Our Town
Up Close with Run the Reagan, see story on page 5.
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. Next month, 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, 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
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 2023 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.
Barbara A. Bailey, PhD
Jane Bishop
Bill Crane
Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz
Terie Hansen
On the Cover: Run the Reagan in 2023!
From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
Practice Self-Care for Better Mental Health
Pet Perch: New Year, New Dog
Ryan’s Remarks
By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanSauers @RyanTSauers
Goodbye, 2022. Welcome, 2023! It seems that not so long ago, we were saying good riddance to 2020. Man, time flies. I am excited for 2023 – a year of new hopes, dreams, healing, love, fellowship, friends, family, and goals – and am thankful for all the things that are possible with a new year.
I am grateful for family and friends. I am thankful for finishing my Doctorate in Leadership, for our growing radio and podcast network and soon-to-be 24 super guests/episodes on the Our Town Community TV Show. I am grateful for all the amazing business and community partners we have, and for our magazines. I am thankful for our amazing team and for so many more things. You see, my friends, we all have much to be thankful for. As someone recently reminded me, as long as we are “on this side of the dirt,” there is time to be a blessing and make a difference in this world.
However, I am ready for 2023 and the new beginnings that a new year brings. The last nearly 36 months have been draining, unpredictable, and in a state of constant change. So, as we welcome 2023, our team has spent the year thinking of new ideas and business plans. There is much growth in many new areas on the way, so please stay tuned.
With that said, this column is written to inspire us to make 2023 an incredible year in the Our Town community. My question to you is simple: How badly 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 everything happening to you and around you. It is the way human beings are wired. Yes, indeed, and you can trust me on this as… I am a Doctor in this subject matter.
So, you see, we have two choices. The first is to stand around and
on page 11
Practice Self-Care for Better Mental Health
By Tana PoncsakThere’s been a lot of talk about mental health lately. Perhaps it’s because there’s a correlation between mental health, physical health and one’s overall well-being. Even a new 988 hotline was established recently for mental health crisis and suicide prevention services.
Of the common mental health issues, anxiety and depression top the list, and the Centers for Disease and Prevention reports that 1 in 5 Americans are affected by a mental health disorder in a given year. Causes can range from hereditary or genetic factors, brain injury or trauma, environmental factors, and more, with stress and burnout contributing to mental health illnesses.
Self-care can be important when it comes to maintaining proper mental health. Much like the demonstrations flight attendants go through at the beginning of a flight that remind travelers to mask themselves before they help children and others, self-care works reminds us we can’t be of help to others if we’re not at our best. The point is to make sure to take time for ourselves, so when the opportunity comes, we can be our best self and in a better position to help others.
Self-care can be different from one person to the next, but here is a general list of some common things you can do for self-care.
Pet Perch: New Year, New Dog
By Terie HansenA 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
• Make time for yourself to do the things you enjoy. From reading to crafts to exercise, make sure you take part in what brings you pleasure and joy.
• Meditate and take time to breathe. We can get so busy during the busyness of the day that autopilot takes over and we forget to breathe. It only takes about 10 minutes to meditate and bring your breathing and yourself back into focus.
• Get back to nature. Take time to step outside and get some sunshine. Bonus points if you can combine nature and exercise. Since summer in the South is brutal, make sure you don’t overheat or over-exert yourself.
• We know exercise is good for physical health, but it’s also good for mental health. Find an exercise program you like. That way you’re more likely to stick with it.
• If there’s an issue you’re trying to work through, try talking with a trusted friend or get professional help with a licensed therapist.
• There is app-based help such as Better Health and Meru Health programs that can help you with tools to cope with situations you may encounter that can cause stress and trigger mental health issues. Check with your insurance company for details on these programs and any coverage they may or may not provide.
• Finally, if you or someone you know are ever in an emergency situation, there are people to help. Always seek the care of a licensed therapist. To find a therapist in your area, check your insurance listing, consult with your primary care provider, or visit American Psychological Association for a licensed therapist near you.
And keep in mind that self-care isn’t selfish or a guilty pleasure. It’s a necessary part of living a full and healthy life.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant for medical advice. For professional medical advice, seek advice of a licensed medical professional.
Chaplain’s Corner: What to Wish, Think, and Even Pray in 2023?
By Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz
I still clearly remember where I was on March 13, 2020, the moment when we got shut down in the state of Georgia because of Covid-19. And everything since then is kind of compiled in a period that I am still trying to find the right words to define.
The rest of 2020 was filled with anxiety and fear because we didn’t really know what we were dealing with. I remember the crazy days at the grocery store trying to buy toilet paper, and/or standing in long lines at the old Gwinnett Mall Place waiting for a vaccine. It clearly looked like an episode of a zombie’s TV show or The Twilight Zone.
Then 2021 came and it was a season of confusion and frustration as we were trying to get back to normal or define what normal even meant. I remember getting all anxious if someone in the stores would get closer than six feet and having to figure out if my kids were safe to go back to school.
Then 2022 came and a new season of fatigue and exhaustion became the new norm. Financially things got tighter and everyone seemed to be on edge as part of their new state in life.
So, now 2023 is here, and I am not even sure what to expect. I am tired just thinking what another hard year will look like, but I am also cautious in trying to imagine what a good year would look like – but
Health Matters: Tips to Build a Healthier Lifestyle
By Our Town Gwinnett Magazine
Life is messy and full of distractions. How many of us planned to go to bed early only to stay up streaming our favorite shows? What about scheduling time to work out, then getting caught up in work and running out of energy? Even when you’re highly motivated, it’s easy to get sidetracked. But that’s okay. The key is finding ways to reset, bring yourself back into balance, and set yourself up for lasting success.
Motivation is a driving force for change, but not all motivation is equal. Some motivation is controlled by outside forces like praise, while a powerful one comes from within and is tied to your values. For example, you may choose to be active because you love a specific activity. When a habit is personally meaningful, you are more likely to sustain it. “Building healthy habits takes time and dedication, but doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” says Alyssa Burnison, MS, RD, LN, and the director of program and nutrition, lead registered dietitian, and licensed nutritionist at Profile Plan. “Incorporating just one of the following tips can make a world of difference.”
1) Give yourself a break: The first step in the reset process is to give yourself a break. Life is hard, and we all slip up from time to time. Forgive yourself, approach your journey with compassion, and don’t waste time on shame, frustration, or guilt. You’re here now and ready to commit to yourself.
2) Start the planning process: Prior planning prevents poor performance. Take stock of what condition your habits are in. Have you slipped up on good habits and need to rebuild them, or do you need to start from scratch? Do you have to eliminate bad habits before you can build new ones? Write down your good and bad habits so you can monitor them throughout your process.
3) Make motivation part of your routine: Be sure you’ve defined your “why” – the reasons you want to build new habits. Then find ways to remind yourself of your why. Put notes on a mirror or a kitchen cabinet. Change your phone background to a photo or quote that motivates you. Find any way that reminds you why your efforts are worthwhile.
4) Start small: Setting a large goal can be intimidating and seem unachievable. Instead, break larger goals into smaller, specific steps that will work for you. You don’t need to hit the gym for an hour every day to see results. Start by finding ways to increase activity throughout the day. Take the stairs more often or park further away from the building. Small changes add up quickly.
5) Link a new habit to an existing one: The easiest way to make a new habit stick is to connect it with an ingrained one. Instead of just walking to get your mail, extend your trip and walk a few blocks.
6) Cut comparison: Comparison is your biggest enemy. No two people have the same journey, and you are sabotaging yourself by comparing your progress to others. Focus on reminding yourself how far you’ve come.
7) Make it exciting: Whether you’re trying to eat better, exercise more, or simply build healthy habits like better sleep hygiene, make it exciting for yourself by trying new things. Visit food blogs for recipe ideas. Try a new exercise like rock climbing. Build a relaxing bedtime routine you can look forward to.
8) Don’t give up too soon: It takes time to build a routine. You won’t
Conflict Corner: Did You Hear Me?
By Barbara A. Bailey, PhD
No answer is an answer. Tick, tock, tick. Did you hear me? Tick, tock, tick.
No answer…is an answer.
Avoidance represents one of the five conflict management styles and has its place in your tool kit. But a quick way to start or fuel a conflict is to avoid the other person who might not understand why avoidance could be the best response at that time.
Avoiding someone and ignoring someone are different. Need more time to get your emotions under control – avoid. Not sure of your response yet – avoid. Not your business to get involved – avoid. Avoid means you are or could be vested in an outcome to a conflict and you just might “need a minute.”
Ignoring someone is an entirely different thing. Ignoring someone can be interpreted as a lack of engagement, involvement, or concern. Many times, it is a way to play power games, often not because you thought about it, but because your emotions got in the way and you reacted.
In my experience, ignoring can be replaced by avoidance through communication with the other party and lead to an outcome for both parties to be heard. Example: You receive a text that “gets you going.” You need a little time before you respond. The other person texts again. “Did you get my text? Are you ignoring me?” A text back with the following might help: “No. I’m taking time to think it through and answer you. Please give me a little while and I’ll answer you.”
When you approach the situation in this way, you give the other person information to manage their own emotions and you have balanced the seesaw to a possible collaborative outcome. No one likes to feel ignored. Being ignored often stirs up intense feelings. When you decide to avoid and communicate your next step with the other person, you take the focus back to an outcome and not the person. Powerful stuff.
Let me be clear. I am not talking about a threatening situation, a stranger’s advance, or anything along those lines. A stranger reaching out through Facebook, Instagram, a text, or a phone call might require
Pet Perch
Continued from page 8
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.
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
Remarks
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 improve things. In this new year, I challenge you to Keep Pushing Forward. This is what I tell all the MBA marketing and leadership students I teach. It is a mindset of finding a way to make things happen. It is the ability to believe in yourself and push harder, and dig deeper in every aspect of your life.
We all can go deeper and find a way. Do not be afraid to fail. As our little green friend Yoda says in Star Wars, “The greatest teacher...failure is.” Also, do not be afraid to be your authentic and transparent self. Everyone desires to have genuine people around them. And if not, trust me – people will talk about you anyway, so
why not give them a reason to talk?
So, here is a challenge in 2023. Plan your work and work your plan so you can grow – in all parts of your life – in a deliberate, purposeful, and intentional manner. This will lead to success in this new year (no matter what you encounter), and you will grow and help everyone around you to 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 2023. And now, and as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!
Miracle at Grace New Hope Church
By Traci SandersMany authors share their stories, but we don’t always hear the story behind the story. And author Dana Edwards, Ph.D. definitely has an interesting one for her new book Drive-Thru Miracle, which just released in April of this year.
It all began on a hot summer day in 2013. Dana was driving to the park for a walk when she passed by Grace New Hope Church and saw a man sitting under a tent next to a sign that read “drive-thru prayer.” As an author, Dana is always looking for unique themes and settings for her stories, so the next day she stopped by the church on the way to take her son to baseball practice. She’d shared her plan with her son to take some POWERADE® to the man at the church. “You chat with him for a bit while I go look around and see if I can find out what this drive-thru prayer thing is about,” she told her son.
“As it turned out,” Dana later shared, “this man’s name was Wayne Edwards – no relation to me – and he was a volunteer from the church. He asked if there was something he could pray about for my family. I don’t even remember what I said to him, but I had no idea that day how our meeting would play into my life later down the road.”
Time went by and Dana did write a story that was inspired by meeting Mr. Wayne that day – a story that was picked up by a publisher in 2020 and released in 2022. “It was a long process,” Dana recalled. “I pitched my story to several literary agents and finally found one, but they never were able to get my story signed with a publisher. I found a new agent, and within one month of submission, two publishing houses showed interest. My book was sold to Lifeway B & H Kids Publishing.”
Mae, the main character of the book, mimics Dana’s actions from that summer day of meeting Mr. Wayne. She sees a sign at a local church that says “drive-thru prayer” and sneaks around the church property to scope out the scene, just as Dana had done. And what she discovers changes her life forever.
Mr. Wayne isn’t the only character in the book that’s based on a real-life person. Shelby Grace, Mae’s sister, who has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair bound, is based on the daughter of a family friend of Dana’s. The young girl is also disabled. then having to deal with disappointment. So, I feel a little numbed.
If you are like me and based on the past 36 months you just don’t know what to think, expect, wish, or even pray for the next 12 months, let me give you a quick word.
2023 has the potential to be a good year. Not because you won’t have hardships, but because in those hardships you have the potential to see God’s goodness. I believe God is good, and that is not based on what God does, but based on who God is. So, if God is good, and God is with us, I believe 2023 could be a good year.
Finally, I want to encourage you, if needed, to talk to someone. Life is hard enough to do it alone, and often we can see and find goodness while talking with others.
Bring it on 2023.
Rodrigo Cruz is the Lead Pastor of The Nett Church. More information at www.thenettchurch.com
Mr. Speaker. I rise to recognize the fine gentleman from the 7th District of Georgia (R-Blue Ridge), spanning Fannin, Gilmer, and parts of Dawson County. On a matter of personal privilege, I ask us all to give pause, and a moment of prayer for his wife, family, and many friends who are now grieving his all-too-early departure from Georgia and this world.
Georgia House Speaker David Ralston was a lawyer, legislator, servant leader, loving father, husband, and incredibly loyal friend. Not perfect, as none of us are, he was unusually courteous, kind, and civil in a political arena where all of those niceties are now lacking.
Until a few weeks ago, he was the longest serving state house speaker in the nation and second in Georgia history only to Speaker Thomas B. Murphy (D-Bremen). This courtly, country lawyer from Blue Ridge wielded the gavel and power of his office with grace, patience, and a steady hand as well as an ear for the thoughts of members in both the majority and minority parties.
David Ralston loved the state house, beginning his legislative career in the Georgia State Senate in 1992. In 1997 he would make a run for Georgia Attorney General, where we met and began a friendship spanning a quarter-century. I was working on the gubernatorial campaign
of former Attorney General Mike Bowers. Ralston was a supporter and donor and had also endorsed the former AG.
The Ralston legacy is long, strong, and still growing, and includes conservative fiscal management, helping Georgia have among the highest bond ratings of all 50 states, a coming $6-billion budget surplus, a decade of rankings for Georgia as the Best State to Do Business, the first major investment in Behavioral and Mental Health Care in nearly 50 years, a reworking of Georgia’s motor fuel excise tax to sustainably fund transportation, and correctly applying the brakes when more conservative members of his own party became intent on creating a city of Buckhead City, cleaved out of the City of Atlanta, or placing Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, owned and built by the City of Atlanta, under state control.
In recent years, love and his wife, Sheree Bradburn Ralston, had brought back a sparkle in his eyes, more frequent smiles, and a bit of a bounce to his step. Professionally, he ably served and worked closely with three governors, Sonny Perdue, Nathan Deal, and Brian Kemp, and helped to bring their initiatives across the finish line, including tough but necessary and massive budget cuts during a steep recession, with state reserves reaching almost zero (Perdue); three-stage and multi-year reform of Georgia’s Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice systems (Deal); and later significant pay raises for all Georgia educators, state law enforcement professionals, and most all state government employees (Kemp), as well as supporting the re-opening of Georgia’s economy during the pandemic and also adhering to very strict protocols to protect members of the state house and their guests at the Capitol from contracting Covid-19.
David Ralston was a big man who made a bigger impact and is perhaps not as well-known as he should be for having a BIG heart. He was many things to Georgia, and he was and is an incredible friend to me. God bless House Speaker David Ralston, his wife, Sheree Ralston, the people of Georgia’s 7th District, and the thousands of others whose
YearPlan to Protect
Family
Now is the BEST TIME
Isn’t it time you spent less energy on house maintenance, cooking, cleaning and other chores … and more energy on YOU?
There’s no time like the present to move to a rewarding, secure, friendship-rich retirement lifestyle!
See for yourself when you join us for a January event!
Coping with Depression & Anxiety as We Age
Wednesday, January 11 | 11:30 a.m.
Doc Talk: Diabetes Discussion Thursday, January 19 | 11 a.m.
For more information or to RSVP to an upcoming event, call 678-841-0030.
For the safety and well-being of all residents and guests, all recommended safety precautions will be taken. Please call to inquire about our safety measures for these events.
Home Improvement Ideas: Five Simple Indoor Projects
By Our Town Gwinnett StaffThere is no need to go out and buy all new furniture and décor or undertake a major renovation to give your current interior a fresh look and feel. Small tweaks can make just as big of an impact. Spruce up interior spaces with these five simple do-it-yourself projects that can be tackled over a weekend.
1)
Restore and Reorganize Décor:
An easy way to give your living space a mini makeover is to reinvigorate existing décor. Start by repairing any damaged or broken decorative pieces such as frames, vases, or display items using a gel control applicator. Providing a precise, clean, and controlled application on a variety of materials including plastics, wood, rubber, metal, ceramics, and more, this gel adhesive is perfect for uneven or vertical applications and sets in just 30 seconds for a completely mess-free repair. Finish up by finding new homes for your prized décor pieces for a completely new look.
2) Update Bathroom Hardware:
Nothing dates a bathroom more than an outdated faucet. Give your vanity a facelift by swapping out old fixtures with updated designs to help revitalize the sink. But do not stop there. Replacing stained or worn-down caulk can give the entire bathroom a fresh look while preventing future moisture damage. Make sure to use a siliconized sealant when doing this.
3) Brighten Interior Walls:
Whether you want your space to feel more spacious, a bit brighter,
Run the Reagan in 2023!
Ron
“For
Continued from page 5
or even more soothing, a new paint color can do the trick. Everything from earthy, jewel tones to natural, more neutral aesthetics are trending this year. When selecting your color, sticking within the shade family of one of your longtime favorite colors will help guarantee the color brings you joy for years to come. Looking to ease in? Give an accent wall a shot!
4) Repair Holes in the Drywall:
Before you start painting a room, make sure you take the time to repair any nicks, dents, or holes in the drywall for a polished and professional finished result. Whether the damage is small from a picture frame nail or anchor, or as large as doorknob damage, wall repair patches come in different sizes and make repairing holes in drywall fast and easy. Just apply and paint for a completely mess-free repair in minutes.
5) Upgrade Lighting
If your ceiling is still sporting a decades-old light fixture, revitalize it with something a little more modern. The same goes for lampshades and light fixtures. Swapping these out with new, upgraded looks is a simple and budget-friendly way to update any room in an afternoon. To complete your lighting update, consider replacing your current light bulbs with LED bulbs, which will provide a cooler light while helping reduce your energy bill. (BPT)
greatest folks who work so hard to pull all of this together.”
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 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
The entire team behind Run the Reagan is exceptionally grateful for their sponsors: Title Sponsor Piedmont Healthcare, Kroger, CocaCola, 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.
Health Matters
More information at https://runthereagan.net/ create healthy habits by doing them once or twice. On average, it takes at least two months, sometimes up to a year, for a new habit to become routine.
Continued from page 9
9) Track your progress: To make a new habit stick, you must build accountability. Make a plan, then track your progress. Habit trackers will help you monitor your meals, build your self-care plan, and track your progress toward your healthy habit goals. You can create your own or find one to download online.
10) Find support: Create your cheering section by asking friends and family to support you. Make healthy recipes together or go for group walks. If you need even more help, coaches can be a fantastic resource for support and guidance. (BPT)
One Man’s Opinion
Continued from page 13
lives he favorably impacted. Gone all too soon; you will be and are already missed, sir. Sine Die.
Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More at www.CSICrane.com
Addie Freeman Named Miss Gwinnett County 2023
By Traci SandersSeventeen-year-old Brookwood High School senior, Addie Freeman, was crowned Miss Gwinnett County 2023 at the Gwinnett County Fair in the fall of 2022 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 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.”
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.
Conflict Corner
Continued from page 10
ignoring and blocking and avoiding the communication, all to stop it. Certainly, you want to take the wise and prudent steps to protect yourself.
However, if the outcome that you desire is to maintain a relationship, choosing avoidance with a brief communication gives both parties a chance to be “in the conversation.”
Proactive conflict management. Let it be a way of life.
Barbara Bailey is the co-founder and CEO of The Healing Bridge Foundation.
Cleaning up Gwinnett - America Recycles Day
By Traci Sanders
On November 5th, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and Gwinnett County Solid Waste partnered to host America Recycles Day, a national initiative of Keep America Beautiful that was first established by the National Recycling Coalition in 1997. It’s the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and purchase recycled products.
Executive Director Schelly Marlatt of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful (GC&B) is a lifelong resident of Gwinnett and passionate about people and her community. Her parents taught her from a young age the value of community engagement and service and the concept of paying it forward. Her deeply rooted commitment to community has led her to serve Gwinnett County government since 2010.
Continued on page 00
Grace New Hope Church
Continued from page 12
After Dana had published the book, she realized she had forgotten to acknowledge Mr. Wayne. Feeling bad, she went to visit the church in hopes of seeing the man she’d met nine years earlier. He was sitting outside the church under a tent on a Thursday afternoon, next to a female volunteer. Dana wanted to drop off a copy of the book for the church. She mentioned to Mr. Wayne how he had inspired the story, but she figured he wouldn’t remember her. Dana’s heart melted when the man looked at her and said, “I remember you. You and your son brought me the POWERADES®.”
Later that evening, Dana received an email from the woman volunteer who’d been standing next to Mr. Wayne at the church. Attached was a copy of a note the man had written in his prayer journal. There, in black and white, were words of prayer for Dana and her son Jake. Prayers for safety for a young baseball player. She couldn’t believe the man truly remembered her and her son after all those years.
Dana invited Mr. Wayne and his wife to her book launch the following week. The couple showed up with smiling faces and celebrated the book’s success.
Drive-Thru Miracle was nominated for the Independent Schools Reading Bowl for the 2022-2023 school year by the media specialist at Hebron Christian Academy, one of ten books chosen from dozens of entries. While Mr. Wayne continues to sit under that tent at Grace New Hope Church from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday to offer hope to passersby, his words of encouragement live on through the character in Drive-Thru Miracle.
More information at https://www.danaedwardswrites.com/.
Getting to Know: Precious Hands Home Care Services
By Traci Sanders
Precious Hands Home Care Services was founded in 2020 by Rolande Lauture as a licensed, non-medical home care agency that serves Gwinnett and eight surrounding counties. This wasn’t the direction Rolande imagined her life going, but she shared that God doesn’t always consult human schedules when it comes to his plans.
“I had a dream when I was just eighteen years old,” she said. “God handed me a brush and comb and said, ‘Go take care of those who cannot take care of themselves.’ I didn’t think anything else about it for many years.”
Rolande moved to America from Haiti in 2005, along with her husband and two children. She was a banker and could not find a job in that industry when she arrived. So, she took a CNA class and soon fell in love with caring for people, especially the elderly. Part of her educational experience involved visiting state hospitals, which she thoroughly enjoyed, and she soon began feeling like she’d found her passion.
“God woke me one morning in August 2020 at 3 a.m. and said, “It’s time to start Precious Hands.” Rolande had never owned her own
Community Spotlight: A Visit to Chateau Elan
By Victoria R. CrosbyChateau Elan Winery and Resort in Braselton spans five counties, including Gwinnett, on more than three thousand acres of property. I visited there recently, and was amazed by the beautiful surroundings.
The long, impressive drive leads to the Visitors Center and gift shop, which is on the main level, with stairs descending to the actual processing area and tasting room. The building is in a French style architecture. A fountain in front of the building has a statue of a woman stomping grapes in the center. Visitors were lounging on chairs on the lawn, waiting for a tour, or enjoying the wine they had purchased. There were even hammocks set up in between the rows of grape vines for people to relax and enjoy the view.
Everything has French names. The road leading up to the Chateau is 100 Rue Charlemagne, and the restaurants include Versailles Bar and restaurant, Louis’ House of Bourbon, Fleur de Lis, Le Petit Café, and others, with the exception of Paddy’s Irish Pub, where we enjoyed a lovely lunch. The waiter told us that the pub had been built in Dublin in the Republic of Ireland, commissioned by the owners and founders of Chateau Elan, Nancy and Don Panoz, and shipped over in 1997 and reassembled on the property.
The winery was founded in 1981 and now makes more than thirty
Positivity: A Word for Your Day
By Jane Bishop, Leadership Coach
As you reflected on the word positivity, what bubbled up in your mind? What thought was interrupted? Where was your thought path at that moment? Positivity is defined as “the practice of being or tendency to be positive or optimistic in attitude.” I learned the practice of positivity early in my life, and as I gain more life experience (i.e. age!), I experience the power of positivity.
Positivity is one of the strengths identified in Gallup’s StrengthsFinder Assessment. The assessment identifies the five strengths of an individual that are strongest or “loudest.” I believe positivity can be directly applied to any of the top five strengths. Remaining positive and looking on the bright side allows you to utilize each strength effectively. Ask yourself what your top five strengths are and evaluate how you use them. Can you identify when they are “too loud” (out of balance) versus balanced? Understanding your top strengths allows you to better engage them with positivity.
When working on the strength of positivity specifically, it’s important to recognize that it doesn’t mean everything will go well, be smooth as silk, and/or remain optimistic. The strength of positivity simply helps you navigate the ebb and flow of life. It’s a perspective, an attitude, and a method for dealing with life’s journey. Acknowledge there will always be a wider view of your strengths and that it may be a work in progress. Be aware that when we allow our strengths to get too loud or extreme, they may shift and drain our energy. The awareness of
wines. The muscadine grapes, which grow on the property, grow differently from other grapevines I have visited on Long Island, New York and in California. The leaves fully cover the grape clusters, so they are not prone to being eaten by birds and other wildlife; therefore, no netting is required. The winemaker, Simone Bergese has made Chateau Elan the largest wine producer in Georgia. Bergese, who is originally from Ceresole D’Alba, holds degrees in Oenology and Viticulture from the Turin University in Italy. He has a holistic approach to winemaking, using twenty-five grape varieties from all over the world.
The wine tour took the guests to the part of the building where the wine was aging in large stainless-steel tanks, and the tasting included some red and white wines. Some of the white wines were a little too sweet for my taste, as I prefer a drier wine. They also have wines aged in oak barrels.
On the property is also a hotel and resort, Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton. There is a golf course, a spa and fitness center, with an indoor saltwater swimming pool, a dry Finnish Sauna, a spa whirlpool, and other wonderful amenities. There is an event space for weddings and other special receptions, both indoors and outdoors in the rose garden.
Whether you go for a visit for a day, for lunch and wine tasting, or spend a longer time at the resort, you will enjoy a delightful respite from everyday life.
More information at www.chateauelan.com.
dialing up each strength modularly so that you do not put yourself on full blast out of context will serve you well. Do a positivity check for yourself and consider how much to dial it up!
I invite you to ponder how positivity impacts your self-leadership skills. How self-aware are you of what keeps you driving in an optimal zone? How can you best stay an energetic influence on those around you? How we leverage our strengths, adjust the volume when we need to, and keep our overall balance will help us lead forward in our lives and the lives of others. The world needs you, so keep on leading with positivity!
More information at www.janebishop.live.
America Recycles Day
Continued from page 17
Schelly is dedicated to providing a safe and sustainable community to attract an up-and-coming generation of people, businesses, and organizations to Gwinnett County. Connecting people and resources for a sustainable Gwinnett and having a community free of litter, graffiti, and blight is her ultimate mission. She wants a place where neighbors engage with one another and can be proud of where they live, work, play, and conduct business together.
A two-time breast cancer survivor, Schelly embraces all facets of life and strives to show her best as a mom, a businesswoman, and a proud citizen of Gwinnett. She’s continually networking and building new partnerships in the community, facilitating a cleanup or recycling event, or inviting anyone and everyone to join GC&B’s journey.
We all have those odd items taking up space around the house that simply aren’t appropriate for residential garbage collection. America Recycles Day is a great opportunity to clean out some of that clutter in your garage, basement, or office in a way that benefits your family, the community, and our beautiful planet.
More information at https://bit.ly/3SbzXEW .
Meet Paul Sikorski: Gwinnett Veteran
Turned 100 Years Old on Veterans Day
By Tana PoncsakPeople who live to be 100 years old are bound to witness a lot of change in the world. And that’s certainly the case with Paul Sikorski.
On November 11, 2022, Sikorski, who is a World War II Veteran, had a lot to celebrate –Veterans Day and his 100th birthday. And it was quite a celebration with a special happy hour at his current residence, Dogwood Forest of Grayson, with about 120 people in attendance.
“We had quite a celebration here,” Sikorski said about the festivities that included a champagne birthday cake. He also had an additional celebration with family and friends.
But Sikorski hasn’t always been a Gwinnett resident. He was born in Chicago and grew up in Riverside, a suburb of Chicago. Sikorski said the area is also called the Village of Winding Streets, which made it quite an experience growing up there and learning how to get around.
As a young boy, radio, newspapers, and magazines were his sources for information and entertainment.
But like many other young men, Sikorski also spent time in the military. He left for basic training in California around 1942 and served in the United States Army Signal Corps. After basic training, he was sent to Washington D.C., where he was trained in microfilming, and from there he was sent to Liverpool, where he was stationed in London and got his first taste of war. Five days after settling in London, there was an air raid.
“We had our first taste of the war and the first indication there were people out there who would kill us if they got the chance,” he said. “We survived that. It was a close call.”
He said you could hear the V-1 rockets coming, and when the sound stopped that meant they were on their way down. Then the silence was followed by a big explosion. Hitler was sending over more than 100 rockets per day in an attempt to coax Churchill into surrendering.
Sikorski also spent time in Paris while in the military, where he also set up microfilming operations, and he stayed there for the remainder of the war.
After the war, he went to school and earned his degree from Northwestern University. His new employer was expanding, and he found himself back in Europe. This time he was able to enjoy many of the sights Western Europe had to offer. He enjoyed the museums of Amsterdam, Paris, and Madrid, and spent time in Italy, where he visited the historic Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel. But one of his favorite sights can be found in Florence, Italy – the Statue of David by Michelangelo.
“I will always remember that,” he said. “It was just unbelievable.”
With a new job, he made his way south, living in Chattanooga and working for a company in Dalton, Georgia. He retired after forty-five years.
Sikorski’s wife passed away in 2005. He has one son, who still
lives in Chattanooga, a daughter in Virginia, and a son who lives close to Dogwood Forest, where he now resides. He referred to his nearby son as the one responsible for his current residence and his chauffeur to his various appointments, adding that “…they’ve been here for thirty-five years, and they know where all the good restaurants are.”
As for Dogwood Forest, Sikorski said he was the first resident to move there. “I’ve been here for five and a half years now,” he said. “It’s been my home, and I’m very happy with it.”
Sikorski exercises seven days a week, and although he uses a walker, the exercises help him stay mobile and out of a wheelchair. Lately, a lot of people have asked him what’s his secret to longevity. “I tell them my secret is vodka and Krispy Crème doughnuts,” he said. “A doughnut every morning, and a vodka at night before bed while watching television.”
business and didn’t know where to even begin. But she went on to say, “God had everything planned out already. He told me to take one step at a time. He gave me everything I needed to start and build my business down to the name, colors, and design.”
So in September 2020, Precious Hands was born. To date they staff twenty caregivers who endure vigorous training and screening before being assigned to clients. Services, such as companionship and sitting; nursing – arranging trips to the doctor, accompanying clients to doctor visits, and picking up prescriptions; and personalized care – bathing, feeding, grooming, dental care, etc., are the primary focus. They also send some of their experienced staff to assisted living and nursing homes as temporary fill-ins when needed.
The one thing Rolande would like others to understand about the
home care field is that it’s a heart thing – focused on love and compassion – not about the money.
“We always treat our clients like our own parents,” she said. “Seeing the joy in the family members’ eyes because they know their loved ones are in good hands, is the best part of what we do. One of our clients recently came to me and said, ‘I’ve never found a caregiver who could make my mom smile like she does when your staff visits her,’ and that meant the world to me.”
Yohanna, Rolande’s administrative assistant, shared, “We don’t simply cater to the physical and daily life needs of our clients. We enrich their lives with activities, community events, DIY projects, BINGO nights with cash prizes, and more.”
Rolande added, “We say, ‘Every hand is sent from above,’ which is why I feel God told me to name it Precious Hands. I never thought a dream I had at eighteen would lead me to where I am today.”
More information at www.precioushandscare.com.
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
Looking for Good Books and Some Fun Friendships in 2023?
Why Not Start a Book Club?
By Tana PoncsakPerhaps after spending time reading a good book, the best thing afterward is finding someone else who has also read it so you can talk about it. For many, half the fun of reading the book is then talking about it, discussing the plot, the characters, the structure of the novel, the writing, and more. But with so many people and so many books, finding the person who has read a particular book and willing to chat about can be difficult. That’s why book clubs were created!
If you’re a reader and are thinking of joining a book club, you can start by asking around at your local bookstore or library about existing book clubs in your area. But if that isn’t an option, then why not consider starting a book club of your own?
Here are a few things to think about if you decide to start a book club. Weigh the options and choose what’s best for you and what you envision.
• You may want to consider whether to have a virtual book club that meets online or one that meets locally and in person. Some book
Staying Happy and Healthy: Traditions Help Us
By Our Town Gwinnett StaffHealth experts say that establishing and maintaining family traditions can boost overall well-being and vitality, especially as we age.
“As children become adults and move out of the house or away, the family traditions that bind us can sometimes get lost in the process,” says Aparna Abburi, president of Medicare and CareAllies with Cigna, which provides insurance to hundreds of thousands of older adults through its Medicare plans. “Forming new traditions or reigniting old ones can keep us connected to loved ones, ultimately helping us feel more fulfilled, happier, and healthier.”
Here are some insights into the importance of traditions to well-being and vitality as we age, along with tips for keeping those connections going in your own circle of family and friends.
Traditions help combat loneliness: According to a 2020 survey by Cigna, 61% of adults reported being lonely – a 7 percentage-point increase from 2018. That feeling was likely exacerbated by the pandemic that followed. Traditions can help to combat feelings of isola-
Ten Health Resolutions Doctors Encourage You to Make in 2023
By Our Town Gwinnett StaffThe New Year represents a fresh start and is the perfect time to invest in your health. However, you may be unsure what resolutions will have the biggest impact. Doctors say that the easy, tangible actions you take are some of the most important.
“Many people kick off the start of each new year with big-picture health resolutions,” says Jack Resneck, Jr., M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA). “The good news is that small, positive health choices made right now can have long-lasting effects.”
Here are the ten resolutions the AMA recommends top your list this year:
1. Exercise is essential for your physical and mental health, so get moving today. A good rule of thumb for adults is at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.
2. Vaccination is the best protection against many serious illnesses. To protect yourself and your family, get up to date on your vaccines, including the annual flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone six months and older. Your doctor can tell you if you’re due for a COVID booster. If you have questions, consult your physician, and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers. org.
3. Get screened. Estimates based on statistical models show that since April 2020, millions of screenings for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disruptions. Check in with your physician. Make an appointment if you’re due for preventive care, tests, or screenings.
tion. Consider setting up weekly video calls or trading letters and notes with relatives who live far away. Regular trips to a favorite destination, such as a lake or beach, or celebrating important holidays together every year can provide meaningful time.
Traditions pass on family values: Having shared values can help us feel connected to one another. Telling stories from the past or practicing cultural, spiritual, and religious traditions are great ways to pass these values down from one generation to the next.
Traditions can make us feel young again: From cooking and gardening to sports and games, family traditions often evoke old memories and make us feel young again. Sensory memories can be particularly powerful. Whether it’s a cookie bakeoff, ballpark peanuts and hot dogs, or a singalong around the piano, family rituals that include special sights, sounds, and aromas are often the ones we think of most fondly.
Traditions strengthen communities: Traditions are not just for families; they can also strengthen ties among friends and communities. Consider getting a group of neighbors together for morning walks or meeting friends for shopping excursions. Make visiting the farmers market, attending free concerts in the park, playing community center bingo, and gathering for other recurring local events part of your routine.
As you embrace the rituals that matter most to you, remember that traditions don’t need to be rigid or set in stone. “Just as you might modify a family recipe to suit your dietary needs or switch from weekly phone calls to weekly video calls,” says Abburi, “don’t be afraid to tweak and expand on older traditions, so they’re relevant and interesting today – and for years to come.” (StatePoint)
These measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious.
4. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, affecting millions of Americans. Visit ManageYourBP.org to understand what your blood pressure numbers mean and what you can do to get your blood pressure under control.
5. One in three American adults has prediabetes, which can lead to type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged. However, there are steps you can take that can help delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Learn your risk by taking a simple 2-minute self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. This resource also features helpful lifestyle tips that can help you reverse prediabetes.
6. Whenever possible, drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages and replace processed foods – especially those with added sodium and sugar – with nutritious whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, herbs, and spices.
7. If consuming alcohol, drink only in moderation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines that as one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.
8. Speak with your doctor or health care professional about quitting tobacco and nicotine use. Declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.
9. Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescription drugs –especially opioids. Always store and dispose of these medications safely to prevent misuse. Whenever prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Not taking the full course can lead to antibiotic resistance, a serious public health problem, and will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu.
10. Invest in your mental health by managing stress, getting sufficient sleep, exercising, and seeking help from a mental health professional when needed.
If you don’t have health insurance, the AMA encourages you to sign up for coverage at healthcare.gov, which has new, affordable options. For a healthy 2023 and beyond, invest in your wellness with these doctor-recommended New Year’s resolutions. (StatePoint)
Why Not Start a Book Club?
club meetings are held in each member’s home on a rotation basis. Others prefer to meet in a public setting such as a restaurant, a coffee house, a wine bar, a library, or other public venue.
• If virtual is the better option, will you use Zoom, Google Hangout, Teams, Facebook, etc.?
• Do you want to stick to one genre or theme? For example, if you enjoy cozy mysteries, then a cozy mystery book club may appeal to you. Some other genres include romance, fantasy, sci fi, women’s literature, historic fiction, and contemporary fiction.
• How many participants would you like to have? Some book clubs have started with as little as three readers, while others have started with as many as twenty or more. And speaking of numbers, do you want to have a cap on the number of members to keep a smaller, more intimate group, or are you thinking “the more the merrier”?
• How will the books the group reads be selected? You can make all te selections at the beginning, or you can hold a discussion and take a vote by the members, so everyone decides. Or perhaps each member can take a turn and pick the book they want all members to read.
• How often will you meet? Not everyone reads at the same speed, so some may need more time than others to finish a book, especially if it’s a longer book.
Once you decide on how you want your book club to run, you can focus on acquiring members.
• The first and most obvious way to find book club members is through your sphere of influence – your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and other acquaintances. Don’t be offended if some come for the wine, food, and friendship at first. After a few months and a few good books, they may fall in love with reading.
• Your local bookstore, library, or coffee shop may be willing to give your book club information to patrons who inquire about book clubs.
• Use social media – Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms – to promote your book club, especially if you’re looking to start a virtual book club.
• As with anything else, starting a book club can take time. So give your book club time to grow.
And there you have it – a start to new books and new friends in the new year. Happy reading!
Happy 2023
Continued from page 21
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 2023 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 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 2023!
