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

On the Cover:

Ring in the New Year with Vecoma at the Yellow River

By Kristen Eleveld

For many local members of the Gwinnett community, Vecoma at the Yellow River is synonymous with weddings, joy, and a job well done. For years, Vecoma at the Yellow River has cultivated and maintained its reputation as a premier wedding venue in Gwinnett County, with countless awards and accolades stacking up. And not only does Vecoma at the Yellow River deserve its hard-earned reputation as one of the best places to get married in the state, they also offer advice and tips to newly-engaged couples to ensure their weddings run smoothly.

According to co-owner Caroline Tucker, one of the most frequent pieces of advice they give to engaged couples is part of the secret to wedding success: be flexible in your planning. This advice especially applies when choosing your wedding date.

“Every year, people contend for dates in the fall when there are lovely unclaimed days in the spring and the summer,” said Caroline. “You don’t want to be boxed into a venue just because they have the date available.”

It’s true – finding the right venue for your wedding is not just about finding a place that has your desired date open. Instead, the dedicated staff at Vecoma at the Yellow River urges couples to look for a venue that has experienced team members who can walk you through the process of creating the wedding you have always dreamed of.

In addition to being the foremost experts on planning a wedding that will stay in your budget while still incorporating your plans, Vecoma’s staff is always looking at the latest wedding trends and ideas to give every one of their clients an opportunity to make the day their own.

“Over the last few months, I have seen more brides ditching the high heel shoes and instead getting stylized sneakers or Converse for the ceremony,” said Caroline. “You might even want a pair for the ceremony and another pair for the reception!”

Aside from the obvious comfort benefits of trading in the stilettos for better arch support, many brides have also taken to customizing their ceremony sneakers with their new initials, wedding date, or something more personal to the couple. Whatever you decide, the team at Vecoma at the Yellow River is always ready to help you add some unique flair to your big day.

Caroline and the rest of the Vecoma crew know that wedding planning can feel overwhelming for many couples, which is why they created a blog on their website that is dedicated to answering your questions and sharing new ideas. You might be looking for inspiration for a wedding theme, trying to decide how long your veil should be, or searching for fresh ideas on songs for your first dance. If it’s wedding-related, the Vecoma blog should be your first stop.

Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

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

IN THIS ISSUE

On the Cover: Ring in the New Year with Vecoma at the Yellow River

From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks

Staying Happy and Healthy: Traditions Help Us

Conflict Corner: Did You Hear Me?

Insurance Matters: Why Whole Life Insurance?

Learning for Life: It’s All About Balance

Positivity: A Word for Your Day

Chaplain’s Corner: What to Wish, Think, and Even Pray in 2023?

Ten Health Resolutions Doctors Encourage You to Make in 2023

Learning Lessons: Fostering Healthy Habits in Young Children

Pet Perch: New Year, New Dog

Community Matters: Rainbow Village is Making a Difference

Happy 2023: A New Year and New Goals

Looking for Good Books and Some Fun Friendships in 2023? Why Not Start a Book Club?

Decoding Gen Z-Speak

Small Business Spotlight: Three Ways to Support Local Small Businesses

Two Gwinnett Latina’s Re-imagine Your Child’s Next Gift

Auto Talk: Your Next Car Might Be Electric

Ryan’s Remarks

By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

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 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

Staying Happy and Healthy: Traditions Help Us

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

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

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

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

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

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.”

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)

Insurance Matters: Why Whole Life Insurance?

By H. Darrell Watson

How has your financial portfolio fared in 2022? If your financial portfolio is invested in the stock market, your portfolio has seen significant declines. The S&P 500 shed 19.4%, the Nasdaq is down 33.1%, while the Dow has fallen 8.9%. Ouch!

I want to suggest a way that you can diversify and bring some stability to your financial portfolio. It is through the purchase of whole life insurance. Consider the following general facts about life insurance as well as some specific facts regarding a whole life policy.

Generally Speaking

• Life Insurance proceeds do not go through probate, but rather go directly to the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries.

• Life Insurance proceeds are tax free, unless you surrender the policy, which can create a tax liability.

• Life Insurance proceeds are shielded from creditors.

Specifically Speaking

Whole Life Insurance policies:

• Have a level premium for the life of the policy.

• Have cash value, which accumulates over time.

• The cash value can be borrowed against, tax free, and can be used for any purpose (i.e., resolve debt, pay for unexpected medical bills, or even help to offset the expense of long-term care)

Learning for Life: It’s All About Balance

By Tanisha Turner

Children start learning from the moment they are born, soaking up information from observing, discovering, and eventually exploring the world around them. Research shows that the first five years of a child’s life hold the most potential for development. During this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for learning, parents, caregivers, and educators can help children build a foundation for future success by providing a rich balance of learning experiences.

“The first five years are the best time to engage children’s minds and help them develop skills that will allow them to thrive later on in life,” says Gloria Julius, Ed.D., vice president of education and professional development at Primrose Schools. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching and learning, so an ideal learning environment for young children balances purposeful play with nurturing guidance from adults and offers a variety of experiences.”

Learning occurs as children play freely and interact with their environment, as well as through guidance and modeling by adults. Childcare and preschool environments that blend both approaches to learning while balancing different skills and subjects – from science to music to lessons in kindness – help ensure every child reaches his or her full potential.

Of course, learning is not limited to the classroom. The following fun at-home activities also nurture important skills and developmental areas for little ones. Best of all, you can do them together!

Exercise decision-making and critical thinking skills by playing with puzzles together. Let your child try out different pieces rather than showing him or her the right ones.

Build language and literacy skills by writing a story with your little one. Let your child add the illustrations and contribute to the storyline.

Develop important motor skills by tossing a ball with your child or chasing each other in a game of tag. Being active together helps children build a love for physical activity.

Explore science and nutrition by planting a fruit and vegetable garden together. Your child’s natural curiosity will spark questions and exploration as the planted seeds grow and transform.

Model important character traits, such as compassion, kindness, and generosity, for your child. Volunteer at your local animal shelter or share veggies from your garden with a neighbor so your child can witness and learn firsthand the joy of giving back.

Continued on page 15

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 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.

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.

• Because you can borrow against the policy, whole life policies have both a life and death benefit.

• Most whole life products are not tied to the stock market, so the cash values steadily go up year after year, rather than going up and down with the market.

• Not only does the cash value increase, but the death benefit also goes up year after year.

I would encourage you to consider whole life insurance as a part of your financial portfolio. The sooner you get one in place, the less expensive and greater the long-term gain.

More information at 770-910-3399 or email darrell.watson.e3u6@ statefarm.com

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.

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 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.

Ten Health Resolutions Doctors Encourage You to Make in 2023

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

The 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. 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

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.

Learning Lessons: Fostering Healthy Habits in Young Children

By Tanisha Turner

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

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

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

• It’s never too early. The earlier a child forms a healthy habit, the better. Don’t let age discourage you from promoting a healthy routine as long as it can be done in a safe way.

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

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

Toothbrushing

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

Reading

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

Ten Health Resolutions

Continued from page 11

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)

Eating a Healthy Diet

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

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

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

Pet Perch: New Year, New Dog

By Terie Hansen

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,

Learning for Life

Continued from page 9

Every experience can be a learning opportunity for children. Encourage them to explore, observe, investigate, and ask questions. Allow lots of time for play and provide guidance along the way to take learning to the next level.

Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com

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

Chaplain’s Corner

Continued from page 10

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 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

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!

Vecoma at the Yellow River

Continued from page 5

It’s a new year filled with new opportunities for you and your significant other, so don’t wait any longer to check out Vecoma at the Yellow River to learn why it is the venue you have always been searching for. More information at https://vecoma1.com/

Community Matters: Rainbow Village is Making a Difference

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

In 2017, Rainbow Village established its Women’s Giving Circle as a means for women with a passion for philanthropy and volunteerism to connect while increasing awareness about family homelessness and promoting the concept of “giving” of one’s time, talent, and treasure. In 2020, the group established its “Be the Change” Microgrants Initiative to benefit members of the nonprofit’s Aspire Residential and Thrive Alumni Programs. Over the last two years, the group has raised and awarded $16,800 to help current residents and alumni overcome obstacles in the path to achieving their goals. On Wednesday, December 7th, Women’s Giving Circle members, community guests, Rainbow Village staff, and microgrant applicants gathered at the Duluth Festival Center to celebrate the holidays, the organization’s many victories over the course of the last year, and to bestow a series of small grants to deserving recipients at its largest Grand Total to date – $23,650.

“This has become one of my favorite nights of the year,” said Rainbow Village CEO Melanie Conner. “Our first year was virtual, due to COVID-19, but this year and last, we were able to see the excitement and gratitude of each microgrant recipient firsthand, and that’s a powerful thing. As I looked around that room, I thought to myself ‘THIS is what the holidays are all about – coming together to bestow gifts and bring joy.’ Only these microgrants bring more than joy. They bring meaningful change. The finish line is in sight for many of our resident applicants. They’re nearing the end of our program, but they have a hurdle to clear before they can get there. These microgrants help them pay off medical bills, student loans, business license application fees, and so much more that may have been weighing them down or keeping them from saving what they need to pursue self-sufficiency. For our graduates, they still have their success coaching goals in mind and need a little help with car or home repairs. I love that our Women’s Giving Circle is there to help them with that.”

Marking the top honor for the night, the Barbara Howard High Achiever Award was bestowed upon a very deserving Adrian K., who has been a resident of Rainbow Village for a little over a year. Named in honor of the late Barbara Howard, this award reflects Howard’s energy, enthusiasm, and inspiration. In addition to being the owner of Georgia-based food processing company, Susanna’s Kitchen, for fifty-five years, Howard and her husband were prolific philanthropists. She supported Rainbow Village in a wide variety of ways including serving as the capital campaign chair to aid in building the Duluth campus. Her hard work and dedication helped the organization raise over $6 million to provide housing for families experiencing homelessness. Recipients of the Barbara Howard High Achiever Award have demonstrated outstanding leadership during their time at Rainbow Village. They must have also exhibited a high regard for the goals and mission of the organization while making significant contributions to the improvement of resident engagement. Adrian represents all these qualities, and Conner and her team are certain that Barbara would have been honored to know her.

In addition to the High Achiever Award, 2022 Be the Change Microgrants were awarded to twenty-seven residents to accomplish the following goals:

• Improve well-being by accessing dental care

• Achieve financial stability by eliminating or reducing debt

Happy 2023: A New Year and New Goals

By Tana Poncsak

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 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!

Looking for Good Books and Some Fun

Friendships in 2023?

Why Not Start a Book Club?

By Tana Poncsak

Perhaps after spending time reading a good book, the best thing afterward is finding someone else who has also read it so you can talk about it. For many, half the fun of reading the book is then talking about it, discussing the plot, the characters, the structure of the novel, the writing, and more. But with so many people and so many books, finding the person who has read a particular book and willing to chat about can be difficult. That’s why book clubs were created!

If you’re a reader and are thinking of joining a book club, you can start by asking around at your local bookstore or library about existing 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 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!

Decoding Gen Z-Speak

By Emma Dison Brantley

Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation and the other person says something you really don’t understand, or it seems out of context? I’ve even had to look up certain phrases in an attempt to understand a conversation. Whether it’s an in-person conversation or over text, Gen Z has adopted many phrases and acronyms in their everyday communication. Many of these terms are quite different in meaning from how the older generation uses them.

Cap refers to something unbelievable, or fake. For example, if someone told you they were able to speed run Mario Kart and finish in four hours, you would say “That’s cap,” or “You’re capping,” meaning you don’t believe they did it. Another example is, you tell your friend, “I got 70% off at Zara, no cap,” meaning the deal was real.

Peridot is pronounced to rhyme with “dot.” It’s meant to emphasize the point made, similarly to when people exclaim, “Amen!” If your friend just told you they broke up with their cheating ex-boyfriend, you would say “Peridot, you’re too good for him.”

IYKYK is an acronym that people will usually post with a picture, with a hashtag, or sometimes over text. It stands for “If you know, you know,” meaning not everyone will understand what I’m talking about, but if you’ve been through it or seen it, you know what I’m talking

Small Business Spotlight: Three Ways to Support Local Small Businesses

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

There are millions of small businesses in the United States and so many in our community owned by passionate people working hard to make their dreams a reality. Rather than buying from a big retailer the next time you need something, consider supporting the locally owned businesses around you. When you support a small business, you’re not only helping build your community, but also directly impacting someone’s life. Every customer counts when it comes to small business, which means your dollars can help that small business owner thrive.

For example, as the nation’s largest insurer, State Farm® has more than 19,000 agents who are small business owners themselves, and who are committed to restoring lives, rebuilding neighborhoods, and investing in the communities where they live and work. This desire to help started 100 years ago when the company was founded by a farmer who was concerned that big city insurance companies would not serve the specific needs of his business and community.

Here are three simple ways to support small businesses and have a positive impact:

1) Get to know your community through its businesses

Your support matters all year long. For many people, this means shifting their mindset to thinking about local options first and getting to know the types of products and services your local businesses are providing. Whether you are purchasing items for yourself or someone else, start to understand how these local businesses can fill your needs. Don’t forget, many small businesses offer gift cards, which are wonderful ways to show ongoing support.

2)

about. I think of this like an inside joke, but it commonly refers to either something only girls understand, or something only boys understand.

Living rent-free doesn’t refer to someone living rent-free in your house, but rather something like a video, song, or picture that sticks with your memory, and you just can’t get it out (Think “earworm”). I know Taylor Swift is living rent-free in my head. “Living rent-free” can also have negative connotations, meaning someone could live rent-free in your head because you’re just so fed up with them, and what they did continuously upsets you. As a Gen Z citizen myself, I haven’t heard anyone use this phrase in a sarcastic way, but if you have, think of it as your fan base constantly “awing” over you.

If you aren’t the main character of your life, then who is? I’ve always heard the term main character energy on the internet and thought it meant an extrovert, or spontaneous person. With Gen Z, it means setting goals and bettering yourself; you shouldn’t evolve for other people, you should evolve for yourself.

In L & W, rather than “L” meaning losers, Gen Z has changed the letter to mean “taking an L,” or losing. Losing a soccer game would mean that the team “took the L.” On the other hand, if you won your soccer game, that means your team “took the W,” or the win. These letters can be used in any context where there is a good or bad outcome. These letters are usually used in a light manner, like when someone spills coffee on their homework, that’s an L. Or, if you didn’t know you had a free dozen donuts from Krispy Kreme, that’s a W.

These are only a few phrases I’ve heard around the internet, and if you haven’t heard any of them, try using them in the next conversation you have. Boomers should ask their kids or grandkids if they use them, too. Either way, I try to keep my parents up to date with the newest Gen Z lingo. and I hope you can, too.

Emma Dison Brantley is a third-year student at the University of Cincinnati, where she is pursuing a degree in information technology on the game development and simulation track.

Support small business service providers

Small businesses aren’t just for tangible goods. Many provide important services, such as your local mechanic, dentist, or plumbing

company. So, no matter your needs, try and find businesses that are active in the community. You can spot these businesses by seeing how they engage with their neighbors. Look for the providers that are going above and beyond to support the neighborhood and other small businesses. By supporting those that have a strong investment in your community, you are helping them create a greater impact.

3) Share your experiences

Many small businesses rely on satisfied customers to tell others so they can grow their client base. People trust word of mouth, so your effort makes a difference. In fact, more than eight out of 10 people around the world said they completely or somewhat trust the recommendations of friends and family, according to Nielsen. Plus, two-thirds said they trust online opinions from consumers. So, tell a friend in person, share a post on social media, or leave a positive review online.

If you’re a small business owner, consider using your platform to build up other entrepreneurs in your neighborhood. The next time you have a need arise, think of how a small business can help. Every effort counts to build your community, show your support, and ensure you continue to have thriving small businesses near you. (BPT)

By Myra Coria, M.Ed.

Shopping for gifts is so fun – until it’s not. When was the last time you purchased a gift for a child? The long lines, the traffic, and not to mention those rising toy prices. One is left to wonder if it’s all worth it for a toy that will likely end up under the car seat or get forgotten after about fifteen minutes. What about gifting something that will last a lifetime? What about gifting a memory, something that was previously out of reach for a family?

Dani Vasquez Robles vividly remembers throwing a tennis ball in the air and smashing it with her racquet. Gabby Bautista will never forget feeling the wind through her hair as she cheered and flipped in the air during a high school football game.

Dani and Gabby were both raised in Snellville and attended South Gwinnett High School. Dani is grateful she was able to think of creative ways to pay for her high school memories. Twelve years later, Dani has had to get even more creative as a mother of two active and curious boys, one who enjoys playing baseball, and the other who likes going to the zoo. When Dani’s sisters asked Dani what toys her youngest wanted, Dani looked at the stack of toys that had not been played with for months, and instead asked them to contribute to a trip to the zoo. This idea sparked her interest in meaningful gift-giving.

A pediatric nurse practitioner and mother of a two year old, Gabby had a similar experience regarding her daughter’s birthday gifts. Gabby’s daughter received the same gift three times and was tasked with giving away the toy intended for her daughter. Instead of toys for her birthday, her active daughter would love to attend a toddler gymnastics class.

Gabby soon joined Dani in the movement toward finding a way to make gifting more meaningful, memorable, and easier on everyone!

Dani is the co-founder and COO at Gift Nabü, and Gabby is the Head of Community Engagement. Gift Nabü is an innovative way to gift children learning experiences, life lessons, and memories with the help and collaboration from loved ones. Parents start by creating a Gift Continued on page 22

Emory Morsberger: Helping Ukraine

By Victoria R. Crosby

I recently attended a lecture by Emory Morsberger who gave a very moving talk about his visits with a relief team to the front lines of the war in Ukraine. Emory serves as president for Tucker Summit Community Improvement District (CID), and executive director for Gateways85 CID, which is one of the largest CIDs, covering fourteen square miles, and directs all activities for these two metro Atlanta CIDs.

Emory Morsberger first visited Ukraine in 1998 when he began hearing stories from the Ukrainian people of freedom from Russia.

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine with a full-scale war. “The people of Ukraine want to live productive lives, like any other group of people,” Emory told the people listening attentively to his lecture. “After the invasion five million women and children left the wartorn country, but men aged from sixteen to sixty-five are not allowed to leave. Many of the people who left went to Romania, Poland, Germany, and the United States.”

After sending financial contributions, Emory wanted to do more to help, and at the top of Stone Mountain, he prayed to God about wanting to do more than sending money. Many groups all over the world are helping, including churches, his local Rotary group, and Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), a non-profit organization that recycles home medical equipment and assistive technology. FODAC is a national organization founded in 1986 to collect durable medical equipment and distribute them to disabled resident and their families.

Emory’s Rotary group delivered much needed medical supplies and basic medicines to hospitals across the war zone. Thirty-seven pallets of medical supplies were shipped free by UPS within the US, and then flown by Delta Airlines at half price to Ukraine. One shipment equals a month of medical supplies. It is the women of Ukraine who do the transporting as the remaining men are too young or too old. Truckloads of supplies come from all over the world in tractor trailers, bringing food and other essential supplies. Germany and Austria supply a lot of medicines. Black and Black Surgical has sent medical instruments. Medical equipment has been sent to fourteen hospitals, including surgical drills and incubators for newborn babies. There are bomb shelters in every hospital, and when the air raid sirens go off everyone goes to the shelters.

There are programs for mothers and children supplied by UNICEF,

but many people are living in gyms, schools, and other government buildings as the Russian bombing knocked out the power, so they had no power for light or heat until generators were brought in.

During the presentation Emory showed photos on a screen of the map of Ukraine, and which areas the Russians had taken, photos of bombed out buildings, and of volunteers bringing supplies. He said he didn’t want to show photos of children, as it was too heartbreaking.

He spoke about Putin as a PR genius and the Russian influence through social media on the 2016 US election. “I feel confident that he (Putin) will be gone by next year; however, he could be replaced by someone even worse.” Emory told the audience about the resourcefulness of the Ukrainians as he described how they repurpose the tanks that are abandoned by the Russians when they got stuck in the mud during the rainy season. Consequently, the largest supplier of tanks to Ukraine is Russia!

“I feel strongly that they (Ukrainians) are determined to win,” Emory said. “The Russians are not motivated; they don’t want to be there.”

Ukraine has drones and missiles which will blow up Russian ships. Emory predicts that the war will end early next year as the Ukrainians are pushing back the Russians.

When asked how he felt being in a war zone, Emory responded, “I felt like I was in a movie. I had no fear. I was just doing what I was supposed to do.”

More information at https://helpingukraine.us/

Re-imagine Your Child’s Next Gift

• Achieve family stability with assistance in obtaining a vehicle

• Build credit with the gift of a secured credit card

• Receive a bonus for achieving a 700+ credit score

One resident’s request for funding to cover the expense of real estate classes and materials as she works toward her dream of becoming a real estate agent was denied. However, what she received in return was far better than her original request. Hilda Abbott, Founder of Rudhil Companies, not only offered to pay for the resident’s real estate training, but also committed to providing a mentor and assistance for the resident’s first five listings!

The Rainbow Village Women’s Giving Circle is a diverse, dynamic, and generous group of women engaged in an exciting venture of strategic philanthropy. It leverages the resources of individuals for greater impact by pooling members’ dollars and using the money to award microgrants to families of Rainbow Village. Members also seek to engage and educate the public about families experiencing homelessness. Gatherings are held quarterly and often involve a speaker, food, beverages, games, prizes, and fun. The kickoff meeting for 2023 will be held in March. Women who’d like to join the Women’s Giving Circle in 2023 can learn more and register at https://rainbowvillage. org/womens-giving-circle/.

More information at www.RainbowVillage.org.

Nabü campaign for their child’s birthday or any special occasion. The campaign link is then shared with loved ones near and far and on social media. The campaign funds are kept in a secure account until they are ready to be used for a chosen activity, trip, concert, or therapy session.

Just like that, a child’s gift becomes a lifetime memory.

When asked why Gift Nabü was created, Dani responded, “We need a new way to gift. We have the toys; I think what we want is memories and to provide more access. I know that child development comes from childhood experiences, and we can make it so much easier for parents by coming together to gift these experiences.”

Dani and Gabby have re-imagined the gift-giving scene. They are happy to have found each other at South Gwinnett High School, but are even happier to know that their friendship and innovation will make a difference in the lives of children near and far.

So next time you think about your child’s next gift, ditch the guesswork, long lines, and countless hours in traffic, and gift something memorable and meaningful with Gift Nabü.

Auto Talk: Your Next Car Might Be Electric

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Love them, hate them, or don’t really care, electric vehicles (EVs) are beginning to take over transportation conversations and roadways, and soon, boats and planes. Already, there were 16.5 million electric cars on the road worldwide in 2021, three times more than in 2018, according to S&P Global. Though still in the early adopter phase, here are four reasons your next vehicle is likely to be electric.

Auto manufacturers are phasing out the production of internal combustion engine (ICE) models. General Motors announced in 2021 that the company will only sell vehicles that have zero tailpipe emissions by 2035 across all global markets. Similarly, leading companies like Ford committed to zero emissions globally by 2040 and no later than 2035 in key markets. Some states are making the same commitment. Through Michigan’s Healthy Climate plan, for example, the state is working to achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050, including through electrifying vehicles and increasing public transit.

States are accelerating the push for EVs through legislation. The Air Resources Board is offering a Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, making new and used electric cars more affordable for consumers, as some states seek to ban the sale of ICE model vehicles. On the federal level, as part of a broad new Inflation Reduction Act – designed to address climate change, healthcare, and taxes – a new tax credit of up to $4,000 on used electric cars and revised tax credits of up to $7,500 on certain new EVs are available for prospective buyers to take advantage of. These legislative changes highlight the need for tangible progress in increasing the accessibility of EVs.

States are building out supporting infrastructure for EVs. All over the United States, you will find EV chargers popping up at local supermarkets, malls, and sporting events. Michigan is taking it a step further by bringing chargers to state parks and working with public uni-

versities on pilot programs and research programs to improve battery design. The Lake Michigan EV Circuit Tour, for example, is a network of EV chargers that, once completed, will span over 1,100 miles of drivable shoreline around Lake Michigan throughout Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

“We are going to see a huge uptick in EV adoption, especially as manufacturers continue to diversify the EV models on the market, lower prices for increased accessibility, and partner with states to ensure infrastructure is catching up with the high-tech innovation happening across the country,” says Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan. “It’s only a matter of time before your neighbors are driving one, too.”

Beyond incentives and legislation, we’re still human and want to keep up with our neighbors and peers. EVs have been around for almost thirty years, with the first mass-produced, purpose-built modern electric car from one of the industry’s key players released in 1996 from General Motors. Soon, EVs will make up a majority of new cars available. And, with the many financial incentives and user benefits associated with making the shift to EVs, it may not take long for you to begin reimagining how an EV could fit into your life, too.

While your next car choice will hinge on a range of factors – lifestyle, brand preference, car features, safety ratings, availability, and price – you may be surprised how many boxes an EV can tick. Even without gas, there’s a lot of sustainable power under their hoods. (BPT)