DEC 2022: (GREEN) Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

On the Cover: Move the Right Way with Presidential Relocation Services

By Kristen Eleveld

Moving is stressful; there’s no denying it. And finding the right person you can trust to handle everything from your precious family heirlooms to your company’s boxes of irreplaceable files is not an easy task. But there is an answer out there – Presidential Relocation Services.

Founded just a few short years ago, Presidential Relocation Services has quickly made a name for itself in both the local community and beyond, rising through the ranks of moving companies as it leaves more and more satisfied customers in its wake.

One of the reasons that so many clients love Presidential Relocation Services is that it is a true concierge moving service. You won’t just get your boxes taken from point A to point B. Instead, this team has become the one-stop shop that will assist you with everything from packing fragile goods to placing everything in your new home exactly as you need it.

“We have spent a lot of time perfecting our process,” said Grant Brondyke, founder of Presidential Relocation Services. “Our focus is on how we can best serve people during their move.”

Serving people has become one of this company’s greatest skills. Some of those people include players on the Atlanta Falcons, many of whom have turned to Grant and his team for their moving needs. Really, when it comes to moving, there is nothing that this company cannot do. Whether you are trying to move to your beach house for the winter or have just rented a new office space for your business, Presidential Relocation Services is there to make the process as

smooth and stress-free as possible.

Much of this commitment to excellence is reflected in the way they treat their own employees. Giving their team members a great experience is a high priority for Presidential Relocation Services, and they make every effort to not only look for the best, most trustworthy people to join them, but ensure each team member feels valued for his or her work.

“I love to watch our team grow, and I love to employ great people,” said Grant. “The way we treat our employees is the way we want them to treat our clients.”

Alongside an excellent team of reliable movers, you will see brandnew trucks and upgraded equipment to ensure that everyone involved in the moving process has the best possible experience. To Grant, these upgrades are an investment in the most important part of his job: giving clients a team of movers they can trust implicitly.

These trucks are being put to good use, as Presidential Relocation

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 2022 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Ryan’s Remarks

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 birth day 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.

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

Learning Lessons: Fostering Healthy Habits in Young Children

By Tanisha Turner

Every parent knows that fostering healthy habits in children is important, but there is no instruction manual for how to go about it. It can be tough to recognize habits forming before they become routine, and, as most parents know firsthand, bad habits are hard to break. In the middle of a tantrum or a broccoli boycott, it can even seem like giving in to unhealthy habits is the only option. But healthy habits are some of the most crucial behaviors children can learn, and they can be taught successfully with a little preparation and much encouragement.

Before plotting your next attempt to turn TV time into book time or to camouflage green beans, keep in mind the following bits of information from Dr. Laura Jana, pediatrician, author, and member of the Primrose Schools Early Learning Council:

• The numbers add up. Adults tend to dismiss habits like having one sweet after dinner or taking a daily stroll around the block as being too small to matter, but the numbers really do add up. Even the smallest actions can make a difference in a child’s future behaviors.

• It’s never too early. The earlier a child forms a healthy habit, the better. Don’t let age discourage you from promoting a healthy rou-

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

Getting to Know: Precious Hands Home Care Services

By Traci Sanders

Precious Hands Home Care Services was founded in 2020 by Rolande Lauture as a licensed, non-medical home care agency that serves Gwinnett and eight surrounding counties. This wasn’t the direction Rolande imagined her life going, but she shared that God doesn’t always consult human schedules when it comes to his plans.

“I had a dream when I was just eighteen years old,” she said. “God handed me a brush and comb and said, ‘Go take care of those who cannot take care of themselves.’ I didn’t think anything else about it for many years.”

Rolande moved to America from Haiti in 2005, along with her husband and two children. She was a banker and could not find a job in that industry when she arrived. So, she took a CNA class and soon fell in love with caring for people, especially the elderly. Part of her educational experience involved visiting state hospitals, which she thoroughly enjoyed, and she soon began feeling like she’d found her passion.

“God woke me one morning in August 2020 at 3 a.m. and said, “It’s time to start Precious Hands.” Rolande had never owned her

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 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

Health Matters: Tips to Build a Healthier Lifestyle

By Our Town Gwinnett Magazine

Life is messy and full of distractions. How many of us planned to go to bed early only to stay up streaming our favorite shows? What about scheduling time to work out, then getting caught up in work and running out of energy? Even when you’re highly motivated, it’s easy to get sidetracked. But that’s okay. The key is finding ways to reset, bring yourself back into balance, and set yourself up for lasting success.

Motivation is a driving force for change, but not all motivation is equal. Some motivation is controlled by outside forces like praise, while a powerful one comes from within and is tied to your values. For example, you may choose to be active because you love a specific activity. When a habit is personally meaningful, you are more likely to sustain it. “Building healthy habits takes time and dedication, but doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” says Alyssa Burnison, MS, RD, LN, and the director of program and nutrition, lead registered dietitian, and licensed nutritionist at Profile Plan. “Incorporating just one of the following tips can make a world of difference.”

1) Give yourself a break: The first step in the reset process is to give yourself a break. Life is hard, and we all slip up from time to time. Forgive yourself, approach your journey with compassion, and don’t waste time on shame, frustration, or guilt. You’re here now and ready to commit to yourself.

2) Start the planning process: Prior planning prevents poor per-

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

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Ryan’s Remarks

Continued from page 7

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!

formance. Take stock of what condition your habits are in. Have you slipped up on good habits and need to rebuild them, or do you need to start from scratch? Do you have to eliminate bad habits before you can build new ones? Write down your good and bad habits so you can monitor them throughout your process.

3) Make motivation part of your routine: Be sure you’ve defined your “why” – the reasons you want to build new habits. Then find ways to remind yourself of your why. Put notes on a mirror or a kitchen cabinet. Change your phone background to a photo or quote that motivates you. Find any way that reminds you why your efforts are worthwhile.

4) Start small: Setting a large goal can be intimidating and seem unachievable. Instead, break larger goals into smaller, specific steps that will work for you. You don’t need to hit the gym for an hour every day to see results. Start by finding ways to increase activity throughout the day. Take the stairs more often or park further away from the building. Small changes add up quickly.

5) Link a new habit to an existing one: The easiest way to make a new habit stick is to connect it with an ingrained one. Instead of just walking to get your mail, extend your trip and walk a few blocks.

6) Cut comparison: Comparison is your biggest enemy. No two people have the same journey, and you are sabotaging yourself by comparing your progress to others. Focus on reminding yourself how far you’ve come.

7) Make it exciting: Whether you’re trying to eat better, exercise more, or simply build healthy habits like better sleep hygiene, make it exciting for yourself by trying new things. Visit food blogs for recipe ideas. Try a new exercise like rock climbing. Build a relaxing bedtime routine you can look forward to.

8) Don’t give up too soon: It takes time to build a routine. You won’t create healthy habits by doing them once or twice. On average, it takes at least two months, sometimes up to a year, for a new habit to become routine.

9) Track your progress: To make a new habit stick, you must build accountability. Make a plan, then track your progress. Habit trackers will help you monitor your meals, build your self-care plan, and track your progress toward your healthy habit goals. You can create your own or find one to download online.

10) Find support: Create your cheering section by asking friends and family to support you. Make healthy recipes together or go for group walks. If you need even more help, coaches can be a fantastic resource for support and guidance. (BPT)

Learning Lessons

tine as long as it can be done in a safe way.

• Take a step back. Parents are busy – it’s a fact. Try to take a step back every now and then to evaluate whether your actions with and around your child are promoting healthy habits and readjust as needed.

Dr. Jana also offers the following advice to encourage three very important habits for young children: toothbrushing, reading, and healthy eating.

Toothbrushing

If you want your child to remember and even enjoy toothbrushing, don’t wait for teeth. Infants love putting things in their mouths and having their gums rubbed. Establish a fun routine using baby toothbrushes, which are designed specifically for an infant’s mouth, to kick-start a healthy habit before your child reaches the tumultuous stage of toddlerhood.

Reading

Make reading fun before it becomes a challenge your child has to overcome. Start reading together even before your child can sit up, hold a book, and understand all the words. After all, the goal isn’t just to raise a child who knows how to read, but who loves to read. As your child ages, find ways to expand the routine or make it more fun.

Eating a Healthy Diet

Don’t give up if your child turns up his or her nose at fruits or vegetables. It can take trying a food up to fifteen times for children to like it! Consider teaching your child to take a “no thank you” bite to promote trying new foods. If they try it and don’t like it, respect their preference. Getting children involved in child-friendly activities is another great way to promote trying new foods. You can also help your child establish healthy eating habits by having a consistent mealtime, which ensures that children know what to expect and are hungry for meals, and by being a good role model by eating a wide variety of foods.

Encouraging healthy habits in children is no easy task, but getting a head start, taking small steps, and looking at the bigger picture every now and then can make all the difference.

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

Home Improvement Ideas: Five Simple Indoor Projects

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

There is no need to go out and buy all new furniture and décor or undertake a major renovation to give your current interior a fresh look and feel. Small tweaks can make just as big of an impact. Spruce up interior spaces with these five simple do-it-yourself projects that can be tackled over a weekend.

1) Restore and Reorganize Décor:

An easy way to give your living space a mini makeover is to reinvigorate existing décor. Start by repairing any damaged or broken decorative pieces such as frames, vases, or display items using a gel control applicator. Providing a precise, clean, and controlled application on a variety of materials including plastics, wood, rubber, metal, ceramics, and more, this gel adhesive is perfect for uneven or vertical applications and sets in just 30 seconds for a completely mess-free repair. Finish up by finding new homes for your prized décor pieces for a completely new look.

2) Update Bathroom Hardware:

Nothing dates a bathroom more than an outdated faucet. Give your vanity a facelift by swapping out old fixtures with updated designs to help revitalize the sink. But do not stop there. Replacing stained or worn-down caulk can give the entire bathroom a fresh look while preventing future moisture damage. Make sure to use a siliconized sealant when doing this.

3) Brighten Interior Walls: Whether you want your space to feel more spacious, a bit brighter, or even more soothing, a new paint color can do the trick. Everything from earthy, jewel tones to natural, more neutral aesthetics are trending this year. When selecting your color, sticking within the shade family of one of your longtime favorite colors will help guarantee the color brings you joy for years to come. Looking to ease in? Give an accent wall a shot!

Precious Hands Home Care

own business and didn’t know where to even begin. But she went on to say, “God had everything planned out already. He told me to take one step at a time. He gave me everything I needed to start and build my business down to the name, colors, and design.”

So in September 2020, Precious Hands was born. To date they staff twenty caregivers who endure vigorous training and screening before being assigned to clients. Services, such as companionship and sitting; nursing – arranging trips to the doctor, accompanying clients to doctor visits, and picking up prescriptions; and personalized care – bathing, feeding, grooming, dental care, etc., are the primary focus. They also send some of their experienced staff to assisted living and nursing homes as temporary fill-ins when needed.

The one thing Rolande would like others to understand about the home care field is that it’s a heart thing – focused on love and compassion – not about the money.

“We always treat our clients like our own parents,” she said. “Seeing the joy in the family members’ eyes because they know their loved ones are in good hands, is the best part of what we do. One of our clients recently came to me and said, ‘I’ve never found a caregiver who could make my mom smile like she does when your staff visits her,’ and that meant the world to me.”

Yohanna, Rolande’s administrative assistant, shared, “We don’t simply cater to the physical and daily life needs of our clients. We enrich their lives with activities, community events, DIY projects, BINGO nights with cash prizes, and more.”

Rolande added, “We say, ‘Every hand is sent from above,’ which is why I feel God told me to name it Precious Hands. I never thought a dream I had at eighteen would lead me to where I am today.”

More information at www.precioushandscare.com.

Isn’t it time you spent less energy on house maintenance, cooking, cleaning and other chores … and more energy on YOU?

There’s no time like the present to move to a rewarding, secure, friendship-rich retirement lifestyle!

Come visit. We’d love to treat you to lunch and chat about all the possibilities ahead.

Call 678-841-0030.

Staying Happy and Healthy: Traditions Help Us

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Health experts say that establishing and maintaining family traditions can boost overall well-being and vitality, especially as we age.

“As children become adults and move out of the house or away, the family traditions that bind us can sometimes get lost in the process,” says Aparna Abburi, president of Medicare and CareAllies with Cigna, which provides insurance to hundreds of thousands of older adults through its Medicare plans. “Forming new traditions or reigniting old ones can keep us connected to loved ones, ultimately helping us feel more fulfilled, happier, and healthier.”

Here are some insights into the importance of traditions to well-being and vitality as we age, along with tips for keeping those connections going in your own circle of family and friends.

Traditions help combat loneliness: According to a 2020 survey by Cigna, 61% of adults reported being lonely – a 7 percentage-point increase from 2018. That feeling was likely exacerbated by the pandemic that followed. Traditions can help to combat feelings of isolation. Consider setting up weekly video calls or trading letters and notes with relatives who live far away. Regular trips to a favorite destination, such as a lake or beach, or celebrating important holidays together every year can provide meaningful time.

Traditions pass on family values: Having shared values can help us feel connected to one another. Telling stories from the past or practicing cultural, spiritual, and religious traditions are great ways to pass these values down from one generation to the next.

Traditions can make us feel young again: From cooking and gardening to sports and games, family traditions often evoke old memories and make us feel young again. Sensory memories can be particularly powerful. Whether it’s a cookie bakeoff, ballpark peanuts and hot dogs, or a singalong around the piano, family rituals

Home Improvement Ideas

4) Repair Holes in the Drywall:

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Before you start painting a room, make sure you take the time to repair any nicks, dents, or holes in the drywall for a polished and professional finished result. Whether the damage is small from a picture frame nail or anchor, or as large as doorknob damage, wall repair patches come in different sizes and make repairing holes in drywall fast and easy. Just apply and paint for a completely mess-free repair in minutes.

5) Upgrade Lighting

If your ceiling is still sporting a decades-old light fixture, revitalize it with something a little more modern. The same goes for lampshades and light fixtures. Swapping these out with new, upgraded looks is a simple and budget-friendly way to update any room in an afternoon. To complete your lighting update, consider replacing your current light bulbs with LED bulbs, which will provide a cooler light while helping reduce your energy bill. (BPT)

that include special sights, sounds, and aromas are often the ones we think of most fondly.

Traditions strengthen communities: Traditions are not just for families; they can also strengthen ties among friends and communities. Consider getting a group of neighbors together for morning walks or meeting friends for shopping excursions. Make visiting the farmers market, attending free concerts in the park, playing community center bingo, and gathering for other recurring local events part of your routine.

As you embrace the rituals that matter most to you, remember that traditions don’t need to be rigid or set in stone. “Just as you might modify a family recipe to suit your dietary needs or switch from weekly phone calls to weekly video calls,” says Abburi, “don’t be afraid to tweak and expand on older traditions, so they’re relevant and interesting today – and for years to come.” (StatePoint)

Catching Up with Weinstein & Black, LLC

By Kristen Eleveld

Nearly two years ago, two attorneys decided to join forces: Mike Weinstein, who had opened up his own practice in 2008, and Jason Black, who brought invaluable experience from his time serving as a police officer. They saw an opportunity to partner up, and they took it. At the time, they just wanted to meet a need and to do it well. Mike had noticed that many people living north of Atlanta needed legal help but did not have many resources to draw from. Opening up a Jefferson office from which Jason could practice provided people with the commitment and experience that this dynamic duo and their team offered.

Now, after two years of continuing to serve their clients and bring a new meaning to the idea of a job well done, Weinstein & Black, LLC has become a community staple – and has experienced some transformation in the meantime.

When Weinstein & Black opened up in 2020, they had two attorneys and three support staff members. Today, they have six attorneys and a support staff of four, all ready to help you with your legal needs.

“All of our attorneys and staff members complement each other’s strengths and skills,” said Jason. “Thanks to Mike’s excellent reputation as an attorney, we found people who were excited to join our team.”

Cleaning up Gwinnett - America Recycles Day

By Traci Sanders

On November 5th, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and Gwinnett County Solid Waste partnered to host America Recycles Day, a national initiative of Keep America Beautiful that was first established by the National Recycling Coalition in 1997. It’s the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and purchase recycled products.

“We were very strategic in who we brought in to join us,” added Mike. “The north Georgia corridor was in need of more legal representation, and Jason took the ball and ran with it.”

Not only does their increased staff size allow the Weinstein & Black, LLC team to serve more people, but it also brings in new levels of experience that will benefit people all over Gwinnett and beyond. Whether you need help with family law, landlord/tenant, estate planning, criminal law, insurance coverage, personal injury, corporate law, or government-related legal issues, an attorney at this firm has you covered.

The staff may have more than tripled, but the mission of Weinstein & Black, LLC has remained the same: to give people the best legal representation possible to meet as many needs as they can. The

process for potential clients is simple. You just reach out to the firm by phone or email, and they will set you up with a consultation that will help you figure out your next steps. Each lawyer places a high priority on finding the right fit for each client. During the initial interview process, they want to make sure they can both meet your legal needs while also creating a relationship that will be the right fit for everyone involved.

“We are a full-service firm that covers a lot of specialties,” said Mike. “Ensuring that each of our clients is heard and given quality advice is very important to us.”

If you want to learn more about how Weinstein & Black can help you, all you have to do is get in touch. All the info you need is at www.wblegal.net, or you can head to their Facebook page to join the community there. No matter how you decide to reach out, you are guaranteed to find someone who is ready and waiting to help.

More information at www.wblegal.net or call (404) 228-2629.

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Construction on the first themed library in the Southeast is now underway. Gwinnett officials, in partnership with the city of Lawrenceville, the HooperRenwick Legacy Preservation Committee, and the Gwinnett County Public Library Board of Trustees, recently broke ground on the new Hooper-RenwickThemed Library.

The themed library will revive and expand the existing 11,400-square-foot Hooper-Renwick School building, which once served as the only public high school for African American students in Gwinnett.

The finished 25,000-square-foot facility will include library amenities, community space, and exhibits, which will showcase stories, accomplishments, and memorabilia related to the school and highlight the Black experience in Gwinnett.

Gwinnett County’s District 4 Commissioner Marlene Fosque recognized the impact the library will have on both the school’s alumni and future generations.

“This historic facility will highlight the laughter and joy that was shared here, but also the challenges and hardships that the students faced through segregation and desegregation,” Fosque said. “This special community gathering place will celebrate how far we’ve come and acknowledge the work still to be done, providing amazing opportunities for residents and guests to learn and grow for generations to come.”

The County has set aside $7.6 million from the 2017 SPLOST program to fund the project along with an additional $1.7 million from the city, which also provided the 3.8-acre site and will contribute

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.

Endings may not be easy; however, they are critical for growth. My early life experiences helped shape my perspective on the necessity

sidewalks, lighting, and landscaping for the project.

Lawrenceville Mayor David Still said, “The city of Lawrenceville is proud of its partnership with the Hooper-Renwick Legacy Preservation Committee and Gwinnett County in preserving this historically significant site for future generations.”

The project was inspired by the activism of a group of local alumni and stakeholders who wanted to see the former school preserved, forming the Hooper-Renwick Legacy Preservation Committee in 2017.

“We’ve waited a long time to see this day,” said Committtee Chair Theresa Bailey. “Though the wait was difficult, and at times discouraging, our faithful patience is at last paying off. I hope today, those who once walked the halls of Hooper-Renwick and stayed focused on preserving its history through petitions, protests, and meetings can look at how far we’ve come and be proud. All thanks to my fellow committee members.”

Gwinnett County Public Library Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Wandy Taylor highlighted her experience growing up in a segregated community in South Carolina, where she attended segregated schools up until 10th grade.

“This themed library preserves a history that’s both painful and joyous,” said Dr. Taylor, “and as this library comes to fruition, it will serve as a place to continue these much-needed, tough and healing conversations. The Library Board of Trustees focuses on community awareness and partnerships, and this project highlights the importance of both.”

Officials expect to cut the ribbon on the new facility in 2024.

of endings for living4ward. The ending cycle was so much a part of my life, that it was normal. I didn’t know anything else, 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.

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.

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 imposing, 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.

Community Spotlight: A Visit to Chateau Elan

By Victoria R. Crosby

Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in Braselton spans five counties, including Gwinnett, on more than three thousand acres of property. I visited there recently, and was amazed by the beautiful surroundings.

The long, impressive drive leads to the Visitors Center and gift shop, which is on the main level, with stairs descending to the actual processing area and tasting room. The building is in a French style architecture. A fountain in front of the building has a statue of a woman stomping grapes in the center. Visitors were lounging on chairs on the lawn, waiting for a tour, or enjoying the wine they had purchased. There were even hammocks set up in between the rows of grape vines for people to relax and enjoy the view.

Everything has French names. The road leading up to the Chateau is 100 Rue Charlemagne, and the restaurants include Versailles Bar and restaurant, Louis’ House of Bourbon, Fleur de Lis, Le Petit Café, and others, with the exception of Paddy’s Irish Pub, where we enjoyed a lovely lunch. The waiter told us that the pub had been built in Dublin in the Republic of Ireland, commissioned by the owners and founders of Chateau Elan, Nancy and Don Panoz, and shipped over in 1997 and reassembled on the property.

The winery was founded in 1981 and now makes more than thirty wines. The muscadine grapes, which grow on the property, grow differently from other grapevines I have visited on Long Island, New York and in California. The leaves fully cover the grape clusters, so they are not prone to being eaten by birds and other wildlife; therefore, no netting is required. The winemaker, Simone Bergese has made Chateau Elan the largest wine producer in Georgia. Bergese, who is originally from Ceresole D’Alba, holds degrees in Oenology and Viticulture from the Turin University in Italy. He has a holistic approach to winemaking, using twenty-five grape varieties from all over the world.

The wine tour took the guests to the part of the building where the wine was aging in large stainless-steel tanks, and the tasting included some red and white wines. Some of the white wines were a little too sweet for my taste, as I prefer a drier wine. They also have wines aged in oak barrels.

On the property is also a hotel and resort, Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton. There is a golf course, a spa and fitness center, with an indoor saltwater swimming pool, a dry Finnish Sauna, a spa whirlpool, and other wonderful amenities. There is an event space for weddings and other special receptions, both indoors and outdoors in the rose garden.

Whether you go for a visit for a day, for lunch and wine tasting, or spend a longer time at the resort, you will enjoy a delightful respite from everyday life.

More information at www.chateauelan.com.

Meet Paul Sikorski: Gwinnett Veteran Turns 100 Years Old on Veterans Day

By Tana Poncsak

People who live to be 100 years old are bound to witness a lot of change in the world. And that’s certainly the case with Paul Sikorski.

On November 11, 2022, Sikorski, who is a World War II Veteran, had a lot to celebrate –Veterans Day and his 100th birthday. And it was quite a celebration with a special happy hour at his current residence, Dogwood Forest of Grayson, with about 120 people in attendance.

“We had quite a celebration here,” Sikorski said about the festivities that included a champagne birthday cake. He also had an additional celebration with family and friends.

But Sikorski hasn’t always been a Gwinnett resident. He was born in Chicago and grew up in Riverside, a suburb of Chicago. Sikorski said the area is also called the Village of Winding Streets, which made it quite an experience growing up there and learning how to get around.

As a young boy, radio, newspapers, and magazines were his sources for information and entertainment.

But like many other young men, Sikorski also spent time in the military. He left for basic training in California around 1942 and served in the United States Army Signal Corps. After basic training, he was sent to Washington D.C., where he was trained in microfilming, and from there he was sent to Liverpool, where he was stationed in London and got his first taste of war. Five days after settling in London, there was an air raid.

“We had our first taste of the war and the first indication there were people out there who would kill us if they got the chance,” he said. “We survived that. It was a close call.”

He said you could hear the V-1 rockets coming, and when the

sound stopped that meant they were on their way down. Then the silence was followed by a big explosion. Hitler was sending over more than 100 rockets per day in an attempt to coax Churchill into surrendering.

Sikorski also spent time in Paris while in the military, where he also set up microfilming operations, and he stayed there for the remainder of the war.

After the war, he went to school and earned his degree from Northwestern University. His new employer was expanding, and he found himself back in Europe. This time he was able to enjoy many of the sights Western Europe had to offer. He enjoyed the museums of Amsterdam, Paris, and Madrid, and spent time in Italy, where he visited the historic Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel. But one of his favorite sights can be found in Florence, Italy – the Statue of David by Michelangelo.

“I will always remember that,” he said. “It was just unbelievable.”

With a new job, he made his way south, living in Chattanooga and working for a company in Dalton, Georgia. He retired after forty-five years.

Sikorski’s wife passed away in 2005. He has one son, who still lives in Chattanooga, a daughter in Virginia, and a son who lives close to Dogwood Forest, where he now resides. He referred to his nearby son as the one responsible for his current residence and his chauffeur to his various appointments, adding that “…they’ve been here for thirty-five years, and they know where all the good restaurants are.”

As for Dogwood Forest, Sikorski said he was the first resident to move there. “I’ve been here for five and a half years now,” he said. “It’s been my home, and I’m very happy with it.”

Sikorski exercises seven days a week, and although he uses a walker, the exercises help him stay mobile and out of a wheelchair. Lately, a lot of people have asked him what’s his secret to longevity. “I tell them my secret is vodka and Krispy Crème doughnuts,” he said. “A doughnut every morning, and a vodka at night before bed while watching television.”

Executive Director Schelly Marlatt of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful (GC&B) is a lifelong resident of Gwinnett and passionate about people and her community. Her parents taught her from a young age the value of community engagement and service and the concept of paying it forward. Her deeply rooted commitment to community has led her to serve Gwinnett County government since 2010.

Schelly is dedicated to providing a safe and sustainable community to attract an up-and-coming generation of people, businesses, and organizations to Gwinnett County. Connecting people and resources for a sustainable Gwinnett and having a community free of litter, graffiti, and blight is her ultimate mission. She wants a place where neighbors engage with one another and can be proud of where they live, work, play, and conduct business together.

A two-time breast cancer survivor, Schelly embraces all facets of life and strives to show her best as a mom, a businesswoman, and a proud citizen of Gwinnett. She’s continually networking and building new partnerships in the community, facilitating a cleanup or recycling event, or inviting anyone and everyone to join GC&B’s journey.

We all have those odd items taking up space around the house that simply aren’t appropriate for residential garbage collection. America Recycles Day is a great opportunity to clean out some of that clutter in your garage, basement, or office in a way that benefits your family, the community, and our beautiful planet.

More information at https://bit.ly/3SbzXEW .

Presidential Relocation Services

Cont’d from page 5

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“We grew because we did it the right way,” said Grant, referring to his company’s unfailing loyalty to the value of a job well done. “People don’t understand just how much the right mover can make a difference until they try to go without one.”

If you are interested in utilizing Gwinnett’s (and the country’s!) premier moving services, just call 678-743-6377 or email info@ presidentialrelocation.com to start the process of scheduling your move. Be warned, though. Once you use the best, no one else will do. Presidential Relocation Services will quickly become your preferred mover for life.

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WATC is a non-profit television station serving Metro Atlanta and beyond with family, christian, and educational programming for over 25 years! Available on all platforms:

One Man’s Opinion: A Salute to the Speaker

By Bill Crane

Mr. Speaker. I rise to recognize the fine gentleman from the 7th District of Georgia (R-Blue Ridge), spanning Fannin, Gilmer, and parts of Dawson County. On a matter of personal privilege, I ask us all to give pause, and a moment of prayer for his wife, family, and many friends who are now grieving his all-too-early departure from Georgia and this world.

Georgia House Speaker David Ralston was a lawyer, legislator, servant leader, loving father, husband, and incredibly loyal friend. Not perfect, as none of us are, he was unusually courteous, kind, and civil in a political arena where all of those niceties are now lacking.

Until last week, he was the longest serving state house speaker in the nation and second in Georgia history only to Speaker Thomas B. Murphy (D-Bremen). This courtly, country lawyer from Blue Ridge wielded the gavel and power of his office with grace, patience, and a steady hand as well as an ear for the thoughts of members in both the majority and minority parties.

David Ralston loved the state house, beginning his legislative career in the Georgia State Senate in 1992. In 1997 he would make a run for Georgia Attorney General, where we met and began a friendship spanning a quarter-century. I was working on the gubernatorial campaign of former Attorney General Mike Bowers. Ralston was a supporter and donor and had also endorsed the former AG.

The Ralston legacy is long, strong, and still growing, and includes

Parrot Talk: Would You Think a Parrot Would Cuddle?

By Brenda Bean

Would you ever think a parrot would cuddle? Would you ever think a parrot would come across the room and down the hall to you only for affection? Could a bird hear your vehicle and know the difference between yours and any other vehicle? Do you think they only mimic and have no conception of the meaning of the words they speak? Well, let me tell you something.

Parrots love to cuddle. From the hatchling to the sixty-six year old, they love being held close and stroked like a child. They love the preening with fingers gently breaking the casings off the new feathers on their head. Some become so accustomed to human preening they will not preen themselves. In the wild, this behavior is performed by their mate and other birds in their flock. They will often push their heads into your hand for a good scratch. They will lean on another bird for a preening session, even in the wild.

Parrots will search for companionship. They are not lone creatures and they require a flock to maintain proper social skills. When they

conservative fiscal management, helping Georgia have among the highest bond ratings of all 50 states, a coming $6-billion budget surplus, a decade of rankings for Georgia as the Best State to Do Business, the first major investment in Behavioral and Mental Health Care in nearly 50 years, a reworking of Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax to sustainably fund transportation, and correctly applying the brakes when more conservative members of his own party became intent on creating a city of Buckhead City, cleaved out of the City of Atlanta, or placing Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, owned and built by the City of Atlanta, under state control.

In recent years, love and his wife, Sheree Bradburn Ralston, had brought back a sparkle in his eyes, more frequent smiles, and a bit of a bounce to his step. Professionally, he ably served and worked closely with three governors, Sonny Perdue, Nathan Deal, and Brian Kemp, and helped to bring their initiatives across the finish line, including tough but necessary and massive budget cuts during a steep recession, with state reserves reaching almost zero (Perdue); three-stage and multi-year reform of Georgia’s Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice systems (Deal); and later significant pay raises for all Georgia educators, state law enforcement professionals, and most all state government employees (Kemp), as well as supporting the re-opening of Georgia’s economy during the pandemic and also adhering to very strict protocols to protect members of the state house and their guests at the Capitol from contracting Covid-19.

Friends will fill this and other spaces with remembrances for days and weeks to come where the Speaker will lie in repose under our State Capitol Rotunda. He will be the 36th Georgian so honored.

David Ralston was a big man who made a bigger impact and is perhaps not as well-known as he should be for having a BIG heart. He was many things to Georgia, and he was and is an incredible friend to me. God bless House Speaker David Ralston, his wife, Sheree Ralston, the people of Georgia’s 7th District, and the thousands of others whose lives he favorably impacted. Gone all too soon; you will be and are already missed, sir. Sine Die.

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

are lonely, they will come to find you. Unfortunately, along the way in their search, they may get distracted with the baseboard at the floor, the chair rail, the door frame, the arm of the couch, or the end table. When not adequately supervised, their beaks can do proper damage to whatever they decide may need adjustment. If your bird is out of the cage, always look to the floor by your feet before taking a step. And don’t have a heart attack when they decide your toes are playthings!

When my husband comes home, there is no cornucopia of greetings from my bird room. They hear Jack’s truck pull into the driveway, and there is a subdued reaction except for Joey, the umbrella cockatoo. Jack is his FAVORITE person in all the world. “I love you!” “Come here!” “Let me out!” “Wanna go outside?” “Huh?” “Huh!” “Joey, Joey, Joey?” “I love you, Joey!”

I get NOTHING from Joey when my van pulls into the driveway. BUT…all the other birds have a massive ruckus screaming and calling, “Mamma’s home!” “Give me KISS!” “Let me out!” “I ain’t no bird.” “WWWaaaatttteeeerrrrr.”

These parrots know I have to come close for a kiss. They make the smooching sound after the demand. They know water is water, and when it is dirty, they can call for water, and I will go and look. And, of course, “let me out” is my cue to open the door of their cage for a cuddle or a kiss. When they cuddle, they will mumble, “I love you” and “that feels so good.” They learn from us the proper responses because of our energy. When our energy changes, and it is not frightening, they remember. When you are gently preening a parrot, and they fluff up all their feathers like goosebumps, you cannot help but say, “Aaahh. Does that feel so good?” Or some other nonsensical

their new dog or puppy too much freedom, and not enough 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

More Than a Great Coach

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.

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

Parrot Talk

Continued from page 22

dribble. And when you open the door of their cage to move them out (to clean or let them flap), you cannot help but ask, “Want to come out?”

These parrots have been domesticated much like the dogs and cats of today. Many pet parrots have been hand-reared from naked little babies. These babies may not make good bird parents because they were never taught by their own bird parents how to feed a baby that has hatched. It may take years for a pet to sit on a nest and hatch a baby successfully – no bird has taught them.

As humans, we must always be responsible for our endeavors. We cannot make pets of all the parrots. Breeders must make monetary sacrifices and allow some babies to be raised by the parents for future breeding purposes. Supply and demand is only one reason parrots have increased in price.

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