Gwinnett/NE DeKalb
Up Close with Primrose School of Five Forks, see story on page 5.
Lawrenceville | Snellville | Lilburn | Stone Mountain | Tucker
On the Cover: Celebrating 30 Years with Primrose School of Five Forks
By Kristen Eleveld
This year Primrose School of Five Forks is celebrating its 30th anniversary. They have been proudly serving the community, and they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. With an incredible team of teachers and staff, and Senior Director Jeanne VanEmburgh leading the charge, this school has continued to make a name for itself. Even better –they have a great time doing it.
With year-round opportunities like field trips, theme days, and a variety of activities to offer, Primrose School of Five Forks keeps their students engaged and learning while also making each day an exciting new adventure.
“The pandemic made us grow and think outside the box for a lot of things,” said Jeanne.
Gil Benjamin, the owner of Primrose School of Five Forks, takes pride in his school. He has invested in a lot of new items for the building and inside the classrooms over the years. This fall, the school will be installing astro turf and new playground equipment on all of their playgrounds.
When the teachers are not teaching a new lesson or encouraging kids to enjoy the playground, you might find them preparing for one of the many special events that the school does each month for the students and families to enjoy.
“Families love these events!” said Jeanne. “It gives parents the chance to meet other parents in their child’s classroom and spend time with their child and bond as a family.”
For every field trip, activity, special event, or regular school day, there are a thousand little details
that must be worked out. But instead of viewing this as a burden, the teachers and staff at Primrose School of Five Forks enjoy finding new ways to reach each student in their care.
“Our curriculum definitely sets us apart,” said Senior Assistant Director Racheal Milotte. “It allows us to individualize care for children and meet them where they are. Every child learns differently.”
“It’s the little things that staff and teachers do that nobody ever knows about,” said Gil. “Our teachers and their spouses help; families help without being asked. Our students benefit from it and sometimes have no idea.”
While everyone works hard at Primrose School of Five Forks, they do it for one important reason: they love their jobs.
“I love what I do here,” said Jeanne. “I like building relationships with teachers. I love the families. I can’t imagine not being around these people every day. They’re like a second family.”
for Gil, knowing what the families and staff want for the students is one of the keys to make it happen.
“We act on the things we can act on and we work to invest in our teachers, too,” said Gil.
With some students starting as early as six weeks of age, it is no wonder that the teachers and staff have developed such a close bond with each of their students. In fact, many former students have gone on to become teachers themselves – a few of them at Primrose School of Five Forks, allowing them to pass their experience on to the next generation.
Whether it’s karate, soccer, or running club, these students are never without new activities to try. And
The investment from Primrose of Five Forks isn’t only internal. They partner with the community to give back wherever they can. Whether they are helping with the Craig Elementary Trunk-or-Treat event, collecting canned goods to give thousands of families, or sponsoring the Run the Reagan annual 5K, there is no shortage of generosity from the team at this school.
Continued on page 13
Gwinnett/NE
Town
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.
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Editor
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IN THIS ISSUE
5 On the Cover: Celebrating 30 Years with Primrose School of Five Forks
From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
Heading Back to School: Drive Carefully
One on One with Lilburn Farmers Market
CHRIS 180 Expands its Gwinnett Facility
Up Close: Orthodontic Assistant School of Metro Atlanta
Self-Care: A Word for Your Day
Kid’s Corner: Six Smart Ways to Save Money for Your Kids
Principal Field Trip and Partnership Gwinnett
Pet Perch: Are You Nurturing Your Dog’s Fear?
Japanese Manufacturer Hirano America to Open First U.S. Office in Gwinnett
From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanTSauers @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 2024. August means school is back, and the fall season will be here soon. I wish 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 our incredible potential 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.
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 inspire others to follow.
Continued on page 15
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
Continued on page 11
One on One with Lilburn Farmers Market
By Traci Sanders
The Lilburn Farmers Market (LFM) was established in 2010 by a group of volunteer farmers, growers, and food-related businesses as a way to provide local residents with easy access to farm-fresh foods. They are currently celebrating their 15th season in business.
LFM is located on Killian Hill Road in Lilburn and is open every Friday, May 3rd through August 30th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. rain or shine, with one holiday pop-up market occurring in November. Voted Best in Gwinnett 2023, LFM offers a family-friendly environment for community to gather and for local not-for-profit organizations to share their missions.
Patrons can find fresh produce, breads and pastries, jams and jellies, honey, freshly cut flowers and herbs, among other natural items. Recipes for delicious, healthy foods such as Dancin’ Salmon Salad and a vinaigrette salad dressing made with garden-fresh ingredients – among other resources to encourage a healthy lifestyle – can be found on the website.
LFM believes everyone deserves access to fresh and healthy foods, regardless of income. Through the Georgia Fresh for Less initiative, Wholesome Wave Georgia matches SNAP/EBT funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis. When SNAP shoppers spend ten dollars at LFM, they receive an additional ten dollars’ worth of local fruits and vegetables. Eligibility requirements apply.
LFM’s policies correspond with the Georgia Department of Agriculture: Guidelines for Food Products Sold at Events Sponsored by Nonprofit Organizations and is co-sponsored by Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. All baked goods and processed products are labeled in compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations. Some items require a license in order to be sold at LFM; others are exempt in accordance with the Georgia Food Act, which is governed by additional state or federal laws and regulations, with preference given to vendors holding a Cottage Food License or a Food Establishment License.
Representatives from the University of Georgia, the Gwinnett County Public Library, and Georgia Emergency Search and Rescue will be making appearances in booths at the market for the duration of the season. Families can enjoy free tractor rides sponsored by the 4 Cylinder Club and books from Little Free Library (hosted by GFWC Lilburn Women’s Club). Visitors can even enjoy live music as they shop.
As their website touts, LFM is a tasty way to start the weekend. So, bring the kids and the dogs out this Friday for some family fun and fresh, delicious treats. More information at https://www.lilburnfarmersmarket.org/
One Man’s Opinion: The Not-So Secret Service
By Bill Crane
The night of his visit to the Ford Theatre to see a play that would not finish, second-term President Abraham Lincoln was working on a plan to establish a Secret Service, not for the purpose of Executive Protection but to protect and ensure against the circulation of fraudulent currency. That second duty is still on the Secret Service’s duty roster today and explains why the agency was so long a part of the U.S. Treasury Department.
Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant and signed the Treaty of Appomattox on April 10, 1865. President Lincoln created the Secret Service to prevent rapidly growing counterfeiting and the continuing acceptance of some Confederate currencies on April 14, 1865. Lincoln was assassinated the next day, on April 15, 1865, by 26-year-old John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer and frustrated actor.
The Secret Service would not add the duties of Executive Protection for presidents and later former presidents, and still later presidential candidates until after the assassination of President William H. McKinley in 1901. McKinley’s vice-president, Theodore Roosevelt (T.R.), would become our nation’s youngest president, followed by his election to two more terms.
T.R., while making a third run for the White House in 1912 – challenging his hand-picked successor, William Howard Taft, and the Democratic nominee, Woodrow Wilson – would be shot in the chest at a campaign rally in Milwaukee by a former saloon-keeper, John Shrank. Roosevelt survived the shooting, thanks to a 50-page speech folded in half in his suit coat pocket, as well as his metal glasses case. Candidate Roosevelt completed his 84-minute speech and prevented the near lynching of his shooter onsite before seeking medical attention. T.R. would surpass Taft, but split the GOP vote, which helped put Wilson in the White House.
After Roosevelt’s shooting, the Secret Service added protection for the president-elect and in 1915, the agency was given additional duties to investigate acts of foreign espionage (spycraft). In 1917, protection was extended to the entire first family. The Secret Service prevented assassination attempts against President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Harry Truman. In 1962, protection was extended to the vice-president and to former President Eisenhower, for a reasonable period, estimated then to be six months.
After the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, special protection was extended to his widow and children for a period of two years. This protection was later extended to former presidents, first ladies, and minor-aged children for a period of four years. Following the 1968 assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, Secret Service protection was extended to major presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
Continued on page 10
CHRIS 180 Expands its Gwinnett Facility
By Tana Poncsak
CHRIS 180 has served the metro Atlanta area for forty-three years. And their CHRIS Counseling Center-Gwinnett facility just got bigger.
CHRIS 180 is a nonprofit, Atlanta-based trauma organization with several locations across metro Atlanta, including Lawrenceville. In May, the expansion of the Lawrenceville facility located at 220 West Crogan Street, was completed and a grand opening celebration was held on June 13th.
Melania Soto, LPC, clinical director at CHRIS Counseling Center-Gwinnet, has been at the facility for about four years now. She said the grand opening was pretty amazing with a number of leaders from other locations in attendance. The original facility has been in Lawrenceville for eight years, and the expanded facility will allow them to operate more efficiently and help the community with the services they need.
“We’re growing up,” Melania says. “It’s an expansion so that we can provide more services.”
So far, the expanded facility has been well received by the community. The
Continued on page 11
Up Close: Orthodontic Assistant School of Metro Atlanta
By Traci Sanders
In 2020, Dr. Alisa Raglin, a respected orthodontist in the Gwinnett area with over twenty-five years of experience, identified a need for more proficient orthodontic assistants. She dedicated herself to creating a program that imparts the essential knowledge and skills necessary to excel as an orthodontic assistant and embark on a rewarding career in orthodontics.
“In recent years, there has been a shift where orthodontic assistants possess technology skills and basic dental knowledge, but have limited ‘hands-on’ training and lack the specialized insight needed in orthodontics,” Dr. Raglin shared. “I found myself spending more time training new assistants in-office and less time with patients. My colleagues were experiencing the same challenges.”
Dr. Raglin stated that there are few programs available to teach these crucial skills specific to the orthodontic field.
“In my experience,” she explained, “these skills can only be truly absorbed
and developed in a professional setting through practical application combined with lectures and clinical training, not through online courses.”
The Orthodontic Assistant School of Metro Atlanta (OASMA) was founded in 2022 and consists of a dedicated team of orthodontists, dentists, orthodontic and dental assistants, and administrative personnel.
The OASMA provides an eightweek, in-person training program on Saturdays to allow more flexibility for students who have jobs, families, or other responsibilities. The program is authorized in the state of Georgia and serves as a stepping stone to allow graduates to seek initial employment in an orthodontic or dental office.
“Many graduates of our program secure positions starting at hourly rates up to twenty dollars,” Dr. Raglin added.
While this program does not offer financial aid or loans, the students’ return on investment is invaluable. They not only acquire fundamental dental science knowledge, but also develop proficiency in laboratory and clinical skills through hands-on experience shadowing orthodontic professionals. Smaller class sizes allow for a more focused and enhanced learning environment, where every student is noticed and develops a close connection with one’s peers. Students receive an introduction to essential dental and orthodontic terminology, OSHA guidelines and sterilization techniques, as well as radiology and imaging methods, among other crucial skills required in the field.
As this program is authorized in Georgia, certain prerequisites must be met for enrollment. Students must be eighteen years or older and have earned a high school diploma or GED. Prospective candidates undergo an interview process designed to assess their interest, attitude toward the profession, academic skills, work experience, and career goals. Additionally, access to an internet connection and a computer/laptop/tablet is required to fulfill coursework requirements. At the moment, this program is only available in English.
Dr. Raglin emphasized that this course is designed for students with a deep enthusiasm for dentistry and specifically orthodontics.
She remarked, “It’s encouraging to witness a growing number of young individuals joining our program, bringing valuable technology skills to our profession.”
However, she stressed the enduring importance of compassion in orthodontics, noting that while technology enhances the field, it cannot replace the essential human connection required to create lasting smiles and boost self-esteem in patients.
More information at https://www.orthoassistatl.com/.
One Man’s Opinion
Continued from page 9
In 1971, the Secret Service picked up the responsibility of safeguarding visits by foreign heads of state and received its own 60-acre training grounds and compound near Washington, D.C. During 1972, Alabama Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate George Wallace survived an assassination attempt without protection. And the Secret Service soon after twice blocked attempts to kill President Gerald R. Ford.
In 1984, the Secret Service received additional charges and was responsible for investigating credit card fraud. During 2003, the Secret Service was transferred from the Department of Treasury to the Department of Homeland Security. In 2013, all former presidents, their spouses, and minor-aged children (up to age 16) were given lifetime Secret Service protection.
As a former president and presidential candidate, Donald Trump lands squarely in two of those protection categories. No one had done this since Teddy Roosevelt when the agency was only four years into the role of protecting presidents. However, as each successful assassination to date has reportedly been the act of lone wolf shooters, there still remain ways to reach that target.
Most recently, our U.S. Secret Service experienced multiple system failures in Butler, Pennsylvania, at yet another outdoor campaign rally by former President Trump. This breach was large enough that the current head of the Secret Service, Director Kimberly Cheatle, recently tendered her resignation.
The Secret Service did successfully cover and remove Mr. Trump in a matter of seconds after he was shot. But as those shots came from behind and caused significant casualties and loss of life nearby, they did not entirely have his back. Thank God for the Secret Service sniper who ended the short life of the shooter, Thomas Crooks. Still, in this moment of pause and reflection, perhaps in addition to a change in leadership, it is time to take the service back to its original purposes and roots, minus a few more recent ancillary missions.
Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
Self-Care: A Word for Your Day
By Jane Bishop
What comes to mind when you think of self-care? How do you view self-care and/or practice it in your life? I have received a variety of responses, from “I don’t have time,” to “I don’t know what that means for me.” During an engaging catch up conversation with a coaching colleague in South Africa, we meandered into the territory of selfcare, sparking a myriad of thoughts and reflections. At the time of our ZOOM visit, I was fully embedded in caregiving for my mother, and he knew I was an advocate of self-care. He asked good, probing questions.
In my work with clients, the topic of self-care is often discarded as not important. For me, self-care is not a luxury; it is non-negotiable and requires consistent intentional practice. Earlier in my professional journey, I allowed my self-care to be pushed to the side. Once I acknowledged that fact, I began to take steps to bring it back into my daily practice. It was essential for my healthy self-leadership.
Self-care is about consistently nurturing yourself to be in the best possible position, no matter what life throws your way. It is about prioritizing your own vitality and requires valuing self and allocating time for well-being. It also requires flexibility! For example, exercise is one of my core essentials. There are days when my preferred mode of exercise is not an option. Flexibility comes in choosing another mode versus not exercising at all.
Identifying your self-care essentials is the first step towards cultivating a more balanced and vibrant life. It is not about pampering yourself – although that’s part of it! It is about maintaining a balanced life so you can consistently be effective with self and others around you. Celebrate the areas where you shine while also extending grace to the parts that could use a little extra attention. Remember, it is all about progress, not perfection.
Intentionality is the secret sauce behind every meaningful endeavor in life and self-care is no exception. By approaching each day with a mindful focus on nurturing your well-being, you set the stage for a life filled with vitality and purpose.
I invite you to take a moment and check in with yourself today. Celebrate your victories, embrace your imperfections, and always remember that you are enough, just as you are. As you do that, you have practiced a “self-care moment”! Keep practicing it forward!
More information at www.janebishoplive.com.
Continued from page 9
new space is more open and well-lit, allowing for services such as play therapy and more to be included with the treatments and service already offered.
Melania explains that when a client comes in, they help the client find solutions for the problems they are facing.
“We can help them to overcome the trauma by teaching them solutions,” she says.
And Melania adds that when one family member experiences trauma, it’s not unusual for other family members to be impacted as well. Services offered by CHRIS 180 can help the family come together as a unit to find solutions.
Being able to provide services to the Hispanic community is particularly rewarding for Melania.
“Seeing the changes in the families. That’s the reward for me personally,” she says. “Now they are feeling better and without any pain. That’s a win for us.”
Community needs prompted the search for the expansion, and they were looking for a building in close proximity to the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court with ample parking. Melania said she was excited to find the building.
“We have everything here,” Melania says, referring to it as a one stop shop for those seeking to find a doctor to many of the other resources someone might need.
Melania invites those who are interested to come by and visit the facility –take a tour and meet the people who work there. She says it’s important not to wait until you need a therapist to find a therapist.
In addition to the number of services offered, CHRIS 180 also provides training for social-service professionals through the CHRIS Training Institute, and in Clinical Pastoral Education through its Institute for Spiritual Health. Other ways people can help is through donations and volunteering. More information at https://chris180.org/.
Drive Carefully
Continued from page 8
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/aaaschool-safety-patrol.html
CHRIS 180
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)
Principal Field Trip and Partnership Gwinnett
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
Partnership Gwinnett, in collaboration with Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), recently hosted its annual Principal Field Trip event. The program’s aim was to connect professionals in education and industry to support continued workforce development based on existing and future needs.
The day began with breakfast and a panel discussion featuring Nick Masino, President & CEO of Partnership Gwinnett; Dr. Calvin J. Watts, Superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools; Chad Wagner, President of Peachtree Packaging; and Lauren Croft, HR Director at Peachtree Packaging.
Dr. Calvin J. Watts stated, “Our principals and educators play a critical role in shaping the future workforce of Gwinnett County. This event provides an opportunity to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring our students are prepared and ready for high-skill and in-demand careers.”
In addition to having lunch at Gwinnett Technical College, principals visited several industry partners, including Price Industries, QTS, Peachtree Packaging, Mitsubishi Trane HVAC, Aluvision, CleanSpark, Nextran, WIKA, and Eagle Rock Studios. These visits allowed educational leaders to engage with local businesses and understand industry needs.
Chad Wagner of Peachtree Packaging said, “Supporting this event underscores our commitment to investing in the future of our workforce. By partnering with GCPS and Partnership Gwinnett, we can ensure that students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s job market.”
Gwinnett County Public Schools, the largest public school district in the state, serves over 182,000 students across 142 schools. The district’s diverse student population, representing 191 countries and speaking 98 languages, benefits from career pathways and college and career readiness programs supporting career exploration, industry certifications, and internships.
“With thousands of students graduating each year, GCPS significantly
Primrose School of Five Forks
Cont’d from pg 5
“You fall in love with these kids and they fall in love with you,” said Racheal. “We’re here with the best interests of your child at heart and we work hard to earn each family’s trust.”
Their 30th school year is starting, and Primrose School of Five Forks won’t miss a beat as they continue to make each year the best one ever. If you have any questions or want more information, just reach out! As Racheal says, their door is always open – and if it isn’t, just knock.
More information at https://www.primroseschools.com/schools/five-forks
contributes to the 2.6 million labor draw within a one-hour drive of Gwinnett County,” said Partnership Gwinnett Director of Economic Development Andrew Hickey. “As these graduates enter the workforce, they bring essential skills for high-skill and in-demand careers, ensuring a strong future for the local economy.”
More information at https://partnershipgwinnett.com/
Pet Perch: Are You Nurturing Your Dog’s Fear?
By Terie Hansen
When someone we know (human) gets frightened of something, our first impulse is to provide comfort. We might say “everything will be okay” or “don’t worry about it.” We might put our arm around the person, give a hug, hold the individual’s hand, all in an effort to make that person feel better. We can use reason and logic with a human (well most).
When a dog is fearful of something (people, other dogs, an object, etc.) what is your first impulse? To do what you know, right? That is because we are human! Funny thing, though, the dog IS NOT HUMAN! So, when you stroke, pat, hug, kiss, and talk in soothing tones to your dog when he is in a frightened
state of mind, what he hears is “I like you being frightened” and “keep on feeling that way.” You are nurturing the very behavior you don’t want. Clearly this is not your intention. So how do you help to relieve his fears? That which he is afraid of, he needs more of.
With some things your dog is afraid of you can help him on your own, such as fear of an object in his environment. Common things are vacuum cleaners, trashcans, bicycles, cars, different floor surfaces, and the sound of things like power tools. You’ll probably need a professional trainer to help you with things like separation anxiety, fear-based aggression towards people or dogs, and other serious cases.
A slow gradual desensitization program is best for most things. Have your dog be near that which he is frightened of and don’t allow him to flee (by using a leash), but rather walk him back and forth past the object until he walks by like it’s not there. You empower him to learn that nothing bad happened! Socializing and exposing your dog to any and all things in his environment makes for a happy, well-adjusted dog that you can take anywhere. Now isn’t that what having a dog is all about?
Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com
Japanese Manufacturer Hirano America to Open First U.S. Office in Gwinnett
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
Partnership Gwinnett is pleased to announce that Hirano Tecseed Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese manufacturer of coating machines, will open its first U.S. office in Norcross in Gwinnett County. The company chose Gwinnett and the metro Atlanta region for their global access, diverse workforce, and strong economic climate, which will support growth.
Hirano Tecseed Co., Ltd. manufactures advanced coating machines used in various industries, including electronics, medical, and aerospace. Their innovative technology is critical for producing products such as adhesive tape, liquid crystal displays, electronic components, wallpaper, and aircraft parts. The company is also known for its environmentally conscientious operations.
Kaoru Okada, President of Hirano Tecseed, commented, “We are thrilled to open our first U.S. office in Norcross. This strategic location will allow us to serve our American clients better and expand our footprint in the U.S. market. We appreciate the warm welcome and support from Gwinnett County and the State of Georgia.”
This announcement was made during a global business mission to Japan, where a delegation led by Partnership Gwinnett, including Gwinnett County government, business and community leaders, and representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, visited Hirano Tecseed’s headquarters in Nara.
“We are excited to welcome Hirano America to Gwinnett,” said Commissioner Kirkland Carden. “This new office will not only strengthen our international
business community, but also create new opportunities for collaboration and economic growth in the county.”
Deven Cason, Vice President of Economic Development, stated, “Hirano Tecseed’s decision to establish its first U.S. office in Norcross is a testament to Gwinnett County’s attractiveness as a business destination. We look forward to supporting their expansion and success in our community.”
“Hirano Tecseed’s investment in Norcross underscores the way international companies recognize Georgia as a reliable entryway into the U.S. market,” said Commissioner Pat Wilson, Georgia Department of Economic Development. “The State of Georgia’s participation in subnational organizations such as SEUS-Japan and our longstanding international presence foster relationships and lead to opportunities. We are excited to welcome an innovative company like Hirano Tecseed to Georgia, and we look forward to supporting their growth with local and statewide partners.”
Georgia Power, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and the City of Norcross were also instrumental in the project, helping create the opportunity for Hirano to join the local business community.
Norcross Mayor Craig Newton shared, “Our City is well known for its global business footprint. We are pleased to have Hirano joining our community and taking advantage of the strength in location that we offer for growth in the U.S. market.”
We welcome this great company to Gwinnett County!
Ryan’s Remarks
Continued from page 7
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 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 the idea 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 2024. And, as always, thank you for continuing the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!
