MAY 2013: Our Town Gwinnett/NE Dekalb Monthly Magazine

The Gwinnett Area’s Family Lifestyle News Magazine

Our Town

May 2013

Lilburn l Lawrenceville l Snellville l Grayson l Stone Mountain

Meet the Air Conditioning Experts ‘Family’

5 Air Conditioning Experts: A Family Affair 9 Getting to know Trickum Middle School Principal Kay Sands

12 Gwinnett Soccer Association: It’s All About the Kids 16 Meet Sudonna Patterson of Chase Morgan Salon

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On October 2011, I suffered from a bleeding stroke in my brain. Although I did not suffer paralysis, internally I felt my body breaking down. Since the stroke, I have not had a full night sleep in the last 17 months without having to take a prescription sleeping drug.

Yes, I said 17 months! It’s been horrible.

Because of the lack of sleep, I had total loss of energy and was slow processing my thoughts. I even found myself, at times, wandering in circles trying to figure out what I was supposed to be doing. And on top of all that, I had constant pain in all my joints. I could see that my health was spiraling downhill fast!

My daughter was under Dr. Gravante’s care.

And after seeing what excellent results she experienced, that convinced me that I needed to see Dr. Gravante, too. I tell you it has been a life changing transformation! Just to say the second day, on her Program, I was able to sleep the whole night without any drugs and I have been sleeping well since. I lost over 10 lbs of fat alone, I have energy and my entire outlook in life has changed…and this all happened within the first month of care!

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These results may not be typical. Results with products may vary from individual to individual. These nutrition recommendations are provided solely to support good nutrition with the intent of supporting the physiological and biochemical process of the human body and not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Be advised that any nutritional program recommended by Dr. Gravante is not intended as a primary therapy for any disease. Prior to starting any diet, nutrition or exercise program, you should consult with your medical physician.

Our Town

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

PAGE 3

Family Lifestyle News M agazine

— An EndResultz Company

Publisher Ryan T. Sauers Creative Director Elsie Olson Cover Photography Christa K. Huggins Feature Writers Team: Hank Cohen Allie Gardner Stefanie Lamp’l Ashton Pike Contributing Writers Dr. Jeanette Altieri Glenton Ashby Pastor Paul Ballard Tamsen Boone Susan Cadley Kelly Farris Christine Giles Terie Hansen Julie Mills Ryan T. Sauers Chrissy Thomas Pam Walker Carol Wood

Our Town is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett 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.

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

IN THIS ISSUE

Our Town

5 6 7 8 8 8 9 10 10 11 11 12 13 14 15 16 16 17 17 18

About the Cover: Air Conditioning Experts: A Family Affair One Man’s Opinion May Calendar Crossword Puzzle Is Your Dog Properly Socialized?

Great Content Is King!

Getting to Know Trickum Middle School Principal Kay Sands Are Your Hormones Driving You Crazy?

Baseball Is Similar to Life Is Testing Getting a Bad Wrap?

What’s Keeping Your Child From Performing at Grade Level?

Gwinnett Soccer Association: It’s All About the Kids Understanding Sunscreen Protection This Summer, Prepare to Start School Sharp!

“Girl Time” Is Important

Meet Sudonna Patterson of Chase Morgan Salon Diets Don’t Work!

You Can’t Get There From Here Fly-Fishing Patagonia!

Chaplain’s Corner

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Our Town

About the Cover:

Air Conditioning Experts: A Family Affair

By Allie Gardner Most companies are composed of employees who start as strangers, with every person focusing on his/her specific job within the business. Air Conditioning Experts Inc. defies the stereotypical company. Founded in 1995

by Bill and Heather Preston, the business began with the desire to give customers quality service that displayed the values that so many other organizations seem to lack as well as a satisfying and progressive work environment for their employees. Their first employee was brother-in-law Chris Allen, who started in 1996 and later became a partner in 2000.

Air Conditioning Experts provides heating, ventilation, and air condition (HVAC) services and installations for residential homes and commercial properties, but specialize in working with real estate investors. ACE’s goal is to continue to serve homeowners, businesses and investors in all of their markets with the personal service they deserve and always providing superior products, exemplary customer service and supreme workmanship in an unmatched cost effective manner. The company expanded to Orlando and Charlotte after recognizing that the level of customer service they provided in Atlanta would do well in the other markets. The owners felt that those particular cities were a great fit for their type of customer service.

Owner Heather Preston said, “As our customer, you should always rest easy knowing we will be here for you for your comfort needs for years to come.”

The business is truly a family affair. Allen partners with his sister and brother-in-law. His mom and stepfather, Nancy and Remo Loyal, manage another company owned by Allen and the Prestons, Steelworks Inc., a security cage business. Allen’s son Chris Jr., stepbrother Remeno Loyal, and nephew Keith Hodges also work for Steelworks. Hillary Preston, Allen’s niece, works

as an administrative assistant for Air Conditioning Experts, and Bill’s mom, Ella McCrater, helps around the office part time. Even as it has grown, the company has made maintaining the family atmosphere a priority.

ACE has employed multiple long time family friends to be part of the company’s team, some of whom have been with the business since the 1990s.

Allen said, “[Working with family] is great! You know that your partners truly have your best interest at heart.”

The company has made it a goal to be a big part of their community.

Everyone at Air Conditioning Experts is very involved in their churches. Allen and his family are members of Mountain West Church of God located in Stone Mountain. They work with the outreach program and other ministries that focus on giving back to the Tucker, Lilburn, and Stone Mountain areas. The Preston family belongs to the Dacula Church of God and is involved in similar organizations and ministries as Allen. Bill Preston and Eric Medina, who serve as the comfort advisors, speak on a local gospel radio program twice each month.

Air Conditioning Experts brings Gwinnett County a helpful service to homes and businesses, a family environment that is hard to find anywhere else, and a community outreach that touches hundreds of lives. The business continues to grow and expand, providing unique customer service that is needed in this day and age.

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PAGE 5

From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion

By Ryan T. Sauers

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L a d i e s Wo r k o u t E x p r e s s S n e l l v i l l e . c o m

Well, Gwinnett, can you believe it? It is already May and summertime is on the way. I want to start out by explaining why I chose the title, One Man’s Opinion, for this column. My grandfather began a column with this name many decades ago for a large chain of weekly newspapers in DeKalb County. So this is my way of paying tribute to a long family history in publishing. My parents then took this publishing company and built it into a very successful printing company. Without this heritage, it is highly unlikely I would be writing this article today.

Also, I want to thank our readers and advertisers for all the great comments and feedback we received on the April issue. The response to our first issue was overwhelming. Thanks for all of your calls and emails in regard to new stories, and thanks to our current advertisers as well as the new advertisers who are coming onboard. We are quickly growing and have big plans for growth and change in the months ahead. Also, I encourage you to use the QR code or the URL address provided to view the video that goes along with this column. It will make your reading experience even better.

Last month the name of one of our writers, Ashton Pike, was inadvertently left off the superb article she wrote on Debra Dees the principal of Brookwood. Sorry about that Ashton. This month a new feature has been added called Chaplain’s Corner where different pastors from our community will highlight the good things going on in their churches. We will be hearing from a lot of pastors, beginning with Pastor Paul Ballard of Mountain Park Baptist. We will be bringing in more stories of interest in coming months to make the magazine even better and keep the content strong.

This month we have some great stories. Here is an overview: A terrific family run company AC Experts here in Snellville is profiled.

You get to meet Kay Sands, who is the principal of Trickum Middle School. You will read a neat story about GSA (Gwinnett Soccer Association) and the new developments that are taking place at the club. Finally, there is an insightful profile of Chase Morgan Salon and why the salon chose to move down Highway 78 from Decatur to Snellville. You have to read them all to find out more.

You will continue to see good news in this and future issues of the magazine. We need it. With the recent tragedy in Boston, and other such incidents, we need now more than ever to hear about good people, events, news, and happenings. It seems that every publication and news story I pick up focuses on negative news. Gwinnett, I am here to tell you there are some amazing people doing incredible things right here in our backyard. Special thanks this month to Christa K. Huggins for doing a great job with our cover photo shot this month, and to Elsie Olson for your usual top notch design work. And, to all of the rest of you, you know who you are, I cannot thank you enough.

We are working to update our website and social media tools, so pardon our progress. I have no doubt you will love it in the end as they will be better than ever. Our goal is to offer an amazing integrated communications experience. So, enjoy this May issue of Our Town.

We look forward to your feedback as we seek to improve your reading experience each month. Have a great month. And remember this is your town. This is OUR TOWN!

Our Town

May Calendar Disney On Ice Presents Worlds of Fantasy May 1-5, 2013 Arena at Gwinnett Center Duluth www.gwinnettcenter.com The Atlanta Coin and Currency Expo May 3-5, 2013 North Atlanta Trade Center Norcross www.northatlantatradecenter.com Fri. & Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. 10am-3pm

9th Annual Barefoot In the Park Gala May 10-12, 2013 Duluth Town Green Duluth www.barefootinthepark.org Gwinnett’s premier juried arts festival

Krispy Kreme for a Cure May 4, 2013 Town Center Park Suwanee www.aplacetoimagine.com Fodac Run, Walk N’ Roll May 4, 2013 Confederate Hall – Stone Mountain Park Stone Mountain www.stonemountainpark.com Benefitting the Friends of Disabled Adults and Children Fresh May 7, 2013 Tannery Row Artist Colony Buford www.tanneryrowartistcolony.com Juried show, 12pm-5pm

2013 Relay For Life May 10-11, 2013 Gwinnett County Fairgrounds Lawrenceville www.gwinnettrelayforlife.org The nation’s largest Relay for Life raises funds to fight cancer

Atlanta Exotic Bird Fair May 10-11, 2013 North Atlanta Trade Center Norcross www.northatlantatradecenter.com Reels at Robinson – Summer Movie Series May 17, 2013 E.E. Robinson Park Sugar Hill www.cityofsugarhill.com

SCCA National May 19, 2013 Road Atlanta Braselton www.roadatlanta.com Sports Car Club of America National Race, All day Board Game Blastoff May 20, 2013 Bethesda Park Senior Center Lawrenceville www.gwinnettparks.com challenge yourself to a game of scrabble, mahjong, chess and more!

Two for the Show May 23, 2013 George Pierce Park Community Center Suwanee www.gwinnettparks.com Art show, 9am-8pm Nike Memorial Day Classic May 24-27, 2013 Suwanee Sports Academy Suwanee www.suwaneesportsacademy.com Basketball – Boys 14U-17U

Gwinnett Daily Post Memorial Day Concert May 24, 2013 Town Center Park Suwanee Animal adoptions, Fri 8pm – Sun 8pm (48 hrs www.suwanee.com straight) Concert Pet Revolution 2013 May 17-18, 2013 Gwinnett County Fairgrounds Lawrenceville

Taste of Gwinnett May 26-27, 2013 Peachtree Corners www.tasteofgwinnett.com Premier food festival Memorial Day Weekend Celebratio May 26-27, 2013 Stone Mountain Park Stone Mountain www.stonemountainpark.com Fireworks and fun! 10:30am-8pm; laser show 9:30pm Memorial Day in Dacula May 27, 2013 Historic Downtown Dacula Dacula www.daculamemorialday.com Parade – festival, 9am-5pm Memorial Day Celebration May 27, 2013 Thrasher Park Norcross www.aplacetoimagine.com Onion Man’s Summer Harvest Festival Keep it Legal!

May 30-June 1, 2013 Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center Norcross www.lionhearttheatre.org A collection of short plays

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PAGE 7

Is Your Dog Properly Socialized?

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By Terie Hansen Socializing your dog is a lifelong undertaking, not just during the first year or two of their life with you. Many who reach out to us for training are experiencing the side effects of an under-socialized dog.

Does your dog bark wildly when it sees other dogs, or pull on the leash towards other dogs or people? Does it shy away from objects in its environment, or does it act fearful or aggressive towards people or dogs? These can be symptoms of an under-socialized dog.

When you get a new dog, whether puppy or adult, you are excited to spend time with him and share him with everyone and anyone who will let you. So you take your new pet on walks, to parks, on hikes, and to pet stores. This is great because he is learning how to act in these various environments and around other people and dogs. As the newness wears off, however, you don’t take him out as often.

Therefore, he is exposed to less stimulation.

Three to six months, or even one to two years can go by, and your dog hasn’t come in contact with anyone other than your family. Now all of a sudden you decide to take him someplace where there are other people and dogs. Chances are he will act either uncontrollably excited or fearful, which can look like aggression, and you think, “OMG! What’s the matter with my dog?” You decide that you can no longer take him out in public. What happened? Culture shock! Many dogs need to be socialized on an ongoing basis. If we stay in our house and didn’t come out until fifteen years later, we would experience the same feelings of excitement, fear, and anxiety.

This is easily preventable: socialize, socialize, and socialize for the life of your dog. If you are experiencing these symptoms already, reach out to us. We can help!

Terie Hansen, Professional Dog Trainer, Pet Sitter & Owner at Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care-may be reached at 404-422-9832 info@gooddogcoaching.com www.gooddogcoaching.com

Great Content Is King!

Across 1. Alone 5. Mozart’s “L’___ del Cairo” 8. “___ here long?”

12. Legal prefix 13. ___ Altaic languages 14. “Fantastic” 15. “___ Brockovich” 16. “___ Smile” (1976 hit) 17. Red eye 18. Assistant 20. Feed 21. Sheik’s bevy 22. Impede, with”down” 23. Advantages 26. Witnessed 30. Bit od a draft 31. Artificial 34. Help 35. Defeat 37. Tokyo, formerly 38. Drive 39. Ashcroft’s predecessor 40. Hospital restroom 42. Intern’l Monetary Fund 43. Rare earth element 45. Bothers 47. “___ Doubtfire” PAGE 8

48. Brunch serving 50. Watered-down 52. Generous 56. Put off, as a motion 57. Capture 58. Creole vegetable 59. Bawl out 60. “Empedocles on ___” (Matthew Arnold poem) 61. Newton fruits 62. Pay (up) 63. Do it yourself 64. Charges Down 1. Particular, for short 2. Hawaiian tuber 3. “Mi chiamano Mimi,” e.g.

4. Peacemaker 5. Be bombastic 6. Bank 7. Apple spray 8. Carriage 9. “___ on Down the Road” 10. “…there is no ___angel but Love”: Shakespeare 11. “Smoking or ___?”

13. Certain shark 14. Confuse

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27. Native indian dwellings 28. Swelling 29. Dutch pottery city 32. Appear 33. Make sense, with “up” 36. Usually 38. All thumbs 40. Greyhound, e.g.

41. “To do” list 44. Angry 46. Irritate 48. Cousin of a raccoon 49. Not set 50. 1993 standoff site 51. Black, in poetry 52. Ran, as colors 53. “___ From Muskogee” 54. Advocate 55. Back talk 56. Cooking meas.

Solution on page 16

By Ryan T. Sauers I often tell people that content is king. And you know what—this is not quite right. Why? You see… content is good but great content is “king.” Think about it. Why do you become engrossed in a movie or show? Why do you send a funny YouTube video to a friend? Why do you enjoy talking with certain people? Why do you like to read certain articles? The answer is simple. We do these things because we love watching, hearing, or reading great content. By the way, if you are still the person forwarding emails… not so funny. J We are all busy and whether we are in person (offline) or online (virtual) -- it takes something special, unique to pull us in and “wow” us. We live in a world where most people have a short attention span. You see I was talking to you.

Please put down your phone and let me finish. So how do we accomplish this? The secret is simple. It is all about great content. Good content is okay but will always lose to great content.

For an article or any engagement to be enjoyable it must be more than my writing and your reading. It must be a two way dialogue or conversation. It must be about taking the ink and words that are on the paper you are reading—so they are transformed in your mind into a story worth sharing and acting upon. Isn’t this what you want your customers to do when they think of you? If you sound like everyone else you are lacking great content. Always remember, people can duplicate your ideas but cannot replicate your DNA. So, what do you bring your stakeholders--online and offline—that is simply great content. And, can you produce such great content consistently? Do you ever think about it? If not there is no better time than now to begin thinking with such a strategic mindset. As I travel across the country one thing has become clear, those who are willing to be creative and break the box in their thinking, in a purposeful manner, are the companies that are running towards 2014.

Ryan T. Sauers is President/Owner of Sauers Consulting Strategies. Our business is growing your business. More info: at www.ryansauers.com @ryansauers ryan@ryansauers.com

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

Our Town

Getting to Know Trickum Middle School Principal Kay Sands

By Stefanie Lamp’l “Love everyone, trust a few, do wrong to none.”

This eminent quote by William Shakespeare, written on the white board in the principal’s office at Trickum Middle School, watches over Kay Sands as she leads a growing student body, faculty, and staff. These words represent how Sands runs her school. She is dedicated to educating her students and teaching principles that will allow them to better their community.

Kay Sands was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia.

As a kid, Sands loved sports, especially tennis. She majored in health and physical education at the University of Georgia, and then attended graduate school at the University of Alabama. Sands never saw herself becoming a teacher, let alone the head of the administration. Although it was not the original job she set out to do, she loves every minute of it.

Sands held several positions before finding a home at Trickum Middle School. For three years she worked at Five Forks as a health and physical education teacher.

One of the most rewarding jobs she has had yet was being a stay-at-home mom to her three sons for thirteen years. During this time she also coached tennis, a sport she always enjoyed playing. Sands was an assistant principal for six years before becoming principal in 2008. Sands believes that it was the work of Lynn Davis and Calvin Watts, principals of Trickum Middle School before Sands, that encouraged her to take on the position. They were incredible mentors who helped her make the transition from assistant principal to the head of Trickum Middle School.

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Even though Kay Sands never saw herself in her current role, she is blessed by the position. She has a tremendous opportunity to empower people to make a school great. She wants her students to come to school to be engaged rather than disinterested. As a kid Sands was not a big fan of school, so her goal as an administrator is to change this. She wants to show her students how truly meaningful learning can be, and to do her part in contributing to the community to make the district the best place to live. She knows this is not possible without the incredible and competent faculty and staff who work beside her every day.

Kay Sands does not shoot for perfection. She knows that she will not always say the right thing or make the right choices. She also knows that if she focuses on what is going well and what is positive, she can rectify any situation and become a stronger leader.

When Sands is not giving her all to bettering the lives and minds of her students, she loves being outdoors. She enjoys hiking or escaping to a quiet place in nature. There is no better place to her, though, than living and working in her community. It is satisfying and rewarding to be a part of developing passionate and educated students who will lead the community on to success.

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PAGE 9

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Are Your Hormones Driving You Crazy?

By Dr. Jeanette Altieri, AC Spine & Wellness Center At every age hormones fluctuate — and that’s normal! However, when changes happen too fast, or become too much for your body to handle, you can start experiencing problems. Can’t lose weight? Tired all of the time? Feeling overwhelmed?

What is your body telling you?

When our body becomes overloaded and unable to support its systems, there’s a greater chance of developing some of the problems associated with hormonal imbalance. Whether you are suffering from PMS, mood swings, bloating, or headaches, or you have a family history of breast, ovarian, or other female cancers, there can be imbalances in the ratios of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other hormones in your endocrine and adrenal system.

Hormonal imbalances are caused by more than just estrogen. Estrogen levels are important, but so are progesterone and testosterone levels and their ratios to each other. Insulin, cortisol (the stress hormone), and thyroid levels can also play a big part. More importantly, women who are on hormone replacement therapy need to be tested to make sure hormones are broken down, cleared and balanced.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common signs of hormonal imbalances: Irregular or absent periods Weight gain/Changes in the shape of your body Anxiety and/or moodiness

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Baseball Is Similar to Life

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PAGE 10

By Glenton Ashby Life is similar to going around the bases on a baseball diamond – it’s a progression. Our financial life is also a progression. We progress through stages of financial life at the same time we move through various life stages, from beginning to end.

As you begin your financial life a number of basic steps are prudent and necessary: Establish a budget (know what and where you are spending); begin a program of regular saving (the amount is not as important as the habit); commit to paying off whatever debt you do have (whether school debt or debt taken on as you begin life after school); and avoid unnecessary debt (e.g. debt for lifestyle).

Accomplishing these steps in combination with beginning your working life is like getting a runner to first base.

Once on first base, a variety of things can happen that may impact your ability to advance to the remaining bases. Some things are in your control and some are not.

You are responsible for managing the things that you can control. Think of this financial life progression as stewardship rather than ownership (The fact that anything we think we own will eventually go to someone else will be addressed later).

Things not in your control still require your awareness and vigilance in order to respond or react to them appropriately. Otherwise you may have to start over and go back to first base. Things you cannot control include job loss, extended illness, or disability. You can exert a measure of control by having adequate health insurance and disability insurance, if available and affordable.

Sticking to the plan that got you to first base is essential for moving forward to second base. This involves moving from the financial basics stage to the stage of a more established financial life.

Feedback and topic suggestions are welcome – email HalcyonTimes@ HalcyonFP.com, or comment at www.HalcyonFP.com/halcyon-times. Tweet @ halcyonplanning.

Glenton Ashby is the founder and owner of Halcyon Financial Planning, LLC, a fee-only financial planning and Registered Investment Advisor firm. Visit HalcyonFP.com.

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

Our Town

Is Testing Getting a Bad Wrap?

By Tamsen Boone Today I taught my 7th graders the meaning of the term, “devil’s advocate.”

They devised many creative definitions on their own before I explained the concept. As we batten down the hatches across the state for CRCT week, I’ve spent some time deliberating the testing catch-22, and I decided to play the role of devil’s advocate.

You’d be hard pressed to find a parent, or an educator for that matter, who thinks all the testing our students endure isn’t over the top. This is my first year in middle school, and I’m feeling the pressure myself. However, I’ve decided to approach this with a “glass half full” mentality. If I’ve done what I’m supposed to do in the classroom, my students have been exposed to the material. If I’ve found a few creative and innovative strategies, my students may even remember what I’ve exposed them to, despite middle school drama and raging tween hormonal shifts. If I’ve provided them with some test-taking strategies, I’ve given them the ability to move through information, integrate it, and discern the difference between good, better, and best options.

I propose that this is necessary not only in the testing arena, but in the real world as well. I hope that my students will one day be able to read through cell phone contracts, college brochures, apartment leases, closing statements, and job offers to determine their best option. Digesting information and discriminating between options (such as A, B, C, or D answers) can be applicable to our daily adult lives. Therefore, I don’t envision myself as wasting time teaching students how to take tests. I like to think I’m teaching them to analyze carefully when the stakes are high so that they can make solid decisions when the stakes really get high in the adult world.

So this position begs the question: if testing shouldn’t be such a big, stressful deal, why is it? This is probably where I should keep my mouth shut. Happy testing J

What’s Keeping Your Child From Performing at Grade Level?

By Christine Giles National Awareness Month Educates Parents about Speech and Language Disorders Affecting School Performance Children with communication disorders frequently do not perform at grade level because they have difficulty understanding and speaking, struggle with reading and writing, misunderstand social cues, show poor judgment, have trouble taking tests, and may avoid school. Is this your child?

This May, as part of Better Hearing and Speech Month, Creative Therapy Works in Lilburn, GA, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing (ASHA), continue their public education efforts for the communication health of our children by providing information to parents to identify and prevent speech and language disorders.

Children with communication problems have difficulty learning to listen, speak, read, or write. Parents and teachers should refer any student who shows signs of a speech and language problem to the school-based speech-language pathologist for an immediate evaluation.

“It’s crucial that children are identified and begin treatment as early as possible because summer break will only compound the consequences of a communication disorder if left untreated,” Christine Giles, Speech- Language Pathologist and owner of Creative Therapy Works, LLC in Lilburn, says.

Parents should look out for the various types of speech and language disorders that affect school-age children, including: ~Speech sound disorders (difficulty pronouncing sounds) ~Language disorders (difficulty understanding others and expressing themselves) ~Cognitive-communication disorders (difficulty with thinking skills including perception, memory, awareness, reasoning, judgment, intellect, and imagination) ~Stuttering (fluency) disorders (interruption of the flow of speech that may include hesitations, repetitions, or prolongations of sounds or words) ~Voice disorders (quality of voice that may include hoarseness, nasality, or loudness) For more information about speech and language disorders and prevention, or to arrange a free speech and language screening for your child, please visit www. creativetherapyworks.com or call 1-866-611-7855.

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Gwinnett Soccer Association: It’s All About the Kids

By Hank Cohen For many decades throughout Gwinnett, youth sports have been of major importance to the community. Whether the sport is baseball, football, swimming, or one of the many others played in the county, Gwinnett has continually been home to some of the best athletes in the state. One organization that fosters a large number of stars is the Gwinnett Soccer Association (GSA). GSA, located across the street from Parkview High School, is dedicated to teaching youths of any age or skill level the rules and techniques of soccer. With about 1500 kids and numerous teams at each age level, GSA has been a thriving spot for soccer talent in the county.

The association is currently led by Chip Stevens and a very talented staff. The Girls’ Director of Coaching, Campbell Chapman, spent ten years playing professional soccer for multiple clubs in England, Sweden, Finland, Malta, and Qatar.

Appointed the Girls’ Director in 2007, Campbell has since coached many state winning teams. Nuno Piteira, the Boys’ Director, was the coach of the Charleston Battery professional team, where he helped the club to win its first national championship in 1996. When he first moved to Atlanta in 1999, Nuno coached the Atlanta Silverbacks professional team. The impact of the Association’s very capable coaches is evident in the talented and highly ranked teams that continue to dominate.

Currently, the boys U15 and U16 have qualified for the national championship in Kansas City. GSA currently has four players on U.S. national teams.

Each year, GSA holds a major tournament where teams from across the Southeast come to compete. The GSA Invitational, held in December, brings about 350-400 teams together. Similarly, GSA also holds a college showcase to expose college soccer coaches to the extraordinary amount of talent within the organization.

Coaches from colleges such as Auburn, Alabama, and UGA have attended to look for future prospects. Multiple soccer camps for any skill level also run throughout the year. Nuno runs the boys’ camps, which includes a residency camp at Rinehart College. Campbell runs the girls’ camps, which include camps throughout the

summer. GSA is always seeking to reach out to potential players. “We want more kids to play soccer because it’s the best sport in the world,” said President Stevens.

Since its beginning in 1977, GSA has sought to provide a high quality organization for kids to become engaged in soccer. Over the years, the organization has continuously grown, and the association is planning to make changes in the future as well. To accommodate the quality talent, GSA is updating the fields to provide better complexes for the players. The organization will also be hosting a Junior Academy for 4-8 year olds to teach them the basic skills of soccer and to spark a love for the sport in younger children. As the club continues to grow, the dedicated staff and coaches of GSA will continue to teach and spread soccer throughout the community. Stevens wants to continue this participation in the area he grew up in. He is a graduate from Brookwood High School, and his wife and children are active at GSA as well. The organization has opportunities for every child. “It’s all about the kids,” Stevens said. “From young beginners to the elite players, GSA has something for everyone.”

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In June, 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced new requirements for over-the-counter sunscreens. These rules were put into place to ensure that sunscreens meet today’s standards for safety and effectiveness. The following is an outline of some of the more important details for consumers to know when choosing sunscreen products.

The primary purpose of the FDA’s changes is to guarantee that sunscreen products are providing adequate protection. Previously, the Sun Protection Factors (SPFs) dealt with UVB (ultraviolet B) protection only. This means that the risk of sunburn was the only factor considered on the label. Now we know that much of the sun’s risk lies in UVA (ultraviolet A) radiation, which contributes to skin cancer and early aging.

After reviewing data, the FDA determined that sufficient evidence is available to establish a “broad spectrum” test for determining a sunscreen product’s UVA protection. By passing the broad spectrum test, a consumer knows that the product will provide UVA protection that is proportional to its UVB protection. Products that pass this test are going to be labeled as “broad spectrum.” These products must be a SPF of 15 or higher to adequately protect the skin.

Broad spectrum products, SPF 15 or higher, have been shown to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging when used with other sun protection measures.

Still, the meaning of SPF confuses some. All sun protection products are tested with a SPF test procedure. The test measures the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure it takes to cause sunburn when a person is using a sunscreen, in comparison to how much UV exposure it takes to cause sunburn without sunscreen. The product is then labeled with the appropriate SPF value indicating the amount of sunburn protection provided by the product. Higher values provide higher protection. Because this test is a measure of protection against sunburn, it’s an indicator of UVB only. With the new broad spectrum test, SPFs with a higher UVB rating will also have a higher UVA value.

Often, new clients to About Face Skin Care don’t realize that UV protection should be worn on the face and neck daily to avoid damaging UV rays from windows in the home, or car -- or even the minimal time spent walking to the mailbox! A moisturizer with a UVB/UVA factor of 15 or higher will protect the accumulation that inevitably happens from these exposures. It’s been determined that by year’s end, not wearing daily SPF protection can equal a week at the beach unprotected.

Physical blocks, such as clothing, provide some protection, but our faces are constantly exposed. And makeup is not a sunblock. If your makeup offers UV protection, it should be counted as an extra layer. Sun protection in makeup, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, is the product’s secondary purpose. Even though some makeup has sunscreen ingredients, it doesn’t have the proper amount of coverage or the capabilities to protect against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.

Additionally, for most people, one needs to use 7-14 times the normal amount of powder or foundation to get the SPF coverage stated on the makeup packaging.

Just as important, don’t forget to protect your lips! Glosses without SPF react like tanning oil on the lips. Skin cancers in this area are becoming more common, not to mention the unattractive “smokers lines” that form as the delicate tissues of the lips and surrounding areas are damaged.

About Face Skin Care has an array of high-quality products to give you superior protection while offering cosmeceutically-pleasing benefits.

If you would like to explore the options of sun protection and other products and treatments offered by About Face, schedule your free consultation appointment at 770-935-FACE(3223), or online at www.aboutfaceskin.com. We look forward to meeting you!

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This Summer, Prepare to Start School Sharp!

By Carol Wood Woohoo! School is out for the summer so learning can stop, right? Wrong!

Summertime provides the BEST opportunity for students to enrich their academic skills if they desire to get ahead before school begins again, or to catch up on skills if they ended the school year below average. If students fall behind during the school year, they must catch up with what they have missed AND keep up with what is being taught on a day-by-day basis. This is difficult to do and can be stressful! So summertime is the best time for parents to give their student the opportunity to do what they cannot easily do during the school year: CATCH UP or MOVE AHEAD in their academics and solve their STUDY SKILL weaknesses!

First, locate your child’s recent school standardized test scores and examine your child’s levels compared to his/her grade level. This can be located in the column that reads “GE,” for grade equivalency, or “PR,” for percentile. Scores below the 50th percentile, or below their grade and month level in the GE column when the tests were administered, are the ones in which the student was performing below average at that time. Scores above the 50th percentile, or above his or her grade level, show performance above average; therefore, summer tutoring could entail enrichment work to maintain skills or further build on the student’s strengths in preparation for the next school year. By examining your child’s most recent test scores and determining which areas are below, on, or above average, you will then know which academic areas to build upon so your student can START SCHOOL SHARP! Next, locate professional educational resources with a track record of success should you decide to teach your children at home. Purchase the appropriate levels of materials, and teach your child using an established consistent, weekly schedule.

Do not allow the student to skip around within workbooks and complete the “fun” pages first, as the material is purposefully presented in a sequential order. Select a study place for each student which is equipped with the learning supplies and tools needed. If you do not feel qualified to teach, or you do not have the necessary patience with your own child, which is not uncommon, then seek a full-time professional and experienced educational center. Schedule summer learning sessions on a consistent weekly basis with the same degreed and experienced instructor, who utilizes nationally recognized materials and proven teaching methods. Individualized instruction is best in an environment free from distractions and interruptions. A professional center is usually preferred since it focuses on providing an ideal learning environment, has many quality control measures to insure student improvement is maximized, and has a reputation and level of accountability to maintain in order to remain in business.

Know the credentials of the instructor, such as his or her areas of teaching experience and educational degree, and match this with your student’s academic area of summer instruction. Ask for references and contact them to learn about their experience with the professional center you are considering. Request to see the instructional area and observe sessions in progress.

Remember, SUMMER is the most ideal time for students to get a JUMP START on the next school year!

Carol Wood is the founder and owner of Total Learning Concepts, Inc., a private, professional tutorial service located in Gwinnett County. Please email questions to ccwood@bellsouth. net or fax to 770-381-1626.

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

Our Town

“Girl Time” Is Important

By Julie Mills As I sit and think about this year’s Mother’s Day, I thought I would take a few moments to emphasis the importance of “girl time.” I feel so lucky that my work allows me to experience wonderful bonding with my female clients. When receiving body work, many emotions are released. Our bodies are wired to keep our emotions in and they manifest in the form of knots, aches, pains, and sometimes even disease. Part of my job is to provide a safe space for my clients to let those emotions go, and to begin healing from the inside out. Let’s talk about how women are wired and why it is so important for us to have friendships.

As a woman, I already knew that my “girl time” was important, and actually kept my sanity at times. However, I did some research and found a landmark UCLA study that suggests friendships between women are very special. They shape who we are and who we are yet to be. They soothe our inner world, and fill the emotional gaps in our male relationships.

Researchers suspect that women handle stress in more ways than just fight or flight. In fact, says Dr. Klein of UCLA, it seems that when the hormone oxytocin is released as part of the stress responses in a woman, it buffers the fight or flight response and encourages her to tend children and gather with other women. When she actually engages in this tending or befriending, studies suggest that more oxytocin is released which further counters stress and produces a calming effect. Men do not have this response due to high levels of testosterone released during stress. The estrogen in women seems to enhance the oxytocin and produces a calming effect.

It was noted that when the women were stressed, they came in to work, cleaned the work space, had coffee, and bonded with other female coworkers. When the men were stressed, they holed up somewhere on their own and did not interact with coworkers. Wow - this part of the study sounds so familiar. When I am stressed or have a lot on my mind, I get into my cleaning mode or I want to call my sisters.

These activities help me to think things through and to unwind. My husband, on the other hand, says nothing, and he has the unique ability to quietly disappear.

It is interesting that nearly 90% of the stress research has been with males. With this new research, the fact that women respond to stress differently than men has significant implications for our health. It may take some time for new studies to reveal all the ways that oxytocin encourages us to care for children and hang out with other women, but the “tend and befriend” notion, developed by Drs. Klein and Taylor, may explain why women consistently outlive men. Study after study has found that social ties reduce our risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol. There’s no doubt that friends are helping us live longer.

Every time we get overly busy with work and family, the first thing we do is let go of friendships with other women. We push them right to the back burner.

That’s really a mistake because women are such a source of strength to each other.

We nurture one another. We need to have unpressured space in which we can do the special kind of talk that women do when they’re with other women. It’s a very healing experience.

Have you had your much-needed girl time? Make this month your month, and have a very happy Mother’s Day. Julie Mills, CMT, is owner of Body of Health and Life LLC, for more information visit www.bodyofhealthandlife.com

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PAGE 15

Meet Sudonna Patterson of Chase Morgan Salon

By Ashton Pike

“Beauty starts from within.” One may expect a famous woman’s name to follow this quote, but the woman responsible for such accurate words is better than famous. She is distinguished. After all, fame fades; but a distinguished woman will be known for years since she will stand out from everyone. Hair stylist and salon owner Sudonna Patterson meets these traits and more. Being a mom of three young boys, an adored wife, and a successful entrepreneur, Patterson has numerous accomplishments to her name, and this is only the beginning.

Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, Patterson practiced the basics of cosmetology as a young girl when she styled her dolls’ hair and when she put rollers in her great aunt’s hair before bedtime each night. Eventually moving from Barbie dolls to actual customers, Patterson worked weekends as a shampoo assistant in a hair salon during high school. This job led her to pursue a career in cosmetology at Dudley’s Cosmetology University in North Carolina.

After graduating, Patterson became an instructor for Dudley’s Advanced Cosmetology University, and then she took her skills outside national borders as an International Educator. Traveling to remarkable locations such as the Bahamas, Barbados, Aruba, and Jamaica, Patterson worked to communicate the latest techniques in cosmetology through seminars on product knowledge, hair care, advance cutting, and styling techniques.

Taking into consideration Patterson’s spontaneous, extrovert personality, it was no surprise that she met her husband on a blind date in Atlanta while she lived in North Carolina. She and her husband are now loving and dedicated parents of three sons, Logan, 8, and twins Bryce and Blake, 4. The family of five resides in Lilburn, Georgia where they spend copious amounts of time together either at home or at Peace Baptist Church where they attend regularly.

Amid college and starting a family, Patterson became an entrepreneur, opening her own hair salon called Chase Morgan Salon, which has been in business for

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over 10 years. Named after her sister’s children, Chase and Morgan, Chase Morgan Salon, as Patterson states, “… was designed with the client in mind to create quality and efficient hair care services while being a positive environment for women to fellowship and relax.”

Though the salon was originally located in Decatur, Georgia, Patterson recently moved the location to Snellville, Georgia to live out her dream of opening a conveniently located, upscale salon that would allow her to actively participate in her children’s lives at school.

Having been in the cosmetology business for 23 years and counting, Patterson is highly dedicated to her career. Every day she goes above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction. Patterson commented, “My clients tease me because I am known for being the resource lady. As a hair stylist, clients confide in you about their personal struggles. I feel it is my responsibility as a Christian to uplift them and speak positive things into their life that will encourage them.”

Being close to clients can also come with a cost. According to Patterson, the most difficult part of her job is losing faithful clients with the change in the economy and increasing unemployment. On one hand, she strives to help them until their financial situation is better; but on the other, Chase Morgan Salon is still an operating business and needs to make a profit in order to stay in business.

Though being a successful entrepreneur comes with positive and negative aspects, the overall feelings of accomplishment and contentment with the Chase Morgan Salon trumps everything. A distinguished, devoted, and aspiring woman, Patterson has become a figure of hope, proving that with hard work and dedication, a childhood dream can become a reality. Patterson’s future at Chase Morgan Salon seems bright. “My goal for the salon is to always create an environment to derive success from teamwork and through education. As techniques change and products improve, I will prepare stylists through education to satisfy the new demands of clients, thus, ensuring a successful position in the future.”

For contact information for Sudonna Patterson or information on location and operating hours of Chase Morgan Salon, please visit www.chasemorgansalon.com.

Diets Don’t Work!

By Kelly Farris It’s that time of year again – panic mode has set in and you’re trying to get off the winter flub in time for bathing suit season.

You might be considering a diet. Maybe you’re stuck trying to choose between the wide variety of options: 17 day, cabbage soup, weight loss shakes, paleo, and Atkins, just to name a few.

Unfortunately, none of these work in the long run. In fact, fad diets can backfire and even contribute to weight gain. You don’t have to have a perfect diet to have a good diet. Eating normal portions of wholesome foods leads to the right body weight.

Let your eating habits consist of 85-90% of quality calories, with the remaining calories of “whatever.” “Whatever” means you can have an orange one day or a cookie the next. The trick is not to deprive yourself of foods you really like. Sooner or later, you will end up binging if you make certain foods taboo. Take away the power to binge-eat by eating that certain food more often. Chances are, seven days of having a cookie for your “whatever” calories, will make it less desirable by day eight.

I advise all my clients to make breakfast the most important meal of the day. I encourage eggs, egg substitute, turkey sausage, veggie sausage, grits, or oatmeal.

These are all “fill-you-up” foods. Start your day with filling, healthy foods and you’ll set the tone for the rest of your day while reducing sugar cravings!

So eat, but don’t deprive yourself. Make good choices!

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

Our Town

You Can’t Get There From Here

By Susan Cadley, LPC Have you ever wished you could be like Harry Potter and wave a magic wand to fix a problem or get what you wanted? If so, you are in good company. It is a natural tendency to avoid pain, frustration, or any feeling that is perceived as “bad”.

It is also natural to have desires and goals for your life. But here’s the truth: life is a process, and when we resist or deny what we are feeling or what is happening in our life, we actually cause ourselves more pain.

We are all born with a wide range of emotions and these emotions are messengers. If we pay attention to them, they have much to share with us. We may learn what we react to, what beliefs we hold, and, most importantly, where our healing lies. When we ignore these messengers, they knock louder and harder at our subconscious until they get our attention. So instead of working so hard to push emotions away, welcome them in as a guest and lean into them. You will find that the feelings dissipate and the pain of resistance you’ve created will be eased.

When we want to wish challenges away, we lose the richness of life. Imagine what it would be like to watch a movie and only view the first and last 10 minutes of the film. By skipping the majority of the movie, we miss out on the story and the experience as a whole. And so it is with life. When we wish for our lives to be different than they are, we must then let go and live our lives right now with all the seeming imperfections that make up the movie we are living. When we wish to go from “here” to “there” directly, we miss out on personal growth.

We are all here to learn, love, live fully, and be more of who we are. Embrace all of your life, right where you are, right now. Then the real magic will begin!

Susan Cadley, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor, is available for couples/adult individual counseling and creativity workshops in Suwanee, GA. She may be reached directly and confidentially at 678-296-1278, www.coaching foryoursoul.com.

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By Pam Walker What I know about Fly-Fishing you could put on the head of a straight pin. So when asked to visit Patagonia, I thought, “This is my chance to learn!”

In early March I flew to Buenos Aires, Argentina, and then on to Bariloche. From there I had an hour drive to Villa Angostura. Aroyo Verde, the famed fly- fishing lodge, was further on down a dirt road.

No signs. No directions. We had just a general sense of where we were going, Anthony, my naturalist guide, headed into the Traful river canyon. Fifteen minutes later we were greeted first by an authentic gaucho and then by riders on horseback.

After another 20 minutes, we saw along a stream a lovely chalet with a sculpture garden. Estancia Aroyo Verde!

This private fishing and riding estancia is the home of one of Argentina’s most elite families. Located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the family-managed lodge hosts visitors from across the globe. The Traful River is also home to land-locked salmon, brown, and rainbow trout. This is a catch-and-release river with a season from November through April. In this remote setting, the fish, some reaching 28 in. for salmon, and 29 in. for Rainbows and Browns, swim right up to you in the crystal clear water. Best of all, you need only your favorite fly rod. Everything else is available on-site. Miles of nothingness surrounds this pristine spot. Imagine standing in the river surrounded by the Andes. What more could you ask for?

Rooms are cozy, all with private baths, and meals are served family-style. If you’re lucky, join the family for an Argentine-style barbeque (Parillada) cooked outdoors by one of the resident gauchos.

Fishing, horseback riding, and even mountain bikes are here for your enjoyment. Too bad I had to come back!

Pam Walker is a Virtuoso travel consultant and can be reached at Walker Adventures pliwalker@ earthlink.net. You can follow her travels by visiting Pam’s blog at http://www.pamwalkers.blogspot.com

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

PAGE 17

Chaplain’s Corner

By Pastor Paul Ballard The mission statement of Mountain Park First Baptist Church is to engage every man, woman, and child by living out Jesus’ love and sharing the gospel both locally and globally. Since coming to MPFBC in May 2011, senior pastor Paul Ballard has been simple in his approach. He has two priorities: preaching the gospel, and becoming a radiant church by being missional in nature.

First, Pastor Paul has prioritized the preaching of the gospel of Jesus. The gospel is God’s victory over sin and death through the person and work of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:1 says, “Now, I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel

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PAGE 18

I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand….” The gospel is not just the entry point into Christianity. It is the key to spiritual growth as we stand in Jesus’ finished work on the cross and His glorious resurrection.

Second, because the gospel has radically changed us, God has called His people to give Him glory by living radiant lives resulting in missional living. The church has moved from an internal to an external emphasis. Some of the practical results have been: • Adopting local fire stations and the Gwinnett South Precinct by providing meals and notes of encouragement • Hosting community events like Family Fest on May 4, 2013 • Mentoring ladies from the Atlanta Women/Children shelter and adopting and fixing up a dorm • Offering an ESL program on Wednesdays with a provided meal afterward • Holding food drives for Lilburn Co-op and providing Christmas for needy families • Deacons serving at Mountain Park Park in the concession stand so parents could watch their children play • Donating over $100,000 from financial overages the last two years to support local and international missions above the normal mission giving God is at work at Mountain Park First Baptist Church. For more information go to www.mpfbc.org.

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

Our Town

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Pictured: Dr. Will Draper with his mother, Cheryl, and her dogs Dolly and Kali.

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