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

On the Cover: Catching Up with FASTSIGNS of Snellville

By Kristen Eleveld

The premier place to find quality, customized signage and other visual aids is FASTSIGNS in Snellville. With a decade of serving the Snellville community and beyond under their belt, the team at FASTSIGNS of Snellville has offered incredible customer service and high-quality signs for a wide variety of local businesses and residents. As they have continued to grow alongside the community they have served for so long, FASTSIGNS of Snellville has brought on new equipment to offer even more options for their clientele.

“We are so excited to let you know that over the last few years we have re-invested our profits into acquiring more technology to be able to do more under our roof to better serve our community,” said Edward MacFarlane, who owns and operates the franchise alongside his wife, Kareen. “We just added two new machines that will allow us to produce eighty percent or more of our products in-house.”

The newest additions to the machine family, as Edward calls them, are a 25-watt laser, which allows FASTSIGNS to engrave materials such as name badges, plaques, small acrylic letters, and much more, and a Mutoh UV texture printer. The UV texture printer machine gives FASTSIGNS the capability of producing ADA compliant signage for all commercial applications, along with the ability to create custom dimensional signage on a smaller scale. The team at FASTSIGNS of Snellville is excited about using these new machines to offer even more options to the businesses and community members in the area.

The process for getting your custom sign made is simple. Just describe your vision to the team at FASTSIGNS and they can help you make it a reality. While client input is a huge factor when it comes to designing your visual aid, FASTSIGNS of Snellville has an incredible team of graphic designers who will offer additional details and ideas to make your sign

look the best it possibly can. The same goes for name badges, electronic signs, menu boards – anything and everything that FASTSIGNS provides comes with the graphic design expertise they offer.

“Designing for signage is what we do best!” said Edward. “Our customers have a lot of input into the design process, as they tell us what they want. We then bring their vision to life with our design...all the while thinking how we can best give their design maximum impact to get their message to their customers.”

“Even a simple sign someone asks for gets the same treatment as a ten thousand dollar sign project,” added Kareen. “We love to make our customers look great!”

When FASTSIGNS of Snellville is not busy creating the perfect visual representation for their clients, they can often be found giving back to

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— An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com

Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett/Walton area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.

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

Publisher/Owner

Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

Ryan@EndResultz.com

Creative Director

Elsie Olson

Elsie@EndResultz.com

Editor

Catherine L. Osornio

Editor@EndResultz.com

Photography

Emil Powella

Photography

Distribution Coordinator

Wendy Head

Cover Story

Feature Writer

Kristen Eleveld

Feature Writers

Victoria R. Crosby

Tana Poncsak

Traci Sanders

Beth Volpert Johansen

Contributing Writers

Jane Bishop

Bill Crane

Terie Hansen

Tanisha Turner

Pam Walker

H. Darrell Watson

Ryan’s Remarks

By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

Wow, can you believe it? We are in July. Time moves fast, so let us enjoy every day and moment. With summer in full swing, we are thrilled to bring you the July 2023 edition of Our Town Gwinnett Magazine July is a month of warmth, sunshine, and boundless possibilities. It’s a time when we celebrate our local spirit, embrace the season’s joys, and create unforgettable memories with friends and family.

In these pages, we’ve curated a collection of inspiring stories highlighting the incredible individuals, businesses, and initiatives that make our community shine. From the dedicated volunteers making a difference to the innovative entrepreneurs pushing boundaries, we are surrounded by a tapestry of remarkable people who remind us of the strength and resilience within our community.

As we dive into the heart of summer, let’s embrace this season. So, leap and try something new, whether it’s exploring a hidden gem in our community, embarking on a thrilling outdoor adventure, or indulging in the mouthwatering flavors of our local eateries. Let’s savor every moment and create memories that will warm our hearts long after summer fades.

This month, I encourage you to connect with your neighbors, support local businesses, and engage in acts of kindness that uplift those around us. Small gestures can have a significant impact, and by working together, we can build an even more robust, more vibrant community.

Remember, each day is a new chapter waiting to be written. Let’s

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Learning Lessons: Teaching Little Hands to Make a Big Difference

By Tanisha Turner

In today’s world, it is important to take purposeful steps to help children grow up to be compassionate and generous human beings. Children who learn the value of giving back at a young age are better able to develop a sense of empathy and citizenship. In addition, research shows that young children who have high prosocial skills – or behaviors meant to benefit another – are also among the most cognitively ready for school.

While teaching young children the joy of giving back can seem overwhelming for parents, helping to instill these attributes in your little ones may be simpler than you think. A study conducted by two Harvard anthropologists, John and Beatrice Whiting, observed the altruistic practices of children of six different cultures. Their findings indicate that, regardless of culture, gender, or socioeconomic status, the most significant differentiating variable is that children assigned more household responsibilities are more helpful and giving.

Encouraging children to contribute to the well-being of the family at a young age – by taking care of the family’s pets, helping parents care for younger siblings, and performing household chores – teaches them the importance of giving back, and, more importantly, the sense of fulfillment derived from helping others. Parents can use the following tips to help nurture selflessness and generosity in children at home:

1. Model kindness to your child and others. Let your child see you offering to help a neighbor or co-worker and express to him or her the happiness you feel when helping others.

2. Remind your child how helping benefits others. Include your child in simple activities by asking for help. For instance, you might say, “Who wants to be my special helper today and help carry laundry to the washer? We won’t have clean clothes without you!” Or, “The dog looks hungry. I bet he’d really appreciate it if you gave him his food and water.”

3. Acknowledge helpful behavior. Show your appreciation and explain

why it was helpful to you. For example, rather than just saying “Thank you,” instead say, “Thank you for helping me carry the dishes to the kitchen without being asked. That saved me a lot of time.”

4. Encourage giving. If another child doesn’t have a toy to play with, suggest that your child offer a toy so they can have something fun to play with.

5. Avoid rewarding generosity. Avoid material rewards for helping and giving behaviors. Treats for good deeds may work in the short term, but children may become less generous over time when the rewards stop. You may also consider taking your child with you to volunteer for a nonprofit organization. Choosing age-appropriate volunteer activities is important. Children as young as three years old enjoy participating in group activities and are able to follow directions. Think through the following questions to help select a volunteer opportunity that is right for your family: Does the organization have experience working with children and families? Will the organization staff welcome my child’s

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FASTSIGNS of Snellville

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the Snellville community and beyond. They are members of the Gwinnett Chamber and the Snellville Tourism and Trade. They also have two dedicated Outside Sales Professionals, Robert and Dianne, who are always out in the community either prospecting or attending ribbon cuttings and networking events. In addition to these connections, FASTSIGNS of Snellville has maintained a ten year relationship with their friends at Special Kneads and Treats in Lawrenceville, and a nine year relationship with the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry, and has provided either donated or discounted signage for these organizations.

For Edward and Kareen and the rest of their team, the number one goal is excellent customer service. They make it a priority to pick up the phone any time a customer calls and to turn a project around as quickly as possible. In fact, FASTSIGNS of Snellville has never missed a deadline in the ten years they have been in operation.

“Customer service is our number one strength, followed by expertise,” said Edward. “We love doing what we do and in our ten years in business we are so happy to have exceeded our customers’ expectations every step on the way.”

If you need a custom visual aid to help your business make itself known, you have come to the right place. Get in touch with FASTSIGNS of Snellville for all of your signage dreams to come true.

More information at www.fastsigns.com/snellville-ga, or (678) 3955559

One Man’s Opinion: BET On Tyler Perry

By Bill Crane

The motion picture and television production industries domestically are temporarily stalled by a Writer’s strike. Though much of the industry now is distributed across many right-to-work states like Georgia, the related artistic and production unions are honoring the strike, refusing to cross picket lines and placing an indefinite pause on millions in shows by major and minor studios alike.

Paramount Global, formerly Viacom and now part of the CBS Entertainment Group, began shopping around B.E.T. Media Group for sale more than a year ago. Despite owning, airing, and streaming a good bit of prestige programming, including the lucrative and always spawning sequels and prequels, Star Trek franchise, Paramount, of late, has also been hemorrhaging red ink. B.E.T. Media includes Black Entertainment Television, BET Plus (streaming version of the network), and VH-1. One of B.E.T.’s most prolific content providers and partners and largest producer for BET Plus is film mogul, producer, actor, writer, and director, Tyler Perry.

Moving to Atlanta in 1990, Perry used his $12,000.00 in life savings (at 22) to stage a musical production, which was admittedly less than a modest success. But Perry persisted, rewriting and retooling that play and launching other shows across what was then referred to as “The Chitlin Theater” circuit, performed live primarily before urban and minority audiences. By 2005, Forbes reported that various Tyler Perry stage shows and productions had generated $100 million in ticket sales, another $30 million in videos of those shows, and an estimated $20 million in merchandising. Perry produced an estimated 300 live shows annually, with an average weekly aggregate attendance of 35,000.

By 2005/2006, Perry was able to use those ticket sales to finance his first motion picture, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, which included the introduction to mass audiences of Perry-world staple character, Mabel “Madea” Simmons, a colorful, protective, and memorable aging black woman, as well as coincidentally a lifelong resident of Atlanta, played by Perry. A long list of Madea comedies would follow, and I am admittedly a fan.

Perry could have stopped there and been a very wealthy man, but instead, he branched out into television production, first with Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, which ran for eight seasons on TBS, from 2006-2011.

In 2011, Forbes magazine noted that Perry was the highest-paid man in the entertainment industry, yet he was still aiming higher. In 2015, he acquired 330 acres of the former Fort McPherson U.S. Army Military Base, straddling East Point and the southernmost tip of the City of Atlanta. What has become Tyler Perry Studios now includes twelve sound

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Insurance Matters: Long-Term Care

By H. Darrell Watson

Medicare does not pay for long-term care. Medicaid does. To qualify for Medicaid, you must first meet Medicaid spend-down requirements, which require you to liquidate most of your assets, including your house.

The average annual cost of a nursing home in the state of Georgia is $91,250. The average annual cost of a home health aide is $52,624.

Someone turning 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services and support in their remaining years. Women need care longer (3.7 years) than men (2.2 years). One-third of today’s 65-year-olds may never need long-term care support, but 20% will need care for longer than five years.

Only 7.5 million Americans have long-term care insurance, or about 3.3% of the population.

Twelve states are considering implementing a Long-Term Care tax to offset the cost of long-term care expenses to the state. One of the ways to opt out of that tax is by owning a long-term care policy.

The earlier you start a long-term care plan, the more affordable the plan will be. One such long-term care policy is a Universal Life policy with a flexible care benefit rider. The flexible care benefit rider allows you to spend down the death benefit of your life insurance policy toward long-term care.

You can use the funds to hire a home health aide to care for you at home or help offset the cost of an assisted nursing home or memory care facility. If you never use the flexible care benefit rider, then your beneficiary will receive the full death benefit of the life policy. Ultimately, the Universal Life Insurance Policy with a flexible care benefit rider has both a life and death benefit. So do not wait! Start your long-term care plan today!

For more information please call (770) 910-3399

Seen in Gwinnett Emil’s Photo of the Month

OWNER, NATE MCMICHAEL

Sidelined…A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop

I wonder if anyone is experiencing being sidelined at this point in the year. The beginning of 2023 had a somewhat rocky start, and perhaps some expectations, plans, and ideas have not quite evolved as envisioned. Life and/or business circumstances may have created some unexpected delays and derailments. Being sidelined shifts you out of your regular routine and activities. What was once comfortable becomes new, different, and unfamiliar. While this territory can be unnerving, there are ways to get back on track.

The first step toward navigating “sidelined” is to permit yourself to create a no-judgment zone. Often when we are sidelined, unhelpful thoughts enter our minds such as “I have no gifts,” “I have no skills,” “I am not useful,” “Why bother?” etc. It is certainly hard to be confident or vulnerable in this state. Being out of your norm can definitely throw you for a loop; however, it’s important to stand on your self-leadership. Allow

One on One: Callanwolde

By Victoria Crosby

Callanwolde Fine Arts

Center is housed in a mansion that sits on twelve acres of beautiful property in Atlanta. Last year the center celebrated fifty years as a non-profit arts organization. The name of the property is an homage to William Candler of Newcastle-Upon Tyne in England, who was an officer in Cromwell’s army in the mid-17th Century in the Irish Rebellion. He was granted lands in the town of Callan, in County Kilkenny in Ireland, and lived with his wife Ann Villiers, who was a widow of Captain John Villiers, in Callan Castle. His descendant, Howard Candler, was CEO of Coca Cola and chairman of the board of Emory University. He built and lived in Callanwolde with his wife until his death. Two years later in 1959, Mrs. Candler donated the estate, including many of the original furnishings, to the university.

Callanwolde was built in the Druid Hills section of Atlanta on twenty-seven acres between 1917-1921, in the Gothic Revival style. The property was designed by Henry Hornbostel, who also designed Emory University.

The gardens were designed by the well-known firm of Frederick Olmsted, which also designed Central Park in New York, the gardens at the Biltmore in North Carolina, and many other gardens in the US and in

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yourself to breathe, assess the situation, and rest in the fact that whatever it is, you can handle it. Reserve all judgment and remove whatever you are hiding behind. Permit yourself to consider the benefits of being sidelined.

Be willing to acknowledge this is not permanent and does have advantages. Take time to evaluate what led you to this point and what you can glean and apply to “get back in the game.” It may take time, but you can choose to continue to tend your mindset and refresh your skills. Remember what makes your heart sing and create your own music again. Ask yourself, “How can I do this while on the sidelines? What can I do to bring myself back to where I want to be?” It will also help to lift your physical posture. Being physically slumped often affects emotions, so stand tall and reinforce your stability. Why? Because your gifts and skills are still there.

Athletes, at times, get injured or replaced and have to sit on the sidelines. Does this indicate they are no longer good at what they do? Have their skills magically gone away because they are on the sidelines? The answer is a profound no! Their goal is to do whatever it takes to be prepared when they are sent back into the game. So, stay sharp, be encouraged, and remain connected to the support systems that keep you going. Remember: even on the sidelines, people are cheering you on!

More information at www.janebishoplive.com.

TO DO AT The Sheridan at Eastside

With a daily schedule that can include fitness, educational programs, hobby groups and plenty of chances to socialize with other fascinating residents, your life will be an adventure of your own design.

See for yourself when you attend an upcoming event:

Luau at The Sheridan

Wednesday, July 19 | Noon

Discover more about our resort-style lifestyle when you join us for an afternoon of summer activities, from water Zumba and snow cones to a special outdoor performance.

Backyard BBQ & Tour

Wednesday, August 16 | Noon – 2 p.m.

We’re heating up the grill, and you’re invited to join us by the pool! We’ll have burgers, hot dogs and tours of our beautiful community.

Resource & Health Fair

Wednesday, September 13 10 a.m. – noon

Your health is important! Stop in to get great information and resources that will help you be your best self.

We look forward to welcoming you!

RSVP to 678-841-0030

THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING

Gwinnett Leadership Spotlight: Meet Rebecca

Shelton and Matthew Dickison

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners recently ratified employment agreements that County Administrator Glenn Stephens executed with two new department directors. Rebecca Shelton was named director of the Department of Water Resources after having served as acting director since last July. Matthew Dickison was promoted to director of the Department of Planning and Development following Susan Canon’s recent retirement.

Shelton started her career as a utility planner at what was then known as the Gwinnett County Department of Public Utilities. After climbing the ranks within the industry and serving in various roles, including in the cities of Atlanta and Alpharetta and an engineering firm, Shelton returned to Gwinnett. Since her return, she has taken the lead in operations, technical services, and construction.

Gwinnett County Water Resources handles water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and stormwater management. Assets include 1,400 miles of stormwater pipe, two water filter plants that produce 70 million gallons of drinking water per day, 3,000 miles of wastewater pipes, and the internationally recognized F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center, which can treat up to 60 million gallons of effluent, or sewage, per day.

Under Shelton’s leadership as acting director, Gwinnett County received the Platinum Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and the Platinum Distribution System Excellence Award, and she served on the leadership team that helped guide Gwinnett in winning the Best Tasting Water in the state. Shelton also was recently named one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Georgia Engineering by Georgia Engineering Magazine.

Stephens highlighted the county’s commitment to succession planning and promoting from within, citing both Shelton’s and Dickison’s appointments as examples. “We are honoring those values with both appointments today,” said Stephens. “Rebecca’s more than twenty-five years of experience in civil engineering and management of local government infrastructure and her proven leadership in that space will serve her well in this new role.”

“Gwinnett is a recognized leader in the water industry,” Shelton said, “and protecting public health by providing safe drinking water, proper wastewater treatment, and effective stormwater services is at the heart of what we do every day. I am fortunate to work with amazing, passionate water professionals who care about serving our residents.”

Shelton holds a B.S. in environmental engineering from the University

of Central Florida and a M.S. in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Dickison joined Gwinnett County Planning and Development in 2021 as deputy director before being promoted to assistant director the following year. The department serves to promote and enhance the well-being of residents and businesses in Gwinnett County by planning for growth and maintaining adopted standards for development. Consisting of the planning, development, building, housing and community development, code enforcement, and administration divisions, Planning and Development is responsible for community planning, authorizing permits for site development and building construction projects, issuing business licenses, and enforcing county codes and ordinances.

“Matthew holds exceptional knowledge and understanding of all aspects of planning, zoning, and development,” said Stephens. “During

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Europe. After changing owners several times and years of neglect, the property was in danger of destruction, so it was put up for sale. Members of the Druid Hills Civic Association formed the Callanwolde Foundation to try to save the mansion from potential demolition. They purchased the property in 1972 with fundraising efforts, matching funds from the Federal Housing and Urban Development Department, and grant money from DeKalb County. Callenwolde is on the National Register of Historic Places.

One of the mansion’s features is the Aeolian Organ, which was designed for the mansion at the time of its construction. The more than 3,000 pipes are hidden behind four decorative and separate areas in the walls and ceiling. Complete restoration took twenty years after Callanwolde became an

Arts Center.

Classes are held in the mansion in a variety of arts, including dance, creative writing, painting, pottery, and much more, even blacksmithing! Callanwolde’s mission is to provide the Atlanta community with premier accessible arts education, especially to the underserved, while promoting enjoyment of the arts at the historic and inspiring Callanwolde estate.

Concerts of many different musical genres are held in the spring and summer in an outside amphitheater. Art exhibits and workshops are held in the Gallery. The beautiful surroundings make a perfect setting for weddings and other celebrations, and can be rented for these events.

The greenhouses are used by the Garden Clubs of Georgia, and master gardeners help maintain the flower beds.

Callanwolde is located at 980 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta 30306.

More information at www.callanwolde.org or 404 872-5338

Rugby ATL and Best Friends Animal Society Team

Up for Kitten Season

By Tana Poncsak

What’s cuter than a bunch of kittens? Perhaps a bunch of kittens with players from the Rugby ATL team.

On April 20th, players on the Rugby ATL team had some fun with kittens from Atlanta’s Best Friends Animal Society during a photoshoot at the Rugby ATL headquarters in Marietta. The photo opportunity is to bring awareness to “Kitten Season” – a time period that typically runs from April to November when female cats tend to have multiple pregnancies leading to an overcrowding of kittens in area animal shelters.

Rugby ATL members were happy to join the kittens for some fun photos with a goal to bring awareness to the need for the adoption and fostering of kittens.

Jordan Brown from Australia, who plays lock position for Rugby ATL, took part in the promotional photoshoot. He said the team members who participated in the event all had a great time.

Travel Tales: Summer Vacation Now!

By Pam Walker

“Where shall we go?” Last-minute vacation? That is the question that many families are asking, knowing that the world is full of people traveling right now. This means long lines at airports, crowded parks and highways, and crowded beaches.

What better way to start planning than with a travel professional? These folks know where to send you that are not as crowded nor as pricy as places you find on the internet. Whether here in the US or worldwide, they can help plan a super vacation with only a little effort on your behalf.

This summer, our National Parks are full and some require timed entries. There is an excellent website, www.nps.gov, in case you want to check some of these out. Again, rely on a travel professional to locate places to stay nearby your favorite park.

A word about those websites that offer homes away from home: what could be worse than booking a rental home on the beach, loading the car with kids, suitcases, toys, and the family pet, and then arriving at the rental location to find someone else in the home? Or worse, the place you rented is a dump! It happens.

If you fly, give yourself plenty of time at the airports before your flights. Nothing could be worse than arriving one hour ahead of time to see those vast lines at the check-in counter and the TSA checkpoint. Get to the airport at least two hours in advance of your flight if not more. Now too, with weather delays daily, be sure and book

“There are several animal lovers on the team, myself included,” Jordan said, adding that as an animal lover, it’s hard not to have a great time when you’re around animals.

Jordan described some of the kittens as energetic and even rowdy, while some were timid and relaxed.

“It’s amazing to see how animals have vastly different personalities, just like people,” he said.

Ultimately, Jordan and his teammates hope the campaign brings awareness to the great work that Best Friends Animal Society does in metro Atlanta.

“Everyone at Rugby ATL is passionate about supporting the community,” he said, “and it’s been an honor to help support this cause. I look forward to supporting them more in the future.”

Rugby ATL formally incorporated as a Major League Rugby team in 2019, and is one of thirteen Major League Rugby teams throughout the United States and Canada with sixteen games in a season. Home games are played at the Silverbacks Park.

More information at https://rugbyatl.rugby/our-story/, and https://network.bestfriends.org/who-we-are/our-purpose.

connections with at least one hour or more between your flights. Always check the website of your carrier as well to make sure that you won’t be left behind.

If you are planning an extensive overseas vacation, start early. If you haven’t done so, again your travel professional can help. There are so many websites offering last-minute “deals” these days, but it is better to have a professional help plan your trip rather than take chances on the internet!

So have a wonderful summer vacation. Have fun, and enjoy being with family and friends before school starts again!

Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More information at pam@ walkeradventures.com

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embrace the opportunities that come our way and dare to dream big. Whether pursuing a personal passion, nurturing a talent, or simply finding joy in the little things, let this summer be a season of growth, fulfillment, and positivity.

Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community and allowing us to share the stories that inspire, inform, and bring us closer together. Your support fuels our passion, and we are committed to delivering a magazine that reflects the heart and soul of our local community. I wish each of you a July filled with laughter, sunshine, and endless possibilities. Let’s make this summer our best one yet!

Here is to a great July 2023. And as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

Learning Lessons Continued from page 9

participation? Is there a specific job that my child can do successfully? Can the organization help my child understand how his or her efforts benefit others?

Compassion and generosity are important traits for every person to have. Helping young children learn the joy and fulfillment of lending a helping hand to others will empower them to make a difference in the world, both as children and adults.

Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com or call 770513-0066.

Grayson Cycling Club: The Silver Fox Memorial Ride

By Traci Sanders

More than ninety cyclists showed up on May 13th to enjoy a scenic bike ride that spanned Eastern Gwinnett and Walton County to raise funds and awareness for those in need within the Gwinnett community. The Grayson Cycling Club (GCC) hosted this event in honor of the generous spirit of a very special long-time member, John Hancock – aka The Silver Fox – who recently passed.

John’s fellow GCC friends had this to say about him on the website:

“John was a friend in our community, from a cycling perspective and also a friend to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-Op and many others. John was always willing to assist all who needed it.

“We all have stories where John would drop back and ride with someone on the verge of bonking, while at the same time ‘gently’ counseling another rider on how NOT to do something. One of his signature statements was, ‘Let’s put our big boy pants on and ride.’”

The memorial ride offered three routes that cyclists could enjoy: a 30-mile, a 63-mile, or a 73-mile-course, with slight hills at the beginning and end, but mostly a flat middle. Each rider signed a health waiver to participate. Cyclists checked in at 7 a.m. and began riding at 8 a.m.. Full

Getting to Know: The Snellville Lions Club

By Traci Sanders

The Snellville Lions Club has contributed to the Gwinnett community in many ways since 1952 with the simple motto: WE SERVE.

Lions Club International began in the United States in 1917 upon the influence of a young Chicago insurance agent named Melvin Jones, who believed that local business clubs should expand their horizons from purely professional concerns to the betterment of their communities and the world. In 1925, the Lions began serving and advocating for the blind and visually impaired by strengthening eye care systems in underserved communities, offering assistance, and enabling them to fight blindness and vision loss.

I recently spoke with Lion Cheryl Johnson with the Snellville Lions. The Lions support Georgia Lion’s Lighthouse Foundation through the White Crane fundraisers, and several Lions volunteer weekly at the Eyeglass Recycle Center at the Georgia Lion’s Lighthouse. Their recycle boxes are located throughout Snellville. Another organization that the Lions support is the Georgia Camp for the Blind, which allows visually impaired people to participate in activities they would normally not be able to enjoy outside of the camp.

The Snellville Lions also contribute to local schools, from awarding scholarships to high school seniors to providing dictionaries to third graders at Britt Elementary. The principal of this school is, in fact, a proud Snellville Lion herself.

Their mission has now expanded to address vision needs, diabetes, hunger, childhood cancer, and the environment. They continue to operate under the premise where there’s a need, there’s always a Lion.

service breaks and SAG (support and gear) vehicles were present to assist riders.

The event raised $3,500 that was split between the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op (which serves the Gwinnett community through food, utilities, and ministry) and the NG3 (which focuses on the development of youth through sports). NG3 Grayson and NG3 Archer provide character talks, discipleship, and community service opportunities to students at Grayson and Archer high schools.

Over 800 pounds of food were received at this event as well. Each rider donated five or more food items to participate and be eligible for numerous prizes such as: a Bontrager tire pump, a Cycliq Fly 12 headlight and camera, a Garmin Varia radar and tail light, a Garmin Edge Explore 2 bike computer, a Supacaz bar tape, a bike tune-up and drivetrain cleaning service gift, various gift baskets and gift cards from multiple merchants, a $100 Visa gift card, and 2 Michelin bicycle tires. All the riders enjoyed a lovely barbeque lunch with lots of delicious sides upon conclusion of the event, compliments of the Grayson Cycling Club.

The club’s website states that this was a ride for honor, impact, and community – and it appears those aspirations were met.

The Grayson Cycling Club’s goals are fun, fitness, and camaraderie. This group typically rides two to three times per week, and welcomes riders of all skill levels, even beginners.

More information at http://www.graysoncyclingclub.com/.

“We’re the world’s largest service organization,” Lion Cheryl shared.

The Snellville Lions Club meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Walton EMC on Lenora Church Road. They always seek more members and volunteers to reach, and service more people and organizations in need within the Snellville community.

Helen Keller beseeched the Lions at the 1925 International Convention saying, “Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?”

It’s clear this organization wasn’t meant to exist simply to help local citizens see more clearly in the literal sense. Perhaps it was also destined to help those in need be able to see a better life and future for themselves through the exhaustive love, support, and resources provided by the Snellville Lions Club.

We all know a lion need not roar to demonstrate its power. Its mere presence can cause anyone to stand up and take notice.

More information at https://www.facebook.com/SnellvilleLionsClub.

Home Matters: Lighting Helps Transform a Home

By Our Town Gwinnet Staff

Your home reflects who you are and is where you should feel your best. When designing spaces, it’s important to select pieces that evoke your personality and add interest to your surroundings. One of the biggest opportunities to define a room is through lighting, which adds touches of fashion and function.

Lighting helps pull a room aesthetic together, much like how a special accessory such as a necklace or tie elevates an outfit. Selecting lighting should be done thoughtfully, with each option complementing – not competing – with the surroundings. Lighting is meant to enhance the other elements of the room and to add a distinguished finishing touch.

If you’re considering updating your lighting, it’s important to take time to determine what you like and how that can be integrated into spaces. Every room tells a story, and the goal is for the lighting to be an extension of that tale.

To get started, ask yourself some questions:

• Do you like the warmth of traditional design?

• Do you lean toward clean lines of contemporary, modern forms?

• Do you prefer a transitional, more eclectic approach to design?

• Is there a period of time with design that is particularly appealing to you?

• Is there a destination or place in the world that inspires your style preferences?

Eye-catching lighting that complements the space is a top design trend, especially as people are spending more time at home. Kohler® Lighting is continuously evolving offerings to meet the myriad design preferences homeowners have. Three new collections demonstrate how different designs can meet these varying styles.

If you like lush, vintage design:

Do you adore designs kissed with opulence and grandeur, similar

Health Matters: Key Steps to Healthy Aging

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

As you age, your health needs change. Staying on top of senior wellness activities is important, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Creating a list of health and wellness to-do’s can help you stay organized, so you look and feel your best.

“Aging well is living well, and it all starts with a combination of activities that can improve our mental and physical well-being,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, chief executive officer of Determined Health and a physician specializing in geriatric medicine. “Although health and wellness may seem to get increasingly complicated with age, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. A few simple – and fun – steps can keep us on the healthy aging path. By taking a proactive approach and prioritizing health, seniors can live their best life.”

Kaiser shares a simple senior-health checklist to help keep you or a loved one focused on wellness:

1) Annual physical: Everyone’s health is different. Even if you see specialists for certain conditions, it’s typically recommended to get an annual physical with your primary physician. This is an opportunity for important health screenings that may include tests to evaluate blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, bone density, and more. It’s also a good time for you to ask any questions and discuss concerns.

2) Vaccinations: Staying current on recommended vaccinations can help you stay healthy and limit the spread of disease. When cold and flu season arrives, be sure to ask your doctor about getting an influenza vaccine. The risk of severe illness from COVID also increases with age. COVID vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness and you can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting vaccinated.

3) Physical activity: All seniors eligible for Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or group retiree plan may be eligible to join SilverSneakers at no additional cost and have access to

to styles in the Golden Age of Hollywood throughout the 1920s to the 1940s? This decor reflected the lavish style of the film industry, embracing opulence and grandeur in designs that made a lasting impression.

The Tresdoux™ lighting collection captures the magic of this classic era and transforms it into a modern collection. The signature look features a mixture of materials and textures, pairing delicate matte ribbed-glass shades with scalloped metal details. From sconces and bath bars to chandeliers, the fixtures feel sumptuous and rich, while never overpowering the space. It’s the ideal marriage of boldness and refinement.

If you like modern style and clean lines:

Look for lighting options with distinct forms for striking elegance. For example, the Kraga™ collection offers a variety of lighting options that are a creative take on mid-century modern designs with a sophisticated twist. Each eye-catching fixture is artistically crafted utilizing curved, linear metal pieces that fit in modern and traditional spaces.

This collection of lighting is sculptural, with an elegance that is bold, yet understated. Devoid of unnecessary decorative elements, these lights

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live and on-demand virtual workouts, including nearly 2,000 activities and classes per week in a variety of lengths and formats.

4) Social connection: Maintaining friendships and connecting with others is an important component to supporting physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Set up coffee with friends. Join community groups. Check out social engagement opportunities through programs that feature working out with a group of peers to build friendships and community.

5) Mental health: Although prioritizing mental health is now more widely accepted, it still can be a challenge for older adults to admit they need help. Talk with your doctor about how you feel and about mental health concerns you may have. There are many ways to help with a variety of mental health concerns, including mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety, seeing a therapist, and taking medication.

6) Mental enrichment: Cognitive decline can occur as you age, so it’s important to be proactive to help support brain health through mental stimulation. Read books. Join a weekly game group. Check out GetSetUp,

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Creativity Corner: Tips to Boost Your Creativity

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Even the most creative people can feel stuck and out of ideas sometimes. So what do you do? If you’re looking to boost your creativity and tap into your inner artist, here are some tips to consider.

Embrace failure: Many people are afraid to take risks or try new things because they are afraid of failing. However, failure is often an essential part of the creative process. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things, even if they don’t work out. Every failure is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Take breaks: Sometimes, the best way to get your creative juices flowing is to take a break and step away from your work. Go for a walk, take a yoga class, or simply sit in a quiet space and let your mind wander. Giving yourself time to recharge can help to spark new ideas and perspectives.

Try new things: Creativity often thrives on novelty and new experiences. Try taking a class in something you’ve never done, or travel to a new place and immerse yourself in a different culture. Exposing yourself to new ideas and experiences can help to open up new pathways in your brain and inspire new creative ideas.

Collaborate with others: Sometimes, the best way to spark creativity is to work with others. Join a creative writing group, collaborate on a musical project with a friend, or take a workshop in a new art form. Collaborating with others can help to stimulate new ideas and perspectives and provide valuable feedback and support.

Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga can help to quiet your mind and open up space for creativity. Set

One Man’s Opinion

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stages, a White House replica stage, and dozens of structures remaining from Fort Mac dating back to the late 1800s.

Perry Studios was also the home production facility for the blockbuster Black Panther in 2018. Perry entered into long-term agreements with Viacom and later BET Plus for new programs and content production during 2017 and 2019. Lionsgate Films has been co-producing and distributing Perry’s films, and in 2022 it announced the construction and development of a $200-million studio and production facility in Douglas County, Georgia. Perry also made Douglas County his home, building a spectacular $100-million compound there. In 2021, Forbes magazine estimated Perry’s net worth to be in excess of $1 billion.

It now appears Perry has won a bidding war of sorts to acquire the entire B.E.T. Entertainment Group. Perry’s work for the BET Plus streaming service helped generate the bulk of BET revenue growth and three million paying subscribers. However, B.E.T. and VH-1 are currently

Gwinnett Leadership Spotlight

aside time each day for meditation or mindful breathing, or try a yoga class to help reduce stress and boost creativity.

Keep a journal: Journaling can be a powerful tool for unlocking creativity. Try keeping a daily journal where you jot down your thoughts, ideas, and inspirations. This can help you to stay connected to your inner creativity and provide a record of your journey as a creative person.

By following these tips, you can help to unlock your inner creativity and tap into your artistic potential. Remember that creativity is a process, and it takes time, patience, and practice to cultivate. But with dedication and effort, anyone can become more creative and expressive in their work and life.

based in New York City, where production, talent, and certainly housing costs are among the highest in the nation.

I’m betting that once the deal closes, Tyler Perry might look to add the title “developer” to his resume, much as the Trilith Studios (formerly Pinewood Studios) in nearby Fayetteville have become a fast-growing live, work, and play community. Whether within the existing Tyler Perry Studios campus, perhaps at the new Lionsgate facilities, or even closer to Perry’s residential compound, Perrywood has a nice ring to it. The capital needed, given current interest rates, to build out such a complex might be best found in the IPO market. To date, Tyler Perry owns everything that he has created, but if he decides to share that ownership in the form of stock in his latest expansion and combined enterprise, I will be betting on Tyler Perry. Makes a nice home for the new HQ of B.E.T., too.

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

Home Matters

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his short tenure with Gwinnett, he has shown a great willingness and ability to lead the department into the future, and I look forward to witnessing those results.”

“I am honored to lead the department at a time when there are so many exciting planning and redevelopment projects underway now, and on the horizon,” Dickison said. “Gwinnett’s future is bright as we continue to promote people-centered development that meets the needs of all residents. I look forward to advancing these efforts and ensuring that our team continues to provide exceptional service to our community.”

Before joining Gwinnett County, Dickison served as Planning and Development director for the city of Chamblee and an associate planner at Clark Patterson Lee and Associates. He has also served in leadership positions in the cities of Dunwoody, Johns Creek, and Suwanee. Dickison began his career in urban planning working for the city of Louisville, Kentucky, where he also earned a master’s degree at the University of Louisville.

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rely instead on the purity of pared down form and hand-selected materials. Crafted from smooth, cast metal frames fitted with glowing, castglass, creamy white globes, each Kraga™ lighting design is an expressive work of art, with its own unique personality and individual flair.

If you like traditional, equestrian design:

If refined elegance that takes cues from nature appeals to you, look for lighting that offers a creative approach to traditional English country decor. You may be interested in the Terret™ Collection that is inspired by British equestrian design, updated through a palette of organic materials to individualize each piece.

Designs draw from early English country decor, where owners would bring the beauty of their pastoral surroundings into their interiors, blending leathers and textiles, their varied textures and tailored forms, with the rustic beauty of wrought iron, weathered wood, and glassworks. The Terret™ lighting collection reflects those ideals, evoking a gentle pastoral era, bringing the equestrian style to a contemporary audience.

Your home is your sanctuary. It’s where you work, play, and relax, and where you can feel like yourself. Lighting enhances the personality of your home and makes it as individual as you are. (BPT)

Pet Perch: Exercise? Or Over Excitement?

By Terie Hansen

While there is no doubt that dogs need exercise, many dog owners turn to running and racing around in a yard or a park as the only form of exercise their dog gets. The problem is that if the only interactions you have with your dog are of high excitement, that is what you are patterning – a dog whose mind doesn’t know how to settle down; a dog that is always looking for the next high-energy engagement activity; a dog that typically demands attention from you on a pretty consistent basis.

On the other hand, training burns a ton of energy, both physical and mental, and has many positive side effects such as creating a calm, relaxed state of mind. Your dog learns to focus. Your dog is learning valuable commands. Your dog has your undivided attention, so it is less likely to demand your attention at other times during the day. Your dog views you as the leader, which can significantly reduce and/or eliminate anxiety, stress, fear, and other negative states of mind and behaviors. All of which, in the long run, equal a well-trained dog!

Moreover, if you’re going to spend time with your dog, what is the difference if you spend fifteen to twenty minutes throwing a ball versus fifteen to twenty minutes training? Time is time, right? Simply doing sit drills burns both mental energy (because your dog needs to focus) and physical energy (because your dog is doing squats) and will tire your dog out. Down drills are push-ups for your dog. Recalls (coming when called) has your dog running back and forth, but in a controlled manner. Kennel

drills also include push-ups because you will teach your dog to enter their kennel and lie down. Even duration commands such as Down and Place burn a tremendous amount of mental energy as your dog practices impulse control while holding those commands.

All drills are done with a leash until your dog consistently follow commands without engaging the leash. You can even use their food (not treats) as a reward. Doing these simple drills will burn tons of energy and sharpen your dog’s obedience skills. In a couple of weeks, you will be rewarded with a much calmer, better behaved dog.

I am not saying don’t play with your dog. I am saying, even if you did 50-50, or better yet, one out of every four interactions with your dog, you played and the other three you trained. The outcome would be a tremendous difference in your dog’s overall behavior, equaling an amazing difference in your relationship with your dog.

Terie Hansen is the Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com

Key Steps to Healthy Aging Continued

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new for SilverSneakers members in participating health plans. This program provides an online learning platform designed for seniors with a wide range of live video classes – over 2,000 hours per week on more than 1,800 topics – to support mental enrichment.

7) Nutrition: What you eat fuels your body and mind, so it’s important to pack your pantry and refrigerator with wholesome foods. Stock up on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, beans, and low-fat dairy. Then explore recipes you can try to experience new flavors and keep mealtime exciting. If you need help or have strict dietary concerns, consider working with a nutritionist for additional guidance.

Doesn’t it feel good to check a few things off your list? For more ideas on how seniors can stay active and connected, visit SilverSneakers.com. (BPT)