DEC 2017/JAN 2018: Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

DEC 2017/JAN 2018 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville

Meet the team at Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies, see story on page 5.

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Grayson JROTC: Supports Community Veterans Day Events Getting Schooled: Archer Cluster Teachers Receive Grant Meet Lt. Col. Frank Jones: McConnell Middle’s Teacher of the Year Making a Difference: Getting to Know Emerson Sheldon

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isJohn honored to beIV, we are committed to providing you with the high AtDr. the Simmons dental office of W. Simmons, comprehensive dentalnine care, focused on improving both the function and beauty of your smile. A one of only dentists in patient care and comfort are our primary concerns. We are proud to run a practice that treats ea Georgia to have passed the kind, gentle, and caring manner, just like family. We offer a full range of the latest cosmetic a rigorous required to long-lasting, earn procedures thattesting concentrate on ensuring brilliant results you will love, and others

Crowns Cosmetic Dentistry The cosmetic procedures we offer can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile. We offer a wide selection of procedures that can correct almost any dental imperfection.

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His state-of-the-art equipment and updated technology allow him to affordably serveDENTAL CARE AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY D.M.D., P.C. • SUPERIOR his patients by providing healthy, beautiful smiles. Our experienced team provides five-star service, personalized care, and an extraordinary commitment to your health and well-being. Please join our Call for an Appointment family by scheduling a new patient exam.

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PAGE 4 OTG-GREEN FP 4C 2017-12 To become an Our Town advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049 PS0156 MECH DEC.indd 1

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By Daidra Annis “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” - Jim Rohn Healthcare is a pretty hot topic these days. Due to rising costs and other factors, many people want to take a more active role in their own healthcare, and they’re seeking out alternative ways to care for their bodies. Thankfully, there is a solution for them at Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies. The practice, as its name suggests, offers a natural approach to healthcare that is high-quality and affordable. Based on the principles of Naturopathic medicine, the staff at Dr. Chris’ practice believes in the body’s innate ability to heal and rejuvenate itself. In order for this to happen, though, the nervous system must be operating at its best. That’s where their vitalistic thought process – treating the whole person, not the symptoms – really makes a difference.

Dr. Kerith Powell, owner of Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies, spoke candidly about the importance of one’s nervous system when considering overall health. As a chiropractor, Dr. Powell believes that health is an “above-down, inside-out” concept. This simply means that the brain is the control center of the body, and what comes from “above” filters throughout the entire body and manifests itself on the outside. If the nervous system is impaired, your body will reflect that impairment through aches, pains, and disease. There are three factors that interrupt the functions of the central nervous system: physical, chemical, and emotional stress. Some of these are easier to recognize than others, but Dr. Powell and his staff work to identify the source(s), and then support you in an effort to build resistance to the stresser. Often, that is done through a program that includes both chiropractic adjustments, and non-GMO, whole food supplements. However, many do not realize that Naturopathy is not an alternative, but rather a complement to traditional medicine. As holistic practitioners, they offer a full range of options so their patients can make the best decision to meet their needs. This includes partnering with a non-affiliated medical doctor who is located in the office next door. If needed, she can assist with additional patient monitoring and the administration of prescription medication.

Outside of the busy practice, Dr. Powell serves as a member of the faculty at Life University and is a member of Concerned Parents of Young Athletes. Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies is a member of the Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce, where they are able to support the community via various chamber projects. In addition, they serve as volunteers for Special Olympics, and help to provide free tutoring services at local favorite, the Grayson Coffee House. Participation in coat and food drives are other ways that the team at Dr. Chris’ spreads the news of healthy living to the community in which they live and serve.

In the end, the goal of everyone at Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies is for their patients to continue to be active in their older years, and to be able to live fuller lives with less medicine and less surgeries, and without the enormous expense of prescription drugs, and uncovered medical costs. If you think that a naturopathic approach might be right for you, Dr. Powell encourages you to make an appointment for a free consultation with one of the providers at the office.

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Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

— An EndResultZ Media & Communications firm EndResultZ.com

Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultZ.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultZ.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Cover Photographer Amadorphoto Distribution Coordinator DeeDee Chapman Feature Writers Daidra Annis Heidi Campbell Kim Hill Amy Ney J. Rice Joanna Shackelford Karla Socci Somers Michelle Watson Contributing Writers Jane Bishop Dr. Rodrigo Cruz Terie Hansen Dustin Mattox Tanisha Turner Beth Volpert-Johansen David S. Walker Pam Walker

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 2017-18 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

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IN THIS ISSUE

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5 Getting to Know: Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 8 Chaplain’s Corner: Miracles…Anyone?

8 Character Counts: Up Close with NG3 and Grayson High School 9 Sports Talk with Middle School Golf League 9 Grayson JROTC: Supports Community Veterans Day Events 10 Photo Fun: City of Loganville 12 Getting Schooled: Archer Cluster Teachers Receive Grant Funding 12 You Can Define Your Future: McConnell Middle’s Teacher of the Year 13 Learning Lessons: What Parents Need to Know about STEAM 13 Travel Tales: Post Olympics in Brazil 14 Leadership Lessons: I Don’t Want To! 14 Legal Matters: Probate and Selling Realty Owned by a Decedent 15 Making a Difference: Manna Fund 15 Meeting a Hero 18 It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – at M.C. Twinklin’s 19 Holiday Food Temptations: Navigate Your Way through the Holidays 20 Photo Fun: 2017 Grayson Chili Cook Off 21 Megan Brockington: 2018 Archer High Teacher of the Year 22 Small Packages...BIG Plans with Emerson Sheldon To become an Our Town advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049 Our Town

From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion @RyanSauers

By Ryan T. Sauers

RyanTSauers

Can you believe it’s December? This year seems to have flown by. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now Christmas and the New Year are nearly upon us. It is hard to believe it is almost 2018. Eighteen years since Y2K. Time never stops.

I love this country and our freedom. We have the right to disagree with each other. However, I want to stress – when we do disagree – that we must actively listen more and talk less as the goal is always to find a place of agreement. Why? This allows the other person to feel fully heard out and understood.

As the late Stephen Covey said, “Seek first to understand then to be understood.” Again, our goal should be to find common ground with others, and I think in most cases this is possible.

However, if we cannot achieve this, we must “agree to disagree” in an agreeable (not combative) manner. Nobody wins when everyone yells and tempers flare. The Golden rule (which has roots in many religions) is based on the fact that we should treat others as we want to be treated. I challenge us ALL to do more of that. We can bring about positive change one relationship at a time.

We must always look for the best in each other, giving another a chance to be human beings first, and not some kind of “box” you check off that defines you (ex., age, gender, race, etc.).

We are not boxes – we are special. We are all unique. We each have an important story and our own unique DNA. We all matter. Everyone! Let me say it again: WE ALL MATTER. I challenge you during this holiday season to dig deep, do your own research, reflect on your own worldview (what you truly believe), and don’t settle for letting the sensationalistic (often negative) media “tell you” what to believe or what should make you angry. Remember, for every person who is covered on the news doing something wrong, there are so many more people (getting little publicity) doing things right.

There are wonderful things going on in this community. Are they often reported? No. So, I challenge you to help us get the news out. Share a copy of this magazine, in print or online.

You will find positive news, events, and happenings that should encourage readers. I challenge all of us to keep a “thankful and hopeful heart” as we enter this new year – a year fresh for new beginnings.

The past is the past. The present IS a present. The future is what we must work on, one hour, day, and week at a time to make this community and in turn our country, a better place. And we can do just that, one person at a time. So, start with small things. Say please. Say thank you.

Hold the door for someone. Smile. Laugh and truly live. It makes a big difference. Again, we are ALL human, and we tap into your childlike fun again during this holiday season.

I want to share how much I appreciate the Our Town community. I am thankful for the Our Town family, friends, staff, and partners. I wish you a safe and blessed holiday season. We could not do it without you. So, until next year (WOW, did I just reference 2018?), and as always: this is my town, your town, Our Town!

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PAGE 7

Chaplain’s Corner: Miracles…

Anyone?

By Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz A couple of weeks ago I was driving my oldest son RJ to his football practice when he unexpectedly asked me, “Daddy, have you ever wondered if you are working for the wrong God?” I was surprised by his question, so I asked him to explain. He responded, “Have you ever wondered if our Bible is wrong, that God doesn’t exist, and maybe other religions are right? See – if you are working for the wrong God?” As parents, there are some questions that we get from our kids that we simply want to ignore or that we sincerely don’t want to answer. For example, I have been asked, “Daddy, would you rather eat a giant booger or be stung by 1,000 bees?” Or “Daddy, why does Mommy always take so long to get ready?” There are questions that we just don’t want to answer.

But the question on this day was different. It needed an answer – not because my son was questioning his faith, but because he was questioning mine. So, I had to take a deep breath and take a deep look into my faith.

As a pastor, I shouldn’t need to take a look at my faith because the answer should be automatic.

But it is precisely because I am a pastor, and that I am exposed daily to so much brokenness in the community, that I need to examine my faith and make sure I have enough to share with others.

The interesting thing about this question is that it came when I was starting a new sermon series called Miracles. I needed to have a clear answer to the question “Is God real?” You see, regardless of how big a mess people may be living in, regardless of how broken the world may be, and regardless of how dark the evil that they may be fighting feels, there is a real God – an actual good/loving God – and He is still doing miracles in this world.

In this moment of your life, you may be wondering: Is God real? If so, is God good? If so, can God do a miracle in my life?

I believe the answer to all these questions is, YES, YES, and YES. But I also believe that you may need more than a YES. So, let me give you more. I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ – it’s the greatest example of God’s existence, God’s goodness, and God’s love for all creation. In other words, without the resurrection, everything else is pointless. With the resurrection, everything else is possible.

Continued on page 18

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Character Counts: Up Close with NG3 and Grayson High School

By Dustin Mattox

I love what I get to do for many reasons. One reason is getting to meet the people in our community and wonder who is going to get the vision of NG3. I am so thankful to say there are many in our Gwinnett communities. One person in particular, who not only gets the vision, but supports the mission, is Mr. Lee Bailey. At one time, a group of guys called him “Coach,” and I’m sure they still do. He understands the importance of building relationships with people. He has always been involved in his community. Mr. Bailey runs Bob Bailey’s Appliance in Stone Mountain, which is a family-owned discount appliances store that has been around since 1962.

Here is a recent Q&A with Mr. Lee Bailey: Dustin Mattox (DM): How did you come to be a supporter of NG3?

Lee Bailey (LB): At the time, I was serving on a missions committee at my church. Cliff Hagan brought Dustin Mattox to one of our meetings so he could introduce NG3 to us. I heard the story and the mission of NG3, and decided to start supporting personally.

DM: Why is it important to you to support this mission of NG3?

LB: For one thing, this is something I just do. I believe that generosity is important. It helps others, and it always helps you, too. But with NG3, I particularly love their pursuit of the next generation. They don’t just talk about it…they do it. We need more of this at our schools.

DM: What would you say to someone who is thinking about supporting NG3?

LB: Well, people are different, and support different things. But I think it’s important for young people to know God’s Word. Being on mission is not just going overseas. It starts right here, and NG3 is good way to pour into the next generation.

Join Mr. Lee Bailey and help us bring the message of Character, Community, and Change to more students and high schools in Gwinnett.

More information at http://www.ng3.org/

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Sports Talk with Middle School Golf League

By Our Town Staff

What began for the Middle School Golf League with a golf clinic on a hot humid 90-degree August day ended with a Pitch, Putt, and Drive Contest on a windy and cold 40-degree day in October. This fall season was a big success.

“What a season we had,” said Les Witmer, Middle School Golf League Director. “This fall we had seventy-seven players, and that was thirty-five more than we had in the spring – which meant we had to find an additional golf course for our matches.”

The Middle School Golf League is organized through the South Gwinnett Athletic Association and is played at Summit Chase Country Club in Snellville, Cedar Lakes Golf Course in Loganville, and, added for the fall season, Country Club of Gwinnett in Snellville. Teams are organized based on what schools the young golfers attend.

“We began our season with a clinic for all and an extra clinic for beginners in preparation for their team best ball play,” explained Witmer. “Then four weeks of team best ball play, including a week where we had a high school player play with each team, and then introduced them to stroke play where they played their own ball for an individual score. It culminated with a Pitch, Putt, and Drive competition, pizza party, and awards presentation.”

According to Witmer they had great support throughout the season as each team had team Continued on page 17

Grayson JROTC: Supports Community Veterans Day Events

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By Kim Hill Young people often benefit from a lesson in self-discipline or from a boost of confidence that can come from taking on a project and doing it well. Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs teach kids these principles, and Grayson High School’s program is a shining example. First Sergeant Franklin Brown and Colonel Ron Rose started the Grayson Army JROTC in the summer of 2013, and they have watched it grow in popularity in the years since. Both boys and girls can join, and the school currently has 154 cadets.

Students can participate in JROTC all four years and many do. They are ranked similarly to how a person would be ranked in the military, starting out as a private. As the students work their way up, their responsibilities increase as well.

Third and fourth year cadets are in charge of mentoring the freshmen, leading classes, and supervising the training, whether it is learning how to do a drill for ceremonies, tying a knot, or building a rope bridge. Senior cadets are the leaders of the program.

The program places emphasis on academics. A lot of time is spent improving grades and making sure homework assignments are done and that cadets are doing well in their other classes. The biggest focus is graduation and the next step after high school. The students are guided to formulate Continued on page 17

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PAGE 9

Photo Fun: City of Loganville Happenings

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PAGE 11

New Year • New Ladies workout • New You!

Getting Schooled: Archer Cluster Teachers Receive Grant Funding

By J. Rice The Archer Academic Foundation recently awarded grants to five outstanding teachers from the Archer Cluster. Our Town Magazine caught up with three of them to find out more about their plans: Kristin Fuqua McConnell Middle School 7th Grade Life Science Interrelated Resource Teacher

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Kristin Fuqua began her teaching career as a substitute, then a parapro. She has now entered her tenth year teaching Life Science to special education students.

“I believe that if you provide an engaging learning environment for students, they will show you amazing things,” she says. “I love my job!”

Fuqua intends to use her grant money to start a community garden. “The plans include a greenhouse and garden that will provide fresh vegetables for our school cafeteria and the local food bank,” she says. “The garden will support learning across grade levels with activities that include understanding the chemical composition of soil, types of symbiotic relationships, erosion control, genetics, and cell structure.”

Fuqua remembers the difference hands-on learning made in her own education, and wants to impart the same experience to her students. “I always enjoyed the times in school when I got to do something. Students need to actually interact with their learning in order to remember it.”

Donna Hargrave Harbins Elementary School Fifth Grade Teacher Donna Hargrave was intent on being a teacher from a young age. “I think I always wanted to be a teacher,” she says. “I was influenced by strong independent women like my mother, grandmother, Continued on page 16

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PAGE 12

You Can Define Your Future: McConnell Middle’s Teacher of the Year

By J. Rice Serving overseas during the Gulf War, Lt. Col. Frank Jones received pen pal letters from students at an elementary school in Powder Springs, GA. When he returned to the US, he visited the school and the students whose letters had meant so much to him. A chance encounter with a teacher in the hallway that afternoon planted the idea for a new and unexpected mission: To be a teacher.

That was more than ten years ago. This year Jones earned his doctoral degree in education through the GI Bill and was named Teacher of the Year for McConnell Middle School (MMS).

“After retiring from the military, he began his teaching career here at MMS,” says Principal Clent Chatham.

“It was clear from year one that Dr. Jones was meant to teach. He makes Social Studies come alive. I have often said, ‘If I had had a teacher like Dr. Jones, I would have loved Social Studies as a kid.’ I could not think of a better representative for our school.”

Jones was the first in his family to graduate from college, but his parents were adamant that he would pursue a higher education. “Dad was a child of the Depression,” Jones says, “and had a very austere life. He was an electrician. Mom worked in a dental office. We were the classic middle class family. My parents didn’t get to attend college, but they made sure that I had the chance to do so. My education opened doors, and in fact, continues to open doors, that I could not really have imagined.”

Jones wants his students to be prepared for the hurdles they may face getting into the best schools. “The level of competition they’ll face to get into colleges and universities is incredible,” he says. “Sometimes it is difficult to have a conversation about that with 12 or 13 year olds. But it’s one worth having. From a teacher’s perspective, we talk about the importance of education to our students quite regularly.”

Jones recognizes the negative influences in social media that can sometimes derail young students Continued on page 15

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Learning Lessons: What Parents Need to Know about STEAM

By Tanisha Turner Lately, everyone seems to be talking about STEAM. This acronym – which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics – has become a hot topic in the world of education and in the business community. The practice of teaching by incorporating these concepts into multidisciplinary lessons is revolutionizing education approaches across the country, even for children in preschool.

While young children may not be able to understand multiplication or how computers work, they can develop a strong foundation for future learning by exploring STEAM skills and concepts through play and discussion, and then applying those skills through more play.

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• For young children: • Science encourages investigation and answering questions, often involving experimentation.

• Technology refers to using simple tools like crayons and rulers, as well as more complex ones like microscopes and computers.

• Engineering refers to recognizing problems and testing solutions to solve them.

• Arts encourage creativity and allow children to illustrate concepts they are learning.

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

There are many reasons why STEAM subjects should be addressed in early learning settings. A key component of STEAM is process skills, such as making observations, hypothesizing, and critical thinking. These skills help young children grasp math and science concepts early in life while building a base for more complex concepts for years to come.

Research has shown that even very young children are capable of mathematical reasoning and can understand more advanced math skills than previously thought. Young children are also able to ask questions and make predictions about the world around them. In short, children are fully Continued on page 17

Travel Tales: Post Olympics in Brazil

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The Olympics and Brazil were synonymous last year. What could be more beautiful than photos of curved Copacabana Beach with Sugarloaf Mountain at one end and Corcovado on the other? It is Rio de Janeiro at its best! The memories are still there, but there is more to Brazil than the Olympic Games, and I was fortunate enough to have been invited to explore the very best Brazil has to offer.

Every trip to Brazil should start in Rio – a most fascinating city filled with Michelin-starred restaurants, beautiful beaches, historic sites, and orchids blooming everywhere. But the real Brazil is in the interior of the country.

Brazil is the fifth largest country and the eighth leading economy in the world. The Amazon Basin is considered one of the world’s major trade routes, with ships moving goods all the way from the Atlantic Ocean across the Andes to Iquitos in Peru. From the rubber plantations of Manaus to the darkest jungles, there are wild tribes of people who have rarely seen the outside world. This is also the only place to find pink dolphins. The natives believe that the dolphins are river spirits that shapeshift into handsome men who come ashore to steal the most beautiful women. They say that these women get pregnant and give birth to more pink dolphins.

There are also the expansive wet plains called the Pantanal where along with researchers you can track the elusive jaguar to help conserve this dying breed of cat. In the middle of the country explore the amazing sand dunes and lakes of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. In Salvador, heart of the Bahian coastline, aside from visiting the stunning beaches, you can learn to drum and dance to the beat of Bossa Nova and Samba. Chapada Diamantina is Brazil’s hiking capital with cave explorations and underwater rivers. Ibitipoca National Park in Minas Gerais is also a hiking gem with historic haciendas for accommodation. Tropical birds, monkeys, and wild things are everywhere.

Brazil must be explored in depth to appreciate its diversity. It is not just the Rio of the Olympics, but an entire nation waiting to be discovered.

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PAGE 13

Leadership Lessons: I Don’t Want To!

By Jane Bishop Recently, I had one of those “I don’t want to” days. I had begun my day with certain plans. It was to be the first chance in some time to not be on a schedule, and I was looking forward to accomplishing projects on the “want to do” list. But when those plans were derailed, I visited the “I don’t want to” camp!

Through the years the mindset of “I don’t want to” generally shows up for me after a significant period of imbalance between responsibilities and play/free time. Thankfully, they don’t show up often.

I muddled with this recent “mood” most of the day. It gave me pause to remember how I respond when this attitude shows up. I am by nature and choice a positive, living4ward person. However, that does not imply there are no side journeys into other mindsets. The key is to keep the side journeys brief.

I want to share what I have learned, and I hope it will be an encouragement. If these don’t work for you, that’s okay. Find what does.

• Acknowledge that the mindset exists. Refrain from attempting to “talk yourself out of the mood.”

• Allow your mind to stay in that space briefly. In other words, don’t allow it to camp out or set up a nice lovely home!

• Do something out of the norm. For example, on this recent occasion, I went to a local café and had a homemade pimento and cheese sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup. Then, I drove down the road and chased it with a waffle cone sundae! Comfort foods!

• Give yourself permission to be out of sync.

• Have fun with your mindset. Related to this recent experience, I posted on FB “What do you do when you have an ‘I don’t want to’ day?” And I shared the photos. Fun and laughter is good physiologically as it produces endorphins.

• Learn what triggers your different mindsets. When you become aware of the triggers, you can find solutions, coping skills, etc.

Next time you are in the space of “I don’t want to,” acknowledge it and apply what works for you!

What is your “I don’t want to” story? Share it with me at jane@takethenextstepcct.com. Be sure and put My I don’t want to story in the subject line.

Jane Bishop, owner of Take The Next Step, offers coaching and training. Call and book your free consultation: 404.432.2701.

M

Y

Legal Matters: Probate and Selling Realty Owned by a Decedent

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By David S. Walker, Attorney at Law It’s a common situation – a widow or widower wants to sell his or her home, and closing is scheduled. All contingencies in the contract have been met. The title attorney is searching the title in preparation for closing. The decedent’s estate had not been probated.

Then the seller gets a call from the real estate agent saying there is a problem with the title. The estate of the deceased owner has not been administered nor probated. If there is a will, it has to be probated. If not, a petition for the administration of the estate must be filed. This will result in the appointment of an executor or administrator with the power to sell the property of the estate (administrators and executors are also referred to as personal representatives).

In hindsight, this process could have been dealt with earlier.

However, many times a joint property owner has no urgency about deeding the title of the house from the deceased person’s name. It may seem like a pointless expense.

Then, a closing time comes near, so probates are undertaken on an urgent basis.

At times our office is called to assist in these matters. If there is a will, the probate can be done fairly quickly if all heirs are known and are willing to cooperate by signing the proper paperwork for a probate by consent. If heirs will not cooperate, the process takes longer because heirs must be served with a copy of the petition and will. If there is not a will, a petition for administration must be filed. At times this procedure will require legal advertisement to run for 30 days. It can be difficult to get all this done when a closing is near.

It is more prudent to probate the will promptly to allow the executor to deed the property over to the remaining owner. That way there will be no need to hurry later. With some real estate deeds, the joint ownership is with right of survivorship, so the administration of an estate may not be necessary. A deed of joint ownership should always be checked to see if this provision is present.

More information at www.Walker-Law-Firm.com

PAGE 14

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Making a Difference: Manna Fund

McConnell Middle’s Teacher of the Year Continued from page 12

By Michelle Watson

from their aspirations. “Our young people today are bombarded with all sorts of information inputs, primarily via their cell phones, and those messages are not always good or beneficial,” he says.

“I believe the United States is the greatest country in the world,” Jones continues. “It is by no means perfect, but it offers more freedom and opportunity than any other place I know. When you couple the best place in the world to live with the educational opportunities that we have in our country, our students ought to think about how they can best take advantage of the options placed before them. You can define your future. Education was one of the keys for me. It gave me opportunities I’d never have known about.”

More information at mcconnellms.org

Manna Fund is an eating disorder treatment facility located in Lawrenceville.

Dr. Genie Burnett founded Manna Fund in 2006 to help people who have suffered with eating disorders. She can relate to her patients because she was a victim of anorexia and bulimia herself at a young age.

Dr. Burnett understands the drive to a disorder as well as the methods of treatment that are most effective. This unique perspective is what has made Manna Fund so successful, providing treatment scholarships for over 100 patients since its inception.

Most people know of the three most commonly discussed disorders. Anorexia nervosa is recognized by the patient’s tendency to be undernourished through refusal to eat, and is often coupled with an over-commitment to exercise. Bulimia nervosa is known as binging and purging as the patient strives to eliminate the calories ingested in a day through laxatives, induced vomiting, or exercise. Binging eating is a disorder taken to the other extreme. The binging patient will often overeat in spurts followed by bouts of guilt and shame. There are many other types of eating disorders, as well, and Manna Fund can help with them all.

There are five types of treatment (presented most intensive to least): in-patient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient. Manna Fund provides scholarships for inpatient and residential and local treatment for the last three levels of care. They also provide counseling for other issues. They are the only group on the east side of Atlanta offering such comprehensive services. Dr. Burnett has a vision for growth. She says Manna Fund will eventually open four additional centers, including further east toward Athens and south in Stockbridge.

Great care must be taken when approaching a loved one suspected of having an eating disorder.

Patients feel all kinds of emotions, not the least of which is an immense amount of shame. Dr. Burnett explains, for example, anorexic behavior may be an effort to “shrink” because the emotions he feels inside are so overwhelming that when he looks in the mirror he sees himself as much larger than his actual size. Those with eating disorders are quite aware they have a problem, and pointing it out to them is not going to reveal anything they don’t already know. In fact, telling someone with bulimia that you are concerned about her suddenly getting thin may even give her a sense of pride that it’s working.

This can make it hard for those who care to know what to say. Dr. Burnett says the best thing to do is give them an invitation to talk. Don’t mention someone’s appearance, but ask about their underlying feelings that may be showing up through their behavior. An example would be to say, “You seem upset today. Want to talk about it?” And a great response is just to listen to their answer.

More information at www.mannafund.org.

Top-Tier Academics in a Christ-Centered Environment Providence offers top-tier academics, competitive sports, and a wide range of fine arts offerings to K-12th grade students.

Most important, Providence is a school centered around the person of Jesus Christ.

Whether it’s in the classroom, on the stage, or on the ballfield, spiritual formation is an everyday part of school life.

To find out more, visit:

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Meeting a Hero

By Amy Ney Getting to meet a real-life hero isn’t a chance everyone gets, but the students at Starling Elementary school recently had the opportunity to do just that.

Principal Rachel Ernst explained, “Right across the street, Dogwood Forest Assisted Living center opened about a year ago. I met with Life Enrichment Director Alison Foskey, and we discussed how we could both benefit from a visit from our school.” So recently, about ten to twelve fourth graders walked over to interview and get to know some of the residents.

Each year, Starling Elementary hosts a Veterans Day program, and every year the program grows.

This time they had to move the event to the gym to accommodate all the guests. “The first and fourth grades performed, the music club and chorus along with the Grayson High School band put on a salute to the troops, honoring each military branch, as well as the Grayson High School JROTC,” said Ernst. “This year, though, they also had very special guests. Our neighbors from Dogwood, some of whom our students interviewed, were able to come to the program.”

Amanda Bryce, Starling’s Focus Teacher, organized the program. Students were able to speak with and interview Jerry Gilbert, Grannon Thompson, Charles Haney, Paul Sikorski, and Francis Aaron, all WWII Veterans from the Army and National Guard. Ernst explained that the impact was tremendous. “For our students it was really cool to sit and talk to someone who served in a conflict they have only read about.” Foskey agreed the experience went well. “Our gentlemen thought the students were very well prepared. They were impressed with the level of questions and thoughts the students shared.”

For the activity, students researched the wars, discussed appropriate questions, drafted mock questions, and dressed up for the interviews. They captured the interviews on film. Foskey explained it wasn’t just the students who benefited from the experience. “It definitely benefits both groups. Intergenerational activities are important to us. At Dogwood, we believe blending the generations in these types of activities is important. The children learn a lot from seniors, and the seniors thrive under this sort of interaction.” Foskey said one senior, Paul Sikorski, who is a 95-yearold WWII Veteran, even was able to put on his uniform for the student program. “He said it was the first time in years he was able to put the uniform on. We hope to do this program again,” said Foskey. “I know it is an experience the students will not forget. Interviewing a real WWII hero is Continued on page 22

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Archer Cluster Teachers Continued from page 12

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and aunt.” And there is one special teacher she recalls with much admiration. “If I had a mentor, it was my sixth grade teacher, Mr. Thomson. He was a lot like Mr. Kotter in the television program ‘Welcome Back Kotter,’ and Mr. Terupt in the children’s novel Because of Mr. Terupt. I remember how Mr. Thompson created a strong classroom community back in the 1970s when that wasn’t even a thing, yet. It is the relationships that we remember, and that is what I hope to pass on to my students as well,” she says.

“My grant award will be used to purchase six sets of Page Keeley Formative Assessment Probe books that are designed for use as formative assessments in science,” Hargrave explains. “The use of formative assessments in the elementary setting is crucial for guiding student learning, and especially in the area of science. These ready-made assessments will allow teachers to gauge students’ understanding of complex scientific principles.”

Hargrave has been teaching in Gwinnett County for ten years. “I still love what I do and plan on continuing for at least ten more years.”

Gerin Hennebaul Lovin Elementary K-5 STEM Instructional Coach Gerin Hennebaul has spent twenty years teaching in Gwinnett County, and is herself a graduate of Duluth High School. “I am proud to be a product of Gwinnett County Schools!” Hennebaul says. “Both of my children attend schools in our cluster. We are all proud to be Tigers!”

Lovin Elementary received the Archer Foundation Grant, which was sponsored by Tom M. Wages Funeral Service in honor of Patrick Ahearn. Hennebaul has purchased a Tower Garden with his grant funding.

“A Tower Garden is an indoor growing system for fruits, vegetables, and herbs which uses no soil, and can produce plants three times faster, year round!” Hennebaul explains. “First and second graders will be working together on a community service project using the Tower Garden. Our first graders will be planting seeds and growing seedlings in their classrooms. They will learn about the needs of plants, parts of plants, and will measure the seedlings until they are ready to be planted in the tower. They will then put the seedlings in the Tower Garden and watch them flourish! When the vegetables are ready, the second graders will harvest, bag, label, and send fresh vegetables home to our Lovin needy families.”

Hennebaul continues, “The grant we received for the Tower Garden generated so much excitement throughout our school that it has led to the purchase of multiple towers! Having the Tower Gardens will enable us to incorporate STEM activities and our community service focus throughout many grade levels. We are so appreciative of this grant and the doors it has opened for our Lovin students!”

More information at: McConnell Middle School mcconnellms.org Harbins Elementary http://www.harbins.org/home.html.

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marshals who supervised play. In addition, Brookwood High School players volunteered to help at the clinics, and during one week of team play, a high school player played as a member of the team that week.

“It was a great opportunity for our middle school players to see how hard work in just a few years can pay off, “stated Witmer. “And it was great chance for the high school players to give a little back to the community as many of them played during their middle school years.”

Team competition was won by the Bay Creek Middle School team, comprised of Reginald Eberhart, Danny Lipsey, Tres Moore, Robby Tabor, Bernardo Little, Sydney Colson, and Luke and Audrey Doppelheuer. Bay Creek was led by Team Marshal Gene Hunter. Runner up was McConnell Middle School.

A “Most Improved Golfer” award was given for each team. Winners were Micheya Cox and Janie Ramsey Grell (McConnell), Mason Kirkpatrick (Couch), Devin Ortman (Crews), Hakim Kitabwalla (Five Forks), Audrey Doppelheuer (Bay Creek), and Samuel Clark and Luis McClendon (Trickum).

For the 9-hole individual stroke tournament, Bernardo Little’s 43 made him the Boy’s Red Flight Tee winner, Braxton Holden’s 48 made him the Boy’s Gold Flight Junior Tee Winner, and Corynn Rodney’s 50 made her the Girl’s Gold Flight Junior Tee Winner.

“We modeled the national Pitch, Putt, and Drive competition, and Head Golf Professional Gene Siller at Summit Chase set up our own contest,” Witmer said. “We had a lot of fun with it, even in the cold. The Boys and Girls overall winners were Tony Coggins and Corynn Rodney, both from McConnell Middle School.”

Witmer added that he’s sure the parents of Couch’s Sami Roper were glad to see her win the closest to the hole on the 40-foot putt, taking home the special prize of free spring registration.

So, what’s next? According to Witmer, they’re already planning for the spring.

“The changes we made to the format and the instruction we gave especially to the beginner golfers has led to more middle school player’s registering,” concluded Witmer. “We already have a waiting list for our spring registration to open, and we’re looking at the need to find a fourth golf course for our spring season play.”

More information at https://www.middleschoolgolfleague.com/

Grayson JROTC Continued from page 9 a plan.

In addition to the school program, JROTC offers extracurricular opportunities for cadets. The Raider Teams take part in outdoor athletic programs. Cadets train on an on-campus obstacle course and compete against other JROTC programs throughout North Georgia. Eight Saturday competitions take place in the fall, and the Grayson program has an all-boys team, an all-girls team, and a mixed team.

Currently, the Raiders’ season has just finished and the Drill Team and Color Guard programs are getting under way. Sergeant Brown works closely with cadets trying out for positions on these squads. The Color Guard and Drill Team compete in the spring and also have eight Saturday competitions against other North Georgia JROTC programs. Both Raider and Drill Team competitions culminate in a state championship. A full school trophy case as well as trophy displays in the JROTC trailers attest to Grayson teams’ many successes.

In addition to competing, the Color Guard supports many events throughout the Grayson community. Perhaps the most notable is the annual participation in community Veterans Day events which occur on and around the November 11th commemoration. Colonel Rose says Veterans Day inspires many students to become involved in the Drill Team and Color Guard as the cadets participate in the various activities with other schools and organizations.

This year’s events included evening programs at Starling Elementary and Bay Creek Middle to recognize veterans. Both Lovin Elementary and Winn Holt Elementary held indoor parades, and Lovin also hosted a Veterans breakfast. The JROTC’s role is to present the United States and Georgia colors, sing the national anthem, and recite the pledge of allegiance. Cadets then present the military flags for the five branches of the military accompanied by a medley of the songs of the services. The flag of the service being honored is dipped when its song is presented, and veterans from each branch, Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and the Army, often stand and sing when their branch is recognized. This year the Grayson band contributed to the ceremonies by playing TAPS. The cadets also participated in veteran recognition ceremonies at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living Community and at Sunrise Senior Living, which held its event outdoors in the garden.

These groups were particularly receptive of the TAPS addition to the program. The cadets honored the service men and women by pinning them with American flag pins. The day’s interactions were meaningful for both seniors and cadets. A ceremony at the Chamber of Commerce Chili Cook Off in Grayson City Park and a Veterans Recognition at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church rounded out the week’s activities.

The experiences a student has in the JROTC will no doubt prove invaluable. The program does not attempt to influence students to enter the military, and only about 10% of the cadets do so.

However, Colonel Rose says exposure to discipline and the building of self-esteem are the things he and Sergeant Brown emphasize in the program and are values the cadets will carry with them for the rest of their lives, regardless of what they do. “Our mission is to motivate young students to be better citizens,” he says. It is obvious that they do.

More info: https://graysonjrotc-rampride.weebly.com/

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Learning Lessons Continued from page 13 capable of learning foundational STEAM concepts, and parents and teachers should help children develop these skills at an early age.

STEAM learning can also take place outside of the classroom. For example, parents can encourage children to channel their inner engineer through a boat race activity. Have children use a variety of recyclables – cork, foil, tape, craft sticks, straw, an old swim noodle, and paper for a sail – to build a boat that can sail across the bathtub, a pan of water, or a puddle. After creating the boat, have children blow toward the boat to see how fast their creation travels. Parents and children can host races between multiple boats and discuss which boat is faster and why.

Young children grasp concepts through exploration and trial and error, so they should learn STEAM concepts at their own pace and in ways that are natural to them. To ensure that children are learning at their own pace, Primrose offers a balance of play with guidance from teachers, and repeats STEAM lessons so children can master skills as they are ready.

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

PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com

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PAGE 17

Chaplain’s Corner Continued from page 8 Now, let me assure you that I am not just being preachy. I am telling you what I really believe.

You see, the night that RJ questioned my faith, I got a phone call from my dad (who is only 65), and he told me that he has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

As you can imagine, we do not know what’s next for him, and all these unknowns are very scary and overwhelming. Yet, there is one thing that we do know, and that is that God is real, God is good, and God is still doing miracles on earth.

So, if you need a miracle (just like me), pray for one. God is listening.

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

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – at M.C. Twinklin’s

By Heidi Campbell With holiday music piping through the speakers, one cannot enter M.C. Twinklin’s Christmas store without becoming completely immersed in the holiday spirit. They opened for the season on September 29th, and the entire store is now decked out with gorgeous decorations, collectibles, unique ornaments, lights, decorated trees, and trimming for all doors and staircases. “My late brother-in-law and I opened this business together in 1982,” shares Cheryl Gaston, the owner of the seasonal wonderland. “The previous owners weren’t into Christmas, and I wasn’t into working all year! I’ve now been in this business for forty-nine years because I enjoy it! I always say ‘Fa-la-la-la-la!

If you are not having fun with your job, then you need a new job!’”

Gaston moved to Georgia in order to pursue her dream of finding a career that would allow her to travel and enjoy each day. She finds joy in managing her store and her elves, who are, according to Gaston, “the happiest elves around!” She enjoys the excited faces of the children who come into the store. “I remember one little girl came into the store and grabbed my hand and pulled me all around the store,” recalls Gaston. “She was so excited to point to everything! People always ask me if I like Christmas, and I often will say no, and pause… then say, ‘I LOVE Christmas!’”

M.C. Twinklin’s, whose initials not only stand for the original owners Mike and Cheryl, but also Merry Christmas, is the sole “permanent tree” retailer in the Atlanta area carrying Neuman Trees, a small company who, according to Gaston, “…specializes in making great trees.” Customers can opt for pre-lighted or unlighted trees in sizes ranging from two feet to twelve feet, with special orders possible for trees up to thirty feet. They offer seventeen pine and spruce tree styles ranging from slim to full, and colors including deep green or frosted. Gaston is completely willing to individualize the trees to meet her customer’s need, and says, “Each year, we sell seven or eight fully ornamented trees.

Our decorator Pat Whitford goes to the customers’ houses and sets them all up, schedule permitting. Aside from the trees, she decorates over sixty houses each year! It’s one of our many services to get people ready for the season.”

Along with tree sales and set up and decorating services, M.C. Twinklin’s offers numerous other Continued on page 21

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Holiday Food Temptations: Tips to Navigate Your Way through the Holidays

By Our Town Staff The holidays throw in a lot of temptations from every direction if you are dieting or watching your weight.

Holiday parties and get-togethers can be a healthful-eating challenge. Caught up in conversation among friends and family, surrounded by delicious food and drinks, it’s easy to lose track of what and how much is being eaten.

Registered Dietitian Sarah Galicki offers tips for staying the course through the holidays.

“There are a lot of calories packed into this time of year,” Galicki says. “You’re doing your holiday baking, people are dropping off candy and treats, there are parties with all-you-can-eat buffets, and creamy drinks like eggnog, so it’s important to be prepared. It is possible to navigate the holidays without gaining weight by doing these things.”

Eat first. Never go to a party hungry. If you do, chances are you’ll wind up eating too much, too fast. Eat a snack before you go, such as some Greek yogurt, which is loaded with protein and calcium. Add fruit for extra taste and nutrients, and top with pistachios for crunch and good fats.

Drink wisely. If you want to indulge a little bit, have some champagne or white wine. A 4-ounce glass has approximately 100 calories. By comparison, a cup of traditional eggnog has 344 calories and 19 grams of fat (11 grams saturated fat). Skip the creamy drinks. The best bet is to avoid alcohol altogether if possible. Drink a spritzer made with sparkling water, cranberry, and a lime instead. It looks festive, tastes great and has hardly any calories.

Fill up on finger foods. Small, bite-size appetizers limit the calorie impact. A good option?

Pistachios. They’re great to snack on – forty-nine have exactly 150 calories, and they satisfy that crunchy craving. Plus, they’re full of nutrients and they fill you up. The healthy fats will help regulate your blood-sugar level throughout the night, which is helpful if you’re drinking. Wrap some up decoratively and take along for a hostess gift to be sure there’s a healthy choice on hand. And everyone loves pistachios.

Survey your options. Mindful eating is always key in any situation. Once the buffet table opens, take a visual sweep past it before jumping in line and making your selections. This way you’ll avoid piling one of everything onto your plate needlessly when you eventually pass through.

Continued on page 21

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PAGE 19

Photo Fun: 2017 Grayson Chili Cook Off

PAGE 20

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Megan Brockington: 2018 Archer High Teacher of the Year

By J. Rice Archer High School’s 2018 Teacher of the Year, Megan Brockington, seems to have been preparing for a career in art education literally since birth. Nurtured in an environment of art and culture, it didn’t take her long to discover it was where she belonged. She credits her parents and a long succession of patient, dedicated teachers for her passion and her success.

“Long before I chose my career, my life was surrounded by teachers and artists,” says Brockington. “With an educator for a mother and an engineer for a father, creativity and lesson plans were second nature to me. It was a combination, however, of every teacher I had which gave me a passion for the career that has become my life. From my pre-K teacher, Mrs. Shank, to my high school language arts teacher, Mrs. Hammock, I learned patience, love, and passion. While I had yet to find my path in the visual arts, I had a deep love for music and spent some of the best hours of my life between the concert stage and the marching field!”

Music, art, and travel added to her cultural development, and the continued input of teachers through the years gave her glimpses of many unique career fields and practical applications for art.

“Thanks to the dedication of my band directors (Mr. Coleman and Mr. Barr), music took me across the globe before even earning my high school diploma,” Brockington says. “Then while in school at Western Carolina University, I had a multitude of professors who had a profound effect on me. After changing my major twice, and still feeling unsure of where my life would take me, I found my soul in an art appreciation course. It was the first time I truly felt like I was where I was supposed to be. The professors in the years to follow introduced me to working professionals who demonstrated a passion for the visual arts, and a defining moment for me happened just prior to graduation when I met a local art therapist. Meeting her pushed my career on the path I’m still on today – offering art as a therapeutic outlet for the students I teach.”

Brockington began teaching full-time in Gwinnett in 2009 and started planning study trips abroad for her students shortly thereafter. She wanted them to not only see the art of the world, but to develop a love of travel as well. She wanted to open some of the same doors for her students that had been opened for her. “I was driven by the passions of my students, and wanted to motivate them to go beyond what they thought possible for themselves,” Brockington states.

Continued on page 22

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M.C. Twinklin’s Continued from page 18 services for customers including custom bows, wreaths, and floral arrangements. They offer a wide range of collectible products including the popular Annalee Dolls, Byers Choice figures, and Radko ornaments, just to name a few. The store is literally wall-to-wall Christmas décor, making it an excellent place to visit to get into the holiday spirit. “What sets us apart is that we are really decorated more like a house than a store,” explains Gaston. “We use items that people would like to give their friends, like collections of Falcons ornaments and five different age groups of ballerinas!

We change up our designs each year so there’s always new products for our customers.”

Gaston enjoys her community and offers several yearly decorating seminars, including mantle and tree decorating, ribbon and wreath making, and tree topper class. For fifteen years, M.C. Twinklin’s has donated a tree to the American Cancer Society, and Gaston also donates numerous products for non-profit groups to raffle for their causes. She donates time and fundraising help to Hospice each year and says, “One of my customers brings in a wreath for her local mountain Hospice group, and I decorate it each year. They raise a lot of great money for their Hospice event each year.”

The lights, the colors, the decorations, and the trees make a visit to M.C. Twinklin’s a must on the holiday “to-do” list. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The only days they close during the season are Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year ’s Day. The decorations will inspire every shopper. According to Gaston, “We are one of the seven wonderlands of the world!”

More information at http://mctwinklins.com/.

Holiday Food Temptations Continued from page 19 Don’t be first in line. The food in a buffet line looks pretty in the beginning. Once people serve themselves, it’s not as appealing and you’ll eat less. Get a small plate. This trick helps limit portion size.

Avoid the white stuff. Given other options, skip the white rice, white pasta, and white bread.

They’re loaded with calories but no nutrients. Choose items with whole grains instead. They’re full of nutrients and have fiber, which will fill you up, so you won’t eat as much.

Delight in dessert. Dessert is probably the toughest temptation of all. But there’s no reason to skip it. Most of us have a sweet tooth. Satisfy that sweet craving with some fresh fruit. To make sure it’s available, bring some as a hostess gift; it’s always welcome.

“Overall, pace yourself,” advises Galicki. “Enjoy the food and festivities.” (BPT)

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PAGE 21

Small Packages...BIG Plans

By Beth Volpert-Johansen with Emerson Sheldon

It begins with a plan Planning is everything, particularly when it comes to your long-term financial objectives.

Meeting a Hero Continued from page 15

It It begins begins with with aa plan plan

something many students in this generation won’t be able to experience. I’m grateful for the students and seniors who made it happen.”

Planning is everything, particularly when it comes to your Planning everything, particularly when it comes to your long-termisfinancial objectives. long-term financial objectives.

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PAGE 22

Rachel Ernst is the principal at Starling Elementary School in the Grayson High School Cluster http:// www.starlingelementary.org, and Alison Foskey the Life Enrichment Director at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living Center located at 1754 Grayson Highway in Grayson.

Archer Teacher of the Year Continued from page 21

Chris Buckley

Waddell & Reed, Inc. Member SIPC

What can one young child do to make a huge impact on children worldwide? Plenty.

For some children, a Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift might be the very first gift they have ever received that represents the love of God in a tangible way. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 146 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories.

For 5th grader, Emerson Sheldon of Grayson, GA, the shoebox project is not just a one-shot holiday project. Since she was three, Emerson has been working year-round under her mom JoEllen’s guidance to raise funds, collect appropriate items, and prepare for filling boxes each Christmas. “Some of my favorite things to include in the boxes are Barbies and Hot Wheels because every child deserves a great toy.”

“Each box that Emerson packs gets a toy, toothbrush, comb, pencils, soap, and notebook,” says her mom. “After she packs those necessities, she adds her own personal touch to each box.”

To raise funds, Emerson sells lemonade, cupcakes, and cookies before swim meets in her neighborhood during the summer. “The cupcakes were the bomb! Everyone wanted one!” Throughout the year, she talks up the project to anyone who will listen. “When people find out what I am raising money for, they usually give me a donation of money or supplies, and that makes me feel good about serving God.” With the help of her family, Emerson has been able increase her Operation Christmas Child 2017 Project to benefit 50 children. “This year I packed 25 for girls and 25 for boys,” says Emerson. “Next year, I plan to do ONE HUNDRED!” In addition to raising funds for the supplies, each box costs $9 to send, so Emerson and her mom are already making a plan to cover the costs in 2018 as well as upping their goals. “I couldn’t do this without my family,” says Emerson. “Last year, my grandma went shopping with me when I didn’t have enough money and made up the difference, and my parents help me with shipping.”

After watching some of the Operation Christmas Child videos of the children opening their boxes, Emerson was touched. “The smiles are not just a smile; it’s like their smile is exploding. They look super-excited!” says Emerson. “It’s like, when you get a pair of shoes for Christmas, you are like, ‘Oh’, but when these kids get shoes, they are so thankful. I love the looks on their faces when they open the box and get a stuffed animal – they are so happy!”

One lesson Emerson has learned is to plan ahead and get great deals. “My mom has a huge box of flip-flops in her closet that we bought in the summer on clearance because most of these boxes go to countries where that might be their only pair of shoes, so we try to maximize the numbers we can buy.” Planning ahead also includes shopping sales and watching for good deals. “Most of the toys we get come from discount stores, but we like to buy a good quality so kids are not disappointed.”

What Emerson wishes other kids her age knew about care and compassion is that she feels blessed to have as much as she does. “I wish kids understood that many of us have more than enough and we kind of take it for granted.” She goes on to say that any kid can start with one shoebox and see how it makes them feel to fill it and give it away to someone in need or who may never have had a gift before.

“Santa must feel awesome because he gives the whole world presents, and I only give 50 and I feel amazing when I give these gifts – so he has GOT to feel awesome!”

More information at Facebook @OperationChristmasChild | Twitter @occ_shoeboxes | Instagram @ operationchristmaschild

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By 2013 Brockington had earned a Master’s Degree in Art Education, and had her own artwork chosen for display at Piedmont College’s Mason-Scharfenstein Gallery. Now she had the validation of being an artist in her own right, which only increased the passion with which she taught.

“Teaching can quite often be a thankless job,” Brockington explains. “But I am fortunate enough to have taught amazing students over the past several years – students who not only show and voice their appreciation, but push me to be the best teacher I can be. I can guarantee I have learned more from them than they have from me.”

Brockington adds, “Watching a student notice their own improvement or seeing the look on their face when they’re able to impress someone with their new abilities is how I find the most joy.”

More information at archer.archerhighschool.net

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Chris Buckley Financial Advisor Chris Buckley

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