APRIL 2016: Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

The Gwinnett/Walton Community and Family Magazine

Our Town

April 2016

Grayson l Loganville and surrounding areas

Meet John W. Simmons IV, DMD at Smiles by Simmons see story on page 5.

7 9 9 14

Getting Schooled with St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School Up Close with The Amanda Riley Foundation: Helping Kids Smile Catching up with Summit Chase Country Club: One Big Family Sports Talk with Grayson High School Baseball Coach Jed Hixson

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isJohn honored to beIV, we are committed to providing you with the high AtDr. the Simmons dental office of W. Simmons, comprehensive dentalnine care, focused on improving both the function and beauty of your smile. A one of only dentists in patient care and comfort are our primary concerns. We are proud to run a practice that treats ea Georgia to have passed the kind, gentle, and caring manner, just like family. We offer a full range of the latest cosmetic a rigorous required to long-lasting, earn procedures thattesting concentrate on ensuring brilliant results you will love, and others

Cosmetic Dentistry The cosmetic procedures we offer can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile. We offer a wide selection of procedures that can correct almost any dental imperfection.

• Porcelain Veneers • Teeth Whitening • Dental Bonding • Gum Recontouring • Dental Implants • All-Porcelain Crowns

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accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

His state-of-the-art equipment and updated technology allow him to affordably serveDENTAL CARE AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY D.M.D., P.C. • SUPERIOR his patients by providing healthy, beautiful smiles. Our experienced team provides five-star service, personalized care, and an extraordinary commitment to your health and well-being. Please join our Call for an Appointment family by scheduling a new patient exam.

J OHN W. S IMMONS,

2381-B Main Street E Snellville, Georgia 300

770-985-2437

Our superior services can recapture the health, functionality, John W. Simmons, IV, DMD, PC and youthful appearance of your natural 2381-B Main Street East Before www.smilesbysimmons.co smile. Our practice focuses on providing After Snellville, Georgia 30078 “A pretty smile makes all the difference! I’m glad I trusted Dr. Simmons to give me one!” long-lasting results and promoting Hours: Monday 9:00am - 7:00pm Tuesday 7:00am 770-985-2437Office • smilesbysimmons.com excellent overall dental health.

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Our Town

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Our Town

On the Cover: Smiles by Simmons

By Our Town Staff John W. Simmons IV, DMD and his team are great examples of what it means to be part of a community and to serve those around them. Located at 2381-B Main Street East, the office can be accessed from both Wisteria Drive and Main Street.

Dr. Simmons graduated from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry in 1982. He then served in the United States Navy as a dentist for three years before returning to Georgia and joining a dental group in Snellville. Dr. Simmons came to realize he had “an artsy side” and that he could literally craft smiles for his patients, which he has been doing for more than twenty-five years.

The very environment of Dr. Simmons’ office speaks of art and comfort. He and his team have placed beautiful furniture in the waiting room where fine art decorates the walls. Patients are treated to natural sunlight through dormer-style windows, and soothed with massage chairs, headphones, lip balm, warm blankets, and more to make their visit as stress-free as possible.

To make patients even more comfortable, Dr. Simmons uses the patented Cerec system.

This allows patients to have broken teeth fixed with crowns in one visit, without having the entire tooth removed, without needing

an impression, and without having to baby mission trip to Nicaragua, where he a temporary crown for a few weeks. Another spends time serving those who do not specialty of Dr. Simmons is the relief of have access to proper dental care.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ or Dr. Simmons explains, “We treat TMD) by fashioning custom-fit bite guards people just like we would like to be to alleviate the headaches and joint pain that treated. We love our patients and are commonly associated with TMD. serve them. That is our secret to sucDr. Simmons and his team enjoy being part cess.” of the Snellville community. They have seen For more information about Dr. the city grow and beautify itself at the same Simmons and his team or to schedule time. Located next to Snellville City Hall, your next appointment, visit www. they are in a prime location, central to all of smilesbysimmons.com Snellville. They can see the exciting things or call their office happening at the Towne Green, and enjoy the at 770-985-2437. widened sidewalks and brick paths as well as the Wall of Veterans Memorial.

Community becomes closer when Dr. Simmons and his team get to see the changes in their patients’ lives. They laugh and talk and share pet and family photos. Being a Christ-centered practice, Dr. Simmons’ team even prays with their patients, which further helps to relax those dealing with life issues.

Dr. Simmons’ service does not end when he walks out of his building. He is an active member of Snellville United Methodist Church, and he takes an annual • Catholic Values • Financial Aid • Catholic Values • Financial Aid • Community Service • Extended Day • Program Community Service • Extended Day Program • Catholic Values • Financial Aid • Family Involvement • Blue Ribbon School of Involvement Excellence• Community • Family • Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Service • Extended Day Program • Family Involvement • Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

St. John Neumann Regional School Regional Catholic School St.Catholic John Neumann St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School

St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School

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K-8th Grade ~ Serving Families Since 1986 791 Tom Smith Road • Lilburn, GA 30047

770-381-0557 • www.sjnrcs.org

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K-8th Grade ~ Serving Families Since 1986 K-8th Grade – Serving Families Since 1986 791 Tom Smith Road • K-8th Lilburn,Grade GA 30047 ~ Serving Since 1986 791 Tom Smith RoadFamilies • Lilburn, GA 30047

770-381-0557 • www.sjnrcs.org 791 Tom Smith Road ••Lilburn, GA 30047 770-381-0557 www.sjnrcs.org 770-381-0557 • www.sjnrcs.org

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PAGE 5

Our Town The Gwinnett/Walton Community and Family M agazine

— An EndResultz Inc. Company

Let Your Smile Shine!

Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Cover Photographer Kerr Studio Inc. Webmaster Robert Fordham 101WebsiteDesigns.com Distribution Coordinator Ellen Sawtelle Feature Writers Daidra Annis Macrae Brennan-Fuller Rachael Brice Heidi Campbell Kim Hill Karla Socci Somers Michelle Watson Contributing Writers

Kelly Farris Mike Harper

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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.

Entire contents copyright 2016 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

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IN THIS ISSUE

Treatment

5 On the Cover: Smiles by Simmons 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 7 St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School: Thirty Years of Excellence 8 Georgia’s Best Chocolate Benefits Many 9 The Amanda Riley Foundation Gives Kids 1,000 Reasons to Smile 9 Catching Up with Summit Chase Country Club: One Big Family 12 Fitness Foundations: The Key to Seeing Results 13 Realty Reality: It’s Spring! Time to Look for that New Home 14 Sports Talk: An In-Depth Look at Grayson High School Baseball

wn Magazine If you mention Our To e Consultation when setting up a Fre

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Our Town

From the Publisher:

APRIL

One Man’s Opinion

By Ryan T. Sauers

Love your lawn, all year long.

@RyanSauers

I hope everyone is off to a great spring. Our community continues to prosper due to one simple reason: we have amazing people who live, work, and play right here in Our Town.

We should be proud of our community. Most communities are not as tightknit as the ones we have here. With that said, our attention span is short, so here are some points to ponder for this month.

1. People love a good story. How many times recently have you heard about March Madness, busted brackets, Cinderella story teams, etc., even if you aren’t a basketball fan? It is hard to miss. Whether we like it or not, we have bought into the storyline, filled out a bracket, and/or watched a game. Now think back a few months when the focus was on Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Did you notice nearly everyone was talking about it? People love a good story. Make yours count.

2. People love to have fun. Why do you see so many people playing fantasy football, going to costume parties, or playing mindless games on their mobile devices? Many use these as a break from the everyday to relieve stress in our constantly connected world. They are fun and simple.

Did you see the fun kids and adults alike had at the release of the new Star Wars movie when they dressed up, camped out, etc.? This “feeling like a kid again” is the same thing most experience when they visit Disneyworld. It’s okay to laugh, act silly, and smile. Remember, people love to have fun.

3. People love technology, yet miss the personal touch. How many of us just want someone to answer the phone, handle our requests, get it right the first time, and save us time when dealing with an issue or problem that they’ve had with a good, service, etc.? I know I do. But instead we hear, “For faster service visit us online...” Note: this is CODE for, “Don’t call us. We are busy, and if you go online, we don’t have to talk to you or staff as many people.” Technology may be the best and worst thing that has happened to us. We must be sure technology works for us and that we do not work for it. The personal touch matters now more than ever.

So, there you have it. If we want to communicate more effectively, we must consider our audience. Do we make other people feel part of the story? After all, most adults are just big “kids at heart” who at some level enjoy laughing and having fun. So…make business fun. Make life fun.

I wish you a wonderful and blessed April. Be safe, enjoy your family and friends, and make someone’s day. WOW them. Why? Because it feels great, and it is a great thing to do. See you next month. And until then and as always, this is my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

“We consider our community involvement to be one of our unique strengths,” says Vicki Diaz, Admissions and Development Director of St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School (SJNRCS) in Lilburn, Georgia.

It is rather befitting that the two patron saints of St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School were passionate about education and caring for the poor. As a Catholic seeking ordination into the priesthood when he came to America in 1836, St. John Neumann dedicated his life to serving the poor, and was the first bishop to organize what we know today as the diocesan Catholic school system. St. Marguerite d’Youville, the school’s other patron saint, was the foundress of Sisters of Charity of Montreal (the Grey Nuns) who established schools, hospitals, and orphanages to take care of the impoverished.

The compassion and dedication of these two saints to those less fortunate continue today Continued on page 10

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PAGE 7

Georgia’s Best Chocolate Benefits Many

By Kim Hill When Kay Citron was a very young girl growing up on a farm in southern Georgia, she learned the art of candy making from her grandmother. In 2009 when she needed money for her son’s traveling choir expenses, she sold homemade chocolates to raise the needed funds. She later got the idea to box and sell the chocolates at concerts as a fundraiser for the choir. The chocolates became so popular that Kay established a cottage business in 2012.

The name came about as choir members played with different ideas using GBC, the initials of the Georgia Boy Choir. When Georgia’s Best Chocolate was suggested, Kay loved its simplicity and felt it was meant to be.

As business grew, Kay needed help producing the increasing quantities of chocolates and longed for a way to involve her grown adult children. She didn’t ask, but prayed about it. One particularly busy Friday, Kay sought the help of one of her daughters. The daughter’s car had broken down, so her sister brought her. The oldest son then called and realized the need, so he came, too. When the youngest son saw everyone home, he skipped school and they all ended up having a great time together in the kitchen. Kay’s prayer for a family business had been answered.

From 2010 to 2015, Kay was able to donate close to $20,000 to the choir. Over the last couple of years, her chocolate sales have provided support for Breast Cancer Awareness, the Tim Redovian Memorial Fund for performing arts, Ovarian Cancer Research, and the Methodist Church Doxology Choir. During her busy Christmas and Valentine seasons, Kay hires young people in need of money to assist with boxing and ribbons. She also gets her pecans from local Georgia farmers.

Kay has a five-year vision that includes a storefront, but she uses her dad’s philosophy of “never spend what you don’t have” and carefully allocates a portion of each year’s budget to reach her goal. Her marketing efforts have helped find stores to sell her chocolates, and she ships to several states. She has had customers say that calling it “Georgia’s Best Chocolate” is Continued on page 11

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Our Town

The Amanda Riley Foundation Gives Kids 1,000 Reasons to Smile

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By Karla Socci Somers “I had six events in seven days and I’m not slowing down again until Wednesday,” Barbara Riley says matter-of-factly.

This is just a typical week for Riley, founder of the Amanda Riley Foundation, who, along with family, friends, and dedicated volunteers, is on a mission to give kids with cancer – specifically those diagnosed with solid tumor cancers, the type her daughter, Amanda, battled – 1,000 Reasons to Smile.

“I just spent a fun day with Olivia, a twelve-year-old girl who wanted to go on a shopping spree,” says Riley. “We picked her up in a limo and gave her $1,000 to spend on all the things twelve-year-old girls like to buy.” She went on to say that the Foundation granted three wishes in March – two shopping sprees, plus an iPad and a trip to the Tennessee Aquarium. The mission of 1,000 Reasons to Smile is to grant kids’ wishes to help make their dreams come true, with an approximate budget of $1,000 for each child and his or her family.

Along with this newest initiative, The Amanda Riley Foundation, now in its sixth year, continues to honor Barbara and Steve’s daughter Amanda by providing support to children and their families while they undergo treatment with the AFLAC Cancer Center at Scottish Rite hospital.

Each Monday, the Foundation brings lunch to more than eighty patients, parents, and staff. They also donate snack baskets, gift and goody bags, care packages, and other necessities to try to make each family’s hospital stay just a little more comfortable.

Each Christmas, the Foundation showers the children and their families with gifts at their annual Breakfast with Santa, and the number of gifts given continues to grow. This past holiday season, ninety-five children received presents to help make their Christmas a little brighter.

The Amanda Riley Foundation hosts three major annual fundraising events: Miles-for-Smiles at Tribble Mill Park with a 10K, 5K, and fun-run; Gala-4-Gold dinner and auction; and its newest endeavor, Carnival 4 A Cause at Brookwood High School.

“We are really excited about the upcoming carnival!” Riley says. “It’s going to be a BIG rainor-shine event at Brookwood High School with inflatables and carnival games, vendors, food, all-ages obstacle courses, slides, and interactive games.”

As with all Foundation events, one hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to helping the children and their families. That’s why Riley and her volunteers work hard year round to raise money. All of it goes to support the kids – also known as “Riley Warriors” – and to make them smile, something for which 17-year-old Amanda was well-known.

Recently, Riley was honored and recognized with a Servant Leadership Award by the Georgia Women’s Legislative Caucus. She was nominated for the award by State Senator Butler. The Foundation was also voted Gwinnett Magazine’s Best of Gwinnett Nonprofit for 2015.

“I’m going on another shopping spree tomorrow with another little girl,” Riley says, cheerfully. Just another day in the life of a mom who has dedicated herself to giving children 1,000 Reasons to Smile.

Barbara Riley is the founder of The Amanda Riley Foundation. More information at www. amandarileyfoundation.org

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Catching Up with Summit Chase Country Club: One Big Family

By Daidra Annis

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There’s no better place to spend time with your family than at Summit Chase Country Club. Locally owned and operated by the Britt family since 1980, Summit Chase offers the community a variety of recreational activities that fit every lifestyle and budget. When we last caught up with Don Britt, General Manager, and the Summit Chase family, they were preparing to launch a new Golf Academy, which is now an integral part of the club’s offerings. From beginner to advanced camps, both golf and tennis lessons are taught to members and non-members alike.

Swimming is a year-round offering, as well. Their very own swim team, the Summit Chase Sharks, have proudly participated in the Gwinnett County Swim League for over thirty years!

The club offers several benefit levels to ensure that families in the community have options available to them. The newest membership level for 2016 is the “Family Legacy” program that allows grandparents to include their children and grandchildren in their membership, truly making the Summit Chase experience a family affair.

Continued on page 11 CMY

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PAGE 9

St. John Neumann Continued from page 7 through the many service projects that the students and faculty at SJNRCS incorporate into their lives every day under the leadership of Principal Alex Porto.

Recently, SJNRCS families and faculty gathered in the school cafeteria for “Stewardship Sunday” where they made more than 2,500 deli sandwiches for Clyde’s Kitchen, which has been providing meals for Atlanta’s poor and homeless for the past twenty-four years.

“Events like these, where we give our time, talent, and monies are not unusual for us,” Diaz notes. “In fact, each grade level [Kindergarten through eighth grade] has its very own service project.”

In addition to excellence in serving the community, SJNRCS offers its students a first-rate education in a spiritually close-knit, family atmosphere. Founded in 1986, the school will celebrate thirty years as a regional Catholic school in Gwinnett County, with the distinction of being a U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. They are also accredited through AdvancED. This combination of a caring, religious-centered learning environment, coupled with a state-of-the-art education, keeps families coming back generation after generation.

“We currently have parents [of presently enrolled students] who were once graduates of SJNRCS,” says Principal Porto, “and nothing can be a bigger compliment and testament to our success than to have our alumni come back as parents.”

The school, nestled in a quiet Lilburn neighborhood, is a model of metro Atlanta’s multicultural population. Approximately 300 students, kindergarten through eighth grade, compose a diverse community that represents heritages from all over the world. This past January the school celebrated their unique differences with its First Annual Peace and Justice Mass with Archbishop Gregory, giving students and families an opportunity to pray for peace all over the world.

“Our school excels,” Porto notes, “because we challenge students to reach their full potential in spirit, mind, heart, and body.” It is evident that students retain much of what they learn at SJNRCS, both academically and spiritually, as they continue on their life journeys.

Principal Porto reflects on the feedback he regularly receives from teachers and staff at the various public and private high schools SJNRCS alumni currently attends. “We can really tell the difference when a St. John Neumann student walks into the room,” Porto hears from these high school educators. “And, that to me, says it all…it’s not just about how well-prepared they are academically; it’s about the way they carry themselves; it’s about their integrity; it’s about their character. And those are things that really set our students apart from the others.”

More information by following them on Facebook or at http://www.sjnrcs.org

SATURDAY - APRIL 30, 2016

GRAYSON EVENTS

2016

June 1

Grayson Farmers Market • Opening Day @ 3:30 pm

June 4

Spring on the Green Festival Hosted by Heart of Gwinnett & GECC

June 18

“Gimme Shelter” Benefit Concert Featuring MOTHER’S FINEST - 6-10 pm

July 30

Christmas in July Arts & Craft Festival - Grayson Arts & History Center

August 21

Graystone Church Party in the Park @ 6 pm “Inside Out” Movie at Dusk

September 9

12Stone Movie Night @ 6:30 pm • “Zootopia” @ Dusk

Race Begins @ 7:30 a.m.

Parade Begins @ 10:00 a.m. • Festival 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Lanier Jazz @ 7:00 p.m. • “The Good Dinosaur” on the big screen at Dusk

37 ANNUAL GRAYSON DAY TH

PAGE 10

October 1

Anchor Church Fall Festival 4-7 pm

October 22

Grayson Blues & Brews - OTIS REDDING III 2-6 pm

December 4

Christmas in Grayson 2-6 pm

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Our Town

Summit Chase Continued from page 9 One of the best things about Summit Chase is the opportunities it affords the youth of the community. The four local high schools teams at Archer, Brookwood, Grayson, and South Gwinnett use the grounds at SCCC as their home course. In addition, forty to sixty kids participate in the Middle School Golf League, which is open to all boys and girls, grades 5-9, who are interested in learning to play golf. The annual Four Ball Invitational is all about the kids, as well. Proceeds from this tournament benefit NG3, an outreach for high school-aged student athletes. Last year, this event raised $5k dollars, and the team is looking forward to topping that donation in 2016.

Other organizations that have benefited from charitable events at the club are the Amanda Riley Foundation, the Snellville Community Garden, and the Ministry Village, to name a few.

In support of small business owners, Summit Chase hosts several events for local chambers of commerce. These include monthly luncheons for the Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce, along with their quarterly Business After Hours event that also includes Heart of Gwinnett, and Snellville Tourism and Trade. In May, they will be hosting both the Gwinnett Chamber’s annual Chairman’s Club Golf Tournament, and the Georgia State Golf Associations Senior Women’s Match Play Championship. The GSGA runs all of the amateur golf in the state. What an honor for Summit Chase to be chosen as host for this three-day event.

Summit Chase prides itself on having a casual style and a family atmosphere that most private clubs simply do not offer. The Britt family treats every member like part of their own family, and that feeling is reciprocated by the members they serve. Membership at Summit Chase is available to anyone in the community, and families from Atlanta to Athens utilize the first-class amenities offered by the club. Live entertainment, wine tastings, and award-winning food and beverages highlight the social activities that members enjoy. In addition, banquet and meeting spaces are available to the community to rent for special events and private functions.

More information at www.summitchasecc.com

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Chocolate Continued from page 8 an understatement. “If you purchase chocolates from me,” Kay says, “you know two things. One is you are going to get a good quality product, but two, the money is more than likely going to go to a fundraiser, a charitable organization, or a youth group of some sort to help kids through whatever phase that they need a little help with. I think that’s a win-win situation – you get the chocolates, and the kids get the benefit of the money.”

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PAGE 11

Keeping Your Best Interest at Heart!

Coots & Company - Your Neighbor Your Realtor Top Reasons To Call Coots & Company Today • Ranked by GA MLS as #4 of 5993 agents in Gwinnett county for closed volume • Our listings sold on average in 43 days for 94.52% of list price • We sold 93% of our listings in 2015 • Voted Best of Gwinnett 2015 • Nationally recognized by REAL Trends in “America’s Best Rest Estate Agents” • Locally recognized by Atlanta Magazine’s “Best Atlanta Agents” • Four Agents - One Team - One Goal 100% Customer Satisfaction!

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Fitness Foundations: The Key to Seeing Results

By Kelly Farris, ACSM CPT I am constantly being asked which class I think is best: Spinning, Pilates, Zumba, or weights. I usually answer, “I love them all!”

I encourage my clients and members to try different kinds of physical activity on a regular basis. I believe the more you change what you do physically (muscle confusion), the better your body responds. Our bodies acclimate to the work we present them with. If you are working out the same way at the same intensity every time you work out, you aren’t going to see any marked results. You have to shake it up. Try something new.

I know that starting a new gym activity can be intimidating – new instructor, new moves, and the most frightening thought, “What if I can’t keep up?” Don’t worry, everyone has the same hesitations.

When trying a class for the first time, try to arrive five to ten minutes before and introduce yourself to the instructor. Explain you are new, ask for his/her assistance, and don’t forget to inform the instructor of any limitations, such as injuries, that you might have. A good instructor will help you set up any equipment needed and will offer beginner modifications throughout the class. You might even get some personal assistance even in a group setting.

Most importantly, work at your own pace. If you feel you’re pushing yourself too much, lower your arms, march in place, or grab some water, and take a minute to slow down and reset your pace.

Remember, it is normal to feel some muscle soreness the next day as your body responds to the new activity. The hardest classes are always the first few ones. By the third class you will have gotten the hang of things and it will only get easier from there.

So get moving! You are going to do GREAT! Kelly Farris is the owner of Ladies Workout Snellville and the President of KLF Fitness. More information at ladiesworkoutsnellville.com

on! o S ing 17 Com mer 20 Sum

Here are some of our Dogwood Forest Differences: • Activities and design features that promote our belief that our bodies have the ability to heal itself given a healing environment and lifestyle.

• Our structural design maximizes windows, porches, walking gardens and pressurized air systems that forces healthy air into common areas.

• Our buildings are designed to incorporate some of the highest safety levels in the world and are constructed with concrete and steel foundations and structural walls.

PAGE 12

Dogwood Forest of Grayson Call for more information! (678) 496-2319 www.dogwoodforest.com/grayson Assisted Living | Memory Care | Respite Care | Adult Day Care

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Our Town

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How many of us are happy, even thrilled, at this time of year to see signs of spring? Long, cold nights and dreary landscapes give way to warmer temperatures, budding trees, and abundant new life. It seems as if our world is waking up from a long sleep, and in some respects, that is true.

For those of us in the real estate business, spring is especially welcome. While homes are bought and sold every month of the year, it just seems that home buyers and sellers are more energized during the months after the holidays. Most experienced real estate agents will tell you that there are certain seasons that are more favorable for buying and selling a home than others. In our area, the best time to list and sell a single family detached home is in the spring, followed by early to mid-fall.

Why? Many families want to purchase a home and complete the transaction before the summer months when the kids and family are on summer vacation. Just as important, parents are aware of school deadlines to complete registration at the new school. And, homes are simply more appealing when the weather is warming up and buyers tend to be in high spirits.

For home sellers, it is very important to take advantage of the increase in traffic. Make sure your home is clean, clutter-free, and spruced up. Above all, work with your agent to set a price that is reasonable and that will likely result in a fast sale. You do not want to price your home too high and possibly miss the increased flow of buyers in the spring.

There really is no wrong time to list your home, because if you price your home right, and make every effort to present it well, chances are you will sell your property in a timely manner.

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A doctor who is familiar with your medical history brings peace of mind. We have more than 110 providers in 52 locations specializing in internal and family medicine and multiple specialties such as ENT, OB/GYN and orthopedics. Our physicians are able to seamlessly utilize the resources and consultations that our three hospital network provides to give you the best care.

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PAGE 13

Sports Talk: An In-Depth Look at Grayson High School Baseball with Coach Jed Hixson

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PAGE 14

MBF: How long have you served as the head coach of the Grayson Rams Varsity Baseball team?

CH: This is my fourth season as the head coach.

I’ve been a part of the program now for twelve years, serving as an assistant to Coach Rhine for the first eight years.

MBF: What is your coaching philosophy and its relationship to education?

CH: To teach the game the right way and play it with respect. Baseball mirrors life in so many ways, so I use the game as a teaching tool in the classroom.

I teach English, but I also teach about life. Through literature, it’s easy to explore life through the writing of others, and then pairing that with how you will journey through life and deal with situations similar to those you read about in literature.

MBF: What is the role of the Booster Club in your program?

CH: It’s an essential asset to our program’s success. It raises funds to provide to the players and coaches the necessary facilities, equipment, and uniforms to represent the program, school, and community well. Additionally, the club facilitates game day activities such as running the concession stand, setting up and cleaning up the game day festivities, and working in the press box.

MBF: What do you believe is the proper role of parents in any athletic program?

CH: We look to our parents as a support system for our program. This includes cheering on the team from the stands, donating their time and resources to stimulate the program’s growth, promoting good sportsmanship, and joining the Booster Club.

MBF: Describe your off season program organization.

CH: Baseball is essentially year round. In the off season, our rising 9th and 10th graders play in a summer league with our program, and many of our older players play with outside programs in the area. We provide baseball-specific workouts a few times a week so we can continue to teach the game and hone those skills. In fall and winter, we do strength and conditioning work after school to make our players stronger and faster. We also focus on mental preparation through Cerebral Sessions with our pitchers, catchers, and hitters. Lastly, we host fundraisers like our Fall Boston Butt Sale, Spirit Cup Sale, and a Christmas Tree Lot. MBF: How do you promote community support for the Varsity Baseball program at Grayson?

CH: In the summer, we host a youth baseball camp to teach the game to youth in the community. We are hosting Youth Night April 1st to recognize the Grayson Athletic Association players on the field before the Varsity game. Recently, I launched a Grayson High School Baseball Facebook page to connect the community with all things Grayson Baseball. The community can also visit our website: ghsbaseball.org. We also support recreation league and GGBL coaches by providing coaching clinics.

MBF: How do you plan on motivating players and getting them to buy in to their role on the team each year?

CH: I motivate by providing positive reinforcement when guys perform well – even in the smallest of ways – so they realize the importance of every detail of a practice, game, and ultimately life being important to overall success.

MBF: Share with me some of your team’s notable accomplishments on and off the field this season.

CH: The team is still relatively young, but our record is 7-3 so far in non-region play, and we are hopeful that momentum will continue into region play. Off the field, we established a mentoring program between our Varsity players and our JV and 9th grade players. Additionally, the coaches implemented a new activity that teaches the boys lessons in sacrifice and service by serving a team meal to the Varsity program. Plans are in the works for Varsity to serve a team meal to JV, and then JV to the 9th grade team.

MBF: What one word or phrase do you want people to associate with Grayson High School Varsity Baseball?

CH: Work Hard, Stay Humble because “Someone is Always Watching.”

MBF: Tell us one thing the community may not know about Grayson High School’s Varsity Baseball Program.

CH: It’s more of a family than it is a program, and I hope our players and parents feel that way, too.

More information at ghsbaseball.org.

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

Our Town

Don’t get sidelined by an injury.

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Call your local BenchMark today to set up your movement screening.

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TENNIS • GOLF • SWIMMING • DINING • SOCIAL TENNIS • GOLF • SWIMMING • DINING • SOCIAL OUR MEMBERSHIP JUST GOTJUST OURFAMILY FAMILY MEMBERSHIP GOTAnnual BIGGERSummit AND BETTER! 35th Chase BIGGER AND BETTER! Four Ball Invitational Be one big happy Be one big happy family at Summit Chase!family at Summit Chase!

Golf Tournament Add your grandchildren for free!

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June 4th & 5th, 2016 Year round golf, tennis, and swimming for the entire family. programs for the entire family.

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Entry Fee: $425 per Two-Man Team

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monthly membership special, additional information or to schedule a facility tour, contact Carol Sapp or Charlene Adams.

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3197 Classic Drive 3197 Classic Drive Snellville, GA 30078 Snellville, GA 30078

770-979-9000 770-979-9000

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