OTmag_march11

Our Town For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 • [email protected] PAGE �

The Paulding Area’s Family Lifestyle News MagazinePRESORTED STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #2397

TAMPA, FL

Hiram s Dallas s Cedarcrest s New HopeOur Town

VISIT US ONLINE AT OURTOWNFAMILY.COM

March 2011

For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 • [email protected]� Our Town

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Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in the Paulding County Area. Opinions expressed by the editorial staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town reserves the right to edit and or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents, including ad design created by Our Town Media Group, Inc., copyright 2011, belong to Our Town of Paulding. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

Our TOwn Magazine P.O. Box 614

Hiram, Georgia 30141Telephone: 770-222-2699

Fax: 770-222-4646Email: [email protected]

Publisher/ediTOr: Jules Williams / Teresa Parrish

PAGE 4 For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com� Our Town

Graphics and desiGn

Our�Town�Media�Group,�Inc.Straightaway�Designs�-�Website

photoGraphy

contributinG Writers:

Our Town Hiram s Dallas s Cedarcrest s New Hope

The Paulding Area’s Family Lifestyle News Magazine

THE HUDDLE

www.OurTownFamily.com

About the Cover...............................................................5Health & Fitness: Sunglasses.............................................6 Family Focus: Reactive Detachment Disorder................8 Calendar of Events.........................................................11, 15Relationships: Teen Leadership........................................12 Gardening: Pruning Roses................................................16Home Improvement: Door Locks.....................................17 Travel: Mardi Gras............................................................18Community: Angels Among Us......................................19Home & Design: 2011 Trends..........................................20Finance: Tax Credits.........................................................2 1More About the Cover....................................................22 Feature Photographer: Mark Gammill..........................22 Medical: Weight Loss......................................................23Outdoors: Black Bears......................................................26Letter from the Editors....................................................28Pets: Dangerous Plants....................................................29 March Crossword............................................................30 What’s Cookin’: Ragin’ Cajun........................................30

in t

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Follow us on

Melissa�CummingsDara�Hosch,�M.D.

Kim�KornblattGary�Levine

Jessica�Logan,�GCLPMel�McVarney

Ivana�PejakovicCharles�Pesson,�M.D.

Our�Town�Media�Group,�Inc.

Mark�GammillMark�Gammill�Photography

he�beautiful�lady�on�our�cover�this�month�is�Engle�R.�Coulter.�She�is�a�resident�of�Hiram�and�has� recently�competed� in� the�Mrs.�Georgia-America�Pageant�as�Mrs.�Paulding�County.�Engle�is�also,�a�wife�and�busy�mother�of�two.�This�beauty�

queen�is�a�Master�Sgt�in�the�94th�Airlift�Wing�Security�Forces�Squadron.�She�is�cur-rently�on�active�duty�with� the�Air�Force� and� is� a�Military�Policewoman�at�Dobbins�ARB�in�Marietta.�

In� January� 2010,�Engle� was� deployed�to�support�Operation�IRAQI� FREEDOM.�During� her� deploy-ment� she� had� two�goals� in� mind.� The�first� goal� was� to� get�her� squad� of� 13� to�Kirkuk,� Iraq,� com-plete� the� mission�and� return� home�safely.� The� second�goal� was� to� get� fit�while� handling� the�struggles�of�a� family� separation,�her� job,�and� the�daily� challenges�of�being� in� a� country� that’s� trying� to� rebuild� their� government.�Engle�managed� to�complete�both�her�goals�and�returned�home�safely.

Being�home,�Engle�wanted�to�continue�toward� a� healthier� lifestyle� and� began�incorporating� a� balanced� diet� with� a�running�and�exercise�program.�Her�hus-band,� Roy� was� a� great� support� to� her,�and�his�encouragement�led�to�his�sug-gestion�of�her�competing�in�the�recent�Mrs.� Georgia� Pageant.� At� first� she� dis-missed�the�idea,�but�he�would�not�give�up.�Eventually,�things�became�clear�to�her,�and�she�remembered�being�in�Iraq�and�how�she�learned�to�take�life�as�it�comes�and�take�chances.

This�was�her�first�time�competing�in�a�pageant,�and�though�she�did�not�win,�Engle� is� grateful� for� the� experience,�

and�the�chance�to�represent�Paulding�and�the�Air�Force.�She�learned�a�great�deal�and�made�some�great�friends�along�the�way.��

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Meet the Coulter FamilyRon, Engle, Jordyn & Cameron

For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com� Our Town

ltraviolet� light� not� only�damages�skin,�exposure�to�UVA� and� UVB� causes� eye�

damage� too.� It� is� important� to� choose�sunglasses� carefully� to� reduce� damage�

caused� by� UV� rays.� Various� eye� problems� have�been� associated� with� overexposure� to� UV� radia-tion.�As�an�example,�UVB�rays�are�thought�to�help�cause�pingueculae�and�pterygia.�These�growths�on�the�eye’s�surface�can�become�unsightly�and�cause�corneal�problems�as�well�as�distorted�vision.�In�high�short-term�doses,�UVB�rays�also�can�cause�photokeratitis,�a�painful� inflammation�of� the�cor-nea.� “Snow� blindness”� is� the� common� term� for�severe� photokeratitis,� which� causes� temporary�

vision�loss�usually�lasting�24-48�hours.�The�risk�for�snow�blindness� is� greatest� at� high� altitudes,� but� it� can� occur�anywhere� there� is� snow� if� you� don’t� protect� your� eyes�with�UV-blocking�sunglasses.�Because�the�cornea�appears�to�absorb�100%�of�UVB�rays,�this�type�of�UV�radiation�is�unlikely� to� cause� cataracts� and� macular� degeneration,�which�instead�are�linked�to�UVA�exposure.�

Some� sunglasses� are� better� designed� to� protect� your�eyes� than� others.� You� cannot� tell� how� much� UV� radia-tion� a�pair�of� sunglasses�will� block�based�on� the� color�or�darkness�of�the�lenses.�The�darkness�of�the�lens�does�not� indicate� its�ability�to�shield�your�eyes�from�UV�rays�and� many� sunglasses� with� light-colored� tints,� such� as�

U

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green� or� amber,� offer� the� same� UV� protection� as� very�dark�lenses.�Large,�wrap-around�style�frames�may�provide�more�effi-cient� UV� protection� because� they� cover� the� entire� eye-socket�and�block�UV�rays�from�sneaking�in�from�the�side.�This�is�especially�important�when�doing�activities�around�or� on� water� or� snow� because� UV� is� reflected� from� all�directions�off�of�the�surfaces.�For�sunglasses�to�be�fully�protective�against�UV�radiation�the�lenses�must�absorb�all�UV�radiation�and�side�protection�should�be�provided.�Always�check�the�sunglasses�label�to�make�sure�they�pro-tect�against�UVA�and�UVB.�The�closer�to�100%�protection�a�pair�of�sunglasses�provides,�the�safer�your�eyes�will�be�from�damage.

Here’s�some�advice�on�selecting�sunglasses.�When�buy-ing�a�pair�of�sunglasses�make�sure�they:l Reduce�glarel Eliminate�at�least�99�percent�UV�raysl Comfortable�to�wearl No�distortion�of�colors

There are other things you can do to prevent and fight UV damage:Wear�sunglasses�when�outdoors�–�ALWAYS!�While�it�may�seem�safe�to�remove�them�on�a�cloudy�day,�the�sun’s�UV�rays�do�filter�through�grey�skies�and�can�also�get�reflect-ed�off�shiny�surfaces�like�water,�buildings,�and�snow.

Use� sunglasses� even� if� you� wear� UV� protected� contact�lenses.�While�the�contact�lenses�may�protect�part�of�the�eyes,� the� remaining� surface� will� still� be� exposed� and�in� danger� of� developing� eye� disease.� Also,� the� eyelids�are� susceptible� to� developing� skin� cancer,� and� while� a�sunscreen�might�help,�sunglasses�will�offer�double�pro-tection.

Select�your�sunglasses�depending�on�the�activity�you’ll�be�indulging�in.�Aviator�sunglasses�for�example�can�ensure�a�comfortable�fit�and�limits�the�amount�of�light�and�glare�that�can�filter�through�thanks�to�large�frames.

For�extended�periods�outdoors,�sunglasses�should�block�out�at�least�99�percent�UV�rays�and�75�percent�light.�This�ensures�not�only�your�eyes�are�protected,�but�also�you�do�not�need�to�squint�against�the�glare.

While�many�have�debated�on�whether�to�invest�in�brand-ed�sunglasses�or�store�bought�varieties,�the�fact�remains�a� good� pair� of� sunglasses� is� a� long� term� investment�which�your�eyes�will�thank�you�for.�If�you�take�your�time�and� do� a� little� research,� you� will� probably� find� a� great�pair�of�sunglasses�that�doesn’t�hurt�your�wallet.

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LOCATIONS:HiramCenter for Allergy & Asthma of West Georgia, P.C. 5604 Wendy Bagwell ParkwayUnit 913, Bldg 900Poplar Pointe Professional CenterHiram, Georgia 30141Phone: 770-459-0620CarrolltonCenter for Allergy & Asthma of West Georgia, P.C.825 Dixie St.Carrollton, Georgia 30117Phone: 770-836-7987Villa RicaCenter for Allergy & Asthma of West Georgia, P.C.Tanner Medical Park – Villa West690 Dallas Hwy, Suite 101Villa Rica, Georgia 30180Phone: 770-683-4050NewnanCenter for Allergy & Asthma of West Georgia, P.C.37 Calumet Parkway Building F, Suite201Newnan, Georgia 30263Phone: 770-683-4050

Providing the Highest Quality and Most Comprehensive Care for Patients of All Ages with Allergies, Asthma and Related Illnesses

BremenCenter for Allergy & Asthma of West Georgia, P.C.306-B Laurel StreetBremen, Georgia 30110Phone: 770-836-7987Peachtree CityCenter for Allergy & Asthma of West Georgia, P.C.19 Eastbrook BendPeachtree City, Georgia 30269Phone: 770-836-7987SmyrnaCenter for Allergy & Asthma of West Georgia, P.C.562 Concord RoadSmyrna, Georgia 30082 Phone: 770-836-7987

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PAGE � For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com � Our Town

hildren�need� to� feel� loved�and�accepted�by� their�parents.�When�cir-cumstances� prevent� parental� bonding� and� responding� to� a� child’s�emotional�needs�during�early�life�(6�months�to�3�years),�the�child�can�

suffer�severe�emotional�damage�called�reactive�attachment�disorder.�Patients�with�this�condition�are�often�former�victims�of�abuse�or�neglect.��If�untreated,�they� can� have� life-long� problems� forming� healthy� relationships.� Reactive�attachment�disorder�is�frequently�seen�in�children�who�spent�their�early�years�in� an� institution,� bouncing� around� the� foster� care� system� or� emotionally�isolated�from�caregivers.�The�impact�upon�an�unprepared�adoptive�or�foster�family� can� be� huge.� Therefore,� it� is� important� for� all� parents� considering�

adoption�or�foster�care�to�recognize�and�understand�this�condition.

This� condition� is� relatively� new� to� medical� science.� Most� information� stems� from�experiences�with�children�adopted�from�Eastern�European�orphanages�after�the�Cold�War�ended.��As�former�Soviet-block�orphanages�opened�their�doors�to�international�adoptions,�American�families�responded�generously�to�the�heart�breaking�situation.��Many�of� the�orphans�had� lived� in�deplorable� conditions�with� inadequate�nourish-ment�or�attention.� �Most�of� them�had� learned�to�comfort� themselves,�compete� for�food�and�survive�without�any�emotional�support�or�affection.��Even�when�placed�in�safe,�loving�family�homes�with�plenty�of�attention,�food�and�material�comforts,�some�of�the�children�found�it�difficult�to�trust�or�love�their�new�parents.��Some�families�of�affected�children�found�themselves�in�a�nightmare�situation�dealing�with�their�child’s�severe�emotional�problems,�antisocial�behaviors�and�inability�to�reciprocate�love.��

Reactive�Attachment�Disorder�can�be�manifested�in�two�ways,�inhibited�or�disinhib-ited.��The�inhibited�child�is�uncomfortable�with�other�people,�avoids�physical�contact�and�rarely�exhibits�emotional�reactions.�The�disinhibited�child�seems�overly�friendly�and� affectionate� to� strangers� but� has� trouble� bonding� with� adoptive� parents.� The�behaviors�exhibited�at�home�may�be�very�different�from�those�displayed�at�school�or�in�public�places.�Unfortunately�many� families�mistakenly� think� that� love,� attention�and�discipline�will� take�care�of� the�emotional� issues.�When�their�relationship�does�not�normalize,�they�feel�a�tremendous�sense�of�failure.�They�may�not�seek�help�if�they�fear�extended�family�or�health�care�providers�will�not�believe�the�anti-social�behav-iors�their�charming�child�exhibits�at�home.�When�the�situation�becomes�unbearable,�desperate�families�may�seek�to�end�the�foster�relationship�or�remove�the�child�from�the�home.�Abandoning�the�child�or�reacting�with�strong�punishment�can�reinforce�the�issues.

Effective� treatment� for� reactive� attachment� disorder� is� available� from� experienced�mental�health�professionals.�The�first�goal�of�treatment�is�to�ensure�the�child�remains�in�a�stable�and�safe�environment.�The�second�goal�is�to�help�the�child�and�family�form�a�healthy�relationship.�The�main� focus�of� treatment� is� teaching�the�caregivers�how�to�parent�a�child�with�attachment�problems.�Normal�parenting�behaviors�can�back-fire�and�worsen�the�problem.�The�child�is�taught�how�to�express�feelings�and�fears�through�play� therapy�and�counseling.�While� there� is�no�medication� for� this�condi-tion,�medicine�can�improve�some�aspects�such�as�depression,�anxiety,�rage�and�trouble�sleeping.�Families�of�children�with�reactive�attachment�disorder�should�beware�of�alternative�treatments�that�can�be�danger-ous�and�expensive.

All� children� deserve� a� forever� fam-ily.�However,�before�a�family�opens�their� hearts� and� home� to� a� new�child,� they� need� to� understand�the�issues�that�may�come�with�the�child.� Reactive� attachment� disor-der�is�not�hopeless�but�recogniz-ing�it�and�seeking�early�treatment�is�important�for�a�successful�out-come.� Improving� the� life� of� a�child� makes� the� world� a� better�place�for�us�all.

Cobb Pediatrics has been help-ing families raise healthy chil-dren for more than 30 years.

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3698 Largent Way l Suite 201 l MariettaConveniently located across from The Avenue West Cobb

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Michael A. Rossitch, DDS, MS, PC Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry

We provide an environment where kids can have a fun and happy dental experience while receiving the very best dental care available. Come tour our state of the art office with with themed rooms representing each continent from around the world.

MARIETTA410 Villa Rica WayMarietta, GA 30064

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POWDER SPRINGS5041 Dallas Hwy, Bldg 2, Ste D

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76 Highland Pavilion Court s Hiram, GA s 30141(Highland Pavilion Shopping Center)

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PAGE �0 For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l info@ourtownfamily l OurTownFamily.com� Our Town

Our Town For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l info@ourtownfamily l OurTownFamily.com PAGE ��

***PLEASE�NOTE�–�Dates,�times�and�locations�are�always�subject�to�change�prior�to�printing.��

SCREENWRITER’S GROUP*March 1; 1st Tuesday of the month; 3pm @ Hiram Coffee HouseMarch 20; 3rd Sunday of the month 1pm @ Starbucks in HiramFor�more�info�visit�www.GeorgiaScreenWriters.com

PAULDING CHAMBER - GEORGIA POWER LUNCHEON*Paulding County Senior Community CenterMarch 3; Thursday 11:30 to 1:00pm Honorable�David�Austin;�Chairman�of�Paulding�Board�of�Commissioners�with�the�‘State�of�the�County’�address.�$15/members,�$25/non-members.�For�info�visit�pauldingchamber.org�or�call�770-445-6016.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)* - McEachern United Methodist ChurchMarch 3 and 17; 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month; 9:30am – 11:30amOpen�to�moms�with�children�ages�birth�to�kindergarten.�Oaks�Hall�building.�Child�care�is�provided.�For�more�info�call�770-943-3008�ext.�1260.

THE HOPE CHURCH SECOND HELPING CONSIGNMENT SALEMarch 4-5; Friday 8:30am-6:30pm and Saturday 9am-12:00pmFor�information�call�Erin�@�678-770-3275

CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SALE – Brightwater SubdivisionMarch 4-6; Friday 8am-7pm and Saturday 8am – 2pmGreat�prices�on�children’s�clothing,�toys,�decor,�books�and�more.�Come�early�for�best�selection.�For�more�information,�visit�brightwaterhoa.org

MOM’S CLUB OF DALLAS AND HIRAM*March 4; 1st Thursday of each month 10am – Bethany Christian ChurchMOMS�(Moms�Offering�Moms�Support).�Meetings� are�held� at�3264�Villa�Rica�Hwy�(Hwy�61)�Dallas.�For�more�information�email�[email protected].�

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)* – Fortified Hills Baptist Church, DallasMarch 4 and 18, 1st and 3rd Fridays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.��MOPS� -� a� place� to� find� friendship� and� support� as� a� woman� and� mom.� Childcare�provided.�Visit�www.fortifiedhills.com�or�call�Kenni�Raye�at�678.398.9771.��

PAULDING GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY* – Old Dallas CourthouseMarch 5; 1st Saturday of the monthMeetings� are�held� in� the�Historical�Research�Library� in� the�old�Dallas� courthouse.�Membership�$15/year.�The�Library� is�open�Tues.,�Thurs.,�Fri.�and�Sat.� from�9am�to�3pm�and�on�Wed.�10am�to�3pm.�For�more�info�email�[email protected]

WRITERS CRITIQUE GROUP – “WRITERS OF LIKE MIND”*March 9 and 23; 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month; 6pm – 7:30pmCall�Hank�Somma�for�meeting�location.�678-414-6146�or�[email protected].�

PAULDING PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB* – Downtown DallasMarch 10 and 24; 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month; 7pmMeetings�are�held�at�122�Main�Street�in�Dallas.��All�photographers�welcome.�Monthly�competitions,�field�trips�and�more.�[email protected],�the�website�is�pauldingphotographyclub.org

PAULDING BUSINESS ASSOC. LUNCHEON* – Stars and StrikesMarch 10: 2nd Thursday of the month; 11:30am-1pmNetworking�and�Buffet�Lunch-$10.�Visitors�WELCOME!�pauldingba.org

PRIME TIME DANCE - Paulding County Community Center in DallasMarch 11; 7pm-10pmPopular�country�&�western,�oldies,�and�line�dancing.�Ages�40�+,�$5�at�the�door.Couples�&�singles�welcome.�54�Industrial�Way,�Dallas.�Phone�770-443-8873

CASINO NIGHT & AUCTION – Playing for a CureMarch 12; 6pm-11pm at the Bob Robertson Comm Center in KennesawFor�more�info�call�Beverly�Tayler�770-883-8495.

NW ATLANTA MOMS OF MULITIPLES* – North Metro Church March 14; 2nd Monday of the month 7pmParent’s�club�for�families�with�or�expecting�twins,�triplets,�quads,�etc.�Offer�monthly�playdates,�Mom’s�Nights�Out,�and�special�events.�Visit�our�website�for�more�informa-tion�www.NOWAMOM.org�or�call�678-404-0034.

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PAGE �2 For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com� Our Town

By Ivana Pejakovic�

eadership� means�using� your�knowl-edge� and� skills�

to� gather� a� group� of�people� with� the� aim�of� completing� a� com-mon�task.�Great�leader-ship� means� using� your�strengths�and�influence�in�a�positive�and�worth-

while�way�to�change�a�situation�for�the�better.

One� common� misconception�is� that� leaders� are� rich� and�important�people�with�a�great�deal�of�power� to�control� their�followers� into� doing� what�needs� to� be� done.� Contrary�to� this� belief,� when� leader-ship� is� used� for� a� worthwhile�cause,� leaders�do�not�need� to�use�power�to�manipulate�their�followers.� Their� followers� are�inspired�by�their�leader�to�do�a�good�job.�In�addition,�good�leaders�gain�followers�out�of�respect�and�their�ability�to�lead�people�to�work�towards�a� particular� goal.� Only� poor� leaders� need� to� force� and�

rela

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hips

L manipulate� people� into� being� their�followers.

The� point� here� is� that� we� can� all�be� good� leaders� by� setting� the� right�example.� Everyday� your� thoughts,�feelings,� attitude,� and� actions� influ-ence�those�around�you.�As�such,�it� is�important� you� influence� your� peers�and�other�adults�in�a�positive�way.

What�can�you�do�today�to�put�yourself�in� the� position� to� lead� others?� Here�are� three� POWERFUL� steps� you� can�include�in�your�daily�life�to�become�a�positive�and�effective�leader.

1. Take�responsibility�for�your�actions:�Not�all�of�your�actions�are�good�ones.�Not�all�of�your�choices�and�decisions�are�something�to�be�proud�of.�That’s�not�the�point.�The�real�point�is�when�you� take� responsibility� for� what� you�do,�you�gain�control�over�your�life�and�

you�learn�about�what�went�wrong.�Accepting�responsibil-ity� for� your� actions� sets� a� good�example� to�others� and�can�leave�you�with�great�lessons�learned.

2.�Be�proactive:�Stop�sitting�and�waiting�around�for�your�big�break�or�for�luck�to�come�your�way.�Luck�will�never�come�your�way�unless�you�are�willing�to�meet�it�half�way.�Make�a�commitment�to�try�new�things�and�see�where�that�takes�you.�Be�open-minded!

3.�Engage�in�positive�actions:�Just�do�what’s�right!�If�you�see�something�wrong� in�your�community,� take�steps� to�fix�it�(For�example,�do�you�see�too�much�garbage�lying�around?�No�problem!�Form�a� group�and� start� cleaning�up.� It’s� as� simple�as� that!).�Sometimes,�however,� it� can�be�hard�to�do�the�responsible�thing�when�there�are�bet-ter�activities�awaiting�you�such�as�your�favorite�TV�show�or�hanging�out�with�friends.�Some�decisions�are�harder�than�others,�but�do�what�will�make�you�feel� less�guilty,�less�stressed,�and�less�bad.

Taking�these�three�steps�will�put�you�in�a�position�to�lead�others.� Commitment� to� these� steps� will� also� lead� to� a�TON�of�other�positive�changes�in�your�life.�I�promise!

For more information on teen leadership, self-esteem, and confidence (yes, they all tie in together!), visit teen-success.blogspot.com.

�

Dr. Doug Singletonand family.Photo by Sherri’s Portraits

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SingletonOrthodontics

KENNESAW - 3104 Creekside Village Dr. l Suite 401 WEST COBB - Kroger Shopping Center across from The Avenue 770-974-3633*NEW LOCATION!

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A Teen’s Guide to Leadership: 3 Steps to Make You a Great Leader

Our Town For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l info@ourtownfamily l OurTownFamily.com PAGE ��

Dear Friend, If you’ve ever thought about going to a chiropractor but you’ve hesitated because you weren’t sure it was right for you please read on… My name is Dr. Amy Valente. I would like to show my heartfelt thanks to the community by celebrating the month of March with the announce-ment of Community Health Week. It’s my way of saying THANK YOU to the people who have been so helpful and mean so much. I hope this will benefit you and yours. I have agreed to “give away” (to any-one who asks for it) $200 worth of my services for only $20. That’s right-$20. In the years that I have been practic-ing I have helped many people in the North Georgia area feel better and live healthier, more productive lives through chiropractic care. I would now like to introduce you to the many benefits my profession has to offer. For instance, chiropractic care may be able to help you if you are suffering from any of the following conditions.

l Low back pain l Neck Pain l Migraines l Sciatica l Herniated discs l Degenerated discs l Shoulder/arm pain

And a whole host of other problems, ranging from TMJ to carpal tunnel.These symptoms can be caused when-ever the vertebrae in your spine are out of alignment, because this “misalign-ment” directly affects your nervous system. Fortunately, if you are suffering from such problems or similar conditions right now, they may be relieved or eliminated by proper chiropractic treat-ment (commonly called “adjustments”). So if you’ve always wanted to “check out” chiropractic care and see what is in it for you, now is the best time because….. Right now $20 will get you all the services I normally charge my new patients $200 for!

What does this include? Everything. Take a look at what you’ll get….l An in-depth private consultation about your health and well being.l A chiropractic spinal examination….l A set of specialized X-rays to deter-

mine if a misalignment in your spine is causing your pain or symptoms…(NOTE: Nobody gives these kinds of X-rays FREE. They would usually cost $100)…l An analysis of your X-rays and spinal exam results so we can see what needs to be done to help.l Helpful literature that shows how your body works and why you experience pain…l Answers to all your most probing questions about chiropractic care and what it can do for you…. The appointment will not take long at all. And like I said, we normally charge $200 for this (most of which just covers the cost of the set of X-rays). But now, as a part of this one time offer, you can come in and find out for certain if you need chiropractic care and how it can help you eliminate the pain you are feeling. Before you come in, though, you’ll probably want to know a little bit about me. So let me tell you….

MEET THE DOCTOR Prior to obtaining my Doctor of Chi-ropractic Degree at Life University in Marietta, GA, I received my B.S. degree from Excelsior College. I am nationally and state board certified in Chiropractic and Physiotherapy. I am one of the few doctors in this area that performs specific Activator analysis technique for the treatment of degenerative discs, scoliosis, herniated discs just to name a few. I have happily donated my time to organizations such as MUST Ministries, YWCA (Domestic Violence Shelter for Women), and Ross Memorial. I am very proud to be a wife and mother of four boys and a member of Liberty Church in Marietta, GA.

DOES CHIROPRACTIC REALLY WORK Absolutely! When you come in I’ll provide you with studies that show why chiropractic is a preferred method of treatment. But what provides the best “proof” on how well chiropractic works is what our patients say about it.

ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS AND BACK PAIN

Although Chiropractic care has been

an enormous help to me and my family for 30 years when I met the doctor’s at NLCC I was not currently under care. As I started getting adjusted again the relief was almost immediate! I was suffering from soreness, stiffness and sleepless nights. “Feeling better” affects everything in life and helps us cope with the daily stresses. I suppose I am most

amazed by knowing that one’s spine has to do with every part of the body. God made us that way-“fearfully & wonderfully made” (Ps.139)Your Friend- Pastor Ron

Mobley

TMJ & HEADACHES I was in a lot of pain when I started coming for my adjustments at NLCC. I suffered with

pain in my jaw and severe headaches. Now that I have been receiving chi-ropractic care my pain has decreased tremendously and I don’t have to worry about constant headaches. I can walk my dog without pain and my posture has gotten better. My husband is also very pleased with my progress. I am thrilled at how quickly I have improved due to chiropractic care and I love the positive caring atmosphere they have in the office.

Thank you- Denine Wolden

KNEE PAIN/SLEEPLESSNESS The reason why I came into the office was because I was having knee pain and I was not sleeping very well at night. I am now getting 3-4 more hours of sleep at night and my knees have got-ten a lot better. I interact more with my family and I can ride my bike with my granddaughter. I feel 100% better. The doctors and staff here at NLCC really do what they say and are very professional and friendly. Chiropractic care really works great!

Thanks-Thomas Weems

SCOLIOSIS When I first came into the office I did not know the extent of my health issues. After the exam, the doctor told me I had a scoliosis that affected my health in many different ways. Chiropractic has helped me to restore my physical balance and as a dancer that is very important! I also had numbness in my hands and now I can take notes without my hand going numb. Since I have been

getting adjusted I have more energy and my heartburn and circulation has improved! I am happy to say that chiro-practic is easier than I expected and not as time consuming as I once thought.

Thanks! Christine Pearce

GUARANTEE OF GREAT SERVICE Obviously we can’t guarantee results. No one can. But there is one guarantee we can give you and that’s a guarantee to accept your case only if we truly feel we can help.

LIMITED TIME OFFER Obviously, with an offer like this we can’t afford to do it for very long. So we’ve picked the dates of Mar. 1-15th. If you would like to take us up on our offer and see what chiropractic can do for you, all you have to do is call our office and set up an appointment.

Call our 24 hour help line @ 678-574-5678 and tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Special Introduc-tory Examination during Mar. 1-15th.

I expect to get flooded with appoint-ments for this event, so please call me as soon as possible to be sure that you don’t miss out.

Thank you very much, and I look for-ward to helping you get rid of your pain so you can start living a healthier, more productive life. God bless.

Sincerely, Dr. Amy Valente, D.C.

ONLY $20 TO ANYONE WHO NEEDS HELP BUT HAS NEVER BEEN TO A CHIROPRACTOR BEFORE

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New LifeChiropractic

Center3451 Cobb Parkway

Suite 6Acworth, GA

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678-574-5678

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COBB EMC POWER BREAKFAST* – Bentwater Golf ClubMarch 15; 3rd Tuesday of the month; 8am – 9:30amMeet,� mix,� and� network..� 100� Golf� Links� Dr,� Acworth.� Buffet� Breakfast� $10/�members,�$15/non-mem.�Call�770-445-6016�or�visit��pauldingchamber.org

THE PAULDING LITERACY COUNCIL* – Paulding ChamberMarch 25; 4th Friday of the month 10amMeetings� held� at� the� Paulding� Chamber.� Seeking� new� members,� volunteer�tutors,�and�adult�students�who�would�like�to�learn�to�read.�For�info�call�770-445-4511.

MY KIDZ CLOSET CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SALEMarch 3-5; Thursday and Friday 8:30am-7pm and Saturday 8:30am-NoonSale� at� Community� Fellowship� Church� located� at� 612� Cohran� Store� Rd.,�Douglasville.��Public�invited�to�PREVIEW�SALE�on�Wednesday�at�7pm�with�an�entrance�fee�of�$5�or�5�non�perishable�items.�www.mykidzclosetgeorgia.com

TOTS TO TWEEN SPRING CONSIGNMENT SALEMarch 11-12; Friday 1pm-8pm and Saturday 8am-12noon Sponsored�by�the�NW�Atlanta�Moms�of�Multiples.�TWO�day�sale�at�Sandy�Plains�Baptist�Church,�2825�Sandy�Plains�Rd,�Marietta,�GA�30066.�Clothing,�toys,�fur-niture,�and�more!�For�more�info,�contact�Megan�at�678-453-6993,�sale@now�amom.org,�or�visit�www.NOWAMOM.org�

EVANGELIST TIM LEE - Poplar Springs Baptist ChurchMarch 13th; 10:30am and 6:00pm“A�Decorated�Marine’s�Testimony”�Described�as� “A�clear,�uncompromising�message�grounded�deep�in�old�fashioned�patriotism,�righteous�living�and�biblical�revival”.�Visit�psbchurch.net�and�timlee.org�for�more�info.

FAMILY ALLIANCE OF PAULDING 4th Ann. Dinner Dance Fund RaiserMarch 19; Saturday 6pm-11pm – Che’ne RougeThe� theme�of� this� year’s� event� is�Decade�Dance.�Wear� your� favorite� fashions� from�from�the�50s,�60s,�70s�and�80s.�Dinner,�dancing,�raffles,�entertainment.�Catered�by�Jim� N’� Nicks.� $50/person;� $500/Table.� Business� sponsorships� available.� For� more�information�contact�Linda�at�[email protected]

TWICE BLESSED CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SALEMarch 24, 25,26; Thurs 5pm-9pm, Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pmSale�at�McEachern�United�Methodist.�Checks�and�cash�accepted.�No�strollers,�please.�Proceeds�community�and�children’s�ministries.�For�more� info�call�770.943.3008�or�visit�twice-blessed.org

DINNER THEATER - South Paulding High School March 24, 25,26; Thursday-Saturday at 6:30The�Complete�Works�of�William�Shakespeare�(Abridged)�is�presented�by�the�drama�and�culinary�art�students�of�SPHS.�School�is�located�at�1364�Winn�Road,�Douglasville.�Tickets�$15/each.�Contact�770-949-9221�or�[email protected]

HEAVENLY HAND-ME-DOWNS CONSIGNMENT SALEMarch 25 -26; Friday 8:30am-7pm and Saturday 9am-1pmSale�at�Dallas�First�United�Methodist�Church�located�at�141�E.Memorial�Drive,�Dallas.�Preview�Sale�on�Thursday,�March�24th�from�6-8pm�by�donating�$5�and�5�cans�of�food�to�benefit�our�Food�Box�Ministry.�HeavenlyHandMeDowns.org�

EASTER/SPRING CONCERT – West Atlanta Douglas Choral SocietyMarch 22; Tuesday 8pmThis� traditional� Easter/Spring� Concert� will� be� held� at� the� Douglas� County� High�School� Performing� Arts-Mashburn� Theater;� 8705� Campbellton� Street,� Douglasville.�Tickets�are�$10.�For�more�info�on�WADCS,�visit�wadcs.org.

A WOMEN’S DAY OF EMPOWERMENT – Paulding Comm CenterApril 2; Saturday 10am-4pmSponsored� by� Babbie� Mason� Ministries,� Shepherd’s� Rest� and� Boundless� Limits�International.�Inspired�teaching�by�Tanya�Curren�and�Praise�Music�by�Babbie�Mason.�A�day�that�will�inspire�you�to�be�a�powerful�woman�of�God.�$15�admission�includes�lunch.�Register�online�at�BoundlessLimits.org.��_________________________________________________________________________

***Email� events� to� [email protected],� DEADLINE� –10H� OF� THE� MONTH.� SPACE� IS�LIMITED!�Put�Calendar�Event�in�the�subject�line.�LISTINGS�ARE�FREE,�RESTRICTIONS�APPLY.

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DALLASTHE

Upcoming Events

email: [email protected]

Theatre l Dance l Concerts l Film l Comedy Performing Arts in the Heart of Paulding!

Tickets Available Online, via phone and at Our Box Office

Box Office open Mon, Wed, Fri 3PM-6PM & Sat 9AM-1PM

208 Main Street678-363-0813

Join us as Charlie Bucket, Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Mike Teavee and Violet Beauregarde tour Willy Wonka’s fantastic Chocolate Factory and learn a few lessons along the way! Our Narrator will guide you through this wacky world, but keep on your toes, as our Oompa Loompas really steal the show!

We are thrilled to offer our second children’s production and are honored to have such talented young people take the stage here at the Dallas Theater. We do hope you’ll join us for this truly ‘sweet’ show!

Tickets are $10 Regular Price and $7 for Discount Tickets (see list below for available discounts)Students with IDChildren 18 & underMilitary (with ID)

March 4th, 5th, & 6th March 11th, 12th, & 13thMain Street Players Kids present Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! A musical stage play based on Roald Dahl’s wonderful, whimsical children’s book.

Seniors age 62+Groups of TEN or more tickets purchased in one transaction

Check our website for more

upcoming events!

The Marvelous Wonderettes is a cotton-candy colored,

non-stop pop musical blast from the past!Featuring your favorite songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s,

THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTEStakes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom

where we meet the Wonderettes - Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy & Suzy,

four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts and voices to match! As we learn about their lives and loves,

we are treated to the girls performing such classic 50’s and 60’s songs as

“Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,”“Lipstick on Your Collar,” “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me,”

“It ’s My Party,” “It ’s In His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song)” and so many more!Tickets on sale now!$10 regular and $7 discount

(for seniors age 62+, students, military & groups of 10+)

APRIL15, 16 & 17

calendar of events continued from page 11

PAGE �6 For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com Our Town

By Jessica Logan, GCLP

rab� your� leather� gloves,� some� band-aids,� and� a� tube� of� Neosporin.�You’re�going� to�make� it�out�alive,�but�chances�are,� you’re�going� to�be�scratched�up�pretty�good.�Pruning� roses�can�be�a� time�consum-ing,�challenging,�and�potentially�painful�process.�The�way�you�prune�

your�roses�will�vary�depending�on�that�type�of�roses�you�have.�If�you’ve�got�your�garden-variety�shrub�rose,�like�the�wonderful�

Knock�Out,�they’re�not�going�to�be�the�least�bit�picky�about�how�they’re�pruned.�You�could�run�them�over�with�your�truck�and�come�spring� they’ll�come�right�back.�(This� is�not�recommended.)�Other�varieties,�such�as�Hybrid�Tea�roses,�will�be�picky.�These� instructions�will� suit�hybrid�teas,�Knockouts�and�most�other�roses�just�fine.

Technically� you� don’t� have� to� prune� them;� you� can�let� them�get� as�big� and� as�wild� and�wooly� as� you� like!�

Pruning� does� have� benefits� though.� We� have� a� group� of�red�Knock�Outs�here�on� the�campus� that� is�every�bit�of�8�

feet�tall!�Sure�they’re�beautiful�when�they�bloom,�but�they’re�kind�of�monstrous�the�rest�of�the�year.�Aside�from�maintaining�a�

pleasing� and� manageable� size,� pruning� encourages� better� blooming.�Roses�bloom�on�new�growth;�and�pruning�encourages�growth.

Basically�when�pruning�roses,�your�objective�is�to�establish�a�structure�for�new�growth�to�come�out�on�in�the�spring.�You�should�prune�your�

roses�back� to�about�12-18”� from�the�ground.�(If�you’ve�got�a�climbing�rose,�or�a�rose�that�only�blooms�once�a�year,�you�

need� a� different� set� of� instructions).� You� should� remove�any� canes� the� look� diseased� or� are� damaged.� Before�you� start� the� structural� pruning� take� a� time� out� and�think� about� the� growth� that� will� come� from� the� cuts�you�make.�The�direction� the�bud� is� facing�will� be� the�direction�of� your�new�growth.�You�probably�won’t� be�pruning�to�a�branch�like�you�would�for�normal�pruning,�but�to�an�OUTWARD�facing�bud.�If�you�cut�to�an�inward�

facing�bud,�the�new�growth�is�going�to�head�back�to�the�center�of�the�plant�and�that’s�not�ideal�or�pretty.�If�you�just�

chop�haphazardly,�and�don’t�cut�near�a�bud,�the�wood�will�die�back�to�the�next�bud�leaving�several� inches�of�dead�wood�

which�is�a�haven�for�disease.�

I’ve�included�some�photos�of�one�of�roses�I�just�pruned;�February�to�early�March�is�the�perfect�time�to�prune�them.�There�are�before�and�after�shots�and�a�photo�of�how�the�cuts�should�look.�In�this�photo,�the�cut�on�the�left�is�too�far�away�from�the�bud;�

that�extra�wood�will�die�and�be�a�gateway�for�pests�and�disease.�The�cut�in�the�center�is�too�close�to�the�bud;�the�cut�is�so�close�it�has�

caused�structural�damage�that�won’t�support�a�new�branch�that� will� come� from� that� bud.� The� last� cut� is� just� right!��

�During�the�growing�season�removing�the�spent�flowers�will� encourage� most� varieties� of� roses� to� bloom� even�more!

If� you�have�a� climbing� rose,� I� suggest� you�do�a�bit�of�reading�before�you�tackle� this�one,�especially� if� it�only�

blooms�once�a�year.��A�great�resource�is�Ortho’s�All�About�Roses� by� Ortho� Books� and� Thomas� Cairns,� for� all� roses�

not�just�climbers.�

Quick�note,� the� title�of� this�article� implies� that� there�are�no�roses�without�thorns;�that�isn’t�exactly�true.�There�are�

a�few�of�them;�Lady�Banks�climbing�rose�being�the�most�common�in�my�experience.

Jessica Logan, GCLP is a Horticulture Technician at Chattahoochee Technical College.

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[email protected]

24/7 EMERGENCY WORKFREE ESTIMATES

770-895-4655

T r e e R e m o v a l l L o t C l e a r i n gT r i m m i n g l T o p p i n g

S t u m p G r i n d i n g l B o b c a t W o r k

Residential& Commercial

17 Years ExperienceLicensed, Bonded

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Pruning Roses: A Rose by Any Other Name…Will Still Have Thorns

Our Town For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com PAGE �7

here� are� many� reasons� to� spend� a� bit�more�on�a�lock.�Each�one�is�considered�a�lock�upgrade,�but�the�features�are�essen-

tial�upgrades,�not�optional.�Buying�a�lock�without�lock� upgrades� is� not� economical� like� buying� a�car�without� luxury� features;� a� lock�without� lock�upgrades� is�more� like�a�car�without�airbags�and�seatbelts.�You�can�buy�one,�but�it’s�a�major�secu-rity�risk�to�you�and�your�family.�

How Lock Upgrades Help Protect You

As�technology�improves,�there�are�more�ways�for�a�criminal�to�enter�a�home�or�office.�Shockingly,�many�home�and�business�owners�don’t�recognize�that�their�lock�upgrades�have�to�keep�up�with�the�pace�of� these� criminal�minds;� if� you� fall�behind�the� learning� curve,� a� criminal� will� know.� They�can� tell� what� kind� of� lock� you� have,� and� if� it’s�

small,� old,� and� in� poor� condition,� they� will� know� that�you�are�vulnerable.�Only�with�proper�lock�upgrades�can�you�ensure�that�criminals�will�be�deterred�and�you,�your�loved�ones,�and�your�valuables�will�remain�safe.�

Lock� upgrades� offer� increased� security� in� a� number� of�ways.�The�first�is�by�being�a�bump�proof�lock,�protecting�from�one�of�the�biggest�threats�to�security�nationwide.�A�

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T non�bump�proof�lock�is�vulner-able� to� criminals� of� all� experi-ence� levels.� There� are� videos�on� the� internet� showing� how�to� bump� a� lock,� and� the� tech-nique� is� so� simple� a� ten� year�old� could� make� it� work.� Even�the�most�amateur�criminals�can�access�a�home�without�a�bump�proof� lock;� a� business� without�a� bump� proof� lock� is� vulner-able� to� disgruntled� employees,�criminally� minded� customers,�and� more.� Only� a� bump� proof�lock� can� keep� them� out,� and�keep�your�property�secure.�

Finding a Proper Bump Proof Lock

A�bump�proof� lock� is� just�one�type�of�secure� lock�with�lock�upgrades.�There�are�many�other�options�offered�in�modern� lock� upgrades,� and� many� of� them� are� techno-logical�innovations�that�look�to�redefine�locks.�There�are�biometric�sensor�lock�upgrades,�which�open�your�home�or�business�based�upon�your�unique� fingerprint�or� iris�scan.�While� the�movies� sometimes� show� lock�upgrades�like� this� being� breached,� it� is� much� more� difficult� to�

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accomplish� this� in� real�life.� Fundamentally,� these�biometric� lock� upgrades�are� quite� secure.� In� addi-tion,� each�one� is� a�bump�proof� lock:� with� no� key-hole,� there� is� nothing� to�bump!

The� other� option� is� to�choose� a� lock� designed�to�be�a�bump�proof� lock.�There� are� some� excellent�manufacturers� making�lock� upgrades� that� are�immune� to� the�easy� tech-nique,�and�your�locksmith�

can�guide�you�to�one�of�these.�Because�of�how�difficult�it� is� to�make�a�bump�proof� lock,�you�will�probably�pay�more� for� it,� but� probably� not� more� than� two� hundred�dollars�at�an�absolute�maximum.�Think�of�it�this�way,�to�ensure�that�you�will�not�be�a�target�for�burglars�or�other�criminals,�you�can�pay�a�little�bit�more�now�and�save�your�family�or�employees�potential�danger�in�the�future.

To find out more, or to discuss lock upgrades and the security of your home, contact your local locksmith.�

Should I Spend More Money on a Better Lock?

PAGE �� For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com Our Town

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trav

el

By Ronald Tyler

or�anybody�who�hasn’t� experienced�Mardi�Gras� for� themselves,� there� is�much�to�be�missed.�All�along�the�Gulf�Coast�starting�around�the�first�part�of�the�year,�excitement�begins�to�build�as�the�season�approaches.�Though�actually�celebrated�

because� of� the� somber� season� of� Lent,� people� from� all� walks� of� life� enjoy� Mardi�Gras.

Mardi�Gras�has�its�origins�in�Europe�at�a�time�of�extravagant�fun.�The�tradition�was�brought�to�the�United�States�in�1703�by�the�playful�Europeans,�and�is�original�to�the�port�city�of�Mobile,�Alabama.�The�words�are�French�in�origin�and�mean�‘Fat�Tuesday.’�It� is�celebrated�on�a�grand�scale� in�both�Mobile�and�New�Orleans�with�extravagant�balls�and�spectacular�parades.�Masks�were�used�from�the�very�beginning�and�mem-bers�of�many�Mardi�Gras�societies�still�utilize�them�when�riding�on�floats.�

In� the� early� days� of� parading� societ-ies,� it� was� against� the� rules� for� the�members�to�reveal�themselves�to�peo-ple� outside� of� the� society.� Although�many� societies� have� dropped� this�policy,� several� of� the� oldest� societ-ies� still� adhere� to� this� and� reveal-ing� ones� identity� to� anyone� leads�to� immediate� dismissal.� Because�

people� behaved� so� badly� while�hidden� by� masks,� for� decades� in�

the�early�19th�century�masks�were� actually� illegal� for�

use�during�Mardi�Gras�in� New� Orleans.� Eventually� the� ban� was� lifted� and�

masks�once�again�became�all�the�rage.

In� 1872,� the� city� of� New� Orleans� received� a� visit� from� the� Grand�Duke�Alexis�Romanoff�at�Mardi�Gras.�The�Krewe�of�Rex,�one�of�the�oldest� in� New� Orleans,� wanted� to� host� a� parade� in� honor� of� the�Grand� Duke’s� visit.� They� appointed� “king� for� the� day”� so� royalty�

could�host�a�reception�for�his�highness.�This�was�so�popular�the�tradi-tion�stuck�and�every�year�Mardi�Gras�societies�in�both�New�Orleans�and�

Mobile�now�select�kings�and�queens�to�preside�over�their�annual�balls.�It�was�also�with�the�Romanoff�royal�visit�that�the�colors�of�Mardi�Gras�came�

into� being.� The� Romanoff� house� colors� were� purple� for� justice,� green� for�faith�and�gold�for�power;�just�as�the�Mardi�Gras�colors�are�today.

When�attending�parades,�throws�rain�down�on�spectators�from�beginning�to�end.�Throws�consist�of�many�things�ranging�from�colorful�beaded�necklaces�to�doubloons�with� that�particular�society’s� logo�to� tasty�moon�pies.�Many�varieties�of�candies�are�also� thrown�to� the�crowds�as� the�parades�pass�by.�People�also�do�outrageous� things� to�catch� the�attention�of� those�atop� the�floats.�They�dress�outlandishly�and� some�brave� souls�have�been�known� to�

expose�certain�body�parts�just�to�get�the�best�throws�(of�course,�that�last�part�is�quite�illegal�and�has�landed�quite�a�few�in�the�local�jail!)�

Overall,� Mardi� Gras� is� a� large� block� party� with� everyone� enjoying� the� parades,�sights,�and�sounds�of�those�around�them.�If�you�haven’t�been�to�a�Mardi�Gras�parade,�you�just�don’t�know�what�you’re�missing.

Editors Note: The parades in New Orleans and Mobile are on a large scale and may not be family oriented. However, in some of the local coastal towns in Alabama and Mississippi, you will find wonderful family alternatives, as they host their own parades. Our families have attended a few in Gulf Shores, and the surrounding areas. Our favorites are in Orange Beach, Daphne and Fair Hope, Alabama. We love them so much we go back each year! You can check www.fairhopemardigras.com for a list of their parades.

F

Mardi Gras: Moon Pies, Beads and More!

OurTown For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com PAGE �9

In� July� of� 2006,� they� received� a�phone� call� from� Dallas� First� United�

Methodist� Church� and� the� River� of� Life�team;� they� wanted� to� help.� Six� young� ladies� and�

their� leaders� came� and� within� a� week,� Angels� Among�Us�Ministries�had�a�12’�x�14’�building.�Tina�and�Donnie�finished�the�inside�themselves�and�by�October,�they�hung�the�first�dress�in�the�shop.�It�was�actually�one�of�the�origi-nals�they�received�in�2001.

Tragically,� in� December� 2006,� Donnie� passed� away� in�an�auto�accident.� It�was�devastating� to�Tina,�but� she� is�so� thankful�Donnie�was� there� to� see�Angels�Among�Us�Ministries� finished� and� growing.� After� his� death,� there�was�no�question�in�Tina’s�mind�about�stopping�the�min-

istry.�She�clung�to�the�verse�Matthew�10:26,�“WITH�GOD�ALL�THINGS�ARE�POSSIBLE”�and�she�kept�the�ministry�going� in� obedience� to� God,� for� the�young� ladies� who� need� gowns,� and�of�course,�for�Donnie�because�she�did�not�want�his�work�to�be�in�vain.

Angels�Among�Us�Ministries�celebrates�their� 10th� anniversary� this� year.� To�

date� they� have� about� 100� dresses,� and� have� added� on�another� 14’� x� 16’� building.� Tina� feels� truly� blessed� by�

ngels� Among� Us� Ministries�is� a� ministry� for� young�women� who� are� unable�

to�afford�formal�dresses�for�their�prom�or�ROTC�cadet�balls.�They�have� a� “dress� shop”� for� the� girls�to� set� up� an� appointment� to� come�in�and�shop�for�dresses,�shoes,�make-up,�purses�and�jewelry.�Their,�the�girls�pick�an�out�fit�for�their�special�occasion�and�the�entire�ensemble�is�theirs�to�keep�and�is�absolutely�FREE.

After�listening�to�what�God�was�telling�her,�and�with�the�help� of� her� husband� Donnie,� Tina� Watson� started� the�Angels�Among�Us�Ministry�in�2001.�Tina�received�the�first�three� dresses� from� the� local� community� where� Tina’s�parents�lived.�They�brought�the�dresses�home�and�that’s�how�they�began,�with�one�small�step�of�faith.

Initially,� the� dresses� were� stored� in� a�closet�in�their�home.�In�the�spring,�Donnie�would� pull� the� dresses� and� out� of� the�closet�and�sort�them�on�racks�in�their�liv-ing�room.�Because�the�response�had�been�so�great,�it�wasn’t�long�before�they�realized�they� needed� more� storage� space� for� the�dresses.�They�wanted�to�build�a�shop,�but�in�order�to�do�so�they�would�have�had�to�borrow�the�money.�Tina�and�Donnie�didn’t�feel�God�leading�them�to�do�that,�and�they�didn’t�want�to�do�anything�unless�God�was�in�it�so,�they�prayed.

com

mun

ity

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Across from Best Buy2453 Cobb ParkwaySmyrna, GA 30080770.955.5995

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Kennesaw, GA 30144678.331.3100

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God’s� hand� and� from� the� help� she’s� received�from�the�community.�One�very�special� lady,�

whose� been� with� the� ministry� since� day�one� is� Ms.� Vickie� at� Dixie� Dry� Cleaners�in� Dallas.� The� girls� get� a� card� when� they�pick� their� gowns,� then� take� the� gown� to�

Ms.�Vickie,�where�she�dry�cleans�the�dresses�for�free.�

Tina� says� “The� Lord�is� good”.� Her� big-gest� blessings� have�been� the� smiles� on�the�young�ladies�faces�when� they� leave� her�shop;�and�the�pictures�and� thank� you� cards�she� has� received� over�

the� years.� Those� special� treasures� she� says,� “are� price-less”.

If you would like to donate gently used prom or formal gowns, shoes, purses, jew-elry, or unopened makeup, or if you have a need for a gown, please call Tina Watson at 770-445-8994 and make your appoint-ment today.

$

PAGE 20 For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com� Our Town

By Kim Kornblatt of PearTree Interiors

t’s�always�exciting�to�hear�what�the�experts�have�to�say�each�year�regarding�home�décor�trends.�Although,�not�everyone�wants�the�latest�and�greatest,�we�do�want�to�be�“in�the�know”.�Especially,�when�one�of�your�friends�slips�

it� into�conversation�and�you�have�no� idea�what� they�are�talking�about!�This�year,�it’s�not�about�out�with�the�old�and�in�with�the�new.�Antiques,� garage� sales� finds� and� salvage� items� find� their� way� into� the� most�fabulous�places.�Using�equal�amounts�of�both�vintage�and�new�will�help� to�balance�a� room,� so� you�don’t�have� that� time�capsule� look.�Try�mixing�heir-loom�chairs�with�a�newer�style�dining�table�or�a�primitive�console�table�with�a�silver�finished�mirror.�This�will�not�only�give�you�a�unique�look,�but�one�that�doesn’t� appear� to� be� too� cutting� edge.� We’re� seeing� white� wash� instead� of�pure�white,�and�casual,�toned-down�finishes�on�furniture.�Some�folks�will�be�thrilled,�because�this�is�what’s�known�as�country.�Oak�cabinets�will�come�back�in�vogue.�Well�worn�woods�vs.�imported�ones�create�a�rustic�elegance,�that’s�sure�to�stay�around�a�while.

�Color� trends�on� the�horizon� for�2011� range� from�bolds� to�neutrals.�However,� the�color�of�the�year�is�Honeysuckle,�a�dynamic�reddish�pink.�It’s�a�captivating,�stimulat-ing�color�that�encourages�and�uplifts.�In�times�of�stress,�we�need�a�little�something�to�lift�our�spirits!��Add�a�lively�flair�to�interior�spaces�with�honeysuckle�patterned�pil-lows,�bedspreads�or�tabletop�accessories.�Or�for�a�burst�of�energy,�try�painting�one�wall�in�a�large�room.�This�shade�of�pink�can�go�”Barbie”�in�a�hurry,�so�keep�in�mind�a�little�goes�a�long�way.�You’ll�see�tea-stained�colors�for�a�rustic�tie-dye�effect�and�vibrant�rainbow�colors� from�the�70’s�are�making�a�comeback.�Whites�will�become�milkier,�and�the�use�of�butter�yellow�and�creams�will�be�even�more�popular.�Green�is�still�hot,�as�well�as�black�and�white�with�pops�of�color.�Golden�hues,�frosted,�pearl�and�satin�finishes�will�make�their�way�onto�upholstery,�fabrics�and�furniture.�This�will�have�an�angelic�translucent,�soft�look�that�inspires�elegance�&�romance.�Last� month� we� asked� the� Our� Town� readers� to� send� in� their� troublesome� design�questions,�and�we�were�thrilled�with�the�overwhelming�response.�Here�are�a�couple�we�received:�Q:�Is it O.K. to mix different design styles in the same room?A:�Yes,�absolutely!��As�we�discussed�earlier,�trends�are�moving�away�from�matching�sets�of�furniture.��By�mixing�different�styles�allows�the�consumers�to�becoming�more�experimental,�creative�and� less�contrived.�Giving�a�more�unique�and�personal� flair�to�the�space.�Q:�Should I use the same color and type of carpet through-out my house?A:�Yes,� if�possible.�When�choosing�carpet�for�your�home,�resale�is�the�first�thought�that�should�come�to�mind.�Flow�and�continu-ity�are�much�more�appealing�to�eye�than�seeing�where�one�color�starts�and�another�ends.

Decorating your home is a fun and exciting way to express yourself. Don’t let your dilemmas discourage you, let us help! We are very interested and looking forward to hearing from you. Email us at [email protected].

I

hom

e &

des

ign

Pear Tree interiors & gifts

l In Home Design Consults Free($75.00 value)

l Interior Design Servicesl Accent Furniturel Home Accessoriesl Unique Gifts & Jewelryl Customer Wish Listl Consignment

770.222.82724444 Marietta StreetPowder Springs, Ga.

Tues - Sat 10am - 6pmThurs 10am - 8:00pm

When looking for a home décor store that allows you to personalize your home environment, look no further than PearTree Interiors. We offer unique & uncommon home accessories and gifts that will reflect your individual style and taste. All while enjoying a relaxed, refreshing and fun shopping experience.

European Country Accents For Your Home

Kevin McKoy, Senior Pastor3566 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Lithia Springs, Georgia 30122

770-948-2126, Prayer Line: 770-948-7200www.fbcls.org

Join us for our40 Days of Community Celebration Sunday

& 65th Anniversary Homecoming!

Sunday, March 27th

Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Celebration Service 11:00 a.m.

in the Worship Center

Afterwards we’ll have Dinner on the Grounds in the Activity Center, followed by an afternoon

of music provided by Hope’s Journey.

Home Décor Trends for 2011

Our Town For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com PAGE 2�

www.flanaganaccounting.comlBusiness and Individual Income Tax ServiceslBusiness Bookkeeping ServiceslSpecialized Business Consulting Services

ELECTRONIC FILING AVAILABLE

Bookkeeping*Tax Service“Complete Financial Therapy”Scott A. Flanagan l SAF, LLC

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Call Today for a FREE CONSULTATIONEvening and Saturday Appointments l Over 25 Years Experience

770-505-9304(770) 505-9355 – Fax l [email protected]

Conveniently Located in Dallas, GA

Two Tax Credits to Help Pay Higher Education CostsBy Gary Levine, CPA.

here� are� two� federal� tax� credits� available� to� help� you� offset� the� costs�of� higher� education� for� yourself� or� your� dependents.� � These� are� the�American�Opportunity�Credit�and�the�Lifetime�Learning�Credit.

To�qualify�for�either�credit,�you�must�pay�postsecondary�tuition�and�fees�for�yourself,�your�spouse�or�your�dependent.�The�credit�may�be�claimed�by�the�

parent�or�the�student,�but�not�by�both.�If�the�student�was�claimed�as�a�dependent,�the�student�cannot�file�for�the�credit.

For�each�student,�you�can�choose�to�claim�only�one�of�the�credits�in�a�single�tax�year.�You�cannot�claim�the�American�Opportunity�Credit�to�pay�for�part�of�your�daughter’s�tuition�charges�and�then�claim�the�Lifetime�Learning�Credit�for�$2,000�more�of�her�school�costs.

However,�if�you�pay�college�expenses�for�two�or�more�students�in�the�same�year,�you�can�choose�to�take�credits�on�a�per-student,�per-year�basis.�You�can�claim�the�American�Opportunity�Credit�for�your�sophomore�daughter�and�the�Lifetime�Learning�Credit�for�your�senior�son.

Here are some key facts the IRS wants you to know about these valuable education credits:The American Opportunity Creditn�The�credit�can�be�up�to�$2,500�per�eligible�student.n�It�is�available�for�the�first�four�years�of�post-secondary�education.n� Forty�percent�of� the� credit� is� refundable,�which�means� that� you�may�be�able� to�receive�up�to�$1,000,�even�if�you�owe�no�taxes.n�The�student�must�be�pursuing�an�undergraduate�degree�or�other�recognized�edu-cational�credential.n�The�student�must�be�enrolled�at�least�half�time�for�at�least�one�academic�period.n�Qualified�expenses� include�tuition�and�fees,�coursed�related�books�supplies�and�equipment.n� The� full� credit� is� generally� available� to� eligible� taxpayers� who� make� less� than�$80,000�or�$160,000�for�married�couples�filing�a�joint�return.

Lifetime Learning Creditn�The�credit�can�be�up�to�$2,000�per�eligible�student.n�It�is�available�for�all�years�of�postsecondary�education�and�for�courses�to�acquire�or�improve�job�skills.n� The� maximum� credited� is� limited� to� the� amount� of� tax� you� must� pay� on� your�return.n�The�student�does�not�need�to�be�pursuing�a�degree�or�other�recognized�education�credential.n�Qualified�expenses� include� tuition�and� fees,� course� related�books,� supplies� and�equipment.n� The� full� credit� is� generally� available� to� eligible� taxpayers� who� make� less� than�$60,000�or�$120,000�for�married�couples�filing�a�joint�return.

You�cannot�claim�the�tuition�and�fees�tax�deduction�in�the�same�year�that�you�claim�the� American� Opportunity� Tax� Credit� or� the� Lifetime� Learning� Credit.� You� must�choose�to�either�take�the�credit�or�the�deduction�and�should�consider�which�is�more�beneficial�for�you.�If�you�have�questions,�contact�your�local�tax�professional.

finan

ce

T

GRADES K3 - 12n Christ Centered Programn Biblical World Viewn Christian Self-Imagen Sports Program

(Tackle Football, Basketball, Baseball and other sports)

770-943-2484 www.PraiseAcademy.com

Now Accepting

Applications for

2011-2012Academic

Year

4052 Hiram Lithia Springs Road, Powder Springs, GA 30127

n SACS & ACSI Accredited(Don’t accept less in accreditation)

n Certified Teachersn AP (Advanced Placement) Coursesn Chess and Robotics Clubsn Before & After School Care

“Growing Disciples to make Disciples through Christian Education” (Matthew 28:19)

Celebrating 29 Years of Christian Education

For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 • [email protected]� Our TownPAGE 22 For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com� Our Town

MARK GAMMILLark� Gam-mill� was�born� in�

the� Mississippi�Delta� region.�He� majored� in�Graphic�Design�at�Mississippi� State�University,� and�graduated� with� a�Bachelor� of� Fine�Arts� degree� in�June,� 1999.� After�graduation,� Mark�moved� to� Doug-lasville,� GA� and�began�his�career�at�a�large�advertising�agency�in�Norcross,�GA.�He�accepted�a�position�as�Head�of�Marketing�and�De-sign�at�DeNyse�Signs,�one�of�the�largest�sign�companies�in�the�Southeast.�Mark�built�up�his�freelance�design�business�and�then�launched�his�own�company,�FirmDesign,� Inc.� (www.firmdesign.com),� in� 2006.� Under� Mark’s� leadership,�the�business�has�grown�from�10�major�accounts�to�well�over�200�clients�in�a�wide�variety�of�industries,�from�small�businesses�to�Fortune�100�companies.

Mark�also�expresses�his�creativity�and�artistic�talent�in�many�related�fields.�He�and�his�wife,�Kelly�co-own�Dance�Academy�West�(www.danceacademywest.com),�West�Geor-gia’s�premier�dance�school.�He�is�also�passionate�about�guitar,�pottery,�and�photog-raphy.�He�has�been�a�professional�photographer�since�2004,�and�enjoys�photograph-ing�Dance�Academy�West’s�annual�dance�concerts,�as�well�as�families,�children,�and�corporate�headshots.

feat

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phot

ogra

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M

Engle�and�her� family�have� lived� in�Paulding� for� four�years�now.�She�met�her�husband,�Roy,�in�the�Air�Force.�He�is�a�USAF�Master�Sgt.�Retired,�and�currently�works�as�a�Contracting�Officer� for� the�Department�of� Justice.�They�have�two�precious�children,�Jordyn�and�Cameron.�As�a�family,�they�love�to�spend�quality�time�together�whether�it’s�going�to�the�grocery�store,�watching�a�movie�or�the�occasional�meal�at�IHOP.

We�would�like�to�wish�Engle�a�very�happy�service�anniversary�on�March�24th.��On�that�day,�she�will�have�served�our�great�nation�for�the�last�18�years.�Thank�you�Engle�for�your�honorable�service�to�our�country!

mor

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r Continued from page 5.

Mark Gammill Photography

Our Town For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com� PAGE 2�

By Charles Pesson, MD

here�is�no�question�that�obe-sity�is�an�ever�increasing�prob-lem� in� our� country.� The� risk�

factors� related� to� being� overweight� have�been�well�documented.�Type�II�diabetes,�heart� disease,� high� blood� pressure� and�osteoarthritis�are�all�increased.�Now�let’s�look�at�the�risk�factors�that�increase�your�chance�of�becoming�obese.�A� risk� factor�is�something�that�increases�your�likelihood�of�getting�a�disease�or�condition.�At�the�top�of�the�list�has�to�be�a�poor�diet.�If�you�eat�high�calorie,�low�nutrient�foods�(fast�food)�you�are�more�likely�to�burn�fewer�calories�than�you�eat�each�day,�increasing�your�risk�for�obesity.�A�lack�of�physical�activity�also�can�lead�to�obesity.�Certain�medical�condi-tions�affecting�hormone�balance�may�increase�the�risk.�Other�factors�such�as�quitting�smoking,�increased�age�and�race�have�been�studied.

How can one achieve success with weight loss?�The�most�commonly�held�theory�is�that�a�combination�of�diet�and�exercise�is�necessary.�The�basic�concept�is�you�have�to�burn�more�calories�than�you�take�in!�We�become�overweight�by�consuming�more�calories� in� food�and�drink� than�we�burn�up.�Therefore,� to� lose�weight�we�have� to�reverse� this� balance� and� burn� more� than� we� consume.� Cutting� calories� involves�avoiding�or�limiting�one�or�more�foods�high�in�fat�or�sugar�as�well�as�limiting�alcohol�consumption.� Caloric� reduction� is� accomplished� by� reducing� portion� sizes,� or� by�eating�smaller�portions�of�the�high�calorie�foods�and�substituting�larger�portions�of�low�calorie�vegetables�and�fruits.�Cutting�caloric�intake�is�more�effective�than�increas-ing�exercise.�Studies�have�shown�a�combination�of�smaller�portions�and�changes�in�what�we�eat�can�reduce�calories�by�500�daily�much�easier�than�burning�an�extra�500�calories�with�exercise.

So, just how important is exercise in this equation?�There�is�no�question�that�people�who�exercise�regularly�will�decrease�the�risk�of�heart�disease,�cancer,�diabetes�and�many�other�illnesses.�However,�recent�obesity�research�indicates�that�the�role�of�exer-cise�in�weight�loss�has�been�wildly�overstated.�“In�general,�for�weight�loss,�exercise�is�pretty�useless”,� says�Eric�Ravussin,�a�prominent�exercise� researcher�at�Louisiana�State�University.�It�is�true�that�exercise�burns�calories�and�you�must�burn�calories�to�lose�weight,�however,�exercise�also�stimulates�hunger.�That�causes�one�to�eat�more�and�negate�any�weight� loss�benefit.� In� fact,�exercise�could�make�weight� loss�more�difficult� for�some�people.�A�recent�study�of�women� looked�at� the�effect�of�various�levels�of�exercise�on�weight�loss.�There�were�no�changes�made�in�their�dietary�hab-its.�The�groups�that�exercised�did�not�lose�significantly�more�weight�than�the�group�that�did�not�exercise!�In�fact,�some�actually�gained�more�than�the�control�group.�The�researchers�called�this�phenomenon�compensation.�Whether�the�exercise�made�them�hungry�or�they�were�simply�rewarding�themselves�with�eating�more�is�not�clear.

If�exercise�is�not�so�important�in�losing�weight,�does�it�do�anything�useful?�Absolutely,�in�addition�to�heart�health�and�disease�prevention�exercise�improves�cognitive�ability�and�mental�health.�

In�conclusion,�when�it�comes�to�losing�weight�it’s�what�and�how�much�you�eat,�not�how� much� you� exercise,� that� really� matters.� Exercise,� not� necessarily� vigorous,� is�important�in�maintaining�good�health.�It�is�always�important�to�consult�your�primary�care�physician�before�starting�any�diet�or�exercise�program.

Dr. Charles Pesson is an orthopaedic surgeon at Pinnacle Orthopaedics. Get to know Pinnacle. Call 770-944-3303 or visit www.pinnacle-ortho.com for a complete list of services, physicians and locations near you.

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Who gets allergies?Most�people�first�get�seasonal�allergies�as�children�or�young�adults.��The�prevalence�of�allergies�is�lowest�in�children�under�5�years�old�and�can�peak�in�the�early�school�years�and�early�adulthood.�People�with�the�following�identified�risk�factors�are�also�likely�to�suffer�from�allergies:

l�Family�history�i.e.�Mom�or�Dad�with�allergies,�asthma,�or�eczemal�Male�Sexl�Birth�during�the�pollen�seasonl�Firstborn�l�Early�introduction�of�formula�and�foodl�Early�use�of�antibioticsl�Maternal�smoking�exposure�in�the�first�year�of�life

How do allergies develop?Most�seasonal�allergies�are�caused�by�pollen�and�mold�spores.�Perennial�allergies�(or�persistent)�occur�year�round.�Most�people�breathe�in�these�substances�without�a�problem.�But,�when�a�person�has�a�seasonal�allergy,�his�or�her�immune�system�sees�that�substance�as�harmful� to� the�body�and�starts�a�cascade�of�events� that� leads� to�symptoms.��Seasonal�allergies�are�life�long,�but�sometimes�symptoms�can�get�better�or�worse�over�time.

Is pollen one of the most common environmental triggers for allergies?When�a�patient�is�constantly�exposed�to�an�allergen,�it�can�lead�to�persistent�nasal�inflammation.�The�result�is�continued�and�frequently�more�severe�rhinitis�symptoms�with�lower�amounts�of�allergen�exposure.�They�may�have�heightened�sensitivity�to�other�irritants�such�as�smoke,�pollution�and�perfumes.

Allergies�occur�in�association�with�a�number�of�other�disorders�that�include�asthma,�eczema,� allergic� conjunctivitis� (allergy� eyes)� and� sinusitis.� It� is� also� strongly� asso-ciated� and� most� probably� causally� related� to� Eustachian� tube� dysfunction,� thus�leading�to�certain�ear�infections,�sleep�disorders�and�lack�of�smell.�There�is�also�an�association�with�increase�in�migraine�headaches.

What symptoms can I expect with seasonal allergies?Seasonal�allergies�also�called�“hay�fever”�consist�of�a�group�of�conditions�that�cause�sneezing,�stuffy�nose,�runny�nose,�cough,�postnasal�drip,�irritability,�fatigue�and�itchy�eyes.�They�can�occur�at�various�times�during�the�year.�

Symptoms�vary�with�season�and/or�exposure�to�the�underlying�allergen.11%�of�patients�have�seasonal�symptoms�only33%�have�perennial�symptoms�with�seasonal�exacerbations56%�have�perennial�symptoms�Perennial�allergic�rhinitis�is�associated�with�nasal�symptoms�that�are�present,�by�defi-nition,�for�more�than�2�hours�a�day�for�more�than�9�months�of�the�year.��Perennial�allergic�rhinitis�reflects�allergy�to�indoor�allergens�like�dust�mites,�cockroaches,�or�animal�dander,�although�aeroallergens�may�cause�perennial�allergies�in�the�subtropi-cal�regions�that�have�long�pollinating�seasons�as�well�as�mold�and�dust�mites.

Are there new advancements in allergy treatment that we should know about?Affected�individuals�have�significant�impacts�upon�their�quality�of�life�and�allergies�are�frequently�under�treated.

There are four general principals for management of allergies:l�avoidance of allergens and triggering factorsl�use of appropriate medications (anti-histamines, nasal steroids, leukotriene modifiers)l�evaluation of need for immunotherapy (“allergy shots”)l�patient education and follow up

Symptoms can be prevented, especially if they occur at the same time each year, by speaking with your doctor. It may be suggested that you start your medicine a week or two before that time of year. Also, for example, if you’re allergic to pollen you should stay inside during that time of year when your symptoms are at their worse, keep the car and house windows closed and use air conditioning instead, take a shower before bed to rinse off the pollen and wear a dust mask when outdoors.Dr. Mitzi Rubin - WellStar Medical Group, Family Practice in East Cobb �

Most people think of allergy symptoms as just sneezing and itchy eyes. But what they don’t realize is that the symptoms and health effects can be far worse.

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l a c k�bears�spark�

a� wide� array�of� human� emo-

tions.� Curiosity�and� awe� come� to�

mind� for� some;� cau-tion�and�fear�emerge�for�

others.�When�observed� in�human� development� areas,�

panic� sometimes� proves� the� most� common� reaction.�During� spring�and� summer,� the� likelihood�of�bear� sight-ings� increases,� and� the� Georgia� Department� of� Natural�Resources’� Wildlife� Resources� Division� encourages� resi-dents�to�educate�themselves�in�order�to�avoid�panic�and�to�peacefully�co-exist�with�these�magnificent�animals.

As�the�human�population�continues�to�grow�and�expand,�and�as�we�settle�into�areas�shared�by�a�variety�of�wildlife�species,� including� the� black� bear,� it� is� only� natural� that�we� increasingly� observe� these� animals� in� urban� settings.�“A�black�bear� sighting� is� something� that� few�people�ever�forget� -� especially� when� it� is� in� your� backyard.� Human�populations� have� grown� and� expanded� into� areas� tradi-tionally� inhabited� by� bears� and� when� conflicts� arise,� it�is�unfortunately� the�bear� that� is�perceived�as� a� threat�or�nuisance,”�says�Wildlife�Resources�Division�Assistant�Game�Management�Chief�John�W.�Bowers.

“We� encourage� all� Georgia� citizens,� especially� those� in�known�bear�areas,�to�educate�themselves�about�bears�and�bear�behavior,�be� responsible� and�help�prevent� conflicts�

from�occurring,”�says�Bowers.�Black�bears�are�most�com-monly�found�in�three�areas�of�the�state�-�the�north�Georgia�mountains,�the�Ocmuglee�River�drainage�system�in�central�Georgia� and� the� Okefenokee� Swamp� in� the� southeast.�However,�black�bears�can�and�do�range�over�larger�areas�in� search�of� food,� especially� in� the� spring,�when�natural�food�sources�are�scarce.�Young�male�bears�are�also�known�to� roam� larger� areas� in� an� effort� to� establish� their� own�territory.

Because�black�bears�are�omnivorous,�their�diet�consists�of�whatever�food�is�readily�available�at�any�given�time�of�year.�Thus,� black� bears� are� reasonably� attracted� to� the� scents�of� human� food,� pet� food,� bird� seed,� beehives� and� even�compost�piles,�especially�in�springtime,�when�natural�food�source�availability�is�low.�When�bears�can�easily�obtain�such�non-natural�food�sources,�they�begin�to�associate�humans�with�food�and�as�a�result,�lose�their�innate�fear�of�humans.�Wildlife�Resources�Division�biologists�encourage�residents�to� heed� the� following� tips� in� an� effort� to� minimize� bear�attractants�and�lessen�the�likelihood�of�nuisance�bears:

*NEVER,�under�any�circumstances,�feed�a�bear.�Such�activ-ity�is�unlawful.*Keep� items,� such� as� grills,� pet� food�or�bird� feeders�off-limits� to� bears.� Clean� and� store� grills� when� not� in� use,�keep�pet�food�indoors�and�take�bird�feeders�down�if�bears�are�in�the�area.*Make�sure�trashcans�are�bear-proof�or�kept�indoors.*When�camping�or�picnicking,�keep�your�site�clean.�Never�leave�food�or�coolers�unattended.

Never�keep�food�in�or�near�your�tent.�Store�food�in�prop-

erly�sealed�containers�and�whenever�possible,�store�these�containers� in�a�vehicle.� If�camping� in�backcountry�areas,�hang�packs�or� food�bags�at� least� ten� feet�off� the�ground�and�at�least�four�feet�from�the�trunk�of�a�tree.�“The�divi-sion� receives� numerous� calls� each� year� regarding� bear�sightings�and�requests� for�bear�relocation,”�says�Bowers.�“Relocation�is�seldom�a�solution.�For�example,�relocated�bears�often�attempt�to�return�to�the�same�territory,�other�bears�may�move�into�the�vacated�area�and�adult�male�bears�often�kill�other�bears,�especially�young�males,�when�relo-cated�into�new�territory.�Therefore,�relocation�should�only�be�considered�in�extreme�cases.”

Residents�initially�should�alert�Wildlife�Resources�Division�officials�of�the�bear’s�presence,�and�take�the�actions�previ-ously�described�to�resolve�nuisance�bear�problems.�Most�often,� if� residents� remove� the� attractant,� the� bear� will�move�on�and�not�return.�However,�if�the�bear�persists�for�several�days,�residents�should�contact�the�nearest�Wildlife�Resources�Division�Game�Management�office.

Though� the� American� black� bear� (Ursus� americanus)� is�now�considered�the�most�common�bear�in�North�America�and�the�only�bear�found�in�Georgia,�at�one�point�the�spe-cies�was�nearly�eradicated�from�the�state�due�to�poaching�and�habitat� loss.� Yet,� because�of� sound�wildlife�manage-ment�practices,�Georgia’s�current�black�bear�population�is�approximately�5,100.

For more information regarding black bears, visit www.georgiawildlife.com, contact a Wildlife Resources Division Game Management office or call (770) 918-6416.Communications/Outreach Specialist at the Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division.

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In MemoriumMarine PFC Jason Hill Estopinal

t’s�been�one�year�since�we�were�honored�to�pay�tribute�to�this�fallen�solider�on�our�March�2010�cover.�It�will�always�be�a�favorite�and�one�we�will�always�remember.

In�this�past�year,�we�have�had�an�opportunity�to�learn�more�about�JJ�and�get�to� know� his� wonderful� family� a� little� more.� The� Estopinals� have� truly� been�an�inspiration,�and�for�both�of�us,�it�has�been�an�honor.�To�Claire,�Jason�and�Parker,�we�would�like�to�once�again�remember�your�precious�son�and�brother,�and�say�THANK�YOU�for�your�sacrifice.�We�pray�that�as�this�year�has�passed,�your�burden�has�become� lighter.�As� the�days�continue,�and�should� they� feel�heavy,� you�will� continue� to� lean�on�all�of�us� in� this� community� for� strength�and�love.

To�all�the�men�and�women�of�the�United�States�military�who�are�serving�our�great�county,�we�salute�and�thank�you�for�your�service.

� � � � Jules�and�Teresa

� �

PAGE 2� For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com� Our Town

from

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Available for Adoption: PRINCESS LEIA (DOB 08/02/2005), a beautiful purebred female red tabby and white bicolor Persian, and her soul mate, LUKE SKYWALKER (DOB 02/05/2005), a gorgeous purebred male cream and white bi-color Persian, were both originally purchased from a local cattery. Their owner sadly lost her husband to cancer, lost her family busi-ness, then lost her home, putting her in a situation where she could no longer afford to care for PRINCESS and LUKE. PRINCESS is an independent young lady who enjoys being admired for the beauty she is, and prefers to let you know when she’s ready for her attention. LUKE is a very personable young man who enjoys helping with computer work, and enjoys an occa-sional lap nap and belly rub! PRINCESS and LUKE would prefer to go to a home together since they have never been separated; and they would prefer a quiet home with no dogs, cats, children, or teen-agers. Both are altered, up-to-date with vaccines, negative for Feline AIDS/Leukemia/Heartworm, mi-crochipped, dewormed, have received flea and ear mite preventative, and are eligible for at least 30 days of prepaid pet health insurance. The adoption fee for both PRINCESS and LUKE is $300.00.

To see all our cats available for adoption, please visit www.fancyfelinerescue.org; then call, 678-522-2152, or email us, [email protected], to schedule an appointment to meet your new family member!

Fancy Feline Rescue of the South is a non-profit, no-kill res-cue organization dedicated to individual attention and excel-lent care to homeless cats, working hard to find them good homes.

Send us a Photo of Your Precious Pet!

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PAGE �

The Paulding Area’s Family Lifestyle News Magazine

PRESORTED STDU.S. POSTAGE

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By Mel McVarney

lants� are�wonderful�outdoors� and� indoors,�and�they�are�certainly�a�beautiful�addition�to�your�home.�However,�if�you�have�pets,�you�

may�want�to�reconsider�which�plants�you�choose�to� have� in� your� house� (and� out� if� you� have� an�outdoor�dog).�Some�plants�are�completely�harm-

less�if�they�are�chewed�or�eaten,�but�some�are�very�toxic�and� can� even� cause� death.� Because� dogs� are� naturally�curious�and�will�often�eat�anything,�it�is�a�good�idea�to�doggie-proof� your� house� where� plants� are� concerned.�Here� is�a�brief� list�of� several�plants� that�are�harmful� to�your�pet�if�ingested.

The�first�plant�on�the�list�is�the�Azalea�(Rhododendron�sp.).� This� is� a� poisonous� plant,� though� consumption�does� not� usually� result� in� death,� it� does� cause� severe�irritation.� The� symptoms� of� ingestion� include� stomach�irritation,� abdominal� pain,� an� abnormal� heart� rate� or�rhythm,�and�convulsions.�Sometimes,�in�great�quantities�of�Azalea�consumption,�a�coma�and/or�death�can�result.

Castor bean�(Ricinus�communis)�is�a�common�plant�that�can�be�very�harmful�if�it�is�eaten.�The�primary�toxic�ingre-dient�in�this�plant�is�called�ricin.�Ricin�has�been�used�as�poison� for� decades,� and� about� 1� milligram� is� enough�to� kill� an� adult� human.� These� plants� may� be� grown� as�an�ornamental�plant,�or�they�can�be�a�household�plant.�Though� the� seeds� are� primarily� the� most� harmful� part�

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of� the� plant,� consider� the� whole�plant� toxic.� The� symptoms� of�ingestion�are�vomiting,�abdominal�pain,� bloody� diarrhea,� shortness�of�breath,�dehydration�with�exces-sive�thirst�and�muscle�twitching�or�convulsions.

English Ivy�(Hedera�helix�L.)�is�a�beautiful�plant� that� can�be� found�almost� anywhere.� They� are� gor-geous� and� elegant� as� they� climb�up�the�side�of�the�house,�or�as�they�hang� from�a�plant�holder� in�your�home.�English�Ivy’s�beauty�may�be�deceiving,� since� this� plant� is� very�toxic� to� dogs� if� consumed.� The�symptoms� of� ingestion� include�stomach� irritation,� diarrhea,� dif-ficulty�breath�and�coma�resulting�in�death.

Johnson grass�(Sorghum�halepense)�is�not�a�household�plant,�but�it�grows�heavily�in�meadows,�fields,�by�rivers,�ponds�and�lakes.�So�if�you�live�in�a�rural�area�and�have�a�pet� that� loves� to�roam�around�outside,�you�will�want�to� be� familiar� with� the� appearance� and� symptoms� of�Johnson� grass� poisoning.� The� symptoms� of� consump-tion�include�difficulty�breathing,�severe�anxiety,�convul-

sions� and� coma.� There� is�an�antidote�available,�so�be�sure�to�take�your�dog�to�the�vet�as�quickly�as�possible� if�you� suspect� Johnson� grass�poisoning.

Lantana� is� the� final� plant�that�is�harmful�if�eaten.�It�is�a�popular�plant�that�adorns�gardens�almost�everywhere.�It� does� not� always� cause�death,� but� it� can� in� severe�cases.�The�leaves�and�berries�of�the�Lantana�plant�are�the�most� toxic� part.� The� symp-toms� of� ingestion� include�weakness,�sluggishness,�and�bloody�diarrhea.�If� the�case�

is�severe,�death�will�occur�within�2�to�4�days�time.

Protecting�your�pets�by�considering�what�plants�you�put�in�your�home�and�in�your�garden�is�an�important�thing�to�do.�Since�you�can’t�keep�an�eye�on�your�pets�all�the�time,� the� safest� and� best� solution� is� to� simply� remove�these�plants�or�avoid�them�altogether�so�there�won’t�be�an�accident.�Your�pets�will�thank�you�for�keeping�them�safe!

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ajun�cuisine� is�unique�to�Southern�Louisiana.� It� is�varied�and�flexible.�Whether�you�are�craving�a�touch�of�the�exotic,�or�a�little�down-�home�comfort�food,�this�cuisine�has�

managed�to�include�both,�often�in�one�big�pot.�There�is�something�for�every-one�to�enjoy�when�experimenting�with�this�wonderful�style�of�cooking.

Cajun Red Beans and Rice� -� This�recipe� is� adapted� from� ‘Cooking� Light’.� You� can�always� substitute� the� regular� andouille� sausange�for�the�chicken�if�you�prefer.

2�tbsp�olive�oil� � � 1/2�tsp�salt2�three-oz�chicken�andouille�� 2�garlic�cloves,�minced��sausage�links,�chopped� � 15�oz�can�red�beans,�rinsed�and�drained1/2�c�chopped�celery� � 1/4�c�water1/2�c�chopped�onion� � 14.5�oz�can�fire-roasted�diced�tomatoes1/2�c�chopped�red�bell�pepper�� fresh�ground�black�pepper,�to�taste2�tsp�Cajun�seasoning� � 4�c�hot�cooked�brown�rice1/2�tsp�dried�oregano

In�a�large�skillet,�heat�oil�over�medium-high.�Add�sausage,�celery,�onion�and�red�bell�pepper;�cook�for�4�minutes.�Stir�in�Cajun�seasoning,�salt,�oregano�and�garlic;�cook�about� 1� minute.� In� a� small� bowl,� partially� mash� beans� with� a� fork.� Stir� beans,� 1/4�

cup� water� and� tomatoes� into� the� skillet;� bring� to� a� boil,�reduce�heat�and�simmer�until�thickened,�about�10�minutes.�Remove�from�the�heat;�season�with�fresh�ground�black�pep-per.�Serve�over�rice.�Makes�about�4�servings

Crawfish Etouffee� -� This� dish� begins� with� a�roux�-�or�the�browning�of�flour�in�a�fat�or�oil�for�use�as�a�thickening�agent.

4�tsp�Louisiana�Hot�Sauce�� 2�medium�tomatoes,�peeled�and�chopped�1�small�Bell�pepper,�diced�� 1�c�fish�stock�or�clam�juice�1/3�c�vegetable�oil�� 1/2�tsp�basil�1/4�c�flour�� 1/4�tsp�thyme�1�medium�onion,�chopped�� 1�bay�leaf2�cloves�garlic,�minced�� 1�lb�crawfish,�peeled�2�stalks�celery,�diced�� 1/2�c�chopped�scallions

To�make�the�roux:�Heat�oil�in�a�heavy�skillet�until�hot.�Gradually�stir�in�the�flour�and�stir�constantly�until�the�mixture�turns�brown.�Be�very�careful�you�don’t�burn�roux.�Sauté�the�onions,�garlic,�celery,�and�Bell�pepper�in�the�roux�for�five�minutes.�Add�the�tomatoes,�stock,�basil,�thyme,�and�bay�leaf.�Bring�to�a�boil,�stirring�constantly.�Reduce�the�heat�and�simmer�for�fifteen�minutes�or�until�it�thickens�to�a�sauce.�Add�the�hot�sauce,�crawfish,�and�scallions�and�simmer�for�an�additional�five�minutes�or�until�the�crawfish/shrimp� are� cooked.� Remove� the� bay� leaf� and� serve.� Serving� Suggestions:�Serve�with�celery�seed�coleslaw,�green�beans,�and�corn�bread.�Variations:�Use�shrimp�or�lobster�meat�in�place�of�the�crawfish.

Cajun Corn Maque Choux�–��A�fresh�and�tasty�side�dish�to�any�meal.�

1�small�onion,�chopped� � 1/4�lb�andouille�sausage,�cooked�and�diced1/4�c�chopped�green�bell�pepper� 1/4�c�chopped�green�onion�tops1-2�tsp�olive�oil� � � 1/4�tsp�salt3�c�frozen�shoe�peg�corn,�thawed� 1/4�tsp�pepper2�plum�tomatoes,�diced

Sauté�onion�and�bell�pepper�in�hot�oil�in�a�large�skillet�over�medium�heat�8�minutes�or�until�tender.�Add�corn,�tomato,�and�sausage;�cook,�stirring�often,�15�minutes.�Stir�in�green�onions,�salt,�and�pepper;�cook�5�minutes.

Across1.�Relating�to6.�Classic�clown10.�A�little�lower14.�Chilled15.�“Your�turn”16.�Pinocchio,��at�times17.�Taps19.�Going�on�and�on20.�Delicate21.�City,�Mediterranean�coast�of�Israel22.�In-flight�info,�for�short23.�Travel�guess24.�Adagio�and�allegro28.�To�tell�again30.�Second�son�of�Joseph�and�Asenath32.�Baton�wielder35.�Certain�theater,�for�short36.�Military�Dismissal40.�Afflict41.�Some�muscles42.�“Somewhere�Over�the�___”45.�Gadget49.�Australian�call50.�Golden�Triangle�country52.�“___�Ng”��(They�Might�Be�Giants�song)53.�Eccentric55.�Hands56.�Details59.�Outer�layer�of�cells61.�100�cents62.�Bottom63.�Crystal-lined�rock64.�Brio65.�The�first�garden66.�Bribe

Down1.�Ward�in�England2.�Christian�community,��E.�Europe3.�Large�member�of�the�cat�famly4.�Hurting5.�Affranchise6.�Like�visiting�teams,�often7.�Fertilization�site8.�Actress�Catherine�___-Jones9.�Otherwise10.�Four�Leaf�___11.�Balloon�filler12.�Boy13.�Swelter18.�Eyelet�creator19.�Plus23.�Apple�spray25.�Sedimentary�rock26.�Bakers’�wares27.�Babysitter’s�handful29.�Australian�runner30.�Blows�it31.�At�the�End�of�the�Rainbow33.�Old�World�duck34.�“The�Joy�Luck�Club”�author36.�“Bye�now”37.�Assortment38.�Western�blue�flag,�e.g.39.�Balaam’s�mount40.�Parenthesis,�essentially43.�Advocating�Democratic��capitalism44.�Resting�places46.�Large�burrowing�rodent47.�Iroquoian�language48.�Sharpening�tool50.�Run�out,�as�a�subscription51.�Roswell�crash�victim,��supposedly54.�Bit�of�sweat55.�Algonquian�Indian56.�“Comprende?”57.�Afghanistan�cash58.�Victorian,�for�one60.�___�roll62.�“To�__�or�not�to�__”

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Our Town For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 • [email protected] PAGE ��Our Town For Advertising information Call 770.222.2699 l [email protected] l OurTownFamily.com� PAGE ��

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