JANUARY 2018 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker
Meet the team at Curves Snellville, see story on page 5
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Community Business Spotlight: Meet Mike Owen’s & Grow Bookkeeping Catching Up with Dr. Cat and American Heritage Animal Hospital Getting Schooled: Camp Creek’s 4th Annual Talent Show Sports Talk: Coach Philip Jones of Brookwood High Football
Top-Tier Academics in a Christ-Centered Environment Providence offers top-tier academics, competitive sports, and a wide range of fine arts offerings to K-12th grade students. Most important, Providence is a school centered around the person of Jesus Christ. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the stage, or on the ballfield, spiritual formation is an everyday part of school life.
To find out more, visit:
providencechristianacademy.org 12100_Dogwood Forest 1-2 pg ad for Our Town 10in x 4.9369in heart.pdf 1 12/20/2017 10:56:15 AM
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When your heart “flip-flops”, what does that mean?
Please join us to hear Cardiologist, Dr. Niraj Sharma, MD speak about this topic & answer your questions. Please RSVP to 678-496-2319. When: Tuesday, January 9 at 6:00pm Where: Dogwood Forest Assisted Living & Memory Care 1754 Grayson Highway, Grayson, GA 30017 About Niraj Sharma, M.D. : Medical Director of Electrophysiology | Eastside Medical Center
Dr. Sharma received his medical degree at the Medical College Jabalpur in India with subsequent post graduate medical training at the Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences in Bombay, India, Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, Ireland and Waterford Regional Hospital and University Hospital Galway in Ireland. His internship was completed at Yale University in Connecticut and residency at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Dr. Sharma completed his cardiology and electrophysiology fellowships at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Sharma is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular diseases and electrophysiology. Dr. Sharma is a member of the American College of Cardiology and the Heart Rhythm Society (previously NASPE). His special interests include treating patients with abnormal heart rhythms, ablation of arrhythmias (including atrial fibrillation) and implant of bi-ventricular devices (device that paces both lower chambers of the heart), cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers.
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ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE
1754 Grayson Highway Grayson GA 30017
dogwoodforest.com/grayson
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Think your doctor should listen to more than just your heart?
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To become an Our Town advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049
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With more than 30 years experience with parrots, we are available to bring our birds to your home as entertainment in your events such as birthday and retirement parties, to your business for promotional events or to schools, libraries and/or churches for educational, fun events! People of all ages are thrilled to become acquainted with parrots and how they compare to the birds we see every day. In addition, our bird productions can be prepared to pursue almost any curriculum and are valuable educational tools for homeschooling groups. CALL US TODAY, for more information about how we can customize our bird activities to support your business message or educational goals at your next event!
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RETIREMENT REALLY MEANS
GAINING FREEDOM?
PAGE 4 OTG-BLUE 1/2H 4C 2018-01 To JAN become PS0173 MECH FACES.indd an 1 Our Town advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049
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12/18/17 4:26 PM
On the Cover: Curves – Empowering Women to Live Healthy Lives for Over 25 Years By Our Town Staff Every town has its share of workout facilities, and each gym has its own unique character. One of the most unique programs, located in Snellville, is Curves, nestled in the Fountain Square shopping center off of Highway 78. Curves is unique because it combines strength training with balance and community to encourage members to live a healthy life. The research-based approach works to prevent chronic illnesses, manage pain, build immunity, increase blood circulation, and improve emotional health. Curves is not new to the world of fitness. In fact, in September, Curves celebrated its 25th birthday. The Snellville Curves location is owned by mother-daughter-inlaw team Margie and Jennifer Maxey. Margie and Jennifer never planned to be co-owners of a fitness facility, but in 2012, when the opportunity was presented, they did not hesitate. After remodeling and expanding twice, they are truly pleased with the end result. “It is a gym, but we wanted it to have a spa feel,” explains Margie. “We have created what we would look for in a gym, from the bathrooms to the carpet and towels. It is a gym, but it’s a women’s gym, and we like things to look and feel a little different than a men’s gym.” Jennifer adds, “Curves is a boutique-style gym. We are not a big box gym. We offer a more personalized approach to each and every member.” Margie continues, “Personal monthly coaching for each member to set goals and monitor progress is a big part of that approach. This service is included with every membership.” The Curves circuit is specially designed for women and provides a complete total body workout in just thirty minutes. There are twelve stations, and these stations make up a series of movements designed to maintain an elevated heart rate through both high and low intensity activities. Thirty seconds are spent on a machine, followed by thirty seconds on a recovery board where members
Our Town
dance, run, or walk in place. The twelve machines build glutes, hamstrings, quads, abs, back, oblique, shoulders, chest, and biceps, just to name a few. “It takes thirty seconds to fatigue a muscle and ninety seconds to recover those muscles before working them again,” Jennifer explains. “Once the workout is over, members move on to the stretching circuit to improve flexibility and range of motion, as well as decrease soreness and promote joint integrity. Stretching after your workout can also increase lean muscle up to 19%!” Curves, an international company, was founded in Harlingen, Texas by Gary and Diane Heavin. Gary’s mom, who died prematurely when he was thirteen, inspired him to get into the business of taking care of women. The business, with slogans like “Curves strong” and “No men, no make-up, and no mirrors,” is a place where women can find support for not only fitness goals, but health and nutrition as well. “Our goal is for everyone to eat better and live better,” says Margie. “We are truly passionate about women’s health and want them to be stronger longer. We understand that as women so much more is expected of us. We continue to ‘go’ until we close our eyes at night. We remind women that it is okay to take thirty minutes for themselves. It is actually beneficial to your family because it reduces your stress, keeps your mind sharper, and provides you with more energy.” The Snellville Curves offers a variety of options for becoming a member, including a month-to-month plan or twelve month plans. The program also accepts “Wellness” through the insurance companies, and has over two hundred members benefiting from this coverage. The most comprehensive plan is the Curves Complete, which includes fitness, nutrition, and coaching. A variety of classes are offered throughout the day and included with each membership, with the exception of Zumba. Zumba classes are offered Monday and Friday mornings for a nominal
fee. Exciting deals and activities happen each month at Curves in Snellville, where they offer teacher and military discounts. January is no exception, and the perfect time to start your fitness journey at Curves. Jennifer says, “With $0 enrollment fee for the twelvemonth plan, we have taken the excuses away. Today is the perfect day to commit to a stronger longer life.” Margie and Jennifer enjoy keeping their business involved in local events, fundraisers, and projects. They participate in numerous health fairs for schools and churches. They also partner with Chick-fil-A to help with community events, and have done everything from manning the cotton candy machine to supervising bouncy houses and spin art. Each year they host an Angel Tree to Continued on page 9
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Our Town Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
— An EndResultZ Media & Communications firm EndResultZ.com
2017 Statistics for Our Team Number of Homes Sold 130 Avg. List to Sales Price Ratio 98.36%
Average Days on Market
Four Agents One Team One Goal 100% Customer Satisfaction
31 Days
n Traditional, private middle and high school n Non-traditional high school n Credit Recovery n Accredit homeschool work n Accredited by the GAC- Georgia Accrediting Commission n HIGH ACT/SAT scoresWay above state averages n Accepted to all Colleges and Universities n Hope Scholarships/MOWR
TNT Academy 5510 Lilburn Stone Mountain Road Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Phone 770.921.3690 n Fax 770.921.3693 admin@tntacademy.com n www.tntacademy.com PAGE 6
Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultZ.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultZ.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Cover Photographer Amadorphoto Distribution Coordinator DeeDee Chapman Feature Writers Daidra Annis Heidi Campbell Kim Hill Amy Ney J. Rice Joanna Shackelford Karla Socci Somers Michelle Watson Contributing Writers Terie Hansen John Lemley Pam Walker
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 2018 by Our Town Gwinnett. 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@OurTownGwinnett.com
Stay Connected! OurTownGwinnett.com Read Online: OurTownGwinnettOnline.com OurTownGwinnett OurTownGwinnett OurTownGwinnett
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IN THIS ISSUE 5 On the Cover: Curves – Empowering Women to Live Healthy Lives for Over 25 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22
Years From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion Four “Smaller” 4-year State Universities that Graduating Seniors May Want to Consider History Matters: Gwinnett County & Her Cemeteries Community Business Spotlight: Grow Bookkeeping Keeps Growing January Photo of the Month: Snow Pals Helping Others: Lilburn Woman’s Club Catching Up with Dr. Cat and American Heritage Animal Hospital Living in the Limelight Getting Schooled: Camp Creek’s 4th Annual Talent Show Sports Talk with Coach Philip Jones of Brookwood High Football Pet Perch: Potty Training Puppies Travel Tales: Lima is the Culinary Capital of South America Getting to Know: Take the Next Step and Jane Bishop Embrace the Commute: Six Things You Can Do to Make it More Enjoyable Making a Difference: Side by Side Clubhouse Gwinnett Technical College’s Enrollment Hits Record High
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From the Publisher:
American Heritage Animal Hospital
One Man’s Opinion By Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanSauers
RyanTSauers
Good bye 2017. Welcome 2018! 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 2018 an incredible year in our world and in the Our Town community. My question is simple: How bad do you want to grow as a person this year? Do you want to be part of the solution in making our community/world a better place, or remain part of the problem? If you want something bad enough, you will find a way to achieve it. You desire to solve it and make life better for everyone. In contrast, if you do not, you will find an excuse and complain about all the things “happening to you and around you.” It is just the way human beings are wired. It is amazing how many people are “stuck” in old patterns of thinking, and/or consumed with an excuse-filled and negative mindset. Why settle for being stuck? It is time to lead, grow, and get “UNSTUCK.” A few weeks ago, I faced this firsthand as I was physically “STUCK” in the Atlanta airport for ten hours. I had no communication with the “outside world.” Texts, phones, apps, internet, etc. did not work. Planes were grounded. The power was out, and it was dark. Smoke was coming from multiple areas, and there was not a landline phone or radio to be found. The airlines had no information either. It was exactly as we had imagined (AGE ALERT HERE) Y2K to be. We were truly “stuck” and TSA was not letting us out. Instead, they were sending more people from other concourses to the back end of Concourse C and away from the smoke. This made us feel quite claustrophobic. There was only one way out, and that was through an emergency exit and getting down to the runway. A terrific guy and ex-military officer from Texas and I decided to work on a plan to get out the emergency exits if things continued in this manner. People began to rally around us ready to follow the plan. We, at the last minute, did not end up having to do this, but were prepared to... as we knew panic was setting in, daylight was ending, there was no food or drink, trashcans were overflowing, as were the dark restrooms. On top of that, people were all on top of each other, kids were crying, and smoke could be seen and smelled. So, you see, I had two choices. The first was to stand around and complain. The second was to do anything in my power to develop a plan. I share this because I saw some of the best in humanity, as strangers, working together (with no technology) to figure out a plan that none of us (no outside world access) had a clue as to what was happening. Simply said, we wanted it BAD and wanted to get UNSTUCK. So, I challenge you to do the same in the everyday aspects of your life. Get in the game and off the sideline. Don’t be afraid to fail. As my little green friend Yoda said in the most recent Star Wars movie, “The greatest teacher... failure is.” So very true. My recommendation is simple. Quit complaining, stop making lame excuses, and bring some passion to the table. Winners find a way to succeed in any situation. They find an opportunity behind each obstacle. Whiners will tell you about the problems in their way and why these issues hold them back. Are you someone who complains, yet has no solutions? Or do you find a way to succeed/make Continued on page 9
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PAGE 7
Four “Smaller” 4-year State Universities that Graduating Seniors May Want to Consider soccer, and cross country. They also have men’s baseball and golf, as well as women’s softball. The school offers forty bachelor degree programs, as well as several master’s and specialist degrees. Three residence halls have been built in the last eight years, providing modern dorm life for students who live on campus. Visitors to the campus can’t help but appreciate the support that “nearly neighbors” Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have given the school, particularly the new Health and Human Services center. The only drawback is that the school is in a very rural part of the state. For students who simply want to immerse themselves in their college campus, however, this might be the perfect place! College of Coastal Georgia is another great bargain for Georgia residents at only $16,133 for a year of tuition, fees, meals, and housing. “Coastal,” as the locals call it, is a fairly new addition to the four-year state options, having added bachelor degrees only seven years ago. With 3,500 students, this Brunswick, GA campus may be one of the fastest growing programs around. The campus, rich with tropical palm trees, is only a fifteen minute drive from Continued on page 14
By Heidi Campbell The flagship universities in Georgia are becoming increasingly difficult to get in to, not to mention that the yearly cost of over $25,000 for in-state residents is more than most families can afford. As a result, high school seniors are seeking degrees in smaller state schools. There are many advantages to these smaller universities, including new facilities, lower costs, lower student/ teacher ratios, and more hope of getting that letter of acceptance. The four universities below, all public schools that are part of the University System of Georgia, were selected because they are schools that may not be on the radar of parents with seniors. The institutions are organized by cost, with the first being the most affordable and the last being the most expensive. Additionally, they are organized by enrollment, with the first being the lowest number of students. Note: Costs were current at press time and may be subject to change. Southwestern State University, located 135 miles south of Atlanta in Americus, GA, is truly the best bang for a parent’s buck. According to the fees published on their website, the cost for tuition, a shared room, meals, and fees for an entire year is $14,242. This is undoubtedly why it was ranked as the 7th most affordable college in Georgia according to the Affordable College Guide. The campus is a sprawling two hundred and fifty acres of beautiful green hills peppered with over forty buildings that are mostly constructed with traditional brick. According to collegedata.com, the campus boasts 2,435 students: 63.5% female and 36.5% male. The student/ teacher ratio is 17:1. The average SAT score of admitted freshmen in 2016 was 985, and the average ACT was 21. Athletics at Southwestern are NCAA Division II, and their mascot is the Hurricane, with students known as Canes. Athletics on campus include men and women’s basketball, tennis,
Call us today to learn how we can help.
Barb Kennedy 678-427-4116
Wages and Sons has 2 grief support professionals on staff. As a service to the community, we offer 8 week grief support groups at different times throughout the year, as well as individual support. PAGE 8
when you need it most
• Need a speaker for educational grief topics? • Want to learn more about how our professionals can offer support?
Wagesandsons.com/grief-support Lawrenceville (678) 500-8007 Stone Mountain (678) 500-8717
To become an Our Town advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049
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History Matters: Gwinnett County & Her Cemeteries By John Lemley In death, John Walker Nash, Sr. is most likely hiding in plain sight. Though family and church records point to his being interred at the historic Lee-Nash Burying Ground just off of Five Forks-Trickum Road in Lilburn, there’s not exactly a bright neon arrow pointing to his grave. In fact, with almost two decades of rampant development, and now a mammoth road “upgrade” underway, you’re lucky if you can find the cemetery itself. Located just beyond the first house on the left once you enter the Nash Lee Estates, the Lee-Nash Cemetery is enclosed on all sides by the tallest of wooden fences. However, once you enter the equally tall gate, you’re immediately transported back to another time and landscape. You might think of it as Lilburn’s own Secret Garden, like the one put forth by Frances Hodgson Burnett in her 1909 novel of the same name. The Lee-Nash Burying Ground has its share of Victorian monuments, as well as those of the 20th century variety. However, the truly fascinating markers date much earlier, to the middle and early19th century. Some of these oldest stones are just that, stones. Scattered under a number of old growth hardwoods are countless rocks, each one denoting the head or foot of each burial. There are no names, dates, or epitaphs inscribed on tombstones here. Just rocks. It’s in one of these graves that the earthly remains of John Walker Nash, Sr. is believed to rest. According to a record in the family Bible of his younger brother, Miles Nash, John Walker Nash, Sr. was born to Edward and Lucinda Bell Nash in Laurens County, South Carolina on April 8, 1782. Around the age of 20, John Walker married a young woman by the name of Sarah “Sally” Bolt. Eight years later, John Walker and Sally are listed in the 1810 Federal Census as residing in Greenville, South Carolina, where they apparently lived until sometime after 1820. By the 1830 census, they’re found in Gwinnett County’s Yellow River community, living with their nine children at the time. In a passage written for the 1980 Gwinnett Historical Society (GHS) publication, Gwinnett County Families 1818-1968, Margaret I. Nash states that John Walker and Sally went on to have a grand total of 14 children. Also from 1980 is a GHS Heritage newsletter article by Gertrude Stephens, in which she writes that “[the Nashes’] children married into families who lived near Yellow River: Couch, Griffin, Brown, Steele, Matthews, Osburn, Peden, Glover, Lee and Lacy” and that “many of their descendants live in the area today.” Next month, we’ll meet one of those descendants, visit another Nash cemetery, and bring our story into the 21st century. More information at A Sprig of Moss: Gwinnett County & Her Cemeteries on Facebook.
DeKalb Psychiatric Associates 2711 Irvin Way, Suite 211 v Decatur, GA 30030
Neil A. Kahn MD v Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry Brittany Burchfield PhD v Adult and Child Psychologist
Accepting new patients Medicare and most major insurance plans accepted Call 404.501.0001 for more information and to schedule appointments
One Man’s Opinion Continued from page 7 things better no matter the circumstance? I encourage you to choose the latter and make things happen in 2018. 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 2018 (no matter what you encounter) with such a mindset, and you will help everyone in our community grow to even greater heights in the process. Thanks for being such an amazing community. Let’s make 2018 another incredible year by growing together and focusing even more on positive happenings. And now and as always, thank you for continuing with me on journey of my town, your town, Our Town!
Curves Continued from page 5 benefit the Amanda Riley Foundation, which is a local charity that raises money to support children battling cancer. Not all gyms are created equal. Curves is a service-oriented place that focuses on what people can do rather than what they cannot. “Our approach is to support and adjust to what members are able to do,” explains Jennifer. “We have members who start from every fitness level. No two people are the same, and we coach each member to do their best at each workout. Of course, we want them to adhere to any restrictions their physician may have given them.” Margie adds, “We have members who start out unable to complete the full workout and we encourage them to keep coming. Slowly they get stronger, and then it happens. They do the FULL workout! It is amazing to watch their face.” Curves is a place where members are encouraged to build their confidence and become empowered, healthy women. “This is a community,” says Margie. “People meet here and become friends here. We want members to feel at home here. They know we are invested in them. We laugh with them and cry with them. We encourage them to keep moving and getting healthy. Curves changes lives!” More information at https://www.facebook.com/curvessnellvillega/
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Atlanta’s Premier J U N K R E M O VA L S E R V I C E Commercial & Residential
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Moving & Deliveries Available Junk Removal: Household Items, Appliances, Furniture, Fencing, Trees, Yard Waste & Debris
Community Business Spotlight: Grow Bookkeeping Keeps Growing
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It begins with a plan
Mike Owens enjoys running, traveling, and golfing in his leisure time. He also enjoys bookkeeping. Owens started Grow Bookkeeping five years ago because working with numbers has always been his strength. “My idea initially was to have a little ‘boutique’ bookkeeping business on the side,” says the Lawrenceville resident. “But now it’s blossomed into a full-time job.” And Owens doesn’t mind that at all. “My goal is to take the burden of bookkeeping off the shoulders of clients so they can do more of the things that they do best, and spend more time with their families,” he says. “For a lot of small business owners, the spouse is doing the books at night after the close of business. It makes these small entrepreneurs feel that their businesses are even more all-consuming.” Owens’ Grow Bookkeeping is an ideal service that helps small businesses, individuals, and nonprofits. He has recently added elderly and assisted living clients to his roster. The company’s name (GROW) came from the first letters of his and his wife’s grandparents’ last names, and it is a tribute to them. Owens believes that strong family values are at the core of all successful businesses. The business has been a fulfilling experience for Owens. “It is never dull,” he says. “The satisfaction level for me is very high. I think it’s fun to learn about other businesses. I enjoy taking someone’s (accounting) books which may have gotten into disarray, and to be able to organize and show them how well their businesses are doing, and help the business owner track it in the future. That’s very gratifying.” He adds, “They (small business owners) are usually already working seven days a week, and they have a lot on their plates. My objective is to give them one less thing to worry about.” For Owens, the key to success in life is found in happiness. “Money does not equal happiness,” he says. “Money helps, but happiness is what counts.” Owens’ tip for creating some happiness? “Find something you like doing, and that you can do well, and provide that service to clients. Then find other people to do what you are not good at doing, and hire them.” “Take the burden off of yourself,” Owen says, “and give it to someone who really likes doing it!” More information at info@growsmc.com.
January Photo of the Month: Snow Pals
Planning is everything, particularly when it comes to your long-term financial objectives.
It It begins begins with with aa plan plan
Planning is everything, particularly when it comes to your Planning everything, particularly when it comes to your long-termisfinancial objectives. long-term financial objectives. Chris Buckley
Financial Advisor 3500 Piedmont Road, Suite 725 Atlanta, GA 30305 office 404-766-0725 ext. 116 cell 404-434-5034 ccbuckley@wradvisors.com
Ansley Everett and Brooke Sauers… Enjoying the Snow! Waddell & Reed, Inc. Member SIPC
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Chris Buckley Financial Advisor Chris Buckley
Our Town
Comprehensive Lymphedema Therapy CDT – Complex Decongestive Therapy • Reduce the size of the limb • Compression Bandaging Manual Lymph Drainage • Open pathways for the lymphatic vessels to grow and flow • Re-route the lynmph vessels to drain in areas that are healthy • MLD – very light, slow and rhythmic touch to move lymph fluid
2321 Henry Clower Blvd Snellville, GA 30078 Office Phone: 770-802-4446 Fax: 770-802-4464 Email: thelymphclinicofga@gmail.com
Accepting Insurance
Helping Others: Lilburn Woman’s Club
Call for your appointment today
By Our Town Staff The GFWC Lilburn Woman’s Club is excited to announce the presentation of a check in the amount of $6,300.00 to the Lilburn Cooperative Ministry. As a Christian ministry, Lilburn Co-op helps meet the needs of families and individuals in Lilburn, Stone Mountain (ZIP Code 30087), and the Gwinnett County part of Tucker (ZIP Code 30084) that is located below Lawrenceville Highway. The co-op also provides service to all members of supporting churches. Lilburn Co-op is a local nonprofit organization that is funded through tax deductible donations and sales of donated goods at their thrift store. Thanks to wonderful volunteers and the generous support from local churches and organizations, Lilburn Co-op has provided a ray of hope to thousands of people in need since their founding in 1994. In December, the Lilburn Woman’s Club hosted the Lilburn Christmas Walking Tour of Homes, with all proceeds donated to the Lilburn Co-op. Such a successful event would not have happened without the wonderful residents who opened their beautifully holiday decorated homes for the tour. Heartfelt thanks go to Scot and Alicia McCready, Hugh and Rowann Wilkerson, Lilburn’s current Mayor and his wife - Johnny and Anne Crist, John and Catherine Calhoun, and Brad and Joann Roselle. Continued on page 18
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Instead of the latest diet, home fitness equipment, or cosmetic procedure, the secret to feeling good and looking great is to make a change and take a journey in a new direction with a long view and at a sustainable pace. We recommend starting with a spinealigning chiropractic checkup and an energy-boosting naturopathic consultation. Call us for more information at 770.979.5125 or visit our website at drchrisnaturalremedies.com.
Catching Up with Dr. Cat and American Heritage Animal Hospital By Kim Hill Upon meeting Dr. Cat McGinnis at American Heritage Animal Hospital, it is evident right away that her zeal is caring for animals. She has run her private practice for five years on the premise of personalized service and honesty, catering to the individual needs of every patient. In particular, Dr. Cat loves Great Danes. Visitors of American Heritage will see a couple of her oversized pets casually hanging out around the office just like one of the bunch. “I am doing a lot more with Great Dane rescue,” says Dr. Cat. “I have Great Danes myself. I’ve had three rescues personally, which is how I became involved.” Dr. Cat currently works with three rescue organizations: Southern Style Great Dane Rescue (based in Tennessee), Water’s Edge Great Dane Rescue (South Carolina), and Dames for Danes (Mississippi). The rescues transport the dogs to her and she and her staff foster them at American Heritage Animal Hospital. “We’ve had five rescues here so far,” she explains. “We get them up to date on shots, we spay or neuter them, and they stay with us until the rescue can find a forever home for them. While they are here, we get them healthy, work on training, that kind of stuff, and the rescue places them.” She says Great Danes are very calm, laid-back dogs, and are just good, sweet dogs in general. However, their size does come with some special challenges. They are more expensive to own as medications are costly due to dosage, they eat a lot of food, and they take up a lot of space. While Danes are gentle with kids, a dog this size could accidentally knock a child over with its tail. Dr. Cat says it takes a special person to own one of these wonderful dogs. Dr. Cat is also proud to be associated with a shadowing program sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America. The program helps boys and girls learn about different jobs they are interested in to see if they would be happy in that profession. Every day high school students from different schools in the community shadow Dr. Cat in all aspects of the animal hospital environment. They see the good and the bad of veterinary medicine, including dealing with anal glands, euthanasia, and pets that owners can’t afford to treat. She says she wants students to see the whole picture so they can make an informed decision. Continued on page 19
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Living in the Limelight By Karla Socci Somers The lights dim. The audience quiets with anticipation. Backstage, Company dancers line up, waiting for the opening number to begin. We are tip-toeing between the curtains in the wings so as not to be heard in our tap shoes. We whisper to each other, making last-minute adjustments to our sequined costumes. The excitement and nervous anticipation are palpable. As the curtain goes up and the music begins, we smile through red lipstick, squeeze hands, and whisper, “Break a leg!” The bright stage lights shine into my eyes, making it easier to concentrate on the steps since I can’t see faces in the audience, though I can see that nearly every seat in the theatre is filled for Opening Night. I am smiling so hard my cheeks hurt, giddy with happiness, as I line up for my favorite part of the dance – the kick line. I imagine I am on stage at Radio City Music Hall. Along with thirteen other teenage girls, I confidently execute the Rockette-style opening number we have been rehearsing together for nearly five months. As quickly as the music began, the four-minute dance is coming to an end, and we flawlessly fall into formation for the final pose. The audience claps and cheers, the curtain comes down, and we breathlessly run off stage to change costumes. “We did it!” We high-five each other as we run back to the dressing room, laughing and happy that we broke the ice. The opening number is over and our next dances will be a little less nerve-wracking. We are proud of ourselves and each other as our hard work is coming to fruition tonight. One down, ten more costume changes to go, and Opening Night of Recital will be a success. I am 14 years old. Dancing is my biggest passion, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world performing for an adoring audience of family and friends. For the next three nights on our high school stage, I will be a Rockette, a classical ballerina, and a jazz dancer from an award-winning Broadway musical. *** “We are missing a white hair bow for the The Fabulous 50s number,” I announce to the other moms in the Company dressing room many years later on another Opening Night. “Anybody have two white bows by mistake?” The Backstage Moms and I search every dancer’s costume bag, asking the girls to check their dance bags. Nobody finds the missing bow. We have time to find another one since The Fabulous 50s isn’t until Second Act. “I need help with my bun,” says a little girl. “It’s low and it is supposed to be high for this dance.” I call the dancer over and proceed to redo her bun into its proper position. “Are you excited?” I ask as I brush her hair. “Yes!” she tells me. “I love this dance!” She is wearing a costume version of a yellow polka dot bikini with tan tap shoes, holding a beach towel. Her dance, a medley of 1960s beach songs, is called Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny. It is one of my many favorites in this year’s show. I finish her bun and look at her in the mirror. “How’s it look? OK?” I ask the young dancer. “Yup,” she tells me. “Thank you.” She takes her beach towel and finds the other girls in her group. They wait, not so patiently, to be called to line up backstage. I resume my search for the white bow. No luck. My daughter, the one who misplaced this white bow, breezes into the dressing room. She is eleven. She doesn’t want help with her hair or costumes. She can do it herself. “Did you stretch? Did you find your water bottle?” I ask her. She is dressed and ready for her jazz number, Disco Inferno, another one of my favorites. She rolls her eyes at me. “Mom! I’m ready, jeez!” she replies. “I’m just making sure,” I tell her, giving her an affectionate squeeze, “Isn’t that my job for the next three days?” She hugs me and stares up at me with her Egyptian make-up cat-eyes. “Girls!” I whisper loudly some time later. “Keep your tap shoes quiet. They can hear you in the audience!” We are waiting in the wings backstage. The older Company dancers are performing a pointe number and the younger girls in tap shoes wait in anticipation for their turn to take the stage. They watch the older girls’ ballet with admiration. My daughter is a dancer in the tap number, and I watch from the wings. She is performing a medley of Boy Band songs from the Four Tops to N’SYNC. I watch as my 11-year-old quickly takes her place on the dark stage, the lights come up, and “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch” begins. She is smiling, thoroughly Continued on page 22
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Getting Schooled: Camp Creek’s 4th Annual Talent Show
State Universities Continued from page 8
By J. Rice On February 5, 2018, Camp Creek Elementary School will present its fourth annual Talent Show. The event will take place at 6 p.m. in the Parkview High School Theatre. Dozens of students have auditioned to perform, and about twenty-five have been selected. The show has quickly become a favorite for Gwinnett residents. Committee member Julie McClellan tells Our Town Gwinnett the idea for the event originated while three teachers were on recess duty. “Some of the girls who were playing came up to us (McClellan, Becky Will, and P.J. Griffith) and wanted to sing a song,” McClellan explains. “They were so talented that we all started talking about how fun it would be to have a talent show at the school to highlight all of the talents here at Camp Creek. We asked Kelly Jowers, a terrific volunteer parent at Camp Creek, to join us three teachers to form a talent show committee. Kelly handles much of the behind-the-scenes work, such as making the announcements, organizing the auditions, emailing the parents, putting together the soundtrack for the event, etc. We could NOT do this without her because she spends endless hours making this show happen!” All the teachers involved put in a large amount of volunteer hours after school to watch the auditions. “They use a rating scale to help the committee make decisions about who should make the final show,” says McClellan. Although the event is free, donations are accepted at the door. “The money goes directly back to the school to benefit the students,” McClellan states. “We give half of the money to CARE TEAM, which is the committee at school that provides for families in need. The other half of the money goes to our positive behavior intervention program that recognizes students who are ‘caught being good.’” Kelly Jowers knows the benefits of students embracing the arts. “Beyond the obvious benefit of providing joy and entertainment to the family and community members who attend the show, there are many other benefits for the participants, “Jowers says. “Encouraging the love of all school subjects including the arts helps our students grow into well-rounded community members.” Continued on page 18
St. Simons, and halfway between Savannah and Jacksonville. The average SAT score is 940, the average ACT score is 20, and the college offers thirteen bachelor degrees with twenty-six concentrations. The school requires freshmen to live on campus, and the dorms are absolutely some of the best in the state. They are new, and each student has his or her own room that opens out to a common living area and a shared bathroom. Home to the Mariners, College of Coastal Georgia offers men’s basketball, golf, and tennis, and women’s basketball, golf, tennis, softball, volleyball, and cheer. Between the beautiful campus, the excitement of a coastal environment, and a 19:1 student/ teacher ratio, this is most definitely a college to consider. Third on the list is Columbus State University, located 100 miles southwest of Atlanta in Columbus, which happens to be the second largest city in Georgia. With yearly tuition, fees, housing, and meals totaling $16,860, this is certainly a school to consider for those looking for a deal. Students accepted in 2016 had an average of 980 on the SAT, and the university has a 56% acceptance rate. They have a population of 8,200 students, and, according to collegedata.com, 60% are female and 40% are male. The campus is beautiful, and has a true academic, community feel. Offering forty-six different undergraduate degrees, numerous graduate programs, and over 120 student organizations, there is something for everyone. The NCAA Division II athletic programs are strong, including men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, tennis, and track and field, and women’s basketball, crosscountry, golf, soccer, tennis, track, and cheerleading. The college requires freshmen to live on campus, and the residence halls are safe, spacious, and conveniently located. Between the proximity to Atlanta and the 18:1 student to teacher ratio, this school is a great option. The University of West Georgia, located less than an hour drive from Atlanta in Carrollton, GA, boasts the motto “GO WEST!” This school, which has the largest enrollment on the list at 13,000, made our list because it is still considerably more affordable than many of its bigger family member schools. The cost for a year of tuition, housing, meals, and fees, was listed as $17,072 for the 201516 year, which is all that was published on their website at press time. Established in 1906, West is a beautiful six hundred and forty-five acre campus that truly has it all: student activities, strong academic programs, campus life, and athletics. The mascot, which changed from the Braves several years back, is the Wolves, and they have men’s programs that include football, basketball, baseball, cross-country, track, and golf, and women’s programs that include cross-country, basketball, golf, softball, soccer, tennis, track, and volleyball. The school offers eighty-seven fields of study, and awards bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. With a 21:1 student to teacher ratio and over 150 student organizations active on campus, this school has all the advantages of the larger state schools and is certainly one to visit this fall.
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Sports Talk with Coach Philip Jones of Brookwood High Football By Kim Hill The Brookwood High School football team had a big year. Finishing the season 6-0 in the region and 11-3 overall, the Broncos were a final four team in the playoffs. Head coach Philip Jones, in his third year in that role, says the team is a family. “We believe in loving and serving each other, and sacrificing for each other.” It is apparent this philosophy produces a positive outcome. Coach Jones moved into the Brookwood community in 1988 when he was eight years old. He remembers it was Coach Dave Hunter’s second year as head coach. His father, Coach Tom Jones, joined the staff that year and stayed until his retirement in 2015. Young Philip played football in the Brookwood Football Association little league from fourth through eighth grade, and then played on the high school team. A 1997 Brookwood graduate, he was on the 1996 State Championship team – the first state championship for Gwinnett County. “Good times,” he says with a smile. After graduating, Coach Jones played for the University of South Carolina and then came back to Brookwood in 2002 as a JV coach, assisting his dad a little bit with the varsity team. After three years he had what he calls a “mid-twenties identity crisis.” With a dad, a brother, an uncle, and two cousins in coaching, he questioned whether everything he had always known was what he wanted to continue to be. At that point he left coaching and went to seminary. A couple of years later he was offered a coaching job at Walton High School in Cobb County, a position that rekindled his passion for coaching. A few years after that, he was offered his first head coaching job at Banks County High School in Homer, GA. In 2012, Coach Jones’ mother passed away, and a couple of months later a coach at Brookwood who “coached what I coached and taught what I taught” left in the middle of the school year. Jones was Continued on page 22
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Pet Perch: Potty Training Puppies
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I receive many calls regarding potty training both for puppies and adult dogs. With the holiday season behind us and 2018 ahead, here are some things to consider. Follow these tips to quickly communicate to your pup that his toilet is outside. • Set the expectation immediately. When bringing your pup home and before going inside, take him to a place in your yard where you would like him to potty. Quietly walk around and wait for him to § LARGEST § LARGEST go (no talking please as this distracts him). Once he finishes, praise and reward enthusiastically. • Once inside, supervise (eyeballs on the dog) at all times. When you cannot supervise (cooking, eatSELECTION OF SELECTION OF ing, sleeping, showering, watching TV, etc.), crate him up. IREARMS IN THE FIREARMS IN THE • Take frequent potty breaks, returning to the place he initially toileted. Walking will help him eliminate more fully so that you have more inside time before you need to take him out again. REGION REGION • DO NOT use potty pads! They are designed to trigger your pup to potty on them, but the potty LADY FRIENDLY § LADY FRIENDLY Monday – Saturday • CLEAN & BRIGHT are in your house! Your puppy learns it’s okay to relieve himself in your house, so he’ll eventually • LARGEST § CLEAN & BRIGHT § Cpads LEAN & BRIGHT go somewhere in your home. LED LITE RANGE SELECTION OF 10am – 10pm Keep in mind RANGE that puppies need to potty after activities such as playing, walking, sleeping, running, LED LITE RANGE • LED LITE FIREARMS IN THE • EXCEPTIONAL § E XCEPTIONAL § etc. EXCEPTIONAL • Watch for signals such as sniffing and circling. Don’t rely on him to tell you! REGION CUSTOMER Sunday CUSTOMER CUSTOMER • Puppies only BEGIN to be able to “hold it” at 12 weeks old. Before that they are not physically able. SERVICE • LADY FRIENDLY It builds up and comes out. This does not mean that at 12 weeks they are potty trained. It will take SERVICE SERVICE 12pm – 7pm many more months of consistent training. • Your job is to make it impossible for him to potty in your home. Any “accidents” are human error. Through exercising, supervising, and crating, you will be on your way to a potty-free home environ405 Killian405 HillKillian Road Hill NWRoad 405 * Lilburn, Killian GA Hill 30047 Road 770-923-9810 NW * Lilburn, GA 30047 770-923-9810 NW Lilburn, GA 30047 ment. And trust me when I say, it’s much easier to teach a puppy from the beginning than it is to retrain Mainstreetfirearms@gmail.com Mainstreetfirearms@gmail.com a dog that has learned that your home is his bathroom. Mainstreetgunsandrange.com Mainstreetgunsandrange.com Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. Mainstreetfirearms@gmail.com Mainstreetgunsandrange.com More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com
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Travels Tales: Lima is the Culinary Capital of South America By Pam Walker When one thinks of Lima, Peru, it is usually because of the airport where one departs for Cusco and the Seventh Wonder of the New World, Machu Picchu. But recently, Lima has become the darling of chefs around the world and is consistently rated as one of the best places to go for Fine Dining and Fusion Cuisine. All of this started several years ago when indigenous chef, Gaston Acurio, opened his first restaurant with his wife Astrid. While studying law in Paris, he became enamored with the wonderful food of that city and soon enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu. He returned to Peru in the 1990s and opened his restaurant where he featured “Novandino” food, combining international and Peruvian Andean food in a new type of fusion cuisine. His fame and fortune took off, and now he has restaurants bearing his name around the world, from Peru to New York to San Francisco to Paris to Amsterdam and Tokyo. In a quote from the Washington Post, “Calling Acurio a celebrity chef today is like saying Oprah is a talk-show host. He is more of a modern food shaman: artist, interpreter, healer, impresario and national pitchman.” In 2007, Gaston helped create Apega, the Peruvian Society of Gastronomy, which then created Mistura, one of the best food and wine events in the world, which in 2018 will be held from October 24th to November 5th (in case you would like to plan a trip to Peru during that time). The city has produced some of the finest chefs and Michelin Star restaurants, making Lima the darling of chefs around the world. They come from far and wide to cook for Mistura, which now has concerts, parties, galas, and much more. So if you’re coming to visit Machu Picchu, be sure to stop by any of the wonderful restaurants in Lima. Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor and can be reached at pam@walkeradventures.com
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Camp Creek Continued from page 14
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Jowers adds, “Students who are active in sports are often given regular opportunities to showcase their talents and hard work by competing in games, meets, and matches. Although our show is not a competition, there is an audition process so applicants learn how important it is to hone their skill and present their talent in a polished manner to the selection committee. The opportunity to perform in front of an audience provides students who have a heart and gift for the arts an arena to show the community what their hard work has produced. “It takes a great deal of courage to stand up in front of your teachers and peers to perform!” Jowers continues. “The experience of auditioning and performing is an awesome way to teach students preparedness, stage presence, and confidence.” McClellan loves the way whole families get involved in the production. “We have several acts that include mother/child, father/child, and even grandfather/grandchild,” McClellan says. “This event provides a special time for families to make memories that will last a lifetime. There’s nothing like watching a grandfather playing the guitar while his granddaughter sings along. The smiles that are exchanged between the two are precious.” “The students at Camp Creek are so very talented,”Jowers adds. “We just love being able to showcase their artistic abilities!” More information at CampCreekSchool.com.
Lilburn Woman’s Club Continued from page 11 Even the weather cooperated with a full moon shining on the carolers who sang along the route that was lined with twinkling lights. Santa stopped by Antiques in Old Town and took wish lists from all the children. Sitting in an antique sleigh, Santa delighted the guests with memory-making selfies. The members of the Lilburn Woman’s Club provided delicious homemade Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee, and homeowners also provided refreshments and musical entertainment at their homes. A truly magical evening was experienced by one and all. Later in December members of the Lilburn Woman’s Club and members of the Christmas Tour Committee visited the Lilburn Co-op and presented a check to Sharon Foster, the new Executive Director, in the amount of $6,300. Six thousand dollars in proceeds came from the Christmas tour and $300 came from the baked goods silent auction at the club’s annual Christmas dinner. The Lilburn Co-op served over 8,000 families this year, and donations help keep the heat on and food on the table for many families living paycheck to paycheck. “Community Concern” is the motto of the Lilburn Woman’s Club, and it is a proud moment when its members can make a difference in the community. More information at https://www.lilburnwomansclub.org/
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By Daidra Annis Coaching. Consulting. Training. Most of us need these, but we just don’t know it. Almost every small business needs these services, but most don’t think they are affordable. Take the Next Step offers customized coaching, consulting, and training to individuals, groups, and businesses, with a high standard of excellence at an affordable price. Jane Bishop, Owner of Take The Next Step, is a Professional Credentialed Coach. What she brings to the table as a Coach and Trainer is 25 years of experience and a passion to help others “go for their it.” Jane is originally from Alabama, but now calls Atlanta home. She didn’t know it at the time, but Jane’s upbringing led the way to her professional Coaching career. As the daughter of a retired Army Chaplain, she moved with her family a lot throughout her childhood. There are not too many people who can say they attended four different high schools with two of them in Germany – but Jane can. Moving often meant that she had to be pro-active, learning what she could, whenever she could. This was an ideal scenario for the naturally curious Jane. Adapting quickly to a new environment was a skill that developed at a young age, and that fit her personality well. Early in her career she was an athletic coach, teacher, and administrator at two small colleges. That led to a career of strategizing, coaching, and training for a national organization, where her work was recognized and applauded. Finally, in 2010, she embarked on a new journey as a solopreneur business owner. Jane strongly values her ability to simply listen – listening to hear challenges and struggles that her clients, both individual and corporate, face. Areas of opportunity for small business owners, specifically, include team development and training. For those new to the small business arena, their struggle can be as simple as identifying their new role of being an owner versus being an employee. Jane has found that small business owners truly have a desire to develop their staff and team members, but they just don’t know where to look, and they don’t know that it is affordable. Primarily, Jane helps her clients “thrive, rather than survive” by aligning them with their core purpose. Doing that means to identify, articulate, and embrace that purpose to bring a new standard of excellence in the client’s professional and personal life. She “helps with personal enrichment and professional development, so life is their business, and business is not their life.” Jane’s passion is investing in others, and she does that through training, education, and enhancing lives using resources like DISC and Emotional Intelligence Assessments. It is often not a quick process, but Jane and her team get results. For one current client, a retail business she has worked with for three years, Jane first began coaching a member of the Executive team. She now coaches the entire Executive team and some of the General Managers, and is assisting in developing a new training and developing system for the team members. At present, the client has the lowest vacancy rate in the General Manager role that they’ve had in three years. Outside of the office, Jane volunteers regularly at her church and other organizations. As a member of ICF, the International Coach Federation, she also volunteers her leadership skills and serves on various boards and committees, along with the Regional Coaching Task Force. What is it costing you not to take the next step in your business, or your life? More information at jane@takethenextstepcct.com
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AURORA THEATRE
Gwinnett’s Only P
American Heritage Animal Hospital Continued from page 12 American Heritage offers many specialized types of services, including nutrition counseling for obese pets. Dr. Cat explains that pet owners may not know how much food a pet should eat or they think “food is love” and constantly hand out treats, which can add up to a lot of extra calories and fats each day. A better alternative is to give healthy treats like carrots or other vegetables, which most pets love. She says owners should also consider the pet’s activity level when planning its diet. An important focus of American Heritage is education for new pet owners. Dr. Cat says that when people get a pet they often really don’t know how to take care of them, so she gives new owners a puppy or kitten kit full of information on care, food, emergencies, things that are toxic, and more. “That’s what we are here for, to educate,” explains Dr. Cat. “That’s what sets us apart from places that just pop a shot.” She is referring to vaccine clinics that may offer discounted vaccinations, but she advises the prices are not much lower and pets are not given examinations. She worries about today’s pets not receiving the care they need, and offers the comparison of a person going to the minute clinic at a drug store versus going to his or her regular doctor. “There is a difference, and often you get what you pay for,” she says. “If you really want your pet taken care of, you need to go to a veterinarian that is going to be here for you all the time.” She recommends that pets have a check-up once a year up to about eight years of age, and then twice a year after that as issues can pop up more quickly. She gives an example of a dog she saw recently who had a very large tumor that had not been there when she examined him six months earlier. Dr. Cat wants owners to feel comfortable with treatment plans, and understands it is often difficult to ask questions or even to know what questions to ask. For this reason, she often gives handouts that people can read when they get home. “I hope people reading the article will understand the importance of seeing a vet,” says Dr. Cat. “The fact that we truly care and provide each client and pet with personal interaction is what makes us different.” More information at www.snellvillevet.com
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Embrace the Commute: Six Things You Can Do to Make it More Enjoyable By Karla Socci Somers Commuting can suck the life out of you. It’s stressful, boring, and a complete waste of time when you think of all the other things you could accomplish instead of sitting in traffic. But, this is your life. So if you are stuck in traffic for several hours each day, why not embrace that time to do something constructive? Here are six things you can do to make your commute more enjoyable: • Listen to classical music. Let’s face it. You can’t listen to Bach or Beethoven with your kids in the car because they will groan loudly as soon as they see you select Symphony Hall on your satellite radio. Alone on your commute, though, you are free to crank up all your favorites by Mozart, Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, and Gershwin – without protests from the back seat. Note: The same applies to Real Jazz, the Spa channel, and NPR. • Learn French. As a young commuter, I used to listen to “Learn in Your Car” French CDs every day. Years later, I am happy to report that I can still ask, “Où est l’autobus pour la plage?” I can’t tell you how many times this question has helped me in real life, as I am always looking for a bus to take me to the beach. • Make a grocery list. If you’re like me, while you are commuting home from work, you will realize you forgot to plan dinner. Take this opportunity to dictate a grocery list to your phone so when you get to the store, you’ll know just what to buy. This is extremely useful in helping you avoid the Shopping While Starving Phenomenon, also known as, “I just spent $147.00 on potato chips, dip, two bottles of wine, and a copy of Atlanta magazine because it had a picture of the city’s best burger on the cover.” • Catch up with old friends. I like to call my friends in New York while I’m driving in Atlanta traffic to remind them that I can talk while I drive, legally, with my phone up to my ear. New Yorkers, however, are required to use a headset or hands-free Bluetooth, in which they always sound like they are talking to you from the bottom of a canyon on speakerphone when an F-16 is flying overhead. Statistically, that whole hands-free racket doesn’t prevent accidents any more than the digital signs that say, “Your current speed is 85 mph. Please drive safely.” • Listen to the comedy channel. My daughter tells me that her dad listens to the comedy channel “to keep him from getting mad at all the stupid drivers” while he is stuck in traffic each day. Note to self: Think twice before calling the ex during his commute. • Be kind to someone. My boyfriend, who commutes daily in Atlanta traffic and was raised in the South, came up with this one. He says that unlike New York drivers (where I hail from), Southerners are polite and let other drivers in ahead of them. It’s true. As a native New Yorker living in Atlanta, if I don’t allow someone to merge in front of me, or wave them to go first at a four-way stop, it is considered extremely impolite and will adversely affect my karma at the very next intersection. Next time you find yourself in traffic, blast the Beethoven, keep a sense of humor, and voila! Your commute won’t be so bad after all.
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Making a Difference: Side by Side Clubhouse
G E NE RAT E
G OOD
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By Michelle Watson Side by Side Brain Injury Clubhouse is a 501(c)(3) community center that caters to the unique needs of adults with acquired brain injuries. Cindi Johnson founded Side by Side in 1999 with financial backing from Shepherd Center and Emory Healthcare, and it opened as a charitable non-profit in March 2000. Their first employee, Teresa Little, is the program director, which is a great responsibility because of the many things happening for members of the center. Side by Side is based on the clubhouse model set forth by Clubhouse International. The center is CARF accredited, and every member pays according to his or her ability if they don’t have an outside payer like injured worker benefits or a Medicaid waiver. One out of two members rely on charitable contributions to participate. The Clubhouse model is unique to other community centers in that it operates on the principle of utilizing members’ strengths and involving them in helping each other. Members arrive each day and sign up for the duties they would like to have. There are three different teams: Administrative, Kitchen, and Maintenance. If you tour the facility, you might get the pleasure of meeting Gary. Gary is a Vietnam veteran who loves to serenade you as he tells all about the center and shows off his own many talents. His favorite slogan is “Perfect planning prevents poor performance,” because, “proper planning is not enough; you must plan perfectly.” The maintenance team maintains the flower boxes, growing fruits and vegetables. They proudly show the tree that was cut down and made into a bench for the smokers’ area. Jason and the other kitchen volunteers cook delicious and nutritious lunches. The kitchen is well-maintained and received a 100 rating upon their last inspection, a fact they are rightfully proud of. Step into the dining room and you will see how organizing and planning keep the day moving smoothly. A white board tells who will be there and what duties they have taken that day. Another board tells of special events coming up, such as monthly game night or a special Thanksgiving dinner. Upstairs in the administrative area, people learn computer skills, and use them to help the center and its members. There is a “bank” where members are able to deposit their money for lunch or special events. The man behind the bank is Rich, who is an artist and writer, and who can tell you of the days he spent at Woodstock. Members don’t just use their talents at Side by Side. They also volunteer in the community, such as at Fernbank Museum and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. They have even twice been selected by Fernbank as their volunteer group of the month. All of this task and skill-building serve as a purpose: to help the members reach their goals. Some want to get a job. The center provides support for them, acting as a liaison between the employer and the member. Some want to drive. The center staff, and the repetition of a work-ordered day, helps members learn the focus and skills they need to safely pass the test and obtain their license. Members of Side by Side have acquired their brain injuries, meaning it happened after birth. For instance, Ricky suffered meningitis at 18 months old and has had seizures his entire life. He, like so many others, makes it clear that the one thing members appreciate about Side by Side is the social connectedness they feel. They are able to make friends with people who understand and who let them be themselves. Side by Side accepts tax-deductible donations and hosts fundraising events a couple of times a year. More information at www.sidebysideclubhouse.org.
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Living in the Limelight Continued from page 13 enjoying herself, as she dances through the medley, complete with an on-stage costume change, and doesn’t miss a beat. For a brief instant, she sees me in the wings and her eyes light up. Her smile gets even bigger. At that exact moment, my eyes fill up with tears and a rush of emotion overcomes me. What feels like a sob catches in my throat, but I am anything but sad. If there is such a thing as a “sob of happiness,” I am experiencing it full force. All at once, I am simultaneously watching my daughter dance her heart out while remembering that same rush of adrenaline I felt on stage during my tap number all those years ago. It suddenly hits me that my passion has become her passion; that she loves dancing as much as I do. She totally gets it, and I didn’t even make her do it. I didn’t want to be one of those dance moms. She just simply feels it in her soul, just like I do. “You don’t have to take four classes a week if you don’t want to,” I’ve told my daughter. “Are you sure you don’t want to take a break for the summer?” I’ve asked. And, “Do you understand the commitment you will be making when you audition for Company?” Yes, she assured me. She understood all of it, and only once or twice in ten months of rehearsals did she complain about getting ready for a dance class because of a headache, or being too tired from a long day at school. Instead, it was quite the opposite. As I drove her to class one evening, she happily told me, “Mom, I LOVE dance. I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have dance in my life!” Neither would I, my amazing daughter. Neither would I.
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Gwinnett Technical College’s Enrollment Hits Record High By Our Town Staff For the third semester in a row, Gwinnett Technical College has recorded the highest enrollment numbers in the College’s thirty-three year history. More than 8,400 students across the region are filling classrooms for exciting educational programs and career opportunities. Fall semester 2017 recorded a 13% boost in enrollment over a year ago. This past spring, the College saw a 14% jump in enrollment over the previous spring enrollment. In fact, for the 2016-2017 academic year, Gwinnett Tech had a record enrollment of more than 11,000 students with more than 2,000 graduates. Dr. D. Glen Cannon, president of Gwinnett Tech, attributes this surge in enrollment to a few key factors: • The opening of new and expanding academic programs designed to feed high demand careers such as engineering, cybersecurity, computer programming, business and accounting, criminal justice, early childhood education, welding, and respiratory care. • Increased awareness about programs and support services for veterans and their families. The College’s Office of Veterans Affairs earned the 2017 Military Friendly® School designation and ranked 19th in the nation on the 2017 Best Colleges for Vets list. • A dramatic increase in the number Gwinnett county high school students enrolled in the Dual Enrollment program. Dr. Cannon says, “Clearly, many across our community are seeking the affordable, flexible, experiential learning environment that Gwinnett Tech offers. We are constantly working to respond and deliver the educational programs that meet the real-time needs of our community. Our faculty and staff are diligent and dedicated to offering a career-focused education for real-world jobs.” The College now offers more than 140 different associate degree, diploma and certificate programs. Dr. Cannon stresses that Gwinnett Tech’s focus on superior academic quality and student success is another key growth catalyst. Cannon proudly states, “Many of our programs are ranked in the top ten academic programs in the nation. One of the biggest measures of our commitment to student success is the College’s 99% job placement rate.” Gwinnett Tech also works to help students continue their education beyond a two-year degree, now offering 37 transfer agreements with other academic institutions across Georgia. More information at GwinnettTech.edu.
Coach Philip Jones Continued from page 15 47 Railroad Ave. NW, Lilburn, GA 30047 Call for pricing at 770-921-2569 or visit us at the RFS Showroom! rfscab.com
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invited to come back. “I had a chance to come back to be where I loved and to be with my dad,” he says. He was an assistant coach for two years and then became head coach in 2015. In describing his coaching philosophy, Coach Jones says, “Glorify God by loving others and inspiring them to be the best version of themselves – that’s a good way to summarize it. Serving others, loving others is what I feel called to do.” Number one on his coach’s list of rules is to love your players. “We’re called to serve their hearts, not just their talents. The word I like to use is transformational rather than transactional.” He explains that a transactional coach is only invested in the kid as long as the kid can produce for him. Transformational coaching is about building a relationship with a kid that is going to inspire him to be the best he can possibly be in every arena of his life: spiritually, athletically, academically, and socially. He feels that kids today are inundated with social media and sales pitches from every angle, and they long for authentic relationships. “They really value humility, and they really appreciate it when their leadership is not looking to get something from them but is looking to build something.” He feels this is true of his coaching staff as well. He explains that his philosophy is summarized in the acronym FAMILY, which stands for Forget About Me, I Love You. He says being a family is not just inclusiveness; it means that everybody is important – everybody has value to add. “I quote all the time that everybody’s role is different, but everybody’s status is the same. You have a place on the team, and as long as you are willing to make the investment to be the best that you can be, then we value you for who you are.” Jones also feels that self-promotion is at an all-time high, not just with kids but also adults, and he wants to create a counter culture to that. “My goal is to build trust through the values that I just espoused,” says Coach Jones. “What I have found is when the players feel that love and trust, then they reciprocate that love and trust. When they buy into what we’re doing, they are going to play that much harder on the football field.” Of success, Coach Jones defers to a definition offered by John Wooden, a college basketball coach who won 12 national championships: “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of selfsatisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” Jones feels success is measured by the health of the program – not necessarily by wins and losses. “When you have a healthy program where everyone functions in loving and sacrificing for each other, competing to be the very best versions of themselves, that’s not something that’s measurable but it’s something that’s tangible when you’re around the program.” He adds, “There’s an element of success that you can’t even measure right now. I’d like to see how the members of our 2017 football team are doing in twenty years, and then I’d know if we’d done our jobs as coaches.” More information at http://www.brookwoodfootball.com/
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