MAY 2018 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker
Meet the team at Coots & Company, see story on page 5
8 10 11 21
Community Spotlight: Up Close with Garner Farm Making a Difference: Gwin Oaks Wins Superintendent Award Getting Schooled with Parkview High School PTSA Catching Up with Blue Rooster Bake Shop of Lawrenceville
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isJohn honored to beIV, we are committed to providing you with the high AtDr. the Simmons dental office of W. Simmons, comprehensive dental care, focused on both the function and beauty of your smile. A one of only nine dentists improving in patient care and comfort are our primary concerns. We are proud to run a practice that treats ea Georgia to have passed the kind, gentle, and caring manner, just like family. We offer a full range of the latest cosmetic a rigorous required to long-lasting, earn procedures thattesting concentrate on ensuring brilliant results you will love, and others
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accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His state-of-the-art equipment and updated technology allow him to affordably serveDENTAL CARE AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY D.M.D., P.C. • SUPERIOR his patients by providing healthy, beautiful smiles. Our experienced team provides five-star service, personalized care, and an extraordinary commitment to your health and well-being. Please join our Call for an Appointment family by scheduling a new patient exam.
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On the Cover: The Coots Team Combines Name Brand Recognition and Personal Service By Kim Hill When Kathy Coots formed Coots and Company twelve years ago, she discovered a career she had a passion for, which resulted in a hugely successful real estate team that continues to grow. Kathy’s husband Darien left his job about four years ago to join her full-time, and a buyer’s agent was recently hired. “We are now a team of five full-time agents and two administrative assistants,” says Kathy. “Last year we did 130 transactions. This year we are on track to do about 150.” Three buyers’ agents – Kevin and Amy Bingaman, another husband and wife team, and Laura Fulford – do the field work, showing properties to clients, while Kathy and Darien are sellers’ agents, handling all the listings. After listing a home, Kathy hires professional photographers to put the information together. “About 93% of people start their home search online, and you absolutely want to make sure you put your best foot forward,” she says. Kathy explains they are currently seeing a very short supply of inventory in all price points, but especially homes priced $250,000 and below. This is really a great thing for sellers as they are usually able to get close to and sometimes above listing price as long as they are realistic with their pricing. The sellers’ market, however, can prove difficult for buyers. “I listed one home last week that had twenty-two offers. We see multiple offers, including cash offers. It just makes me sad for those first-time buyers who can’t get into a house because they are competing with people who have cash. It’s hard.” She does say, though, that many people think you have to have a 20% down payment, and that isn’t the case. With decent credit, you can get an FHA loan (one of the more popular loans) with 3.5% down, or a conventional loan for 5% down. There are grants to help with down payments and VA loans
Our Town
at 100%. If you are moving to a more rural area, you may qualify for a USDA loan which is also 100%. A lot of people ask, “What do I need to do to get my house ready?” Kathy says the biggest thing is making sure your house is clean and de-cluttered. “People will overlook granite countertops if they are so cluttered you can’t see them,” she says. A certified staging professional, Kathy uses the furniture sellers already have in their home, making sure the placement is correct for the best showing. Curb appeal is a huge thing. “Make sure your mailbox is painted – that’s the first impression!” she says. “I have seen houses where just adding shutters would change the curb appeal completely.” Paint color is another big consideration, and she can make suggestions that make a huge difference. For inside painting, she says not to worry about things like kids’ bedrooms – those are easy fixes. But if you have a two-story foyer or family room or a large kitchen, those are things people don’t want to have to tackle. Through her years in the business Kathy has developed a pool of vendors she can recommend to help people throughout the process, whether it’s a lender, a home inspector, a painter, or an electrician. “Anyone I recommend is going to be good and have good customer service,” she says, “because that’s an extension of me.” What sets her company apart from others? “Service, most definitely!” she says. “Anybody can put that sign in the yard and put it on FLMS or MLS, but then what is the follow-up after that? We don’t turn our phones off at night. We make sure we are protecting your interest throughout the transaction.” Kathy also cites her team’s experience. She explains that when you are selling your home, listing and getting a buyer is just one piece. “You need to have someone who has the experience of negotiating,” she adds. ”Ninety percent of my listings do close and sell. Our team has a lot of experience negotiating on behalf of our clients.” Coots and Company operates as an LLC under the Keller-
Williams umbrella, a recognized name brand that Kathy is proud to be associated with. Keller-Williams syndicates out to about 400 different websites. “I tell people once you have been listed for 7-10 days, Google your address and you will get pages and pages. You’ll find your house everywhere.” She says Keller-Williams has an incredible culture featuring top-notch technology and great agent training. “Those are the things that we love about Keller-Williams and why we are with them,” she says. “Those benefits trickle down to our clients.” Kathy has definitely succeeded in combining the advantages of a big name company with the attention to service associated with a small family company, qualities that make her team one of the most sought-after in the area. More information at https://www.kathycoots.com/
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PAGE 5
THIS THIS JANUARY, JANUARY, DON’T DON’T JUST JOIN A GYM. JUST JOIN A GYM. At Curves, a Coach is Always Included At Curves, a Coach is Always Included
Our Town Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
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Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers ach is Always Included Ryan@EndResultZ.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultZ.com lways Included Why settle for an ordinary gym when you Editor can come to Curves and get a 30-minuteCatherine L. Osornio total body workout with a coach who isCover Photographer there every step of the way? See what a Amadorphoto VALUE The date you join in May is the price you’ll pay to start. If you start May 1st, VALUE difference support and guidance can make Distribution Coordinator you pay $1 enrollment. If you join May 9th, it’s $9 – and so on The earlier DeeDee Chapman you start, the sooner you’ll Why beginsettle working toward a healthier, happier you. in your commitment to a healthier you. for an ordinary gym when you can come to Curves and Why settle for an ordinary gym when you can come to Curves and Feature Writers get a 30-minute total body workout with a coach who is there get a 30-minute total body workout with a coach who is there Daidra Annis every step of the way? See what a difference support and every step of the way? See what a difference support and Heidi Campbell guidance can make in your commitment to a healthier you. guidance can make in your commitment to a healthier you. Kristen Eleveld
ARY, DON’T A GYM.
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Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett /NE DeKalb area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.
99 AN DON’T DON’T SETTLE SETTLE FOR FOR ORDINARY AN Y ORDINARY GYM G SETTLE FOR AN ORDINARY GYM ’T SETTLE FOR AN ORDINARY GYM GYM Our Town Gwinnett $$
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Plus first month’s fees 2144 Fountain 2144 Fountain Square, Square, Snellville, Snellville, GA 30078 GA 30078 678.344.0200 678.3 and highGA school tain Square, Snellville, GA 30078 678.344.0200 678.344.0200 n *Square, Snellville, 30078 @OurTownGwinnett
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n Non-traditional L O Chigh A Lschool L Y OLWONC EADL LAY30078 NO D WONPEEDR AATNE678.344.0200 DD O P E R A T E D E Fountain Snellville, GA L O C A L L YSquare, OWNED A N D O P E R A T E D n Credit Recovery Plus first month’s fees
nrequired * Monthly membership fees and vary location. onTfirst 678.344.0200 Lonalso Ovisit C AAccredit L L Y homeschool OW N by E work D A N DOffer O Pbased ERA E Dvisit nd vary by location. Offer based first visit y Offer based on first y by by location. location. Offer based on first visit enrollment for a 12-month recurring billing fitness membership. Valid at participating itness membership. Valid at participating n Accredited by the s membership. Valid at ser membership. Valid at participating participating On the Cover: The Coots Team Combines Name Brand Recognition locations. Cannot be combined with any other Accrediting offer. No cash value.5Expires 4/30/18. offer. No cash value. Expires 4/30/18. GACGeorgia er. No cash value. Expires 4/30/18. er. No cash value. Expires 4/30/18. required and varyInternational, by location. Offer based on first visit and Personal Service © 2017 Curves Inc. Commission (1802) ring billing fitness membership. Valid at participating 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion
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PAGE 6
Curve
8 Community Spotlight: Up Close with Garner Farm
10 Making a Difference: Gwin Oaks Wins Superintendent Award
$
11 Parkview High PTSA: Parenting Teens Better
12 Getting Schooled with Parkview High School PTSA
*
13 Pet Perch: The Importance of Follow Through in Dog Training 14 Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation: Ready to Serve its Citizens
16 One on One: Parkview High School Readers Rally Champions
18 Travel Tales: The Special Wines of Uruguay
21 Save Room for Dessert – Blue Rooster Bake Shop of Lawrenceville
Celebrates its 5th Anniversary 22 Community Member Spotlight: Meet Ronda Colvin-Leary
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C
Our Town
American Heritage Animal Hospital
From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion By Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanSauers
Nearly everything we read, listen to, and watch in 2018 is tied to media sensationalism. And it is often negative in nature. We hear of political scandals, crimes, health epidemics, and other tensions. Media is determined to “shock us” into paying attention. Why do we seldom hear about a neighbor helping a stranger change their tire on the side of the road, or volunteers raising money for cancer research? Why don’t we see more profiles on local first responders who risk their lives for us each day? I will tell you why. It is not considered to be the “sexy sensationalistic news headline” that grabs a person’s attention. But, here is the problem with that line of thinking in 2018. People are sick and tired of all negative (doom and gloom news) all the time. So, from my vantage point we have two choices. We can either come together and UNITE, or pull away from one another and UNTIE. The words are almost the same except for two letters moving between them. UNITED (common ground) is what this community is about. In contrast, we are bombarded with messages (things falling apart, and people divided) that we are UNTIED. The people I know and meet (locally and from many countries) simply want a better life for themselves and their families. This is what I want. You too, right? This is where Our Town comes in. We deliver original local content that you do not get anywhere else. You get this information/these stories in print, online, and in digital mediums. Your news, your town, your way! The people I meet enjoy being part of this community and have (directly or indirectly) amazing stories of things they want to share. We never focus (and never will) on the negative stories that serve no purpose other than to scare, shock, and divide. Does this mean our community is perfect? Of course not. However, in all my travels I can find few places that have a greater sense of community than we do right here. I am thankful for this community and our (3F) focus of…faith, families, and friendships. We may have our differences, but we look out for one another. Always! You see, we simply have way more in common than what we do not. And, friends, this is not FAKE NEWS... it is the truth. Nothing more and nothing less. Where we work, live, and play is special. I wish each of you an amazing month of May. And, thank you for continuing with us and being actively engaged in the story of my town, your town, OUR TOWN.
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PAGE 7
Gwinnett’s premier event destination for 20 years!
Community Spotlight: Garner Farm By J. Rice While most of metro Atlanta’s once-thriving farmland has been lost to urban sprawl, it’s become a labor of love for one family in Lilburn to purchase, preserve, and restore one of Gwinnett’s oldest small farms and use it for the benefit of the local refugee population. “The Garner Family established Garner Farm back in 1890,” says Jessica Vaughan. She and husband Paul purchased the 5.7 acre farm and its rundown homestead in 2017. “The farmhouse is one of the oldest surviving homes in Lilburn. Our children, Scarlett, Aiden, and Haddon, convinced us to buy the farm, restore it, and gift it to the people of Lilburn.” The Vaughans envisioned a working farm which would bring people in the community together to form friendships and work toward a common goal. “Our dream for Garner Farm is to cultivate a welcoming community for our Lilburn neighbors to gather and experience a slower, more meaningful life together,” Vaughan explains. The farm will host workshops and events, sell locally produced eggs and honey, as well as freshly grown fruits and vegetables, and display goods created by local artists. “Every purchase made through Garner Farm will provide housing, jobs, and education to refugee families resettled in our local community.” The Vaughans have carefully and lovingly restored the old farmhouse with the help of countless friends and neighbors. They have already hosted a gardening workshop this year, and had a “celebration of community” April 14th, with dessert, tea, and coffee being served during an evening of music and dancing. Additional events are already planned for May and June. This year’s harvest of lettuce and carrots will be available to purchase later this spring, with peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, muscadines, blueberries, and blackberries ripening in the summer. Honey will be harvested and cultivated for spring 2019. All of this has been no small feat for Paul, an aerospace engineer at Delta Airlines, and Jessica, a teacher with Gwinnett County public schools, who admit to being “inexperienced in all things farmrelated.” But the Vaughans see it as a perfect opening to develop a strong sense of community and to pass that skill along to their children. “The biggest challenge for us has been our lack of knowledge on what to do with a farm,” Vaughan says. “But we’re up for the challenge. We see our limitations as an opportunity to reach out to our community and invite them to mentor us.” Continued on page 15
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Wages and Sons has 2 grief support professionals on staff. As a service to the community, we offer 8 week grief support groups at different times throughout the year, as well as individual support. PAGE 8
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PAGE 9
Making a Difference: Gwin Oaks Wins Superintendent Award By Patty Gabilondo Any real estate agent will tell you, whether you have children or not, that the city or county where you choose to live and/or purchase a home is very often determined by the quality of schools in the area. There is no question that those of us who live, work, and play in Gwinnett County continue to enjoy the benefits of educational excellence. Today we focus on Gwin Oaks Elementary School, which won the Superintendent Award for 2017. The Superintendent Award is a beautifully engraved, very large crystal bowl that is NOT a result of the students doing anything. This recognition focuses on rewarding the behavior that the Gwinnett County Public School Board wants to see more of from their teachers – Attendance. Dr. Craig Barlow, who just recently completed his first year as principal of Gwin Oaks Elementary School, believes this recognition is a result of a “Very experienced school with motivated teachers who enjoy an enriching and collaborative work environment,” and where the employees are friends. They actually like each other and socialize outside of school hours. When asked to share his thoughts about the importance of this award and how the benefits permeate throughout the school, Dr. Barlow emphasized that with a strong economy as we are experiencing, finding good quality substitute teachers is a challenge because there are so many other job opportunities available to them. In addition, whenever a permanent teacher calls in sick, the school must continue to pay his or her salary as well as the substitute, so this becomes a financial drain on the school system. Dr. Barlow believes that young school children and most adults tend to thrive in a daily routine where they know what is expected of them. When their regular teacher is absent, and an unknown substitute steps in, the change in classroom leadership and the adjustment to a new personality disrupts the flow of academic learning. These reasons are why sincere congratulations are extended to all of the Gwin Oaks Elementary School teachers for their commitment to coming to work every day to ensure that they are providing quality education to the children of the community. Continued on page 19
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Getting Schooled with Parkview High School PTSA
“Happy Mother’s Day”
By Our Town Staff
Call for your Gift Certificate today 678-344-0050 or stop by our office.
Exploding class sizes, shrinking budgets, and government mandates are some of the overwhelming challenges educators face today. But the PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) helps today’s parents navigate the rocky roads. At Parkview High School, the PTSA officers are Secretary Pattiann Taylor, Treasurer Travis Wilhite, Vice President Ianthia Smith, and Co-Presidents Laura McHan and Amy Ney. Together they have a total of ten high school students in their homes, which may be why they feel passionate about community. “We appreciate and value the partnership PTSA has with families, teachers, and students, and how we work together to support students for success,” says Ney. Smith has been serving as vice president for four years. Before that, she served in PTSA at the middle and elementary schools. “I think school teachers and administrators cannot bear the responsibility of educating our children alone,” she says. “Involved parents and spiritual leaders partnering with professional educators will best meet the needs of the whole child and proves the best and safest environment for an enriching education and thriving community” Wilhite and his wife, Debbie, have raised three children, were foster parents, and now their twin grandsons are at Parkview. “My wife and I know the importance of supporting schools and how it correlates to the success of our students,” says Wilhite. “We aren’t the traditional parents: we’re grandparents. But, we still give back time and money. Our students are involved in band, and we serve there a good deal. But I also serve as treasurer for PTSA because I just want Parkview to be the best school it can be. I think PTSA supports programs that help Parkview be a world-class school.” PTSA addresses issues important to parents, administrators, and teachers. More than eighty-five research studies over thirty years prove kids do better when parents are involved. Grades are higher, test scores improve, and attendance increases. “The number one reason parents join PTSA is to benefit their child,” Taylor says. “There’s no better way to know what’s happening in your school. You can tap into a network of parents and teachers who can in turn advocate ideas, concerns, and experiences. You will witness improvement in your community with your involvement.” Taylor, her husband Doug, and two Parkview students, Savannah and Josh, moved to Lilburn from Michigan and are all actively involved in bettering their community by serving in PTSA, their church, the ROTC, and the fine arts programs. Ney, who has served with Smith for four years at Parkview, is excited about some of the new initiatives for next year. “We are looking forward to bringing in guest speakers for improved community engagement,” Ney explains. “Parenting is hard. We see PTSA as an important role supporting parents. J. Tom Morgan is coming, or at least that’s the plan. This is a great opportunity for Parkview to host. Mr. Morgan, a former DeKalb County District Attorney, addresses real-life issues faced by teenagers. Based off his book, Ignorance is no Defense, he explains applicable Georgia law to teenagers in easy-to-understand language. He not only describes what the law requires, but also teenagers’ rights under the law. His information is practical for all parents, and you won’t want to miss this speaker.” McHan, who has served in PTSA at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, was urgent to point out PTSA isn’t a fundraising organization. “People have the misconception our job is to raise Continued on page 12
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Great Expectations at Mountain Park Elementary By Amy Ney The sentiment is the same regardless of who you ask. Fifth grade teacher Kathy Herrin explains it well. “We are so grateful to have Brian Walker as our new principal!” she says. “He has high expectations of the staff and the students, and he is a tremendous asset to our community.” Walker grew up in a small town of about 7,000 people in Monroeville, Alabama, where his favorite academic subject was math, and he played football, basketball, and baseball. He and his wife, Mary Dodd, whom he met at Auburn, have been married seventeen years and have an eleven-yearold daughter, Mary Morgan. Mr. Walker has been an educator for Gwinnett County Public Schools his entire career, and Mary Dodd is a preschool teacher at Dunwoody Baptist Church. Professionally, Walker has had experience both inside and outside of the classroom. “I taught fifth grade at Minor Elementary for nine years,” he says. “I was an assistant principal for nine years; seven years at Woodward Mill Elementary and two years at Craig Elementary.” Walker took over the role of principal at Mountain Park Elementary, one of the four elementary schools feeding to Parkview High School, from Dr. Allan Gee. “I’m looking forward to being part of the Parkview tradition,” he states. “ Being in Gwinnett for almost twenty years, I always heard about the Parkview cluster, and now I get to be a part of it.” When Walker took over as principal in February, he hit the ground running. This easy-going guy, who has a clean desk, and, not surprisingly no pet peeves, brings a sense of calm to the workplace. Korky Williams, a parent to fifth grade twins at Mountain Park, states, “He is very positive and always has a warm smile for everyone. He’s very welcoming. We are thankful for his leadership at our school.” Herrin adds, “It’s clear he genuinely cares for his new Mountain Park family.” Continued on page 19
Parkview PTSA Continued from page 11 funds for the schools,” McHan says, “but that isn’t it. We will have a fundraiser to support programs and initiatives important to our school, but we do so much more through volunteer opportunities, supporting teachers, and acting as a liaison between the administration and the community.” McHan encourages parents, business members, community members, and everyone interested in the success of our community to join PTSA. “Just joining doesn’t obligate you to volunteering. But it does demonstrate to your students the importance of education. For less than 3¢ a day, you can join the more than four million other members who share your interest in issues affecting children.” PTSA recognizes that there are many ways parents, guardians, and caring community members can support Parkview and the students. But few organizations touch such a wide base of students at Parkview as the PTSA. “We offer grants to teachers for classroom supplies,” says Ney. “This includes the music, science, and theater departments. We offer student clubs financial support. We make a significant donation to the homeless student support through the Parkview Care Team. We even have six scholarships for graduating seniors. And all of this is done with one fundraiser. So, if you want to get the widest impact for your time and money, PTSA is a great way to do it.” More information at http://ptsa.onmycalendar.com.
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PAGE 13
Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation: Ready to Serve its Citizens
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The Natural and Cultural Resources Management Section of Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation was created in September of 2017. Its mission is to serve as an innovative and ecological steward of Gwinnett County’s natural resources that include native flora and fauna within conservation parks and historic sites managed by Gwinnett County. It offers interdisciplinary programs, provides research, and collaborates with local stakeholders and community partners. This division encompasses many of the County’s historic sites such as the Gwinnett County Courthouse, the Lawrenceville Female Seminary, and the Isaac Adair House (one of the oldest homes in Gwinnett County). Many activities are held at these facilities, and oftentimes staff members partner with Gwinnett County residents and other professional organizations to offer programs that illustrate a rich history and cultural diversity. Established on December 15, 1818, Gwinnett County is in the middle of celebrating its Bicentennial Year. Friends, family, and residents can enjoy art and history exhibits, bus tours, interpretive programs, and other special events being held throughout the year. On March 24th, the newly renovated Isaac Adair House featured its annual Let Freedom Ring Festival, which celebrates the patriotic spirit of the American Revolution. Guests engaged in numerous games and activities, and had the opportunity to experience some of the county’s history through an extensive display of artifacts. “Another one of our goals is to inspire a deeper understanding of these natural and cultural resources,” said Sarah Barlow, Section Manager for the division. “Our staff continues to deliver this message through the various programs that it offers throughout Gwinnett County.” In honor of Arbor Day, the staff has developed a program that offers citizens an opportunity to discover native trees and to understand their role in the community. The event will take place at Little Mulberry Park, Best Friend Park, Bethesda Park, and McDaniel Farm Park. “This program showcases our collaboration with the University of Georgia’s Extension Service,” Barlow said. “Through this venture, we plan to educate participants and share information that they can use, even after the program has ended. At the end of the program, each individual receives a tree sampling to take home and plant in their yard.” Continued on page 19
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PAGE 14
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Community Spotlight: Garner Farm Continued from page 8 She continues, “We actually believe God didn’t give us the farm as much as give THROUGH us the farm to our community. The farm is a great experiment in risking failure to learn something new. We want to be an example to our kids and their friends that it’s okay to not know something. It’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s how we were made to live – in a community that fills in the gaps for one another.” The Vaughan’s credit one of their first pastors with planting the seed of this kind of community inter-dependence in their minds. They recall as middle and high school sweethearts being impressed with the idea of community support and later experienced it firsthand when they moved into a new home. “When Paul and I were in high school, our pastor, mentor, and friend, Buddy Hoffman, taught us the secret to life,” Vaughan declares. “‘Build and encourage.’ We’ve limped along trying to practice this way of life. We moved to Lilburn seven years ago, and this life was modeled for us from Day One. The Cuttinos brought fudge to welcome us. The Conways brought a cookie cake. The Smiths brought bread. The Krugers welcomed us warmly to the swim team, as did the Mecredys to Music on Main. And words can’t begin to express how much gratitude we have to the faculty, staff, and parents at Camp Creek Elementary for how warmly they’ve received our family – first our kids as students, and this year with me joining the staff.” Vaughan adds, “Lilburn has given much to our family. It’s our turn to pay it forward. Our mission is cultivating a community that ‘builds and encourages’ each other to love one another deeply and extend this welcome to refugee families resettled in Lilburn.” She wants people to remember that refugees are legal residents of the United States who have been forced to flee their own countries because of war, persecution, or violence, and during their time of transition they are especially in need of community. The family has already hired some of Gwinnett’s local refugees to help with farming the gardens. Paul and Jessica are grateful their own children can witness this “secret of life” – demonstrated literally in their own backyard – and they know exactly the legacy they want to pass down from parent to child. “We encourage our kids to explore. Create. Get lost in adventure,” Vaughan says. “Make mistakes so they learn to forgive themselves and others. Think deeply, but love even more deeply. And try something new every day. We hope to instill in them a love of God, Who teaches us to demonstrate our love for Him by loving our neighbors as ourselves. And we hope our work on the farm will establish our kids on a life-long journey of sowing seeds of welcome and goodwill wherever life takes them.”
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On Saturday, March 17th, Parkview High School’s Readers Rally team of nine arrived at the 2018 Reader’s Rally competition with more than a little luck on their side. After a nail-biting tiebreaker round against North Gwinnett High School, PHS pulled through to win their division. Donica Crawford, English teacher at PHS and one of the team’s coaches, admits, “I cried. It was very exciting. Mrs. Newberry and I were so proud of our young ladies.” Readers Rally, a co-ed, quiz bowl-style competition, is open to any school in Gwinnett that chooses to create a team. The atmosphere on competition day rivals any Friday night football game. Berkmar High School swells with excitement annually as Gwinnett’s biggest bibliophiles gather, donning clever slogans on their team shirts, ready to confront their opponents. At the high school level, students read fifteen books from the annual Georgia Peach Award Nominees. Teams choose five players to compete in several rounds where they buzz in answers to comprehension questions about any of the books on the list. Winners from each division then compete in a televised final round to determine the county champion. Crawford and PHS Media Specialist Lisa Newberry have watched their team of readers progress since the club’s inception three years ago. After scoring ninth out of 18 schools in their first year, then third in their division the following year, the team hunkered down and developed a strategy. Their new game plan? Kindles. With the support of Principal David Smith, coaches ordered a Kindle for each of their Readers Rally members. “We were able to download all of the books at a fraction of the price,” says Crawford. “The Kindles made all the difference.” Each member of the team gained immediate access to all 15 books. Preparations began at the end of the previous school year and into the summer so that when competition time arrived in March, many of the team members had read and reread all 15 books. On the day of competition, the PHS team of all girls entered each round feeling prepared but not overly confident. Tensions were high after their loss the previous year to South Gwinnett HS. To ease their jitters between each round, the team huddled together and listened to meditation music. “We were amazed with how poised the girls were,” says Crawford. All preparations paid off. The PHS team left the competition that day with 580 points, beating out seven other high schools in their division. The next step was a final face-off for the championship title against the other division winner and fierce rival Brookwood HS in a special round held at the Gwinnett Instructional Support Center television studio. Five members from the PHS team could compete in the final round. The team chose top readers Deanna Kukhianidze, Kalee Wiley, Saumya Gade, Jennie Nguyen, and Melissa Wright. The rest of the team – Nuzat Ahmed, Madeline Ballentine, Natalie Ballentine, and Sadie Hammond – cheered the girls on from the viewing room. Backstage before the competition, the group wrestled with their nerves. Crawford says it was ninth grader Saumya Gade who stood out as the calming force behind the group. “That doesn’t matter,” Gade said. “We can take ‘em.” After Gade’s pep talk, the girls went in with their game faces on. Buzzers flared. Brookwood started out strong, earning the first three points. But after one missed answer, PHS competitors adjusted their focus and scored nine in a row. With a final score of 100 to 40, Parkview walked away with the Readers Rally county championship trophy. In the afterglow, the girls are already preparing for next year with the latest book list uploaded to their Kindles. Newberry and Crawford are focused on recruitment because they’ll be losing two solid members of the team after graduation. As coaches of a school competition club, Newberry and Crawford devote hours of their time outside of the regular school day to help their team prepare. This hard work is unpaid and often goes unnoticed by the larger school community. But to them, it’s worth it. “This is a group of girls who LOVE to read,” says Crawford. “With the distractions of technology today and phones...hearing these kids talk passionately about literature just warms my heart.” As for recommended reading, consider these young ladies trusted experts. Three books stood out as team favorites this year. Jenn Bennett’s Anatomical Shape of the Heart and Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows topped the charts, while Julie Murphy’s protagonist in Dumplin’ won out as most authentic and beloved.
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PAGE 17
Travel Tales: The Special Wines of Uruguay By Pam Walker
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I must admit it – I am a wine snob! I love the taste of the grape, be it Italian, New Zealand, or Napa. I had heard that in a sleepy little country in South America there was a wine that I had never tasted, so I decided to travel there to check out the wine scene of Uruguay. Everyone has heard of the famed Punta Del Este – THE party and beach destination of the rich and famous from the world over. But no one I talked to had ever heard of Tannat grapes and wine. Many people disembark from their cruise ships in Montevideo, but they have seldom traveled to some of Uruguay’s amazing vineyards and haciendas. The Uruguayans are proud of their Tannat grapes, brought over from the south of France many years ago. Until now, they have kept it a lovely secret much as they have kept their country a wonderful little secret. There are no spectacular landscapes – unless you call long stretches of white beaches special. The hills are low and rolling, covered with lovely farms green with soy beans and grape vines. They also have herds of Black Angus cows to feed the voracious appetites of Uruguayans and Argentinians, since Argentina is on the other side of the river that separates the countries. Yes, beef and wine are some of the best things about Uruguay. There are lovely hotels and estancias just waiting for visitors. VIK hotels have two wonderful beachfront properties brimming with the work of local artists. They also have a beautiful Estancia (also filled with art and sculptures) where you can ride horseback, mountain bike through the vineyards, or just relax by the pool. That said, most days are filled by visiting vineyards and wineries for tasting the wonderful wines. They do have Cabernets, Chardonnays, and many more types of grapes, but the Tannat grape is their secret harvest. Uruguay is a wonderful little country and a spectacular place to enjoy some very special wines! Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor and can be reached at pam@walkeradventures.com
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3/26/17 1:48 PM3/26/17 To become an Our Town advertising partner email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049
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Superintendent Award Continued from page 10 An added note: The author of this article is a proud parent of a former Gwin Oaks Elementary student who attended some 20+ years ago and has recently been accepted as a grad student in the field of physical chemistry. In the author’s home, the benefits of a strong foundational education is greatly acknowledged, with a resounding THANK YOU for the teachers’ commitment, involvement, and investment in the lives of our future leaders! Dr. Craig Barlow is the principal of Gwin Oaks Elementary School. More information at www.gwinoakselementary.com.
Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation Continued from page 14 An inclusive division, this entity of Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation strives to partner with the local community, and the children of Gwinnett County are always a priority. Offering opportunities that are “child-friendly,” the section provides field trips, site tours, and other programs that marry science with history. One great example of this inclusiveness is McDaniel Farm Park where the gardens, corn fields, and cotton fields are a significant feature. Here staff members work with local Master Gardeners and operate the area as a living farm that produces seasonal vegetables and herbs. The Annual Planting Festival is held each year in May, and is the perfect opportunity for individuals to become engaged. So, if you want to get your feet wet and get some hands-on experience in gardening, register for one of these programs. More information at www.gwinnettparks.com and www.gwinnett200.com.
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Mountain Park Elementary Continued from page 12 Walker doesn’t have much free time these days, but when he does, you may catch him watching sports. “I would say watching Atlanta United is my favorite sport to watch currently,” he says. “However, I love college football, especially Auburn. War Eagle.” Walter admits, “I enjoy working with people as a team,” but he shares that his favorite part is his students. He thinks the small size of Mountain Park makes it unique. In a cluster where the three other elementary schools, have populations of 1329, 1005, and 879 respectively, Mountain Park’s enrollment of 581 is intimate. “I have enjoyed getting to know the staff, and I will continue getting to know each child,” Walker states. “I loved getting hugs from students on my first day here.” Brian Walker is the principal at Mountain Park Elementary School. More information at http://mountainparkes.org/home/
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Save Room for Dessert – Blue Rooster Bake Shop of Lawrenceville Celebrates its 5th Anniversary By Joanna Shackelford The ladies at Blue Rooster Bake Shop in downtown Lawrenceville know a few secrets. And it’s not just the recipe to their famous chicken salad or their old fashioned strawberry cake. They have discovered the secret recipe to success. Since opening their doors in 2013, co-owners Kyle Cave and her sister-in-law Donna Cave have added flavor to the growing Lawrenceville town square scene. Former customers of the long-standing Lilburn location that closed in 2010 were delighted to find out that their cupcake cravings could once again be satiated. What sets them apart from other bakeries that often do not make it past their second year may be their charming, airy atmosphere or their vibrant all-female staff. But Kyle knows there’s another key ingredient. “Having talent as a baker does not guarantee sustainability,” says Kyle. “To stay in business, you need to know how to run a business.” Kyle learned that long ago by watching her parents. Raised by a family of entrepreneurs, she spent much of her childhood at her mother’s flower shop, then later at the family’s bridal shop. Through her early 20’s, Kyle honed her business skills alongside her mother in the bridal industry. “My parents were instrumental throughout my whole life,” says Kyle, reflecting on the roots of her own entrepreneurial spirit. “The Lord may lay something in your lap, but you still have to work hard for it every day.” Today, she and Donna create quite a dynamic duo. Not only are they family, but they both seem to share the same business savvy that has helped them last. “It takes stamina and a lot of gumption,” Kyle admits. “And that’s what we have.” The family business doesn’t just extend to the two sisters-in-law. Just as Kyle’s mother did, the two ladies have incorporated their own daughters, who are now integral parts of the bakery. Kyle’s oldest daughter, Alex, handles event coordinating and customer communication, while her other daughter, Madison, is their cake designer. Donna’s daughter, April, manages the restaurant. The “Cave women,” as they call themselves, set the standard high for small-town bakeries. Immediately, customers are greeted with the sweet smell of vanilla and with menu boards full of trendy, Southern-style desserts and lunches. Their new and improved logo, complete with a blue farmhouse-style rooster, perches handsomely on the wall of a bright, cheery dining space. Behind the dessert display case, sensuous cakes, pies, cookies, bars, muffins, and cupcakes, glistening with sugar, line the shelves, tempting even the strongest willed. Upstairs they host bridal luncheons, rehearsal dinners, baby showers, and other events for up to 50 people. They offer box lunches to go, and they even deliver. Their latest addition is a food trailer that people can rent for birthday parties and other events. Cake and cookie enthusiasts from their Lilburn days may think it impossible, but the newer Lawrenceville location offers a re-energized and improved experience for the taste buds. “Our desserts are way better,” admits Kyle. The bakery has certainly evolved since their move. “I like change and trying something different. I always say, if something’s not working, change it and move on.” That includes their recipes and cake selections. Kyle is the first to admit she’s a sucker for the latest Instagram-able baking trends. Right now, it’s unicorn cakes, the zenith of cuteness. Even though they embrace change, their number one dessert remains – old fashioned strawberry cake. Its recipe is the one most coveted in the family, passed down from Donna’s grandmother. She still has the original cookbook published in 1946. The Blue Rooster Bake Shop hopes to extend its business to other quaint pockets of metro Atlanta in the future. For their current space, however, plans are in the works to extend the menu to include hot sandwiches, paninis, and salads. More information at blueroosterbakeshop.com
We Are Proud To Welcome Adejoke Ojumu, APRN, FNP •Adejoke Ojumu, APRN, FNP• Phone: 678-205-2039 Call us to schedule an appointment Adejoke Ojumu is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Adejoke joined Anwan Medical Wellness Center as a Family Nurse Practitioner in July 2017. She is passionate about healthcare and works closely with her patients to help them achieve their optimal health and wellness. Her outstanding academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at College of New Rochelle, New York and a Master of Science in Nursing from South University in Savannah, Georgia. Adejoke has a unique combination of strong nursing skills and strives to provide the best health care possible by building long trusting relationships with her patients.
ANWAN Wellness Medical Center accepts the following insurance: • Ambetter • Medicare • Medicaid • Commercial Plans
Adejoke is an active member of several professional organizations including the American College of Nurse Practitioners. She is happily married with two wonderful children; Olufemi and Deborah.
ANWAN Wellness Medical Center 2227 Idlewood Road Tucker, GA 30084
Welcoming New Patients Open House: May 23, 2018
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PAGE 21
Community Member Spotlight: Meet Ronda Colvin-Leary By Patty Gabilondo
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If Ronda Colvin-Leary has time for a nostalgic moment, she enjoys reminiscing about growing up in rural Alabama where her grandparents raised their own food in addition to taking care of the horses, cows, and chickens, and where her family laid the foundation of her core values and beliefs in helping others and giving back. “Family is the foundation of a strong community,” says Colvin-Leary. As the oldest of four siblings, she also fondly remembers making mud pies with her friends, gathering fresh eggs for breakfast, and, yes, even occasionally drinking out of a water hose during the heat of the summer. When she is not fighting to protect her client’s rights in the courtroom or traveling to secure a deposition from a witness, Colvin-Leary can usually be found serving the public in a more hands on way, such as feeding homeless veterans at the Veterans Empowerment Organization, or volunteering at the Diamond in the Rough youth development program that is dedicated to building self-esteem, mentoring, and leadership training to girls ages 4-18 years. She is proud to often be accompanied to these community service events by her two daughters Kerrigan (16) and Kyla (14), who, like their mom, have extremely busy schedules. When asked who had the greatest influence on her life, she responds without hesitation, “My Dad – and I miss him every day!” Her father, a Vietnam veteran who passed away in 2013, suffered from PTSD. Colvin-Leary learned first-hand how mental illness can affect the entire family. Then, as a former probation officer before graduating from Florida Coastal School of Law, she experienced how one positive person can make a huge difference in someone’s life and that good people can make bad decisions. Colvin-Leary is also proud to serve on the board of Step by Step Recovery, Inc., whose mission is to assist recovering addicts and to help homeless individuals achieve self-sufficiency. “I love working with people who are passionate about making a positive difference,” she says Colvin-Leary. She expresses her concern about Gwinnett County’s homeless population, many of whom are veterans who suffer from some form of mental illness and have experienced a complex set of factors, leaving them in a state of Invisibility. “I wish people would care more, be more compassionate, and treat everyone with dignity,” she says, “because you never know what tomorrow might bring.” In her spare time, she also remains active with the Rotary Club of Emory-Druid Hills and the Lions Club of Lawrenceville. “I hate to leave a task undone,” Colvin-Leary says, but she will admit that she does look forward to occasional moments with a big bowl of popcorn and an old black and white western movie to calm things down after a hectic day. Ronda Colvin-Leary, the managing attorney for her law firm, currently resides in Snellville with her husband and two daughters. More information at https://www.learylawoffices.com/
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AT H E N S O R T H O P E D I C C L I N I C
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1553 Janmar Rd, Snellville, GA | 706-549-1663 | AthensOrthopedicClinic.com