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

AUGUST 2022 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville Hamilton Mill

Up Close with Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies, see story on page 5.

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On the Cover:

Finding Wellness with Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies

By Kristen Eleveld We can all relate to the discomfort we have when something just feels off in our bodies. Maybe you are suffering from an injury that won’t seem to heal, or maybe you keep getting headaches you can’t explain. Whatever you’re dealing with, you can look to the team at Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies in Snellville to help you not only find health-care, but experience true healing and wellness.

“We’ve come to understand that most of the ailments and chronic diseases that plague people’s health are due to an imbalance in the body,” said Dr. Kerith Powell, who is part of the team at Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies.

The rest of the team includes Sunshyne Purnell, Rekei Master; Dr. Chris Greene, Nutrition Response Testing; Dr. Ronda Ward, Traditional Naturopath; and Dr. Legend Bourne, Exercise Specialist.

“You deserve to be treated by a doctor who sees your pain as a sign that something is wrong and not just an inconvenience,” Dr. Powell said.

While chiropractors are traditionally associated with treating pain in the neck and back, Dr. Powell and the other team members are committed to treating more than just your pain. They take a holistic approach that doesn’t just include your symptoms; they also work with you to understand your lifestyle and nutrition so they can give you the

best next steps for better healing.

In order to offer their patients the very best care for total body healing, Dr. Powell and his colleagues make use of both ancient and modern means to provide the treatment that each patient needs. This approach means that each person is viewed as an individual, and not just one of many people who pass through the office each day.

Treatment plans will often include elements like examining patients’ diet and exercise, water intake levels, and sleep. Once the chiropractors understand more about the patient, they can employ healing methods like Reiki, Chinese Medicine, Iridology, Nutrition Response Testing, chiropractic, therapeutic activities, cryotherapy, custom orthotics, Vibe Plate, NES and ZYTO. In fact, Dr. Powell has also observed that the ZYTO scan, which is Continued on page 19

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Before

After

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

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

2381-B Main Street East • Snellville, Georgia 30078

770-985-2437 • SmilesBySimmons.com PAGE 5

Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

— An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com

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

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

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

Photography Aleen Karakashian Photography

Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com

Distribution Coordinator Wendy Head

Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com

Cover Story Feature Writer Kristen Eleveld

IN THIS ISSUE

Feature Writers K. Coats Victoria R. Crosby Tana Poncsak Traci Sanders Beth Volpert Johansen

Contributing Writers Barbara A. Bailey, PhD Brenda Bean Jane Bishop Bill Crane Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz Terie Hansen Tanisha Turner

5 On the Cover: Finding Wellness with Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies 7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks 8 Conflict Corner: The Ugh Factor 8 Learning Lessons: What Parents Need to Know about STEAM 9 Chaplain’s Corner: Our Teachers Need Us 10 The Death Spiral of Customer Service 11 Pet Perch: Exercise? Or Over Excitement?

11 Conundrum – A Word for Your Day 13 One Man’s Opinion: Why We Need the Filibuster 14 Miles of Smiles and Miracles 15 Heading Back to School: Drive Carefully Insights from AAA 17 Back to School – Grad School, That Is 18 Cycling at a Higher Level 18 Parrot Talk: Would You Think a Parrot Would Cuddle?

19 Meet Harmonee Hill: Holds Champion Titles in Track and Field 20 Getting Schooled: Helping Your Kids Transition into the New School Year 22 Lunches of Love – Feeding Families, One Bag at a Time

Stay Connected!

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From the Publisher:

Ryan’s Remarks

By Ryan T. Sauers @RyanSauers

@RyanTSauers

Hello OUR TOWN community. It has been an unprecedented (if that is a strong enough word) 30 months. This means our communication skills have likely been impacted in some way and if not…

I will share we can all still learn from this. Since I am asked so much about this topic, I am going to share some ideas.

The communications process is a key component of every aspect of our lives. Organizations are comprised of people and our communications patterns are complex. Therefore, my goal here is for all to become better communicators in all parts of life. To do this, we must strive to achieve the maximum level of efficiency and effectiveness in our communications.

Note: the goal is (top right/green quadrant) as per the “E” model below.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Our world is noisy, has a short attention span, and moves rapidly in nature. In consulting/coaching, I ask people what level of “competence” they believe their communication is in. Most have not spent time thinking about this. I then ask how effective and efficient they are. Today, I am asking you the same thing. Let’s look at four common stages of communication development.

The first stage is referred to as the unconsciously incompetent segment. In this stage, a person is not aware of what he knows. Many people think they know more than they do and tend to overestimate their overall knowledge, skills, and abilities of communications. This can be (if someone is not coached) quite dangerous.

The second stage of communications is that of being consciously incompetent. In this stage, a person is now aware of how much he does or does not know. It is during this second level that a person realizes his or her need to learn, grow, and improve, and is no longer “over-confident.”

The third stage is referred to as consciously competent. A person is cognizant of what he is doing well and competent at it. Moreover, a person in this stage is committed to “lifelong learning” and developing more efficient and effective communication skills. He or she has become a solid communicator but still needs to think about it (as it is not yet second nature) and to realize that he or she must continue growing to reach the highest level.

The final developmental segment is an unconsciously competent communicator. A person in this final/fourth stage has become so competent, that he or she no longer must think about his or her communications strategies. Simply said, one’s competence is ingrained into his or her DNA and has become second nature.

K

Continued on page 16

August 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

PAGE 7

Conflict Corner: The Ugh Factor

By Barbara A. Bailey, PhD

Ugh. I thought they settled it.

Ugh. Maybe, if I don’t respond, they will stop.

A way that two people can avoid dealing with a conflict is to engage a third party who they know – not a professional – who can take a neutral stance in the conflict. This means engaging someone who they know to complete the third side of the triangle.

You. Ugh. Has it happened to you? Two relatives or friends have a conflict and you get a call from one of them to tell you all about it. You listen.

You comment. You show support. Before you know it, the other person reaches out to you. “Did you tell her that you don’t believe me and that you side with her on this?” You say, “What?” but you think, “Ugh!” Many times you and I know how to detach and listen without favoritism. We have been told that our listening ear made all of the difference. Truth be told, we might thrive on being in this role and we don’t hesitate to make the time by listening and offering guidance and

suggestions. We might think “Ugh,” but we say, “Yes.” However, when it comes to a personal connection, whether it be friends, relatives, children, significant others, partners, and spouses, we take the risk inherent in the emotional ties that bind. That risk rests in the possibility that “two against one” means you are the one. You can find yourself being the target of the conflict before you realize that it changed, and you wonder how in the world did it happen.

Not all ughs end up poorly. Many times, an ugh becomes a “hug” when the parties manage or resolve their conflict and give you the kudos for being the third party of reason, support, calm, and guidance.

However, many times I’ve seen it not result in a “hug for all.” I’ve felt the anger, disappointment, frustration, and disconnection when the ugh sticks and I regret letting my own desire to be involved take over.

Can I put my own desire to be involved aside for the greater good of the other two parties, their relationship, and mine with them? Can I draw and maintain a boundary, although they might not want me to and get angry or frustrated when I do?

Here is something that works for me. I don’t like the middle seat.

The middle seat on a plane can make me feel hemmed in. The middle seat in a restaurant booth can make me a bit antsy. Being the third side of a triangle in a personal situation can make me feel like I’m in the middle seat. If I sit there, it reflects a choice that I make to be involved, risk and all. Although sometimes not my first choice, if I choose not to sit in the middle, it can be my best choice. What seat works best for you? Let choosing your Ugh become a part of your positive conflict management practice.

Barbara Bailey is the co-founder and CEO of The Healing Bridge Foundation.

• Mathematics deals with numbers, but also patterns, shapes, organizational skills, and much more.

There are many reasons why STEAM subjects should be addressed in early learning settings. A key component of STEAM is process

By Tanisha Turner skills, such as making observations, hypothesizing, and critical thinking. These skills help young children grasp math and science concepts You undoubtedly have read early in life while building a base for more complex concepts for years or heard about STEAM and the to come. importance of it in the classroom.

Research has shown that even very young children are capable of This acronym – which stands for mathematical reasoning and can understand more advanced math science, technology, engineering, skills than previously thought. Young children are also able to ask arts, and mathematics – has become questions and make predictions about the world around them. In short, a hot topic in the world of educachildren are fully capable of learning foundational STEAM concepts, tion and in the business commuand parents and teachers should help them develop these skills at an nity. The practice of teaching by early age. incorporating these concepts into STEAM learning can also take place outside of the classroom. multidisciplinary lessons has revFor example, parents can encourage children to channel their inner olutionized education approaches engineer through a boat race activity. Have children use a variety of across the country, even for children recyclables – cork, foil, tape, craft sticks, straw, an old swim noodle in preschool. and paper for a sail – to build a boat that can sail across the bathtub, a While young children may not be able to understand multiplicapan of water or a puddle. After creating the boat, have children blow tion or how computers work, they can develop a strong foundation “wind” toward the boat to see how fast their creation travels. Parents for future learning by exploring STEAM and children can host races between mulskills and concepts through play and distiple boats and discuss which boat is faster cussion, and then applying those skills and why. through more play.

Young children grasp concepts through For young children: exploration and trial and error, so they • Science encourages investigation and should learn STEAM concepts at their answering questions, often involving own pace and in ways that are natural to experimentation. them. To ensure that children are learning • Technology refers to using simple tools at their own pace, Primrose offers a ballike crayons and rulers, as well as more ance of play with guidance from teachers complex ones like microscopes and computers. and repeats STEAM lessons so children can master skills as they are • Engineering refers to recognizing problems and testing solutions to ready. them.

Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway.

• Arts encourages creativity and allows children to illustrate concepts More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com or call they are learning.

770-513-0066.

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Learning Lessons: What Parents Need to Know about STEAM

Chaplain’s Corner: Our Teachers Need Us

By Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz

One of the things that my wife Kelly and I try to do every night when putting our five kids to bed is not only teach them to pray, but teach them to pray for one another. So, we ask them to pray by name for each other.

Sometimes they pray for each other’s dreams and highlights of the day, and sometimes they just barely say each other’s name because they have nothing nice to say. Nevertheless, they pray for each other.

A couple of weeks ago our son Ben (7 years old) was having a hard day, and as he was getting ready to go to bed, right before we prayed, he said, “Well, at least there are a bunch of us, so we all get a lot of prayers.”

There is so much truth and power in that statement, and as hard as life can get sometimes, there is something very comforting when you know there are a lot of people praying for you by name.

During the past couple of weeks, we have been getting phone calls from the teachers of our kids as they are getting ready to enter a new school year. If you have kids in the school system, most likely you have been getting those phone calls, too.

As parents we often wonder what we can do for those teachers – maybe get them extra school supplies, maybe send them a gift card, maybe send them an appreciation note – and while all those things are important and needed, we can also start by praying for them. So, I want to encourage you to pray for the teachers of your kids, and if you don’t know what to pray, here are a couple of ideas: • Pray for the teachers and their families. Teaching is a very absorbing job (physically, mentally, and emotionally), and it often takes a toll on their marriages, families, and relationships. Pray for them and their support systems.

• Pray for the teachers and their life balance. They are often juggling so many county requirements, school assignments, parent expectations, and other pressures that can be overwhelming. Pray for their wellbeing.

• Pray for the teachers and their relationships with their students.

Teachers will spend at least eight hours a day for the next 180 days of the year with our kids. Pray that all relationships (especially the hard ones) can become lifegiving for both.

At the end of the day, we do not know what this new school year will bring, and there will be so many things that we cannot control; but what a comfort there could be for the teachers to know that “…at least there are a bunch of us, so they all get a lot of prayers.”

Rodrigo Cruz is the Lead Pastor of The Nett Church. More information at www.thenettchurch.com.

August 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

PAGE 9

The Death Spiral of Customer Service

By Bill Crane

I am a good and loyal customer. If I receive a good product or service, at a fair price, from a retailer, vendor, or contractor, I keep coming back for more. It’s called Customer Loyalty, and for enterprises who understand that it’s perhaps the greatest dividend from investments made in solid customer service. My last three cars have each been a Kia Sportage, all three purchased at Bulldog Kia in Athens, from the same salesmen. Until very recently, I was with the same auto insurer for thirty-eight years. In the early 2000s, we found an outstanding cleaning service, United Home Cleaning, and in addition to expanding and using more of their services, we regularly refer them to new customers as well. Yet strangely, I find monthly, if not weekly, that fewer and fewer enterprises, large and small, seem to think that customer service actually matters.

As a broke young TV reporter in Macon in 1984, I had overbought myself a new sports car. My monthly car payment and related automotive insurance each combined to cost a week’s pay and half my monthly income. I had to find a more economical solution... and fast. GEICO operated a huge call center in Macon and had just opened its first “customer facing” independent agent office. That agent, Jerry Sorrells, could not have been more customer focused. He wrote me a policy, for nearly half the cost I had been paying, and that began a thirty-eight-year relationship with the insurer. Sorrells is still with GEICO, running his own shop in Cobb County.

Yet when my GEICO policy renewal arrived in July of this year, it proposed a premium hike of 150%, while I was simultaneously dropping from three insured vehicles down to two. Thinking there had to be an error, I made several calls to GEICO, spent hours on hold, being transferred, etc. I explained that I am in my early 60s, not my 20s, that my last claim was in 1991, and that I have had no mov-

ing violations of any kind for well over a decade – generally, the type of customers they want. GEICO explained that “underwriting” was driving these premium increases, as well as significant increases in medical claim expenses in the event of a serious accident. I have not been involved in a motor vehicle accident since 1986. But my calls got me nowhere, so in about six hours I contacted three other insurers, got quotes with matching coverage, and moved to the insurer and broker currently handling my homeowner coverage, for a 50% reduction in my insurance premium.

I subscribe to a lot of newspapers. The big guys seem to only want new subscribers, not seeming to appreciate longtime readers. The mobile phone, cable, and other media companies are always running great promotions for the NEW customer, but leaving out the loyal customer. IF you have to BUY all your new customers with price cuts and promos, those customers will only be with you until your competitor runs a better promo. It is called churn rate, and it is all about the high costs of customer acquisition. As a small business person myself, I know all too well that the best customers are the customers you ALREADY HAVE. Seek more of their business, do more of what you can do for them, as they already like and employ you. There are still companies that do get this. The list just seems to be getting shorter.

Chick Fil-A, which is again ranked as America’s Favorite Restaurant Chain, puts customers only behind the quality of its products. Georgia Power is still known as being customer-focused, despite being a huge monopoly utility, and I will go one step further that several of metro Atlanta’s new municipalities, offering a city-lite model, with high touch and customer service, at least seem to their new residents as if they really do care. And again, most small businesses, who already understand the high costs of customer acquisition and the comparatively low costs of customer retention have understood this model for years.

So this effort not only pays off, it makes a huge difference in customer satisfaction, referrals of new customers, and happy customers that quite frankly often reflect their happiness back on the employees

Continued on page 16

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Pet Perch: Exercise? Or Over Excitement?

By Terie Hansen

While there is no doubt that dogs need exercise, many dog owners turn to running and racing around in a yard or a park as the only form of exercise their dog gets. The problem is that if the only interactions you have with your dog are of high excitement, that is what you are patterning – a dog whose mind doesn’t know how to settle down; a dog that is always looking for the next high-energy engagement activity; a dog that typically demands attention from you on a pretty consistent basis.

On the other hand, training burns a ton of energy, both physical and mental, and has many positive side effects such as creating a calm, relaxed state of mind. Your dog learns to focus. Your dog is learning valuable commands. Your dog has your undivided attention, so it is less likely to demand your attention at other times during the day.

Your dog views you as the leader, which can significantly reduce and/ or eliminate anxiety, stress, fear, and other negative states of mind and behaviors. All of which, in the long run, equal a well-trained dog!

Moreover, if you’re going to spend time with your dog, what is the difference if you spend fifteen to twenty minutes throwing a ball versus fifteen to twenty minutes training? Time is time, right? Simply doing sit drills burns both mental energy (because your dog needs to focus) and physical energy (because your dog is doing squats) and will tire Continued on page 21

Conundrum – A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop

CONUNDRUM. Try saying that five times fast! Conundrum, conundrum, conundrum, conundrum, conundrum. How’d you do?

Was it difficult or confusing? Did you find yourself wondering if you did it right? Well, funnily enough, a “conundrum” is described as a complex problem or dilemma that seemingly has no easy answer.

At their core, conundrums can be confusing, puzzling, and even stressful.

Let’s delve a bit further. Are you at a point in your business or personal life where you seek some semblance of clarity? There are a couple of important ways to go about solving this conundrum. For example, working with a professional coach can give you action steps to help resolve any complex issues. Additionally, talking to a trusted colleague can allow you to achieve the peace or clarity you are seeking.

Regardless of your circumstance or season of life, in this moment, at this time, you can find your own solution to your conundrum. I encourage you to become aware of any issues you may not have noticed and be present with your needs. And once you’re there, go through your conundrum checklist.

1. Ask yourself how you got there and truly analyze what brought you into your situation.

Continued on page 20

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One Man’s Opinion: Why We Need the Filibuster

By Bill Crane The framers intended for our U.S. Constitution to be the upper chamber and more deliberative body. Until the 17th amendment was ratified in 1913, the two senators from each state were appointed either by their legislature or governor and not popularly elected. I would not turn that clock back, but on some more recent changes in Senate rules, I think some permanent harm has been done.

With the occasional exception, before the confirmation hearings of Justice Clarence Thomas in 1991, it was not unusual to see U.S. Supreme Court nominees receive confirmation votes of 70, 80, or even 90 votes in favor, regardless of the party in power and political leanings of the nominee.

It was also more customary when the vote threshold for successful confirmation was higher than the current simple majority (51 senators) to see nominations withdrawn when it became clear that any prospective nominee could not engender the support of a clear majority of the bi-partisan Senate Judiciary Committee or the Senate floor. This tended to bring about the confirmation of more centrist and apolitical judges on our highest court.

During 2013, and early in the second term of President Barack Obama, then Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Democrat from Nevada, led efforts to abolish the filibuster for the U.S. Senate confirmation of presidential Cabinet nominees and federal judges, to a simple majority of half the Senate, plus one. That threshold had been 60 votes

by Senate rules.

Early in his first term, President Obama had a bullet-proof 60 vote plus majority in the U.S. Senate, as well as an overwhelming majority in the U.S. House. During the devastating mid-term elections of 2010, in what was seen somewhat as a referendum on the Affordable Care Act, Obama and the Democratic Party lost their majorities in the U.S. House and Senate.

Senator Reid was frustrated by Republican senators then bottling up Obama Cabinet nominees with filibusters during his second term, so he lowered the vote and debate threshold on all Cabinet nominees and federal judicial appointments to 51 votes, intending to put several Progressives eventually on the U.S. Supreme Court as well as fill the president’s Cabinet and sub-cabinet appointments during his second term.

Obama would famously leave hundreds of federal judicial posts open, all to later be filled by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) when the majority changed, and now with that much lower confirmation vote threshold. Three Supreme Court Justices, anyone?

Unlike the U.S. House of Representatives, which often proposes legislation based on the latest headline or public opinion poll, the U.S. Senate is intended to have more senior statesmen and women, often with lengthy prior elective office experience, serve in the U.S. House, back in their home state, and/or the Executive Branch.

As stated here previously, I am pro-choice. I am not a woman, and I cannot entirely appreciate the feelings I might have if any government entity told me what I can or cannot do with my own body, but the recent decision by the Supremes did not end, nor make abortion illegal; however, it did return regulation and that authority over reproductive rights and fetal life to the states.

It was a 6/3 Republican majority appointed U.S. Supreme Court that in 1973 delivered the decision creating the precedent of Roe v. Wade by a vote of 7/2. In the lesser-known Casey v. Planned Parenthood case Continued on page 21

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Miles of Smiles and Miracles

By Bill Crane

My firstborn child was plagued, starting at an early age, by severe cluster headaches, which were often preceded by dark circles underneath her eyes. The pain was debilitating, and as a young child this frequently resulted in her curled up in a fetal position and weeping.

In daughter Barclay’s case, a multitude of tests would follow, ranging from allergies to a CAT scan and MRI looking for potential brain tumors. Those days, which turned into weeks, awaiting a report and those test results felt like some of the longest days in our lives. Though eventually what turned out to be a diagnosis of cluster migraines, which are still part of her life today, I also cannot quite express the relief I felt when told that her scans were clean and clear, and there were no tumors on or near her brain causing the severe pain.

Many families are not as lucky. My own first cousin, Shaye Sauers Kilby, would almost begin her life with swelling on her brain, and later a series of difficult to remove tumors and growths on her brain, near the top of her spine, and multiple difficult surgeries and years of radiation and chemotherapy would follow. Shaye’s life and health were permanently impacted, but she has been cancer free for several decades and is now happily married and volunteering at the Front Desk of the Egleston Campus of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).

Aflac, the insurance giant based in Columbus, Georgia, would later make a five million dollar naming gift for the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Centers at Egleston and Scottish Rite as well as Hugh Spalding Hospitals in Atlanta. These millions and more that followed have evolved these pediatric cancer treatment centers into the 7th largest in the nation, as well as the most successful at treating blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and multiple forms of leukemia.

Cure rates, once in the low teens to twenty percent range, for the vast majority of pediatric cancers, are closing on the 80 percentiles, though medical personnel and researchers prefer terms like “cancer-free” and “no tissue at the margins” versus “cured,” as cancers often return or recur, morphing into attacks on other vital organs and sometimes decades after successful treatment.

Though I led or participated in small fundraisers for CHOA as well as for Shaye through the years, I am proudest of my role as a seed planter, suggesting and arranging for a tour of the Egleston ward of the Aflac Cancer Center, for legendary radio newsman and anchor, Scott Slade of WSB Radio. Slade would become the advocate and founder of the WSB Radio Care-a-thon, now CHOA’s by far largest annual fund-

Continued on page 17

PAGE 14

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Heading Back to School: Drive Carefully Insights from AAA

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

As 1.6 million children across Georgia begin heading back to school, AAA urges motorists to slow down and stay alert in neighborhoods and school zones. They also must be especially vigilant for pedestrians during before and after school hours. Children are particularly vulnerable during the afternoon hours following their school day. Over the last decade, nearly one-third of child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 and 6 p.m.

“We are aware of the risk to children in and around school zones, which is why we developed the AAA’s School’s Open – Drive Carefully awareness campaign to help curb unsafe driving behavior near schools,” said Garrett Townsend, Georgia Public Affairs Director, AAA-The Auto Club Group. “If Georgia motorists slow down and stay alert, they can save lives.”

The AAA School’s Open Drive Carefully awareness campaign was launched in 1946 in an effort to prevent school-related child pedestrian traffic crashes, helping kids live fulfilling, injury-free lives.

AAA offers seven ways to keep kids safe this school year: 1. Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling 25 m.p.h. is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 m.p.h. faster. A difference between 25 m.p.h. and 35 m.p.h. can save a life.

2. Eliminate distractions. Children often cross the road unexpectedly and may emerge suddenly between two parked cars. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing.

3. Reverse responsibly. Every vehicle has blind spots. Check for children on the sidewalk, driveway, and around your vehicle before slowly backing up. Teach your children to never play in, under, or around vehicles – even those that are parked.

4. Talk to your teen. Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for teens in the United States, and more than one-quarter of fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3 to 7 p.m.

5. Come to a complete stop. Research shows that more than onethird of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighbor-

hoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.

6. Watch for bicycles. Children on bicycles are often inexperienced, unsteady, and unpredictable. Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and the bicycle. If your child rides a bicycle to school, require that he or she wears a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride.

7. Look for AAA School Safety Patrollers. Nationwide, more than 679,000 AAA School Safety Patrollers stand guard at over 35,000 schools. When you see one, a school zone is likely nearby.

“If parents and other driver’s follow these simple rules when driving in and around school zones, countless children can avoid injury and death,” says Townsend. “It’s up to us to help all drivers become more aware of the risks of driving around our schools.”

More information at https://member.acg.aaa.com/mi/driving-safety/ aaa-school-safety-patrol.html

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PAGE 15

Ryan’s Remarks

Continued from page 7

We all need to become better communicators (the key to all parts of life) and thus must have the unconsciously competent (fourth) stage as our goal. With that said, we should never stop learning (growth mindset) something new each day. In this stage, individuals have mastered the proper balance of highly efficient and effective communications.

What level of communications competence are you in? How far are you from reaching the final stage? Are you an effective and efficient communicator (top right/ green quadrant of the “E” model) who communicates (through all mediums) the best way? If not, what quadrant are you in? Do you want to grow? If you do, then you are reading the right column. I am here to help you if I can.

There is no better time than right now to strengthen your skills to become a better communicator. This growth will make you more

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successful in every aspect of your life. And it goes without saying (as we are in the second half of 2022) that we need such skilled communicators in our community now more than ever.

Thank you for reading, and as always, thank you for continuing with us on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

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Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm, CSI Crane.

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Back to School – Grad School, That Is

By K. Coats

I’m going back to grad school in the fall, and I’d like to state publicly that it is all my Great Aunt Gail’s fault. Years ago, when I decided to become a teacher, my aunt was an excellent resource: former teacher, former principal, and former assistant superintendent. What she said went. I thought once I completed my Masters of Education that I’d never have to sit at a student desk again. That was my first mistake.

My second was calling that same great aunt on the way home from work one afternoon when I’d finished my audiobook and wasn’t in the mood for music. So I called her to say hello. The ride home from work is often where I catch up and make short calls – hands free, of course. We chatted about this and that – can’t remember exactly what about now – but near the end of the call, my Aunt Gail did what she’s always done. She was direct.

“Alright, girl, what is your five-year plan?”

Five-year plan?! I was proud I knew what my next unit would be. I was proud that I might know what to make for dinner that night. I was proud my essays were finished being graded. I was too proud to say, “I don’t know,” and disappoint her.

“Well,” I stammered. “I was thinking at some point of going back to grad school. Maybe I’ll get my specialist or my doctorate.”

Isn’t it funny how you know someone is nodding when speaking on the phone? I could feel her nodding as I spoke. She approved of this plan. She’d done the same thing in her own time. So, I was relieved that she agreed. But now I had to follow through.

I didn’t lie to my aunt. I really had considered it many times. But something always came up. Some reason. Finances. Buying a home. A car. Having kids. My side business. There was always something there to get in the way just enough to make the idea of more graduate studies unappetizing.

Then came Covid. But there was one rare thing that resulted from Covid that was a perk. Up until this time, online classes had a stigma.

And online education courses could be overpriced and limited in their

Miles of Smiles and Miracles Continued from page 14 raising event, benefitting all three campuses of CHOA and the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Centers.

Each year, the total raised has grown, as has participation by WSB advertisers and program sponsors. During the 36-hour radio telethon, a significant percentage of time has hours with double-donation and even triple-donation matches, from grateful patient families, solid corporate citizens, as well as public figures, elected officials, and celebrities auctioning dinners, event tickets and making personal appeals. As the 2022 Care-a-thon ended on July 29th, with a Power Hour match of $250,000, made possible by America’s Thrift Stores, the donations total set a record of $1,820,440.00. Total funds raised to date by the station’s efforts are closing on $30 million.

And as Scott Slade so well noticed all those years ago, this care is provided in an atmosphere of family, warmth, safety, and play. It is not unusual to see a few small bald-headed warriors racing down a hallway, with their IV poles in tow, or sick patients and their siblings together watching a movie or playing Nintendo, during a lengthy chemo infusion. And one of the most sacred spots on each of these wards is a bell hanging from the wall – and when that bell peels, someone has either completed their cycle of treatments, has their cancer in remission, or is leaving the Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, heading home much healthier than when they arrived along with their family in that moment of crisis.

The Care-a-thon and CHOA have paved a lengthening road filled with miles of smiles, and tears of joy – as well as gratitude to so many of you, and those survival chances and odds improve each year. And for those children and families yet to receive that tough diagnosis or phone call, let’s keep it going. For all of us.

Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane.

More information at www.CSICrane.com

Continued on page 21

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PAGE 17

Cycling at a Higher Level

By Beth Volpert Johansen

No matter what your age, change can bring challenges. Some challenges might be negative in nature, but some challenges open up a whole new world. For Lilburn cyclist Doug Freeland, challenge is just another word for an exceptional opportunity.

With the support of his wife Amy, Doug is the stay-at-home parent of an adult child with special needs. Assessing challenges and developing the ability to meet those challenges head-on for the best outcome have been a major part of their parenting journey. It was in navigating the “system” that Doug and Amy found ways to give their son, JD, some of the same opportunities as his brother, Jacob.

“For many parents of a special needs individual, celebrating their 22nd birthday can be, quite frankly, scary,” explains Doug on his website cyclingatahigherlevel.com. “Because at 22, all the services provided by the school system come to a screeching halt – no more speech therapy, no more parapro assistance, no more Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).”

Doug adds, “After a few false starts in our search for organizations that would provide JD with a meaningful way to spend his days, we found two non-profits that were a perfect fit!”

One place is Special Kneads and Treats in Lawrenceville. “JD has a desire to get out of bed and earn a paycheck – something he considers one of the best parts,” says Doug. Special Kneads and Treats “provides valuable work experience and training to special needs adults. The work encourages self-confidence, a sense of value, and the opportunity to enjoy success and socialization” (www.specialkneadsandtreats.org).

Having a job to fill the days and provide a sense of purpose is crucial to the well-being of any human being. Additionally, it is just as important for people to have meaningful relationships with peers who share common experiences. When someone “ages out” of the public school system, all the services that these individuals had come to rely on for skills development and a general sense of purpose are lost.

“Oftentimes, the parents of the individual do not have the time, finances, and other resources to provide for the child,” explains Doug.

“Too much of the time, the special needs person spends his/her days sitting in front of a TV, computer, or sadly, doing nothing.” Finding

space for JD with the Exceptional Foundation of Atlanta (EFA) meant that their son would have a place to spend his days that fit his own exceptional needs.

Knowing that both organizations rely heavily on fundraising, Doug decided to combine his “epic ride” across the US with the goal of raising awareness and funding to support the Exceptional Foundation of Atlanta as well as Special Kneads and Treats. “The goal was to ride my bike from Manhattan Beach, California to Revere Beach, Massachusetts,” explains Doug. “Both of the organizations need new vehicles, so I am helping these charities to raise enough funds to acquire those new vehicles. The best part? I got to ‘take’ everyone along!”

Taking friends, family, and stakeholders along was done via social media. Doug faithfully blogged his way across the USA, supported

by Crossroads Cycling Adventures. “We dipped our wheels in the Pacific before we took off,” says Doug, “and then dipped them in again once we arrived at the Atlantic. Each day held a different adventure with constantly changing scenery.”

One of his favorite stops was in Maysville, Missouri where school was still in session on June 4th. “We stopped in the parking lot of the school to group up prior to riding into town to be formally received,” says Doug. “The kids went wild for us and asked so many questions about our bikes, the trip, and where we were from. It was a great time and one of many cherished photos from along the way.”

Doug worked hard to entertain and entice his audience to participate in his fundraising trip. One post featured a poll from the participants at Exceptional Foundation of Atlanta. Although they all thought “crossing the desert on a bike with no name” (a reference to the song

by America) was appropriate, they decided that an official name was needed. “They suggested names and put it to a vote,” says Doug.

“That is how the mechanical wonder I was riding became forevermore known as THE FLASH!” Interacting with the folks back home became more and more fun as Doug used his many hours “in the saddle” to think up ways to engage followers on social media and convert them to donors. “I am not sure if I was in my right mind when I thought up the ‘Leg Waxing Challenge,’” says Doug. “There were lots of people who were following, but not contributing, so I took action.” The challenge stated that if Continued on page 23

Parrot Talk: Would You Think a Parrot Would Cuddle?

By Brenda Bean

are lonely, they will come to find you. Unfortunately, along the way in their search, they may get distracted with the baseboard at the floor, the chair rail, the door frame, the arm of the couch, or the end table.

When not adequately supervised, their beaks can do proper damage to whatever they decide may need adjustment. If your bird is out of the cage, always look to the floor by your feet before taking a step. And don’t have a heart attack when they decide your toes are playthings!

When my husband comes home, there is no cornucopia of greetings

Would you ever think a parrot would cuddle? Would you ever think a parrot would come across the room and down the hall to you only for affection? Could a bird hear your vehicle and know the difference between yours and any other vehicle? Do you think they only mimic and have no conception of the meaning of the words they speak? Well, let me tell you something.

Parrots love to cuddle. From the hatchling to the sixty-six year old, they love being held close and stroked like a child. They love the preening with fingers gently breaking the casings off the new feathers on their head. Some become so accustomed to human preening they will not preen themselves. In the wild, this behavior is performed by their mate and other birds in their flock. They will often push their heads into your hand for a good scratch. They will lean on another bird for a preening session, even in the wild.

Parrots will search for companionship. They are not lone creatures and they require a flock to maintain proper social skills. When they Continued on page 23 PAGE 18 Become an Advertising Partner: Info@OurTown Gwinnett.com or 678-825-2049

Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies Continued from page 5 a non-invasive test, has risen in popularity and practice over the last several years. Because this technology can give you vital information about your body through a simple scan of your palm, many healthcare providers are turning to this option as a way of learning the ailments of their patients without having to put them through extensive testing and bloodwork.

“The human body is one of the most complex and fascinating things in the universe,” said Dr. Powell. “We love researching it, healing it, and finding new ways to improve it.”

The providers at Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies are so committed to increasing their knowledge of healing and wellness that they created their own ZYTO biosurvey, which means their patients can take advantage of the technology available without having to seek out additional care.

The level of care rises still further at this practice as they have worked to provide a wide variety of wellness options. Services like their iridology assessment and cold laser treatment provide critical insights and care for those in need without resorting to measures like surgery or powerful medication. They even provide basic wellness checks to aid you in staying on top of your personal health. These holistic approaches also give patients the chance to learn more about how their body moves and works, which can be used to facilitate better healthy practices moving forward.

If you want to set up a time to speak with one of the amazing providers like Dr. Powell, the process is easy. Just give the office a call at 770-979-5125, or go online to fill out a request for an appointment.

Whatever ails you, the odds are pretty good that Dr. Powell and the rest of the team can help.

Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies is also helping people from outside the office through their community outreach. They have been proud supporters of South Gwinnett High School, Snellville Days, Grayson Days, and Snellville Tourism and Trade and are also excited to be expanding their reach to serve the community through Mission Life Georgia, a non-profit created by the office team. It comes as no surprise that the practice was named the Business of the Year by the Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce in 2021.

“We treat each person as an individual and take the time to listen to your needs,” said Dr. Powell. “Our approach allows patients to ask better questions to the right people and make choices that move them forward in living the healthy life that we all aspire to lead.”

More information at drchrisnaturalremedies.com or 770-979-5125

Meet Harmonee Hill: Holds Champion Titles in Track and Field

By Tana Poncsak

Harmonee Hill is an 11-year-old-rising-middle-schooler who is artistic, loves school, makes straight As, and likes to spend time playing video games with her older brother, Romance. She is also a national champ!

Harmonee holds the champion title in four track and field events: 2022 Indoor Season for AAU National Championship 60 Meters, 2019 AAU Club National Championship 1500 Meter, the 10-yearold 4 By 100 Meter Relay, and 2018 AAU Club National Championship 4 By 400 Meter Relay, all in her age group.

While living in Florida where running track is a community sport, Harmonee started running at an early age. It’s there where she earned her titles in not just one, but in three of the four events. Harmonee and her family moved to Georgia a couple of years ago, and she has continued to train and compete in track and field. Running means a lot to her.

“It shows that I can do anything that I put my mind to if I don’t quit,” she said. “Running also helps me develop skills like confidence and independence.”

And Harmonee’s confidence and independence, along with her passion for running and competing, has garnered the attention of many who know her, including her previous teachers and principal at Shiloh Elementary School.

Her mother, Erin Hill, a teacher in the Gwinnett County school sysContinued on page 23

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EAT. SHOP. LIVE. LOCAL. PAGE 19

Getting Schooled: Helping Your Kids Transition into the New School Year

By Tana Poncsak

Perhaps it can be normal to have some anxiety as the end of summer is in sight with students soon returning to the classroom. But if they’ve been learning from home due to the pandemic, your student’s anxiety level may be higher than usual.

The more physically and mentally prepared your child is, the more confidence he or she will have as he or she steps inside the classroom.

Here are a few things that might help make for a smooth start to the new school year.

Remind your student about any summer school-related activities or projects that need to be finished up. This would include summer reading assignments and/or any writing projects.

When school supply lists are available, purchase your child’s supplies so he or she is ready for class on day one.

As the school year starts and schedules become clear, make any transportation arrangements. Are they participating in school sports or activities that meet after school?

If so, they will feel more confident knowing how they will get to and from activities.

The lazy days of summer always give way to more structure and routine once the school year starts. Talk to your students about the new routine. They may need to ease into the new schedule by getting to bed earlier so they can wake up in time to get ready and catch the bus.

The last thing you want is for your student to scrounge around for something to wear and then run to the bus at the last minute. Create a morning routine starting with school clothes. Make it easy for your student to find and pull things together. Or better yet, have your child pick out his or her clothing the day before school.

We’ve all heard the importance of a good breakfast. Have some simple breakfast items on hand that your kids can eat on the run when necessary. Make-ahead quiche muffins, breakfast bars, and fruit all make a nutritious start to a busy day.

Keep all school items such as backpacks and lunchboxes in one place so they’re easy to grab as your child heads out the door.

Again, due to the pandemic, there may be more anxiety this year than usual. You can help your kids by encouraging them to talk to you about any trepidations they might have about returning to the classroom.

A listening ear and a bit of encouragement may be all your child needs, but if your child seems to have more anxiety and is struggling, contact your school’s counselor for advice or a mental health provider who can give your child the help he or she needs.

And finally, keep in mind that even with all the planning, things may not go as smoothly as you would like it to in the first few weeks. It’s likely the entire family may have a period of adjustment as they settle into a new routine.

Visit either your child’s school website, the Gwinnett County Schools website, for the latest information on COVID -19 guidelines and protocols, academic calendars, and more.

Disclaimer: This information is based solely on experience and not intended as medical advice. Should you need medical advice, seek help with a licensed physician.

Conundrum Continued from page 11 2. Take account of the resources available to you and add them to your conundrum toolkit.

3. Make a decision to act. Moving out of the conundrum state all depends on YOU. Initiating that first action may seem difficult, but Doctors Stewart Helton & Beau Upshaw any step you take is a step forward.

After reading all of this and analyzing your situation, check in with yourself by asking, “Am I in a state of conundrum?” Look over your conundrum checklist and take the step towards what you need. Peace, clarity, and harmony are never far away if you’re willing to put in the work.

Jane Bishop is a Positive Interrupter and Leadership Coach. More information at www.janebishop.live

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Grad School Continued from page 17 offerings. Convenience is expensive, right? Once the general population got a taste of working from home, there was a demand for more.

So now I had more options and didn’t have to wait until my children were older before going back. I didn’t have to take MARTA down to Georgia State University throughout the work week like I did when I was 24 after teaching each day. Kennesaw State University (KSU) would allow me to work from my living room, or bedroom, or basement crafting room.

So, all of this is to say, if you’ve torn open issues of Our Town eagerly looking for articles specifically written by yours truly, then you’ll have to content yourself with back issues of the previous 54 I’ve already written for a good while. This wife/mother/teacher/quilter will be headed back to grad school for her specialist degree and, possibly, doctorate. Instead of dazzling the citizens of Gwinnett with my thoughts and showcasing our Gwinnett County Schools graduates, I’ll be attempting to impress professors at KSU. Heck, maybe MY high school alma mater will showcase me. As you miss my articles and pine for my wit and insights, take comfort from the same thing I’ll be telling myself as I reply to tedious message boards and annotate article after article – this is all my Aunt Gail’s fault.

Pet Perch: Continued from page 11 your dog out. Down drills are push-ups for your dog. Recalls (coming when called) has your dog running back and forth, but in a controlled manner. Kennel drills also include push-ups because you will teach your dog to enter their kennel and lie down. Even duration commands such as Down and Place burn a tremendous amount of mental energy as your dog practices impulse control while holding those commands.

All drills are done with a leash until your dog consistently follow commands without engaging the leash. You can even use their food (not treats) as a reward. Doing these simple drills will burn tons of energy and sharpen your dog’s obedience skills. In a couple of weeks, you will be rewarded with a much calmer, better behaved dog.

I am not saying don’t play with your dog. I am saying, even if you did 50-50, or better yet, one out of every four interactions with your dog, you played and the other three you trained. The outcome would be a tremendous difference in your dog’s overall behavior, equaling an amazing difference in your relationship with your dog.

Terie Hansen is the Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care.

More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com

Why We Need the Filibuster

Continued from page 13

in 1992, there was no majority opinion, but the plurality of the court, again led by three GOP-appointed justices, maintained several critical elements of Roe while also allowing states the right to prescribe some limits and regulations on abortions during second and third trimesters.

Most of our states currently have a majority of GOP governors and at least one chamber of their legislature, or both, operating with GOP majorities. Other than constitutional amendments, most state legislatures operate on the rules of a simple majority. Several states have a one-body, unicameral legislature. Want to propose a new law on ANY topic, secure the support of half your chamber, plus one, and then repeat on the other side. The bill then moves to the governor’s desk for signature. Yes, passing a law is a bit more complicated than that, but without procedural breaks LIKE THE FILIBUSTER, we have a truly simple majority and in some cases, MOB Rule.

As with safe driving, a more regular application of the brakes than the accelerator is quite often a VERY good thing. Think of the filibuster as those brakes.

Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane.

More information at www.CSICrane.com August 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

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Lunches of Love – Feeding Families, One Bag at a Time

By Traci Sanders

Mountain Park United Methodist Church’s (MPUMC) mission encourages us to “Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” And this church is living out that mission in many ways, one of which is through their program called Lunches of Love.

This program began in 2013 when MPUMC partnered with individuals and groups in the community to gather food and other necessities to deliver to those in Gwinnett and surrounding areas who are isolated due to poverty or lack of transportation or other resources. What began as a summer lunch program quickly became a year-round outpouring of love. Many times the meals they provide are the only meals some of those families will eat in a given day.

MPUMC’s tenth summer of Lunches of Love Food Delivery is underway! There are three ways to help: 1. Donate any items on the approved Grocery List to fill the Weekly Food Bags; 2. Donate a Weekly Food bag already filled with non-perishable food; and 3. Donate money for purchases of supplies or needed food.

Non-perishable food donations may be dropped off in the Family Life Center/Community Room at Mountain Park United Methodist Church, 1405 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain, 30087 (use Popular Drive entrance) between these times: Sundays 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., and Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. After-hours drop boxes are available as well.

Weekly Food Bags are also welcome. Donors may choose to bring in pre-filled bags in accordance with the approved grocery list, which includes items such as pretzels, chips, microwave popcorn, peanut butter, oatmeal or grits, and canned noodles or meat.

Substitutions may be needed. Patrons are encouraged to use their best judgement to choose replacement items, but are asked to not omit any items on the list. The goal is at least 8-10 servings in each bag, and expired items are not accepted. The MPUMC volunteers will purchase and distribute loaves of bread along with these bags, so bread is not needed.

In addition to summer lunches, MPUMC also provides school supplies, household items, clothing, diapers, books, food boxes, Thanksgiving meals, and a free Christmas Shoppe. This program is run entirely by volunteers and exists through generous donations of food, supplies, and money. In addition, each summer MPUMC hands out full-sized backpacks full of supplies to kids and teens. Some of the most-needed donations are: new full-sized 17” or larger backpacks, 1” notebooks, packs of subject dividers, filler paper (college rule and wide rule), scissors (blunt and pointed tip), 24-pack Crayola® crayons, composition books, packs of markers, packs of colored pencils, packs of pencils, 100 count packs of 3” x 5” index cards, 3-prong folders with pockets, and dry erase markers.

It has become a Lunches of Love tradition to give each teen/child a new ball each summer. On Sports Day, they start with the oldest teens, giving them first choice of balls since teens are often involved with high school sports teams and need practice balls. These older teens are also challenged to serve as role models for the younger kids to give them “someone worth looking up to.” The following ball sizes are always accepted: sizes 4 and 5 soccer balls, official-sized footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, four-square balls, Hula Hoops®, Frisbees®, and jump ropes.

Volunteers are always needed and welcomed. MPUMC currently has three volunteer times each week during the Summer: Sundays 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays (food delivery day in the community) 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Wednesdays 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The director of Lunches of Love shared with me, “Our Lunches of Love theme is ‘love your neighbor.’ One of the most special things about this program is the relationships that are built through it. We celebrate ten-year-old kids that we met as infants, high school graduates that come back and visit us, and grandparent volunteers who serve with us and mentor the kids. We have spent time at hospitals sitting with worried family members or visiting new babies. We have grieved together as a community through funerals of friends who have been lost too soon. We celebrate the things that bond us – friendships, family, community, love. There is no way to measure ‘who’ receives more from each encounter, between our Lunches of Love volunteers and the neighbors we seek to serve.”

More information at www.mountainparkumc.org/lunchesoflove

Would You Think a Parrot Would Cuddle? Continued from page 18 from my bird room. They hear Jack’s truck pull into the driveway, and there is a subdued reaction except for Joey, the umbrella cockatoo. Jack is his FAVORITE person in all the world. “I love you!” “Come here!”

“Let me out!” “Wanna go outside?” “Huh?” “Huh!” “Joey, Joey, Joey?”

“I love you, Joey!”

I get NOTHING from Joey when my van pulls into the driveway.

BUT…all the other birds have a massive ruckus screaming and calling, “Mamma’s home!” “Give me KISS!” “Let me out!” “I ain’t no bird.”

“WWWaaaatttteeeerrrrr.”

These parrots know I have to come close for a kiss. They make the smooching sound after the demand. They know water is water, and when it is dirty, they can call for water, and I will go and look. And, of course, “let me out” is my cue to open the door of their cage for a cuddle or a kiss. When they cuddle, they will mumble, “I love you” and “that feels so good.” They learn from us the proper responses because of our energy. When our energy changes, and it is not frightening, they remember. When you are gently preening a parrot, and they fluff up all their feathers like goosebumps, you cannot help but say, “Aaahh. Does PAGE 22

that feel so good?” Or some other nonsensical dribble. And when you open the door of their cage to move them out (to clean or let them flap), you cannot help but ask, “Want to come out?”

These parrots have been domesticated much like the dogs and cats of today. Many pet parrots have been hand-reared from naked little babies. These babies may not make good bird parents because they were never taught by their own bird parents how to feed a baby that has hatched. It may take years for a pet to sit on a nest and hatch a baby successfully – no bird has taught them.

As humans, we must always be responsible for our endeavors. We cannot make pets of all the parrots. Breeders must make monetary sacrifices and allow some babies to be raised by the parents for future breeding purposes. Supply and demand is only one reason parrots have increased in price.

Brenda Bean is the owner of Parrot Productions and Fancy Feathers. More information at http://fancyfeathersstore.com/ or 770986-0661

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Cycling at a Higher Level Continued from page 18

Track and Field Continued from page 19

$5,000 was raised on both the Exceptional Foundation of Atlanta’s site and the Special Kneads and Treats site, Doug would wax his legs – one for each organization. While the stunt definitely upped viewership and awareness of both EFA and Special Kneads, Doug fell short of his goal.

“I guess I will keep my legs the way they are!” says Doug. He went on to describe how important it was to him that his ride and social media posts brought both organizations into the spotlight among those who followed along Doug’s ride.

To virtually take the same road as Doug’s journey, check out his Facebook Page: Cycling at a Higher Level. Once there, followers can see hundreds of photos of Americana taken from the backroads and towns along the route Doug and his group took. Mountains, plains, downtowns, big cities, and loads of “Welcome to…” signs document the journey. In each photo of Doug, followers can see the custom-made jerseys sporting EFA and Special Kneads logos.

Peddling for miles, soaking up the sights, and thinking things through were gifts Doug, with the support of his family, gave to himself. It isn’t easy to push yourself sometimes. The past two years have been more than difficult for everyone. Getting outside, doing something, no matter how small, is a great way to gain perspective on what is important. Whether it is cycling at a higher level or something like walking, gardening, writing, singing, painting, or drawing, Doug’s perspective is that one should strive to do those beneficial things at the highest level possible, leading everyone to seek that which makes them individually – exceptional.

Doug’s epic journey ended on June 26th. The group, who had grown closer over the two month journey, ceremoniously dipped their tires in the Atlantic Ocean to signify the end of the trail. While they would be parting company, they would be leaving one another with a sense of accomplishment – both individually and as a group – and with a new bond of brotherhood and sisterhood to take home with them.

tem, said the transition from training in Florida in a group situation to a private trainer in Georgia was a challenge for Harmonee at first, but she has adjusted well. Harmonee is social, and working and training with peers has been good for her.

Harmonee makes it a point to continually run her best, and she works to improve with each run and each event.

“My favorite event to compete in is the 200 meters,” she said.

“I enjoy watching my times drop because it makes me feel accomplished.”

Harmonee continues to travel to meets running in her events, meeting new friends, and seeing familiar faces.

And while she has some time before making it to high school, Harmonee already has aspirations of running for her high school track team.

But for now when it comes to running, Harmonee’s main focus isn’t just about the winning.

“When it is time for me to compete, winning is not my focus,” she said. “I focus strictly on executing my races the way that my coach trains me to do. In the end, winning makes me feel good about myself.”

Before long, we may see Harmonee’s name alongside some of the great track and field competitors like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Joan Benoit, and Gail Devers! Congratulations Harmonee! And keep on running.

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.

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Request an appointment at benchmarkpt.com August 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

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Investment Advisor Representative offering securities & advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, Broker/Dealer, member FINRA, SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership than any named entity. Awards are not to be considered a guarantee of future results, nor as an endorsement by any client. Best of Gwinnett and Gwinnett Best of the Best 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. Barron’s: based on total assets (AUM), revenue, & other factors. Office located at 3700 Crestwood Pkwy, Ste 140, Duluth, GA 30096.

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