The Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Monthly Community and Family Magazine
Our Town
January 2017
Lawrenceville l Snellville l Lilburn l Stone Mtn. l Tucker
Meet the team at Total Learning Concepts, see story on page 5
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P4 Foundation’s Gino Vizzi: Making a Difference Community Talk: Spotlight on the City of Lawrenceville Meet Tristin Hayes: Trickum’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year One on One with Robin Mauck: PRC Gwinnett Provides Hope
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On the Cover: Total Learning Concepts Creates Customized Programs for Each Individual Student By Heidi Campbell Carol Wood, the owner and founder of Total Learning Concepts (TLC) of Lilburn and Dacula, has been in education for thirty-seven years. Born in Long Island, NY she moved to College Park, GA before her third birthday and attended Fulton County schools. After graduating from Georgia Tech in 1979, she went on to achieve her Masters in Counseling Studies, taught high school math in DeKalb County, and worked as a corporate trainer for Bell South for three years before opening her own business. “I started my business from my kitchen table in 1986,” describes Wood. “Ten years later, after saving money, I bought my Lilburn property on Five Forks Trickum Road, drew up the floor plan on a napkin while at dinner, and hired an architect.” Total Learning Concept’s Lilburn location was built in 1999 and the business relocated to its current site in 2000. After spending time in the classroom, Wood knew that she wanted to develop that same teacher camaraderie that she felt as a public school teacher. Her staff of about thirty-five, which truly works as a team, is made up of degreed instructors who all have teaching backgrounds. Wood prides herself on having the right person for each student need, so she has teachers who work with students on a one to one or one to two basis for everything from foreign languages to AP Physics and beyond. “My incredible staff is a big reason why I never wanted to franchise Total Learning Concepts,” explains Wood. “I want to always be able to customize programs to really specifically
meet student’s needs. I don’t want ‘set’ packages; rather, I want to be able to adapt our offerings to specific needs immediately – without any red tape!” Individualized instruction is the heart of Total Learning Concepts. They offer tutoring in every subject, including all AP courses; preparation for nearly all major tests including the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, GED, COMPASS, PRAXIS, GACE, NET, MCAT, and LSAT; and Georgia Milestone and EOCT reviews, just to name a few. The test preparation is done individually, with group classes available for the SAT and ACT, and, by this summer, a group GRE preparation course will be available as well. Their offerings are so vast that even other franchised tutoring centers refer students to them! Total Learning Concepts welcomes students of all ability levels, including those with IEPs. “We are focused on finding the right fit for our students,” explains Wood. “We meet with parents, who bring all the student records to the table. We then review all of the information and determine the areas that the student most needs help with. We then assign the student to the ideal instructor and select resources that best fit the student’s style of learning and academic need. “ Four years ago TLC became accredited as a non-traditional private school: Total Learning Academy. The academy is set up to offer all accredited coursework needed for high school graduation. These courses are a good option for students who have to make up coursework due to injuries, illnesses, or suspensions, and TLC works in conjunction with all the local guidance offices to ensure that credits are properly transferred to each
student transcript. “Students also have the online option,” says Wood. “But I always recommend pairing that option with our solid tutorial program so the student can have some face-to-face instruction. This can really help their success if they are taking upper level science and math classes online.” Costs for Total Learning Concepts services are set up to meet the needs of their clients, so families can pay monthly for individualized sessions or simply come for “drop in” help as needed. Math is the most sought after area of need, and Wood believes this is due to the fact that students don’t approach it in the right way. “I often tell students that if you are a pitcher on a baseball team and you throw a bad pitch, the coach tells you to look at your technique, correct it, and then drill and practice more,” explains Wood. “Math is the same way. If you get the wrong answer, you need to monitor your work and figure out where you erred. Then, correct the process, drill and practice the same type of problem until you get it right! You have to practice math every day; you can’t just read over math. You have to work the problems on paper yourself.” Giving back to the community is something that Total Continued on page 10
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Our Town The Gwinnett/NE DeK alb Monthly Community and Family Magazine
Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultZ.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultZ.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Cover Photographer Amadorphoto Web Development Webkat Design Distribution Coordinator DeeDee Chapman Feature Writers Daidra Annis Rachael Brice Lisa Brittain Heidi Campbell Kim Hill Karla Socci Somers Michelle Watson Contributing Writers Davina Hayes Dansby Terie Hansen Javier Munoz Lisa Clinkscale Porter 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 2017 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: Total Learning Concepts Creates Customized Programs for Each Individual Student 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 8 Skin So Simple: Happy New Skin! 9 P4 Foundation’s Gino Vizzi is on a Mission to Help Others
10 Community Talk: Spotlight on the City of Lawrenceville 11 Trickum’s 2016-17 Teacher of the Year is Passionate about Teaching 12 PRC of Gwinnett Offers Hope for Women in Crisis 13 Character Counts: Up Close with NG3 and Parkview High School 14 Up Close with Talented Orthodontist: Dr. Cesar Cardenas 16 Making a Difference: Benchmark to Kona 17 Q&A with Political Analyst Bill Crane 17 Travel Tales: Visit Cuba or Not? 18 Meet Your New Neighbors: Beans & Butter Coffeehouse 21 BusiNeighbor Seeks a “Third Place” for Veterans 22 Pet Perch: Is Your Cat Suffering from Whisker Fatigue? PAGE 6
22 Health Matters: Understanding Prediabetes For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049
Our Town
From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion By Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanSauers
Good bye 2016. Welcome 2017! New ideas, resolutions, and dreams come with a new year. With that said, this column is written to provide inspiration as we seek to make 2017 an amazing year in our world and in Our Town. My question is simple: How bad do you want to grow as a person and/or organization this year? You see, if you want something bad enough, you will find a way to achieve it. In contrast, if you do not, you will find an excuse. It is just the way human beings are wired. It is amazing how many people are “stuck” in old patterns of thinking or with an excusefilled or negative mindset. Why settle for being stuck? It is time to lead and get “UNSTUCK.” My mindset is simple. Quit complaining, stop making weak excuses, and bring some passion to the table. Leaders (personal and/or organizational) find a way to succeed in any situation. They find opportunities behind each obstacle. Whiners will tell you about the problems that are in their way and/or why these issues hold them back. Are you someone who complains from the sidelines? Or do you find a way to succeed/make things better no matter the circumstance? I encourage you to choose the latter. We all have the same amount of time (168 hours week), so what you do with it makes the difference. Time is the great equalizer for every human. Nobody has any more or less time than another. So, what do you do with your time? Do you focus on putting last things last? Or are you stuck in a continual “paralysis by analysis” or a “decision by indecision” mode? How bad do you want it? Remember, there is a solution behind every problem. And often it is NOT found on Google. I challenge you to lead and make things happen. Plan your work and work your plan and you will grow – in all parts of your life – in a deliberate and intentional manner. You will have a great 2017 (no matter what you encounter) with such a mindset, and you will help our community grow to even greater heights in the process. Thanks for being such an amazing community. Thanks for all your encouraging feedback. Let’s make 2017 an amazing year together. And as always, thanks for continuing with us in the evergrowing journey of my town, your town, Our Town!
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Skin So Simple: Happy New Skin! By Lisa Clinkscale Porter, Aesthetician Everyone can achieve and maintain healthy skin for a lifetime if you follow these three steps. The first step is having a good daily skin care regimen. A good daily regimen generally consists of cleansing, prevention, resurface/treat, moisturizing, and protecting your face and neck two times daily. Cleanser removes dirt and debris from the pores. Using a toner immediately afterwards removes any excess cleanser and brings the skin’s ph balance back to normal right away. The next step is to resurface and treat the skin with products that will give it clarity. These are used to either correct, repair, or maintain your skin. Then, a good water-based moisturizer is applied to provide hydration. Finally, we all need to use at least a SPF15 sun protection on our skin every morning. It should contain antioxidants and both UVA and UVB protection so we are sheltered from the aging and burning rays of the sun. The second step is using the appropriate products for your skin, which can make all the difference. I always recommend using holistic, all natural products that do not have any artificial fragrance or preservatives. It is sometimes very difficult to determine what products your skin needs, but it should be based on the current condition of your skin, the current season, and the goal you are trying to achieve. It certainly does not help that there are hundreds of skin care products marketed every day, which only adds to the confusion. Think of it this way from now on: there are only two types of products on the market – the kind that you can select at your own discretion, and the kind that has to be selected for you by a licensed skin care professional. The products that you have access to will almost never have a high enough percentage of any active ingredient to help you get the results you want. In order to save time and money, it is best to get a recommendation from your aesthetician about which products are best for your skin after a thorough skin analysis. I will give you the third and final step in an upcoming edition of Our Town, so stay tuned. Lisa Clinkscale Porter is owner of Unique Face Options, Inc. More information at http://www. uniquefaceoptions.com/
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“Passionate 4 a Cure” P4 Foundation’s Gino Vizzi is on a Mission to Help Others
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By Karla Socci Somers “Only one out of two million children – 16 years old – get this cancer, and he’s one of them,” says Toniann Vizzi. “And you know what? That’s for a reason. Because he has to do what he’s doing…He has to be the voice for these children.” Toniann is talking about her son, Gino Vizzi, who was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in 2014. Since then, Gino has been on a mission to help other children and their families through the challenging experience of a cancer diagnosis. With the help of his family, Gino started the “P4 Foundation” (which stands for “Pray for”) to assist children and their families through cancer treatments financially, spiritually, and educationally. “We have already helped about sixteen families,” Gino’s father, David Vizzi says. “We make monetary donations; give gift cards for organic foods and healthier eating; donate water purifying systems, juicers, and smoothie blenders,” David says. “Anything we can do to help kids build up their immune systems while they are undergoing treatment.” David explains that part of Gino’s mission is helping children and their families understand the link between beating cancer and healthy eating. “Cancer feeds on sugar!” David says, emphatically. “Let’s teach these kids about good food.” Treating the whole person and the whole family throughout the cancer treatments has become Gino’s mission. In fact, he currently attends the University of North Georgia where he is majoring in pre-med. Gino wants to become a medical doctor who practices a combination of mediContinued on page 15
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Community Talk: Spotlight on City of Lawrenceville
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Being the county seat of the second most populous county in the entire state of Georgia makes for some pretty big shoes to fill, but the City of Lawrenceville does it well. From “small town feel” community events to higher education, the Crepe Myrtle City has a lot to offer its residents. The Lawrenceville Lawn, which opened in 2014, has become quite the epicenter of activity. The space provides the city with the ability to host more events, as well as accommodate third party events like 5k runs. According to Marci Gross, the director of Lawrenceville’s Marketing and Public Relations, the current lawn and playground area are actually phase one of three that will be completed over the next several years. The city has big plans for the surrounding area that includes both residential and retail space. The annual fall festival, Rock’n Ribville, consistently a huge success, is the largest event hosted on the Lawrenceville Lawn. With more than 14,000 barbeque enthusiasts visiting throughout the day, over 40 barbecue competition teams from across the southeast United States, and over 100 arts, crafts, and food vendors, this is one event you shouldn’t miss! But this festival is about more than just barbeque because it benefits the Lawrenceville Police Benevolent Fund. Our four-legged friends also feel the love at Paws in the Park, which benefits the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation. Here is some exciting news for all you craft beer lovers out there. Lawrenceville will be the site of the first craft brewery in Gwinnett County! The Slowdown Brewing Company will make its home near the train depot, just a few blocks from historic downtown Lawrenceville. In addition to hosting tours, the Brewery will feature a tasting room and several craft selections that the owners hope to debut at local restaurants. Fan favorite Local Republic is currently renovating a new, larger space on the Square, and once moved, their old space will house Strange Taco Bar. Other innovative and exciting new restaurants will be opening soon as well. Growth and revitalization is a top priority for the city, thanks to a vibrant strategic plan for economic development. An Advisory Board was assembled just for this purpose, with members who are community leaders from Partnership Gwinnett, Georgia Gwinnett College, Gwinnett Medical Center, and many other businesses and organizations that make their home in Lawrenceville. As part of that plan, construction will take place to create a College Corridor directly connecting students at Georgia Gwinnett College with the offerings of Lawrenceville’s Downtown District. With the significant renovations that are already underway on the Historic Square, city leaders are proud of the progress already made, and are excited to unveil the other developments that spur from the current revitalization efforts. More information at http://www.lawrencevillega.org/
Total Learning Concepts Continued from page 5 Ruben Diaz, M.D. Interventional Physiatrist Board Certified in PM&R Board Certified in Pain Medicine
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Learning Concepts makes a priority, and Wood developed a “TLC Community Care Team,” comprised of some students from her program, to ensure that the priority is not overlooked. Each year, the team sponsors the “Believe Ball” for CURE, an organization that works to research a cure for childhood cancer. They also give a yearly contribution to the Georgia Tech Chandler Endowment fund to help fund scholarships for meteorology students. For years, they partnered with the “Dream House” for medically fragile children, and they sponsor numerous DEFACS children at Christmas. Total Learning Concepts assists local schools with, not only free practice SAT testing each semester, but also as sponsors of various student activities, including a most recent Color Run at Parkview High School. Wood has enjoyed a long career of helping students reach their academic goals. The rewards come back to her every time a student returns to tell her they got into the college of their choice, or scored a great score on the SAT. Wood recalls working with a Miss USA pageant contestant on her interview skills and feeling so proud when the student won the interview portion of the competition. One of her students was accepted into WestPoint, another got the football scholarship he was hoping for, and another perfected his German and became part of the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Several have scored perfectly on the SAT and are now physicians. “It is such an honor to see students succeed. We work really hard to make sure that we are helping each individual student achieve his or her goals. We customize everything here, and love to see each student reach their potential.” More information at www.totallearningconcepts.com.
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Our Town
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By Heidi Campbell Tristin Hayes, a Gainesville, Florida native, has been teaching elementary school and middle school math for seventeen years in both Florida and Georgia, with a focus on co-taught and ESOL students. She comes from a long line of teachers, as far back as her great-grandfather who was the president of Bethune Cookman University. She spent thirteen years teaching at Camp Creek Elementary before moving to Trickum Middle School, where she recently became the 2016-17 Teacher of the Year. According to Trickum’s principal, Ryan Queen, “Tristin Hayes is a great ambassador of the teachers we celebrate every day. She works hard, cares for our students, and is focused on ensuring high levels of learning for every student.” The Teacher of the Year process begins just after Labor Day and takes place in every school in the state. Teachers nominate candidates, candidates complete applications, and the top three in each school are videotaped and voted on by the staff. The three school finalists are honored at a schoolwide ceremony. Hayes was thrilled with the honor, and impressed with the ceremony that new Principal Queen helped arrange to honor the three candidates. “It was really a big deal this year!” exclaimed Hayes. “Mr. Queen had a stage set up, with comfy chairs from the conference room, and Brian Lucy [Teacher of the Year for 2015-16] came up and read the bios of each of the three candidates. There were giant gift bags by the stage, put together by the instructional clerk, and filled with all of our ‘favorite’ things.” Before her new honor could truly sink in, Hayes was swept along to the next tier: the Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year process. She was given a packet containing five questions, Continued on page 13
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PRC of Gwinnett Offers Hope for Women in Crisis By Kim Hill The Pregnancy Resource Center of Gwinnett (PRCG) is a life-affirming medical clinic and a safe haven for women who find themselves facing an unexpected pregnancy. “We offer medically accurate information on abortion, parenting, and adoption,” says Executive Director Robin Mauck. The clinic provides a free pregnancy test and ultrasound so women will have specific information to make an informed decision. “But of course our mission is to save that baby’s life and to save that girl’s life,” says Ms. Mauck. In the counseling rooms, handmade booties and caps are offered as baby’s first gift, while the ultrasound gives a first opportunity to see the living baby. “So many girls are just uneducated,” Ms. Mauck explains. “They really don’t know.” PRCG has a free program called HOPE that offers pre-natal, life-skill, and nutrition classes, as well as nurse consultations. For each class they take, women earn “baby bucks” that can be spent in the clinic’s baby boutique to obtain maternity clothing and baby items until the baby is a year old. Classes are offered in a group setting which provides a built-in support group. Another PRCG program called IMPACT has been taught in health classes ar Gwinnett County Public Schools. PRCG has also developed a strong relationship with Georgia Gwinnett College, sharing information through its newsletter and at orientation. In its 25th year, PRCG is fully funded by donations from individuals, churches, and organizations, and has three fundraisers each year: an annual banquet, the Gwinnett Life Run presented by the Chick-fil-A store on Scenic Highway, and the newest, called Gideon Strong, where men are challenged to join the fight to save babies by pledging monthly support. PRCG has two websites, one for the community and the other for patients. Each website has a “Get Involved” tab for those wishing to volunteer, but if time is an issue, prayer warriors are always needed. PRCG offers love and support to all who walk through its doors. “I feel like God gives us all a passion; and this may not be your passion,” says Ms. Mauck. “But if you have a heart for saving babies, come see us, because we have a place you can serve.” More information at http://prcg.org/
Naturopathy Chiropractic Care Corrective Exercises Lifestyle Advice Nutritional Counseling Myofascial Release Spinal & Postural Screenings
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PAGE 12
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Character Counts: Up Close with NG3 and Parkview High School By NG3 Director, Javier Munoz Demarius Smith (DS) is a senior at Parkview High School and has been involved with NG3 for two years. He is a leader on the football team and in the community, and was the recipient of the NG3 Character Award at Parkview. Here is a recent Q and A with Javier Munoz (JM). JM: What does NG3 mean to you? DS: NG3 means a lot to me. It teaches me how to be a better young man and how to be a good husband in the future. It also showed me how your character is important and how character can get you places in life. Also, NG3 is a place where I feel safe, where I can say anything or tell everyone in our group what is happening in my life. It’s a place where I can worship, pray, and talk to God as a group, or just with Javier Munoz, my huddle leader. JM: What is the most memorable moment you had with NG3? DS: My most memorable moment was over the summer when we painted a lady’s house – whose husband had just died – because she couldn’t do it herself. I liked how we worked together as a team, and we also had fun while jamming to Bruno Mars. It was fun because I never went on top of a roof and actually painted. It was pretty cool. It felt like I was on top of the world. It was very heartwarming at the end when she thanked us. I teared up a bit because I felt very appreciated. I will never forget that moment. JM: What would you tell someone who has never heard of or experienced NG3? DS: NG3 is a great organization that I would like my kids to be a part of. They teach three character principles: Do what you say, serve others, and bring change. Do what you say, meaning if you say you are going to do something, do it. Be a man of your word. Serve others, meaning don’t only help yourself and be selfish, help others who are in need, too. Bring change, meaning be different, do something no one has done, raise the bar, and set a higher standard than those around you. NG3 teaches a lot of character lessons, but these are the main three. More information at http://ng3.org/
Trickum’s Teacher of the Year Continued from page 11 which she answered in a response of ten pages. The questions asked about her inspiration, her strategies, and her community service. Within a week of turning in the materials, she learned that she was a Top 25 finalist at the county level, only the second teacher to achieve this from Trickum Middle School. She attended the ceremony and said that the winner, Jamie Lynn McFarland from Rocksprings Elementary, was amazing. “Wow,” Hayes said, “There honestly wasn’t a dry eye in the room at that banquet after hearing her [McFarland’s] story.” Hayes, who serves as the 7th grade math chairperson, currently teaches 7th grade ESOL math. Surprisingly, she hasn’t always had a passion for the subject. In fact, she recalls struggling so much in math that at one point she needed a tutor. “Math is hard. I understand my students’ struggle,” she explained. “Now I can tell them that their entire life is a word problem. When I struggled in math, from 3rd- 7th grade, a teacher named Derek inspired me. I just want to be ‘Derek’ to my students. I am living proof that even if you struggle, you can get it!” Finding unique ways to bring math to life for her students is a challenge that Hayes truly enjoys. She recently finished up a calendar project with her students. After completing a unit on equations and inequalities, she came up with a nontraditional assessment for the unit. Students chose a calendar month, and for each date they had to make up a problem with the date as the answer. They decorated their respective calendars, and, Hayes revealed, “Some kids really got into it! One kid researched all the national holidays, and put in things like National Hot Dog Day and National Selfie Day.” Hayes is passionate about teaching, and hopes to teach adults in the future. She taught summer classes to teachers seeking ESOL training and really enjoyed the opportunity. She also hopes to do more work with county staff development and possibly work with the Math or Assessment offices at the county level. For now, however, she is focused on the success of her 7th grade math students. As she mentioned in her Teacher of the Year speech, “I love my kids. I teach some of the most misunderstood kids, but all they need is a little attention and compassion. At the end of the day, we all need to feel loved and heard.”
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PAGE 14
If Dr. Cesar Cardenas were to win the lottery today, he believes he would still be working tomorrow because he truly loves what he does – practicing the beautiful combination of art and science that makes up his passion – orthodontics. From an early age, Cardenas knew he had a passion for dentistry. The youngest of six, he grew up in the shadow of his brothers – an oral surgeon, a physician, an accountant, and two engineers. He recalls he enjoyed watching them study, and since both his parents were teachers, receiving a good education was instilled in him throughout his childhood. When he was twenty-two years old, Cardenas, who spoke no English at the time, moved to the United States from Colombia, South America, where he enrolled in an English course at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He then moved to Boston and attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where he finished dental school and practiced general dentistry for a year. He later went back and received his Certificate in Orthodontics. Cardenas also holds a Doctorate of Dental Medicine and a Master of Science degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Javeriana University Dental School in Colombia, South America. Dr. Cardenas, who has been practicing dentistry for eleven years, moved back to Georgia and has settled down in Grayson, where almost ten years ago he did something he had always dreamed of doing – opening his own practice. However, he didn’t open just one office, he opened two! One is located in Grayson and one in Dacula, and between the two offices, Dr. Cardenas and his staff of certified orthodontic assistants see over 200 patients a week! The Grayson campus tends to see more patients, so the staff typically spends three to four days at that location with the other day of the week spent at the Dacula office. “I wanted to be able to provide the quality of care and service I wanted, not only for my patients, who I treat as if they were my own family, but for my family as well,” he said. “It brings me great satisfaction to be able to help improve a person’s life by giving them a beautiful and healthy smile. I strive to give each and every patient I see customized care and the highest quality of orthodontic treatment available.” While 70 percent of his patients are children, Dr. Cardenas treats a large number of adults who didn’t have the opportunity to have braces or couldn’t afford them as a child. Now he is helping them improve their smiles and appearance using different techniques, including metal and clear braces and Invisalign®. Dr. Cardenas, a leading Invisalign provider, even has two women in their 70s who are just finishing their treatment. “It’s never too late to get braces,” he said. “In today’s world, we can always improve our quality of life and gain our confidence back.” The average treatment time in braces is approximately two years, whether starting at eight or nine years old in Phase 1, which is known as early orthodontics, or starting at eleven or twelve years old when all permanent teeth are in place. Dr. Cardenas is proud to have state-of-the-art equipment and promises to always provide excellent care and great service to keep his patients happy, and, of course, smiling. “For me, orthodontics is not work,” Dr. Cardenas said. “I love interacting with the families and children we treat and watching the process of crooked smiles turning into straight and beautiful ones. This is my passion. It’s my life. If I won the lottery today, I would still be working, because I don’t think I could do anything else.” Dr. Cardenas and his staff love the community and the patients they treat. When Dr. Cardenas isn’t attending to his patients, he spends time with Estela, his wife of seventeen years, and their three beautiful children, Camila, Laura, and Santiago, all adopted from Colombia. They all love to play soccer and to travel together, and recently they returned from Cancun and Walt Disney World. More information at http://www.graysonorthodontics.com/main.
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Passionate for a Cure Continued from page 9 cal, functional, and holistic medicine. “There are options [for treatment] that people don’t even realize,” David says. “We want to educate them about the available options.” In an effort to promote this education, the P4 Foundation hosted their First Annual Health and Wellness Event at Chateau Elan last April in which author Ty Bollinger, who wrote The Truth about Cancer, spoke about the many options available as complimentary treatment to chemotherapy. Educating parents and families about the benefits of eating well and holistic healing options is a great place to start, but Gino is taking it one step further with his “Crayons 4 Cancer” elementary school program. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, P4 Foundation partners with the elementary school and takes action. “Crayons 4 Cancer” helps teach the children about the benefits of healthy eating and cancer prevention through coloring books and fun activities. The foundation also raises money for the PTA, the child undergoing treatment, and his family. It works just like a typical school fundraiser with the added benefits of all the emotional and educational support these children need during a difficult time. Regarding all the families P4 Foundation assists, David says, “Gino feels a connection with these families. We build relationships with them. Gino personally speaks to the kids and lets them know they are going to be OK; their treatments will be over soon; their hair will grow back. It helps them understand they are not alone on their journey.” And, that is critical to their health and wellbeing. In addition to the “Crayons 4 Cancer” program, P4 Foundation hosts an annual chili cookoff, the Play4Cure Invitational baseball tournament, and a Home Run Derby at the Gwinnett Braves stadium. This past June at the Derby, they raffled off a Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Cruiser, donated to the foundation by David’s brother and his wife, honoring her 17-year-old daughter, Leora Woodsmall, who lost her battle with childhood cancer in 2003. From the very beginning of his own cancer journey, it was clear that Gino was embarking on a mission not only to help himself, but to help others. Although Gino’s leukemia is incurable, and he will be taking a chemotherapy drug every day for the rest of his life, he selflessly focuses on the kids and families battling their own, often worse forms of life-threatening illnesses. David says Gino lives by the Golden Rule, and P4 Foundation works hard to carry out Gino’s mission of helping others. “He’s passionate about it! That’s where he’s taking his life.” More information at http://p4foundation.org
“Dr. Simmons is proud to offer Botox and Dermal Fillers. Call the office to schedule your consulta Programs for kids from infancy through 12 years. Try a class for free!
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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.
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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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Making a Difference: Benchmark to Kona By Michelle Watson Benchmark Physical Therapy is a company committed to serving the community. Whether it is a national/international cause or a local concern, the staff dedicates its time and effort to improving the lives of those around them. Robert Cornett, the regional director for Gwinnett County, says that each Benchmark location serves the local community in some way. The staff may decide to sponsor a child or family for Christmas, or they may raise money for a local food bank. Whatever they decide to do, you can be sure it will benefit charities in the areas of health, homelessness, or hunger. Employees are given eight hours a year to donate to the charity of their choice. And, the company gets behind at least one major national campaign per year. Clearly, giving to the community is the company’s greatest mission. In 2016, Benchmark agreed to help Cornett raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). He had been approached by LLS and asked to participate on the charity’s behalf in Kona, the Ironman World Championship. Cornett had become involved with LLS when his two-year-old daughter, Norah, was diagnosed with Type B Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, a blood cancer that would take two years of fighting before little Norah was healed. Kona only receives the top one percent in each qualifying triathlon, but a few slots are reserved for non-profit participants. These slots are not granted without meeting some criteria. One thing they asked Cornett to do was raise $50,000. He talked with the executives at Benchmark who assured him they were behind him. The campaign was named “Benchmark to Kona,” with the idea that it was not just Cornett going to Kona, but the whole company, too. When the $50,000 mark was reached, Cornett upped the goal to $75,000, and then he raised Continued on page 20
Hanjun is a visiting Post-doctoral researcher from China working at Georgia Tech. He had been struggling with depression for many years. He went to doctors, did research on his own and tried various solutions but still struggled. Some friends from work invited him to church but he refused since he was an atheist. At a research conference, he spent time with Jason, who is a part of Discipleship International, and another friend who spoke to him about Jesus and his love for Hanjun. Hanjun listened and decided to try this Jesus they talked about. He prayed with them and decided to follow Jesus and experienced forgiveness of sins and found that his depression was gone! When the depression would try to come back, he remembered Jesus, prayed to him and the depression would leave! Hanjun now is growing in Christ and serves on our translation team. This is one story about what God is doing at Discipleship International.
Join us on Sundays in Lilburn at Trickum Middle School at 10:30 AM. See what God is doing among the nations in the Atlanta area!
www.di.church 770-359-9022
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Duluth PAGE 16
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Crane’s Corner: Q&A with Political Analyst Bill Crane
PowerHouse Electric, LLC
By Our Town Staff
S E R V I C E
Our Town: How does someone become a Political Analyst? BC: Politics have been an interest/hobby of mine since childhood. I grew up in a newspaper family, worked for a number of media outlets, and, in the mid-80s, found my way back home to Atlanta and serving as press secretary for Georgia’s then Secretary of State Max Cleland. I worked again with Max when he was later US Senator, and we are still close. But from that job I worked in a media relations or communications capacity for Governor, and later US Senator, Zell Miller, longtime Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Mike Bowers, and US Senator Paul Coverdell. In between and after, I supported or consulted with dozens of office holders and candidates, from members of Congress to Georgia sheriffs, mayors, and county commissioners. When US Senator Coverdell had what at first appeared to be a stroke in July of 2000, and what turned out to be a fatal brain hemorrhage, I was asked by friends at 11Alive News to participate in a retrospective of his public life and over a period of days and weeks to provide additional commentary. That evolved into a weekly Sunday morning segment that continued for more than eleven years and my becoming the primary political analyst for WXIA, Atlanta’s NBC affiliate. In 2006, WSB Radio came calling, and soon after that a weekly column, initially carried by The Champion, DeKalb county’s legal organ (now lightly syndicated); in 2009 Georgia Trend; and finally during the 2012 election cycle, Action News and WSB-TV came calling. I am now the senior political analyst for WSB-AM/FM and WSB-TV. Our Town: Why did this Election year seem to feel so different from so many others? BC: Because it was. Starting at the top of the ticket we had two major party nominees who were disliked, distrusted, or held in low esteem by a near majority of American voters. This is of course BEFORE the candidate is actually in office, which typically takes its own toll on their job approval ratings. It is a continuing demonstration of the polarization of our nation, in part fed by social media and the immediacy of the internet, but also fueled by a very real disconnect of expectations from voters with their appointed and elected government officials at the local, state, and federal levels. This election is bi-furcated. A bit less than half would seem to want to blow up Washington, throw out every incumbent, and start from scratch. The other, slightly less than half, like and appreciate the direction which President Obama has been taking the country, and they want to head further in that direction.
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Travel Tales: Visit Cuba or Not? By Pam Walker There is so much hype in the press right now about travels to Cuba. I don’t know how many times people have said to me, “Go now before it changes.” Now that so many airlines are flying in daily, each with a capacity of approximately 180 seats, we need a reality check on how to start the planning process. No. 1 – Visas. Most Cuban visas are for “People to People” exchanges, which means that you must go with an organized group. You can also pay for the visas through an airline that flies there, but you must have an authorized agent sign for your stay, and you have to have a valid reason for the visa. No. 2 – Hotels. There are only a few hotels in Havana. Most are full 95% of the time – no matter what season – and usually Continued on page 20
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Let Grow Bookkeeping take the day-to-day By Rachael Brice Let Grow Bookkeeping take the day-to-day burden of bookkeeping burden bookkeeping off you yourmore shoulders, off yourof shoulders, leaving time and energy to concentrate Coming time. from a big family, Michael Simmons learned more time and onleaving growingyou your business andenergy freeingtoup your personal how to cook at a very young age. He grew to love baking, especially desserts, which eventually concentrate on growing your business and specialty. payroll • account reconciliation • rental properties •became elderhis bill management freeing up your personal time. He continued cooking as a hobby throughout college, then, while living in Chicago with his
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selling his cheesecakes to approximately twenty-five different restaurants in the area. However, Michael was juggling both his business and a second job in telecommunications. After his second job transferred him and his family to Atlanta, both Michael and Stacey vowed never to involved in the food industry again. Only become Professional Yet after two years inTheatre Atlanta, Michael found himself out of a job, so he turned back to what he knew best – food. He attended culinary school at Gwinnett Tech and upon graduating, accepted a job on Daufuskie Island where he worked under some of the finest culinary chefs in the industry. While on the island, Michael undertook many different roles, including banquet chef, line cook, and bakery manager. But after being away from his family for three years and working 14 – 20 hours a day, six to seven days a week, he knew it was time to come home. An extremely hospitable family, the Simmons then opened their home as a private event facility and hosted and catered events for those in their local community; but they always wanted to come back to food. So after a couple years of debating and discussion, the Simmons decided to follow their dream and open a coffee shop – Beans & Butter. “When someone walks into the shop,” Stacey said, “they’re going to get a feeling of what it’s like to be in our home. We always enjoy having company over and serving good food and drinks, particularly coffee and tea, and we couldn’t be more excited to offer that to our local community.” Beans & Butter provides a clean, simple, and organic atmosphere. Even the wall décor and tables are made out of recycled basketball floors! The shop is partnering with two other companies – 1,000 Faces Coffee in Athens, and SPIRIT Tea in Chicago – to provide a wide variety Continued on page 20
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Visit Cuba or Not? Continued from page 17
Beans and Butter Coffeehouse Continued from page 18
crowded with groups of foreigners. They are controlled by the Cuban government, so if you want to stay in one, you must go through a tour operator that has relationships with the Government Tourist Office. There are plenty of “Casas Particulares” to stay in. These are private homes where you have a room; but be prepared to communicate in Spanish as few of these homeowners speak English. These people have gotten a license from the government and must follow strict rules to stay open. These are 3 star at best, do not include meals, and are very cheap, but remember – you get what you pay for. No. 3 – Tours and transportation. This part is fun because you can hire one of Cuba’s historic cars to travel around the city. If you hire an English-speaking guide from your hotel, know that the guide works for the Cuban government and will most likely spew the stories that Fidel trained them to relate. Most taxi drivers do not speak English, and you have to have good negotiating skills to hire one. No. 4 – Food. Because of the influx of tourists from the US, a lot of basic staples are becoming scarce. Don’t expect a lime in your Cuba Libre because they are few and far between on the island. Private citizens have been allowed to open restaurants under the supervision of the Cuban government, but prices are steep and you will rarely find a resident eating there. Cubans average a monthly salary of $60, so do remember where you are when you are enjoying that Sirloin Tip! Travel to Cuba is a phenomenon that won’t go away soon. So plan carefully and you can have a fabulous trip – expensive, but worth it. Cruise lines are now scheduling stops in Havana, thus bringing more crowds to that wonderful and historic city. But for now, look for a good and knowledgeable agent for your visit! Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor and can be reached @ pam@walkeradventures.com
of coffees and teas customers wouldn’t be able to purchase elsewhere. Coffees from America, Africa, and Southeast Asia are available for purchase, as well as an assortment of green, white, and black loose-leaf teas. No coffee shop is complete without baked goods. Every day, Michael bakes and sells his best pastries, sourdough breads, sandwiches and other yummy treats to accompany the coffee and tea selections. Both Stacey and Michael guarantee the flavors of the coffees mixed with the aroma of fresh baked bread will entice customers to visit again. Additionally, Michael bakes dog biscuits, a surprise menu item for customers with canine companions. “We want to be a place where the community can come and relax, enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea, and be in good company,” Michael said. Beans & Butter Coffeehouse is located in the River Oak Plaza in the far corner of 851 Oak Road Lawrenceville, GA. More information at Beansandbuttercoffeehouse.com.
Benchmark to Kona Continued from page 16 it again. Along the way they made tool kits so that other clinics could learn how to raise their own money and how to donate to LLS. Currently, they have raised nearly $230,000, making them the largest fundraiser in the country for LLS, and the largest single fundraising effort in both Georgia and the Ironman World Championships. Cornett is now the chair for Beyond the Mark Service, the committee that directs the corporation-wide fundraising efforts, and he says they will support another non-profit with the same gusto in 2017. Cornett wants to serve others because he knows how much he has been given. Quoting Luke 12:48, he reminds us, “‘For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required.’” He has been given much, by the community, and by the doctors and medical staff at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta who took such great care of Norah. Gwinnett County is indeed blessed to have Cornett and Benchmark in its midst as they strive to bless the community in unprecedented ways. More information about Benchmark at http://bmrp.com/benchmarkpt/. More information about the Kona campaign at http://events.lls.org/pages/ga/benchmarktokona/rcornett .
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BusiNeighbor Seeks a “Third Place” for Veterans By Kim Hill Around the holidays, American veteran Charmelle Scott finds herself surrounded by piles of donated toys ready to be distributed to those in need. She hosts parties for foster and special needs children and spends many hours volunteering; but the cause that is always heavy on her heart is the desire to help our country’s veterans who struggle daily with the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She founded a nonprofit organization called BusiNeighbor, Inc. as a vehicle to raise awareness and support for those who have served. Ms. Scott offers the concept of a “Third Place” to describe what she hopes to achieve for veterans. A third place is somewhere that is not home and not work, but a different physical location where someone spends time. In the ideal scenario, veterans could come to this place to interact with each other in a non-threatening environment. “You’re not in a hospital doing a group, where you might feel depressed or anxious, and you’re not at home isolated where you may think you’re the only one who’s going through this. You’re in a place where you can relax, where you can meet other veterans, and share the same experience,” she says. “There’s nobody that you can meet who doesn’t know a veteran,” says Ms. Scott, but often the conversation will lead to the problems that veteran is having. “You just fill in the blank with what that suffering is. I just don’t want them to have such a hard time; that they think suicide is the way to find that peace.” Citing the example of a workplace with a gym, Ms. Scott says employees who utilize the space feel better, look better, and thereby become more productive. She uses exercise as her own outlet. “Whatever emotion I had is released through the sweat,” she explains. “We know the benefit of recreation for everyone.” Ms. Scott works tirelessly to make the veteran recreation center a reality. Her prayer is to get more people thinking about a third place for those who need it. The ideal location would be on a bus line, and have space for a clothing closet, food pantry, computer lab, and a reading library. “I think each of those plays an important part in the person being happy,” she says. Outdoor space for activities is vital, and Ms. Scott is constantly looking for partners, having contacted an organization to provide use of therapy dogs. “At the end of the day,” she says, “I just remember, if God gives me one more day, then it’s up to me to try to make this happen for all the veterans who don’t have an outlet.” More information at www.BusiNeighborVeteransCenter.org
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PAGE 21
Pet Perch: Is Your Cat Suffering from Whisker Fatigue? By Terie Hansen I feel as though I am pretty knowledgeable regarding cats. I’ve owned cats all my life, and up until recently I had never heard of Whisker Fatigue. I’ve always known that whiskers are sensitive and they help cats determine if they can fit through or in something (whiskers are usually about as long as a cat is wide). But in researching the topic of Whisker Fatigue, I learned some new things as well. Most people know that a cat’s whiskers are thicker, longer hairs, but did you know they are more deeply rooted than regular fur and the area around each has a generous supply of nerves and blood? Cats typically have 8 to 12 whiskers on each side of their nose as well as above their eyes. They also have whiskers on their chins and on the lower back of their front legs. Whiskers are super sensitive because each has a sensory organ at the end called a proprioceptor. This organ can detect the slightest vibration or change in air movement, which helps cats when catching prey as well as navigating in the dark based on how air currents change. But because of these ultrasensitive proprioceptors, it is painful for your cat to eat if his or her food and water dishes are not shallow enough. When cats are fed from a typical bowl, their whiskers endure unnecessary contact with the sides of the bowl, causing fatigue and even pain. This can turn mealtimes into a stressful, even aggression-causing scenario. For symptoms of Whisker Fatigue, visit our blog at http://gooddogcoaching.com/whisker-fatigue-cat-suffering/ What can you do? Change out those dishes, fast! Choose wide, shallow dishes that allow your cat to eat and drink without whiskers touching. Don’t mess with or even cut your cat’s whiskers! Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com
Health Matters: Understanding Prediabetes By Davina Hayes Dansby, M.D. Diabetes is one of the country’s fastest growing epidemics. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 29 million Americans are affected with diabetes and 86 million are living with prediabetes. Unfortunately, 90 percent of those with prediabetes are unaware of their diagnosis. The good news, you may ask? Both conditions can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes. Diabetes occurs when the body is not able to efficiently use glucose, its primary fuel source. The pancreas produces insulin. Insulin pushes glucose into various cells in the body and allows those cells to use glucose to fuel various cellular processes. In diabetes, the body does not recognize insulin. The pancreas has to produce more insulin than normal, resulting in pancreatic burnout, increased fat deposits, and ultimately prediabetes turning into type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is one of the leading causes for death in America. It is one of the number one causes for strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, limb amputation, and blindness. Patients are typically diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes eight to ten years into the disease process. With better diagnostic tools available, clinicians are now able to identify patients earlier in the disease process. Patients at risk for diabetes can be identified when repeated fasting glucose measurements are above 100 mg/dL or when A1C measurements are above 5.7%. Diabetes is diagnosed when repeated fasting glucose measurements are above 125 mg/dL or when A1C measures above 6.4%. Two pivotal trials, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPS) in 2005 and the more recent YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program, proved that diet and exercise can prevent or delay the progression of Type 2 diabetes. DPS randomized 3,234 patients with impaired fasting glucose (defined as a fasting glucose level between 95 mg/dL – 125mg/dL) to three groups. One group was given placebo, the second group initiated lifestyle changes which included a 7% weight loss and 150 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, and the third group was given metformin 850 mg twice daily. DPS showed that the lifestyle modifications group outperformed the metformin group! Ask to be screened for prediabetes and if found, start lifestyle modifications immediately. Diet and exercise are proven strategies to delay progression of diabetes. Just Do It! Dr. Dansby is a physician at DeKalb Medical Physicians Group Rockbridge Family Medicine at Snellville. More information at rockbridgefamilymedicinesnellville.com.
Session 1: June 5 – June 23 Session 2: June 26 – July 14 (no camp on July 4) Session 3: July 17 – August 4
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Our Town
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