What comes to mind when you think about a silver platter? A beautiful serving tray, lustrous and reflective, reserved for special occasions, an item passed down through generations or given to commemorate a special event or person?

 

With the holidays fast approaching, special dinners and events, silver, china, and crystal come to mind for me. I am fortunate to have been given a few silver platters as gifts from a dear aunt and godmother that I enjoy using. As we approach the end of another year, I am reminded of some of the days of the past year; some joyous, some difficult, but each given to us as part of our lives. Each day is a time to enjoy and learn more about ourselves and an opportunity to serve one another.
  

Each day we are given a fresh start by our Creator. We are given this new day presented “on a silver platter”. It is our choice how we use it. Do we ignore it, set it on the shelf for another time, or do we cherish it and use it to serve others with a smile and a right attitude? Do we choose to share its beauty and its purpose of serving with someone who needs a good friend, who listens with compassion, and serves forgiveness and grace? Perhaps we use it to lighten someone’s burdens by putting their needs first. Certainly, we are given each day as a gift and it is out choice how we use it.

 

As to the luster and reflective nature of the platter, what do we see when we look into it? (and what do others see?) Do we see a contented, peaceful image, a likeness to the One who gifted us; or a tried, angry image? We should be reminded of the reflection the world sees of us, as we may only have that moment in time to share with someone placed in our path.
   

As you may know, silver does tarnish and needs polishing to keep its luster. Our days can get tarnished too if we get bogged down by a bad attitude or let the worries and cares of life take center stage in our heads. When we step back with wisdom and do the best job we can for each situation, we can go forward knowing that we are gifted another fresh day the next morning with new opportunities; a day without tarnish.

 

Silver platters can be heirlooms or given to commemorate a special occasion. Some days are more memorable than others (good and bad), but each day has its purpose, whether to celebrate, learn, mourn, teach, or encourage. We are passing our days and “platters” to the next generation, our children and grandchildren, friends, and those who follow us. We want to be shining examples and leave a legacy of hope and values worthy to be cherished like precious heirlooms.
           

In conclusion, my challenge to myself and to you is to welcome each new day as it is served to you “on a silver platter”. To embrace it, use it to serve others, let it reflect love, not hatred, to make the best use of the day we are given no matter how joyous or challenging, and to be a good example to those who follow us. And pass on an active, honorable, and purposeful legacy. Remember that each day is a “silver platter day”.
            

As for all of us at GFD, we are honored to serve you and are thankful for your continued presence in our lives. We give special thanks for those loved ones serving our country in the armed forces and pray for their safe return home.

 

We look forward to serving you in 2012. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
         

Sincerely,

Dr. Lanae Fox

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More people are being diagnosed with oral cancer than ever before. A common misconception is that smokers, alcohol drinkers and chewing tobacco users are the only ones to get oral cancer. Recent research shows that’s no longer true. Due to the rise in the human papillomavirus, oral cancer is now being found in a younger population of men and women who do not smoke, chew or drink. Oral cancer is usually painless and the signs and symptoms are often missed by the naked eye, especially in its early stages.
            

In an effort to diagnose oral cancer early, we have introduced an oral cancer screening tool to aid in detection called Identafi. The Identafi device uses revolutionary light-wave technology that can help the dentists detect abnormalities that may lead to oral cancer. Just like in the past, the doctor will be checking all the soft tissues, palate, throat, and lips for any red, white or suspicious areas. With this new screening tool, she will now be using white light for better visualization, followed by a fluorescent violet light which gives abnormalities a different glow and makes them look dark. Finally, the instrument will be switched to the green-amber light to examine blood vessels and vasculature that can change with cancer.

The Identafi oral cancer exam will be done on adults, 18 years and older on a yearly basis as part of your periodic exam. However, if you notice a change in your mouth or throat that is not going away, contact us immediately. This is a quick and painless exam that can save your life!

 

Who knows their way around a face better than a dentist? It’s for that reason that our doctors have taken the extra training necessary to deliver Botox and Juve’derm fillers to our patients.

 

Botox has shown to be helpful in the treatment of bruxism (grinding) and migraines related to TMJ problems.
   

This will also enable us to offer a total facial makeover. From those bothersome lines and wrinkles you see in the mirror, to dental veneers that make your smile match your new youthful look, GFD is the place to achieve it all.

Member of the Academy of Facial Esthetics

1.5 lb. hamburger

½ medium onion – diced

½ green pepper – diced

1 T. minced garlic

2 – 15 oz. cans diced Italian tomatoes

1 jar spaghetti sauce

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. oregano

1 sm. can tomato paste

1 sm. container cottage cheese

1 – 2 c. bag of shredded mozzarella

1 c. shredded parmesan cheese

Slices of provolone cheese

1 box penna pasta – boiled & drained
              

Coat a 9X13 pan with cooking spray. Brown hamburger, onion, green pepper & garlic. Drain. Add tomatoes, sauce, basil, oregano, & paste. Simmer ½ hour. On the bottom of pan spread a small amount of meat sauce. Over that place ½ of the pasta. Spread cottage cheese over the pasta. Cover with ½ of the remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese. Cover with remaining pasta then remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Lay provolone slices on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Enjoy!