APRIL 2022: (GREEN) Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

APRIL 2022 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Up Close with Simply Green Lawn Care, see story on page 5.

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On the Cover:

Preparing for Spring with Simply Green

By Kristen Eleveld After a long and chilly winter, spring is finally here! And for many of us in Gwinnett, that means it’s time to prepare our yards for summer.

Yes, summer. The early bird gets the worm when it comes to lawn care.

If you’re not sure where to start, we have you covered. You need the help of Simply Green Lawn Care in Lilburn.

Whether you need to get your crabgrass under control or are looking for a way to keep your plants healthy, Simply Green can do it all. It might be hard to picture your yard looking its best right now, covered in winter weeds and still brown. But the folks at Simply Green know that you need to start now to make sure your yard is ready for a relaxing summer.

“We want to help you be able to enjoy your yard when the weather is nice,” said Mary Thompson, who serves as the long-time sales manager at Simply Green’s office. “We’re always working a season ahead so you’re ready to go this summer.”

If summer makes you think of the dozens of mosquitos that will soon appear, don’t worry. Simply Green is ready to help with that, too. This more recent service has become an instant hit as Simply Green works to treat your yard in a safe way that will ensure mosquitos aren’t biting you at every turn.

Another important but often overlooked step of yard maintenance is core aeration, which Simply Green always recommends doing in late April or early May. This service, which is designed to strengthen plant roots and increase water absorption, is key to helping your yard not only look great, but also be its healthiest all summer long.

While the team at Simply Green does not offer landscaping services, they will partner with you to ensure that the landscaping you have is

always in tip-top shape. They even keep a list of trusted landscapers handy to recommend to you if you need it. In fact, Mary often finds herself on the phone with a client or someone who needs a little help, offering suggestions and ideas on ways they can maintain their yard themselves until the professionals can get there.

“If we see a need for your yard, we’re going to speak up,” said Mary.

“Our goal is always to give every customer great service with no pressure. We only want to help with what you need.”

The Simply Green team’s commitment to excellent customer service is abundantly evident in their business practices. When you call the office, you’ll always be greeted by a real person – often Mary herself – to ensure customers get the help they need. In between jobs, every staff member at Simply Green continues to educate themselves on industry standards and best practices to ensure that they can help you make your lawn the healthiest it’s ever been.

“We’re here to help,” said Mary. “Use us as a resource. Let us take something off your plate. We want to create a win-win situation for Continued on page 16

Dr. John Simmons and Dr. Robert French combine a blend of experience, wisdom and advanced knowledge to affordably serve their patients with healthy, beautiful smiles.

Our experienced team provides 5 star service, personalized care, and an extraordinary commitment to your health and well-being. Please join our family by scheduling a new patient visit today!

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H e a lt H y • B e a u t i f u l • i n s p i r e d April 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

John W. Simmons IV, DMD Robert J. French, DDS

2381-B Main Street East • Snellville, Georgia 30078

770-985-2437 • SmilesBySimmons.com PAGE 5

Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

— An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com

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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 2022 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com

Photography Aleen Karakashian Photography

Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com

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Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com

Cover Story Feature Writer Kristen Eleveld

Feature Writers K. Coats Jeremy Coleman Tana Poncsak Traci Sanders

Beth Volpert Johansen Contributing Writers Senior Deputy Ashley Castiblanco Bill Crane Terie Hansen Tanisha Turner

IN THIS ISSUE 5 7 8 9 10

11 13 14 15 17 17 18 19 20

Bloody and Mimosa Bar Saturdays and Sundays

On the Cover: Preparing for Spring with Simply Green From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks Catching Up with Jasmine A. Mack: SGHS Class of 2010 Celebrating 25 Years with Vecoma at the Yellow River Climbing Mountains – A Journey from Georgia to Africa in a Time of Covid Learning Lessons: Tips to Help Young Children Learn Through Play One Man’s Opinion: Progress Has a Price Tag Making a Difference in Gwinnett: Mental Health Task Force One on One with Elaine Amankwah Nietmann Earth Day: More Than Planting Trees Show Your Ride for the Ribbons: Car Show in the Depot Community Connections Celebrates 20 Years Pet Perch: Your Dog, Your Choice Health Matters: Key Steps to Healthy Aging

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From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks

By Ryan T. Sauers @RyanSauers

@RyanTSauers

How are you? I hope you are enjoying both the warmer weather and extended daylight hours. It seems that life all around us is slowly moving back to normal. I could not be more excited. In this column, I wanted to do something different. Let us focus on three “P” words to reflect on as we move forward in 2022.

First, is Purpose. What is your purpose? Have you had a chance to think about it and your legacy in this world? For me it is about helping people in as many ways as I can. I have been reminded that none of us will live forever, and thus how we conduct ourselves and treat others is of utmost importance. We should try and hear God’s voice and remind ourselves that we are never fully in control of any situation. So, we must control the controllables.

Second, is Passion. Americans are tough and resilient. We can take a punch or two. I have seen passionate business owners, non-profits, government leaders, and more “pivot, pivot, and repivot” over the past twenty-four months. The resilience has been amazing to watch. Moreover, I have had the great opportunity during this time to reconnect or connect at a deeper level with so many people in my life. I view the past two years as the “great reset,” and it has helped us all remember more of what really matters in life. And, that we are human beings and not human doings.

Third, is Perseverance. Let us face it – the past two years have been tough to navigate due to constant change. But most everyone I know has persevered, learned, grown, and have come to see life in new ways. I am so proud of our community and of people picking each other up and helping each other out. Long term passion and perseverance make up a powerful theory known as GRIT. Stay GRITTY, my friends!

If we learned anything during the past couple of years, it was that slowing down a bit is nice and that we all seek more balance in our lives. So, in the month of April and as we head toward the summer, let us remain positive, patient, passionate, and purposeful.

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Catching Up with Jasmine A. Mack: SGHS Class of 2010

By K. Coats

If you’ve ever had the pleasure to meet South Gwinnett High School (SGHS) alumna Jasmine A. Mack, there are a couple of things you’re bound to notice. Firstly, her gorgeous face has a way of looking at you with a clarity and understanding well beyond her years. She seems to take in and evaluate everything. Secondly, this is a woman who is not satisfied with the status quo – not for herself or those around her. In fact, her major career goals center around disrupting the status quo in the best way possible.

Jasmine is currently a NIH-Cambridge Scholar, biostatistician, and PhD researcher as a part of the National Institutes of Health OxfordCambridge Scholars Program. She is using her position to help tackle a problem that is particularly acute in Georgia, but also prevalent around the county: maternal mortality.

“Georgia has the highest maternal mortality rate in the United States,” Jasmine explains, “and there are stark racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of pregnancy complications. I hope that my work will address these issues in conjunction with beneficial policies to eradicate ‘obstetric deserts.’” These ambitious goals didn’t come lightly, and Jasmine’s path through the medical field has had many twists and turns.

Jasmine graduated from SGHS in 2010. As a student, she was a member of Beta Club and Advanced Chorus. She also took advantage of the Gifted Internship program. As for influential teachers, Jasmine says, “I really liked AP Calculus with Mrs. Kimberly Queen. She made learning calculus very engaging. I considered majoring in mathematics when I was in college given my grade school experience.”

One of her favorite things about her community growing up are the Gwinnett County parks. “Living in bigger cities like Boston, I really appreciate the greenspace in my hometown,” Jasmine recalls. “The amount of parks in the area in addition to having Stone Mountain Park nearby is wonderful. I find being in nature very healing.”

Jasmine went on to Emory University after high school and earned a BS in Biology and Psychology/Linguistics in 2014. From there, she eventually earned two master’s degrees: a Masters of Public Health (MPH) from Boston University in 2016, focusing on Maternal and Child Health, and a MS in Biostatistics from the University of Michigan in 2021. Of course, while going above and beyond expectations, Jasmine is also going above and beyond borders. She is now splitting her time between Durham, North Carolina and Cambridge, United Kingdom as she works on her PhD focusing on Obstetrics and Gynecology and Statistical Genetics at the University of Cambridge where she expects to complete her degree in 2025.

“I am completing doctoral training between the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the University of Cambridge,” she explains. “My research is at the intersection of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Statistical Genetics, with application in maternal and child health research. I currently focus on the genetic and environmental contributions to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as pregnancy-related hypertension and gestational diabetes.” But her work also takes a turn for the personal as well. She adds, “I am also interested in statistical genetic methods related to studying ancestrally diverse populations given that, historically, genetic studies have focused solely on participants of European ancestry.” In fact, diversifying the biomedical PAGE 8

Continued on page 22

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Celebrating 25 Years with Vecoma at the Yellow River

By Kristen Eleveld

There are some local businesses that hold a special place in all of our hearts, whether it’s because of their industry expertise or amazing client care, or because it is a place filled with great memories that last a lifetime. One place that has all these qualities and more is Gwinnett’s own favorite wedding venue, Vecoma at the Yellow River, which is now celebrating twenty-five years of incredible service.

You may already be familiar with Vecoma at the Yellow River as a perfect place to hold a wedding or vow renewal. Between their lovely outdoor and indoor ceremony options and their commitment to giving each couple the best wedding day possible, more and more clients are flocking to Vecoma to commemorate their special day.

For many couples who got married over the last couple of years, their day was extra special because they wondered whether they would have a wedding at all. The COVID-19 pandemic caused many ceremonies to be postponed or reimagined, meaning a dream wedding could easily turn into a logistical nightmare. But the staff at Vecoma responded to the pandemic fallout with the calm expertise of wedding planners who know how to handle anything, and they began offering new options to their clients, including their popular elopement package.

When one hears the word “elopement,” Vegas comes to mind; but those simplified ceremonies are just as beautiful as any wedding at Vecoma. Couples can still choose from one of seven gorgeous locations and have the ceremony they dreamed of while simplifying their guest list and narrowing down other options. The elopement package

was borne out of necessity during the height of the pandemic, but co-owner Caroline Tucker has noticed that couples have continued to choose this option even as gathering restrictions have been lifted.

In fact, Vecoma at the Yellow River has become such a popular wedding venue that it was recently featured in the VH1 show My Celebrity Dream Wedding, where brides-to-be choose a celebrity wedding as the inspiration for their own nuptials. One Vecoma bride did just that, completing the celebration with décor that matched her favorite celebrity wedding – that of Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, which took place in 2018. The Vecoma staff worked closely with the decorators to ensure this wedding was everything the bride had imagined.

Even if a client doesn’t have a celebrity-inspired theme in mind, Caroline and her co-owner Judith Warren are always ready to help a bride and groom achieve the look they want for their ceremony. One of Caroline’s favorite recent weddings took on a more laid-back, boho chic vibe, while others have opted for a more formal elegance. No matter what your style is, the team at Vecoma is excited to help you make it happen.

Vecoma isn’t just a favorite for Gwinnett residents, either. They have been named “Best of Weddings” from The Knot and given the Couple Choice Award from Wedding Wire for several years running. And while weddings are certainly their specialty, Vecoma at the Yellow River opens its doors to all sorts of gatherings, whether you need to host a business meeting or arrange a celebration of life ceremony.

So what are you waiting for? Run, do not walk, to your phone and set up your wedding or event today. Whether you are hoping to get marContinued on page 10

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PAGE 9

Climbing Mountains – A Journey from Georgia to Africa in a Time of Covid

By Beth Volpert Johansen

It all started as a way to get moving. Life as an educator, especially in a technical support capacity, means sitting in front of a bank of screens all day long solving issues and keeping things running smoothly for those inside the classroom. For Sherie Green, hiking began as a way to stretch the body and the mind during the trying times of pandemic-related virtual education. But, somewhere along the trail, hiking became so much more than a walk in the woods.

Meeting Sherie means you have made a friend. She is always quick to provide help and is generous with her time and talents. When it came to hiking, she found existing friends who wanted to join in for a hike or

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two, some for more. And, in true Sherie fashion, she quickly fell into step with new friends along the way. “The people you meet on the trail are the nicest ever,” says Sherie. “Some of the people I have met have become good friends.”

From those early relatively level-ground walks, Sherie began to work her way uphill. Eventually, she placed her sights less on the mileage and more on the challenge of the hike and set her goals on increasing the number of her hikes each year. In 2021, she joined the 52 Hike Challenge and completed 52 hikes in 10 months – 2 months before the deadline.

Chronicling her journey on Facebook, Sherie had no idea how many people would follow her self-paced tour of some of the most beautiful hikes available in Georgia and across the Southeast. “It thrilled me to know that I am actually making a difference in people’s lives with my posts,” explains Sherie. “During the 52 Hike Challenge, I posted each hike and I have heard from other people that this has inspired them to get outside and walk more. I was shocked to know that my posts have helped people get healthy.”

From the canyons and peaks of the Southeast, Sherie’s goals grew beyond the boundaries of the United States. With strong legs, a healthy heart, and a love of adventure, Sherie went about planning a bucket-list trip of a lifetime. “I set my sights on Kilimanjaro – 19,341 feet above the clouds,” says Sherie. “The top of Africa!” Sherie wrote: “Kilimanjaro is known as ‘Everyman’s Everest’ because it is a challenge that is completely doable by laymen. It is what is known as a ‘walk up’ mountain because, well, you just walk up it.” Her posts were tagged with: #countdowntoafrica.

Training wasn’t always easy and Sherie was honest with her followers: “Today I doubted myself – haven’t done that yet while training. I went with a new group and they hiked faster than me. Need to remember it is not a race.”

It was during the Thanksgiving holiday, time spent with her sons, and the beginning of Hanukkah that word of Omicron in Africa began to really weigh in on Sherie’s mind. While she did not doubt her physical ability or her commitment to her goal, Sherie had to shrug off any thoughts of Covid stopping her. “I adopted a wait-and-see mindset and hoped and prayed that we could still go,” remembers Sherie. “The next miracle I needed was to be able to stuff everything required into one 50 lb. pack!”

Sherie got her miracles and boarded her flight to Africa where she would meet up with her friend Marianne Maddox for the first leg of her trip in Nairobi, Kenya – a safari. After some good sleep, the pair set out to greet the beautiful animals of Africa.

Their first game drive was to the area around Lake Elementaita where the pair snapped brilliant photos of zebras, bucks, hyenas, and giraffes. Sherie was able to share video of several animals, but none managed to entertain as much as the giraffes. Both graceful and mischievous, the videos captured the many moods of the elegant creatures.

One video features Sherie on the receiving end of a swooping “headbutt.” She admits to having read the warning signs, so she wasn’t too unhappy about the close encounter. Besides, it made a really good story!

Taking to the skies gave an entirely different perspective on the Continued on page 21

Vecoma at the Yellow River Continued from page 9

ried in a winter wonderland or among your favorite summer flowers, Vecoma at the Yellow River is always ready and waiting for you, just it has been for twenty-five years.

WWW.ELAINENIETMANN4JUDGE.COM asMore information at https://vecoma1.com PAGE 10 Become an Advertising Partner: Info@OurTown Gwinnett.com or 678-825-2049

Learning Lessons: Tips to Help Young Children Learn Through Play

Class of 2022

By Tanisha Turner

Children and play go hand in hand.

Playing goes beyond entertainment for young children. It is how they channel their natural curiosity and learn about the world around them. While learning occurs naturally through play, parents and caregivers can help guide playbased learning and extend children’s thinking by getting involved in the fun!

Play, especially make-believe or pretend play, allows children to explore, imagine, create, and interact with others.

Make-believe playtime promotes cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional development in children, helping to build a strong foundation for future learning. Creating opportunities for play and helping to guide it can help make children’s learning experiences even more meaningful and challenge them to think outside of the box.

Following are a few play activities and tips for maximizing children’s learning that parents and caregivers can implement at home.

Infusing playtime with props, prompts, and questions will allow children to stretch their imaginations. Also, remember to follow their lead and get down on their level when playing together!

Finger Theater (Ages 0-2) Use your hands and fingers to act out stories while you and your baby build stronger bonds as he develops language skills. “This Little Piggy” is a great story to act out with your child’s fingers and toes.

Pretend Animals (Ages 1-4) Inspire make-believe time by reading animal books to your child, such as The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown or The Lion and the Mouse by Bernadette Watts. As you read, ask questions about the behaviors and appearances of different animals. After story time, pretend to be your favorite animals by crawling around on your hands and knees together and making animal noises.

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Continued on page 16

Ryan’s Remarks Continued from page 7 You are an excellent community and you inspire me each day.

Keep doing the next right thing in all parts of your life. Thank you, as always, for your support and for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN.

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You’re invited to join us for an upcoming event – part of our Lifelong Learning Series, where we continue to discover and expand in entertaining and powerful ways.

MEET THE AUTHOR SERIES MARLENE RATLEDGE BUCHANAN Thursday, April 7 | 11 a.m.

Join us as we chat with Marlene about Life is Hard, Soften It with Laughter, a book about finding the humor in the hard times.

JAMES W. COFER, JR. Thursday, May 12 | 11 a.m.

Interested in discovering more about our beautiful hometown? James W. Cofer, Jr., author of 200 Years of Snellville History, will entertain and educate you.

MARLENE RATLEDGE BUCHANAN Thursday, June 9 | 11 a.m.

Author Marlene Ratledge Buchanan joins us again for another chat on finding the humor in life!

We look forward to seeing you there!

RSVP to 678-841-0030

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One Man’s Opinion: Progress Has a Price Tag

By Bill Crane

Across Georgia’s 159 counties and more than five hundred municipalities, economic and job growth are not a given. Economic development, nationwide, is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and the South is winning domestically. Georgia has been named, for nearing a decade now, the best state to do business. That along with many other factors like low taxes, limited regulation, our warm climate, and welcoming people all place the Peach State on many a corporate relocation or project shortlist.

And Georgia landed its biggest fish in state history on this front in December of 2021, in the form of electric truck/vehicle manufacturer Rivian. Rivian plans to build a $5 billion, 7,500 – 8,500 employee plant in Stanton Springs, an industrial park and site owned and operated by a four-county industrial development authority. The four counties having the vision to form the Joint Development Authority (JDA) a quarter-century ago are Newton, Morgan, Walton, and Jasper counties. David Morgan, then the chair of the Newton County Commission, noted metro Atlanta’s long-established growth to the north, then gathering steam around Hartsfield Airport on the Atlanta southside. The east and west counties in the donut outside of 285 stood next to benefit. Morgan and the new JDA would seek out high-paying, high-tech, and low polluting enterprises, initially assembling 1,600 acres and their respective tax credits to enter the jobs hunt.

Success did not come overnight. It would be almost fifteen years before landing the first whopper, though the land assemblages and their advertisement for industrial site development were ongoing and constant. First was Baxter Pharmaceutical, then Takeda Pharmaceutical, followed by a major data center for Facebook, and then another. Shortly after securing the Rivian announcement, on as many as two thousand more acres of Stanton Springs, S.K. Batteries, which manufactures electrical vehicle batteries, announced it was coming soon as well.

Greene County, a bit farther east off I-20, was long one of Georgia’s most impoverished counties. With a declining tax base, it struggled to keep public schools funded. Then, in 1979, Georgia Power dammed up the Oconee River, creating the 19,000 acres of Lake Oconee, straddling Greene, Putnam, and parts of Morgan and Baldwin counties. The Reynolds family, the largest landowner as the lake was formed, would develop Reynolds Plantation, now Reynolds Lake Oconee, along the newly created shorelines. The direct and indirect investment in the region since, as well as the hospitality and tourism spending, have transformed the region.

And as far to Atlanta’s southwest and Lake Oconee is to the northeast, the loss of textile mills and jobs had crippled the economies of cities and counties along Georgia’s western border with Alabama.

Then in 2005, the state of Georgia would woo and win a Kia Automotive plant just outside of LaGrange, Georgia. That Kia plant is now practically its own city, employing thousands with a rippling economic impact that has benefitted much of West Georgia, creating thousands of jobs and billions in new investment.

Meanwhile, back in Stanton Springs, the Rivian parcel straddles land between Social Circle (Walton County) and Rutledge (Morgan County), and area residents believed that long-standing pine forest was going to be there forever. In truth, the assemblage making this Rivian project possible has been going on for some time, with area landowners selling large swaths of timberland, and the industrial site advertised as available for development.

April 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

The fine folks of Rutledge have questions and concerns, and their questions deserve answers; but their land rights end at their property lines. They cannot control or dictate what happens on neighboring parcels. The state of Georgia is smartly stepping in to shepherd the project’s development and in doing so, supersedes local planning and zoning authority. Yes, the Rivian plant will bring some traffic, as well as a new interstate interchange, but there are many more pluses than minuses to a win of this magnitude.

Rivian has also responded that they want to be good neighbors and work well with their new home and community, as they did with their first manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois. Progress does have a price tag, and sometimes that means there will be some in a community who may have to make concessions on things they value, for the broader good of the region. I would suggest that the fine folks Continued on page 16

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Making a Difference in Gwinnett: Mental Health Task Force

By Senior Deputy Ashley Castiblanco, Public Information Officer Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor established the Mental Health Task Force to decriminalize mental illness within the criminal justice system and actively reduce the community’s stigma. The team focuses on intervening and de-escalating encounters with mentally ill individuals experiencing a crisis. The Mental Health Task Force’s mission is to advocate, educate, and enforce the shift of mentally ill persons out of the criminal justice system and into the proper care facilities.

Mental Illness Stigma has traditionally been a catalyst in the migration of the mentally ill into the criminal justice system due to its consistent detrimental effect on the help-seeking behaviors of the mentally ill and

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Since its inception, the Mental Health Task Force has intervened in fifty-one cases. One of these cases involved a 19-year-old female in Snellville who was experiencing a crisis. She was having suicidal ideation and anxiety. Mental Health Task Force deputies were able to approach her, intervene, de-escalate and refer her to one of their partners, Ridgeview Behavioral Health. Deputies completed a bio-psycho-social assessment and safely transported her to Ridgeview Monroe at her own free will. At Ridgeview Monroe, she received six days of psychiatric care. This situation could have ended tragically, but by utilizing proper training and de-escalation techniques, the Mental Health Task Force was able to calm this young woman and take her to receive medical attention.

Mental Health Task Force deputies also conduct follow-ups on the citizens they aid. A few weeks passed, and deputies followed up on this young woman. She was very appreciative that deputies supported her and assisted her through her crisis. Helping a citizen, preventing a tragedy, and ensuring they can go home to their families truly is one of the most rewarding feelings. This is why we serve.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you do not have to suffer alone. For help, please contact the Georgia Crisis and Access Hotline at 1-800-715-4225.

More information at GCSOMHTaskForce@GwinnettCounty.com.

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One on One with Elaine Amankwah Nietmann

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Our Town Gwinnett (OTG): Please tell our readers a little about yourself. Who were your mentors and role models?

Elaine Amankwah Nietmann (EAN): I am a candidate for Gwinnett County State Court Judge. I have four children with my husband of thirteen years, one of whom has special needs. I immigrated to the United States at the young age of nine years from Ghana, West Africa. My grandparents raised me when I lived in Ghana. My grandfather was the son of the Asante King Prempeh I and a Supreme Court Judge of Ghana.

He instilled in me from a very young age a sense of justice that motivated me to go to law school when I became an adult.

When I relocated to the United States, the hard work of my parents, working two to three jobs to provide for our large family, and their willingness to serve others ingrained in me a dedicated work ethic that I have carried throughout my life.

OTG: Describe some of the struggles you’ve encountered and how you overcame them.

EAN: I initially struggled with my son’s autism diagnosis as it came with several challenges. I had to put my faith and trust in God, and with hard work, encouragement, and the help of others, I was able to help my son achieve several goals and receive treatment for his special needs.

The process taught me patience, faith, love, and trust in the community.

I learned to celebrate progress no matter how minor or slow it came.

OTG: What are your favorite things to do?

EAN: I love to garden. I enjoy both indoor and outdoor gardening.

OTG: What role does community play in your life?

EAN: The community has kept my family and I safe, healthy, and happy. We have been blessed by all the activities Gwinnett County has had to offer us. We have enjoyed and experienced growth in Gwinnett County’s summer camps, sports, swim teams, Vacation Bible Schools, festivals, and so much more.

OTG: How do you give back to your community?

EAN: I give back to my community through my legal services. For the past several years, I have dedicated my law practice to civil, family,

and public defense work. I have been a conflict public defender for the State of Georgia. I also volunteer as guardian ad litem for Gwinnett County Probate Court. In my own private cases I have taken on clients that could not afford to pay my full retainer up front or sometimes could not afford to pay my retainer at all. I have traveled to the homes and care facilities of the elderly to assist them with completing their Wills, Georgia Advance Directives, and Power of Attorney documents.

OTG: What things are you most excited about in the future?

EAN: I am excited about the plans God has in store for me in the future. As a Christian I have a strong faith ethic that I will always be taken care of and protected. I am excited about my judicial race. My background and experience have prepared me well to become Gwinnett County’s next state court judge, and I look forward to assuming that role. I am excited about my family and look forward to watching my children grow up in Gwinnett County.

More information at https://www.elainenietmann4judge.com/

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Grocery Bag Costumes (Ages 2-6) Use large brown grocery bags and paper plates you may have around the house to create costumes for imaginary adventures. Cut out holes in the grocery bags to create vests, and decorate your costume pieces using paint, crayons, and markers. Let your child lead as you act out different scenarios together while wearing your costumes!

Creating opportunities for children to use their imagination, offering guidance, and taking part in the fun is a great way for parents and caregivers to nurture children’s development – and you’ll enjoy the quality time together along the way!

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One Man’s Opinion Continued from page 13 of Rutledge keep asking their questions, but get used to learning whether an electric truck is worth its high price tag, as that train has already long left the station.

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Earth Day: More Than Planting Trees

By Tana Poncsak

Earth Day started in 1970 out of concern for the environment and to bring awareness of the effects of industry and pollution on the planet.

It was primarily a movement aimed at college students around the United States. In fact, according to the Earth Day website, April 22nd was chosen because the date fell between spring break and final exams.

Since then, Earth Day has become a global initiative that continues to bring awareness to the plight of the planet.

To many, Earth Day may seem like an opportunity to plant trees or to pick up trash. And while those activities are a part of caring for our planet, Earth Day goes well beyond trees and trash. The movement continues to fight for clean water and a clean environment, and promotes behavioral approaches that produce less stress and create a more favorable future for the planet we call home. Ongoing campaigns include Climate and Environmental Literacy, The Canopy Project, Footprints for the Future, and Regenerative Agriculture, just to name a few.

On April 22, 2022, people around the globe will participate in another Earth Day to help bring awareness to changes and actions that we can take to make a marked and positive difference to our planet and our environment. This year’s Earth Day theme is “Invest in our Planet.” Just as you invest in your yourself, your family, and your career, you can invest in the future of planet Earth.

If you’re wondering how to join in the Earth Day festivities, there are plenty of activities around the community and the Atlanta area, including an Earth Day Run, an Earth Day Hike, and other independent events scheduled and open to the public. You can find an event near you by checking the local community websites of your surrounding cities, parks and recreation authorities, schools, independent clubs, organizations, and venues. Or you can find and register for local events through the Earth Day website.

Show Your Ride for the Ribbons: Car Show in the Depot

By Traci Sanders

If you enjoy cars, music, art, and beer, then you’ll definitely want to be at The Depot District in Lawrenceville (between Ironshield Brewing and Slow Pour Brewing Company) on April 30th between the hours of 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. for the Show Your Ride for the Ribbons: Car Show in the Depot event.

Last year over 500 people showed up to check out over 225 classic and modern cars to raise money for cancer. CEO of Beyond the Ribbon, Bobbie Menneg, organized this event and it was a huge success! So, she decided to do it again. And this year, it is an official City of Lawrenceville event.

As a survivor of Triple Negative Breast Cancer that involved a couple of surgeries, six rounds of chemo, and thirty-three radiation treatments, Continued on page 23

Continued on page 23

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Community Connections Celebrates 20 Years

By Traci Sanders

In March 2022 Community Connections celebrated twenty years of helping place local children in loving foster homes, with some eventually moving on to being adopted into their forever homes.

Executive Director Karen Jackson co-founded and established Community Connections in 2002, having extensive experience in the child welfare realm since 1994. Community Connections serves as the middleman between the Division of Family and Children Services and individual foster homes where children are placed. The mission of Community Connections is to support Georgia’s children in foster care by providing comprehensive services and transformative partnerships with families and the larger community.

I recently spoke to Emily Stone, Community Engagement Specialist with Community Connections, who shared that they have forty-three certified homes in their network and fifty-eight kids have currently been placed in loving environments. The website houses multiple stories and pictures of children being fostered and adopted through their services. “We are also very proud of the fact that although we serve all children in foster care,” Emily Stone said, “we often place children in foster care with medically fragile needs such as g-tubes, prosthetic limbs, wheelchair mobility, and more. Our vision is for children to thrive in safe and healthy family environments.”

Applicants for foster parenting must live in the Metro-Atlanta area, be at least 25 years of age, be financially self-sufficient, pass criminal background checks through CPS, have references available, and complete a medical evaluation and drug screen. More information can be found on their website.

Currently, Community Connections has sixteen staff members on

board. They also house the Closet Connection inside their corporate office where their foster families can shop for gently used donated items for no charge and are encouraged to take as much as they need.

Community Connections also partners with volunteers from Side by Side Clubhouse, an organization that services families of traumatic brain injuries.

Community Connections will celebrate this twenty-year milestone with a fundraiser with their staff, foster families, volunteers, and the community.

Every child deserves a safe and loving environment, and Community Connections is doing their part to make that happen.

More information at https://www.c-connections.com/.

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Pet Perch: Your Dog, Your Choice

By Terie Hansen

There seems to be a trend with dog owners being publicly harassed and/or shamed for not allowing the public (or even friends, family, and neighbors) to pet their dog. I have not experienced this, and it is simply that I am acutely aware at any given time of where and what others are doing around my dog and client dogs.

Moreover, I am frequently in public with dogs I am training. When I am, I always have my game face on. Meaning I am not there to engage with the public. I am working and focusing on the dog while still maintaining awareness of my surroundings. Why? Because at any given moment, a perfect stranger may try to come up to pet a dog I am working without even asking. If someone is encroaching into mine or the dog’s personal space, I move away – while saying “heel” to the dog. If someone asks if they can pet the dog, I simply reply “No, I’m sorry. He’s in training right now.”

I also make sure that I consistently position the dog behind me (where they should be anyway), that way the person would have to go past me to get to the dog. When you are out and about with your dog, you should maintain the lead position so that you can advocate for your dog. Therefore, it is your dog your choice as to whether you want your dog to engage with others. Even at home, if you put your dog in command, like down or place, you can choose who you allow approaching your dog.

Most client dogs are either overexcited or nervous and fearful

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because in the past their owners have allowed people and dogs to enter their dog’s personal space repeatedly. Under the guise of socializing their dogs, they end up creating a reactive dog. We teach dogs and our client’s existence over interaction. We teach our dogs to exist calmly in all sorts of environments, around dogs, people, kids, etc. Once they can calmly exist (which can take months of training), we can begin to selectively teach our now calm dog how to appropriately interact occasionally.

Do not be shamed, pressured, or influenced by the opinions of others.

It is your dog and your choice. Would you allow strangers to touch your child? You are training your dog in a way that creates a much happier, well-balanced, and calmer companion. One which will have a more enriched life than most dogs currently enjoy. You and your dog will reap the rewards of being bold and advocating for your goals.

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

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Health Matters: Key Steps to Healthy Aging

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

As you age, your health needs change. Staying on top of senior wellness activities is important, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Creating a list of health and wellness to-do’s can help you stay organized, so you look and feel your best.

“Aging well is living well, and it all starts with a combination of activities that can improve our mental and physical well-being,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, chief executive officer of Determined Health and a physician specializing in geriatric medicine. “Although health and wellness may seem to get increasingly complicated with age, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. A few simple – and fun – steps can keep us on the healthy aging path. By taking a proactive approach and prioritizing health, seniors can live their best life.”

Kaiser shares a simple senior-health checklist to help keep you or a loved one focused on wellness: 1) Annual physical: Everyone’s health is different. Even if you see specialists for certain conditions, it’s typically recommended to get an annual physical with your primary physician. This is an opportunity for important health screenings that may include tests to evaluate blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, bone density, and more. It’s also a good time for you to ask any questions and discuss concerns.

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2) Vaccinations: Staying current on recommended vaccinations can help you stay healthy and limit the spread of disease. When cold and flu season arrives, be sure to ask your doctor about getting an influenza vaccine. The risk of severe illness from COVID also increases with age. COVID vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness and you can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting vaccinated.

3) Physical activity: All seniors eligible for Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or group retiree plan may be eligible to join SilverSneakers at no additional cost and have access to live and on-demand virtual workouts, including nearly 2,000 activities and classes per week in a variety of lengths and formats.

4) Social connection: Maintaining friendships and connecting with others is an important component to supporting physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Set up coffee with friends. Join community groups. Check out social engagement opportunities through programs that feature working out with a group of peers to build friendships and community.

5) Mental health: Although prioritizing mental health is now more widely accepted, it still can be a challenge for older adults to admit they need help. Talk with your doctor about how you feel and about mental health concerns you may have. There are many ways to help with a variety of mental health concerns, including mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety, seeing a therapist, and taking medication.

6) Mental enrichment: Cognitive decline can occur as you age, so it’s important to be proactive toDoctors help support brain& Beau health through Stewart Helton Upshaw mental stimulation. Read books. Join a weekly game group. Check out GetSetUp, new for SilverSneakers members in participating health plans. This program provides an online learning platform designed for seniors with a wide range of live video classes – over 2,000 hours per week on more than 1,800 topics – to support mental enrichment.

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Climbing Mountains Continued from page 10 whole landscape. An early morning hot-air balloon ride over the Masai Mara provided the day’s excitement. “We had breakfast in the middle of nowhere!” says Sherie. “There was so much to see and take in.”

The highlight of the day was seeing two leopards up close and then, because animals will be, well, animals, a pair of amorous lions made an appearance and Sherie caught it all on video.

Boarding an 18-seat plane took a good bit of faith and Hakuna Matata, but Sherie and Marianne made their way to Tanzania and one step closer to the hike of Sherie’s dreams. The pair spent time in a tent lodge where they were treated to African drums and dance, local cuisine, and more wild adventures. “We completed our big five at Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania where we spotted the endangered black rhino,” says Sherie. “It was exciting as he kept running and running!”

As if the joy and exhilaration of the safari were not enough for one trip, Sherie bid Marianne farewell and prepared to embark on the Kilimanjaro climb. What Sherie learned was that she was in no way prepared for the life-changing experience this climb came to represent.

Sure, she had physically, spiritually, and financially prepared, but no amount of planning had prepared Sherie for the reality of the summit.

The Swahili words of wisdom that she had learned while in Tanzania – “Pole Pole” which means “Slow Slow” – would come in handy over the course of her climb.

She wrote: “Ascending was hard. Descending was harder. I did an excellent job on the first half with my pace. We were one of the first hikers starting up. About half way through, every few minutes I announced, ‘little break’ and we would stop to catch my breath.

I swear my heart was beating a thousand beats a minute. Slow it down. Keep moving forward. Always Pole Pole.

I kept looking back at the horizon when we got close to Stella Point as it was going to be a beautiful sunrise. Festo (my guide) took pictures for me because of all my layers there would be no way I could push a button. They say once you make it to Stella Point, it’s easy to reach Uhuru Peak (highest point). I say – FALSE! Little by little we moved forward. Glaciers were all around. It was cold! But the feeling you have once you make it is unbelievable.

19,341 feet! Highest point in Africa. Highest I have ever climbed.

And I did it on my own two feet!!”

The soul-searching part of the journey was something unexpected and Sherie remembers having to dig deep in order to move forward. Also unexpected was the degree to which the old adage, “What goes up, must come down” applied to the trip down Kilimanjaro. Rocks and gravel were fairly unforgiving on knees and the path was not something that could be made easier by wishing it away. “I was ready to quit hiking forever!” recalls Sherie.

“I was crying inside my head and was mad at myself despite the beauty of the summit.”

Turned out, things did get better. Food, water, rest, the restorative powers of Ibuprofen, and the beautiful songs of the porters proved enough to get Sherie down the mountain. “Watching the habitats change before my eyes was amazing and I knew I was close to the end when we got back to the rain forest,” recalls Sherie.

As all of the oxygen returned to Sherie’s bloodstream and the real processing began, the reality of her accomplishment began to take hold. Reading back over all of the comments that had been made by her friends and family was a humbling experience. Sherie tentatively reached out to “see” if anyone was interested in perhaps a Zoom presentation of her trip. They were, and it is exciting to Sherie that some of the very same technology that caused so much stress at the beginning of virtual learning – and has become an integral part of everyday life – will allow Sherie to take everyone along on her journey.

Sherie’s advice? Join a hiking group and get moving! You never know where it will take you!

April 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

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Jasmine A. Mack Continued from page 8 field is one of Jasmine’s larger goals, both for herself and for others.

Biomedical research wasn’t her primary goal when she graduated high school. Her original plan was to be a pediatrician. “I was on the pre-medicine track while in college,” she remembers. “In my senior year of college, my advisor told me that I should consider public health.

At the time, I didn’t know what the field really entailed, but I decided to apply to MPH programs and landed at Boston University.” But one thing remained consistent – the kids. “I came into the program concentrating in Maternal and Child health,” Jasmine adds.

In college, we really can meet people who will change our whole trajectory. Jasmine explains, “In my first semester, I took Introductory Biostatistics that was taught by Dr. Jacqueline Hicks. I picked up the material quickly as I really like working with numbers. I decided to add Biostatistics as a concentration, mainly due to Dr. Hicks.” But the connection with Dr. Hicks was more than just academic. It is an echo of Jasmine’s primary goal in the biomedical field – inclusion and representation. “It meant a lot learning from a Black woman in the Biostatistics field,” she says, “as there aren’t many of us. I don’t think I would have become a biostatistician without that experience.” And from there, a beautiful balance was struck. “Concentrating in both Maternal and Child Health and Biostatistics,” Jasmine adds, “I felt I truly had the best of both worlds: combining analytics with community health. Also having the opportunity to learn about statistical genetics, my experience in the MPH program was transformative.”

And Jasmine didn’t have to wait long to put her skills to work. “After graduating with my MPH,” she says, “my first job was being a research statistician at the University of Florida. I served in a supervisory role and managed a data team. Those skills I gained are so valuable, and they really help me as a PhD student.” But her end goals are still shifting and, true to form, pushing boundaries. “Now as a PhD student,

PAGE 22

I am still considering pursuing medicine,” she explains. “My path is very non-traditional, but I don’t think I would have it any other way.”

Eventually, Jasmine plans on obtaining an assistant professorship at a research-intensive university and “hopes to lead a lab one day focused on reproductive health and lessening racial/ethnic disparities on a global scale.”

Jasmine adds, “I am very interested in increasing the number of historically excluded participants in genetic studies and in research in general. I am interested in public engagement surrounding genetic education. I have been involved as a judge for the American Society of Human Genetics DNA Essay Contest.” And along the way, she has also had opportunities to give back just as Dr. Hicks did for her. “I also enjoy mentoring other women of color in STEM,” she says. “I have served as an alumni mentor at Boston University in addition to mentoring students while I was a research statistician at the University of Florida.

Mentoring really puts my work into perspective and reminds me of the bigger picture.”

Jasmine, from calculus to Cambridge, your journey into the biomedical field leaves us in awe, and your hometown is so proud of all you have accomplished. Thank you for your work and dedication.

Key Steps to Healthy Aging Continued from page 20 ant to pack your pantry and refrigerator with wholesome foods. Stock up on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, beans, and low-fat dairy. Then explore recipes you can try to experience new flavors and keep mealtime exciting. If you need help or have strict dietary concerns, consider working with a nutritionist for additional guidance.

Doesn’t it feel good to check a few things off your list? For more ideas on how seniors can stay active and connected, visit SilverSneakers. com. (BPT)

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Car Show in the Depot Continued from page 17 Menneg started Beyond the Ribbon and made it her mission to educate and support local cancer survivors and their families in their journeys.

She visits survivors and their families in their homes and during treatments, offers cleaning services, organizes meal trains, and helps raise funds to cover treatments, medications, and living expenses. “I was lucky my support system was reliable, the best doctors and nurses you could ask for, the strength that I found in myself, and had decent insurance so as to not destroy us financially,” Menneg said. “Unfortunately, not so many others when diagnosed have the same support available to them.”

Menneg is partnering with the City of Lawrenceville, Ironshield Brewing, Slow Pour Brewing Company, The Dizzy Gypsy Art Gallery, and Georgia Pinup Posse to host this event at Lawrenceville’s Depot District, located along North Chestnut Street, just minutes from the Historic Square in Lawrenceville. She will be handing out awards for: Best in Show, Most Car Club Cars in Participation, Kids’ Choice, Top 30, and Survivors’ Choice. Additionally, door prizes such as gift cards, a barbecue kit, jewelry, gas cards, and a spa facial will be distributed to random winners.

“Anything with wheels is welcome: cars, trucks, motorcycles, sling shots, vintage and modern,” Menneg shared.

Participants are also welcome to enter more than one vehicle. The entry fee is $20 per vehicle.

Various car paraphernalia and other novelty items will be offered throughout the show space. Pinup models will be walking around and doing photoshoots. Live music, shows, and pinup makeovers will be happening on two different stages. Visitors can also view various car and pinup art by local artists displayed on the walls inside both breweries. Sponsors are constantly being added. A full list of sponsors will be available on the website.

Last year, with it being her first time hosting an event of this nature, Menneg set a goal of raising $5,000, but ended up doubling that in the end. “Thanks to our community and our incredible BTR Squad volunteers, we were able to pay out over $25,000 last year to assist our families in our community.”

With support from the City and even more sponsors, their sights are set even higher this year to impact even more survivors and their families.

More information at https://beyondtheribboninc.org and https:// www.downtownlawrencevillega.com.

Earth Day Continued from page 17 But the movement isn’t about just a day and won’t stop after April 22nd. It’s a continuous effort with plenty of ways to get involved if you’re looking for an ongoing commitment.

In the meantime, there are small ways we can affect positive change when it comes to our planet and its resources. We’ve all heard the words “going green,” and there are few things you can do to be a little “greener” without a lot of sacrifice.

Some common activities on many lists include: Conserving water Using public transportation, carpooling, walking, or riding a bike when possible Reusing and recycling items Cleaning up your community Drinking from a reusable water bottle Eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat Whatever we do as individuals may not seem like much. But if we all do our share, we can make a difference every day, starting with Earth Day.

Let us focus on your full recovery so you can focus on what matters most to you.

Our licensed physical therapists are musculoskeletal experts who can identify the source of your pain and recommend treatment to get you moving and feeling better.

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