FEBRUARY 2022 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville Hamilton Mill
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On the Cover:
Up Close with ProMotion Physical Therapy
By Kristen Eleveld
We’ve all been there – a twinge in our neck after sleeping the wrong way, low back pain after lifting something heavy, even continuing pain after a fall or an accident. While it never feels good to deal with these aches and pains, there is good news: you can find care and relief in Grayson’s own ProMotion Physical Therapy. Run by a top-notch team, ProMotion Physical Therapy is all about getting to the root of your issues and offering you solutions that won’t just mask your symptoms. They will help you solve the underlying problem, too. In business now for over twenty years, ProMotion offers vast expertise and focuses on highest quality service. This ensures that patients always walk away knowing they are cared for by the best of the best. Have you ever experienced frustration with physical therapy when your physical therapist is bouncing back and forth from patient to patient and you are left to complete your therapy with little guidance or correction? You won’t experience that at ProMotion PT. Unlike most settings, ProMotion prioritizes a 1:1 patient to therapist ratio for a full hour to better understand and meet the needs of the person they are serving. “We want to provide you with the right tools to recover and heal,” said Amanda Pilz, PT who started ProMotion PT back in 2001. “Once you understand your body and how it communicates, with the right tools, you can respond more readily instead of moving further down a
road of physical dysfunction.” Amanda and her staff have worked hard to create an atmosphere that not only addresses physical therapy needs, but also offers counseling and expertise on things like nutrition, overall fitness, and massage therapy. Amanda’s passion for empowering clients to be the best version of themselves means she and her staff are always seeking ways to help current and future clients. “I love being able to connect with people, to meet them where they are, to help them feel better, and to help them function at their best,” said Amanda. She and the ProMotion PT team are passionate about client and community education. They want to not only offer their medical advice, but partner with their clients to continue the conversation about their Continued on page 21
Dr. John Simmons and Dr. Robert French combine a blend of experience, wisdom and advanced knowledge to affordably serve our patients with healthy, beautiful smiles. Our experienced team provides 5 star service, personalized care, and an extraordinary commitment to your health and well-being. Please join our family by scheduling a new patient visit today!
Before
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H e a lt H y • B e a u t i f u l • i n s p i r e d February 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
John W. Simmons IV, DMD Robert J. French, DDS
2381-B Main Street East • Snellville, Georgia 30078
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Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
— An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com
Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett/Walton area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyright 2022 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.
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On the Cover: Up Close with ProMotion Physical Therapy From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks One Man’s Opinion: We ALL Deserve Better Photo of the Month: UGA Football Coach Kirby Smart visits Gwinnett County Schools Looking for Good Books and Some Fun Friendships? Why Not Start a Book Club? Hometown Brag: Dr. Meg Rithmire, BHS Class of 2000 Teaching from the Heart – Meet Dr. Joshua Morris, PhD Small Biz Spotlight: Tips for Businesses from 2022 Tech Trends Athlete, Teacher, Mom: How Joanna Atkins is Pursuing Her Passions Pet Perch: Two Underutilized Dog Training Tools One Man’s Opinion: How Media Bias Helps NO ONE Kid’s Corner: Six Smart Ways to Save Money for Your Kids Learning Lessons: How to Bring Out the Natural Scientist in Your Baby or Toddler Looking to the Future with Grayson High School 13th Annual Special Olympics Georgia Polar Plunge Challenge
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From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks By Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanSauers
@RyanTSauers
I have written countless columns over the years that are positive and encouraging. Each one has been written with my full heart. We are at a unique place in time as we enter the second month (February) of 2022. Let us not forget, however, that we live, work, worship, and play in an amazing community. I know now, more than ever, that our community represents the very best of America. COVID-19 and the changes it has caused to our lives are unprecedented. I challenge you to find the best in this ongoing situation. We must be patient, caring, tenacious, innovative, loving, and supporting. We are ALL in this together. So, maybe we should think: How can we give back? How can we support those who are hungry or homeless? How can we support small business? This is way bigger than any one person. It does not help anyone when we post things online that are negative and divisive. We must not grow weary but keep up the good fight. I promise you – we will prevail. And, if we do these things, then we ALL will be stronger for it. This unique period in our history demands great leadership. I have seen a lot of leaders develop in the past year from all areas of my life. It has been great. We must remember the time we have on this earth (regardless of this virus) is short. Let us make it our passion to make others smile and laugh – even if from under a mask – and to be a breath of fresh air as we help and serve others. Again, I encourage you to support small businesses during this time. They are the backbone of our country and community. Please find ways to help them. The changes in our lives have been real and seemingly going on for more than we can remember. However, we must not let this moment define us. Instead, we must define this moment. We will do so: one step at a time, one punch at a time, one round at a time. A hundred years from now people will be talking about this time in history – our moment of time. The choice is up to us to create the change we want to see. Are we going to teach younger generations what can be learned from this time? Is it possible we can all come together Continued on page 21 C
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One Man’s Opinion: We ALL Deserve Better By Bill Crane
My choice for the White House last won the office in 2004 (it’s been a minute), but just the same, for 100 reasons I can’t list here, without consuming several columns, I want EVERY U.S. President to be successful. I want even more for them to lead by example, have actions and deeds which mirror their campaign promises, and respect the importance of the Office of the President to which they have been elected. I’ve been disappointed a lot lately. Suffice it to say, even when I agreed with some of President Donald Trump’s appointments or policy choices, his delivery and communication of the same I often found lacking. And after the November 2020 General Election contest, which he lost, and since, I think we have seen his true colors – and for me, it’s not a pretty sight. This brings me to President Joe Biden along with Vice-President Kamala Harris and their most recent visit to Atlanta. We are not in the throes of a heated presidential campaign, or the upcoming midterm elections with some high stakes for the White House. Yes, I get we can’t take politics out of politics, but there is a place for rhetoric, hyperbole, and stretching the truth, facts, and reality past the point of breaking. Perhaps that should be saved for political ads or national party conventions. The White House captain and co-captain did briefly place a wreath at the burial crypt and resting place of the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., allowing enough time for the requisite photo op. Then back in the motorcade to the scenic and historic Atlanta University Center. Dr. King was among many things a Morehouse Man. The Voting Rights Act of 1964 was last re-authorized during the presidency of George W. Bush. Martin Luther King Day became a federal holiday during the presidency of Ronald Reagan. In Georgia, it was the GOP, not the Democratic Party, that brought in Advance Voting, No Excuse Absentee Voting, Drop Boxes, Souls to the Polls, and Saturday voting, expanded Motor Voter Registration and Online Voter Registration. I’m not suggesting that I found every aspect of SB 202, the Georgia Voter Integrity Act, necessary, but I also don’t think it is wrong to secure the chain of custody for absentee ballots, to require the same standard of identification for In-Person voting as Absentee and Advance voting, and to require that EVERY county offer drop boxes and keep them secure INSIDE an early voting location. Congressional Democrats are preferring two pieces of Voting Rights legislation. One would restore and require the U.S. Justice Department pre-clearance of all changes in Election law by all Southern states. Southern states met those requirements for nearly four decades. I do not see a need to turn back the clock in that manner either. And yet this president who well knows better, borrowed language heard days prior by a news anchor on a network known for leaning in. Jim Crow 2.0 makes a great bumper sticker, except for the reality that it is soooooooo far from that sad, past truth. Poll taxes? Poll I.Q. tests? Barred from polling places by armed sheriff deputies? Beaten, drug behind a truck, or lynched for challenging the local and predominantly white power structure? I don’t think so. And again, who was running almost every Southern state during the era of Jim Crow? It was not the Republicans. “Do you want to be on the side of Dr. King or George Wallace? Do you want to be on the side of John Lewis or Bull Connor? Abraham Lincoln or Jefferson Davis?” Again, care to guess the political party Continued on page 16 PAGE 8
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Looking for Good Books and Some Fun Friendships? Why Not Start a Book Club? By Tana Poncsak
Perhaps after spending time reading a good book, the best thing afterward is finding someone else who has also read it so you can talk about it. For many, half the fun of reading the book is then talking about it, discussing the plot, the characters, the structure of the novel, the writing, and more. But with so many people and so many books, finding the person who has read a particular book and willing to chat about can be difficult. That’s why book clubs were created! If you’re a reader and are thinking of joining a book club, you can start by asking around at your local bookstore or library about existing
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book clubs in your area. But if that isn’t an option, then why not consider starting a book club of your own? Here are a few things to think about if you decide to start a book club. Weigh the options and choose what’s best for you and what you envision. • Since technically we’re still in a pandemic, you may want to consider whether to have a virtual book club that meets online or one that meets locally and in person. Some book club meetings are held in each member’s home on a rotation basis. Others prefer to meet in a public setting such as a restaurant, a coffee house, a wine bar, a library, or other public venue. And of course, you may want to consider COVID protocols. • If virtual is the better option, will you use Zoom, Google Hangout, Teams, Facebook, etc.? • Do you want to stick to one genre or theme? For example, if you enjoy cozy mysteries, then a cozy mystery book club may appeal to you. Some other genres include romance, fantasy, sci fi, women’s literature, historic fiction, and contemporary fiction. • How many participants would you like to have? Some book clubs have started with as little as three readers, while others have started with as many as twenty or more. And speaking of numbers, do you want to have a cap on the number of members to keep a smaller, more intimate group, or are you thinking “the more the merrier”? • How will the books the group reads be selected? You can make all the selections at the beginning, or you can hold a discussion and take a vote by the members, so everyone decides. Or perhaps each member can take a turn and pick the book they want all members to read. • How often will you meet? Not everyone reads at the same speed, so some may need more time than others to finish a book, especially if it’s a longer book. Once you decide on how you want your book club to run, you can focus on acquiring members. The first and most obvious way to find book club members is through your sphere of influence – your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and other acquaintances. Don’t be offended if some come for the wine, food, and friendship at first. After a few months and a few good books, they may fall in love with reading. • Your local bookstore, library, or coffee shop may be willing to give your book club information to patrons who inquire about book clubs. • Use social media – Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms – to promote your book club, especially if you’re looking to start a virtual book club. • As with anything else, starting a book club can take time. So give your book club time to grow. And there you have it – a start to new books and new friends in the new year. Happy reading!
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Hometown Brag: Dr. Meg Rithmire, BHS Class of 2000 By K. Coats
When choosing which novels to cover in class, language arts teachers try to be deliberate with their choices. Something meaningful and appealing. Something unique. Something the students will like. Moreover, as much thought as teachers give to those novel choices, they aren’t usually anticipated to be life-changing. Well, for Brookwood class of 2000 graduate Dr. Meg Rithmire, that is exactly what happened. She remembers, “I started thinking about China because I had a project in my senior year at Brookwood on a book called Waiting by Ha Jin. The author lived in our community at the time and worked with our class. I am so grateful to him for caring enough about high school students to share his work and insights, and to Ms. Collins for pushing her students to see the world through literature.” The “Ms. Collins” Dr. Rithmire refers to is Brookwood High School retiree Jolinda Collins. “I have always been a dedicated reader,” Dr. Rithmire says, “and she worked so hard to push students to express their best ideas about what they read and encountered.” In addition to AP Literature, Dr. Rithmire also credits AP Government for introducing her to politics. After high school, Dr. Rithmire began a journey that would eventually lead her through Emory University before landing a position as a F. Warren McFarlan Associate Professor at Harvard. “I am a professor at Harvard Business School,” she explains, “where I primarily teach MBA students. My research and teaching focus on politics and the economy, and my regional focus is Asia and China. I teach about globalization from a wide range of perspectives, and my current research is about China’s domestic politics and US-China relations.” She credits both her school as well as her community for her interests. “I benefited a lot from growing up in the Atlanta area around a diverse group of people, and I am glad it grew more diverse as I grew up there,” Dr. Rithmire says. “I am sure my interest in Asia and the world comes from encounters with people who had lived
such different lives from mine. I am grateful I encountered them. I also got a great education at excellent public schools.” Another area Dr. Rithmire credits her success to is debate. “I started as a freshman and continued throughout high school, competing nationally and attending summer camps at the University of Michigan,” she remembers. “I did the fast talking, sort of crazy kind of debate, not the polished speech making. We did serious research. I learned to use a college library at fourteen. Nothing had a bigger impact on my development than debate. I also participated in a lot of volunteer organizations and student government.” No doubt, this also came in handy when defending her thesis, one of Dr. Rithmire’s proudest accomplishments. Reality can take some of the wind from one’s sail when pursuing one’s passions, and China was no exception for Dr. Rithmire. “I startContinued on page 20
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PAGE 11
Teaching from the Heart – Meet Dr. Joshua Morris, PhD By Traci Sanders
Dr. Joshua Morris, PhD is a loving father of two daughters (Lillian, age 9 and Sarah, age 6) who are homeschooled by his devoted wife. “It’s remarkable what you can learn from teaching your own kids,” Morris shared. As a professor at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) for the past seven years, he transfers this same philosophy over to his classroom. Morris was taught by his college professors to look at the world as a philosopher, writer, scientist, or mathematician. In the end, Morris settled on chemistry and physics as majors and was admitted to the University of Texas where he was sharpened as a student and researcher. “I knew that, as much as I loved research, I loved teaching even more,” he said. The inspiring instructors he encountered as an undergraduate caused him to gravitate toward a classroom setting. After completing his PhD, Morris began applying for faculty positions. “Visiting GGC inspired me,” he recalled, “and it became my home.” In 2020, Morris received the eHero Award for high performance online teaching. It’s a program run by the University of Georgia that provides online classes to all public colleges in Georgia. Morris also won the GGC teaching award in 2021 and has been nominated for the Board of Reagents Annual Teaching Award. He has
Small Biz Spotlight: Tips for Businesses from 2022 Tech Trends By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
had a hand in developing online high school curriculum, primarily in the production of instructional videos. When the pandemic first hit, all GGC classes went virtual. “This was a challenge,” Morris said, “but the videos I had created, along with my familiarity with teaching on camera, made the transition much smoother. I used my YouTube videos, combined with virtual problem-solving sessions, to deliver content.” As the pandemic continued, Morris’s classes shifted to hybrid mode, which meant taking those virtual problem-solving sessions back to the classroom on occasion. He explained, “The two biggest challenges for online and hybrid classes are 1) developing mentoring relationships with students, and 2) developing effective online lab assignments.” Morris set up group chats to provide ongoing communication and offered phone sessions for those who needed more in-depth instruction. He worked with eCore to develop a complete at-home laboratory sequence that incorporated everyday household items. Wanting the videos to be as high-quality as possible, Morris spent about forty hours on his first one. Once implemented, this process began producing great results! Morris noticed his students’ grades improve dramatically. “Before these videos,” he said, “about 55 percent of my students successfully completed the course. After the use of these videos, that number rose to about 70 percent. On average, the Continued on page 20 nesses of all sizes to remain agile and adaptable. SMBs should seek purpose-built technology solutions that bring equity, parity, presence, and inclusion to hybrid work. Emerging technology will also advance SMB growth, with augmented and virtual reality creating custom workplaces for employees, immersive training, efficient data analysis, and enhanced productivity. Just imagine the possibilities of training employees virtually, tapping resources beyond what’s available locally, and removing the need to travel. Technology makes this a reality. 2. Enhance Digital Security Digital threats are a concern for SMBs as they are for large companies. Whether it’s private client data, proprietary company information, or financial accounts, security must remain top of mind in 2022 as cybercriminals become savvier every day. Prioritizing security with seamless authentication driven by artificial intelligence and biometric technology (such as fingerprint scans) will be key for SMBs as they further transition to public key infrastructure-based device security, like those used today to access mobile banking applications and multifactor authentication for application and device access. 3. Invest in Modern Monitors Investing in modern monitors makes sense, especially for remote employees and those in technology roles. The desktop monitors that Continued on page 22
Small businesses are essential parts of communities and a key driving factor of the current economic recovery. Modern technology and workplace trends are transforming how these organizations are run, not only to increase productivity but to expand the possibilities of the future. New research found that the United States is home to 32.5 million small businesses employing nearly 50% of the private workforce, according to the 2021 Small Business Profiles from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Combine small and medium-sized companies, and you cover the vast majority of companies in the country – a powerful economic force. “We see a bright future ahead for businesses in 2022,” said Eric Yu, Lenovo senior vice president, small and medium business segment. “Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can utilize the best in technology to help overcome the challenges today and drive growth, engage employees, and boost profits.” Yu and the experts at Lenovo offer tips for SMBs based on their top technology predictions for 2022. 1. Add Hybrid Workforce Technology Workplace culture continues to evolve with hybrid workforces here to stay. Technology is driving this momentum forward, enabling busiPAGE 12 Become an Advertising Partner: Info@OurTown Gwinnett.com or 678-825-2049
Athlete, Teacher, Mom: How Joanna Atkins is Pursuing Her Passions By Kristen Eleveld When Joanna Atkins was ten years old, she brought home a flier with information on joining the school track and field team. Her parents signed her up, and the rest was history. While Joanna remembers some ups and downs on the track and field team, what she remembers most is loving the sport – and doing it well. In fact, her skill quickly gained the attention of the professional sports community, and Joanna soon found herself sponsored by Nike as she ran races like the pro athlete she had always been. But in 2016, everything changed. Joanna, who had just welcomed her son into the world the year before, was involved in a serious car accident. She sustained multiple injuries, including brain injuries that affected her memory and speech skills, and while she eventually recovered most of her abilities, her professional running career seemed to be over. Her athletic performance was affected by her injuries, and though she managed to make it through 2017 supporting herself and her son through the grants she received from her running days, she knew that she would have to make a change. “In 2018, it was time to come home,” said Joanna, who is a Georgia native. Once back home, Joanna had to decide her next steps. Having just finished earning her master’s degree in business administration, she thought about opening a daycare. Then a friend asked her if she had ever considered teaching. While teaching had never been part of Joanna’s plan, she soon found that, as a substitute teacher, she had as much natural talent and ability inside the classroom as she had on the track. “I discovered a second love in teaching,” said Joanna, who has been both a long-term sub at Shiloh Elementary School and a stellar sub at
Tripp Elementary School. “Children are my passion and I want to serve them.” But just because she had become a substitute didn’t mean her running days were over. Before agreeing to take a long-term sub position at Shiloh, she told the administrative team that she was training to be part of Team USA, which was competing in Japan for the World Track and Field Championships. Teachers and staff at Shiloh fully supported Joanna’s goal, and, in 2019, Joanna officially became part of Team USA at the World Track and Field Championships. Team USA brought home a gold medal, and Joanna returned to Shiloh to teach again with new inspiration. “I want to show these kids that you can do whatever you want if you put your mind to it,” Joanna said. “I am a teacher, athlete, and mother – and they can do it, too.” With three World Championship gold medals under her belt, it’s easy to see why Joanna is so inspiring to her class. Calling her a “real life superhero,” her students are always excited to see videos of their teacher competing and constantly ask her questions about her races and wins. But Joanna doesn’t just focus on her successes. She is open with her kids about her struggles after her car accident because she wants them to know that everyone deals with something in life. But she also wants her kids to know that no struggle has to define them. Moving forward, Joanna plans to continue to pursue all of her passions in equal measure. As she begins the process of getting certified as a Georgia teacher, she is also training for the next Track and Field World Championships, scheduled to take place next year in Eugene, Oregon. Continued on page 20
Pet Perch: Two 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. February 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make early on is giving 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 PAGE 13
One Man’s Opinion: How Media Bias Helps NO ONE By Bill Crane
It is Election Night, November 7, 2000, and my first election providing live on-air analysis. It would also become the longest election in my closing on a quarter-century in this business. That night, a well-known, but somewhat unproven vice president of the United States was considered the favorite to beat a younger governor of a major southwestern state. The governor’s father had been president, and he was the third generation in his family’s political dynasty. The contest of George W. Bush versus Al Gore, also of another family political dynasty, would ultimately be decided weeks later by the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Gore had already conceded a narrow loss to George Bush, based on exit polling data and the state of Florida being declared for Bush. But as the night wore on, the numbers in Florida kept getting closer, and as Bush was heading toward the stage with his acceptance speech in hand, Gore called back to withdraw his concession. The nation would not have a declared president-elect until December 12, 2000, when the U.S. Supreme Court ended a series of Florida ballot recounts, focusing on Broward and Palm Beach counties. Bush’s margin at this point was down to several hundred votes, and the Florida Supreme Court was about to add additional jurisdictions to the hand re-tally. Ending the recounts, with Bush ahead, in a split 5-4 decision awarded Florida’s Electoral College votes to Bush, who would later win the election by just 5 votes in the Electoral College. Less than a month later, as Congress certified those Electoral College votes, with Vice-President Al Gore presiding over his own defeat tally, several Democratic members of Florida’s congressional delegation would object to the Florida tally – and presiding officer Gore would rule them out of order. Two weeks later, on January 20, 2001, with a blizzard blanketing D.C. and a bit more than frost in the air on the Inauguration stage, Gore would gaze straight ahead, with jaw set, as just a few feet away Bush was administered the oath of office, and once again the United States successfully completed a peaceful transition of power, something which still remains for many an envy of the free world. During those weeks of recounts, there were protests aplenty in Tallahassee, the Florida state capital. Some election officials took catcalls and hate mail, particularly Florida’s Secretary of State, while the candidates themselves remained above the fray; and although each had teams on the ground where the recounts were occurring, the major news networks and legacy newspapers were not also stoking the flames of passionate support on either side. But at that time the Fox News Channel was only four years old, nothing of the force in politics which it has become since, and though MSNBC had launched the same year as Fox (1996), it was then known more for talk-shows and longer format NBC News shows and reruns. Today we have a former president referring to his own much larger loss of four close states, and the White House along with that, as the “crime of the century.” His acolytes chant “Stop the Steal,” now entering their second year, and supposedly credible candidates for the U.S. Senate propose initiatives like election police and forensic audits of every election before winners are announced. And from the current winning side, hoping to make their party wins perpetual, we have voter reforms disguised in a Trojan Horse overhaul of state and local election laws to be taken over by the federal government. While one party laments their loss and claims fraud, the other claims that without these changes the republic is at stake and voter suppression is as rampant as the days of Jim Crow. News outlets choose sides; readers, listeners, and viewers predominantly read, view, and listen to only the news outlets that support or contribute to forming their opinions. This echo chamber breaks down civil dialogue expanding an increasingly tribal America of “us vs. them.” Those few thousand protesters in Florida during those 35 days of recounts have now swollen to hundreds of thousands, if not millions, with little but hate and contempt for members of the opposing team. These outlets leaning “their way” often feed and egg on this loathing and contempt, and later comment with surprise when the volContinued on page 19
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Kid’s Corner: Six Smart Ways to Save Money for Your Kids By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
While there are many ways to set your kids up for a successful future, money in the bank is one of the most powerful financial tools you can pass along. Every dollar you save or invest can help your child create a productive and stable foundation for many years to come. When it comes to saving for your kids, the sooner the better. Building up funds now can ensure kids will have less to worry about as they get older and can open up more financial opportunities. To help you get started, consider these several ways to save wisely for your kids. 1. Open a college savings account: If higher education is in your child’s future, consider a 529 savings plan. This is a tax-advantaged investment plan that can be opened as soon as your child is born. The money grows tax free and can be withdrawn without taxes. There are two types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition and education savings. Prepaid tuition plans can purchase credits at a participating university and lock in current tuition costs. An education savings plan is an investment account where funds are designated for qualified college expenses. Be sure to consult a tax advisor to assist with your specific circumstances as this is only intended to provide general information. 2. Invest in a home: Purchasing a home can be one of the most secure and highest-return investments you can make for your children, especially in today’s housing market. A home can be passed down through generations or sold when the value has increased. If you’re looking to invest in a home for your children, consider manufactured housing. Manufactured homes attached to a permanent foundation appreciate at an average rate of 3.4%, while traditional homes appreciate at an average rate of 3.8%. So, while manufactured homes may not appreciate at the exact same rate, they’re close! 3. Use Roth IRA contributions: If you have a Roth IRA account, you can use some of the funds to pay for qualifying education expenses. If your account is at least five years old, you can withdraw up to your original contribution amount. Be sure to consult a tax advisor to assist with your specific circumstances.
4. Allow Kids to use Debit Cards: Consider teaching your kids money management skills early on by allowing them to use a debit card co-owned by you. If you have teenagers who earn an income, this is a great tool for learning how to deposit checks, set aside money for savings, and more. 5. Open a high-yield Savings Account: A high-yield savings account can be a great place to stash birthday and holiday gift money over the years and watch it continue to grow. This type of account can typically be co-owned and managed by parents until your child is responsible enough to manage it on their own. 6. Set aside money in a trust fund: Putting money for your kids in a trust doesn’t have the same tax benefits as a 529 plan, but it does pose some important benefits. Trust accounts allow you as parents to create exact rules around how you Continued on page 16
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We ALL Deserve Better Continued from page 8 of either then-Alabama Governor George Wallace or Sheriff Bull Connor? Joe Biden may be a few steps shy of his Senate prime (or more), but he knows the answers to all that. And as he previously admitted plagiarizing British Labour Leader Neil Kinnock during a prior presidential campaign, he knows those words and thoughts were not even his own. Again, Joe may be a little slower now, but he also knows the story of Chicken Little as well as the Boy Who Cried, Wolf. If truth and reality are there for the ignoring to score political points, what will you do when you REALLY need to move and inspire the American people? I still wish Joe Biden well and want his presidency to be successful. America and Americans have too much riding on the opposite. But like his predecessor, most of the damage and decline so far has been
self-inflicted. This president and the people around him know better – and by God we all deserve better. Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the full-service communications firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
Kid’s Corner Continued from page 15 want the funds dispersed to your children. For example, you can give the money in a series of installments or request that it be used only toward tuition. Whether you’re thinking about your child’s education or simply want to set aside funds for when they reach a certain age, plan ahead and consider these tips and options for reaching your goals. (BPT)
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Learning Lessons: How to Bring Out the Natural Scientist in Your Baby or Toddler By Tanisha Turner
The early years of a child’s life are consumed by a desire to explore and experiment with objects. Wellknown developmental psychologist Jean Piaget fittingly called young children “natural scientists” because of this inclination. By tapping into children’s tendency to explore and discover, parents, teachers, and other adults can actually help nurture and extend their learning. From the moment babies enter the world, their curiosity sparks a need to observe and classify objects and actions. Their brains actually change as a result of the new things they learn. As children continue to grow and explore, new discoveries help them enrich, modify, reorganize – and sometimes replace – their initial theories with quite different ideas. This type of hands-on learning explains why a child may scrutinize a new object in an effort to figure out how it works, or experiment with sound and movement as she learns how to use her body to communicate. “Children need safe environments where they can experiment freely and take risks without the fear of being told, ‘That’s not how you’re supposed to do that,’” says Tanisha Turner, Franchise Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. “When we support children’s natural tendency to try things out, we are cheering them on to discover and tackle new challenges creatively. This is an important step in helping them build determination and confidence in their own abilities.” Adults can encourage infants and toddlers to explore and learn in simple and fun ways. Primrose recommends the following to bring out the natural scientist in young children: • Give your baby colorful, safe objects that he can examine by looking, feeling, tasting, and smelling. • Talk to your baby, providing a play-by-play of everything he does. This commentary helps babies organize and understand what’s around them. • Fill a large shallow bowl with water and provide your infant with simple scooping tools for endless exploration and fun. You can do this in the bathtub as well.
• Fill a large bowl or shallow tub with dry beans, rice, or sand. Your child will enjoy sifting this material through his fingers, picking it up, and pouring it out. Be sure to keep a close eye on your little one to make sure he doesn’t try to eat any of it. Some dried beans can be a choking hazard for children. • Make “cloud dough” with flour and cooking oil (8 parts flour: 1 part oil). It feels powdery like flour one moment and then moldable like damp sand the next. It’s easy to make and the unique texture will amuse your child to no end. Learning through play and exploration allows young children to investigate topics that interest them in more depth. And, offering safe and supportive environments for little ones to explore helps them develop into well-rounded, creative learners. Create opportunities for your child to experiment with new objects, textures, or other phenomena on a regular basis. The crib, playroom, bathtub, and backyard are all excellent laboratories for young children! Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com
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Looking to the Future with Grayson High School By Kristen Eleveld
Parents want their children to have a high school career that not only gives them a quality education, but also provides their students with the chance to discover and explore their passions. This may seem like a tall order, but for students at Grayson High School, it is a reality – one that is preparing them well for the future. “There is a myriad of opportunities for the students here,” said Principal Dr. Dana Pugh, who has been at Grayson for nearly a decade. “Whether it’s performing arts, the sciences, or languages, every student has the chance to explore something new.” Grayson’s career technical education program, or CTE, is designed to not only introduce students to new concepts and career options, but to give them real, hands-on experience that will give them practical skills for life after high school. A student might explore the veterinary sciences or work in the school’s culinary program. If you can think of a career or industry, you can probably find a program for it at Grayson High School. Beyond the walls of the school itself, many students also take the opportunity to participate in an internship in the environment of their chosen career. This not only allows students to get applicable experience for the future, but it also allows them to determine if their area of study is the right fit, and how they can move forward if it is. These class opportunities are not just limited to Grayson students, either. Students across the county can apply to be part of Grayson’s many technical programs, often spending part of the day on the Grayson campus and the rest on the campus of their district school. This means that anyone can be part of this multi-faceted learning experience.
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As to why this program is so successful, Dr. Pugh credits the hard work of the many counselors and support staff working at Grayson to help students and teachers succeed. “We’re trying to prepare these kids for the world they are going to inherit,” said Dr. Pugh. “And we do that without putting students in a box. They can explore their interests at school.” Along with individual guidance for upperclassmen, the team at Grayson provides many avenues for every student to explore foreign languages, fine arts, and a variety of sciences. The school even offers kids the chance to earn college credit through Advanced Placement classes or take college courses through their dual enrollment partnerships with schools like Gwinnett Tech and Georgia Gwinnett College. Grayson High School is proud to have a graduation rate of over 90%, a number that many high schools never get to see. Of course, Dr. Pugh and his team will not stop there. They are hoping to make that percentContinued on page 21
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This is a cause that hits home for many of these officers. Therefore, some participate in the Polar Plunge, while others donate their time in other aspects, such as raising funds and managing security for the events. More information about the Torch Run can be found at https://www. specialolympicsga.org/torch-run/ The admins and coordinators at SOGA are highly involved in these events and many even brave the icy waters and take the plunge with the athletes. This year the goal is $200,000 and they are confident they’ll meet it, with the help of the police officers and private citizens. Preset donations ranging from $25 to $1,000, or custom contributions, can be made on the SOGA website. Spectators are welcome to come out to this event to cheer on these “plungers” and support this great cause. More information at https://www.classy.org/event/polar-plunge-2022/ e371535.
13th Annual Special Olympics Georgia Polar Plunge Challenge By Traci Sanders
The average temperature in Georgia during the month of February is in the mid-fifties, which means lake temperatures will be at least ten to twelve degrees colder. Would you jump into those icy waters on a winter day? On February 19th, a group of brave individuals will do just that! Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) will hold its 13th Annual Polar Plunge Challenge, a huge fundraising effort benefiting Special Olympics and the athletes. This electrifying event will take place at Acworth Beach at Cable Park on Lake Acworth. In order to participate, individuals or teams collect pledges from friends, family, and colleagues to lock in their spot. SOGA also partners each year with local businesses and organizations to raise money for these athletes. “The more we raise, the more athletes we impact,” said Marketing and Events Manager Catherine Justice. This year SOGA has teamed up with three police agencies: Gwinnett County Police Department, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, and Lilburn Police Department. Private donations for this event are being accepted on each agency’s website. Specifically, these organizations sponsor SOGA through the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which improves the lives of those with intellectual disabilities by providing year-round sports training and by covering food and travel accommodations for the athletes who compete.
One Man’s Opinion Continued from page 14 atile becomes explosive. Back to Al Gore, staring icily ahead that cold January 20th morning. As we all know he invented the internet – maybe if I can find a flux capacitor or another time machine, I can take Al Gore back to that moment, and he can invent the electric jet instead, and when we fly back to the future, the news media will still be an industry both trusted and admired by the American people. Trade the growing bias for a return to true net neutrality. A fellow can dream. More information at www.CSICrane.com February 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
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Dr. Meg Rithmire Continued from page 11
Dr. Joshua Morris Continued from page 12
ed studying China when the world, and many in the US, had a lot of excitement and hope for what was happening there,” she recalls. “My first trip to China was in 2001, and people in China were also so optimistic.” But the funny thing about optimism is that it has an ebb and flow as reliable as the tide, as Dr. Rithmire discovered. “The optimism has subsided, both for me and within China,” she explains. “The research I do now is much more constrained by politics and logistics, and the conversations I am a part of are more depressing. I still feel it is important for people like me, who have spent a lot of time trying to understand China’s nuances, to contribute to these conversations. But the last several years have required me to think more about my role in the US and in US-China interactions, and it is not always exciting.” But while the dynamics with her first academic love might have shifted over the years, Dr. Rithmire’s drive is as admirable as ever as she strives for the holy grail of academia – tenure. Should she achieve that goal, which no doubt she will, Dr. Rithmire won’t be resting on her laurels for long. “I’d like to take some time to think about how I would use the incredible privilege of a permanent job to take on some projects that would really be otherwise impossible,” she says. “And ideally ones that would benefit society in some way.” Since she credits her own community with part of her success, it seems only natural that she would want to give back. But Dr. Rithmire is not waiting for tenure to come around before giving back. “In my new community in Massachusetts,” she says, “I am taking the moments of turmoil in the last couple of years – the pandemic, the racial reckoning – to figure out how I can be a part of building a stronger, fairer local life. Right now, I am enjoying working with an organization that distributes fresh food to needy residents.” Furthermore, she is also taking the time to savor the smaller joys as well. “I have two wonderful children, ages 7 and 3,” she adds. “They take up a lot of time! I enjoy mountain biking with my son, hiking with both of them, beach trips, cooking, normal things!” While most of Dr. Rithmire’s professional work is directed towards her academic colleagues, she has written articles for The Washington Post and The Atlantic concerning China and its global role. She has also contributed to a book of essays called The China Questions. Our Town Gwinnett Magazine and the community would like to thank Dr. Meg Rithmire for her work and wish her the best as she pursues tenure at Harvard. You make us proud.
students spent ten hours each semester watching my videos.” Morris now has over 160 videos available on YouTube. “I typically have students watch two videos the night before class,” he said. “They also take a pre-class quiz online to prove they’ve watched them. Then, during class, we work problems together on the white board.” This devoted teacher’s biggest professional reward is the mentoring relationships he forms with his students. “To see students go from struggling academically to flourishing is a profound reward,” he stated. “I remain close to several of my former students. In fact, I served as officiant at the weddings of two of them.” Morris used his love for his students and teaching to turn a challenging situation into one that ultimately allowed his students to not only survive the pandemic but thrive through it and come out better on the other side. More information at https://www.youtube.com/c/RealChemistryVideos.
Joanna Atkins Continued from page 13 “I don’t do things unless I am passionate about them,” said Joanna. “I’m either all in or all out. It’s all I know.” Indeed, Joanna only gives 100% all of the time, whether she is crossing the finish line on the track or inspiring her students to work hard and try their best. Aside from helping her students succeed academically, Joanna is also dedicated to developing the social and emotional health of her kids. She works with them on processing emotions and making wise Doctors Stewart Helton & Beau Upshaw choices, and she believes in giving every child a chance to be his or her best self in her classroom. “Teaching isn’t just academic,” Joanna said. “Teaching is emotional. Some of these kids have dealt with a lot in their lives. I want to help them learn how to handle it.” All of Gwinnett will be cheering for Joanna as she trains to take her place in the championships next year – including the students and families she has impacted so greatly.
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ProMotion Physical Therapy Continued from page 5 health and how they can take charge of it. One such conversation that Amanda has often is about how much of the success of physical therapy depends on their direct effort with their well-being. While the staff at ProMotion Physical Therapy always works hard with each patient, at the end of the day, it’s up to the patient to incorporate what they have learned into daily practice. It is this philosophy that inspired the creation of the Wellness Studio, where education and exercise classes are offered to support their efforts. Knowing that this staff cares for each patient as an individual and not only a diagnosis is just one of the many reasons clients return. The dedicated one-on-one time together allows the therapist to listen to the patient and best address their needs. “Customer service is our top priority, and in a world where automation is replacing human interactions, my team embraces the opportunity to serve,” said Amanda. “They are what makes the difference and have kept us growing strong for twenty years now.” If you’re not sure whether you need physical therapy (or any of the other services ProMotion PT provides), there is an easy way to find out. Call the office to set up an evaluation. The ProMotion PT staff will help you determine if physical therapy is for you. If other interventions are indicated through your evaluation, they will help you find the appropriate medical professional to meet your needs. More information at http://www.promotionpt.com
Grayson High School Continued from page 18
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age higher and higher until they reach 100%, meaning every student who walks through their doors leaves with a high school diploma. Dr. Pugh’s philosophy for running his school is simple: “Be as positive as you can.” This goal of positivity is certainly reflected in the enthusiasm of the Grayson students and will continue to live on through many skills and certifications earned on the campus. Join us as we wish Grayson and all Gwinnett students the best as they embark on a second semester. Go, Rams! More information at https://www.gcpsk12.org/GraysonHS
Ryan’s Remarks Continued from page 7 and UNITE? Maybe we can have real dialogue again and put our silly differences aside. This is not the time for Republicans or Democrats, but it is the time to come together and focus on our common humanity. We are all human beings made of flesh and blood. So, keep your head up. This too shall pass. You cannot control some things that are happening; however, you can absolutely choose how you respond to them. Finally, thank you as always for being in our corner. It means a lot to all of us. And thank you for continuing with us on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town. February 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
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Small Biz Spotlight Continued from page 12 SMB employees use can transform their work experience for increased comfort and capabilities. For example, SMB employees can seamlessly multitask through modern desktop monitors that offer larger screen real estate and single cable management for easy connections. What makes these monitors different? Next-generation monitors feature higher resolution, new aspect ratios such as ultra-wide, and low
blue light tech to reduce eye strain. Monitors will extend functionality for SMB employees as they can provide a docking hub for connection of other devices such as smartphones, speakers, headphones, and tablets. 4. Upgrade Your Accessory Ecosystem Beyond modern monitors, other aspects of home office technology are transforming, too. Creating an up-to-date and efficient workspace at home is vital for productivity but also for personal well-being. Providing employees with complementary tools that bridge the gap between home and office will elevate the experience and empower hybrid working trends. When researching new accessories for SMB employees, consider the most common pain points of power anxiety, poor audio quality, and physical stresses of inappropriate input devices resulting from longer working hours. Power banks, noise-canceling headphones certified for unified communications platforms, and ergonomic mice and keyboards will become more mainstream in 2022, allowing teams at SMBs to improve their work-from-anywhere capabilities and productivity. 5. Support Agility and Flexibility The growth of hybrid and remote workplaces has elevated the need for work tools that allow employees to work when and where they want. Evolving form factors and better connectivity will become more ubiquitous, allowing SMB employees to set up shop almost anywhere. This flexibility can add strain to IT resources and impact business capital expense. SMBs need to consider as-a-service subscription-based models, not just for hardware but to support their solution lifecycle. Successful businesses will embrace this trend and seek vendors with end-to-end capabilities to securely deploy to remote users, offer hardware and software managed services, and provide end-user tech support. As-aservice solutions reduce pressure on capital, allowing SMBs to redirect investment into new growth opportunities. (BPT)
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