February 2016
News from the Hamilton Mill Community Association
Hamilton Mill Contact Information On the Cover: Hamilton Mill Golf Club
FirstService Residential On-Site Property Management Ph: 678.546.3737 1669 Hamilton Mill Parkway, Dacula, GA 30019 Office Hours: M, W, F 9am-5pm; T & TH 9am-7pm Email: PropertyManager@Hmill.com Corporate Office
(for after-hours common area maintenance emergencies)
Above: Newly renovated Hamilton Mill Golf Club Club House
from the board of
directors A Message from the Board
Please welcome your 2016 Board of Directors
Dale Robbins Tony Hinnant Liz Carter Karen Taylor Chris Singleton Megan Kaderli Kyle Shields
We look forward to working with you to better our community 2 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
Customer Care Center: 877.411.1165 After Hours Emergency: 678.624.9453 1235 Old Alpharetta Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005 Activities Department Email: hmillevents@gmail.com
You are welcome to contact the Activities Office via email at hmillevents@gmail.com for information on planned events, schedule an appointment to view or reserve the clubroom and/ or conference room, or to RSVP for an event. Tennis Shop Ph: 770.945.6452 Jeff Dudacek: On-Site Tennis Pro Gwinnett Police Non-Emergency Ph: 770.513.5700 Street Maintenance Contact Gwinnett County at 770.822.7474 to report a problem with street, curb or sidewalk. Mailbox Replacement/Repair All mailboxes must be the same as a Community-Wide Standard: STYLE 311K • Addresses of Distinction: Ph: 770.436.6198 www.aodmailboxes.com • Imperial Mailbox Systems: Ph: 800.647.0777 These are resources only, no recommendations or assurances are made by the Association.
Amenity Card Replacement Hamilton Mill Amenity Cards are available to good-standing residents. Please call 678.546.3737 or 678.546.1597 to set up an appointment. Replacement cards/tenant cards are $25 each. Check or money order ONLY. No cash or credit cards accepted. Lost Dog/Cats/Animal Disturbances If you have lost your pet, please email the On-Site Property Management and they will be happy to email the community. Please also contact the Gwinnett County Animal Control at 770-513-5100 to report your lost pet or a dangerous pet is running loose.
Inside This Issue
Upcoming
Events Valentine’s Day February 14th! ............................................... Page 11 Trivia Night February 20th! ............................................... Page 11 Spring Carnival March 12th! ............................................... Page 11 Simply Streisand May 1st! ............................................... Page 11
inside this
Issue
Contact Information ................................................. Page 2 Helpful Numbers ....................................................... Page 4 Recipes ......................................................................... Page 6 Association News...................................................... Page 4 Community Calendar ............................................Page 10 Upcoming Events....................................................Page 11 Social News & Events............................................Page 12 Groups and Clubs...................................................Page 16 Helpful Hints..............................................................Page 20 Community Information........................................Page 22 To advertise in the Hometown Herald, please contact Bobbie Gittens at The Times - 770.535.6332 - bgittens@gainesvilletimes.com The Hometown Herald is a publication of The Times. Subject matter published is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher of this newsletter. Professional advice should be obtained before making any decision in which a professional is readily available. Advertisers assume responsibility for the content of the ads placed in publication. Material published may not be reproduced without the written permission of The Times. The information and advertisements contained in this Newsletter are provided for the members of the Hamilton Mill Homeowners Association as a courtesy only. No representations are made as to information presented, the quality of the goods or services advertised, or the veracity of the statements relating to the goods and services. The printing of opinions, information or advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by the Neighborhood or such opinions, information, goods or services.
Real Estate Update..................................................Page 28 Kids Corner ...............................................................Page 30 Swim Team News ....................................................Page 32 Tennis News ..............................................................Page 34 Community News ....................................................Page 38 Like Hamilton Mill, A Hometown on Facebook
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 3
Hamilton Helpful Numbers Mill Association News Government Services
Emergency ............................................................................ 911 Police Headquarters............................................... 770.513.5000 Non Emergency...................................................... 770.513.5700 Gwinnett Sheriff/Jail................................................ 770.619.6500 County Courthouse................................................. 770.822.8000 Dacula City Hall...................................................... 770.963.7451 Dacula Post Office.................................................. 770.962.4390 Poison Control........................................................ 404.616.9000 Fire Headquarters................................................... 678.518.5018 Station 18............................................................... 678.518.5018 Tag Office............................................................... 770.822.8801 Drivers License Services........................................ 770.995.6855 Property Tax........................................................... 770.822.8800 Voter Registration................................................... 770.226.7210 Animal Control........................................................ 770.339.3200 Gwinnett Senior Services....................................... 770.822.8850 Utilities
BFI Waste Management......................................... 678.963.2800 Water Resources.................................................... 770.376.6800 Buford Gas............................................................. 770.945.6761 Jackson EMC/Street Light Outage......................... 770.963.6166 Charter Communications........................................ 678.410.9362 AT&T....................................................................... 800.436.8638 Direct Satellite/Dish Network.................................. 678.714.1495 For a complete listing of Gwinnett County Departments, please visit www.gwinnettcounty.com/portal/gwinnett/Departments
Calling All Entries
Do you have an interesting article or picture about Hamilton Mill? If so we would love to know about it! Please send resident articles or information to Activities@Hmill.com for consideration for our next edition. 4 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
Public Schools
Puckett’s Mill Elementary School........................... 678.765.5110 www.pmseonline.org Osborne Middle School.......................................... 770.904.5400 www.gwinnett.k12/ha.us/OsborneMS.home.org Millcreek High School............................................. 678.714.5850 www.millcreekhighschool.org Dacula High School................................................ 770.963.6664 www.daculahs.org Private Schools
Hebron Christian Academy..................................... 770.962.5423 Dacula Classical Academy..................................... 678.377.0080 Dominion Classical Christian Academy..................770-338-7945 Sugar Hill Christian Academy.................................678-745-4121 Greater Atlanta Christian........................................770-243-2258 Hospitals/Urgent Care
Gwinnett Medical Center.......................................... 77.995.4321 Northeast Georgia Medical Center......................... 770.219.9000 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.............................404.150.KIDS Northeast Georgia Urgent Care.............................. 770.848.6195 Recreation
Hamilton Mill Activities Office.................................... 77.546.1597 Community After Hours emergency........................ 404.835.9100 Millcreek Athletic Association................................millcreekaa.net Dacula Soccer................................................. dscrevolution.com Bogan Park (for reservations at any park).............. 678.227.0850 Gwinnett County Public Library.............................. 770.978.5154 Gwinnett County Cultural Center............................ 770.813.7500 Lake Lanier Islands...............................................800.840.LAKE Road Atlanta......................................................... 800.849.RACE
Hamilton Mill Recipes
Brownie Tart Ingredients 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter 3 1/4 cups (20 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips 3 extra-large eggs 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup (4 ounces) chopped walnuts 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream Directions Grease and flour a 9-inch tart pan with removable sides. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Melt the butter in a bowl set over simmering water. Add 2 cups of the chocolate chips, remove from the heat, and stir until the chocolate melts. Set aside to cool completely. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs, sugar, coffee, and vanilla on mediumhigh speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Stir in the cooled chocolate. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, 1 cup of the chocolate chips, and the walnuts. Fold the flour mixture into the batter until just combined. Pour into the pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is puffed (the top may crack). The inside will still be very soft. Cool to room temperature before removing the sides of the tart pan. Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips with the heavy cream and drizzle on the tart.
6 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
Hamilton Mill Recipies
Skillet Potatoes
8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter 4 cloves garlic, chopped 2 russet potatoes, skin left on Salt 3 sprigs fresh thyme leaves Directions Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Heat a 10-inch cast-iron or nonstick skillet over low heat. Add the butter; when melted, add the garlic and cook until soft but not browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Slice the potatoes on a mandoline set to 3mm (about the thickness of 3 credit cards). Place the potatoes in a large bowl; add the melted garlic butter and sprinkle with salt. Toss well to ensure all the slices are coated. Place the skillet used for the butter over low heat. Carefully layer the potato slices in the skillet, overlapping them in a circular pattern starting from the edge of the skillet and working towards the center. Continue until you have about five layers of potatoes. Set a medium pot lid (6 to 8 inches wide) on directly on top of the potatoes. Then place a heavy pot on top of the lid to weight it down. Adjust the heat to medium-low and cook for about 15 minutes on the stovetop, then transfer to the oven and bake until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, another 15 minutes. (You can use a spatula to peek at the bottom to make sure it’s golden brown.) Remove the skillet from the oven and let the potatoes rest for 15 minutes. Remove the pot and lid, and place a plate upside down on the skillet. Using oven mitts, carefully turn the skillet over to release the potatoes onto the plate. Garnish with thyme leaves and serve. Recipe courtesy of Daphne Brogdon
Garlic- Roasted Chicken
Ingredients 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 skin-on, boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds) Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 2 heads garlic 4 sprigs fresh rosemary 4 slices sourdough bread, grilled or toasted 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar Directions Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook, skin-side down, until browned, about 5 minutes. Separate the heads of garlic into cloves but do not peel. Flip the chicken; add the garlic and rosemary to the skillet and transfer to the oven. Roast until the chicken is cooked through but still moist, 15 to 20 more minutes. Place the bread on a platter and top each slice with a chicken breast. Add the vinegar to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Add 3 tablespoons water and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Pour the sauce and garlic over the chicken and bread. Tip: You can squeeze the garlic out of its skin and spread on the chicken or bread.
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 7
Hamilton Mill Association News
New Year! New You! Fitness, Focus and Fun! Real self defense for all ages! Tang Soo Do • Bully Proof • Jiu-Jitsu Classes are filling up fast! First month $29 Ask about our family discounts Call us today!
770-335-8062
1885 Braselton Hwy, St E., Lawrenceville At the corner of Old P’Tree / Hwy 124
Our Newest Residents Hector A Davila Roger Williamson Saundra Plunkett Maddalena Reitano
Grounds & Facilities Update Happy New Year!!!
El Nino has arrived and has kept us all swamped. We enjoyed a warm December and now winter has set in but work continues. The pansies in several areas of the neighborhood has fed our local deer population this year. G&F is looking into adding deer netting to protect the flowers in the future. The rain has caused a delay in the completion of several projects. The Greenside entrance and volleyball court refurbishment, but should be complete at the time of this publication. The playground areas at Millview and Lakeview have had the mulch refreshed. Pine straw was installed after Thanksgiving and we increased some of the beds due to declining grass caused by shade. With the maturing of the neighborhood, the tree roots and canopy increase shading areas causing the grass to decline. Instead of fighting nature, beds have been increased. G&F will research adding ground cover to some areas as budget permits. The replacement of the Millview pool deck has been delayed until the end of the 2016 pool season. The weather just does not allow a huge construction project at this time. The lake dredging project is still on schedule for early 2016, pending permits. Irrigation replacement was completed at the Hog Mtn/HMill Parkway area where the county installed sidewalks. Some sod has been replaced in this area. Hamilton Mill Parkway by the Lakeview clubhouse has been the sight of many accidents. The grass area here is in sad shape. G&F has decided to wait until March to repair the sod in this area since the winter snow/ice season is upon us. Please note that the speed limit on the 2 lane parkway is 25 for a reason and slow down. G&F continues to focus on maintenance and improving our facilities. We meet the second Tuesday of every month and welcome new volunteers. With a neighborhood this large we ask that if you see something amiss to please report it. The best way is through hmill.com. Go to the Community Association Info. tab, go to committee and click on Grounds and Facilities. There is a prompt to an online reporting system. When this form is filled out, every G&F voting member and board member receives this along with our property manager. We do keep track of everything reported and this helps immensely. by, Laura Dillon Grounds and Facilities Chair 8 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
Gastroenterology Services now in Hamilton Mill. For nearly a decade, Gwinnett Medical Center has offered its awardwinning care right here in Hamilton Mill. Already featuring cardiology, orthopedics, women’s services and neurology specialty care as well as imaging, walk-in care and lab services, GMC is now proud to offer gastroenterology care at its Hamilton Mill campus. Learn more at gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/hamiltonmill.
This is Gwinnett Medical Center. This is now.
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 9
10 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
22
29 Board Meeting 6:45pm
21
28
30
27
24
17
10
3
Wednesday
4
28
25 6:00PM Choi Kwang Do
18 6:00PM Choi Kwang Do
11
6:00PM Choi Kwang Do
6:00PM Choi Kwang Do
Thursday
5
29
26
19
12
7:00pm Life in the Cul-de-Sac
Friday
6
30
27 11:00AM Choi Kwang Do
20 11:00AM Choi Kwang Do Trivia Night 7:00pm
13 11:00AM Choi Kwang Do
11:00AM Choi Kwang Do 2:00pm Life in the Cul-de-Sac
Saturday
Meetings Swim Team
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23
4:00PM Art with Wendy 6:00PM Choi Kwang Do
Notes
9
2
16
4:00PM Art with Wendy 6:00PM Choi Kwang Do
4:00PM Art with Wendy 6:00PM Choi Kwang Do
4:00PM Art with Wendy 6:00PM Choi Kwang Do
Tuesday
Join us for any of the listed events RSVP to Hmillevents@gmail.com!
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14
1
8
Monday
7
Sunday
2016
February Fitness/Class Camps Social Events
Calendar Sponsored by: Gwinnett Medical Center See ad on page 7
Hamilton Mill Calendar
Hamilton Mill Social News & Events
Upcoming Events Great opportunities for fun! feb
14
march
12
Valentine’s Day February 18th
Spring Carnival March 12th
feb
20
may
1
Trivia Night February 20th
Simply Streisand May 1st
look for more upcoming events in the next issue! Watch for these event announcements, additional details and more exciting opportunities, including RSVP deadlines, via email blast, facebook and online at www.hmill.com
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 11
Hamilton Mill Social news & Events
2016! NEW YEAR, NEW IDEAS!
The events in Hamilton Mill took a HUGE jump forward in 2015! The Social Committee worked hard to beef up the traditional events and made some BOLD moves that proved the community was hungry for new events as well (Dueling Pianos and Breakfast with Santa)!! So, with that same enthusiasm spilling into 2016, we have plans to continue to jazz up our traditional events and add some more NEW events. Expect to see a few more “adult themed” events this year. The fabulous “children’s themed” events will continue as well, but we thought we would give the adults a little more play time too! So? What can you expect in 2016? Let’s see! We waste no time trying out a couple adult activities in January and February. We brought in a professional COMEDY NIGHT on January 30th featuring 3 professional comedians including Jamie Bendall, owner of The Punchline, in Atlanta. Woo Hoo! On February 20th, we try our first ever TRIVIA NIGHT, complete with a professional trivia company hosting and running the event with FABULOUS prizes. You just get your team together, BYOB and your useless knowledge and let the fun begin! Every year we start off spring with our SPRING CARNIVAL! This year is no different. Grab the kids and enjoy all the outdoor games and activities on March 12th! This spring, we have another surprise for the adults! On May 1st, we will host another fantastic show at the HAMILTON MILL GOLF CLUB featuring SIMPLY STREISAND! That’s right, over 2 hours of hits from “Babs” and you will not be disappointed. Carla Delvillagio (Barbra) has won awards as impersonator of the year, NATIONALLY! She is incredible! The end of spring and the start of summer is the ever popular POOL OPENING on May 29th. Expect more pool craziness, games, food, rides for the kids, and parents!
Welcome summer of 2016! Of course, summer really kicks off with the huge INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION on JUNE 25th. We have even more surprises in store than we did last year! This is a must attend event! Another fun adult theme event we will try this summer is a “FLICK & FLOAT” on July 16th,where we will show an outdoor movie at the pool. It gets dark late, so leave the kids at home, BYOB and swim while you watch a movie! Fun! The official end of summer is technically the POOL CLOSING in September, but we all know the blowout is really CHASTAIN NIGHT on August 20th! If you were impressed with how we stepped it up last year, you will certainly love what we have planned this year. WHOA! This is going to be a crazy night! No need to get down that summer is over. Fall brings in the coolness factor and DUELING PIANOS comes back September 24th to the HAMILTON MILL GOLF CLUB. YES! On October 22nd, the FALL FESTIVAL will be bigger and better than ever with all new surprises and activities for the kids. The holiday season will bring back the hugely popular BREAKFAST WITH SANTA on December 3rd! Wow! What a year it will be. Strap in Hamilton Mill. This ride is going to take you over the top! Happy 2016. See you at the events! Mark LaClaire, Activities Director 12 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
Hamilton Mill Social news & Events
TRIVIA NIGHT!
SATURDAY, FEB. 20TH, CLUBHOUSE 7PM-9PM $5 per person* OK smarty pants! You’ve walked the walk, now it’s time to talk the talk. Think you should be on Jeopardy? Everyone always tell you how smart you are? Well, prove it! Get a team of 8 people together for a TEAM TRIVIA TABLE or, just purchase tickets yourself and join in on a random table of 8. BYOB and whatever brain cells you have left to win FABULOUS PRIZES! Seriously, we will have some really cool prizes for the top 3 teams! We will bring in a professional trivia company that will organize the whole event. SO…get your group together and purchase tickets now! Space is very limited and once it’s full…it’s full! *Adults 21 years of age and older
Become a Friend of Hamilton Mill! Like the Official Hamilton Mill Facebook page to stay up to date on the latest news and events! www.facebook.com/OfficialHamiltonMill
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 13
Hamilton Mill Social News & Events
Life In The Cul-de-Sac is hosting the IF:gathering 2016 Global Conference February 5 & 6! IF GOD IS REAL... Then let us live as though it is true!!! Featuring well known author, speaker and founder of If:Gathering
Jennie Allen
We exist to gather equip and unleash the next generation of women to live out their purpose. This is a non-denominational women’s event filled with stories of hope to make life’s journey easier.
Open to Hamilton Mill Community and friends Friday Feb. 5, 7-9 pm & Saturday Feb. 6, 2-8pm
Held at Hamilton Mill Lakeview Community Center Snacks and dinner included Fee $15.00 per person
Please register at https://Ifgathering.com/localgatherings/ifhamilton-mill For more information contact: Aimee Appling Liz Martinez Sandra Glemaud
14 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
alappling@mac.com 678-234-1390 lizsnest@comcast.net 404-509-3801 sjglemaud@hotmail.com 678-267-9420
Hamilton Mill Dental Associates
Free
Whitening for life Get a complimentary whitening kit and custom trays with a completed new patient exam and complete x-rays. Call for additional Information
Free
Kids Complementary Exam and X-rays (Set of two bitewings)
3611 Braselton Hwy Suite 104 Dacula, GA. 30019 (770) 945-2733 www.hamiltonmilldental.com
Mary K. Falletta-Swegman, D.D.S.
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 15
Hamilton Mill Social news & Events
groups Clubs
Get Involved.
Hamilton Mill Singles group Call or email Dixie Leslie for more information. Ages 50+ ...................................................................... Call: 678-517-8509 .........................................Email: dleslie_1@bellsouth.net Interested in a Singles group for the under 50 crowd? This group needs a coordinator! If you’re interested, email activites@hmill.com.
Running Club Call or email Beth McCurdy or check our their very active facebook page, “Hamilton Mill Road Runners” ...................................................................... Call: 770-846-6731 .......................................... Email: beth262@bellsouth.net WOW Car Club of Hamilton Mill Email Ron Noreen for more information, or visit them online at www.wowcarclubhm.com ......................................... Email: RNOREEN@bellsouth.net Women’s Community Bible Study Meetings are Wednesdays at 10am and Thursdays at 7pm. Email: .......................... Liz Martinez at lizsnest@comcast.net
Empty Nest Ladies Lunch Group We are a group of 50+ women who get together once a month for lunch at an area restaurant. If you are interested in joining us or have questions please send an email to Anne Brown: anneb2123@gmail.com.
IMPROVE HEALTH, PRODUCTIVITY & FITNESS SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF GETTING FIT AND TRAINING WITH CHOI KWANG DO: Practical Self Defense Self-Confidence Respect for Others Balance & Coordination Focus and Discipline Weight Loss/Firming Stress-Relief and Release Increased Attention Span Increased Listening Skills Leadership Skills Better Muscle Tone Improved Posture Increased Flexibility A Non-Quitter Spirit Positive Attitude Optimum Health
Lakeview Clubhouse Main Activity Room CHILDREN: TUESDAY & THURSDAY 6:00-7:00PM ADULTS: TUESDAY & THURSDAY 6:00-8:00PM FAMILIES: SATURDAY 11:00AM-12:30PM
Choi Kwang Do Martial Art International’s aim is to improve the health, productivity, fitness and quality of life of its members. CKD is a martial art based on scientific truth, rather than mysticism. We continually evolve as a martial art and exercise program with a continued commitment to incorporate science for the benefit of the practitioner and mankind. Individuals training at our school focus on achieving optimum health and wellness while learning practical self defense techniques. Classes are taught in a friendly, family-orientated atmosphere and in a fun and easy to learn manner. The development of character and mental strength based on CKD’s principles is considered the most important overall goal in our training along with the attainment of proper techniques.
PERFECT FOR BACK TO SCHOOL, Single Student Monthly Rate: $79 BUILD ATTENTION SKILLS Family (2 or more) Monthly Rate: $100 Chief Insructor for Hamilton Mill CKD program is
Uniforms are $40, Protective Equipment $20 Hands, $20 Feet ($40 set)
Jerry Hughes, a 16 year resident of Hamilton Mill
To Register, Call 678-636-9779 • www.hamiltonmillckd.com 16 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
Hamilton Mill Social news & Events
4530 Nelson Brogdon Blvd, Ste A • Sugar Hill/Buford 2695 Old Winder Hwy, Ste 100 • Braselton
770.965.2340 StartLifeSmiling.com
Discover what is different about us! /northgeorgiapediatricdentistry
Calling All Resident Business Owners!! Do you own a small business? Are you looking for new ways to get your business name out there? The social committee would love to talk to you about opportunities to sponsor upcoming neighborhood events! Several different opportunities and sponsorship levels are available! Space is limited, so reach out to us today! Contact Activities for more information: hmillevents@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you!
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 17
Hamilton Mill Social news & Events
ART with Y D N E W
HAMILTON MILL CLUBHOUSE March & ry a u br Fe ES SS A CL L O O AFTER SCH Tuesdays rd 0 February 2nd through 23 4 weeks for $5 Tuesdays th s for $60 March 1st through 29 5 week- 4:3 0pm Pre-K (ages 4 and 5) from 4:00pm Elementary from 4:30pm - 5:30pm
week. Your child will take home a picture each as markers, We will use a variety of mediums ... such als. watercolors, oil pastels, chalks and charco Make checks to Wendy Whitehead ithwendy@gmail.com Call Wendy at 770-963-3851 or Email artw Student’s Name:___________________________ Age:_________ Home Phone Number:_____________________________________ Cell Phone Number:______________________________________ Email Address:___________________________________________ Emergency Contact Name:_________________________________ Emergency Phone Number:________________________________ Allergies:_______________________________________________ Parents Signature:________________________________________ 18 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
PENNINGTON FENCE Quality Built Since 1972
770-963-9961 We Look Forward To Building Your New Fence Ask Us About Wood Fence Staining
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 19
Hamilton Mill Helpful Hints
Are You or Your Home Ready For Winter! Hamilton Mill Homeowners As temperatures will continue to fall below freezing in the coming days and we would like to provide you some tips and reminders to keep your home and yourself safe. Please see the list of reminders below when experiencing freezing weather.
❄ Minimize outside activities, particularly the elderly and very young. Also consider your pets and bring them inside during the extreme cold. If you can’t bring them inside, place plenty of blankets or hay so they can keep warm. ❄ Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, rather than a single layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (rather than gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots, protecting your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. ❄ Excessive exposure can lead to frostbite, which is damaging to body tissue that is frozen. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling
and a pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately.
❄ Hypothermia can occur in extreme cases. The warning signs are uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation,
incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If the person’s temperature drops below 95 degrees, seek immediate medical care.
❄ When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as your fireplace, wood stove or space heater, take the necessary safety
precautions. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, ensuring everyone knows how to use it properly. Test smoke alarms. If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with extra blankets or sheets.
❄ Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
Eat something!
❄ To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. Allow a trickle of warm water to run from a faucet that is farthest from your water meter or one that has frozen in the past. This will keep the water moving so that it cannot freeze. Learn how to shut off your water if a pipe bursts. ❄ If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes or wrap them with towels soaked in hot water, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well. ❄ Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety ❄ Deal with dead tree limbs. The No. 1 thing most homeowners fail to do before winter sets in is eliminate dead tree branches.
Falling limbs or trees can harm roofs, siding, gutters, porch railings, decks, and cars, not to mention unsuspecting passersby. 20 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
Hamilton Mill Helpful Hints
AEDs Did you know that Hamilton Mill has Automated External Defibrillators located in or near our recreation areas? If you don’t know where they are, please ask our Tennis Director or Property Managers for the locations to make yourself familiar. It may save an individuals life. How To Use an Automated External Defibrillator Before using an automated external defibrillator (AED) on someone who you think is having sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), check him or her. If you see a person suddenly collapse and pass out, or if you find a person already unconscious, confirm that the person can’t respond. Shout at and shake the person to make sure he or she isn’t sleeping. Never shake an infant or young child. Instead, you can pinch the child to try to wake him or her up. Call 9–1–1 or have someone else call 9–1–1. If two rescuers are present, one can provide CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) while the other calls 9–1–1 and gets the AED. Check the person’s breathing and pulse. If breathing and pulse are absent or irregular, prepare to use the AED as soon as possible. (SCA causes death if it’s not treated within minutes.) If no one knows how long the person has been unconscious, or if an AED isn’t readily available, do 2 minutes of CPR. Then use the AED (if you have one) to check the person. After you use the AED, or if you don’t have an AED, give CPR until emergency medical help arrives or until the person begins to move. Try to limit pauses in CPR. After 2 minutes of CPR, you can use the AED again to check the person’s heart rhythm and give another shock, if needed. If a shock isn’t needed, continue CPR. Using an Automated External Defibrillator AEDs are user-friendly devices that untrained bystanders can use to save the life of someone having SCA. Before using an AED, check for puddles or water near the person who is unconscious. Move him or her to a dry area, and stay away from wetness when delivering shocks (water conducts electricity). Turn on the AED’s power. The device will give you step-by-step instructions. You’ll hear voice prompts and see prompts on a screen. Expose the person’s chest. If the person’s chest is wet, dry it. AEDs have sticky pads with sensors called electrodes. Apply the pads to the person’s chest as pictured on the AED’s instructions. Place one pad on the right center of the person’s chest above the nipple. Place the other pad slightly below the other nipple and to the left of the ribcage. Make sure the sticky pads have good connection with the skin. If the connection isn’t good, the machine may repeat the phrase “check electrodes.” If the person has a lot of chest hair, you may have to trim it. (AEDs usually come with a kit that includes scissors and/or a razor.) If the person is wearing a medication patch that’s in the way, remove it and clean the medicine from the skin before applying the sticky pads. Remove metal necklaces and underwire bras. The metal may conduct electricity and cause burns. You can cut the center of the bra and pull it away from the skin. Check the person for implanted medical devices, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator. (The outline of these devices is visible under the skin on the chest or abdomen, and the person may be wearing a medical alert bracelet.) Also check for body piercings. Move the defibrillator pads at least 1 inch away from implanted devices or piercings so the electric current can flow freely between the pads. Check that the wires from the electrodes are connected to the AED. Make sure no one is touching the person, and then press the AED’s “analyze” button. Stay clear while the machine checks the person’s heart rhythm. If a shock is needed, the AED will let you know when to deliver it. Stand clear of the person and make sure others are clear before you push the AED’s “shock” button. Start or resume CPR until emergency medical help arrives or until the person begins to move. Stay with the person until medical help arrives, and report all of the information you know about what has happened. Information provided by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 21
Hamilton Mill Community Information
Thank You, Hamilton Mill!
Words cannot express enough how thankful we are to everyone who purchased gifts for the 2015 Hamilton Mill Angel Tree. Thanks to your overwhelming generosity, we were able to deliver over 150 gifts to 16 children in the Gwinnett County DFCS system! These children do not receive other gifts throughout the year, so to be able to provide so many fun surprises for them to open on Christmas morning was truly special.
22 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
Topics Include:
Please join us
• Top 3 reasons diabetics get worse with time
Tuesday, Feb. 9th, 2016 Tuesday, Oct. 13th 6:00pm
• A unique clinical approach that allows the diabetes to reverse • Is your treatment causing you to get worse over time? Resident of Hamilton Mill
We are located in the Veranda at Fort Daniel (Same as Dooley’s Pizza, Villiage Pediatrics and Holy Smokes) We are your Hamilton Mill Nationwide Agency, located at 1862 Auburn Rd. Protecting Your Business, Life, Home & Auto. Stop by or give us a call on 770-295-9013.
6:00pm
• Common drugs that may cause you to actually get worse
Formerly Lawrence Chiropractic Center
Presented by Dr. Natalie Lawrence, D.C. Please RSVP to (770) 237-5534 – Reservation Required Call to Reserve Your Seat, Call from 10am - 6pm Feel free to bring one (1) guest. Seating is extremely limited Type II Diabetic Adults Only.
Dr. Natalie Lawrence, D.C.
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 23
Hamilton Mill Community Information
The kids want to know
The day I became Santa Claus. It was Christmas Eve 2008, I guess he thought we were in bed, but we had somehow dozed off in the living room. I was startled awake by the gas log falling from its perch onto the hearth. Then it was silent. Jenny’s eyes opened. “What was that?” she asked. Not sure I answered. Well gosh look at the time! We should get to bed. Just as we stood, I heard what sounded like something rather large sliding down our tall and very steep roof then a crash in the bushes in the front yard. Like all Christmas’s since she was 5, Liz spent Christmas Eve with us. Then that night she would go to her mom’s house and wake up there on Christmas morning. But what had we heard? I opened the front door and an elderly gentleman dressed in red was trying to stand. “Quick help me inside,” he said as he extended his hand. I looked back at Jenny with her hands clasped to each side of her face and she nodded yes. I helped him up and together we limped inside where I sat him in the nearest comfortable chair. His hair thin and white his white beard long. He retrieved a phone from inside his jacket. “I’ve broken some ribs again,” he stated. He took a shallow slow breath. “Maybe my leg again as well.” “Here I’ll call an ambulance,” Jenny said. “No please. We’ve very little time.” He held his phone out to Jenny’s open hand. “Use mine - just the red button.” “I’ll get coffee,” I said. “ You look very tired.” “A hot tea please - lemon and honey.” he replied. He took my hand and looked into my eyes. “Yes, thank God,” he tried to laugh. “You’re the one.” I didn’t know what he was talking about, but I made the tea and brought it back. Jenny had moved him to the loveseat and was sitting next to him holding his hand as though she were 5. “Who are you?” I asked. Taking the tea, he looked forward and not in my direction. “Who am I? You would have asked sooner if you hadn’t known. Please help me get my jacket off. Pardon my manners, ma’am,” he said as he removed his red with white fur trimmed hat revealing a slight balding. Without the hat he was much less intimidating. Now with his jacket off I could see his red suspenders holding up his red wool pants with fur around the tops of his boots. Why he was no bigger than me. “They’ll be here soon, John.” Then me. “Put the coat on? What? Who? Why?” I muttered. “How do you know our names?” “The medics will be here soon with the trauma doctor. That’s who responds when the red button is pressed. They’re on duty tonight. They stay within 500 miles of my location. They’ll be coming in quiet and coming in hot. I’m Nick.” “I’m not going to be here much longer now put the coat on!” Jenny nodded. “Do what he says. You’re going to be great, honey.” She got up and tightened the belt and gave me a big hug. Her eyes sparkled. I was dreaming. That’s it, I thought. I laughed and looked at them. “It’s a dream,” I said. They nodded simultaneously and Jenny placed the hat on my head. I felt a little queasy. Nick? Here the little man said trying to stand, offering a little of my tea. I took it from his hand and grabbed his arm to help him sit back down. Taking a sip of tea I stood there in the new outfit feeling rather silly. “Wow that tea really pepped me up,” I said. Good, he nodded and I noticed him slip the tiny vial on a necklace back under his shirt. “Wait a minute! You put something in this tea!” “I did,” he nodded. It will help you make it through the night. You’re not going 24 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
Hamilton Mill COMMUNITY INFORMATION to be used to this level of cardio, I’m afraid, and frankly I’m too old for it myself.” Again Jenny nodded. The two somehow had silently conspired this charade together. I heard two taps on the front door and Wilson our mini Aussie didn’t move. He was normally the fierce defender when visitors came knocking. In fact now I remembered he didn’t move when our new guest came in either. Was the dog in on it too? I reached for the door but it opened. Two short guys and one short young lady walked past me without saying a word. They were dressed in sharp uniforms with hats covering their ears. Maybe Russian I thought to myself. One was taking his pulse and blood pressure another his temperature and the other seemed to be scanning his body with some electronic device. “Give it to me straight,” Nick said. “We’ve got to get you to surgery,” the one with the fancy scanner said. “You’ll make it. You won’t do this again though and she tugged at the red suspenders.” Nick nodded as tears filled his eyes. The medic waved her scanner at me and looked back at Nick. “This is him?” Nick nodded. “You sure?” Again he nodded. She reached out to shake my hand. “Lucy. I’m Dr. Lucy. Please sit down.” I sat in the empty seat and the other two guys tugged at Nick’s boots and pants. He winced but never made an unpleasant sound. They piled it all in my lap and Lucy said, “Hurry up get it on, Santa!” Jenny and Nick again nodded at me. Nick sat in his red one-piece long johns. “Hurry, honey,” Jenny added. Oh well it’s a cool dream I guess I’ll go along with it. “I’m Sam,” one of the other medics said as he pushed a boot onto my foot. “This is Jeremy,” who had me by the other leg. Jeremy looked up and said, “Gabriel is on the roof with the sleigh. The GPS is programmed. He’ll ride with you tonight. We’ll bring Jenny and Wilson up to the Starflight deck for your return. There’s going to be a big party.” Dr. Lucy looked at Nick. “I’m going to help you up, Nick. “Let’s get Santa in here to the fireplace.” With Jenny on one side and Lucy on the other they lifted him up. With tiny steps they made their way into the other room where we had been asleep in front of the fire, the gas log still on the hearth where it had rolled out. Nick said, “ There it is.” It woke them up. I tried to get back to the roof but it was steep and slick with the night’s dew. I lost my footing. He dabbed at his eyes with a tissue then taking another shallow breath he stood up straight and reached for me. Jenny and Lucy let him go and I steadied his arm. He pulled my face to his. His eyes were like steel. He took my right hand and index finger and placed it along side my nose. He touched his forehead to mine staring straight into my eyes he winked. That was the last thing I remember before finding myself in the sleigh. Not what I imagined as a kid. It was like a high-performance sports car, red with gull wing doors. I tried to lean up in the highly reclined seat, blinked and rubbed my eyes. A voice came from the passenger seat. Reindeer 9 of them to be exact. “I’m Gabriel. You can call me Gabriel.” I tried to pull my right arm up to offer a handshake. “I’m. You’re Santa I know the drill. I’m a trainer. Been out of work since Nick. I’ll get you in shape. Most fun I’ve had in years. Usually I just ride along on Christmas Eve. This year is my year!” “Sit back,” Gabriel said, gripping a hand bar in front of him we’ll be landing. The doors went up and Gabriel came out in one quick motion. “Get out, Santa. Meet me over by the chimney. I’ll get the bag.” At the chimney Gabriel said, “ Let me see your eyes,” pulling himself close. “Yep, it took. Now do what Nick showed you, but hold my hand I have to go in with you.” I took Gabriel’s hand in my left and with my right I lay my index finger alongside my nose. He nodded and winked at me. I winked back and stood inside the home in front of the Christmas tree. And so it went throughout the night. Me doing and Gabriel teaching. When it was over, we landed at the most magical place. Like Disney World times 10. Jenny and Wilson were there. I had seen my daughter sleeping and delivered her gifts. Every year throughout the year we return for training, celebrations, and some work. Like making my list and checking it twice. The rest of the year you find us going about our daily activities right here in Hamilton Mill! Now you know the rest of the story!
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 25
Hamilton Mill Community Information
Happy Valentine’s Day Ideas Each year on February 14th, many people exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special “valentine.” The day of romance we call Valentine’s Day is named for a Christian martyr and dates back to the 5th century.
Most of us would agree with George Eliot’s words, “I like not only to be loved, but also to be told I am loved.” Valentine’s Day is the occasion when you can experience both. With a little help from the internet, we found some creative ways to tell your spouse, “I love you.” 1. On small pieces of paper, write down every kind of kiss that you can think of (examples: passionate, on the cheek, etc.). Then fill an inexpensive red felt bag with your “kisses” and give it to your spouse. Ask your spouse to pull several pieces of paper from the felt bag, and then give your sweetheart whatever kind of kiss is described. 2. Make a book about why you love your spouse and why you are thankful for him/her. The woman who sent this idea wrote, “He loved it! Said it was the best gift he has ever gotten. And it helped me to focus on the things I love about my husband and not his shortcomings.” 3. Take your sweetie on a scavenger hunt. Ask him/her to answer riddles to find the clues to items that you placed somewhere around town. The last item should give instructions that lead to your Valentine’s Day activities. 4. Give your wife a dozen roses. On each stem attach a note for a future date—to do something that she would enjoy (example: Go to the symphony). 5. If possible, go on a date with your spouse to a restaurant that you enjoyed when you first met. After you order your meal, take some time to write down favorite memories from the past year. Then share your lists. 6. Have 11 roses delivered to your wife, and then give her a 12th yourself while reading her a love poem. 7. Create an intimate Valentine’s Day evening at home, without the children. The woman who suggested this idea said that she and her husband “enjoyed planning the menu, shopping for the meal, and ultimately preparing the meal together. Cooking to soft, romantic music can really be a turn on! While dining,
26 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
Hamilton Mill Community Information the same soft, romantic music is a wonderful mood-setter. Dinner was followed by just the two of us having the whole dance floor, our den, to ourselves. I won’t say what all this led to, but it was a truly romantic night that would not have happened at the local restaurant!” 8. Order food from a take-out restaurant and have a picnic for all the Valentines in your family on your living room floor. The person who suggested this said, “The kids look forward to this every year. When we tried to change it, they wouldn’t allow it ... it has become a tradition. The kids see the value of family and a loving marriage.” 9. Privacy and weather permitting, watch a romantic movie on your deck or patio. 10. If you are separated across the miles, send a care package filled with things that are red. 11. Make a meal with symbols of love. Examples: Write I love you with string beans, make a tart in the shape of a heart … 12. Wives, show up at your husband’s office before lunch. Call him from the parking lot and tell him you are going to take him for a lunch rendezvous and that you will be waiting for him whenever he can take a break. Wear a nice outfit and tell him you have something sexy on underneath for when he gets home. Take him to a nice place for lunch and back to the office. Give him some great kisses telling him how glad you are to be married to him, and tell him you will be waiting for him when he gets home. 13. Fill a jar with Valentine candy and notes for your spouse. Examples of notes are: Good for a backrub, 10 kisses, etc. Notes could also express your love and respect: “I am so glad that God blessed my life with such a great husband like you.” Individually roll each note and tie it with a ribbon. 14. Surprise your spouse by taking a vacation day from work and enjoy Valentine’s Day at home. Have a relaxing morning together on the porch, deck, or patio. Then go to a favorite restaurant for lunch. The man who suggested this idea had also reserved a spa treatment and tanning session for his wife. “While she was doing that,” he says, “I went home and made her a special dinner.” 15. After your spouse goes to bed, tape notes to his car’s steering wheel with reasons that you love him, or decorate the bathroom mirror with lipstick kisses or Valentine’s window clings.
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 27
Hamilton Mill Real Estate Update
Selling a home in 2016? Here’s what you need to know by Dan Caplinger for The Motley Fool @CNNMoney Selling a home can be a stressful experience. If you expect to put your home on the block at some point in 2016, here are some key factors for you to keep in mind before you address issues and concerns to make the best possible deal. It’s a seller’s market ... Many homeowners remember the fallout that the housing bust had on real-estate prices. Even though most investors think of the financial crisis as having hit its peak in 2008 and early 2009, it took three more years for home prices to hit bottom. Yet since early 2012, prices have climbed higher, and the Case-Shiller National Home Price Index is coming within spitting distance of matching its highs from 2006 and 2007. Where you live is a key factor in determining just how much of a seller’s market you can expect. Hot markets like San Francisco have seen some housing-boom-era practices return to favor, with many reports of bidding wars that result in offers well above the asking price. By contrast, areas where economic prospects are less favorable have never fully recovered from the housing bust. The more lucrative a region’s economic future appears to be, the easier you can expect it to be to sell a home. ... but mortgages could get more expensive One key factor in how much sellers receive for their homes is how much buyers can afford. Low mortgage rates have helped fuel price increases in recent years. But some now fear that with the Federal Reserve having begun a new cycle of rate increases, a move higher for mortgage rates could make homes less affordable. So far, the tiny quarter-point boost that the Fed made in mid-December hasn’t pushed mortgage rates appreciably higher. Historically, though, tightening has generally led to increased rates on mortgage loans. Sellers need to be prepared for greater difficulty for prospective buyers trying to get financing. Tax benefits still favor home sales The biggest tax break for ordinary taxpayers is still the exclusion on capital gains for the sale of a personal residence. Single taxpayers can exclude up to $250,000 in gains from the sale of a home 28 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
Hamilton Mill COMMUNITY INFORMATION from tax, and joint filers get a double-sized exclusion of $500,000. To qualify, you have to meet a couple of tests. First, the property in question has to be your main home. In addition, to get the full exclusion, you have to have lived in the home for at least 24 months in the past five years. You can’t have claimed a home-sale exclusion on tax returns for the previous two years. In some cases, partial exclusions are available, but getting specific tax advice from your accountant or tax professional is essential to make sure you’re aware of all the tax implications of a home sale. Get help at the right price Most homeowners use a real-estate agent to help market and sell their homes. Historically, the typical 6% commission on home sales was sacrosanct, but some agents have increasingly been willing to negotiate lower commissions for their services. Flat-fee brokerages have also popped up, offering a fixed cost that sellers can count on that’s often lower than the percentage-based commission would be. The issue raises a huge debate in the real-estate community, with full-service agents arguing that they fully earn their commissions by bringing in more potential buyers and eventually getting higher sale prices. Yet with some agencies offering incentives to buyers and sellers that reduce net commission costs, sellers should realize that they have leverage in coming up with a deal that works for them. Selling a home is a monumental event, and it can introduce a number of complicated financial considerations. Being aware of those considerations and making a plan to deal with them will help the selling process go a lot more smoothly.
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February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 29
Hamilton Mill Kids Corner
30 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
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Swim News
Swim Team NEWS
Welcome to 2016!! Believe it or not, summer will be here before you know it!! The Hamilton Mill Swim Team Board is already hard at work getting ready for a GREAT 2016 season and we have some important dates to share with you and mark in your calendar. January 24 - February 6 Ongoing Pre-registration for returning families. 2015 families who register during this time will have the best chance of securing a place on the 2016 team. All preregistration will take place online at hamiltonmill.swimtopia. com. Fees will remain the same as last year: $165 for the 1st swimmer, $115 for the 2nd swimmer, and $80 for the 3rd swimmer; each additional swimmer is free. **Please remember that we do have age group numbers caps in place to ensure that swimmers are getting a fair number of events in each meet. We highly encourage returning families to take advantage of this early registration. New for 2016!! Swimmers in the 15-18 age group will have the choice of FREE tuition or No Required Adult Volunteer Shifts!! February 6th at 9 am Informational meeting for new families in the Lakeview Clubhouse small meeting room. If you have children interested in joining the swim team but would like to know more about it, this is a great opportunity to get all your questions answered before making the commitment to the team.
32 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
February 6th from 9 - 11 am: New swimmer registration and swimsuit try-ons. Registration can be completed in person or online at hamiltonmill.swimtopia.com. All participants can register via the swimtopia website, so registration can be completed at home or in person at the Lakeview clubhouse if you have questions or prefer to pay with cash or check. All swimmers must submit a copy of their birth certificate and a signed Gwinnett Swim League waiver. Our swimsuit providers will also be on site to assist in finding the right size suit and ordering. We will have a new (2 year!) suit for 2016! March 26th 6:30 - 8:30 pm: At Bogan Aquatic Center, we will hold our Team “Back to the Pool� Party and swim evaluations. All new swimmers must complete 1 length of the pool in order to join the team. Our coaches will be on deck to assist and evaluate swimmers. All swimmers are welcome and encouraged to come join in the fun and reconnect with their teammates! Additional information can be found at hamiltonmill. swimtopia.com as it becomes available. You can also email us at hmsthammerheads@gmail.com if you have any questions. We are VERY excited about the 2016 swim season and look forward to seeing everyone at the pool!! HMST 2016 Board Joni Cochran
The New Signature of Assisted Living & Memory Care is coming to Hamilton Mill! Join our waiting list to become a member of the Arbor Terrace Founders’ Club today!
3581 Braselton Hwy, Dacula, GA 30019 (770) 999-0421 • www.at-hamiltonmill.com
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 33
Tennis News
Tennis NEWS
Jeff Dudacek, Director of Tennis
When it comes to tennis February has two things going for it, 1st it is a short month, 2nd March is right around the corner. Winter tennis is a challenge. Either it is raining or the sun comes out and it is below 32 degrees. Yes, the tennis balls stop bouncing when the temperature drops below freezing. Again dressing in layers/hat and wearing one glove on your non dominant hand is the key. If you have to wear more than that to play tennis then I would advise rescheduling the match. February is the month that mix-doubles comes to an end and for you to get yourself ready for spring tennis. You can always email me for any advice on match strategy, photos and any info about the tennis program at Jeff.milltennis@gmail.com. Pro-shop news The end of February is the last of all the new rackets hit the tennis shops. Again Hamilton Mill pro shop will carry the latest Babolat, Wilson and Prince Rackets. The best way to try the racket is to demo. Hamilton Mill residents can demo for 3 days for free. Also the pros can best fit you with a racket for your game and the strings to use to improve your game. The advantage of having a pro shop in your neighborhood is we can beat any price on any racket. Adult Get Ready for Alta Camp and Racket Demo Weekend The weather is getting warmer and there is no snow on the ground… It’s time to get ready for spring 2014 Alta! We had over 50 attend. Ladies Tournament and Lunch Ladies find your partner! Get ready for a one day tennis tournament. If you can’t find a partner we will help you find one for the event. Who: Open to all levels. The tournament will be divided into two levels high and low. Will only have room for 32 players. Format: 8 teams per division. A compass draw (win or lose you will always advance) will be used for the draw. Lunch: lunch will be served after the event. (BYOB) Time: Play will start at 9:15. Will play four rounds then lunch and end around 1:30 Cost: 40.00 per team Deadline February 22nd at noon. Reserve your spot by sending an email at milltennis@ bellsouth.net or call (770)945-6452 for more information.
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Come join us for 1 ½ hours of drills followed by an hour of round robin play to help you get back into top form! Groups will be set by ability and teams will stay together! 9:30-12:00 Thursday, March 3rd 9:30-12:00 Friday, March 4th 9:30-12:00 Saturday, March 5th Cost is $20 per session Discount for multiple sessions: 2-10%, 3-20% Prince, Babolat & Wilson will have all of their demos here. There will be prizes and special pricing. Reserve your spot by contacting the shop at milltennis@ bellsouth.net or (770)945-6452. No walk-ins. The team with the most players who attend Alta camp will win a free clinic!Junior Events
TENNIS NEWS
www.HMETA.us Starting the week of January 11th, 2016, HMETA wants to be more resilient, more specialized, and more driven. A byproduct of the expansion from one to three classes is the development of a structured hierarchy academy system. I am confident such a system will serve our students exceptionally well. I believe its implementation will breed motivation and incentive to improve throughout the entire academy, further I believe it will promote respect for their peers. The academy also plans to operate inside smaller classes. All three HMETA classes will receive primarily the same curriculum; however, each class’s curriculum may vary slightly in order to better accommodate that particular class’s skill level. Match play is extremely crucial to our students’ progress. In 2016, HMETA plans to attend USTA sanctioned tournaments (Actual Tournaments will be presented at a later date). When not present at a tournament, HMETA will be incorporating Live Play, a match play day, hosted every other Saturday from 9: 00am -11: 00am. Live Play is free of charge and included in your academy fees. All three classes of HMETA are welcome and encouraged to attend. Live Play is also open to neighboring tennis communities; all elevated junior players are invited, so bring your friends! Live Play will serve as a great tool for our students’ tournament preparation.
HMETA 300 HMETA Three hundred will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 3: 30pm - 5: 30pm. The total cost is $200.00 per player. This cost includes, all eight guaranteed practices (Five on court), an HMETA T-shirt, Saturday’s Live Play, and all tournament-traveling benefits (pre-match warm-ups, match charting).
HMETA 200
HMETA 200 hundred will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5: 30pm - 7: 30pm. The total cost is $200.00 per player. This cost includes, all eight guaranteed practices (Five on court), an HMETA T-shirt, Saturday’s Live Play, and all tournament-traveling benefits (pre-match warm-ups, match charting). HMETA 100 HMETA One hundred will be held every Monday and Wednesday from 4:30pm – 6:00pm. The total cost is $150.00 per player. This cost includes, all eight guaranteed practices (Five on court), an HMETA T-shirt, Saturday’s Live Play, and all tournament-traveling benefits (pre-match warm-ups, match charting).
February 2016 | Hometown Herald | 35
TENNIS Tips
TENNIS TIPS
Jeff Dudacek, Director of Tennis
Game-Changing Defensive Tips Winter is a good time to talk about defensive tips. We are playing mix-doubles or flex league and the weather is cold. Sometimes are tennis stroke that we know in July is not the same as in February. We have to win, so playing defensive might make your opponents miss shots. There are many factors that make a tennis player a good defensive player. Speed, anticipation, footwork and, of course, how you hit the ball when you’re in a defensive position. Hitting the right shot to get you back into position could get you back into the match. Especially if you play mix with your wife, follow these tips and it will keep you off the couch. 1. You are pulled way off of the court The problem here is that you’ll be way out of position to get to the next ball your opponent hits. You need to buy yourself sometime after you hit your shot to get back into a good position on the court. Hitting the ball hard will only cut your recovery time down since it will reach the other side of the court quicker. Hitting a shot high and deep in the court will give you time and will not get your partner killed. 2. Your opponent comes to the net on a great approach shot In this situation you are pinned on the baseline and your opponent has hit a great approach shot and you cannot take a big swing at the ball. In this scenario, you have two options for good defensive play: The lob is always a good shot, but when you are playing taller or quicker opponent’s they can make you pay for such a shot if you do not hit the perfect lob. Always be sure to hit your lobs deep in the court. Another good option to have here is to just get the ball over the net. At a minimum you have to make your opponent hit one more volley. The last thing you want to do is to go for near impossible shot and miss which is almost like giving them a free point. The ultimate goal here is to make them hit a shot that was not as effective as the approach or the last volley.
January 2016 36 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
TENNIS TIPS 3. You are being out powered while on the baseline. When your opponent is on the baseline and you’re being out powered and forced to move a lot, hitting the ball becomes much more of a challenge. At this stage of the point you don’t want to try and match power with power if it’s not your strong point. Instead of hitting harder, slow your shots down and aim to hit the ball deep in the court. It’s much harder for your opponent to generate pace on the ball when you don’t give them much pace to work with. It’s much easier to hit the ball back in the direction it came from rather than changing direction. 4. Defending against a good lob If you’re at the net and your opponent hits a good lob that you can barely reach you do not have to try to hit an overhead 120 mph. If you’re backing up extremely fast and are fully stretched to hit the overhead chances are swinging big will only get you in more trouble. It is perfectly acceptable to hit an overhead at 50 percent pace and keep yourself in the point. I lock to stay blocking the ball back in play. They do not like you at the net so block it back and stay at the net. If you are at the baseline returning the deep lob the return the lob same direction the ball came to you. In the end, percentage tennis, although not always as fun, can keep you in the point and help you to turn the tables on your opponent. SEE YA ON THE COURTS!
January 2016 | Hometown Herald | 37
Local Events
February
Around Town, Events around Atlanta Antiques Show February 1st – 7th Shop from dozens of dealers of period furniture, jewelry, art, and accessories at Cathedral Antiques Show at the Cathedral of St Philip, Atlanta. The Tour of Homes is Sunday, February 7th. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Circus Xtreme February 10th – 28th Is a spectacular show with acrobats, animals, music, dance acts, and non-stop entertainment. Atlanta & Duluth Free Park Day February 13th – 15th Entry is free at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Free Entrance Days in the National Parks The Savannah Sipping Society February 11th – 28th Sylvia Beard Theatre, Buford Valentine’s Day Garden Party February 13th Let romance bloom with an elegant evening of cocktails, dancing, desserts, and live entertainment. Atlanta Botanical Garden Valentines Day February 14th Visit OpenTable.com for a list of restaurants in greater Atlanta that offer special menus for Valentine’s Day. 38 | Hometown Herald | February 2016
Be Mine – February 14th A Free Valentine’s Day Concert is a classical music based on great romances (Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Carmen, and La Boheme). Atlanta Symphony Hall Rodeo February 18th – 20th Watch cowboys and cowgirls compete in riding, roping, racing, steer wrestling, and bull fighting. Georgia National Rodeo in Perry Polar Plunge February 20th Watch pledges run into the frigid lake for charity. Live music, food and firepits. Lake Lanier Islands Resort Motocross Racing February 27th Off-road motorcycles race on dirt tracks with steep jumps, tightcorners, and obstacles. AMA Supercross. Georgia Dome Black History Parade February 27th Features marching bands, entertainers, and dignitaries. It begins at the King Center park and ends with a ceremony in Woodruff Park. Atlanta
Get out and enjoy all the community around you has to offer!
20 16 IS T H E Y E A R TO E X P ER IEN C E ME MBE RS HI P
at Hamilton Mill Golf Club
New bar with media area
New family programming
Refreshed patio
New Mill House Restaurant
RESIDENTS OF HAMILTON MILL: We invite you to enjoy our new Preview Membership to experience the recently-completed reinvention at the Club Members with a Hamilton Mill Preview Membership enjoy: » Pay no Initiation Fee or dues for up to 60 days* » Dine in the new Mill House Restaurant for 50% off* » Play two rounds of golf per month for cart and green fee only* » Book tee times with 24-hour advanced request
Swing in for our Open House and enjoy live music, appetizers and a round of golf on us! Saturday, February 6 | 6 - 9 p.m.
RSVP today with Membership Director Steve Stonecypher 770.880.0788 | sstonecypher@canongategolf.com | hamiltonmillgc.com *The Preview Membership is available until 4/1/2016. A 60-day Preview Membership and must be activated by 2/1/16. A 30-day Preview Membership must be activated by 3/1/2016. Cart fees, green fees and guest charges apply. Alcohol, service charges and applicable taxes are excluded. No cash value. May only exercise Preview Membership once and offer does not apply to former Members who have resigned within the last 12 months. All offers are subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. See Club for details. © ClubCorp USA, Inc. All rights reserved.