AUGUST 2019: Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

AUGUST 2019 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville

Up Close with Green Financial Resources, LLC, see story on page 5.

9 14 15 18

Making a Difference: Karing for Kids Author Spotlight Story: Meet Ron Lambros Getting to Know: Exceptional Kids Athletics Shakespeare in the Park! Welcome to Grayson

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On the Cover: Bringing in the Green: How Green Financial Resources, LLC Could Change Your Future for Good

By Kristen Eleveld When it comes to your financial future, you probably have a lot of questions. You may not be sure how to prepare for the future (or the present), and trying to figure it out on your own can quickly become overwhelming and confusing. But before you give up hope, we have another idea: turn to the professionals at Green Financial Resources, LLC (GFR).

With over thirty years of experience, President and CEO Roger Green, MSFS, CFP®, and his incredible team have long established a reputation as a smart and reliable resource in the financial field. Between Green Financial Resource’s myriad areas of financial experience and their commitment to helping others, it’s no wonder that more and more people are turning to GFR for advice on their monetary needs.

“Our desire is to educate and to help as many people as possible with their money,” said Roger.

“We strive to deliver high levels of service.”

Roger is supported by a large team that includes four additional advisors and his wife, Laura, who has been Chief Operating Officer for the past nineteen years. Jason Piper has supported Roger for twenty years, along with Tim Conway, who joined the team nine years ago. More recently, Roger’s sons Michael and Andrew joined GFR to ensure the business is around to serve future generations.

To meet Roger’s goal of helping as many people as possible, GFR offers a free initial consultation so potential clients can hear their advice and decide for themselves how they want to proceed. The team is qualified to guide not only your retirement and investment planning, but also to coordinate intergenerational and estate planning with your heirs, to help ensure all goals for your assets are achieved. In addition to consulting, Roger has also devoted over twenty years to teaching retirement planning classes at local colleges.

“Helping people make wiser and more informed financial decisions – and end up in a better place than they otherwise would have been without experienced guidance – is what I love about this profession,” said Roger.

It’s easy to see how Green Financial Resources has become such a dependable place over the last thirty years. The company has received multiple awards that emphasize their ongoing focus on excellence in all they do. One such highlight was the Gwinnett Chamber Small Business of the Year Award in 2016. Roger has also made the Barron’s Top Advisor listings multiple times, including 2019.

“Dr. Simmons is proud to offer Botox and Dermal Fillers. Call the office to schedule your consulta

Aside from excellence at work, Green Financial Resources also focuses on ways they can help their community. This September, they will host their 17th annual golf tournament. All proceeds go to the Auditory Verbal Center, Inc., a cause near and dear to the Green family’s heart. In 2018, Roger received a Public Service Award by the Gwinnett Chamber for the many ways he has served Continued on page 8

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/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultZ.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultZ.com

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

Drs. Vic Koehler, Beau Upshaw and Stewart Helton

770-466-0474 www.CreeksideDentistry.net 3238 KRISAM CREEK DR. • LOGANVILLE, GA 30052 Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry ADA,GDA, Hinman Dental Society

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We want you to feel good about your visit. We place your concerns and needs above our own and focus everything on your well-being, happiness and comfort.

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Social in Social in your life. your inlife.

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Senior Care with Love

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Love

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 Michael Mojcik, MD Tanisha Turner Pam Walker

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

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

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Our Day Center offers fun activities, delicious meals, weekly outings, and companionship. We have licensed nursing staff who ensure your loved one receives the health related care they need. At Our Day Center offers fun activities, delicious McKinley Community Care, we provide exceptional senior care meals, weekly outings, and companionship. with love.

5 On the Cover: Up Close with Green Financial Resources LLC Our Day Center offers fun activities, delicious meals, weekly We have licensed nursing staff who ensure McKinley Community Care provides Music & Memory7and From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion outings, and companionship.

We have licensed staffrelated who care Rehab Therapy. your loved one receivesnursing the health 8 Learning Lessons: Teaching Little Hands to Make a Big Difference ensure your loved one receives the health related care they need.Care At Funding and available. they need.

At transportation McKinley Community 8 Health Matters: Common Old Wives’ Tales and Pregnancy McKinley Community Care, we provide exceptional senior care 9 Making a Difference: Karing for Kids in All Walks of Life HOURS: Monday through Friday 7am – 6pm we provide exceptional senior care with love.

your life.

IN THIS ISSUE

10 Shoot for Your Dreams: Meet Marshall Jackson with love.

McKinley Community Care provides Music To schedule a12 visit,SportsTalk: call Coach Nate Elliscu and Gwinnett Lacrosse McKinley Community Care provides Music & Memory and 678.691.1610 & Memory and Rehab Therapy.

12 Snellville Born and Raised: Meet Kelsey Davis Rehab Therapy.

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14 Crane’s Corner: An Honor Truly Dooley Over-Due 15 Author Spotlight Story: Meet Ron Lambros To schedule a visit, call 15 Getting to Know: Exceptional Kids Athletics 678.691.1610 17 Family Fun: Celebrate National Family Fun Month!

1567 Janmar Road 17 Travel Tales: Historic Bozeman, Montana Suite 200 18 Shakespeare in the Park! Welcome to Grayson Snellville, GA 30078 19 Mellow Mushroom Snellville Values Its Family of Customers info@mckinleyga.com 20 Pet Perch: Low Expectations Yield Low Results www.mckinleyga.com 21 Soccer and Life: Get Your Kicks Become an Advertising Partner: Visit OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049 Our Town Gwinnett

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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Green Financial Continued from page 5 his community.

Community-minded, family-oriented, customer-focused, with over three decades of experience – Green Financial is among the best of the best for your financial needs. All you have to do is call (770) 931-1414 or visit www.RogerSGreen.com to set up your free consultation and begin the journey on your road to financial success. Take that step now to help create a better future for you and your family.

Roger said it best: “You have nothing to lose, but so much to gain.”

Investment Advisor Representative offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, Broker/Dealer, member FINRA, SIPC. Green Financial and Cetera Advisors are not affiliated. Awards are not to be considered a guarantee of future results, nor as an endorsement by any client. Pinnacle award rankings are based on growth, revenue, community service, and other criteria. Barron’s rankings based on total assets (AUM), revenue, and other factors. Public Service via standing and service within the community. Roger’s office is located at 3700 Crestwood Pkwy NW, Duluth, GA 30096.

More information at www.rogersgreen.com.

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Learning Lessons: Teaching Little Hands to Make a Big Difference

By Tanisha Turner In today’s world, it is important take purposeful steps to help children grow up to be compassionate and generous human beings. Children who learn the value of giving back at a young age are better able to develop a sense of empathy and citizenship.

In addition, research shows that young children who have high prosocial skills – or behaviors meant to benefit another – are also among the most cognitively ready for school.

While teaching young children the joy of giving back can seem overwhelming for parents, helping to instill these attributes in your little ones may be simpler than you think. A study conducted by two Harvard anthropologists, John and Beatrice Whiting, observed the altruistic practices of children of six different cultures. Their findings indicate that regardless of culture, gender, or socioeconomic status, the most significant differentiating variable is that children assigned more household responsibilities are more helpful and giving.

Encouraging children to contribute to the well-being of the family at a young age – by taking care of the family’s pets, helping parents care for younger siblings, and performing household chores – teaches them the importance of giving back, and, more importantly, the sense of fulfillment derived from helping others. Parents can use the following tips to help nurture selflessness and generosity in children at home: 1. Model kindness to your child and others. Let your child see you offering to help a neighbor or co-worker and express to him or her the happiness that you feel when helping others.

2. Remind your child how helping benefits others. Include your child in simple activities by asking for help. For instance, you might say, “Who wants to be my special helper today and help carry laundry to the washer? We won’t have clean clothes without you!” Or, “The dog looks hungry. I bet he’d really appreciate it if you gave him his food and water.”

3. Acknowledge helpful behavior. Show your appreciation and explain why it was helpful to you. For example, rather than just saying “Thank you,” instead say, “Thank you for helping me carry the dishes to the kitchen without being asked. That saved me a lot of time.”

4. Encourage giving. If another child doesn’t have a toy to play with, suggest that your child offer up a toy so they can both have something fun to play with.

5. Avoid rewarding generosity. Avoid material rewards for helping and giving behaviors. Treats for good deeds may work in the short term, but over time children may become less generous when the rewards stop.

You may also consider taking your child with you to volunteer for a nonprofit organization.

Choosing volunteer activities that are age-appropriate is important. Children as young as 3 years old enjoy participating in group activities and are able to follow directions. Think through the following questions to help select a volunteer opportunity that is right for your family: Does the organization have experience working with children and families? Will the organization staff welcome my child’s participation? Is there a specific job that my child can do successfully? Can the organization help my child understand how his or her efforts benefit others?

Compassion and generosity are important traits for every person to have. Helping young children learn the joy and fulfillment of lending a helping hand to others will empower them to make a difference in the world, both as children and adults.

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

PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com

Health Matters: Common Old Wives’ Tales and Pregnancy

By Michael Mojcik, MD

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Congratulations! You are pregnant and about to be bombarded by friends and relatives with well-intentioned bits of advice.

However, not everything that you will be told is based on science but rather folklore, tradition, or myth. Let’s look at some of the more popular tales.

Gender Prediction One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Doctor, does that mean it’s a boy or girl?” The most accurate answer is “YES!” Since boys and girls are delivered at nearly equal rates, any method of determining gender will be correct half of the time. Sadly, neither the fetal heart rate, food cravings (sweet or sour), carrying position (high or low), degree of nausea (more or less), or whether mom “glows” during her pregnancy will accurately predict the gender of the Continued on page 10

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Making a Difference: Karing for Kids in All Walks of Life

By Kristen Eleveld Everyone can agree that atrisk youth are in need of support, care, and compassion – and one organization, Kares 4 Kids, has found a way to not only help at-risk kids survive, but to help them thrive.

Founded in 2005, Kares 4 Kids has spent over a decade fulfilling its goal of trying to prevent at-risk children from slipping through the cracks.

Children who are dealing with issues like hunger, illiteracy, homelessness, domestic violence, and a multitude of other struggles are the main focus for those volunteering at this organization.

“We want to help kids who aren’t whole,” said Marci Fair, creator of Kares 4 Kids. “My heart breaks for these kids. Their situations are not their fault, and they need our help.”

Creating a program like Kares 4 Kids was a dream of Marci’s for over fifteen years before it finally became a reality. Marci and her husband Bryan started Keller Williams (KW) Realty Atlanta Partners, and it is through that organization that the Kares 4 Kids program was able to get its footing and begin to make a real impact on local youth.

“I’m working with amazing people,” Marci said of her co-workers. “The need is in all of our communities, and they want to make a difference. I’m very thankful we have so many people who want to help these children.”

The KW Realty Atlanta Partners team supports Kares 4 Kids by filling book bags with school supplies, feeding hungry children, repairing old facilities that are housing children, donating teddy bears to those who are ill or traumatized, and donating books to schools, charities, and libraries.

In fact, it is the agents working at KW Realty Atlanta Partners who make up one of three “Levels of Win,” which Marci uses to determine whether the Kares 4 Kids efforts are truly successful.

Level one is, of course, meeting the needs of at-risk children. This means fulfilling their mission to help kids in need through donations of money, basic necessities, and other supplies, and making sure that every type of need is met to the best of the organization’s ability. Level two is about the KW agents becoming part of the process by being actively involved in delivering donations, working with different facilities, and coordinating efforts to aid children in their community. Level three focuses on getting other kids involved to help make a difference. The children of the staff and agents at Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners are encouraged to help sort and organize donations for a more hands-on approach to giving.

With these objectives in mind, Kares 4 Kids has helped an astonishing 129,675 kids in just fourteen years. Now they are raising the bar even higher. Kares 4 Kids has set a new goal of helping 1,000,000 kids within the next seven years.

In order to meet this incredible goal, Kares 4 Kids hosts six events throughout the year to raise awareness and bring in donations. Many charities do a back-to-school drive and a Christmas drive, but there are few opportunities for donations in between. That’s why Kares 4 Kids hosts an annual fall event called Shopping 4 Kids where they raise funds and accept donations to restock the shelves of charities and schools with basic necessities.

This summer, Kares 4 Kids will once again host its Book Bags 4 Kids event, in which they will fill 1,656 back packs full of school supplies. The bags will be donated to local public schools or to organizations that help distribute the supplies to where they are needed most.

More recently, Kares 4 Kids launched Investor Heroes, a program designed to connect those donors who can give larger amounts with the right charities and organizations that Kares 4 Kids has spent years researching. Thanks to partnerships cultivated through the Investor Heroes program, Kares 4 Kids was able to expand their holiday giving program that is designed to reach at-risk teens specifically. This generous partner also donated the funds for fifteen new computers to be installed at the new Gwinnett County homeless shelter that will be completed soon.

But, as Marci says, all donations matter. Large or small – each one adds up to make a difference.

“Our backbone is built on smaller donations!” Marci said. “Every donation means something to these kids.”

If you want to help Kares 4 Kids this summer, you’re in luck. Their offices are all around north east, east, and south of Atlanta. As Kares 4 Kids says, “By positively impacting children today, we strengthen community for tomorrow.”

More information at www.kares4kids.com.

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The Heart of What Matters

Shoot for Your Dreams: Meet Marshall Jackson

By Traci Sanders

Beverly D’Amico RN, MSN, GRS Life Coach & Grief Recovery Counselor TheHeartofWhatMatters.com 770-896-3871 TheHeartofWhatMatters@gmail.com

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This past April 26th, fifteen participants between the ages of eight and thirteen years represented fifteen regions across the United States in the Elks Hoop Shoot competition in Chicago, Illinois. It was divided into three age groups by gender: 8-9, 10-11, and 12-13.

This annual event is hosted by the Elks Club, a national service organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of youth, to give back to and support veterans, and to build stronger communities through local fundraisers. Most states have several Elks lodges throughout various geographical areas.

Gwinnett student, Marshall Jackson, was the Southeast champion for the boys’ 10-11 division this year. He was sponsored by the Atlanta-Northlake Elks Lodge out of Tucker, Georgia. The Elks covered all the travel expenses including hotels for local and state competitions, as well as three round-trip airline tickets and hotel stays for each of the seventy-two competitors and their families during the Nationals competition.

Marshall competed in several local and state events to qualify for Nationals. His first victory was at his school, Brookwood Elementary. From there he won the District competition held in Cartersville, and then went on to claim the State Champion title in Covington. His last stop before Nationals was the Southeast Region, where he triumphed over contestants from Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, and Mississippi, claiming trophies for each win.

This young man has been dedicated to his craft for years, obsessed with balls and sports even before being able to walk. His mom even mentioned that her son’s first word was “ball” rather than mama or dada.

Surprisingly, this was Marshall’s first year as a competitor, even though he has been playing on organized teams since the young age of five. His mother stated, “Marshall is definitely an athlete who loves to play travel baseball and tennis, as well as travel basketball.”

Although Marshall did not place in the top three at Nationals, he did take home a hefty $200 prize for this intense competition, as well as a ribbon, a trophy, and a plaque. He has his eyes set on the top prize next year, a huge trophy and a trip to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

One thing is for sure: with the work ethic he has displayed thus far, this young man will be reaching his goals for many years to come, in basketball and life in general.

Health Matters Continued from page 8 baby. However, don’t despair. Nowadays, all women have an ultrasound at 18-20 weeks to check on the anatomical development of the baby. If the baby cooperates, the gender can be reliably determined at that time.

Get Your Labor Started Unfortunately, there are no safe and reliable methods of inducing your labor at home. You are welcome to walk, take a warm tub bath, eat eggplant, or have sex, but it’s not likely to make you go into labor. Things not to try at home would include nipple stimulation, hot tub baths, and castor oil. Leave Mother Nature alone.

Heartburn Your baby may be born with a full head of hair, but it won’t be because of your heartburn.

Reflux or heartburn is common during pregnancy and is due to hormonal effects on your GI tract. It’s easily treatable with OTC medications.

Reaching Whether you reach high above your head or touch your toes, you cannot cause the umbilical cord to wrap around the baby’s neck. Your baby’s movements affect the umbilical cord’s position, not yours.

Cats If you are a cat cuddler, keep cuddling! But you should stop changing the litter box.

Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can cause birth defects, can be obtained by handling cat litter or soil/sand with cat litter in it. Gloves are helpful, but it’s best to avoid altogether.

The Moon “Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars.” We’ve all heard it, but the truth is that a full moon is NOT associated with more babies being born on that day than on any other day.

So, there you have it. Although science doesn’t necessarily back them up, old wives’ tales are here to stay. They are fun to talk about and add a little more intrigue into that special time of a woman’s life known as pregnancy!

More information at www.gwinnettobgyn.com

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PAGE 11

BEST BEST BEST BEST

SportsTalk: Coach Nate Elliscu and Gwinnett Lacrosse

Gwinnett Born and Raised: Meet Kelsey Davis

By Amy Ney

By Our Town Staff

Kelsey Davis is a physician assistant at Athens Orthopedic In 2009, Gwinnett County joined the quickly growClinic. She was born and raised in the Snellville area and graduing number of communities across the United States that ated from Brookwood High School. is developing a lacrosse program. Youth participation Following graduation, she attended the University of Georgia has grown over 138% since 2001. No sport has grown faster where she majored in Health Promotion. Kelsey shares, “I really at the high school level over the last ten years. liked studying health promotion as it gave me better insight into Mountain Park Athletic Association (MPAA), which plays some of the obstacles people face when seeking medical care. I within the Parkview Cluster, is directed and coached by Nate think it has greatly helped me in it meeting the patient where they When comes to finding the perfect When itroof comes to finding Elliscu, who exclaimed there is excitement both on and off are and understanding what they need from me as a provider.” for your home we have a HUGE selection for your home we have a the field. “Having a spot to practice, to learn the game, and Sheit received hertomaster’s in Physician Assistant Studies at When comes the perfect roof When itfinding comes to finding the perfect roof play games in your own town is great because it doesn’t matMemorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee.

Though of brands colors to choose so and colors to c offrom, brands for Lincoln your home we have a HUGE selection for your weand have HUGE ter if it rains,” he said. “Our new turf home field allows us she was reluctant to live home in Vol country, Kelsey atruly enjoyedselection her program. She volunteered as the can make your house look perfect.

All PA’syour we can this.” He added, “Our kids always did a great job supporting of brands and colors to choose from, sostudents outreach coordinator ofwe herand class where she encouraged to volunteer withmake local to bringhouse of brands colors to choose from, so one another. But now our neighbors can come and watch and cheer, and that is great.” free medical care to the local uninsured and underinsured residents.

She continues to serve her alma of our roofs come with one of the best of our roofs come with o can make houseyour lookhouse perfect.

Allperfect. All weyour can make look Elliscu didn’t grow up around lacrosse and wasn’t familiar with the sport at all. “I wrestledwe mater by being a professor on their annual medical mission trips overseas. warranties in theone industry we use warranties in the industry and was a cheerleader in school,” he said. “I didn’t know anything about lacrosse.” He is fromof our roofs withAthens one of the best ofcome our roofs come with of when theand best Kelsey first learned about Orthopedic Clinic she was a patient herself. “I broke Minnesota and is a surgical tech and vet assistant at the Village Vets. His wife Katie is originallywarranties above standard roofing materials. above standard roofing m my finger inwarranties wasinseen by industry a PA at AOC Urgent Care in Athens,” she says. “He quickly incollege the and industry and we useand the we use from California and is the Bar Manager at Superica in the Krog Street Market. When they were assessed the situation and was in close contact with the hand surgeon who deemed surgery necesstandard roofing materials. above standard roofing materials. expecting their youngest son, Ryder, they moved to Conyers from Arizona to be near family. “Weabove sary. Four hours later, I was in surgery getting pins placed at their outpatient surgical facility. I was lived there for a year and I was looking for Blue Ribbon Schools, which is how we landed here, in so impressed with their efficiency and ability to work as a team. I also received occupational therapy Gwinnett, nine years ago,” explained Elliscu. from AOC, where I regained function of my finger. After my experience with AOC, I knew it was Their oldest daughter, Kyla, graduated from Parkview in 2014 and the younger two kids play one of a kind. All of my family members have been patients here. Now I work alongside the PA Certified Professionals Certified Professionals lacrosse. Ivy plays for the Senior girls’ and Ryder for the Lightening Boys teams. Elliscu has been that saw me originally, and I regularly make referrals to the hand surgeon who operated on me. It involved in youth lacrosse for four years. When “We also itown Thunderbirds – a developmental club is pretty neat knowhome that I’m now a part of theaAOC family!” comes to your home you need a When it comes to toyour you need Certified Professionals Certified Professionals lacrosse team,” he said. “There aren’t tryouts or cuts; we do club season, meaning we play yearKelsey is currently working full time at AOC’s Snellville location on Janmar Road. She sees round except inWhen the spring. fromto all over Atlanta play with that isus.” fully andacertified company that is patients fully insured andpatients certified scheduled and takes walk-in as well. “I like that I get to see a wide variety of orthoit Players comes your home you needinsured ayou need When itcompany comes to your home Elliscu said he became director for a variety of reasons. “I think a lot of it was seeing what was pedic complaints,” she adds. AOC has an MRI machine in their Snellville location. For patients before you let anyone put certified your hardyou earned before let anyone your is“Ifully insured and certified company that is fully insured and going on with company other teams,” hethat stated. knew I could add those ideas to Thunderbirds MPAA. needing MRIs with put contrast (suchhard as thoseearned with suspected labral tears or ligamentous injuries), When I was approached for becoming a director, it wasn’t a hard choice for me: I was already doing Kelsey performs arthrogram injections.

Her ability to do this saves patients a trip to Athens. home atanyone risk.

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Community Talk: Couch Wins Spring Middle School Golf League Season

By Our Town Staff The Spring Middle School Golf League team competition winner for this year was the team from Couch Middle School. Comprised of Jolie Babcock, Whitley Carraway, Paige Greco, Braxton Holden, Trey Kirkpatrick, River Morrow, and Mylan Thadd, the group shot a combined score of 16 under par for the four weeks of team play.

For the 9-hole Individual Stroke Tournament, Paige Greco from Couch won the Girls overall with a score of 42, Peyton Hogan from Loganville won the Boys red tee flight with the score of 43, and Austin Chadwick from McConnell won the Boys Junior tee flight with a score of 41.

McKinlee Proctor won the Girls Drive, Chip and Putt end of season competition, and Austin Chadwick also won the Boys competition.

“We experienced continued growth from last year,” said Middle School Golf League Director Les Witmer. “We had 96 players representing teams from Bay Creek, Couch, Creekland, Crews, Dacula, Five Forks, Loganville, McConnell, Shiloh, and Trickum Middle Schools. For the first time we also played at Providence and Bear Creek Golf Courses in Monroe, adding to our existing golf courses of Summit Chase Country Club and Country Club of Gwinnett in Snellville, Cedar Lake Golf Course in Loganville, Collins Hill Golf Course in Lawrenceville, and Trophy Club of Apalachee in Dacula.”

According to Witmer the Most Improved Golfer Awards for the spring season were given to James Washington for Bay Creek, Whitley Carraway and Jalen Rhodes for Couch, Kiera Crean

RecessForAll, and All for One at Arcado Elementary

By Kristen Eleveld In the fall of 2017, nine-year-old Zeph Everson noticed that one of his friends, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, was sitting at the edge of the Arcado Elementary playground during recess instead of playing with the other kids. Wondering why his friend didn’t join in the fun, Zeph asked him a few questions and learned that his friend wanted to play with the other kids, but navigating the playground in a wheelchair was next to impossible.

“He said that he would get stuck in the wood chips [on the playground],” recalls Zeph, who is now ten years old and in the fifth grade. “Even if he could get his wheelchair through the wood chips, he had nothing that he could do once he got there.”

Zeph realized that this was an issue that affected dozens of kids in his own school. And now that he knew the problem, Zeph set about finding a solution – and #RecessForAll was born. He rallied twenty-four other kids ranging in age from five to eleven years old to join his campaign, and they began working together to determine what steps they could take to make their playground more accessible.

With Chairman Zeph leading the charge, the Kid Committee, as they have dubbed themselves, meets monthly to discuss the best ways to make their plans a reality. There are a few grown-ups involved as well who are helping Zeph turn #RecessForAll into a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

“I have been blessed to have the opportunity to lead #RecessForAll along with the Kid Committee,” says Zeph. “We want to make sure that ALL kids can play on the playground at recess together, no matter their abilities or their disabilities.”

Zeph and the Kid Committee do not plan to stop with their success at Arcado Elementary.

Once they are able to officially become a non-profit organization, they envision accessible programs all over the state, and even the nation.

“I hope that #RecessForAll will grow and the inclusive playgrounds will be the norm!” says Zeph.

To make these dreams happen, the group needs some help from the community. First and foremost #RecessForAll is meant to raise awareness and inspire acceptance.

Continued on page 17

Our Town Gwinnett

and Nicholas McKinnon for Crews, John Langley for Creekland, Will Strange for Dacula, McKinlee Proctor for Five Forks, Charlie Tharp and Caron Gilreath for Loganville, Aven Jones, Christian Davidson, and Mya Jones for McConnell, Matthew Cordoba for Shiloh, and Kennedy Baker and Charlie Hardy for Trickum.

The Middle School Golf League is organized through the South Gwinnett Athletic Association and plays mainly on Sunday afternoons during both fall and spring seasons.

“We began our season again with a clinic for all, an extra clinic for new players to golf for the league in preparation for their team best ball play, and a practice round to get everyone organized,” said Witmer. “Then four weeks of team best ball play and then we introduced them to stroke play where everyone got to play their own ball for an individual score; then the more experienced juniors participated in a 9-hole tournament. Our season culminated with a Drive, Chip and Putt competition, and pizza party and awards presentation.”

The 2019 Fall Season for the Middle School Golf League will begin when school starts back in August with play through the end of October.

More information at www.facebook.com/middleschoolgolfleague

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PAGE 13

SportsTalk: Gwinnett Lacrosse

Continued from page 12

it for my own teams. It made sense.”

A passion for teaching students and a heart for lacrosse have allowed Elliscu to grow the program. Sofie Garrett, grade eight, has played on several of Elliscu’s teams each year since third grade. “He’s such an amazing person,” she said. “His passion for lacrosse is unbelievable, and he’s great for even the newest players. He wants lacrosse to be a popular sport that everyone enjoys watching and playing.”

“The biggest thing as a coach is to teach a love for the game,” Elliscu said. I don’t watch the score board or stats, but make sure kids are having fun. It’s about attitude and atmosphere. I’m not a fan of a negative coaching style. When you are positive, players will respond well.”

According to Elliscu, anyone can play the game. Lacrosse requires and rewards coordination and agility, not brawn. Lacrosse is fast-paced and full of action. Sprints up and down the field with abrupt starts and stops, precision passes, and dodges are routine in men’s and women’s lacrosse.

Elliscu is also looking for like-minded coaches. “To be a good coach, you just need to know how to handle kids,” he related. “And it is good especially with little kids to have patience.”

More information at gwinnettlacrosseleague.com or thunderbirdlacrosse.com.

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Georgia State 2019 Leadership and Skills Conference Gold Medalist

By Pearl Aidoo Meet Joshua Bisnott the 2019 Leadership and Skills Conference Gold Medalist for Information Technical Service (ITS) at both the Regional and State SkillsUSA competitions. Joshua is also a 2019 graduate of Grayson High School.

As a student of Grayson Tech – a technical school located at Grayson High School which is open to all high school students within the Gwinnett County region – Joshua joined the school’s SkillsUSA Chapter. According to their website, Skills USA is “a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.” The organization’s goal is to empower “its members to become world-class workers, leaders and responsible American citizens.” Joshua took their training program and thrived. When asked about his experience throughout the program and what it took to compete, Joshua spoke about his growth into a confident young man through engaging and competing with other talented high school students, and the acquisition of leadership skills that will help him throughout his education and the rest of his life.

Due to his outstanding Gold Medalist achievement at the Regional competitions and then at the State championships, Joshua and his fellow chapter members were honored at a special meeting of the Gwinnett County School Board.

In June Joshua headed to Louisville, Kentucky to represent the state of Georgia at the week-long SkillsUSA National Championship Competition. The contestants were evaluated on their interpersonal skills, such as communication, teamwork, and honesty. More than 6,500 students competed in 100 hands-on skill and leadership contests.

Joshua has a passion for computers and has pursued this interest throughout his childhood. His hobbies include reading, and camping. He is looking forward to going to college in the fall where he hopes to major in computer science.

The state of Georgia is proud to be represented by such an exemplary young man. Good job Joshua. We are proud of you.

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

By Bill Crane

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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 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.

Continued on page 16

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Author Spotlight Story: Meet Ron Lambros

By K. Coats The date April 15, 1977 might not be recorded as anything special in the annuals of history. No great treaties were signed.

No stock market leaps or dips of note. But for one man, Ron Lambros, it is a day that changed the course of his life. “The reason I remember the calling so specifically and vividly is the fact that my pastor at that time, Dr. E. C. (Brother Mac) McDaniel, questioned me and helped clarify and confirm the call,” Lambros recalls. “So I wrote the date down in my Bible so that if there was ever any doubt or question about my salvation or calling, all I had to do was go to its front page and remember that the exact moment and location was April 15, 1977 at 9:42 p.m. in the old City Coliseum in Jacksonville, Florida.” And that call to ministry would result in a forty-two year (and counting) career as a Baptist minister.

Lambros had not planned on receiving a call to ministry.

While some ministers are called when young, others are called much later and are rather surprised by the turn of events. Lambros points out that God “had used so many others in His work, like Moses, David, and the Apostle Paul, to name a few. They weren’t what you’d call ‘minister material’ either; but God used them in a mighty way!” He began his career in a vastly different area – corporate America. “I spent eight years in corporate broadcasting, radio and television production, and management,” Lambros explains. “As most young men do, I sought to climb the corporate ladder and establish myself as a successful professional.” All that hard work paid off a little too well. “I worked hard, and each of the goals I set for myself was met by the time I was twenty-five,” he says. “I found myself floundering with the questions, What’s next? What do I do now? What else is there to achieve?” The answer came from a close Christian friend who told him that his life would never be all it could be until he fully turned it over to God. And on that April day in 1977, he did just that and has never looked back.

Recently, Lambros published All My Love, Jesus: Personal Reminders from the Heart of God, a collection of reflections and devotions that began with his personal journal. Prayer and listening to God’s voice form the pillar around his ministry. He explains, “God has often spoken to me Continued on page 21

Getting to Know: Exceptional Kids Athletics

By Traci Sanders If you’re a parent of a special needs child in Gwinnett or surrounding areas and you’re looking for something to keep your child active and social, you’ll be excited to discover the Exceptional Kids Athletics, Inc. (EKA) camp.

The program was founded by thirty-year Occupational Therapist Aimee Prainito in June of 2012 when a therapy client mentioned that there were no existing sports programs for her special needs son that didn’t require parental participation. Aimee called up her friend Jonn Warde, a former professional soccer player, and together they created Exceptional Kids Athletics, Inc. to address this need in the community. Sadly, the woman who inspired this program passed away from cancer before seeing it come to fruition, so Aimee and Jonn dedicated their first year of operation to her memory.

In this program, kids ages four to twenty-two with physical or cognitive disabilities can enjoy a variety of sports activities such as flag football, cheerleading, soccer, and basketball, and adaptive swimming through the Angelfish program.

The fees differ for each activity, and there is a one-time charge for membership that includes Continued on page 16

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Dooley Over-Due Continued from page 14

Exceptional Kids Athletics Continued from page 15

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 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

uniforms and registration. Every two years, participants are also eligible to apply for the Griffin Hinson scholarship, in memory of a former member who passed away, to assist with costs.

EKA is staffed by volunteers, including Aimee and Jonn. Therefore, the camp is always looking for more helping hands with big hearts. Adults and children between the ages of ten and eighteen can volunteer and even receive community service credits if applicable to their situation.

The younger children serve as buddies for the camp kids. All volunteers are CPR and First Aid certified.

Aimee stated, “Jonn and I want people to think of this camp as one that’s as typical as a regular rec league. Parents of non-special needs kids can sit on the sidelines and simply watch their children enjoy a sport. We want the parents of these special needs children to be able to do the same, without feeling the need to participate or help out.”

Aimee and Jonn have plans to expand this program by at least one sport into every park in Gwinnett County over the next few years because every kid deserves to participate in a sports program.

More information at http://ekainc.org

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Family Fun: Celebrate National Family Fun Month!

By Kristen Eleveld School might be back in session, but that doesn’t mean the summer fun has to end! August is National Family Fun Month, and we have some terrific ideas that will you help you celebrate. Whether you want to explore some new destinations or just enjoy a quiet night at home, these ideas will make this month as fun as it should be.

For instance, have you and your family checked out Stone Mountain Park? This attraction is second only to Disney World when it comes to the number of visitors it receives each year, because people come from all around to enjoy everything Stone Mountain has to offer. You can follow a dinosaur trail to the Dinotorium, which offers everyone a chance to learn more about dinosaurs and the kind of research scientists are still doing.

When you’re done with that, you can check out another favorite feature: The Summit Skyride!

This cable car will take you all the way to the top of the mountain, while providing you with a stunning view. Or if you prefer to play some games, you can head to the Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf area to have some friendly competition and determine who’s the best golfer in your family!

Of course, you don’t have to drive anywhere to celebrate your family. When everyone is done with work and school for the weekend, head to the grocery store and gather up your favorite snacks. Don’t forget the popcorn! When you come back home, sit down to watch your favorite movie. Whether you’ve seen a movie a hundred times or if you are experiencing it for the first time together, a family movie night is a fun and easy way to spend quality time with those you love.

For an extra fun twist, try renting or borrowing a video projector so you can have your own outdoor movie extravaganza. Get your lawn chairs and invite your neighbors to join you as celebrate family fun together.

If you’re looking for something a little more interactive, why not try a bowling night? Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center in Loganville (along with Buford and Dacula) is a perfect place for your family to spend a few hours – and you might improve your score, too. Stars and Strikes always has a special for nearly every day of the week, meaning you and your family will get a great deal for everyone who wants to play.

Bonus: Kids can bowl free until August 23rd! Find out how to sign up at https://www.starsandstrikes.com/promotions/kids-bowl-free/ -- and then get started!

You can stay at home, go on a road trip, or discover a new place you have never been before. But the real celebration of National Family Fun Month happens when you and your family spend quality time together and appreciate the loved ones in your life. However you celebrate, do it as a family!

RecessForAll Continued from page 13 “There needs to be more of an awareness of the need for inclusive playgrounds,” Zeph says.

“It is not just for physical needs; it’s also the disabilities we do not always see, like sensory needs, anxiety needs, hearing needs, vision needs, or simple things like shade for kids that can’t handle the heat from the sun.”

In order to complete the renovations to their playground, Zeph and the Kid Committee are taking donations from anyone who wants to help. The Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation has provided a website for the group to collect funds. You can donate today at https:// gcps-foundation.org/gift-designation/recessforall-aracado-es-playground-fund. All donations are tax-deductible, and every little bit helps.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony to start Phase One was celebrated at the end of May, and Zeph even had the opportunity to speak with Star 94’s Jenn Hobby about what he hopes to accomplish with the #RecessForAll Program. These kids may be young, but as the group says, “Play has no limits!” – and neither does kindness.

More information at www.facebook.com/recessforall

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Travel Tales: Historic Bozeman, Montana

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.

So glad I get to go there. You should visit as well!

Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More information at pam@walkeradventures.com

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Shakespeare in the Park!

Welcome to Grayson

By K. Coats It’s summer in Grayson, which means a few very definite things: heat, humidity, and the constant attempts to escape both. But if you took a peek over at the new Grayson Amphitheater any time from the middle of June on through the entire month of July, you would have seen a different story – a dedicated set of theater players outside rehearsing for Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It’s a common time of year for this play due to the title, but the midsummer of Shakespeare’s Elizabethan London pales in comparison to the issues that faced this Grayson, Georgia troop of players. But that is what made this production, so impressive: people came together in the Georgia heat on the last weekend of the month to put on a play for the community. Only one writer could have this effect – William, the Bard, Shakespeare.

The Grayson Shakespeare in the Park is the brainchild of Drew Kenyon, a 2013 Grayson High School graduate. Kenyon graduated from Anderson University with a theater degree, and now his passion is to share the wonderful world of the Bard with his hometown. “I love Shakespeare so much,” Kenyon explains. “I think that he is the basis for a lot of our literature, and it’s good to go back and see where we came from. People don’t realize that, but he’s a genius.”

Many popular films are either based on or take material from many Shakespeare’s works: The Lion King, She’s the Man, 10 Things I Hate About You, and even Game of Thrones. For the average citizen, though, the name of Shakespeare can have mixed reactions. Kenyon understands where this frustration comes from. “A lot of people are intimidated because of the language, but when you realize how easy it is to understand, you can really enjoy what’s happening on stage.”

Stage Manager Kelsey Chapman agrees. “If you watch it,” Kelsey says, “it makes so much more sense.” After all, these were plays, and plays were meant to be performed. Seeing actors take on the roles gives a life to characters that is lost when reading the play sitting in a classroom.

And this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream took it one step further by being “modernized” to take place in the confusing yet exciting time of the 1980s. The play’s narrator, the mischievous fairy Puck, was taken out of the realm of mythology and given a “totally outrageous” makeover. “We made Puck a girl,” Kenyon says with a smile, “and she is on roller skates. She has a boom box. She wears scrunchies and bright colors, and she’s the epitome of the 80s!” When asked why the new setting, Kenyon points out, “I think because the 80s retro is coming back.”

With many popular shows being set in the 80s, today’s kids are intrigued and curious about that time, and adults can indulge in the accompanying nostalgia even if they ditched their Members Only® jackets a long time ago.

To give the production that 80s touch, Kenyon made sure to include the biggest element of that time – the music. “Music is a massive part,” he says. “There’s an opening and ending choreography number.” But the music and 80s elements provide another function as well. They take away one foreign element of Shakespeare’s plays – that Elizabethan setting – and change it to one that is familiar, letting the audience focus on the language alone. “I want people who won’t necessarily understand or be comfortable with the language to have a connection to what is happening,” Kenyon elaborates.

At times, Kenyon’s own age caught up to him and resulted in some additional research to ensure authenticity. “So you know, we had a microfiche on stage. I didn’t even know what that was; I had to look it up. I had no clue.” But it seemed he hit all the major elements to make those who hung around the mall in acid wash jeans happy. “All of the actors were in 80s clothes. Titania was based off of Cyndi Lauper. Oberon was based off of Michael Jackson.

We have all of these 80s references, and I think they make it really relatable to everyone.”

In addition to pulling off a successful production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Kenyon hopes to make Shakespeare in the Park a regular experience.

He already has ideas for future events for the new Grayson in the Park tradition. He states, “I want to bring as many of Shakespeare’s works to the stage as I can, so people can fully appreciate all he wrote.”

A special thanks to all of the people and sponsors who helped make Shakespeare in the Park a success.

We look forward to seeing what Kenyon and his players bring to us next year.

More information at drewjkenyon@yahoo.com.

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Mellow Mushroom Snellville Values Its Family of Customers

By Kim Hill Those who frequent Highway 78 east of Scenic Highway 124 are no doubt familiar with the Mellow Mushroom Pizza restaurant located near the intersection with Grayson Parkway, but they may not realize that the store has now been there for twenty years. Owner Barbara (Barbie) Rosselle says her brother bought the store and asked her to help him open it, which they did on May 1, 1999. Barbie moved here from Hialeah, Florida and become a manager and server. While it felt strange to change careers after leaving a corporate job, she found that she enjoyed it. When her brother had an opportunity to open another store in Asheville, he sold Barbie the Snellville location.

Ownership presented challenges and Barbie had to build trust with her employees and managers. She is a hands-on owner and works right alongside her staff, wanting to know every aspect Continued on page 20

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PAGE 19

6/27/19 11:13 AM

Pet Perch: Low Expectations Yield Low Results

Mellow Mushroom Snellville Continued from page 19

By Terie Hansen

of the business that has become her career. Being a freestanding “destination location” away from the “limelight” of 124, the restaurant felt an impact with the opening of The Avenues (now The Shoppes). “It’s been like a roller coaster,” Barbie says, but adjustments were made, and business has greatly increased. She attributes the growth to her staff, many of whom are long-term employees, and to her partner and general manager Greg Markle. “We just changed things up,” she explains, “slowly adding more staff for better customer service.”

Barbie’s business has changed with the times, offering online ordering, DoorDash delivery service, and a catering menu. Corporate simplified the menu about a year ago, removing some of the specialty pizzas while re-creating others. For example, the Mega-Veggie has been replaced with the Veg-Out, but Barbie wants her long-term customers to know they can still order their old favorites, like the Magical Mystery Tour, a Snellville store original that is so popular that other Mellow Mushrooms have adopted it. It is a pesto-based pizza that’s vegetarian, but the addition of sausage is strongly suggested! The top seller is the House Special, and Barbie adds, “Our Buffalo Chicken is so good!” In April, new stone conveyor ovens were installed. Pizzas are still baked on the stone, but they cook more quickly and come out perfect every time.

“We consider our customers our family because we’ve been here so long,” Barbie says, explaining that many current customers are the grown children of early customers. Her location has hosted a weekly trivia night for nearly nineteen years and one team has been coming from the beginning. “It’s really neat to be a part of this extended family. Through the years Greg and I have been supported by the community, and that’s why my mission now is to give back.” Barbie does a lot of fundraising, helping local schools, the food bank, and the police department, as well as many smaller causes. She enjoys helping groups plan their fundraiser night to sell raffle tickets or give away prizes, and the restaurant donates 10% of sales. “That has generated a lot of monies going to the community,” says Barbie. Her goal is to have a fundraiser every month, and she hopes more groups will contact her for fundraising assistance.

Barbie says running a restaurant is very taxing and admits there were times she wanted to give up, but never did. “I am in awe of this place – it’s been such a journey,” she says. “We just want the customers to know we are going to be here, and we appreciate them and their loyalty.”

Knowing what she knows today about running a business, Barbie says she would experience all the challenges again because of the many wonderful relationships she has made, both with her staff and with the community. “I attribute the success to them. It takes an army. I am humble.”

More information https://mellowmushroom.com/location/ga-snellville-2000-main-st-e-30078/

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.

We need to start expecting more of our dogs. We need to get educated on how to train them.

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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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.

PAGE 20

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Soccer and Life: Get Your Kicks

By Bill Crane I have loved the game of soccer as long as I can remember. My parents entered my brother and I in YMCA league play in early elementary school. We played together for years, and I continued with the sport through high school. We were early devotees of the Atlanta Chiefs, the first national league sports franchise to win and bring a national championship title to “Loserville Atlanta,” The second team to do so was the Atlanta United, our capital city’s newest sports franchise, during the team’s sophomore year of existence. And I was there in the stands.

Our US Women’s National Team has just won its fourth FIFA World Cup global championship. The US Men’s team has yet to receive that honor. I could not be prouder of the women’s team, and like millions of other Americans, I was glued to the TV for days as their path to victory became more and more apparent.

The team is deserving of the global spotlight, New York ticker-tape parade, and expected White House victory lap celebration invitation. We can only hope that the president is perhaps a bit more thoughtful this time with the offered menu choices.

It was US Title 9, and related substantial restructuring of college sport, that laid out the infrastructure and scholarship dollars to sharply enhance recruiting, training, and the overall talent of women playing soccer in college. Many universities pulled soccer down to club status, and stopped recruiting and awarding scholarships, an overall blow to the sport, but also a redirection of not unlimited funding that helped women coaching and the playing of this sport to flourish.

Just a few years ago, the US Women’s National Team beat Japan to capture the Women’s World Cup in Vancouver, Canada. That competition received $73 million from ticket sales and broadcast fees. Winning players and finalists received 13% of that total. That same year the Men’s World Cup held in South Africa earned nearly $4 billion, yet the players only received 9 percent of that. Should we consider reparations and back pay to the men for those years, to equalize those percentages?

Last year’s Men’s World Cup revenue exceeded $6 billion, and the Women’s championship was quite respectable at $300 million, yet still worlds apart, as was player compensation. But let’s turn the tables for a moment on the argument being made by US Women’s National Team cocaptain, Megan Rapino. Every four years at the Olympics, the Women’s Gymnastics competition is among the most viewed competitions in sport. Who is the last men’s gymnast to compete in ANY Olympics that you can name?

What about opera divas or prima ballerinas? These are the stars of their respective shows, and even when their male partners and counterparts are literally doing the heavy lifting, they face only a fraction of the earnings potential, sponsor contracts, or career longevity.

Three Georgians belong to the current US Women’s National Team, including more recent celebrity and US flag bearer Kelly O’Hara of Fayetteville. I no more question her talent or consideration for a team or player bonus/raise system than I do the importance of earlier US women’s championship player Brandi Chastain’s iconic moment kicking the winning goal for the US World Cup competition in 1998 and then stripping down to her sports bra in celebra-

tion. The sport, league, and caliber of play have all come of age, but the realities of capitalism and economics also matter, and it’s the fan base, ticket buying public and networks that choose which sports to carry, publicize, and sell through to their advertisers and sponsors.

I understand that celebrities and athletes alike can and do often extend their brand and celebrity into charity and other good works, as well as occasionally into politics and platforms about which they are passionate. But as athletes I might also suggest that getting your kicks on the field and off while helping others will always be better viewed and preferred than the supporting of causes, positions, or interests that appear more self-serving. You are our champions, and we want all of America to celebrate that. Re-shaping a victory into a social media platform might well cause more long term ill will than good for the sport, and leaders on the field of play might want to remember that as well.

Crane owns the full-service communications consulting firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com

Meet Ron Lambros Continued from page 15 personally, guiding me with His wisdom, with His principles and precepts, and with His still, small voice when I faced challenging, uncertain, or difficult moments in my life. And when He did, I began to write down what He was saying to me in a personal journal, knowing I could go back to its pages when needed.” And it was this journal that helped inspire other people who read its reflections and devotions. So much so that Lambros was encouraged to publish them officially for the benefit of others. “It is more than a labor of love,” he reflects. “It is a collection of God’s special moments with me through the years. The collection of devotions in this book is lovingly included with my prayer that the heart of those who read each one will be blessed with the same hope, strength, and encouragement I received as I wrote them.”

The book itself differs from other devotionals on the market in that it wasn’t meant to be a day-by-day read. The devotions fall into five categories – Random, Holiday, Title, Scripture, and Subject – making them versatile for whatever spiritual need the reader requires at that time.

Lambros hopes that everyone who reads it will receive the same message of hope, strength, and encouragement that he received from the Lord. “I also hope they realize that I don’t have a monopoly on God and His blessings, guidance, and wisdom,” he adds. “Each one is available to them if they but ask Him. Nothing more.” He also considers this book a personal gift to his wife, Bridget, who has been encouraging him to write it for four decades.

In his final thoughts, Lambros uses the wisdom he has gained and passed on to his congregations over the course of his career. He says, “There is nothing special about Ron Lambros. I am nothing more than one beggar telling another beggar where he gets his bread. The sole intent of my heart with my book is to offer the reader the opportunity to receive all I that have received from a God of love, grace, mercy, and restoration. If they find this in reading my devotions, I have accomplished all I set out to do and have blessed and honored God in the process.”

Thank you for your wisdom and insight, Pastor Lambros. We wish both your book and ministry success as you continue to serve God through your life, writing, and ministry.

Ron Lambros is minister of Ron Lambros Ministries, Inc. More information at www.facebook.com/ Ministry4Growth.

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