Director of Major Accounts & Digital Sales Mary Ann Holland maryann.holland@gwinnettdailypost.com (816) 489-8742
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES (706) 290-5332 CONTACT US P.O. Box 603,, Lawrenceville, GA 30046 (770) 963-9205
Park Springs: Redefining Senior Living
In the picturesque city of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Park Springs is revolutionizing the modern concept of Independent Living. As Atlanta’s premier Life Plan Community, sprawling across 61+ wooded acres, Park Springs offers a fresh perspective on senior care that merges compassion and innovation.
The community’s approach to senior living caters to the diverse and evolving needs of today’s older adults. While Park Springs is known for its resort-style amenities, 50+ Member-led clubs, and convenient, onsite Wellness Clinic with a full-time doctor on staff, it has also built a reputation for a complete continuum of care that is Member-led and relationship-driven.
Recent updates to the Assisted Living program highlight this commitment. The community has introduced larger suites, addressing the growing demand for more spacious homes. These new suites are designed to adapt to the changing needs of Members over time.
Memory care that matters
For those facing cognitive challenges, Park Springs offers specialized support through innovative Memory Care. Based on the household model, Members have the support of a dedicated team of Care Partners including a personal chef, homemaker, and Care Navigator. This specialized care is delivered in a secure,
nurturing environment that encourages engagement, socialization, and the ultimate peace of mind for Members and their families.
One of the best aspects of Park Springs’ is the Stepping Stones program available to all Members in our Memory Care and Assisted Living households. This innovative, research-based initiative is designed for Members with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
Key features of the Stepping Stones program include: 1) Customized physical exercise routines to enhance brain function and overall well-being, 2) Cognitive activities designed to stimulate mental acuity, and 3) Social engagement opportunities to combat isolation and promote emotional health.
Thriving at every stage
At Park Springs, the focus is on empowering seniors to live their best lives, regardless of the challenges they may face. With its innovative Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care, spacious new living options, and commitment to comprehensive care, Park Springs continues to set the standard for exceptional senior living.
Explore your options for healthy aging by visiting us on the web at ParkSprings.com or contacting Park Springs.
Assisted Living and Memory Care at 678-684-3800. Independent Living at 678-684-3300
• 61 Acre Campus with Green Space and Walking Paths
• Villas, Cottages, & Houses with 1, 2, and 3 Bedroom Floorplans
• 50+ Clubs to Pursue Adventures with New Friends
• Private Access to Stone Mountain Park with 2 Championship Golf Courses
• Wellness Clinic with a Geriatrician and Nurse Practitioner On-Staff
• Fitness Center with Indoor Pool and Personal Trainers
• Multiple Dining Venues
• Gated Community
Aurora audiences among first to see new musical –King of Pangea
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
Aurora Theatre audiences will be among the first in the nation to see a brand new musical that became a breakout hit at the 34th annual National Alliance for Musical Theatre New Musical Festival in New York City. As part of Aurora’s New Musical Initiative, King of Pangea will open at Aurora Theatre in Downtown Lawrenceville Jan. 23. Tickets are on sale now for the show, which will run through Feb. 16.
Early reviews of King of Pangea call it “whimsical, reverent, upbeat, humorous and honest.” This folk-rock musical is inspired by the real-life story of its creator, Martin Storrow. When a sudden loss shatters the world of college student Christopher Crow, he travels back to his imaginary childhood island of Pangea in hopes of finding answers that will put the broken pieces back together. Likened to the whimsy and suspense of The Wizard of Oz, Chris’ family transforms into the fantastical characters on his island.
King of Pangea is described as exploring the “rich, complicated and at times beautiful world of loss to examine what it means to become king or queen of one’s own heart.” The project began as a fantasy story about an imaginary island, but has evolved into something much more personal. In creating the show, Storrow relied on his memories and journals, as well as his mother’s journals, which he discovered during the writing process. Inspired by the playwright’s own experience in the loss of his mother, the musical blends realism, humor and whimsy.
“She was a poet and died in her 40s, so she never really got to pursue her dream in the way she would have wanted to,” Storrow said during a recent interview from his home in New York. “There’s a poem she wrote that is quoted in the show, which is a really special moment for me when I hear her words come alive in that way. This is a show about loss in the way that we all go through. For me, this loss really defined the way I grew up in many ways. Getting to share it feels like a really nice way to honor her life and a gift to share with other people.”
King of Pangea is a co-production between two theaters, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and Aurora Theatre, where it will be on stage early next year.
“Our co-founder and artistic producing director, Ann-Carol Pence has been instrumental in bringing this show to life,” Aurora Director of Marketing Tony Sandrew said. “She spent months in Oklahoma collaborating with Oklahoma Lyric Theatre. With her extensive experience in the industry, including previous successful productions of Cinderella, Mary Poppins, Les Miserables and In the Heights, Ann-Carol has dedicated her expertise, creativity and vision to ensure that King of Pangea is a resounding success.”
Storrow says he is looking forward to his first visit to
Musical creator Martin Storrow, Photo by Matt Elrod.
Photos on this page and page 7 are scenes from the musical. Photos by K. Talley Photography.
Lawrenceville. “I will be there through the entire rehearsal process and through the opening of the show,” he said. “We’ll have a mix of Oklahoma City talent and local Aurora community talent as well. The production is a collaboration of Lyric Theater of Oklahoma and Aurora Theatre, so the cast comes from both communities. It’s really cool and representative of the partnership and representative of a new model at a time when arts funding is more limited.”
King of Pangea was developed through a series of collaborations in California, New York and Utah with several milestones of note, including a staged reading at the Whitefire Theater, a residency at the New York Theatre Barn and a developmental production at the Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre in 2023.
While Storrow is a newcomer to creating musical theater, he has years of experience in the music industry with a number of his songs having been chosen for use in productions for NBC, Starz and Netflix, including songs placed in NBC’s show Save Me starring Anne Heche and Netflix’s Boys of Abu Gharib, starring Sean Astin and John Heard, to name a couple.
When asked how his musical came to be co-produced by two theaters, Storrow said, “It sort of happened by good fortune.” The show was featured at the New Musical Festival in New York, which was attended by Aurora’s Ann-Carol Pence and Lyric Theatre’s Michael Baron.
“They saw something in the show and decided they wanted to bring it to their theaters,” Storrow said. “They came to me to see if it was O.K. to collaborate. There is no better feeling for a first-time author of a musical. It’s a huge vote of confidence and I would say both of them are visionaries in the types of shows they bring to their communities and the way they advocate for new musicals. It takes a long time to develop a new musical...Michael Baron is from Oklahoma and he’s coming to Lawrenceville to direct the show. It was at Lyric in Oklahoma in March and it was a really, really great experience.”
Storrow, who has kept journals most of his life and began writing this story when he was “just a kid,” said it was exciting to see his work come to life. “I think the show is so personal and in many ways, it’s a retelling of my own experiences, so to see it come to life on a stage was surreal and a really beautiful experience. One of the coolest things about the experience and working on this show in general is the way people resonate with it. Because it is so personal, people come up to me afterward and say, ‘This is my story too.’ It reminds me of why I wanted to do this work in the first place.”
Storrow grew up in San Diego, Calif., and became a prolific artist and songwriter. He has released a collection of poems and five albums, Matches, Masking the Mirror, City of the Nameless, Leave The Light On and California Songs, as well as having
played more than a thousand concerts across the U.S., Africa, Australia and the Middle East. His musical influences are many and come from such artists as Jackson Browne, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Tom Waits, Stevie Nicks, Miles Davis, Eric Clapton, Norah Jones, Ben Harper, Billy Joel, Elton John, Bruce Hornsby, Buddy Holly, Coldplay, Counting Crows, Damien Rice and Dave Matthews, as well as contemporary musical theatre writers such as David Yazbek, Jeneane Tesori, Joe Iconis, Eric Price, Oliver Houser, Kira Stone and Anais Mitchell.
When he was three years old, Storrow’s mother bought him a guitar at a yard sale. He fell in love with music and began performing during his high school and college years, eventually deciding to pursue music full time after graduating from the University of California in San Diego in 2005.
In 2008, Storrow was selected out of almost 1,000 artists as one of the top “Talented 20-Somethings” in a competition sponsored by the nationally syndicated radio show, A Prairie Home Companion on National Public Radio and was featured on the show’s website. He has toured as a headliner at small clubs, listening rooms and university festivals. In addition to the guitar, Storrow also plays the piano and harmonica. His latest record is a musical adaptation of Kahil Gibran’s The Prophet, which is available on all streaming platforms.
Storrow has also made a name for himself as an activist having brought together a coalition from the arts, business and policy worlds to create First 100 Ways, a non-partisan campaign that inspired more than 500,000 participants across the U.S. to become more involved in civic life. He also co-founded the Keys for Refugees and has served on the board of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.
Storrow and his wife Rachel and their young daughter, Joni moved from California to New York City a couple of years ago so Storrow could be close to the musical theater community.
“I believe that a story can change everything,” Storrow said. “I’ve spent my life telling stories through music. First as a singersongwriter and now as a musical theater writer. I have always been drawn to songs and stories crafted with honesty, humor and heart—the ones that feel deeply true in your gut when you hear them...We are excited to share this story with Aurora audiences. It’s a story of hope and that’s the spirit we’re approaching this work. We feel really lucky to get to do it.”
The award-winning Aurora Theatre is located on East Pike Street off the square in Lawrenceville. For a full listing of the theatre’s lineup of shows and events, or to purchase tickets to King of Pangea, visit www.auroratheatre.com or boxoffice@auroratheatre.com or call 678-226-6222.
Senior-friendly interior renovations
Home is where the heart is. That sentiment may be especially true for seniors who have spent decades living in their homes. A lot of hard work goes into home ownership, and seniors who have lived in the same space for a while undoubtedly have countless memories within the walls of their homes.
A lifetime of experiences in a home can make it hard to leave, but many seniors experience diminished mobility as they age. Mobility issues can make it hard for seniors to traverse their homes, but aging homeowners can make various renovations to make a home more accessible.
⊲ Revamp entryways and staircases. A 2020 study of 1,000 adults in the United Kingdom found that 28 percent of individuals age 65 and older who don’t exercise regularly struggle with activities like walking up stairs. The study, commissioned by Total Fitness, also found that 14 percent of men and women over 65 who regularly engage in moderate exercise still find it challenging to climb up and down a flight of stairs. Seniors facing similar challenges can install a ramp at their home’s entryway so they can comfortably go in and out. Inside, a chair lift can ensure seniors are not struggling to move from one floor to another.
⊲ Raise the outlets throughout the home. They’re easily overlooked, but outlets, particularly those outside the kitchen, tend to be close to the floor. AARP notes that’s no accident, as outlets are generally placed at a height equal to the length of a hammer to save time with measuring when buildings are being constructed. Outlets close to the floor can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues to reach. Relocating the outlets a little
higher off the floor is not an expensive renovation, but it can make a home more accessible for seniors who have difficulty bending down or getting down on one knee.
⊲ Install door knob extensions. Verywell Health notes that nearly half of all people age 65 and older have arthritis or another rheumatic condition. Arthritis can make it difficult for seniors to grip and turn door knobs. Door knob extensions can make it easier for seniors with arthritis to open the doors in their homes. Such extensions are roughly five-inch levers that can be installed over an existing door knob, making it easier to grab and pull down. Extensions save seniors the hassle of turning the knob, which some may find painful and almost impossible.
⊲ Renovate the bathroom. Bathroom renovation projects can be costly, but seniors with mobility issues should know that bathrooms can pose a particularly dangerous threat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that roughly three million older adults are treated for fall injuries in emergency departments each year. A 2019 analysis published in The Journals of Gerontology noted that 22 percent of inhome falls resulted in a change in the person’s walking ability. Replacing a step-over shower with a zero-step alternative can make it easier for seniors with mobility issues to get in and out of the shower, thus reducing their risk for falls. Grab bars along shower walls and a chair inside the shower can make it easier to bathe and towel off safely.
Seniors with mobility issues can make their homes more accommodating through an assortment of simple, yet effective renovations.
City of Lawrenceville’s new park honors late K9 Officer Hyro
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
To look at the beautiful, tranquil and fun park named in his memory, it is a sharp contrast to the dangerous side of life he witnessed carrying out 233 missions resulting in 87 arrests, $15,000 seized along with 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, 24 kilograms of marijuana, 20 grams of heroin, 60 kilograms of cocaine and 15 grams of fentanyl confiscated. He was called a hero and in fact, the City of Lawrenceville Police Department’s K9 Officer Hyro, pronounced “Hero” will long be remembered for his service and valor as people and their pets visit the new city park that bears his name.
The 2016 Czech-born K9 Officer Hyro joined the Lawrenceville Police Department in January 2016. He was Officer Sean O’Brien’s unwavering partner, displaying loyalty by keeping a watchful eye while on duty and quickly becoming a cherished member of the O’Brien family and the Lawrenceville Police Department. Hyro began showing signs of an unexpected illness last year and underwent surgery at the University of Georgia Veterinary Hospital in Athens. However, he did not survive the surgery and on July 20, 2023, Hyro died. A funeral was held for him at Oak Rest Pet Gardens with a procession from Cherokee Bluffs Park in Flowery Branch as hundreds of police officers from area police departments turned out to pay their final respects to Hyro.
In honor of the heroic K9 who served on the police force for almost seven years, the City of Lawrenceville recently dedicated a new dog park near the Lawrenceville Lawn and named it HYRO Park. A plaque placed at the site remembers Hyro’s service of “Love. Loyalty. Obedience.” Officer O’Brien and his wife, Nikki unveiled the memorial plaque at the park during a special dedication ceremony attended by elected officials, city leaders and members of the Lawrenceville Police Department. Mayor David Still and others offered remarks. Chief John Mullin revealed the name of the park, which had been kept secret until the day of the ceremony.
“It’s not just a safe place for people to come play with their dogs,” Mullin said. “It’s a place to bring the community together. It sends a message from the city that we believe in community and are focused on bringing people together.”
O’Brien was emotional as he spoke to those attending the special ceremony, saying he was “blown away” when he learned the park would be named for his K9 partner. “I knew the impact he had on us in the department and the community, but to be honored by the city, I am just honored and humbled to be able to come here and remember him and all the stories and great times we had. It is truly amazing. I just want to thank everybody who had a part in this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
HYRO Park is located in a passive area of Lawrenceville Lawn at the corner of Jackson and Luckie Streets. Designed as a community space, the .41-acre park features separate areas for large and small dogs, each enclosed by decorative security fencing and connected by an eight-foot-wide concrete pathway. Doublegated entrances are designed to ensure the safety of all visitors.
“After the loss of Hyro, it seemed the most natural option to name
the park after him,” Lawrenceville Mayor David Still said. “It is our hope that our citizens will remember our brave K9 officer for many years as they enjoy the park that bears his name—HYRO Park.”
City leaders say the creation of HYRO Park was driven by community feedback and interest in dog-focused events at the Lawn with research done by city staff members who examined successful dog parks in other communities. Research showed the park addresses a significant need given that 45 percent of U.S. households own dogs.
“Our walkable community is cherished by dog owners,” Lawrenceville City Manager Chuck Warbington said. “Residents have shown tremendous support for the dog park, excited for a dedicated space for their dogs to play and socialize. The positive feedback highlights the value of pet-friendly amenities in enhancing a sense of community.”
HYRO Park is equipped with special amenities such as shade structures and benches. Visitors will also find open areas and agility equipment for dogs, as well as water fountains to keep dogs hydrated. The park is open during daylight hours matching the same hours of operation as those for the Lawrenceville Lawn. HYRO Park features dog waste bins and an artificial turf surface equipped with an automatic irrigation system, promoting a sanitary environment. The HYRO Park project, constructed by Zaveri Enterprises Inc., has utilized $667,899 in SPLOST funds.
For more information, visit lville.city/dog-park and follow the City of Lawrenceville on social media.
A happy park-goer enjoying his visit.
The late K9 Officer Hyro.
HA PPY TAILS HA PPY TAILS
All our FURRY FRIENDS are welcome to the new HYRO Park atthe cornerof Jackson and L uckie St reet s at th eLawrenceville Lawn. Be sure to check out our dog-friendly patios around thesquare after visiting the new dog park!
CASA volunteers needed to help children placed in foster care
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
Perhaps it was her own childhood that led Ericka McClam to serve in the social work field for more than three decades. As program director for Gwinnett County’s Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, McClam thinks back to her early years growing up in Gulfport, Miss., and sees how her own story helped open the door to her life’s work.
“My personality has always been humanitarian,” McClam said. “...I wasn’t a foster child, but was raised by someone other than my mother. My mother was there, but I was reared by my grandmother. I think about that now and think that’s where it comes from. I had a non-traditional family that was very blended. A lot of foster children come from that non-traditional environment. It’s about children in foster care having a sense of community and support.”
As early as her college days at Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, McClam knew this was an area where she could make a difference. Hattiesburg had a CASA program and at 21, McClam signed up to be a volunteer. A criminal justice major with an emphasis on social rehabilitation, she did an internship and worked at the juvenile court. One of her assignments was to work with CASA and juvenile probation. That set the stage for her future, which included a career in social work followed by 19 years with the DeKalb County Child Advocacy Center from which she retired. Five years ago, McClam began working with Gwinnett County’s CASA program and is now director.
CASA works to make sure a qualified, compassionate adult—a CASA volunteer—will help bring a sense of urgency to these children’s needs by improving their experiences in foster care. Children who are in the legal custody of Gwinnett County Department of Family and Children Services are physically placed in foster homes, group homes, institutional placements or with relatives. Gwinnett County CASA volunteers gather information, monitor cases and collaborate with other parties to make sure that a child’s safety, wellbeing and permanency needs are front and center at every meeting or court hearing. Gwinnett CASA states its vision is that each abused and neglected child involved in juvenile court proceedings will have a safe and permanent home and it strives to provide high quality advocacy to every child, each day.
“I feel like you’re chosen to do this work,” McClam said. “A lot of people don’t always have the opportunity to do this work...Some people want to give back and money is not always the most important thing. Being a change agent to a family is just as lucrative. There are amazing people who meet that description. I’ve worked in a lot of counties, but my volunteers in Gwinnett are amazing people. Their backgrounds vary...When you’re a CASA volunteer, you are a humanitarian who wants to give your time to support families. You’ll work with people whose families don’t look like yours or they’re not from your neighborhood, or church or political platform. You are there to serve all the same. It changes you. It’s very unique.”
“Most social service organizations that deal with foster care or out-of-home placement, CASA is usually involved with the case,” McClam said, adding that she has worked with CASA throughout her career. “They serve outside of the traditional stakeholders, case managers, judges and attorneys. I’ve always had respect for those who do this work for free.”
Gwinnett County is in need of more CASA volunteers. CASA volunteers are everyday people from all walks of life who advocate for the well-being of Gwinnett’s children who are in foster care. They are specially trained and appointed by the court to amplify these children’s voices and to improve their well-being while they are in foster care. Their sole purpose is to provide compassionate, individualized attention to help each child in foster care find a safe, permanent home.
Each year, thousands of children in Georgia who have experienced abuse or neglect are placed in foster care. Gwinnett
A Gwinnett County CASA volunteer, Kimberly Force was named Georgia’s CASA Volunteer of the Year. She and McClam met with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp when Force was honored at the state capitol.
The Gwinnett CASA program has a staff of three, which is funded by the Georgia CASA Commission and the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners. There is a mathematical formula CASA uses to manage its caseload. A staff of three allows Gwinnett CASA to have up to 90 volunteers to serve up to 135 children. Additional volunteers are needed to reach that 90 number in order to serve those 135 children.
While there are more children in foster care than can be supported by CASA, McClam says the good news is that Gwinnett County has a Guardian ad Litem Division that represents any child who comes into the system. That division, as is the CASA program is under the auspices of the Gwinnett County Child Advocacy and
Gwinnett CASA Director Ericka McClam
Juvenile Services Department, which is led by its director, attorney Michelle Vereen. With a degree in ceramic engineering from Clemson University in 1985, Vereen switched careers and received her law degree from Georgia State University in 1997. She has been with Gwinnett County for 19 years, having started as a guardian ad litem in juvenile court, then becoming court administrator in 2018 and then becoming director of the Gwinnett County Child Advocacy and Juvenile Services Department when it was formed in 2022.
“We do stay pretty busy,” Vereen said. “When it comes to serving the families and children in Gwinnett, we try not to be a cog in the wheel. Everybody goes through something. Whether it’s on the child advocacy side, on the CASAs or guardian ad litem, we’re involved on the child advocacy side. We represent kids alleged to be abused or neglected and run oversight for kids in foster care to be sure their needs are being met... CASA--that’s where we need volunteers.
Ericka is amazing...We had the Georgia CASA Volunteer of the Year last year. We’re really proud of her. We’re always recruiting volunteers. We have the capacity now to have about 90 volunteers since Georgia CASA has decided we’re a high need.”
“The goal is to have one CASA volunteer for each child in foster care,” she added. “Some of the smaller counties meet that goal, but Gwinnett has anywhere from 375-400 kids in foster care at one time, so as a high needs affiliate, they really want to pour into Gwinnett so we can grow this program. CASA is the one person who touches everything about the child’s life...The ideal CASA volunteer would have a passion for the work.”
Vereen tells the story of a retired teacher, a CASA volunteer who helped a young man of 18, who was in foster care. “There was no family with which to reunify and no adult support to help him finish high school,” she said. “The CASA volunteer was able to sit down with him on a daily basis and help him finish. He had trauma in his life and was acting out, but decided he wanted to finish school. Because she was able to help him, he was able to get all his credits caught up and graduate.
“That’s why we love our CASA volunteers. They go above and beyond.”
Vereen explained that Gwinnett County has been deemed “high need” by Georgia CASA in reaching the children in foster care.
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To learn more about Gwinnett CASA or how to become a volunteer, find additional information and watch a video at www.gwinnettcasa.org. Anyone interested in volunteering can go to the website, click on the “Contact Us” tab and fill out the information for the staff to get in touch.
Michelle Vereen honors CASA volunteer Aviance Jenkins with a special pin.
Get Active at Gwinnett’s Senior Centers!
The Gwinnett County Senior Center programming is designed to address social, physical, and mental well-being.
Our four senior centers located in Buford, Centerville, Lawrenceville, and Norcross provide stimulating activities that support seniors’ independence, enhance their quality of life, and meet their diverse needs and interests. From educational and fitness classes to day trips and recreational interests, our senior centers encourage seniors to experience activities and discover new skills and support community involvement and socialization.
While some activities and day trips may require minimal fees, services may include transportation to and from the centers, breakfast and lunch, and individual counseling. Seniors must apply to become a participant at the senior centers. To learn more, visit GwinnettSeniorServices.com.
How to involve more seniors in your community
The negative effects of isolation is something the vast majority of the world can now relate to. The COVID-19 pandemic forced people from all walks of life and from every corner of the globe to spend less time with friends, family members, neighbors, and other acquaintances. As the world cut back on in-person interactions to curb the spread of the virus, billions of people recognized just how difficult feelings of isolation can be.
Feelings of isolation are a problem many seniors know all too well. A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine indicates that roughly 25 percent of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. That’s both sad and unhealthy, as the National Institute on Aging notes that research has linked social isolation and loneliness to problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Seniors are invaluable resources in their communities. Community leaders and local residents can make a concerted effort to involve seniors in local events. Such efforts strengthen communities and help seniors remain active participants in their towns and cities.
⊲ Promote senior-friendly volunteering opportunities. The importance of volunteers was never more apparent than during the pandemic, when many nonprofits and other organizations were forced to meet their missions without the assistance of volunteers who had been urged to stay home. Seniors were among the first people eligible to be vaccinated
against COVID-19 and receive boosters, and many have been anxious to get back to pitching in. Communities can facilitate those efforts by developing and highlighting senior-friendly volunteering opportunities. For example, libraries can start a program where seniors read to children in person or via Zoom.
⊲ Give seniors a chance to teach. Communities have rich histories that younger residents, including middle-aged adults, may be unaware of. One great way to shed light on local history is to invite local seniors to speak about how life in their communities has changed and how it’s stayed the same. Themed speaking series can attract locals with specific interests. For example, local veterans can be asked to share stories of their time in the service, while retired business owners can offer insight and advice on running successful local businesses.
⊲ Develop nature-based programs. A 2019 study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that spending just 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with better overall health and improved well-being. Nature-based community programs, such as planting days at local parks, hiking clubs or even beach or lakeside cleanups, is a great way for community residents, including seniors, to get their weekly dose of nature and spend more time with their neighbors.
Many seniors routinely confront feelings of isolation. Community leaders can take steps to help aging residents by developing and promoting programs that are inclusive and senior-friendly.
Father’s heart failure led Piedmont Heart Institute at Eastside’s director, Dr. Sims to become a cardiologist
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
A star soccer player until a sports injury put him on the sidelines, Dr. Marcus Ceri Sims dreamed of a career in what he calls “real football.” His Redan High School soccer team won the state championship and his 1991 Queens University team will soon be named to the school’s hall of fame. But it would be those old knee and ankle injuries that decided his days of running up and down the field were coming to a close.
It was Sims’ mother who reminded him that growing up he always said he wanted to be a doctor. He was in the gifted program in elementary and high school and was an outstanding science student. Being able to go to Fernbank Science Center for half the year of 9th grade—a program open to top students in DeKalb County—introduced him to a whole new world. Sims learned about anatomy, ornithology, meteorology and botany. He said he was amazed by the doors that Fernbank opened his eyes to and it made a lasting impression on his life. Sims was always interested in
medicine and even more so when his father was diagnosed with heart failure. He began going to doctors’ appointments with his dad and reviewing his medications.
“My parents didn’t know about the medicines they were taking with the red pill or the green pill,” Sims said. “I asked what they were for and that’s when I learned what a beta blocker was, what a statin was and about ace inhibitors and digoxin which comes from the foxglove plant and is one of the oldest medicines in history. Dr. Richard Coralli, a now-retired cardiologist at DeKalb Medical Center was his doctor. I used to go to his appointments and wanted to know about this disease and that made me want to become a cardiologist. They wanted to put him on the heart transplant list at Emory, so I wanted to know more about that.”
Sadly, it was discovered his father also had prostate cancer which made him ineligible for the transplant list and which had already spread to other parts of his body. James Sims would live another five years—long enough to see his son graduate from Morehouse School of Medicine. His parents were able to hood their son at Morehouse, a right of passage usually only given to other physicians. The hood, or stole is placed over the graduate’s head to signify their academic achievement. Sims would become the first college graduate and the first doctor on his father’s side of the family, which is from the Scottdale area of DeKalb.
Clermont, M.D. and Don Orian Rowe, M.D. PHI at Eastside also has two vascular surgeons, Dr. Raquel Jones and Dr. Marshall Eli Lutske.
Piedmont Eastside Medical Center is a 305-bed, multicampus system of care offering comprehensive medical and surgical programs, including cardiovascular, neurosciences, oncology, orthopedics, robotic surgery, rehabilitation, maternity with neonatal intensive care, behavioral health, bariatric, urgent care and 24-hour emergency care at two Snellville locations, 1700 Medical Way and 2160 Fountain Drive. Piedmont Eastside has a medical staff of more than 700 physicians, 1,140 employees and dozens of volunteers. It earned the Get With the Guidelines Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association in 2023. It also is an Accredited Chest Pain Center, Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care.
Today, Marcus Ceri Sims, M.D., is the area director for Piedmont Heart Institute at Eastside, as well as the cath lab director and chief of medicine for one of Piedmont’s fastest growing medical centers. Located in Snellville, Piedmont Heart Institute (PHI) at Eastside is part of Piedmont Eastside Medical Center, which is a member of the Piedmont Healthcare System--the largest health system in Georgia. Piedmont has 25 hospitals across the state with 3,525 staffed beds serving 85 percent of Georgia’s population. Piedmont Healthcare is a private, not-for-profit system with more than 47,000 caregivers.
PHI at Eastside started with four cardiologists and is now up to seven. “Gwinnett County is the second largest county behind Fulton, so there’s a big need for healthcare from a primary care standpoint from cardiologists” Sims said. “We’re probably going to triple the amount we have in our group.”
Sims offers high praise for the employees of PHI at Eastside and said the staff is crucial to the life-saving work the doctors do there. In addition to Sims, other PHI at Eastside cardiologists include Omar Rafik Kashlan, M.D.; Demir Baykal, M.D.; David B. Casey, M.D.; Abhijit Ghatak, M.D.; Edward C.
The cardiologists at PHI at Eastside offer comprehensive heart care, including treatment of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure and heart rhythm abnormalities, as well as offering preventative care for those at risk of heart disease. Services include cardiac catheterization, cardiac rehabilitation, electrophysiology and pacing at PHI Eastside, which has received the highest national accreditation possible from the Society of Chest Pain Centers for emergency heart care.
Sims said Epic, which is Piedmont’s electronic medical records platform “has done wonders for medicine.” He said Piedmont was one of the first hospital systems to use the platform, which allows patients to review physician notes, test results and other information through their portals as it allows physicians to see test and lab results from other locations, which often means the patient does not have to repeat the test or lab work. Hospitals and health systems use Epic to access, organize, store and share electronic medical records.
Sims is board certified by the American Boards of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases and Interventional Cardiology and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. His practice offers the latest advancements in cardiology, electrophysiology and cardiovascular surgery. He has been at at Eastside since 2015, having previously worked for a downtown cardiology group where he often practiced at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta.
Dr. Marcus Ceri Sims and his family: (l-r) sons Myles and MJ and wife Dr. Melanie Bennett-Sims.
Sims’ early love of science and soccer found him majoring in biology and playing soccer for the Queens Royals at Queens University in Charlotte, N.C., following his graduation from Redan High School. He went to Atlanta’s Morehouse School of Medicine where he received the Internal Medicine Award. Sims did his residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville and was chief cardiology fellow at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he became the first African-American chief of cardiology fellow. He says his mentors include his father’s doctor, Dr. Richard Coralli at DeKalb Medical Center, the late Dr. Calvin Wayne McLarin, the late Dr. Richard Conti and Dr. Carl J. Pepine at the University of Florida, as well as Dr. Jannet Lewis and Dr. Allen Solomon at The George Washington University Hospital.
A native of Decatur, Sims and his brother and sister grew up in the southwest community of DeKalb County close to where his mother still lives. His late father, James served 24 years in the U.S. Air Force during which time he met his wife, Elaine, who was from London, England. The couple married and all three of their children were born at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center near Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, where James Sims was stationed.
In an interesting twist of events, today James Sims’ grandson, who is Dr. Sims’ son, MJ is living in Germany where he is finishing his high school education at an international soccer academy. He is in a professional residency program for elite American soccer players where top American young soccer players are trained to become professionals.
Sims and his wife of more than 20 years, Dr. Melanie Bennett-Sims are the parents of Marcus James “MJ” Sims, 17, and Myles Bennett Sims, 13, a student at Greater Atlanta Christian School and a soccer player who plays for United Football Academy in South Forsyth. Sims and his wife met while they were both students at Morehouse School of Medicine. Melanie Bennett-Sims, M.D. grew up in Albany, N.Y., where her father was a cardiothoracic surgeon and chief at Albany Medical. She graduated from Spelman College and Morehouse and is an ophthalmologist and cornea specialist. Dr. Bennett-Sims did her internship in Florida followed by a residency at Georgetown University, where she was chief fellow and then she did a cornea fellowship at her father’s alma mater, Johns Hopkins University.
As soon as their sons were old enough to play, Sims said they became a soccer family with both he and his wife coaching teams. He said his family was excited when the professional soccer franchise Atlanta United began playing and to this day, Sims continues to keep up with the sport and enjoys watching his sons as they share his love of the game. Family and home are important to Sims as he works to help improve the lives of others—especially those suffering with heart conditions.
After completing his residency and fellowship in Florida and Washington, D.C., Sims came back home to Georgia in 2008.
“I came back home to take care of people in my community and I wanted to treat people like I would treat my own family,” he said. “So if you want somebody who’s from your hometown and someone you can relate to, come see us at Piedmont Eastside.”
Baykal Demir, M.D. Casey David, M.D.
Ghatak Abhijit, M.D. Marshall E Lutske, M.D.
Edward C. Clermont, M.D. Don O Rowe, M.D.
Raquel Jones, M.D. Kashlan Omar, M.D.
Marcus Sims, M.D.
Pack a bag and go see the world with Expedia Cruises
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
On her first trip to Europe, as Karen Rutter stood among her very large and heavy luggage, the tour guide walked up to her and asked if he could take her picture. She was on the verge of being flattered until he told her he wanted the photo so he could show others how NOT to pack for a trip abroad.
A lot has changed since that trip. Rutter has literally become a pro in packing and travel. The retired school principal is now a vacation consultant for Expedia Cruises in Lawrenceville and she can pack for a month in one carry-on suitcase.
“Our agency has many vacation consultants whose job is to plan the perfect vacation for you,” Rutter said. “We can coordinate trips by air, land and sea. I plan a lot of cruises, but I also do a multitude of land-based trips worldwide and rail based trips in Europe. Custom vacation planning is our specialty. A customer might want me to plan a two-week safari for them or a client may want me to plan a quick cruise vacation for seven days and plan all their excursions so they know that everything is taken care of. When people see Expedia Cruises, they may think that cruises are all we do, but my business is half cruise planning and half total vacation planning”
Located at 3157 Sugarloaf Parkway, the Lawrenceville office of Expedia Cruises is owned by Edward and Laura Long, who work with their 35 consultants planning vacations for people who are traveling the world. Rutter, who has been with the company for six years is passionate about her job, which has helped her continue her lifelong love of travel.
“I’ve traveled since I was a little girl,” she said. “My father thought travel was the best education. He would save all year long and take us on a 10-day educational trip to a different state each year. He was a huge believer in travel. When I got
Travel consultant Karen Rutter enjoys formal night during one of her many cruises.
married and had children, I followed that same path. One year, our children asked us to take them to Australia. We said ‘O.K., if you’re fine with not getting any birthday or Christmas presents or going out to restaurants, we will try.’ By golly, they agreed. We saved every penny we could and took them to Australia and New Zealand that year.”
A native of East Dublin, Rutter and her family have lived in Gwinnett County since 1982. With four University of Georgia degrees centered around education--a bachelor’s in education, masters in education, specialist in child development and doctorate in work force education—Rutter spent her 30-year career in education. She retired as principal of Walton Career Academy, now Athens Technical College, and then packed her bags to travel.
“My husband and I have traveled the world together,” Rutter said, adding that Mikella and David, their two grown children often join them. “I’m proud to say they still love traveling with us. Now they’ll call and say ‘we’re going to so and so and you’re going with us.’ In fact, whether we’re all together or if I’m traveling with just my husband, my son or my daughter, they are all so easy to travel with and are my favorite travel buddies.”
Married 43 years to Mike Rutter, who is also a retired educator, Karen learned how to pack a month’s worth of clothes in a carry-on bag and set out to explore the world. She jokes about it now, but remembers how difficult it was to drag those huge heavy suitcases across Europe on that first trip.
“I had a different dress for every night and a color coordinated outfit for every day,” she recalls. “I was a fashionista. My shoes had to match my outfits. I soon realized that what you really need is comfortable clothes and shoes. I learned to be a fashionista in a lower key.”
Rutter offers suggestions on how to pack one carry-on bag for an entire trip. “It’s basically a matter of taking base layers--one black dress with a jacket one night, a sweater one night, stunning jewelry the next night, and colorful scarves the next night,” she said. “One black dress can easily serve five different nights because most of the time you’re wearing this dress for maybe three or four hours. You can wash it or hang it up. You can also turn that black dress into a skirt by layering it with a unique top. A solid color pair of pants and various interchangeable tops can make dressing stress free. With drifit day wear, you can just wash them in the shower and hang them to quickly dry overnight. Another option is to use the laundry service on cruise ships or hotels.”
Rutter said travel became her “number one thing” after she retired. She became somewhat of an expert in putting trips together, so much so that friends began seeking her out to help them plan their vacations and trips.
“I began to realize I was planning a lot of trips for a lot of people,” Rutter said. “ I met Laura (Long) at an event where we discussed our passion for travel and she later asked if I would like to join her team at Expedia Cruises. This might sound corny, but I realized I was helping make people’s dreams come true. I was getting these thank you notes, letters and requests to plan another trip. They told me how important the trip had been to their family. One man was having trouble connecting with his teenage son and after a family trip to Europe, he shared with me that the trip had completely changed their relationship. His son was opening up and sharing more.”
Rutter took Long up on her offer and for the past six years, she has continued to “make people’s dreams come true.”
“We work with people of all ages,” she said. “We do family
Photos (top to bottom): Rutter with her daughter Mikella on a hiking trip to Spain; the travel consultant and her son David visiting their 7th continent; an elephant giving Rutter a hug in Thailand.
trips where parents are taking their children on vacation or multi-generational trips where grandparents are taking their children and grandchildren on trips. My oldest client is 90 and he had a dream to go to Alaska. He asked, ‘Can you make this happen?’ I said, ‘Yes, I can make it happen in comfort.’ He chose to cruise and had a great stateroom and came back a very happy man. He had finally fulfilled that dream. He is one of the Greatest Generation and I was happy to help him get his wish. We also plan honeymoons and destination weddings. We have a consultant here who is an expert in destination weddings. If families have special needs children, we can help with that. For instance, we have companies who employ experts in autism, to be sure that the child’s needs are met.”
As she talks about her job, it is easy to see Rutter’s passion for travel—whether it’s her own trip own trip or one she’s planning for someone else. “It’s amazing what travel can do,” she said. “It gets people together and fulfills dreams...Truly, if you think of somewhere to go, we can make it happen.” And even if a client has no idea where they want to go, Rutter says they can still make it happen. She tells the story about a couple who told her they had spent their lives raising children and now they wanted to start traveling, but didn’t know where they wanted to go. Rutter worked up an itinerary for a trip to Iceland. After that trip, they became avid travelers.
“This couple books three trips a year now,” Rutter said. “They are making their way around the world.” Rutter is also a world traveler, having been to all seven continents. She has trouble choosing a favorite place. She loved Greenland, Iceland, Japan, Africa, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the “beautiful United States of America.” She walked among the
penguins in Antarctica; was hugged by an elephant she fed and washed in Thailand; was invited to a funeral in Cambodia and went to the home of a travel guide in Jordan where the men and women had to visit in separate rooms. Cruise lines are all different, so Rutter can book a trip for everyone from singles to adults with small children to adults without children, in addition to groups and family trips.
“Everybody can travel,” Rutter said. “It’s just about finding the right style for you. Our consultants listen to your needs, desires, and travel budget and then plan accordingly.” She also said Expedia Cruises’ services are complimentary. The company does not charge for its services and consultants stay in touch with their clients until the trip is complete providing service at each step of the process. “When you book online, there is no one to help you if things go wrong or help you find great deals,” Rutter said.
“Traveling enables you to meet so many new friends. I cannot tell you how many friends I have met while traveling over the years. We’ve stayed in touch, visited in each other’s homes, gone on trips together and formed lifelong friendships. It’s a big world out there just waiting to be explored.” For more information, visit www.expediacruises.com/karenrutter.
“If you would like to become a travel consultant with a fabulous team who loves to have fun while providing the best experience for clients, contact Laura Long at 470-282-0227,” Ruttter said. “The Lawrenceville Expedia Cruises team will welcome you and offer you experiences to travel and learn all about the industry. It is definitely a fun way to experience the world.”
How about a Caribbean cruise?
City of Norcross gets ready to light up the town!
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
The City of Norcross will usher in the season with its Annual Holiday Celebration and Town Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in Thrasher Park. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy the celebration which features all the classic holiday traditions from choirs singing carols to the Grinch and of course, to Santa Claus himself. There will be festive treats such as hot cocoa, a photo booth and surprises throughout the night.
Bring your wish list and your camera for Photos with Santa at the Annual Holiday Celebration. He will also be making an appearance on Tuesday, Dec. 10 and Tuesday, Dec. 17. Although there will be no official photographer on those dates, everyone is invited to stop by and snap a selfie with Santa.
spirit, so grab your loved ones and join us for a night of holiday cheer,” City of Norcross Events Manager Jordan Douglas said. “Be there as we flip the switch and light up all things holiday. It’s a magical moment you won’t want to miss.”
Country music newcomer Lydia Simonds will be in concert in Thrasher Park that evening. A native of McDonough, Simonds is now a Nashville-based singersongwriter who auditioned for American Idol Season 18 in 2020. She impressed the judges with her talent and earned a spot in Hollywood Week. Simonds began playing guitar and writing her own songs at the age of 15. She lost her mother to multiple sclerosis in 2016 and penciled her way through loss writing songs about grief, nostalgia and the life experiences of a young adult. Simonds has taken the storytelling of older country music and made her own sound. After gaining experience performing at bars and coffee shops in her hometown, she decided to move to Music City in 2020 to pursue her singing and songwriting career—and where she would meet her band. They do regular shows in downtown Nashville, Opryland and other special events. Simonds’ music is described as a blend of traditional country themes with a modern edge.
In addition, The Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC) Choir will perform at the celebration. GAC’s Concert Choir is the flagship ensemble for the Gwinnett County private school and presents concerts around the country featuring students who perform everything from standard choral literature to spirituals and gospel music to pop and contemporary and more. Many of GAC’s students are selected to national honor ensembles and Georgia’s All-State Chorus each year.
“This is a family-friendly event that’s sure to put you in the holiday
When they say they will “light up the town,” they mean the entire town. Holiday light locations include Discovery Garden Park, Cotton Gin, City Hall, Betty Mauldin Park, Heritage Park, Lillian Webb Park, Skin Alley, Thrasher Park, Pinnacle Park, The Rectory and all along the streets of downtown Norcross.
The next day, Saturday, Dec. 7, the Historic Norcross Business Association will host its Historic Norcross Christmas Village complete with face painting, photos with Santa, Christmas carolers and special appearances by Disney Princesses. Enjoy free carriage rides through Downtown Norcross from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by The Uptown Girls, an acapella vocal group reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters. Meet Buddy the Elf and Jovi, plus Frosty the Snowman at the Candy Cane Lane Kids Zone, which will be in the Crossing’s parking lot. Also, enjoy bounce houses, balloon twister, plus bicycle art.
The Heart of Norcross Business Association will have its Historic Norcross Holiday Open House a few weeks earlier on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Downtown shops are “pulling out all the stops” with everything from festive décor to door prizes, sales and refreshments. Enjoy lunch and dinner at one of the charming restaurants downtown.
Plan a visit with the famous “jolly old man himself.” Santa Claus will be at 45 South Cafe every Wednesday and Friday from 6-8 p.m. beginning Dec. 11 and continuing through Dec. 20, where a photographer will be on hand to take photos for a fee.
In addition to the Annual Holiday Celebration and Christmas Village, there will be free carriage rides on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 11-20.
The City of Norcross offers a full list of fun for the upcoming holiday season and invites people from across Gwinnett and surrounding counties to come out and enjoy the food, shopping, celebration and lights.
For more information about the city’s Annual Holiday Celebration, visit www.aplacetoimagine.com or www.norcrossga.net/ holidaylineup.
City of Norcross celebrates the season with carolers and downtown shopping.
HISTORIC NORCROSS
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
November 16
11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. • Downtown Norcross
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
December 6
5:30 - 8:30 p.m. • Thrasher Park
CARRIAGE RIDES
December 6 - December 20
Every Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Skin Alley, Behind 45 South Cafe
HISTORIC NORCROSS
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
December 7 • Downtown Norcross
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
December 11 - December 20
Every Wednesday & Friday
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. • 45 South Cafe
Retirees bring ‘wealth of learned experience’ serving as Gwinnett Library volunteers
BY DUFFIE DIXON
While Terry Preston isn’t supposed to play favorites in her job, she’ll let you in on a little secret-she has a huge heart for her senior volunteers.
“Our older volunteers are some of the best we have,” she said. “They bring such a wealth of learned experience.”
As volunteer program manager for the Gwinnett County Public Library, Preston oversees mentor programs, collaborates with volunteer coordinators at the system’s 15 branches and keeps a busy schedule of outreach events.
She has noticed that one of her best pools for prospective volunteers is recent retirees.
“They may not be in the working world any longer, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still have a lot to contribute to our community,” Preston said.
Steve Wilkerson, who volunteers at the Lilburn branch, couldn’t agree more. After 13 years as a library associate at that same branch, he returned to volunteer each Sunday.
“When you first retire, you’re not ready to just stop working completely,” Wilkerson said. “Volunteering fills that space and it is doing something that helps others.”
Philosophically, he’s always championed reading and how important it is. Practically, he says volunteering to shelve books makes life easier for library staff so they can focus on other things such as customer interactions. He appreciates his own interactions with employees.
“I feel valued and engaged in my community,” he said. “I still see people who knew me when I worked here and remember me and that’s a wonderful feeling.”
At age 70, Nancy Frost believes volunteering should be a part of every retiree’s new season of life.
“I think you need to have something to do two days a week,” she said. “Be somewhere. Be part of your community.”
Twice a week she volunteers at the Norcross branch during the Reading Buddies program. Frost is paired with a child anywhere from kindergarten to fifth grade and listens patiently as they
practice reading out loud.
“It is very rewarding for me when I watch a child get excited about reading as they get more confident at it,” she said. “That oneon-one attention is so important.” She gets something out of it too.
“I don’t feel old at 70, at all,” Frost said. “I want to be around people of all ages. I think that keeps you young...When I first retired, I didn’t know what I was going to do. I find volunteering really rewarding. It makes me feel useful.”
Preston says that’s the part of her job she enjoys most with her
older volunteers--making sure they feel seen and valued.
“My mother has a saying, ‘Keep Living,’” Preston said. “That’s what I want for our volunteers. I want them to stay engaged in the community and know that we appreciate them. They still have so much to give.”
To find out more about volunteering at Gwinnett County Public Library visit: https://www.gwinnettpl.org/volunteer/.
Duffie Dixon is director of marketing and communications for the Gwinnett County Public Library System.
NEVER STOP LEARNING
Pictured l-r, Terry Preston, Nancy Frost, Steve Wilkerson
Alzheimer’s disease and the various dementias
Dementia is an umbrella term that alludes to various conditions arising from damage to brain cells that affect the cells’ ability to communicate. This damage can affect a person’s ability to think clearly and his or her behavior and emotions, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. There are several types of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is one of them.
It is important to recognize that dementia is not a normal part of aging. Many conditions contribute to dementia. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, accounting for between 60 and 80 percent of all diagnoses, reports the Alzheimer’s Society.. The symptoms of dementia include:
⊲ Memory loss that can include both short-term and long-term memory issues.
⊲ Difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language that are severe enough to impact daily activities.
⊲ Changes in mood or behavior.
Symptoms of AD can overlap with other types of dementia. However, unlike other dementias that may affect only one part of the brain, AD generally affects most of the brain. The most common early symptom of AD is difficulty remembering new information. That’s because AD typically affects the part of the brain associated with learning first, states the Alzheimer’s Association. As the disease progresses, which it’s bound to do because it is degenerative, symptoms become more severe. Disorientation, confusion and behavioral changes may become more pronounced. Over time, even speaking, walking and swallowing can become difficult due to changes to the brain.
The National Institute on Aging reports abnormal buildup of proteins known as amyloid plaque and tau tangles are implicated in dementia occurrence. People with AD also may experience a loss of connections between neurons in the brain. Neurons are responsible for transmitting messages between different parts of the brain, and from the brain to muscles and organs in the body.
AD is not the only type of dementia. Here’s a look at some lesser known forms of the disease.
⊲ Vascular dementia: After AD, vascular dementia is the next most common form of the condition. Vascular dementia occurs when there is trouble with the blood supply to the brain, which often occurs after a stroke.
⊲ Dementia with Lewy Bodies: This dementia is linked to the presence of Lewy bodies, which are clumps of proteins in the brain. Symptoms of this dementia mimic both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, which can make it hard to diagnose.
⊲ Frontotemporal dementia: This dementia affects the frontotemporal lobes, impacting language, thinking and behavior.
⊲ Mixed dementia: This occurs when two or more dementias are happening at the same time. AD and vascular dementia usually are responsible for mixed dementia.
A visit to the doctor is warranted whenever personality, memory and language issues present. It can take time to diagnose dementias, so any symptoms that adversely affect the brain should be reported to a physician immediately.
A Conversation with Denise Brinson about Suwanee’s Town Center on Main
BY BONNIE SIMMONS
As the assistant city manager of Suwanee, Denise Brinson oversees all economic development, communications, marketing, events, public art and “all things fun” for the city. With more than 25 years of service, Brinson has been instrumental in shaping Suwanee’s growth and community engagement. A resident since 1998, her two children grew up in the North Gwinnett cluster, deeply connecting her to the community she serves. Brinson has been involved with Town Center on Main from its inception, acting as the lead liaison between the city’s vision and the park’s design and construction. This project marked a new challenge for her, as she guided the park’s development from planning through to completion, ensuring it aligns with Suwanee’s long-term vision for a vibrant downtown area.
How does Town Center on Main fit into the broader vision for Suwanee’s downtown area?
Around 2000, the City of Suwanee completed a series of key planning documents: the Comprehensive Plan, the Recreation and Open Space Needs Assessment and the initial Downtown Master Plan. One of the significant insights from the Open Space Plan was that Suwanee was underserved in terms of open space. While Gwinnett County
provides excellent recreational facilities for our residents, we recognized the need for more passive parks within the city.
To address this, the city identified the necessity of acquiring land, which led to the 2001 bond referendum. The citizens of Suwanee approved a $17.7 million bond for land acquisition and open space. This funding enabled the creation of several key parks, including Town Center Park, Sims Lake Park and Suwanee Creek Park, and now the development of Town Center on Main and DeLay Nature Park.
Through extensive community input, we decided to use a portion of the 25 acres acquired as an urban park and an expansion of Town Center Park. The remaining portion of the land is now DeLay Nature Park, home to the Brushy Creek Greenway. Additionally, Station Park was renovated, recognizing its role as a connection to the two larger urban spaces. The vision and leadership from that time have set the stage for the vibrant, interconnected community spaces we have today.
Can you describe the planning process for Town Center on Main?
Town Center Park has long been Suwanee’s primary gathering space and the city’s “front door,” which was a
A favorite feature of the new park is the elevated walkway.
visionary concept at the time of its creation. For many, including myself, it’s the backdrop to countless core memories—from family events and dinners to simply hanging out with friends and of course, the dozens of community events hosted in Town Center Park.
The planning process for Town Center on Main began in 2015, with the design being finalized by 2017. After securing funding and selecting a construction team, we were ready to move forward. However, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced significant uncertainty, leading to a temporary pause in the project. By September 2022, we regrouped and made the decision to proceed with construction, reaffirming our commitment to expanding and enhancing the space that holds so much importance to our community.
How does the park complement the existing Town Center Park?
Town Center on Main is an expansion of Town Center’s most beloved features while introducing new elements to enhance the overall experience. Town Center Park’s expansive lawn area is one of its most utilized spaces, and Town Center on Main builds on this by offering a generously expansive lawn designed for interpretive play. However, Town Center on Main adds distinct features that set it apart, such as a food truck park created in partnership with local entrepreneurs Angie and Jose Hedia, the former owners of Cheeky’s. This area is soon to be complete with a beverage station and seating introducing a commercial element that encourages people to gather and enjoy the park in a relaxed, social environment. The park’s design provides a walkable, safe space where visitors of all ages can hang out, play and connect.
What are some of the standout features of Town Center on Main that you are most excited about?
Town Center on Main is beyond a typical park. A particularly exciting addition is the elevated walkway, which offers visitors a different perspective of the park and a unique
experience compared to other parks. This elevated feature is especially stunning at night, with the lighting around the park creating an inviting atmosphere. Another favorite feature is the reading grotto in front of the library, offering a peaceful retreat that is beautifully lit for evening visits. Additionally, the park includes volleyball courts and the newly revamped PlayTown Suwanee,
The City of Suwanee celebrates the grand opening of Town Center on Main.
Many residents and visitors are already enjoying the new park.
Thoughtful gifts for aging parents
Children typically want to treat their parents to something special during the holiday season. Parents do a lot for their children, and when those kids become adults, a desire to express their appreciation for Mom and Dad grows.
According to The Wrap Up: Snappy’s 2022 Holiday Gift Report, the majority of Americans (64.2 percent) report they need help when it comes to holiday gifting. They may want to carefully consider a recipient’s interests, as the report also discovered more than half of all Americans want a gift that reflects their personal interests and hobbies. When shopping for elderly parents, it may not be as simple as identifying interests, particularly if Mom and Dad are experiencing age-related health issues. Consider these gift ideas that may be ideal for the aging adults in your life.
⊲ Cozy blanket: Older adults may have trouble regulating their body temperatures, which can translate to feeling cold a lot of the time. A new blanket or throw for a bed or to cuddle up with in a favorite recliner might be the perfect gift.
⊲ Family history book: Budding writers can interview their aging parents and jot down family stories. Those stories and anecdotes can be compiled into a book and combined with photos to make a family history log, which can be gifted back to the interviewee.
⊲ Gripping slippers: Slips and falls can injure aging adults and put them out of commission for quite some time. Sturdy and secure slippers with anti-slip soles are good for getting around the house and making quick trips to take out the trash or get the mail.
⊲ Robotic vacuum: Keeping up with the household chores is
easier with a robotic vacuum that automatically scours carpets and hard-surface floors. This eliminates having to wrestle with a cumbersome vacuum.
⊲ Key finder: A key finder can help adults find their keys if they are misplaced. Some employ radio frequency, while others utilize Bluetooth technology and can be paired to a smartphone.
⊲ Magnifying light: Older parents who like to do puzzles or close-up work like knitting or stitching can benefit from an LED lamp that also has a magnifying glass built right in.
⊲ E-reader: Avid readers may enjoy an e-reader because they don’t have to find spots to store even more books in their homes. E-readers can be customized so the print is the right size for the reader’s needs. Also, the devices are lightweight and easy to stow in a bag.
⊲ Automatic card shuffler: Parents who are known card sharks around the community can use an automatic card shuffler to make card play even easier.
⊲ Resistance bands: Resistance bands are like large rubber bands that exert force to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. They can help aging adults stay in shape in a lowimpact way.
⊲ Dining gift cards: When parents do not want to spend additional time in the kitchen, they may opt to visit a favorite restaurant. A combination of a gift card to a favorite establishment as well as pre-paid taxi or ride share service ensures a good meal and a safe ride home.
Although they seem to have everything, aging parents still can benefit from some thoughtful gifts.
