NOVEMBER 2016: Our Town Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Monthly Magazine by Our Town Gwinnett Magazine

The Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Monthly Community and Family Magazine

Our Town

November 2016

Lawrenceville l Snellville l Lilburn l Stone Mtn. l Tucker

Meet the team at Pediatric Orthopaedic Associates, see story on page 5

9 10 11 17

The Golden Shears Project: Giving Back to Seniors Community Business Spotlight: The Little Gym of Snellville One on One with Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q Youth Sports: Training Ground for the Modern Workplace

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10/21/16 11:11 AM

Maurice Jové M.D. Nathan A. Jové M.D. Jeff A. Traub M.D. Decatur

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Our Town

On the Cover: The Doctors of Pediatric Orthopaedic Associates are Dedicated to their Patients in the Office and Beyond By Heidi Campbell Pediatric Orthopaedic Associates, founded by Drs. Meehan and Schmitt, opened its initial location at Atlanta’s Century Center in 1996. Since then, the practice has grown to fourteen locations, from as far south as Albany to as far north as Rome. Dr. Albert Pendleton, who has been with the practice since 2013, explains, “I move across several metro Atlanta locations in order to be where my patients need me. That’s one of the great things about our practice – our multiple locations make it easier for us to meet our patients closer to their homes. ” Dr. Pendleton grew up in Atlanta and attended Westminster High School. His success in high school wrestling landed him at Princeton University, where he continued to compete on the mat. He went to Emory Medical School, where he realized his passion for sports medicine. He ended up completing two fellowships: pediatric orthopedics and sports medicine. “I was an athlete,” recalls Dr. Pendleton, “and I really liked the idea of working with athletes and using a combination of my hands and brains. I became a 6th generation surgeon in my family. I love helping these athletes get back on the field and watching them get into college programs.” The caring, well-trained doctors of Pediatric Orthopaedic Associates have a passion for working with children, and they focus on making life easier for kids who suffer from conditions like club foot, cerebral palsy, hip dysplasia, scoliosis, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. They are the first pediatric orthopaedic team in Georgia to focus on the orthopaedic manifestations of obesity. They help these kids with agonizing hip deformities, knee derangement, and painful flat feet which can prevent them from achieving wellness and fitness goals. The doctors find their work with children extremely rewarding. “I remember doing four or five surgeries for a girl who was completely bowlegged,” recalls Dr. Pendleton. “It is amazing to see her almost walking normal now.” The practice established “Next Level Sports” in order to give teens and adults with sports injuries a place to go. While fractures make up most of sports injuries, they are able to handle everything from ACL tears to little league elbows. Patients who call with an injury can avoid the

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Our Town

emergency room since Pediatric Orthopaedic Associates can usually get kids in for same-day appointments. They have in-house x-rays and ultra sounds so they can speed up the treatment process. The recovery of student athletes is often a source of inspiration for the doctors. Dr. Pendleton recalls one athlete who tore his ACL as a tenth grader and had to sit out his junior year. “When this athlete returned to the field his senior year,” Pendleton recalls, “he ended up winning second in state!” The doctors are very active in the community, and many of them work closely with an individual high school. They donate their own personal time to serve as the sideline physicians for all of the home football games for their designated school. They collaborate with the trainers and athletic directors at the schools so that everyone knows what is going on with the athletes. This keeps communication open, particularly in cases of athletes who might have a history of concussions, for example. Dr. Thomas Byars, who’s been in the practice for almost ten years, is passionate about the work he does along the sidelines under the Friday night lights. “It’s really important for me to be an advocate for safety with kids,” he explains, “and make sure that they are participating and involved in athletics in a healthy way – not an overzealous way!” Dr. Byars grew up in Atlanta, and was a Woodward Academy tennis player. He went to college at the University of Virginia before returning to Georgia to attend medical school at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Once he completed his residency, he did a two year fellowship in non-operative primary care pediatric sports medicine. He enjoys working with the younger athletic population, and says, “I had great mentors who really taught me how to interact with kids. I’m able to explain things to kids in ways they can understand. Also, as a parent myself, I understand the worries of the parent, so even if things seem mundane to me, I’m able to remind Continued on page 14

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Our Town The Gwinnett/NE DeK alb Monthly Community and Family Magazine

Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultZ.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultZ.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Cover Photographer Kerr Studio Inc. Web Development Webkat Design Distribution Coordinator DeeDee Chapman Feature Writers Daidra Annis Rachael Brice Lisa Brittain Heidi Campbell Kim Hill Tony Socci Karla Socci Somers Michelle Watson Feature photographer Anthony R. Socci Contributing Writers Rev. Rodrigo Cruz Sean Moynihan Lisa Clinkscale Porter

— An EndResultZ Media & Communications firm EndResultZ.com Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett /NE DeKalb area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyright 2016 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

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

Stay Connected! OurTownGwinnett.com Read Online: OurTownGwinnettOnline.com OurTownGwinnett OurTownGwinnett OurTownGwinnett

IN THIS ISSUE 5 On the Cover: The Doctors of Pediatric Orthopaedic Associates are

Dedicated to their Patients in the Office and Beyond 7 From the Publisher: On Man’s Opinion 8 Skin So Simple: Which is Your Skin Type? 9 The Golden Shears Project: Giving Back to Seniors 10 The Little Gym of Snellville Builds Self-Esteem and Confidence One

Class at a Time 11 One on One with Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q 12 Up Close with Little Lake Event 13 Snellville Fun: 2016 Christmas Tree Lighting & Lighted Christmas

Parade 16 Community Member Spotlight: Meet Eric and Kristi Miller and

Family 17 Youth Sports: A Training Ground for the Modern Workplace 18 Chaplain’s Corner: Thanksgiving Day — A Day to Shine, Whine, or

Recline! PAGE 6

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Our Town

From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion By Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanSauers

I love family and community. This is one of many reasons I enjoy publishing two monthly magazines dedicated to these topics. I believe there is more good in the world than is ever reported. Moreover, many of us view our new world as overloaded with information moving at warp speed – quite impersonal and negative in nature. As a side note, I experimentally cut off my own access to my personal Facebook and Instagram feed for six weeks. It is part of a study I am doing on human behavior and how much is too much connectivity. People desire peace, love, harmony, laughter, and a better world for their children and grandchildren. You see, the Our Town community is simply a microcosm of all that is happening around America and the world. Right here in our own communities we have our own opinions, beliefs, values, and worldview. You know UNTIE (coming undone) and UNITE (coming together) are not that different in letters but entirely different in meaning. Thus, I challenge each of us to focus on what unites us, not divides us. There are so many wonderful things going on around the world and community that are never covered. In our community, we have amazing people doing incredible things to make our community awesome. We have super families, great schools, amazing teams, wonderful parks, and people of integrity and character. Our diversity is one we embrace and one that makes us stronger. We must work even harder (each and every day) to care about each person we meet. Will you help me challenge others to think of ways to build our community, to become even better, to refrain from criticism, and to focus on solutions? Remember, every human has emotions: joy, love, anger, frustration, anxiousness. Together we can make a difference and build stronger bridges of understanding between one another. I could not be more proud of where I live, work, and play. People need encouragement and are eager to hear a kind word. People need to laugh and they want to smile. Let’s make another person’s day amazing. A community is strengthened one person at a time. I am so glad you are with me as we continue the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

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Skin So Simple: Which is Your Skin Type? By Lisa Clinkscale Porter, Aesthetician Normal: Characteristics include but are not limited to skin that is slightly moist, free of blemishes, and even toned. The pore size is normal while the skin is taut and healthy looking and almost never has a break out. Normal/dry: Characteristics include but are not limited to properly hydrated skin with the exception of some dry, dull areas that sometimes flake or peel. This condition is sometimes seasonal due to cold or windy weather. The skin is usually lacking vitality, and the pore size is usually normal; however, there may be some skin discoloration. Normal/oily: Characteristics include but are not limited to properly balanced skin with oily areas such as the t-zone. The usual problem with this type of skin are an occasional breakout and shiny areas. The pores can be somewhat larger in the oily areas. Sun damaged/aging: Characteristics include but are not limited to skin that has been environmentally damaged and has begun to prematurely age. The skin begins to lose the firmness and moisture in the collagenelastin fibers and gravity causes sagging. There are also fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, and the skin is usually very dry. Oily/acneic: Characteristics include but are not limited to an overabundance of sebum (oil). It may be blemished with a thicker texture than normal skin, and it tends to be shiny with a greasy feel. The pores are usually enlarged and clogged with frequent breakouts. The next step is to call for a complimentary consultation so we can analyze your skin and evaluate it. We will also be glad to customize a skin care management plan just for you and to teach you how to take care of your skin regardless of your age, ethnicity, or skin type. Today is a great day to start making some changes in your skin that will affect how you look tomorrow. Remember, the first thing people see when they look at you is your face. How does your skin look? Lisa Clinkscale Porter is owner of Unique Face Options, Inc. More information at http://www. uniquefaceoptions.com/

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The Golden Shears Project: Giving Back to Seniors By Karla Socci Somers “It is so rewarding,” Sonya Lloyd says of the work she does as an award-winning hairstylist. She was one of Atlanta’s premier Olympic Stylists in 1996, and for the past twenty years she has worked and studied in some of the city’s most elite salons. However, Lloyd isn’t speaking of her accolades or her time spent making high-profile clients look good. She is referring to the volunteer work she does at senior assisted-living homes. Lloyd, a lifetime resident of Snellville and a graduate of South Gwinnett High School, is the founder of a nonprofit organization called The Golden Shears Project. Lloyd and her team of professional hairstylists, makeup artists, and photographers spend a half-day at a senior assistedliving home treating the residents to makeovers. Both men and women are thoroughly pampered with haircuts and a brand new look. After the makeover, they each get to model for Asa John Murray, the project’s volunteer photographer, and they receive a printed portrait to commemorate the event, free of charge. “The portrait is really the most important piece of our project,” Lloyd says. “We want to give the gift of a lasting memory to the seniors and their loved ones.” One look at the Golden Shears’ website and it is obvious how much joy Lloyd and her team bring to the seniors. The men and women in the portraits are glowing! They have their hair styled, they are dressed up, and Murray has created stunning portraits of each of them. The smiles on the seniors’ faces seem to radiate how they feel inside after having such a positive experience with people who compassionately shared their time and talents with them. It is typical for Lloyd and her team of 15-20 volunteers – her family included – to participate in each event. One volunteer stylist says of working with the seniors, “It is an honor to contribute Continued on page 18

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•Cookie decorating sponsored by Bill Rhodes Bakery •Build-It Activity sponsored by Home Depot •Roasted S’mores sponsored by Wages Funeral Services •Illuminated Rock Wall and Bungee Jump •Illuminated Giant Bounce House •Horse Drawn Carriage Rides •Horse Drawn Cinderella Carriage Rides •Caroling Hayrides

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The Little Gym of Snellville Builds Self-Esteem and Confidence One Class at a Time By Heidi Campbell The Little Gym of Snellville owners Tammy and Paul Mazurkiewicz did not set out to run a children’s gym. Tammy spent twenty-five years commuting seventy miles roundtrip to her job at a print finishing company, and Paul worked as a financial advisor. When the couple had their two daughters, Catherine, now 20, and Amanda, now 16, Paul decided to become a stay-at-home dad. “That’s when I realized that kids are pretty cool!” he reminisces. Paul explains that being a customer at The Little Gym is what inspired them to go into the business. “Our four-year-old Catherine was extremely shy,” he begins. “One night, while watching gymnastics on TV, she said, ‘I want to do that!’ We visited several gyms, but they were not what we were looking for. They were high pressure, there was a lot of yelling at the kids, and none of the parents seemed happy. Once we joined The Little Gym in Lawrenceville, where there was no judging and no pressure, Catherine came out of her shell; she truly blossomed! That’s when we realized we wanted to open a franchise.” In March of 2004, Paul and Tammy opened The Little Gym, originally in Lilburn, and currently in the Shoppes at Webb Gin. Their instructors and program directors are well qualified – most with early education or gymnastics experience – to handle the nearly 600 kids that come through their doors each week. “Our instructors are all service-minded,” explains Paul. “They have to have a giving attitude and love all children. Our program welcomes all kids – those who are on the autism spectrum, those with ADHD, and those needing occupational and physical therapies.” The Little Gym of Snellville offers a variety of classes for kids beginning with infants all the way through age twelve. Their day and evening classes, scheduled seven days a week, are affordable: $76.00 is the no-contract monthly fee for once a week classes. Boys and girls of all ability levels are invited to enjoy the non-competitive, skills-based classes, including tap dance, ballet, Kindermusik, and gymnastics. They also offer a unique sport skills class where kids learn hand, eye, and foot coordination in preparation for organized sports such as football, tennis, soccer, hockey, and baseball. “The kids spend time working on hitting targets and learning body aware-

ness, control, and flexibility,” explains Paul. “We work to grow confidence and self-esteem in our kids, and they take it with them!” Kindermusik partners with The Little Gym to offer five to six classes per week for kids ranging from infancy to three years old. These classes work to build rhythm and listening skills. Kenzey, the music director, was thrilled to recently work with twelve-week-old twin babies. “They [the babies] listen and take it all in,” Kenzey explains. “Moms do group dancing with the babies, we create rhythms, and we work on depth perception with our brightly colored instruments. Moms love the time with their babies and often make play dates with other moms!” Aside from the regular classes, The Little Gym also has several other popular programs. They sell out birthday parties every weekend, host a monthly “Parent’s Night Out,” and offer camps in the summer and during holiday weeks. During the school year, they also have a Wonder Kids Club, a three-hour, one day a week “Introduction to Pre-K” class for three and four year olds, where the kids not only get to take gymnastics, but they get to develop fine motor skills, coloring, and work with letters and numbers. “Our kids get a great beginning here, they build their confidence, and go on to do great things,” Paul reveals. “One of our former boys went on to work as a trapeze artist in the circus, and another young lady is now singing the National Anthem at major sporting events. Several gymnasts have gone on to traditional gyms where their coaches have been impressed with their great skills.” The Little Gym, as Paul says, “…is a springboard to life’s successes.” He recalls one kid who was struggling on his baseball team. He lacked coordination and was perpetually striking out. Additionally, he was left out of spend the night parties and was frequently ostracized by his team. His parents brought him in to not only work on his sports skills, but to also grow his confidence and self-esteem. “He spent the entire school year in our program,” recalls Paul. “The next year, his dad came in and told us that he was back on the baseball team. His dad leaned against my desk and cried. His son had the highest batting average and everyone wanted him on the team. The only change the parents made was sending him to The Little Gym. We changed this kid’s life.” More information at www.thelittlegym.com/SnellvilleGA/Classes

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One on One with Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q By Daidra Annis A welcome arrival to the Snellville restaurant scene is Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q, a locally-owned restaurant with five other locations in the Atlanta area. Opening its doors to East Gwinnett recently, they are known not just for their Bar-B-Q and southern favorites, but also for their commitment to the communities in which they serve. Jim ‘N Nick’s was founded in Birmingham, Alabama by father and son, Jim and Nick Pihakis, who believed that Bar-B-Q was more than a style of cooking; it was a way of bringing folks together. As such, Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q is a fresh concept that smokes all of their proteins in-house, and everything on the menu is made from scratch. Looking for a freezer? Don’t bother. You won’t find one. However, the lack of a freezer on the premises is not the only thing that is different about the company. Jim ‘N Nick’s uses grassroots marketing efforts that have been part of the company’s culture from opening day back in 1985. Rather than utilizing traditional advertising mediums, they give back a percentage of sales to the local community. Partnerships with school programs and scouting troop are an example of the groups most supported through goodwill and in-kind donations. Here in Snellville, the local team wasted no time in their give back efforts as evidenced during their “Friends and Family Weekend” – a prelaunch of sorts – where all alcohol and retail (sauces, mixes, rubs, and apparel) sales were donated Continued on page 21

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What started as a sales office for a Lake Lucerne community off Hwy 78 in Lilburn has become a quaint lakeside event space that is open to the public. Lake Lucerne Estates Civic Club is a volunteer neighborhood organization that controls and organizes the community surrounding Lake Lucerne. About three years ago, the group decided to create a more reliable stream of income due to the financial challenges of a voluntary HOA. They enlisted the help of their neighborhood event coordinators, Marybeth “MB” Strickland and Alisa Walsh, who then founded Little Lake Event to manage the clubhouse located at 1989 Lake Lucerne Road. The first thing visitors will notice about the facility is the view. Sitting right on Lake Lucerne, the venue looks over a spacious green lawn, forty acres of water, and a large but intimate fire pit. There is also a community garden where residents grow vegetables and sunflowers. A lot of care went into creating the shade garden and even the lawn itself. A two-acre lawn was created with fill removed from the lake bottom after the last lake dredging project. Three years ago residents rallied to raise funds to resurrect the clubhouse, which is the neighborhood›s oldest structure. Future plans include building a large pavilion with a great lake view. Once inside, visitors are greeted with upscale country charm that the coordinators like to call “rustic elegance.” Inside, the venue can accommodate parties of up to 50 guests, making it ideal for small gatherings and for use as a wedding chapel. Outdoors, the property can accommodate 100 or more guests. Little Lake Event provides most everything renters need. Whether you are renting by the hour or taking advantage of one of their convenient packages, clients can choose from twenty different layouts of the building and property that are tailored to different uses. Little Lake Event takes care of setting up before your event and cleaning up afterward. You choose your own vendors or

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9179_Dr. Chris' November ad.pdf 1 10/24/2016 7:40:09 PM

Continued on page 14

CMY

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Snellville Fun: 2016 Christmas Tree Lighting & Lighted Christmas Parade

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, sharing the holidays with family and friends. and the Ninja Warrior Experience the joy and laughter as Snellville celebrates its 35th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Experience! and 3rd Annual Lighted Christmas Parade on November 26th. Hanna Shelley The parade will start at Wisteria Plaza at 5:30 p.m. and end by the Towne Green. Thousands of people lined the streets last year to watch the many lighted floats, tractors, and trucks that Certified passed by. And of course, Santa will be found at the end of the parade riding up in a horse-drawn Massage carriage. Therapist The Snellville Tourism and Trade mascot, STAT the CAT, will be joined by many other mascots this year including Chopper, Hope and Will from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Stevi B, Chick-fil-A Cow, and many others. Why wait Rejuvenate! Celebrate the holiday tradition with an evening full of fun and activities for the entire family. Book an appointment Today! Some of these activities include: • Cookie Decorating sponsored by Bill Rhodes Bakery s Special!!! tmaBig!!!” • Roasted S’mores sponsored by Tom Wages Funeral Services ChriissToo “Life is an Obstacle and No Obstacle “Life is an Ob CrossFit • Build-It Activity sponsored byATTENTION Home Depot - Double check ad -forDouble ALL content. ATTENTION check ad for ALL content. ed it m Unli Train with Phone, web, address, coupons, • Illuminated Rock Wall and Bungee Jump Phone, web,etc. address, coupons, etc. as. m st ri Ch American Ninja What? Yes Assume - Reply back adALL is approved • Illuminated Giant Bounce House nothing ATTENTION - Double ad for ALLonce content. ATTENTION - Double check adthat forcheck content. Christmas. by e ap sh Assume nothing Reply back that ad is approved once in Warriors atBu the ONLY w to be y no ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FORetc. ACCURACY. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. • Caroling Hay Rides solutions! Phone, web, address, coupons, Ninja WarriorNo Gym e New Years re morin ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY. Assume nothing - Reply back that ad is approved once • Horse Drawn Carriage Ride this Area! ATTENTION - Double check ALL FOR content. Assume nothing -ALL Reply back that adad isfor approved once ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED ACCURACY. • Lighted Horse Drawn Cinderella Carriage Ride Phone, web, address,FOR coupons, etc. ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED ACCURACY. Beaver Ruin Village Shopping Center Just before 7 p.m., the crowd will light candles and sing “Silent Night.” Then Santa and Assume nothing Reply back that ad is approved onceWould You Like to Train Like An(Behind Kroger at Lilburn 678) American NinjaCrossfit Warrior? Would You Like Mayor Tom Witts will throw the switch, and the tree will shine with thousands of lights through ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY. 4153 Lawrenceville Hwy the holiday season. Joyful Christmas music will fill the air until 9 p.m. Please join your comNinja Birthday Bashes! Lilburn, GA 30047 Located: Beaver Ruin Village Located: Beaver Ruin V munity in celebrating the kickoff of the holiday season. Ages 7-17Shopping Center (Behind Kroger at Lilburn Crossfit 678)

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Located: Beaver Ruin V PAGE 13 415

Pediatric Orthopaedic Associates Continued from page 5 myself of the parent’s perspective.” For the past six years, Dr. Byars has donated his time and energy to the Atlanta Kids Triathalon, which has grown to be one of the top three largest triathalons in the country. This year’s event welcomed almost 1,300 kids ages 6-14. “This is a great event. My own kids have done this for the last couple of years. They get really juiced up about it,” shares Dr. Byars. “It’s a fun event for our whole family. My role is to make sure kids are safe at the end. It’s fun, and it gives kids the opportunity to be active and do something new.” Pediatric Orthopaedic Associates is a group that wants to make life convenient for its patients. They work with several hospitals and have great relationships with many physical therapists throughout the metro area. They have nearly every specialty area covered, with experts in not only sports medicine surgery, but also spine specialists and hip preservation surgeons. Perhaps most importantly, however, is their team of doctors who are committed to quality care for kids. “I’m passionate about what I do,” says Dr. Byars. “I get excited about work every day. I love the fact that my patients are motivated to get better. It’s exciting to be in a position where my job is to do everything to get them back on the field!” More information at http://www.mypedsortho.com/

Up Close with Little Lake Event Continued from page 12 caterers, or you can do your own food, while they provide all the chairs and tables. So, whether you are hosting a graduation party or an anxious bride-to-be, you can be rest assured that your event will be picture perfect. Being twenty year members of the community, MB and Alisa take all that they do to heart. Two decades of parties on the property prepared the team to ensure events held at Little Lake Event are successful and as carefree as possible. They are constantly improving and adapting to guests’ various needs and routinely ask renters what they would like to see when they rent the next time. Most of the time guests reply, “We had everything we needed!” Little Lake Events is one of only seven waterfront event venues in Atlanta and up until now has been one of not only Atlanta’s but also Gwinnett’s best kept secrets. More information at www.littlelakeevent.com

28 beers on tap! Many Craft and Local

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the area’s only scratch kitchen and locally sourced when possible restaurant come try our new fall menu lunch monday - friday 11:00am - 3:00pm

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Be Our Guest for an Open House! We Have Several Dates Available Meet our staff, tour our campus and learn how our school can provide your child an excellent, Christ-centered education in a safe, loving environment.

Providence a distinctly covenant, Christian school “Dr. Simmons is proud to offer Botox and Dermal Fillers. Callis the office to schedule your consulta that encourages spiritual development while integrating Biblical truth into every subject area.

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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

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

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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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Dr. John W. Simmons, IV

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PAGE 15

770-972-3803 I firmly believe in settling cases if a fair settlement is possible, it saves time, money and stress. But if the other side is unreasonable, we will “see them in court.”

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Community Member Spotlight: Meet Eric and Kristi Miller and Family By Lisa Brittain It is rare to meet someone who was born and raised in Lilburn, Georgia. Meet Kristi Miller and family, touting four generations of Lilburnites. Kristi was born in April 1974 at Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta to Dennis and Patricia Pratt. Days later she arrived in her Lilburn home where she grew up the youngest of three children. Kristi attended Gwinnett County Public Schools: Mountain Park Elementary, Trickum Middle School, and Parkview High School from 1979 – 1992. Parkview High School was the meeting place for Eric and Kristi. Eric’s family moved to Lilburn from Valdosta, Georgia in 1990, during his junior year. Senior year, 1992, Kristi and Eric became an item, attended prom, and graduated together. Eric attended Valdosta State. At the same time, Kristi headed to University of Alabama, with an unexpected u-turn. Kristi recently recalled, “I attended the University of Alabama for one week. I had a car accident returning home the first weekend, and didn’t go back.” After sitting out the semester, Kristi transferred to Valdosta State to join Eric. Eventually, they transferred together to the University of Georgia. Wedding bells rang for Kristi and Eric in July of 1997, and they promptly moved to Covington, Georgia, which was close to Eric’s job and to family. By 2004, Kristi and Eric were their own family of five. As their family grew, the time quickly arrived to consider school options. The young couple longed for their children to enjoy the quality education Kristi had experienced growing up in Lilburn. According to Kristi, “This was our main reason for moving home.” Once settled back in Lilburn, Kristi remembers, “We just, on a whim, decided to check out Christian schools. It was the Covenant relationship between family and school (that) really intrigued us about Providence Christian Academy.” In their final decision, “We just really felt strongly about our kids being taught all courses with a Biblical view…we thought this was best Continued on page 22

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Duluth PAGE 16

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Youth Sports: A Training Ground for the Modern Workplace By Sean Moynihan, Commercial Tenant Advisor & Youth Soccer Coach Why do you sign your child up for youth sports? Is it for the huge professional contract? Is it for the college scholarship? Maybe you will be happy if your child is a high school star so they can recall those glory days when they coach their own kids. What if the real reason we sign our children up for youth sports and pump billions of dollars into athletic companies is to help prepare them for a successful career in the workplace of the future? What if you celebrated your child’s collaboration, communication, or decision making on the athletic fields instead of a goal, touchdown, or home run? The workplace of the future will be an open, collaborative environment that will be made up of a diverse group of people working together to achieve the mission of their company. If you take a close look at the makeup of any youth sports team today, it is very likely that those children will closely resemble the person your child will be working with for their entire adult life. It is on the fields and courts around the world where acceptance and tolerance will be taught. In addition to the ability to engage with a diverse workforce that will be competing against people from around the world, your child will need to own his or her decisions and deal with the results of those decisions, good or bad. The organized games your child plays for their teams is an opportunity for them to make their own choices based on the objective of the game, the coach’s plan, and their preparation. These decisions are not much different than what we adults make in our grown up world everyday based on the goals of our job and our leaders and how much we prepare to be successful in what we are trying to accomplish at work. How many of you complain about being micro-managed at your job? How different is your boss’s nitpicking compared to “kick it, pass it, shoot it, catch it, hit it!”? Your child is the one practicing/preparing all week. What have you done to get ready to play on the weekend? Oh wait, you aren’t playing in the game. If we look on the bright side, today’s children will be so sick of being micro-managed in youth sports that when they get into the work place they will Continued on page 21

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sample great food from all over the world! Bring your favorite food to share or just come and great food allAmerican over the world! food, Theresample will be International food – from traditional Thanksgiving

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PAGE 17

Golden Shears Project Continued from page 9 my talents. I will always participate!” Lloyd says her grandparents were the inspiration for starting the Golden Shears in 2014. “Growing up, my grandparents were always giving to others; helping out; loaning people money, if they needed it. I knew I wanted to be like them and give back.” Ultimately, Lloyd would like to acquire a grant that would allow her to purchase a facility and furnish transportation for the seniors. “That way,” she says, “we can give them the total experience – a full day of pampering at the salon!” Lloyd’s friend and fellow team member, hairstylist Sudonna Patterson, says, “There are still some people in this world that do things just to make [others] smile. Sonya is one of them.” “We get back way more than we give,” Lloyd remarks. The Golden Shears Project team is always looking for additional opportunities to share their professional services with seniors all over Gwinnett County and beyond. More information at www.thegoldenshearsproject.com

Chaplain’s Corner: Thanksgiving Day — A Day to Shine, Whine, or Recline! By Rev. Rodrigo Cruz I have been living in the United States for just over ten years. During this time I have been able to learn and embrace the American culture – and with that comes the holidays. This month we celebrate one of my favorites, the day when families from different cultures and backgrounds come and break bread together. Isn’t that amazing? Isn’t that a glimpse of heaven itself? Most of you on Thanksgiving Day are going to get together with families and friends. You are going to eat turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, corn bread, etc. You are going to watch some football and spend some time with the people you love. Isn’t that amazing? Isn’t that a glimpse of heaven itself? So if Thanksgiving Day is like heaven, what on earth can possibly go wrong? Well, considering the fact that some of us have relatives who drive us bananas, then a lot. Some of them we just love because Jesus is asking us to. Thanksgiving is a day when so many interesting family dynamics take place – from choosing the place to gather, to choosing who’s cooking what, to choosing who’s sitting where. In some families, mom (which now is grandma) is in charge of everything, and nobody dares to mess with her system. In other families, there is a perfect rotation system where the families go to one house one year and to another the following year, and where everyone brings something specific to share. They have everything detailed on an Excel sheet, and they may even have a PowerPoint presentation showing the duties and responsibilities. Yet, in other families, everything is decided in a more organic way, with everyone giving excuses why they can’t be the host and the last one to respond or the one with the worst excuse getting chosen to host the event. No matter how your family works out those details, when Thursday gets here, and different people with different personalities get together, then that is when things start getting interesting. So I believe there are three options to respond to Thanksgiving Day: you can shine, you can whine, or you can recline. Continued on page 22

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Killian Hill Dental Care

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PAGE 19

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Youth Sports Continued from page 17

Go to the professionals at

create an environment that will allow and accept people learning from their successes or failures without spectators trying to play them like a video game. Youth sports should be about a game that can teach positive lessons that may be used throughout life if you let your child drive the learning. Tomorrow’s leaders understand that their experience in the game is driven by their hard work, effort, and learning from their decisions. The parents who create children dependent upon them while playing a game are inhibiting their potential to lead in the workplace. If we keep the end in mind, a child who grows up to be a person who can lead with decisiveness and communication, will be worth every penny you spend on youth sports. Sean Moynihan is a Principal and Tenant Advisor with Avison Young. More information at www. avisonyoung.com

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Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q Continued from page 11 to the Lawrenceville-based non-profit, The Quinn House. On a larger scale, the Atlanta market as a whole proudly supports Bert’s Big Adventure, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, United Way, Pirates of Lanier Poker Run, and The Giving Kitchen, among others. For ten years, the Conyers location has partnered with United Way in one of the largest fundraising efforts for the Rockdale Chapter. The Poker Run raises money for Camp Sunshine and other children’s charities, and The Giving Kitchen is an Atlanta-based organization that serves those in the restaurant community who fall upon hardships, and need a helping hand. Local owner Jeremy Chambers explains that “People make places, and service is the heart and soul of our industry – whether it is for our guests or in the community where we do business. It just makes sense to support those who support you.” With their non-traditional marketing methods, Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q has found a recipe that works well for them in an industry that often places profits over people. The passion to serve remains, even thirty-one years later, as everyone from the local owners to the newest staff members remain true to the culture of service that truly sets them apart from others in their industry, and in their community. More information at www.jimnnicks.com

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Fred Angeletti, DMD Lida Paez, DMD

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PAGE 21

Community Member Spotlight Continued from page 16 for our kids.” Currently, Kristi and Eric are parents of four children: Mitchell, 16, Mallori, 13, Matthew, 12, and Michael, 7. So what about the previous generations? Who are the roots for the Miller family’s rich Lilburn history? It was Kristi’s paternal grandparents, Clarence and Margaret Pratt, who transplanted their family tree in Lilburn. Soon after Grandfather Pratt returned from war in the early 1940s the couple purchased land in Lilburn on which they built their home in 1945. Kristi’s parents, Dennis and Patricia Pratt, also were raised in the Lilburn/Stone Mountain area. Dennis Pratt graduated from South Gwinnett High School, and Patricia Pratt graduated from Stone Mountain High School in 1960. They were married in 1962. In 1969, Kristi’s parents built a home on the same property her grandparents purchased back in the 1940s. This is the same property on which Eric and Kristi Miller currently live and are raising their own family. Kristi recently summarized her family’s Lilburn view: “As a family we get to glean from all the best of Lilburn community life according to our family values. We attend a local church, play on Mountain Park Park sports teams, and participate in the education of our children through Providence Christian School. We support Parkview High School as our alma mater, the Lilburn Co-op, and our local park through (Eric) coaching and serving on the board. We love the renovation of Old Town Lilburn, and support our local restaurants such as 1910 House and Los Hermanos. Recently we have gotten involved with LilburnUnited and love coming together with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for Lilburn and our country.” Finally, Kristi reported, “It really is staggering the number of folks we went to school with who (are returning to) this area. A lot of us old Lilburn folks just love it too much to go anywhere else.”

Chaplain’s Corner Continued from page 18 You can choose to shine and go the extra mile, responding with love, patience, kindness, peace, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. You can choose to whine and complain about the food, or the noisy nephews, or weird Uncle Bob. Or you can choose to recline, where you can just go and not care about anything or anyone else – just chill and watch football, Can you relate to any of these family dynamics? Have you had any of these reactions? It is my hope that this Thanksgiving you will choose to shine! More info: http://www.thenettchurch.com/

free diagnostic service call Air Conditioning Experts, Inc. 404-COOLING • 404-266-5464

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With this coupon. Not valid with any other offers or prior purchases. Offer expires 12-4-16.

For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049

Our Town

The Village Corner

German Restaurant, Bakery & Tavern We are a full-service bakery, restaurant, and tavern specializing in German cuisine.

6655 James B Rivers Dr. Stone Mountain, GA 30083

(770) 498-0329

Hours Of Operation: Tuesday - Friday 9am-10pm Saturday 8am-11pm Sunday 10am-9pm Closed Monday

Meet the staff at your

Sunday December 18 at 2pm and 6 pm Wednesday December 21 at 7pm

Teams of Two • Materials Provided Holiday Snacks! • Winner Prizes! You Keep The House!

770-498-0329 www.GermanRestaurant.com www.GermanRestaurant.com 770-498-0329

Buford I-85 staff: (from left) Ben Haffner, MPT; Leah Woods, PT, DPT, ATC, OCS; Ashley Dalton, Office Coordinator

Buford I-85 BenchMark! Your BenchMark physical therapists are licensed musculoskeletal experts,trained to get you moving and feeling better— faster!

Call your Buford I-85 BenchMark at (770) 271-4413 to schedule an evaluation, or contact one of our other local BenchMark clinics: GRAYSON • (678) 376-0213 LAWRENCEVILLE • (678) 985-0238 LILBURN • (770) 925-9210 SNELLVILLE • (678) 344-7197

Our Town

For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049

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N NE EW W E E N IIET EG GG G W WH H TW E G GR R II L L L L EGG WHITE

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hand-spun milkshake

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chick-fil-a.com chick-fil-a.com © 2016 CFA Properties, Inc. Chick-fil-A®and Chick-fil-A Stylized® ®and Chick-fil-A Stylized® 2016 CFAHwy Properties, Chick-fil-A Snellville Chick-fil-A Scenic Chick-fil-A Lilburn are© registered trademarks ofInc. CFAChick-fil-A Properties, Inc. Aug. ’16 • MF-034 Chick-fil-A Stone Mountain Aug. ’16 are registered trademarks of CFA Properties, chick-fil-a.com ®Inc. locations only.• MF-034 770-736-5809 Available at participating Chick-fil-A 770-979-7912 770-979-7488 Available at participating 770-925-2027 Chick-fil-A® locations only. ®and Chick-fil-A Stylized® © 2016 CFAN Properties, Inc. Chick-fil-A 2932 Main St W 1559 Scenic Hwy 4801 Lawrenceville Hwy NW 5079 Stone Mountain Hwy are registered trademarks of CFA Properties, Inc. Aug. ’16 • MF-034 ® locations © 2016 CFA Properties, Inc. Chick-fil-A® and Chick-fil-A Stylized® areChick-fil-A registered trademarks only.of CFA Properties, Inc. Aug. ’16 • MF-034 Available at participating

Chick-fil-A Snellville Chick-fil-A Scenic Hwy

Chick-fil-A Lilburn

Chick-fil-A Stone Mountain