March 2015: Our Town Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Monthly Magazine

The Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Community and Family Magazine

Our Town March 2015

Lawrenceville l Snellville l Lilburn l Stone Mountain

Performers of Gwinnett Ballet, see story on page 5.

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One on One with: Gregory Morgan of Allstate Getting Schooled with: Crews Middle School Getting to Know: Chairman Charlotte Nash Catching Up with: Sarah Care of Snellville

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Stacy’s Story My name is Stacy and I’ve been a stay-at-home Mom to my son (6 1/2 years) and daughter (4 1/2 years) for almost four years now. I had an office job prior to that and dreamed of being lucky enough to stay at home with them. When that dream became possible, I soon found out that it was a tough job - the greatest job, but a tough one, physically and mentally.

Stacy After

I quickly felt like having two children had taken its toll on me. I had always needed to lose some weight, get more exercise and eat better, but who has time for that when you’re caring for, playing with, and carpooling your children everywhere everyday!? Although I had a “bad back” for years, I began to have joint pain in my wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and feet. I was trying to be active in my newly found freedom, but I hurt when I pushed my kids on the swings, ran around with them in the yard or played tennis on the weekends as a “my time” treat.

I saw my family physician and two Rheumatologists regarding my pain, lack of energy and basically my feeling of “trudging through the sludge.” They classified it as acute arthritis and/or fibromyalgia and I was put on different anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant drugs. I tried for years to follow their instructions and take these medications, but they weren’t helping and I didn’t like taking all these meds with my job of taking care of my children.

I began seeing Dr. Gravante September 5, 2014 with numbness and tingling in my hands, as well as all my joint and body aches and pains. After the initial consultation, Dr. Gravante’s first call to action was chiropractic services for me for three months.

During this time, I was able to get favorable results from her gentle manipulations, and in addition, was able to learn what may be the root cause of my symptoms - my gut and what I was eating.

I attended one of Dr. Gravante’s functional medicine discussions, and was SO amazed that Dr. Gravante had “been there, done that” in terms of many of the symptoms I experienced - “trudging through the sludge”, foggy brain, “hanging in there” physically and mentally, body aches, knowing you need to lose weight to feel better, but feeling like you need to feel better before losing weight - and now she is on the OTHER SIDE. With Dr. Gravante’s direction, I quickly began taking gluten out of my diet to see if that would help my inflammation, joint pain and my gut. And it certainly did! I officially began Dr. Gravante’s functional medicine program, specifically designed for me, on January 1, 2015.

In those 28 days, I lost 8 pounds of fat and gained 1 pound of lean muscle, bringing my total weight loss since seeing Dr. Gravante to what I believe is 15 pounds! I am also off all medications and feeling better than I have in four years! I am continuing my glutenfree way of eating and am incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my diet. I am not “there” yet, but am sure on the correct path to living pain-free and living more on the OTHER SIDE! Thank you Dr. Gravante!

Stacy Before

Call Today for Your Appointment! 678.990.9400

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The Center for Natural Healing Please RSVP at 678.990.9400 by Monday, June 15. at Dr. Gravante’s office and Weight Loss PM 2176 Oak Road SuiteWe’re D looking forward to meeting you at our Summer Evening Open 12:30 House! on Every Tuesday Snellville, GA 30078 www.drgravante.com Please call to reserve your seat!

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These results may not be typical. Results with products may vary from individual to individual. These nutrition recommendations are provided solely to support good nutrition with the intent of supporting the physiological and biochemical process of the human body and not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Be advised that any nutritional program recommended by Dr. Gravante is not PAGE 2 For more information call 678-825-2049 • OurTownGwinnett.com Our Town intended as a primary therapy for any disease. Prior to starting any diet, nutrition or exercise program, you should consult with your medical physician.

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

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

Our Town

On the Cover: The Gwinnett Ballet Theatre – A “Journey” to Excellence

By Stacye Carroll On March 28th and 29th, the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre will present the Georgia premiere of Journey, a ballet written and choreographed by Wade Walthall, the ballet’s Artistic Director. He is also casting and overseeing costumes and staging. “It is unusual for one person to do all this,” says Wade, who originally premiered the ballet fourteen years ago in Seattle, Washington. Journey is also unique in that it is a contemporary, full-length story ballet since most story ballets are classical.

Journey is presented as an “everyman’s tale,” and Wade says that while it may appear complicated, the message is really quite simple.

Split into three acts, the ballet is an interpretation of the mind, body, and spirit of a young man, his circumstances, and choices.

A Kickstarter campaign was recently begun to help defray the cost of sets and costumes.

The $4,500 goal must be met before any funds are collected. Last year’s Kickstarter for Cinderella was very successful, according to Gwinnett Ballet board member Amy Ward, who is counting on the same level of support this year for the only pure non-profit ballet in Gwinnett County.

After retiring from an extensive national and internationally renowned dance career,

Wade Walthall obtained a Master’s degree in dance education at the University of Arizona.

He was pivotal in the creation of the Evergreen City Ballet in Washington before bringing his talents to the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. Last month Wade was awarded the Community Impact Award for Arts Leaders at the Gwinnett Fusion Awards, an event that both surprised and honored him. When asked what he enjoys most about his position as Artistic Director, he answers, “Watching dancers grow; not just as dancers, but as people.” He describes Gwinnett Ballet Theatre as a “special place” where young dancers are treated like professionals.

Marketing Director, Holley Calmes, agrees.

“Ballet is the foundation of all dance and is at the core of all training at Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. Even very young students are trained in dance and the etiquette that goes along with it.” She refers to Albert Einstein’s quote, “Dancers are the athletes of God,” adding, “Dance instruction prepares dancers for life by inspiring confidence and teaching them to be comfortable with their bodies. Even dancers who once thought they weren’t ‘good enough’ can become good dancers with the right instruction.”

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre is unique in many ways. For example, dancers are not weighed.

Staff members keep a close eye on students,

discouraging eating disorders while helping dancers become healthy athletes. Every student will perform in the recital to be held in May. The performance is open to the public, and those in attendance will witness the progression of a racially diverse student body aged 4 to 18. “We are very proud of the diversity of our students,” says Holley, comparing it to the diversity within Gwinnett County which has been called the most ethnically diverse county in Georgia.

Beginning June 1st, Gwinnett Ballet Theatre offers camps for children starting as young as age 4. In addition to dance, campers will complete dance-related projects, and snacks are provided. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced Summer Intensives also start in June. Last year approximately 40 Gwinnett Ballet Theatre students were accepted to Summer Intensives with such prestigious ballet companies as Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, American Ballet Theatre-New York City, the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and the School of American Ballet-New York City, among others. This and a list of alumni that includes the principal dancer with the Charlotte Ballet, a first soloist in the Houston Ballet, and a dancer turned award winning choreographer proves, according to Holley Calmes, that instruction at Gwinnett Ballet Theatre is of

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Gwinnett Ballet Theatre relies on donations from the community and the support of volunteers. Membership is open to the public. Elizabeth Rhinehart, who recently joined the staff as Costume Mistress, helps to direct volunteers distributing printed materials, cleaning the studios, ushering, and selling programs at the annual Nutcracker presentation, and working in the Nutcracker Boutique.

Volunteer opportunities and a donation wish list are available on the website.

Those interested in ballet but unsure how to get started are encouraged to call Lillian at Gwinnett Ballet Theatre 770-237-0046, and request a complimentary class.

More information at gwinnettballet.org/ or facebook.com/GwinnettBallet

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Our Town Gym: Gym: 678-671-3539 Glenn: Glenn: 678-458-7320

Editor Catherine L. Osornio

Our Town 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 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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IN THIS ISSUE

5 On the Cover: The Gwinnett Ballet Theatre – A “Journey” to Excellence 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion Morgan of Allstate Insurance 8 One on One with: GregoryGym: Gym: 678-671-3539 9 Portion Distortion Glenn: 678-458-7320 Glenn: 10 The New SAT of Negative Thinking 11 The PowerNinja Ninja WarriorObstacles Obstacles Warrior The “UN” Fitness Zone Parkour/Free Running/Tumbling FitnessTraining Training Center Parkour/Free Running/Tumbling Center 12 Living4ward: 13 Getting Schooled with: Principal Stacey Schepens of Crews Middle School 14 Mayor Johnny Crist Talks about the Changing Nature of the City of Lilburn 15 Cell Phones and Your Health 18 A Busy Lady with a Big Heart for Gwinnett 19 Catching Up with: SarahCare of Snellville 20 Laundry Love Outreach Program Makes its Way to Lawrenceville

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I hope you are off to a great March. Are you ready for spring? Me, too. In this edition, we have a cover story on the amazing group at Gwinnett Ballet Theatre. A few feature stories include “getting schooled” with Crews Middle School, changes in Lilburn with Mayor Johnny Crist, and catching up with SarahCare of Snellville.

This issue marks the new ownership team’s second full year of running Our Town Gwinnett. In that time, we have dramatically increased the circulation (free to homes) mailed out, and added 12 display shelves (additional copies) in strategic locations. We have grown our social media community exponentially from where it was two years ago. We now have a heavily read online version Old Hwchanged as well. We the website hub from ourtownmag.org to y 78 Hwy 78 OurTownGwinnett.com, and launched a second edition of Our Town Magazine in the Grayson ★ We designed a new look that gave us a unique size, is all gloss, and has a and LoganvilleFRATELLI’S area.

PIZZA blue or green masthead (at the top) for the two different magazines. And these are just a few things we havepointchanged.

Rd So let me take a moment and say thanks. Thanks to the community, advertising partners, friends, staff, and family. We have studied the data and the results are in. Our readership, which we track online, is at an all-time high as is the engagement on our social media accounts.

And our flagship piece, the printed magazine, has grown dramatically in the past 24 months in brand awareness. Finally, we get to see this growth, firsthand, in both magazines based on the number of inquiries we get to become an Our Town advertising partner, or from people who share a story with us.

Our Town is now well over ten years old, and this issue marks my 24th month of that time as owner (time goes fast). Thus, I wanted to share this exciting news… and tell you that the years ahead will be the best yet. Have a super month, and as always: this is my town, your town, Our Town!

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And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

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Member

PAGE 7

Come See What’s NEW FOR SPRING

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Research shows that clinicians with advanced certifications get better results, faster. At BenchMark, we have more advanced certified therapists than any other physical therapy provider in the region.

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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PAGE 8

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

Our Town

Portion Distortion

By Kelly Farris, ACSM CPT You want to drop some weight. You commit to eating better and step up your physical activity. But your results are not meeting expectations. Do not abandon hope! You may be falling victim to portion distortion.

The National Institutes of Health define a portion as “how much food you choose to eat at one time.” Even if you are eating healthier foods, you will not lose weight and could gain weight if you are consuming more calories than you require to maintain a healthy weight. Even if you are exercising, it is a balancing act, so it is important that you understand portions and serving sizes.

The Nutrition Facts label found on the foods that we buy offer a suggested “serving size.” Foods that might look like a single serving are actually multiple servings. If you find this to be the case, make sure to multiply the calories and other nutrient values accordingly.

The baseline recommendation for a restricted caloric diet is 1,200 calories for women and 1,400 for men daily. Seems low, but a study found that people underestimate their daily caloric intake by 20 percent because of portion distortion. For example, a 1/4 cup of whole almonds, roughly the size of a golf ball, is 207 calories.

The American Heart Association states that adults today consume 300 more daily calories than they did in 1985. Portion sizes have grown dramatically over the last 40 years, and Americans eat out more than they used to (www.heart.org). Keep a food journal. Restaurant sized portions and mindless eating can sabotage progress.

It seems to always come back to two basic rules of thumb. Eat less. Move more.

You can do it!

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

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PAGE 9

30

The New SAT

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If you are currently a 9th grade student, you will take the new, redesigned PSAT in October 2015 as a sophomore.

You have probably heard that the SAT is also changing, so I would like to share with you a few of the revisions.

The new SAT will be a 3-hour test, consisting of two sections: mathematics and reading/writing/language.

Both sections will be scored between 200 and 800 points for a total possible score of 1600. There will be an optional 50-minute essay section, which will be scored separately from 2 to 8 in three areas: reading, analysis, and writing. Students will need to analyze a provided reading passage, and explain how the author built his/her argument to persuade the reader. The essay will indicate students’ readiness for college level writing.

College Board, who authors the SAT, has indicated that the new SAT will focus on the knowledge and skills that, according to research, are most critical for students’ college and career readiness.

The new SAT will consist of 52 reading questions, 44 writing and language questions, and 58 math questions. There will be no penalty for wrong answers on any type of question, which will allow students to guess with their “best” when not 100% sure of the correct answer. The math section will consist of both multiple choice and free response questions, and a calculator may be used on only one of the two math sections.

The first administration of the new SAT will be in March of 2016, so today’s 9th grade students will take the new version. Students who are currently in the 10th grade may take both the current and new SAT and also the ACT, and submit their highest earned scores. Any time a college admissions test changes, there is a group of students who are in a unique position to submit both the current and new redesigned test to their colleges of choice.

Total Learning Concepts will offer practice testing on the new PSAT and SAT this summer, along with preparation classes for those who desire to get ahead and be ready for the new test!

Check our website in March for details at www.totallearningconcepts.com.

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Our Town

The Power of Negative Thinking

Hear all of the Madness!

By Jeff Hayes Negative Thinking? Most people would probably feel that Positive Thinking would be the most powerful force in our decision making. Dan S. Kennedy, a well-known and respected American copywriter, puts forth the theory that our desire to avoid what we don’t want to happen can influence us even more than positive motivation. None of us want to be embarrassed by our actions, or looked down upon by our peers. And we definitely don’t want to feel that we missed an opportunity because we made the wrong decision or perhaps no decision at all. The fear of not taking advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself, and being uncertain of what the results could be, creates a large emotional conflict within us. Will it take a greater toll if we take action and it doesn’t work out the way we planned, or if we don’t take action and miss the opportunity to reap a big reward?

Regret is something that we all have felt when our past decisions did not work out as we had hoped. But regretting past decisions will not help us, unless we learn from them, and are able to make future decisions based not on emotions, but on facts, and logic, and common sense.

A logical and fact based decision-making process is of the utmost importance where your financial future is concerned. Do not let advisors – or salesmen – use your emotions, insecurity, or perhaps greed, to influence you into making a decision that is not yours.

A well thought out financial plan needs to be realistic, practical, and flexible. And, most of all, it needs to be customized to your individual situation, thus giving you the best opportunity to achieve your desired goals.

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PAGE 11

Regular Service Times: Saturday 5 pm Sunday 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 am All services have communion.

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By Jane Bishop, Life Coach/Speaker

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“This is ridiculous,” I thought as I deleted email from the account I use for special offer sign ups, etc. As I was pressing delete, it occurred to me, “Why don’t I unsubscribe from those that offer no value to me?” So I did! What a sense of uncluttering I felt.

Today’s technology provides quick access to a plethora of information. If care is not taken to prioritize, we will find ourselves expending energy on nonessential activities. In Essentialism, The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, Greg McKeown writes, “Essentialism is a disciplined, systematic approach for determining where our highest point of contribution lies, then making execution of those things almost effortless. The basic value of essentialism: only once you give yourself permission to stop trying to do it all, to stop saying yes to everyone, can you make your highest contributions towards the things that really matter.” Those special offer emails did not really matter. By unsubscribing, I removed myself from investing energy in unnecessary information, experiencing what Dieter Rams describes as “less but better.”

Unsubscribing has led to unplugging. At times, I turn off phone alerts and remove myself from any online connection. It creates space for my brain to recharge. Karen Burton writes, “UNPLUG. BECAUSE you cannot survive without rest from the noise, pace, and over-stimulation of our technical world. UNPLUG. BECAUSE you need to reconnect with yourself, your dreams, your quiet whispers of intuition.”

Take the ten-minute “UN” Zone challenge! Designate ten minutes each day to UN_____. In that zone, play, read, nap, reflect. Build on that challenge by adding additional minutes each day to create the “UN” Zone that works for you! What distracts you from creating your “UN” Zone may be draining you from living4ward with energy and passion!

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

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Our Town

Getting Schooled with: Principal Stacey Schepens of Crews Middle School

By Rachael Brice Dr. Alton C. Crews once said, “If you truly love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” This quote is especially true for Dr. Stacey Schepens, Crews Middle School’s newest appointed principal.

A passionate educator, devoted leader, and avid racecar driver, Schepens has held a variety of different teacher and leadership roles within the Gwinnett County school system since 2002. She earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Mercer University, and after teaching high school in Chicago, realized her talents lay in secondary education. In December 2012 Schepens graciously stepped into her new role as principal at Crews and has savored every minute with the 1,285 students who pack the halls and classrooms.

“This has been a tremendous opportunity and tremendous honor,” Schepens says. “I don’t want to go anywhere else.”

Each day is an ongoing challenge. Between teacher observations and countless meetings with staff members and the leadership team, Schepens is always thinking ahead and planning for the unexpected. However, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., her positive energy and focus are on her students and teachers. She takes the mission of the school very seriously, and does her best to prepare every student for success.

“Even though there is never a dull moment and no two days are the same, learning is the priority of our school community,” she says. “I love watching them [students] grow.”

In the Brookwood district, student growth is not only stimulated by teachers and school leaders, but also impacted by community involvement. Many business groups are heavily involved with Crews and other surrounding Brookwood schools. Parental participation is also a big influence. Each year the Crews PTA raises funds and creates a solid team of volunteers to help support the school, its staff, and its students.

“The better the school system, the healthier the community,” Schepens says. “Whenever a parent says thank you or a student says they have had a great day, I feel like we’ve won.”

While winning is enjoyable, Schepens knows it doesn’t last forever. She and the school face many challenges that must be met with intelligent solutions. The school is always in need of more funding as well as exceptional staff. Schepens wants to provide the best environment, staff,

and materials for the students so they can be happy, feel supported, and learn at their greatest potential level.

When Schepens isn’t attending to her principal duties, she is gassing up her 1964 Morgan racecar and getting it ready for her next vintage race. For almost twenty years Schepens and her dad have been racing cars together, and she still loves the thrill she gets from gunning her Lotus Twin Cam engine for another lap around the track. Sometimes Schepens says she has the need for speed and can accelerate up to 135 miles per hour.

Even with a hectic schedule and unforeseen challenges, Schepens has a positive outlook for the future of Crews. As long as they have the support of parents and the community, the students will continue to learn and thrive while its teachers and leaders continue to build a tradition of excellence.

“If I don’t have a positive outlook, no one will,” she says.

More info http://www.crews.org/

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PAGE 13

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Mayor Johnny Crist Talks about the summitchasecc.com Changing Nature of the City of Lilburn

By Heidi Campbell

info@summitchasecc.com

• Photos The city of Lilburn is evolving. Festivals, trails, concerts, andoflocal courtesy Barnett Photography. businesses have changed the landscape of this small city, and future plans promise to literally build upon these changes. New “turn of the century” facades will adorn the buildings on Main Street, a beautiful new walking path will run from Boston Market to the Post Office, and an 11 million dollar library and City Hall building will welcome visitors. Over 350 high-end apartments and townhomes will sit behind store fronts, where inhabitants can live, eat, shop, and play.

Mayor Johnny Crist says, “I ran for office because I felt that our city needed a riveting vision. I wanted to lift the environment of Lilburn to include incredible social events, because cities are more than just streets and roads and applications. Cities are people getting together.”

This spring, the city will break ground on the City Hall and library complex—the only one of its kind in Gwinnett County. Shortly after, construction will begin on the $45 million, 350+ apartment complex at the corner of Main Street and Lawrenceville Highway. According to Mayor Crist, the apartments will be one and two bedroom, high-end residences like those found in Suwanee, Emory, or Brookhaven. He feels that young people today don’t want a house with a lot of upkeep, and that people of all ages enjoy the benefits of convenience. “We want this city to be walkable, livable, ‘ice-cream-able,’ ‘junk-food-able,’ and bicycle-able,” shares Mayor Crist.

“These apartments will be the perfect solution for millennials or retirees who don’t want any maintenance.”

With newly relaxed laws about drinking beer at concerts in the park, and plans to continue to bring exciting events to the city, Crist is passionate about making Lilburn a true 21st century city.

He is eager to spread the excitement, and has even created a line of t-shirts that will read “Lilburn is Hip.” “I love the idea,” he says, “that when people wear this t-shirt line, it tells us that they are a lover of our city.”

More at: CityOfLilburn.com

PAGE 14

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

Our Town

Cell Phones and Your Health

A Day of ...

By Julie D. Mills-Watson, LMT, LLCC The impact cell phone usage has on our health isn’t a subject most of us want to discuss, but we should. My late husband died of a brain tumor in 2007. During our journey, we discovered the effects of EMF (Electro Magnetic Fields) on the body, and we became very alarmed by the studies. Subscriptions for these devices are now estimated at 5.9 billion globally! That’s 87 percent of the world population!

Last year, an Israeli research group reported a sharp increase in the incidence of parotid gland tumors over the last thirty years, with the steepest increase happening after 2001. That same year, Dr. Siegal Sadetzki, the principal investigator of a 2008 study, testified at a U.S. Senate hearing that cell phones were identified as a contributor to salivary gland tumors. The report stated that our risk of getting a parotid tumor on the same side of our head that we routinely use for listening increases by 34 percent if you are a regular cell phone user and have used a mobile phone for 5 years, 58 percent if you had more than about 5,500 calls in your lifetime, and 49 percent if you have spoken on the phone for more than 266.3 hours during your lifetime.

On May 31, 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO)/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) issued a report admitting cell phones might indeed cause cancer and classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Class 2B). The classification came in part as a response to research showing wireless telephones increase the risk of brain cancer.

Children also face a far greater lifetime exposure. According to Professor Lennart Hardell of Sweden, those who begin using cell phones heavily as teenagers have four to five times more brain cancer as young adults! Children are at greater risk than adults because their brain tissue is more absorbent and their skulls are thinner than that of adults.

Please try to keep cell phones away from the body if possible. You really don’t have to have them with you 24/7. Talking in person is so much more effective than a phone call, and quiet time is so much more productive.

Julie Mills-Watson is Founder of Body of Health and Life, LLC. More informaton at www.bodyofhealthandlife.com

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PAGE 15

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Our Town

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PAGE 17

A Busy Lady with a Big Heart for Gwinnett

By Rachael Brice

Happy ‘Days’ Are Here Again!

Patty and Steve Day know a great home when they see one. After all, they’ve moved 36 times, most recently to Olde Town Grayson.

Olde Town Grayson offered the no-maintenance lifestyle the Days were looking for. They chose a roomy 3-bedroom villa, which was elegantly decorated by Patty, an accomplished interior designer.

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PAGE 18

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 well-maintained 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.

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

Our Town

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By Stacye Carroll Last year we visited SarahCare of Snellville and found that owner Aysha Cooper and staff have succeeded in creating an environment that allows everyone “…to feel the love pouring out of this place when you walk in.” This year, according to assistant director Bonnie Penniman, “SarahCare of Snellville is off to a grand start!”

The theme for 2015 is “Around the World with SarahCare.” Each month a different country is celebrated, and all activities, outings, and entertainment are planned with that culture in mind. SarahCare participants dedicated the month of February to France by learning a new French word or phrase every day. They visited Chateau Elan, celebrated Mardi Gras with beads and King Cake, and had a cabaret party for Valentine’s Day. As a final tip of their beret, participants took their monthly lunch outing to Mimi’s French Café.

Also exciting is SarahCare of Snellville’s decision to expand their facility by annexing the 3,200 square foot space next door. Plans are in the works to create a Men’s Den and a Sensory Zone, which Aysha Cooper describes as the “quiet room.” Aroma Therapy will be available along with plenty of books participants can read while curled up in front of the new fireplace. The added space will also allow the facility to welcome about twenty new participants.

Aysha and nursing supervisor Susan Munroe are taking their expertise to the community as trainers of an education program called Powerful Tools for Caregivers. Classes have been held at the First United Methodist Church of Snellville and Laurel Grove Independent Senior Living. The class lasts six weeks and the only cost is for the book.

Aysha Cooper is Owner and Executive Director of SarahCare of Snellville. More information at http://sarahcare.com/snellville/ or https://www.facebook.com/sarahcareofsnellville.

PACKAGE DEALS

...................................................... 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

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

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

HAIR

Starting ...................................................... Reg ......................

At 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

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

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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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$25

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PAGE 19

eat well

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Laundry Love Outreach Program Makes its Way to Lawrenceville

By Heidi Campbell

Restaurant and Bar the area’s only farm-to-table restaurant

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“If I had clean clothes, I think people would treat me like a human being,” said a homeless man named T-Bone, according to the website for an outreach organization called Laundry Love. Many organizations exist to feed and provide shelter for the homeless or to help them find work. Laundry Love, however, an outreach program for low income and homeless families, has filled another need for the less fortunate: the need for clean laundry.

Working to spread their mission for the past twelve years, Laundry Love provides laundry services through outside fundraising. One laundry facility in Georgia recently joined the Laundry Love mission: Brilliant Bubbles in Lawrenceville. Ellen Brill, who owns Brilliant Bubbles with her husband, is also a full time teacher at Brookwood High School. They heard about Laundry Love on NPR, and felt moved by its mission. “What an interesting gap that needs to be filled,” Brill suggests. “You don’t always think about people who live in shelters, and the fact that a lot of those shelters don’t offer laundry services.

“When we decided to join the Laundry Love cause, I wasn’t really sure where to start,” admits Brill. “A friend of mine, Sherry May, works as a case manager at St. Vincent de Paul and is active at St. Marguerite d’Youville

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

Catholic Church. When I told her about the program, she was eager to get involved, and knew of several people who would need the service. She got the church youth group involved, and they raised $230 in quarters.”

Every Tuesday, Brilliant Bubbles will now welcome the recipients of the Laundry Love voucher with free soap, bleach, and assistance.

Twenty five vouchers were distributed through ministries at St. Marguerite’s and St. Vincent De Paul’s. “Laundry Love has a system in place,” explains Brill. “In California, they don’t use vouchers; instead volunteers come in and facilitate the process. I would love to have local schools and clubs fundraise for Laundry Love and volunteer like they do in other states.”

Anyone can get involved with the Laundry Love organization by finding a group of interested people, teaming with a willing Laundromat, registering with the Laundry Love organization, and getting the word out. Coaches are available to assist all new participants, and the website provides support and information as well. “I have approached other organizations about fundraising,” says Brill, “and I really hope that this takes off. I am hopeful that we are seeing a movement where people are feeling compelled to help someone else.”

More information at laundrylove.org.

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PAGE 21

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PAGE 22

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PAGE 23