APRIL 2019: Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

APRIL 2019 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville

Up Close with Lead Magnolias of Mainstreet Guns & Range, see story on page 5.

10 10 13 13

Grayson Day Festival: Happy 40th Birthday A Journey of Triumph: Meet Scott Greenhut Community Business Spotlight: Remember When Restorations Getting to Know Grace Scartz: Grayson High’s 2019 Salutatorian

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Our Town Gwinnett

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On the Cover: Making Safety a Mainstay at Mainstreet Guns and Range

By Kristen Eleveld For nearly two decades, Mainstreet Guns and Range has earned a reputation for being the best in the business. With the largest selection of firearms and calibers in the region, it’s no wonder that Mainstreet has become a staple of the Lilburn and surrounding communities. Formerly known as Mainstreet Firearms until early 2013, Mainstreet Guns and Range is a place where residents have grown to trust those behind the counter.

But for those who own and operate Mainstreet, they knew there was still more they could do beyond having the best equipment available. They wanted to educate their neighbors on safety and best practices for being vigilant and smart about protecting themselves and their families.

While everyone is welcome at the range, Mainstreet has taken several steps to welcome women specifically to learn more about firearms and current safety practices. For General Manager Vikki Kreps, it’s especially important that women feel like they have a safe place to learn and ask questions in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field.

“I really want women to be aware that we are a range that welcomes them,” Vikki said. “We are here to help them through the process of practicing with firearms, purchasing the right firearm, and helping them to become unafraid of firearms.”

Mainstreet Guns and Range is so dedicated to making sure women have a safe space for firearm education that they started a women’s league, designed to help women practice with their firearms as well as discuss current topics related to safety and self-defense.

Dubbed the Lead Magnolias, the league is free to join and meets once a month in a training room in the Mainstreet Guns and Range building in Lilburn. Every meeting starts with a discussion – topics ranging from personal preferences on types of firearms, to best practices for self-defense, to sharing concerns about safety issues that affect not only their own community but communities nationwide. Local law enforcement has attended the meetings to give information and tips on personal safety, and those in attendance have the opportunity to ask questions or share ideas with the group.

Once the meeting is done, everyone heads to the range for some firearm practice. Proper eye and ear protection are vital and can be purchased at Mainstreet, but they discount their usual hourly fee to just $5 for those participating in the league range time.

The Lead Magnolias, who have been meeting monthly for eight months, have had a great response from the community. They have quickly grown to around 30 members, with new

members joining regularly. Mainstreet hopes that more and more women will become part of this group as their mission spreads throughout the neighborhood.

The goal is education, first and foremost. Many women have difficulty finding a place like Mainstreet that places a priority on their comfort level and growing knowledge.

“It is really important to us that our customers feel comfortable asking us any questions that they might have.” said Vikki, who has been with Mainstreet for five and a half years. “We go above and beyond to make sure our customers feel comfortable and welcomed in our store. We want to answer questions. We want to help women learn. There are a lot of women who are firsttime shooters or first-time buyers and it’s very important that we make their first experience a good one.”

Indeed, Mainstreet Guns and Range has placed such a high priority on helping women learn that they have designated every Wednesday “Women’s Day,” where women are invited to come to the range for a free hour of range time and a free firearm rental.

“It’s important to us that people have the opportunity to practice,” said Vikki. “We want all women to feel comfortable with their firearms, and know how to properly protect themselves with their firearms.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Lead Magnolias or Mainstreet Guns and Range, you’re in luck – they are open seven days a week, and Monday through Saturday they stay open until 10:00 p.m. Head over this week to learn exactly why this range is quickly rising to the top of the firearm and safety industry.

More information at http://mainstreetgunsandrange.com.

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Distribution Coordinator DeeDee Chapman Feature Writers Pearl Aidoo Heidi Campbell K. Coats Kristen Eleveld Emily Haney Kim Hill Amy Ney Traci Sanders Beth Volpert Johansen Contributing Writers Terie Hansen Traci C. Johnson, MD Tanisha Turner Pam Walker

— An EndResultZ Media & Communications firm EndResultZ.com

Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett /Walton area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.

Entire contents copyright 2019 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

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IN THIS ISSUE Freon Special

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5 On the Cover: Making Safety a Mainstay at Mainstreet Guns and Range 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 8 Learning Lessons: Five Ways to Nurture Literacy Skills from Birth through Age 5 8 Community Event Spotlight: Snellville Days Festival 2019 9 Pet Perch: Dog Walker – Does Your Dog Need One? 9 Health Matters: Lifetime Health Starting in Teenage Years

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10 A Journey of Triumph: Meet Scott Greenhut 13 Community Business Spotlight: Remember When Restorations 13 Getting to Know Grace Scartz: Grayson High’s 2019 Salutatorian 14 The March for Prayer: How One Small Group Became a Force for Change 17 Animal Fosters – The Unsung Heroes 21 Travel Tales: New National Park in Chile

PAGE 6

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Our Town Gwinnett

From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion

By Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanSauers

I hope everyone is off to a great spring. The daylight hours are longer, warm weather is on the way, and school will soon be out. I love this time of year. A new season serves as a good reminder that everything in life has a season, too.

The more I talk with people, the more common themes I observe. Many people are simply worn down/beaten up by our fast-moving world. In some ways, we are controlled by the technology we have, and some face addiction to their devices. This is a real issue. We are inundated with more information than we can ever consume.

Many people, assuming they have enough money to live their life, simply desire to have more time to do what they really want to do in life. They want to spend more time with family and friends, and they want the “never ending” clock to slow down. I write a column each month, and it amazes me how fast time goes. For example, I feel I was just writing about the new year. Our goal with Our Town is to provide a break from our constantly connected and impersonal world. We present positive family and community news – and a 20-minute break from your screen and all the noise – about super people, events, groups, and organizations.

On a personal note, I work hard to balance my time and the many things I do each week.

And, I desire to get better at putting first things first and last things last. I hope you will do the same. In Our Town, you see the same positive themes in our print version, online edition, digital channels, and social media outlets. Please enjoy your precious time. Again, we cannot get time back, buy it, save it, make it go faster, or slow it down. Time is a PRESENT, and all any of us are guaranteed. I encourage you to Keep Pushing Forward (KPF) no matter what you are facing in life. Please inspire others with a kind word instead of a negative slight. Always look for the best in others and seek to make their day special. I wish you a wonderful and safe April. Until next time and as always, thank you for continuing with us on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!

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PAGE 7

Learning Lessons: Five Ways to Nurture Literacy Skills from Birth through Age 5

Community Event Spotlight: Snellville Days Festival 2019

By Tanisha Turner

For more than forty years, people from Snellville and the surrounding area have converged on T.W. Briscoe Park for the Snellville Days Festival. This year should be no different as crowds of more than 30,000 are expected to pack the park on May 4th and 5th to enjoy tons of hand-made arts and crafts and the most entertainment the event has ever offered.

The Snellville Days Festival is one of the largest Arts and Crafts shows in metro Atlanta and offers lots of fair foods from local civic and non-profit organizations, serving up everything from barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, peanuts, and popcorn.

This year’s entertainment includes: • Jurassic Kingdom Dinosaur Show – Jurassic Kingdom will have audiences roaring with excitement! Not only do patrons get to experience life-like dinosaurs in action, but they also can touch and interact with them throughout the show! Meet fantastic characters such as Terry the talking, comical pterodactyl, Jack the 2-month-old brontosaurus, and many more.

• K9s in Flight Dog Show – With over 15 years of professional experience, K9s in Flight are the country’s premier K9 sports entertainers. They have dazzled fans across America and beyond.

Audiences of all ages will be entertained by this non-stop, action-packed performance showcasing the top amazing K-9 sports, including high jump and Frisbee, all in a fun, high-flying atmosphere.

• Master of The Chainsaw: Brian Ruth – A raw, 2-foot-long log will be transformed into a true work of art with only a chainsaw. Ruth has been carving sculptures in this manner for more than twenty years.

• Robocars – Robocars are a unique and fun range of brightly colored, life-sized, transforming Robot vehicles. Operator driven, they walk and drive, creating endless excitement and photo opportunities for the whole family. Catch them roaming the grounds and interacting with children and adults of all ages.

Continued on page 19

By Our Town Staff

In today’s competitive society, it is easy to think that earlier is always better when it comes to learning. Children are often expected to master skills like learning to read simple sentences or to write their names by a certain age. But just as children grow and develop socially at different times, their brains also develop at different rates.

For literacy specifically, normal development for learning to read and write usually ranges between the ages of 4 and 9.

However, while brain development cannot be rushed, parents can nurture the foundational skills that support literacy starting from birth up until children are developmentally ready.

To encourage literacy skill development in children from birth through age 5, parents can use the following tips: 1. Talk to children often. According to national nonprofit Zero to Three, talking to children benefits their language skills starting from birth. As children get older, engage them in conversations about their day. Ask them questions, tell jokes, and make up stories together.

2. Make reading together a daily routine. Fill your children’s bookcases with both fiction and nonfiction books, and read together regularly. For infants and toddlers, read cardboard books so they can practice turning the pages, and ask them to point to familiar objects on the page (e.g., “Where is the ball?”). For preschool-aged children, ask open-ended questions about the book and point out familiar letters.

3. Play rhyming and sound games. While in a waiting room or in the car, take turns saying a word like “cat” and having your preschooler answer with a rhyming word like “bat” and nonsense words like “yat” or “zat.” For younger children, practice animal noises. As they learn about different animals, ask them to tell you what sound each animal makes. This is a great way for them to start learning how to identify different language sounds and replicate them.

4. Set up a writing table in your primary living space. Writing is part of daily life, so it’s imporContinued on page 19

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Pet Perch: Dog Walker – Does Your Dog Need One?

By Terie Hansen

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If you are a busy professional working long hours or a stay at home parent with a to-do list that never ends and includes more road time than an Uber driver, your dog(s) may be taking a backseat in terms of time, attention, and the all-important potty and exercise breaks. A professional Dog Walker can help relieve the pressure (literally) on your dog and you!

These days many dog owners are away from home eight plus hours a day. That’s a long time for your dog to “hold it.” Even if your pet can, that doesn’t mean he or she should.

Over long periods of time holding it can lead to bacteria accumulation in the urine, weakened bladder muscles, urinary tract or kidney infections, and even the development of bladder stones. Compounded over the years, this can contribute to incontinence later in life. Many senior dogs are rehomed or euthanized because of this issue.

Giving your dog the advantage of a midday potty break and the added benefit of additional exercise can lead to a healthier dog, decreased vet visits, and an increased lifespan.

A Professional Dog Walker is a great option for puppies and seniors who have a weaker immune system or are overwhelmed by too many dogs at a doggie daycare, for dog aggressive dogs who are perfectly human friendly, or for dogs crated during the day because of destructive behaviors.

Whether you need occasional or ongoing care, a Professional Dog Walker is flexible and comes to you! The cost of a visit is affordable. Plus, not having to drop off and pick up your dog from daycare cuts down on your daily commute, saving you time and fuel costs.

Giving your dog a midday potty break is a huge boost to your dog’s daily routine and overall health. Plus, you enjoy a worry-free work day and peace of mind knowing that your dog doesn’t have to hold it all day long.

Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com.

Health Matters: Lifetime Health Starting in Teenage Years

GCPS is Hiring Bus Drivers!

Drive for success at our Bus Driver Fair!

Applicants are required to have a good driving record and a high school diploma or GED.

By Traci C. Johnson, MD, FACOG One of the most frequent questions I get from my current patients is “When should my daughter first come to see you?”

The American College of Ob-Gyn recommends this first appointment take place in the early teen years, between ages 13-15. The purpose of this appointment is to start building a trusting relationship between the patient and her doctor or nurse practitioner. Then, if there are any future issues or concerns, she will be comfortable being seen again in the office Continued on page 22

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PAGE 9

The Heart of What Matters

Grayson Day Festival: Happy 40th Birthday

By Beth Volpert-Johansen

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The tiny town of Trip has certainly come a long way. Renamed Grayson in December 1902, the town found plenty of reasons for celebrations. At first, gatherings most often happened in conjunction with church functions, but as the town grew, the community added events centered around the schools. After the original Grayson High School closed and became a part of the new South Gwinnett High School, much of the activity buzzed around Grayson Elementary. Having the only playground around made the school’s backyard a bit of a makeshift park. As the town grew, it became clear that hanging out at the elementary school just wouldn’t do. The city needed a park.

Thoughts about how to raise funds and get the drive started began to swim around the heads of city leaders like former Mayor Jim Hinkle and his wife Barbara, Councilwoman Linda Jenkins, and the staff at Grayson Elementary. “At the time, I had my law office in Stone Mountain and Barbara had a shop there,” remembers Hinkle. “We had been involved in their two-day festival, so we thought it might work in Grayson.” The city council got on board and thought a festival would be a good idea. A committee formed and the first Grayson Day was held in 1979.

At the time of the first festival, Jenkins recalls just how she gained the post of Parks and Recreation. “We needed a park, the elementary school had written a letter encouraging a park, and my post on the council was designated as Parks and Rec,” she says. “It just happened, so we started a goal towards it.”

The park areas began to grow under the watchful eyes of Mayor Jim Hinkle and Mayor Doug Wilkerson. Each year, on the last Saturday in April, a parade marches down Grayson Parkway with ball teams from Bay Creek and the “new” Grayson High School (established 2000). The Grayson High School Marching Band plays fan favorites to entertain the crowds. Pageant queens wave with bright smiles. “Grayson Day is for the whole community to come out and spend time together,” says current mayor, Allison Wilkerson. “I remember the early days of the parade and festival as being a time for everyone to come out for a great time and a good cause.”

Over the years, the park lands have grown, Grayson Day has become a juried event, and the community has grown by leaps and bounds. “It started as just a tiny little parade,” says resident Linda Turner. “I remember how much my mother loved to see my children march in the parade with their teams – everyone had a great time.”

One of the most significant changes to the park has been the addition of the City of Grayson Ampavilion. The stone and wood structure is the result of a more recent city council and mayor dreaming of a performance venue worthy of the history and future of Grayson’s community. “I am so proud of this venue,” says former Mayor Doug Wilkerson. “They did a great job.” Mayor Wilkerson’s smile shows just exactly how proud he is of his town, those who serve the city, and his daughter, the current mayor.

“I love how Grayson Day has grown over the last forty years,” says Mayor Allison Wilkerson.

“The Grayson Day team really comes together to host an event with something for everyone, and we are happy to celebrate the 40th birthday of Grayson Day with the whole community.”

She goes on to say, “I am grateful to all those who served the City throughout the years. The Continued on page 21

A Journey of Triumph: Meet Scott Greenhut

By Pearl Aidoo “My story is not about weight,” Scott Greenhut says. “I am more than my weight loss, although I believe that my weight loss is the only reason why anyone has given me the opportunity to share my story. My story is about perseverance. Life is going to happen; it is how you respond to it that matters.”

Scott’s journey to take control of his life began on December 11, 2017. His father had passed away four months earlier due to renal failure after seven years on dialysis. Seeing his father dead at 62, Scott was prompted to take a hard look in the mirror. Before After And when he did, he did not like what the mirror reflected. With that reckoning came the resolve to do something about it. “My father had always encouraged me to lose weight because he did not want me to end up like him. But while he was alive, I had not taken any steps to lose weight.” But on this day, at 5’6” tall, and weighing in at 268 pounds, he started what was initially a 365-day challenge.

This was an enormous task for someone who had never bothered with exercising. Scott perContinued on page 16

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Community Business Spotlight: Remember When Restorations

By Traci Sanders For years to come, every time I see a Coca-Cola machine, Remember When Restorations and its friendly owner, Terry Kimble, will come to mind. I recently had a chance to speak with Terry to learn more about his unique restoration service for this community.

Native Georgians might remember when the company was situated in Stone Mountain several years ago under the name Remember When Collections. As the business grew and its focus shifted more toward restoration of classic pieces rather than the simple collection of them, Terry moved his shop to Grayson and rebranded under the name Remember When Restorations.

Terry was inspired twenty-nine years ago to start this business based on his college major in history and minor in art. The first machine he restored was completed on the carport of his personal home. One of his favorite projects thus far has been restoring the very first Coca-Cola coin-operated machine and the first Coca-Cola cooler ever made.

Two projects Terry’s team is working on at the moment include a customized Coca-Cola machine for Tiger Woods and the restoration of a vintage Coke machine for a contest winner to be given away to the public, sponsored by NASCAR and the Coca-Cola Company. In fact, Terry proudly mentioned that NASCAR is sending the necessary equipment for his crew to create a time-lapsed video of the restoration process for the prize machine.

Becoming endorsed by the Coca-Cola Museum and Archives definitely helped put Terry’s work on the map. He began receiving project requests from celebrities such as President Jimmy Continued on page 22

Getting to Know Grace Scartz: Grayson High’s 2019 Salutatorian

By K. Coats If you ask people about Grace Scartz, you’ll find a huge number of glowing reports. One teacher states, “Grace, much like her name, has a quiet demeanor and a calming effect on those around her. In everything she does, there is a control and maturity unusual for someone her age. In addition, Grace has a focus that is admirable.” And now that focus is paying off as she has been officially named the Grayson High School (GHS) class of 2019 salutatorian.

An alumna of Grayson Elementary and Bay Creek Middle School, Grace has been a student in the Grayson cluster from the very beginning, and she’s grateful. “It’s been really neat getting to go through all thirteen years of school with a lot of the same classmates and friends,” she observes. And that tightly knit social group has been a boost for Grace throughout her school years. She admits, “I’ve been in the top ten since freshman year, but since there are so many smart and hardworking kids in our grade, we never knew how the final rankings would turn out.” But if she needs any help working on that graduation speech, Grace doesn’t have to look far. Her sister, Anna, was also the GHS salutatorian for the class of 2016, and Grace’s twin brother, Ben, will be supporting her among the ranks of her fellow graduates.

And as far as her peers are concerned, Grace has already been involved and a leader among them for much of her school years. “I really enjoyed being part of the morning announcements crew and being a peer leader in middle school,” she says. When asked about a particular teacher who she felt helped her in her success, Grace was characteristically generous. “Amazingly pretty much every teacher I’ve had over the past thirteen years has been great, and I love that I’ve gotten to have teachers who take all kinds of diverse approaches.” But she did have some specific names from over the years that she felt did deserve special recognition. “Some that have really impacted me are Ms. Benevelli at Grayson Elementary, Mrs. Donnelly at Bay Creek, and Dr. Bennet and Ms. Belzer at GHS.” Grace extends her thanks to the community and her family as a whole, saying, “My parents and siblings have played a really big role in helping me get where I am, simply by being interested in my life and always being willing to help me out if I need it. It’s also been invaluable to have great friends with me throughout school.” And of course, Grace wanted to recognize her church family as well. “I also have a great church community at St. Oliver’s Catholic Church that’s always supportive!”

Concerning her positive experience with school and her academic success, Grace had good insight. She observes, “One of the things that’s been the most challenging throughout high school Continued on page 14

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The March for Prayer: How One Small Group Became a Force for Change

Saturday, May 11 Lawrenceville Lawn

By Kristen Eleveld

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In 2017, Daniel Flagg became inspired to make a change. He felt an urgent need to pray for the city of Atlanta – and he knew he needed to heed that call.

After talking with some local pastors and gathering up a few others who were also interested in this idea, Daniel and a group of fourteen people drove down to the newly-completed Mercedes-Benz stadium and began to pray for everyone in the area.

“I read about a couple who encouraged people to pray at the gates of their city,” remembered Daniel.

“And I realized that while Atlanta may not have a literal gate, the stadium was located at a crossroads where millions of people traveled through each day.”

The team prayed for the city of Atlanta to find its way back to God, and for the people who live, work, and play there each day. Afterward, Daniel said he told the prayer team that none of them were obligated to continue doing the prayer project with him – but they all realized the opportunity they had to make a huge difference for their home, and decided to go on praying.

Since then, the group has prayed at the Capitol building, the Dekalb County jail, Kennesaw Mountain, Stone Mountain, and on through Atlanta. Though they continued to feel led to pray for the city of Atlanta itself, Daniel and his group also wanted to bring these prayers to their local communities. From there, the project has grown in both strength and size.

Daniel founded the Atlanta Prayer Partners, and set about finding a way to include even more people in his mission to pray continually for cities in the Atlanta area. He met Clyde Strickland in May of 2018, and since that time, the two men have partnered together to find new ways to help their neighborhoods pray for the cities around them.

“We believe that if we listen to our calling and pray for our city, God will do great things,” said Daniel. “We just have to be obedient.”

“Great things” is certainly one way to describe what happened most recently for the Atlanta Prayer Partners group. As they prepared to pray for the city of Lawrenceville, where Daniel has hailed from most of his life, he heard someone refer to their prayer project as a “movement” – and that’s when inspiration struck him again.

“I applied for a parade permit with the city of Lawrenceville,” said Daniel. “We decided to turn Continued on page 18

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has been remembering to just enjoy learning instead of getting wrapped up in grades and scores.”

And Grace’s teachers agree with her. Her literature teacher chimed in, saying, “It’s a relief to see that Grace understands that the grade is an indicator of what a student has learned, and the goal is to learn the concept, not get a higher number. So whatever assignment we do, I know Grace will focus on getting the most out of that learning opportunity, and she is always looking for feedback on how to improve her writing. I do believe that this is why she’s so wildly successful – she focuses on the learning itself and not the number attached to it. Focus on the learning and the number attached will improve as a result.” Grace continues to shift the focus away from the grades and back to her community when she says, “Being able to study with friends and getting to know teachers has helped me appreciate this more, especially this past year. Something I’ve been proud of doing throughout high school is investing in clubs and organizations in addition to my academics, especially Orchestra and Gwinnett Student Leadership Team.”

When asked to give advice to students and their parents on how to have a positive high school experience, Grace had excellent insight. “Some advice I’d give to kids entering high school,” she says, “is to always try to find something about each class that interests you, so you will be happier and more willing to work hard, even if it’s not your favorite subject. For parents, I would say help kids to get out of their comfort zone and try difficult things on their own. My parents encouraging me to do new things and sometimes failing actually taught me a lot. My family and friends are very happy for me, and excited to see what I do in the future. They also know that it’s been a group effort; I couldn’t have achieved this without their support!”

“The first thing I remember wanting to be was an astronaut,” Grace recalls about her childhood. But now as she heads to her next adventure, Grace will shift her focus more toward making improvements on her home planet instead. “In college, I plan to study International Affairs and Politics,” she says. “I’d love to enter the field of international affairs, either working in the government or nonprofit sector.” So we are certain we’ll be hearing about Grace before too long, and there is no doubt she’ll make her home school and county proud.

Best wishes to Grace and all of the graduating class of 2019 as they end their school year and begin preparing for their next adventure. Your community will be watching and cheering you all on. Happy Graduation!

More information at www.graysonhg.org.

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severed and ended up working out for 370 days in a row, losing 105 pounds in the process. At age 33, Scott is the only surviving member of his immediate family. He lost his mother to breast cancer at the age of 12; he lost his father in 2017; and on February 1, 2019, almost eighteen months later, he lost his sister Melissa to ocular melanoma after her diagnosis eight years earlier.

That life changing day when he stepped onto his elliptical trainer was the beginning of a journey of self-discovery which he is still embarked on. The end goal was weight loss and improved health, but through the process he also learned lessons of self- preservation: he learned to take life one day at a time; he learned patience and sacrifice; he learned courage and determination; he learned discipline and focus; and he learned gratefulness. He began with 20 minutes daily on his elliptical trainer – gradually building up his workout and believing in himself – to his current daily workout of 6.5 miles and weighing in at 160 pounds. Adjusting his diet, he eats well by paying attention to his calorie intake.

Scott’s weight loss has resulted in the overall improved health of body, mind, and spirit. His sleep apnea has been reversed. In October 2017 a sleep study revealed that he stopped breathing 105 times an hour. This past March, the sleep study results were 3.5 times an hour.

Determined not to let his personal loss define him, Scott believes that his experience places him in a position to share with others what it means to dig deep and fight for your life and what you believe when the going gets tough. Being overweight had promoted in him a sense of selfpity in the past, but now he is about being that voice that uplifts others. His story is a testament to hope and overcoming obstacles; to rise instead of succumbing when it seems like the odds are stacked against you.

When asked how to start taking control, he says with a cheerful and upbeat tone, “Start small; do the little things every day, like making your bed every morning. As simple as it may be, it promotes a sense of accomplishment. My philosophy now is to go 1-0 every day. It’s a win for anything that you like to do.” His favorite self-coined quote is, “Don’t wait for something negative to happen in your life for you to make the positive change you always think about.”

Scott has shared his story on Fox 5 Atlanta, as well as at the Annual Enlight Conference through the Brookwood community, at Brookwood High School Boys Varsity Basketball, and Buford High School JV and 9th grade Basketball teams.

Through loss and heartache came the call to service. As an aspiring inspirational speaker, Scott wants to share his life story to encourage others to believe that you don’t have to be defined by your circumstances.

Scott Greenhut shares his life experience on Instagram @scottgreenhut44. More information at scottagreenhut@gmail.com.

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Animal Fosters – The Unsung Heroes

By K. Coats No doubt you’ve seen them on Saturday mornings stationed inside and outside of the local Petco or Petsmart. Those cute dogs and cats, all watching as you pass, waiting for their forever home. Some of us walk by successfully avoiding eye contact, and others of us are more successful and end up bringing home a new member of the family. Then, some time that afternoon, the ones still waiting are packed up with the hope of next Saturday. But between those Saturdays of adoptions and conversation, there are a lot of very important people who pick up the slack.

Those animals don’t go back to shelters. They go to a different loving home – a foster home – and the people who open their homes and hearts to foster cats and dogs throughout the week are the unsung heroes of the animal rescue world.

Chandler Riddett is an animal foster parent who is part of the Society of Humane Friends of Georgia animal foster network. And for her, fostering animals is simply a continuation of a lifelong love she began as a child. Riddett states, “I read books about animals, watched movies about animals, and basically gravitated towards anything with fur, feathers, or fins.” From there, she went on to work at a pet shop, then a groomer, and then with a veterinarian. But the call to help the abandoned, downtrodden, and unlucky of the animal world was where she found her true calling. “I am capable of helping them,” she explains, “so that’s what I do.” And she’s been involved in animal rescue since she was twelve years old.

But being an animal foster isn’t something one picks up in his or her spare time. The Society of Humane Friends has a system for vetting animal fosters and making sure that animals are cared for in homes fit for their needs. “We look for people who have experience with animals and have the time and energy to commit to taking on an extra animal,” Riddett states. “We try to ensure a good match between the animal and the foster family. Certain homes are better for puppies; others are more geared towards seniors.” Riddett cites that some fosters are even willing to take on animals that have “medical or behavioral issues.” The longest Riddett has ever fostered a single animal was a senior dog who took three years to find her forever home.

The amount of animals Riddett alone has fostered over her 29 year career numbers in the thousands. She pointed out that she fostered 200 last year alone. In fact, Riddett says that rescuing animals is her “full time job, except I don’t get paid and there are no days off or vacations.” Her fostering duties include numerous hours driving animals to vet appointments and adoption events.

Continued on page 20

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this into a march and walk through the city as we prayed.”

At the time, the prayer team was averaging about 20 people at their monthly gatherings. But at the One Nation Under God march in January, they had ten times that amount of people show up to pray!

It was a true event, complete with musicians, a color guard, and signs for people to hold as they prayed and walked. The group marched from the Lawrenceville Lawn to the square in the center of town, boldly asking God to make a change in their city and bring it back to Him. The source of their confidence isn’t hard to find. They take their vision directly from the Bible in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Daniel says he and his group are simply following God’s directions. And when they answer the call God has placed on them, he knows God will begin to move in a big way in the city.

Lawrenceville isn’t their last stop. On March 16th, the Atlanta Prayer Partners hosted another march in Snellville, and they are in talks to schedule marches in Loganville and Lilburn, as well.

Daniel says he envisions the group going all the way to Washington, D.C., to have a desperately needed national impact.

“This isn’t about calling attention to ourselves or seeing what we can accomplish,” said Daniel.

“We want to come humbly into these cities, pray for the government and schools, and watch God work.”

Along with the prayers for God to work within each of these communities, Daniel and his group also hope to encourage people with their message of unity.

“We come from different places, and we have different stories,” said Daniel. “But we can all find unity through Jesus. Everyone can have a savior through Jesus.”

Daniel is so committed to helping his fellow Christians effect a national change that he recently completed his first book: 100 Gold Nuggets of Wisdom for Christians to Rise Up. His goal is to encourage others to take a stand and pray for their neighborhood, city, and the people that live all around them.

If you are interested in taking part in the next One Nation Under God march, or even just learning a little more about the Atlanta Prayer Partners, head over to Facebook to browse their public group and find information about upcoming events.

“There are dozens of marches around the country,” Daniel said. “Who is going to march for God?” More information at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1391290747655404/

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Snellville Days Continued from page 8

Learning Lessons Continued from page 8

• TreeMan & Cowboy Woody – Don’t miss the Walking TreeMan and Cowboy Woody.

Barely distinguishable from real trees, Walking TreeMan moves slowly and deliberately down the street, and can be seen from 150 yards away! Keep your eyes peeled also for someone dressed as Woody from Toy Story – only he’s 10 feet tall – performing lasso tricks!

• Local Entertainment – Some of the best local artists, schools, and entertainment will fill the stage near the food court for your listening and viewing pleasure. Snellville Community Garden Master Gardeners will be selling plants and hosting short seminars throughout both days to educate visitors.

The crowds are sure to be big on Saturday, so it is strongly recommended to use the free shuttle from Snellville First Baptist Church. Shuttle service will run from 10 a.m., to 7 p.m. However, there will be no shuttle on Sunday.

Beautiful T.W. Briscoe Park is located at 2500 Sawyer Parkway in Snellville. The hours of the festival are Saturday May 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, May 5, from noon to 5 p.m.

More information at snellvilledays.com.

tant to make it easily accessible and part of daily life for children. Starting from when they are around 2 years old, encourage them to write and experiment with different literacy tools by gathering materials like blank paper, crayons, markers and more on a table in the room where your family spends the most time.

5. Provide activities at home that support motor development. Both gross and fine motor skill development aid children in learning to write. Encourage your children to climb, run, and skip outdoors to build gross motor strength, and provide stacking and dressing activities to grow fine motor skills.

Incorporating these tips into children’s daily activities can help promote brain development and guide them toward literacy mastery. But remember, every child learns at a different pace! Don’t fret if your little one is taking longer than others to read and write – it will all happen when he or she is developmentally ready.

Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.

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Animal Fosters Continued from page 17 “It is not unusual for me to drive to different shelters and vets offices ten times in a week,” she says.

She sometimes has to wake up 3 to 4 times a night just to bottle feed orphans. “My dishwasher and washing machine run constantly,” she adds. But her whole family works together in this service, and it isn’t nearly as cute at times as some would assume when being surrounded by puppies and kittens. “The bulk of fostering,” she says, “consists of something much less glamorous – cleaning up after them!”

As far as rewards go, though, there are few that one would claim to be sweeter. “Many of the animals we rescue are literally at death’s door when they arrive,” Riddett explains. “Seeing them heal and thrive and then find a loving family is the best feeling in the world. Matching the perfect pet with the perfect human(s) never gets old.” But the connection goes way beyond that of simple owner and pet. “We have had adopters tell us that the animal they brought home truly saved their life. To get to play a role in that is an honor and a great joy to me.”

But, of course, Riddett and her team of animal fosters cannot save them all. Sometimes hearts are much bigger than homes. Going to shelters each week and having to leave behind so many, and knowing that the ones left behind won’t make it out alive is what she considers the hardest part of fostering. Riddett did take a moment to explain how to help prevent more heartache and help our animal friends. While the animals might not all be able to be adopted or fostered, pet owners can help in a small but significant way. “Unless spay/neuter is made mandatory (with some reasonable exceptions), there will always be more cats and dogs than there are quality homes,” Riddett states.

“Shelters and rescues will always have to turn animals away because there is a limit to what we can feasibly do. We will never be able to rescue our way out of this problem of animal overpopulation.”

However, if rescuing is on your mind, the Society of Humane Friends of Georgia is an excellent start. They don’t just adopt their fosters out to any home, though. Families must submit an application, and the society will look to make sure that the cat or dog’s needs and temperament will be met as well as the lifestyle and situation of the family. Riddett and her crew take care to list the needs and ideal living situation for each of their fosters in the hopes that their next home will be their fur-ever home!

Many thanks to Chandler Riddett and the other animal foster parents at the Society of Humane Friends of Georgia. Their efforts have helped improve the lives of animals and their owners throughout the state. Their website has options for donating funds as well as an Amazon Wishlist for those who wish to contribute. Special thanks for our three furry family members, all of whom have benefitted from the love of the animal fosters at this wonderful organization!

Chandler Riddett is an animal foster parent with the Society of Humane Friends of Georgia. More information at www.sohfga.com.

PAGE 20

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Our Town Gwinnett

Travel Tales: New National Park in Chile Walker

By Pam Walker As you read this, I will be winging my way to Santiago, Chile. I will stop for a night in my favorite hacienda, Casa Real in the Santa Rita vineyards, for a chance to do some mountain biking and have a great dinner and a glass of special Carménère wine. The next day I go on to a new national park in Patagonia called Patagonia National Park.

The great adventurers, Douglas and Kris Thompkins – founders of The North Face and Esprit clothing – bought large chunks of land all over South America to preserve and protect the natural ecosystems. In an unfortunate kayaking accident several years ago, Mr. Thompkins died. His wife kept on and created Conservación Patagónicato to protect huge areas of land in both Chile and Argentina and to “rewild” areas that were being threatened by overgrazing and overpopulation.

Working with Chilean Park Service and many volunteers, the conservation group purchased 174,500 acres and took down fences and built campgrounds and a visitor center with a restaurant.

Guanacos, pumas, condors, and many threatened deer populations can be found there.

Patagonia National Park (www.patagoniapark.org) now encompasses more than 10 million acres. It is three times larger than Yellowstone National Park or Yosemite here in the US. I am truly excited to become one of the newest visitors to the park and I look forward to sharing the beautiful vistas and adventures. We need to protect these wild places for future visitors!

Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor and can be reached at pam@walkeradventures.com

Grayson Day Festival Continued from page 10 Ampavilion is a great representation of what can come of a bright idea many year ago.”

The Grayson Day 40th Birthday Celebration will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019. There will be a 5k and Fun Run beginning at 7:30 a.m. A parade will follow at 10:00 a.m. Plan to spend the rest of the day enjoying local festival eats. Don’t miss the Grayson Masonic Lodge’s delicious BBQ! Proceeds go to help fund a Grayson High School scholarship.

More information at the Get Into Grayson page on Facebook.

Law Firm

LEGAL SOLUTIONS

770-972-3803

A recent client talks about our handling his divorce....

“Thank you very much for the compassionate, smooth and professional handling of a very sensitive procedure. I especially appreciate the extra steps you took in providing electronic copies of documents to help me simplify the logistics of working with a defendant residing in Europe. ... As I mentioned to Mr. Walker during our first meeting, I selected your firm for your business law expertise but am pleased with how the divorce was handled ... I will recommend your services for both domestic and business matters to my friends and associates.” – CW What our latest estate planning client had to say: “Mr. Walker was very professional. He was able to help us navigate through the will preparation process. The end result is that we will have the legal documents in place to handle our affairs as we enter life’s final stages.” – JS

Our Firm handles wills and probate, all divorce-related matters, and small business matters.

About our Staff, from a probate client : “Thank you, Sandy... you have been wonderful to work with and made this painful process easier on our family by being professional, comforting, and great communication keeping us aware every step of the way.

We will be contacting David and yourself after the first of the year to manage our will.” – LT

Licensed in GA and DC — Certified Mediator North Gwinnett office – 2330 Scenic Hwy., Snellville GA 30078 South Gwinnett office – 6340 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth GA 30097 email: david.walker.lawfirm@gmail.com website: www.walker-law-firm.com

Now open in Loganville!

Now Open in Loganville!

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Ready when you need help the most...

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No appointment needed!

Open 7 days a week. No appointment needed!

Our Town Gwinnett

Open 7 days a week.

4072 Atlanta Highway 4072GA Atlanta Highway Loganville, 30052

Loganville, GA 30052

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PAGE 21

Health Matters Continued from page 9

Remember When Restorations Continued from page 13

and will know what to expect.

At this first appointment, the patient’s medical and family history will be reviewed in addition to her immunization status, menstrual history, and history of any tobacco/drug or alcohol use.

Instead of the introductory appointment, you or your teenager may have an issue that she would like addressed.

Teenagers are welcome to bring a support person with them and most do – a mother, a sister, or a friend. At some point during the visit, the patient and doctor will have a discussion in private regardless of the patient’s history or concerns. This is just so the patient can have a chance to ask any questions she may find embarrassing to ask in front of anyone else. It also lets the doctor get to know the patient better and possibly ask more private questions. Please let your ob-gyn know if you have any concerns.

Dr. Johnson is a partner in Gwinnett OB/GYN Associates. She is married with 3 children, and loves caring for women in all stages of life. More information at www.gwinnettobgyn.com

Carter, Alec Baldwin, Truett Cathy, and Jon Lester (pitcher for the Chicago Cubs). Some perks of these customer relationships include restoring vintage Coke machines that were flown to Istanbul and Moscow to be placed in the Coca-Cola museums. Terry was even able to meet Prince Charles.

Terry admits that he struggled for twenty years, employing various outlets to advertise his services – radio, television, magazines, etc. But in the end, he attributes his loyal customer base to word-of-mouth referrals.

When asked what one word Terry would like to be on the top of folks’ minds when they see his brand, he simply replied, “Quality,” adding, “I’d rather explain the price than apologize for the quality.”

If you are in the market for the restoration of a Coca-Cola Machine or another classic piece of equipment, be sure to give Terry Kimble and his crew a call. They will deliver on your request with excellence and restore your faith in service with a smile.

More information at http://www.rememberwhenrestorations.com/

You know how it feels to want the most natural birth possible? [ So do we! ]

Atlanta Gynecology & Obstetrics includes you in the healthcare decisions surrounding your birth experience. Women have been having babies for centuries — our physicians and nurse midwives have worked as a team for years, guiding women along that birth journey. We meet you at the crossroads of collaboration, choice, and safety.

Our goal is for you to have the birth experience you’ve dreamed of — planning WITH you, not AT you, guiding you to the best birth possible.

Visit AtlantaGYNOB.com to learn more, or call to make an appointment!

Decatur Office 315 Winn Way Decatur, GA 30030 404.299.9724

PAGE 22 Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049 19-AGOB-0025 Our_Town_Blue 10x7.5306_April.indd 1

Gwinnett Office 449 Pleasant Hill Rd, Suite 200 Lilburn, GA 30047 770.923.5033

Our Town3/15/19 Gwinnett 2:10 PM

Your business is your livelihood…

WE CAN PROTECT IT! Your business is your livelihood so it only makes sense to protect it. Brand & Britt Insurance Agency offers custom business insurance options from multiple companies to make sure you have the right insurance protection at the right price for your business.

Often we turn to Donegal because Donegal provides a full line of business insurance coverages including: ✓ Businessowners ✓ Commercial Auto ✓ Workers’ Compensation ✓ Commercial Liability

Grayson • Loganville • Buford 20 Grayson New Hope Rd • Grayson, GA 30017

www.brandandbritt.com

At BenchMark, your journey is our journey, and we’re committed to getting you back to your best.

That’s why our licensed physical therapists use manual therapy, a hands-on technique that’s proven to get better outcomes so you can start moving and feeling better faster.

Our 99% patient satisfaction rate speaks for itself. Choose better outcomes.

Choose BenchMark.

Call your local BenchMark today to set up an evaluation.

BUFORD I-85 2815 Buford Dr, Ste 102 (770) 271-4413

LAWRENCEVILLE 455 Philip Blvd, Ste 160 (678) 985-0238

LILBURN – BEAVER RUIN 4145 Lawrenceville Hwy NW, Ste 8 (678) 691-7163

GRAYSON 2065 Grayson Hwy, Ste B (678) 376-0213

LILBURN 1227 Rockbridge Rd, Ste 402 (770) 925-9210

SNELLVILLE 2050 Scenic Hwy N, Ste A (678) 344-7197 SNELLVILLE CENTERVILLE HWY 124 3641 Centerville Hwy, Ste 400 (470) 365-2135

Our Town Gwinnett

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PAGE 23

TOP

15% IN U.S.

When it comes to coronary artery bypass grafting, GMC has earned the highest rating possible, ranking in the top 15% in the nation for clinical quality.

This isn’t something to take lightly. It means our surgeons’ cases consistently have fewer complications and shorter hospital stays— meaning better outcomes for you.

David Langford, MD & Richard Harvey, MD Cardiothoracic Surgeons 50+ years of combined experience

gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/numbers

678-312-5000