JUNE/JULY 2015: Our Town Gwinnett/Walton BiMonthly Magazine

The Gwinnett/Walton Community and Family Magazine

Our Town

June/July 2015

Grayson l Loganville and surrounding areas

Meet Richard Tucker, owner of Beverage SuperStore of Grayson, see story on page 5.

9 12 16 21

Catching Up with: Ashley Clemence of Graft Restaurant Sports Talk with: Samantha Snow, GSW Women’s Soccer Up Close with: Chick-Fil-A Loganville’s Edgar Brush Getting Schooled with: Pharr Elementary’s Growing Garden

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On the Cover: Richard Tucker, Owner of the Beverage Superstore of Grayson, Always Saves Time for His Community

By Heidi Campbell

The Beverage Superstore, selected as the sole retail package store of Grayson, is not merely a package store. With a 15,000 square foot floor, customers can find over 750 different beers, both traditional and craft; wines from all over the world; and plenty of spirits to stock the most extensive bar. “We have years of experience, volume buying power, and a facility that brings our community immense pride,” says owner Richard Tucker.

“We are pleased with the fact that, from a customer service standpoint, our variety of products and low prices place us above our competition.”

Tucker continues to bring new people and opportunities to the store. Claire Addison, from the Suwanee Beverage Super Store, recently transferred over to manage the wine department. She not only has a wine sommelier designation, but she is also an experienced wine buyer who loves to talk to customers about the nuances of wine.

“We are also excited about the opening of our Tasting Room,” shares Tucker. “In this separate area, adjacent to our showroom, we will be conducting regular wine and beer tastings and educational seminars of both wine and craft beers. We designed the room to have the look and feel of one of the many high quality tasting rooms seen in Napa in the California wine country.”

Tucker is enthusiastic about the success that his Grayson store has seen, and how that success has helped the local com-

munity. “In addition to helping the City of Grayson initiatives, local charities, and educational foundations,” he shares, “our significant contribution to the revenue stream of the city has enabled city officials to provide no cost residential garbage service to its residents.”

Helping the community is important to the Beverage Superstore, which donates and belongs to a long list of foundations and charities that include the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the Annandale Village, the Eagle Ranch, the Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation, and the Gwinnett Canine Pet Rescue. Tucker models this community spirit for his team members, as he dedicates his personal time to numerous civic organizations in Gwinnett County. He has held numerous leadership roles, and has been selected multiple times to Georgia Trend Magazine’s annual list of the 100 Most Influential Georgians.

Tucker has served on the board of the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau since 1994, where his work has involved managing the Gwinnett Center, the Arena, and the local hotels and attractions. The most recent project of the board is a $70 million, 300-room Marriott hotel that will be going in on the Gwinnett Civic Center campus. The ten year project will be the headquarters for conventions and trade shows. Tucker has also served on the board of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful since 1996, and says that he is “honored to be associated with a group of concerned and dedicated citizens who work every day to make Gwinnett a better, cleaner, and more environmentally

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In 2005, Governor Perdue appointed Tucker to the Board of Regents with the University System of Georgia. He served as the chairman in 2008-2009, and was reappointed in 2012 to a second, seven-year term by Governor Nathan Deal.

“The University System has grown from 250,000 students to 312,000 students during my terms on the board,” Tucker explains. “We oversee a $7 billion dollar budget and are responsible for setting policy for our thirty institutions.”

Tucker was a founding member of the Board of Trustees at Georgia Gwinnett College, and continues as a current member.

He has enjoyed watching the growth of GGC, which, as the newest of the system’s institutions, has grown from 117 students in 2006 to today’s enrollment of over 11,000 students.

While he has cherished all of his civic responsibilities, Tucker Continued on page 17

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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 Webmaster/ Technology Consultant Myles Rothacker

Feature Writers Rachael Brice Heidi Campbell Stacye Carroll Perry Rosenbaum Contributing Writers Dr. Paul Ballard Jane Bishop Kelly Farris Terie Hansen Mike Harper Julie D. Mills-Watson 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.

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5 On the Cover: Richard Tucker, Owner of the Beverage Superstore of Grayson, Always Saves Time for His Community 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 8 Learning Lessons: Prepare to START SCHOOL SHARP! 9 Catching Up with: Ashley Clemence and Graft Restaurant 10 S.E.E.D of Wellness 10 The Key to Spiritual Growth 11 Q and A with: Coach Terry Klinect of Grayson High Soccer 12 Sports Talk with: Samantha Snow, GSW Women’s Soccer 13 Community Member Spotlight: Meet Charlotte Nash 14 One on One with: Gregory Morgan of Allstate Insurance 14 Recipe of the Month from Graft 16 Community Business Spotlight: Chick-Fil-A Loganville’s Edgar Brush 17 Living4ward: Life is Wabi-sab 18 A Cure for What Ails Ya 19 Getting to know: Fratelli’s Pizza – A Slice of New York on Main Street 20 Pet Perch: Dogs and Grief 21 Getting Schooled with: Pharr Elementary’s Growing Garden 22 What’s The Scoop On Home Inspections?

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TAKE THE NEXT STEP

From the Publisher:

COACHING | CONSULTING | TRAINING

One Man’s Opinion

By Ryan T. Sauers

GO FOR YOUR

@RyanSauers

I hope you are off to a great June. Can you believe that the school year is done? Wow, does time fly. Each month as I write this column, I cannot help but reflect upon the time of the year it is. And it seems like only a couple of months ago I wrote that the school year was set to begin. This makes me realize – more so with each passing year – how precious our time is.

My challenge to you this month is to reflect upon your times. What do you spend time on now that needs to go? What do you desire to invest more of your time in?

The challenge is simple. We all have 168 hours each week. No more and no less. It is the great equalizer for all mankind and here in Gwinnett. And in my travels across the country and at home I hear things like: “Ryan, I am slammed, buried, covered up, running ragged, drowning, swamped, etc.” Ouch. You get the idea. Thus, the choice is yours what to do with your time. So as we head toward summer – when things slow down a bit – choose some things to put on your “stop doing” list so you can get to the items on your “start doing” list.

I feel blessed to live in this community. It is exciting to see homes selling quickly again, new homes being built, businesses opening, schools opening or being remodeled, parks expanding, and more. Yes, I for one, desire more time for my “start doing” list here at home.

Our Town’s overall readership and brand grows each month. Thanks to YOU. We provide (as I hear time after time) better stories, a better product, and lower adverting rates, which in turn help make our community a better place. Also this month, a special thanks to our awesome team: Elsie, Catherine, Rachael, Heidi, Perry, Lara, Stacye, Finley, Ellen, Ron, and many more.

Please support our advertising partners who invest, believe in, and support this community.

Please consider where you spend your money and choose an Our Town partner. And tell them you are choosing them because you saw them in Our Town. Without them, there is no magazine.

We are excited about the future and know the best is yet to come. And don’t forget that how you handle your time is up to you. Pardon our progress as we grow, as this is going to be fun.

Here’s to a great June, and as always: this is my town, your town, Our Town!

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Learning Lessons: Prepare to START SCHOOL SHARP!

By Carol C. Wood Woohoo! School is out for the summer, so learning can stop, right?

Wrong! Summertime provides the BEST opportunity for students to enrich their academic skills if they desire to get ahead before school begins or to catch up on skills if they ended the school year below average. During the school year students who fall behind must catch up with what they have missed AND keep up with what is being taught on a day-by-day basis.

This is difficult to do and can be stressful! This summer give your student the opportunity to do what he or she cannot easily do during the school year: CATCH UP or MOVE AHEAD and solve their STUDY SKILL weaknesses!

To get started for summer learning, start out by locating your child’s recent school standardized test scores and school report card to determine how your child is performing compared to his/her school grade level. Any area in which the student scored below the 50th percentile or below his or her grade and month level indicates that the student was performing below average at the time the tests were administered. If the student scored above the 50th percentile or above his or her grade level, then he or she is performing above average. Summer tutoring could include enrichment work to maintain skills or to further build on the student’s strengths so the student can START SCHOOL SHARP! Next, seek educational resources with a track record of success should you decide to teach your children at home. Purchase the appropriate levels of materials and teach your child on an established consistent, weekly schedule. Do not allow the student to skip around in workbooks and complete the “fun” pages first, as the material is purposefully presented in a sequential order. Select a study place that is equipped with the learning supplies and tools needed.

If you do not feel qualified or do not have the necessary patience to work with your own child, you are welcome to contact me at Total Learning Concepts. I am a 36-year experienced, educational professional, and I will provide recommendations to you regarding your student’s summer learning experience.

Remember, SUMMER is the most ideal time for students to get a JUMP START on the next school year and to start school prepared and more confident!

Carol Wood is Founder & CEO of Total Learning Concepts, Inc. www.totallearningconcepts.com/

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Our Town

Catching Up with: Ashley Clemence and Graft Restaurant Providence is a distinctly covenant, Christian school that encourages spiritual development while integrating Biblical truth into every subject area.

By Rachael Brice Since we last spoke with Graft in May 2014, Ashley Clemence, chef and owner of the buzzing restaurant in Grayson, has been hard at work creating new menu items, developing new events for community members, and continuing the Graft tradition to provide excellent service to all who visit.

Brought up around her grandparent’s restaurants in Houston, Texas, Clemence was exposed to entrepreneurial business practices at a young age, and it was then she realized her dream – to own her own restaurant.

After graduating from the University of Georgia with an International Business and Marketing degree, working for a law firm, and getting married, Clemence set out to achieve her dream, and in August 2012 that dream became a reality. Upon discovering the perfect location and undertaking a nine-month demolition project, she and her husband Seth opened Graft – a simple, rustic yet cozy family-friendly restaurant in the heart of Grayson.

“This is a unique community that truly supports families and restaurants,” Clemence said. “I love the niche that Graft has embraced. Customers know when they walk through our door they will receive a special, unique experience.”

Grafting in horticulture means uniting or bringing together, and that is what Clemence wanted to do with her restaurant: unite the people of Grayson through food, wine, and community.

“I believe I have been given a gift of hospitality and loving people well through food, service, and simple encouragement,” Clemence said. “It’s about embracing people, where they are, in the present, for who they are, no matter what situation or circumstance they are going through.”

Clemence, who purchases most of her food from local farmers and ranchers, believes in supporting these family businesses, a factor that sets Graft apart from other local restaurants. The majority of the farmers she has cultivated connections with are located between Grayson and Athens. Developing these relationships essentially affects her menus, which change every six to seven weeks and always offer feature dishes or specials.

Not only does Clemence own and cook at Graft, she also frequently caters and offers weekly and monthly events to keep the Grayson community hooked on her delicious food and large variety of wines and cocktails. Each Thursday, known as “Un-Corked Thursdays,” Graft offers $5 glasses of pre-selected wines. Every first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., wine and tapas are available for $20, and if customers stay for dinner, they receive 20 percent off an entrée.

Last month, Clemence hosted her own secret supper club and was shocked when she sold out in 24 hours. Because of its huge success, she will continue this event each month for the first 30 guests who sign up. The cost is $175 per person and includes wine, appetizers, an entrée, and dessert. The location is always a secret, and is disclosed through a private email sent directly from Clemence herself.

Though Clemence is living her dream, not every day is easy. It is difficult to manage and cook for your own restaurant, but she said she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I love what I do and there is nothing else I would rather be doing,” Clemence said. “It’s a lot of hours, physical, mental, and emotional stress, but to see the customers smiling faces and to be able to foster and nurture those relationships makes it all worth it.”

More information at http://www.Graftrestaurant.net/

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S.E.E.D of Wellness

By Julie D. Mills-Watson, CMT, LLCC The word “wellness” has become a worn out catch phrase that most do not truly understand. I looked the word up and found the following: Noun - the quality, or state, of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort. Today, let’s stop for a minute and focus on simply planting the “S.E.E.D.” of wellness, Sleep, Exercise, Eating, and Drink.

Sleep: Getting enough sleep each day is crucial. Our bodies have to recharge on a cellular level, and that only happens when we SLEEP. Sleep is not sloth! The organs of the body are on a time clock, and peak activity happens while we are sleeping. Hormones are produced while sleeping, and balance is restored to the body.

Exercise: Did you know that your body was designed for movement? Being sedentary weakens muscles, traps toxins, and contributes to depression and heart disease just for starters. What’s the best exercise?

The one you will consistently do and enjoy.

Eating: Our foods have changed over the years, from the way produce is grown to the processes used in packaged foods. Many of us have built up food sensitivities over the years and don’t even realize it. When you are sensitive to foods, inflammation develops in the body as well as digestive issues. Stick with fruits and vegetables and healthy fats from organic sources. Cut down on the processed foods and look for whole foods – the way nature intended.

Drink: Lastly, drink your water! Our bodies are made up of 70% water and we WILL become dehydrated if we are not replenishing our bodies on a daily basis. There is no way our body can function well without water. Drink water between meals, when your body can absorb and hydrate the best.

Plant the S.E.E.D. of wellness in your life and watch your life grow!

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Chaplains Corner: The Key to Spiritual Growth

By Dr. Paul Ballard I have been asked numerous times as a pastor, “Paul, how can I grow in my spiritual life?” Many people respond with a list of spiritual disciplines: Bible reading, prayer, and Christian fellowship.

My answer may surprise you. I don’t in any way want to minimize the importance of spiritual discipline, but none of these are the key to spiritual growth.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in Him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Jesus is crystal clear. The key to spiritual growth is abiding in Jesus. What does that mean?

Books have been written on this subject, but let me give an illustration from everyday life.

If I showed up on my doorstep and offered my wife a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates for our anniversary, and I told her I was giving this to her out of obligation and duty, she would not be happy. Why? She wants me to give her gifts because I love her, not out of duty and obligation.

Is God any different? Does God simply want us to check off a box that says you have done a “good” deed today out of duty and obligation? Absolutely not! God desires that you desire Him. Christianity is not primarily an external set of commands and rules that you obey, but a relationship with a loving Heavenly Father. Christianity is not, “I obey; therefore, I am accepted.”

It is, “I am accepted; therefore, I obey.”

Abiding in Christ is recognizing your deep entrenched sinfulness, and that the grace of God seen in the finished work of Jesus Christ is your only hope. With religion, we obey to get something from God. The gospel of Jesus Christ changes us so that we obey because we love God. For more information about the key to spiritual growth, email me at pballard@mpfbc.net.

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Our Town

Q and A with: Coach Terry Klinect of Grayson High Soccer Our Town Gwinnett interviewed Coach Terry Klinect after the Grayson High School girls won the 2015 state soccer championship.

OTG: How long have you been coaching soccer? How many years at Grayson?

TK: I started around 1998 with my son’s travel team. I started coaching high school in 2006 at Grayson. Before that I worked in the corporate world as a manager until my company was bought out, and I started a second career as a teacher.

OTG: What was the most difficult part of not winning the state championship last year?

TK: Going undefeated until the championship game vs. Harrison High school. We were both undefeated going into that game and knowing someone was going to get their first loss. The girls worked so hard to get to that point and losing was very hard emotionally on them and me.

OTG: What do you think was the key to your winning a state championship this year?

TK: The key was the girls and the coaching staff’s drive to finish what they had been denied from the previous year. They wanted to prove how good they were.

OTG: Is the community and their support an important part of your program?

TK: The Grayson community is very supportive of all teams at the school, as well as our principal, Mr. Pugh and our athletic director, Mr. DeBerry. Seeing them out at the games shows how much they care about our program, and the students have been awesome in our success as well.

OTG: What was your favorite memory from this season?

TK: Beating Parkview for the back to back Region 8 championship, and then redemption of beating Harrison in the quarterfinals. The top memory for me is winning the championship and seeing the joy on my girls faces.

OTG: Anything else you would like to share?

TK: I have been blessed to coach a great group of girls and to have been surrounded with an awesome coaching staff and to have a wife who has been very supportive through all the long seasons of coaching a top soccer program.

More at: http://www.graysonsoccer.net/

(L-R) Bimbola Abodunrin, M.D., Michael S. Mojcik, M.D., Traci Johnson, M.D., Haleh Hamidi, M.D., Mary Lynn Campbell, M.D.

Gwinnett ObGyn Associates is an icon in Gwinnett County, providing a lifetime of compassionate healthcare to women throughout metro Atlanta. The largest ob/gyn practice in South Gwinnett, located in Snellville next to Eastside Medical Center with interests that expand even beyond women’s healthcare, this group loves their community at large. The providers and employees remain active within the community supporting various fundraisers, participating in local fairs, 5k races, etc, interacting with other local participants as well as current and future patients.

Gwinnett ObGyn is able to provide services in a timely manner and welcomes new patients to their practice, respecting that every woman is unique, with individual needs, and concerns.

Providing the most current services to women is important to this group and includes annual wellness visits, gynecological visits, family planning, normal and high risk pregnancies, infertility, non-surgical sterilization, daVinci surgery and laporoscopy.

Visit the practice website, www.gwinnettobgyn.com, where you can request an appointment online and be sure to “like” them on their Facebook page for Gwinnett Ob/Gyn Associates.

1700 Tree Lane Road Suite 290 Snellville, GA 30078

770-972-0330 Our Town

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PAGE 11

Accurate Painting Solutions, LLC www.apsgeorgia.com

Sports Talk with: Samantha Snow, GSW Women’s Soccer

By Perry Rosenbaum It’s difficult to attain success at any level in sports. You need the dedication and drive to stay focused on a singular goal, and be tenacious enough not to yield when things get dicey.

Moreover, in an industry where growing older expedites your timeline tenfold, you’ve got to reach those heights before time makes a fool of you.

Samantha Snow, a Loganville High graduate, is one of the few who have managed to not only meet expectations, but exceed them. Snow attended Columbus State University on a soccer scholarship before receiving her BA in history from UGA in 2009. From her time at Loganville on, she was heavily involved in soccer programs, and turned to coaching after an injury in her sophomore season left her unable to play. “My coach let me keep my scholarship, and I became an undergraduate assistant,” Snow explains. After this turn, Snow’s soccer acumen and abilities led her to receive numerous honors, including her current role as the head coach of Georgia Southwestern State University’s girls’ soccer team as well as being named one of the finalists in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s 30 Under 30 program. Clearly, the determination Snow has shown over the years has propelled her to these achievements, and she’s now in a position to influence a new generation of athletes with her passion and know-how.

One thing Snow knows well is that adversity is the name of the game, regardless of the game being played. She also knows how to handle difficult choices when they present themselves.

“When I’m faced with an obstacle, I buckle down, keep plugging away, and I pray…a lot,” she opines. Perhaps the biggest challenge Snow faces is that of properly balancing her time between coaching and spending time with her family. “Since [the birth of her] daughter, I’ve learned that scheduling and setting boundaries is a must…I have an extremely supportive family, though, and the college is thankfully family-friendly,” she says. “But for the most part, work time is work time, and family time is family time.” This ability to compartmentalize has no doubt made her an even more efficient coach, something that hasn’t been lost on Snow. “My greatest accomplishment professionally was earning my National A License (from the United States Soccer Federation, who also gave her National B and C licenses),” she notes, “but personally, it’s being a mother.”

Snow’s motto is a simple yet powerful one: “Do the right thing for the right reason, no matter what.” It’s not enough for her and the players under her tutelage to be exemplary athletes.

She believes they should also be exemplary people. She credits soccer for instilling in her a love of inclusion. “It just brings everyone together…countries have declared cease-fires during wars because their soccer teams were playing. No other sport is as influential.” In addition, one of her biggest sources of pride is watching former students take on a similar position to hers. “I love seeing past players become coaches themselves,” Snow says, “and watching my college players graduate and become successful in their chosen fields.”

Being selected for the 30 Under 30 program was a huge boon to Snow’s career, and she says it’s helped her immensely. “The entire experience has…accelerated my growth as a coach.” She strongly encourages any interested coaches to apply to NSCAA’s newest iteration of the program, which opens June 1st.

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PAGE 12

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Gregory Morgan 770-797-9547 440 South Peachtree Street Norcross, GA 30071 gregorymorgan@allstate.com

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Our Town

Community Member Spotlight: Meet Charlotte Nash

By Rachael Brice Charlotte Nash is many things to many people – a loving wife, devoted mother, and caring grandmother.

But to the people of Gwinnett County, she is their Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, always working for the enrichment of her fellow county citizens.

A native of Gwinnett County, Nash has always had a big heart for the Gwinnett community. It’s a place where she feels she can make a real difference in the lives of those around her.

“My family is immensely rooted in Gwinnett history going all the way back to the 1820s,” Nash said. “I do love to travel, but Gwinnett is home.” Today, she lives less than a mile away from the house she grew up in.

With an Accounting degree from the University of Georgia and high hopes of working for one of the “Big Eight” CPA firms, Nash never thought she would be where she is today. After marrying her high school sweetheart and giving birth to their first child, she obtained a position as an accountant with the Finance Department in Gwinnett where she managed the federal and state grant programs for the county. She had only expected to spend a few years in her post, but after twenty-eight years of serving in increasing positions of responsibility, she concluded her career as County Administrator. But what she didn’t realize is that she would be back a few years later to undertake a new leadership role.

On March 15, 2011, Nash was elected Chairman of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners in a special election, something she thought she would never do. After completing the end of former Chairman Charles Bannister’s term, Nash decided to run again in 2012 and won, though she was the only candidate on the ballot. While holding the chairman position can be very satisfying yet challenging, Nash is looking forward to potentially running for chairman in the 2016 election.

Nash and the Board of Commissioners set direction and formulate policies for the county government, adopt budgets, authorize expenditures, and approve or disapprove specific actions including re-zoning private property. Tuesdays are extremely eventful for the chairman and the board because of the many additional meetings attended by the general public.

“With over 880,000 residents who live in the Gwinnett County area, it is difficult to know I can’t give enough attention to each person’s individual issue, but the board makes the most of the time we have as we look to where our priorities lie,” Nash said.

While helping county citizens is a top priority, there are many other challenges the board must confront. Creating jobs and managing growth and demographic changes are a few of the obstacles Nash and the commissioners face. But that’s not all. Last fall, Nash and the commissioners worked meticulously to calculate the 2015 budget for the county. Property taxes support a large portion of the $1.052 billion operating budget, which in turn provides citizens with wellmaintained roads, local Saturday bus service, and great parks and recreation areas, as well as fire and emergency services.

“The budget review team members, county staff, and I took a hard look at all of the funding requests, and we ultimately agreed the time had come to restore some of the services that make our community a safer and more attractive place to live and conduct business,” Nash said.

With such a detailed schedule, Nash is still able to spend Sunday’s with her family and take care of personal matters. Occasionally she may desire to explore a foreign land, but she will always return to her beloved county, which she is proud to call home.

Our Town

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PAGE 13

Creating beautiful outdoor spaces from our family to yours.

Lawn Maintenance

By Rachael Brice

CommercialhandhResidential Full-ServicehLawnhMaintenance Programs

Landscape Installation PlanthInstallationhandhDesign OutdoorhLighting RetaininghWalls WaterhFeatures Drainage Patios

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Ca Tod llh ayW

Family owned and operated / Licensed and Insured

Recipe of the Month from Graft Quick Pickled Veggies with Mint and Dill In a 2-quart jar, layer the following: 1 lb. mixture of beans, sliced cucumbers, peppers, and/or carrots ½ medium white or red onion, thinly sliced 1 medium apple or pear, thinly sliced ¼ cup chopped fresh mint ¼ cup freshly picked dill For the pickling brine, combine the following in a large bowl and then pour into the jar: ¾ cup distilled white vinegar Zest of 1 large lemon Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons) 1 tbsp. sugar 1 tbsp. kosher salt 2 tsp. coriander seeds 1 tsp. cumin seeds Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before eating. Keep refrigerated after opening.

You will find yourself making these pickled vegetables again and again.

They are very addicting.

PAGE 14

One on One with: Gregory Morgan of Allstate Insurance Insurance can be a fickle business, but Norcross Allstate Agent Gregory Morgan likes the nature of the beast and the challenges it presents. However, he wasn’t always interested in insurance. Since the day he turned eighteen, he was a man on a mission, pursuing something new and stimulating that kept him on his toes until he finally decided to settle down.

In 1982, Morgan left his hometown of Memphis, TN and spent the next five years in the Navy as a propulsion engineer. Four different deployments sent him to many diverse countries in the Far East, including the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, and Korea. Morgan was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, Guam, and finally, Alameda, CA. Of all the places he explored, he especially enjoyed Australia and Hong Kong.

“I really admired the culture, landscape, and people in Perth, Australia, particularly the Aborigines,” Morgan said. “But my favorite part was the cuisine. They have a restaurant chain called Hungry Jack, which is similar to our Burger King, but better. Sometimes you need a taste of home when you’re out at sea.”

After his five-year service, Morgan decided to end his naval career and attend California State University at East Bay in Hayward, CA. He studied business for about eighteen months, but had to withdraw when finances became tight. Living in California with little money was the push he needed to pursue a new job, and he did just that. He became a firefighter, though it was short lived.

“One year was enough,” Morgan said. “As firefighters we respond to all types of accidents, and the gore was just too much for me to handle.”

Morgan packed up his belongings and headed to Atlanta with high hopes of starting a career in a new field and settling down.

For the next ten years, Morgan worked for the Department of Defense, consulting with clients and speaking with companies about new and upcoming processes. It was during this time that he began to work on obtaining licenses for investments. Today he has his Life and Health, Variable Life, and Variable Annuity, Series 6, 63, and 26 licenses, and his Property and Casualty license. Following his job with the Department of Defense, Morgan became a Financial Registered Representative. He now has over twenty years of experience in the financial realm. In 2013, Morgan opened his own Allstate office in Norcross, and has been working diligently to satisfy his customers and ensure they receive the best policies and services available.

“I really like what I do,” Morgan said. “I enjoy helping people and educating customers. It is a great feeling to know I can come to their rescue and give them comfort if they need me.”

One of the most challenging aspects Morgan faces as an agency owner is growing his business. Industry competition is fierce, and customers frequently change insurance companies based on company advertisements and policy rates. Morgan focuses on obtaining referrals from current customers and participates in lead programs and mail outs for his business.

While growing the business is a priority, Morgan stays busy by fixing customer problems, endorsing their policies and contributing to client meetings and client reviews. He joined DeKalb Relators, is a member of the NAACP, and is working to locate an affiliation with a mortgage company.

“It’s not an easy process, but it’s worth it to see my customers happy and well taken care of,” Morgan said. “You have to care first, because if you don’t, it will show.”

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Our Town

Business Hours Mon. - Sat. 10am - 9pm by appointment only after 7pm

Sun. 10am - 8pm Walk-Ins Welcome! based on next available appt at that time

Massage, Salon, and Spa

678-691-6258 1982 Main Street E Unit B, Snellville, GA, 30078 www.redcarpetsalonandspa.com

u No Membership Fee u No Cancellation Charge u No Credit Card Info Taken When You Make An Appointment

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One Hour Full Body Massage Buy 10 Massage @ $405 (10% off) Buy 6 Massage @ 256.50 (5% off)

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One Hour Foot Reflexology

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Hair Cut and Blow Dry *New Customers Only

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................................................Reg .... Sale 30 Min Body Massage & 30 Min Foot Reflexology ...........$80 ..... $45 60 Min Body Massage & 30 Min Foot Reflexology ...........$140 ... $65 60 Min Foot Reflexology & 60 Min Body Massage ..............$150 ... $75 30 Min Facial & 30 Min Body Massage ..............$85 ..... $50 60 Min Facial & 60 Min Body Massage ..............$140 ... $90 60 Min Body Massage & Body Exfoliate ..........................$140 ... $90

MASSAGE

Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, and more. ................................................Reg .... Sale 30 Min Body Massage .................$40 ..... $25 60 Min Body Massage .................$75 ..... $45 90 Min Body Massage .................$110 ... $65 120 Min Body Massage ...............$150 ... $90 Hot Stone massage........................... Add $20 Prenatal massage ............................... Add $5 Acu-Cupping (Pain Relief, Congestion, Detoxification) ........... Add $20 30 Min Foot Reflexology...............$40 ..... $20 60 Min Foot Reflexology...............$75 ..... $30

OTHER SERVICES

................................................Reg .... Sale Ear Candling (2 Candles) .............$55 ..... $30 Paraffin Hand Treatment ..............$25 ..... $10 Body Scrub (with massage) ........$60 ..... $45 Foot Scrub (with foot reflexology) ..... Add $10 Toe Nail Cut ............................................. $10 Body Wrap ..... $30 per zone or $70 for 3 zone

SKINCARE

................................................Reg .... Sale 30 Min Facial ...............................$35 ..... $25 60 Min Dermalogica Facial...........$65 ..... $45 Acne Medicated Clearing Facial ........ Add $10 Anti-Aging Facial .............................. Add $20 Ultra Calming Facial .......................... Add $10 Men’s Skin Treatment ..................$65 ..... $40 Microdermabrasion Only ..............$100 ... $50 (Facial Area Only) Microdermabrasion w/Facial ...$150 .. $69.95 (Facial Area Only) Luxury Microdermabrasion ..........$240 . $100 (Includes Facial, Neck, Decollete Area + Light Therapy Ultrasound Treatment) Back Facial (1 Hour) ....................$65 ..... $40 Bio Active Peel .............................$150 ... $80 ADD-ON ................................................Reg .... Sale Eye Treatment .......................................... $10 Scalp Massage ........................................ $10 Hand Treatment ...........................$15 ..... $10 Ultrasound ...................................$20 ..... $10 Light Therapy...............................$20 ..... $10 Microcurrent ................................$30 ..... $20

With seven luxurious rooms, aromatherapy, six hair stations, we are a full service salon and offer face, body and hair services.

HAIR

Starting

At ................................................Reg ...........

Shampoo, Cut, & Blow Dry ....................... $40 Shampoo & Blow Dry ...................$35 ..... $25 Formal Style ....................................$55 & Up Wet Cut.................................................... $30 Man’s Hair Cut .............................$30 ..... $20 Girl’s Hair Cut (12 & Under) ...................... $25 Boy’s Hair Cut .......................................... $15 Color................................................$60 & Up Partial Highlight ....................................... $75 Full Highlight ......................................... $105 Partial Highlight & Lowlight ...................... $90 Full Highlight & Lowlight ..........................$125 Perm Wave ................................................$75 Spiral Perm Wave.....................................$100 Keratin Treatment (Include Hair Cut) ...................... $295 ..$195 ADD-ON HAIR SERVICE Deep Condition Hair Treatment...... $20 ......$10 Keratin Deep Condition Treatment .. $40 ......$20

WAXING

................................................Reg .... Sale Eye Brow Waxing .........................$15 ..... $10 Lip or Chin Waxing .......................$10 ....... $5 Full Face Waxing ..........................$35 ..... $25 Ear & Nose Waxing .................................. $25 Low Arm Waxing ...................................... $35 Full Arm Waxing ....................................... $45 Low Leg Waxing ...................................... $35 Full Leg Waxing ....................................... $65 Bikini Waxing ........................................... $35 Brazilian Waxing ...................................... $45 Back Waxing ............................................ $65

$69.99

Color or Partial Highlights with Hair Cut *New Customers Only

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One Hour Dermalogica Facial Microdermabrasion Only Buy one @ $50 Buy two @ $70 Buy four @ $120 Buy Six @ $180 Add Facial for $20 extra BioActive Peel Buy one @ $80 Buy two @ $145 Buy three @ $210 Specials offered in store - not necessary to cut out offers * All Services include tax

Gift Cards A v a ila b le

Our Town

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PAGE 15

Southern Styles S A L O N

Chick-fil-A: Not Just in the Chicken Business, But the People Business

By Rachael Brice

2001 Main Street East • Snellville, Ga. 30078

The late Chick-fil-A founder, S. Truett Cathy, once said, “People want to work with a person, not for a company. Most (Operators) feel that this is more than just a job. They feel either a divine call or the satisfaction of a desire to make a difference in the world.” This inspiring quote speaks true for Loganville Chick-fil-A Operator Edgar Brush who couldn’t imagine being anywhere else and has no plans to leave because to him, being a Chick-fil-A Operator is a dream come true.

After over a decade long career in the building business, Brush had a wild idea and a big dream.

Specializing in Though he knew absolutely nothing about the restaurant industry, he knew he loved Chick-fil-A and hoped one day to run his own franchise. Almost immediately he began researching and Haircutting ATTENTION Double check ad for ALL content. found himself-working for minimum wage at the Chick-fil-A in the Perimeter Mall in Atlanta.

Phone, web, address, coupons, etc.

Color For the next ten months, Brush learned all he could about Chick-fil-A. At the conclusion of his Assume - Reply back is approved onceto regularly converse with Truett, was told to trainingnothing in 1982, Brush, whothat wasadfortunate enough Formal Hairstyling ALL ITEMS HAVE BEENaCHECKED ACCURACY. pack his bags because store was FOR opening in Houston, Texas. Chick-fil-A only opened twentyWigs three stores that year, and it was then Brush knew his dream was about to become a reality.

Since opening the Texas store in 1982, Brush moved back to Atlanta where he opened a store Keratin Treatments in Peachtree Center in 1986, and then opened his present store in Loganville in September 1998.

Hair Extensions Today he has fifty-six employees, 65 % of whom are of the younger generation.

“People are one of my favorite reasons to come to work every day,” Brush said. “If you haven’t ng met the people at Chick-fil-A, then you don’t understand why we do what we do. Chick-fil-A staff Gift shop carryi NEW Wellness Studio... and Operators are all great people and you get treated the same everywhere you go, whether it’s elry handmade jew the home office or another store. To quote Truett, ‘We’re not just in the chicken business, we’re in the people business.’” and accessories • Yogathe greatest • Circuit Training Perhaps reason Brush enjoys working at Chick-fil-A so much is the impact Truett Introducing • Senior Classes had• Pilates on his life and his passion to serve others and• develop young Barre Classes The Enchanted Forest ATTENTION - Double check ad for ALL content. people.

Now Party Room Offering “The only man who knew meClass Me Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. better than my own father was mberships!

Assume nothing - Reply back that ad is approvedTruett,” once Brush said. “You always Individualized Care...wanted to be around him because ALL ITEMS HAVE BEENOne-on-One CHECKED FOR ACCURACY. you could learn so much from him. for All Your Physical Therapy Needs!

He truly was an amazing man.”

Being a part of the Chick-fil-A family as long as he has, Brush said he has seen many changes in the ATTENTION - Double check ad for ALL content. franchise and it is nowhere near Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. what it used to be. Once upon a Assume nothing - Reply back that ad is approved once Locally Owned & 20 Grayson New Hope Rd. • Suite C • Grayson 770-682-3854 ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY. time Chick-fil-A used to be about Operated Since 2001 for All speed, but today it’s a whole differof Your ent ball game. Today, Chick-fil-A is about people, consistency, quality Physical and creating a remarkable experiTherapy ence for all who visit the store.

NEW Wellness Studio...

With Brush in charge, the ChickNeeds! fil-A store in Loganville has an Now Open! exciting future as Brush and his • Yoga • Circuit Training team plan more engaging events for • Pilates • Senior Classes members in the surrounding com• Barre Classes munity including spirit nights to Now Offering Now help support local schools, teams, Class Members hips!

Offering and organizations, or organizing Cl as s Memberships u Barre Classes ! another 10K, 5K, and one-mile fun One-on-One Individualized Care... run race like the one held in April. for All Your u Circuit Training Brush loves serving and has a Physical Therapy Needs! strong desire for helping. He is very The WELLNESS STUDIO at u Pilates -on-One Individualized Care... proud to call Chick-fil-A home. He ® forYoga All Your PRO MOTION also enjoys serving his wife, chilu dren, and grandchildren. “To quote Physical Therapy Needs!

Locally Owned & Truett,” Brush said, “Why would 20 Grayson New Hope Rd. • Suite C • Grayson 770-682-3854 Operated Since 2001 I retire from something I enjoy Class Memberships Available doing? I can hardly wait to get here.”

Locally Chick-fil-A in Loganville is locat20 Grayson New Hope Rd., Grayson ed at 4321 Atlanta Hwy Loganville, Owned GA 30052. & Operated

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PAGE 16

Locally Owned & Operated Since 2001

More information at http://www.cfarestaurant.com/loganville/home.

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Our Town

Beverage SuperStore

Continued from page 5

particularly enjoyed his role as the president and CEO of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce from 1996-2003. He says, “I was extremely fortunate to be in a place and time that connected me with many influential people who all had the desire to make Gwinnett the wonderful county it is today. Our combined efforts and vision resulted in the world class chamber facility, located at 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, which we now all enjoy.”

Tucker has no plans to slow down his community involvement. The Beverage Superstore of Grayson was recently the lead sponsor of the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter Annual Wine Auction, where more than $100,000 was raised. The Superstore will also sponsor this summer’s Grayson Music Festival. He plans to “continually look for opportunities to be of service to others while constantly eyeing opportunities to further grow and enhance my business.”

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

Life is Wabi-sab

By Jane Bishop On a trip with friends, one called my attention to a small store with “Life is Wabi-sabi” in the window. Being curious, I went in. I was asked by Brian if he could assist me, so I told him I was curious about the sign and wanted to know what it meant. He smiled and explained, “Life’s not perfect and we need to appreciate these imperfections. Wabi-sabi is the Japanese view of life that finds beauty in things that are simple and humble, ordinary and unrefined, incomplete and impermanent. Everything ages, nothing lasts forever, and sometimes things don’t work out as planned. Embrace the Wabi-sabi concept, laugh, learn, and become a better person.”

A group of lifelong friends in Texas have embraced this concept and want to grow old and gray together. “No way were they going to let the business of life keep them from enjoying that special connection that they’ d grown to love. So they decided to literally create their own ‘Bestie Row.’ They all were fans of the tiny house movement, and decided to build their own little compound based around that idea” (Lighter Side Staff ). They purchased land and built a vacation and potential retirement area with 400 square feet cabins for each couple, a large common space complete with a large kitchen, dining room, living area and an extra bedroom with bunk beds for guests. Simpler living extreme? Maybe! “Life is Wabi-sabi”? Definitely!

Life is chaotic, challenging, and complex. Living the concept of Wabi-sabi may not change circumstances, but it does help you Live 4ward through those circumstances. Live4ward today!

Jane Bishop is Owner/CEO of Take The Next Step. More information at www.takethenextstepcct.com

Our Town

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PAGE 17

A Cure for What Ails Ya

Necessities By Sherrie

By Kelly Farris, ACSM CPT What if there was a recently approved pharmaceutical that could replace your blood pressure medicine, reverse your type 2 diabetes, AND help elevate your mood? Think about the time it would save.

What if it was…free?

Would you ask your doctor about it?

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in the UK has labeled exercise a miracle cure. They are encouraging doctors to promote exercise as a means to reverse disease and certainly as a preventative medicine.

Here is a partial list of known benefits:

Bra Fitting Specialist Cup Sizes AA-JJ,K Band Sizes 28 - 50 Strapless Bras High Impact Sports Bras Nursing Bras

31% reduction in cardiac mortality 90% improvement in self-esteem and well-being (from outdoor activity) 25%–53% reduction of pain symptoms among osteoarthritis patients 57% lower rate of prostate cancer progression 50%–80% reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes 30%–50% reduction in the risk of falls among older adults 30% lower all-cause mortality rate 45% reduction in the risk of bowel cancer (ideafit.com)

Celebrating 10 Years

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

The project also put out a call-to-action for the fitness industry to diversify its clientele. I am happy to state that Ladies Workout is already on top of this. We have women of every age, shape, color, and size in our gym daily – women working out side by side taking control of their lives and their health.

Fitness and exercise are not just for the young, and it’s not about vanity. Fitness is for EVERYONE, and the starting pistol can go off right now. Stand up and stretch. Then go for a walk and just keep moving.

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

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

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

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

BEFORE

AFTER

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H e a lt H y • B e a u t i f u l • i n s p i r e d PAGE 18

accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

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

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Dr. John W. Simmons, IV

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Our Town

Getting to know: Fratelli’s Pizza – A Slice of New York on Main Street

By Stacye Carroll One could say Danny Gomez cut his teeth in Italian restaurants in New York City. At 9 years of age, he was cooking with his mother. By 13 he worked in a restaurant alongside his father. For the last year and a half, Danny and fellow New Yorker, Doris Zaino, have operated Fratelli’s Pizza on Main Street in Snellville.

“We have the same taste,” says Danny about Doris. Fratelli’s menu, Doris adds, is a combination of the partners’ own recipes. “We cook the same thing here that we cook at home,” she says, “but we ramp it up for our customers. It’s about simplicity and true flavors.”

“It’s all in the details,” counters Danny. “The vegetables on our pizzas are bite-sized and we spread them around so that every bite is the same.”

Fratelli’s serves fresh food, not fast food. “Nothing is pre-cooked,” says Doris. “Food is cooked to order, more on the healthy side, and closer to the original Italian recipes.” Only fresh herbs are used to create their signature blend.

While it may be featured in their name, pizza is just a small part of Fratelli’s extensive menu, which features seafood, chicken, and pasta dishes. Desserts are homemade and include New York-style cheesecake, tiramisu, and cannoli. Danny, who describes himself as a “plain person,” prefers simple pasta dishes, while Doris loves Fratelli’s salads and homemade salad dressings. Customers favor garlic knots and Bass Michelle, a dish featuring fish, crab, and shrimp covered in cream sauce over fettuccini and spinach. Upcoming additions to the menu include a Mediterranean and a Bruschetta pizza, Chicken Francese, and a variety of fresh veal dishes. Many items are available gluten free.

Menu additions are customer driven and, as long as he has the ingredients on hand, Danny is willing to cook to order. “Lots of customers from New York request veal parmesan and veal marsala, so we are adding it to the menu. The other day I cooked pasta carbonara for a customer who said it reminded her of when she was a kid. We represent New York, where if you’re not good, you won’t make it.”

The recent addition of beer and wine doubled Fratelli’s clientele. “It must be a Southern thing because we never saw it in New York,” says Doris. “But down here people want beer with their pizza.” All beer is on tap and several are locally brewed. Danny plans to change the selection with the season. Wine is available by the glass or bottle, and there are plans to add a house sangria by summer. Fratelli’s has live acoustic music

on Friday nights, and plans are in the works to add karaoke and trivia nights after Mother’s Day. Fratelli’s caters functions for schools, businesses, and private parties. The full menu is offered, and servers are available if needed. Usually a week’s notice is preferred.

While customers come from as far as Lithonia, Buford, Suwanee, and Covington, Danny describes Fratelli’s as a “neighborhood restaurant.” Doris compares it to a New York pizzeria.

“You know everybody and people come to hang out,” she says.

“Regular customers become friends. We know their names and we know what they like.”

Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., any purchase over $5.00 qualifies for free trips to Fratelli’s garden-fresh salad bar. On Sunday, in addition to the salad bar, there is a hot buffet featuring wings, meatballs, pasta, garlic knots, chicken fingers, and, of course, pizza.

Danny Gomez and Doris Zaino are owner/operators of Fratelli’s Pizza. More information at https:// www.facebook.com/fratellisNYstyle

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Pet Perch: Dogs and Grief

By Terie Hansen

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Dogs, like people, have different personalities. When a family experiences the loss of a dog, the dog(s) left behind will grieve the passing pack member.

Some dogs grieve longer than others, but in general, compared to their human counterparts, their grieving process is less emotional and much shorter. However, if the human puts all his or her emotions into the dog that is left, the grieving process can certainly extend and may even create some behavioral problems.

Here are some ways to help your dog grieve: • If possible allow the companion dog(s) to be present at the euthanasia. A mobile veterinarian can typically perform an in-home euthanasia, allowing for a peaceful passing in the presence of the other family dog(s).

• Keep your emotions in check as much as possible. Easier said than done for sure! And yes a little extra TLC goes a long way, but too much can do more harm than good.

• Keep a normal routine going. This helps dogs feel safe and secure, and helps them to relieve or keep stress at a minimum.

Some added exercise will get a dog’s feel-good chemicals (endorphins) flowing, helping him or her get into a peaceful, happy state. The same will work for you as well, so get out and walk!

This is a great time to introduce some training to stimulate your dog’s brain in a positive way.

Perhaps some agility, nose work, or some good old fashioned basic obedience is in order. Dogs thrive on learning new things.

Remember, time heals, and you and your canine companion will feel happy again one day, maybe even enough to open your heart and your home to another dog in need of a family.

Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at: www.gooddogcoaching.com

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Getting Schooled with: Pharr Elementary School’s Growing Garden

By Stacye Carroll At first glance, Snellville’s Pharr Elementary is much like any other elementary school in Gwinnett County: a tan brick building surrounded by black asphalt broken up by a few small green spaces. The classrooms are arranged around a courtyard, and it is this space that sets Pharr Elementary apart.

In 2011, with the help of a local landscaper and a $5000 grant from Lowe’s, the courtyard was transformed into a garden complete with an irrigation system that features a 650-gallon rainwater collection system. The goal was to create a hands-on learning experience for students that would also benefit the community. When crops were harvested from the 100 plants that students started from seed, they were taken to a local food bank.

Now four years later, the number of plants has increased to 850, and, for the first time, students are able to start their seedlings inside a greenhouse built by garden enthusiasts Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Prevost. Both men were presented plaques of appreciation at a Garden Party held on Thursday, April 30th.

Earlier that evening students flitted about from one scavenger hunt check-point to the next, while parents and others from the community toured the Outdoor Learning Center.

The front garden houses solar panels used to power the irrigation system. Plants grow inside colorfully painted, repurposed car tires adorned by a collection of equally colorful clay insects.

Students and teachers were on hand to explain the African Keyhole garden, which grows inside a circle made of stones. The front of the garden is divided by a keyhole in which an active compost bin is stoked daily with students’ banana and apple peelings. This type of gardening is especially beneficial in dry, hot climates.

Foot-tall corn stalks share space next to the new greenhouse with whimsically decorated pinwheels. Inside, Hailey Spinks held the attention of a small crowd of parents eager to learn about the Moringa plant, which is native to both Africa and India, and produces a sweet-tasting nut.

Its leaves are used to make sick people feel better.

At the international garden, people learned about plants indigenous to Bosnia, China, Italy, and Jamaica. Benches and a picnic table in the center of the garden provide a wonderful vantage point from which to view the large variety of student artwork on display.

Aside from the obvious opportunities for science lessons and artistic inspiration, the Outdoor Learning Center also provides Pharr Elementary students with a chance to explore career options.

Plans for expansion were discussed, along with the need for grants and sponsors for the project.

Later, art teacher Ms. Ramirez dedicated the garden to Richard Weeks, a long-time substitute teacher at the school who recently passed away. After reading “The Arrow and the Song” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, she said of Mr. Weeks, “His arrows of love and affection will continue to grow in all of us.”

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What’s The Scoop On Home Inspections?

By Mike Harper If you’ve ever been directly involved with buying or selling a home, you are familiar with the home inspection. For buyers, a home inspection can help determine if the home of your dreams is really a dream.

For sellers, a home inspection can cause anxiety out of the fear that something seriously wrong will be found that could kill the deal. The inspection process, however, doesn’t have to be that onerous.

WHY DO WE NEED A HOME INSPECTION? Most of us do not know how well a structure is built, how effective and efficient the mechanical systems are operating, when components are nearing the end of useful life, or how to recognize serious, potentially deadly safety risks. We rely, then, on trained and licensed building and trade professionals who, for a fee from $350 and up, will comb through our homes, mumbling, scribbling notes, and taking photos.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AN INSPECTION. Normally, a home inspector is hired by the buyer to determine if there are conditions that warrant repair or attention, or by the seller as a condition of going ahead with the purchase.

Inspections are scheduled just after the buyer and seller agree on the terms of a contract, after which there is a ten to fourteen-day period called the “due diligence period,” where the buyer can have all the types of inspections he desires. If troubling conditions are found, then the buyer may exit the contract. In fact, during this due diligence period, a buyer may cancel the contract for any reason – but that’s the subject of another article.

DOES THE SELLER HAVE TO REPAIR OR ADDRESS ALL FINDINGS BY THE INSPECTOR? No. After the buyer receives the inspector’s report (usually within 24 hours), the buyer will

decide which findings are serious or which ones he or she simply wants the seller to correct.

CAN THE SELLER REFUSE TO REPAIR SOME OR ALL OF THE ITEMS? Yes. The buyer or his agent will submit those items on an “Amendment to Address Concerns” form. The seller then can: 1) agree to repair or address all items; 2) decline to repair certain items; or 3) decline to repair any of the items. Some reasons why a seller may refuse to address certain items may be high costs to correct, or a disagreement with the findings. Obviously, a refusal to repair some or all of the issues may cause the buyer to cancel the contract.

HOW LONG DOES THE SELLER HAVE TO MAKE REPAIRS? Generally, the seller will have until a few days before the closing of the sale to complete all agreed upon repairs. Then, the buyer may perform a walk-through to assess final condition and to verify the completion of repairs.

I’M PREPARING TO SELL MY HOME. I’M WORRIED THAT I MAY NOT PASS AN INSPECTION For sellers concerned about potentially serious issues, paying for a pre-inspection can be very helpful. By identifying these concerns early, the problems can be corrected on your own schedule and budget. Then, when you sell your home and the buyer calls in an inspector, you can be reasonably sure that you will avoid surprises.

BOTTOM LINE—IS A HOME INSPECTION A GOOD THING OR A BAD THING? For 98%, which includes the buyers who want to know if the homes they are buying are in decent condition and safe and the sellers who truly want to know what problems exist, an inspection is a good thing. For the other 2% who are trying to hide something, an inspection is a bad thing. Pretty simple, huh?

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