutexpresssnellville.com

Love and Vets Continued from page 15

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The Draper family has, for the most part, enjoyed the experience. The kids didn’t always appreciate having to do things over and over, explained Dr. Will, but they were excited about the show once it came out. Fran, perhaps, had the hardest time adjusting to the cameras. “This was a very different experience for me,” she explained. “I really had no idea what we were getting into. Anyone who knows me, knows that this is out of my comfort zone. I like to be behind the scenes. Will is the voice that everyone knows. He’s the one who is good at this!”

Dr. Will, however, disagrees with Fran’s opinion of her performance in front of the camera.

“She is a natural at this,” he gushed. “She was exactly who she is, and she killed it! She has a very difficult time taking compliments. I mean, someone is going to start a Fran Fan Club! She is the best.”

The crew did a great job, according to the Drapers, of understanding the importance of their family time. They were, by the end of the process, a close-knit group that had a great deal of fun together, even celebrating in the end with comical group photos and cake. Fran was amazed at how accommodating the crew was, especially considering the extent of their project. “It was really interesting to see how they connected the dots. The equipment and the timing of everything were really fascinating!” Fran recalled. “They came in and repainted, changed pictures around, brought in plants, and replaced all the lighting – and all this for a room that is only seen in a flash!”

One scene that the “Love and Vets” leading couple won’t forget was when the crew was filming the Drapers’ as they went over their daily schedule. The director, Dean, mentioned that their schedule was packed and they weren’t getting to spend much time together. He suggested that Will, in the scene, should offer to take time with his wife for lunch or a movie. “When we ran through the scene for the second time,” said Will, “I said, ‘Well, it looks like we have a couple of hours here…’ and I kind of raised my eyebrow. Fran looked at me and said, ‘No.’ I said, ‘You can’t blame a guy for trying!’ We never thought they would put that in the show, and they DID!” When the episode aired, Fran and Will both laughed. “But when Tyler saw it,” shared Fran, “she was like, ‘I can’t believe you said that! I can’t go to school now!’”

Three episodes ran in March. The show not only captures the true love that the family has for each other, but also the masterful way that they juggle their busy lives, finding time to laugh and enjoy those around them.

More info: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/love-and-vets/

For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049

Our Town

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BUFORD I-85 • 2815 Buford Dr, Ste 102 • Buford, GA 30519 • (770) 271-4413 GRAYSON • 2065 Grayson Hwy, Ste B • Grayson, GA 30017 • (678) 376-0213 LAWRENCEVILLE • 455 Philip Blvd, Ste 160 • Lawrenceville, GA 30046 • (678) 985-0238 LILBURN • 1227 Rockbridge Rd, Ste 402 • Stone Mountain, GA 30087 • (770) 925-9210 SNELLVILLE • 2050 Scenic Hwy N, Ste A • Snellville, GA 30078 • (678) 344-7197

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