APR 2014: Our Town Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Magazine

The Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Community and Family Magazine

Our Town April 2014

Grayson l Lawrenceville l Snellville l Lilburn l Stone Mountain l Tucker

Dr. Amin and staff, Optical Insights of Lilburn, see story on page 5.

9 14 17 18

Catching Up With: Randy Huffman Q&A: Pastor Michael Shreve of Mountain West Church Nobody is Different; We Are All the Same Discover Hung Nguyen: A Vietnamese Glass Sculpture Artist

STONE MOUNTAIN GA PERMIT #1037

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Back on Program and Doing Great!

Sharon Cobb

I started functional medicine with Dr. Gravante about 6 years ago and had tremendous success! I had tons more energy, was sleeping great, no more hot flashes and had lost about 30 pounds. Then with the economic downturn, our family went through a major career change.

Unfortunately, I was unable to continue to Dr. Gravante’s Program.

During the 6 years since then, I have gained all the weight plus 20 more pounds due to tremendous stress, have zero energy, can’t sleep thru the night without medication and have a lack of motivation for the simplest of daily activities. And to add insult to injury, I am now dealing with high cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) levels.

Fast forward to present day, I have been back on Dr. Gravante’s Program for almost 2 months. I have lost 13 pounds and now have energy when I wake up in the mornings. I am also sleeping much better through the night without medication. But most importantly, my lipid panel is normal again! In fact, the findings were so dramatically better that my physician said she had never seen such great improvement!

I still have more goals to accomplish, but I am excited and motivated because I have hope and know the goals I have set can be reached.

Dr. Gravante is a great motivator and support throughout the entire process.

Thanks so much Dr. Gravante.

Call Today for Your Appointment! 678.990.9400

Lorraine Gravante, D.C. The Center for Natural Healing NUTRITIONAL WORKSHOPS Please RSVP at 678.990.9400 by Monday, June 15. and Weight Loss at Dr. Gravante’s 2176 Oak Road SuiteWe’re D looking forward to meeting you at our Summer Evening Open House!office Snellville, GA 30078 6:00 PM www.drgravante.com

678.990.9400 www.drgravante.com

See our website for a complete listing of workshops. April 15th and May 13th

Please call to reserve your seat!

These results may not be typical. Results with products may vary from individual to individual. These nutrition recommendations are provided solely to support good nutrition with the intent of supporting the physiological and biochemical process of the human body and not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Be advised that any nutritional program recommended by Dr. Gravante is not PAGE 2 For more information call 678-825-2049 • ourtownmag.org Our Town intended as a primary therapy for any disease. Prior to starting any diet, nutrition or exercise program, you should consult with your medical physician.

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Maurice Jove M.D. Jeff A. Traub M.D. 2400 Wisteria Dr Suite A Snellville, GA. 30078

770-985-9330 2801 N. Decatur Rd. Suite 200, Decatur, GA. 30033

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And Now Open in Loganville 4743 Loganville Highway Suite 100, Loganville, GA. 30053

770-564-3393 We are the team physicians for the Archer, Parkview, Grayson, Collins Hill, Loganville, and Walnut Grove communities along with Loganville Christian School, and various Dekalb County Schools.

Sports Medicine Arthroscopic Surgery Joint Replacement Surgery PAGE 4

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Our Town

On the Cover: Optical Insights: Your Eyesight is Their Focus

By Stacye Carroll There is nothing ostentatious or showy about Optical Insights, a vision center that has been in Lilburn for 24 years. From the classic brick office park tucked off Lawrenceville Highway, to the understated reception area where Virginia Byers has been greeting patients for nine years.

“Everyone deserves a smile and kindness,” Byers says. She shares her positive attitude while coordinating insurance benefits, taking preliminary measurements and helping customers choose eyeglass frames.

After checking in, patients are shown to the exam room to meet with Dr. Boski Amin, an optometrist who bought the practice two years ago, in part because she had a large and loyal client base. According to Dr. Amin, who graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida, a distinguishing factor between optometrists and ophthalmologists is that optometrists complete four years of study focusing solely on the eye.

After graduation, Dr. Amin completed a one year-long residency in ocular disease at Omni Eye Services of Atlanta. She uses that expertise to help patients manage glaucoma and other conditions such as ulcers that are caused by improper use of contacts, macular degeneration, and dry or red eyes. Care before and after cataract surgery is provided as are diabetic eye exams and consultations for Lasik surgery.

Due to children’s rapid growth and changes in the eye, Dr. Amin recommends yearly eye exams for ages five and up. Adults up to the age of 50 are seen every 12 to 24 months.

After the age of 50, Dr. Amin recommends patients have a comprehensive eye exam complete with dilation, done once a year to aid in early detection of problems related to high blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions that may affect eyesight later in life.

After their exam, many patients go on to meet Charles “Chuck” Taylor, a licensed dispensing optician with 25 years of experience. Taylor has worked for the last 15 years to ensure that Optical Insights patients’ eyeglasses are a perfect fit. Walls are lined with row upon row of eyeglass frames from name-brand designers such as Izod, OP, and Nine West.

Free-form lenses, also known as digital high definition lenses are available, providing sharp-

er vision particularly for patients wearing progressives. Taylor assists patients interested in purchasing sports or safety glasses and, inside the on-site lab, he makes repairs and adjustments for Optical Insights patients at no additional charge.

Patients preferring contact lenses will find one wall of a large exam room devoted to a wide variety of brands from Acuvue to Air Optix.

According to Dr. Amin, just as contact lenses are not for everyone, not all contact lenses are alike. Most patients opt for soft lenses but some people can’t imagine trading in their hard lenses. This, she says, is because hard lenses provide sharper vision. Specialty contact fittings are also available for patients who have had previous eye surgery.

A recent patient posted this review of her experience as a patient at Optical Insights on Yelp.com, “…in addition to glasses I thought I would try out contacts since wearing glasses is just not my preference. The doctor has seen me now for the third time to adjust the fitting and ensure my comfort. I couldn’t ask for better support or patience with me during this transition.”

Optical Insights accepts most vision plans and medical insurance and patients without insurance receive a 20% discount on eyeglasses. Dr. Boski Amin is the owner of Optical Insights. For more information go to www.oililburn.com.

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Our Town The Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Community and Family M agazine

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On the Cover: Optical Insights: Your Eyesight is Their Focus From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion Catching Up With: Randy Huffman Q&A: Pastor Michael Shreve of Mountain West Church Nobody is Different; We Are All the Same Discover Hung Nguyen: A Vietnamese Glass Sculpture Artist

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

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Our Town

From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion @ryansauers

The April 2014 issue is here. I am so blessed that this marks the second full year of my team owning and running Our Town Magazine. First, I want to thank our community for all of your support. It is amazing and greatly appreciated. Second, I want to thank our advertisers. And, community I ask you to please support these advertisers. Without them there is no Our Town. Third, I want to thank our team.

We have a great printing and mailing partner. We have an amazing Creative Director, Managing Editor, feature writer, cover photographer and contributing writers. It is a lot of work to put out a free quality monthly magazine.

In one calendar year we have dramatically increased the circulation of the magazine to mailboxes and have added an online version of the magazine. We have a strong social media presence and a completely new and rebuilt website. We now distribute thousands of copies to businesses in addition to our mailings. We have increased the page count and have a completely redesigned all gloss look.

We added regular and high quality stories such as Education - Getting Schooled, Pet Tips from our friends at the Village Vets, Sports- Sports Talk, News from PastorsChaplain’s Corner, a monthly recipe, a Community Member Spotlight, a photo of the month and more. Finally, we expanded from Gwinnett to Northeast DeKalb as well. We have been blessed and love this community.

As I type this March Madness is in the air, Spring Break is on the horizon and I am beginning to see a long lost friend- the Sun. Thank you again for your continued support and we look forward to a great second year of the new ownership running Our Town and the 10th overall year of the magazine.

Remember to stay connected with us online throughout the month. We are at Facebook. com/OurTownGwinnett and Twitter handle @ourtowngwinnett Be sure to like and follow them accordingly for all the latest community news.

And until next time and as always: this is my town, the town, your town, Our Town!

Optical Insights of Lilburn

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PAGE 7

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Our Town

Catching Up With: Randy Huffman

www.musiconmainstreetlilburn.com

(April 2013 cover)

One year ago we introduced readers to Randy Huffman, owner of Pebblestone Landscape Group and founder of the English Bulldog Rescue of Georgia. You may recognize Butterbean, his seven year-old rescue bulldog that inspired him to start the 501©(3) non-profit seven years ago. Now, it is the third largest in the state of Georgia.

Huffman believes the University of Georgia’s mascot has helped contribute to its success.

Butterbean has fans from around the world ranging from the United Kingdom to China, and it is all due to social media. Her unique rescue story was shared on Myspace and Facebook. Huffman said she received more than 500 Christmas cards this past year.

But Facebook wasn’t just beneficial for Butterbean. It connected Huffman with his 27 year-old daughter and his two grandchildren. He received a message two months ago from a daughter he didn’t know he had.

“It’s amazing to have 3 people in my life that I haven’t had before,” Huffman says. “I’ve been truly blessed, I had no idea she was out there looking for me.”

All this time, Huffman’s daughter has been living close by in Dunwoody. The family has been spending much-needed time together and the father/daughter realized they have a lot in common.

“We went to dinner one night and both picked out the same food without realizing it,” Huffman said. “I have always been a picky eater and it was crazy to see how similar my daughter was to me.”

Now Huffman’s daughter works at his landscaping business part-time. He is doing a lot of catching up with his daughter and two grandchildren, going to parks and restaurants around Gwinnett county.

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PAGE 11

Pebblestone Landscape Group is a full service landscape management provider since 1994.

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It is a 501(c)3 not-profit. For donations please visit us at www.englishbullbulldogrescueofga.com

Lavista Dentistry

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Q&A: Pastor Michael Shreve of Mountain West Church

By Heidi Campbell In 1970, Mountain West Church, part of the Church of God, opened in Stone Mountain. Michael Shreve, the Senior Pastor since 2007, recently provided Our Town readers with some insight about his church.

Q: What might a person who has never been to your church want to know?

A: We are a grace-filled, multi-ethnic family. People feel at home here, in a loving, caring community. Our 70 minute Sunday services, at 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m., and 12:30 p.m., are filled with music, greetings, connection cards, a message of encouragement, a “next step” and the final offering. We hope the practical applications of the day’s message provide our church family with the “next step” in their relationship with God. Wherever people are in their life journey, there is always room for one more here.

Q: Describe a successful program that may not be highlighted on your website.

A: Our “Middle School ministry.” What a crazy time for our kids! I know this well; my oldest is in middle school. We have created a weekly program, on Sundays during the 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. services, to specifically focus on this age group. These kids can feel safe to talk about the issues they are facing, and how to live lives that honor God in the few crazy years of 6th-8th grade.

Q: Tell us about your recent church “makeover”.

A: In March of 2013, we began transforming the gym, which is now a 500-seat worship center. The former center will house our children’s ministry. This ministry is what many consider the best part of our church; each week families return because their kids loved church. These renovations were to ‘make room for one more’ and to fulfill our mission of meeting people where they are and leading them to where God wants them to be.

For more information about Mountain West Church, located at 4818 Hugh Howell Rd in Stone Mountain, visit their website at www.mountainwestchurch.com

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A New Level of Valve Care, CENTERED AROUND YOU.

For decades, Piedmont Heart physicians have been at the forefront of advancements in cardiac care. Now, with the addition of the Marcus Heart Valve Center, we’re taking that legacy of excellent care to the next level, enhancing how we help patients through their valve treatment journey.

Our personalized patient navigators are there every step of the way, ready to help with quick answers to questions, one-on-one assistance with scheduling, and planning for each patient’s path to recovery. It’s just another way the Marcus Heart Valve Center is becoming a destination for heart valve care, offering advanced techniques and a compassionate team of experts focused on better heart health.

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piedmont.org/heartvalve 95 Collier Road • Suite 5015 Atlanta, Georgia 30309 888.566.0451 PAGE 16

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Our Town

Nobody is Different; We Are All the Same

By Rachael Brice Every Sunday, almost 50 volunteers play soccer at Rhodes Jordan Park in Snellville with the special needs children as part of Exceptional Kids Athletics (EKA.) They practice drills and scrimmage, kicking the ball around cones and scoring goals. Even the children in wheelchairs get pushed around for the chance to score for their team.

EKA began its third season this year and the group of children, between the ages of 4 to 18, has doubled in size to 38 since last season.

“Our volunteers are the heart of our program and we can’t do it without them,” said founding member Aimee Prainito. ”I love seeing so many smiling faces out on the field and it makes all the effort worth it.”

Jonn Warde, a former international soccer player and founding member and coach for EKA, enrolled his son Jeremiah in the program when EKA first began.

“EKA is an outlet where you can gain tips from other parents on how to deal with a child’s disability,” said Warde. “You don’t have to explain yourself or your child’s behavior because they already understand.”

EKA parents have visions for the program’s future, like adding a variety of sports and expanding into other locations. As far as Prainito knows, EKA is the only organization with volunteers that are professional soccer coaches and special needs professionals.

Monic Tirado’s eight-year-old son, Gustavo, is enrolled in his third season with EKA. Tirado has seen a vast amount of improvement in her son while he has been a part of EKA. “If you have a disabled child, joining this organization is the best thing you can do for them,” she said. “Nobody is different, we’re all the same.”

If you would like to donate, volunteer or learn more about EKA, visit their website at www.exceptionalkidsathletics.org or send a check to PO Box 1446 Snellville, Ga 30078.

THERE’S ALWAYS ROOM FOR ONE MORE Come check out our new facilities.

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c e l e b r a t e

c o m m u n i t y

Discover Hung Nguyen: A Vietnamese Glass Sculpture Artist

By Lucy Crosswell

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When the American Craft Council (ACC) returned to Atlanta for its 25th Silver Anniversary Show at the Cobb Galleria Centre, Lilburn master glass artist, Hung Nguyen, was there for the first time with 240 other superior craft artisans. As the largest juried event in the Southeast, the ACC Show is known as the nation’s premier marketplace for handcrafted basketry, ceramics, fashion wearables, furniture, glass, jewelry, and home décor made by the country’s top artisans.

Prior to being selected as an ACC master artisan, Nguyen caught the eye of some of the world’s most famous people with his abstract and creative sculptures. President George W. Bush, former Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev, TV personality Larry King, and entertainer Wayne Newton top his list of collectors.

Nguyen came to the United States as a refugee from Vietnam in 1981. Four years later, he apprenticed his way to be a glass sculpture artist, and worked alongside one of the best internationally acclaimed glass masters, Hans Godo Frabel.

“I loved the art of glass making the very first moment I saw it,” said Nguyen.

His passion turned into a reality as he earned his way to glass art master. Nguyen has been recognized with numerous awards in publications and exhibitions for his superior sculptures, abstracts, and decorative works. He also creates and designs original custom orders out of MC Glass Art Inc., his studio on 311 Rockbridge Road.

Nguyen’s passion for the simple elegance of Georgia’s state flowers has been lauded by the state, and several of his sculptures appear in the University of Georgia State Botanical Garden and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

You can view a photo gallery of some of Hung Nguyen’s work at www.ourtownmag.org/photo-gallerymc-glass-art-hung-nguyen or learn more on his website www.mcglassart.com/about.

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Our Town

Building a Healthier Community, One Patient at a Time Dr. Vera Reaves is a board certified primary care physician who has been serving the Tucker and Stone Mountain area for over 17 years. She focuses on preventive care for her patients, aiming to provide a healthier overall lifestyle for each person she treats. Some of the conditions treated and services offered are: * Annual Physicals * Well Woman’s Exams * Anxiety & Depression * Weight Management

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Great Healthcare is Just Around the Corner

Dr. Edward Corkran and Dr. Israel Cabanas Jr. have been serving the Stone Mountain area for over 25 years. We focus on providing comprehensive expert care to our patients and building relationships with all of the families we serve. We provide services such as: * Sports Physicals * Preventive Medicine * Immunizations * Chronic Illness Treatment * Gynecology * Health Screenings * Minor Surgery * High Blood Pressure * In-Office X-rays * High Cholesterol Located at 5462 Memorial Drive, Suite 202, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 our office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

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Our Town

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