DEC 2022: (BLUE) Our Town Gwinnett Monthly Magazine for Gwinnett/NE Dekalb

GWINNETT Our Town

Lawrenceville

Snellville

Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker

Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine

On the Cover: Find The C.A.R.E. You Need with Lamar Law Office, LLC

By Kristen Eleveld

When you need an attorney, you need someone you can trust, someone who knows the job well, and, above all, someone who cares about you. This is why so many people in Gwinnett and beyond are turning to Lamar Law Office, LLC to find the legal expertise that not only meets their needs, but shows how valued they are.

Founded in 2018 by Anita Lamar, this firm has gone above and beyond to ensure that caring for clients is their highest priority. In fact, they have literally centered their core values around showing the highest level of care possible.

“The core tenets of our firm are C.A.R.E. – Culture, Assertiveness, Resilience, and Enthusiasm,” said Anita. “These tenets extend to our relationship with our clients, employees, and our greater Atlanta community.”

Clients of Lamar Law Office, LLC are more than familiar with these tenets, as Anita and her team strive to make their clients’ wellbeing the center of every action they take. In fact, the team receives weekly training and information on the best ways to establish the “We Care” philosophy that has become synonymous with this firm. Anita intentionally seeks out potential employees who demonstrate the ability to show a high level of attention to detail to the company’s culture and client needs. In turn, Anita works to reward her employees with regular celebrations and outings, which all point back to the culture of caring for people before anything else.

“Our culture is deeply rooted in a culture of family and equality,” said Anita. “Before we can build trust with our clients, our employees must believe and embrace the culture of Lamar Office. We accomplish this by listening to and understanding the needs of our employees.”

In addition to building high levels of trust, many of the firm’s employees are given the opportunity to further their pursuit of their

THIS

By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

Can you believe it is December? Wow. This year of 2022 seems to have flown by. Time does not wait for anyone. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now Christmas and the New Year are nearly upon us. I know we are ready to usher in the new year of 2023, which will be even better for us. On a personal note, this year has been significant for me as I hit a milestone birthday and became a Doctor (in leadership) soon after.

Let us go back in time and remember, that if you disagree with someone, it is okay to “agree to disagree agreeably.” We all will not and do not need to agree on everything, but we must show each other dignity, caring, and respect in our dialogue with them. As we enter this new year, I hope we look in the mirror before tearing someone down “in thoughts or words/actions.” In the New Testament of the Bible (Matthew 7), Jesus told his followers, “Do not judge...or you too will be judged.” These are great words to follow, no matter what your religious beliefs may or may not be. But let me say this first: wow, this can be difficult.

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Endings…A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop, Leadership Coach

A new year will soon be here. Some view a new year as a time for a fresh start with new opportunities and a new focus. One common approach to capitalize on a new year is to simply design what to begin or restart. Little thought, however, is given to what must be ended. “Great is the art of the beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” – Henry Wadsworth

Longfellow

Endings are a natural part of professional and personal life. As an army dependent, I grew up with endings as part of my family’s lifestyle. We would begin life in one physical location and then end what was familiar and relocate, to begin and move toward another ending. The longest we lived in one place the first eighteen years of my life was thirty-five months in Germany.

Someone has said that life is lived in chapters. Lessons I learned in those “growing up chapters” have often served as a reference for my personal and professional growth. One of those lessons was the advantage of endings. Had we stayed in one location, the adventure of many different experiences would have been missed. Although so many endings were not my choice, they proved to be enriching.

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Start Your Weekend with Mellow Mushroom in Snellville

By Kristen Eleveld

Nothing makes for a fantastic weekend than the perfect pizza, and Mellow Mushroom Snellville has been gearing up to deliver. With new storage and a dedicated pickup and curbside area, the Mellow Mushroom will be able to serve its loyal patrons no matter how they would like to dine.

“The growing pains have been a real struggle, but we are blessed to be able to come out of the pandemic stronger than ever,” said Greg Merkle, one of the owners of Mellow Mushroom Snellville.

Closing their doors was never an option. It took immediate action to maintain pandemic regulations while serving guests in a way this Mellow Mushroom team had never done before. Greg and co-owner Barbara Rosselle changed things up and implemented delivery powered by DoorDash and Uber Eats, as well as a curbside system to meet the demands of hungry patrons.

“It was no easy task, but we were not going down after twenty years of service to the community,” said Greg. “Mellow Mushroom Snellville is here to stay and always looking for ways to improve its standards as we grow to meet the community’s need.”

The shift to curbside and delivery made for a considerable challenge.

“We prefer our patrons call in and pick up their orders as we love to see and hear from our fans,” said Greg. “But with people staying home more, delivery and curbside are here to stay.”

To tackle this task, a new curbside area on the store’s west side has been created with large, groovy signs to help instruct customers to use the easy and efficient text-based pick-up system.

Operating efficiently is always on the minds of Mellow Mushroom Snellville, with their health score of 100 a testament to that. By using some business creativity, they have been conquering the challenges needed to fully open their dining room to guests on Friday and Saturday evenings and the return of Hump Night Trivia with Tony!

The addition to the building was completed in September, allowing for much-needed storage and a space to operate curbside to allow the entire dining room to operate at max capacity. Hiring additional staff is also on the horizon to keep up with the growing demand for the delicious pizza you have come to know and love. Greg prides himself on employee retention, with many working for him for over ten years. Laying off staff was not an option during the pandemic; instead, Barbara and Greg figured out a new system to retain their team. Reworking their budget to

December Photo of the Month: The Exceptional Foundation of Atlanta

The organization serves young adults with disabilities, cut the ribbon on its new location, and second overall, at Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church on September 27.

AngelFishGA – Helping Families Stay Safe in the Water

By Traci Sanders

Awareness and safety around water is important to protect young children in these situations, especially those with physical or mental learning disabilities.

AngelFishGA–Adaptive Aquatics (AFGA) currently provides weekly swimming lessons for over 200 children of all ages and skills, from little babies to Special Olympics traditional swimmers. Working together with Gwinnett County Aquatics, AFGA provides the greatest access to all aquatic’s lessons offered by the county to these children, many of whom are from low or fixed-income homes.

AFGA believes in a “force No child/do No harm” philosophy, viewing each child as unique. All AFGA instructors are experienced swimmers, Red Cross WSI instructors, lifeguard and/or competitive swimmers, and most importantly, Swim Angelfish ® Adaptive Methodology Certified. This last vital link sets them apart from other organizations. As a representative shared, “It’s not enough to simply ‘want’ to swim with children with special needs. You must know how to do it. It takes an average of four to six months to train to become an AFGA instructor.”

Moms and dads are also invited to join their children in the water to learn how to understand the why and how these instructors teach swimming and to give them the tools to use when swimming unassisted with their angelfish (a term of endearment AFGA uses to reference their students).

AFGA offers the same cost of services as Gwinnett County, and this is one of their core values. They work toward safety, proficienContinued on page 21

Pet Perch: Two Most Underutilized Dog Training Tools

By Terie Hansen

A leash and a crate are the two most underutilized training tools. Whether you have a new puppy or adult dog, these two tools are the fastest way to get to a well-trained dog. Some dog owners feel bad about crating their dog/pup. Actually, crating is the best thing to keep them safe and to speed up the training process overall.

If you have or have had children, then at some point you have used a crib. When your baby needed some downtime or a nap, you put him or her in the crib. When you couldn’t supervise or interact with them, you put them in a crib or playpen to keep them safe. A crate is just a crib with a lid. It keeps your dog/pup from getting

into things that could be harmful and prevents them from practicing negative behaviors when you can’t supervise.

When you have your dog out of the crate, your pet should be on a leash, even inside the house. When you have a puppy or even an adult dog that is new to you, they don’t know what the rules of your house are. It is your responsibility to teach them. Dogs don’t speak English. Training teaches your dog key words/ commands which gives you verbal control of your dog. Before they have learned these commands you still need some form of control and that is what the leash gives you, physical control! This simple tool plays a major role in helping you teach your dog all the basic obedience commands.

One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make early on is giving their new dog or puppy too much freedom, and not enough Continued on page 23

Mellow Mushroom in Snellville

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allow servers to retain their jobs while increasing wages was crucial so that everyone at this store could meet their needs, and it worked out better than expected.

“It’s so good to be back,” said Barbara. “It’s going to be a little crazy here, but we are still the same great team we’ve always been, and we can’t wait to see everyone.”

Reopening to capacity will be another hurdle, but they are ready for the challenge. Amazing food and a fun atmosphere will always be a staple at Mellow Mushroom Snellville, but now they also have the ability to offer their fantastic food to the fans who prefer a quiet night at home. Don’t miss your opportunity to join them on Friday and Saturday night, or for trivia night on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.! Follow them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mmsnellville to get the latest updates and to be ready for the Mellow experience you have grown to love!

More information at https://mellowmushroom.com/contactless/ snellville-ga/ or call (770) 736-9396

Lamar Law Office, LLC

Continued from page 5

own legal career. Anita’s philosophy is that everyone deserves legal care, and training her employees to provide it is a win-win scenario.

For those who have never hired an attorney before, the process may seem daunting. But Anita and her team have worked diligently to ensure that their “We Care” values are always being developed, especially when working with new clients.

“Our firm is small enough to ensure our clients receive outstanding customer service, while large enough to fight aggressively on their behalf and achieve the settlements they deserve,” Anita said. “Our ‘We Care’ culture is demonstrated in our commitment to keeping our clients abreast of every detail of their case.”

Of course, once you work with Lamar Law Office, LLC, you will have made a friend for life in each of the team members. Whether

you receive a postcard for Women’s History Month or see a representative from the firm participating in an Atlanta-based celebration, this group of attorneys, paralegals, and admins do not do anything halfway. Working with them means working with people who truly C.A.R.E.

“I make a concerted effort through the practice to lead by example and seek out opportunities to get involved in the community,” said Anita. “Our team enjoys developing lasting relationships with every client, and we love to stay connected with them even once their case is settled.”

If you’re ready to hire the best of the best, it’s easy to get in touch with Anita and her team. Just call 1-877-CARE-404, or head to www.atlantalegalcare.com to set up your free legal consultation today.

More information at www.atlantalegalcare.com

Cycling at a Higher Level

By Beth Volpert Johansen

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Oftentimes, the parents of the individual do not have the time, finances, and other resources to provide for the child,” explains Doug. “Too much of the time, the special needs person spends his/ her days sitting in front of a TV, computer, or sadly, doing nothing.” Finding space for JD with the Exceptional Foundation of Atlanta (EFA) meant that their son would have a place to spend his days that fit his own exceptional needs.

Knowing that both organizations rely heavily on fundraising, Doug decided to combine his “epic ride” across the US with the goal of raising awareness and funding to support the Exceptional Foundation of Atlanta as well as Special Kneads and Treats. “The goal was to ride my bike from Manhattan Beach, California to

Attorney Anita M. Lamar Owner, Managing Attorney

How to Safely Dispose of Household Medications

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Did you know that in 2019 up to 200 pharmaceuticals were detected in the surface water, ground water, and drinking water in the U.S., according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development?

Conventional wastewater treatment plants are neither designed nor equipped to fully remove pharmaceuticals, which is how these substances end up in ground and surface water. What can you do to dispose of medications properly and help prevent these potent chemicals from polluting the environment?

While 61% of Americans are concerned about flushed painkillers polluting drinking water and public waterways, 1 out of 4 admit to flushing leftover prescriptions down the drain, and another 25% reported throwing unused medications in the trash, according to a study by Stericycle. If you are concerned about the environment, you can be part of the solution by taking advantage of new ways to safely dispose of unused medications. Here are practical do’s and don’ts to follow when discarding old medications or other household drugs.

DO: Regularly clean out your medicine cabinet. Are there

unused medications you no longer need? Expired over-the-counter medications or prescriptions? Make it a habit to regularly inventory your medications and remove expired, unwanted, and unneeded ones for disposal.

DON’T: Hold on to prescriptions you are no longer advised to take by your doctor. The Stericycle study found that Americans keep unused prescriptions either for future use (30%), because they fear their illness reoccurring (32%) or because they don’t know how to dispose of them (nearly 15%). However, keeping unused medications in your home can be unsafe and increases risks for accidental ingestion or potential substance misuse.

DO: Use one of these safe disposal methods for discarding unused medications in your home.

• Use the Deterra Drug Deactivation and Disposal System, a safe medication disposal pouch that can be used at home. It permanently deactivates drugs in many forms including pills, patches, liquids, films, and creams with the simple addition of tap water. Easily available on Amazon, and in their online store, Deterra’s proprietary activated carbon renders drugs inert and harmless, and its plant-based packaging and non-toxic ingredients prevent harmful chemicals from entering landfills and water supplies.

• Find a drug take-back program in your community. These collection sites or drop boxes may be located at a nearby hospital, clinic pharmacy, or law enforcement agency. Sometimes you may also find pop-up drug collection events being held throughout the year. Be sure to ask what types of medications the program will accept, as some will not take liquids.

DON’T: Flush medications down the toilet, put them down the drain, or throw them in the trash. While some sources may advise flushing pills or mixing meds with coffee grounds or kitty litter

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Health Matters: Women Help Men Take Better Care of Their Health

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Men are notorious for avoiding the doctor and ignoring warning signs when it comes to their health. New research confirms this isn’t just a myth with two in five men saying they’ve put off seeing a doctor until their symptoms were urgent, and with one in three men avoiding the doctor altogether out of fear of finding something wrong.

Men also are more likely to smoke, drink, and take more risks. Yet a surprising 84% of men rate their health as “excellent” or “good” in a Men’s Health Survey conducted by MDVIP and Ipsos, suggesting that they mistakenly believe they’re healthier than they really are. “Men are typically on the defensive, waiting for an emergency to happen before seeking medical care – when it’s sometimes too late,” said Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief medical officer at MDVIP. “What they need is to play better offense.”

What, or rather who, is the key to helping men be more proactive about their health? Women. An impressive four in five men say their spouse/partner plays an important role in their health and nearly half say they have gone to see a doctor because their spouse/partner insisted on it. Whether you’re a man who wants to take steps to improve your health, or you have an important man in your life who needs encouragement, here are tips to get the journey started.

Women make 80% of the health care decisions for their households. If you are a woman, know that you have a lot of influence and that your partner really listens to you. Make sure you bring up any observations or concerns you have about his health, even if it may feel difficult or uncomfortable at first. It could be a matter of life and death.

Here are things you can do: Partner with him to make healthier choices such as going for daily walks, cooking nutritious meals,

More Than a Great Coach

By Bill Crane

Others have written, and more will write, detailed tributes to Coach Vince Joseph Dooley (age ninety) as the winningest coach in the history of Georgia football (201-77-10). That is, of course, true, and adds considerably to his legend. But as many fortunate enough to spend time with Vince Dooley know well, he was so much more than a great football coach.

Despite being born in Mobile, Alabama and spending his early life in our neighboring state, educated, playing football and later coaching at Auburn University, Vince Dooley may perhaps be more associated with the University of Georgia and UGA football than anyone on the planet. Dooley, a Marine, and his young wife Barbara moved to Athens in 1964, and they have lived in the same home and neighborhood near Five Points in Athens since. Dooley’s Dawgs would win their first National Championship during the 1980 season, cementing his legendary status in those circles before the age of fifty.

Coach Dooley was visible and accessible in those days, on campus and around Athens, with Vince and Barbara, and their pregame receptions at their home, becoming Athens’ ultimate Power Couple. And Barbara, the franker and comedic of the pair, was a popular public speaker, local radio show host, and candidate for public office. Dooley’s heritage was Irish and Italian – the family is Catholic. Barbara Dooley, a Birmingham native, adds some Greek blood to that mix.

and stocking the pantry with healthier snacks. Watch for unusual symptoms or changes that might indicate a serious issue, such as a mysterious mole on his back, or unexplained pain or fatigue. Urge him to see his primary care doctor when something’s amiss or help him find a physician if he doesn’t already have one.

Just as you do regular maintenance on your car to keep it running well, like oil changes and tire rotations, here’s what men need to do to minimize their own health issues down the road:

• See your primary care physician for regular preventive care. Schedule an annual check-up where you can ask questions and discuss any health concerns you may have. Make sure you’re up to date on routine lab work and important screenings based on your age and medical history.

• Know your numbers. Learn about key health indicators including your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and body

The Dooleys, in addition to their sixty-two-year marriage, raised four children, two sons, and two daughters. Deanna and Denise were classmates on either side of me at UGA, Daniel is the older son, and Derek would follow his father and uncle into a career in coaching. The family spread geographically, but has remained close. When Dooley passed, all four children were home with their father and mother.

Dooley’s coaching career ended in 1988. He had been named UGA’s Athletic Director already in 1979, a position he held for twenty-five years, where his track record was even more amazing than his tenure as football coach. UGA sports teams across the spectrum of twenty-one scholarship athletic programs won eighteen national championships and 75-SEC Championships. Dooley oversaw the Title IX expansion of female sports and scholar dollars during this era, and also raised millions for new athletic facilities and nearly $2-million in scholarships for the University of Georgia to recruit both athletes and non-athletes alike. Dooley had developed deep relationships all over the Southeast, but particularly in Georgia. Among his program alumni and admirers were William Porter “Billy” Payne, the CEO of the Centennial Olympic Games and Sonny Perdue, Georgia’s first GOP governor.

Representing Athens and UGA Athletics, Dooley secured four different Olympic sporting events for Athens, including women’s soccer, rhythmic gymnastics, volleyball, and the Gold Medal match for soccer between Brazil and Portugal.

Though I have heard some of his players from back in the day discuss how the Coach could be at times rather formal and impos-

Crochet Your Way with Eco-Friendly Crafts

By Kristen Eleveld

“Let your creativity shine” – this is just one of the many mottos that inspires Eco-Friendly Crafts, a local store that offers an incredible array of fun, interesting, and eco-friendly crafting options that are sure to be a hit for all ages.

With its founder Jill Bridges at the helm, Eco-Friendly Crafts has quickly made a name for itself across Gwinnett, especially as Jill and her team strive to educate the Lawrenceville neighborhood and beyond about the impact of the materials used in many craft projects, as well as in many crafting stores. After doing some research on what exactly is in the materials that many popular crafts and projects are made of, Jill was inspired to start a space of her own that not only gave people the opportunity to learn how to make art, but to do so in a way that would not harm the environment around them.

“Many people assume that if they find their materials in a craft store it’s safe to use, and that’s just not the case,” said Jill. “Our goal, first and foremost, is educating our customers and artists nationwide about safe and sustainable crafting.”

The team at Eco-Friendly Crafts backs up their beliefs in a big way. All the craft supplies you find in the store are specifically chosen for their low impact on the environment. And while many people think this may raise the price tag, Jill and her team have taken extra steps to ensure that their prices remain competitive while still offering their customers a wide variety of environmentally sound materials.

“We make it a point to find products that are priced similar to what you’d buy at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s,” said Jill. “While we are a true yarn store and do have some more expensive fibers, we

also have recycled acrylic that is comparable to the cheaper yarns like you’d find at those big retailers. We really want folks to know that there is no reason not to choose safer materials; price really isn’t a barrier.”

A true yarn store, indeed. When you go to Eco-Friendly Crafts, you won’t just find an amazing selection of yarn to choose from. The store also offers classes to teach beginners how to crochet and knit, as well as additional classes on using vinyl with a Cricut machine. Some of the more popular classes they offer are the free knitting and crocheting beginner hours, which provide participants with the materials they need to learn some of the basics. Another community favorite is the store’s Knit the Rainbow sessions on Wednesday nights, where participants knit much-needed winter garments for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.

Looking to the future, Jill and her team are excited to continue the amazing growth they have experienced since their opening. The store is currently in the process of adding an art studio in the store’s adjoining space, which will offer pottery, fine arts drawing and painting, and homeschool classes. Eventually, Jill wants the studio to become a non-profit organization in order to make their art accessible to anyone who is interested in learning.

If the idea of a fun craft project made from sustainable materials appeals to you, Eco-Friendly Crafts checks all the boxes. You can even sign up for their newsletter to learn more about what they do and why it matters so much, not to mention be the first to know about any upcoming events. Whether you are brand new to crocheting or are an expert at pottery, this store truly has something for everyone. All you have to do is stop by the Lawrenceville square and say hello.

More information at ecofriendlycrafts.com

Conflict Corner: Cause for Pause

By Barbara A. Bailey, PhD

As this year winds down, many of us take time to reflect, review, and reorganize our lives in anticipation of what is to come. I think that we do so because we want to keep what worked, move aside what didn’t, and feel we have some grain of control. But, life has a way of bringing us opportunity for growth by the “cause for pause” moments that show up in our path.

This year has presented me with many cause for pause moments: a new job, a bout with the flu; meeting new people; celebrating two family weddings; and, many more daily experiences that opened the door to conflict, internal and external, that these moments have a tendency to bring.

Preparation and opportunity did meet this year, presenting me with an unexpected job offer that fit me well. But, pausing to think it through gave me moments of internal conflict that I had to address. Does the job have the kind of work that I enjoy? Being 100% virtual and being a “newbie” into a team that has been together for years in an office but recently moved to a full virtual structure, how will I fit into a group that has its own culture well-established? After a time of pause where I reflected and reviewed, I said “yes” and reorganized my professional life to accept this excellent opportunity.

As with many times of change, our physical stresses can lead to a physical challenge. Yes, the flu found me within two weeks of starting the new job. Thank goodness for 100% virtual workplaces! My new coworkers barely had a chance to see me in meetings, and then I hid from them for a while. They heard the raspy voice; they received my contributions by email and text; I “showed up” and did my best. But, I sure couldn’t “show out” as a new team member with eye contact and facial expressions because I would have scared them away. Pausing to get well had to take precedence, and slowly but surely, the flu went away, and I continue to experience better health. And, yes, I now turn on the camera in meetings when required!

Family-focused events can bring opportunity for a pause to last far beyond the actual event. Being an attendee at one of the family weddings gave me moments to observe, listen, mingle, and reflect on those present and absent, and celebrate life and love. Being a favorite aunt at the other wedding just multiplied my opportunity

Ryan’s Remarks

I could not be prouder of our community’s resolve and care over the past few years. It has simply been amazing to watch. Wonderful things are going on all over the place. Are they often reported? No, but we do it and will continue to do so. So, I challenge you to help us get this positive news out. Share a copy of this magazine with another person (in print, online, digital media, social media) – however, you want. You will find nothing but positive news, events, and encouraging happenings. Keep a “thankful mode” as we enter the new year of 2023 – a year fresh for new beginnings.

I am thankful for the Our Town Gwinnett family, friends, colleagues, staff, and partners. All the Our Town monthly magazines and End Resultz Media continue to grow rapidly. In addition, we have exciting growth plans and new offerings for 2023.

I wish you a safe and blessed holiday season and new year. I thank you for your role in our journey day by day, month by month, and year by year. We could not do it without you. So, until next year, and as always: this is my town, your town, Our Town!

Household Medications

to make them unappealing to potential poachers, these methods do not render active chemicals inert and allow harmful ingredients to make their way into the water and soil after being discarded.

“It’s up to all of us – hospitals, clinics, families and individuals – to ensure that we’re preventing medications from polluting our environment,” said Nancy Devine, chief operating officer at Verde Environmental Technologies Inc. “The good news is, it’s not hard to do the right thing to keep hazardous substances from harming the planet.” (BPT)

Community Spotlight: A Lecture by Renowned Author Frans de Waal

By Victoria R. Crosby

Tucker resident, Primatologist and Ethologist Frans de Waal, the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Primate Behavior in the Department of Psychology at Emory University’s Psychology Department, now retired, is an internationally renowned author who was named as one of Time Magazine’s top 100 most influential people in the world. Neighbors of de Waal, Susan and Joel Gilbert, invited him to give a lecture for local residents, which he titled, “Politics, Morality, Gender, You Name It, Other Primates Have It, Too.”

The free event was open to everyone, and several hundred people attended.

Chimpanzee Politics was Frans de Waal’s first book in 1982 and is still being published. This book, and his TED talk, compare the behavior of chimps and their power struggles to human behavior in the political arena.

During his lecture de Waal showed video footage of humorous and intelligent animal behavior and cited the experiments of Wolfgang Kohler between 1912 and 1920 to prove that animals can think. In one experiment chimps were given a box and sticks and attempted to knock down bananas hung up high. One chimp positioned the box at the tallest level and was able to knock down the bananas easily. Three female chimps used this method to bring down a drone, which showed pre-planning, as the chimp waited on the box for the drone to pass overhead and used the stick to knock

it down.

Another clip showed two monkeys being fed pieces of cucumbers. However, when one was fed a cucumber piece and another was given a grape, the chimp who received the cucumber got angry, threw the cucumber, and raged at the trainer, like a two-year-old child’s temper tantrum. The audience recognized this sort of behavior and laughed.

Cycling at a Higher Level

Continued from page 12

“We are all apes without tails,” Frans de Waal explained. He also talked about the males always trying to dominate, and the female’s Revere Beach, Massachusetts,” explains Doug. “Both of the organizations need new vehicles, so I am helping these charities to raise enough funds to acquire those new vehicles. The best part? I got to ‘take’ everyone along!”

Taking friends, family, and stakeholders along was done via social media. Doug faithfully blogged his way across the USA, supported by Crossroads Cycling Adventures. “We dipped our wheels in the Pacific before we took off,” says Doug, “and then dipped them in again once we arrived at the Atlantic. Each day held a different adventure with constantly changing scenery.”

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

Doug worked hard to entertain and entice his audience to participate in his fundraising trip. One post featured a poll from the participants at Exceptional Foundation of Atlanta. Although they all thought “crossing the desert on a bike with no name” (a reference to the song by America) was appropriate, they decided that an official name was needed. “They suggested names and put it to a vote,” says Doug. “That is how the mechanical wonder I was riding became forevermore known as THE FLASH!”

Interacting with the folks back home became more and more fun as Doug used his many hours “in the saddle” to think up ways to engage followers on social media and convert them to donors. “I am not sure if I was in my right mind when I thought up the ‘Leg Waxing Challenge,’” says Doug. “There were lots of people who were following, but not contributing, so I took action.” The challenge stated that if $5,000 was raised on both the Exceptional

Foundation of Atlanta’s site and the Special Kneads and Treats site, Doug would wax his legs – one for each organization. While the stunt definitely upped viewership and awareness of both EFA and Special Kneads, Doug fell short of his goal. “I guess I will keep my legs the way they are!” says Doug. He went on to describe how important it was to him that his ride and social media posts brought both organizations into the spotlight among those who followed along Doug’s ride.

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

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

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

One Man’s Opinion: Water, Water... Everywhere

By Bill Crane

Two of the strongest determinants of whether you are standing in a first-world or third-world country are whether or not you have ready and easy access to potable water and whether or not the nation has some type of sewage removal and possibly treatment system in place. For nearly a century now, across the United States, working water, sewerage, and, more recently, stormwater systems have been a hallmark of our civilization. But a LOT of that water/sewer pipe and infrastructure in many places is also approaching the century mark, folks, and that means trouble, folks, right here in River City and across this great land.

In January of 1994, Atlanta was to host its first Super Bowl, midweek that last week of January. Global media was descending on the city, and downtown hotels and the Georgia World Congress Center, and the players and VIPs would soon follow. Every hotel room for fifty miles in almost every direction was booked, most all at full rack rates.

The Hemphill Pump Station, the main water delivery conduit for the entire city, just over a mile northwest of downtown Atlanta, on the west side of Midtown, failed...and went offline. For a few days, water pressure across the city dropped like a rock, high-rise hotels and the Georgia World Congress Center could not flush their commodes, and there was no water, hot or cold, available in residential or hotel high rises, without a large supply and water tank on their rooftop.

Miracle of miracles, late that Wednesday afternoon, full pressure and service were restored, but not until exposing the fragility and vulnerability of the city’s two reservoirs and the pumping station which distributed that water. Following the 1996 Centennial Olympics Games, the next Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin would champion a $3 billion bond issuance to bring the city’s water and

sewer systems up to speed, as well as meet the needs/demands of a truly world-class business center and destination city.

The work took years to complete and includes a new 2 billion gallon reservoir in the former Bellwood Quarry, northwest of the City, inside Atlanta’s largest and newest greenspace, Westside Park, as well as multiple new sewerage treatment facilities, including one underground inside of Piedmont Park. Business and residential water rates nearly trebled and are still among the highest in the southeast, for water, sewer, and stormwater management. But Atlanta paid its own way.

In the case of natural disasters, like Hurricane Ian and the resulting storm surge, which recently devastated Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva Islands along the west coast of Florida, there is an appropriate federal disaster relief role in restoring water and other utilities as well as building back infrastructure, following a nat-

ing, in his post-coaching years you would constantly see him signing footballs or any memorabilia presented, posing for fan selfies, and fully embracing Bulldog Nation. My own college fraternity has for years held anniversary celebrations at the five-year mark. For the 35th, 40th, 45th, and 50th. I was able to call on the Coach to leave a warm and often humorous voicemail to our circle, later joining voice of the Bulldogs’ Larry Munson, while only once being able to secure “official” representation from the administration of the University of Georgia.

The Dooleys also started a unique trend, quite unusual in college football, of the program’s subsequent retired coaches returning to Athens to call it home. Coaches Ray Goff, Jim Donnan, and Mark Richt all each now have an Athens home, and something tells me

that when that day comes, Coach Kirby Smart will do the same.

I was glad to be present on the day the field at Sanford Stadium was dedicated as Dooley Field, and knowing how many will want to say farewell to the Coach, and likely ruling out lying in state at the Georgia Capitol, I think a life celebration would be fitting in Sanford Stadium.

You have left us so much to remember and celebrate, Coach, and we want to really spell out Georgia and send you home with one last hurrah from your closest friends and fans. God bless the Dooley family. RIP Coach.

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

nor did I realize at the time how all the practice of endings would help me later in life.

Ponder this: how do we know when it’s time to end something? At this moment, consider where you are. What is it that drains you? What are the factors that are causing this “drain?” It could be that you’re not engaged or that you’re not experiencing being fulfilled. It might be that you are out of alignment with the core of who you are. Next ask yourself, what is the drain costing? What is preventing you from ending the drain? Many people avoid endings due to personal, self-imposed limitations and/or personal issues that stand in the way of the best-made ideas, plans, and realities. Said another way, we may avoid endings because of what we have talked ourselves into. What are some of your self-talk limitations that keep you from endings that are necessary?

Dr. Henry Cloud writes, “Good cannot begin until bad ends. Without the ability to do endings well, we flounder, stay stuck, and fail to reach our goals and dreams.”

I invite you to use your power life skill of choice and choose to embrace endings as a normal part of life.

As a new year begins, consider pondering these questions:

• Why do I avoid endings?

• What must be ended to move forward this year?

• What incredible result(s) am I missing by not implementing an ending?

As you ponder these questions and more, you will experience the good when you act on your answers, and that will be cause for a celebration! Who knew endings would be celebratory?

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

AngelFishGA

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cy, and inclusion for all of their swimmers with the hope they can join in a typical swim group class one day, if they have that desire. Prices range from $51 per person (for four 45-minute lessons) in small groups, up to $120 per person (for four 30-minute private sessions).

Minnows and Mommas is a class for the youngest swimmers to help them become strong and capable in water and also to practice water safety. Many of these students have physical delays, and water helps improve their strength and gross motor skills. WWB Play Group is for angelfish working through roadblocks of cerebral palsy and other similar physical impairments, using special equipment in the warm river at Bethesda Park to help them thrive.

Swim lessons are offered eleven months out of the year. June and July are considered summer lessons, with the rest of the months categorized as non-summer. Most of their year-round swimmers opt out for August to prepare to return to school, and no lessons take place between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Traditional clinics through Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) are also offered. Swimmers must be able to swim one length (25 yards) independently and follow directions. SOGA clinics are offered in four levels of swimming readiness measured by stroke proficiency and racing protocols. If your child is on the ASD spectrum, you are encouraged to connect with the Spectrum Autism Support and Resources organization.

The No Limits TRYathalons (NLT) have returned as well. The fall NLT occurred on Saturday, September 24th at Bogan Park Aquatic Center. Be sure to watch for upcoming news and information via Facebook and Instagram.

More information at https://angelfishga-adaptiveaquatics.com/.

Parrot Talk: Adult Birds Are Intelligent

By Brenda Bean

Adult birds are intelligent creatures. Be aware of the species’ mannerisms BEFORE you purchase. It is UNFAIR AND DETRIMENTAL to these creatures to be taken home only to be returned or sold again because you were uninformed.

Adult parrots require a longer period to settle into a new home. Change is ALWAYS difficult and sometimes frightening. Like any human child you may foster or adopt, these adult parrots may come with baggage. Baby parrots have no baggage; but an older bird may have been abused or neglected, or it may have never learned manners. All these issues can be resolved with knowledge, patience, and the correct reinforcement. Each bird is different.

It is ALWAYS a good idea to quarantine any new bird before introducing it to your existing flock. Parrots will not show signs of an illness until they are quite sick, well beyond the contagion phase. No one wants to introduce an illness to existing pets. Treat new birds as if they are contagious, using proper quarantine measures: hand washing before and after handling; housed in a separate area of home; and no sharing of toys and spaces.

When adopting an older bird, you need to give it a little time to observe how your household works. Coming out of the cage may be a challenge. If so, please be patient but FIRM. It is better to wait until the bird has observed your household before attempting to get the bird out of the cage. Spend this time sitting next to the cage and offering treats. If the bird shows aggression when you open the cage door, sit with the door open to acclimate the bird to no barrier.

In a new environment, with everything different, a parrot may feel safer inside the cage. It is better to talk slowly and in a low voice before slowly offering your hand for the bird to step onto. Most older parrots know the “Step Up” command. Distractions by children and pets will increase the bird’s desire to stay safe inside a cage. Remember, birds step UP not down, so the position of your hand is crucial. Place your hand at the top of the bird’s legs for a good step up. Even though the thought of getting a nip may make you leery and hesitant, it is important for you to display a confident alpha persona when offering your hand to step on. If you are afraid, the bird will be afraid. Sometimes covering your hand with a towel will make you braver and the bird less likely to absorb your energy.

If the bird refuses to step onto your hand (covered or bare) and leave the cage, you must take a towel and physically remove the bird from the cage. Allowing the bird to remain in the cage is

Cause for Pause

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for letting the cause be my pause of celebration and love. Gladly, the best of those two pause experiences have lasted far beyond the events, and I am thankful.

As we move ahead into this new year after a meaningful holiday season (my fervent hope for you), remember that pauses will come and conflicts will accompany them. Some will be external; many will be internal. And, remember that grain of control we seek? You have it, well within you, to let the pauses bring you what they will if you practice positive conflict management.

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

rewarding bad behavior. If allowed, the behavior will become a habit and become an issue over time. “Toweling” a bird is not cruel or excessive. It only shows the bird you are in charge. Many times birds become accustomed to being toweled and stop fighting, submitting to grooming or scratches from their owners. Always keep a towel nearby in case of emergencies. An injured bird will bite hard. The towel will enable examination of any wound, etc.

TRUST is never given immediately. Be patient, move slowly, and give your new friend time to become acquainted with you, how you move, and your household. BAD MANNERS, however, must be dealt with immediately. Some older parrots will not want to go back inside the cage. They will fly down, crawl up your arm to your shoulder, and/or nip you to avoid going back inside the cage. Some older parrots will scream to get attention. There are many ways to deal with these mannerisms. Do not give up on a friend because there are times you don’t get along.

NEVER give chocolate or avocado. Limit salt, sugar, and everything that you would not give a baby human. Birds do not dig in the ground to get to root vegetables in the wild, so they should be very limited in the offering of onions, potatoes, carrots, rutabagas, and turnips. Otherwise, an omnivore can eat a little bit of everything you eat. Offer a bite of your hamburger, a spoon full of your oatmeal, or a taste of your roast, chicken, or any other meat you are having for dinner. If you feed your bird when you sit down to eat, they will be entertained while you eat your dinner in peace.

There is much out there on the internet. Remember, you can make a better choice if you have more information. Use your common sense and gather several sources of information before forming your own opinion. Having a parrot means you must avoid non-stick pans (the fumes from these will kill your bird). And avoid chemicals: insecticides, paint fumes, and cleaning chemicals. Selfcleaning ovens must only be done when you have removed the bird from the home. If you can smell it, it is not good for your bird.

Brenda Bean is the owner of Parrot Productions and Fancy Feathers. More information at https://fancyfeathersstore.com/ or call 770-986-0661

Author Frans de Waal

power in choosing an alpha male.

Continued from page 18

The Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the only Bonobo Sanctuary in the world and was founded by Claudine Andre in 1994 to care for orphaned bonobos and those who have survived the poachers. These animals are rehabilitated with some returning to the wild, and some spending the rest of their lives at the sanctuary.

Chimps show elements of morality and empathy. “Nature is unfair,” de Waal told the crowd. “Cooperation and sharing benefits all.”

His latest book is titled Different: Gender through the Eyes of a Primatologist.

“Animals are more tolerant of difference,” de Waal explained. “Humans label everything.”

Following the lecture, guests lined up to have Frans de Waal sign copies of his books, some of which were available for purchase and some the guests had brought from home.

More information at www.fransdewall.com.

from

boundaries, structure, discipline, and training. They allow their dog to roam freely about their house, give them tons of affection via physical touch, toys, treats freedom, etc., and very quickly the dog begins to think it rules the roost and can do whatever it wants. Which is exactly what it begins to do and bad behaviors ensue! That’s the point at which owners either call a trainer, give up the dog, or worse, dump it.

By simply having implemented crate training and using a leash to control a dog while also beginning to train, most negative behaviors can be avoided or stopped as quickly as they begin. Both of these things are not forever if you are consistent in the training process. They are short term tools for guiding your dog to good behavior.

Terie Hansen is the Owner or Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com

Health Matters

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mass index (BMI). All this information can help you understand your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions – and help catch problems in early stages when they are much more treatable.

• Take the Men’s Health IQ Quiz to find out what you know, and learn what you don’t know, about important factors relating to your health and wellness.

Helping men become more proactive about their health can empower them, and their significant others, to enjoy better wellness and quality of life for years to come. And having women in their corner to support them may be just the prescription men need. (BPT)

ural or even man-made disaster like the more recent and massive California wildfires.

Yes, the people of Jackson, Mississippi, and before that, Flint, Michigan, do deserve clean, safe, and potable water for drinking, bathing, and other uses. That said, rebuilding the water systems in those cities, and virtually re-plumbing all of Flint, should NOT be expenses born by the federal government, adding debt to every U.S. taxpayer household. There is a big difference between decades of inaction and neglect and a natural disaster.

If a local community doesn’t care about its infrastructure, they have the right to make that choice, and not invest tax dollars or bonded debt; but they then should NOT have the ability to expect their state or the federal government to step in and bail them out. America’s smarter mayors and county commissioners are on top of this already, and do not want to be in the situation that the west Florida coast is at present with water, water everywhere…yet not a drop to drink.

Start investing now, create a side fund or temporary water rate increase to start building capital improvement funds, and begin replacement work on the most vulnerable parts of your system first…like aging pump systems. Trust me on this one. And with a recession in the near view, don’t expect Uncle Sam to run in with a plunger or play Master Plumber if you cannot at least match that infrastructure investment in the not-toodistant future. That spigot needs to be cut off.

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