DEC 2013:Our Town Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Magazine

The Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Community and Family Magazine

Our Town

December 2013

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

Meet Wanda and Eddie Price of Eddie’s Automotive, see story on page 5.

10 Community Member Spotlight – Meet Craig Camuso 11 Principal Christine Knox on RD Head Elementary’s Academics

13 Q & A with Dr. David Carlin of Carlin Vision 17 Sports Talk: Dan Crotts of Play it Again Sports

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Our Town

On the Cover: Meet Eddie and Wanda Price of Eddie’s Automotive

By Stacye Carroll

to their current address at 5440 Webb Parkway in Lilburn, to the new computer software that Eddie and Wanda Price aren’t originally from will improve customer service while decreasing Lilburn, but as the saying goes, they got here as the amount of time Eddie spends behind the fast as they could. counter, Eddie and Wanda Price are always lookEddie grew up in Ohio and can trace his roots ing for ways to make things better. That desire, to regions as diverse as Italy and the hills of eastcoupled with their parents’ examples, inspired ern Kentucky. Wanda was raised in Kentucky.

Eddie to run for city council in 2005. He won Friend and matchmaker, Ruth Merritt, might the seat and after the November 5th election in have thought the couple’s geographic similarities which he ran unopposed, he still retains his place coincidental, but she didn’t know the half of it. in city government after eight years. During It turns out that both their fathers were raised in that time, he has been instrumental in forming tiny Paintsville, Kentucky. Wanda’s aunt rememthe Downtown Development Authority where bers having many of Eddie’s aunts, uncles and he continues to serve as a liaison between the cousins as students in her classroom. Eddie and authority and the city council.

Wanda spent time in Kentucky visiting grandNot to be outdone, Wanda Price, daughter of Wanda, Eddie and Jasper at the front desk on the computer. parents, the two might have met any time.” the former mayor of Cave Springs, Georgia, and According to Wanda, though, they met at the right time. The Secret Valentine event a talented painter in her own right, joined the Lilburn Art Alliance who, in partnership at church was what brought them together. Faith, says Wanda, made it all possible. She with the Downtown Development Authority, enticed Anthony and Jennifer Tiberia to describes a staircase in their home, decorated by family photos and a plaque inscribed open 1910 Public House in Lilburn. Wanda also serves on the Lilburn Community with a quote attributed to Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Faith is taking the first step even Partnership and fervently believes that “everyone can make a difference.” when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

Depending on what kind of business he’s discussing, Eddie always finds a way to “She made what I had better,” Eddie says of Wanda, who smiles over a binder credit others with success. At Eddie’s Automotive, his employees “do most of the filled with monthly newsletters she’s created for Eddie’s Automotive customers over work,” his wife is “who customers talk to,” and his work with the city council is “made the years. The two laugh while sharing the story of Wanda’s involvement in Eddie’s easy” by a knowledgeable staff who actually make his job fun. Over the last six months, business. “Kicking and screaming” are the words Wanda uses. Eddie remembers his Eddie and Wanda have lost a combined 190 pounds, and that, he says, is thanks to persistence, which he also credits as one of the keys to his success. “Keep going,” he a referral from their friend Ruth and a local physician’s care. To illustrate, he quotes says. “Put your head down and go into the wind.”

Little Jimmy Dickens, “If you see a turtle sitting on a fencepost, you know he had help Longevity is another important factor. All of Eddie’s employees have been with getting there.” the company for five years or more. Of course, like any business that’s lasted over Eddie and Wanda Price own Eddie’s Automotive. For more information, visit twenty-five years, Eddie’s Automotive has undergone plenty of change. From moving eddiesautomotiveservice.com

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The Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Community and Family M agazine

— An EndResultz Company

Publisher Ryan T. Sauers Creative Director Elsie Olson Managing Editor Alexa Lampasona Cover Photographer Dave Skillen

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 2013 by Our Town.

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

Feature Writer Stacye Carroll

Our Town Monthly

Contributing Writers Dr. Jeanette Altieri Jane Bishop Stacye Carroll Amy Hentschel Gerard J. Lupa Deacon Greg Ollick Pam Walker Carol C. Wood

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Our Town

5 On the Cover: Meet Eddie and Wanda Price of Eddie’s Automotive 7 Publisher’s Column: One Man’s Opinion 9 December Calendar of Events 10 Think of a Winter Escape 10 Community Member Spotlight: Craig Camuso 10 December Crossword Puzzle 11 Getting Schooled: R.D. Head Elementary Principal Christine Knox 13 Q & A with Carlin Vision: 14 Doctors of the Future 15 Chaplain’s Corner: Saint John Neumann Catholic Church 16 A Senior Moment: Home for the Holidays 17 Sports Talk with Dan Crotts of Play It Again Sports 18 A Living Will: What is It and Do I Need One? 19 A Senior Moment: Home for the Holidays 20 Students: What is Your EQ? 20 Photo of the Month Online edition and info: www.ourtownmagonline.com www.Facebook.com/ourtowngwinnett www.twitter.com/ourtowngwinnett www.youtube.com/endresultzinc

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Our Town

One Man’s Opinion

Familiarity with the area is essential.

@ryansauers

It is the holiday season, and it is my hope that everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving and is looking forward to a wonderful Christmas. Soon 2014 will be here. Where does the time go?

This is why living in a close-knit community is so much fun.

You can see the same people at the ball field, grocery store, restaurants, and church. It is simply amazing how many people are connected in this community. Whether it is former Tucker High School graduates living in the Parkview area, people who grew up in Smoke Rise moving back, Parkview or Brookwood High graduates returning to teach in the same areas, or others with roots in areas such as Snellville or Lawrenceville moving to Grayson, people come here and they do not leave. Seeing the same community year in and year out makes every day count.

As I travel around the country, I rarely come across a community like ours. It does not matter where: Northwest, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, West, etc. I see rural, very urban, or suburban areas with little sense of community. I call this last group the people who pull into their garage, shut the door quickly, and never come out.

As we approach a new year, I want to say thank you. The number of calls and emails with information and support is simply amazing and greatly appreciated. This magazine is called Our Town for a reason. It is “our magazine and our news.” I encourage you to support our advertisers. Without them, there would not be a magazine. They make our community a better place. You have a choice where to spend your hard earned dollars, and I encourage you to support them.

We are quite excited as we head toward an upgraded and very unique look for the January 2014 issue. In this current issue, we have some great feature stories and a wonderful company, Eddie’s Automotive, on the front cover. Simply said, these guys walk the walk. Please stay engaged with us online via Facebook, Twitter, etc. So, until next time, I wish you all a blessed holiday season and Happy New Year.

Note: best tweet of the month… see my twitter handle above… will be mentioned in this column next month.

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Our Town

December Calendar of Events Gwinnett Ballet Theater Presents:

The Nutcracker

(to recorded music) Friday, December 6th at 7:30 Saturday, December 7th at 2:30 and 7:30 Sunday, December 8th at 2:30 (The Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Orchestra will accompany the dancers for the remainder of the performances) Friday, December 13th at 7:30 Saturday, December 14th at 2:30 and 7:30 Sunday, December 15th at 2:30 Friday, December 20th at 7:30 Saturday, December 21st at 2:30 and 7:30 Sunday, December 22nd at 2:30 WHERE: Gwinnett Center PHONE: 1-800-9 AXS-TIX http://www.gwinnettballet.org/

Make and Take Centerpieces Saturday, December 7 The Family Tree Garden Center 10 AM- all, 11:30 AM –kids 770-972-2470 www.familytreegardening.com/events Christmas Parade Saturday, December 7 76 Main Street to City Park, Lilburn Parade starts at 10AM www.cityoflilburn.com

Our Town

Smoke Rise Elementary Craft Show Saturday, December 7 Smoke Rise Elementary 9AM-4PM http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/smokerise/ holiday.html City of Snellville Tree Lighting Ceremony Friday, December 7 2342 Oak Road, Snellville 5-9PM http://www.snellvilletourism.com/event/ snellville-christmas-tree-lighting.html Gingerbread House Workshop Thursday, December 19: 7-9pm Sunday, December 22: 2-4pm or 6-8pm The Village Corner Bakery, 6665 James B. Rivers Drive, Stone Mountain http://www.germanrestaurant.com/ MC Twinklin’s 50% off Christmas decorations sale Thursday, December 26 2178 McDaniels Bridge Court, Snellville ALL DAY http://www.mctwinklins.com/events.html

Merry Christmas

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

PAGE 9

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Craig Camuso describes growing up in Snellville as “the real-life Wonder Years,” which helps to explain why—outside of time spent at the Georgia College in Milledgeville and on the UGA campus—he has lived in Gwinnett County all his life. He and his wife Kim, a teacher at Brookwood Elementary, agree that despite tremendous growth over the last three decades, the area remains a great place to raise their son and daughter. Craig also gets to watch the children of his childhood friends grow up, too.

Quality schools, churches, and athletic programs are important, but according to Craig, becoming involved in the community is key. And, as the regional vicepresident of state government affairs for CSX Transportation, Craig knows a thing or two about community involvement.

For the last twelve years, he has worked as an advocate for his industry with state and local officials. It’s his job, he says, to make sure the area knows that CSX is a “good neighbor.”

Craig enjoys golf, and he was in Jacksonville when his Georgia Bulldogs beat Florida for the third straight year. When asked about his hobbies, though, Craig turns the discussion to his daughter’s cheerleading and his son’s baseball team. He recently completed another season as manager of his son’s travel team and serves as co-vicepresident of the PTSA at Crews Middle School. He credits his wife with teaching him the importance of supporting those who work with their children and believes fervently that, “Organizations like that need involvement from mothers AND fathers.”

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Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor who can be reached at pliwalker@earthlink.net.

Community Member Spotlight: Craig Camuso

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After the festive holiday season is over and the New Year begins, we’re going to need something to inspire us during the cold, dreary days of January and February. That is the time to go on a winter escape!

Jump down to the Caribbean for a long weekend. What can be better than a short direct flight to that ever popular playground of Jamaica with its beautiful blue water and white beaches? The Bahamas are close by, too. However, they can get cool and blustery during the winter months.

Or perhaps travel even further to the romantic Turks and Caicos Islands. Or visit ArubaBusiness with itsWomen’s Dutch flavor. If you want to learn some French, why not travel to Weekly meetings: Network: Structured St. Barts or Guadeloupe? Or, learn a little bit of Spanish on the Mexican coast near and time-efficient.

A consistent and Honesty, integrity Cancúneffective and Cozumel. method and business proficiency for women Allto share of these wonderful islands have beautiful hotels, from the all-inclusives to the are key elements business-building membership leads and referrals withboutiques and laid back local places that offer for 5-stars toone theanother. smaller a relaxed atmoin TEAM SUCCESS. sphere and great hospitality.

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Our Town

Getting Schooled: R.D. Head Elementary Principal Christine Knox

By Alexa Lampasona A group of fourth graders cluster in the hallway of R.D. Head Elementary, surrounded by Crayola markers as they detail their large poster project to advertise “the world’s best shoes.” When Principal Christine Knox passes by, the children eagerly share their progress.

“What are you guys up to?” Knox asks. She makes a point to always stop and talk to students, just one part of her daily to-do list that makes her job so rewarding.

“Mrs. Knox, will you endorse my shoes?” one boys asks. “We are making an advertisement for the world’s best shoes.”

“Well, what do I have to do to endorse them?” Knox asks. Like her teachers, she encourages students to support their answers with justification.

“You just have to say you endorse them, and I’ll add you as a spokesperson,” he explains.

The reasoning doesn’t need to be developed, but the fact that students are applying potential real world scenarios is a skill R.D. Head Elementary and other public schools are pushing as the 21st century curriculum becomes more competitive.

When Knox became the principal of R.D. Head Elementary in January of 2010, she entered a Brookwood cluster school with a “tradition of excellence.” “It wasn’t my job to make it a great school, it already was. Principals are appointed to make relationships and help sustain the high performance.”

R.D. Head is a close-knit community, and with fewer resources than before, the staff finds they have to wear many hats.

“We have the same challenges that all schools have now, a rigorous curriculum that’s changing to meet the higher levels of thinking required for college and career readiness,” Knox says. “Our teachers are recognizing that each child comes to us at a different place in their learning, and they are constantly coming up with ideas on how to help children reach their highest potential.”

Beyond the emphasis of math, reading, problem solving, and science, Knox has put

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“nuggets of wisdom” into her teachers’ minds, which have fostered some of R.D. Head’s specialized academic programs: A robotics club for fourth and fifth graders taught by two sophomores from the Gwinnett School of Math, Science and Technology, who were also former R.D. Head students.

Mustang Mentors in each classroom who give school tours to new students.

A Leadership Club that helps students develop public speaking and leadership skills.

Fourth and fifth graders had to submit an essay to join.

A first grade garden in which the students had to Skype a scientist in another state to talk about their plants. For winter they are growing kale and lettuce, which will end with a salad party before they re-plant in spring.

“That’s the wow for me, that every day I can see evidence that our kids are growing and learning,” Knox says.

She had a student write her a letter asking to purchase new playground equipment.

After two years of PTA fundraising, the new equipment will be installed by the end of 2013.

Knox’s involvement in the community extends beyond R.D. Head Elementary. She is active on her son’s high school baseball team board, and she teaches the children’s message at her church in Duluth.

“I feel fortunate to be in Gwinnett County Schools because everyone strives for excellence. All the Brookwood schools work together from kindergarten to 12th grade to make sure kids are getting the education they need,” Knox says. “Our motto is ‘learning comes first’ but there is fun along the way.”

Christine Knox has been principal of R.D. Head Elementary since January 2010. To see other exciting happenings at the school, visit www.headelementary.org

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PAGE 12 For more information call 678-825-2049 • ourtownmag.org Our Town

Q & A: The Ever-Changing Landscape of Healthcare Interview with Dr. David Carlin, M.D. With the introduction of the Affordable Care Act, known by most as Obamacare, there seems to be great fears as to how it will affect medicine. Having eye problems for most of my life, I was particularly concerned on how it would affect my ophthalmologist. Over the past forty years as I grew up in Gwinnett County, I witnessed tremendous changes in the medical community. Many physicians and medical practices have come and gone, but there is one who I have visited since childhood and now bring my own children to: CarlinVision.

As the largest and most experienced eye care practice in Gwinnett, CarlinVision has truly been a constant in the community. I sat down with Dr. David Carlin, Dr. Richard’s son, to discuss the future of eye care in the era of Obamacare.

Melinda: Where did the name CarlinVision come from?

Dr. David S. Carlin, M.D.: CarlinVision signifies our belief of what eye care should be and how it is provided. Our “vision” is that the care we offer should be the most sophisticated and advanced, incorporating all the latest techniques and technologies. The office should be warm and inviting with amenities to make people feel at home. Patients are individuals who should be treated with respect. They are our friends and neighbors and not just “clients.” We believe in the doctor-patient relationship. We don’t consider ourselves just “healthcare providers” where our patients are numbers.

Hence, our mission: “Advanced eye care with a home-town touch.”

Melinda: There is so much uncertainty and controversy with the future of healthcare in this country with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Dr. Carlin: I agree with you completely. There is tremendous change coming for our healthcare system. With our aging population, health insurance requirements and the impending doctor shortage, I foresee an increased demand on the healthcare system. This is just an extension of what we’ve been seeing in medicine for the past 20 years. Medicine started to change with the rise of Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), etc. This caused intruding dominance of insurance companies into medical decision-making and government interference into health care. Physicians were deemed as “health care providers” and reimbursements were slashed. As a result many doctors were forced to see more patients, to cut staff, to trim office amenities and to treat patients as “numbers,” providing them with sub-optimal care dictated by our government and insurance companies.

Melinda: It sounds like CarlinVision stays ahead of the ever-changing landscape in healthcare. It is reassuring to have a practice with a “home-town touch.” The community is very lucky to have such caring doctors and staff willing to provide the ultimate eye care. Do you find it hard to maintain the CarlinVision philosophy?

Dr. Carlin: I believe it’s a great honor and privilege to be a physician. The doctorpatient relationship is special and unique, and medical care should be provided with only the best interests of the patient. We chose not to succumb to the trend. We enlarge our staff as needed, make our office warm and inviting, provide patients with special amenities and treat our eye care patients with kindness and friendliness while providing sophisticated medical care. The CarlinVision philosophy WILL continue and, frankly, it is how healthcare should be provided. I can go home at night knowing that we are practicing medicine the right way.

For more information call 770.979.2020 or visit CarlinVision.com.

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The position requires past experience in media or related advertising sales, strong written and verbal communication skills, a strong work ethic, a driven self-starter and proven relationship builder. If you want to apply please send your information and/or resume to the email: info@endresultz.com. All information is reviewed and will remain confidential. Qualified applicants will be contacted.

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PAGE 13

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Doctors of the Future

By Dr. Jeanette Altieri “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”

Thomas A. Edison “Preventative medicine or preventive care consists of measures taken to prevent diseases, (or injuries) rather than curing them or treating their symptoms.”

Wikipedia Diet is a huge key to good health. “You are what you eat” is a true statement. If you are eating processed, less nutritious foods, you can develop an unhealthy body. What happens if you are eating a healthy diet but don’t realize that you have sensitivities to some of the foods you are eating?

As a chiropractor I work with the human frame to remove subluxations, which are signs or symptoms present in the spinal column that cause interference with the nervous system. We know this system controls every cell, organ, and tissue in the body and it helps to keep us healthy, strong, and pain-free.

Inflammation creates disease and has been known to cause such health issues as attention deficit disorder, arthritis, cancer, and diabetes. A less well-known cause of inflammation comes from food sensitivities. Unless you get tested, you will never know what is affecting your body.

Seek prevention before a problem begins by addressing the different organ systems.

Listen to the simple whispers from your body such as feeling wired but fatigued, or feelings of anxiousness and depression, concentration issues, soreness, allergies, weight problems, and even digestive disorders.

Take control of your body and take the wellness challenge. It’s easier to address problems earlier and maintain health, than it is to get healthy.

Dr. Jeanette Altieri is owner of AC Spine & Wellness Center. Visit them online at www.acspineandwellness.com.

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PAGE 14

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

Our Town

Chaplain’s Corner: Saint John Neumann Catholic Church

By Deacon Greg Ollick Saint John Neumann in Lilburn is a vibrant and growing Catholic community.

As home to over 2,300 registered families, Saint John Neumann offers four English masses and one Spanish mass every Sunday, as well as 6:30 and 9:00 a.m. masses during the week. As a Christian community, we seek ways to help people grow in their relationship with the Lord and with one another through prayer, study, community, and service. We offer regular Bible studies, religious education, and sacramental prep classes for all ages, as well as many devotional, cultural, community, and outreach activities. Saint John Neumann supports the local Saint Vincent de Paul Society, the Missionaries of the Poor, S.M.I.L.E. (Saint Mary’s Independent Living Extensions), Catholic Relief Services, and other organizations that serve people in need, both at home and abroad. These are just a handful of more than forty ministries available at Saint John Neumann to serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our growing community and beyond. We welcome everyone with the open arms of Christ. If you are in need of a spiritual home, please give us a call.

For more information about the Saint John Neumann parish, check out our website: www.sjnlilburn.com. Deacon Greg Ollick can be reached at (770) 623-6633 ext. 121.

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PAGE 15

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A Senior Moment: Home for the Holidays

By Amy Hentschel

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Helping Families Find True Solutions

The changing color on the trees the crisp air on our cheeks and the gathering together of family are the hallmarks of the season. It is also one of the busiest times for senior care advisors. As we gather together to celebrate and see our families during the holiday season, it is a good opportunity to take a moment to assess any changes in our loved ones that may have been overlooked. We live very busy lives, and it is difficult to pay attention to subtle day-to-day changes in a senior’s condition or detect growing needs over the phone. I advise families to sit around the kitchen table and take a moment to check in with their parents on any challenges that they may be facing. It is important to be sensitive and show respect, and in a loving manner, express your desire to help with any problems.

Here are some areas of concern: • Changes in eating habits or weight loss • Neglected personal hygiene, dirty clothes, and unkempt hair • Home is not as clean as usual or spoiled food is in the refrigerator • Exhibiting forgetfulness, leaving unopened mail, medications not taken, or bills unpaid • A more quiet demeanor than usual, and being easily overwhelmed or tired when there is company The holidays are a great time to reconnect and enjoy being a family, but it is also a good time to slow down and see if the senior around you is having any struggles. Be observant, and if you see any warning signs, please reach out to us for help and advice.

Senior Provisions wishes everyone a joyful and safe holiday season!

Amy Hentschel is a senior care provider at Senior Provisions, LLC. For more information visit MySeniorProvisions.com

PAGE 16

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

Our Town

Sports Talk: Dan Crotts of Play It Again Sports

By Alexa Lampasona

Dan Crotts is owner of Play It Again Sports in the Snellville Plaza. Call the store at 770-493-8299 if you are interested in buying, selling, or consigning gear.

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Dan Crotts grew up with Play It Again Sports as his go-to for sports. From football gear to picking through golfing equipment with his dad, Crotts now comes full circle as store owner and manager of the Snellville location after working at the Roswell store for six years.

“My dad and I would go to every location, just picking around, looking for that diamond in the rough,” Crotts said of his past store experiences. “This is a strong location, and my store team met the challenge of updating our inventory. We aren’t limited to the sports gear we buy and sell.”

When customers walk into any Play It Again Sports, they can expect to find an abundance of finely consigned sporting equipment. Customers should feel a sense of comfort, knowing that someone somewhere had great success with that item, whether it was cleats that scored that first soccer goal, or the treadmill that helped someone drop ten pounds.

Crotts says used sporting equipment is a huge benefit for kids who are just starting out in a sport. It saves money and gives kids a chance to feed their passions. As they become more involved, they can switch to newer equipment.

The customer service team is experienced in a variety of sports. “We recognize that each individual is different so we cater to their unique needs,” Crotts says.

With the prospect of a new year ahead, here are some of Crotts’ suggestions to start up a workout routine: To build muscle, focus on free weights.

For intense cardio, CrossFit or kettlebell workouts burn high calories.

For rehab or resistance training, try a home gym system.

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• Elder Law • Business Law • Family Law 770-558-6281

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Our Town

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GERARD J. LUPA ATTORNEY AT LAW For more information call 678-825-2049 • ourtownmag.org

PAGE 17

A Living Will: What is It and Do I Need One?

By Gerard J. Lupa, Esq. Wills are often thought of as only having relevancy after death; but a living will, also known as an advance directive, directs end-of-life medical treatment in advance. A living will/advance directive tells medical providers when to “pull the plug” if the patient is deemed legally incompetent. Some people designate that their medical providers use all means necessary to keep them alive for as long as possible, while others prefer that all treatment ends if it is medically determined that there is no chance of recovery.

When one executes an advance directive for health care, he or she will designate an agent who will advise the health care providers of the existence of the advance directive and ask providers for adherence to its terms. The designated agent is ultimately responsible for making decisions regarding end-of-life treatment. For this reason, it is vital that the views of the agent and the subject of the advance directive are aligned regarding treatment options and choices.

Through sharing my personal experience, I can illustrate what can happen when there is no advance directive available. My cousin Peter died a slow lingering death from cancer a few years ago. He lapsed into a coma, and there was no hope for recovery. However, there was no advance directive to guide medical providers or family members regarding end-of-life treatment. His next of kin, Peter Jr., decided that all treatment should be cut off, and Pete Sr. died two days later. Pete’s daughter, Marilyn, was not present when the decision was made. Since that day, she has not spoken to her brother whom she believed made the wrong decision. If for no other reason, one should have an advance directive to take the burden from family members who may not have the same understanding of when treatment should end.

Gerard Lupa is owner of Lupa Law and has been practicing law for twenty-four years.

One of his principal practice areas is Elder Law. www.lupalaw.com

Serving the Mercedes and BMW Community since 1967

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WE PROVIDE: • All scheduled and non-scheduled services and repairs for all Mercedes and BMW’s from vintage to current model year vehicles.

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PAGE 18

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

Our Town

Create White Space

By Jane Bishop Recently, I put 15.09 gallons of gas into a 16-gallon tank! The dashboard gauge had been “warning” me for days that my fuel level was low, but I continued to go one more day. The needle moving beyond the last orange mark and heading for the “E” prompted me to finally stop and gas up. Had I delayed a few more miles, I would have been on the side of the road calling AAA. We often push our personal fuel tanks to “E” this time of the year in an attempt to do one more thing. When the extra holiday activities are added to that mindset, we are tempted to keep moving to the point of empty, and then we wonder why we sputter and gasp to complete a day. What would the outcome be if we avoided the “E”? How much more enjoyable could this time of year be if we integrated some “no’s” into our vocabulary? What would it take to refill our personal fuel tank each day?

Consider one simple action this month: create white space. White space provides a margin between self and limits.

“What we do, we do well—but we do not do it all.” Richard Swenson Look in this magazine. Without white space, content would be lost as words go to the edge of the page. White space serves as the gauge between full and empty, clarity and chaos, rest and exhaustion.

Avoid the “E” at this time of year by creating white space. Here are some tips to get you started: Choose to create white space Give yourself permission to say “no” Find laughter Define limits Play Get adequate rest Spend quality time with healthy relationships How long before you stop and fill up?

Jane Bishop is owner/CEO of Take the Next Step. For more information visit www. takethenextstepcct.com

Experience The Difference at MOUNTAIN PARK FITNESS… Since I have been out of school I needed to find a way to keep active and stay in shape. I’ve been working with Alan for the past 6 years and he has not only kept me in great shape, but has also continued to challenge me with his workouts. He keeps his routines fresh by blending high intensity training, body movement and other workout techniques. On those days where you may not be feeling your best, Alan has a knack for giving you the exact dosage of intensity you need to make sure you always have a productive workout. The gym is small and personal, the members and staff are friendly and the training is fantastic.

If you’re looking for a great place to workout, I highly recommend Mountain Park Fitness.

Best, Patrick

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PAGE 19

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Students: What is Your EQ?

By Carol C. Wood As a student have you ever wondered what your Intelligence Quotient (IQ) score was or wished it were higher? No matter the level of your IQ, when it comes to happiness and success in life, Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ) is just as, if not more important, than IQ. Emotional Intelligence helps you build stronger relationships, succeed at school, and achieve career and personal goals.

What is EQ? Emotional Intelligence is your ability to identify, use, understand, and manage your emotions in positive ways to lessen stress, communicate with others more effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict.

Emotional Intelligence has an impact on various aspects of your daily life, such as the way you behave and the way you interact with others.

If you have a high emotional intelligence, you are able to recognize your own emotional state. You also can recognize the emotional states of others and can interact in ways that draw others to you. You can use this understanding to form positive relationships, achieve greater success at school, relate better to others, and have a more fulfilled life.

EQ has four attributes: Self-awareness – You are in tune with your own emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behaviors. You know your strengths and weaknesses, and have self-confidence.

Self-management – You are able to control your impulse feelings and behaviors, manage your emotions in positive ways, take initiatives, follow through on commitments, and adjust to changing circumstances.

Social awareness – You can understand the emotions, needs, and concerns of others, recognize emotional cues, feel comfortable socially, and recognize the power dynamics in a group setting.

Relationship management – You know how to make and maintain good relationships, communicate concisely, inspire, lead, and influence others, work well on a team, and manage conflicts.

Carol Wood is Founder & CEO/ Total Learning Concepts, Inc.

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Photo of the Month

“There is no dish closer to home than Southern shrimp n’ grits. Our Town photographer Dave Skillen cooked this for his wife on their anniversary.”

See other examples of David’s work at www.daveskillen.com Next month’s theme is “winter escapes.”

Share your photos of snow, mountains or skiing vacations. We’ll pick our favorite and include it in the January issue. Email photos to info@endresultz.com by December 20 to be considered. Resolution of the photo must be at least 300 pixels.

PAGE 20

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Our Exclusive Gift to You

Custom LASIK

* 0 0 0 , 1 $ Save

FREE Evaluation!

2n4ths

mo

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Email lasik@carlinvision for more information.

intere

770.979.2020 CarlinVision.com

Our Town

* $500 off per eye. Cannot be combined with insurance or other offer.

Not valid on previous procedure. November & December 2013 ONLY.

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

PAGE 21

Offering Natural Pain Relief New Sarapin Trigger“Your Point Path Injections to Better Health” Sarapin is an all natural, anti-inflammatory used Na tu rainl trigger - Hopoint listic - We llne ss injections to promote healing of muscle spasms, knots We alternative Are Different!

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PAGE 22

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

Our Town

Happy Holidays from T he Village Vets

The Village Vets

Medicine • Surger y • Dentistr y • Boarding

Our Decatur office is

open 24 hours/ 365 days a year

Dr. Françoise Tyler Dr. Carrie McColgan Dr. Louise DeLong

Dr. Amanda Irish

Dr. Caterine Wendt

Dr. Will Draper

Mention this ad for

10% OFF First visit

Limit one per household. Vaccines and services only. Products not included.

Coupon need not be presented for discount. Terms subject to change without notice at practice discretion.

By appointment only. Expires 12/31/13

7 Days a Week!

Serving Gwinnett and Dekalb Counties

for your convenience.

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am to 7pm, Sat 8am-2pm, Sun Now 10am-6pm

www.TheVillageVets.com

770-717-1650

1227 Rockbridge Road in Stone Mountain (Near the Kroger Shopping Center)