AUGUST 2023: (BLUE) Our Town Gwinnett Monthly Magazine for Gwinnett/NE Dekalb

On the Cover:

Partnering Up with the Snellville Police Department

By Kristen Eleveld

“We want you to know we’re on your side.” This is what Snellville Police Chief Greg Perry said when asked what message he wanted to send to the Snellville community. Chief Perry, along with his team of officers, has worked tirelessly over the past two years to let the people of Snellville know that the police are not just concerned with safety alone –they want to partner with each citizen of Snellville to create a community that knows it can trust and rely on its officers in every way. That’s why Chief Perry has not stopped taking opportunities to not only reassure the community, but to back up his words with actions all year long.

If you live in Snellville, you already know that the Snellville Police Department prioritizes being an active part of its community, participating in many local events, and inviting residents to learn more about the police department. One favorite event for both the department and the neighborhoods it serves is the Faith & Blue weekend, in which the Snellville Police will partner with local churches and enjoy a barbecue with anyone who wants to take part. The details for this fall event are still in the works, so just keep an eye on the Snellville Police Department Facebook and Instagram accounts to stay up to date!

For the kids in the area, the most anticipated event would likely be Halloween. Aside from the usual joys of dressing up and eating your favorite candy, Chief Perry and his team make the holiday even better by handing out candy to kids in neighborhoods all over the city.

“Giving out candy at Halloween is important to us for two reasons,” said Chief Perry. “One, we love to interact with our community and help the kids enjoy their Halloween. And we also want kids to get to know us and to know that what we want more than anything is for them to be safe.”

Chief Perry and the Snellville Police Department operate on three

core tenets: 1) Consistently seek out criminals and others that endanger our community members. This saves lives. 2) Everyone is a leader. Work each day to improve yourself and your team. This creates success and safety. 3) Seek out opportunities to help our community. This builds solid relationships and trust.

With these tenets in mind, the Snellville Police Department has sought to deepen the relationship with its community through one of its most significant resources: education. Community members are invited to

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

Entire contents copyright 2023 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

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

Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com

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Cover Photography

Emil Powella Photography

Distribution Coordinator

Wendy Head

Cover Story

Feature Writer Kristen Eleveld

Feature Writers Victoria R. Crosby Tana Poncsak Traci Sanders

Contributing Writers

Ryan’s Remarks

By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanTSauers

Hello there, Our Town community. I hope this article finds you in good health and high spirits as we enjoy the month of August. Wow, it is hard to believe we are already in the second half of 2023. August means school is back, and the fall season will be here soon. I wish all of our teachers, educators, students, and staff a great start to the school year. In this article, I want to highlight an acronym encompassing the essence of resilience and determination – GRIT. In fact, GRIT was a crucial finding in my doctoral dissertation on leadership as to why people are successful. Grit cannot be easily taught or learned; it is forged through adversity, nurtured through challenges, and honed through perseverance. Grit is the fuel that propels us forward when the road becomes rough and the path seems uncertain. With that said, I have created an acronym to help us best think about GRIT.

G: Growth The first letter of grit reminds us of the incredible potential we have for growth. Life should be a continuous journey of learning and evolving, and we have the opportunity to grow the most in times of difficulty. I encourage you to embrace your challenges, which provide fertile ground for personal growth.

R: Resilience is the bedrock upon which grit is built. It is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to adversity, and keep pushing forward despite obstacles. Resilience is not about being untouched by hardships, but rather about finding the strength to rise again, even when life knocks us down.

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Heading Back to School: Drive Carefully

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

As 1.6 million children across Georgia return to school, AAA urges motorists to slow down and stay alert in neighborhoods and school zones. They also must be especially vigilant for pedestrians 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, AAAThe 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 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 parked ones.

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One on One with The Snellville Lions Club

By Traci Sanders

The Snellville Lions Club has contributed to the Gwinnett community in many ways since 1952 with the simple motto: WE SERVE.

Lions Club International began in the United States in 1917 upon the influence of a young Chicago insurance agent named Melvin Jones, who believed that local business clubs should expand their horizons from purely professional concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world. In 1925, the Lions began serving and advocating for the blind and visually impaired by strengthening eye care systems in underserved communities, offering assistance, and enabling them to fight blindness and vision loss.

I recently spoke with Lion Cheryl Johnson with the Snellville Lions. The Lions support Georgia Lion’s Lighthouse Foundation through the White Crane fundraisers, and several Lions volunteer weekly at the Eyeglass Recycle Center at the Georgia Lion’s Lighthouse. Their recycle boxes are located throughout Snellville. Another organization that the Lions support is the Georgia Camp for the Blind, which allows visually impaired people to participate in activities they would normally not be able to enjoy outside of the camp.

The Snellville Lions also contribute to local schools, from awarding scholarships to high school seniors to providing dictionaries to third graders at Britt Elementary. The principal of this school is, in fact, a proud Snellville Lion herself.

Their mission has now expanded to address vision needs, diabetes, hunger, childhood cancer, and the environment. They continue to operate under the premise where there’s a need, there’s always a Lion.

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Travel Tales: Ride the Rails in the USA!

By Pam Walker

I have been on many train trips in Europe, but it has been way too many years for an adventure here in the US. When I started in the travel industry too many years ago to mention, I was the escort on the Amtrack Empire Builder from New York to Chicago to Glacier National Park in Montana. It was a great trip, but it included a lot of freight yards along the way.

I migrated from that trip to taking people to Mexico and South America on 10-day journeys. As a Spanish speaker, I escorted all types of folks from New York City to the southern hemisphere,

Weeding…A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop

I find great solace and therapeutic value in sweat equity when I work in my yard. Weeding is a required task and is defined as “to remove invasive or unnecessary elements; to make space for new growth.” Weeds are annoying and stubborn! Managing them effectively requires treatment and consistent attention, i.e., removal. When weeds are ignored and left unmanaged, they quickly stage a “takeover” and can choke out healthy vegetation.

What if we apply this weeding metaphor to life? When we ignore aspects of our self-leadership, “weeds” stage a “takeover” that drains our energy, diminishes our joy, and hinders our effectiveness. How can weeding strengthen our self-leadership?

Pose these questions to self: What area of self-leadership have I ignored for too long? As a result, what weeds have taken root and now threaten to overrun my effectiveness? What are the weeds, and how is your self-leadership impacted? Just as weeds multiply when left unattended, our unresolved issues and lack of structure tend to exacerbate if we ignore them.

To regain control and restore balance, it is helpful to perform a weeding audit. 1. Claim a day/time to begin the weeding. 2. Identify one thing in your life that has been taken over by weeds and is “choking” and/or derailing your effectiveness. 3. Name the weeds. Examples may be procrastination, lack of boundaries, and unhealthy relationships. 4. Identify what action is required to remove them. 5. Choose to take the action steps identified. 6. Once removed, what action is required to prevent the reoccurrence? This process requires reflection and acknowledging the aspects of self-leadership that have been ignored. Identifying and addressing these issues is the crucial first step towards reclaiming your energy and finding life satisfaction.

Completing the weeding process in my yard brings great satisfaction. Completing a personal weeding audit can cleanse our emotional and mental landscape, creating an inviting and enjoyable space within ourselves. Practicing daily steps to prevent the weeds of negativity, self-doubt, and stagnation from multiplying helps cultivate an environment where person-

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hoping that travelers would get to know the people south of our border.

Last week, I was on a train again. But this time back across the US West. Rocky Montaineer’s journey, called the Rockies to the Red Rocks, is a two-day trip from Denver, Colorado to Moab, Utah. When you ride the rails across the western United States, there are few rail yards and much fabulous scenery. We climbed out of Denver into the Rockies while being fed and catered to by a wonderful host team on board. On this trip, you don’t have to go from car to car to get to a dining table. Just like first class on the airlines, they open a tray table in front of you, put down a small tablecloth, and serve the several-course meal while the beautiful scenery passes. The food was terrific! All meals and beverages are included. Yes, wine, beer, and alcohol are included, too! The narrative as you go along is filled with stories of the old West and the characters that made the history of the US fascinating.

Also included is an overnight in a historic hotel in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, where you can take a dip in the famous hot springs located in the town.

On the train again and headed to Moab, the scenery changed from green to yellow sand and the Southwestern desert’s red rocks. It makes you wonder how the early settlers made it through this inhospitable land. On arrival in Moab, you are on your own to explore Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park. It is also the land of dinosaurs with a great little museum with life-size statues of the species that were found there.

What a wonderful land we live in. “God Bless the USA,” as the song title goes. Thank you, Rocky Mountaineer, for bringing the beautiful and hard-to-reach places of our country up close and personal.

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

Supermom Raises Autistic Son While Battling Own Invisible Disease

By Traci Sanders

No one would argue that raising two kids is not an easy task. But raising two kids under the age of five, who are only one year apart – one of whom is Autistic – adds an extra challenge.

This was Jennifer Willen’s exact situation by November of 2020. Her son Jacob was born in November of 2018 and was diagnosed with Autism on his second birthday. “There were a few signs here and there that helped us obtain early intervention,” Jennifer shared. “A big one was that Jacob didn’t respond to his name or make eye contact with us. He also used to line his toys up and obsessed over certain topics like the solar system, letters, and numbers.”

Jennifer stressed that it’s crucial to speak to your child’s pediatrician and ask for a referral for evaluation if any of these nontypical behaviors are present. “The sooner they get the therapy, the better,” she explained.

Just over a year after her son was born, Jennifer gave birth to her daughter Adeline and decided to step back from a job she loved in journalism to be home with her babies. She soon found her groove with her kids, but longed to be back in the corporate workspace. Unfortunately, just a few months into her work as a freelancer this time, she began experiencing excruciating back pain, numbness, and tingling. At first, she thought it was a pinched nerve and tried to ignore it. But the pain grew stronger, and she soon found herself exhausted by even minimal activity.

“This was very bothersome to me because I’ve always been a go getter and someone who’s always moving,” Jennifer said.

She soon started noticing her cognitive function and response time being delayed. When it began affecting her work, she finally gave in and Continued on page 22

Snellville Police Department

Seen in Gwinnett

Emil’s Photo of the Month

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join the Citizens Police Academy, a nine-week course that gives participants a chance to learn more about the role of police officers and the challenges facing their community. Firearm safety, motor vehicle traffic enforcement, and DUI investigations are only a few of the topics covered by this course. Once you graduate, you become part of the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, which works with the community to raise donations and resources that allow the Snellville Police to continue giving back.

At Christmastime, you will likely run into an officer or two shopping at the local Wal-Mart with a child. This is Snellville PD’s “Shop with a Cop” program, which uses donations from the community to fund shopping trips for children in need during the holidays. Officers volunteer to shop with children who have been identified as someone who could benefit from the program, and they take kids to pick out their favorite items.

If this sounds like a group you want to be part of, there’s more good news – the Snellville Police Department is looking for officers who are passionate about working with their community to make it as safe as possible. Just head to www.snellville.org/police-department to learn more about what it means to be part of the Snellville PD.

For Chief Perry, working with excellent officers is what makes his job great. “Their group is the best group by far,” he said. “They truly have hearts of service. It’s an honor to come and work with them and FOR them every day.”

It’s easy to keep up with all the places and events you can hang out with the Snellville Police Department. Just check out their Facebook and Instagram pages to hear all the latest news, including safety tips and important community updates.

“I love the people I work with and the community I serve,” said Chief Perry. “Regardless of your rank, you’re an officer first, and you can impact people’s lives in a positive way.”

More information at https://www.facebook.com/Snellville.Police, or www.snellville.org/police-department

End of Summer Checklist

One Man’s Opinion: No Name...No Way

By Bill Crane

A recent Quinnipiac University poll found that 47% of registered voters in America would consider voting for a third-party candidate for president. That gets quickly worse when you put a name on that third party or candidate.

In the fifty-seven presidential elections since President George Washington (who ran as an Independent, but became the figurehead of the Federalist Party), third-party candidates have garnered at least 5% of the vote on only twelve occasions. Only once has a third party supplanted either of the two primary parties at the time of an election. The 1912 election saw Bull Moose “Progressive Party” nominee, former President Teddy Roosevelt, win 88 Electoral College votes, surpassing his handpicked successor and the GOP nominee, but still losing to Democrat and soon-to-be President Woodrow Wilson.

In most presidential elections where third, fourth, or fifth parties have even been a factor, they have played the role of spoiler, drawing votes mainly from the party they dropped away from, typically handing victory to the opposition. Think H. Ross Perot’s knockdown of a second term for President George H.W. Bush against Bill Clinton, or Ralph Nader’s 2000 White House run as the Green Party nominee, peeling just enough votes off of then Vice President Al Gore in the state of Florida to give then Texas Governor George W. Bush the popular and electoral votes of

Florida, which along with a favorable US Supreme Court ruling, gave Bush the White House in January of 2001.

This brings me to West Virginia US Senator Joe Manchin, an independent-minded Democrat in an increasingly GOP-leaning state. When West Virginia’s Governor Jim Justice won his office in 2016 (while campaigning as a Democrat), he almost immediately switched parties to the GOP, subsequently winning re-election. Justice is term-limited and is now running as a Republican for Manchin’s seat in the US Senate in 2024.

Recently, Manchin traveled to New Hampshire to speak to a massive crowd about the possibility of him running for president, as the lead of a new party called “The No Names” – sort of a political equivalent of generics, with a platform more focused on finding solutions than party seniority or pork. It sounds like a great concept, except the premise is more fantasy than reality. Joining Manchin onstage were former Connecticut senator and Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Lieberman and Jon Huntsman, a former GOP governor of Utah.

Lieberman, a longtime centrist, is credited with a lousy debate performance, giving a much-needed “win” for GOP vice-presidential nominee Dick Cheney in 2000. Huntsman was an early casualty of the 2012 GOP White House field, won by fellow Utahan Mitt Romney. And though Manchin is incredibly popular with DC media and the Sunday shows for his occasional “Maverick” status – somewhat similar to Arizona Senator John McCain – recent polling for his Senate seat shows re-election there is far from certain.

The two parties control Congress and state legislatures, which write the laws that regulate ballot access. Even the Libertarian Party only finally secured ballot access in all 50 states during the 2020 election, and those ballot access procedures and thresholds vary between states and voter petitions, percentage of raw votes in the prior contests, etc. Third parties do not have critical financial or people infrastructure on the ground, or the primary process which focuses attention and media coverage on their candidates, nor the national conventions which appear every four years for nights of fawning attention, offering days of airtime and millions of eyeballs and associated credibility to the Democratic and GOP nominees and platforms.

In 2016, two former successful GOP governors of Blue States left their party and formed a strong ticket for the Libertarian Party. Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson was joined by former Massachusetts Governor William Weld to form a ticket with very impressive resumes. The Johnson/Weld Libertarian Party ticket received 4,489,221 votes (including mine) in the general election, 3.28 percent of the popular vote. Johnson had nearly tripled the vote he received as the Libertarian nominee in 2012, with 1,275,971 votes (almost 1 percent).

Granted, it appears the competition may be even weaker come the fall of 2024. However, the last third-party candidate who made a credible Continued on page 16

Getting to Know: Epie’s Electrical Services

By Our Town Staff

Who are Epie’s Electrical Services? We are glad you asked. There is Dan Doster, the owner, who is a Tucker native and has been in the construction industry for forty-three years. In addition, there is Philip Scarborough, who has been a master electrician since 2003. That’s much water under both of those dams, or said another way, a great deal of experience and wisdom.

Philip has extensive residential and commercial experience, which he shares with the team of electricians he leads. The team works out of Tucker and goes around ten to fifteen miles from that area. They are happy to head over to places like Lilburn, Stone Mountain, Snellville, Lawrenceville, or Decatur and change out breaker panels, light fixtures, or ceiling fans. The goal is to serve the client and check for safety items in the home. Things like outlets and switches have a finite lifetime.

Such items must be checked and changed when the outlets don’t hold

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Mountain Park Masonic Lodge 729: 62 Years in the Making

By Jerry D. Moss and Drew Weaver

A very overdue hello from Mountain Park Masonic Lodge 729! We’ve been part of the Lilburn community for 62 years, but we’ve somehow gone without introducing ourselves and our community initiatives for far too long. Well, there’s no time like the present.

Now, plenty of people have heard of the Freemasons, and just as many have questions about who we are and our intentions in a community –

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THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO AT The Sheridan at Eastside

With a daily schedule that can include fitness, educational programs, hobby groups and plenty of chances to socialize with other fascinating residents, your life will be an adventure of your own design.

See for yourself when you attend an upcoming event:

BACKYARD BBQ & TOUR

Wednesday, August 16 Noon – 2 p.m.

We’re heating up the grill, and you’re invited to join us by the pool! We’ll have burgers, hot dogs and tours of our beautiful community.

RESOURCE & HEALTH FAIR

Wednesday, September 13 10 a.m. – noon

Your health is important! Stop in to get great information and resources that will help you be your best self.

FALL FESTIVAL

Wednesday, October 18 2 – 4 p.m.

Celebrate the change in season with an afternoon of activities, delicious food and the joy of spending time with family and friends.

We look forward to welcoming you!

RSVP to 678-841-0030

Find Your Community with Church on Main in Snellville

By Kristen Eleveld

Many people in the Snellville community are familiar with First Baptist Snellville, a staple that has been around since the late 1800s. And if you’re driving by and wondering where First Baptist Snellville has gone, don’t worry. It’s right where it’s always been. But now it has a new name to match its goals for reaching the community that has surrounded it for so long. Welcome to Church on Main.

Led by Pastor Brian Boyles, the church has worked to be an intentional, integral part of the neighborhoods around it as it invites everyone into its doors for services and events. Though the name is different, the mission and values are the same: to teach the Bible to anyone who wants to learn.

“We discussed changing the name for almost three years before we made a decision,” said Brian. “We talked about it as a staff and as a church to make sure everyone understood why we wanted to change the name.”

For Brian and the staff at Church on Main, the biggest goal of the name change was to be more accessible to members of the community. Their doctrine, statement of faith, and other values remain exactly the same as always as they work to teach biblical truth to those around them.

“What we believe has not changed,” explained Brian. “The only thing that’s different is the way we do church.”

Like so many others in his community, Brian is no stranger to overcoming hardships and struggles related to his faith. His plans to create a church environment that appealed to more of the community were driven by his desire to let everyone know that they were welcome to worship anytime, regardless of anything that may have happened in their past or present. This is also one of the reasons that Church on Main has two services every Sunday – one that plays more traditional music and another that has a more contemporary feel. Whatever you are looking for in a friendly, gospel-driven church, Church on Main is working to make sure you can find it.

Brian credits the welcoming nature of the staff and church members as one of the things the community has responded to the most.

“Everyone here is so friendly,” he said. “We have a casual, accepting

environment here.”

When Brian and his team are not prepping for Sunday services, you can probably find them working in one of the many ministries the church has participated in or started throughout the years. You might see them hosting events for South Gwinnett High School or volunteering in the English literacy classes they teach on campus. The church also offers citizenship classes, as well as other helpful resources like a food pantry and a clothes closet to meet the needs of those around them. They also support other ministries, such as a Haitian church that was able to move from meeting in a small room to a church building, thanks to the support of Church on Main and others in the community. If there is an opportunity to support another church, Brian always encourages church members to take it, fostering an environment that is focused more on the work that gets done instead of who is doing it.

If you were to stop by for a service on Sunday, you would likely learn a lot as the church goes through books of the Bible on a deeper level to learn more about not only what the Bible says, but what the words mean and how they apply to everyday life.

For Brian, the biggest joy comes from seeing people learning more and more about the Bible and coming back eager to learn more.

“I am so grateful for the people here and how much they want to know what the Bible says,” said Brian. “It’s great to be at a church where people are so hungry to understand.”

If you are looking for a church community, you have found it in Church on Main. Brian and the staff will be waiting to say hello!

More information at www.churchonmain.net, 770-978-7000

Kid’s Corner: Six Smart Ways to Save Money for Your Kids

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

While there are many ways to set your kids up for a successful future, money in the bank is one of the most powerful financial tools you can pass along. Every dollar you save or invest can help your child create a productive and stable foundation for many years to come.

When it comes to saving for your kids, the sooner the better. Building up funds now can ensure kids will have less to worry about as they get older and can open up more financial opportunities. To help you get started, consider these several ways to save wisely for your kids.

1. Open a college savings account:

If higher education is in your child’s future, consider a 529 savings plan. This is a tax-advantaged investment plan that can be opened as soon as your child is born. The money grows tax free and can be withdrawn without taxes. There are two types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition and education savings. Prepaid tuition plans can purchase credits at a participating university and lock in current tuition costs. An education savings plan is an investment account where funds are designated for qualified college expenses. Be sure to consult a tax advisor to assist with your specific circumstances as this is only intended to provide general information.

2. Invest in a home:

Purchasing a home can be one of the most secure and highest-return investments you can make for your children, especially in today’s housing market. A home can be passed down through generations or sold when the value has increased.

If you’re looking to invest in a home for your children, consider

manufactured housing. Manufactured homes attached to a permanent foundation appreciate at an average rate of 3.4%, while traditional homes appreciate at an average rate of 3.8%. So, while manufactured homes may not appreciate at the exact same rate, they’re close!

3. Use Roth IRA contributions:

If you have a Roth IRA account, you can use some of the funds to pay for qualifying education expenses. If your account is at least five years old, you can withdraw up to your original contribution amount. Be sure to consult a tax advisor to assist with your specific circumstances.

4. Allow Kids to use Debit Cards:

Consider teaching your kids money management skills early on by allowing them to use a debit card co-owned by you. If you have teenagers who earn an income, this is a great tool for learning how to deposit checks, set aside money for savings, and more.

5. Open a high-yield Savings Account:

A high-yield savings account can be a great place to stash birthday and holiday gift money over the years and watch it continue to grow. This type of account can typically be co-owned and managed by parents until your child is responsible enough to manage it on their own.

6. Set aside money in a trust fund:

Putting money for your kids in a trust doesn’t have the same tax benefits as a 529 plan, but it does pose some important benefits. Trust accounts allow you as parents to create exact rules around how you want the funds dispersed to your children. For example, you can give the money in a series of installments or request that it be used only toward tuition. Whether you’re thinking about your child’s education or simply want to set aside funds for when they reach a certain age, plan ahead and consider these tips and options for reaching your goals. (BPT)

No Name...No Way

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enough run to win individual states was the American Independent Party candidacy of Alabama Governor George Wallace in 1968. Wallace ran as an ardent segregationist, carrying five states of the Old South, and peeling enough votes off of fellow Democrat Senator Hubert Humphrey, to propel Richard Nixon into the White House. I’d like to see Joe Manchin remain a US Senator, but The No Name Party – No chance.

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

One Man’s Opinion: Our Governor, And We’d Like to Keep Him

By Bill Crane

I first met Brian Kemp as a young state senator from Athens, Georgia. He was also an agri-businessman, developer, and homebuilder. After four years in the state senate, Kemp ran for agriculture commissioner in 2006, finishing second in the GOP Primary to Gary Black, who won the general election that fall. In 2010, when Secretary of State Karen Handel resigned to run for governor, Governor Sonny Perdue appointed Kemp to the position. Kemp served there ably, and was re-elected to two full terms in 2010 and again in 2014. During 2017/2018, he began an underdog GOP campaign for governor, with the odd’s-on favorite at the time being popular GOP Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle. But later, the Cagle campaign was stumbling, atop flat debate performances aided by a troubling recording in circulation of a conversation that Cagle thought was private. Former Governor Sonny Perdue was now in the Trump Administration Cabinet as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Toward the end of a Cabinet meeting and before that runoff, Secretary Perdue reportedly told President Donald Trump that he should look at the Georgia governor’s race and perhaps get involved. U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA), a Trump ally and the former governor’s first cousin, seconded that advice. Without ever meeting or speaking to Kemp per-

sonally, Trump tweeted his endorsement of the secretary of state, giving a well-timed boost to Kemp’s campaign heading into the runoff. Kemp would handily carry (69-31%) all but two counties of Georgia’s 159, including Cagle’s home county of Hall. It was a harsh beatdown for the lieutenant governor.

Kemp headed into the fall campaign against a well-funded and increasingly national political figure, former State House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams. Abrams would be exceedingly critical of Kemp not resigning as secretary of state during the campaign. While Karen Handel had resigned during the 2010 campaign, two other Democrats, Secretary of State Cathy Cox and Secretary of State Lewis Massey, had each campaigned for governor while holding the office, losing out in the Democratic primary or runoff. Though Georgia elections are administered by county election superintendents and boards of election, the secretary of state oversees the election process, whose office also reviews/investigates allegations of irregularities or voter fraud. The secretary of state in Georgia also does not TABULATE votes, only reporting out the unofficial tallies and later certifying the results received from each county.

The 2018 gubernatorial contest was close; roughly 58,000 votes separated Abrams and Kemp. Kemp was sworn in, but Abrams never conceded and continued to allege voter suppression and related irregularities which cost her a contest that she actually “won.” This may sound familiar when I speak later of Donald Trump and the 2020 contest in Georgia.

During 2020, Kemp campaigned for Trump’s re-election, though the incumbent president was critical of Kemp re-opening Georgia “too soon,” and other disagreements over the appointment of a successor to retiring U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA). Trump favored Congressman Doug Collins (R-District 14), but Kemp instead appointed political newcomer and entrepreneur Kelly Loeffler as the interim senator. Trump’s re-election would top the GOP ticket that November 2020, along with two GOP senators, David Perdue and interim Senator Loeffler. Of those three, Senator Perdue would receive the highest ballot count, as Trump, Perdue, and Loeffler each eventually lost their respective races.

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Sports Talk: 2023 Fall Middle School Golf League

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Although the Middle School Golf League (MSGL) in the past has had both a spring and fall season, beginning in the fall of 2023, league team play will only be available in the fall. Optional MSGL tournament play will be offered in the spring. With the change, the fall season will be expanded, with play starting on August 20th and running through October.

Players are assigned to teams of 5 to 8 players, generally based on middle school attendance, and receive golf shirts with their middle school or feeder high school colors. Each Middle School is encouraged to have a teacher or staff member as a contact to make it more of a school club sport.

The Middle School Golf League is organized with parents registering through the South Gwinnett Athletic Association. Regular play during the fall season is planned at Snellville’s County Club of Gwinnett, Lawrenceville’s Collins Hill Golf Course, Loganville’s Cedar Lake Golf Course, and Winder’s Chimneys Golf Course. Play also may be at Dacula’s Trophy Club of Apalachee, and Monroe’s Providence and Monroe Golf and Country Club Courses. Play is mainly on Sunday afternoons, with some instruction, practice, and tournament play on Saturdays.

“When we began the Middle School Golf League on Sunday afternoons,” said League Director Les Witmer, “it was a time when course play was readily available. The popularity of golf since Covid has increased golf course play on weekends. By making it mostly a fall league and having just tournament play in the spring, we think it will benefit all.”

Witmer emphasized that the program’s goal is to teach the fundamentals of golf and, through team best ball play, provide a positive environment where everyone participates, no matter whether just a beginner or a junior player who has playing experience.

“We’re really proud of the interest we have received in the past from these middle school players and parents and the support from their middle school administration and their cluster high school golf coaches,” Witmer said.

Weeding…A Word for Your Day

Continued from page 9

al growth and self-leadership will flourish. How well we lead/influence others flows from how well we lead ourselves. I invite you to perform a weeding audit consistently. Like weeds in the yard, weeds in our self-leadership can show up and stage a takeover when we consistently neglect ourselves. Proactively be aware of who you are and how well you are leading self. Removing invasive or unnecessary elements creates space for new growth and keeps us leading forward. More information at www.janebishoplive.com.

Epie’s Electrical Services

Continued from page 13

plugs or switches start to spark. Sometimes you may just want to upgrade the switches you’ve looked at for thirty years. Epie’s Electrical Services has you covered. They’ve got some fancy ones now that can control your lights from your phone. Some of them can even make the lights change colors.

Property management companies, commercial buildings, and light industrial complexes are part of Epie’s weekly schedule and residential appointments. They have added parking lot lighting, transformers, panels, circuits, switches, LED light installations, and all the other things you do in a commercial setting.

As contractors in Georgia, the company is fully licensed and insured: liability and full workers’ comp insurance. They will gladly provide you with certificates of insurance; just ask and they will send them to you.

Dan and Philip want to make one thing very clear. You will never get charged for receiving an estimate from Epie’s Electrical Services. It is their privilege to come to your home or office. They never charge for walking in a door. Never have, never will. The Epie’s team is eager to serve you and treat you like part of the family.

More information at info@epies-electrical.com or 770-339-8808.

According to the league website, beginning players new to golf are afforded optional basic golf instruction before everyone attends the AllPlayers MSGL Clinic. After the instructional golf clinic, players are encouraged to take that knowledge onto the golf course. In addition, all players, especially beginning golfers, are encouraged to practice ball striking skills between team play. During the 8-week season, the format for play is team competition best ball play including during one week “High School Day,” where high school team golfers are invited to play along with their cluster middle school teams, and a week of individual stroke play, where the most advanced players are invited to play in an invitational individual stroke 9-hole tournament. The season culminates for everyone with a Drive, Chip, and Putt competition, and the MSGL Awards Presentations. Players play from forward or junior tees based on ability.

“Each team has a volunteer team marshal who is responsible for team lineups and supervises the play on the course,” added Witmer. “Parents may walk with their players and caddy, or may rent a cart if available; and players may ride with them and have their bag of clubs in the cart; but again, parents must keep the carts on the cart path at all times.”

However, Witmer, who is also an assistant high school golf coach at Brookwood High School, emphasized that middle school players play from tees based on ability, and that players are encouraged to walk the nine holes and carry their clubs or have a pushcart.

“As a high school golf coach, we see it as a challenge for many junior players trying out the first time for high school golf and being required to play from tees farther back and walking 18 holes,” concluded Witmer. “We encourage our more advanced junior players to play and experience that in local junior golf tournaments!”

At the close of online registration, there will be a parent orientation either in person or via video conferencing.

More information at https://www.middleschoolgolfleague.com or email Les Witmer at lawitmer@comcast.net.

Drive Carefully

Continued from page 8

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 over one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. 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. More than 679,000 AAA School Safety Patrollers stand guard at over 35,000 schools nationwide. 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

Learning for Life: It’s All About Balance

By Tanisha Turner

Children start learning from the moment they are born, soaking up information from observing, discovering, and eventually exploring the world around them. Research shows that the first five years of a child’s life hold the most potential for development. During this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for learning, parents, caregivers, and educators can help children build a foundation for future success by providing a rich balance of learning experiences.

“The first five years are the best time to engage children’s minds and help them develop skills that will allow them to thrive later on in life,” says Gloria Julius, Ed.D., vice president of education and professional development at Primrose Schools. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching and learning, so an ideal learning environment for young children balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from adults and offers a variety of experiences.”

The Snellville Lions Club

Continued from page 8

“We’re the world’s largest service organization,” Lion Cheryl shared. The Snellville Lions Club meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Walton EMC on Lenora Church Road. They always seek more members and volunteers to reach, and service more people and organizations in need within the Snellville community.

Helen Keller beseeched the Lions at the 1925 International Convention saying, “Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?”

It’s clear this organization wasn’t meant to exist simply to help local citizens see more clearly in the literal sense. Perhaps it was also destined to help those in need be able to see a better life and future for themselves through the exhaustive love, support, and resources provided by the Snellville Lions Club.

We all know a lion need not roar to demonstrate its power. Its mere presence can cause anyone to stand up and take notice. More information at https://www.facebook.com/SnellvilleLionsClub.

One Man’s Opinion Continued

from page 17

Kemp did something few in his party seem capable of doing. Without directly criticizing Trump, and while acknowledging support for his campaign in 2020, Kemp stood by the Georgia law and election results and would not engage or respond to whatever the former president threw his way. This independence resounded particularly well with independent and non-party-aligned Georgia voters in 2022. This would also place Kemp, along with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and a few other GOP officials in other states, atop the Trump enemies list.

The 2022 rematch with Abrams seemed anti-climactic. Abrams would be out-polled by two of her own fellow nominees down-ticket on the Democratic ballot. She admitted late in the campaign to having a particular challenge locking down black male voters. Her margin of loss was 8 percent, and this time she did concede on election night.

Georgia may remain one of the few original thirteen colonies with only one U.S. President, Jimmy Carter. And while his track record as former president has been unparalleled, Carter also found Washington more than a bit unwelcoming. Brian Kemp is our governor, and he is delivering for Georgia. The choice of course, is his to make, but I think we would like to keep him here.

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

Learning occurs as children play freely and interact with their environment, as well as through guidance and modeling by adults. Childcare and preschool environments that blend both approaches to learning while balancing different skills and subjects – from science to music to lessons in kindness – help ensure every child reaches his or her full potential.

Of course, learning is not limited to the classroom. The following fun at-home activities also nurture important skills and developmental areas for little ones. Best of all, you can do them together!

Exercise decision-making and critical thinking skills by playing with puzzles together. Let your child try out different pieces rather than showing him or her the right ones.

Build language and literacy skills by writing a story with your little one. Let your child add the illustrations and contribute to the storyline.

Develop important motor skills by tossing a ball with your child or chasing each other in a game of tag. Being active together helps children build a love for physical activity.

Explore science and nutrition by planting a fruit and vegetable garden together. Your child’s natural curiosity will spark questions and exploration as the planted seeds grow and transform.

Model important character traits, such as compassion, kindness, and generosity, for your child. Volunteer at your local animal shelter or share veggies from your garden with a neighbor so your child can witness and learn firsthand the joy of giving back.

Every experience can be a learning opportunity for children. Encourage them to explore, observe, investigate, and ask questions. Allow lots of time for play and provide guidance along the way to take learning to the next level.

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

Continued from page 13

and many more misconceptions. Freemasonry is usually labeled a “secret society.” If that’s true, we’re doing a lousy job of hiding. Our lodges are well marked, and many of our members wear jewelry, hats, and more that identify them as Masons. Freemasonry also has a well-documented general history, and notable individuals like Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain), and Brad Paisley have been members of this ancient Fraternity.

We aren’t a religion – though our members must believe in a supreme being and the immortal soul. In fact, our lodge prohibits the discussion of religion and politics during meetings. We are simply a Fraternity of men seeking to better themselves.

Mountain Park Masonic Lodge 729 was born after Master Masons from lodges in Gwinnett County and Stone Mountain sponsored the formation of a new lodge. Our charter was granted on October 25, 1961 by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Freemasons in Georgia, and we’ve been here ever since. While you’ve probably heard of other branches of Freemasonry like Shriners International, York Rite, Scottish Rite, and the Knights Templar, those members first had to be part of a Masonic Lodge just like ours. Our lodge currently has 131 members dedicated to improving their community.

Each year, our community-wide fundraisers allow us to present multiple donations to Lilburn’s elementary and middle schools. These funds allow school counselors to provide much-needed support to children and families facing food insecurities, financial difficulties, and other hardships. We are always proud to serve our community, especially when we can help those in need.

Beyond Lilburn’s borders, we sponsor a child at the Masonic Home of Georgia in Macon – a residential living facility that helps children overcome difficult living circumstances. They provide a safe haven and the educational, spiritual, and mental support needed for these children to thrive and reach their full potential.

We hope we’ve demystified our organization and hope you’ll join us for dinner on the first and third Thursday of each month, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. sharp.

We look forward to meeting you soon, neighbor!

More information at mountainpark729@gmail.com or www.mpl729. org.

Masonic Lodge 729

Ryan’s

Remarks Continued from page 7

I: Initiative is the spark that ignites the fire within us. It is the proactive drive to take charge of our lives, pursue our passions, and positively impact our community. When we harness the power of initiative, we become catalysts for change and we inspire others to follow.

T: Tenacity is the unwavering resolve to stay the course, no matter how difficult the journey. It is the refusal to give up, even when the odds are stacked against us. Tenacity enables us to push through tough times, persevere when others might falter, and emerge stronger on the other side.

You see, my friends, GRIT is not just an abstract concept – it is a force that empowers us to overcome obstacles, realize our dreams, and build a thriving community. It is the key ingredient that transforms ordinary individuals into extraordinary leaders, dreamers, and achievers.

I am continually amazed by the countless examples of grit I witness in our community. From the small business owner who turns setbacks

into opportunities, to the volunteer who tirelessly dedicates time to uplift others, to the student who defies all odds to pursue their dreams – the stories of grit are woven into the very fabric of our community. And our community is remarkable.

So, in August, let us recognize and embrace the power of grit and that challenges are not roadblocks but growth opportunities. Let us embrace resilience, seize initiative, and hold steadfast to our dreams with unwavering tenacity. As I always say, behind every seeming problem lies a solution. In addition, I often say if you want something bad enough, you will find a way; and if you don’t, you will find an excuse.

Together, we can continue to grow our community that thrives on grit – where every individual is inspired to reach his or her full potential to make way for a brighter future. I wish everyone an excellent August 2023. And, as always, thank you for continuing the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

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Become a Lifelong Learner at Brenau University

By Kristen Eleveld

When learning new information and skills, we all have different styles. Some of us like to attend an in-person class, while others prefer to fit an online class into their busy schedule. Some students begin their college education straight out of high school, while others return to school later in life and are just as eager to learn. But whether you learn best in person, online, in the morning, in the evening, or through hands-on work, we have great news: Brenau University is the perfect fit for you.

While Brenau was once exclusively a women’s college, it has expanded its offerings to meet the needs of all student populations. And by every student, they mean anyone from the traditional college-age student and up, because no matter what stage of life you’re in, Brenau invites you to keep learning.

For Dr. Shatrela Washington-Hubbard, Dean of the College of Business & Communication, encouraging students of all ages to add new knowledge and skills to their life is a goal that is infinitely worth pursuing.

“I am very passionate about education,” Dr. Washington-Hubbard said of what inspires her as dean. “Seeing students begin careers and advance careers through their education is one of the best parts of my job.”

Dr. Washington-Hubbard and the team at Brenau see a myriad of students walk through the doors – or log on to the online learning platform – at Brenau. And as dean of the College of Business & Communications, Dr. Washington-Hubbard facilitates those students building critical skills through Brenau’s programs, regardless of where their career and life may take them after graduation.

“Business and communication are areas that provide fundamental skills that everyone needs, no matter what industry you want to work in,” said Dr. Washington-Hubbard. “We offer degrees in communication, accounting, finance, digital marketing, healthcare management, organizational leadership, and several other fields. All of these majors are useful in any industry.”

Dr. Washington-Hubbard and the rest of the College of Business & Communication faculty and staff are always glad to see traditional and non-traditional students enroll. The dean holds a special place in her heart for those returning to further their education after spending some time outside of college, whether through a career, family, or other opportunities. With so many educational options available in person and online, Dr. WashingtonHubbard hopes that others will be encouraged to gain some new knowledge or skillsets, especially if it will help them advance their career.

The College of Business & Communication offers graduate certificates in addition to multiple master’s degree programs. The certificates are designed to allow students an opportunity to increase their knowledge in a particular discipline, such as business analytics, project management, human resource management, and other fields, without undertaking a full

Continued on page 22

Supermom Continued from page 10

went to the doctor. Her general practitioner urged her to head straight to the emergency room to get an MRI because she was failing basic balance tests. The MRI showed multiple lesions on the brain and spine, a major indication of Multiple Sclerosis. After visiting with a neurologist, Jennifer received the official diagnosis of MS in March 2021.

Her symptoms quickly progressed to temporary paralysis (also known as freezing of gait) and blurry vision. “It was so hard because I no longer felt in control of my body,” Jennifer said. “I couldn’t play with my kids like I wanted to. We used to go on family hikes and other adventures, and that all came to a halt.”

Recently Jennifer experienced a yearning to be productive again and use her creative talents to contribute to her family finances and the marketplace, while being back home with her kids. She started a crafting business – creating decorative door signs and wedding/baby shower décor. Tapping into her contacts from her journalism days, Jennifer even landed Lindsay Lohan as a recent client.

Jennifer wants people to know that raising a child with Autism, even if you’re managing a chronic disease of your own, can be done. It just takes time and a lot of research. “I’ve become obsessed with learning everything I can about Autism and MS,” Jennifer said. “There’s a long wait list for things like private orthopedic therapy, speech therapy, and other services that my son needs, which can be frustrating.”

Thankfully, Jennifer’s son has a high-functioning variety of Autism, which has been managed through local resources and a strong community of support. MS Lifeline and several Facebook groups have been invaluable resources for Jennifer and her family.

If there’s one thing Jennifer wants to educate people about when it comes to MS is that the disease is not a one-size-fits-all. It can look very different from person to person. “Not everyone with MS ends up in a wheelchair for life, but that doesn’t mean we’re not suffering or that we don’t have a disability,” she said. “In fact, it’s called ‘the invisible disease’ for good reason.”

Jennifer wished she had not waited so long to seek help for her symptoms. “It’s so important to listen to your body and pay attention to symptoms that aren’t quite right,” she added. “I also didn’t practice adequate self-care. I pushed my body too hard too often.”

Jennifer also stressed that it’s very important to find a doctor who listens to your concerns. She went through three different doctors before finding the one that was right for her.

For now, Jennifer has slowed down and is taking life one day at a time, enjoying her children and her crafting business. She has also become an advocate for MS and Autism and even did a walk for MS recently.

More information at https://www.facebook.com/ SimplySouthernCraftsCompany?mibextid=LQQJ4d.

Brenau University

Continued from page 21

degree, especially if a student wants to hone in on a particular set of skills. While these certificates are not yet available for undergraduate programs, Dr. Washington-Hubbard is optimistic that undergraduate students will soon be able to utilize some of these more concentrated courses to pursue micro-credentials.

Brenau also is partnering with the City of Roswell by facilitating workshops and offering city employees the chance to enroll in Brenau’s many accredited programs.

“It’s a joy to see so many adults pursue credentials through our online programs, which will help them remain competitive in the workforce,” said Dr. Washington-Hubbard. “We hope to continue to employ creative and innovative approaches to help students of all ages learn and advance their careers.”

More information at www.brenau.edu