AUGUST 2019 (BLUE) Our Town Monthly Magazine for Gwinnett/NE DeKalb

AUGUST 2019 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker

Up Close with Rausch Family Dentistry, see story on page 5

10 11 13 15

Cheerleading: Teaching Hard Work and Soft Skills Up Close with Dr. Keller: Clinic to the World One on One with Cecil Flowe: Faith, Family, & Football SE Gwinnett Co-Op: More than a Food Pantry

#EquipToThrive “Dr.

Providence is equipping students to lead, serve, and embrace faithisin proud Christ while providing top-tier competitive Simmons to offer Botox and academics, Dermal Fillers.

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Come and see how we prepare the next generation to be hard-working, articulate and gracious young people who live out their faith and thrive in an ever-changing world.

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At the dental office of John W. Simmons, IV, we are committed to providing you with the high comprehensive dental care, focused on improving both the function and beauty of your smile. A patient care and comfort are our primary concerns. We are proud to run a practice that treats ea kind, gentle, and caring manner, just like family. We offer a full range of the latest cosmetic a procedures that concentrate on ensuring long-lasting, brilliant results you will love, and others

Cosmetic Dentistry The cosmetic procedures we offer can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile. We offer a wide selection of procedures that can correct almost any dental imperfection.

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Our Town Gwinnett

On the Cover: Smile! Your New Dentist is Waiting!

By Kristen Eleveld When it comes to choosing the right dentist for you or your family, what do you look for? If you’re hoping to find a local dental practice that puts family first and believes in giving you nothing but the best care, your search is over. Welcome to Rausch Family Dentistry.

Founded by husband and wife team, Drs. Gerald and Candace Rausch, Rausch Family Dentistry has long been a familiar practice for those in the Lawrenceville, Lilburn, and Stone Mountain areas.

You’ll recognize them by their friendly staff, excellent service, and, of course, by the sign out front.

But what really sets this practice apart is the way they are dedicated to treating each patient with respect and care.

“We try to treat people like family,” said Dr. Candace Rausch of their mission and motto. “I love helping people find relief from pain or other problems.”

Helping people is another big priority for Rausch Family Dentistry, who works hard every year to give back to their community and beyond. During the first weekend of November, they will once again team up with Dentistry From The Heart (https://dentistryfromtheheart.org/), a nonprofit organization that seeks to provide dental care to people in need. During the one-day event, Rausch Family Dentistry, along with other volunteers, will provide a cleaning, filling, or extraction for anyone who needs it. And it’s not just the dentists who come to help – the entire team shows up to do as much as they can for those in need.

“Our team enjoys it more than anyone,” said Candace. “They love to be out there helping people.”

But they don’t stop there. Twice a year, Gerald travels across the globe to Chirala, India, where he sets up a dental clinic at Baer Christian Hospital to serve those who need dental work in the area.

What started as a volunteer effort has become an educational effort for dental students and other volunteers who make the most of their time at the clinic by studying the way American dentistry works and by learning recent techniques or procedures that could be helpful for their own practices.

While there, Dr. Rausch also does some Christian outreach and speaks at different meetings in the area to share the news that Jesus loves them.

“The people there have learned when to expect Gerald, and they are always very excited and appreciative of him,” said Candace.

On the home front, Rausch Family Dentistry offers a full array of dental services, including some specialized care. Both Gerald and Candace understand how difficult it can be for a patient to come

in hoping to receive care, only to be told they have to go somewhere else. That’s why this practice has put an intentional effort into providing as many services as they can on campus. Minor oral surgery and endodontics are among the services you will find at Rausch Family Dentistry, along with the latest technology and equipment that will allow them to give their patients as much care as possible.

And for those who do need a specialist, Gerald and Candace and their team have you covered there, too. They have longstanding relationships with oral specialists who can get you the care you need – and the Rausch practice is there to help you take each step so you can find the best possible specialist who can help.

For those who may be hesitant to see a dentist because they have not been able to receive dental care for a long time, both Drs. encourage you to come in and speak with their team. Many of their patients are elderly or have been unable to get regular dental care for a large part of their lives, but between the four dentists and five dental hygienists, this team can make sure your oral health is up to par.

“We see families, individuals – all types of people at all stages of life,” said Candace. “We care about each of them, and we can usually see you on the same day that you call.”

If you are wondering how to get started with this excellent dental practice, give them a call now at (855)565-4800 to set up your first appointment. They are only a mile from Parkview High School, so the location is convenient and easy to find. Just look for the sign!

More information at www.stonemountaindentistpractice.com.

New school year - New Smile!

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Back-to-School Special $99.99 for one month free uniform included *first 15 people only*

Our Town Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine

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Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultZ.com Cover Photographer Marcie Reif Photography

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Distribution Coordinator DeeDee Chapman Feature Writers Pearl Aidoo Heidi Campbell K. Coats Kristen Eleveld Kim Hill Ron Lambros Amy Ney Traci Sanders Beth Volpert Johansen Contributing Writers Bill Crane Terie Hansen Pam Walker

— An EndResultZ Media & Communications firm EndResultZ.com Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett /NE DeKalb 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 5 On the Cover: Smile! Your New Dentist is Waiting!

7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 8 Pet Perch: Low Expectations Yield Low Results 10 Cheerleading: Teaching Hard Work and Soft Skills 10 Crane’s Corner: An Honor Truly Dooley Over-Due

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11 Up Close with Dr. Keller: Clinic to the World 13 Cecil Flowe: A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Football 15 SE Gwinnett Co-Op: More than a Food Pantry 17 Travel Tales: Historic Bozeman, Montana

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From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion

By Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanSauers @RyanTSauers I hope everyone is off to a great August. It seems like the last school year just ended but time never stands still. So, a new school year has started, and football season (yes, I love this time of year) is around the corner. This month I want to focus on something very important to all of us and that is our TIME. Time is our greatest resource. We have a great abundance of it. However, we all say things like, “I am slammed, buried, drowning, swamped.” This simply is not the case. Time is our friend, NOT our enemy. In contrast, it is our use of time, and not time itself, that is the enemy.

Therefore, what we do with our gift of time is very important.

The older I get (a late July birthday just passed) the faster time seems to go. There is nothing we can do to slow it down. So, make your time count. It is a present and our PRESENT, and this present time is all that we are guaranteed.

Make your life count and build a legacy of doing what is right, honest, ethical, authentic, and positive in every interaction you have. You never know how many lives you can affect by doing this. I encourage all of us to focus on things that really matter.

We should put last things last so we can put first things first. I challenge all of us to take the high road in tough situations. By doing this our family, friends, and community will remember the way we lived. And, my friends, if we live a life of integrity, our legacy will stand the test of time.

I am so very thankful for the amazing Our Town Gwinnett community. I wish everyone a super month of August. And, as always, thank you for continuing with us on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!

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Pet Perch: Low Expectations Yield Low Results

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I often feel I have much higher expectations for dogs than my clients do. This is because I know what dogs are capable of in terms of learning good behavior. Many dog owners are used to living with their dog’s bad behaviors either because they don’t know it can be better, or they don’t know how to make it happen, or worse, they are not willing to put forth the effort to make it happen. If it is a matter of budget, there are tons of FREE how-to videos online.

I believe that most dog owners don’t realize how good it can be! Of course, if they have reached out to a dog trainer like me, they just need help with the process.

Dogs are incredibly smart. The saying “Dogs want to please you” is true – sometimes. Like many people, they will follow the path of least resistance, especially if the rules/boundaries are limited or inconsistent. A stubborn dog is a product of inconsistent teaching.

A dog that has been fully trained is such a joy to live with. He or she is happier overall. These dogs have a life that is enriched because they can go with their owners anywhere dogs are allowed.

With a fully trained dog, you can expect your dog to walk nicely on a loose leash (not pulling) while ignoring distractions along the way. He or she will calmly greet guests who enter your home, not jump and bark, or worse growl and charge! There will be follow through on commands such as sit, down, or go to place, and your pet will stay in that command until released. Your dog will go potty outside (not in your house! Life’s simple pleasures), be calm in a crate, and much more!

Low expectations yield low results.

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We need to TAKE ACTION and invest in our dogs, so we can all live a happier (less stressed), fuller life!

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Cheerleading: Teaching Hard Work and Soft Skills

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Recently, the Green Curtain Players at Grayson High School (GHS) performed their spring musical, Bring It On. The play is about competing cheerleading squads from different schools with an overarching socio-economic theme. I soon found myself identifying with a couple of students who were mocking the cheerleaders, and I thought, “That’s me.” And it got me thinking about the cheerleaders I knew in my life. The ones from my high school experience weren’t like the stereotypical ones.

They were in my AP classes or going to the local college via joint enrollment. They’ve gone on to work in highly successful careers. The ones I’d known as a teacher were the same pattern – brilliant and motivated. In fact, I’ve met very few, if any, who fit into the cheerleader stereotype.

The Green Curtain Players took their show to next level by getting advice, guidance, and participation from the local school cheerleaders, specifically Gracie Oney-Hansen. A six-year veteran of cheerleading, Gracie graduated from GHS this past May. When asked where she thought the cheerleader stereotype originated, she responded, “I don’t know where the cheerleader stereotype came from. It may have been true in one circumstance and just kind of stuck. In my experience, some of the cheerleaders I have met are very, very smart. Many cheerleaders are some of the nicest people I have ever met.” So instead of focusing on the stereotype itself, Gracie was able to offer insight on some of the more important lessons that are a byproduct of being on a cheerleading squad.

The obvious claim would be the physical element, but that short-changes the larger, more important skill – perseverance. Learning not to give up and learning to work hard for delayed results and gratification are beneficial life skills. For cheerleaders, this knowledge can come from Continued on page 20

Crane’s Corner: An Honor Truly Dooley Over-Due

By Bill Crane Sanford Stadium in Athens was named for a great gentleman and scholar, Dr. Steadman Vincent Sanford, who first arrived at the University of Georgia (UGA) as an English professor before taking on leadership roles on the faculty and athletics committees. Sanford would become UGA President and later Chancellor of the entire university system, and in 1911, he moved UGA’s football venue from the small and cramped, but scenic Herty Field in the old north campus to the stadium’s current location.

The original stands only sat 30,000, and the field sat atop Tanyard Creek, now encased in a cement culvert under the stadium running east to the Oconee River. A reasonably complex drainage and irrigation system on that natural turf field helps to maintain the grass as well as that historic football-shaped hedge.

Vince Dooley arrived as a young head football coach in 1963 and went on to win the NCAA National Championship in 1980 as well as six SEC Championships. Dooley is still Georgia’s winning-est football coach (1963-1989), and he also served an over-lapping tenure as Athletic Director (A.D.), and then continued in that role through 2004, with Georgia teams in a variety of sports winning 23 national championships and 78 SEC titles during his time as A.D. Vince and his wife Barbara have also become generous donors to UGA academic and scholarship pursuits. There are now a Dooley Library Endowment Fund and a Dooley Professorship in Horticulture, both made possible by their generosity.

Both Dooleys call Athens their adopted home, raising their son and two daughters there. Son Derek is now a college football coach as well, and the charmed couple has become walking icons for Bulldog Nation. They are known for their Southern charm, hospitality, and enduring love for all things Georgia football.

Recognizing these and so many other contributions to the University, both in the academic Continued on page 16

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Our Town Gwinnett

Up Close with Dr. Keller: Clinic to the World

By Ron Lambros Dr. Scott Keller has been a physician in the community of Lilburn for decades, but his heart beats for international missions, as well. “I’ve made seventeen medical missions to Peru, six to Haiti, two to Kosovo, and one to Lebanon,” Keller says with a smile of accomplishment.

After logging thousands of miles by air and land, Dr. Keller now finds that his travels require no more than twenty miles, because the world has literally come to him – in Clarkston, GA. That’s where the Grace Village Medical Clinic is located. “In Clarkston alone, there are 150 individual people groups, represented by 54 countries, speaking 47 different languages,” Keller states. “Our ministry is the most diverse square mile in the United States.”

Dr. Keller explains the incredible challenges refugees face coming to this country. “After being carefully vetted, families are given enough assistance for eight months. After that, they’re on their own. Sadly, 34% of these people live below the poverty level.”

One of the most pressing needs for this community is health care, and that is why the clinic was established. From humble beginnings of volunteer health professionals going door-to-door throughout the countless apartment complexes in Clarkston, the clinic is now blessed with its own buildings through the generosity of the Grace Fellowship Church.

“Working in cooperation with the Christian Medical and Dental Association, we can now serve the folks in Clarkston five times a month in our own beautiful, permanent clinic,” Keller proudly says.

So the people come. Young and old, all ages and faiths, they walk through the door of the clinic and are met with the compassion and understanding that medical training does not always provide.

“We are a total volunteer staff, including many specialists, who see each patient as needed,” Dr. Keller says. “We personally underwrite all expenses – labs, medicine, physical therapy – whatever is required. This is our mission and our ministry.”

Coupled with medical attention, each patient is greeted with the friendliness many are desperate for. “Each morning, before we see our first patient, the medical staff, volunteers, and even the patients in the waiting room, gather together, hold hands, and pray over the day, asking God to bless our efforts. It is a very moving and important part of what we do.”

The Grace Village Medical Clinic is also a training ground for medical professionals, both locally and nationally. “We have the privilege of training healthcare professionals from all the schools in Continued on page 12

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Dr. Keller Continued from page 11

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the Atlanta area and from other states as well,” Dr. Keller explains. “Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, nurses, and doctors-in-training, even high school students interested in medicine, care for our patients and learn every time we are open, and are seeing first-hand how their skills and education can, perhaps, change a little bit of the world.”

For all the incredible good the clinic has done, Dr. Keller feels it has just scratched the surface of meeting the community’s medical needs. “We desperately need to include dental care and have digital imaging available for our clinic, things like mammograms, x-rays, CAT scans, and ultrasounds.

Having these capabilities would expand our care ten times over.”

When asked why Dr. Keller does this, he responds, “My initial reason to serve is gratefulness.

I have been overwhelmingly blessed, and helping people in need is a way of expressing gratitude.

Another reason is that I think that serving the incredibly diverse community in Clarkston might demonstrate to the people there, and maybe others in the world, that despite our differences, we can care for each other.”

Well done, Dr. Keller! Well done!

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Our Town Gwinnett

Cecil Flowe: A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Football

By Ron Lambros After thirty-two years of coaching, Cecil Flowe slowly strolled the hallways of Parkview High School in Lilburn one last time. Walking out the door, he was leaving behind a legacy – some might call it a dynasty – of excellence in the hallowed records of Georgia High School Football. And who could doubt his accomplishments? Amassing an incredible 198-56 record in his coaching career, Coach Flowe took the Panthers to six State Championships, winning four titles, three of which were part of a 46-0 consecutive wins record, including three perfect 15-0 seasons in twenty-three years.

So, why walk away from such a successful career? Why leave the accolades and recognition of being one of the premier coaches in the State of Georgia?

His answer was simple. “I was tired,” Flowe said. “And I didn’t get in the game to achieve personal accolades. I got in the game to build young men.”

Consulting his peers, his beloved wife, Penny, and his children, Shelby and Patrick, he knew it was time to leave the game.

The Flowes moved to Cumming, but the coach soon realized that retirement wasn’t for him. He accepted the Defensive Coordinator position at Kings Ridge Christian School, and then became the Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Coach at North Forsyth High School, where he currently coaches. Flowe was back on the sidelines!

His schools may have changed, but his priorities haven’t. “I never was just about the team. I wanted to establish a total program, a culture that produced young men to be leaders.”

Among those leaders was his own son, Patrick, who coached alongside his dad at North Forsyth before recently accepting a teaching/coaching position in Warner Robins. “Patrick grew up around the football program at Parkview, from ball boy to student athlete,” Flowe said. “He was my son, but he had to earn his way onto the game field.” Patrick excelled and was good enough to play four years at Georgia Southern as a Linebacker, starting as a true freshman.

When asked what distinguished Patrick from other coaches he could have selected, Flowe was quick to respond. “I wanted to have the opportunity to see him take what he learned and give back to the kids and program. His ability to get kids to understand is outstanding, and he never stops researching about the game to give back to the kids.” Sounds a lot like his Dad. Coaching hasn’t always been easy for Cecil Flowe and his family. “I was gone all the time!” Flowe credits his wife, Penny, also an educator, as being incredibly understanding and supportive. “The Continued on page 21

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SE Gwinnett Co-Op: More than a Food Pantry

By Beth Volpert Johansen While many programs exist to provide a helping hand to those in need, the SE Gwinnett Co-Op, located in Grayson, strives to benefit its volunteers as well as those seeking help. “People come to us from right here in our own neighborhood,” says Director Laura Drake. “Our children go to school together and don’t even know that some of their friends go hungry.”

The idea of the co-op is deeply rooted in Laura’s faith that all things are possible through God. Her witness, and the witness of those who serve alongside her, has garnered a following on social media that has resulted in unprecedented growth. This year, the City of Grayson will donate the proceeds of its annual charitable concert event Gimme Shelter to the co-op. The concert provides a synergy that brings the community together for a night of music, food, and neighbors. “We chose the SE Gwinnett Co-Op because not only are they at our back door, but they fulfill the needs of so many of our residents,” says Community Development Director Amanda Leftwich. “They have an amazing staff and tireless ATTENTION Double check content. volunteers who always greet those in need- with a smiling face ad and for a willing ATTENTION - Double check adALL for heart.”

ALL content.

With donation hours Monday through Saturday, thecheck staff and volunteers of the co-op run what ATTENTION - Double ad for ALL content.

Phone, web, address, coupons, etc.

Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. equates to a small grocery store. People from all walks of life volunteer their time each week to sort Phone, web, address, coupons, etc.

Assume nothing -keep Reply backrunning that ad isad approved once Assume nothing Reply back that is approved once and categorize donations, pull orders, and the co-op smoothly.

“We have twin sisters, nothing -BEEN Reply CHECKED back that adFOR is approved once ALLAssume ITEMS HAVE ACCURACY. married couples, widowers, single parents, retirees, students, athletes, and some very special helpers ALLITEMS ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY. ALL HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY. with special needs among our volunteers,” says Laura. “I just love and appreciate each one of them.

They all bring something wonderful here.”

Two very special dedicated workers, Anthony Kirkpatrick and Joseph Conlin, put their all into each workday. “Mrs. Laura is awesome!” says Joseph. “She is always helping me with my job in the pantry.” The co-op provides jobs for Special Needs Volunteers from Hi Hope Center and the Special Needs School of Gwinnett. “It is a big part of what we do,” says Laura. “Everybody has something to give.”

Continued on page 21

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Crane’s Corner Continued from page 10 and athletic arenas as well as becoming true pillars of the Athens community, UGA President Jere Morehead and Athletic Director Greg McGarity (whom Dooley first hired), recently informed the surprised Coach that the field he spent a quarter century coaching atop would soon be named in his honor.

Coach is now 86 and remains active on more boards and non-profits than most folks half his age. I have the pleasure of serving with him on the Board of the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia. He attends most every meeting, often offering insightful guidance and advice, and then hops in his Kia and drives himself back to Athens. Vince and Barbara introduced me to Bulldog Kia in Athens, and that’s Barbara’s face saying “See y’all at Bulldog Kia” to a few hundred thousand Bulldog fans on billboards around Athens each fall.

The Dooley’s are both warm, genuine, and class acts devoted to UGA. And another one like them, UGA’s current President Jere Morehead, said as much when he responded to efforts by more than 450 former Bulldog players calling for renaming Sanford Stadium’s field in honor

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of Coach Dooley. Current Dawgs Coach Kirby Smart played for Coach Dooley, as did former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue and hundreds of other NCAA and later NFL standouts.

The Athletic Association and University System Board of Regents are adding their voices to that chorus, singing a tune now long over-due. Normally each fall UGA home opener tends to be a light schedule game, and sometimes the stands don’t even fill into the now 92,000+ seats.

But I expect for this year’s opener on Saturday, September 7th against Murray State, there will be a packed house and later a standing ovation and applause perhaps not equaled since that national championship season, when that 100-yard stretch of privet and Georgia green officially becomes Dooley Field, an honor truly and duly long over-due. The Dooley’s and their family are expected to be there for the honor and a special half-time tribute. Congratulations, Coach! Go Dawgs!

Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the full-service communications consulting firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com

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By Pam Walker I am very lucky that my entire family has moved out West to Bozeman, Montana. I get the beauty and grace of living in the South, and I get to visit the amazing Rocky Mountains two or three times per year.

A lot of folks like to visit Montana for the fly fishing in summer or the skiing in winter. Having done both, I am particular to the summer months which stretch from June to September if you are lucky.

I know from my family members that the first snows of the winter fall around the beginning of October. Although it doesn’t usually stick on the ground for too long, that snowfall is a precursor of what is to come during the winter months.

When I am there in the winter, I often wonder how the early settlers managed to cross our great land in these conditions. Although many died, there is still an amazing history of those who made it across and those who stayed in Montana.

Such a man, John Bozeman, was born in 1836 and founded this city. He was a miner who came on a wagon train looking for gold. By 1864, there were 3,500 people and 1,700 wagons traveling the Bozeman Trail, which is now known as Main Street.

The log cabins and tent city were soon modernized by William Beall, who decided to stay in Bozeman and who built some of the town’s first buildings on Main Street. By then Fort Ellis had been constructed. Soldiers were escorts for National Pacific Railroad surveyors and led expeditions to what would later be known as Yellowstone National Park.

There is a veritable treasure trove of history in Bozeman. As you walk down Main Street, you can still see the remnants of these buildings and feel the atmosphere of the Old West. Bozeman must have been an exciting place in the early days. Now it is a bustling town for all kinds of sports activities: hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rafting, and of course skiing in the winter months.

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PAGE 19

Cheerleading Continued from page 10 those 7-8 hours a week of practice during their main season and the smaller practices in the off season. “On game days, we get here at 5 for a 7:30 kickoff time,” Gracie said. “An average practice entails conditioning, running, practicing old cheers, and learning new cheers and stunts.” This skill can translate to the workplace by either having an employee who is able to maintain focus on long projects, consider alternate solutions to problems instead of giving up, and be a reliable leader who can be trusted to follow through on important matters. It would also lend itself well to those who wish to work for themselves or run their own business. A business owner who doesn’t possess perseverance or who doesn’t understand delayed gratification won’t be in business for long.

Cheerleading also teaches the skill of being able to work as a group. We’ve all dealt with the frustration of having to work with someone who “does not play well with others.” It’s maddening.

Well, if your co-worker was a cheerleader, you’d be in luck. That cooperative attitude goes beyond working to ensure no one is dropped during a stunt. Gracie pointed out, “Being on a squad is like a family. We sometimes have our differences, but through retreats and the memories we make throughout the season, we have all grown very close.” Learning to maneuver and work together

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with a large group of people to produce a quality finished product or routine is not an easy task, but it’s one that a cheerleading squad needs to master in order to achieve success. And in some cases, learning those leadership skills is more structured and deliberate. Gracie explained, “We also prioritize leadership and learning how to improve our leadership skills. We have a leadership council that you apply for, and Coach [Joanna] Root selects one to six girls from every grade.

We meet once a month to learn leadership skills, and we also meet for community service once a month as well.”

Passion isn’t always presented as a skill in the workplace, but we all know how much having a passion for one’s job changes perspective and satisfaction. Cheerleading requires buy-in from the squad. In order to cheer and get a crowd involved, they must be the faces and spirit of their school.

They learn how to represent an organization bigger than themselves and to help promote that organization. “Some of the benefits of being a cheerleader are getting to show school spirit as often as you can, and being a part of such a large part of the school and community,” Gracie said. “We get the opportunity to be involved in something we love, represent our community, and show off our [school] spirit.” Any business owner can understand the value in employee buy-in, and this is especially important for higher positions as well; directors and CEOs must all have passion and buy-in for what their company entails and how that company is represented.

When asked what Gracie would tell parents whose child was interested in the sport of cheerleading, she had lots of advice. She said, “I would tell them that cheerleading is a great way to get involved and show school spirit. The memories we create are as important as the skills we learn, and we have created a Cheerleading family.” Many high school students attribute a strong support network among their peers as a major part of their success. Gracie continued, “We are role models in our community, and we volunteer in our community through Relay for Life, youth cheerleading camps, and many other organizations.” She did give a shout out to her own squad as well, showing that investment in teamwork and leadership when she claimed, “Grayson cheerleaders are some of the kindest, sweetest, smartest, and overall best people I have ever met. I have met my closest friends through the cheerleading program, and I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to be a part of the sport I love so much for as long as I have. It is truly a blessing.”

So there you have it. The cheerleader stereotype has been debunked for this old cynic. Not only is it more than just waving around pompoms, cheerleading teaches squad members passion, buy-in, cooperation, leadership, and perseverance – skills that set squad members up for success later in life.

Gracie Oney-Hansen is a member of the Grayson High School Cheerleading team. More information at http://www.gaasports.org/.

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Cecil Flowe Continued from page 13 wives of coaches are heroes!”

Flowe also experienced the tragic death of his mentor and close friend, Chuck Mize, in 1993, which profoundly impacted his life. But it was the death of Parkview student, Jessie Smith, who died of a rare form of brain cancer in 1997, that solidified the coach’s highest priority and calling.

“I finally understood what God’s plan for me was in coaching and why Chuck had died. He [God] Let our team of real estate had given me a platform, and showed me what He had planned for me to do. It was so much more than football.” professionals help you with your Coach Flowe continues to openly share his faith and build character in real estate needs. his players, teaching lifelessons along with the Xs and Os of the game. They are many, but they boil down to two simple truths: “You are not promised tomorrow. GET SAVED!” and, “Believe in yourself!”

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SE Gwinnett Co-Op Continued from page 15

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The co-op is also popular with married couples seeking a place to volunteer their time and enerKathy Coots 770 654-8972 gies. “We have a ton of married couples who work with us,” says Laura.

“The co-op is a place of high romance!” One such couple, Nedbert and Shirline Daubon make www.KathyCoots.com time to serve others and, in turn, their time together is enhanced.

Service to the community, through ongoing donations and fundraising efforts is what keeps the co-op going year-round. In addition to the Gimme Shelter Concert, area churches and civic organizations strive to collect food each month to keep the pantry shelves stocked. “Summertime is particularly hard,” says Laura. “The burden of when children don’t eat at school becomes very heavy.” The months of June and July will see families come twice as often and receive approximately twenty days of food.

With the pantry seeing such an increased need, it is vital that the co-op be an active and vibrant part of the community. Offering food and other assistance is paramount, but the co-op fills more than pantry shelves. It is also houses a place for community servants to fill their hearts and souls by providing a place to volunteer. In all, it is a win-win for SE Gwinnett’s residents.

More information at https://www.segwinnettcoop.org/

Call today to put our proven track 770 654-8972 record to work for you.

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678-948-ROOF

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More than 30 Years of Helping People with their Money Roger S. Green, MSFS, CFP® Green Financial Resources, LLC

With more than 30 years of experience helping people with their money through the tough times and the good times, and teaching retirement planning classes since 1997, Roger is highly qualified to assist with all of your financial and investment planning needs.

Financial Strategies for Successful Retirement (FSSR) A class designed to put you in control of your financial future

Sugarloaf Campus Three Tuesdays October 1, 8, & 15, 6:00-9:00pm Personal planning consult included after class ends. Course tuition of $149 covers you and a guest.

Registration: call Gwinnett Technical College at 770.995.9697 or go to www.GwinnettTech.edu/CE. FSSR will be found under the Hobbies and Personal Enrichment section.

Pu t th is te

Special Free Class - Medicare Supplement Seminar

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If you are 65 or older, on Medicare, or enrolling for the first time, the Medicare Supplement Plan options can be confusing and the wrong decisions costly. We have partnered with a local firm that assists in making those decisions offering a free educational seminar.

To RSVP, call our office at (770) 931-1414.

Thursday, September 12, 1:00-3:00pm - Sugarloaf Campus Unable to attend class? Call 770.931.1414 today to schedule a no cost consultation. www.RogerSGreen.com Investment Advisor Representative offering securities & advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, Broker/Dealer, member FINRA, SIPC. Green Financial, Gwinnett Tech & Cetera Advisors are not affiliated.

Awards are not to be considered a guarantee of future results, nor as an endorsement by any client. Best of Gwinnett winners are chosen via voting and editors’ input, & opinions are vetted with the use of other available information.

Pinnacle award rankings are based on growth, revenue, community service, & other criteria. Office located at 3700 Crestwood Pkwy, Ste 140, Duluth, GA 30096.

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Become an Advertising Partner: Visit OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

Our Town Gwinnett

The Village Corner

German Restaurant, Bakery & Tavern We are a full-service bakery, restaurant, and tavern specializing in German cuisine.

t s e f r e b o t Ok 2019 6655 James B Rivers Dr. Stone Mountain, GA 30083

(770) 498-0329

Hours Of Operation: Tuesday - Friday 9am-10pm Saturday 8am-11pm Sunday 10am-9pm Closed Monday

Live German Music Games and Prizes

Saturday Oct. 5 Saturday Oct. 12

G e rmanRestau rant.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 4825 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Ste C (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

Become an Advertising Partner: Visit OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

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