Suwanee Magazine January-February 2017

NEO-ANTIQUING AT AMERICAN REDEMPTION MARKETPLACE

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 17

HEAR CLEARLY, BREATHE FREELY & SLEEP EASILY:

SUWANEE ENT MAKING YOUR RESOLUTIONS IN 2017 STICK

Mathew Stuart stays fit and relieves stress through Parkour at KSG Parkour

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HEALTH & FITNESS GUIDE THE

contents JANUARY / FEBRUARY '17

46 Fitness Success Stories

Inspirational fitness stories, including Lynn Mace who has lost over 300 pounds

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Kid Fitness

Suwanee Physical Education Teachers share tips to keep your kids active

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Neo-Antiquing at American Redemption Marketplace

A community marketplace where local artists can “sip, shop and connect�

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Reducing Childhood Obesity

Local resources to help combat the childhood obesity epidemic

Mathew Stuart, age 17, demonstrates a flip at KSG Parkour and opens up about how the sport has impacted his life.

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thrive 31 Suwanee ENT

Suwanee practice that treats issues related to ear, nose and throat health

35 Ask Henry

Q&A with Henry the Golden Retriever at Sugar Hill Animal Hospital

36 Laboring through the pain

New trend in delivery from Northeast Georgia Medical Center

38 Write One Line

Writing one line a day to bring clarity to your life

41 Family Matters

Grow Counseling offers tips to make your resolutions stick in 2017

16 SBA News

Making Suwanee great

savor

17 Investment Strategies

Aileron Investment Advisors explain the new REIT sector in the S&P 500

18 How to Find an Honest Mechanic

Team Ryan Automotive shares tips to find a mechanic you can trust

20 Marketing Tips from Veugeler Design Group

Veugeler Design Group shares new marketing efforts that may be the answer in adding to the success and growth of your business

31 in every issue: 8 Letter 59 Restaurant Guide 72 The Buzz 78 People & Places 86 Event Calendar

55 The Meal Kit Challenge

Finding the best meal delivery service for busy, working individuals

62 Low-Cal Sips

Finding the best meal delivery service for busy, working individuals

64 What's Brewing

Sweetwater Brewing answers the question:"Can beer be part of a healthy lifestyle?"

68 Suwanee Beer Fest

Award-winning festival returns to Town Center Park this March

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letter

Rachel Pillow

Managing Editor rachel@suwaneemagazine.com

A Time to Reset s we ring in the new year, it’s always a great time to reflect on where we’ve been and how we want to grow. We’re really looking forward to seeing what 2017 has in store!

For many of us, this is a time to reset, wipe the slate clean and make new goals.

If your goals are health and fitness related (like many of ours are) then this issue is meant for you! Our Health & Fitness Guide on Page 42 features some great local gyms and businesses to help you get fit, be healthy and well. If you need a little extra kick in the butt for motivation then look no further than our

a note from our managing editor

Fitness Success Stories on Page 46. Lynn Mace has been training with Dustin Chovanic of Georgia Fitness for over 3 years and has lost OVER 300 POUNDS without any surgeries, drastic diets or pills!

Admittedly, I haven’t been running much since having my baby last August and was hesitant to sign up for the Suwanee Gateway Half Marathon on February 26th... but after meeting Lynn and hearing that she’s going to run it for the third year in a row, I realized that I have no excuse!

Sticking to your goals can be difficult, so we encourage you to check out Laura Lebovitz’ six tips on keeping your resolutions on Page 41. We also met with Scott Mawdesley of "Write One Line” who has some great insight on the benefits of journaling and self2016 was an exciting reflection. Learn more about the year for Suwanee power of “writing one line” a day on Magazine, here are Page 38. just a few highlights we’d like to share:

As we enter the New Year it is a great time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and how we can Our magazine is now improve. If you would like to give available in over 400 us feedback to help us make our locations throughout own New Year's resolutions, please Suwanee, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Johns take a minute to fill out our Reader Creek, Alpharetta, Buford Survey at suwaneemagazine.com. and Sugar Hill – including And, while you’re there, please sign at Kroger, Publix and up for our monthly e-newsletter Whole Foods. where we share web-exclusive We won a 2016 APEX stories, an always-up-to-date Award of Excellence event calendar, contests and more! for Magazine Layout & Our success has only been made Design. possible thanks to our loyal readers We are proud sponsors and advertisers. We humbly of the brand new acknowledge that we wouldn’t be “Festival 3 Pack” - a where we are today without you – membership card that so THANK YOU for your continued includes tickets to the 2017 Suwanee Beer support.

Fest, Suwanee Wine Fest and Gwinnett Beer Fest, as well as perks like free local brewery tours and more! (details at festival3pack.com)

S U W A N E E M AG A Z I N E

NEO-ANTIQUING AT AMERICAN REDEMPTION MARKETPLACE

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 17

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017

Mathew Stuart photographed on Friday, December 8th at KSG Parkour by PAUL PERDUE.

2017 HEALTH & FITNESS GUIDE • FITNESS SUCCESS STORIES • REDUCING CHILDHOOD OBESITY • SUWANEE ENT

ON THE COVER

HEAR CLEARLY, BREATHE FREELY & SLEEP EASILY:

SUWANEE ENT MAKING YOUR RESOLUTIONS IN 2017 STICK

Mathew Stuart stays fit and relieves stress through Parkour at KSG Parkour

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HEALTH & FITNESS GUIDE THE

Suwanee Magazine celebrated its 6th anniversary! Our very first issue debuted in November of 2010!

ANGELA VEUGELER President / Editor-in-Chief angela@suwaneemagazine.com RANDALL VEUGELER Vice President and Publisher RACHEL PILLOW Managing Editor rachel@suwaneemagazine.com

Account Executives MICHELLE FASIG • NATALIE STUBBS ads@suwaneemagazine.com Creative Director RANDALL VEUGELER Art Director ERICA ABRAMS Production Manager LAURA PAYNE Web Editors WALT WOODEN • ROBERT WRIGHT CLARKE GLIDEWELL Digital Marketing Manager PRISCILLA SALMASI Graphic Design APRIL MILLER • SHAY HARBAUGH BRIAN HASSINGER • LAURA GRANT Photographers KARL LAMB • JULIE PERDUE WALT WOODEN

Sales JULIE PERDUE julie@suwaneemagazine.com

PUBLISHED BY VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP 554 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Buford, GA 30518 SuwaneeMagazine.com

For SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES or BACK ISSUE ORDERS, call 678-482-2270.

For ADVERTISING INQUIRES, call 678-482-2270, or email info@suwaneemagazine.com.

Suwanee Magazine is published bi-monthly by Veugeler Design Group.

Opinions expressed by the contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Suwanee Magazine. The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or ommissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. ©2017 Veugeler Design Group. The editors welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please email submissions to Rachel Pillow at rachel@suwaneemagazine.com.

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suwanee business community news and info.

IN WITH THE NEW MARKETING STRATEGIES

INVESTMENT

STRATEGIES 17 ›

FINDING A MECHANIC 18

B U SI NES S S PO T LI GH T

The word redemption evokes a sense of new life, of freedom, of reclamation. The word is powerful and one that Owners, Jauxniece Palmer and Jill Snelling, of American Redemption in Suwanee stand behind. American Redemption is a marketplace of local artists where every item is hand-built, hand-finished or hand-picked. But, more than a shop to find local treasures, furniture, jewelry, art pieces and other home goods, it is a place where the community can meet, connect, share and dream together...

BY: RACHEL PILLOW / PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

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Everything in the shop is for sale, and if it isn't exactly what you are looking for, then customize pieces can be created.

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Neo-Antiquing at American Redemption American Redemption has coined the term “neo-antiquing,” which they define as, “the art of taking something old and making it look new… or something new and making it look old.” The idea is to give furniture or other home goods true longevity, to create pieces that people can pass down and enjoy through the generations. bout 100 local artists call American Redemption their retail home. “Each piece in here has a unique story and each artist has a unique talent or niche,” explained Snelling.

Basically, if you can dream it, then it can be created.

“We want our customers to understand they have freedom to dream,” said Palmer. If you don’t see what you’re looking for in the store, then share your vision with Palmer and Snelling and they will help bring that vision to life. Even if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for, they can help. “We have people drop off old pieces of furniture that were passed down to them and they don’t know what to do with them, but we are able to talk about how the piece can be used in a new way, refurbish it, repaint it and give it new life and a new story,” said Palmer.

From solid wood farmhouse tables to beautiful paintings, unique light fixtures, handcrafted jewelry, leather journals, clothing, artwork and more – there is bound to be something that speaks to anyone who steps foot in American Redemption. “We want people to be able to be themselves, to play and have fun, to come in, grab a drink, walk around, touch things, lounge on the furniture, bring your kids, sit with your dog on the patio, make s’mores in the firepit out back…. The hardest thing to get people to understand is the freedom they have with us to be, dream, imagine and create. There really are no limits,”

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We want this to be a place where people connect and can share their stories.

- Jauxniece Palmer

Palmer and Snelling want American Redemption to be a space that the community can utilize in whatever way they’d like. American Redemption has open workshop space and studio space for artists and photographers to utilize, as well as DIY classes that give customers the chance to create their very own pieces. They make sure to host a wide variety of classes to appeal to artists of all skill-sets and interests, such as: welding, mosaics, sign-making and more! “A lot of people don’t realize the talent they have – we have watched many people find their niche here and be able to be very proud of their work,” said Palmer.

The coffee, wine and smoothie bar nestled inside the shop boasts “the fastest WiFi in Gwinnett” and Suzanne, the friendliest barista around, who will whip up one of her favorite lattes or any custom concoction you can think of. They also proudly serve “coffee with a cause” from Phoenix Roasters – a local coffee roasting company that empowers the international farmers who grow their beans and gives back to domestic organizations that are fighting homelessness, sex trafficking and abuse victims.

Mission-mindedness and giving back to the community at a American Redemption larger level seems to be a trend hosts several events each amongst many of the artists month that are open to the public, including wine-tastings, and craftsmen at American DIY workshops, live music and Redemption. more. They also have unique rooms and outdoor space, The store opened in 2016 in complete with fire-pits, available honor of Palmer’s late father-into rent for private events. The bar currently serves specialty coffees, law’s legacy. Her father-in-law, wine, beer and smoothies, Benny, was an antique picker with food offerings and taught her the craft. More coming soon. so, he had the gift of bringing people together. “That’s the whole essence of what this is about – we always ask people, “’What’s your story?”’ said Palmer. “We want this to be a place where people connect and can share their stories.”

Step foot inside the bathroom and you’ll see positive, inspirational “graffiti” messages on the walls with a basket of markers and a note encouraging customers to leave their mark. And on chalkboards in the coffee shop you’ll see notes from people sharing their thoughts as well.

“We say that the word community is a verb,” said Snelling. “And through the store we are able to lift up these artists and give them the opportunity to get into the local marketplace as well as connect people that want quality, hand-built, hand-finished, unique goods from local artisans.”

Much more than a furniture store or marketplace, American Redemption is helping to stimulate the local economy and stir up a true sense of community. ■

About 100 local artists hand make the items for sale inside American Redemption.

From jewelry to home décor, there are a wide variety of pieces and styles, designed to meet anyone’s needs.

Stop by to shop, sip and connect with others. For more information and event info, visit sipshopconnect.com

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Suwanee Business Alliance:

EDITOR'S NOTE: Congratulations to Julie Perdue (Suwanee Magazine's Executive Sales Associate) - Suwanee Business Alliance's new President!

Making Suwanee a great place to work and live! f you haven’t experienced a Suwanee Business Alliance gathering, you’ve missed the spirit of giving and sharing that lasts 12 months of the year. They share warm friendships, good business and new information about one another’s

businesses with friends and neighbors, making it a win-win for all. But it doesn’t stop there. They share their mutually good fortune with those around them all year long. SBA dues are only $60/year, and the proceeds from the annual Golf Tournament each April go to helping out our neighbors on many different levels.

What makes the SBA unique is that they meet at a different location every second Wednesday of each month, keeping it interesting for members and guests and helping the hosts have people experience their place In 2016, the of business. You will Suwanee find them meeting Business at restaurants, Alliance donated salons, local banks, and offices around $500.00 each to Suwanee; whomever Suwanee Youth can accommodate a Leaders, the large group of people!

Quinn House, There they eat, drink Rainbow Village, and network in a fun and relaxed Cooper’s Crew, atmosphere no the Caymol matter where they go.

Family and These are just a few collected toys for of the many ways the Toys 4 Tots SBA shows thanks for living, working and smiling so much as Suwanee residents. If you need a smile, something to be thankful for or a place to share with other business people, attend a meeting. Guests are always welcome! The group is made up of all volunteers and welcomes your ideas, participation and attendance.

JOIN TODAY! www.suwanee.org

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INVESTMENT

Strategies

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BY: Bill and Cindi Porter, AILERON INVESTMENT ADVISORS

Please explain the new REIT sector in the S&P 500.

The S&P 500 index includes the stock of 500 individual companies and until recently it was divided into 10 different sectors so that investors can monitor specific areas of the economy (healthcare, energy, financials, industrial, etc.). This format does not change often – but it just did in early September. Now there are 11 sectors.

For many years, REITs (real estate investment trusts) were part of the financial sector along with banks, insurance companies, and other related businesses. Over the past few years, the yield on many REIT stocks has exceeded the yield on most of the other stocks in the financial sector.

Additionally, 13 years ago REITs only represented less than 1% of the total value of the S&P 500. Today REITs have grown to over 3% of the S&P 500’s total value.

As a result of this performance and growth, the S&P 500 has moved REITs out of the financial sector and instead created a new and separate sector exclusively for REITs. While all securities including REITs have inherent investment risks, reward potential, cycles, and political risks, we feel that this is a positive long-term development. It may be a good time to discuss the ups and downs of this new S&P 500 sector and other opportunities with your trusted advisor. ■

Over the past few years, the yield on many REIT stocks has exceeded the yield on most of the other stocks in the financial sector.

This is for education only. Before using this information in any way discuss it with a financial professional. There are many risks associated with stock trading. You may lose some or all of your financial investment. Securities offered through Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through Integrated Financial Planning Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC.

Send your investment questions to: submissions@SuwaneeMagazine.com

All the information in this letter is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information is strictly at your own risk.

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How to Find an Honest Mechanic BY: SHARA RYAN OF TEAM RYAN AUTOMOTIVE

People spend a lot of time researching before buying a car, but often they don’t spend much time finding an honest, qualified auto service & repair shop. Your vehicle is not only likely the second most expensive purchase you will make, it is also responsible for keeping you and your loved ones safe on the road. The first order of business is to find an honest and qualified service & repair shop before you need them...

> Look for qualified technicians and shops that have ASE certifications and the Blue Seal recognition.

Shops are recognized with a Blue Seal of Excellence if the technicians of that shop meet the high standards of the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) organization; they recruit the best employees, support new training and insist on the best equipment. Only 1 in 3 have one certification, meaning 2 out of 3 have none.

> A warranty is proof that a shop stands by their work. Warranties

demonstrate that a shop will stand behind the work it performs. Make sure that the shop you are depending on is actually showing you that they can be depended upon. Check that the shop only buys parts from suppliers who provide a warranty.

Many dealerships no longer provide the best service.

Out-of-date equipment and a squeeze for higher profit margins have left most dealerships in the situation of over-promising and underdelivering.

> Choose a business that has good processes, that keeps their facility clean and properly stocked. While you may not know if a shop has the right

tools, equipment or responsible processes, you can make some deductions with a high level of certainty from their restroom, lobby, and parking lot – anything that you can see. This is important because if a shop lacks proper processes, you could be sold parts you don’t need, or worse, be sent away with missing parts.

> Don’t fall into the trap that dealerships provide the best service and that auto parts stores can actually diagnose your car.

Auto parts stores sell parts (code scans) that may read helpful, but are rarely conclusive when diagnosing a vehicle.

Many dealerships no longer provide the best service. Outof-date equipment and a squeeze for higher profit margins have left most dealerships in the situation of over-promising and under-delivering. There is little to no motivation for the service writer or technician to diagnose your car correctly the first time. ■

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MARKETIN G TIPS FROM VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP

Out with the Old, in with the

New Marketing Strategies By: PRISCILLA SALMASI AND SHAY HARBAUGH, Veugeler Design Group

Twenty-Sixteen has come to an end. We say hello to 2017, bringing new opportunities, ventures and trends for both our personal and professional lives. For businesses, the beginning of the year is a great time to reflect on the previous year, what was successful and what may need some improvement. It is important to take the time to reflect and strategize to strengthen those areas that were ineffective. If there are tactics that are no longer working, trying new marketing efforts may be the answer in adding to the success and growth of your business.

Embrace Digital Marketing Digital Marketing has transformed the world of advertising and we’re witnessing an exciting shift in communication through online advertising and social media. Digital marketing can include a variety of online marketing strategies, from e-mail campaigns to blog articles. Facebook Advertising, promoted Tweets or sponsored Instagram posts are an example of social media advertising.

Online advertising also exists outside of social networks, through avenues like Google AdWords or Bing Ads. Search Engine Optimization (SEO), which grows your website traffic organically through the use of specific keywords, and content from blogs or landing pages, is an option if your business does not want to run advertisements online. Digital marketing can even encompass reputation management, such as responding to reviews – whether they be positive or negative.

Maybe 2017 is the year you welcome the digital space for your business. Having the world at our fingertips Source: and the ability to connect with your 47 Facebook Statistics for audience in a matter of seconds, 2016, Brandwatch gives businesses an opportunity and an advantage to reach customers and build relationships with new, potential clients all at once. The digital marketplace can be crowded, but your business can’t afford to sit it out and let your competition benefit from it.

FACEBOOK ADVERTISING

BING ADS

E-MAIL CAMPAIGNS

There are 40 million active small business Pages on Facebook.

Only 2 million of those businesses pay for advertising on Facebook.

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BLOG ARTICLES

DIGITAL MARKETING

SPONSORED INSTAGRAM POSTS

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SEO GOOGLE ADWORDS

grow

Connect with your Customers through Social Media

What exactly makes something “click worthy or shareable?” It is true that people are inundated with advertising from the moment they wake to right before sleep.

An impactful accompanying image or video can stop someone who is scrolling their “newsfeed” Did you know that 53% of total to pay attention to your content time spent on a mobile device or advertisement. When crafting is on social media? Shares, likes, a strategy for a social media followers, reposts, re-grams, campaign, intent-driven ads can tell re-tweets, the list goes on. If you Source: A Long List of Instagram Statistics That your story, drawing the audience aren’t active on social media Marketers Need to Know, Hootsuite in to read further. People are then you are missing a way to constantly shown advertisements connect with your audience and on almost every website they visit. With the incredible could be losing out on hundreds of potential customers. ability to create a targeted, effective social media Despite the alarming statistics, advertising on social media is advertising campaign, creative branding combined with still relatively new and underestimated by most businesses. an organized marketing strategy is the perfect formula But, when done correctly, social ad campaigns can make to become “click-worthy.” The age-old saying “a picture you stand out from the crowd - with the ability to target is worth a thousand words” still holds true. audiences by specific location, interests and demographics.

PROMOTED TWEETS

Instagram is used by 48.8% of brands - a number that is expected to rise to 70.7% by 2017

Average internet users have 5 social media accounts and spend 1 hour and 40 minutes on these sites every day Source: NeilPatel.com

REPUTATION MANAGEMENT

LANDING PAGES

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Branding or Re-branding your Business If you’re looking to brand or re-brand your business, you may notice that pre-designed logos, posters or even website templates are easily accessible, but the concern with that route is that there may be many other businesses using those same designs and look.

Investing in a custom, original logo and marketing collateral establishes your business’ unique brand and can help to better tailor your products to your customer’s needs in the future. Online advertising, content and social media are no different. Branded content or advertising helps with marketing your products or services and you can do so to a specific audience. Plus, good, branded content has the potential to go viral. Ad campaigns featuring articles, videos or information targeted to a specific audience or group piques interests, increases customer satisfaction and builds brand awareness and trust. Customers are also drawn to brands that are authentic, transparent, original and specific to their lifestyles.

Utilizing Multiple Marketing Platforms

Using print and digital together increases exposure, makes your brand more tangible and helps you connect with more customers.

95% of adults under the age of 25 read print magazines and more than 60% of magazine readers take some form of action after seeing a print ad.

Print media is far from obsolete - it goes hand-inhand with digital marketing by further broadening your brand’s presence. Utilizing traditional marketing techniques, such *Advent Media Group as direct mail, print ads, billboards and brochures, combined with an ongoing digital marketing campaign, is a winning combination. It has the ability to carry your message across multiple platforms and to take advantage of multiple audiences. ■

If you’re in search of a group to grow or create your brand, contact Veugeler Design Group.

We’re here to help you share your story!

678.482.2270 VDGatl.com

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We asked Physical Education teachers at several Suwanee area elementary schools in Gwinnett County for tips on how to encourage physical activity at home.

Read what they had to say.

Our exclusive Holiday Gift Guide will make your holiday shopping a breeze!

Whether you are searching for a gift for your parents, friends, teachers, furry friends or yourself there are plenty of unique options you won’t find anywhere but here. Shop on...

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hysical activity is an essential component for a healthy lifestyle.

With screen time among youth on the rise, it’s important to make physical activity a priority in their lives. According to healthychildren.org, regular physical activity will not only help keep children at a healthy weight, it will also give them:

Find an activity that your child truly enjoys Try something that is fun that you can do together or even as a family. If it's a chore, it will never last! Have fun exercising and participating in various sports and activities together.

Mike Tontillo Riverside Elementary

Set An Example

Stronger bones and joints and greater muscle strength A decrease in body fat

As an adult, exercising and participating in recreational activities sets a great exmple for your kids. If your children watch you exercising and staying healthy, they will see it as important and want to join in. Be a great role model.

Increased flexibility A healthier cardiovascular system and a reduced likelihood of developing diabetes More energy

A greater ability to handle stress Better concentration at school Improvements in selfconfidence and selfesteem and greater social acceptance by physically active peers

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Let children experiment

A wide variety of many different activities and sports will keep your child interested longer and prevent burnout and overuse injuries. Keep exercise exciting and fresh.

Jason Gogolinski Suwanee Elementary

Get the heart rate up Challenge

each other to find exercises or activities that really get your heart rate up and that are fun for you.

Families can do a quick heart rate check after different exercises with a simple “hand on your heart� or a two-finger pulse check on the side of their neck to determine the effectiveness or intensity of an activity.

There are so many fun ways to stay active and be healthy as a family.

Get up, get active and have fun!

Get outside and get active

Families can make fun and creative fitness obstacle courses using household items in their own backyards. If obstacle courses are not your thing, then create fun and silly relay races that the family can perform together. In addition, Suwanee has a plethora of parks and playgrounds around which provide many fun and health enhancing activities. Make a plan to visit one or several on a regular basis. I like to encourage families to use their imagination and creativity as well to develop unique tag games or activities that kids and families can play together. Kids can also use many activities or tag games learned in Physical Education class and teach them to family members.

Use commercial breaks as activity time For children that enjoy watching TV or playing video games a little too much, I encourage using commercials as activity time. Simply pick some exercises that do not require much space or equipment such as push-ups, sit-ups, burpees, jogging in place, or jumping jacks (just to name a few) and create an exercise circuit that can be performed for a few seconds each exercise during commercial breaks.

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Use hula hoops to build castles

Lisa Wildman Level Creek Elementary

Fun activities can be done with hula hoops. If you have six hoops you can build what we call castles.

Kids can climb through them or knock them down. There are multiple things that can be done with a hula hoop.

Use a website called GoNoodle.com

The cone flipping challenge At Level Creek, we play a take-off of the water bottle flipping challenge that uses the little orange cones that are used for different sports. The students flip them and try to get them to land straight up. This keeps them engaged and moving all the time.

This activity could be done at home or outside with friends.

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The site has videos that get kids moving. It is a great website and the kids love it. Parents can also use it at home and during the holiday breaks to keep the children moving.

Make a game out of nutrition Jeremiah Eye Roberts Elementary

Be realistic with your health goals

Start off small - set short-term goals and then long-term goals. Healthy lifestyle changes don't happen overnight. They take time and effort to establish and maintain.

Go slow and be consistent.

Create a points system for your family to earn points for eating healthy, drinking water and exercising.

Have attainable rewards for points. Make sure the rewards are not sedentary or unhealthy, like watching TV, playing video games or eating junk food.

Keep an activity calendar Keep track of any regular exercise or sports you participate in. Also write down regular activity that you do (ride your bike, go for a walk, jump on a trampoline, walking while grocery shopping, etc.)

Measure by successÂ

A person's weight is never a good indicator of their health or fitness.

Measure by how you feel and attainment of goals (being in a better mood, having more energy, higher self-esteem, accomplishments or awards).

Kids: be a role model for your parents Make your parents want to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle because you want to.

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Reducing Childhood Obesity BY: THE ORGANWISE GUYS, INC.

hile our lives have been getting more convenient with the proliferation of fast food and technology, our health and the health of our families have suffered. Currently two thirds of the adult population and nearly 20% of our children are either overweight or obese, and these statistics show no signs of improving. Further, the problems associated with obesity are especially of concern for our children because it is often difficult to reverse eating habits and physical activity tendencies in adulthood.

As a result, childhood obesity has become a hot topic in the media, with celebrities and politicians dedicating themselves to helping reverse the trend. The good news is that you do not have to be famous, or even that knowledgeable about nutrition and physical activity in order to help children that you love. The key is accessing resources and individuals in the community who are equipped to address these topics.

Local resources to improve health, nutrition and reduce obesity in our children:

Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation Department (GCPR) Over the past two summers, GCPR has been involved with a national initiative to promote health in summer camps. An impressive outcome of this work includes children consuming over 800 gallons of water for the eight weeks of the summer camp program!

Farmers Markets

Visit the Suwanee Farmers Market for fresh, locally grown food all year long! This is a great opportunity to introduce your child to the colorful variety of produce and involve them in the selection process.

Local Schools

Did you know that every school in the area has a specialized kit of nutrition education? Contact your child’s school and inquire about the Foods of the Month Kit. These items are designed to promote two nutritious foods each month with resources to decorate the school like posters and buttons, and newsletters that can go home to parents.

The OrganWise Guys, Inc.

A Suwanee-based company with the leading childhood obesity prevention program in the nation. Using lovable organs of the body to empower children to make healthy lifestyle choices, their programming is the only published literature that demonstrates statistically significant anthropomorphic and academic improvements.

Dr. Michelle Lombardo, President and Karen McNamara, Vice President of The OrganWise Guys The OrganWise Guys was founded in 1993 with a vision to inspire children (and their parents) to take charge of their health by assuming personal responsibility for their choices. Through videos, books, activity programs and curriculums, they are tackling the issue of childhood obesity firsthand. Visit organwiseguys.com for more info.

< The OrganWise Guys

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your health,

wellness and happiness.

SCOTT MAWDESLEY ENCOURAGES YOU TO

“WRITE ONE LINE”

ASK HENRY 35 › LABORING THROUGH THE PAIN 36 ›

Dr. Matthew T. Gill of Suwanee ENT is trained to treat and perform surgery on patients of all ages, but has a passion for pediatric ear, nose and throat services.

HILL ANIMAL HOSPITAL 32

FAMILY MATTERS 41

Hear Clearly, Breathe Freely & Sleep Easily

Suwanee ENT offers both the diagnosis and the treatment for any issue related to ear, nose and throat health BY: RACHEL PILLOW / PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

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r. Matthew T. Gill recently opened the doors of Suwanee Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) in November of 2016 but has been practicing since 2011. A Suwanee resident himself, Dr. Gill wanted to open his practice in the community where he and his wife are already raising their family. “I wanted to be the first ENT doctor that is located right in the heart of Suwanee,” Dr. Gill said about his office located at Suwanee Dam and Peachtree Industrial Blvd. “I love this community and there was a need here,” he explained.

Shortly after Dr. Gill made the decision to start his own practice, he searched for an Audiologist and found Michelle Maloney, Au.D., a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA.) Audiologists are somewhat hard to come by in Georgia because there is no Audiology training program specifically in the state. Dr. Maloney received her Doctorate in Audiology at the University of Florida where there were only eight people in her graduating glass.

Dr. Maloney is skilled in the diagnosis and management of hearing loss and balance disorders in children and adults.

Dr. Gill examines the ears of a young patient. “Something as simple as putting in ear tubes can make them a different person,” he said.

“... losing your hearing can make you lose touch with people and it’s so rewarding to help people regain their lives again...”

- Dr. Maloney

Dr. Maloney performs a hearing test on a young patient.Suwanee ENT serves patients of all ages, but has special products and equipment designed for pediatric patients.

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Dr. Matthew T. Gill

Suwanee ENT treats people of all ages, but Dr. Gill and Dr. Maloney are both passionate about pediatric ENT services and have made sure that their office appeals to little ones. “One of the things that initially drew me to ENT is that I get the opportunity to see a broad range of problems and a broad range of ages,” said Dr. Gill. While he has privileges for surgery center usage

>> After completing his undergraduate degree at Baylor University, he went on to receive his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he was also awarded the Thomas W. Grossman Award in Otolaryngology.

An expert in the field, Dr. Gill has authored several pieces on the topic of Otolaryngology that have been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. He has also presented nationally at the American Academy of Otolaryngology, is an active member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology and a Fellow of the American Board of Otolaryngology.

“I wanted to be the first ENT doctor that is located right in the heart of Suwanee. I love this community and there was a need here.”

- Dr. Gill

at most local hospitals, there are also a number of minimally invasive procedures he is able to do from the comfort of his own office, including Balloon Sinuplasty, for example.

Patients who suffer from chronic sinus infections are good candidates for this treatment, in which a small balloon is used to expand the sinus opening to restore drainage.

A lot of people go straight to their Primary Care Physicians for issues better treated by an ENT specialist. “I like that I can offer both the diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Gill. And, with an Audiologist on staff, he and Dr. Maloney can tag team almost any issue related to ear, nose and throat health. “It’s nice to have a Surgeon and Doctor of Audiology on staff because we have the technology to test and treat hearing while also having the ability to clear up any medical issues that cause hearing issues or imbalance,” said Dr. Maloney.

For both Maloney and Gill, the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing people’s quality of life improve. “I’m completely

Dr. Gill is able to perform some minimally invasive endoscopic procedures in the comfort of his Suwanee office, such as Balloon Sinuplasty which reduces blockage and improves sinus drainage.

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invested in helping people hear better – losing your hearing can make you lose touch with people and it’s so rewarding to help people regain their lives again: for them to be able to be social again, to want to go out to dinner, to talk on the phone,” said Dr. Maloney. “In general we are dealing mostly with quality of life issues and something as simple as putting in ear tubes can make them a different person. Or if somebody has sleep apnea and is not sleeping well we might remove the tonsils and adenoids. If they can’t breathe through their nose then they might need Septoplasty and suddenly they’ll be able to breathe well again.

Basically it’s all about improving the quality of life,” Gill continued.

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Suwanee ENT’s regular hours are M-F, from 9am-5pm, but in order to better serve the community and to accommodate busy schedules, they are open late on Tuesdays from 1pm-8pm.

They also plan to be open one Saturday per month as well. Dr. Gill said that the community has been very receptive to them so far and that he looks forward to becoming the “go to” ENT doctor for Suwanee and surrounding communities. ■

thrive

Ask Henry Ask Henry at SugarHillAnimalHospital.com

Q: For the fourth of July I did a

great display of fireworks and I want to do something similar to kick off the new year. The only problem is my dog, Lucy, had a complete fit during fireworks, similar to the one she has during thunderstorms. Is there anything I could give her to calm her down?

- Noah from Suwanee

A: Fireworks can be fun for the family, but for many of us

furry family members they can lead to a miserable night.

A lot of this fear is a combination of learned behavior and genetics. For example, some us are bred and trained to cope with noises, such as retrievers or police dogs. And there are some of us that cannot develop a comfort level with fireworks, but there are things that can be done to make this fear less of a problem.

One method is training. Unlike thunderstorms, fireworks have an element of predictability to them - they are planned and this can be used to our advantage.

You want to be sure that we associate that noise with something positive; allow your furry friend to see, from a safe distance, that a human is causing the noise; and like all training it is important to go slowly. For my in-depth descriptions on the training aspect, please consult a veterinary behaviorist or a veterinarian.

The next method is prevention. Some of my phobic friends will do whatever they can to escape the loud noises associated with fireworks. So please do not leave us outdoors alone while someone is using fireworks.

My friends have been known to even escape fenced-in yards in panic! A dog-appeasing pheromone diffuser may be beneficial. This pheromone is a chemical scent signal that mimics the one produced by our own mothers when we nurse and has a calming effect on us. Your veterinarian may prescribe sedatives in certain cases.

Fireworks are fun, but there are things you can do so that all members of the family can enjoy them. For more questions regarding training and prevention please contact your local veterinarian. â&#x2013;

Henryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helper for this issue was Dr. Bentley.

Dr. Bentley is a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine. He is an active member of the Gwinnett County Veterinary Medical Association and when he is not working, Dr. Bentley enjoys camping and hiking with his two dogs, Caramelle and Lucy.

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Laboring through the Pain Nitrous oxide provides mothers a new pain relief option during labor Mother-to-be, Sara Payne, crafted her birth plan beautifully, with natural child birth and no pain medicine at the top of the list. But after hours of painful contractions, the “au naturel” birth plan no longer seemed so appealing.

Sara, like many expectant mothers, struggled with the decision of using pain medication during the delivery – wanting to make the best choice for herself and the health of her new baby.

As the pain worsened, she began to rethink her birth plan and her options for pain relief.

The first option her nurse mentioned was the wellknown epidural – a regional anesthesia used to block nerve impulses from the lower spinal segments, resulting in decreased sensation in the lower body. Epidurals are the most commonly used option for mothers due to the almost-instantaneous pain relief. But the downfall, at least for Sara, was the possibility of a catheter during labor, due to decreased sensation from the waist down.

Then there was IV narcotic pain medication, which Sara thought was her only other pain relief option that offered low complications with a fairly easy administration.

But Payne was unsure of the lingering loopiness and out-of-body feeling she’d heard others talk about with these medications.

So were there any options for her, in the midst of her pain? That’s when her N2O is nurse mentioned the use of nitrous oxide currently (N2O). offered at

Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) is the Northeast first hospital in Georgia to offer this type of pain relief Georgia for laboring mothers. N2O, also known as “laughing Medical gas,” is most commonly administered in a dental setting Center for procedures such as root canals or cavity fillings.

(NGMC) “N2O, in Labor and Delivery, is a 50-50 mix of Gainesville nitrous oxide and oxygen that women inhale through a and is mouthpiece,” said Heather Standard, manager of the available Labor and Delivery unit at NGMC in Gainesville. for laboring “Yet unlike a dental office, where it’s administered mothers continuously, the mother decides when and how often to at the new use the medication,” she adds.

Labor & “The patient breathes in the gas at the start of a Delivery unit contraction, timing it so they receive the most pain that opened relief at the peak of the contraction. The gas wears off at NGMC within a few breaths after inhaling, so the effects end Braselton in with the contraction. This is an advantage over the September narcotics, which can linger in the mom and newborn – making both sleepy and even affecting the baby’s 2016. ability to breastfeed.”

While it doesn’t provide the complete pain relief of an epidural, N2O can be a good option for mothers looking to “take the edge off” of their intense contractions during the labor process.

“We’ve found it to be a great coping mechanism for the pain, while still maintaining the feel and awareness of natural child birth,” Heather adds.

N2O is also a good option for mothers who arrive too late to receive the epidural, or those that can’t have one due to other medical issues, such as low platelets.

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The use of Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas” has become a popular alternative for mothers who are nervous about going the “all-natural” route but do not want an epidural administered during labor.

Intrigued by the idea of pain relief with minimal to no side effects, Sara decided to try N2O. “I wanted something that I knew would wear off easily, but would tone down the pain during the contractions. I definitely was a little bit loopy, but that faded after I got the timing right and was able to predict when I needed the gas.”

With the help of N2O and a great care team, Sara gave birth to her baby girl, Karis, with no complications.

Sara says her labor experience was extremely positive and stress-free – yet one she’ll never forget.

So pleased with her experience, Sara has already said that she will use N2O again for any future births.

“I think we’ll start to see a big push for this, as more mothers become aware of their options,” says Heather. “We’re fortunate to be able to offer this as a new option for mothers who are looking for an alternative to lessen pain during labor – without the use of longer-lasting narcotics.” ■

For more information about labor & delivery services at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, visit

nghs.com/labor-delivery or call 770-219-3740.

Writing Advocate, Scott Mawdesley preaches the practice of writing one line a day to bring clarity to your life he concept of “Write One Line” is so simple, yet seems so revolutionary at the same time. It is amazing how such a straightforward idea to literally write one line a day can have such profound, long-term effects. Scott Mawdesley, Writing Advocate and Founder of “Write One Line,” has been journaling for over 20 years, but discovered that he was always pretty inconsistent with it. “There would

be periods of my life where I’d be writing every day, but then I’d find gaps that cover the span of months or years,” he admitted. Today, Mawdesley sets a reminder in his phone that alerts him at 9pm each night to “take 90 seconds and write one line.” The point is to not put pressure on yourself or to write something profound for pages on end. And, the beautiful, leather-bound journals simply make the practice more fun and more enjoyable. “Complexity often leads to confusion, and when we can simplify our lives it leads to clarity,” said Mawdesley. Thus, the simple practice of writing one line a day.

seminar a leadership Attending in an so good to be today- it’s I am e lik where I feel environment ing. ow gr d learning an 6am Woke up at seel ne yo er before ev and I got feels great ! so much done of ared a little At work I sh y da er st ye d what I learne we if w no k I . with Chris ve er we can ha or w k togeth am ct on our te a huge impa e th d vity an the producti t. en nm enviro

ay... miles tod id it… 5 e! d lly c a I in re om If 10K, he d n a 2017

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SPECIAL DISCOUNT FOR SUWANEE MAG READERS:

Use promo code “SMAG25” at writeoneline.com for 25% off through 2/28/17.

Journaling really allows you to reflect, but it also allows you to dream.

- Scott Mawdesley

thrive

“So many of our memories are now going here [pointing at phone] or on social media and there have been studies that show that when you compare technology versus pen-to-paper, there’s actually no comparison – paper far and away is a more powerful way to capture memories, at a physiological and psychological level,” explained Mawdesley.

Putting pen to paper has proven to be very important for personal and professional development, as seen in a Harvard MBA Business School Study where the 3% of Harvard MBA graduates who had written down their goals and plans were making, on average, ten times the amount of their fellow alumni that had not clearly defined and written down their goals. In this regard, Mawdesley also leads workshops for executives and

The journals were born out of a hobby, but have grown into much more in recent years. “I remember as a kid seeing my grandfather in his workshop and I always loved the idea of working with my hands. So, several years ago I picked up a few rolls of leather and my knife and started making leather products, including these journals, which people started asking me for,” he explained. Now available online at writeoneline.com and in local stores, including American Redemption in Suwanee and Books for Less in Buford, the handmade journals are meant to last a lifetime.

Each journal includes two replaceable inserts. The idea behind having two books in one journal is to have one side for professional development and the other side for personal reflection.

Write One Line’s handmade journals are meant to last a lifetime and are now available Sometimes getting started online at writeoneline.com and in local stores, including American Redemption in Suwanee is the hardest part, so each and Books for Less in Buford. leather journal includes a companion guide with prompts, questions business professionals called “Making Leadership Personal” and ideas such as,”What did you do today that will make where he guides individuals and businesses through the practice tomorrow better?” or “What was the most important thing of developing their own personal mission statements, as well as you learned today?” their personal core values, in order to help people intentionally Scott Mawdesley is also the Campus Pastor at 12 Stone live out the vision and mission of their own lives.

Church in Sugarloaf where he has the opportunity to minister As a new year begins many people use it as a time to “reset” to people of all ages and he has discovered that the “write and to establish new goals and resolutions. Mawdesley has one line” practice is a powerful tool for any age group and any developed a habit of going through his journal at the end of walk of life. each year to reflect and see if there is anything he wants to work “Part of the journey for me has been teaching my children to on for the year ahead. He explained, “Journaling really allows journal, because if I had been doing this at a young age it could you to reflect, but it also allows you to dream. If we know where have served me so well,” he said. In fact, his own 11-year-old we’ve come from and have the ability to convey our dreams son recently found a journal that he wrote in at age six during about where we’re going, then it brings us into the present in a a trip with his dad, and they had a great time reflecting on more powerful way: we get to make the most of today.” ■ memories and little details that would probably otherwise be forgotten. “I believe if the next generation loses the art of putting pen to paper then we’re losing a lot,” said Mawdesley.

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FAMILY MATTERS BY: LAURA

LEBOVITZ LAMFT AT GROW COUNSELING

Tips to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick in 2017! magine your life if you kept all of your New Year’s resolutions. Would you be less stressed, more organized, have more family time, or just smile more? I know I would have consumed a lot less sugar over the years! Setting a goal or a plan for the year comes with great intentions and sometimes a mini pep talk to get us pumped up and motivated to make a change. But, a couple months in, many people are back to old ways and wondering where all their determination went. A nationwide survey by the University of Scranton shows that only 8% of people are able to keep their resolution and make it a new habit. But, don’t get discouraged! A new year means a new chance to accomplish your New Year’s resolution and make some changes.

Here are some ways to keep your new year’s resolutions: Pick the right goal. You are most likely to achieve

a goal if it holds personal meaning and significance for you.

Pick resolutions that will have the greatest impact on your health, happiness, and enjoyment of life. Having a grocery list of resolutions will only leave you feeling more anxious and stressed. Pick one or two important goals for the year.

Be realistic. Once you find your most important

goals, you have to figure out what feels realistic for you to accomplish. Think about possible obstacles ahead of time.

For example - when you feel stressed, do you tend to eat unhealthily, or when you don’t put commitments in your calendar, do you get unorganized? Consider all of your other commitments and pace of life when deciding how much time and energy you can give to your new resolution.

Narrow your focus. The more concrete your goal,

the better the chance of actually completing it. Instead of having a broad goal of eating healthier, make your resolution more specific such as eating vegetables three times a day, or only having fast food twice a week. It is so easy to fall back into a past routine when things get overwhelming. Having a specific idea of what you want to accomplish will help motivate you when things get busy.

Don’t go it alone. It is so hard to make a change when you

are surrounded by your bad habit. Try to find at least one other person to share your New Year’s resolution with. Enlist the whole family if you can! Having people to talk about your journey with will help you navigate the ups and downs more smoothly. It can also make your journey more fun! You can turn it into a friendly game and motivate one another to do their best.

Celebrate the small victories! Change can be

Consider all of your other commitments and pace of life when deciding how much time and energy you can give to your new resolution.

hard sometimes. Try to notice your moments of success just as much as you pay attention to the moments you wish you could do differently. Celebrate every little victory, and know that each one brings you closer and closer to your ultimate goal. Do not forget to look back on your journey and see the progress you’ve made. Plan out little celebrations ahead of time for major milestones – treat yourself to a nice dinner out for your three month mark, go on a weekend trip for your six month mark, etc. Having these celebrations to look forward to will keep you motivated to reach your goal. ■

LAURA LEBOVITZ Laura Lebovitz is a licensed associate marriage and family therapist that works in the Suwanee area at GROW Counseling. She received her Masters of Family Therapy from Mercer University School of Medicine. She works with children, adolescents, young adults, and families dealing with a variety of concerns. She specializes in working with anxiety, autism, self-harm, life transitions like divorce, and building healthy relationships within families.

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HEALTH & FITNESS GUIDE Health and fitness are many people's top new year’s resolutions each year; but sometimes knowing where to go or how to get started is the hardest part. So, we’ve done some of the legwork for you and sought out the best facilities in Suwanee, in order for you to become the best possible you in 2017!

Stage 3 Fitness 686 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.

Suwanee, GA 30024 678-430-8054 stage3fitness.com Six years ago, Stage 3 Fitness opened with the goal to encourage, motivate, and teach clients that nutrition and fitness must always work hand-in-hand alongside proper education and support. Stage 3 aims to help people understand how and why food affects our bodies inside and out and provide a non-intimidating environment for people looking to better their health and learn about nutrition.

Their “3-Part” workout includes: Stage 1: Burn (Melt Belly Fat & Love Handles) Stage 2: Build (Build Muscle & Increase Metabolism) Stage 3: Repeat (Stay Consistent & Repeat the Process) At their current 8,000 sq. ft. location on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Stage 3 Fitness is looking to continue to expand upon the success and support they have received within the community.

This January they are adding a state-of-the-art indoor cycling facility to increase the already large repertoire of classes they offer. Stage 3 Fitness offers over group metabolic resistance classes with everchanging workouts to keep members motivated and engaged while focusing on boosting metabolism, building strength and burning fat.

They are also expanding to add strength equipment, giving their customers access to a full gym. Stage 3 Fitness prides itself on being able to offer one-on-one services with professional trainers for those seeking a more personalized experience. For those looking to either elevate your fitness journey or reset your metabolism in 2017check out Stage 3 Fitness!

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Georgia Fitness 245 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. / Sugar Hill, GA 30518 678-765-8999 GeorgiaFitness.com How about a workout program that is customized specifically for you? Georgia Fitness doesn’t deal in colorful fitness theories like many others. Locally owned and operated, Georgia Fitness is focused on modernized solutions with the community in mind. Still not convinced? Try their Georgia Fitness Tour Pass Program. It is unlimited access to the very best that Georgia Fitness has to offer for 30 days.

You’ll be introduced to premium performance training classes such as HIIT, Shred, and Kickboxing and you’ll get unlimited access to their specialty services like tanning and childcare.

Plus, you’ll have your own personal Pro Coach to guide you along the way. Ready to get started? Visit the North Gwinnett facility and ask for a Tour Pass.

Legacy After School Karate 245 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. / Sugar Hill, GA 30518 678-541-5254 LegacyMMAClub.com There is a reason Legacy Karate serves so many of Gwinnett’s families and academic communities. Legacy After School Karate is the only program in town that measures your child’s progress at regular intervals to ensure great results. They pride themselves on a comprehensive karate after school service, which develops life skills like discipline, respect, and confidence. Plus, your child gets fitter and stronger along the way. Find out how your child can receive two complimentary weeks of transported after school karate! Call today to get started.

Restorative Health Atlanta 245 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. / Sugar Hill, GA 30518 770-614-6000 Restorative-Health.com Searching for the fountain of youth? With the breakthrough processes at Restorative Health Atlanta, you’ll rediscover that ’20-something’ look and feel that naturally fades over time. Restorative Health is a physician-guided, anti-aging center that renews the quality of your life with services like hormone therapy and weight loss, to medical spa services and sexual health solutions. Why put this off any longer?

Visit their website and take the complimentary hormone test to start feeling better!

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Graceful Living Life & Spiritual Coaching gracefullivingcoach@gmail.com 404-933-6524 GracefulLivingCoach.com

Making changes in our lives can be difficult without support and accountability. Call or email Lorraine to learn how you can work together to achieve your goals and commit to a new healthy, more fulfilled life in 2017. Group Classes start in January. Register at gracefullivingcoach.com. Individual coaching includes a free consultation and first visit.

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Lifestyle Fitness Personal Training & Massage Therapy Call or e-mail Zachary for more information: 678-517-5240 LifestyleFitness_PT@yahoo.com Experience the gym in a whole new way with personalized fitness and performance training, massage therapy, PNF stretching, improved body mechanics, simplified dietary recommendations, muscular pain management and more.

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Jennifer L. McCoy, DDS 3930 Charleston Market St., B1 / Suwanee, GA 30024 678-269-4910 JenniferMcCoyDDS.com 365 W. Pike St. / Lawrenceville, GA 30046 770-963-2424 JenniferMcCoyDDS.com New year, new healthy you! Dr. Jennifer McCoy is experience. Dr. McCoy and her experienced staff dedicated to helping her patients look, feel and be promise to deliver the gentle, compassionate care at their best. It’s a New Year and a great time to start you deserve while helping you achieve your dream focusing on your overall well-being, including oral smile and put your best face forward. Ready for a health. If you haven’t been to new dental experience? Request the dentist in awhile, then it’s an appointment now! Visit their time to make an appointment. website to see what patients are "Dr. Jennifer L McCoy Dr. McCoy and her team will saying about them!

DDS is the only office I go ensure that your teeth, gums to for all of my dentistry and mouth are healthy, without All New patients with exam, cleaning and needs. She and her staff x-rays receive one of the following: any underlying concerns that are very detailed in their might be undetectable at the work and very kind. The surface level.

■ FREE Sonicare Diamond office atmosphere is warm toothbrush ($220 value) Jennifer L. McCoy, DDS, and inviting, and well ■ FREE professional Cosmetic & Family Dentistry appointed. They offer a teeth whitening also specializes in cosmetic wide range of services and dentistry, Invisalign, Botox ■ $8/unit of Botox for always deliver and Juvederm. Comfort is the first 20 units an exceptional customer the most important aspect experience.

My May not be combined with any other offers. Expires 2/28/17. of the overall patient

vote for best Atlanta area dentistry practice!"

- Brent Davis

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Holly Campbell with trainer, Daniel LeBlanc, from Stage 3 Fitness

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Lynn Mace trains with Dustin Chovanic at Georgia Fitness

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ow many times have you said, “This will be my year! The year I lose weight, eat healthily, fit into my “skinny” jeans?” Well, we want to help you make it your year and mean it this time. Sometimes all it takes is a little extra motivation, so we found some of Suwanee’s best success stories to help inspire you. Whether you are needing to lose a lot of Mathew weight due to a Stuart health scare or want training at KSG to start working Parkour out to combat stress and anxiety, these next few pages showcase three individuals who have been transformed, physically and emotionally, from working out...

PHOTO BY: PAUL PERDUE

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FITNESS RESULTS SINCE MARCH 2016: Lost 28 pounds / 8 inches off waist 7 inches off hips / 3 inches off each arm and leg TRAINER: Daniel LeBlanc, Stage 3 Fitness

In her own words, Holly has decided to share her weight loss journey with our readers in order to encourage others to take action and achieve a healthy lifestyle…

We have all been there... thinking you look okay, until one day someone takes a picture, you look at it, and begin to cry. That is exactly what happened to me. I decided to make a change, and began to work out again. I was able to lose a few pounds on my own, but knew I was going to need professional help. That is when I found Stage 3 Fitness. On March 23, 2016 I took my first class at Stage 3, and within a month or so lost five pounds. I was ecstatic! But not long after that, I hit a plateau. I sought help from Daniel LeBlanc. He taught me clean eating habits and encouraged me to continue to strive after my goal, day in and day out!

Dan taught me that with a lot of discipline, dedication and by getting out of my comfort zone, using heavier weights, running faster and staying focused, that anyone can reach their goals. He even encouraged other trainers to push me just as hard in their classes (shout out to Angie Timmerman Willett and John Kim). They kept me motivated and Dan is the man!

Within 6 months I lost 28 pounds, which equals about 8 inches in the waist, 7 inches in my hips and 3 inches off each arm and leg and I have even gained some muscle! I owe it all to Dan and the staff at Stage 3 Fitness.

I hate to say it, but there is no magic pill! It’s just old-fashioned working out and eating sensibly. This took me 6 months to achieve.

Do not expect overnight results. Lately, I have been taking care of myself, maintaining my fitness goals and my doctor has even reduced my blood pressure medication with hopes of totally being off it soon.

Everyone has challenges in life, I just had to decide that my challenges were no longer a reason to avoid the gym. When I have a particularly challenging day, that is the day I go in, bust my butt and leave it all on the floor. No more excuses!

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HO HAS LLOLY ST

2 8 LBS !

PHOTO BY: WALT WOODEN

Every Saturday for dinner I have a “reward meal” – you have to do that or else you’ll drive yourself insane.

Don’t have an entire day and don’t call it a “cheat day” or “cheat meal” – you are rewarding yourself and you deserve it.

- Holly Campbell

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SEPTEMBER 2013: 550 Pounds DECEMBER 2016: 247 Pounds TRAINER: Dustin Chovanic, Georgia Fitness Over the past three years Lynn Mace has lost an average of over 100 pounds a year without any surgeries or diet pills: simply from pure hard work and dedication! Weighing 247 pounds today, Lynn, age 38, made the decision to start working out in September of 2013 when she weighed 550 pounds. Weighing 575 at her heaviest, she had realized just how detrimental her weight was to her health. In early 2013 a torn meniscus in her knee could not be operated on because she exceeded the hospital weight limit for surgery. But, another health scare is what really set the change into motion. One night Lynn woke up thinking she was having a heart attack, but it was that the fat in her belly had shifted on top of her ribs and cracked them. “It was such horrible pain and it was so scary to me to think that the fat in my own body could crack a bone,” she said.

Meeting Her Trainer

Lynn’s life began to turn around after she met Dustin Chovanic, her personal trainer and President of Georgia Fitness in Suwanee. When they were introduced, Dustin had a gym in North Carolina, where Lynn still lives today. Dustin has had such an impact on Lynn’s life though that when he relocated to Suwanee, she decided to continue working with him.

He will give her workouts each week over the phone and has trainers in North Carolina that still help hold her accountable. He also still holds her accountable for what she is eating. He has never put her on a strict diet, but rather has taught her healthier ways to eat and prepare food while also allowing for sweets in moderation.

“It’s crazy how your body starts to crave healthier foods though and how your tastebuds change – years ago I hated dark chocolate (which is healthier for you than milk chocolate), but now that is my go-to treat,” Lynn said.

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ST LYNN HAS LO

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0 3L0 S B !

She will always have to work hard to keep this weight off, this is a complete lifestyle change.

- Dustin Chovanic

Trainer, Georgia Fitness

Lynn is now running lifting weights, doing squats, PHOTOS BY: kick-boxing and more.

WALT WOODEN

Athletic Accomplishments

Lynn visits Suwanee as often as possible (about every month) to workout with Dustin and most of her athletic feats have been accomplished in Suwanee. Since 2014 Lynn has completed nine 5Ks, walking the first three or four races, but now running them. On February 26th she will also run her third half-marathon at the Suwanee Gateway Half Marathon Presented by Georgia Fitness.

Psychological Well-Being

The dedication of Lynn's trainer is evident in just how invested he is in her life: in not only her physical progress, but also her emotional and psychological well-being. The day before her first half-marathon Lynn was trying every excuse to get out of it, so Dustin. had her spend the night at his house so that he could make sure they went together in the morning; and he did the entire half-marathon right by her side too. “The mind quits before the body does and she can do this,” he said.

Lynn was in a dark place when she first started working out. Her husband passed away from cancer in 2011, she was taking anti-depressants three times a day and blood pressure medication twice a day. When she first set foot in the gym she could not even walk without a cane. Today, she is completely off her anti-depressants and blood pressure medications, and is running, lifting weights, doing squats, kick-boxing and more.

“Lynn likes doing the hard stuff that nobody else wants to do: like burpees and mountain climbers,” said Dustin. “It’s because I couldn’t ever do those things before and always wanted my body to be able to,” Lynn continued.

But, it has been a very long and very difficult road and the journey is still continuing today. “She will always have to work hard to keep this weight off, this is a complete lifestyle change,” said Dustin. The very first “work-out” that he gave Lynn was simply to step up and down an 8-inch step. When she fell he knew that this was unlike any other client he had ever worked with. “But the first thing I told her was,” Lynn, there’s no easy way to do this, you’re going to have to get through it,” he said. Lynn said that her life has completely changed for the better and that there is no stopping what she can do now.

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During the summer of 2015, Mathew Stuart decided to try out Parkour with his younger brother, who had happened upon KSG Parkour in Suwanee by chance after his birthday party at the park got rained out. He and his friends stopped into KSG Parkour and ended up having the party there. They had a blast! When Stuart came with his brother, he had seen Parkour videos on Youtube and loved it after trying it for the very first time. We sat down with Stuart to find out how Parkour has impacted his life:

Q: In what ways has Parkour positively influenced your life?

A: It’s given me almost like a community I can come

to. I’m very tight knit with all my friends here. It’s a place I can come to after school to get any stress out.

I’m very passionate about it. I’ve also become more confident, more sure of myself around other people.

I guess a little less awkward. I’ve relaxed a little bit more because I have somewhere to go.

Q: Parkour seems like more of an individual training, is that right?

A: Parkour is a team-oriented

sport also. If you are in there by yourself you are limited to what you know. If you are working with other people, you can learn from them and help inspire each other.

It’s really a friendly environment, everyone working together and building off each other’s skills, not working against each other.

Q: How do you like teaching?

A: I definitely like it. One student Mathew Stuart with KSG Parkour Owner and Coach, David Cruz

PHOTOS BY: PAUL PERDUE

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in particular, I have taught and watched him progress. He has gotten to the intermediate class and has learned all sorts of new moves and is getting creative. It’s amazing because he’s only around 10 or 11-years-old and is developing his own Parkour style this early on. I also really like helping with birthday parties. They are two hours and every time they have a blast.

What is Parkour? Parkour is a military-designed training which utilizes obstacle

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OT O

courses. The goal is to get from one point to another in a complex environment in the fastest and most efficient way possible. According to healthfitnessrevolution. com, Parkour encompasses total body fitness and includes running, climbing, jumping, swinging, vaulting, rolling and other movements. The training discipline builds core strength, agility, balance power, speed, coordination and reaction time. Additionally, it promotes quick-thinking skills, creativity and boosts confidence.

BY : JI

M LAC

EY

Q: Are there competitions in Parkour?

A: Yes- we have what we call Parkour Jams. The goal is to make the most creative free run you can. Get from point A to point B as creatively as possible using the gym and equipment. There are judges and awards.

Q: Do you get a good workout when you are here?

A: Yes. I go home tired every day. It helps with coordination and spacial awareness, plus it really builds strength. It works almost every part of your body, especially your core.

Q: What advice do you have for people wanting to try Parkour or start a new sport?

A: To not get frustrated. At first you will struggle and it will be difficult because you will see people that are way better than you, but you will progress. You can go at your own pace. You don’t have to worry about what other people are thinking, you just have to stick with it.

Parkour has had such an influence on Mathew, he wrote a college admissions essay about what it means to him: The Free dom of M ovement

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by Math eling of c ew Stua onfineme rt the urge n t w ithin my ow to expre s n s h creativit ead is on visually. I y in a phy e I despis do not do sical way e. I have this throu this crea always h where th gh interp ad tivity thr e creativ r e t iv ough an a e dance ity can b people ha or e r t s p f e a or e in n s always m known ting. Inst as Park been a c ead, I ex be, gettin our. Des hallenge press g from poi c b r u ib t I have d ing Park nt “A” t our to ecided t obstacle o point “B he best s instead ” a s descript c of r eatively avoiding do not ev ion would as possib them, by en have le. This m doing vau official n e identity lt a ns using s, wall ru ames. Th so meanin ns, flips, e gym, K gful to m and move SG Park a crucial e , s that t ou h r, has for at neglec part of w ting to sh med a ta ho I am.

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I e n d. jo t y cheesy, ed having with, but cliché bon when I fa a coach w would stil d il is h e o d I could ha a dash v l train me ve a good ault and so it would it was a landed f time n’t happe brand ne ace first n a w g a b in on a mat usiness w . When I year I wa , first arr ith very tched as ived at t few obst the gym he gym, seeing th acles for grew with e Parkou training. more obs Over the r classes tacles an talk of h next teeming d iring new p eople. I re w it h s c t oa u membere d c e h es. One d nts and called me d Coach D ay I was down. I ju avid bega on top of mped off next to h a n and Park wooden t to im. I do n ower whe our rolled ot recall n coach to brace gym that exactly h m day as t y fall and ow he as he latest ked me, ended up Parkour coach at but I rem right is often K ember th S G r e P f e a r r e at I left kour. true. At nced as the the art of the gym, I create motion, a demonst what is k nd I belie ration of n ve this is own as a the tech free run complete one contin niques I h , which is ly uous seq a v e le essentia a uence. W rned and thought ou ll y h a e m n a s I t c ered put reate my t and me together aningful. free run bigger pic Like a p , every s into ture tha a ingle mov in t in g t , is t h ement is v e individu isually ap and ofte al movem peasing. n reflect ents cre No two fr the pers movemen ate a ee runs a onality an t that not r e d e s x t actly the y le only allow of the ar crucial pa same me to ex tist. It is rt of my press wh this free identity o I am to dom of and who t he world, I am as a but serv person. e as a

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local food. craft beer. wine trends.

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RESTAURANT GUIDE 59

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PHOTO BY: KATE BLOHM

Chicken with brussel sprouts by PeachDish

Meal Kit CHALLENGE

BY: MICHELLE FASIG

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Blue Apron s a young professional, I often struggle with ways to eat healthily while coming up with creative meals that appeal to my inner gourmet chef. I have spent countless hours browsing cookbooks and surfing the web for time-friendly, flavorful meals that I can whip together after work. I begin my week with one big haul at the grocery store for everything I think I will need to last me through Friday.

Unfortunately, living in a single-person household, I am often forced to buy a whole container of eggs when I only need one, or a half-gallon of milk when I only need a tablespoon. I have easily thrown away more money than I would comfortably admit in wasted food. More often than not, I end up spending the better half of my evening either prepping for a meal, or, sadly, if I give up, at the Zaxby’s drive-through spending too much money on wings.

Recently a friend of mine suggested that I try the Meal Delivery Kit route. Pre-packed, perfectly portioned boxes delivered straight to your doorstep promising easy, creative meals with a guarantee to de-stress your night. Sign me up! This past month I have taken on what I affectionately call the “Meal Kit Challenge,” and tried three of the most popular delivery services: Blue Apron, Hello Fresh and PeachDish.

Smoked Trout Tartine from Blue Apron

My month began with a box from Blue Apron. When the box arrived, I was excited to see a box with fresh produce, however my excitement quickly turned to confusion when I saw the only protein I had received was a small portion of smoked trout. Upon reviewing my recipe cards, I realized my dishes were largely vegetarian. While I do love vegetarian food every now and again, I am a steak-lover through and through.

Nonetheless, I was excited to get started and see if Blue Apron lived up to the hype as being the most popular food delivery service.

Over the course of the week I made Smoked Trout Tartine, Spinach and Ricotta Pizza, and Thai Green Coconut Curry. What I found was it took quite a bit of prep work. Additionally, the servings were not as large as I originally anticipated. Even eating only one portion, I found that there really wasn’t enough to bring into work for lunch. While the food was flavorful and satisfying, I personally cannot justify the amount of time each dish took to prepare. For a someone looking for new recipes with an evening to devote to cooking, this box is a great choice.

Spinach and Ricotta Pizza from Blue Apron

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Hello Fresh The second service to the plate was Hello Fresh. When I received my box from Hello Fresh, I was pleased to discover that every meal was packaged inside its own small individual box, and completely preportioned. Unlike Blue Apron where you have to match the produce to the recipes, all of the work had been done for you. Described online as a service for “beginner chefs,” Hello Fresh does its best to eliminate any guesswork.

The meals I received were Pistachio Crusted Chicken, Shepherds Pie and Citrusy Pork Tenderloin.

Hello Fresh was by far the simplest meal delivery service for me.

The instructions included large pictures and simple instructions without a lot of multitasking. This made the dishes easy to execute and kept the mess in my kitchen to a minimum. I was excited by the meal combinations and am keeping the recipes for my own personal repertoire.

For a busy working woman, this service seemed like a terrific solution.

Beef and Mushroom Burger from PeachDish

Shepards Pie from Hello Fresh

PEACHDISH The last box I received was from the local, Atlanta-based, meal-delivery service: PeachDish. This box had me the most excited- boasting Southern-infused, seasonal dishes with locally sourced ingredients. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the PeachDish box. You can immediately see just how fresh the produce is in a PeachDish box. From oyster mushrooms to large handpicked carrots, the produce looked better than anything I would find in my local grocery store. Included is also a list of each week’s supplies so you know exactly which local farm your produce came from. My box came with the ingredients for a Beef and Mushroom “blended burger” with glazed root vegetables and Chicken with Brussel Sprouts and Bacon.

The recipes were inventive and healthy, and I really enjoyed learning just how to work all of the ingredients together. This box is definitely not for the novice chef, but for someone who has time to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen and isn’t afraid to try something new. While the meals are delicious, this box, much like Blue Apron, does take a bit of prep work. However, the end result was flavorful and worth the effort. Blending fresh mushrooms in with the ground beef for the burger to create a larger patty was a trick I have personally not tried before, and was blown away by how hearty and filling this healthy meal was. The dishes are chef inspired, health conscious and inventive. If I had time during the workweek, this is a box I would definitely be subscribing to.

PHOTOS BY: KATE BLOHM

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Go-Grill

GUIDE BEST AREA DINING OPTIONS FROM FINE DINING TO FUN FAMILY FARE Dollar signs indicate the typical cost per person for meal, includes one non-alcoholic drink, tax and tip. $ UNDER $10 $$ $11 - $30 $$$ $31 - $50 $$$$ MORE THAN $50

1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.

Suwanee I Suite 190 I 678.541.5858 GoGrillAtlanta.com I $ Go-Grill Atlanta brings fresh and healthier options to the fast food franchise! Now open at their Suwanee location. Choose from a large selection of meats and seafood, vegetables, rice, noodles, and tasty sauce to be grilled to perfection. Add a taste of sweet desserts or delicious beer and wine beverages. Dine-in for 15% off your entire bill! (Alcohol not included. Must present ad coupon. Expires 2/28/17.)

Valentino's Bakery

3294 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Ste. 1004 Duluth 678-878-4772 ValentinosBakeryInc.com I $ Chef Valentino is treating the US with his pastry talents brought all the way from Venezuela. With over 50 years of experience in the baking industry, Chef Valentino carefully crafts goodies not only full of flavor, but attractive in appearance. Stop by his bakery in Duluth to try his famous milhojas, flan, and fruit tart or any other decadently created pastry or dessert!

Bare Bones Steakhouse

115 E. Main St., Suite C-12 Buford I 470-266-1890 I BareBonesSteakhouse.com $$$

Located in the Bona Allen building of downtown, historic Buford, Bare Bones Steakhouse provides an atmosphere of character and originality. This classic, traditional steakhouse restaurant and bar also offers a comfortable lounge and additional space to host your next party or event. Stop by Tuesday through Thursday to add a free cheesecake dessert to your dinner and half priced appetizers from 4-6pm!

WANT MORE? STAY CONNECTED WITH SUWANEE MAGAZINE. FOLLOW, TWEET, SHARE >

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ITALIAN

Suwanee Pizza Tavern

1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd I Suwanee 678-546-0823 I SPTavern.com I $$

I

Suite 150

Suwanee Pizza Tavern is known for their made-from-scratch, wood-fired pizza, garlic knots, wings, sandwiches, pastas, and friendly atmosphere. The open pizza pit showcases their wood-fired oven where you can watch their pizza chef create your pizza. The dining area is perfect for a family outing, or you can head over to their signature bar with your friends to watch your favorite sports on the flat screen TVs. Visit Suwanee Pizza Tavern, your local upscale pizza tavern!

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MEXICAN

Cinco

1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suite 100 I Suwanee 678-541-0645 CincoRestaurants.com I $$

Kids eat free Monday & Tuesday, hand-crafted margaritas, extensive tequila list, daily drink specials, Sunday brunch and live entertainment Friday nights!

AMERICAN

The Diner at Sugar Hill

4500 Nelson Brogdon Blvd., Buford I 770.831.0180 TheDinerAtSugarHill.com I $$ Visit The Diner at Sugar Hill for all your breakfast, lunch, and dinner hometown grill favorites! Choose from an extensive selection of comfort foods and gourmet entrees and top off your meal with a cocktail. The Diner at Sugar Hill also offers both on-site and off-site catering services for you to enjoy hosting at your own location or in their private dining area.

PK-Tunn Bar & Grill

3103 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Suwanee I 678.288.9632 PKTunn.net I $ Stop by PK-Tunn Lounge, Bar & Grill on Tuesday through Sunday evenings to try the best lamb burger in town! Offering a delicious dinner menu, fully stocked bar, and themed nights each week, PK-Tunn is a perfect Suwanee destination for a night of food and fun. Relax and hang out with friends or reserve your next party or event!

CHINESE

Peking Restaurant

360 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.

Suite 101-A I Suwanee 770.271.3778 PekingOfSuwanee.com I $ Serving the best Chinese food in Suwanee since 2007! Offering a full lunch and dinner menu with an abundance of options including appetizers, soups, fried rice, pan fried noodles, seafood, egg fu young, poultry, lo mein, chow mein, and vegetables. Call Peking Restaurant for your Suwanee delivery or carry-out order or dine-in to enjoy a beer or wine beverage!

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BY: Claire Addison BEVERAGE SUPERSTORE

Best Low calorie and diet-friendly alcoholic drinks for the new year!

Low-Cal SIPS

As 2017 unfolds, we are all reminded of some traditional resolutions most of us will abandon by February. After all, why would we want to swap potato chips for kale, break out a blender, and stop drinking alcohol because of those pesky calories? While most of us would abandon a gym membership faster than a speeding bullet, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to cut out food that can be both healthy and enjoyable, just like we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to forget how to unwind with a glass of vino in your favorite spandex pants.

Knowing is half the battle, so here is your sword, shield, and coat of arms.

The French and Italian are usually very good at two things: making beautiful wines and being beautiful people. How can two cultures that celebrate food and wine the way they do not all be overweight? The answer is in the wine: most of the ABVs in Europe are governed by some very strict laws. Also, white wines are generally lower in alcohol, but be careful of those Moscatos with all of the added sugars!

Stick to a Riesling like Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl (recently added to the Wine Spectators Top 100 of 2016) at $10.99 a bottle or a crisp Vinho Verde like Casal Garcia at only $8.99!

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Stella & Mosca

La Cala Vermentino Di Sardegna For the Pinot Grigio lovers, a great alternative is the Stella & Mosca La Cala Vermentino Di Sardegna at $12.99 a bottle. This Italian wine is from the small island off the coast of Rome in the Mediterranean Sea. This Vermentino is a great alternative to Pinot Grigio because it is still light and supple with a ripe fruit and mineral flavor. But, what keeps it the healthier alternative is that it uses very little sugar in the wine making process which allows the grapes to speak for themselves and also keeps the calories down.

savor

If you must have a margarita, be careful about your mixers!

Instead of buying florescent, overly sweetened mixes, make a better choice and grab an organic one like Tres Agaves Organic Margarita Mix for only $7.99.

Not only is it the tastiest margarita on the market, it only has 68 calories. That’s less than half of the other ones you’ll find on the shelves.

ONLY HAS 68 CALORIES

For beers, just go with the previously stated rule of thumb: ABV. Most of the higher gravity beers (meaning high alcohol content) are saturated with extra calories. Some beers will be labeled “Session”, indicating a lighter ABV, which would be a safe bet if you plan on having more than a few. Founders Brewing has been making their All Day IPA for a few years now, but have recently started offering them in 15 packs: making it easy to share with your gym (or gym-avoiding) friends! A 6-pack will run you $9.99.

Eventide’s

KOLSCH

Locally brewed in Atlanta, Eventide Kölsch is a very light German style of beer with a hint of lemongrass. The residual sugars are kept out of this beer and that allows for the malt to shine through with a touch of hops on the finish. This beer is a great alternative to some of the tropical IPAs that have become so popular over the past few years.

All Day IPA from Founders Brewing Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan is a session IPA with a clean finish.

Creature Comfort’s

BIBO Other lighter types of beers that still pack a punch when it comes to flavor include Kölsch or Pilsners. Try a couple local offerings like Eventide Kölsch or Creature Comfort’s Bibo Pilsner, both at $9.99/ six pack.

Athens-based Creature Comfort’s Bibo is a great alternative to your typical Pilsner in that it’s more hoppy than most Pilsners.

This beer also features hints of lemon with some more earthy hops.

While the beverages we’ve mentioned are light and lower in calories, you do not have to worry about sacrificing overall drinkability or flavor. So, CHEERS to a resolution we can stick to!

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What's

H E A L T H

Brewing

E D I T I O N

The guys and gals at SweetWater Brewing Co. have a unique challenge in that they are surrounded by beer all day every day – a fresh pint is just one tap pull away. So we asked:

Can Beer Be a Part of a Healthy Lifestyle?

While the brewers’ jobs are physically demanding and require a lot of moving and lifting, the office employees burn extra calories by using standing desks. Employees take part in free classes, ranging from visiting barre and yoga

instructors, to cycling studios who’ve set up stationary bikes for a spin class on the brewery patio. On Fridays, some brewery employees participate in a bodyweight group workout, taught by a fellow employee.

Cyc Fitness in Buckhead brings in bikes and teaches a cycling class to the SweetWater Brewing staff

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Need some beer/fitness inspiration?

Meet a few SweetWater employees who have the balance down:

Doug Wright Director of Retail Operations I STAY ACTIVE BY: Running whenever I can – I love trails, but road will suffice. The North Georgia Mountains are a favorite spot to run and hike for my wife Lauren and me. Mountain biking at Chicopee Woods breaks the monotony of running if needed, and in the warmer season, love getting out on a stand up paddleboard (SUP) to explore Lake Lanier or take the canoe down the Chattahoochee River.

ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M PROUD OF: 2006 Northbound Thru Hike of the Appalachian Trail, which redirected my life. More recently, completing my first of two 50K running races.

MY BEST WELLNESS TIP IS: Consistency. I exercise not only for the physical attributes but for the mind. There is a notable difference when I have not been out generating endorphins. It’s not about the first time you get out, for the second time is most important.

< POST WORKOUT BEER OF CHOICE: 420

Michelle Moulton

Accounts Payable Coordinator I STAY ACTIVE BY: Getting outside whenever I can.

That might be biking to/from work, walking around town avoiding traffic, or hitting the gym for a swim or workout. My favorite activity, however, is paddle boarding. I compete in SUP races throughout the southeast and head to Stone Mountain for a quick paddle session when time allows.

ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M PROUD OF: Completing two Tough Mudders – obstacles included!

MY BEST WELLNESS TIP IS: Listen to your body and don’t push yourself so hard that you injure yourself.

< POST WORKOUT BEER OF CHOICE: Goin’ Coastal IPA with Pineapple

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savor

Joe Simmons HR Director

I STAY ACTIVE BY: Doing a lot of calisthenics routines and boxing for the majority of my exercise. I enjoy biking, hiking, kayaking, and climbing trees or rocks. Anything that gets me outdoors and gets my blood pumping is always a good thing. I also try to stand for the majority of the day while working.

ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M PROUD OF: I competed in martial arts for many years and won five different regional and national titles. After getting tired of being hit in the face, I started Jiu-jitsu and do that when I can.

I have also completed many obstacle races and placed 4th out of 2,500 in my last Zombie Run. Super fun.

MY BEST WELLNESS TIP IS: Train smarter, not harder. This can be accomplished by finding an eating plan that works for you There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The best diet for you is the one that you can stick to. In In the colder the end, if your nutrition is not right, you will struggle to reach months, Festive is your goals.

< POST WORKOUT BEER OF CHOICE the go-to.

Tucker Sarkisian

Communications Director

I STAY ACTIVE BY: Breaking a serious sweat in a mix of group fitness classes, 6 days a week: spin (Flywheel), barre (Flybarre), mega-reformer (Stellar Bodies), and HIIT (The Training Room). Once a week, I’ll do a round of heavy weights in the gym (Exhale) by myself, and on Fridays, I teach bodyweight classes at the brewery – they’re based on the SUP classes I teach during the summer! Plus, I typically run one race (5 – 10K) every month.

ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M PROUD OF: I like to joke and say that I’ve never been a standout on a sports team, but I’m the best at exercise. I’m proud of my daily dedication in the gym.

POST-WORKOUT BEER > OF CHOICE:

Hash Session IPA is a lower ABV (4.2%) brew and is incredibly refreshing post-cardio.

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The team at SweetWater Brewing proves that with moderation, staying active and keeping workouts fun, beer can be part of a healthy lifestyle. So grab your beer-loving friends for a group workout class or outdoor activity, then enjoy the health benefits of knocking back a hoppy, cold one.

JAN / FEB 17

Suwanee’s Most Thirst-Quenching Festival Returns

Craft beer-lovers favorite yearly tradition, the award-winning, Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest 2017 returns to Town Center Park on March 18th with more beer and more fun!

BY: MICHELLE FASIG / PHOTO BY: KARL LAMB

decked out in their best St. Paddy’s gear. The festival t’s almost that time of year again - time for the boasts live entertainment, delicious food, festival 7th Annual Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest! games, art, local vendors as well as being the home for Last year was the biggest and best year yet, and one of the largest home brew event organizers this competitions in the state of year have promised to top it!

Georgia- sponsored by Brew Taking up the entire footprint Depot! Each year local home of Suwanee Town Center Park, brewers go head to head in Suwanee Beer Fest continues to a battle to be crowned “Best grow in size while maintaining in Show!” Let’s not forget the reputation as one of the the “Best Beer in Georgia” best beer festivals in the South. competition; local Georgia The new and improved breweries each submit a layout at the festival last beer to be chosen by festival year saw festival attendees attendees as the best with benefit from shorter lines, live tracking updated in more bathrooms and easier real-time with each pour with navigation throughout the For those who want to guarantee their tickets DraftServ technologies. festival. Surprises like Giant to this sell-out event, the event organizers have For those who truly want Jenga, a live bagpiper and great news! You can beat the rush and get your a VIP experience, there is no Wii dance competitions kept ticket early. Suwanee Magazine is proud to present better place than the VIP the brand new Festival 3 Pack. This pass grants the festival surprising and fun admission into all three of Gwinnett County’s most tent. With exclusive beers while keeping the integrity of a popular festivals- the 2017 Suwanee Beer Fest, and a delicious catered food true craft beer lover’s festival.

Gwinnett Beer Fest and Suwanee Wine Fest. spread - the VIP tent is the As the festival continues to true craft beer lovers dream. grow, event organizers have

The Festival 3 Pack card also provides But don’t wait; VIP tickets promised to stay committed to exclusive perks throughout the year for the sell out each year in less improving the festival attendees true craft beer and wine aficionado, including: than 5 minutes. Tickets go experience. a free SweetWater Brewery tour, a free “Drink on sale promptly at noon on Here” Wild Heaven Brewery tour, 50% off a February 3rd. ■ Monday Night Brewery tour, 50% off one festival

GUARANTEE YOUR TICKETS!

The Largest Craft Beer Festival in Georgia

Each year thousands of people descend on Suwanee Town Center Park to drink their share of unlimited samples of over 300 different craft beers while

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merchandise item, and $10 off your purchase of $30 or more at Marlow’s Tavern!

General Admission 3 Packs are only $99, meaning 3 Pack holders are essentially receiving entry to one event completely free! VIP 3 Packs are available as well for a discounted rate of $299 - perfect for beer and wine lovers who want to guarantee access to the exclusive VIP areas of these events. Remember, VIP tickets sell out in minutesso this is the perfect opportunity to buy! Details available at Festival3Pack.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS, GO TO:

SuwaneeBeerFest.com

GWINNETT DAILY POST READER'S CHOICE

BEST FESTIVAL IN GWINNETT 3 YEARS RUNNING

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TICKETS ON SALE FEB. 3RD @ NOON! $45 / VIP $110

SuwaneeBeerFest.com

Latest from in and THE The Around Suwanee

Suwanee Police earn re-accreditation with excellence The Suwanee Police Department recently attained reaccreditation with excellence from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Police Chief Mike Jones and other agency representatives were awarded the agency’s re-accreditation at the CALEA conference in Charleston, South Carolina on November 5, 2016.

CALEA assessors spent several days evaluating the department in June, examining all aspects of Suwanee Police policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services.

Verification by an outside assessment team is part of a voluntary process, confirming that the Suwanee Police Department meets the CALEA commission’s state-of-the-art standards.

Accreditation is a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence.

Newport News, Virginia, Assistant Police Chief, Stacy Kelly, team leader of the assessment team said in his report, “The Suwanee Police Department is an extremely professional organization and they should serve as an example for other law enforcement agencies across the country.”

City of Suwanee launches open budget website In an effort to provide complete and clear financial information, the City of Suwanee has launched its open data budget website, ensuring that city financial data is easily accessible and understandable for citizens.

The City leveraged Seattle-based Socrata’s suite of applications to publish their online budget data quickly, economically, and in a consumer-friendly way. Citizens and staff see financial data in charts, graphs, and images that are attractive, navigable, and easy to understand.

“We’re big believers in authenticity and transparency in government, and that certainly includes our financials. This is the taxpayers’ money, and it’s their right to know that we are being fiscally “We’re big responsible for their dollars,” said Amie believers in Sakmar, Suwanee’s Director of Finance. authenticity and “We will be using the open budget transparency in program to replace our monthly government, and financial reports for departments that certainly and council,” said Sakmar. “The new includes our program will allow departments and council to obtain current data in a financials. This is the taxpayers’ simple, non-technical manner. The ability to obtain current information money, and it’s in different formats will help decision their right to makers be successful in monitoring know that we are being fiscally financial data, understanding trends, and identify budgetary problems before responsible for they occur.” their dollars” Visit Budget.Suwanee.com to explore the open budget.

Amie Sakmar City of Suwanee’s Director of Finance

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Tires Plus opens in Suwanee Suwanee welcomed Tires Plus with a ribbon cutting ceremony as the first official Tires Plus lab store in the country.

Tires Plus Suwanee is designed to develop and test new ideas, concepts and innovations in a controlled setting with the aim to be ranked among the most admired customer service companies and to be the most trusted provider of automotive care in every neighborhood they serve.

4070 Johns Creek Pkwy, Suwanee, GA 30024

Suwanee Wine Fest donates to Annandale Village For the fourth year in a row, the organizers of Suwanee Wine Fest donated a portion of event proceeds to local nonprofit, Annandale Village. The 4th Annual Suwanee Wine Fest took place on Saturday, November 5th in Town Center Park with over one thousand wine lovers attending the event. Annandale Village is an awardwinning facility in Suwanee that provides life assistance to adults with developmental disabilities or brain injuries.

Affectionately called “Villagers,” the people that live at Annandale Village are able to participate in a wide variety of programs, extracurricular activities, classes and even jobs, so that they can maintain independence in the least restrictive environment. Keith Fenton, Chief Development & Marketing Officer of Annandale Village, loves calling the City of Suwanee home because, “The citizens believe in our mission and the impact we have on the lives of those with developmental disabilities. This donation truly does make a difference. Thank You.”

Totes 2 Tots drive to collect suitcases for foster children Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) and Northside Hospital are hosting the 15th annual Totes 2 Tots drive to collect backpacks and suitcases for foster children in Georgia.

Donations of new or nearly new backpacks, duffel bags and suitcases will be accepted at locations across the state: • THURSDAY, JAN. 12, 10 A.M.-2 P.M. GCS CAMP CREEK AND HAWKINSVILLE • FRIDAY, JAN. 13, 10 A.M.-2 P.M. ALL METRO ATLANTA AND NORTH GEORGIA GCS LOCATIONS • SATURDAY, JAN. 14, 10 A.M.-2 P.M. NEW APOSTOLIC CHURCH, COLUMBUS GCS and Northside Hospital partner with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to distribute the bags in the counties in which they’re collected. For more information about Totes 2 Tots and a list of drop-off locations, visit fb.com/totes2tots.

To make a secure online donation, visit give. northside.com/totes2tots.

Totes 2 Tots aims to give every foster child in Georgia a new or gently used backpack, duffel bag or suitcase. Since Totes 2 Tots launched in 2003, the annual volunteer event has collected and distributed more than 48,000 bags.

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New pre-owned Apple® device business comes to Suwanee After many years in the corporate world as an accountant, Marie Umberger is now leveraging her years of work experience to open her own business. Experimac provides pre-owned Apple® computers and devices; repair and upgrade services for laptops, phones and tablets; tradeins of existing devices; and sales of accessories.

Umberger’s Experimac is the newest concept from industry veteran United Franchise Group to serve customers throughout the area by providing premium Apple® devices without the premium price tag.

Experimac specializes in selling pre-owned Apple®

Suwanee Magazine’s Cutest Pup Contest

products that can be sold at a price point that is accessible to a much-wider range of customers.

Experimac customers typically enjoy average savings of 60 percent on pre-owned Apple® products over big-box retailers. And Experimac takes the risk out of purchasing pre-owned equipment with a 90-day guarantee. If something breaks, Experimac will repair or replace the defective part at no cost.

“I believe the economic climate is good for our business sector,” Umberger said. “We can get people quality computers at a lower cost than new and we can also extend the life of their current computers with upgrades such as SSD drives and RAM upgrades.”

To contact Umberger or for more information about Experimac, visit Experimac.com/Suwanee-GA or call (678) 765-7625.

Does your pup have 2016 Winner, French Fry what it takes to be crowned “Cutest Pup” in Suwanee? Suwanee Magazines Cutest Pup contest is back for the fifth year in a row, and this time with even more great prizes! Sponsored by Pooch N Paws, Blue Grasshopper Creations and Splash and Dash, your furry friend could win: ■ A feature in the March/April issue of Suwanee Magazine

■ A luxury gift basket from Pooch N Paws Pet Boutique & Bakery

■ A custom print bowtie, bow or bandana handmade from Blue Grasshopper Creations

■ A free grooming session + one month unlimited free bath & brush service from Splash and Dash Groomerie and Boutique Submit your photo and entry from January 9th – 23rd.

Then tell all your family and friends to vote during the two week voting period from January 25th – February 8th. Only one vote per email address is permitted, per day. Contest rules are subject to change. Details at suwaneemagazine.com.

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the buzz

Two new salon / spas open in Suwanee Tim Hardy of Greater Atlanta Christian School named Coach of the Year

Full Circle Salon & Spa On Saturday, November 12th, Suwanee welcomed new business Full Circle Salon & Spa. This worldclass spa is located off of Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road in the heart of Suwanee. Stop by to get your hair pampered and treated by professional stylists to maintain a healthy color and glow. Â 3131 LawrencevilleSuwanee Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024

Majestic Nail Bar Majestic Nail Bar hosted their grand opening on Friday, October 21st. Located on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Suwanee, Majestic Nail Bar is a luxury spa with world-class service. This salon and spa was designed for personalized client care with customdesigned services and treatments using only high quality industry products and natural ingredients. Service is their core operating principle with all staff highly trained and knowledgeable. 1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suwanee, GA 30024

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The Atlanta Area Football Officials Association named Tim Hardy as their 2016 Coach of the Year.

Coach Hardy was selected by the Association not only because of his ability to teach the game, but because he demonstrates great respect for the officials who make difficult calls on the field during play. Tim was honored at the awards banquet at Georgia Tech University on December 12th.

GAC President, Dr. David Fincher, shared "We at Greater Atlanta Christian School are immensely proud of Coach Tim Hardy. This recognition is particularly telling, as officials on the field often get to see a different view of coaches. To be honored by the Officials Association speaks volumes; not only about Coach Hardy's football expertise, but also about the character he builds in GAC's young men. And those qualities will long outlast a winning season."

citybuzz

The Jolly Holly Day Friday, December 2nd TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

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ON THE SCENE

Suwanee Classic Car Show

Sunday,, November 6th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

VIEW MORE PEOPLE & PLACES PICS @

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Suwanee Wine Fest

Saturday, November 5th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

VIEW MORE PEOPLE & PLACES PICS @

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people & places

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SBA December Meeting

Wednesday, December 14th SUWANEE CITY HALL

PHOTOS BY: ANGELA VEUGELER

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VIEW MORE PEOPLE & PLACES PICS @

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people & places

SBA November Meeting

Wednesday, November 9th SALON GRECO

PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE

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calendar buzz the

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GWINNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS BACK IN SESSION ________________

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Sims Lake Park

January 16th

January 7th @ 9:00 am - 4:00pm _______________________________________

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BRING ONE FOR THE CHIPPER CHRISTMAS TREECYCLING _______________________

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January 2017

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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY GWINNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS HOLIDAY ____________________

February 2017

HAPPY FEAT NIGHT TO SHINE PROM _____________________________ February 10th _____________________________

Gwinnett Church _____________________________ For more details, to register or sponsor a guest visit: happyfeat.org

JAN / FEB 17

THINGS TO DO THIS JAN. & FEB. 2017

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GWINNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS HOLIDAY ____________________ February 10th

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VALENTINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY _________________ February 14th

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THE SUSAN CHAMBERS DANCE COMPANY PRESENTS DANCIN' & SINGIN' THE NIGHT AWAY ______________________________________________ February 17th @ 7:00 pm ______________________________________________

Infinite Energy Center

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PRESIDENTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAY GWINNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS STUDENT HOLIDAY __________________________ February 20th

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GWINNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS EARLY RELEASE- ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS ____________________________ February 22nd & 23rd

thru Mar.

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RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS PRESENTS OUT OF THIS WORLD _________________________ Feb. 23rd - Mar. 5th _________________________

Infinite Energy Center

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GEORGIA FITNESS HALF & _________________________ FULL MARATHON Feb. 26 @ 7:00 am _________________________

Town Center Park _________________________ For more information or to register, visit georgiafitness.com

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