JANUARY 2022 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker
Up Close with Parrot Productions and Fancy Feathers, see story on page 5.
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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 PAGE 2
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Investment Advisor Representative offering securities & advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, Broker/Dealer, member FINRA, SIPC. Green Financial, Gwinnett Tech & Cetera Advisors are not affiliated. Awards are not to be considered a guarantee of future results, nor as an endorsement by any client. Best of Gwinnett and Best of the Best winners are chosen via voting and editors’ input, & opinions are vetted with the use of other available information. Pinnacle award rankings are based on growth, revenue, community service, & other criteria. Barron’s: based on total assets (AUM), revenue, & other factors.
January 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
PAGE 3
We take pride in providing “pets” not just parrots to educated customers.
1895J Beaver Ridge Circle, Norcross, GA 30071 Open 11am-7pm Monday through Saturday Closed Sundays
2021 babies are almost gone! Currently available l Macaws l Amazons l Cockatoos l Cockatiels l Conures See Facebook page Fancy Feathers Atlanta’ for pictures.
Offering all parrot/bird supplies at wholesale prices. We sell hand fed BABY PARROTS and cockatiels. Please call 770-986-0661 or visit fancyfeathersstore.com. Featuring Zupreem, Pretty Bird and Dr. D’s pelleted diets, laAvian seed diets along with our own mix, Fancy Feathers, of seeds specialized for parrots, cockatiels, parakeets, finches and Gouldian finches.
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On the Cover:
Getting to Know: Parrot Productions and Fancy Feathers
By Kristen Eleveld
Back in the 1980s, Brenda Bean found her calling: working with birds – more specifically, parrots. She spent her days training birds for local pet stores, making a name for herself as someone who wasn’t just a fan of her feathered friends, but was an expert who could teach the parrots to do remarkable things. While she took a break from working with birds to raise four children, Brenda never forgot how much she loved spending time with the parrots. In 2006, she opened her own business centered around one of her very favorite things: training and teaching parrots. “There’s something about a bird standing on your hand that is just magical,” said Brenda. “Sometimes they want to snuggle with you or they might lay down in your lap like a puppy. It’s the most extraordinary experience.” At her shop Fancy Feathers in Norcross, Brenda’s time is split between training her birds, showing off their talents at events or parties, and, most importantly, educating her customers. “We sell pets, not just parrots, to educated customers,” said Brenda. “I always encourage my customers do a lot of research before buy-
ing a parrot.” Part of Brenda’s emphasis on education for any potential bird owner is that parrots can live for decades. Some of them live for 75 years! It’s important to Brenda that anyone who is interested in buying a parrot understands that it’s a lifelong commitment. In fact, their bird might outlive them. Many people don’t realize that different types of parrots have a wide range of personalities and temperament, which is why Brenda is sure to ask her customers a lot of questions before helping them choose the right parrot for their home. “It’s best to take your time before choosing a bird!” Brenda said. She gives this advice to all her customers. “It’s not an impulse buy. Do your research and educate yourself on what you’re getting into before you make a decision.” Factors like the type of home you have, whether you have children, and how much noise you are willing to take are all part of the questions Brenda asks her clients to see which bird would best suit their needs, and
vice versa. Along with giving invaluable advice to her clients, Brenda spends a fair amount of time teaching her birds to do and say a variety of different things. One parrot, 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 child, which means they can learn quickly and even experience emotions. If you want to see these birds in action for yourself, there’s good news. Brenda loves to Continued on page 18
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Our Town Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
— An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com
Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett /NE DeKalb 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.
Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com
Photography Aleen Karakashian Photography
Feature Writers K. Coats Kristen Eleveld
Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com
Distribution Coordinator Wendy Head
Tana Poncsak Traci Sanders
Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com
Marketing Coordinator Stefanie Wenninger
Beth Volpert Johansen Contributing Writers Bill Crane Terie Hansen Pam Walker
IN THIS ISSUE
Dr.Cat McGinnis!
Where pets are treated like family!
Come inside with your pet! Masks required
5 On the Cover: Getting to Know: Parrot Productions and Fancy Feathers 7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks 8 Pet Perch: New Year, New Dog 8 A New Year and New Goals 9 Travel Tales: A Christmas Covid Cruise 10 MPCA Enhancing the Lilburn Community 13 Atlanta Harmony Celebration! Making a Joyful Noise 14 Operation Second Chance – Jail Dogs 15 Gwinnett Student, Jamal Sayid, Recognized in Student Leaders Program 16 Hometown Brag: Haley Reid Glasser, SGHS class of 2012 17 NonProfit Spotlight: Paint, Love, and Grow 18 One Man’s Opinion: Not JUST Johnny 19 Teaching from the Heart – Meet Dr. Joshua Morris, PhD 21 SportTalk: Middle School Golf League Fall Season
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From the Publisher:
Eddie’s Automotive Service
Ryan’s Remarks
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By Ryan T. Sauers
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Goodbye 2021. Welcome 2022! It seems that not so long ago we were saying good riddance to 2020. Man, time flies. I am excited for 2022 – a year of new hopes, dreams, healing, love, fellowship, friends, family, and goals – and I am thankful for all the things that are possible with a new year. I am also thankful to be alive. I am grateful for family and friends. I am thankful for making progress on my doctoral dissertation, for having launched a new radio and podcast network, and for being the host of a new weekly tv show. I am grateful for all the amazing business and community partners we have, and for our two magazines. I am thankful for our amazing team and for so many more things. You see, my friends, we all have a lot to be thankful for. However, I am ready for 2022 and the new beginnings that a new year brings. The last nearly 24 months has been draining, unpredictable, and in a state of constant change. So, as we welcome in 2022, our team has spent the year thinking of new ideas and business plans. There is a lot of growth in many new areas on the way, so please stay tuned. With that said, this column is written to provide inspiration as we seek to make 2022 an incredible year in the Our Town Gwinnett community. My question to you is simple: How bad do you want to grow as a person this year? If you want something bad enough, you will find a way to achieve it. You will desire to solve things and make life better for everyone. In contrast, if you do not want something bad enough, you will find an excuse and complain about all the things happening to you and around you. It is the way human beings are wired. So, you see, we have two choices. The first is to stand around and complain and be frustrated about how things are. The second is to do anything in our power to develop a plan and/or find a way to make things better. In this new year, I challenge you to push harder and dig deeper in every aspect of your life. Please set goals for yourself that you can track and achieve. We all can go deeper. Do not be afraid to fail. As my little green friend Yoda says in Star Wars, “The greatest teacher...failure is.” Also, do not be afraid to be your authentic self. Trust me – people are going to talk about you anyway, so why not give them a reason to talk? Plan your work and work your plan so you can grow – in all parts Continued on page 20
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Pet Perch: New Year, New Dog
A New Year and New Goals
A dog can learn new things at any age. If you have been living with a dog that has less than desirable behaviors, there is no time like the present to make some change! Obedience training can change your dog’s behavior dramatically. Start with simple commands like sit or down. Teach your dog one new command every couple of weeks. Make sure to have a leash on your dog so that you have control when needed and can guide your dog into position. Teach the commands with an implied stay. The sit, for example, does not just mean to sit down for a moment. It means to sit and keep sitting until you release the dog. There should be no need to even say, “Stay.” At first, just do drills – having your dog sit for a moment and then release him or her by saying, “Let’s go.” Repeat in a fast drill-like fashion. Think of it like times tables. The quick repetitions help your dog learn the command quickly. Over time you need to start adding duration, which means the length of time you have the dog hold command. You will also need to slowly add in distractions, which teaches your dog that even when there are distractions, he or she must remain in command. If your dog moves out of command, simply repeat the command, and use the leash to guide your pet back into position. Once your dog is familiar with a command, start incorporating it into your daily routine. Make your dog sit before going out any doors, before getting food, and before you give him or her treats, toys, or affection. Continued on page 23
to a 5 out of 5-Star rated Medicare Health Plan for 2022*
To many, a new year signifies a blank page or a blank screen. To others it means a fresh start. Whatever the onset of a new year brings to mind, it’s never a bad time to reassess your life goals. According to History.com and The History of New Year’s Resolutions, the first people to make New Year Resolutions were the ancient Babylonians about 4,000 years ago. In the midst of their celebration, they also saw the need to mark the beginning of the new year making sound intentions for the year to come. And we still continue to do that very same thing today. What’s the difference between a resolution and a goal? In a quick Google search, a resolution is described as “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” A goal is “the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.” Whether you call them resolutions or goals, what are some of the things you are hoping to accomplish during the new year? Many people like to categorize their goals into the different areas of life such as health, financial, professional, etc. Others have started to condense their efforts into a one-word concept for the new year. Words such as mindful, intentional, grateful, bold, and many others come to mind. One thing’s for sure, as we say goodbye to one year and hello to the next, what most of us really want is for the new year to be better than the year before. But all the goal setting and resolutions in the world won’t help if once life gets back into full swing and there’s the daily grind to contend with, our intentions for the new year get lost in the shuffle and we fall back into the grip of our old daily habits. So here are some tips for making the most of your New Year’s goals or resolutions. 1. Set aside some time to think about what you want 2022 to be like. 2. Make a list of your top priorities for the year and make sure to clearly define each goal. Don’t be vague. For example, “Get Healthy” is too vague. Be specific and try to visualize reaching each goal. 3. Make a plan of action of how you expect to accomplish each goal. 4. Keep the list handy and refer to it often throughout the year. Track your progress. 5. Things change, so don’t be afraid to revise and update the list of Continued on page 15
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Travel Tales: A Christmas Covid Cruise By Pam Walker
Wow. Sometimes I think I must be crazy! I had a Christmas cruise planned since July of 2021. Since I had been vaxed, boosted, and had covid, I was loaded with antibodies. Even though the cruise ship held 4,700 passengers and it was reported to be full, I would be safe for sure. So along with staff, I boarded on Christmas Eve with other passengers. I must say that pier staff at Cape Canaveral were expert at what they do. I passed through several checks for our vaccine cards as well as our PCR tests which had to be done no more than 24 hours in advance. There were many short lines and more health checks before I got on. So much for 4,700 passengers! Due to air cancellations and the worrisome Omicron variant, the ship only boarded with 2,400 passengers. It was crowded even so. Elevators had signs stating only 5 passengers allowed at a time, but people pushed on anyway – all masked of course – but nonetheless, that was the last time anyone thought of Covid or the Omicron variant. Buffet lines were full although served by attendants with gloved hands and double masked. Pools were full of happy guests, all unmasked! Bars and the Promenade were also full, but there were not sales going on like normal and the inside staff were few and far between. On this particular cruise, I would estimate that more than half of the staff were from India and the rest from the Philippines. Most had been on board since October and on nine-month contracts. Because of Covid, they were not permitted to get off the ship in any port at any time. Each was given one hour per week to Face Time with relatives in places like Goa to Gujerat to Varanasi. They went from work to cabin to work with a few hours off in between. What a tremendous sacrifice for these folks who most assuredly were doing their best to make money to take home to hungry families abroad. Most cruise conglomerates sailing the Caribbean now have a specialty island that they visit during their sailings. Ours was no exception. However, the small island we visited hosted two huge ships at one time. Luckily, the other ship only had half their passengers, too. So, in total there must have been over 6,000 guests and many crew members there at one time. Social distancing? Maybe not. No one wore masks except staff, and the many venues offered were filled with people – with no masks. I am truly sorry that the cruise industry is suffering. They can’t find Continued on page 18
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MPCA Enhancing the Lilburn Community By Traci Sanders
Mountain Park is the unincorporated community outside of Lilburn city limits, bisected by Five Forks-Trickum Road between the Dekalb County line and the Yellow River. For its residents, Mountain Park is more than a stretch of real estate. It’s a state of mind -- where you shop, play, and live. The Mountain Park Community Association (MPCA) works in partnership with Gwinnett County by advocating for residents, businesses, and the future of the unincorporated and incorporated LilburnMountain Park. MPCA began as a suggestion from Commissioner Ben Ku when Kate Pittman, Founder and President of MPCA, asked what could be done to improve the deteriorating commercial intersections on Five Forks-Trickum Road at Killian Hill and Rockbridge Road, an area
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where Kate has lived for over twenty years. Kate shared, “I had been witnessing the decay and erasure of a character community.” Ben Ku liked the idea, but informed Kate that she needed to gain the support of her community to move forward. Kate is a retired geologist and geological mining engineer by trade, so she felt out of her element in this endeavor but knew there was important work to be done. The first public meeting was held in October of 2019. To Kate’s surprise, over eighty people attended, and another eighty-plus showed up to the 2020 meeting as well. From there, the public meetings went virtual due to the pandemic. “Still, we accomplished a lot,” Kate said. “I incorporated MPCA as a nonpartisan Georgia nonprofit in June 2021, operating as a 501c4.” David Will, a local attorney, guided Kate through the process. In fact, quite a few local citizens have stepped in to make the organization work. “I would not have gotten this far if not for them,” Kate added. Currently, MPCA is working with Gwinnett Planning Department to engage the people of the community to formulate a vision for its future. “Instead of opposing individual rezoning proposals or building permits,” Kate said, “we should be proactive and choose what we want the community to look like before those unpopular proposals are made – creating a sense of place through new zoning that encourages cohesive architecture in the commercial areas, connecting and expanding sidewalks, and preserving our beautiful tree canopy. I would like to see a new Mountain Park Community Overlay as the end result, all but guaranteeing a bright future and lasting legacy for the unincorporated Mountain Park Community.” To date, MPCA has a website and Facebook Group with well over 800 members. “Our email list has grown to over 400 members,” Kate explained, “and we have had several public meetings to introduce the residents of the community to their local government services.” On October 26, 2021, MPCA was recognized as a driving force Continued on page 23
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Copyright © 2022. Homestar Financial Corporation 332 Washington St. NW, Gainesville, GA 30501. NMLS #70864. For licensing info: NMLSconsumeraccess.org. This is not a commitment to lend and not all customers will qualify. All terms, information, conditions, rates, and programs are subject to credit and property approval and may change without notice. Not all products are available in all states. Certain other restrictions may apply. Homestar Financial Corporation is an equal housing lender and is not affiliated with any government entity.
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Atlanta Harmony Celebration! Making a Joyful Noise By Traci Sanders
In 2003 Kathy Stone formed a new acapella chorus with a few friends and a wellspring of enthusiasm. A chapter of the international organization Harmony, Inc., the new group was called Atlanta Harmony Celebration! (ACH!) noting that the “!” is an actual part of the name. Nearly twenty years later, the group has twenty-five women ranging in age from their early twenties to mid-seventies. Their connection? They all love to sing. These talented women grace their audiences with various musical arrangements, including show tunes, pop, gospel, blues, and barbershop melodies. Unlike most chorus groups, the vocal style preferred is the acapella style called barbershop, an art form where the voicings are called tenor, lead, baritone, and bass. This particular style of music was made even more popular by the release of the movie Pitch Perfect, which encouraged younger men and women to become involved in acapella singing. AHC! typically holds weekly meetings at the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center every Thursday evening. “As a member of Harmony Inc., we learn more about the barbershop art form participating in educational events and contests,” said Kim Johnston, a long-standing member. AHC! is currently the Area 6 first place chorus and the international 5th place chorus for Harmony Inc. Covid-19 forced many changes, especially no in-person meetings. However, the women continued to meet virtually on Zoom and simply muted their mics, practiced their parts individually, and then discussed any improvements needed. “It was quite a challenge,” Johnston said, “but we enjoyed being together virtually and keeping our vocal cords warmed up, even if it wasn’t in person for a while.” Despite their inability to sing together, members did meet in person once outdoors, masked and socially distanced, at a park during the pandemic. “We are not just chorus members,” Johnston explained. “We are friends, and we missed each other terribly. Meeting just to chat was a breath of fresh air for the group.” In past years, Atlanta Harmony Celebration! performed at many events in Gwinnett County and surrounding areas, including Suwanee Fest, Lilburn Daze, and various senior community centers and holiday events. More recently, they were the proud recipients of a grant from the Explore Gwinnett 2020 Gwinnett Creativity Fund. They are excited to be once again singing together and performed in person at the Merry Little Christmas event in downtown Lawrenceville. Occasionally, the group receives payment or donations for their performances, but those funds go directly into the organization to cover music, costumes, performance fees, and travel costs. “We don’t do this for the money,” Johnston said. “We’re simply a group of women who Continued on page 23 January 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
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Operation Second Chance – Jail Dogs By Beth Volpert-Johansen
Recidivism. The word, in dictionary form, indicates a “redoing” or “repeating” of something. In the context of incarceration, it is something that is actively guarded against by way of working to change behaviors. In the end, behavior is language, and much unacceptable behavior is often a cry for help. Asking for help, in any case, is a good first step. Having a purpose for time spent in jail has been proven to be beneficial to both the resident and the community. And, it has also been proven to reduce the rates of recidivism. Among several skills-based learning opportunities at the Gwinnett County jail is the Operation Second Chance or Jail Dogs program. Their website states, “The Operation Second Chance program, established in 2010 as a partnership between the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and the Society of Humane Friends of Georgia (SOHFGA), gives male and female inmates the opportunity to provide foster care and obedience training to the homeless dogs of Gwinnett County.” This win-win program pairs volunteer animal professionals with residents of the Gwinnett County Detention Center to teach inmates how to train and care for the dogs. “This program gives a deeper meaning to the vocational and social skills that are necessary to combating recidivism in our system,” says Master Deputy S. Hardy, Public Information Officer of he Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. “The dedication of our residents to the abandoned and neglected dogs that come into the program is something we can’t teach without the kind of trust these animals place in their trainers.” Rescue dogs come from county shelters, and the program fully vets and trains the dogs before offering them up for adoption to the public. With an average of twenty-three dogs on the unit, resident handlers must apply for admission to the program and agree to learn how to teach basic obedience, tricks, and training. Volunteers meet with the resident handlers to teach the skills needed to fully train a dog so that it is ready to be adopted. Since its inception in 2010, the SOHFGA has worked to select the dogs, provide all veterinary care and training, and handle the application and screening process for potential adopters. No taxpayer dollars are spent as the SOHFGA provides all financial support for the program. “Our volunteers, SOHFGA, and the resident handlers all value the program for a variety of reasons,” explains Hardy. “The nature of a neglected animal paired with a human handler who might have experienced neglect or abandonment themselves, and witnessing the positive outcome, is a rewarding experience.” Once a dog arrives on the unit, it is assigned to a primary handler.
The dog sleeps in the same room with the primary handler and is also assigned one or two secondary handlers. The reasons are two-fold. First, this method gives more residents access to the dogs and the opportunity to learn handling skills. Secondly, the arrangement provides continuity for the dog should one of the handlers leave the unit. “Volunteer trainers visit with the dogs and our resident handlers, teaching the skills needed to fully train the dogs,” says Hardy. “It is amazing to watch a strong bond develop between the dogs and handlers over their time with us.” Hardy adds, “This program provides a benefit to both the residents and the community. The animals learn basic obedience, tricks, and agility while they are here preparing for adoption.” The program also has groomers, veterinarians, vet techs, and other animal welfare volunteers who educate the inmates on different issues surrounding the dogs, their care, and ways to reduce pet overpopulation. “So often when the animals come to the program, they are afraid,” says Hardy. “When they leave the program, they are so much happier.” The same can be said of those who enter the program. “Jail isn’t any place a person really wants to be,” says Hardy. “What we find is that when a resident completes their time in one of our community-based skills programs like the Jail Dogs or our gardening programs, they are less likely to return because they have a skill they can use to maintain a job – and that is key.” Reducing the rates of recidivism is among the most important features of any of the community skills programs at the Gwinnett County Jail. The Jail Dogs program has been observed and duplicated around the country as a means to combat the rates of resident returns. The jail also offers a gardening program that allows residents to provide fresh produce to local food pantries. The website states, “Since the program’s founding, over 1500 dogs and cats have been rescued, vetted, trained, and adopted into new families. In addition to saving animals, the program also benefits the inmates, giving them new skills in dog training and handling, as well Continued on page 23
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Gwinnett Student, Jamal Sayid, Recognized in Student Leaders Program By Traci Sanders
High school graduate Jamal Sayid was the only student from Gwinnett County recently chosen for the Student Leaders Program, a national program of Bank of America that focuses on shaping future adult leaders on a community and national level. The Student Leaders Program began in 2004 and has since placed over 90 students in various paid internships in Atlanta. The application process included essay questions and virtual interviews. A selection committee chose the participants based on the student’s community involvement, academic transcript, current leadership positions, and a teacher recommendation letter. Jamal interned for eight weeks during summer 2021 for two organizations: East Lake Foundation and Grove Park Foundation. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the East Lake Foundation, Jamal was part of a team that organized several charity events such as the Back-to-School Drive collecting and donating school supplies for children in need. On Tuesdays and Thursdays Jamal worked with a team from Grove Park Foundation to develop a survey that helped determine the need for housing, healthcare, education, economic mobility, and preserving the arts in the community. Jamal brought plenty of leadership experience to the table through his position as senior class president, his commitment to local, state, and national service work, and through the non-profit Global Diversity and Awareness Club, which he founded to raise awareness for global diversity, inclusion, and equity. He is also a 2021 Coca-Cola Scholar and a recipient of the Princeton University Prize in Race Relations for his social justice and advocacy work. When asked what the application process was like, Jamal replied, “It was such an honor being chosen because there were over 400 applicants in the Atlanta market alone and only 5 spots.” He remembers being halfway through his AP Macroeconomics class when the email came across his phone to notify him of his acceptance. “I looked at the clock and knew I had at least 30-40 more minutes of class, and I couldn’t check my phone until class ended, so it was torture. As soon as class finished and I read the email informing me of my acceptance, I started screaming and jumping up and down.” Jamal’s family is extremely proud of his achievement as well. “They know I’m majoring in Political Science with a triple major in Business and Social Policy Analysis,” he said, “and my ultimate goal is to become a lawyer and serve in Congress one day to help underrepreContinued on page 23
A New Year and New Goals Continued from page 8 goals as needed. 6. Finally, pick a time before making your new goals for the next year and assess your progress. Where did you nail it and where did you fall short? And why? Don’t beat yourself up for what you didn’t achieve. Perhaps there was a good reason. Be sure to make note and recognize where you saw progress. Whatever the new year brings, we hope you realize all your goals and dreams. And we wish you a safe, healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year in 2022! January 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
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Hometown Brag: Haley Reid Glasser, SGHS class of 2012 By K. Coats
If you’ve ever had the chance to see Haley Reid’s smile, I can promise you know all too well how contagious it is. Smart, funny, confident – ask any of her teachers, and they’ll all agree. She was also one of the hardest-working students I’ve personally ever taught. So, it is no surprise in the least that Haley Reid, now Haley Glasser, has gone on to do wonderful things like earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Emory Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing. But before she earned her DNP, there were many stops along the way. Haley credits her W.C. Britt Elementary 4th grade math and science teacher Tom McNeil, aka Mr. Mac, with setting the tone for her success. She says, “He changed my view on school and education, and ultimate-
ly shaped my academic career for the rest of my life. He made school fun and used humor to connect with his students.” And his lessons went beyond math and science. “He also taught me to be kind to myself,” Haley recalls, “and that it’s okay to not have perfect grades all the time; a lesson that definitely came in handy as I went through my college years. Thanks for everything, Mr. Mac!” Haley eventually graduated in 2012 from South Gwinnett High School. And while Mr. Mac may have left a lasting impression, he wasn’t alone. Haley particularly wanted to give a shout out to all her teachers. “Thank you to all the Gwinnett County Public School teachers who touched my life during my many years of school. I wouldn’t be where I am without your dedication to teaching and learning!” As a student, Haley was involved across several areas of student life: varsity cheerleading, Comets in Action, Beta Club, National Honor Society, and Gwinnett Medical Explorers. Outside of school, she was involved with the Gwinnett County Swim League, participating in summer-league swimming for eighteen years with both Eastmont Cove Swim Team and Snellville Supersonics. “We spent many summers swimming at Briscoe Park pool and Rhodes Jordan Park,” she remembers. “I also grew up attending and volunteering at Vacation Bible School at Snellville United Methodist Church.” But as a varsity cheerleader, there was only one place to find Haley on those fall Friday nights – cheering the South Gwinnett High School Comets and hyping up the crowd. And while she now calls Jacksonville, Florida home, Haley has much love for her hometown. “The community spirit”, she explains. “I love that even though Snellville is developing and changing, it still maintains that cozy/homey hometown charm. Both my family and my husband’s family still live in Gwinnett County, so it will always be extra special to us.” Once Haley left Snellville, her journey took her to Oxford College of Emory University before moving on to Emory Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, where she would eventually focus on pediatrics. “I worked in pediatric primary care for three years,” she says, “but made the transition to pediatric specialty care in January 2021. I currently Continued on page 22
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NonProfit Spotlight: Paint, Love, and Grow By Bill Crane
As I occasionally fret about the larger and seemingly more intractable challenges facing our nation, I am often heartened by the hard work, progress, and ingenuity I witness demonstrated by community nonprofits. Driven by lean staff and volunteers, these modest enterprises face down challenges ranging from homelessness to mental illness and addiction, offering assistance, aid, and at the very least a thoughtful ear and warm, helping hand. Missions, resources, and staffing models vary. Still, I continue to be routinely touched and impressed by their passion and commitment to task, their desire to help and improve others’ lives, and so often by the selflessness and often low incomes that accompany doing this work. We recently spent a beautiful, breezy fall afternoon learning and playing with a community arts organization, Paint Love, where they believe that art impacts everything. Paint Love aims most of its programs and efforts at helping and supporting children, including teen girls removed from sex trafficking, children fleeing domestic violence, and those referred from counseling centers for children facing abuse and homelessness. This includes refugees and new immigrants. Founded in 2014, Paint Love has already connected with more than 15,000 unique and individual children, and they recently relocated their studio to Legacy Park on Columbia Drive in Decatur, on the campus of the former United Methodists Children’s Home, and across the street from Columbia Seminary. Executive Director Laura Shaw says, “Art is our vehicle, but the
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soul of our work is showing children that their voice matters, that their ideas are important and that their actions can make a difference in shaping their future.” A small but diverse staff includes a licensed clinical social worker, a certified yoga instructor and movement specialist, and artists from various disciplines. And not surprisingly, the organization also has an aptly named Department of Kindness. During our visit, an artist named Antar Fierce, who began graphitizing his hometown of Brooklyn, New York in 1985, demonstrated for the children the right and wrong way to tag and use aerosol paints, the history of graffiti, and its evolution into an art form, including massive murals in most major urban centers. Each class member was given a small canvas to work on and was allowed to contribute to a larger banner with the phrase Paint Love running from end to end. During the exhibition, my younger daughter Olivia and I happened to get to know Antar’s daughter, Debra. Olivia found a new friend, and I had to smile as I watched Debra create two of her own two small pieces of art in graffiti that read “Teasing is Mean” and “It’s NOT OK to Tease.” There was no prompting, messaging, or a single suggestion made on what the children should paint, express or write. This is just what came from Debra’s paintbrush, and, to some extent, from her heart. Like many other nonprofits, the organization does more with less, recycling and reutilizing paint trays and other art supplies. Donations in kind are of course, always welcome (https://www.gopaintlove.org/ donate), but if you have some time and could use a few more smiles on your face as well as in your heart, you might want to make an appointment and visit with the team or possibly volunteer. Paint Love community programs are open to the public and area residents, often at little or no cost (https://www.gopaintlove.org/community). For me, it was a nostalgic afternoon. I was born at the end of the block, across the street on Inman Drive, behind Columbia Seminary. Continued on page 20
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One Man’s Opinion: Not JUST Johnny By Bill Crane
Genuine humility, good humor, civility, and kindness can all serve you well in public life. Johnny Isakson lived those attributes, and then some. He is the only person in Georgia history to serve in the State House, State Senate, U.S. Congress, and the U.S. Senate, as well as being the only Republican to be elected to three terms in the U.S. Senate, and the only U.S. Senator, during his final term, to chair two Committees, Veterans Affairs and Ethics. Johnny Isakson was a man of accomplishment, a leader with vision, and always willing to work with others, find common ground, and get things done for the people of Georgia as well as our nation. Senator Isakson is a personal hero, but he is also my friend. As Johnny was fond of saying frequently, “There are two kinds of people in this world for me...friends and future friends.” Seeing and speaking with him frequently over thirty plus years, I would place his current elected title in front of his name. He would smile, sometimes even chuckle, and softly correct me by saying, “Just Johnny.” In an era where national politics, in particular, have become toxic and polarizing, we can use a great deal more of that thinking and sentiment, or as I often said of Johnny, more who will walk their talk. Isakson had first run for election in 1974 and lost. He ran again in 1976 and won his State House District, serving seven terms, the last four as State House Minority Leader. Along with two state senators, Bob Bell and Paul Coverdell, and some sage advice by folks like Bo Callaway, the trio would form the pillars of what evolved into the Georgia Republican Party of today. Johnny was also the last of those three to exit the stage. Johnny ran for Governor in 1990 and lost in the General Election to then Lieutenant Governor Zell Miller. Like many other Georgia Democrats, Governor Miller still thought very highly of his opponent; and when Georgia’s Blue Dam began to crack in 1994, with Georgian’s electing a majority GOP congressional delegation and State School Superintendent Linda Schrenko, Miller asked Isakson to chair the State School Board, otherwise comprised of longtime Democrats, in part to ensure that the school board and school superintendent did not start out butting heads and at partisan cross purposes. Isakson would later return to the general assembly, this time the state senate, and later make a run for the U.S. Senate in 1996. Isakson released a campaign ad, acknowledging his support for abortion rights,
causing him to lose the GOP primary to Guy Millner in a race to succeed departing Senator Sam Nunn. Millner would score the second of his three big statewide losses to Senator-elect Max Cleland. In 1998, U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich announced he would not seek re-election to his 11th term, vacating the 7th Congressional District seat, which Isakson would go on to win. Isakson served three terms in Congress, re-elected with 80 percent of the vote in his final term. U.S. Senator Zell Miller had been appointed to fill the unexpired term of Senator Paul Coverdell, who died suddenly in the summer of 2000. Miller, Isakson’s former opponent, but longtime friend, announced he would not seek re-election. Isakson immediately entered the field, and was later elected to the senate, returned three times by Georgia voters. Several years ago, while racing to catch a flight at Hartsfield, there was an older gentleman hobbling and barely making any progress in the crosswalk. I honked the horn and startled him, before realizing that this slightly hunched fellow was Johnny Isakson. I pulled over got out of my car, and despite the rude honk, Johnny was as cordial as ever, urging me to come to visit him for coffee in D.C. or his Georgia district office. I knew something was off, but his optimism, smile, and those twinkling eyes were unchanged. It would be nearly 18 months before he went public with his Parkinson’s prognosis. And while the damage to his body, nervous system, and musculature was ongoing, his mind remained razor sharp. He would continue starting each day with 10,000 steps on his treadmill, warding off this progressive disease as long as he was physically able. The bumper stickers for his last election simply read, “Vote for Johnny,” and I could always hear that “Just Johnny” refrain from him in my head. Now more than ever, we could use a few more Just Johnny’s – just like him as well. 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
Parrot Productions and Fancy Feathers Continued from page 5
bring her parrots to parties and events to show people what they can do. At the end of the day, Brenda’s main goal is to give these parrots a You can book her services and enjoy learning about her avian friends. high quality of life and teach others in the community about just how Parrot Productions will bring twelve to seventeen exotic parrots to your incredible and unique her birds are. But you don’t have to take her word function, show what they have learned, and allow you to hold and cud- for it. Just visit her shop in Norcross to see the parrots in action for dle some of them. Brenda’s motto is “Cuddle, touch and learn,” so you yourself. If you’re lucky, Brenda might even ask one to give you a kiss. are sure to have a memorable and educational experience. More information at parrotproshows.com or fancyfeathersstore.com While Brenda works hard, she does not tackle these amazing feats all on her own. Cleaning cages, feeding the babies and the adults, training and socializing the babies and the rescues are a massive undertaking Continued from page 9 by a special group of parrot lovers. Irene Stovall, Brenda’s right-hand person, is known by Brenda as the “Macaw Whisperer.” Irene is less than five feet tall, but handles the largest birds like a gentle giant, antic- employees and they can’t fill their ships. I did have a wonderful time, ipating their moods and whims. Jack Bean, Brenda’s husband, has been but I wonder in the end if these huge behemoths of the oceans are not a rock for Brenda, often stepping in to realistically limit her endeav- also part of the reason that we are spreading so much disease. I also ors and sending her home to rest on her days off. He also assembles could not help but think of the waste that is produced when so many and delivers cages and large orders of food. Finally, Kristina Barron people in the world are suffering with no jobs and no food. Cruises are wonderful for a quick and fun getaway, and should make rounds out the team, providing the much-needed expertise on some of all of us grateful for everything that we have! But let’s think of others the smaller birds in the store. Standing in for Brenda on her days off, Kristina has worked for Fancy Feathers since before the Beans took as well. I’m glad for so many great staff members taking things home over the store from Ivan Nelson in 2016. Brenda, Jack, and their limited to help support the world. Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More information at crew were honored to take over Ivan’s legacy and are building Fancy pam@walkeradventures.com Feathers and Parrot Productions into a unique adventure in business. PAGE 18 Become an Advertising Partner: Info@OurTown Gwinnett.com or 678-825-2049
Travel Tales
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 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 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.” Continued on page 23
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Paint, Love, and Grow Continued from page 17
Our mother, Lynn Crane, volunteered for years with the United Methodist’s Children’s Home, particularly during their massive annual Thrift Sale and Flea Market, where booths spread across the 77-acre campus. Originally founded as an orphanage, and later a foster-care group home, the Children’s Home was called home by thousands of children who were without parents or were separated from their families for a period of years. As Georgia moved away from the group home model during the 2000s, the population there began to dwindle, though a few adolescent residents still remain. The city of Decatur purchased and later annexed the property, which now abuts the city of Avondale Estates. Olivia has already asked about a return visit, I’m hoping that we encounter not only more inspiring artists like Antar and our friend Hannah Rose Broom, but more kind-hearted children like
Debra. This is proof positive again that the little things really do matter and that they can collectively have a significant impact on our world. More information at https://www.gopaintlove.org/about-paint-love
Ryan’s Remarks
Continued from page 7
of your life – in a deliberate, purposeful, and intentional manner. This will lead to success in 2022 (no matter what you encounter) and you will grow and help everyone around you grow to even greater heights in the process. Thanks for being part of our amazing OUR TOWN community. Thanks for your ongoing support. Our team is so proud to have played a role in continuing to bring you positive news (through all our media platforms) each and every month. Here is to a great 2022. And now and as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!
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DO YOU WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR ORGANIZATION OR AIR YOUR TV SHOW? SportTalk: Middle School Golf League Fall Season By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
Creekland Middle School won the Middle School Golf League Fall Season team competition. Members of the winning team included Ava and Mya Ali, Benjamin Stier, Thomas Teffner, and Brandon Williams. Loganville Middle School was second and Five Forks third. “We again culminated our season with the individual skills competition of our Drive, Chip and Putt Contest,” said League Director Les Witmer. The overall winners of the Drive, Chip and Putt competition were Logan Wilson from McConnell Middle School for the girls and Logan Coffman for the boys from Five Forks Middle School. “In addition to our weekly best ball team play and our individual skills competition, we have a 9-hole invitational individual stroke tournament for the top juniors,” added Witmer. “We had two flights for the boys and girls, one from the forward red tees and one from the junior tees, and this season’s winners included for red flight for first place Jackson McAleer from Loganville shooting 41 and from the junior tees Abe Allred from Five Forks Middle with 46. For the girls from the red tees Aiko Benford from McConnell Middle won with 42, and Mauri Robb from Bay Creek Middle won with 50.” Players participate this fall from Bay Creek, Couch, Creekland, Crews, Dacula, Five Forks, Hull, Lanier, Loganville, McConnell, Shiloh, North Gwinnett, Trickum, and Youth Middle Schools. “And we added Chimneys Golf Course in Winder to our six other golf courses that we played at,” said Witmer, “including Bear Creek and Providence Golf Courses in Monroe, Country Club of Gwinnett in Snellville, Cedar Lake Golf Course in Loganville, Collins Hill Golf Course in Lawrenceville, and Trophy Club of Apalachee in Dacula. And we held our orientation and clinic and our Drive, Chip and Putt Contest at Chimneys.” The Most Improved Golfer Awards for the fall season were given to Ryker Hensley for Bay Creek, Devin Luu for Couch, Ava Ali for Creekland, Phoenix Guerzon for Crews, Cairo Kwayisi for Dacula, Dylan Coffman and Hunter Stansbury for Five Forks, Riley Green, Garrett Garbach, and Vayda Schaumann for Loganville, Jack Bogos and Sawyer Roberts for McConnell, Kennedy Goodwin and Logan Nichols for Trickum, and Alexander Woods for Youth Middle School. “Our goal is to introduce golf to junior players, some brand new to the sport and some 8th graders who have played with us for six seasons since they were 6th graders,” Witmer said. “Our most improved player awards point out our goal of seeing the players not only learn the rules of golf, but to become more proficient at ball striking and putting.” The Middle School Golf League is organized through the South Gwinnett Athletic Association and plays mainly on Sunday afternoons during both fall and spring seasons. “We began our season again with a golf clinic for all, an extra on course instructional session for those new to golf, and then a best ball team practice round to get everyone organized,” said Witmer. “Then four weeks of team best ball play, and then we introduced them to stroke play where everyone got to play their own ball for an individual score; then the more experienced juniors participated in a 9-hole tournament. Our season culminates with a Drive, Chip and Putt competition.” The 2022 Spring Season for the Middle School Golf League will begin in March and play through the end of June. More information at www.facebook.com/middleschoolgolfleague January 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
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Haley Reid Glasser Continued from page 16 work as a Nurse Practitioner with Nemours Children’s Health in their Continence Clinic. This clinic is really unique because it is nurse run and managed.” Haley’s specialty allows her to have a different focus to develop lasting relationships with her families. “The Continence Clinic is a really cool ‘mash up’ of gastroenterology and urology,” she adds. “We help children with bladder and bowel issues. We see many children with spina bifida or other spinal defects, autism, and other chronic diseases that can affect continence. I love this job because I’m able to use a variety of my clinical skills, like interpreting ultrasounds, x-rays, and other specialty tests. I also perform in-office procedures. I work in the office and online using telehealth, so I have a great work-life balance. It’s a really rewarding job, and I love being able to develop lifelong
relationships with my patients and families.” In her new town, Haley is just as active as she was in Snellville. “I love exploring my new city!” she says. “I love museums, trying global cuisine, crafting and DIY projects.” And in true Haley fashion, she adds, “I’m also in the process of learning ASL!” And her plans don’t end there. “I’d love to teach nursing at the masters and/or doctoral level, so I hope to one day be a faculty member at my alma-mater or another nursing school. I plan to go back to grad school for my Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in maternal-child health.” And to top it all off, she adds, “I also really want to write my own children’s book in the future.” Well, from all of us here at Our Town Gwinnett Magazine, you’ve made us so proud, Haley, and we look forward to seeing all your wonderful plans come to fruition. We’re cheering you on just as you cheered on others all these years. Congratulations and Good Luck!
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fostering enhanced educational opportunities, infrastructure improvements, leadership development, and a positive vision for Lilburn Mountain Park Community by promoting recreation, health, safety, welfare, and enjoyment for Lilburn-Mountain Park residents. The official proclamation was signed by Commissioner Ben Ku. With the help of Gwinnett County Economic Development, MPCA is about to launch an effort to bring the local businesses into the conversation. More information at https://www.mountainparkcommunity.us/.
Be consistent and never give your dog a command that you are not able to reinforce. Over time, with lots of patterning, your dog will become proficient in each new command. It is a new year, and you can have a new dog. It is good for you and your dog! Terie Hansen, Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com
Meet Dr. Joshua Morris, PhD Continued from page 19 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.
Jamal Sayid Continued from page 15 sented minorities and groups. So, they realized how hard I worked for this and how much it meant to me.” When asked what advice Jamal would give future applicants of the program, he replied, “Don’t be discouraged by the competition. Just be yourself. Let your personality shine through and enjoy the experience and the memories you’ll make in the process. It’s definitely worth it.” Congrats again to Jamal Sayid for this prestigious honor! More information at https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/student-leaders.
Atlanta Harmony Continued from page 13 love to sing and bring joy to others with our voices.” AHC! welcomes new members who enjoy singing and want to share that gift with others. One does not have to be able to read music to participate. “We are not trained professionals by any means,” Johnston added. “We welcome anyone who enjoys sharing their vocal talent.” More information at www.atlantaharmonycelebration.org or on Facebook and Instagram.
Operation Second Chance Continued from page 14 as learning to care for something other than themselves and the knowledge that they have made a positive difference in the life of an animal and its new family.” Even Master Deputy Hardy isn’t immune to the insistent gaze of a sweet pup. “My wife and I adopted Loki from the program in 2018,” says Hardy. “These dogs are so well cared for that they can’t help but be a good addition to the family. They are always wagging tails and ready to play.” More information at www.jaildogs.org or www.sohfga.com.
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