AUGUST 2023: (GREEN) Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

On the Cover: Celebrating 20 Years with Primrose School at Sugarloaf

By Kristen Eleveld

Educating our children in a loving environment that also nurtures their individual needs seems like a tall order, maybe even too good to be true. But for Primrose School at Sugarloaf, parents have found that their children not only get everything they need, but that the team at this school will always go above and beyond to ensure that each child has the opportunity to learn and develop. As they celebrate twenty years of serving the Gwinnett area, they have no plans to slow down anytime soon. In fact, they strive to offer a little more each year.

“I’m really proud of how long we have been able to do this!” said Tanisha Turner, who owns Primrose Sugarloaf and serves as its leader on campus. “It feels great to give children the opportunity for future success at such a young age.”

When reflecting on how Primrose Sugarloaf has thrived for two decades, Tanisha can think of a few driving factors. First is the school’s commitment to excellence in all that they do, whether in the classroom or as part of the community. Working to serve the community around them is a high priority for Tanisha and her team, so they have become a household name for many Lawrenceville residents and

beyond. In addition to their ongoing dedication to giving 120% each day, Tanisha credits much of the school’s success to the parents bringing their children daily. The parents of Primrose are considered partners in their child’s learning, but Tanisha takes that a step further by working to encourage parents who have questions or concerns about how to help their children develop.

And, of course, one of the biggest reasons that Primrose Sugarloaf has passed the test of

time with passing colors is that everyone who works there loves what they do each day.

“We are here to guide kids through all parts of life,” Tanisha said. “Academics are part of it but we also work on social skills, how to deal with emotions and be resilient, and a lot of other areas that are so important to these kids.”

As a teacher of nearly forty years who has

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Our Town

— 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 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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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

Jane Bishop

Bill Crane

Tanisha Turner

Pam Walker

H. Darrell Watson

Ryan’s Remarks

By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

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

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Bonika Shears Presents: Sharpeners Jam 2023

By Traci Sanders

Bonnie Megowan began her career as a high school science teacher in the 1970s. Later she became the general manager for a knife warehouse. However, Bonnie felt strongly that she was meant to do something else, though she wasn’t quite sure what that was at the time. She prayed that God would reveal her true calling.

One day Bonnie was speaking to a customer on the phone who was buying sharpening stones and equipment. Bonnie was intrigued and began asking the man questions. He revealed he had learned to sharpen in prison and was now sharpening scissors for hair salons. Immediately Bonnie knew that’s what she wanted to do (sharpen for hair salons, not go to prison). She soon gave her notice and traveled to Boston to learn. That was the start she needed to develop the skills on her own through trial and error and by learning from a variety of sharpeners from other areas of the country.

The business was slow to grow. Bonnie’s hairstylist friend, Katherine, encouraged her to start producing shears to sell to hairstylists, and the two women came up with the name Bonika for the business by combining some letters of their names. Bonnie grew the company through hair shows, online sales, and selling shears wholesale to sharpeners.

Few people realize that most cities have sharpeners who travel to hair salons, barber shops, and groomers, offering sharpening services and shear sales. Prices for sharpening averages nationwide around

Learning Lessons: Tips on Raising a Child to Work Well with Others

By Tanisha Turner

Cooperation is an essential life skill that allows children to make friends and work successfully with others. The definition of cooperation is simple enough – combining energies to work toward a common goal. But teaching it can be challenging as it requires a combination of character attributes, such as respect, honesty, patience, and thoughtfulness. Every parent wants his or her child to exhibit these skills, but they are tricky lessons to teach since young children are naturally focused on themselves. The good news is that cooperation can be learned over time through purposeful activities and frequent encouragement from parents and caregivers.

We know that children primarily learn character through imitation. They listen, observe, and learn cooperation skills by watching their caregivers’ and parents’ words and actions. When your child sees you working happily with others, he will sense the joy you feel and want to experience that joy, too. By practicing cooperative skills in front of your child, you teach behaviors that will ultimately help your child succeed. Here are some ways you can model cooperation:

• Listen carefully to others to understand what they are saying.

• Share or take turns when more than one person wants the same thing. Start at home with family conversations that allow everyone time to talk.

$30 per pair of shears, which can be a huge money saver for stylists because high quality shears cost between $200 and $300 per pair to replace. Sharpening is a highly sought after, cost-effective alternative. Some stylists lose hundreds if not thousands of dollars by hiring unqualified sharpeners who ruin the stylists’ shears.

Bonnie’s family has become part of the industry as well. Her daughter, Mystie Hunter, is the office manager. Mystie’s husband, Jay, has been a local in-salon sharpener for twenty years through his company, Livin on the Edges. Her other son-in-law, Mark Pratt, assembles sharpening machines for Bonika Shears that sell for $3,600 each. Bonnie’s granddaughter, Susannah, graduated from Parkview and Bonika Shears awarded her a scholarship based on her two inventions of sharpening aid tools, which are now being manufactured and produced by the company. Bonnie enjoys the educational side of the business. Her primary role is to train new sharpeners who travel from all over the world to their Loganville office for private classes. In addition, she and her husband Gene, the sales manager for Bonika Shears, teach at cosmetology schools and conventions.

Bonika Shears hosts a yearly convention known as Sharpeners Jam, where sharpeners come together and compete to share the best ideas and attend seminars. Since Covid, the event has expanded to a simulcast experience, both online and in-person.

This year the 25th Sharpeners Jam was held on July 8th, 9th, and 10th at the Anna Holbrook Building in Loganville. Footage from previous Sharpeners Jam events can be found on the website and on YouTube. More information at bonika.com or call 770-972-4332

• Compromise when you have a serious conflict.

• Do your part of a shared task and do the very best that you can. When you complete your task, ask others how you might help them complete their work.

• Show appreciation for what people contribute to a group or team.

• Encourage others to do their best.

• Include everyone and make everyone feel needed. Help your child recognize that everybody has something valuable to offer in a group. In addition to serving as a role model, it’s essential to teach your child cooperation intentionally. Use the following everyday activities as opportunities to encourage your child to cooperate with family and friends:

• When you read a story with your child, point out times when the characters cooperate with each other. Discuss how the characters feel and how much easier it is to accomplish the task when they work together.

• Schedule household chores at times when all family members can work together to finish them.

• Praise your child for her attempts to help, and refrain from redoing the chore when she’s finished. Help her see the fun of working together to accomplish a goal. Talk about how much faster the chores were completed than if mom or dad had to do it alone.

• Point out how cooperation with chores allows for more time for family fun.

“Catch” your child sharing or helping someone and show your appreciation. Encourage the behavior but refrain from giving material rewards; they are unnecessary. Children should learn the joy of helping others without expecting something in return.

By taking advantage of these moments and creating learning opportunities for your child, you will help him understand the importance of cooperation. Working together becomes fun for children as they develop an understanding of the skills and techniques needed to achieve a common goal.

Tanisha Turner is the Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com or 770-513-0066.

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

Insurance Matters: Taking Rate

By H. Darrell Watson

When premiums go up in the insurance industry, we refer to this as “Taking Rate.” Regardless of your insurance carrier, when you opened your latest bill, you no doubt saw that your bill was higher. Your insurance company has taken rate. Why?

1) The cost of new vehicles has increased. Since 2019, the average price of a new car in the US has risen 30% to $50,000, according to statistics cited by Bloomberg News.

2) The cost of used vehicles has increased. Used car prices increased an impressive 52% between August 2019 and August 2022.

3) The cost of repairing vehicles has increased. The cost to repair a

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, selfdoubt, and stagnation from multiplying helps cultivate an environment where personal 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

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vehicle increased by 40% from 2018 to 2022.

4) Bodily Injury claims have skyrocketed. In 2020, personal injury filings in the US surged 97% from the previous year.

To mitigate the rise in expenses, insurance companies are forced to take rate. Some are predicting that they will be forced to take rate increases through 2024. Ouch!

How you can mitigate those price increases:

1) Bundle – most insurance companies give you discounts when you bundle your vehicles and home insurance.

2) Increase your deductibles – the higher the deductible, the lower the premium because you accept more responsibility regarding your risk.

3) Take a Defensive Driving Class – many insurance companies will give you a 10% discount if you take a defensive driving class.

4) Agree to sign up for the telemetric program offered by your insurance company. State Farm’s is called Drive Safe and Save. Your initial discount is 10% but this can increase based on your driving habits (i.e., how fast you start and stop, how you take curves, your overall speed, and the number of miles you drive).

Taking rate is not something insurance companies take lightly. Call your insurance agent and ask what you can do to offset the increases.

More information at (770) 910-3399

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, 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 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.

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 Continued on page 22

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, 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

Seen in Gwinnett

Emil’s Photo of the Month

Remarks

us down.

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!

(Scan QR Code to watch OUR TOWN TV SHOW)

OWNER, NATE MCMICHAEL

Meet Dream Chasers 21: Making a Difference in Lives

By Tana Poncsak

An old proverb states, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” This proverb seems to ring true for Lorri Brown, founder of Dream Chasers 21, located in Buford, Georgia.

Lorri grew up in Meridian, Mississippi, and was the daughter of some very giving parents. She recalls it was commonplace for people to knock on their door at any given hour. As a curious child and the youngest of nine, Lorri asked her mother why they had so many visitors at all hours of the day and night. Her father, self-employed and well-to-do, was also generous, and Lorri’s mother explained to her that the visitors were people in need. But Lorri still couldn’t understand “Why our door?”

Years later, she not only figured out why, but she finds herself doing the same thing – helping others. For Lorri, it started with helping the homeless; but over time it has grown to include anyone who has a need, including the many families in the area.

“After three years of helping the homeless, we started encountering people who said their children were hungry,” Lorri said, adding that a child cannot concentrate and excel in school if hungry. So they started helping families, too. She also said she wants to do more to help seniors living on a fixed income.

Several businesses have partnered with the nonprofit Dream Chasers 21, started by Lorri and her husband, Randy, as they work to help others. But the organization recently lost the building where they offered a food pantry.

Currently, they help others individually and on a larger scale through Grace Point Community Church, but they are looking for a building or space to provide a more permanent food pantry for those in need. They

Malerie’s Hope: Helping Fight Childhood Cancer

By Tana Poncsak

Malerie Moulder was eight months old when her parents, Mike and Marla Moulder, were told she had a brain tumor. They were given the statistics, but Malerie’s mother, Marla, said at that point, they knew they had a God that is much bigger than statistics.

After many surgeries and grueling hours of intense therapies, including occupational, speech, and physical therapies, Malerie defied the odds. But the road to Malerie’s recovery wasn’t easy. “She was very, very sick for a long time,” Marla said, “and we decided that I can’t just wasn’t an option.”

The tumor was attached to Malerie’s brain stem, which according to WebMD, is the lower portion of the brain responsible for controlling a large number of the body’s automatic functions essential to life. Malerie’s treatment included a delicate surgery where surgeons removed about 80 percent of the tumor. Since then, Malerie has had regular MRIs, and Marla said that within a year post-surgery, there was no evidence of any remaining tumor. The good news – today Malerie is tumor free and thriving.

While the surgery was a success, Malerie experienced many complications, including total paralysis on the left side of her entire body, vocal cord paralysis causing the need for Malerie to be tube fed for two years following the surgery, and the development of hydrocephalus that caused fluid and pressure on the brain, which meant the need for more surgeries to place a shunt to relieve the fluid and pressure.

Marla estimates that between shunt revisions and other surgeries, Malerie had an estimated 35 to 38 surgeries in the first thirteen years of

are also looking for trucks that will allow them to be more mobile and get to more people in need of their services.

According to Lorri, the nonprofit served 8,399 people in the last year. “With the economy the way it is –gas prices are high, groceries are high, and people cannot afford the higher rent,” Lorri said. “Because the rent amounts have increased, people are struggling, and I just feel that as a community it’s up to us to help. I’m going to do my part even if I have to do it alone. People are in serious need.”

Lorri gets weary at times, but then a child comes up and hugs her after getting a fruit cup, and she keeps on going knowing her motivation and determination comes from a higher power. “I tell everybody this is not me,” she says. “This is God.”

And her generosity has been recognized by her neighbors. Last year Lorri was nominated for the Nextdoor 100 for her actions in helping an injured homeless man.

In the YouTube video, featuring Lorri and her nomination for the award, she said it makes her feel awesome to be nominated.

“It lets me know that what I’m doing is touching lives,” Lorri said.

Lorri has a flexible job working as a personal shopper, and her husband, Randy, is retired and helps out with the nonprofit, along with a couple of their children from the blended family. The organization holds BBQ fundraisers from time to time to help bridge some of the gaps when it comes to financial needs, but they can always use more.

More information at https://dreamchasers21.org/.

her young life. Her last shunt revision was in January 2011.

As one might imagine, finding the proper support early on was important. The Moulders had the support and help from family and close friends, especially Malerie’s grandparents. But they also found support in several organizations as well.

“One of the biggest things for us was getting involved in organizations early on,” Marla said, adding that it’s critical to get plugged into organizations for help. She pointed out that such groups as FOCUS and CURE Childhood Cancer, along with those that provide respite care, are vital to families in similar situations.

Even now Malerie is still prone to neurological apnea, so she requires oxygen, a pulse oximeter, and constant monitoring while she sleeps. That means she’s never been to a sleepover outside of family and a very few select family friends in her life. She can’t drive a car and relies on her parents, her brother, Michael, and friends for rides. And as a result of all that Malerie has endured, she will always have global developmental delays and disabilities.

But Malerie continues to amaze her family and others with the same determination and tenacity she demonstrated as an infant to beat the odds to become the young woman she is today.

“She beat the statistics,” Marla said. “She has gone on to defy the odds and has done many things that the professionals in her life said she would never do.”

Despite the circumstances, Marla said she realized how fortunate her family has been as she saw other families face similar circumstances. It’s because of this that she said she wanted to use Malerie’s story to make an impact, not only when it comes to childhood cancer, but for those with global delays and disabilities as well.

In 2017, Malerie’s Hope was formed, a nonprofit located in Buford, with a threefold mission: to find the cause and cure for childhood canContinued on

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

Play-it-Safe Tips to Protect Young Athletes’ Feet and Ankles

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

In today’s competitive youth sports landscape, injuries are common, and when they do occur, young athletes are often pressured to play through the pain.

“The back-to-school season is prime time for foot and ankle injuries from fall sports like soccer, football, and cross country,” says Richard Baker, DPM, FACFAS, a foot and ankle surgeon and Fellow Member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

“Fortunately, there are many steps parents, coaches, and young athletes can take to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place and to discourage kids from playing through pain.”

Here are eight play-it-safe tips from the foot and ankle surgeon members of ACFAS to help prevent injuries and treat them properly when they occur.

1. Get a pre-season checkup. A pre-season medical evaluation can help identify whether your child could benefit from using an orthotic or wearing a supportive ankle brace while playing. This is especially important for those with previous sprains and injuries.

2. Start the season with new shoes. Old shoes can wear down and become uneven, causing the ankle to tilt. And, as your child’s feet may have grown between seasons, their old shoes may not fit. The smart move is to replace athletic shoes at the start of each season. While children under 10 should wear all-purpose sports shoes, older youth athletes should wear sport-specific footwear.

3. Train for the season. Your child’s feet and ankles must be accustomed to the level of activity required for the sport. Adequate conditioning in the off-season can help maintain a player’s ability to meet these demands, reducing their risk of injury and improving their performance during the season.

4. Encourage warmup exercises. Calf stretches, and light jogging before competition helps warm up ligaments and blood vessels, reducing injury risk.

5. Check fields for dips, divots, and holes. Ninety percent of ankle sprains are due to poor playing conditions. That’s why some surgeons recommend walking the field, especially in non-professional settings

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Up Close with Gwinnett Housing Corporation

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Gwinnett Housing Corporation

(GHC) is pleased to announce the opening of Gwinnett County’s first Homeowner Resource Center. To aid in its development, GHC partnered with Norcross’s Downtown Development Authority to facilitate the building acquisition at 128 Lawrenceville Street. The nonprofit also partnered with HomeAid Atlanta and Lennar to renovate the building.

“I am truly grateful for our partnership with HomeAid Atlanta,” said Vice President of Operations Tom Bowers for Lennar Atlanta. “It provided us the opportunity to connect with Gwinnett Housing Corporation and the Norcross DDA to work on this unique project. It’s nothing short of remarkable to know that this completed facility will allow Gwinnett residents to obtain the coveted dream of home ownership.”

With its sights set on officially opening the center’s doors to the public, GHC hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the site on June 5th. Local leaders in attendance included Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson; Gwinnett County Commissioner Kirkland Carden; City of Lawrenceville Mayor David Still and Council Members Marlene Crawford Taylor, Victoria Jones, and Austin Thompson; City of Norcross Council Members Matt Myers and Josh Bare; and City of Norcross Downtown Development Authority Members Lauren Summers, Will Shipley, and Jim Eyre. Martha Revello of Senator Raphael Warnock’s office and Kyra Reed of Congresswoman Lucy McBath’s office were

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Primrose School at Sugarloaf

Continued from page 5

seen thousands of children come through the Primrose Sugarloaf doors in its tenure, Tanisha’s love of helping children grow has never diminished. It seems to grow stronger each year as she leads her team to offer everything they can to the children under their care.

While the details for the celebration of the twentieth anniversary are still in development, Primrose Sugarloaf never falls short when it comes to celebrations. On the first day of the school year, Primrose Sugarloaf literally rolled out the red carpet to its new and returning students and families. A photo booth with fun props was set up, and parents were encouraged to dress up and take photos with their children. There were bubbles, and even some prizes as the team at Sugarloaf Primrose did what they do best: make school an exciting place filled with joy and new opportunities. This red carpet event is just one of the dozens of ways that Primrose makes the school such a unique experience. Whether it’s

a special theme day or partnering with the community to donate canned goods to people in need, Primrose Sugarloaf is always ready to celebrate with the students and teach them to love their community.

Primrose serves as a school to children from infancy through kindergarten, but kids up to twelve years old are invited to be part of their after-care program and Summer Adventure Club, allowing working parents to rest assured that all of their children are being cared for and loved each day.

“When you’re an educator, you want to give,” said Tanisha. “But then you wind up getting a lot, too.”

If you want to learn more about what makes this school such an incredible opportunity for the Gwinnett area, Tanisha and her team are ready to help. Contact them to learn how your child can get the best experience at Primrose Sugarloaf.

More information at www.primroseschools.com/schools/sugarloaf-parkway-east/, or (770) 513-0066

Five Tips to Make Your Child’s Birthday the Best Ever

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Your child’s birthday is a special occasion that deserves to be celebrated with joy and creativity. As parents, we strive to create magical memories that will be cherished for years to come. If you’re looking for fresh ideas to make your child’s birthday unforgettable, look no further. Here are five creative tips to help you plan a birthday celebration that will have your child beaming with excitement.

1. Choose a Unique Theme: Setting a theme adds extra fun to any birthday party. Get your child involved in the decision-making process by allowing him or her to pick a favorite theme: a princess tea party, a superhero extravaganza, or an outer space adventure. Let your imagination soar and incorporate the theme into invitations, decorations, games, and even the cake!

2. DIY Decorations and Crafts: Add a personal touch to the celebration by involving your child in DIY decorations and crafts. Create colorful banners, paper streamers, or a photo booth backdrop. Encourage creativity by making handmade party favors or designing a special birthday crown. These homemade touches will make the event feel extra special and showcase your child’s artistic talents.

3. Make It an Interactive Experience: Engage the young guests with interactive activities that will keep them entertained and involved. Consider hiring a face painter or a balloon artist to bring an extra touch of magic. Set up activity stations where children can decorate cupcakes, make their own crafts, or participate in a themed treasure hunt. The more interactive the experience, the more memorable it will be for everyone involved.

4. Plan Unique Games and Challenges: Take traditional party games to the next level by adding a unique twist. Organize a scavenger hunt with clues about your child’s interests, or arrange a mini Olympics with fun challenges and prizes. You could also set up a game station where children can try their hand at carnival-style games or host a

Gwinnett Housing Corporation

also present.

Continued from page 15

Boasting a terrific turnout of supporters from all across the county, the event opened with an address from GHC Chief Executive Officer Lejla Prljaca about the growing housing crisis and lack of affordable homes in Gwinnett. During her speech, Prljaca revealed the steps GHC is taking to address the need and highlighted partners that will collaboratively work to ensure that more low-to-moderate-income residents in Gwinnett have the opportunity to become homeowners. The Center and its partners will also provide resources to low-to-moderate-income homeowners in Gwinnett that support the preservation of ownership of their current homes.

“The Norcross City Council and Staff, Downtown Development Authority, and I are all honored that our city is the birthplace of this first-of-its-kind offering for families in need in Gwinnett,” said Mayor Craig Newton. “As a Place to Imagine, Norcross offers the ideal setting for aspiring homebuyers not only to imagine but realize their dreams of homeownership.”

Through the Gwinnett Homeowner Resource Center, the Gwinnett Housing Corporation will provide programming in cooperation with other partner organizations, which include Habitat Gwinnett, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc., Money Management International, Catholic Charities, Community Sustainability Enterprise, the Gwinnett County Housing Department, and Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America. Programs will include housing counseling, referrals for down payment assistance, access to non-profit developers, lenders, owner-occupied rehabilitation, and home modification activities.

“We are very excited to offer this important resource to support Gwinnett families and preserve homeownership rates in Gwinnett County,” said Prljaca. “First-time home buyers are facing tremendous challenges today. They compete with investors making cash offers and

friendly talent show where everyone can showcase their unique skills. The key is to keep the activities engaging and inclusive for all ages.

5. Capture the Memories: Don’t forget to document the special moments throughout the celebration. Hire a professional photographer or set up a DIY photo booth with props and costumes for guests to enjoy. Create a memory jar where everyone can write a favorite memory or wish for the birthday child. You can also create a personalized photo album or scrapbook as a keepsake filled with pictures and heartfelt messages from the guests.

With these five creative tips, you’re well on your way to planning a birthday celebration that your child will remember for years to come. Remember, the most critical element is the love and care you put into making this day extraordinary. Tailor the celebration to your child’s unique interests, engage the imagination, and focus on creating a joyful and inclusive experience for all. Embrace the joy and wonder of childhood, and enjoy every moment of celebrating your child’s special day!

And from all of us here at OUR TOWN... happy birthday to your little one! May the day be filled with laughter, love, and beautiful memories.

waived contingencies, while historically high mortgage interest rates and increasing property taxes are diminishing their purchasing power. We are truly thankful to Norcross DDA and all of our partners for working with us to make this center a reality.”

In addition to homeownership programs, GHC provides access to affordable rental housing, transitional housing, and shelter assistance. More information at www.GwinnettHousing.org.

Play-it-Safe Tips Continued from page 15

like public parks, looking for spots that could catch a player’s foot. Alert coaching officials to any irregularities.

6. Watch their technique. A difference in how your child moves is often a tell-tale sign that something is wrong. Playing with pain is never a winning strategy, so encourage kids to be honest about pain or discomfort.

7. Be mindful of other physical activities. Your child doesn’t need to be involved in a formalized athletic program to be vulnerable to sports-related injuries. Foot and ankle surgeons warn of common injuries like plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, fractures, and Achilles tendonitis due to repetitive, forceful motions, which can occur in activities such as skateboarding. When skateboarding or engaging in other non-formal activities, always wear protective gear, including supportive shoes, and seek treatment for pain or injury.

8. Remember RICE. Often, an injured foot or ankle can be treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation. Those with foot or ankle pain should take a break from playing and allow time for recovery. If pain persists, something more serious, such as cartilage injuries or broken bones in the foot, may be happening. Consult a foot and ankle surgeon for a complete evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan. The sooner rehabilitation starts, the sooner your child can safely return to the game.

More information at FootHealthFacts.org. (StatePoint)

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 hand-picked 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

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

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 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

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.

According to the league website, beginning players new to golf are afforded optional basic golf instruction before everyone attends the All-Players 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

Continued on page 22

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 personally, 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

Community Member Spotlight: Meet Sharmele West-Smith

By Tana Poncsak

Sharmele West-Smith, also fondly known as Smiley, has been a licensed hair stylist since she was seventeen years old. With her first salon in Providence, Rhode Island, Sharmele has also owned salons in Florida and Georgia. Her latest venture is a hair clinic located in Tucker. And while the clinic is all about helping people improve their appearance, the journey to open the clinic was all heart.

Sharmele lost her mother, Juanita West, in June 2013 to colon cancer, but not before Juanita helped her daughter find a way to help others. And now Sharmele, along with her siblings and her grandchildren, are honoring Juanita for the kind and loving person she was.

Growing up in her parents’ house, Sharmele remembers it as a place where everyone was welcome.

“We never had an empty house,” Sharmele recalls. “We always had

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.

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

people staying with us.”

Her father, James West, was a prominent Bostonian, and Juanita was a nurse.

After all the kids were grown and on their own, Juanita visited the Atlanta area and decided she liked the vibe. So in 1998, Juanita, along with one of her five sisters, loaded a truck and left Boston headed south to Atlanta, where Juanita continued to work as a nurse helping cancer patients.

Sharmele wasn’t far behind. In 2006, Sharmele moved from her home in Florida to join her mother in the Atlanta area and opened her first hair salon in Georgia. This was also around the time when Sharmele first noticed that hair loss was becoming an issue for many.

“I was getting more and more black women coming in, looking for black stylists to help them figure it out,” she said.

In fact, Juanita started to have her own hair loss issues around this time. Sharmele noticed that Juanita was losing not only her hair, but also her self-esteem and her confidence.

With the encouragement from her mother, Sharmele researched hair loss and started to learn more about what she could do to help. After the research, classes, and shopping the competition, Sharmele realized she

Catching Up with Gwinnett County Native Lilly

Hart

By Tana Poncsak

Lilly Hart played basketball growing up and throughout her school years. She even went on to play basketball while attending Birmingham Southern College. But as she was shooting hoops, there was another talent brewing in the Gwinnett County native and Parkview High School graduate – music.

Lilly started taking piano lessons at a young age. Later, she picked up a guitar, inspired by both her mother’s musical talent and her maternal grandfather’s musical talent and a pitch-perfect ear that she inherited.

The girl who was once a star athlete at center court is now making a name for herself as a singer-songwriter in the music industry. And thanks to some help along the journey, she seems to be well on her way.

Having time on her hands during the recent pandemic, Lilly found herself looking to make some music. She set up a makeshift studio in her bedroom and started writing songs. And, as it turns out, they are good songs. The kind of songs that people want to listen to.

“I knew I had a musical background,” Lilly said. “I didn’t really know I could write like that. But I had all the time in the world, so I just wrote.”

She produced the music with a MIDI keyboard, a laptop, headphones, and a microphone, and then recorded some vocals.

“It wasn’t super professional or anything,” she added. “But it worked.”

Through the support of various people along the way including her family, a series of fortunate events, and the right people listening to her recordings, Lilly signed her first record deal about a year ago with Mick Music in Nashville.

But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Lilly said getting her music out for people to hear hasn’t always been easy.

“From the time when I started writing to when I was actually able to figure out how to record and mix it, it took like a five-month span of

Middle School Golf League

Continued from page 19

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.

trial and error,” she said.

And then finding ways to get her music to the right ears was another challenge.

“Again, it was a bunch of trial and error with how to figure out how to market myself and how to figure out who to trust when there are so many scams.”

Lilly also knows how fortunate she’s been. In April she had the opportunity to open for St. Paul and the Broken Bones at the Lyric Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama, and sing in front of about 750 people. It was during that performance she caught a glimpse of what could be in her future.

“It was the biggest gig I’ve had so far, and it was awesome,” Lilly said. “I was like this is what I want to do.”

So for now, she’s put down the basketball and opted for a guitar while making some other pivotal changes in her life for the sake of a future in the music industry. After a busy summer, Lilly plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University in the fall to pursue music academically and where she’s closer to Nashville, so she can continue to pursue music professionally as well.

At her current age of 20, Lilly already realizes that wherever her musical journey takes her, she will always create music.

“I want this journey to take me as far as it’ll take me,” she said. “Obviously I want to be an artist. That’s the goal. But overall, I want to be a songwriter, so I can still be in the industry, even if it’s just writing for other artists.”

Songs have a way of transporting listeners to a different time and a different place.

“I just remember connecting songs to different points in my life,” Lilly said. “So when I hear a song now, I’m like, ‘Oh, that song reminds me of this time.’”

Lilly said that when people listen to her songs, it’s not about what the lyrics mean to her, but what the lyrics mean to the listener so that the listener creates his or her own connection with the song. She stressed that good lyrics make a song personal and that’s what keeps people listening.

Her musical influences include genres such as alternative and R&B, and her current favorite song is Always by Canadian R&B artist Daniel Caesar.

Lilly Hart has a unique musical style all her own. Her debut EP, Overrated:Complicated dropped on June 16th, and look for her new song, Summertime Feels, to follow. You can find Lilly Hart on all the popular social media platforms.

More information at https://lillyhartmusic.com/.

Drive Carefully

Continued from page 10

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

Weeding…A Word for Your Day

Continued from page 9

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.

could make a real difference and even offer her help at a better price.

It wasn’t until after Juanita’s colon cancer diagnosis in 2011 that Sharmele decided to change the format and the name of her salon and rebrand it into a hair clinic. Unfortunately, Juanita never saw the plan come to fruition. When Juanita was diagnosed, she was given twenty-three months to live. She passed away twenty-two months later.

It took Sharmele some time to work through her grief, find the right location, and get the hair clinic up and running. Finally, about four years after Juanita’s death, Sharmele opened Smiley’s Hair Clinic. And with her family’s help and the help of others, the hair clinic is thriving. The staff of five are confidently helping people with hair loss from age-related conditions to genetics, to stress, to cancer treatment, and more. Sharmele says they focus on the scalp and finding the right treatment.

Her clients come from near and far, including those who live in the area, those who drive a few hundred miles, and those who board a plane for their visit.

“It’s very private,” Sharmele said of her consultations. “People can be very emotional about hair loss.” She stressed that’s it’s important to have an in-depth consultation to pinpoint the right technique and solution for each client.

And what would her mother, Juanita, think about the clinic?

“She was my biggest cheerleader,” Sharmele said. “She was so amazing, and if she was alive, she would be sitting at the front desk. Trust me, she’d love to greet the people. She loved to hug on people, and she loved to make people feel good about themselves. That’s what I think she would love the most about this – that it makes people feel good about themselves again.”

In Juanita’s honor, Sharmele and the family started the Smile 4 New Life Colon Cancer Foundation. While during her illness, Juanita showed no outward signs of being sick before or after her diagnosis. Had the family been more aware of the signs and symptoms of colon cancer, and with some changes in lifestyle and eating habits, perhaps the ending to Sharmele’s mother’s story could have been different.

Now armed with more education, awareness, and with the knowledge that colon cancer is the third most common cancer for men and women in the United States according to cancer.net, the family hopes to bring awareness and help others in their fight against the disease.

The foundation holds an annual fundraiser in March, which also coincides with Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Past events have garnered modest attendance, but they hope to ramp up next year’s event by promoting it earlier. The annual event includes a 5K walk with proceeds going directly to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

More information at www.smile4newlifefoundation.org. or www. smileyshairclinic.com.

Malerie’s Hope

Continued from page 13

cer, to help families who have a child diagnosed with childhood cancer, and to make an impact in the life of a person who has made a difference and had an impact in the life of a person with special needs.

Each year Malerie’s Hope holds an annual fundraiser event – either a silent auction or a golf tournament. This year a golf tournament is planned for September 25th at Legacy Golf Course at Lake Lanier. The event will be held in September to coincide with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The goal for this year’s event is to raise $100,000.

Marla said that for those who would like to help, they are looking for volunteers and golfers to sign up to play during the event. Other ways to participate include becoming a sponsor for the event or creating a fundraising page on social media.

As for Malerie, today, she is twenty-five years old and works part-time at Chick-fil-A. She graduated from Mountain View High School and the UGA Destination Dawgs program (for Special Ed kids). When she’s not working, you can find her helping out at the family’s real estate office, playing baseball at ESP (Extra Special People) on their Miracle League Field in Watkinsville, or helping out as a Dugout Dawg for the UGA baseball team. She is definitely looking forward to attending day camp for a couple of weeks this summer at ESP.

More information at www.MaleriesHope.com