FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015: Our Town Gwinnett/Walton BiMonthly Magazine

The Gwinnett/Walton Community and Family Magazine

Our Town

February 2015

Grayson l Loganville and surrounding areas

Students at George Walton Academy, see story on page 5.

6 8 10 12

Up Close with Dr. JovĂŠ: Three Generations of Orthopedic Care Sports Talk with: Coach Andy Dyer Archer High Football Community Business Spotlight: Grayson Coffee Shop Getting Schooled with: Dana Pugh of Grayson High School

STONE MOUNTAIN GA PERMIT #1037

PAID

PRSRT PAID U.S. POSTAGE

Discover the Difference

OPEN HOUSE

Register for one of our events and discover firsthand the difference of a George Walton Academy education.

February 12th or March 26th at 10:00 AM - All Grades

770.267.7578

PAGE 2

www.gwa.com

For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

Our Town

Maurice Jove M.D. Introducing Nathan A. Jove M.D. as the newest physician to join our practice.

2400 Wisteria Dr Suite A Snellville, GA. 30078

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

404-296-5005 4743 Loganville Highway Suite 100, Loganville, GA. 30053

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

Sports Medicine Arthroscopic Surgery Joint Replacement Surgery

Our Town

For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

PAGE 3

Our Town The Gwinnett/Walton Community and Family M agazine

— An EndResultz Company

Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers ryan@endresultz.com Creative Director Elsie Olson elsie@endresultz.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Cover Photographer Kerr Studio Inc. Webmaster/ Technology Consultant Finley Williamson IV Feature Writers Rachael Brice Heidi Campbell Stacye Carroll Perry Rosenbaum Contributing Writers Kelly Farris Dr. Richard P. Gangwisch Mike Harper Julie D. Mills-Watson Pam Walker Carol C. Wood

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

Entire contents copyright 2015 by Our Town. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Our Town Gwinnett

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

Yearly subscriptions are available. $30/year Stay Connected!

OurTownGwinnett.com Read Online: OurTownMagOnline.com @OurTownGwinnett OurTownGwinnett OurTownGwinnett

IN THIS ISSUE 5 On the Cover: George Walton Academy’s Band Continues to Rock 6 Up Close with Dr. Jové: Three Generations of Orthopedic Care 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 8 Sports Talk with: Coach Andy Dyer of Archer High’s Football Team 9 Never Too Late 9 The Christian View 10 When is the Best Time to Sell My Home?

10 Grayson Coffee House – Coffee is Just the Beginning 10 Recipe of the Month: Courtesy of Foggy Bottom BBQ 11 Bleaching Your Teeth for a Brilliant Smile 12 Getting Schooled with: Grayson High School Principal Dana Pugh 13 Tips for Teachers to Gain Students’ Attention 13 Making Disciples for the Next Generation 14 This Year, Ski Europe!

PAGE 4

14 Building Your Health Team For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

Our Town

On the Cover: George Walton Academy’s Band Continues to Rock

By Rachael Brice The theatre is dark and quiet. A single spotlight illuminates the announcer on stage. In his hand, he holds the prize – the coveted Grand Champion trophy. Tristan Gibbs, senior and vice president of the George Walton Academy (GWA) Bulldog band, is among the competitors as he and his band mates clutch hands and wait intently, their ears straining to hear the winner of the competition. Then it happens. GWA is crowned the Overall Grand Champion.

It is not unusual for this talented band to win such a prestigious award. They have been honored with numerous accolades including Best in Music at the US Bands National Championships last fall, Best Percussion, Best Music, and Best Overall Effect at the US Bands Southern States Championships last fall, and Class VI National Champions at the US Bands National Championships in 2010.

GWA seasoned band Director Christian Smith said the Bulldog marching band has always striven to perform at the highest level of excellence and innovation, and will continue this tradition for years to come.

Smith is extremely proud of his students and all they have accomplished. Over the past fifteen years, he has wholeheartedly

dedicated himself to the band. As a result of his unyielding efforts, the band has flourished from its twenty original members. This year sixty-nine students are marching and proudly wearing their red and black as they entertain the crowd and play some of their favorite tunes. Smith especially likes to incorporate Latin jazz in their performances, though he views the group as a chameleon because they adapt quickly and love performing all genres of music.

“Our students work diligently three days a week from August to November to put together a performance that highlights our philosophy of leadership, intense effort, character building, and teamwork,” Smith said.

The GWA Bulldog marching band is no ordinary marching band. Unlike most, this band allows 7th and 8th graders. Performing at football games, competing in marching band festivals and competitions, and attending summer band camp round out the opportunities for these younger musicians.

Although GWA is a division A school, they compete against schools in the AAAAAA division including Grayson, Parkview, and Brookwood.

Senior and Drum Major Mackenzie Britt joined the band program in 5th grade after personally meeting the directors and expe-

riencing the fun the group has together. “It really was the best decision I have ever made in my life,” Britt said. “The directors trust us to make decisions and we learn from our mistakes.” She will be auditioning for the UGA Redcoat Band this spring in hopes to play the trombone and represent the Bulldogs in her UGA regalia.

Associate Director Jason Sneath attended UGA but completed his education at Kennesaw State University and then joined the GWA team. Sneath, an accomplished trumpet player, is currently in his 9th year teaching and directing at GWA. Over the years Smith and Sneath have collaborated together, building the framework of the band program into what it is today. When Smith started at GWA fifteen years ago, a total of thirty-one students were enrolled in the band program. Today, Smith and Sneath teach over 160 students rang-

ing from 5th to 12th grade in four different instrumental ensembles, which include the 5th grade Bullpup band, 6th grade concert band, Symphonic band composed of 7th through 11th graders, and, lastly, the highest-level

auditioned 8th through 12th grade ensemble, Symphonic Winds.

Senior and band president Justin Cohen has learned many life lessons during his time with Continued on page 11

Hurt Less, Heal Quicker, Have a Better Quality of Life

Happy Valentines Day! Love your Body!

Special: 20% off all products Therapeutic and Medical Massage

Chronic Pain Post Surgery Cancer Massage Lymphatic Therapies Scar Treatment

Thermal Imaging 1st Wednesday of each month

Arthritis Neuromuscular Therapy Prenatal Deep Tissue Myofascial Release

Julie’s book available at Amazon.com or BOH office.

Gift Certificates Available CALL TODAY

(678) 344-0050 1780 Oak Road, Suite A-2 • Snellville, GA

www.bodyofhealthandlife.com

Our Town

For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

PAGE 5

Up Close with Dr. Jové: Three Generations of Orthopedic Care

By Rachael Brice It is rare to find a thriving two-generation family business that works together to ensure its success. However, it is even rarer to find three generations working together, especially in the field of surgery. Three generations of the doctors Jové – Julio, Maurice, and Nathan; grandfather, father, and son – have treated and will continue to treat their patients with the best care, ensuring them a speedy and complete recovery.

In 1968, Dr. Julio Jové, M.D. started his orthopaedic practice at the Dekalb Medical Center. Twenty-four years later, his son, Maurice Jové, M.D., joined him in his practice. Dr. Maurice Jové, who graduated from Emory University where he also received his medical training, took over his father’s practice.

Dr. Maurice Jové has been providing orthopedic care to patients throughout the Gwinnett area for nearly thirty years. He and his son and newest associate, Dr. Nathan Jové, M.D., take care of Archer, Loganville, Loganville Christian, and Parkview High Schools. You can find them on the sidelines at any of the Friday night football games.

Dr. Nathan Jové attended Emory University as an undergraduate and Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia, PA. He completed his residency at the Detroit Receiving Hospital, essentially the “Grady Hospital of Detroit.” Dr. Nathan Jové will be working with his father in the Loganville, Snellville, and Decatur offices. On Mondays, the two can be found performing surgery together at DeKalb Medical Center.

Together, the Drs. Jové have developed different types of treatments for the variety of injuries they see on a daily basis. Some of their specialties include: Sports Medicine, Minimally Invasive Hip and Knee replacement, Trauma, Fracture care, Arthroscopic surgery, Hand Surgery, and Foot and Ankle Surgery.

“Our goal is to provide the best care possible so that our patients can resume their normal activity level as soon as possible,” says Dr. Maurice Jové. “We enjoy seeing our patients get back to work and to the sports they love to play, pain free.”

PAGE 6

For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

Our Town

From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion

By Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanSauers

Hello Grayson, Loganville, and surrounding areas. I welcome you to the first edition of Our Town that exclusively focuses on these areas in Gwinnett/Walton County. We refer to this magazine as Our Town (green) due to its masthead front page color. It looks very much like its sister publication Our Town (blue) that has been published for over ten years in Snellville, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, and surrounding areas. Businesses, schools, athletic teams, churches, and community leaders see Our Town Magazine as the leader in community and family communication.

We are excited about this new edition that will be published six times throughout this year. Why does this magazine matter, and how is it different? First, we have a distinct and high quality look. We are not like a normal magazine. We are unique in size, and we invest in our product by printing on glossy paper, not a lower end uncoated stock. Yes, other paper or size options would be cheaper. However, we want this brand to be the best it can be. We will not settle for anything less than excellence.

Second, each issue has a compelling cover story that pulls readers in. This month’s cover story is on George Walton Academy’s band. Our feature stories, listed on the bottom right of the front page, include a business spotlight on Grayson Coffeehouse, a “getting schooled” article with Principal Dana Pugh of Grayson High School, a “sports talk” article with Coach Andy Dyer of Archer High School, and more. Our stories are why people cannot wait to read Our Town. They keep people engaged, which cements the brand of our advertisers into the reader’s mind. Our advertising partners support the community, and the community supports our advertisers.

Third, our news gets to readers in a variety of ways. We mail to over 17,000 select homes each issue. On top of that we distribute copies in our exclusive display shelves that are in locations like Chick-fil-A, doctors’ offices, and more where people pick them up and take them with them to read. In addition, we have a widely read online version. Our Town’s online audience continues to grow as people read via computer, tablet, and/or phone. Please visit the online version at OurTownMagOnline.com, or visit our strongly followed social sites at Facebook.com/OurTownGwinnett and Twitter.com/OurTownGwinnett to stay connected.

Our updated website at OurTownGwinnett.com now allows specific banner advertisements.

In other news, we have listened to the community and will begin offering a subscription service in 2015 so you can receive Our Town if it does not come to your home.

Fourth, our team consists of top feature and contributing writers. We have an amazing creative director and cover photographer and many more. I am so proud of our team who, like me, work, shop, and play in this community. Fifth, we focus on individuals and groups from this great community who are doing positive things. We live in a world that often focuses on negative happenings – which is something you will never see in Our Town.

Finally, we saw Grayson/Loganville and the surrounding areas as the best and most natural fit for our expansion. The business growth is strong, the athletics are super, the schools are top notch, and the family involvement is second to none. You should be proud of where you live because…it rocks!

Look for the next issue of Our Town in April. And, in the meantime, please connect with us through the online channels. We look forward to this new beginning of a second edition of Our Town in the Grayson, Loganville, and surrounding areas, where we will continue the story of my town, your town, OUR TOWN.

NEW 30 minute classes including: Exercises to improve balance, stability and core strength Strength training focusing on arms, core and legs Movements designed to both stretch and strengthen your muscles Total body workouts with Jillian Michaels

NE

movW es

JOIN TODAY AND GET

50% OFF

2 1 4 4 Fo u n t a i n S q u a r e Snellville, GA 30078 67 8. 3 4 4 .0 2 0 0

OUR ENROLLMENT FEE! *

* Enrollment fee and monthly fees vary by location. Offer expires 3/31/15 and requires joining same day as first workout for a minimum 12-month recurring billing contract. Valid for new Curves members only.

Not valid with any other offer or discount. Valid at participating location only. Classes and Jillian Michaels workouts scheduled by location and only offered at participating locations. No cash value. © 2015 CURVES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (1501)

Want to Increase Sales? Grow Your Brand?

Our Town can help with an integrated marketing strategy.

New

Year

Spec ial u 2 magazines combine to mail to over 40,000 households each issue going is on u Strong social media presence in the online space now! u Online version of two magazines has a high rate of readership u Thousands of additional copies distributed in a variety of local businesses The Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Community and Family Magazine

Our Town May 2014

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

Graft Restaurant brings local food and community to Grayson, see story on page 5.

9 Community Member Spotlight with Joey Chapman 10 Principal Peggy Goodman on Five Forks Middle School 16 Get Outdoors this Spring with Ken Butler of All Pro Carts 18 Are You Just Going Through Life? Then Head’s Up!

STONE MOUNTAIN GA PERMIT #1037

PAID

PRSRT PAID U.S. POSTAGE

Our Town

Call 678-825-2049 or Email Sales@EndResultz.com for more info.

For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

PAGE 7

A Day of ...

• Innovative Activities • Weekly Outings and Entertainment • Memory Enhancement • Qualified Medical Assistance On-Site

Call or visit us today.

770.685.6971 ®

DAYTIME SENIOR CARE & ACTIVITIES

SarahCare® of Snellville

1567 Janmar Rd. Suite 200 | Snellville, GA 30078 www.sarahcare.com/snellville | Open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm

Sensory learning, neuromuscular activities, and spatial awareness, otherwise referred to as,

The Little Gym helps children reach their greatest potential.

From 4 months through 12 years, classes promote development and build confidence during each stage of childhood.

Discover your kid's happy place with our three week Introductory Experience for only $45 The Shoppes at Webb Gin www.thelittlegym.com/snellvillega 770-982-0901

PAGE 8

Sports Talk with: Coach Andy Dyer of Archer High’s Football Team

By Perry Rosenbaum Winning a region title in the Gwinnett area is no small feat, what with the abundance of high schools that have spectacular athletic programs. Therefore, winning back-to-back region titles in Gwinnett should be twice as difficult.

If that’s the case, somebody forgot to tell that to Archer High School football coach Andy Dyer. Dyer, a graduate of Brookwood High School and the University of West Georgia (where he majored in physical education, earned a certification for special education, and played on the gridiron himself), has been coaching for nearly two decades, and is showing no signs of slowing down. He coached at East Coweta after graduating college in 1996, transferred to Brookwood in 1997, and moved to Mill Creek in 2003 to help current head coach Shannon Jarvis get the football program set up before landing at Archer when it opened in 2009. He is humble, almost to a fault, saying, “To me, any individual coaching awards shouldn’t exist, because great football takes a bunch of great coaches, and, more importantly, a bunch of great players.” He says this in spite of being one of the recipients of the Coach of the Week award in 2013, presented by the Atlanta Falcons to Georgia high school football coaches for, according to the Falcons website, “their hard work and dedication to making a difference in student-athletes lives on and off the field.” So, while he may deflect credit from himself, Dyer is clearly considered a game-changer.

Faith plays a huge role in how Dyer carries himself and his team. When asked who or what he thought was most critical to his success, he paused for a while before responding, “My faith, my parents, all the coaches I’ve worked with…I draw inspiration from everyone and everything.” Moreover, the connections forged with players under his watch are equally vital to him. “I try to build relationships with the kids… they need to know you care.”

In that vein, Dyer says his greatest accomplishments solely involve seeing his players reach their goals. “I’m not in this business for personal gain. Football is the ultimate team sport, and anything outside of the team concept is, in my eyes, selfish.”

Dyer’s approach to getting his team motivated is somewhat hands-off in that his advice and guidance is not preachy or pushy. “Speeches and words…they’re great for a moment. But once the ball’s kicked off, it’s all about how they prepare. Their motivation comes from within.” He puts an emphasis on yearround training, something to which the players respond quite well. Even with this rigorous regimen, they still find time to assist Dyer during youth camps, mentoring kids who aspire to play football when they reach high school.

The Archer Tigers got off to a slow start this season, finding themselves with a 0-3 record. Dyer believes these struggles helped the team pull together, and they rode a wave of positivity to an 11-4 overall record (7-1 region) by season’s end. Then, once the playoffs started, the team breezed past their opponents and earned the right to fight for Georgia high school football supremacy. “If you can win the first one [in the playoffs],” he says, “it’s anybody’s game. We got hot at the right time and played our hearts out, and that was enough to get us to the state championship game.” Although they eventually fell to Colquitt County, they’re still one of the top ranked teams in the state (3rd overall) and project to be similarly successful when the season starts anew in the fall.

More information at http://www.archertigersfootball.com/

For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

Our Town

Never Too Late

Wellness Studio One-on-One Individualized Care…

NEW Wellness Studio... for All of Your NEW NEWWellness WellnessStudio...

Studio...

Now Now Open!

Open!

Physical Therapy Needs!

Now NowOpen!

Open! u Barre Classes

By Kelly Farris, ACSM CPT I generally do not talk about myself, especially to people I do not know. It is my job to get my clients to open up and talk about themselves and their goals. It is a little scary being on the other end.

I have always been attracted to fitness. Addicted is the better word. The draw for me, I believe, is accomplishment: the feeling of achieving something for yourself. Women can find themselves “doing” for everyone else, but you have to carve a little space out for you. My fitness is for me and no one else. I control it, plan it, execute it. It is a part of me – like breathing. I need it.

This year, I celebrate twenty years in business – twenty-five years in the fitness industry and several other wonderful milestones. There has been the occasional bump in the road. Such is this life. Luckily, I am still here and attribute this to a clear passion for fitness; but also a willingness to learn and try new things.

I took up golf at 42, running at 45, mountain biking at 49, and painting classes at 50. I haven’t put any of them down, either. I run longer, stronger, and faster than I did at 45, and now I have the joy of mountain biking with my grandkids as they grow up. I am blessed to have found multiple passions because I went looking for them.

What is your passion? What do you WANT to do? GO! Do it now! Ignore the critics, specifically the one between your own ears. Give yourself permission to do something for YOU. The want might turn into a need. It is never too late to try something new. Never.

• •Yoga Yoga • •Pilates Pilates

• Yoga • •Circuit Training Circuit Training u Circuit Training • Pilates • •Senior Classes Senior Classes u Pilates • •Barre BarreClasses Classes

• Circuit Training • Senior Classes • Barre Classes

u Yoga

Now Offering Class Members

Now Now OffOff erinerin g g Class mbers ClaMe ss Me mbhip erss! hips!

hips!

One-on-One Individualized Care...

One-on-One Individualized Care...

One-on-One Individualized Care... for All Your forfor AllAll Your Your Physical Therapy Needs! Class Memberships Available Physical Therapy Needs!

Physical Therapy Needs!

The WELLNESS STUDIO at 20 Grayson New Hope Rd. Locally ® Grayson

PRO MOTION

770-554-7977

Owned & Operated Since 2001

20 Grayson New Hope Rd. • Suite C • Grayson 770-682-3854 Locally Owned & & 2020 Grayson New Hope Rd.Rd. • Suite C •CGrayson 770-682-3854 Locally Owned Grayson New Hope • Suite • Grayson 770-682-3854 Operated Since 2001 Operated Since 2001

Locally Owned & Operated Since 2001

Kelly Farris is the owner of Ladies Workout Snellville and the President of KLF Fitness. More information at ladiesworkoutsnellville.com .

The Christian View

By Rachael Brice The station was calm and quiet. Enthusiastic assistants were teaching an eager audience how to clap for the camera. There was no hustle or bustle of last minute line reading or directors calling for places. The co-hosts were primping and enhancing their outfits with the perfect matching bracelet or the perfect pair of earrings before they entered the studio to begin shooting an episode of “The Christian View.”

“Welcome to the Christian View, where we take today’s hot topics and weigh them against the Word of God, because God does have a view,” Creator, Host and Executive Producer Jackie Carpenter said as she greeted the audience and the camera.

“The Christian View” is WATC Atlanta 57’s newest show, airing each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.

The show can also be viewed on Angel Two (Channel 266 on Dish). Created and produced by a small group of inspirational women, the show broadcasts to over five million homes in the southeast, and covers such topics as marriage, emotional baggage, tragedy, self-image, and materialism.

Executive Producer Stacy Robinson of the Robinson Agency has brought programming ideas to the station since 2002, and in August of this year she received the station’s approval for a Christian talk show. Robinson had previously worked with Carpenter on “Stand Your Ground,” a movie based on Carpenter’s true family story, and after the movie closed, Robinson used her connections to bring in speakers for the panel who would aid Carpenter as co-hosts. Dawn Mooring, Ann White, Alisa Boykin, and Rebecca Kenner soon joined the team and have been thoroughly enjoying their experience together.

“It is a big learning process,” Mooring said. “None of us have ever done anything like this before.”

It only took four months for the show’s concept to become a reality. With the exception of Mooring and White, the five leading ladies did not meet until a photo shoot and mock taping, which occurred a few days before they started shooting the first episode. Since these women are all busy writing books, speaking at conventions, and participating in ministry, it is hard to find time to tape each episode. So instead of coming to Atlanta once a week, they get together once a month and shoot one whole month’s worth of episodes. Although the show is not scripted, Co- Producer Gloria Stella and Robinson create each episode’s concept and draft rough outlines in order to keep the co-hosts on topic. Co-hosts are allowed two weeks preparation to research the topics conveyed. However, they are not to discuss their opinions before the taping so the conversation can flow more naturally.

Currently, the show has eight episodes taped, some of which have already aired, with a full schedule to shoot four new episodes per month throughout the first calendar year.

“We want to catch people by accident and give them a show that encourages them with topics that are in the media and news from a Christian point of view,” Robinson said.

Our Town

READY TO BUY OR SELL? 404.218.7124 TheParkHouseTeam@gmail.com

the

ParkHouseteam

the complete team

Mike Harper Rhonda Harper

For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

Earl Park

Rita Park

The real estate experts in your area in buying & selling plus staging & decorating.

Virtual Properties Realty PAGE 9

Necessities By Sherrie Bra Fitting Specialist Cup Sizes AA-JJ,K Band Sizes 28 - 50 Strapless Bras High Impact Sports Bras Nursing Bras Celebrating 10 Years Sherrie Strong, Proprietor Lilburn Resident 20 Years Bra Fit Experience

find us

Hwy. 78 at 2308 Henry Clower Blvd.

New London Plaza, Snellville

770.736.7113

www.necessitiesbysherrie.com

Store Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10-6 / Sun. - Mon. Closed

When is the Best Time to Sell My Home?

By Mike Harper, Realtor The decision to sell a home is both an emotional and a financial one.

The first step is to consider all the factors that underlie your decision to move. Some are more obvious than others: transferring to a new city or job location, becoming empty nesters, needing to reduce expenses in retirement. Others are less clear, such as a desire to change schools or wanting to move closer to restaurants and entertainment. Once the reasons to move are apparent, you will have a much better idea of when to list your home.

For example, if a change in schools is a major factor, then the move should ideally happen between school terms, which would normally necessitate listing the home in early spring. If you wait until June, it is unlikely you will find a buyer, go through the inspection and loan approval processes, and close on the sale before the start of the school year. For empty nesters or retirees, there is much less consideration of the time of year. Remember to account for any pre-sale repairs or improvements that need to be completed before listing your home.

More buyers are active in early spring, so that is generally the best time to list your home.

Listing in late February or March will capture the most spring house hunters. The peak selling season lasts through the fall, but homes sell in all months of the year. Today remains a great time to sell because the current low interest rates make homes more affordable. While there is a possibility that rates may rise slightly in 2015, rates remain at historic lows.

Mike Harper is a Realtor with Virtual Properties Realty. More information at parkhouseteam.com

Grayson Coffee House – Coffee is Just the Beginning

By Stacye Carroll

Recipe of the Month:

Courtesy of Foggy Bottom BBQ Smoker Pork Loin Ingredients: 4 – 5 lb. Pork loin 1 gallon water 1 cup salt 1 cup sugar Cooking oil Favorite BBQ rub Favorite BBQ sauce Brining Process Wash the pork loin under cold water and wipe down with a paper towel. Mix the water, salt, and sugar until dissolved.

Put meat and brine into a covered container or a large plastic storage bag, and store in the refrigerator at least 6 hours.

Remove meat from brine, wipe off moisture, and rub lightly with cooking oil.

Cooking Process Rub all sides of the pork loin with your favorite BBQ rub. Prepare your smoker with indirect heat and bring to 250 degrees. Put wood chips or junks on top of the coals – I recommend using apple wood. Cook for roughly 1 1/2 hours.

During the last 30 minutes, apply your

PAGE 10

favorite BBQ sauce (or stop by Foggy Bottom BBQ for a bottle of ours). Make sure to close the vents of the smoker after applying the sauce. This will help the sauce absorb some additional smoky flavor.

Smoke the pork loin to an internal temperature of 145 degrees. ***Important - do not overcook. The meat will become tough. This is the biggest mistake pitmasters make.

Pull the meat out of the smoker and set on a serving plate. Cover lightly with foil for at least 20 minutes.

Slice roughly ½-inch thick slices.

Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.

A CPA, a teacher, and a hospice employee walk into a church…and the result is Grayson Coffee House. An oversimplification of events?

Maybe, but it’s also a great way to describe a business that is a study in synchronicity.

Allison Grier dreamed of owning an ice cream parlor, but never quite brought her dream to fruition. Cindy Bruce founded a successful non-profit tutoring service. She had plenty of clients and willing tutors, but couldn’t always find a place to bring them together.

With the help of partner Kerin Fraunfelder, and advice from local business owners, the women were soon serving home-brewed coffee under a tent at the Grayson Farmer’s Market. According to Allison, the six months spent at the market provided an invaluable learning experience while renovations were being made to the house they now inhabit at 502 Grayson Parkway.

The tables next to the window are the most popular in the front room that is warmed by original wood planking on the walls. The next room features tables that can be pushed together if a group is meeting there. New customers usually spend time in front of a chalkboard menu that features several varieties of Jittery Joe’s coffees, served hot or frozen. There is a sampling of sodas, an assortment of teas, and a delightful concoction called “Chaider” in which chai tea, apple cider and Allison’s “secret” ingredient are mixed into something that I call, “Wow!” Customers are enticed by a display case holding pastries prepared by nearby Graft Restaurant and Totally Baked bakery. In keeping with their policy to support local vendors, Grayson Coffee House also offers Masada bagels and bread from Engelman’s bakery. Plans are in the works to begin offering a soup and sandwich lunch. Allison expects to stock more organic and health oriented products starting in March when a local cycling group sponsored by Grayson Coffee House begins meeting there for rides. She also plans to feature old-time sodas and candy so that children playing at the park across the street can come in for a snack.

In keeping with their goal to “get people out of their houses and out into their city,” Grayson Coffee House hosts live music, karaoke, and local vendors for events like the “Espresso Your Love” Valentine sale held this month. Allison Grier’s mind is always working. “Hey, they have wine tastings. Why not coffee tastings?” Yeah, why not?

Allison Grier, Cindy Bruce, and Kerin Fraunfelder own Grayson Coffee House. More information at https://www.facebook.com/graysoncoffeehouse

For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

Our Town

Bleaching Your Teeth for a Brilliant Smile

By Dr. Richard P. Gangwisch, DDS, MAGD, ABGD Bleaching vital teeth has been great for cosmetic dentistry. Teeth can be lightened considerably without having any invasive drilling or bonding of tooth-colored materials. The cost is significantly cheaper than all other cosmetic dental procedures.

Discolorations in teeth can come from many sources. Intrinsic stains (ones that are actually incorporated into the tooth structure itself), include antibiotics (especially tetracycline), fluorosis, and enamel hyperplasia. Aging will also naturally yellow the teeth. Foods such as tea, coffee, red wine, colas, and tobacco products will also discolor teeth. Extrinsic stains (stains that reside on the surface of the teeth) are caused by bacterial plaque accumulations that soak up pigmented food and drink.

Extrinsic stains can be removed by a professional cleaning, or by using a “whitening” toothpaste, which contains extra abrasives. Since intrinsic stains reside within the tooth enamel, they must be removed by chemicals that have the ability to soak into the tooth structure itself.

Vital teeth bleaching is performed by placing a peroxide based solution on the tooth surface. Even though tooth enamel is extremely hard, it is somewhat porous, which allows the bleaching solution to leach into the tooth. The solution can be either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Carbamide peroxide will turn into hydrogen peroxide when it comes in contact with water. Once the peroxide ion has permeated into the body of the enamel and dentin, it will oxidize the stains that are residing inside the tooth structure, thus effectively lightening the tooth color. Studies have not shown any harm done to the enamel.

Before bleaching one’s teeth, a person should have a thorough dental examination. One would not want to place bleach over cavities. The bleaching process many times will cause the teeth to be mildly sensitive, so placing bleach into a cavity could increase the sensitivity.

Bleaching is also not recommended for children under sixteen because their pulp chambers in the center of the teeth where the nerves reside are very large, which could make for extremely sensitive teeth. Other issues include the possibility of gum irritation. The bleaching solutions, especially at higher concentrations, can be somewhat caustic, and can injure the gums. Most of the time there is just a temporary reddening and some discomfort. This can be reduced by cutting the bleaching time or by switching to a weaker concentration of the bleaching solution. Both sensitivity and gum irritation tend to go away when the bleaching is stopped.

When bleaching one’s teeth, it must be kept in mind that the bleaching process will not affect the color of dental restorations, such as tooth-colored fillings, bonding, or porcelain laminate veneers or crowns. Hypocalcified and fluorosed areas have stark white splotches. When initially bleaching,

19

95-2015

these areas tend to stand out dramatically. However, over time the surrounding tooth structure will begin to lighten, thus allowing the hypocalcification to blend in better. Grey stains can be very resistant to the bleaching process. On the other hand, yellow stains are very amenable to bleaching and will lighten very well. The nice thing about the grey stain is that it is not as noticeable from a conversational distance as the yellow, so the teeth can still have a light, appealing appearance even with some residual grey.

Dr. Gangwisch is a board certified general dentist with Gangwisch Dental Group, L.L.C. More informations at GangwischDentalGroup.com

George Walton Academy’s Band Continues to Rock Continued from page 5 the GWA band. “With this program you develop a sense of maturity and you honestly know you have it,” he said. “You can tell the leadership values cross over into other aspects of life.” This year Cohen was awarded the Nathan Pernick Leadership Award from the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He was chosen out of 125 national candidates as an outstanding leader, and will carry these skills with him as he continues his music career at Kennesaw State University in the fall.

“Seeing our students go off to college and continue their music skills is my favorite thing about teaching band,” Smith said. “I just hope we have a good recruiting year to fill the shoes of the talented students we have graduating this year.”

Before graduation, the various bands will perform their end of year concert in Nicholson Center Auditorium on April 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Attendees will hear each band play the music the students have been working on throughout the semester.

“Seeing students latch on to music is worth its weight in gold,” Sneath said. “It is a moment that can last you a lifetime.”

More information at http://www.gwabands.org.

Celebrating 20 Years Servicing Georgia

BIRTHDAY SPECIALS

Free

furnace or duct cleaning (see comfort advisor for details)

Air Conditioning Experts, Inc. 404-266-5464 With this coupon. Not valid with any other offers or discounts.

Offer expires 3-20-15.

% off 20 service call Air Conditioning Experts, Inc. 404-266-5464

With this coupon. Not valid with any other offers or discounts.

Offer expires 3-20-15.

20 off tune-up

$ Up To $2,075 In Rebates On Trane Comfort Systems see comfort advisor for qualifying systems

Our Town

404-COOLING

regular price $89

404-266-5464

Air Conditioning Experts, Inc. 404-266-5464

www.404cooling.com

With this coupon. Not valid with any other offers or discounts.

Offer expires 3-20-15.

For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

PAGE 11

Getting Schooled with: Grayson High School Principal Dana Pugh

By Stacye Carroll

Keeping Your Best Interest at Heart!

We utilize the latest technologies, market research and business strategies to exceed your expectations. More importantly, we listen and that means we find solutions that are tailored to you.

Call us or visit our website to learn more about how we can help you with your real estate needs.

We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.

• #7 of 5,091 Agents According to MLS statistics • Recognized by REAL Trends In “America’s Best Real Estate Agents” for 2013 & 2014 • Recognized by Atlanta Magazine’s “Best Atlanta Agents” for 2013 & 2014 • Your Neighbor - Your Realtor

Kathy Coots R E A LT O R ®

770.654.8972 cell

www.KathyCoots.com

Each Keller Williams office is independently owned and operated.

Equal Housing Opportunity

Dana Pugh was born in Montgomery, Alabama to parents who taught him the value of helping others and taking pride in whatever he did. His brother, George, who played football for Bear Bryant, was his hero. Watching George play in the Cotton Bowl and the Sugar Bowl games opened young Dana’s eyes to opportunities outside of Montgomery.

After high school, Pugh enrolled at Tuskegee University, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science. He later obtained a master’s in counseling education from Jacksonville State and an education leadership certificate from UGA. After a six year stint as a teacher in Dekalb County, Pugh began to consider other career options. “As I began to see the larger picture, I wanted to take a larger role,” he explains.

When he arrived at Grayson High School, Pugh brought with him his experience as principal in Gwinnett County schools. He also required students to maintain a dress code that prohibited sagging pants and head coverings. His motto was and is, “First comes learning.” Pugh believes every decision he and his staff make affects learning. “Before we decide anything, we ask the question, ‘How does this impact learning in a positive way?’” One result of this process is the school’s policy toward technology often associated with social media. Pugh points out that smartphones can be instructional tools utilized to foster instruction. “In this way,” he says, “learning is not restricted to school buildings.”

Another initiative Pugh brought to Grayson High School is an emphasis on writing strategies.

Every course team includes a writing assessment in their curriculum. “Students use writing to show us what they know,” he says.

Under Pugh’s leadership, students are encouraged to actively participate in their education from the first day of school. On that day, the band and drumline welcome students who spend their day participating in informative sessions where they learn about clubs, athletics, arts programs, and student leadership opportunities. The entire event is put on by the student leadership team.

According to Pugh, “The students lead. I guide.” He recognizes the energy and expertise students bring with them and provides a framework from which they lead. “They have clear voices and ideas of what they want their school to look like.” Ownership, he says, provides a climate conducive to performance.

When asked his favorite time of the school day, Pugh answers without hesitation, “Four o’clock.

That’s when I reflect on the day.” Another favorite, and also his most interactive time, is from 10:30 to 12:25 at the commons. “School is what’s going on out there, in the hallways,” he says.

For this reason, he makes a point to be in the cafeteria for part of every lunch period. There he engages with students in a relaxed setting, one on one. Another thing he enjoys is seeing students outside of the classroom at such events as band performances and student art shows. The importance of arts education is personal to him. “I can’t play an instrument,” he says. “I don’t want others to miss out.”

In the coming years, Pugh hopes to make school more accessible to parents. He would like to implement a K-12 approach to mathematics and work more vocabulary into the curriculum. He’d also like to see more students take up the arts and an increase in both the graduation rate and SAT scores. When asked how he’d like his students to remember him, he answers, “As someone who respects them and their opinions.”

Dana Pugh is principal of Grayson High School. More information at http://www.graysonhs.org/

PAGE 12

For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

Our Town

Tips for Teachers to Gain Students’ Attention

Making Disciples for the Next Generation

By Carol C. Wood

By Rachael Brice

A student’s attention can be difficult to obtain, especially in a culture of social media and technology. Here are a few suggestions to help maintain focus and attention: • Greet students warmly. Stand in the doorway or in front of the classroom when they arrive, making eye contact with each student and acknowledging his/her arrival.

• Have an opening line for the start of each lesson, similar to a topic sentence in a paragraph to capture interest and attention. Give students a reason to want to listen.

• Use names when asking questions about the material you are presenting. “The branches of the government, Kim, are?” “Mark, what equation would you set-up to find the length of the hypotenuse?” “The number of chambers of the heart, Allison, is what?”

• Walk around the room and maintain eye contact.

• Interject various partner or small group exercises to make learning enjoyable.

• Create and play games on the topic being presented.

• Use your personality and tell a joke or two, wear clothing or a hat that relates to what you are teaching, and/or play appropriate music in the background that fits the topic.

• Ask short and/or thought provoking questions to maintain attention.

• Have students create a mind map of what they have learned at the end of class.

• Dim the lights and have a “movie and popcorn day” by showing a topic-related DVD. • Move the class to a different location of the school on occasion. Be sure to have permission from the school’s administration.  • Change student seating periodically.

• Rearrange the classroom a couple of times during the semester to change the angle at which students view your presentation.

When you hear the voice of God, you either sit quietly and listen, or you ignore it. For Buddy Hoffman, the latter wasn’t an option. In 1983 he and his wife, Jody, followed that voice and have seen a great multitude of followers enter the Kingdom.

“His [God’s] voice was very clear,” Buddy said. “He told me we were supposed to move back to Atlanta and plant a church.” One faithful Sunday in a cramped daycare center in Tucker, Grace Fellowship Church was founded, and none of the twenty-five people gathered could have imagined what was to come for their young, budding church.

Over the last two decades, Grace Fellowship has grown into a multi-campus church with campuses in Midtown, Monroe, Athens and, recently, Grace New Hope in Lawrenceville. The central campus is located in Snellville with an average of 3,000 people gathering together every Sunday to study the Bible and worship God. “It’s a family of churches,” Hoffman said. “It’s not a typical multi-campus church. Well over fifty percent of our church family are college students or younger and each church is indigenous and unique unto itself and the community.”

Grace’s vision is to make disciples in our neighborhoods, in our nations, and in the next generation, and primarily targets children and young adults.

“We have a great hope in the millennial generation,” Hoffman said. “They are the ones who will make a difference in their neighborhoods and around the world.”

The church has created many different ministries for children and young adults to become involved in – KidzLife, LUG (Living Under Grace), and TrueNorth – that enable students to mold their faith at an early age and that provide stepping-stones for their future as they grow to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Not only is Grace pursuing the next generation around Atlanta, they are also chasing the younger generations around the world in countries such as Peru, Ecuador, Kosovo, Kenya, and Israel.

“You can’t really reach people you can’t touch,” Hoffman said. “Teach the Bible. Worship God. Make Disciples. That is all that will matter in the end.”

More Information at https://gfc.tv/snellville/

Carol Wood is Founder & CEO Total Learning Concepts, Inc. More information at: http://www.totallearningconcepts.com

We can help you Grow Your Own Way We all decide what we need... what we want... what we need to protect... what really matters.

COUNTRY Financial can help you protect what you have now and what you want to have in the future.

Jamey Toney,ChFC® 2148 Main St East Snellville, GA

770-985-9757

jamey.toney@ countryfinancial.com

0914-536HO Our Town

For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

PAGE 13

This Year, Ski Europe!

Building Your Health Team

By Pam Walker

By Julie D. Mills-Watson, CMT, LLCC

It’s ski season, so where is the best place to get a head start on skiing? Head to Europe!

Every year I hear, “No, I don’t want to ski in Europe.

It’s well…so different.” When you have been everywhere in Colorado and Utah, skied the slopes of western Canada, and skidded on the slopes of Vermont or New Hampshire, then why not try Europe?

France and Switzerland are prime spots to start. Like Whistler in British Columbia, the conditions in the Alps become somewhat icy at the lower elevations. In the higher elevations, you get a hard pack like New England.

But like any place where snow falls, when you have a good snowstorm, the conditions can be fabulous.

The only real difference between skiing in Europe and in the US is that there are no real trails marked with green, blue, and black. There are no tree runs, and most of the boundaries are not marked. Pistes, as runs are called in Europe, are generally marked differently in each country.

Most places in Europe don’t have ski-in, ski-out accommodations as slopes are located a little bit outside of town. Everyone either walks to the slopes or rides the ski bus. There are a few towns where ski-in, ski out accommodations do exist, such as Val de Ser or Corchevel in France.

In the Alps, like in the States, the après ski scene is lively. Jen, a ski tour operator from Alpine Adventures, recommends Val d’Isere where DJ’s and live music are the best. Europeans know how to party. Even in the daytime there are spots on the slope and slope side where you can sit back, get a beer, and get a great tan.

So don’t miss this opportunity to try something new. Europe is great for winter fun!

Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Specialist and can be reached at pliwlker@earthlink.net. More information at www.walkeradventures.com

If you lost your health, can you imagine how your life would change? It’s so important to maintain good health, but how do we do that? I believe the key is prevention rather than treatment.

Taking responsibility for ourselves and having a “whole body” approach to health helps to create a balance in our lives so we can live more proactively.

The key to knowing your body is to create a health team. Please don’t depend on the internet and your own interpretations of it!

You want to put together a team of professionals that can address your “whole body issues.” If you have a member of your team who claims he can handle all your needs, you might want to consider looking for another member. Professionals have scopes of practice. There are procedures you have to be licensed for in order to perform. For example, I am not allowed to make chiropractic adjustments to your spine or diagnose illnesses.

A good professional will respect his limits and recommend other trusted professionals for you to see. The team offers multiple modalities to get to the root of your issues because not everyone is the same. The object of the team is to keep you healthy and to teach you about your body. The more you know, the more likely you are to be compliant and maintain good health.

Your body is an awesome creation! Take good care of it and you will live a wonderful quality of life. A health team might consist of a primary care physician, optometrist, dentist, nutritional counselor, naturopathic doctor, chiropractor, massage therapist, acupuncturist, and family counselor. You want to address the mind, body, and spirit. Compiling a group of professionals gives you more resources to handle health issues on a regular basis. You become better educated about your body and can prevent disease and injury, which helps you stay active and healthy.

Some people will only see professionals who take insurance. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover natural therapies. Our medical society is a reactive, treatment-oriented entity, not a proactive, preventative community. In other words, you have to wait to get sick before insurance pays. I always say you will pay for your health either on the front end or the back end. I assure you that you will want to pay on the front end. You are worth every penny. Who will be a part of your health team?

Julie D. Mills-Watson, is Owner of Body of Health. More at www.bodyofhealthandlife.com.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special bottle of wine from our extensive wine collection!

Our wine experts can help you pick out the perfect bottle for that someone special!

VOLUME DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE Come in and check out our Super Low Prices and Specials!

o

Proudly serving Grayson, Gwinnett, Walton and Barrow Counties with the largest selection of spirits, fine wines, and craft beers.

of Grayson

2265 Loganville Highway Grayson, GA 30017 770-995-9509

Fine Wines & Spirits

www.beveragesuperstoreofgrayson.com

PAGE 14

For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

Our Town

Our Town

For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com

PAGE 15

KEEPING FAMILIES CONNECTED SINCE 1973

KEEPINGFAMILIES FAMILIES CONNECTED CONNECTED SINCE KEEPING SINCE1973 1973 Family, Corporate and Individual Memberships Available Programs Available For Members and Non Members

• Golf

• Tennis • Swimming • Dining

• Social

Junior Golf Academies

Weddings & Receptions

Junior Tennis Academies

Banquet & Holiday Parties

Corporate Golf Outings

Showers & Luncheons

Year Round Swim Lesson

Meeting Space

PLAY THIS FALL! 770-979-9000 770-979-9000

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

summitchasecc.com info@summitchasecc.com We’re r NO INITIATION FEE summitchasecc.com

info@summitchasecc.com

c