MAY 2014: Our Town Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Magazine

The Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Community and Family Magazine

Our Town May 2014

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

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

9 10 16 18

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

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Connie’s Story Connie

I was one of those people who thought I took excellent care of my health. I did so many things right and yet over the course of the last 4 or 5 years,developed many symptoms and did not feel well in general. My symptoms included general fatigue, lack of energy, migraines, itchy skin, stomach disorders, tingling of my skin from the inside, irritated eyes, foggy brain, etc. At one point my ankles and legs began to swell and that’s when, at the advice of a friend, I made an appointment with Dr. Gravante. I am completely amazed at the transformation in my health! By the end of my first month of care, I would say 80% of my symptoms were gone! All with food and supplements! When given the proper nutrition, our bodies have the miraculous ability to heal themselves. With all that I did right in the past, I was “so close and yet so far”. I had played around with so many healthy practices and eating habits, but I needed a functional medicine doctor to look at my particular symptoms and say “here is exactly what you need to do”. I loved Dr. Gravante immediately: she is kind and compassionate and unquestionably has a passion for figuring out what is going on with each patient. I have referred many people to Dr. Gravante and will continue to do so. I personally think everyone should become her patient! I continue to feel better, have more energy and am so thankful to not feel tired throughout the day. I feel healthy again for the first time in several years. Also, my primary care physician has carefully reviewed my records and protocol from Dr. Gravante and is 100% supportive of all recommendations. Life is too short and too precious to not enjoy quality of life!

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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 • ourtownmag.org 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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Our Town

On the Cover: Graft Restaurant: Local Food, United Community Tucked off Grayson Highway is an unassuming, quaint avocado green house, and beyond the “lemonade-sipping front porch” façade is the story of a true farm-to-table restaurant.

Graft is a family affair. At the helm of the restaurant is Ashley Clemence, chef and owner. She always loved cooking, but it wasn’t until after she left her job in marketing for an attorney firm that she pursued her passion. Encouraged by sommeliers and chefs, she began catering and organizing wine tastings, experimenting with different flavors and expanding her palate.

Ashley never went to culinary school but her experience in restaurants fit the bill. Ashley had planned to open her restaurant in Decatur, but was encouraged by family to come to Grayson.

“At first I said, no way am I leaving to the suburbs,” Ashley told me. “But then I thoughtwhat an opportunity. Not only can we bring seasonal food, but also craft beers, eclectic wines and creative cocktails to the suburbs.”

Now, a year and a half into the works, Graft is better than it has ever been. “We are bringing truth, beauty, and exceptional quality to Grayson. We are exposing people to familiar items, but also giving them new tastes that they have to trust us.”

Her right hand man (and her husband) is Seth, who works wherever he is needed- working the line, bartending, and shooting the beautiful photos that appear on their website.

You could say that without Seth’s handiwork, Graft would not exist. He was tasked with the tedious, ten month challenge of renovating the former Grayson House Restaurant into the rustic, organic dining space that Graft is today.

“We took the walls out board by board from top to bottom,” he told me. “We built the tables and the bar with the leftover tongue and groove boards.”

“I had a vision of the most efficient way to build up a restaurant,” said Ashley, pointing out the importance of kitchen layout. “But as we began to renovate, the house exposed itself to a natural beauty.”

At Graft, the thoughtful creativity shines through to the food. The menu is everchanging because Graft wants to showcase the local bounty. Each week, Ashley personally calls her farmers to see what is freshest. Her purveyors are located within 50 miles of the

restaurant. For example, Verner Farms provides grass-fed beef, Darby Farms supplies the hogs, and Dillwood Farms and Noring Farms sources much of the produce.

“I make sure each dish has the right com(L-R) Scott Wayne - Pastry Chef, Ashley ponents so the local products shine without Picured Clemence - Chef/Owner, Seth Clemence - manager, drowning them out,” Ashley said. One of Jeff Banks - Beverage Director the popular menu items is the burger, simply seasoned with just salt and pepper. “It’s minimal and delicious because you taste the beef as it is.”

Her staff is the foundation of the restaurant. Passionate and creative, they never take shortcuts.

Her young pastry chef Scott Wayne is the perfect example. Graft expanded to add on a new pastry room, where he spends time kneading dough for their incredibly soft, herbaceous four-herb focaccia. In the corner, the ice cream maker is humming as it churns out homemade chocolate ice cream.

As for the cocktails, Beverage Director Jeff Banks argues that their bar has one of the largest selections of bourbons and whiskeys in the suburbs. Banks is starting to bottle his house-made sodas, which are perfect for summer sipping.

Graft funnels down to community. The name itself is a term used in viticulture, where you take two twigs and unite them, and then they continue to grow together. The suburbs finally understand what they are doing- “grafting” food, wine and community.

“At our one year anniversary, I looked out over the crowd and realized I hadn’t known a single person the year before,” Ashley said. “But that’s why I am doing this, because I want to know your name and story. We just want to get people in the doors, because once they are here, they are amazed.”

Graft is located at 516 Grayson Parkway. You can check out the weekly menu, see restaurant hours and weekly events at www.graftrestaurant.com. Check out our Facebook photo album of more pictures at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152439606626214.107374183 0.63314241213&type=3

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Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers ryan@endresultz.com Creative Director Elsie Olson elsie@endresultz.com Managing Editor Alexa Lampasona alexa@endresultz.com Cover Photographer Seth Clemence Feature Writer Stacye Carroll Contributing Writers Dr. Jeanette Altieri Jane Bishop Stayce Carroll Amy Hentschel Dr. Carrie McColgan, DVM Julie Mills Dana Pike-Van Vlake Jane Trentin Diannah Williams Carroll C. Wood

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 2014 by Our Town. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

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

CALENDAR LINK

We have moved our calendar online! It is updated weekly. Send us your events to info@ endresultz.com Go to www.ourtownmag.org/ events to view upcoming events, fundraisers, shows and more!

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On the Cover: Graft Restaurant: Local Food, United Community From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion Community Member Spotlight: Joey Chapman Getting Schooled: Peggy Goodman of Five Forks Middle What Are non-GMO, Organic, and Heirloom Seeds?

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Our Town

From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion @ryansauers

The May 2014 issue is here and school is almost out. We are now well into our second full year of running this nearly 10 year-old magazine. As it was Spring Break last month, I am going to reiterate some things in case you did not see them. Again, I want to thank our amazing community and advertisers. Community- PLEASE support these advertisers and while you are at it tell them you heard about them in Our Town.

On this month’s cover we have Graft restaurant in Grayson. Ashley Clemence and her husband Seth are changing the dining scene in Gwinnett with their locally-sourced food and creative menu items. If you haven’t had a chance to check them out, it is well worth the visit.

In one calendar year we have dramatically increased the circulation of the magazine. We have an online version of the magazine. We have a strong social media presence that is growing faster than I had ever imagined. We distribute additional thousands of copies to businesses in addition to the mailboxes we hit each month. Please visit our website for a complete list of locations.

We have increased the page count and expanded to a completely redesigned and all gloss look. Finally, we expanded from Gwinnett to NE DeKalb. God has blessed us as we continue to meet so many incredible people in our community. In recent weeks we have gained approval from four local Chick-fil-a operations to put Our Town magazines at their locations. Their values and ours are in close alignment. It is only fitting that this month’s Community member Spotlight is Joey Chapman. Joey was instrumental in helping the new ownership team transition in over 14 months ago and I am proud to call him a good friend.

We are excited about our many new advertisers (many that come from business owners who are avid readers), writers, salespersons and other contributors. Thank you again for your continued support, and remember to stay connected with us online thought out the month.

We are on Facebook at Facebook.com/OurTownGwinnett and our Twitter handle is @ ourtowngwinnett Be sure to like and follow them accordingly for all the latest community news.

And until next time and as always: this is the town, my town, your town, Our Town!

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Our Town

Community Member Spotlight:

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Joey Chapman grew up in Tucker but didn’t return to the area until 2001, when he joined his father and brother to work in the family business, Air Filter Sales and Service where he currently heads up the sales division. A graduate of Furman University, he previously worked in sales at the Solo Cup Company in Tampa, Florida. While in Florida, he met his wife DeeDee. The couple have been married for 19 years. Their two sons, Schyler, 17, and Spencer, 14, both play baseball for Parkview High School. They are involved in youth activities at Mountain Park First Baptist Church, where Joey is an active member.

In addition to his participation in the church, Joey is on the board of the Evergreen Lakes Home Owners Association, he is a vice-chairman on both the Gwinnett County Board of Registrations and Elections and the Stone Mountain Community Improvement District, and he serves on the Parkview High School PTSA board.

Currently, Joey and other community members are working to establish a community and civic organization in Lilburn that would focus on beautification by cleaning up areas such as the retention pond in front of Mountain Park library.

“Our goal”, Chapman says, “is to make this community a place people want to move back to.” He encourages anyone interested in participating in the group to send him an email.

Joey’s free time is spent watching his boys play high-school baseball. He is also passionate about deep sea fishing, and makes trips to go once or twice a year.

Joey credits the book “Leadership” by Rudy Giuliani and his adoption of “the broken windows theory” with influencing his view of community involvement. The theory suggests to “fix the broken windows in our community and we’ll have a safer environment.”

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The expectations are high in the Brookwood cluster. For Five Forks Middle School principal Peggy Goodman, she has seen students grow up from kindergarten through eighth grade, as she was previously principal of Gwinn Oaks Elementary School.

“I came into a community that thrives on excellence,” Goodman says. “I believe potential is not just a static line but keeps growing, and both our students and staff are always looking for the next level.”

This year, Five Forks staff has been building stronger relationships with their students through the book club. Assistant principals meet with a group of 80 students twice a month to read and discuss the book “Top 20 Teens.”

“In our society today, there are many opportunities for students not to believe in themselves,” Goodman says. “This book gives them the opportunity to say, ‘I will choose to think a different way and learn how to control how my life turns out.’”

Goodman believes the staff has gotten more out of the book club than the students. After each book club, they meets and talks about what the students have taught them that day.

“I am surprised by the deep level of thinking,” Goodman says. “The students have the ability to stand with conviction when they believe in something.”

Goodman praises her staff, saying they take their work very seriously. “They know that what they do every day matters for the rest of the students’ lives.” The school has recently been focusing on writing in all content areas including art and physical education.

When asked how different the middle school students are from the elementary school students, Goodman sees them all as the same, but just a little bigger.

“They all have the same need to be well cared for and to come to a safe environment every day where they can grow and develop,” she says. “They need the highest and most challenging instruction, and our staff is always working hard.”

One of the groups of students in the book club is Five Forks’ Peer Leaders. They completed a video titled “I Am.” Watch it on our blog at www.ourtownmag.org/video.

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Our Town

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Non- GMO seeds These seeds have not undergone any genetic modification. In a GMO seed, a gene may be added to make it more resistant to Round-Up, the common herbicide used to kill weeds.

This herbicide normally also kills other vegetable plants. Some seeds have been genetically modified with a bacterial toxin that can make them resistant to insects. There is controversy surrounding GMO, so growing your own non-GMO garden ensures that you will be eating natural and organic food without altered genes.

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PAGE 11

Pet Question of the Month: My dog is scratching more lately and losing fur. How do you suggest I address this problem?

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Answer By Carrie McColgan, DVM A scratching dog is most likely suffering from pruritus, an unpleasant itching sensation caused by inflammatory reactions in the skin. This can be a source of immense discomfort for many pets, and puts them at risk of secondary infection. However, with prompt medical attention the cause for the pruritis can be identified and treated before more serious clinical signs develop.

The first step to relieve your pet from itching is an examination by your veterinarian who will diagnose the cause of the pruritis. A complete medical history followed by a physical exam will be necessary, and your veterinarian might also recommend skin scraping and fungal cultures to rule out parasites and fungal infection.

Conditions that cause hair loss and pruritus include, but are not limited to: infection, systemic disease, parasitism, and most commonly, exposure to allergens. Signs that a dog is affected by allergens include chewing on feet; scratching at the ears, face and skin; hair loss; and recurrent ear infections. Atopy is a term often used to describe the pruritis caused by allergens.

If it is determined that the itching is due to allergies, your veterinarian may recommend testing for the specific allergens, or eliminating common allergens from your pets environment until the cause is identified – food restriction and diet trials will be required during this phase.

Treatment of pruritis will typically involve avoidance of potential allergens; topical therapy such as soothing shampoos; addition of fatty acids to the diet; and antihistamine and anti-inflammatory medications. Antibiotics will also be prescribed for treatment of any secondary skin infection. If these treatments do not provide satisfactory results, and avoidance of allergens is impossible, your veterinarian may recommend desensitization for your pet to particular allergens through immunotherapy.

Dr. McColgan practices at The Village Vets Lilburn/Stone Mountain www.thevillagevets.com. She can be reached at drmccolgan@thevillagevets.com.

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For more information call 678-825-2049 • ourtownmag.org

Our Town

Taking both the SAT and the ACT

BUILDING A LIFELONG LOVE OF LEARNING STARTS WITH A GOOD FOUNDATION.

INSPIRING 21 ST CENTURY Should a student take the ACT in addition to the SAT? Absolutely! While the SAT and LEARNERS ACT are very different tests, they both are accepted in the college admissions process. The

By Carol C. Wood

tests are designed to provide college admissions officers with both a predictor of a student’s first year academic achievement in college, and a common “yardstick” to use when comparing students from a wide range of educational backgrounds.

Reasons students would benefit by taking both the SAT and ACT: • The SAT is a critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and problem solving assessment.

It tests a student on how well he/she problem solves and critically thinks. The ACT is an achievement or content-based test. It assesses what a student has learned as a result of his/her course work at school.

• Students may score better on one test than the other. A student who is conscientious and works diligently on school course work, could score higher on the ACT, while students who have a naturally high IQ, often will score higher on the SAT. By taking both tests, students can determine which test provides a better showcase for their abilities.

• By taking the ACT, it may save a student from having to take four SAT-II tests.

Some colleges will not require a student to take SAT-II subject tests if he/she has taken the ACT. “In order to thrive in today’s world, children • There are penalties for guessing incorrectly on the SAT, however, there are no penalties need to be equipped with 21st century skills.

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills for guessing incorrectly on the ACT. applauds The Goddard School’s focus on

developing these skills early so that students can be successful in and out of school.”

I recommend that students prepare for and take both college entrance exams two times each. I suggest they wait to send test scores to colleges until they have taken both the SAT and ACT. Using a conversion table, determine which test yields the higher scores and submit only that test to the colleges in which the student is applying. I have known students who were accepted into the college of their choice due to their high score on the ACT.

The Goddard School® has become the first preschool program to join P21—a national organization championing 21st century skills. Through the fusion of Reading, Writing & Arithmetic and the 4Cs—Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration and Creativity—Goddard School graduates are well equipped and ready to succeed in school and in life.

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1565 Janmar Raod • Snellville, GA 30078 EMAIL: snellvillega@goddardschools.com Phone: 678-344-0042 • FAX: 770-985-5262 http://www.goddardschool.com/atlanta/snellville-janmar-road-ga GoddardSchool.com

For information on the ACT, visit www.act.org and for information on the SAT, visit www.collegeboard.com. Carroll C. Wood is founder and CEO of Total Learning Concepts.

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PAGE 13

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A Senior Moment: A Caregiver in Distress

By Amy Hentschel So many of our senior care phone calls come from stressed out, burned out family caregivers. Their stories all have the same familiar details; including years of giving personalized one-on-one care, sleepless nights, injuries of their own, frustration and complete exhaustion. The most important element of all runs through each family’s story; the sense of duty and obligation to the ones they love.

“I know I can’t keep doing this, but I’m okay right now.” “I promised her I would never put her into an institution.” “No one can care for my mother like I can.”

Here are some startling statistics about caregivers in America today: • There are 65 million caregivers providing 20 hours or more of unpaid care a week.

• Of these family caregivers, 60 percent work outside of the home.

• 70 percent also suffer from depression.

• Women make up 66 percent of the caregivers and 64 percent of those live with their loved one.

• An estimated 30 to 40 percent of caregivers die before the ones they are caring for do.

—statistics by National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP; November 2009 When we receive these calls, our goal is to help put resources in place to begin to relieve the heavy burden on families in need. Our goal is get professionals in place either through home care services, adult day programs, or placement in assisted living to take over the physical care giving. Only then can that family caregiver return to caring for themselves and being the family member they were meant to be. We finally see the family restored and everyone back in their proper roles.

I often tell families, “Caring for your loved one 24 hours per day, 7 days per week is a task we simply weren’t designed to perform. It’s like asking yourself to fly like a bird. It sounds like a lovely endeavor until you step off the limb.”

Once the care is in place, we connect our families to the many and wonderful support groups in Gwinnett County. It helps to talk with others that have walked in your shoes and have gone before you.

Amy Hentschel is a senior care consultant and owner at Senior Provisions, LLC. For more information visit www.MySeniorProvisions.com

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Spring is here and seasonal allergy and asthma sufferers know it. There are often underlying causes to your allergies beyond pollen, such as inflammation and toxins.

Below are ways to address these problems and improve your health during allergy season.

The adrenal glands secrete cortisol, the body’s built-in anti-inflammatory stress hormone. When our cortisol is out of balance, the body cannot properly combat the irritation caused by allergens. This causes the sinuses, bronchial tubes and lungs to become inflamed, which leads to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes. A simple saliva test can determine how the adrenal glands are functioning and if they are fatigued or have stopped producing cortisol.

You can reduce your body’s reactions to allergens by supporting the adrenal glands with natural treatments that can return the adrenal system back to proper health and decrease inflammation. Healthy adrenal function helps with depression, anxiety, insomnia and high blood pressure. Measuring the health of your adrenal glands is important for prevention and healthy well-being.

Another area that should be addressed is the toxicity of the body. When your body is toxic, it is in weakened state. Outdoor allergens are an additional burden and can be detrimental. Make sure to drink plenty of water to flush out your system.

While healing the adrenal glands and detoxifying the body, you can work to restore and support the lungs, sinus and other affected areas by using natural products. Saline rinses such as Nasaline and sinus support supplements help to decrease the symptoms of allergies while you address the cause of the problem.

Dr. Jeanette Altieri is the co-owner of AC Spine & Wellness Center in Lawrenceville. For more information on natural allerg y treatments you can go to their website at www.acspineandwellness.com.

For more information call 678-825-2049 • ourtownmag.org

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Summer Music Camp Presented by Music On Main Street

June 23 - 29

All Instruments and Singers Ages 8 - 18 Welcome On Stage Performance Solo Playing Recording Creativity Songwriting Music History Education

Resident Rock Star: Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers) Students will play in a real band, learn cover songs, write original songs, and perform a live concert at MOMS. They will particiapate in group and individual lessons with professional touring musicians and studio engineers.

It’s a week your child will remember for the rest of their life!

Call 770-609-6393 or visit www.musiconmainstreetlilburn.com to Register

113 Main St. NW Lilburn, GA 30047

All Pro Carts – Your “Outdoor Fun Store”

By Stacye Carroll After putting in thirty-nine years with Aaron’s, Inc., you might expect Ken Butler to be lying on a beach somewhere…but you’d be wrong. Butler retired from Aaron’s in May of last year and by September, he had purchased All Pro Carts in Lawrenceville along with sons Brett and Ken III, and his son-in law, Jarred Cothern. In December they doubled the size of their business by moving to their current location, providing room for a larger variety of carts, Primo grills and smokers, Derksen portable buildings and Segways.

The decision to purchase what Ken describes as an “outdoor fun store” was a natural one. Both Ken III, and his brother Brett, have been involved with racing since they were teenagers at Parkview High School.

All Pro Carts is the only Segway dealer in the Atlanta area. And, as the exclusive dealer of E-Z Go Carts and Bad Boy Buggies, All Pro Carts carries everything from new and refurbished golf carts to carts built to look like a Cadillac Escalade, and everything in between. Hunters prefer electric carts with all terrain tires that move quietly through the woods, while people who have land, live on a lake, or in swim and tennis neighborhoods often choose golf carts- apartment complexes, security companies, service departments, film studios, and ESPN have all rented. According to Ken, “Any place you see a cart, we usually take care of it.”

Selling products that are American-made is important to Ken, which is why All Pro Carts sells grills and smokers made in Atlanta by Primo Ceramic Grills. The grill’s oval shape provides more cooking space at a lower cost than their closest competitor.

All Pro Carts is a full service dealer featuring a service department staffed by factory trained technicians. Mention Our Town Magazine when you visit the store at 345 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville to qualify for a $100 wine coupon and a ride on a real NASCAR simulator!

For more information go to www.allprocarts.com or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ AllProCarts.

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For more information call 678-825-2049 • ourtownmag.org

PAGE 17

Trickum Middle School’s Odyssey of the Mind Team on their Quest to Worlds

By Alexa Lampasona There are few groups in school that challenge students to think “outside the box,” but the Odyssey of the Mind competition teaches students to learn creative problem-solving methods. By encouraging imaginative paths, students learn skills that will provide them with the ability to solve problems.

Trickum Middle School’s Odyssey of the Mind team placed second in the State competition this year and moves on to the World Competition in Iowa. As the only team in the Parkview cluster, the team is on a mission to raise funds for the big event.

“I think this team was successful due to their commitment to each other,” said Debra Steinhaus, coach of this year’s team. “They work very hard to make sure everyone is included in all the decisions and have learned the benefits of compromise and teamwork.”

Steinhaus’s coaching style is a large part of the success. When the team disagrees on something, she has each member tell the group what they could be doing better to help the team work better together. Most of the time, she says they are able to realize that each of them could use to change a behavior.

This is the second year that this team is together: Emma Steinhaus, Cameron Huggins, Grace Conway, Rubina Rafi, Zoe Canfield, and Amelia Pattillo. Although one member moved on to high school, the team chose not to have a replacement and intend to compete in high school next year when the full team will be together again.

Steinhaus says the commitment of the parents has been important. “My parents have been there every step of the way,” she says. “They are very much committed to helping the team get to World Competition.

If you are interested in supporting Trickum Middle School’s team on their journey to Nationals, you can donate at the following website: www.youcaring.com/trickumootm2014.

We’re right where we want to be

Heads Up

By Jane Bishop, Life Coach/Speaker/Trainer

• Walk to shopping, restaurants and conveniences • Beautiful all-brick homes customized to your taste • Clubhouse, pool and exercise room

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Spring. The time of the year for tee ball, little league baseball, softball and major league baseball spring training. On the field during play, teammates alert each other by shouting “heads up!” The signal alerts players to pay attention. Be ready, stay focused; the ball is headed their direction.

I wanted to shout this call as I watched a man walking toward the mall entrance with his head down, focused on his phone. As he got to the entrance, he paused (without looking up) for the door to open. It did not. With his head still down, he stepped to his left until he was in line with the sensor. The door automatically opened.

This heads down scene appears frequently in our culture. National news stories show footage from a mall security camera of a woman falling into a fountain while texting, and a police car dashboard camera shows a video of a young adult running into a pole and flipping over because he was texting. It is becoming more common to see a group of people in a restaurant checking their phone instead of engaging in conversation.

What does this have to do with living4ward? Mamie McCullough once said, “Don’t just go through life. Grow through life.”

Are you simply going through life? Then “heads up!” Living4ward is about reactivating your passion, readjusting your attitude, reapplying gifts, and recapturing your life.

Living4ward is more than staying connected with technology. Your phone cannot offer the flavor of your favorite food or the smell of freshly mowed grass. Living4ward is about paying attention to who you are, what you have to offer, and connecting with others. Practice “heads up” living and see what you experience!

Jane Bishop is Owner/CEO of Take The Next Step. For more information, visit www.takethenextstepcct.com.

PAGE 18

For more information call 678-825-2049 • ourtownmag.org

Our Town

Building a Healthier Community, One Patient at a Time Dr. Vera Reaves is a board certified primary care physician who has been serving the Tucker and Stone Mountain area for over 17 years. She focuses on preventive care for her patients, aiming to provide a healthier overall lifestyle for each person she treats. Some of the conditions treated and services offered are: * Annual Physicals * Well Woman’s Exams * Anxiety & Depression * Weight Management

* Flu, Common Cold, Strep Throat * Hypertension * High Cholesterol

2892 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Tucker, GA 30084.

Welcoming New Patients

Vera Reaves, M.D.

404.596.4790 | www.northtuckerprimarycare.com

Great Healthcare is Just Around the Corner

Dr. Edward Corkran and Dr. Israel Cabanas Jr. have been serving the Stone Mountain area for over 25 years. We focus on providing comprehensive expert care to our patients and building relationships with all of the families we serve. We provide services such as: * Sports Physicals * Preventive Medicine * Immunizations * Chronic Illness Treatment * Gynecology * Health Screenings * Minor Surgery * High Blood Pressure * In-Office X-rays * High Cholesterol Located at 5462 Memorial Drive, Suite 202, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 our office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

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For more information call 678-825-2049 • ourtownmag.org

PAGE 19

Keeping Your Best Interest at Heart!

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

The Importance of Touch

By Julie Mills

www.KathyCoots.com

This is the month we celebrate the moms and caregivers in our lives, and one of the things we all remember most are the hugs of our mothers when we needed them the most. Did you know that those acts of affection have healing effects on the body? Yep, mom’s kiss on that skinned knee really worked! Touch is the oldest medicine in the world.

As a society, we are touch-deprived and this can lead to disease and/or emotional dysfunction. From the cradle to the nursing home, touch stimulation, and the emotional assurance of caring touch, brings about a sense of well-being and security. In numerous studies conducted on the effects of massage for infants and the elderly, researchers have found reduced levels of anxiety, increased weight gain, and increased cognitive alertness.

In one study, consistent nurturing touch in infancy was shown to improve later coping skills. As we grow and develop, our need for touch does not diminish.

We all need routine touch and hugs from those who love us most. These wonderful moments actually stimulate the release of endorphins in the body. If you get a hug when you are hurt, it promotes the “Gate Theory,” which says the pleasurable sensation from touch interferes with the pain message sent to the brain and therefore decreases the pain.

Touch signals acceptance and love and affords the mind a place to rest and heal.

While you might not notice the effects of not being touched right away, it can negatively affect your mood, your confidence, and your health. We are only beginning to understand the holistic way our bodies work and the relationship between our emotional well-being and our physical health. So, let down your barriers and hug!

Gwinnett • Grayson • Brookwood

Julie Mills is owner of Body of Health www.bodyofhealthandlife.com. Massage services are offered by appointment.

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

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By Diannah Williams, Certified Pilates Instructor May 3, 2014 was recognized as “National Pilates Day” by the Pilates Method Alliance and by Pilates studios and instructors around the world. Most studios host events and offer special classes in celebration of one of the Pilates Method.

Pilates is often referred to as the intelligent exercise and has become one of the most sought-after forms of exercise in the last fifty years for its ability to train the body and mind to work in the manner in which it was designed. However through lifestyle or injury, most of us create patterns of compensation in which the body is forced into movements that put stress and strain on breathing patterns and the muscles, tendons and joints.

With regular Pilates practice, the student develops long lean muscles that resist injury, and are flexible and strong. The Pilates student develops strength, endurance, flexibility, body awareness and efficient breathing patterns.

“In twelve sessions you will feel the difference. In twenty sessions you will see the difference. In thirty sessions you will have a whole new body.”

—Joseph Pilates The Pilates Method is like a manual for your body that helps you reach your full potential. I have learned that when I treat my body with respect, love and care, the quality of my life is better in all areas- relationships, work, creativity and spiritual life. This is why I love Pilates. Pilates gives the student guidelines to developing a body that moves with strength, endurance and fluidity.

“I must be right. Never an aspirin, never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They’ d be happier.”

-— Joseph Hubertus Pilates, in 1965, age 86 Diannah Williams has ten years teaching experience. Body Flo Studio has private apparatus classes and group mat classes offered daily. www.bodyflostudio.com.

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AC Spine & Wellness Center 217 Scenic Highway · Lawrenceville GA 30046

www.acspineandwellness.com

Restaurant and Bar

the area’s only farm-to-table restaurant

come try our new Spring menu lunch dinner brunch monday - friday sunday - thursday saturday - sunday 11:00am - 2:30pm 4:30pm - 9:00pm 11:00am - 2:30pm friday - saturday 4:30pm - 10:00pm

wednesday night family dinner

family style dinner that feeds 4 for $25 see our Facebook page for what we’re offering that night

coffee shop | breakfast | sandwiches | desserts open daily 8:00am - 9:00pm

a portion of our profit goes to support local schools, churches, families, farmers and businesses 107 mainstreet | lilburn, ga | 30033 | 770.564.6911 | 1910publichouse.com | info@1910publichouse.com eat well hang local stay positive PAGE 22

For more information call 678-825-2049 • ourtownmag.org

Our Town

YOUR TEAM. WE CELEBRATE. GAMEON. TAPS

Photos by Mooney Photography

SPORTS EATS Mondays: 5pm- 11pm u Tuesdays through Thursdays: 11am -11pm Fridays: 11am-1am u Saturdays: 11am-Midnight u Sundays: 12:00pm-10:00pm

1227 ROCKBRIDGE RD, STE. 114, STONE MOUNTAIN, GA 30087 770.921.5555 (IN KROGER SHOPPING CENTER)

www.rivalsonfive.com

@rivalsonfive

www.facebook.com/rivalsonfive