FEB 2023: (GREEN) Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

On the Cover: Find Your Family with Fancy Feathers

By Kristen Eleveld

Since 2006, one local avian expert has spent her days doing what she loves most: training and teaching parrots. But Brenda Bean, who has devoted much of her life to understanding these majestic animals, is not content to just be the foremost parrot expert in Gwinnett County. One of her other passions is sharing the birds she has grown to know and love with the community around her. Whether you are looking for a potential pet, need some advice on caring for your parrot, or just want the chance to see these parrots at a birthday party, Brenda and her team can do it all.

“I love that more and more people are becoming familiar with the amazing intelligence of these animals and their ability to bring human joy and companionship while enjoying human company,” said Brenda. “It feels amazing when we sell a bird to a person and I realize they will love it for years to come.”

If you were to visit Fancy Feathers or look for Brenda in the Gwinnett area, you would find her with her husband Jack Bean either training their birds, showing off their talents at events or parties, or, one of her biggest passions, educating her customers.

“I want my customers to realize these birds are not toys,” she said. “They are more intelligent than cats or dogs, and they require true care that includes their need for companionship, not just food, water, and housing. And these birds need love. Snuggles. Laughter. Praise. And purpose.”

Along with ensuring that each of her feathered friends finds the right forever family, one of Brenda’s favorite parts of the job is taking her parrots to perform at a birthday party or fun community event as Parrot Productions. One of her parrots, often seen at parties, has learned to sing

“Happy Birthday” and will even wish you a Merry Christmas! Another uses its feet to wave goodbye to you, much like a small child might do. In fact, Brenda notes that these birds are probably about as intelligent as an average five-year-old, which means they can learn quickly and even experience emotions.

“My favorite events are the corporate and family events,” Brenda said. “There, I am blessed to watch a child’s face struck with amazement and see the adults that love that child watch as a ‘first time holding a parrot’ unfolds before their eyes. Sometimes, the amazement turns to an obsession, and I am asked to return year after year as the child grows up.”

Brenda and her team at Fancy Feathers also spend a lot of time working with families to determine if a parrot is a good fit for them. Since these birds can live anywhere between thirty and one hundred years, it’s important to Brenda and her team that each potential new family understands the commitment they are undertaking. Luckily, once a parrot and a family do find the right fit in each other, the team at Fancy

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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 2023 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Publisher/Owner

Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

Ryan@EndResultz.com

Creative Director

Elsie Olson

Elsie@EndResultz.com

Editor

Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com

IN THIS ISSUE

5

8

Photography

Our Town Gwinnett

Photography

Distribution Coordinator

Wendy Head

Cover Story

Feature Writer

Kristen Eleveld

Feature Writers

Victoria R. Crosby

Tana Poncsak

Traci Sanders

Beth Volpert Johansen

Contributing Writers

Barbara A. Bailey, PhD

Jane Bishop

Bill Crane

Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz

Terie Hansen

Tanisha Turner

H. Darrell Watson

Ryan’s Remarks

By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

I hope everyone is off to a great February and the second month of 2023. Our community continues to grow. Why? We are blessed with amazing people who choose to live, work, and play right here in Our Town. We should be proud of our community. Most communities are not as close as the ones we have. With that said, our attention span is short (or some might argue non-existent), so here are three points I want us to think about.

1. People love to smile and laugh. How many times have you heard a funny story that made your day? How often have you seen something so silly that it makes you laugh? You know – when you just keep laughing and can’t stop? How much fun do we have with long-term or deep friends whom we can truly be ourselves with? A lot of fun. And what do we do? We laugh. So, make someone’s day and make them smile and laugh.

2. People love to have fun. Why do you see so many people playing fantasy football, going to theme parties, and/or playing mindless games on their mobile devices? Many use these things as breaks from their everyday routine and to relieve stress from our constantly connected and noisy world. They are fun, simple, and mindless. Have you ever seen adults dress up in full gear for football games or a Halloween outfit? People really get into it. Why? We all love to have fun. This “feeling like a kid again” is the magic that most experience when they visit Disneyworld. And, it is what Disney is selling. We are supposed to act like kids and smile there, so we do. And in case you missed the memo, it is okay to have fun each day of your life. It is contagious.

3. People love technology yet miss the personal touch. How many of us just want someone to handle our requests promptly, get things right the first time, and save us time/stress when dealing with a problem that we’ve had with a good, service, etc.? I know I do. But instead, we hear, “For faster service, visit us online.” Note: This is CODE for “Don’t call us. We are busy, and if you go online, we don’t have to talk to you or staff as many people.” Thus, be sure technology works for us and that we do not work for it. The personal touch in relationships built on trust matters now more than ever. Small businesses usually get this right, so

Continued on page 8

Learning Lessons: What Parents Need to

Know about STEAM

By Tanisha Turner

You are undoubtedly familiar with the acronym STEAM and its importance in the classroom. This acronym – which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics – has become a hot topic in the world of education and the business community. The practice of teaching by incorporating these concepts into multidisciplinary lessons has revolutionized education approaches across the country, even for children in preschool.

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

For young children:

• Science encourages investigation and answering questions, often involving experimentation.

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

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

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

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

Priceless: A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop

What does priceless mean to you? Items, gifts, “stuff”? For me, it’s much more than that. As my daddy aged, he experienced health struggles that he faced with stubbornness and tenacity as he pushed through often when I know he did not have the energy or fortitude. Why? So that he could enjoy the moment. During the last three years of his life, he had two falls that resulted in surgery, weeks living in a rehab facility, and other issues. He was often in great pain, physically and emotionally. I became embedded in caregiving at a different level for both parents. It was challenging, tough, stressful, and emotional. However, in all of the energy output, in all of the care given to both myself and my parents, I do not regret one moment of any of it. It was priceless.

Pricelessness comes from moments that come and go so quickly, you hardly notice when they end or begin. You usually don’t even recognize the importance of a moment until it has passed. Today, I encourage you to practice staying present so you don’t miss a moment. Don’t miss the space that you are in currently. Whether it is a good or a bad, it is a pivotal moment of growth that you’ll one day revisit. Sit in that, reflect on that, cherish that. Ask yourself, “What is it that I can take in right now? How will I allow myself the time to do so?”

All of us, as time passes, will never get any second, any minute, any hour back. Therefore, how we invest ourselves in our moments either

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

Research has shown that even very young children are capable of mathematical reasoning and can understand more advanced math skills than previously thought. Young children are also able to ask questions and make predictions about the world around them. In short, children are fully capable of learning foundational STEAM concepts, and parents and teachers should help children develop these skills at an early age.

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

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

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

propels us forward, sidetracks us, or holds us back. That choice is and always will be yours to make. For me personally, as I sit back and review my own journey, as difficult and stressful as it has been at times, I recall the priceless moments that shaped who I am today. Above all, I am thankful I practice staying present to take it all in.

Life will throw unexpected interruptions at us that make us say, “Oh please, just let this be over.” As you practice consistently staying present in your life, you create the opportunity to stop, step back, and take in where you are. Only then will you truly say, “Wow… this is priceless.” As you ponder and reflect, remember, it will never be TODAY again. More information at www.janebishop.live or jane@takethenextstepcct.com

please support one in our community today.

If we want to communicate more effectively, we must consider our audience. Do we encourage others? Do we make other people smile, laugh, and have fun? After all, adults are just big kids at heart. Being “normal” (whatever that means) is pretty boring. People want to see real, genuine, and authentic behavior. So, be YOU and enjoy living in your own skin and quit worrying about what other people are doing.

People will talk about you no matter what you do. So, my advice is to give them something good to talk about. Time is ticking and today is “a present,” “the present,” and “our present.” So, make the best out of each hour you have and encourage and inspire each other.

I wish everyone a super February, and I encourage you to make someone’s day. WOW them. Why? Because it feels great and it is an amazing thing to do. Be upbeat, be encouraging, smile, laugh – and if all else fails, “fake it until you feel it.” And until next time, and as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

Ryan’s Remarks Continued from page 7

Insurance Matters: Actual Cash Value vs Replacement Cost

By H. Darrell Watson

How many of you have noticed that the cost of insurance is going up? When an insurance company takes a rate increase, many people go shopping. I shopped my auto insurance before I became an insurance agent, and I was shocked when the other company was so much cheaper than mine. It took me a minute to realize that the price was so much cheaper because the representative had reduced my liability limits from 100/300/100 to 25/50/25, the state minimum. Yes, I could save money, but I decided that the price was not worth the risk of lowering my liability limits.

What about Homeowner’s Insurance? I get mailings at least twice a week from companies who claim they can offer me Homeowner’s Insurance at a 50% discount from what I am currently paying. My company’s homeowner policies are Replacement Cost Policies. Basically, if my house were to be destroyed by a covered peril, they would cover my home value at 120% minus my deductible to rebuild and/or repair my structure. If a windstorm destroyed my roof, my company would replace my roof regardless of the age of the roof minus my deductible.

The reason why those other company’s homeowner’s rates are so low is because they have an Actual Cash Value when it comes to your roof. Let’s say that your roof is 10 years old, and you have a 20-year shingle. If a storm destroys your roof, this company will say to you, “Well, your roof was at half of its life, so we are going to pay you 50% of the value of your roof minus your deductible.” So, if it takes $20,000 to replace your roof, and you have a $2,000 deductible, your insurance company is going to pay $8,000, and you are out $12,000. How do those cheap homeowner’s premiums look to you now?

It is key to know what your auto liability limits are and know whether your homeowner’s policy is a Replacement Cost policy or an Actual Cash Value policy. Cheap insurance is cheap for a reason!

More information at 770-910-3399.

Fancy Feathers Continued from page 5

Feathers is always available to help with future needs. Fancy Feathers is a well-stocked outlet for pet birds or parrots and sells seeds, pellets, and mixes designed for the special needs of various pet birds and parrots, including medicine, vitamins, grit, cuttlebone, minerals, clay, charcoal, and probiotics. They also sell cages and toys at wholesale prices and even keep an updated list of veterinarians specializing in parrots, along with on-site groomers for a parrot’s grooming needs.

There is really no better place to go to learn about parrots, determine if you are ready to adopt one, and prepare for a lifetime of fun and companionship. The team at Fancy Feathers (Jack Bean, Irene Stovall, Kristina Barron, Sara Hines, Keaton Bowens, Jason Shepherd, Genesis Mares, Zamantha Mares, and a stream of volunteers) are always ready to answer your questions and see if a parrot is the right fit for an educated customer.

“We are here to help you find a forever family member,” said Brenda. “I love to watch as a new person falls into the love of parrots and I realize we are responsible for creating yet another bird lover.”

Groomer, educator, entertainer, trainer, and friend – Brenda with Jack and their team at Fancy Feathers and Parrot Productions are everything you need and more for your favorite feathery family members.

More information at www.fancyfeathersstore.com and parrotproshows.com or (770) 986-0661.

Run the Reagan in 2023!

By Kristen Eleveld

For nearly thirty years, the Gwinnett community has gathered together to support and participate in one of the most exciting events of the year: Run the Reagan, an event which features a half marathon, 10k and 5k races, and 1K fun run down Ronald Reagan Parkway. Run the Reagan will once again bring Gwinnett together on February 25th as 2,000 participants from all over the county race, cheer, and support local charities and businesses dedicated to giving back to their community.

“This race is a wonderful time to come together with people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Steve Ridley, a local teacher who also serves as a board member for Run the Reagan. “And it’s so much more than a race. We have a family fun zone, games, and live music, along with booths from vendors and local businesses.”

Sponsored by Piedmont Healthcare and many other local businesses over the last several years, Run the Reagan is designed for anyone who wants to participate. Whether you are trying to beat a personal best for your 5k time or just started running yesterday, there is a race for you at this event. And while you’re at it, you can even get a Peachtree Road Race qualifying time during your race. Those who want a longer distance might go for the half marathon, while others may opt for a shorter run or more leisurely pace. You can even sign up as a group on behalf of an organization or school and earn money back for every team member who signs up. And the race is just the beginning.

If you’re not a runner, that’s no problem – there is still plenty for you to do. Volunteers work to set up the race, hand out water bottles and snacks to runners, award medals to winners, and so much more. Many local organizations, like scout groups or drumlines, also wait along the race route to encourage runners and provide a fun, family-friendly atmosphere for everyone around. Local businesses and vendors set up booths for everyone to visit throughout the day. This event truly has everything,

Continued on page 22

Goodbye, Lisa Marie

By Victoria R. Crosby

As a long-time Elvis fan, I was thrilled to see Austin Butler win a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Elvis, then crushed a few days later to hear that Lisa Marie Presley had died of a heart attack just weeks short of her fifty-fifth birthday. She didn’t look well at the Golden Globes, although two days before that, she was signing autographs and taking selfies with fans at Graceland in Memphis, celebrating what would have been her father’s 88th birthday.

I empathized with Lisa Marie, as I also lost my father when I was nine years old. But her father was a world-famous person who died at home where she witnessed the traumatic aftermath of his passing. I also felt for her when she lost her son Benjamin in 2020; then one of my sons died in 2021, so I understand her heartbreak.

People left bunches of flowers that covered the top of the wall that surrounds Graceland, and onto the sidewalk and the famous musical gates. They left flowers, candles, and notes of condolence to the family. Large flower arrangements filled the areas surrounding the Meditation Garden where Lisa Marie was buried next to her son Benjamin who committed suicide, and where Elvis, his parents, and grandmother are buried, with a small marker for Jessie Garon, his twin brother who was stillborn. Historically, the greatest number of flowers sold in one day in the USA was on August 16, 1977, the day Elvis died.

The Presley Family had requested that in lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation. This nonprofit offers support to various charitable organizations, especially those focused in the arts, education, and children’s programs in the Memphis area, or to St. Jude’s Hospital, which Elvis had supported.

Several thousand people waited in the early morning hours to gather on the lawn in Graceland to attend the memorial celebration of Lisa Marie Presley’s life. The family and friends were seated in chairs under a tent. Austin Butler and producer Baz Luhrmann were there, as well as James Burdon, Elvis’s guitarist, who was in a wheelchair recovering from recent surgery. Elvis Gospel music played before and after the service.

Continued on page 13

Addie Freeman Named Miss Gwinnett County 2023

By Traci Sanders

Seventeen-year-old Brookwood High School senior, Addie Freeman, was crowned Miss Gwinnett County 2023 at the Gwinnett County Fair on September 17th and will represent Gwinnett County as she competes as one of the youngest candidates at the Miss Georgia Scholarship Competition in June 2023, held in Columbus, Georgia. If she wins this title, she will represent Georgia in the Miss America pageant.

Addie has been participating in pageants since age nine, but did not start competing in the Miss America Organization until age fourteen.

“My mom wanted me to start learning some life skills that I could use in the future,” she said, “so she signed me up for my first local preliminary, which I didn’t win.”

After a few more competitions, she finally won the title of Miss Stone Mountain’s Outstanding Teen. To date, Addie has competed three times in the Miss Georgia’s Outstanding Teen pageant and has also held the titles of Miss Southeast Georgia’s Outstanding Teen, where she received a non-finalist interview award, and most recently as Miss International City’s Outstanding Teen, where she was a semi-finalist for the Miss Georgia Social Impact Scholarship Award and finished in the Top 15. This is the first time she’s competing in the Miss division, and she’s proud to represent her home county and give back to the community where she’s lived all her life.

When many people think of pageants, they envision all the glitz and glamour involved, but Addie shared that the Miss America Organization,

the largest provider of scholarships to women, is about so much more than pretty dresses and faces.

“In addition to the cash and in-kind scholarships I’ve won,” she said, “which totals over $62,000, I have grown so much as a person. I’ve gained so many life skills such as public speaking, interview skills, stage presence, as well as honing my natural talents. All these things I can carry into future careers and endeavors in adulthood.”

Addie said that competing in the organization is fun but is also a lot of work and can be stressful at times.

“As a Miss candidate, we each have a ten-minute private interview with a panel of judges where we can be asked anything,” she explained. “Questions can come from our resume, social impact essay, or can be anything related to current events or political hot topics. During competition we must perform a talent, model an evening gown, and answer an on-stage question as an extension of our interview. We also must deliver a twenty-to-forty-second Social Impact Pitch about our Social Impact Initiative.”

Addie chose Juvenile Arthritis (JA), having experienced this firsthand as a child. She was diagnosed with pauciarticular juvenile arthritis as an infant but outgrew it only to develop a different form that didn’t cause her pain but, left untreated, involved potential blindness. She had to take weekly shots of methotrexate – a drug sometimes used to treat cancer patients – for five years and finally went into remission in 2017.

Addie knows her condition could have been much worse and has met others who are experiencing more severe symptoms, which is why this cause is so near and dear to her heart.

“In the United States, 300,000 kids and teens are currently suffering

Continued on page 20

Jason Clark and the Tennessee Mass Choir sang Amazing Grace, followed by opening remarks from Joel Weinshanker, managing partner at Elvis Presley Enterprises, who said Lisa had conveyed her final wishes, “Don’t make it sad.” However, this was impossible for her fans, friends, and family. The invocation was given by Pastor Dwayne Hunt, who also gave the benediction toward the end of the service.

Musical tributes included the song To Sheila by Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins, Alanis Morrissette sang Rest, and Axl Rose of Guns ‘N Roses sang November Rain. Sarah Ferguson spoke of her close friendship with Lisa Marie Presley and quoted her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II: “Grief is the price we pay for love.” Then she read the poem A Tribute to the Children by George Frost, the son of British TV host David Frost for his memorial service.

Lisa Marie had lived in Sussex, England from 2010 until 2016, and once helped to serve fish and chips at the local pub.

A longtime friend of Elvis, Jerry Schilling, who had known Lisa since her birth, told of how he always referred to her as “Memphis.”

Her mother, Priscilla Presley, read a poem written by her granddaughter Riley called The Old Soul, which included the line, “she always knew she wouldn’t be here too long.” Priscilla also thanked her son, Lisa’s

Continued on page 19

February Photo of the Month:

Family Fun: Ideas to Infuse Fun into the Family Routine This Winter

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

As we enter February and the cold, dark winter months, it’s easy for anyone to lose their spark. Motivating your kids after a long holiday break can be especially challenging. By shaking up the routine and infusing some fun and creativity into family activities, you can help beat the winter-time blues.

Here are a few fun, family-friendly ideas to help keep spirits up:

1. Get creative in the kitchen. A great (and tasty!) way to have some fun and teach your kids a thing or two is to get creative in the kitchen. Get them started with an easy recipe they can take the lead in preparing. The Frigo Cheese Heads brand has easy, healthy, and creative snacks like Fruity Cheese Kabobs, which are as fun to assemble as they are to eat.

2. Make a point to get moving. Motivation and movement go hand in hand. There are many ways to get everyone in the family moving, even during the chillier months. Explore your local hiking trails or go bowling. Consider starting an exercise challenge and up the excitement by offering prizes, and your kids will be motivated to earn.

3. Get a change of scenery. Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to combat the winter blues. Check out local event sites and plan one day each month for your family to explore a new festival, museum, indoor or outdoor market, park, music show, or another unique local offering.

Continued on page 20

Coach Nick Saban Visits Gwinnett County Schools

OWNER, NATE MCMICHAEL

One Man’s Opinion: There’s a New Speaker in Town

By Bill Crane

State Representative Jon Burns (R-District 159) of Newington, Georgia in Effingham County is not new to the State House, having joined the body in 2005. Nor is he new to leadership, having served as the GOP House Majority Leader since 2015. But he is new to the Office of Speaker, arguably the second most powerful elected position in state government, and he will be bringing a slightly new approach to wielding that big gavel.

Burns was a close friend and confidante of the prior Speaker, David Ralston, and will be retaining much of his office staff, demeanor, and decorum in the well of running the chamber with an eye toward bettering the lives of all Georgians. This helps explain his selection as Speaker by a unanimous vote of acclimation on the first day of this legislative session, while our Speaker in the U.S. Congress squeaked into office by one vote on the 15th ballot.

Burns is also a farmer and small businessman, very successful and visible within the timber industry in southeast Georgia. In the words of his peers in the House and elsewhere, he is a “classic conservative.”

From Dan Snipes, a Statesboro attorney who has worked previously with Burns, “He doesn’t have an extreme bone in his body. He is a principled, classic conservative.”

Burns is inheriting this gavel following a dear friend’s sudden and unexpected death, but the state and the State House are in otherwise good stead. A budget surplus of more than $6 billion is being sifted through and divvied up first: more reserves, some big-ticket one-time expenses, and another pay raise for educators and most all-state employees. There are fissures within the Georgia GOP, but they have a very comfortable majority, and almost all are at least on speaking terms.

When Ralston followed the first GOP Speaker since Reconstruction, who was leaving the office in a cloud of building scandals, the economy was in the midst of a deep recession, and budget cuts were the order of the day. The GOP’s ability to govern was in question and Ralston brought transparency, an open ear, common sense, and some occasionally cen-

Continued on page 16

CineMedics: Keeping the World Working

By Traci Sanders

Film production was brought to a halt for many months during 2020 due to Covid. Even when production resumed, actors and film crew were required to wear masks on set and have frequent Covid tests with proof of negative results before returning to set, which caused delays in filming and inconvenienced everyone involved.

Heather Drake Bianchi created a solution for this problem. A Syracuse, New York native, Heather obtained a bachelor’s in Biomedical Sciences in 2009 and two master’s degrees – one in Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, the other in Forensic Science. Heather worked in critical care medicine in the US for sixteen years and outside of the country for five years. She served as a paramedic for National Geographic and various other organizations, as well as assisting in search and rescue efforts within Hurricanes Katrina, Irene, and Sandy.

As Covid began to cross over into the US, Heather recognized the need to keep people working and began to research ways to provide rapid, on-site testing for employees, especially those in the entertainment industry. CineMedics was launched in Syracuse, New York in 2020. This mobile testing site provided Covid screening, testing, and compliance quickly and effectively.

Heather was able to adapt her business model to accommodate numer-

Continued on page 17

trist sensibilities, and would go on to lead as the second longest serving Speaker in Georgia history.

Burns is aware of the large shoes of his friend, but he also believes that leading such a large and diverse group of 180 and two very different political parties requires a LOT of listening.

Asked about his priorities for the session at a first-week briefing with members of the Capitol Press Corps, Burns explained that he is hearing from his Committee Chairs, Caucus members, as well as the other side of the aisle, on what they consider to be the most pressing needs for this assembly. He explained that he likes to gather his team and interested parties and build consensus around the table, and then the group has an agenda and priority order for proceeding.

Ralston inherited a House in disarray and in need of a strong, steady

hand. The House coming to Burns has been sailing smoothly for several years, and an even more inclusive leadership style may be just right for the times ahead. Burns has already restructured how the House handles health care issues, creating another committee, chair, and structure to coordinate and plan together, as health care costs, particularly Medicaid, are one of the fastest growing drivers of the budget of state government.

The honeymoon will be brief, and many other House leaders of substance have chosen to retire in recent years. Burns will be able to make his own mark and imprint. The affable timber farmer has a disarming charm and the friendly ear already mentioned. One of the larger challenges may be redefining the relationship with the State Senate, which now has its own new presiding officer and lieutenant governor, but that is a column for another day.

Speaker Burns will continue to advance the House “culture of life” for the people of Georgia. Like his several thousand acres of timber, I think

Continued on page 23

Conflict Corner: Hurry, Hurry, Hurry…

By Barbara A. Bailey, PhD

Has the pace of life picked up lately for you?

For many, school is moving full steam ahead. That schedule alone can bring a faster tempo of life in your home, your work, and all the other activities that we find ourselves constantly juggling.

Maybe, you have decided to look for a new job, continue to look for a job, or decided to open your own place. I know around my community that new businesses have opened, and I haven’t had the time yet to visit them for a taste of new food or hear some live music or just browse for support and welcome.

It just seems to me that the demands on time and the pace have picked up since a few weeks ago when I found myself in more control of my schedule. And I don’t know about you, but when this shift happens for me, I must take some breaths, some breaks, and some reality checks.

Conflict lurks when stress occurs. It has its own agenda and can erupt when time is short (real or perceived) and too much needs our attention (all at once). We get in the car and find ourselves distracted, gripping the steering wheel, and not paying attention and before we know it, we’ve run a stop sign, a red light, or a school zone. Hopefully, no one has been hurt by our actions, but it can happen “out of nowhere.”

Continued on page 23

CineMedics

Continued from page 15

ous shifts in rules by multiple production heads, film unions, and federal agencies and keep production going for even well-known company events such as CNN’s Life Itself conference, Netflix’s Don’t Look Up production, and Hulu’s Big Time Adolescence production.

The company has grown rapidly since 2020. CineMedics is now part of Drake Bianchi’s medical services company, Drakos Clinical Laboratories. Drakos has multiple national and international testing sites, including one in Georgia in Peachtree Corners.

With these mobile facilities, Drakos is able to deliver results for film productions, large events, senior living communities, in-office executive medicine, or at-home testing in an hour or less. This results in reduced testing expenses and more accessible services for the public. In the film industry, this means fewer production delays and crew members no longer have to leave the set to obtain testing, thanks to the mobile lab setup.

Molly Dunegan, a leading scientist at Drakos’s Atlanta lab, shared, “We fit into your mold. You don’t need to fit into ours. We can build a lab almost anywhere and bring our mobile lab to you.”

Drakos provides mobile laboratory testing services for Covid, Flu, RSV, STI, and routine blood work, incorporating the latest and highest quality technology.

“Most labs make you choose between the kind of care you want,” Dunegan says. “You can either get your test results quickly, or you can have testing done in-home, not both. Through our facilities, Drakos Clinical Laboratories offers the highest quality testing technologies available with on-site service and the fastest results in the Atlanta area.”

The sky is the limit as far as expansion for this company. In fact, the CineMedics division was recently contracted to provide its services on the new Netflix film “Our Man from Jersey,” which was filmed in multiple locations, including Europe, and featured some of Hollywood’s top actors – Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry, and J.K. Simmons.

Drakos employs fifty staff members across the US and UK, including four at the Atlanta testing site, and they’re adding more as they grow, to keep the world working!

More information at www.cinemedics.us.

One Man’s Opinion: At Times We Need Uncomfortable Truths

By Bill Crane

By the late 1970s, the famed nearly 50-foot tall Cyclorama painting of the Battle of Atlanta during the Civil War was moldy, wet, and rotting in places and making its way toward a landfill somewhere. It had been donated to the city in 1898. After its debut in 1885, much of the novelty of the 360-foot moving circular portrait had worn off. And in the decades since, Atlanta, a city nearly destroyed in the aftermath of that same battle, could not quite decide what to do with it.

1939 would bring the world premiere of Gone with the Wind to Atlanta. The diorama had been touched up and had some additions made to it several years prior, and after a quip by actor Clark Gable to then Mayor William B. Hartsfield that the only thing missing from the portrait was him, Hartsfield and the painting curators added a pencil-thin mustache and Rhett Butler to the curio (which remains today).

But by the late 1970s, Atlanta had its first African-American mayor and Maynard Jackson was faced with the choice of junking or salvaging the aging painting, with loud voices calling for each option. Jackson, typically operating with a cooler head, chose to save the painting, raising $11 million from private donors to restore the diorama as well as upgrade the building housing it at Atlanta’s Grant Park, outside the entrance to Zoo Atlanta.

Jackson knew that Atlanta school children by the busload would come to see the painting and be reminded of Atlanta’s fall and the Union victory, as well as recognize that President Abraham Lincoln’s following re-election was central to their own freedom. And Jackson knew that history was true, compared to the final vestiges of Lost Cause mythology, still being taught in some Georgia classrooms.

More recently in 2011, the Atlanta History Center (AHC) came to the rescue of the Cyclorama when later Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed was no longer certain that owning and maintaining the diorama still benefitted the city. The AHC’s masterful restoration has to be seen to be fully appreciated, as the History Center expended more than $35 million relocating, restoring, and producing the now incredible museum exhibit which surrounds and showcases the painting, part of a $75 million expansion of the History Center campus in Buckhead.

And now, the Atlanta History Center is entering the digital and film-making arenas, with the first in a planned series of documentary Originals and the first, just-released Monument: The Untold Story of Stone Mountain. This incredibly well-produced film is broken into segments, in total, just under 40 minutes long. The focus of the piece is on the times and motivation for the state purchase of Stone Mountain and the later completion of the carving, originally begun during the 1920s, with threads of racism, the Klu Klux Klan, and resistance to integration as well as fighting the end of the Jim Crow era woven well into its fabric. The carving was completed and dedicated in 1970 (https://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/monument/).

Continued on page 23

Chaplain’s Corner: Make Your Story Count

By Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz

One of the things that my wife Kelly and I like to do at night is to watch TV shows together. Between juggling both of our jobs, trying to keep five children alive, managing a thousand of activities for every family member, and whatever it is that life throws at us, spending some time to decompress together at night is something that we really treasure.

So, we have decided to alternate picking shows according to our preferences, and while one of us will choose the show of our choice, the other one has to endure it and actually try to enjoy it. Some of her shows include, This is US, Virgin River, and Handmaids Tales, and some of my shows include Breaking Bad, The Office, and Yellowstone

Often while we are watching the shows, we find ourselves pretending we are in the shoes of the characters, and we begin wondering what our actions or reactions would have been if we were the ones in the show.

The reality is that our lives are a little bit less dramatic than the lives of most of the characters that we watch, thank you Jesus for that. Nevertheless, the roles we are playing in our lives count, and whether we are famous or not, we are writing our own story.

I am not sure what your life looks right now, but if your life is like mine, you may be in a season of drama, you may be leaving a season of comedy, or you may be even entering a season of terror. Yet, regardless of what your season may look like, I want to encourage you to make

your story count.

The truth that we need to be reminded of is that someone is always watching, someone may be inspired by our words and actions, and more importantly, someone may be affected by the roles we are playing. For that reason, one more time, I want to encourage you to make your story count.

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

Goodbye,

Lisa Marie

Continued from page 13

half-brother Navarone Garibaldi, for being there.

Lisa Marie’s oldest daughter, actress Riley Keogh, was in the program to read a remembrance, a letter she had written to her mother, but it was read instead by Riley’s husband, Australian stuntman Ben Smith-Peterson. In the letter, Riley states that she hopes she can love her daughter the way she and her brother and sisters, fourteen-year-old twins Harper and Finley, were loved.

This statement revealed to the world that Lisa Marie was a grandmother, a fact kept private for months. Riley and Ben’s daughter is rumored to be named Tupelo, after Elvis Presley’s birthplace, and that she was born in August of 2022, although this has not been confirmed by the Presley family.

The Blackwood Brother Quartet sang How Great Thou Art and Sweet, Sweet Spirit, Gospel songs that Elvis loved. On the back of the program of service, there was an Acknowledgement from The Presley family that read, “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the love, compassion, and support you have shown our family during this difficult time.”

After the service, there was a silent procession through the Meditation Garden to view the gravesites.

Home Matters: Five Simple Ways to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

With the spring season here before long, now is the perfect time to spruce up your home – both indoors and out. It’s a well-known fact that homes with strong curb appeal not only tend to sell faster, but also have higher perceived home values – as much as 7%-14% more. While there are many large-scale renovations that can add curb appeal to your home, there are just as many simple refreshes you can make without spending a lot of time or money.

Here are five easy ways to boost your home’s curb appeal, and its value, in as little as a few hours:

1. Clean or repaint your front door:

Since your front door is exposed to the elements, simply washing away some of the builtup dirt and grime can breathe new life into this focal point of your home. For an affordable, more eye-catching upgrade, consider painting your front door a bold, vibrant hue that coordinates with the rest of your home’s color palette to help draw buyers in. You can also add visual interest with a simple seasonal wreath.

2. Ensure your doors, windows, and siding are sealed: With warmer months there often comes rainy and wet weather, so ensure your doors, windows, siding, and other exterior surfaces won’t fall prey to water leakage during the next storm. Perfect for exterior touch-ups of any size, DAP’s AMP All Weather Window, Siding, and Door Sealant delivers a 100% weatherproof and waterproof seal for windows, doors, siding, trim, gutter, flashing, and concrete. It outperforms silicone in key performance attributes such as wet surface application, paintability, and crystal-clear clarity, while also offering exceptional weatherability, durability, and mold and mildew resistance, providing maximum performance for every project. It also has a 30-minute paint and rain/water ready time, making even the smallest touch-ups a breeze while giving you added peace of mind. Additionally, the sealant line includes a kitchen and bath-specific formulation perfect for all your interior touch-up needs as well.

3. Update outdoor hardware and lighting:

House numbers, the entry door handle, and porch light fixtures are all elements that add style and interest to your home’s curb appeal, whether you realize it or not. Replace old house numbers with a customized or DIY number display, or simply choose larger, more modern numbers for a few dollars each. Also consider updating your porch light fixtures for added appeal and safety. Be sure to consider your home’s style and the fixture’s configuration to ensure it illuminates your walkway or porch adequately, and for added time and money savings, choose fixtures that use the same mounting system as your current ones. Complete your entryway upgrade by choosing a new entry door handle or lockset that complements your house numbers and light fixtures for the most cohesive look. For all three, bronze finishes often look best with traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more modern ones.

4. Repair any unsightly cracked concrete: Driveway, sidewalk, patio, and other outdoor concrete cracks are both common and inevitable given they are in high-traffic areas and are susceptible to the annual freeze/thaw cycle. Without proper attention and repairs, these cracks are not only unsightly, but can lead to more serious issues or worse, pose safety concerns. Thankfully, fixing them doesn’t have to be a costly headache with the help of Textured Concrete. This premium latex sealant simulates concrete with the durability needed to properly move and flex with heavy-trafficked concrete surfaces while providing a long-lasting, crack-resistant seal. Perfect for use on concrete, mortar, brick, metal, stone, stucco, grout, and textured walls, it’s easy to use and apply, won’t stain or bleed, and can be cleaned up with just water if needed. While most latex sealants require a 24-hour dry time before painting, this one is ready to paint in just two hours so you can perfectly match any substrate and move onto your next project in record time.

5. Add color with flowers or plants:

From adding flowers around your mailbox or planters on your porch, to installing window boxes for an added pop of color, this is an easy and affordable afternoon project that instantly makes your home look more welcoming, approachable, and modern while adding to its perceived value. Be sure to choose varieties that will get enough sunlight based on where they’re planted, and mix and match colors based on your home’s color scheme for the best results.

For more tips to help tackle your home improvement projects, visit DAP.com. (BPT) from JA,” she said. “My personal experience with JA is the heart for my initiative, ‘Unveiling Juvenile Arthritis: #kidsgetarthritistoo.’ My mission is three-fold: to spread awareness, raise funds, and support those affected by this painful yet often unseen disease.”

Addie Freeman Continued from page 11

Family Fun

Working closely with the Georgia office of the Arthritis Foundation, she is an active volunteer and was named the Teen Honoree for the 2021 Atlanta Jingle Bell Run.

“One of my favorite things to do is run,” Addie explained, “and I’ve been a member of my school’s cross country and track teams since sophomore year, so my goal is to set up a 5K race one day in all 159 counties of Georgia so I can raise money and awareness for JA.”

When asked what doors she hopes winning the Miss Georgia and subsequently Miss America titles would open for her, Addie replied, “Competing for the title of Miss Georgia, and possibly Miss America, is like interviewing for the job of a lifetime. Being able to continue my advocacy of JA and my partnership with the Arthritis Foundation on a national level would be such a blessing and an honor.”

Addie plans to attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and major in speech language pathology, and being Miss Gwinnett County is a plus on her resume.

Congrats again to Addie Freeman, Miss Gwinnett County 2023.

Continued from page 13

4. Throw a party. Planning a gathering is sometimes just as fun as the party itself. Host a party with your kids and let them be involved in coming up with the theme, menu, and guest list. Let them get creative by making up games for a game night that both kids and adults will enjoy. Take it one step further and have them create handmade party decorations and a trophy for the winner to take home.

5. Volunteer together. Brainstorm a few simple but meaningful things to do at home that can benefit the world. Small things like starting a compost pile, collecting food shelf donations, or contributing to a charity event at school are great ways to get involved and make a difference. Or consider signing the entire family up for volunteer and fundraising opportunities, such as working at a food bank, participating in park cleanups, walking, or running to raise money for a charity.

Most importantly, infuse some fun and positivity during the short days of winter to help your kids keep their spark and revitalize them for the rest of the school year! (BPT)

Heart Matters: February is American Heart Month

By Tana Poncsak

Did you know that in the U.S. someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds? In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 805,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack each year, and of those, 605,000 are first time heart attacks. February is heart month to bring awareness to heart health and what you can do to stay healthy and hopefully not become another statistic.

With the collapse of the Buffalo Bills football player, Damar Hamlin, and the death of Lisa Marie Presley, both due to cardiac arrest, heart health is on the minds of many these days.

First, there’s a difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack. The American Heart Association differentiates the two indicating that a heart attack occurs when blood flow is blocked from the heart. Cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and an irregular heartbeat can occur.

If you suspect someone is having a heart attack or cardiac arrest, the American Heart Association says to call 911 or your local emergency number. In the case of cardiac arrest, administering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), now available in many public venues, can be a lifesaving measure.

Heart disease doesn’t just affect older adults. The CDC reports that one in five adults who died of cardiovascular disease in 2019 were under the age of 65. It’s important to know your risks. The CDC cites high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and smoking can all contribute to cardiovascular disease. Other factors such as obesity and diabetes can contribute as well.

In addition, the CDC reports that choosing a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods, regular physical activity, not smoking, staying on top of conditions such as high blood pressure, and seeing your physician for regular screenings are all measures you can take to help lower your risk for heart disease.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has a number of resources and events available throughout the month of February to educate and bring awareness to the importance of heart health. So, learn more about heart health and keep your ticker happy.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice. For medical advice, please seek the advice of a licensed medical practitioner.

Making A Difference: NETWorks Cooperative Ministry

By Victoria R. Crosby

In this season of giving gifts and eating large meals, it is important to understand how many people, especially children, are in poverty suffering from hunger, which is now known as food insecurity.

I recently attended a lecture by people who are helping the situation. The talk was titled Food Insecurity and Homelessness, featuring Executive Director David Fisher of NETWorks Cooperative Ministry.

Before introducing David, Mayor Frank Auman of Tucker introduced Don Andersen who spoke about the cold weather shelter that opened at the Tucker First United Methodist Church five years ago. The gym was converted into a shelter run by volunteers to provide a safe, secure place for men and women from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., when the temperatures are 30 degrees or below. The shelter averages thirteen men and five women, who, after being checked by an off-duty police officer, are provided with a hot meal and given a cot with a blanket while being kept socially distanced. Showers are available for the guests, and volunteers take shifts overnight, while a volunteer fireman keeps watch. The volunteers provide the guests with information about NETWorks, housing, and other helpful resources.

Gaye Auman, the mayor’s wife, also spoke of the importance of supporting NETWorks. She is a retired schoolteacher who has worked with children from kindergarten through 3rd grade, and in every class she said there were children who were living in poverty.

David Fisher has been the executive director of NETWorks since 2016, following his long career in the food service design and renovation business. Originally from California, David graduated with a degree in economics from the University of Notre Dame and has lived in Atlanta with his wife, Joy, since 1989. They have two children. Joy is an ordained

Run the Reagan in 2023! Continued from page 10

thanks to the Snellville and surrounding areas.

“It’s incredible that the City of Snellville and Gwinnett County BOC shut down Ronald Reagan Parkway for us every year,” said Steve, who serves alongside president Amanda Soesbe and fellow board members Ron Weber, Parks Mann, Laura Drake, Melvin Everson, John Allred, Molly Weathers, Michelle Hamilton, Ryan Bowcut, and Brett Savage. “For twenty-five years, they have allowed us to do this and we’re so grateful to them.”

While the race and surrounding events are always fun, there is a deeper motivation for this event. Each year, Run the Reagan supports various charities throughout Gwinnett, creating an easy and reliable way for everyone to give back to their community. This year, the Brookwood Schools Foundation, Southeast Gwinnett Co-op, and Lilburn Co-op will each benefit from the proceeds of the race, allowing them to serve their neighborhood with essential resources like meals, toiletries, and learning opportunities for local students. But don’t be fooled – this is not just a race for the Brookwood Cluster. Thanks to the opportunity to sign up as a school team, every Gwinnett school has the chance to raise some funds through their participation in the race. In the past, teams from Parkview High School, Central Gwinnett High School, Shiloh High School, South Gwinnett High School, and Grayson High School have each participated in the race. These schools also sent volunteers to help run the event. More

Presbyterian minister and works for the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.

NETWorks includes twenty-one church partners who donate food, financial assistance, and parishioners who volunteer.

“When the pandemic hit in March 2020,” David said, “the demand for food and other assistance went through the roof. Many food pantries closed, but our attendance increased.”

The way people get into the system varies, he explained. Sometimes a person will the lose a job, then can’t pay the rent or mortgage, or they have to choose between paying bills and buying enough food to sustain them.

“Poverty is traumatic,” David explained. “It affects your ability to think and function. The Pandemic caused more people to become food insecure, not knowing where their next meal is coming from.”

Many children are born into poverty. If the mother didn’t have enough nutrition during pregnancy, the child can be born with health problems; then not having adequate nourishment during the childhood growth years can also have a negative impact on that child’s future health.

“Affordable housing is relevant to each individual,” David told the group. “Many women are working two jobs just in order to pay rent.”

In 2021 NETWorks provided about 250,000 pounds of food and more than $165,000 in rent and other assistance, with just one full time and two part time staff members, and three hundred volunteers.

NETWorks is moving to a new location at 4296 Cowan Road, which will include a grocery storestyle food pantry. People will be able to shop as in a supermarket, and volunteers will bag the food. The new location will be a larger venue with more food and larger refrigerators. Local supermarkets including Aldi, Sprouts, and Kroger all donate food.

A faith-based organization, NETWorks’ mission is “to respond with the hospitality of Christ to the food and financial needs of residents and to partner with them to find long term solutions to poverty.”

More information at networkscoop.org/thebigleap or call 678-5205325

participation leads to more connections and benefits to every school that wants to be involved, creating an atmosphere that reflects the unity that brings this event together. The race typically brings in between $50,000 and $60,000 each year, which allows every beneficiary the chance to put those funds right back into the community they love.

If you’re ready to sign up, it’s easy. Just head to runthereagan.net to sign up for a race, sponsor a booth, or to bring a local group as a cheering section.

“It’s been a pleasure to be part of this for so many years. We’re in a unique community and sometimes we take it for granted,” said Steve. “It’s really neat to see it all come together and how folks do a lot to support the community together.”

“Our race is truly driven by all the hard work of our board members,” added board president Amanda Soesbe. “They really are the greatest folks who work so hard to pull all of this together.”

The entire team behind Run the Reagan is exceptionally grateful for their sponsors: Title Sponsor Piedmont Healthcare, Kroger, Coca-Cola, Piedmont Urgent Care, Piedmont Orthopedics OrthoAtlanta, the City of Snellville, GA, Gwinnett County, E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc., Georgia Power, Academy Sports + Outdoors Snellville, Our Town Gwinnett Magazine, Britt’s, The Sheridan at Eastside, D.S. Murphy, Mazzawi Family Dentistry, The Vireo Group, Primrose School of Five Forks, Cannon United Methodist Church, ReaderLink, and McDonald’s.

More information at runthereagan.net

At Times We Need Uncomfortable Truths

Continued from page 17

Stone Mountain had been an Indian burial ground, and later a productive granite quarry, as well as a local tourist attraction. But following the state’s purchase of the mountain and surrounding land in 1955, the intention was to make a bold, national statement, spelled out in old news footage in the documentary of then Georgia governor Marvin Griffin. Stone Mountain would make for an attention-getting and permanent canvas, with the finished carving larger than Mount Rushmore and begun by the same sculptor.

And without hushed tones or whispers, the Monument documentary brings forth footage of Klan rallies atop Stone Mountain, as well as words later enshrined in law and made in political stump speeches, making more than uncomfortably clear that although the original motivations for constructing the edifice might have been less than a pure memorial to those who died fighting for the Confederacy, there was a then present tense secondary message as well.

The Stone Mountain Memorial Association (SMMA) has been making a small but steady number of additions to the park, with a planned “truth-telling” exhibit of its own planned for Memorial Hall and overlooking that same carving. Much as Maynard Jackson had hoped, school children are expected to flock there, this time receiving a healthy dose of honesty and hard truths that will hopefully foster dialogues in the classroom, back home, and still later in communities across Georgia and the South. I am glad that the Atlanta History Center has started us down this path, and I know that the SMMA will only take that mission further in the years ahead. And that’s a truth, as a proud Southerner, that I hope we can all learn to become proud of together.

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

Conflict Corner Continued from page 17

You find yourself short-tempered. Your neighbor gives you a look and probably doesn’t realize he or she has done so across the parking lot or backyard. So much for a friendly wave or nod of the head, right? It’s not just you or me. It’s many of us and we need to think about it now.

Think about your plan of action when you get under stress from increased time pressure in your life. It will happen. It.will.happen. So, to keep the conflict gremlin at bay, what is your plan of action?

Exercise. Take stretch breaks. Eat (not the time to skip meals) or eat without reckless abandon if stress eating becomes your coping behavior. Talk it out. Journal your thoughts. Maintain your sleep schedule (a big one that many of us shortchange ourselves). Say “no” a bit more. Remember, as said often, “No.” is a complete sentence. What works for you?

If you don’t have a plan, now is the time to craft it (How do you like that one? I added another item on your to-do list!). If you have a plan, work it and adjust it as needed to maintain focus, health, productivity, and perspective.

I have a sign in my home office: “Peace. This We Choose Each Day.” When the clock races, when my mind tries to race with it, and when the pace quickens, I find myself repeating this phrase. Maybe it will help you to practice proactive conflict management of yourself “in times like these.”

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

Continued from page 16

those roots will continue to deepen, and that growth will continue to reach for the sky.

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