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Up Close with Fancy Feathers & Parrot Productions, see story on page 5.
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By Kristen Eleveld
How can you combine education and entertainment to learn about some of the most beautiful birds in the world? For those in Gwinnett, it’s easy. You just have to contact Brenda Bean, who is celebrating forty years of expertise with parrots and all their needs.
As the owner of two companies—Fancy Feathers, a store that offers supplies and information to birds and their owners; and Parrot Productions, which educates the community about parrots and their skills—Brenda and her husband, Jack, have long understood just how amazing birds can be. She is particularly fond of parrots and has spent almost twenty years educating the Atlanta area and its surrounding community on the incredible feats these feathery friends are capable of, in addition to interesting facts about their personalities and needs.
Brenda is an expert on everything from parrot nutrition to the type of environment that will help these birds thrive, and she is eager to share that knowledge with the community around her, especially those who are considering getting a parrot of their own.
“Birds are similar to children,” said Brenda. “If they only have bad nutrition ingested, their outward actions are not calm, deliberate, and considerate. Often their personality is only a response to the environment. If they live in darkness, they become depressed. If their tummy hurts, they are inclined to be nippy and not nice. If they are hyperactive, it is harder for them to learn.”
Brenda says the easiest comparison is to think of these birds as a five-yearold child--they have a full range emotions, fears, preferences, and very distinct personalities.
Often, Brenda finds that customers aren’t quite sure what to expect from being a bird owner, which is why she is so dedicated to helping her customers understand what they are getting into before they decide to buy. Parrots are often a lifelong commitment, and just like a puppy or kitten, they may take some time to settle into a new home.
“I have always believed a person can make a better decision with more information,” said Brenda. “Happy customers with happy parrots is my goal in both of my businesses.”
And when Brenda and her team are not helping her customers pick out the right food or toys for their parrots, you will likely find her out in the community, showing her parrots at a birthday party or demonstrating one of their incredible skills. She loves every moment of it—and the birds do, too!
“My favorite part of the educational entertainment of Parrot Productions is watching the awe on the faces of the children and adults when they actually have a bird on their arm,” said Brenda. “There is still the magic even after forty years in the business: eyes wide, mouth in an ‘O.’ The expression is eternal.”
Using her motto of “cuddle, touch and learn,” Brenda has spent the last four decades educating and instilling an appreciation and excitement for her parrot friends.
With hundreds of bird-safe toys, a large variety of food, and sharing education on how to help your bird through an illness, Brenda and her team offer a full-service experience to anyone who needs help caring for their parrot. She is a true advocate for each of her birds and hopes that more people will grow to understand just how amazing these parrots are.
So if you have questions about how to care for your parrot, call or text Brenda. If you are wondering whether owning a parrot is right for you, call or text Brenda. And if you are hoping to see firsthand just how amazing these parrots are and want to demonstrate that at your next event, you know what to do, call or text Brenda! She does it all and then some, all while advocating for her treasured feathered friends.
More information at 770-715-5337, https://www.fancyfeathersstore.com/parrot-pro-productions, https://www. fancyfeathersstore.com/
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Publisher/Owner
Dr. Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com
Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com
Editor
Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com
Photography
Emil Powella
Photography
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Coordinator
Holly Cooks
Cover Story
Feature
Writer
Kristen Eleveld
Feature Writers
Victoria R. Crosby
Tana Poncsak
Traci Sanders
Contributing Writers
Jane Bishop
Bill Crane
Dr. Jenny Reesman
Tanisha Turner
Pam Walker
5 On the Cover: Celebrating 40 Years with Fancy Feathers and Parrot Productions
7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
7 Learning Lessons: What Parents Need to Know about STEAM
10 Sports Talk: Archer High Student Forms First Ever Boys Volleyball Team
11 Quiet…A Word for Your Day
11 Key Steps to Preparing for a Spring Deck Build
12 Pet Perch: The Mouth is Only the Beginning
13 Up Close with Rainbow Village: Building Homes and Hope
13 How Less Plastic Can Help Protect Your Family and Community
14 One Man’s Opinion: Pardon Me, Sirs
14 Travel Tales: Mysterious Morocco
14 Meet Mohamed Belal: Gwinnett Technical College 2025 Instructor of the Year
By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanTSauers @RyanTSauers
Happy February to you! I’m excited as we roll out the February 2025 edition of the publication. So, buckle up for a ride through our community’s heart and soul, amplified across printed pages, digital platforms, and the buzzing world of social media.
As you hold this month’s publication in your hands, remember it’s not just a magazine; it’s a connection hub. The printed pages tell stories, share experiences, and highlight dreams – creating a tangible bond that unites us all. But we’re not stopping there. Our digital edition takes the experience to another level, ensuring everyone, everywhere, can tap into the pulse of Our Town.
Please follow us on our various platforms for doses of community love, family vibes, and positive energy. You can also join our private Our Town Community Group on Facebook. It’s not just about reading – it’s about engaging, sharing, and being part of the larger conversation that defines our community. Whether you’re flipping through the printed magazine at the kitchen table, scrolling through the digital edition on your tablet, or engaging with us on social media from your smartphone, we’re there with you, fostering strong family bonds in every corner of our community.
Positivity is contagious, and we continue to spread it everywhere we can. Through print, digital, social, private groups, e-newsletters, podcasts, TV shows, and more, we’re showcasing the resilience, optimism, and acts of kindness that define our community. It’s not just about consuming content; it’s about becoming part of a movement that uplifts and inspires.
We have a great community, and again, thank you all for your support. Also, please support all our fantastic business partners. They are simply the best. I know each owner, and they all get my highest endorsement. Also, and as always, thanks for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!
By Tanisha Turner
You are undoubtedly familiar with the acronym STEAM and its importance in the classroom. This acronym – which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics –has become a hot topic in the world of education and the business community. The practice of teaching by incorporating these concepts into multidisciplinary lessons has revolutionized education approaches across the country, even for children in preschool.
While young children may not be able to understand multiplication or how computers work, they can develop a strong foundation for future learning by exploring STEAM skills and concepts through play and discussion and then applying those skills through more play.
For young children:
• Science encourages investigation and answering questions, often involving experimentation.
• Technology refers to using simple tools like crayons and rulers, as well as more complex ones like microscopes and computers.
• Engineering refers to recognizing problems and testing solutions to them.
• Arts encourage creativity and allow children to illustrate concepts they are learning.
• Mathematics deals with numbers but also patterns, shapes, organizational skills, and much more.
There are many reasons why STEAM subjects should be addressed in early Continued on page 10
By Traci Sanders
Keng Chang is a junior at Archer High School who was introduced to the sport of volleyball by his middle school teacher, David Thomas.
Chang lived in Florida before he moved to Gwinnett County. There he played a game similar to volleyball, with a local ethnic group called Hmong. When Chang moved to Georgia and was mentored by Thomas in volleyball, he fell in love with the sport.
“I love how volleyball is one of the few sports that builds a connection among the players,” he said. “It’s kind of like the game children play where the balloon is passed between them without hitting the ground. You never know where it’s going to go, so each player involved has an important role.”
Chang enjoyed the sport, but wasn’t very outspoken about his passion for it until one day Thomas’s daughter approached Chang at practice and complimented him on his skill, noting that he was a natural fit for the sport. This inspired Chang to find other students who might enjoy volleyball and to form a team during his freshman year of high school. This endeavor proved to be a bigger challenge than he expected.
The initial challenge was finding young men who wanted to play because, as Chang shared, volleyball is stereotypically viewed as a girl’s sport. However, Chang knew there were some male students at his school who would love the sport as much as he did, if he could get their attention.
To accomplish this, he started sharing highlight clips of his previous games on social media, and his classmates began following him. He also obtained permission from the school office administrators to share his vision for the team on the morning announcements, to attract potential players.
Once Chang found some interested students, he began looking for a team sponsor, another endeavor that proved much more challenging than he expected.
“Sponsors play a significant role for the team,” Chang shared. “They need to be present at the games to be the face of the team. It requires a good bit of time and energy on their part, which makes it hard to find and keep sponsors.”
Other challenges Chang faced included the lack of school support for boys’
volleyball.
“They don’t really view it as a school sport, more of a type of club for boys,” he explained. “So, that limits where and when we’re able to practice and hold games.”
The team usually practices in the auxiliary gym three days a week for two hours, but during this upcoming season they will probably be allowed only one to two days for one hour, if that. No time has been granted as of yet. The boys are rarely able to use the main gym because the girls’ volleyball team gets first use, as they are recognized as an official school sports team.
“I wish people would realize that volleyball isn’t a sport just for girls,” he said. “Lots of boys enjoy playing and are really good at it. And it’s a very fastpaced, entertaining event that people really enjoy watching. Our home games are always packed.”
Chang mentioned that his team participates in home and away games during spring and fall seasons. Sometimes they have to rent a bus for the away games. Other times each player is responsible for their own travel arrangements.
“Buses aren’t cheap, and our funds are limited,” Chang said. “Our games are
Continued on page 15
7
learning settings. A key component of STEAM is process skills, such as making observations, hypothesizing, and critical thinking. These skills help young children grasp math and science concepts early in life while building a base for more complex concepts for years to come.
Research has shown that even very young children are capable of mathematical reasoning and can understand more advanced math skills than previously thought. Young children are also able to ask questions and make predictions about the world around them. In short, children are fully capable of learning foundational STEAM concepts, and parents and teachers should help children develop these skills at an early age.
STEAM learning can also take place outside of the classroom. For example, parents can encourage children to channel their inner engineer through a boat race activity. Have children use a variety of recyclables – cork, foil, tape, craft sticks, straw, an old swim noodle, and paper for a sail – to build a boat that can sail across the bathtub, a pan of water, or a puddle. After creating the boat, have children blow “wind” toward the boat to see how fast their creation travels. Parents and children can host races between multiple boats and discuss which boat is faster and why.
Young children grasp concepts through exploration and trial and error, so they should learn STEAM concepts at their own pace and in ways that are natural to them. To ensure that children are learning at their own pace, Primrose offers a balance of play with guidance from teachers, and repeats STEAM lessons so children can master skills as they are ready.
Tanisha Turner is the Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com or call 770-5130066.
Jane Bishop
In certain public venues, it becomes necessary to utter, “Quiet, please.” Examples are tennis matches, golf tournaments, movie theaters, and libraries. For some, it is a challenge to be quiet for a few seconds or minutes. Our lives are filled with noise, and we have mistaken that as a necessity for living. Quiet may be uncomfortable for many because it is out of the “norm.”
Matthew Mikkelsen is Executive Director of Quiet Parks International, a non-profit organization that is on a mission “to save quiet for the benefit of all life” (www.quietparks.org). During an interview on a national news show in November of 2023, he stated that Quiet Parks International estimates 90% of children won’t experience natural quiet in their lifetime. According to Mikkelson, for a space to qualify as a natural quiet place, it must have a “dependable noise-free interval of fifteen minutes or more.” Sit with that for a quiet moment.
Quiet space can be sacred and can allow us to hold a space for thoughts/ emotions that we cannot readily verbalize. Quiet space can be calming and freeing, and create brain space to move forward. Consider your environment while reading this article. Is it quiet or filled with noise? Do you know that 97% of the U.S. population is exposed to noise from aviation and highways, so quiet is nearly extinct (Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics, United States Department of Transportation)? We are experiencing what Robert Koch, 1905 Nobel Prize Winning Bacteriologist, predicted: “The day will come when man will have to fight noise as inexorably as cholera and the plague.”
When was the last time you allowed yourself to step out of the noise of life’s traffic and simply be? What would you experience if you did? How would that help center you for the day? What is stopping you? Schedule? Work? Family? Permission? Excuses? What experiences are getting lost in the noise of your world?
I woke up early one morning to – quiet. No wind, no school buses, no birds in the woods. In the quietness of my home, the only sound was the pendulum swing of a clock. It was refreshing. It was dark so I could not enjoy the scenery of the woods, only of simply being. My mind could wander, or not. My senses could engage, or not. The enjoyment factor was remarkably high on the pleasing scale. In the quiet of the morning, I could hold space for my thoughts without the noise of the world! And it fueled me for my day.
Be courageous. Step out of the noise zone and into your quiet zone for fifteen minutes. It is a practice that will refresh your brain and reinforce your self-leadership.
More information at www.janebishoplive.com.
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
As temperatures are cold, it might seem premature to think about springtime outdoor projects. But when planning a spring deck build, now is the perfect time to start. The winter months provide an ideal window of opportunity to lay the groundwork for a successful and stress-free spring deck construction project. Here are some critical steps and considerations to ensure your new deck will be ready to enjoy when the flowers bloom.
1. Define your vision
Every successful deck project begins with a clear vision. Spend some time this winter envisioning your ideal deck. Consider its purpose. Will it be a space for outdoor dining, relaxation, or entertainment? Think about the deck’s size, shape, and design elements. Gather inspiration from home improvement magazines, social media platforms, and websites like Decks.com to help refine your vision. You can also find many ready-made deck plans online that offer ideas and inspiration.
2. Lock in labor
One of the first things you’ll need to decide is whether you plan to build the deck yourself or hire a professional. If you have the skills to DIY, take advantage of online resources, like Trex Academy, for expert tips and step-by-step instructions to help get the job done. If you plan to work with a contractor, it is an excellent time to start the vetting process. Quality deck builders are often in high demand and tend to book out months in advance. Securing a contractor now ensures a skilled professional is ready to begin work when the weather gets warmer.
3. Plan for permits
Deck construction often requires permits, depending on your local building codes and neighborhood associations, if applicable. Use the winter months to research local building codes and obtain necessary permits and approvals. This process can be time-consuming, so getting a head start will ensure you don’t face any unexpected delays come spring.
4. Set your budget
Setting a budget early gives you time to make any necessary adjustments and ensures you won’t be caught off guard by unexpected costs once installation begins. Be realistic and consider all potential expenses, including labor, permits, substructure materials, decking, railing, and any additional features or
Continued on page 13
By Dr. Jenny Reesman, DVM
You’re cuddled up on the couch and here comes your puppy’s tongue. So many kisses planted in such a short time. But what is this? That smell? Yep, it’s the mouth. The white teeth that are now golden. The puppy’s breath is now replaced with the smell of something that resembles the other end. This means there is bacteria growing in the microscopic holes of that tarter, the once soft fuzzy plaque that is now hard as a rock, tarter.
So, my pet’s breath smells? I can live with that! Unfortunately for your pet, they can’t. The bacteria that create that not so pleasant smell is also burrowing under the gingiva, slowly causing inflammation and loosening the bone’s grip on the tooth. The bacteria that are
being swallowed with every saliva-filled rush is sending bacteria to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Over time, the bone decays, causing teeth to wobble and fall out. The heart valves thicken, causing murmurs and heart disease. The liver and kidneys become diseased, also feeling the effects of wave after wave of bacteria.
So, what can we do to extend our pet’s life and get rid of the smell we really would rather not have to live with?
At home care (grab that toothbrush!) is one of the most important things you can do to give your pet a long, happy life. Using dog-approved toothpaste (no fluoride, please!), flavored like beef or poultry, can entice even the most nervous friend to allow brushing. Ask your vet to show you how you can brush and how you can care for your pet’s teeth! Caring for the teeth is one of the best ways to care for your whole pet!
More information at https://www.brookwoodanimal. com/ or call 770-979-0089
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
Thirty-three years after its creation as a nonprofit organization with a mission to bring Help, Hope, Housing, and Healing to families experiencing homelessness, Rainbow Village has launched a capital campaign to more than double the number of people it can serve. During a well-attended event at COhatch in Duluth, Georgia on October 24th, Rainbow Village officially launched its Building Homes Building Hope Capital Campaign.
Within its current campus footprint, the nonprofit can serve thirty families with transitional housing and transformational programming for up to two years. The recent purchase of an adjacent property paired with the development of a three-year Strategic Plan means Rainbow Village can more than double its capacity to serve an additional thirty-six families. United by a mission with meaningful impact, the launch event brought together community leaders and passionate philanthropists.
“More than bricks and mortar, this campaign is not just about raising funds; it’s about igniting hope and fostering change in our community,” said Rainbow Village CEO Melanie Conner. “With the help of our supporters – old and new
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
The United States is targeting plastic pollution at the production, processing, use, and disposal phases and backing a global treaty to reduce plastic production. Advocates are celebrating the move as a watershed moment and a step in the right direction toward protecting human health, communities, and the environment.
“As one of the biggest plastic producers and consumers, this helps put the United States on the right side of history,” says Lisa Ramsden, senior oceans campaigner, Greenpeace USA. “Not only does it show that we are willing to stand with countries that recognize that we cannot recycle our way out of this crisis, but it also aligns with the desires of most Americans.”
As Ramsden points out, Americans are becoming increasingly aware of how plastic litters oceans, pollutes the air near production facilities, exacerbates the impacts of climate change, harms animals, and threatens public health. They are also catching onto the fact that most plastic never gets recycled. According to a Greenpeace International poll, almost two-thirds of Americans support a Global Plastics Treaty that would ban single-use plastic packaging.
According to Greenpeace, here is what you can do to protect your family from harmful plastic chemicals and help advocate for a healthier planet.
• Encourage your favorite brands to reduce their plastic use and your retailers to stock their shelves with non-plastic packaging brands.
• Consider plastics policy when you are voting. At every level of government – local, state, and national – you can explore which candidates’ values align with your own.
• Remember that plastics can harm human health. Plastics have been found in human blood, breast milk, placentas, lungs, and hearts. To protect your family, consider phasing out plastic food storage containers and using stainless steel or glass alternatives. Never heat food in plastic containers or drink hot beverages out of plastic cups. You can also filter your drinking water with a filter designed to remove microplastics.
“We have known for decades that plastic pollution is poisoning our bodies, communities, and oceans, and millions of people worldwide have called for our leaders to end the age of plastic,” says Ramsden. “Right now, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put the world on a path towards a plastic-free future, but it will be up to all of us to ensure that happens.” (StatePoint).
– we will not only provide housing, but we will create a safe space for families to live and thrive as they work to break the cycle of homelessness. We are beyond grateful to our many benefactors for the $10,752,768.50 raised to date, including an incredible $4.6 million grant from Gwinnett County. We have a long way to go, but I am so hopeful, given this amazing launch.”
Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson added, “Our commitment to building strong, supportive communities is at the heart of everything we do in Gwinnett County. It is an honor to contribute to the growth of Rainbow Village and its mission to provide a safe and stable home for those in need. This award is more than just funding – it’s a promise to continue nurturing hope and creating opportunities for families to thrive.”
City of Duluth Mayor Greg Whitlock shared similar sentiments about the long-standing nonprofit. “Rainbow Village is an organization the city leans on to keep us in touch with the community,” he said. “For folks facing hard times, we have to make sure that they believe there is hope, and that is exactly what Rainbow Village does.”
In addition to remarks made by Gwinnett County and City of Duluth leadership, the event featured an ambiance that underscored the vital role that Rainbow Village plays in addressing housing insecurity. Attendees were also treated to comfort food and acoustic tunes.
The Capital Campaign seeks to raise a total of $15 million. These critical funds will support the construction of two new buildings to house thirty-six apartments, along with the provision of tools needed to strengthen its operational foundation. Rainbow Village encourages donations of all sizes and has established a variety of giving opportunities. With every dollar raised, the organization moves one step closer to achieving its transformative goals.
More information at RainbowVillage.org.
Cont’d from page 11
amenities you might want to include, such as lighting, an outdoor sound system, or an under-deck drainage system.
5. Research materials
The choice of materials for your deck is crucial as it directly impacts your outdoor space’s aesthetics and longevity. Now is an ideal time to research the range of available options. Consider factors like durability, maintenance requirements, and sustainability when deciding. Many above-ground decks require railing, so be sure to consider that as well. Railing options are myriad, and the costs vary widely, so planning ensures you have time to make the right choices for your project and your budget.
Planning for a spring deck build during the winter months is a wise decision that can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Following these steps will prepare you to embark on your deck construction project when the warmer weather arrives. With careful planning and attention to detail, your dream deck will soon become a reality, providing you with a beautiful and functional outdoor space for years to come. (BPT)
By Bill Crane
I will have to look to others to be the judge of my reality here, but I try to be a well-mannered, Southern gentleman, admittedly more than a bit old school in my day-to-day life and dealings with others. As a general rule, I try to live by the Golden Rule.
But let’s say, for the sake of conversation, that I didn’t pay income taxes for a couple of years, while my income exceeded a few million dollars each of those years. Let’s assume in this hypothetical that I am also a drug addict who left the mother of my children and wife to seduce and marry my brother’s widow and that I traded on influence and family connections most of my life, becoming a felon and carrying unregistered firearms illegally. I am thinking that if I did all this and dropped by the White House, I would no longer be summering at the family beach house in Rehoboth.
Conversely, if I were to express my free speech rights by smashing windows, clubbing the head of some of New York’s finest, and defecating in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York or even the front lobby at Mar-a-Lago, I would expect to be then spending my winters and summers in a Florida state prison.
With neither set of offenses, and these are not equivalent, of the family, polit-
By Pam Walker
With all the countries I have visited in the world, I have never been to Morocco. For one reason or another, a different trip or another country always appealed to me more. I had been close by in Spain and Gibraltar, and ferries to and from Morocco were plentiful. Still, I never had time to detour across the Mediterranean to actually stay in that country.
The Kingdom of Morocco has always fascinated me, and when I finally got there, I could not believe the opulence and richness of the culture. Whether in Marrakesh or Rabat, you cannot escape Morocco’s colors, smells, and exotic nature.
Located at the top of Africa, Morocco is a mix of cultures from around the world. Its cities, with winding streets, huge medinas, and souks filled with treasure from everywhere, are something to see. Hold on to your wallets, as there is so much to see and buy. The rug merchants are famous for exporting lovely carpets around the world.
The mosques are the most fascinating part of Morocco. The main religion is Islam, and the largest mosque in Africa is in Casablanca. Non-Muslims generally can’t enter, but they can look at the amazing architecture from the outside, with its gardens and fountains. You can hear the “call to prayer” five times daily, a beautiful reminder of where you are.
Best of all, there are amazing hotels and riads in each city. Morocco is on the edge of the Saharan Desert, one of the driest places on earth. But you would never know it in these amazing buildings filled with trees, flowers, fountains, and swimming pools. Most hotels emanate the mysterious vibes of Morocco. Many are built with solid outer walls, with the inside almost like a royal palace with imported surroundings and fabulous restaurants and restful places to shelter you from the thousands of people outside. Even in the Atlas Mountains (the highest mountain in Africa), fabulous hotels have amazing views and offer opportunities to hike or visit Berber villages nearby.
I don’t know why I waited so long to visit! If you get a chance to go, take advantage and visit. It will surprise you, I am sure!
Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel adviser. More information at pam@walkeradventures.com.
ical allies, and others pardoned on the last day of Joe Biden’s Presidency, or the near blanket commutations of sentencing of between 1,200-1,300 January 6, 2021 protestors at our U.S. Capitol, both pardoners are guilty, at the very least, of poor judgment.
Yes, I understand concerns for Dr. Anthony Fauci, former Congresswoman Liz Cheney, and some of Donald Trump’s more vocal opponents. Has anyone done a wellness check this week on Mike Pence? But does President Joe Biden think he will be the last Democrat to win the White House? Does the now-former president believe that his pardons are all that stands between his family and federal trials or prison sentences?
Let’s set aside, just for a moment, the repeated public promises and statements that Joe Biden would NOT pardon Hunter Biden, without even touching the 11th-hour pardon of nearly his entire family, strangely and selectively back to the year 2014. Huh. Joe Biden was Vice President Biden at that time.
And to President Trump, you won the election by a healthy Electoral College margin, carrying all seven battleground states. The American people have placed their faith in you, and the job you again now hold is among the most challenging in the world.
Did you really think it wise to START this job with the conflicting signals of declaring a National State of Emergency at our southern border and commuting the sentence of the leader of the Proud Boys, currently serving a twenty-twoyear sentence for his role in planning and executing the attacks on our nation’s Capitol, and the peaceful transition of power via the certification of the votes of the Electoral College?
We all know that those of us who are regular folks without political connections or who place our lives on the line after a disappointing political contest loss would NOT be able to expect to have our slates wiped clean for much lesser offenses. And yet, we will still pay parking and speeding tickets, drive the speed limit more often than not, and hopefully be good to our neighbors,
Continued on page 15
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
Gwinnett Technical College recently named Mohamed Belal, Humanities Program Director, as the Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year recipient for 2025. Belal, who became a teacher to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, expressed his passion for education and student success.
“I love the moment when a concept ‘clicks’ for a student—their confidence grows, and they realize what they’re capable of achieving,” said Belal. “My inspiration comes from seeing my students succeed, whether earning certifications, starting careers, or simply gaining the confidence to tackle challenges. Watching them transform their lives through education and achieve their career dreams is deeply rewarding.”
Belal emphasized the honor and responsibility of representing Gwinnett Tech, highlighting the institution and the Technical College System of Georgia’s commitment to excellence in technical education.
“Earning this recognition confirms my dedication to our students and the community. It also reminds me of the collective effort of my colleagues who strive to make a difference every day,” he stated. “I hope my students leave with more than technical skills. I want them to develop critical thinking, problem solving, resilience, and a continuous learning mindset. I strive to teach them how to adapt, problem solve, and excel professionally and personally. Additionally, I incorporate various soft skills into my lesson plans, which are essential for every career.”
Belal holds a Master of Arts in Music Education from Helwan University in Cairo, Egypt, and resides in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction has been prestigious in the Technical College System of Georgia since 1991.
The award is designed to honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. It highlights the dedication and impact of educators who inspire and support their students in achieving academic and professional success.
More information at GwinnettTech.edu.
despite examples from back-to-back leaders of the highest office in the land demonstrating that those rules do not necessarily apply for THEM.
Thankfully, there ARE limits to the power and reach of presidential pardons, commutations, and clemency. They cannot overturn state court criminal convictions or sentencing, nor waive civil case judgments. They cannot give pardons beyond the time of their term in office, other than blanket pardons for crimes not yet charged. Do innocent people really NEED to be pardoned? Do we need to re-scope or limit these powers to pardon?
I would also look out for my family, children, and friends. Politics has become, particularly at the national level, a blood sport of sorts. But if we want that to change, we need to select leaders who lead by example or act as servant leaders, not those who so clearly will take care of themselves and their First family before the rest of the nation.
Pardon me, sirs... I think not.
Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
free, and we’re required to provide concessions for home games, so our team fees don’t cover all our expenses, which is where sponsors help a lot.”
The fees for Junior Varsity are $250 and $325 for Varsity. These fees cover things like uniforms, bus rentals, security for home games, and paying referees for home games. According to Chang, running these teams is much like running businesses. And not only does Chang coach his teams at his high school, he also co-coaches with Thomas at the middle school on Wednesdays.
“It’s been hard to balance everything, but I love the sport and I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished so far,” he said. “Our school actually invited us to be in the yearbook this year, which is pretty cool.”
Chang has gained great leadership skills throughout his journey with his teams. He hopes to play on a college team in the future and major in some type of business.
In the meantime, Chang is enjoying the ride coaching his high school teams and he hopes to find someone who cherishes volleyball as much as he does, to pass the baton to when he graduates.
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