APRIL 2019 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker
Up Close with The Mansions at Gwinnett Park, see story on page 5
8 14 16 16
Getting Schooled with Berkmar Culinary Competition Team Bridging the Gap: How Read-Able Takes Education to the Next Level McCurry Photography Exhibit: Graces Halls at Trickum Middle Community Spotlight: Gwinnett Medical Foundation’s Cornerstone Society Gala
#EquipToThrive “Dr.
Providence is equipping students to lead, serve, and embrace faithisin proud Christ while providing top-tier competitive Simmons to offer Botox and academics, Dermal Fillers. Call sports, award-winning fine arts, and a nationally-recognized STEM program. Come and see how we prepare the next generation to be hard-working, articulate and gracious young people who live out their faith and thrive in an ever-changing world.
tourprovidence.org
the office to schedule your consulta
2018
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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 dental care, focused on both the function and beauty of your smile. A one of only nine dentists improving 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.
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Dr. John W. Simmons, IV
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2019 babies are coming in! Currently available l Sun conures l Pineapple conure l Green cheek conure l Illiger macaw l African gray Congo
See Facebook page ‘Fancy Feathers Atlanta’ for pictures. PAGE 4
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Our Town Gwinnett
On the Cover: Family, Community, Fun: The Mansions at Gwinnett Park By Kristen Eleveld Community – the place we live, work, eat, and play – remains a steady influence in our lives. The way we create relationships, cultivate friendships, and maintain ties to home are all done through our community. But how do we find the right community? How do we know when we have found our next home? Not everyone knows these answers – but for the people running The Mansions at Gwinnett Park, creating community has become second nature. For over two decades, The Mansions Senior Living has perfected the art of creating a community for people ages 55 and over who are ready to downsize their home or move closer to family without giving up the other things they love in life. Between the three Atlanta-area locations (with two more in Oklahoma) and the easy access to many other popular local attractions, The Mansions at Gwinnett Park is an easy choice for those looking to be part of a neighborhood that fits their budget and meets their needs. “We are passionate about helping seniors, and showing them the opportunities for a new community,” said Amy Davis, whose family started The Mansions Senior Living communities 20 years ago. “Our residents become family. We all care about each resident and helping them find what they need.” “It’s personal,” said Kris Brant, who serves as the executive director. “This place belongs to the residents, not us. We want them to know that we care about them.” Residents in The Mansions have a safe place to call home. Someone is on the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are pull-cords to call for help in each home, and transportation is also available if a resident is unable or prefers not to drive. But while these services are readily available, most of The Mansions’ residents are as independent as they ever were. There are dozens of activities to choose from on campus – everything from birthday celebrations to exercise classes to happy hour. The Mansions community is always gearing up for something fun. “We don’t tell you what to do, when to do it, or when to be home,” says Community Relations Director Amy Stanitzke. “Everyone is free to do what they want! We just give you some options that are close to home.” The Mansions at Gwinnett Park also offers a unique feature: a chef on-site who is ready to make
your meal any time of the day. Residents can come in to the dining area to eat, or they can have their meals delivered. It’s the quality of restaurant-style dining without the wait to be seated or for your meals to arrive! More than anything, those who operate The Mansions at Gwinnett Park want their residents to love their home. “We want our residents to find a sense of community here,” said Kris. “This is a place where they can have a sense of pride in their home.” “There are so many opportunities to make friends and try new activities,” added Amy Davis. “People who may have been lonely before can create meaningful relationships through new experiences.” It’s easy to see why The Mansions at Gwinnett Park are so attractive to both residents and staff members. A low staff turnover is another one of The Mansions’ notable characteristics. They operate under the policy that each staff member is family, just the like the residents. You won’t find staff members at The Mansions who are just in their job for the paycheck – they love what they do, and they love who they work with. If you are interested in learning more about The Mansions at Gwinnett Park, you’re right on time. This amazing community just opened its doors on April 1st. More information at https://mansionsseniorliving.com/properties/the-mansions-at-gwinnett-park/
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PAGE 5
Our Town
2019
Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultZ.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultZ.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultZ.com Cover Photographer Marcie Reif Photography
Limited Spaces Available Call Now 4068 Five Forks Trickum Rd. SW,Lilburn, GA 30047
Distribution Coordinator DeeDee Chapman Feature Writers Pearl Aidoo Heidi Campbell K. Coats Kristen Eleveld Emily Haney Kim Hill Amy Ney Traci Sanders Beth Volpert Johansen Contributing Writers Terie Hansen Pam Walker
— An EndResultZ Media & Communications firm EndResultZ.com
Our Town Gwinnett 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 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 2019 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 5 On the Cover: Family, Community, Fun: The Mansions at Gwinnett Park
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7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 8 Berkmar Culinary Competition Team Takes the Silver and Heads to State 10 Community Event Spotlight: Snellville Days Festival 2019 10 Travel Tales: New National Park in Chile 11 FODAC: Making a Difference in Lives 12 Family Corner: Plan, Unplug, and Be Positive at Mealtime 14 Bridging the Gap: How Read-Able Takes Education to the Next Level 16 McCurry Photography Exhibit Graces Halls at Trickum Middle School 16 Community Spotlight: Gwinnett Medical Foundation’s Cornerstone Society Gala 17 Pet Perch: Dog Walker – Does Your Dog Need One?
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From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion By Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanSauers
I hope everyone is off to a great spring. The daylight hours are longer, warm weather is on the way, and school will soon be out. I love this time of year. A new season serves as a good reminder that everything in life has a season, too. The more I talk with people, the more common themes I observe. Many people are simply worn down/beaten up by our fast-moving world. In some ways, we are controlled by the technology we have, and some face addiction to their devices. This is a real issue. We are inundated with more information than we can ever consume. Many people, assuming they have enough money to live their life, simply desire to have more time to do what they really want to do in life. They want to spend more time with family and friends, and they want the “never ending” clock to slow down. I write a column each month, and it amazes me how fast time goes. For example, I feel I was just writing about the new year. Our goal with Our Town is to provide a break from our constantly connected and impersonal world. We present positive family and community news – and a 20-minute break from your screen and all the noise – about super people, events, groups, and organizations. On a personal note, I work hard to balance my time and the many things I do each week. And, I desire to get better at putting first things first and last things last. I hope you will do the same. In Our Town, you see the same positive themes in our print version, online edition, digital channels, and social media outlets. Please enjoy your precious time. Again, we cannot get time back, buy it, save it, make it go faster, or slow it down. Time is a PRESENT, and all any of us are guaranteed. I encourage you to Keep Pushing Forward (KPF) no matter what you are facing in life. Please inspire others with a kind word instead of a negative slight. Always look for the best in others and seek to make their day special. I wish you a wonderful and safe April. Until next time and as always, thank you for continuing with us on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!
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Berkmar Culinary Competition Team Takes the Silver and Heads to State By Kim Hill When Derwin Jackson (DJ) came to Berkmar High School in July of 2017, he thought he was coming for a consultation regarding the school’s newly renovated culinary arts classroom, but he soon realized he was being recruited to grow the program. An honors graduate, former chef instructor, and recruiter for Le Cordon Bleu, Chef DJ loved teaching college, but had never taught high school. “I came here and fell in love with the students,” he says. “It’s been the most amazing experience of my life.” The feeling is obviously mutual. His class has quickly become one of the most popular on campus, with 422 students on the waiting list for next year. His classes recently held the first of what will be an annual Valentine’s Dinner fundraising event. A Five Star menu was served, and the students were taught an extensive range of skills, learning everything needed to operate a full-service restaurant. “They couldn’t see the big picture; all they could see was their part, because they had never done anything like this before,” he says. “I told them to just perfect their piece, and it will be tremendous. And it was.” Because the event was so successful, Chef DJ explains that many visitors and business attendees will now be willing to provide sponsorships, allowing future events to be even more profitable. Chef DJ was also asked to take the helm as adviser of a school curricular club called FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America). FCCLA is the only student run organization on campus that is family-focused, and members learn leadership and resolution skills, how to operate a business, and how to develop community partnerships. These initiatives complement the vision Chef DJ has for the culinary program, which is to leave a legacy. Three things he will see to fruition are a Berkmar Bistro, a full service catering company, and a food truck, all operated by the students. He says they will learn how to work together to make all this happen and create the revenues needed. A big part of that is connecting with community, which FCCLA teaches. He tells the students that they must give something of value and create the exchange – this is how business works. Continued on page 15
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Community Event Spotlight: Snellville Days Festival 2019 By Our Town Staff
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For more than forty years, people from Snellville and the surrounding area have converged on T.W. Briscoe Park for the Snellville Days Festival. This year should be no different as crowds of more than 30,000 are expected to pack the park on May 4th and 5th to enjoy tons of hand-made arts and crafts and the most entertainment the event has ever offered. The Snellville Days Festival is one of the largest Arts and Crafts shows in metro Atlanta and offers lots of fair foods from local civic and non-profit organizations, serving up everything from barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, peanuts, and popcorn. This year’s entertainment includes: • Jurassic Kingdom Dinosaur Show – Jurassic Kingdom will have audiences roaring with excitement! Not only do patrons get to experience life-like dinosaurs in action, but they also can touch and interact with them throughout the show! Meet fantastic characters such as Terry the talking, comical pterodactyl, Jack the 2-month-old brontosaurus, and many more. • K9s in Flight Dog Show – With over 15 years of professional experience, K9s in Flight are the country’s premier K9 sports entertainers. They have dazzled fans across America and beyond. Audiences of all ages will be entertained by this non-stop, action-packed performance showcasing the top amazing K-9 sports, including high jump and Frisbee, all in a fun, high-flying atmosphere. • Master of The Chainsaw: Brian Ruth – A raw, 2-foot-long log will be transformed into a true work of art with only a chainsaw. Ruth has been carving sculptures in this manner for more than twenty years. • Robocars – Robocars are a unique and fun range of brightly colored, life-sized, transforming Robot Continued on page 13
Travel Tales: New National Park in Chile By Pam Walker As you read this, I will be winging my way to Santiago, Chile. I will stop for a night in my favorite hacienda, Casa Real in the Santa Rita vineyards, for a chance to do some mountain biking and have a great dinner and a glass of special Carménère wine. The next day I go on to a new national park in Patagonia called Patagonia National Park. The great adventurers, Douglas and Kris Thompkins – founders of The North Face and Esprit clothing – bought large chunks of land all over South America to preserve and protect the natural ecosystems. In an unfortunate kayaking accident several years ago, Mr. Thompkins died. His wife kept on and created Conservación Patagónicato to protect huge areas of land in both Chile and Argentina and to “rewild” areas that were being threatened by overgrazing and overpopulation. Working with Chilean Park Service and many volunteers, the conservation group purchased 174,500 acres and took down fences and built campgrounds and a visitor center with a restaurant. Guanacos, pumas, condors, and many threatened deer populations can be found there. Patagonia National Park (www.patagoniapark.org) now encompasses more than 10 million acres. It is three times larger than Yellowstone National Park or Yosemite here in the US. I am truly excited to become one of the newest visitors to the park and I look forward to sharing the beautiful vistas and adventures. We need to protect these wild places for future visitors! Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor and can be reached at pam@walkeradventures.com
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PAGE 10
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FODAC: Making a Difference in Lives
PowerHouse Electric, LLC
By Our Town Staff Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), a non-profit organization providing over $10 million annually in-home medical equipment and supplies to those living with disability, will hold its 19th Annual Run Walk ‘n’ Roll (RWnR) at Stone Mountain Park on Saturday, May 4th. The family-friendly event is one of FODAC’s main fundraisers. Participants can run the 5K route or walk or roll through the two-mile course. Wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers are all welcome. For the first time, the 5K portion is a USA Track and Field sanctioned event and is a qualifying race for the 2020 AJC Peachtree Road Race. The RWnR begins with registration and a continental breakfast at Stone Mountain’s Event Meadow at 7.30 a.m. The 5K race starts from there at 8.30 a.m. and the walk and roll starts at 9:00 a.m. There will be door prizes, face-painting, clowns, and music during the event. Special guest WSB traffic reporter Doug Turnbull will emcee. Registration costs are $25 for participants 6 and up (children 5 and under are free, but must still be registered). Teams of four can be registered for $160. Paid registration includes a t-shirt. A free Stone Mountain Park entry is included for those signing up before Sunday, April 28. For an additional $25, a Stone Mountain Adventure Pass is also available. Medals and prizes will be awarded to the top three male and top three female finishers of the 5K race. There are also prizes for the top individual fundraisers and the top fundraising teams. Team leaders with four or more team members get a free Stone Mountain Adventure Pass, $50 in fundraising gets a free Stone Mountain Adventure Pass, and $100 gets two free Stone Mountain Adventure Passes. Visit fodac.org/walk to register as a fundraiser. Immediately following the 2-mile walk/roll is the annual raffle. Tickets are three for $10 and can be purchased onsite. More information at fodac.org/walk.
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RealityTech Summer Tech Camp
RealityTech Summer Camp
June 3rd-July 26th. Students will learn Robotics, Game Design, and Drone Programing in this 8 week program. Ages 9-17. Don’t let your child miss this! $250.00 Weekly / Free lunch included 5510 Lilburn-Stone Mountain Rd. Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Educationaltechnologynetwork.com
Jump Start Camp Weeks of June 17, June 24, July 8, July 15 1st – 7th Grade Intensive Reading & Math $200.00 / week l $750.00 / for all 4 weeks
CHOICE Educational Academy 5510 Lilburn Stone Mountain Road Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Phone 770.921.3690 n Fax 770.921.3693 admin@choiceeducationalacademy.com www.choiceeducationalacademy.com
PAGE 12
Family Corner: Plan, Unplug, and Be Positive at Mealtime By Our Town Staff With our busy lifestyles today, finding time to shop for groceries, cook, then meet as a family to enjoy a meal together can be a major challenge. A Harris poll shows only 30 percent of American families share dinner each night. Yet the benefits of maintaining that family time are so substantial that it’s well worth your while to make it happen. Research shows, for example, that kids and teens who share meals with their families three or more times per week are significantly less likely to be overweight, more likely to eat healthy foods and less likely to have eating disorders. Further, such togetherness is linked with higher grades, better self-esteem, and positive behaviors such as sharing, fairness, and respect among children who participate. In that spirit, we asked actress, host, food lover, and mom of two, Courtney Lopez, for some helpful tips on how she gets her family together for mealtime. Lopez has recently teamed up with Eggland’s Best (EB), a proud supporter of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good movement, to challenge families across America to pledge to stay at the table for an additional “dozen” minutes. 1. Unplug and unwind. Make your table a phone-free zone, encouraging everyone to talk about their day. This will help your family grow closer together and become more and more involved in each other’s lives. You might be surprised by what you will learn! 2. Try new dishes. Comfort food can be a great thing, but so can the sense of adventure that comes from trying new dishes. Eggland’s Best eggs can be incorporated into an endless spectrum of family-friendly recipes like the Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowl. EB eggs are the only eggs good enough for my family meals, with superior nutrition like 25 percent less saturated fat and 6 times more vitamin D than ordinary eggs. 3. Make it a team effort. Your family will feel more involved if they share the work. My little guys love helping by cracking eggs, stirring, sprinkling spices, or setting the table. Allowing little ones to Continued on page 16
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Snellville Days Continued from page 10
vehicles. Operator driven, they walk and drive, creating endless excitement and photo opportunities for the whole family. Catch them roaming the grounds and interacting with children and adults of all ages. • TreeMan & Cowboy Woody – Don’t miss the Walking TreeMan and Cowboy Woody. Barely distinguishable from real trees, Walking TreeMan moves slowly and deliberately down the street, and can be seen from 150 yards away! Keep your eyes peeled also for someone dressed as Woody from Toy Story – only he’s 10 feet tall – performing lasso tricks! • Local Entertainment – Some of the best local artists, schools, and entertainment will fill the stage near the food court for your listening and viewing pleasure. Snellville Community Garden Master Gardeners will be selling plants and hosting short seminars throughout both days to educate visitors. The crowds are sure to be big on Saturday, so it is strongly recommended to use the free shuttle from Snellville First Baptist Church. Shuttle service will run from 10 a.m., to 7 p.m. However, there will be no shuttle on Sunday. Beautiful T.W. Briscoe Park is located at 2500 Sawyer Parkway in Snellville. The hours of the festival are Saturday May 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, May 5, from noon to 5 p.m. More information at snellvilledays.com.
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PAGE 13
Bridging the Gap: How Read-Able Takes Education to the Next Level By Kristen Eleveld
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Deep in the heart of downtown Lilburn, a small, unassuming house sits in a neighborhood filled with families. A sign outside informs passers-by that this particular house is actually a business: Read-Able Learning Clinic. But while many assume this is simply another option for after-school tutoring, a closer inspection reveals the practice inside to be so much more. “So many people think we are a tutoring service,” says Nancy Crews, who is one of the co-owners. “But that’s not what we do here. We are here to create a bridge between home, school, and therapy.” Read-Able Learning Clinic is dedicated to helping students who are struggling with reading in traditional school settings or home school. Their clients range from young children with development delays to teens who are dealing with years of an undiagnosed reading disorder. Whatever the cause of the struggle, Read-Able’s mission is to get to the root of the problem and map out a solution that allows each student to succeed academically, emotionally, and socially. The dream for Read-Able began eight years ago. Nancy’s daughter Kate was teaching in a school for children with learning disabilities. Though the school had been founded with the intent of assisting those who needed specialized instruction, Kate felt that many of her students needed a resource that was beyond what the school could offer. “I wanted a better support model for kids and their families – especially for kids who were undiagnosed or who had unspecified issues,” says Kate, who currently holds a Master’s Degree in Literacy Education and a certification in Special Education, and is working her way through a doctorate. “I wanted to find a way to complement existing therapies and academic support.” With these goals in mind, Kate opened Read-Able in 2011. Her background in education had shown her that no two students were exactly alike, and that many traditional settings were not going to help the students find the key to work through their diagnoses. If you walk into Read-Able clinic, you might find one student in the middle of a scavenger hunt looking for sight words. You might see another bouncing up and down on a trampoline as they study vocabulary. You’ll find students enjoying a snack break, playing with Legos, and, most Continued on page 19
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April 12 & 13 10AM-10PM
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PAGE 14
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Our Town Gwinnett
Berkmar Culinary Team Continued from page 8 A new element Chef DJ has brought to the program is competition. In his experiences with Le Cordon Bleu and the many competitions he’s won, he has developed a strategy to help competitors become winners. During his first year at Berkmar, he began identifying students who had the potential to be winners. “Not just competitors, but winners,” he says, “because you don’t compete to compete; you compete to win.” There are three teams. The A-Team is made up of all seniors and is the highest trained, and all are members of FCCLA. Journee Denson is Team Captain, Gustavo Perez is Sous Chef, and Tamoya Nelson is Pastry Chef. When Chef DJ received the FCCLA recipes for the competition, he told the team to study them for a week, but not to bring the recipes when they came in for training. He used a powerful Le Cordon Bleu hands-on modeling method: “I do - you do,” taking the team into the kitchen and demonstrating the preparation of the entire meal. Many years of professional cooking experience have given Chef DJ the ability to interpret and reformat recipes to make them better. The apple fritter trifle dessert recipe called for bread crumbs, but he showed the students how to make sourdough caramelized croutons, which kept the bread requirement of the recipe but made it unique. He says in competition you have to think, “How can I elevate the dish to make it the best it can possibly be with the intent of edging out the competition in order to win?” The team competed in the FCCLA Regional Culinary Competition. “I was so proud of them,” says Chef DJ. “It was their first time competing as a team, and they won second place and advance to State.” At the competition, one of the judges came over and said, “That apple pie was the best dish we had all day. You had uniform infractions. If it had not been for those, you would have won first place.” ATTENTION - Double checkcheck ad for content. ATTENTION -new Double adALL for ALL Thanks to the Valentine’s Dinner fundraiser, uniforms were for content. the competition ATTENTION - Double check ad forpurchased ALL content. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. team, so the A-Team should have no uniform worries at the state competition and can put all Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. nothing - Reply back that ad istheir approved onceonce their energies into Assume preparing pro-level recipes. Chef DJ is also building mindset, telling them, Assume nothing Reply back that ad is approved Assume nothing -BEEN Reply CHECKED back that adFOR is approved once ALL ITEMS HAVE ACCURACY. “Nothing is guaranteed in life or competition! If you want first place, you must take it and make ALLITEMS ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY. ALL HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY. yourselves an award winning team.” He shares this way of thinking with all his students, and shares his heart as well, wanting them to learn every experience he can give them – teamwork, collaboration, communication. “This is not just cooking; this is life.” Those who participate in the program for three years can become certified pathway completers. He tells them, “As a certified pathway completer, you are qualified to work in any restaurant. Show them your certification and ask, ‘When do I start work?’ That‘s the mindset I’m compelled to instill in each of them: Step up and take your place in the world.”
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GCPS is Hiring Bus Drivers!
Drive for success at our Bus Driver Fair! Applicants are required to have a good driving record and a high school diploma or GED.
When: Saturday, April 13, 2019
Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Where:
Gwinnett County Public Schools J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center 437 Old Peachtree Road, NW - Building #200 Suwanee, GA 30024
Make our Bus Driver Job Fair your first stop! Visit GCPSJobs.org
(Located across the street from Loganville Elementary on GA81/20) Open Tues-Sat 11-9
Our Town Gwinnett
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PAGE 15
Family Corner Continued from page 12 help can also get them excited about the meal, even if they tend to be picky eaters. And as the old saying goes, many hands make light work. 4. Plan in Advance: It can be tough to have nutritious meals ready to go with a busy schedule, but spending just a few hours of your weekend buying, prepping, or even cooking the components of your weekday meals will go a long way. You’ll thank yourself when you’re hungry and tired at the end of a long day. Having everything nearly ready to serve reduces the chances you’ll opt for fast food or other less-healthy food options. 5. Focus on the Positive. No one wants to share a table with fellow diners who are grouchy and unpleasant to each other – although sometimes that can be unavoidable with kids. To keep it positive during this relatively short time each day, avoid judgments, lectures, sarcasm, and snarky comments. Ask each person about the highs and lows of his or her day, setting aside this space and time to celebrate victories and help each other through life’s challenges. Sharing great food together can be an excellent way to create positive memories and boost family bonding. So, make some time to have a meal with your family. You will be glad you did. (BPT)
“The Voice of Business”
McCurry Photography Exhibit Graces Halls at Trickum Middle School By Kim Hill If you received a call from an art gallery owner asking if you would like to have an art display set up in your school, no strings attached, you would probably think it was too good to be true. Fortunately, when Trickum Middle School received such a call, the offer had come through a connection with the gallery owner and a former Trickum teacher, so those involved knew the offer was valid. “We didn’t know what they were at the time, just that they were artwork,” says Trickum visual arts teacher Christine Cliatt about the collection. “The gallery owner said his sole interest is to provide fine art for children to experience every single day right within their school.” The artwork provided is an exhibit containing 118 poster-sized images of photographer Steve McCurry, who is best known for his Afghan Girl photograph that was featured on the cover of National Geographic Magazine in June 1985. The collection, called Faces of Innocence, features photographs taken around the world. Afghan Girl is located beside an intro picture of McCurry from 1983. Trickum language arts teacher Joanna Shackelford explains that Massoud Besharat, owner of Besharat Museum Gallery in Atlanta, began achieving his vision by donating 75 framed prints to Elbert County Primary and Elementary Schools in northeastern Georgia, and later donated an exhibit to Saint Thomas More Catholic School in Decatur because he had a connection there. Debra Moody, a former Trickum language arts teacher who now teaches at Saint Thomas More, learned of Besharat’s desire to expand his exhibits throughout the Atlanta area and that he wanted the next one to be in a public school. Knowing Trickum would be an ideal location for the exhibit, she contacted Ms. Shackelford, who shared the proposal with Principal Ryan Queen and Cliatt, who were thrilled by the prospect. Cliatt and Shackelford were invited to visit Besharat at his gallery and residence in Castleberry Hills Continued on page 21
Community Spotlight: Gwinnett Medical Foundation’s Cornerstone Society Gala By Beth Volpert-Johansen
Reasons to Consider Having Your Own Radio Show 7 Grow Your Business By Spending Quality Face-To-Face Time With Key Business Leaders And Decision Makers
7 Market Your Business To An Audience Of Business Leaders And Executives
7 Become The VOICE Of Your Vertical Market
And Separate Yourself From Your Competitors
PAGE 16
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With any luck, a person can go through life not really needing the services of a hospital beyond that of birth. However, for most of the community, the necessity of a good emergency room, talented physicians, nurses, and a whole host of other medical professionals and staff is a reality. At some point just about everyone will need them. The Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation exists to ensure all those medical professionals are there when needed, with exactly what is needed for the surrounding community. Continued on page 20
All shows are broadcast from the
Katherine Crews, M.Ed., Reading Specialist Nancy Crews, LCSW Counseling
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4851 Lula Street, Lilburn, GA 30047 www.readablelearningclinic.com
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Some insurances accepted.
Our Town Gwinnett
Pet Perch: Dog Walker – Does Your Dog Need One?
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By Terie Hansen If you are a busy professional working long hours or a stay at home parent with a to-do list that never ends and includes more road time than an Uber driver, your dog(s) may be taking a backseat in terms of time, attention, and the all-important potty and exercise breaks. A professional Dog Walker can help relieve the pressure (literally) on your dog and you! These days many dog owners are away from home eight plus hours a day. That’s a long time for your dog to “hold it.” Even if your pet can, that doesn’t mean he or she should. Over long periods of time holding it can lead to bacteria accumulation in the urine, weakened bladder muscles, urinary tract or kidney infections, and even the development of bladder stones. Compounded over the years, this can contribute to incontinence later in life. Many senior dogs are rehomed or euthanized because of this issue. Giving your dog the advantage of a midday potty break and the added benefit of additional exercise can lead to a healthier dog, decreased vet visits, and an increased lifespan. A Professional Dog Walker is a great option for puppies and seniors who have a weaker immune system or are overwhelmed by too many dogs at a doggie daycare, for dog aggressive dogs who are perfectly human friendly, or for dogs crated during the day because of destructive behaviors. Whether you need occasional or ongoing care, a Professional Dog Walker is flexible and comes to you! The cost of a visit is affordable. Plus, not having to drop off and pick up your dog from daycare cuts down on your daily commute, saving you time and fuel costs. Giving your dog a midday potty break is a huge boost to your dog’s daily routine and overall health. Plus, you enjoy a worry-free work day and peace of mind knowing that your dog doesn’t have to hold it all day long. Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com.
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PAGE 18
Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049 3/26/17
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Our Town3/26/17 Gwinnett 1:48 PM
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Bridging the Gap Continued from page 14
importantly, enjoying the learning process. People are surprised to find a sensory gym in a learning clinic, but as Kate explains, “Learning involves the whole body – visual, spatial, memory, motor memory, and of course, self-regulation.” For an Orton-Gillingham lesson on “floss words,” which contain a short vowel followed by a double consonant, Kate created the recipe “Yell for S’mores,” incorporating words like “yell,” “fill,” “glass,” and “bliss.” The result, aside from a yummy dessert, is that students use all their senses to analyze their spelling words and remember spelling rules. “Drills and worksheets just don’t work for a lot of students,” Kate says. “We use multisensory, evidence-based methods, including Orton-Gillingham, to teach students to read and understand words.” Nancy joined her daughter Kate at Read-Able in 2012. She has over twenty years of experience as a counselor for children and teens dealing with anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. Nancy also works with students who have ADHD to use game-based biofeedback and neurofeedback programs to increase attention, reduce impulsivity, and improve self-regulation. Read-Able is a developmental clinic. Both Kate and Nancy are trained in DIR Floor Time to
Why is the study of women’s health pronounced “Guy”-necology?
assist children with autism and developmental delays to build engagement and meaningful relationships with others. “These abilities form the foundation for all learning,” says Kate. Read-Able also helps parents of students in Special Education to understand the IEP process and the many programs and services available through public school, as well as resources in the community. “It’s an investigative process,” Kate says. “We want to determine why current services aren’t working and how they could be improved.” More than anything, Read-Able Learning Clinic firmly believes that every child can learn if they are given the proper tools and motivation – which sometimes means trying different ideas that you won’t find in traditional school settings. “Our students are able to read and able to succeed,” Nancy says. “You can’t teach subject matter, you can’t teach skills – you have to teach children. We want to help children who are struggling in school to find a path to success and to have value in their achievements.” Both Nancy and Kate are excited about expanding Read-Able services, with occupational and music therapy coming soon. More information at http://www.readableclinic.com.
Atlanta Gynecology & Obstetrics is uniquely equipped for empathy and understanding of women’s health. Our practice is comprised of a diverse group of female physicians and nurse midwives — we share your perspective AND your experience. As a female owned business, we understand and appreciate the importance of women making decisions for the best interests of themselves and their families.
Visit AtlantaGYNOB.com to learn more, or call to make an appointment! Decatur Office 315 Winn Way Decatur, GA 30030 404.299.9724
Gwinnett Office 449 Pleasant Hill Rd, Suite 200 Lilburn, GA 30047 770.923.5033
Our Town Gwinnett Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049 19-AGOB-0025 Our_Town_Green 10x7.5306_April.indd 1
PAGE 19
3/15/19 2:11 PM
PAWfest 2019 Disc Dog Demos
Dog Contests $1
Lure Chasing
Best Kisser
Silent Auction
Best Costume
Dog Adoptions
Largest Dog
Low Cost Dog Vaccines
Free Game of Musical Sit after dog contests
Vendors & Food
PAW Parade 10AM
Fun for the whole family!
Saturday, May 11 10AM—4PM Rain or Shine Lawrenceville Lawn FREE Admission Leashed Dogs & Well Trained Humans WELCOME!!! Presented by:
Visit pawfest.com for more information
n Is your Child having difficulty in public school? n Is your child Failing or getting behind with credits? n Is your child fighting you to go to school? n Is your child getting in TROUBLE? n Is your child getting Bullied? Then you need to make a CHANGE in their school Environment: n Small classes n SAFE environment n Caring teachers n Work they understand and can actually succeed in n IEP’s are Welcome n Not ALL students fit in Public School
out: Come check usMake the right “Choice” for your child. n Traditional, private elementary, middle and high school n Non-traditional high school n Credit Recovery n HIGH ACT/SAT scoresWay above state averages n Accepted to all Colleges and Universities n Hope Scholarships/Dual Enrollment
CHOICE Educational Academy 5510 Lilburn Stone Mountain Road Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Phone 770.921.3690 n Fax 770.921.3693 admin@choiceeducationalacademy.com www.choiceeducationalacademy.com PAGE 20
Gala Continued from page 16 The Foundation’s website details their mission as “perpetuating our heritage of healing through the blessings and generosity of time, talent and treasure, we challenge ourselves to do even more towards our purpose of helping to improve and transform our community by providing quality healthcare, access to life-saving and life-improving technology, and accelerating learning and discovery.” With those words, the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation is in the middle of its largest fundraising campaign for the next generation of healthcare. It is their intent to raise and invest $30 million. To create the kind of synergy needed for the campaign, the foundation will build on the momentum created by past generations to fund five key areas: human performance improvement, clinical innovations and discovery, capital equipment and technology, recruiting and retaining talent, and legacy giving. As with any fundraising endeavor, it is the hard work and dedication of the members who spend countless hours volunteering, raising funds, and personally giving to the society. Each winter, the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation hosts the Cornerstone Society Gala. The black-tie event is how the Foundation thanks donors who gave $1,000 or more during the previous calendar year. “This is a night where we have the opportunity to thank all those who have given so much to this community,” says Hospital President and CEO Phil Wolfe. “It is a night to celebrate, enjoy, and recharge for the tasks ahead.” Celebrating the award winners was, as always, charged with emotion. Everyone seemed to have a personal story about how Gwinnett Medical Center had touched his or her life, but for the 2019 award recipients who were celebrated through touching video interviews with coworkers, family, and patients, the night was uniquely personal. Legacy Award winner Lisa Cink was honored by her children and husband Stewart Cink, who said, “She consistently shares her beliefs and love for people.” Greg and Tammy Shumate graciously accepted the honor of the Distinguished Service Award. Their daughter, Jordan, and son, Zach, were both featured in a video detailing the many ways their parents have impacted the lives of all around them. Dr. Carlton Buchanan was honored with the Physician Champion Award, and was in good company with Jay and Rekha Desai Compassionate Care Award winner, Pam Garrett. All award recipient videos were shown, loudly applauded, and then later posted to the GMCGiving.org website where the words and accolades of friends and family will live on to inspire future recipients. The night was especially joyful for Foundation President Jason Chandler, who celebrated his 10th year spearheading the fundraising efforts. “The Foundation Staff made the most amazing video to look back on the last ten years,” says his wife, Monica. “Our hearts were happy upon hearing all the kind and funny stories about Jason.” Among the attendees who have had a lasting impact on the county was Lawrenceville Mayor, Judy Jordan Johnson. Always one to smile and greet everyone with genuine affection, Johnson summed up the evening by saying, “It is a real joy to be here celebrating all of the good work that goes on at the hospital.” Joining her in the sentiment was Hospital Board Member and local author, LC Johnson who said, “These people work so hard all year to make sure the hospital has what it needs. It is important that we stop to break bread together, enjoy each other’s company, and relax for an evening. To that end, the entertainment for the year was home-grown with Jeff Foxworthy on the stage to spin humorous tales about the very serious work of medicine. The crowd laughed as Foxworthy told his own personal stories of health in a way that was both real and funny all at once. In typical Foxworthy-style, the crowd was entertained from the minute he opened his mouth to his closing remarks. “Invest in people you will likely never meet,” he said. “Gwinnett Medical is an amazing place, and I thank you for doing what you do.” The echoes of the Gala audience were proof that laughter was, indeed, the best medicine that night.
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McCurry Photography Exhibit Continued from page 16
where he shared his big dream to expose children to art, saying he feels schools resemble institutions and that students do not have enough exposure to beauty. His idea is to bring the culture into the school so children can be exposed to cultures other than their own. However, because diverse cultures already exist in Gwinnett County Schools, Cliatt says many of the students are able to find children from their native countries captured in the photos. Queen says many students will pose in front of a selected image and take a selfie or have someone make a picture. “I think it’s a great representation of Let our team of real estate the diversity that we have [at Trickum],” he adds, “and I do think it was ironic. It wasn’t necessarily that we were chosen for our diversity; however, because of how diverse we are, it is very fitting because professionals help you with your the kids definitely have a connection. They are very much finding themselves in the images.” At the same time, the images also give students some perspective of thereal estate needs. differences between our
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culture and others. Shackelford says the collection captures her students’ interest 2017 every day as they return from lunch. “They are always pointing and seeing something new and interesting.” • 130 transactions closed Queen has observed classes in the hallways doing projects as teachers are finding ways to incorporate the collection into their lessons. Cliatt has used the exhibit to •teach her photography students Average 31 days on market about composition and use of light. As many students are oriented to social media and the “selfie,” • Our listings sold for 98.36% of she has them observe the pictures to realize that the artist never includes himself; there are no selflist price portraits. The exhibit has a created a lot of interest in photography circles and other groups, and Principal Queen welcomes these groups to see the collection as long as theyCall today to put our proven track call ahead and visit during school hours. “The cool thing,” he says, “is even the non-photography folks mayrecord to work for you. not recognize his name, but as soon as you mention the Afghan Girl, those of us of that generation recognize that face and those green eyes and immediately have a connection to who Steve McCurry Kathy Coots 770 654-8972 is.” The school is hosting an Open House on Tuesday, April 16th from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. Students www.KathyCoots.com will be available to guide people through the exhibit and talk about some of the photographs they have researched, or guests may choose to walk through freely. There will be student musical performances and student artwork on display as well. Queen says his understanding is that the exhibit is permanent, with a new collection provided about every year. Shackelford adds, “So this is just the first installation of many – this is what Mr. Besharat’s plan is, because he doesn’t want it to become mundane.” “I was overwhelmed with their generosity,” she continues, “because the first installation was 100 images, but when they saw this hallway, they said ‘you need more’ and so they came back and brought 18 more to fill the space.” Besharat’s only request is to hear, periodically, how the art affects the kids. Cliatt plans to have her students write letters about how the exhibit makes them feel and to send those to the gallery. “What a beautiful self-concept,” she says. “He wants nothing back.”
2018 • 122 closed transactions • Average 29 days on market • OurLet our team of real estate listings sold for professionals help you with your 97.08%real estate needs. of list price 2017
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More than 30 Years of Helping People with their Money Roger S. Green, MSFS, CFP®
With more than 30 years of experience helping people with their money through the tough times and the good times, and teaching retirement planning classes since 1997, Roger is very qualified to assist with all of your financial and investment planning needs.
Take control of your financial future by registering for Successful Retirement Strategies held at Gwinnett Technical College
Successful Retirement Strategies Sugarloaf Campus Two Wednesdays July 10 & 17 6:00-9:00pm
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Course tuition is $99 for you and a guest.
Ask about the senior discount!
Registration: call Gwinnett Technical College at 770.995.9697 or go to www.GwinnettTech.edu/CE. Successful Retirement Strategies will be found under the Hobbies and Personal Enrichment section.
Unable to attend class? Call 770.931.1414 today to schedule a no cost personal consultation. www.RogerSGreen.com
Securities and Advisory Services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and a Registered Investment Adviser. Green Financial and Cetera Advisors are not otherwise affiliated. Awards cannot be considered a guarantee of future performance. Green Financial, Gwinnett Tech, and Cetera Advisors are otherwise unaffiliated. Office located at 3700 Crestwood Pkwy Duluth, GA 30096.
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May 4 & 5
Annua h t l 46
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PAGE 23