Gwinnett’s ownDiana Degarmo

See story! page "

The Gwinnett Area’s Family Lifestyle News Magazine

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTATAT GE

PAIDMonroe, GA

PERMIT #15

FEBRUARY 2008

www#OurTownMag#orgwwwwwww##OOuurrTTTTrTrrTr oooToTToT wwwnnMMaagg##oorrrggggL Lawrenceville S Grayson

!ese results may not be typical. Results with products may vary from individual to individual. !ese nutrition recommendations are provided solely to support good nutrition with the intent of supporting the physiological and biochemical process of the human body and not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Be advised that any nutritional program

recommended by Dr. Gravante is not intended as a primary therapy for any disease. Prior to starting any diet, nutrition or exercise program, you should consult with your medical physician.

Claire’s Story

Hi! My name is Claire and I am a patient of Dr. Lorraine Gravante. Let me begin by telling you a little bit about my past. My weight had never

been a big problem for me.I used to play a LOT of tennis, but after my elbow decided that I no longer needed to play, it became harder for me to keep the weight off. I would go to the gym 2-3 times per week (if I was lucky!), but my weight just kept creeping up on me. Surely, it

could not be because of the chocolate and cookies that I craved everyday! Before I knew it, my weight had gotten

higher than ever. I tried several diet programs, would lose some weight, but always seemed to put it back on.

When my boyfriend saw Dr. Gravante’s advertisement in the Our Town, we decided to go to her Nutritional Workshop and see what her Nutritional Program was all about. After listening to what she had to say about her Program and what makes it different from the other Weight Loss Programs out there, I decided to give it a try. It made sense that your lifestyle has to change in order to succeed at keeping the weight off. When I first started the program it surprised me how easy it was to actually stick to eating what I should eat! I no longer had the cravings for sweets – which had plagued me in the past. I also stopped hitting the snooze button on my alarm for an hour each morning … I literally got right out of bed! The best thing is that everyone is noticing the changes in me. It is so exciting and rewarding!

I feel better than I have ever felt before and my weight is under control! I have more energy than ever and my strength

is also increasing. I now look forward to getting older because the older I get the better I am looking!

Best of GwinnettChiropractor 2006

The Center for Natural Healing and Weight Loss

1790 Presidential Circle, Suite A, Snellville, GA 30078

678.990.9400 www.drgravante.com

Come to one of the Nutritional Workshops at Dr. Gravante’s office

at 7:00 P.M. on: February 13th and 27th,

Please call to reserve your seat!

See our website for a complete listing of workshops.

Claire, before

Dr Gravante 0208.indd 1 1/18/08 10:02:48 AM

E!mail: lifefef @OurTrTr oToT wnMag"org Page #

The Village VetsNow Open!

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Now Offering Grooming Services! Includes: Deep Cleansing Bath & Conditioner,

Ear Cleaning, Nail trim, Full Hair Cut, Sanitary Trim, Pet Perfume, and Bandanna!

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Francoise TylerFrancoise TylerFrancoise T , DVMyler, DVMylerWill Draper, DVMWill Draper, DVMWill Draper

Laura Edison, DVM

Page ! Our Town Magazine Visit our Web site at www"OurTownMag"org February #$$%

Susan Cadley, LPC

Dr. Lorraine Gravante

Cathy Hall

Sagdrina Jall, BS Ed, CPT Jeffrey Lennox, M.D.

Eileen Russell Carol Wood

PUBLISHER/EDITOR:

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

Our TownLilburn Lawrenceville Snellville Grayson

Opinions expressed by the editorial staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions

OUR TOWN MAGAZINE

GRAPHICS AND DESIGN

Jan Stittleburg, JS PhotoFX

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

D. Flores

IN THIS ISSUE

VALENTINE’S LOVE IN GWINNETT !PETS OF THE MONTH "CALENDAR OF EVENTS #MACHIAVELLIAN TENNIS $HOMETOWN GIRL GONE COUNTRY %IN&HOME PERSONAL TRAINING '(SUDOKU PUZZLE '( GARDENING ACTIVITY PLANNER ')LILBURN IN PHOTOS '*COUNSELOR’S CORNER '! EDUCATION CORNER '" MATTERS OF THE HEART '#PUZZLE SOLUTION '#ON THE EDGE WITH EILEEN RUSSELL '$ INSIDE OUT WITH CATHY HALL '$

Detailed Window Cleaning by Hand

AbsoluteResidentialWindow Cleaning

770-785-9383

Contact Paul Valenta PO Box 390233, Snellville, GA 30039

AbsoluteWindowCleaning.net

ABOUT THE COVER

E!mail: lifefef @OurTrTr oToT wnMag"org Page #

VALENTINE’S LOVE IN GWINNETT

FreeBuy 1 Combo DinnerBuy 1 Combo Dinner

get 1 Combo Dinner get 1 Combo Dinner FREEof equal or lesser value, With pur, With purchase of 2 drinks.

Dine in or take in or take-out.Valid Mon, Tues, & Wed, 5-9 PM. Not valiot valid on holidays. Expires 3-1-08

$5.00 offBuy 1 dinner item get

$5.00 Off 2nd dinner item.

With purchase of 2 drinks.Not valid on Fridays. Dine in onlylyl .

One coupon per table. Expires 3-1-08

VALENTINES DAY SPECIALDinner for TwoDouble Chicken Fajaja itas and

Pitcher of Margaritas$ 29.95 +Tax

Note: Couples Onlylyl

3370 Sugarloaf Parkway A-1Shops of Lawrenceville770.277.2725

www.hidalgosmewww.hidalgosmewww xrest.comHours: Sunday - Thursday 11AM - 10 PM

Friday & Saturday 11AM - 11 PM

Frree

REAL

Lunch Buffet Open eveve evev ryryr dydy ayaya 11AM - 2PM

On February $% &''(% Virgil and Ann Ponzoli of Lilburn will celebrate#' years of marriage" When asked how they lasted so long% Virgil replied%“Catholics don’t believe in divorce"”Ann added% “We don’t own a gun"”

The Ponzoli’swere blessed with four lovely% live!ly daugh!ters whok e p t them on theirtoes"Somehow the fafaf milywas always working on a new projojo ect or trip% so they did not have time to dwell on prob!lems long enough to attemptto end them" Pretty soon% newonesevolved%asdidmanyproud%happy and wonderful times"

Virgil practiced the specialty of Ear%r%rNose and Throat ! Head and Neck

Surgery"Annwasanurseandtheofffff icemanager"r"r Lifefef was sometimes frustrat!ing and sometimes satisfyfyf ing in thepractice and in the home" As the girlsmoved away and Dr"r"r Ponzoli retired%Ann sought fulfillment in fafaf mily" Six

yearsagowhentheiryoyoy ungestmovovo evev d

to Lilburn %she sought baby sit!ting helpfrom her p a r e nt s "Ann wel!

comed theidea% and so

they moved"Both enjoy

church and com!munity service in Florida

and Georgia when they are not visiting their daughter’s fafaf milies

)includingtengrandchildren*%hereand up the East Coast"

Their philosophy is% “Love Endures!”

Wehavebeenmarriedfofof rfiveyears andinthatshortamountoftftf imewehaverealized the importance of taking thetimetodothingsonourown"Distancereallydoesmaketheheartgrowfofof nderand we have

fofof und that when we take the time tofulfill our own interests% we can givemoretotherelationship"Soouradvice?Be sure and make time for yourself!Anand & Swathi Thaker

Page ! Our ToToT wn Magazine Visit our Web site at www"OurTrTr oToT wnMag"org February #$$%

AROUND OUR TOWN & PETS OF THE MONTHBARKALARM’S BIRDWISER – “BUD”!

A BRITTANY SPANIEL

Bud turned '( years old in October and he is still enjoying lifefef " Hehas no arthritis) a good appetite and he is a wonderful companion"Bud comes from a long line of show and field Brittanys) however)r)r hedidnotparticipateineither)r)r buthemayhavetherecordfofof rlongevity"I like to think it’s because of the years of TLC he has received"

Photo courtesy of Bobbie Davenport

MICHELLE G DICKLER, DVM

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-6pm Second Sat 9am-12pm

AMERICANANA HERITATAT GAGA EANANA IMALHOSPITATAT L

AMERICAN HERITAGE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

February is Pet Dental

Health Month

10% off all Dental Cleanings

Coupon expires 2-29-08

BALTO " A SIBERIAN HUSKY"GERMAN SHEPPARD MIX

This is Balto" He is a * months old"My boyfriend) Derek)k)k and I adopted himfrom Clover Run Rescue in Jefffff efef rson" Not only is he absolutely ADORABLE buthe is incredibly loveable too! He is veryfriendlyandextremelysmart"Helovestoplayandexplorenewplaces"Wecouldnot behappiertohavegivenahomelesspeta home and the love that he deserves!

photo courtesy of Crystal Nicole

THUMPER " A WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER

Thumper dances in circles when he getsexcited) like when he’s about to go fofof r a ridein the car"r"r He hates hearing babies cry onTV"V"V A squeaky egg is his fafaf vorite toy"

Photo courtesy of Lisa Hollingsworth

Submit your pet photo and story to life@OurTownMag.org. Images must be at least 2” x 3" at 200 dpi. Mail your photo to Our Town at P.O. Box 644 Snellville, Georgia 30078. Sorry, but

photos can not be returned.

Place a secure collar and tags on your pet" Be sure thhee ttag inncludes acontact name and pphoonnee nnumber or evenanemailaddddreessswheressoomeonecan reach you at all times"

NOTE: For cats) itt’ss a ggooood idea to purchase a “break+away” collar"r"r A “break+away” collar has an elastic ring oraneasy+opensnapsothecatcanfreeitself should the collar become snaredon a tree branch so it won’t strangle"

Consider microchipping or tat+tooing as a secondary means of pro+tection" YoYoY u can have a microchipinserted under the skin or a tattooetched on the skin to distinguish yourpet"Themicrochiportattoonumberissthenregisteredwithaservicethatkekek eepps s a record of your name and address oon n file" In the event the animal is turned in or reported) they will contact you"Most local shelters are supplied with microchipscanners"Remembertokekek eparecordofthemicrochiportattooreg+istrationnumberonfileincaseyouare

contacted to identifyfyf the animal" Also)remember that the chip is invisible toaannyyone who might find your pet)t)t soconsidderinncclluudinganotethatyourpet is mmmiiccrroocchhiippppeed on his or her ID tag tonootifyfyf a sheelter volunteer"r"r

Keep animals indoors when you are not home to supervise" Outdoor animals run a higher risk of becoming lost or stolen" Even a dog “secured” in a fefef nced yard can dig out or jump or climb the fefef nce and quickly becomelost" A cat who has free run outdoors can easily wander away from fafaf miliar ssuurrroundings"Athunderstorm)holidayfefef stiivities) or unusually high trafffff ic canccaauuse an animal to venture beyond iits seeccure environment in search of a quieteer retreat"

Spay⁄neuter your pets" ThThis will kkeeeepptthemfromwannderinginnsearchof a mate which can qquickly puut them in harm’s way"

This arttiiclle provided by www.gwinnetthumane.com

TIPS FOR PREVENTING THE LOSS OF A PET

BAXTER " A RAT TERRIER

He’sadogwhoprefefef rscatfofof od"Baxtercansitandshakehands)he’s alsoprettygoodatchasingsticksin his yard" He doesn’t like being on a leash + he likes to be free"

Photo courtesy of David Dudley

E!mail: lifefef @OurTrTr oToT wnMag"org Page #

AROUND OUR TOWN $ CALENDAR OF EVENTSTeam SuccessA business women’s network that pro!vides business building leads & refefef rrals"Meets every Wednesday %&!%:'(pm atJohnny Carino’s Restaurant by Discover Mills" Call Beverly at ##(!)#)!#))#

Lilburn Middle HOSTS Mentoring ProgramHOSTS ! Helping One Student ToToTSucceed" Do you have *+ minutes to giveto a student per week? Call HOSTS,-#.!'.(!#&&%, Lilburn Middle School,##(!)&%!%##-

The MOMS Club Of SnellvilleInternational non!profit organizationthatprovidessupport fofof rat!homemoth!ers and their children" For more infofof r!mation visit www"snellvillemomsclub"com or email inquiries to Snellville_MOMSClub@yahoo"com

October -, &((# ! March %, &((.The Lawrenceville Affair on the Square%&pm ! .pm, Downtown Lawrenceville"Call -#.!&&-!&-') or visit www"visitlawrenceville"com

January %), ! March &'ART Station presents “Works of Spivey Creations”%(am ! +pm Thurs!Fri, %(am ! 'pm Sat,Art Station" Admission: /&(!/&-" Call ##(!*-)!%%(+ or visit www"artstation"org

February &Groundhog Day-am, YeYeY llow River Game Ranch"Admission: Free 0From -am!.am only1"Call ##(!)#&!--*' or visit yellowrivergameranch"com

February &Gwinnett Gladiators vs" South Carolina StingraysTimes: #:'+pm, Arena at Gwinnett Center"r"r Admission: /%( ! /&+" Call ##(!*)#!+%(( or visitwww"gwinnettgladiators"com

FFFebbbrrruuuaaarrryyy '''Georgia Bridal Show%&:'(pm, Gwinneeett Center"r"r Admission: ///)!/%(" Call ##(!.%'''!#+(( or visit www"gwinnettcenter"com

February * – March %(C"L"I"M"B ! Children’s Lives Include Moments of BraveryMondays -:((!#:'(pm, Cannon UnitedMethodist Church Hope House, &*&*Webb Gin House Road, Snellville" Call##(!#'-!)#-+

February . ! February %(Great American Motorcycle Show

*pm ! )pm Friday, )am ! .pm Saturday,%(am ! +:'(pm Sunday, North Atlanta TrTrT ade Center"r"r Admission: /%& adults,/# Kids ages -!%*, FREE fofof r Kids under +" Free Parking" Call ##(!&#)!).)) or email rhonda@natcshows"com,www"northatlantatradecenter"r"rcommm⁄⁄⁄m⁄mm⁄mm⁄m

February . ! February %(Hudlow Junior Winter ChampionshipsHudlow TeTeT nnis Center 0Best Friend Park1k1k " Call ##(!*%#!&&%( or visit www"gwinnettparks"com

February . ! February &*New London Theatre Presents “Godspell”Fri & Sat #:'(pm, Sun &:'(pm, South Gwinnett High School" Admission: /%(advanced ⁄ /%& door"r"r Call ##(!)#)!'-)%or visit www"newlondontheare"org

February ) ! February %(B)."+ FM’s Family Fest%(am, Gwinnett Convention Center"r"rAdmission: /%(" Call *(*!.)#!#+%% or visit b).+"com⁄

February )Girls of Greatness ConferenceInspirational confefef rence geared towards *th!%&th grade girls" Hosted by Diamond in the Rough and I AmB"E"A"U"T"T" "T"TI"F"U"L"L"L .am!+pm, Hopewell Baptist Church" Admission: /+(!/++"Call -#.!'#-!)-#- or visit www"girlsofgreatness"com

February %&Cancer Medications: Answering Your Questions on Benefits and Side Effects#:((!.:((pm, Cannon United Methodist Church Hope House" Call ##(!#'-!)#-+"

February %+ ! February %#%%th Annual Georgia Home & Garden Show%&!- Fri, %(am!-pm Sat" %&!+pm Sun,Gwinnett Center Convention Center"r"rAdmission: /# adults, /- seniors &students, %& & under FREE" Caaallll l l -#.!*++!+%)& or visit www"booksandshows"com

February %-+(’s Sock HopDinner Bufffff efef t and DJ fofof r danc!ing" Contests fofof r best dressed, best dancers, bubble gum blowing and more" #:((!%(:((pm, Little GardensRestaurant" /'( per person, tickets must be purchased in advance" Call##(!)&'!'*'*

February &( – March )ART Station presents “The Lady With All the Answers”Thursdays ! Saturdays at .:(( P"M" and Sunday at ':(( P"M" at the ART Station Theatre located at +'.* Manor Drive in Stone Mountain Village" Contact: Michael Hidalgo at ##( *-) %%(+ or hillaryh@artstation"org

Thursday Feb &%Bridal Show+:'(!.:((pm, Little Gardens Restaurant"Freetoattendees"Complimentarybever!agesandhorsd’oeuvres,VeVeV ndorexhibits"

February &', ! February &*Sports Car Club of America 0SCCA1 RegionalsSpectators welcome! .am!+pm, Road Atlanta" Admission: /%(!/&)+" Call %!.((!.*)!RACE 0#&&'1 or visit www"roadatlanta"com

February &'Summer Camp Expo%:((pm!+:((pm, Discover Mills"Admission: Free! Call -#.!.*#!+((( or visit www"simon"com

February &'R" D" Head PTA’s annual Carnival ⁄Silent Auction %(:((am to ':((pm" The Carnival fefef a!tures a “Play All Day” wrist band whichis /%+ fofof r the %st band and /%("(( fofof r each additional wrist band" Please visit www"rdheadpta"org fofof r details"

February &*Mrs" Georgia⁄Mrs" South Carolina⁄Miss Georgia Teen & Jr" Teen Pageants&pm, Gwinnett Center"r"r Admission: /'("Call ##(!.%'!#+(( or visit www"gwinnettcenter"com

February &-Side by Side Concert: Sensational Strings#:'(pm, Perfofof rming Arts Center at Gwinnett Center"r"r Admission: /&.adults, /&* seniors, /%& students" Call*(*!&*)!-*(( or www"ticketmaster"com

February &) ! March &Lion Heart Theatre Presents: “Inherit the Wind” by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E" LeeFri"& Sat" #:'(pm, NorcrossCommunity and Cultural Arts Center"r"rAdmission: Adults /%+, Students &Seniors /%&, groups of %(+ /%( each"All ticket prices include dessert andbeverage" Call ##(!.(-!()'+ or visit ww"lionhearttheatre"org

Febbbrruary % ! March '%Dessert SpecialChhhocolate Molten Cake with Raspberry Coooulis this month and next month,wwwhich is a great 0restaurant quality1 at ADiiinner A’A’A Fare"

Febbbruary )Valentine Dinner and Dance- – %(((:::'( pm, Gwinnett Historic Courttthouse, %.+ W" Crogan St",Lawrennnceville" Enjoy a night of dinner and dannncccing with your loved one this VaVaV lentine’’’sss holiday" Live band, catereddinner,r,r doooorrr prizes, event photos, and more" This is aaa non!alcohol event"Adults only" Cosssttt is /#+⁄+⁄+ c⁄c⁄ ouple" Pre!register by &⁄&⁄& 2⁄2⁄ 3 Call ####(!.&&!+*+("

February %*Valentine’s Day DinnerSeating from +:'(pm to %(:((pm,Little Gardens Restaurant" Special limmm!

ited menu only" Reservations requuuired"Call ##(!)&'!'*'*

February %*Valentines Day SpecialDinner fofof r two: Double chicken fafaf jitaaas and pitcher of margaritas, / &)")+ +T+T+ aTaT xxx"x"xNote: couples only" Hidalgos Mexicccaan Restaurant, call ##(!&##!&#&+"

February %*Valentine Social Dance% – ' p"m" Entertainment, dancinnng and light refreshments" Pre!rrregisterby &⁄&⁄& 2⁄2⁄ 23 Ages +(!up" Cost is /'" CCCall ##(!+-*!*-.(" The Gwinnett SSSeniorCenter is located at &&+ BBBethesda Church Rd" in Lawreeennnceville"

Atlanta Ballet Presents “Romeo and Juliet”Call fofof r pepeperfofof rmance dates" Tickets as lllooow as /%+" Call Ticketmaster at***(((*!.%#!.#((, www"atlantaballet"com

AROUND OUR TOWN VALENTINE’S DAY HAPPENINGS

Never discuss love with a tennis player! it means nothing to them"m

Page # Our ToToT wn Magazine Visit our Web site at www"OurTrTr oToT wnMag"org February $%%#

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MACHIAVELLIAN TENNIS

A common practice befofof re going intobattleistoprayyyfffooooofoffoffof rrrrdddddiiiivvvviiiiinneeeeeeiiiinnnttterven&tion" Since in mmmaaaannnnyyyy wwwaaayyyss ttteeennnnnniiiiissss iiiiisssss llliiikeabattle!itshouuuuulldddddbbbeeaaacccccceeeppptttaaabbbbllleeettooopppprrrrraaaaayyyyyfofof r help agaiiinnnnnnsttt yyyyooouuurr oooppppppooonnneeennntttsss" TTThhheeeproblem wittthhhh ttthhhiiiss aaapppppprroooaaacchhh iisss gggeetttttiiinnng g g thebigguytoooommmmmooovvveeeyyyooouuurrrrrreeequeeessssttttttttooottthhheeefront of the llliiinnnneeeee"" WWWWiiittthhh fffaaaaaafaf mmminnneee! gggggllooobbbaaallwarming!BritnnneeeeeyyyyyySSSppppeeeaaarrss’’dddddrrrrriiiiinnnnkkkkkiinnngggaaannnd d d thepresidentialeeellleeeeecccctttiiooonnnaaallllooonnnhhhiiisssrraaaddddaaarscreen! helping yooouuuuu tttttooo wwwiiinnn aa ttteennnnnniis s match may not be thhheee LLLLLLooooorrrrd’d’d’d’d’d’ss hhhiiiggghhheeeesssst t t t t t priority" ToToT assist our readddeeerrrsss IIIIII tttthhhheeerrreeeeee&&&fofof re offfff efef r The Machiavellian TeTeT nniiisssPrayer:

“Our heavenly father! you saw fit in your divine wisdom to grant me neither speed nor coordination" Strength! grace! endurance and light&ning reflexes were gifts I did not receive" Also withheld through your heavenly wisdom was the ability to power serve! hit down the line! or to strike an overhead smash" My partner also prays that one day I will be able

to remember the score! to not touch the net and to call line shots correctly" These abilities and others I have been blessed to not have been granted" Blessed! O wise father! since I have been given instead humility! patience and dignity learned through repeated defeats" For these gifts I thank you"”

“In your almighty wisdom I ask that you now grant my opponents these same gifts" Allow them the opportunity to grow through unexpected defeat! to learn from crushing humiliation and to benefit from public ridicule" Let them suffer the broken string! the missed overhead! the embarrassing double fault! the jarring partner colli&sion and the sun always in their eyes" They are overconfident of victory; they take for granted their physical gifts" Grant them now a trouncing to show them the error of their ways" In your name we pray" Amen"”

by Dr. Je'

1319 Scenic Highway1319 Scenic HighwayLawrenceville, GA 30045Lawrenceville, GA 30045at the intersection of Hwy 124 at the intersection of Hwy 124

& W& Webb Gin House Road

770.979.9490Eat with us in Evans, GA too!Eat with us in Evans, GA too!

Free Cheese DipWith minimum $15 purchase

One coupon per table.Expires February 29, 2008

E!mail: lifefef @OurTrTr oToT wnMag"org Page #

HOMETOWN GIRL GONE COUNTRYYeYeY p$ that’s Diana DeGarmo on

the cover of Our ToToT wn magazine$but she may not look like the pink!clad$ American Idol sweetheart youremember"r"r

Diana was a sixteen!year!old Shiloh student when she burst ontothe national music scene in %&&'"Now living in Atlanta$ she’s left her teen years behind" She’s still crazyabout fafaf shion$ but she’s just as crazyabout NASCAR" “Redneck Diva” ishow Diana puts it$t$t and the # poundbig mouth bass (which she caught herself$f$f thank you) proves she’s not kidding!Shedoesn’tkidaroundabout hercareer$r$r either"r"r She’sstillimpressingaudiences with that powerful voice$

her presence in the music scene asstrongasever"r"r Justnotthemusicsceneyou remember"r"r

Maybe you already know that$t$t ifyou’vebeenwatchingGoneCountry$a new program on CMT"T"T And if you haven’tcaughtupyetwiththisrealityshow$ Diana can fill in the details"

Gone Country has taken seven recording artists and moved theminto the world’s largest log cabin in Nashville$ TeTeT nnessee" Each singer is pairedwithtwoprofefef ssionalsongwrit!ers who will help the contestants in theirquesttowritethewinningsong"The lucky winner will have his or her songproducedbyindustryhit!maker$r$rJohn Rich$ and released as a single"

Sounds easy enough$right? But John Rich produc!es country music"c"c And these aren’t your typical country artists" It’s a fish!out!of!f!f waterchallenge that according to Diana was “lots of fun$ buteveryone took the competi!tion very seriously"” Latin heart throb$ Julio Iglesias Jr"r"r $TwTwT isted Sister’s lead singer$r$rDeeSnider$r$r andAtlanta’sownBobbyBrownarejustafefef woftheroommatesinwhatDianacalls her “big$ quirky fafaf mily”"But “we all got along$ makinggreat music!”

If you want to know if our hometown girl wins$ you’ll have to watch Gone Countryon CMT"T"T

Wonderingwhatshelikekek d bestaboutthethirdseasonof

AROUND OUR TOWN * COVER STORY

AmericanIdolwhenshegrabbed the runner!up prize?

“Theexperience$”saidDiana “was amazing" YoYoY u learn somuch" And of course$ the show catapultsyoufrom‘zerotohero’overnight"” Her career took offfffafter AI and fofof r that$t$t Diana’s very appreciative"

TaTaT ke the USO tour she was invited to join two years ago"She’s very proud of that over!seasexperience$“singingfofof rthe best audience in the world$ ourtroops"”Shetraveledtothirteencountries in seven days$ visitingplacessuchasIraq$Afgfgf hanistan$Kuwait$ Africa and Germany"Diana developed a deep respect fofof rour soldiers who serve in some of thetoughest conditions on earth" “ToToT seewhattheysee$”madefofof ramemorabletrip that “put everything into perspec!tive” fofof r her"r"r

Back home$ Diana has perfofof rmed in several Broadway productions$

including BKLYLYL N The Musical and Hairspray" It was during Hairspraythat Diana parlayed her klutzy charminto a contribution fofof r a worthy cause"

That’s Diana DeGarmo fofof r you"Seriousabouthercareer$r$randhavingaseri!ously wonderful time along the way!

by Cathy Hall

Photos courtesy of D. Flores

Wanted!!!Women omen omen omen whowhowho Like to Sing!

TTThhhuuurrrsssdddaaayyysss,, 777:30 P.P.P M.

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Page !" Our Town Magazine Visit our Web site at www#OurTownMag#org February $""%

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Children also build skills while learning cheers, chants, dance, tumbling, stunts and gymnastics. With all of the fun activities that go on during our Cheerleading classes, your child will never know that they are learning and growing.

Visit The Little Gym today to learn more about Cheerleading or one of our other motor skill development programs for children 4 months to 12 years like Parent/Child, Pre-School and Grade School Gymnastics, Sports Skills and Dance.

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Agrowingnumberofpeopleareopt)ingfofof ramoreconvenientalternativetoaddressingtheirfitnessneeds:in)homepersonaltraining#Ratherit’sacorporateexecutive with limited time& a busymomwhodoesnotwanttoaddanothertrip to her “to)do” list&t&t or the successfulprofefef ssional trying to increase produc)tivityhavingain)homepersonaltrainerisansweringtheageoldquestion:“How am I ever going to fit in a workokok ut?”

In)home personal training provides asolutiontoperhapsthebiggestfitness obstacles: time# Cutting out the travel timetoandfromthegymaddsvaluabletime to a hectic day# The workokok ut itself increasesproductivitybyrelievingstress and giving you a natural energy boost#t#tBy having the trainer come to your home *or offfff ice+& you can have a greatworkokok ut in about an hour#r#r There is alsononeedtowaitfofof requipment#t#t In)hometrainers are skilled in using whateverequipment available# They also bringadditional fitness “tools” with them toaid in your workokok ut#t#t

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a workokok ut can takekek more efffff ofof rt than the workokok ut itself#f#f Working out in your own environment allows you to dress comfofof rtably#Allyouneedisagoodpairof sneakekek rs! YoYoY ur trainer will developa fun program that meets your needs#YoYoY u simply fofof llow her lead# YoYoY u can also schedule your training sessionsaround the needs of your fafaf mily or career#r#r In)home trainers are availableearly mornings& during the day& and inthe evenings# YoYoY u choose the time thatbest suits your lifefef style#

Loss of motivation is why most fit)ness plans fafaf il# Having someone cheer youonandkekek epyoufofof cusedcanmakekekthedifffff efef rencebetweenfrustrationandresults# A qualified in)home trainerknows when and how to change yourroutine to kekek ep your body challengedand you motivated#

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Page !" Our ToToT wn Magazine Visit our Web site at www#OurTrTr oToT wnMag#org February $%%&

AROUND OUR TOWN ' LILBURN

Sheetal Desai, Baps Mandir Public Relations and guest speaker at the Lilburn City Hall monthly meeting

with Mayor Diana Preston.

Laurel Shapiro takes a break from her studies at ColumbusStateUniversitytoenjoytheLBAluncheon and the company of Hugh Wilkerson of Antiques in Old Tod Tod T wn, Thor Johnson - LBA President, and

Natasha Johnson with Salon Par Excellence.

Pat Swan, Executive Chair Senior Leadership Gwinnett 2008-2009 and Lorrie Christopher, r, r Director of Institutional Advancement for Gwinnett Tet Tet T chnical College were Guest Speakers at the December Lilburn Business Association lun-cheon, smiling with former Lilburn Mayor Jack Bolton.

Arbor Day Celebration (March 1 in City Park at 10:00) promises to be a fun-(lled event with a tree dedication honoring a Lilburn Community Contributor. Dignitaries, Scouts and residents will witness Lilburn receive the "Tree Citizen Designation" thanks to thee)o)o) rtsofDaleHigdon,ForestServiceAgent,alongwithMandy McManus and Gail Zarnick from the Conservation Dept. of the

Lilburn’s Women Club (pictured at right from last year’s Arbor Day

Celebration).

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David Chandley WSB Meteo-rologist and dedicated Lilburn

Citizen received a standing ovation as he was presented a Proclamation,honoringhimfor hisoutstandingcommunitycon-tributions from Mayor Preston.

CharlesBannister,r,r GwinnettCountyChairman (on right) shakes hands with Councilman Tim Dunn, while

former Mayor Bolton watches.

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TheLWLWL Cprovidedculinarydelightsfofof rthereceptionwelcoming Lilburn’s new Mayor, Cr, Cr ouncil and Board members.

Pictured are Sandra Langston, Pat Shaver, r, r Dianna Carson, Laurie Wexel, Pat Swan, Christine Peredney, y, y Nancy Kenny and

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RELATIONSHIP CHECK!UP

“Relationships – We all got ‘em%we all want ‘em" What do we do

with them?” Jimmy Bufffff efef tt

This month we celebrate love and the ideal of romantic love" Ah% theblossoming of new love … the cutecards% thedates% flowers% theheadover heels blissful fefef elings" Then what? This beginning phase of romantic love can turn offfff all our blinders to what might not be working in a new relationship"Once we become comfofof rtable with a new partner%r%r conflict may occur and this is where we learn the most about ourselves"Whennewlovematuresintothisplace%itsurprisesmanypeopleand yetthis isanaturalprogressionandit’swhere we grow as individuals"

Many couples get stuck in a power struggleearlyonintherelationshipand each couple has a difffff efef rent pattern ofcommunication"YoYoY ucanmapoutyour ownrelationshipbythinkingaboutan issue you discuss over and over again with your partner in the same manner each time" It might go something like

this; “when I say or do % he⁄e⁄e s⁄s⁄ heresponds by " His⁄s⁄s h⁄h⁄ er responseshuts me down and I hide% lash out%t%t or

"” We all have difffff efef rent stylesdependingonourpersonalityandour upbringing"Thewaytobreakthatcycleis to try on new behaviors" I often tell couplesthatifyouwanttocontinuenot getting your needs met%t%t keep doing⁄g⁄gsaying the same thing"

Here are some basic skills that you canapplytoyourrelationshipifyouarefefef eling stuck:

#& Seek first to understand yourpartner"r"r Often we lash out angrily or fefef elbetrayedwhenwedon’thavealltheinfofof rmation" Clarifyfyf and ask questionsbefofof re you assume anything"

'& Acknowledge your partners fefef el!ings or simply state; “I hear you areupset%t%t tell me more about it”" This onestep can stop an argument in its tracks"

(& If you tend to run and hide when conflict arises% challenge yourself and bring an issue to the table with your partner telling them that you need to

COUNSELOR’S CORNER be heard" If you cannot do this in a relationshipduetosafefef ty%thatrelation!ship is unhealthy and obviously not good fofof r you"

)& If you tend to get angry and yell at your partner%r%r you can be #**% guar!anteedthatyouwillnotgetunderstood or heard" TaTaT ke a time out and leavethe house or location% breathe deeply%count to #*% anything you can do tocalm yourself down befofof re you makea request"

Relationshipstakeworkandrequireself awareness" If you are not awaketo who you are and how you bring

yourselftorelationships%youmaykeeprepeating the same patterns over and over again" Consider engaging withyourpartnerinanewwayandopenthedoor to a deeper%r%r richer relationship

Susan Cadley, y, y LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor, r, r is available for couples and adult individual counseling

in Suwanee, GA. She maybereacheddirectly and con+dentially at

678-296-1278, www.w.w susancadley.y.ycom.

CPAR. Lee Pennington CPAPAP , P.P.PC.

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Page !" Our ToToT wn Magazine Visit our Web site at www#OurTrTr oToT wnMag#org February $%%&

EDUCATION CORNER

My last article pertained to parentsbeingtheirchildren’s’s’ primaryteacherand seveve evev ralsuggestionsweremaderegarding how to teach them every chance pos'sible# This month I will address an issuefofof r parents as we grow older and what we can do to learn and stay mentallysharp( help prevent memory loss( andincreaseourmentalfitness#Aswegrow older(r(r therearementalsignsthatremind us of this; such as fofof rgetting where weput something or a declining ability tomultitask#k#k WeWeW may believe that losingour memory and mental sharpness is something we have no control over#r#rWell(thereisgoodnews!Herearestepswe can takekek to improve our mentalcapacities and memory skills#

Return to the classroom# YoYoY u arenever too old to learn! In fafaf ct(t(t studieshaveshownthatitisbeneficialfofof radultsas we age to learn something new# Thisopens up channels in our brains thathavebeenleftftf towitherandatrophy#YoYoY u may fefef el that lifefef is too busy to go back toschoolorareconcernedthatyoumaynot be able to learn and retain infofof rma'tion anymore# I returned to college fofof r

a Master’s degree in June $%%" and amexcited to report to you that the ‘olebrain still works and the memory cellsare still kicking! There are many repu'table colleges offfff efef ring on'line degrees(which is what I am doing# An on'linedegreeallowsyoutocontinuetoparent your children( work in your career(r(r and takekek collegeclassesatthesametime#As aresultofyoursandmylifefef experiences and better understanding about theworld( people( places( and events thanwhenwewereyoung(wecanbebetterstudents now than befofof re! If you havebeen thinking about going to collegefofof rthefirsttimeorfofof ranotherdegree( Iwouldencourageyoutotakekek actionanddo so! YoYoY u will be so glad you did!

If you are unable to budget fofof r or donotdesireacollegedegree(thereareother ways to expand your knowledgebaseandopenupthoseuntappedbrain channels#Selectatopicyouwouldlikekek tolearnmoreaboutandaccesstheworld'widewebandbeginyourresearch#Withthe internet(t(t infofof rmation is literally akekek y strokekek away# Of course( be sure thesourcesyouselecttolearnfromarewar'

ranted(reputable(andreliablebecausethere is some infofof rmation on the inter'net that is not accurate and based on people’s opinions#

ToToT prevent increase your mental fit'nessandpreventmemoryloss(youmayfindauniqueprogramcalledNeurobicshelpful# In a book by Lawrence C#C#C Katz(z(zPhD & Manning Rubin )!***+ entitled(KeKeK ep YoYoY ur Brain Alive( Neurobics is saidtoincludeasimpleexerciseprogrambased on the brain’s ability to producenaturalgrowth fafaf ctors calledneurotro'phins that help fight offfff the efffff efef cts of mental aging#Neurobic exercises use your five physical senses and youremotional sense in unexpected ways and encourage you to shakekek up your everyday routines# Example neurobicexercisesaretocloseyoureyesanduseyour other senses of touch( smell and spatial memory to unlock your door(r(renter your home at the end of the dayandfindyourwaytothecoatclosetandanswering machine# What happens in yourbrainwhileyou’redoingthesetypes ofexercises isthatdifffff efef rent(t(t underused nerve pathways and connections get

activated#ToToT learnabout Neurobics(go to www#neurobics#com#

Another book which addressesmemory skills and mental fitness is byCorrine L#L#L Gediman & Francis M#Crinella( PhD# )$%%"+ entitled( Brainfit– !% Minutes a Day fofof r a Sharper Mind and Memory# Using advancedbrain imaging technology( neuroscien'tistsarelearningaboutthebrain’samaz'ingcapacityfofof rrejeje uvenation#BrainFit is a circuit'training program designed to reclaim your brain# In !% to !, minutes a day individuals who are beginning tofefef el the efffff efef cts of memory loss will see immediatereversalofthementalagingprocess# ToToT learn about Brainfit(t(t go towww#brainfit#t#tnet#t#t

Katz, L. C. (1999). Keep Yop Yop Y ur Brain Alive. New YoYoY rk: Workman Publishing Company.

Gediman, C. L. & Crinella, F. M. (2006). Brain-t-10 Minutes a Day for a Sharper

Mind and Memory. New Yow Yow Y rk: Barnes & Noble Publishing, Inc.

PARENTS: KEEP YOUR MIND SHARP AND IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL FITNESS!

Carol Wood is the fofof under and owner of ToToT tal LearningConcepts, Inc.,aprivate,profefef ssional

tutorial service located in Gwinnett County.PleaseE-mailquestionstoccwood@bellsouth.net

or fafaf x to 770-381-1626.

2125 North RoadSnellville, GA 30078

770.982.3950www.MeadowbrookMontessoriSchool.com

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Education for Life

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E!mail: lifefef @OurTrTr oToT wnMag"org Page #$

and arteries% therefofof re increasing therisk fofof r hypertension" Of the above!mentioned fafaf ctors lifefef style is the onewe can obviously manipulate in order to reduce our risk of high blood pres!sure% fofof r example:

♥ Reduce stress♥ Improve diet♥ Increase aerobic exercise♥ Reduce body fafaf t

YoYoY ur blood pressure is the easi!est way to ensure functionality and

goodhealth"Unfofof rtunately%highbloodpressure has fefef w symptoms% so thefirst symptom is usually serious" If you haveconcernsaboutyourblood pressure or are considering a dietary or exer!ciseprogramfirstconsult with your physician"

by Lorraine Scott Gravante, D.C.

PUZZLE SOLUTION

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Spacious 2-story w/2.5 Acres - Not In Sub’b’bd’d’ !4 BR & Bonus or 5 BR, Guest BR on main. 3 fufuf ll Baths. Separate LR, DR & Family Room.Level yard. Great fot fot f r kids & pets. Convenient to WaWaW lton, Clarke & Oconee Counties.

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Adorable 2-story in Loganvillnvilln e! 4 BR or 3 w/Finished Bonus. Decorator colors through-out.Foyer entrance Family room. Separate DR,Kitchen has Island, Pantry,y,y Tile Backsplash,Breakfast area, Separate Laundry room w/extra cabinets. Fenced backykyk ard has GuniteIn-ground pool. $229,900

Owner TrTrT ansfefef rred - Must Sell! Dramatic 2-story foy foy f yer,er,er master on main. 2.5 Baths, 4 BR.Separate DR, Laundry room. Covered patio & additional patio. Subdivision is close to everything!! $ 179,900

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MATTERS OF THE HEART …

Blood Pressure ! Knowing Your Numbers

Blood is the most universal fluid besideswaterinthehumanbody"Itcar!riesoxygenandnutrients%servesasboth acoolingandwarmingmechanismand carriesawaywasteproducts"Itsimplyis essential fofof r the body to function andone method to analyze how well this process is occurring is blood pressure"

Blood pressure is the scientific mea!surement of how the blood is flowing from the heart to the rest of the body"Becausetheheart is a pump%the pressure onyour veins and arteries is not constant" Thepressureishigherwith each beat of theheartandlowerbetweenbeats"Themaximum pressure when the heart ispumpingiscalledthesystolicpressure;this is the top number on your blood pressure reading" The lower pressurethatoccursbetweenbeats iscalledthediastolic pressure and is the bottom

number in a blood pressure reading"

Knowing your numbers is an essen!tial aspect of evaluating your health"

Keep in mind that your blood pres!sure can fluctuate due to a number of fafaf ctors" Therefofof re% it is important that you standardize the way you measureyourbloodpressure"Forexample%after exerciseoralargemeal%yourbloodpres!sureisgoingtobesignificantlydifffff efef rent than upon waking first thing in themorning"

If your heart and arteries have to domore work than they should% specifi!cally pumping with more fofof rce to get the blood to the body% a multitudeof negative health conditions mayresult" Family history and lifefef style areinfluential fafaf ctors that have the abilityto increase the demand on the heart

Classification Systolic Diastolic

Normal <#&'mm Hg <('mm Hg

Borderline #)*!#+' '*!')

Hypertension >#,* >'+

Page !" Our ToToT wn Magazine Visit our Web site at www#OurTrTr oToT wnMag#org February $%%"

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When I was nineteen& I gave a boy'friendacowbellasaromanticgesture#SoI’ll be the first to admit that my idea of anappropriate gift fofof r VaVaV lentine’s Day maybeskekek wed#Butthatdoesn’tkekek epmefromtrying to find the perfefef ct loving surprisefofof r Mr#r#r Hall#

One year&r&r I bought him these cutestufffff efef d dogs that kiss each other#r#r That’s not really my style& but I was out of townfofof rthefofof urteenthandbythetimeIzipped intothecornerdrugstore&thosepooches were the only holiday merchandise left#And they were ()% offfff #f#f It was win'win fofof r me# *A lose'lose fofof r Mr#r#r Hall#+

Intheearlyyearsofourweddedbliss& Iwould write wonderfully witty songs *“O VaVaV lentine& O VaVaV lentine& YoYoY ur Lips are Ever TaTaT sty” sung to the tune of TaTaT nnenbaum+#I’d’d’ sit at my little radio desk&k&k looking ter'ribly busy# Of course& I was terribly busy#But maybe not in the way my boss had in mind# It’s just not as much fun now& with Mr#r#r Hall glaring at me from across hisdesk#k#k Sort of likekek my old boss#

I went through a phase of home'made cards& too# When the kiddies were

underfofof ot&t&t I’d’d’ cover their tiny fingers with paint and slap their palms down on construction paper#r#r I’d’d’ write something super romantic like& “YoYoY u’re the best!Hands down!” or “Give him a big hand!He’s awesome!” Mr#r#r Hall was indeedsurprised by these inspired& somewhat drippymasterpiecesofartandingenuity#But just try to get a $, year'old kid tomake a trip home fofof r handprint card'decorating day now#

This VaVaV lentine’s is going to be dif'f'ffefef rent# I’ve been working on a gift that combinesallmyusualtrademarks:wittywriting& dried'up paint pens& and a cost that can’t be beat *cheap+#

Oh& heck#k#k I can’t keep you in suspense… it’s an autographed toilet seat!

I haven’t quite finished it yet&t&t but don’t worry; I’m not adding a cow bell# A “buzzer” is much more my loving style#

Won’t Mr#r#r Hall besurprised?by Cathy Hall. Read moreofCathy’shumoratheron-linecolumn“StirredCrazy”

at SanityCentral.com.

As we go to press the WritersGuild strike is dragging on& frus'trating Leno and Letterman& soapopera bubblers and TV series spin'ners#Unionmembersjustifiablywant their share of the online& DVD& iTuTuT nepie&butfafaf nsarefefef dup#Howlongcanour nation survive without Lost&t&t $-and Grey’s Anatomy?y?y ?

Not to worry# While we ponder the horror of missing that annual cutthroat competition& the Oscars&oozing red carpet glitz&z&z glamour and *yes!+ unscripted moments& CreativeBoobTuTuT beTeTeT amsarehatchingaddic'tivealternatives#Leadingthepackare*what else?+ reality shows to'die'fofof r&r&rpushing the envelope fafaf rther than one’s wildest imaginings& such as…

“Beat the Game Show Host”:Drew Carey& Pat Sajak and AlexTrTrT ebek are locked in a tiny& airless room with nothing but number $pencils and fill'in'the'grid fofof rms# Noteleprompters& crib cards or sports drinks allowed# The trio labor fefef ver'ishly to finish the SATATA first&t&t withthe highest score& as VaVaV nna White

repeatedlybangsagiantgong&ending withanear'piercingbuzzer#r#r Thewin'nergetstobeathisopponentsintoa bloodyheapandspendthenightwith VaVaV nna#

“Projojo ect Runway: Unfafaf shionableExtremes”: Daredevil passengers fill fofof ur jumbo jets to capacity at oneof America’s five busiest airports# Ina high'stakes aeronautical game ofchicken& frenzied air trafffff ic control'lersradioconflictingsignals fofof r take'offfff to the pilots# As the (-(s embark on a potential collision course& view'ers grip their Lazy'Boys in statesofdeath'defyfyf ingsuspense&guessing which dispatcher will shift course in the final seconds& averting disaster#r#rContestantsreceiveround'triptickekek tsto a spa or one'way passage to thenearest mental hospital#

So& couch potatoes& keep hopealive# Catch up onyour backlogged TiVoVoV &organizeaclosetorgivethat Leo ToToT lstoy dudeanother college try#

by Eileen Russell

AROUND OUR TOWN . HUMOR

www.backbypopulardemand.biz

Back By Popular DemandFashion & Furniture Consignment

Over 7000 sq ft of shopping

444991115 H5 Hiigghhwwaay 2y 2y 299LLiillbbbuurrnn, G, GA 3A 3A 3A 30000000444777

Cash for Kids Clothes!

From Gap to Gucci

We’ve got the

labels!

770-923-2968 Clothing

678-205-8590

Furniture

Mon. - Fri. 7am - 5pmSaturdays 9am - 1pm

Specializing In Natural Stone And Cultured Marble

Unniitteed Mad Marble(770) 935-0118

22241 T1 Tucker Industrriaial Road, Tuckeerr, G, Gr, Grr, Gr A 30084

wwwww.w.w umaarrbblle.ccom

Granite

Starting at $38 sq ft.Starting at $38 sq ft.

Remnant Sale

Starting at $32 sq ft.Starting at $32 sq ft.