NOVEMBER 2014: Our Town Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Magazine

The Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Community and Family Magazine

Our Town

November 2014

Grayson l Lawrenceville l Snellville l Lilburn l Stone Mountain

Meet the team at The Village Vets, see story on page 5.

9 15 18 20

Up Close With: Nikos Wine Corner The Christian View: Atlanta’s Newest TV show Catching Up With: Carol Wood of Total Learning Concepts Sports Talk With: Mark Kimbro of Brookwood High School

STONE MOUNTAIN GA PERMIT #1037

PAID

PRSRT PAID U.S. POSTAGE

This Month’s Testimonial is on Sinus Problems - Neck Pain- Weight Issues

Deeanna’s Story

When I came to see Dr. Gravante, I had no experience with seeing a chiropractor. My general practitioner had recommended I see one for my neck pain. Right from the start, I felt comfortable with Dr. Gravante and her staff. They are both personable and professional.

Deeana After

Once Dr. Gravante resolved my neck issues, I spoke with her about other areas of concern, with my body. She helped me with an issue I had suffered with for years: on-going headaches accompanied with nausea and sinus mucus. After asking me questions and performing a physical exam, Dr. Gravante suspected a fungal sinus issue. She recommended that I use an all natural neutraceutical specifically designed for this type of condition.

So I decided to give it a try because I was tired of taking medications.

Within two days my headaches and nausea decreased significantly, and with continued use they disappeared. Now I only take as needed.

With the success that I experienced with my neck and sinuses, I then spoke with Dr. Gravante and asked about doing a detox/cleanse. She recommended a program that was specific for my metabolism. With trust in the Doctor’s recommendation, I followed the protocol she personally designed for me. It didn’t take long to notice that I had more energy, better brain function and sleeping better. And there was something I wasn’t expecting…. I lost 15 pounds! On one of my visits, Dr. Gravante commented on how great I looked. I shared I had lost 15 pounds and stated, I believed it was the program that she put me on that played a major role in my weight loss. She smiled and shared that fat loss is one of the “side benefits” to her program. I had no idea that it would help with weight loss! I am so excited about my results and if she ever needed a recommendation for her Program, I’m her girl!

Actually, what I really am is a true believer in Dr. Gravante’s professional skills. She is dedicated to her profession and her patients. It feels really good to trust your doctor and believe she has your best interest at heart!

Thank you Dr. Gravante and staff!

Deeana Before

Lorraine Gravante, D.C. The Center for Natural Healing Please RSVP at 678.990.9400 by Monday, June 15. and Weight Loss 2176 Oak Road SuiteWe’re D looking forward to meeting you at our Summer Evening Open Snellville, GA 30078 www.drgravante.com

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See our website for a complete listing of workshops.

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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TAPS SPORTS EATS Photos by Brendan Sullivan/Gwinnett Daily Post and Kristen Mooney

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Mondays through Thursdays: 5pm -11pm (Closed for Lunch) Fridays: 11am-1am u Saturdays: 11am-Midnight u Sundays: Noon-11pm Full Kitchen Closes One Hour Prior

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Our Town

www.facebook.com/rivalsonfive PAGE 3

• ourtownmag.org

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

2400 Wisteria Dr Suite A Snellville, GA. 30078

770-985-9330 2801 N. Decatur Rd. Suite 200, Decatur, GA. 30033

404-296-5005 4743 Loganville Highway Suite 100, Loganville, GA. 30053

770-564-3393 We are the team physicians for the Archer, Parkview, Grayson, Collins Hill, Loganville, and Walnut Grove communities along with Loganville Christian School, and various Dekalb County Schools.

Sports Medicine Arthroscopic Surgery Joint Replacement Surgery

PAGE 4

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

Our Town

On the Cover:

Dr. Françoise Tyler and Dr. Will Draper, owners of The Village Vets, discuss their passion for their patients, clients and community.

By Heidi Campbell While most couples frame their wedding photographs, a rare couple finds more unique items to showcase. Hanging on the wall of the Lilburn-Stone Mountain Village Vets reception area are the student identification cards and first scalpels of two doctors, Dr. Will Draper and Dr. Françoise Tyler, who met at Tuskegee University’s School of Veterinarian Medicine in 1987. This couple, who graduated in 1991 and married in 1993, purchased their first animal hospital, the Cedar Village Animal Clinic in Norcross, in March of 2000. They, their four children, and a menagerie of four-legged babies, moved that practice to Lilburn, where they renamed it the Village Vets of Lilburn-Stone Mountain. According to Draper, they chose Lilburn for the great family values, the neighborhoods, and the Parkview schools. “It’s one of the best moves we’ve ever made, and we’ll live here forever,” Draper said confidently.

Dr. Françoise Tyler grew up in Atlanta. As the daughter of an orthopedic surgeon, she knew that she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps and go into medicine. During her senior year of high school, she worked for a local veterinary practice. “I was hooked,” she said. “I knew veterinary medicine was my

thing.”

Dr. Draper, who grew up in Inglewood, California, knew at an even earlier age that he was destined for a life of veterinary medicine.

He recalled, “When I was eleven years old, my three younger sisters and I rescued an injured bird from a tree behind our house. I am sure it was nature that allowed the bird to heal and fly off, but we were sure it was our love and attention that did it. I wanted to be a veterinarian ever since.”

The Village Vets, with locations in Decatur, Buckhead, and Lilburn, employs over one hundred people. Their hospitals primarily focus on the care of dogs and cats, although Dr. Tyler has cared for pocket pets and reptiles over the years. They offer full-service veterinary medicine, emergency medicine, client education and consultation, dental cleanings and extractions, most surgeries, boarding, and grooming.

Beyond these traditional veterinary services, however, lies the truly unique feature of the Village Vets: a team approach to provide a level of care that is, according to Dr. Tyler, “above standard.”

Their Village Vet centers are equipped with state of the art diagnostic tools and equipment that most practices don’t have, providing their patients with digital x-rays, ultrasounds, endos-

copy, and laser therapy. Making themselves available to their clients 24-7 is also a top priority. Their Decatur office is open 24 hours a day, and the doctors share their mobile numbers with clients. Dr. Tyler says, “We understand that ours is not a 9:00 - 5:00 p.m. job. We want our clients to know that when they leave our hospital with their pet, our support goes with them as well.”

The Village Vets are actively involved in the local Lilburn community. They sponsor the Mountain Park Athletic Association, as well as the Parkview baseball, football, softball, basketball, track and soccer teams. Draper, currently the president of the Parkview Touchdown Club and a senior vice president of the Parkview Dugout Club, somehow manages to find time to serve as the COO of the new Rivals on Five sports restaurant that he recently opened with local partners. Dr. Tyler serves as one of the concession coordinators for Parkview’s baseball and football teams. With kids at both Parkview and Trickum Middle Schools, both doctors love to be involved. Dr. Tyler says, “Our kids make the commitment, so we do as well.”

In February, Dr. Draper, who serves as the veterinary expert for WebMD, was honored as Veterinarian of the Year in New York City by Purina Pro Plan and Veterinary Practice News.

Dr. Draper and Dr. Tyler, along with their associate, Dr. Stacy Stacy, were recently chosen as one of “Atlanta’s Best Vets.” They have also been voted “Best Vets” by their clients in several publications, including Atlanta Magazine, Creative Loafing, Fenuxe, and Jezebel. The doctors are committed to working closely with veterinary and veterinary technical schools to help train and inspire students. “We have an extern, intern, or student shadowing doctors and vets almost every day at one of our practices,” says Draper.

The doctors of the Village Vets are passionate about providing their clients and patients with honest, excellent service. Fifteen years ago, Dr. Draper recalls having a patient, Shadow, a Keeshond, who came in after being attacked.

After three weeks of multiple surgeries, hospitalization, and care, Shadow returned to his family, who never forgot the care that Dr. Will Draper gave them. Years later, after Shadow passed on from old age, the family adopted a lab-mix puppy. “They named him Willie, after me,” Dr. Draper recalls fondly.

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PAGE 5

Our Town The Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Community and Family M agazine

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Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers ryan@endresultz.com Creative Director Elsie Olson elsie@endresultz.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Cover Photographer Kerr Studio Inc. Webmaster/ Technology Consultant Finley Williamson IV Feature Writers Rachael Brice Heidi Campbell Stacye Carroll Contributing Writers Dr. Jeanette Altieri Jane Bishop Bill Crane Dr. Richard P. Gangwisch Jeff Hayes Julie Mills-Watson Pam Walker Carol 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!

Send your events to info@endresultz.com Go to http://www.ourtownmag.org/calendar/ to view events and happenings in the Our Town community.

IN THIS ISSUE

ELECTION DAY WINE + FOOD TASTING $20++, NOV. 4, 6:30 DILLWOOD FARMS HARVEST WINE DINNER AT GRAFT, SUNDAY, NOV 16, 6PM. $80 ALL INCLUSIVE. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. BRUNCH MIMOSAS $3!!

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On the Cover: Dr. Françoise Tyler and Dr. Will Draper, owners of The Village Vets From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion Up Close with Nikos Wine Corner Community Member Spotlight: Debbie Braswell Preventing Childhood Sports Injuries There’s Gotta Be a Better Way Bleaching Your Teeth for a Brilliant Smile – Part 1 Living 4Ward: When Your World Changes The College Application Essay The Christian View Recipe of the Month: Tangy Cabbage & Cucumber Slaw with Apples What You Don’t Know, Can Hurt You! Catching up with: Carol Wood of Total Learning Concepts Sports Talk: With the Brookwood High School Athletic Department Easter Island – Halfway to Nowhere Healing Touch – The Nurturing Side of Healing Photo of the Month Mountain Park Athletic Association Hosts a Memorial Brick Dedication

Stay Connected! ourtownmag.org Read Online: ourtownmagonline.com @OurTownGwinnett

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PAGE 6

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

Our Town

From the Publisher:

Everything You Need For Garden & Decor

One Man’s Opinion @RyanSauers

Can you believe it is nearly Thanksgiving? The holiday season is upon us and I want to share how thankful I am to live, work, and play in such a great community. Moreover, I am thankful for family, friends, clients, staff and the entire Our Town community. Time is precious, and where you spend it matters.

I love spending time in our tight knit community and seeing so many people connected in so many different ways. Folks, it is simply not like this in most suburban areas of the United States.

This month’s cover story is on the Village Vets. This super story weaves together family, business, and community in the Our Town way. There are many other solid stories such as: Sports Talk with Brookwood High’s AD, Community Spotlight on Debbie Braswell, Catching Up with Carol Wood, and Up Close with Nikos Wine Corner, to name a few.

Thanks to the newest advertising partners who have joined the Our Town family. If you enjoy reading Our Town, please support and/or refer people to these and all of the Our Town family of businesses. Some new partners this month include Foggy Bottom BBQ, Cornerstone Books, Smith and Nephew, HealthMarkets Insurance Agency and Love Maid Room.

Our Town can be found in Our Town Magazine display shelves in strategic locations (in addition to our large and ever-growing mailbox distribution): Chick-fil-A on Hwy 78- Snellville; Chick-fil-A on Scenic Hwy 124; Beverage Superstore in Grayson; Graft Restaurant in Grayson; Foggy Bottom BBQ in Loganville; Rivals on Five in Stone Mountain; Chick-fil-A on Hwy 78 in Stone Mountain; Smoke Rise Bottle Shoppe in Smoke Rise; 1910 Public House in Lilburn; and Summit Chase Country Club in Snellville and Eagles Landing Café in Lawrenceville.

Please connect with us online for information that goes beyond the printed version. You can find us at Facebook.com/OurTownGwinnett, Twitter @OurTownGwinnett, the online version at OurTownMagOnline.com and our new website at OurTownGwinnett.com. Our online audience and social media engagement is rapidly growing each month. Lastly, we will be making some exciting announcements soon. Stay tuned…

I wish you a safe and blessed Thanksgiving holiday. Until next time and as always: this is my town, your town, Our Town!

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PAGE 7

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Our Town

Up Close with Nikos Wine Corner

By Rachael Brice New Team Development Training Available

The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team A journey for intact teams based on Patrick Lencioni’s book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and the DiSC behavior tool. The foundation is that the single most untapped competitive advantage is teamwork.

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If you are looking to blow off some steam and start your weekend early, Niko’s Wine Corner is the place to be on Thursday evenings. While they offer $5 wine tastings, a large variety of wine and beer from all over the world, and Gwinnett’s first self-service wine bar station, customers who shop at Niko’s don’t just get more for their dollar – they get the best.

For six years Niko Patel has owned his own wine corner, and, according to his customers, is one of the most knowledgeable wine experts in the area. Patel, who earned a degree in chemistry, was fascinated by the chemical compounds of various alcoholic products. Sixteen years later he decided to open his own store to which he loves coming to work every day.

“I still love getting surprised by new products,” Patel said. “I enjoy what I do! It’s fun!”

While ownership of Nikos’ Wine Corner can be fun, it can be challenging, too. Patel keeps track of the hundreds of different products brought in, which are rotated in and out every week.

Scott Danos has been Niko’s wine consultant for three years, and even he admits he cannot keep up with the ever-changing product selection. The store carries over 1,100 dry red wines alone, and has beer and wine from countries all over the world including Jamaica, Russia, Australia, Spain, France, Italy, and South Africa.

“We want to help customers cultivate their palate,” Danos said. In order to accommodate this commitment, the shop offers affordable wines and imported micro brewed beers. The catch?

Most of their products cannot be found in grocery stores.

To continue this on-going guarantee, Niko’s installed Gwinnett’s first self-serve wine station last year. The station consists of three Enomatic wine tasting machines that provide an extensive and changing array of 32 white and red wines.

Customers can purchase a taste, a half-glass, or a full-glass size.

“Adding the machines has greatly expanded our business,” Danos said. “It is an excellent tool for our customers to use to taste a variety of different wines.”

Each Thursday, Niko’s hosts a wine tasting event where customers can savor six different wines.

These tastings are from 6:00-7:30 p.m., and cost $5 per person. In addition, the self-serve wine tasting machines are always available, and on Thursdays they are often crowded with regular customers.

The store is open Monday through Saturday. Call 770-979-3111 to speak with Niko or Scott. They also maintain a Facebook page and website (www. nikoswinecorner.com).

“We are here because people like us,” Patel said.

“The business is challenging to get into and maintain, but we have been blessed.”

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

Our Town

Community Member Spotlight:

Debbie Braswell

By Stacye Carroll

Smoke RiSe Bottle Shoppe

Purveyor of Fine Wine, Spirits, Beer and Cigars

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Debbie Braswell grew up in Blairsville, and by the time she entered high school, she knew she loved children. While attending a conference organized by her church, Debbie took a class about working with children.

The instructor was a Children’s Minister, a position that churches had only recently begun staffing. Striking up a conversation with the woman, Debbie, then a senior, had what she calls “a light bulb moment. I knew this was exactly what I wanted to do with my life.”

Like many goals worth achieving, the road to fruition for Debbie was long and sometimes twisted. She began her journey by earning first her bachelor’s and then her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She put her education to work right away, taking a nine-year hiatus from her studies while teaching public school. The experience was invaluable. The last leg of Debbie’s educational journey took her to the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where she earned a master’s degree in Christian education.

In 1998 Debbie was lured to Lilburn by an offer to become Children’s Pastor at Mountain Park First Baptist Church. It was there that she met Randy, her husband of fourteen years.

Debbie’s duties at Mountain Park First Baptist are varied and many. She oversees Wednesday and Sunday activities for children, and manages volunteers. She plans annual events such as Vacation Bible School and Trunk or Treat, which are open to all children in the community. She also serves as “principal” to the preschool ministry, which she describes as “diverse” since children attending preschool may attend church elsewhere. “It’s an opportunity to serve people we don’t reach on Sunday,” she adds.

Debbie also participates in community outreaches. School-age children may add their names to a lunch with Debbie drawing. She has worked as a “Study Buddy” at Mountain Park Elementary, and attends as many concerts, plays, and ballgames as possible.

Debbie was accompanied by several high school students on a recent summer mission trip to teach Vacation Bible School. She realized that she’d known some of the students since they were 3 and 4 years old. It was a gratifying experience that prompted her to think about the circle of life. When asked if she had ever considered a different kind of ministry, Debbie answered, “I can’t imagine not working with children. This is not a stepping-off point for me. This is my destination.”

Debbie Braswell is Children’s Pastor at Mountain Park First Baptist Church. More information at http://mpfbc.org

HWY 78

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1559 Lilburn-Stone Mountain Road Stone Mountain, GA 30087

770.469.1622

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Preventing Childhood Sports Injuries

1780 Oak Road, Suite A-2 • Snellville, GA

By Dr. Jeanette Altieri

Call Today

The statistics are alarming. Each year more than 80,000 American children are hospitalized with a brain injury. More than 11,000 of them die because of this type of injury, making traumatic brain injury the number one cause of death and disability among American youth. Why is this so prevalent among child athletes, and what is being done to prevent it?

Football, Soccer and Cheerleading Lead the Stats As you might imagine, football is the most common sport that contributes to kids’ severe head injuries. This is not surprising, with concussions happening all too frequently when young players collide.

The statistics for soccer and cheerleading are a bit more surprising. Soccer injuries on the field often result in concussions. For girls, cheerleading is the number one cause of head injuries, especially for those who catch the other girls after they flip through the air.

What You Can Do to Prevent Your Child’s Sports-Related Injury Some things you can do to prevent your child’s sports injury from becoming debilitating or life threatening are as follows: If you witness an accident during a game, remove your child from the field immediately for medical evaluation.

Visit the emergency room immediately if your child is unconscious, has loss of vision, decreased alertness, vomiting, or a severe headache.

Visit your pediatrician or chiropractor if there are any lingering symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, changes in behavior, continual pain, or emotional issues.

Do not allow your child to return to his or her sport until cleared by a physician.

Visit your chiropractor for natural treatment of symptoms and optimal spinal health.

Make sure your children have properly fitted safety equipment.

Dr. Jeanette Altieri is owner of AC Spine & Wellness Center. More information at www.acspineandwellness.com.

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Julie’s book “Here’s the Deal About Cancer” available at Body of Health or amazon.com.

PAGE 11

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.

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

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CRITICAL THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING

order to thrive in today’s world, children ed to be equipped with 21st century skills. e Partnership for 21st Century Skills plauds The Goddard School’s focus on veloping these skills early so that students n be successful in and out of school.”

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PAGE 12

There’s Gotta Be a Better Way

By Bill Crane The 2016 Presidential election is already in its early stages in places like Iowa and New Hampshire. A wide field will eventually be winnowed to two after a considerably flawed primary season has run its course. Looking ahead as well as back in time, I am left with the decided bias that there simply has got to be a better way to nominate candidates for President. During 1987-88, southern Democrats created the super southern primary election to help nominate a ‘southern conservative,’ as well as raise the profile of the South in the nominating contests. That first Super Tuesday in 1988 brought voters southern conservative Governor Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts, proving that well-intentioned voting can bring unintended consequences. The GOP nominated then Vice-President George H.W. Bush as their standard bearer.

Super Tuesday in 2012 was not a southern regional primary as it had been for the prior five Presidential election cycles. In 2008, it was Super Tuesday that helped then Senator John McCain (R-Arizona) put away Arkansas conservative and former Governor Mike Huckabee, halting Huckabee’s march to the GOP nomination. The Democratic contest was not decided at that time, as then Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton continued their battle on until early June.

Our current nominating process is skewed in favor of party activists, elites, and regular donors, and weighs inordinately heavily toward the early caucus and primary states. Only a couple hundred thousand Iowans even participate in the caucus process. And yet since former Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter came in a surprise second to “None of the Above” in 1976, and then went on to win the presidency, the Iowa Caucus has become a major stepping stone to the White House.

So here is my suggestion for a better way, borrowed from a proposal by the National Association of Secretaries of State. Sub-divide our nation into four to eight geographic regions with linked economies and similar cultures, and then these group states would draw straws a year prior to each presidential election cycle to determine voting order. Elections would then be held on four to eight primary election days, with the order changing for each region with each presidential election. As the region order rotates, national media and activists could not simply break out the same game plan from four years prior, and campaigns would not be stuck with treating partisans in certain states like royalty awaiting a kiss on their respective rings.

Exposing the candidates and campaigns to a wider range of states earlier and often might also make them a bit more in tune with the number of voters who actually live in the political middle, and not just focus on appeasing the activists and extremists who are always more visible and vocal in either camp. A lot of establishment types would have to yield for this re-invention to work, but no one in Great Britain would have likely forecast a coalition government there four years ago either. There has simply got to be a better way.

Bill Crane, Principal, CSI Crane, http://www.csicrane.com

Bleaching Your Teeth for a Brilliant Smile – Part 1

By Dr. Richard P. Gangwisch, DDS, MAGD, ABGD Bleaching vital teeth has been great for cosmetic dentistry. Teeth can be lightened considerably without having any invasive drilling or bonding of tooth-colored materials. The cost is significantly cheaper than all other cosmetic dental procedures.

Discolorations in teeth can come from many sources. Intrinsic stains (ones that are actually incorporated into the tooth structure itself), include antibiotics (especially tetracycline), fluorosis, and enamel hyperplasia. Aging will also naturally yellow the teeth. Foods such as tea, coffee, red wine, colas, and tobacco products will also discolor teeth. Extrinsic stains (stains that reside on the surface of the teeth) are caused by bacterial plaque accumulations that soak up pigmented food and drink. Extrinsic stains can be removed by a professional cleaning, or by using a “whitening” toothpaste, which contains extra abrasives. Since intrinsic stains reside within the tooth enamel, they must be removed by chemicals that have the ability to soak into the tooth structure itself.

Vital teeth bleaching is performed by placing a peroxide based solution on the tooth surface.

Even though tooth enamel is extremely hard, it is somewhat porous, which allows the bleaching solution to leach into the tooth. The solution can be either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide will turn into hydrogen peroxide when it comes in contact with water. Once the peroxide ion has permeated into the body of the enamel and dentin, it will oxidize the stains that are residing inside the tooth structure, thus effectively lightening the tooth color. Studies have not shown any harm done to the enamel.

Dr. Gangwisch is a board certified general dentist with Gangwisch Dental Group, L.L.C. More informations at GangwischDentalGroup.com

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

Our Town

Be a part of our hearing wellness program!

When Your World Changes

By Jane Bishop, Life Coach/Speaker “Jim is gone.” My sister-in-law spoke these words to me at 9:48 p.m. on September 14. My brother had been in the hospital for four days, but his death was unexpected. Plans had already been made to fly to Maryland the next day for a visit. That trip would now be to celebrate his life. For a week, my family was immersed together in grieving, mourning, and bereavement. As we laughed, cried, hugged, and told stories, it was evident that my brother was “present.” We can never fill his place as a son, husband, brother, brother-in-law, dad, or granddad. But we can stand in the gap together.

Why highlight death, loss, and grief at a time when many focus on Thanksgiving and being thankful? One, to pay tribute to my brother and be thankful for his life. Two, to encourage anyone experiencing a loss. Allow yourself time to grieve. Acknowledge there is a loss. Ask for help. Rando and Wolfelt write the work of grief as being “the activities associated with thinking through the loss, expressing the feelings and emotions experienced and becoming reinvolved with life.” While each person’s grief is unique, one needs to grieve before he or she can reinvest and be thankful for life.

My world has forever changed. I am a follower of Jesus Christ, as was Jim, and I can be thankful knowing I will see him again one day. We will exchange our unique sibling hug and speak in our own language as we did as kids. Emotions still surface, but they are healing. At this time of year, I choose to live4ward in my “new world,” to reinvest in life, and to be thankful. How can you be thankful when your world changes?

Our audiologists believe that anyone over the age of 55 should have their hearing screened annually as part of their personal wellness program. This month The Audiology Center of Snellville invites anyone in our community to visit us for a FREE Hearing Screening! Call us today for more information and to schedule your appointment.

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Samuel F. Vaught, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Heather Davis, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

2176 Oak Road, Suite C Snellville, GA 30078

855-207-0401 www.audiologysnellville.com

November 29th

33rd Annual SNELLVILLE

5:30 - 9:00 p.m. on the Towne Green

CHRISTMAS

TREE LIGHTING

Join us for Snellville’s 1st Annual Lighted Christmas Parade!

Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at Wisteria Shopping Plaza.

Tree Lighting at 7 p.m. on the Towne Green.

Visit With Santa from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Cookie Decorating with Bill Rhodes Bakery Ornament Decorating with Michael’s Build-It Activity with Lowe’s Caroling Hay Rides Please check our website for more Horsedrawn Carriage Rides information and Parade Applications.

S’Mores and Hot Chocolate

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

PAGE 13

The College Application Essay

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Many colleges require a student essay as part of their college application. The essay can be one of the strongest parts of the application, presenting the student as a thoughtful, sincere, and interesting applicant. Often students are unsure how to begin this essay and about what to write, but it is important to get started now because the tension created by procrastinating can be worse than the work itself.

Rather than saying why you are such a great college candidate, tell a story that focuses on you and portrays your positive aspects. This could be a story about someone you once met who you were able to assist in fulfilling a need. It could be a story about something that happened in your family, what you learned from the experience, and how you helped resolve and/or reacted to the event. Or, it could be a story about your interests, activities, travels, struggles, or a situation that had a significant impact on you.

It is ideal to write a story about something that occurred in high school or as an older student, unless there is a significant life lesson you learned when younger. Avoid writing about a topic that remains unresolved. Rather, tell a story about something that has had closure.

It is best not to write about your political or religious views, or to give strong opinions about a topic. You never know the thought processes or values of the reader of your essay, so you do not want to risk offending him or her.

If you find that developing and writing your essay is taking a long time, you have probably selected the wrong topic and need to find something else to write about. We can usually write with ease about something we are passionate about or something that was truly exciting and/or meaningful in our lives.

At the end of your writing, it is important that you go back to the beginning and work on the first several sentences to make sure they make a strong opening. Then cut out all wordiness throughout. Make it specific, and check your grammar.

I hope these suggestions are helpful and you are accepted into the college of your choice!

Carol Wood is the Founder/CEO of Total Learning Concepts www.totallearningconcepts.com/

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The Christian View

By Rachael Brice The station was calm and quiet. Enthusiastic assistants were teaching an eager audience how to clap for the camera. There was no hustle or bustle of last minute line reading or directors calling for places. The co-hosts were primping and enhancing their outfits with the perfect matching bracelet or the perfect pair of earrings before they entered the studio to begin shooting an episode of “The Christian View.”

“Welcome to the Christian View, where we take today’s hot topics and weigh them against the Word of God, because God does have a view,” Creator, Host and Executive Producer Jackie Carpenter said as she greeted the audience and the camera.

“The Christian View” is WATC Atlanta 57’s newest show, airing each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.

The show can also be viewed on Angel Two (Channel 266 on Dish) beginning late Fall 2014.

Created and produced by a small group of inspirational women, the show broadcasts to over five million homes in the southeast, and covers such topics as marriage, emotional baggage, tragedy, self-image, and materialism.

Executive Producer Stacy Robinson of the Robinson Agency has brought programming ideas to the station since 2002, and in August of this year she received the station’s approval for a Christian talk show. Robinson had previously worked with Carpenter on “Stand Your Ground,” a movie based on Carpenter’s true family story, and after the movie closed, Robinson used her connections to bring in speakers for the panel who would aid Carpenter as co-hosts. Dawn Mooring, Ann White, Alisa Boykin, and Rebecca Kenner soon joined the team and have been thoroughly enjoying their experience together.

“It is a big learning process,” Mooring said. “None of us have ever done anything like this before.”

It only took four months for the show’s concept to become a reality. With the exception of Mooring and White, the five leading ladies did not meet until a photo shoot and mock taping, which occurred a few days before they started shooting the first episode. Since these women are all busy writing books, speaking at conventions, and participating in ministry, it is hard to find time to tape each episode. So instead of coming to Atlanta once a week, they get together once a month and shoot one whole month’s worth of episodes. Although the show is not scripted, Co-Producer Gloria Stella and Robinson create each episode’s concept and draft rough outlines in order to keep the co-hosts on topic. Co-hosts are allowed two weeks preparation to research the topics conveyed. However, they are not to discuss their opinions before the taping so the conversation can flow more naturally.

Currently, the show has eight episodes taped, some of which have already aired, with a full schedule to shoot four new episodes per month throughout the first calendar year.

“We want to catch people by accident and give them a show that encourages them with topics that are in the media and news from a Christian point of view,” Robinson said.

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PAGE 15

Better Grades, Better Scores...

Better Students!

Recipe of the Month: Courtesy of Graft Restaurant

Tangy Cabbage & Cucumber Slaw with Apples Serves 4 to 6 For the slaw: 4 heaping cups of green cabbage, thinly sliced 2 small to medium cucumbers, thinly sliced and quartered 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned into matchsticks 1 medium Gala or Fuji apple, cored and cut into matchsticks 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro or basil, depending on your taste 1 small jalapeno, finely minced (optional)

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For the dressing: 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons sugar Sea salt and black pepper, to taste In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the slaw. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving, or up to 24 hours.

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Our Town

What You Don’t Know, Can Hurt You!

By Jeff Hayes This month’s article was going to be about Social Security, but something happened recently that is worth mentioning. Within a week’s time in late October, Warren Buffett, who many think is the wisest investor of the last half century, lost over two and a half billion – with a B – dollars.

If a man with every resource at his disposal cannot predict such a dramatic market fluctuation, what chance do the rest of us have trying to time the market?

Now onto Social Security. Is it best to start taking benefits early at age 62, at the current full retirement age of 66, or when the benefits reach their maximum, at age 70? When to start your benefits is a major decision. You don’t want to make a big mistake that you will have to live with for the rest of your life.

Do you know that for every month you delay taking benefits after you reach full retirement age, your benefit will increase 2/3 of 1%, or 8% annually? Where else can you receive an 8% guaranteed rate of growth?

Has your advisor ever explained the option of “claim and suspend” and the major benefits that a married couple could receive by using this strategy? This strategy not only allows your benefit to continue to grow, but it sets up, in effect, a savings account with the Social Security Administration.

Finally, there are adverse tax implications with starting your benefits if your income is above a certain level; with the IRS definition of income including almost everything, even tax-free income.

Talk to an advisor. Learn what your options are. Then plan, before problems arise that cannot be corrected.

Jeff Hayes is the president of Serenity Financial and Insurance, Inc. Contact Jeff at: jeff@seisagency.com or 470-2265577.

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

PAGE 17

Catching Up With: Carol Wood

By Stacye Carroll

Our Town The Gwin nett

Area’s Fami ly Lifes

tyle News Maga

zine

January 2013

Lilburn l Law

Anyone who knows Carol Wood is aware that she allows no grass to grow under her feet. In the Our Town cover story from January 2013, we learned that Carol, as CEO of Total Learning Concepts, doesn’t consider working with students work. Helping students is a passion, her life mission, and a blessing. That’s why after many years focused on running a business with locations in Lilburn, Loganville, and Dacula, Happy Carol is excited to get back to what she loves best – the New Year students.

In September Carol conducted the first small group CAPS (College Admission Process Scholarship and Coaching Program) session at Total Learning Concepts.

CAPS is a new program that assists high school students with the college admissions process. According to Carol, rather than providing clients with a menu of services from which to choose, Carol and her colleagues act as educational consultants who assist clients in mapping out a program customized to specific college aspirations. Students who enroll as freshmen meet with a Total Learning Concepts director for a total of 32 hours over 4 years. In between sessions, they are coached via email, telephone, and/or Skype to complete tasks that will benefit their GPA and SAT/ACT scores and the entire college admissions process. Scholarship search is another function of the CAPS program.

In addition to being a private, professional tutoring service, Total Learning Concepts has recently been accredited as a non-traditional private school from which students can receive a diploma upon graduation. Students who have failed a class, missed school for medical reasons, or can’t attend due to expulsion receive individualized instruction, earning fully transferrable credits.

Although excited about this year’s new opportunities, Carol Wood is looking ahead. She hopes to receive approval to instruct international exchange students in January. They, like all her students, will not only benefit from personalized instruction, but will also learn from Carol’s example of a life fueled by passion.

Carol Wood is CEO of Total Learning Concepts.

More information at http://www.totallearningconcepts.com/ renceville l Sne

llville l Grayson

Meet Carol Wood Total Learning of Concepts

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PAGE 1

Happy ‘Days’ Are Here Again!

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

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

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PAGE 18

Piano Learn to Play!

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PAGE 19

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Ninja American walked into his classroom andAmerican out ontoNinja the Despite all of Brookwood’s accolades, the Warriors at the ONLY Warriors at the ONLY field. athletic department continues to face chalWarrior Gyminin Ninja Warrior Gym In 2006, Kimbro removedNinja his dusty baseball lenges, but is seeking positive solutions to this Area! this Area! cap for the last time and donned a new hat as overcome them. Raising funds always seems to Brookwood’s athletic director. He stays busy be an issue when it comes to ticketed events, directing different sports and clubs, appearing and even Brookwood is not exempt from this Would You Like Like to TrainLike LikeAnAn American Ninja Warrior?

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“We are all aware of the severity of this Kimbro’s reputation goes before him. A injury and are taking precautionary measures recent inductee into the Georgia Dugout Club to ensure the safety of our athletes,” Kimbro Gym: 678-671-3539 Gym: Hall of Fame, he was also inducted into the said. “We believe securing great trainers to train Glenn: 678-458-7320 Glenn: Gwinnett Dugout Club Hall of Fame and the our athletes in proper technique for engaging Central Gwinnett Hall of Fame. An award- in their sport while lessening the potential of winning coach Ninja warrants an award-winning injury is a big key which will help prevent this Ninja Warrior Obstacles Warrior Obstacles school, and Brookwood counts itself lucky Training toTraining on-going concern.”

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Brookwood Athletic Department’s mission Over the past eight years, Brookwood has is to take its student athletes where they cannot risen to the challenge to claim the coveted title go themselves, and to foster an environment of AAAAAA Champions seventeen times. that teaches young people to: build a founda“That’s just impressive,” Kimbro said. “State tion on academic success, build a foundation of championships are really special. It is fun to see leadership, and pursue the state championship. the students and teachers be able to reach the “We hope people will look at us and know ultimate goal that so many schools start out to that we strive to be the best we can be,” Kimbro reach but fall short in the end.” said.

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Easter Island – Halfway to Nowhere

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I am not sure if I am in Polynesia or Chile. The map shows Chile, but the music and the people are definitely from the South Pacific. After a five hour flight west from Santiago, Chile, I realize that I am halfway in the middle of nowhere!

I have always wanted to visit Easter Island with its amazing Moai – those giant statues that guard the coastline of this small island, their big eyes either staring out across the water or looking inward, protecting the people. Those that look toward the sea are said to be looking for their homeland. Those facing inward are said to be burial statues (much like headstones) of ancient ancestors who first came to this island. The original inhabitants called the land Rapa Nui. However, on Easter Sunday in 1722, Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen discovered the island, and from then on it has been known as Easter Island.

The native people can all identify their ancestors – from the date they arrived right down to which Moai was associated with their family. There are 887 Moai, all representing one family or another from a population of 5,000 Rapa Nui people. How many of us can remember the names of our family members even three generations back?

It is a beautiful little island only sixty-three square miles in diameter, full of wild vegetation, rock outcroppings, and caves. This is a hiker’s dream since walking is really the only way to get around as there are few roads. Plus, there are more wild horses than people here, so seeing them freely frolicking about is amazing.

Moai and wild horses on the most remote island in the world – halfway to nowhere!

Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Consultant. More information at pliwalker@earthlink.net or www.walkeradventures.com

New PAGE 22

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

Our Town

Healing Touch – The Nurturing Side of Healing

By Julie Mills-Watson There is a connection we have with one another that cannot be explained. You meet someone for the first time and feel like you have known him/her forever. You suddenly get an urge to call a friend and learn at that very moment she has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. It’s interesting how these “coincidences” of life work. I have a better explanation: they are not coincidences at all.

Consider that the body is made up of mass and energy, that we are physical and spiritual beings, and that all living things are sustained by energy. Energy fields, referred to as Chakras and Meridians, can actually be seen under a microscope. When this energy is disrupted or disturbed, it can lead to physical issues. These disturbances can be caused by stress, illness, deep loss, surgery, or pain.

Our energy flows in a clockwise motion. When the pattern is unbalanced and does not flow properly, it becomes “congested.” An “energy cist” can actually be created, causing the cells to stop functioning correctly. They start compensating and become weak. This leads to “dis-ease” in the body!

Healing Touch is an “energy therapy” developed by Janet Mentgen, a nurse who used energybased care in her practice in Colorado since 1980. This therapy uses gentle hand techniques to help re-pattern the energy field and accelerate healing of the body, mind, and spirit.

Healing Touch Research has been used for a number of different problems and situations that include cancer, cardiovascular disease, death and dying, immune function, pain, post-surgery, and stress. These studies have been funded and conducted by hospitals, universities, professional organizations, private foundations, the National Institutes of Health, and the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Healing Touch complements other treatment techniques that a person may already be using.

It nurtures one’s healing, and it encompasses the whole person, not just the issue at hand. All the Body of Health therapists have had this training and integrate it into their sessions.

Julie Mills-Watson is Owner and Therapist of Body of Health and Life, LLC. More information at www.bodyofhealthandlife.com.

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Our Town

Mountain Park Athletic Association Hosts a Memorial Brick Dedication

By Heidi Campbell Over one hundred family members, friends, board members, and coaches gathered in the Mountain Park Memorial Brick Area on October 11th to celebrate the lives of seven loved ones, all integral to Mountain Park, who have passed away. Ray Lail, president of the Mountain Park Athletic Association, welcomed the guests with warmth and compassion. He aptly described the friendships and bonds people create and foster as they participate in youth sports at the park. He reminded those in attendance that, “It is always good to step back and think about how fortunate we are to live in a small community, with a wonderful park full of family and friends to help us through the difficult times.”

The ceremony began with a presentation of the colors by the Parkview Marine Corps Junior ROTC. Senior Minister Art Stansbury from Mt. Carmel Christian Church, delivered the invocation, and Larry Jannett, chairman of the Mountain Park Memorial Committee, explained the intent of the program, thanking the numerous people involved with the event. Ann Sims, the event organizer, introduced the families, and presented the wives and mothers with roses. She gave each family the opportunity to speak on behalf of their departed loved ones. Speakers shared heartfelt, emotional memories of the honorees: Milton Brownlee, Derek Chance, Eddie Lasseter, Gene Moore, Allen Morgan, Russell Hays, and Brandon Smith.

Jannett explained, “The park originally had trees honoring those who passed away, but those trees were lost in the park renovation of 2000. We needed a new place to remember these people.”

A committee was formed, the plans were drawn up, and benches were added to the brick area.

Ann Sims has organized the ceremonies since they began in 2005. “We were the first park to establish a memorial area,” she explained. “We wanted to create a place where people could sit and think about their loved ones. The MPAA board voted to incur all the expense for the bricks and the maintenance of the area. Now we have a ceremony about every three years.”

Sims was pleased with the ceremony and said, “We want to make sure everyone understands the importance these people had to our park, and that they will always have a special place here.”

“We have a Zono sanitech device.”

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