JUNE 2024: (BLUE) Our Town Gwinnett Monthly Magazine for Gwinnett/NE DeKalb

Up Close with Frhart2 Enterprises, see story on page 5.

On the Cover: Getting to Know Frhart2 Enterprises

By Kristen Eleveld

You know your business has something to say, but trying to get the right message to the right people at the right time has proven challenging. Business owners and executives already know that as critical as marketing and brand awareness is for their business, they often find themselves pulled into the operations management side of their company, leaving little time to focus on getting their story out there. But for those in Gwinnett, that problem is solved, thanks to Frhart2 Enterprises. Frhart2 Enterprises, owned and operated by Freddie Hart, has made a mission out of helping businesses and individuals get their story out to the community. Their three core service offerings consist of social media content creation (paid and organic), personal branding for executives and CEOs, and media production, such as long-form videos and photography. Freddie and his team work to partner with businesses to discover and develop the message they want to bring to the community and beyond.

“I love when a project starts as an idea, but then over a process and execution, it gets brought to life,” said Freddie, who has been part of the Gwinnett area for most of his life. “It’s always cool to see a marketing campaign, a content strategy, or even a rebranding project start off as an idea, then become a reality.”

You might be wondering what to do if you don’t know how to explain your company’s message – or even if you’re not sure what message your company should share. But Freddie and his team have you covered there, too. Every new client starts by having a conversation with Freddie about their business goals, messaging needs, and ideas they have for reaching their audience. From there, Freddie works with each client to develop those ideas into a plan with manageable goals designed specifically to meet the client’s needs.

“The first thing we do is have a thirty-minute onboarding call with the client to understand their goals and what they are trying to achieve. We also record the call,” explained Freddie. “From there, I will take that recording and listen to it with people who will be part of the project.”

It’s easy to see that attention to detail is just one of the qualities that makes the Frhart2 Enterprises team stand out above the rest. In a world where business owners and individuals struggle to find the right message to send, Freddie is standing by to offer expertise that can lift the load from the client while also increasing their brand awareness.

And these clients are in good company. Frhart2 Enterprises has worked with a variety of clients, including the Snellville Chick-fil-A on Highway 78, who was Freddie’s first client, and Perimeter Roofing, Stablegold Hospitality, other large corporations in the surrounding Metro Atlanta area, and several political clients.

“Marketing, when it’s all said and done, is two things,” said Freddie, “telling your story and getting it in front of people. You started a business to solve problems or make money. Marketing catapults both of those forward. No business owner wants fewer customers, but all of them want more. Being strategic in the content you put out, the messaging you display, and what platforms it goes on is the determining factor in your success.”

If you are ready to let Freddie help you tell your story, the process is easy. Just head to www.frhart2enterprises.com to fill out the contact form and learn more about Freddie and his team. From there, you will watch your own story be told

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Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine — An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com

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

Entire contents copyright 2024 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 Cover

IN THIS ISSUE

Eleveld

5 On the Cover: Getting to Know Frhart2 Enterprises 7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks

8 Mentoring Matters: Kids Hope USA Provides Mentoring to Area Students

9 Stan Cottrell Runs for Suicide Prevention 11 Lilburn Elementary Students Talk to an Astronaut in Space

12 One Man’s Opinion: Those Great Pies in the Sky

13 Apps to Help You Accomplish Life-Improving Goals

14 Exercise Matters: Interested But Intimidated By Joining a Gym?

14 Travel Tales: Summer Adventures – Maybe!

14 Pet Perch: No, You Can’t Pet My Dog

15 Getting to Know: Mercy Montgomery, Snellville’s New Assistant City Manager

15 Mistake…A Word for Your Day

15 Ready For My Closeup? Filming at Smoke Rise Country Club

17 Catching Up on Care with LaVida Massage of Grayson

From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks

By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanTSauers @RyanTSauers

In a world where uncertainties abound, and noise and chaos often drown out the authentic voices, it is crucial to pause, reflect, and recognize the values at the heart of genuine relationships and ultimate success. This means working hard to build the indispensable virtues of honesty, authenticity, integrity, and trust. We should not HATE, but indeed we should HAIT

Honesty, the unwavering beacon of truth, is essential in building meaningful relationships. When we embrace openness, we create an atmosphere of transparency where open communication can flourish. Honest conversations build trust and enable us to navigate conflicts with empathy and understanding. By valuing honesty, we foster an environment that encourages growth and fosters resilience, laying the groundwork for success.

Authenticity, the art of being genuine to oneself, is a powerful force that attracts like-minded individuals and paves the way for impactful connections. When we have the courage to embrace our authenticity, we inspire others to do the same, leading to a harmonious community where everyone’s unique strengths can shine. Embracing our true selves fosters an environment of acceptance and inclusivity where diversity of thought and experience can thrive.

Integrity serves as the bedrock upon which strong relationships are built. It embodies the essence of being true to oneself and others, fostering an environment of mutual respect and reliability. When we act with integrity, we demonstrate our commitment to our values and principles, even when faced with challenges or temptations. This unwavering dedication inspires trust in others, forming a solid foundation for lasting connections.

Trust, the delicate thread that weaves our relationships together, is success’s lifeblood. Trusting relationships are built on integrity, honesty, and authenticity. When

Continued on page 10

Mentoring Matters: Kids Hope USA Provides Mentoring to Area Students

By Tana Poncsak

During the holidays many of us spend time searching for that perfect gift to give to a loved one. But perhaps one of the best gifts we can give someone is our time.

Kids Hope USA is a nonprofit organization that offers mentoring to elementary school students across the nation by way of local churches and faith-based businesses and organizations. It’s through the relationships built between the mentor and the student that brings about distinct benefits to all.

According to Brandon Waite, director of program success with Kids Hope USA, after just one year of mentoring 87% of the students improved academically, 86% of the students improved behaviorally, and 79% of the students improved in social emotional competency based on teachers who were asked to evaluate growth after school and student participation in the program.

“We know kids can benefit from focused care and attention for as little as one hour a week, which is what we offer,” Brandon explained.

For the mentor, it’s a way to live out their faith in a real and tangible way and to make friendships that have the potential to last a lifetime.

“Mentors are often motivated by going into a school to help a student, and what they find is that they actually change in the process,” Brandon said. “There’s

just something about building a relationship with a young person when you show up faithfully. It becomes a friendship, and we are all formed by our friendships.”

And for the church, the mentoring ministry is a bridge to their community for building long-lasting relationships.

Davina Pennington, program support director with Kids Hope USA, says that in Gwinnett, Kids Hope USA is under the leadership of the Community Based Mentoring Program in Gwinnett County Schools where about 145 students are mentored specifically through Kids Hope USA.

Churches and faith-based businesses and organizations can contact Kids Hope USA about starting a mentoring program. Kids Hope USA requires at least one director be appointed, screened, and trained to set up the program at the church. Then they can actively recruit within the church body. The director is also trained on how to screen volunteer mentors, and there’s a clear observance of separation between church and state by mentors. Davina says to lead the program is a significant ask of a director and volunteers, but the rewards are well worth the time and effort.

Often the church already has an existing relationship with a school they want to partner with. If not, Kids Hope USA can introduce a church to a nearby school to see if it may be a good fit.

Churches also include a prayer partner who prays for both the mentor and the student. No confidential information is released. It’s just the simple power of prayer at work.

Mentors in the program are Positive Behavioral Interventions & Support (PBIS) Tier 2 support, which means volunteers aren’t interventionists, counselors, or tutors.

“We are there to build relationships with the kids,” Brandon says. “We can help with homework, play games, and engage in other activities that reinforce academics.”

And while relationships start at the elementary school level, mentoring can continue into middle school and beyond.

Teachers, counselors, and school principals select students who they feel can benefit from mentoring. Brandon stresses that the program is one-on-one mentoring for one hour per week and set up so the student can take part in mentoring during school hours, so there are no additional transportation needs for the student. Teachers, staff, and administrators at the school benefit from the additional support mentors provide.

Knowing a person is there for him/her for one hour every week and isn’t paid to be there, communicates something very powerful to that student. It’s a special gift – the gift of time, and a friendship that can last a lifetime.

More information at https://kidshopeusa.org/

Stan Cottrell Runs for Suicide Prevention

By Victoria R. Crosby

Stan Cottrell, who served in the Marines, is over eighty years old, well over the age of retirement, but he has been running long distances for many years. Originally from Kentucky and now a resident of Atlanta, Stan has run enough miles to cover the earth several times over, according to many reports.

In 1980 Stan was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for running cross country in forty-eight days from Los Angeles to the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. To celebrate his seventy-eighth birthday Stan ran from New York City to San Francisco. Stan’s website states that he was the inspiration for Forrest Gump.

Stan Cottrell founded a nonprofit organization in 1985 called the FriendshipSports Association, as he has run in many different countries, including on the Great Wall in China, spreading the word of friendship, and raising funds for various charities. Stan has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, sociology, health, and psychology, and a Master of Science degree in Community Health Administration. He has been presented with hundreds of awards and has appeared and been interviewed on many television programs, including Good Morning America and the Today Show.

More recently Stan Cottrell has been running to raise funds for veterans to prevent suicides and has partnered with American Legion Post #207 in this endeavor. Dominic Carubba, who also served in the Marines, met American Legion Post #207 Commander Scott Brady in March 2023, shortly after moving to Tucker. The Post had burned down in 2018 and is now in the process of being restored, although there is a need for fundraising to complete the necessary work. Monthly meetings are held at other locations until the post has been fully restored.

Now Senior Vice Commander, Dominic has spoken to groups about preventing

suicide in veterans. Post #207 was founded in 1957 serving Tucker and surrounding communities. One of the missions of the American Legion is to “never leave a man behind,” and to seek out and help prevent veteran suicides, which according to the statistics on their website, is seventeen every day. They organized the inaugural annual 5K race on Veteran’s Day in 2023, and they sell T-shirts to raise money and awareness of the high rate of suicides among veterans.

Veterans22.org is another organization that seeks to support all veterans with PTSD. Their website gives an even larger daily suicide statistic of twenty-two people who take their own lives.

“Stan has been a true inspiration to me and the other members of Post #207,” Dominic said. “He is a true inspiration beyond Forrest Gump to many veterans who seek to continue to serve their community like they did their country.”

More information at www.americanlegionpost207.org

Ryan’s Remarks

Continued from page 7

we trust one another, we can collaborate more effectively, embrace vulnerability, and achieve greater heights. Trust empowers us to take risks, knowing we have a support network that believes in us and our aspirations.

In a world often marked by skepticism and cynicism, it is vital to remember that the HAIT words hold immense power. They are not mere buzzwords, but guiding principles that can transform lives and communities. By embodying these virtues, we can foster deeper connections, nurture genuine relationships, and create a ripple effect that resonates far beyond our immediate circles.

When we cultivate such values, we create a positive and nurturing ecosystem where success becomes inevitable. Let us strive to exemplify these values not only in our personal lives, but also in our professional endeavors. Let us lift each other, celebrate each other’s victories, and champion the power of these virtues in all our interactions.

Remember, every action we take, no matter how small, has the potential to make a difference. Let us create a world where success is not measured solely by material gain, but by the positive impact we make on the lives of those around us.

Together, let us forge a community that stands tall on the pillars of these critical ideas in this article.

These are some thoughts I wanted to share with our fantastic community. Thank you for supporting us and all the small business partners who make a difference in our lives daily. They all operate in a manner built on trust. Finally, and as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

Frhart2 Enterprises

Continued from page 5

through a combination of your business experience and Freddie’s expertise. The final product will be a true reflection of the value you bring to your community and beyond, allowing current and new customers alike to reach out to you for more.

Freddie said it best: “What we do is all about being able to follow our motto of making messages known.”

More information at www.frhart2enterprises.com, Freddie@frhart2.com, @Frhart2 on Instagram

Lilburn Elementary Students Talk to an Astronaut in Space

By Victoria R. Crosby

The children at Lilburn Elementary School recently had a most wonderful experience of speaking with an astronaut in space, Jasmine Moghbeli, through the Amateur Radio International Space Station (ARISS).

Jolie Mayo and Katherine Leaycraft, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) teachers at Lilburn Elementary School, recently introduced the students, from kindergarten to fifth grade, to life in outer space. It began when the husband of teacher Candy Randall, a ham radio enthusiast, made them aware of the program.

Leaycraft has been teaching at Lilburn Elementary since 2012 and Mayo since 2016. To prepare for the contact, Mayo studied and passed the qualification exam to obtain her technical license, which is issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

Licensed radio partners included Darryl Young of North Fulton Amateur Radio League, and Ralph Pickwick Gwinnett Amateur Radio Society, with original music by Austin Rideout.

The entire school had been preparing for the contact event since the beginning of the school year. Classrooms and hallways were decorated in space décor.

Teachers incorporated space content and lessons into their instruction as often as they could. Students learned everything from details about what it was like living in the International Space Station to the creative process of designing their own mission patches to represent their school and class. They also got a hands-on opportunity throughout the year to learn morse code and Ham radio processes.

Principal Mike Bender said that “the students were looking forward to the opportunity, which gave them the chance to witness STEM principles firsthand. They are proud to be among the few schools selected to participate in this amazing and unique opportunity.”

“There was no way for me to predict the impact this had on teachers and students,” said Leaycraft. “It was a big deal for these students, many who are children

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SUMMER CHECKLIST

One Man’s Opinion: Those Great Pies in the Sky

By Bill Crane

Zelma Calhoun made some great pies for Chick-fil-A. Though she did not work in a factory, and this is no “piep” dream, the estimates are that she baked more than 650,000. This is another one of those reasons and stories why those of us in the South may seem to worship at the altar of Chick-fil-A. When I was a freshman in Athens at the University of Georgia (UGA), I was

witness to a curious and somewhat regular happening on Sundays following most every UGA Dawgs Saturday home game. I had left my dorm room on the fourth floor and entered the long hall. There were no elevators, only stairs, and a slight and spritely older and bald man, with a big smile on his face, was walking up the stairs, and then down that long hall. He was carrying more than anyone probably should carry, in neatly stacked and string-tied boxes, of what I would soon learn were incredibly delicious and near freshly baked pies.

The man was Truett Cathy, the founder of the Chick-fil-A sandwich and then owner of a successful but modest chain of primarily mall food court restaurants called Chick-fil-A (CFA). I was fortunate to grow up near one of their then-few mall locations at the North DeKalb Mall. This was the early 1980s, and you could count the CFA stores on a handful of hands. The first free-standing location, also near that mall shop, had not opened quite yet.

The original store, called the Dwarf House, opened in 1949 by Cathy. Though twice remodeled, it still serves huge crowds and quantities each week on the Dwarf House diner and grille side. As well as a standard Chick-fil-A restaurant inside, there is now also a mini-bakery and pie shop named for Zelma Murphy Calhoun, who was hired while she was still in high school in 1954 at the Dwarf House in Hapeville

On those football Saturdays, Cathy could still make the drive around to EACH and every CFA location in a few hours. All CFA’s and the famed Dwarf House were closed on Sundays. Cathy would make the store rounds after the dinner rush each Saturday, gathering up all of the unsold pies. Those few-day-old pies were NOT going to be sold “as fresh” to his customers on Monday.

So Cathy, a devout Christian and thrifty survivor of the Depression, did for what for him was only practical, as well as practicing his faith – he gathered up all those pies for redistribution. The first of many Cathy family foster children, Woody Faulk, lived in my dorm hall at Reed Hall at UGA, next door to Sanford Stadium. Cathy was hauling those pies to Woody and any of his hungry friends. Those pies – lemon, chocolate, and coconut cream – were to DIE FOR. Fried apple and peach pies were later menu additions, with Ms. Zelma serving as the lead baker for forty-five years. Towards the end of her professional baking, Ms. Zelma was making more than 100 pies per day.

When she decided to retire in 2000, Truett Cathy gave her a brand-new Ford Mustang as a parting gift. Looking like new, that car still sits in her driveway as she transitioned this past week at the age of 89. As the Dwarf House went through a second major re-model in 2022, the new pie shop, just inside the entrance, was named in her honor, and in the large kitchen, which serves two dining rooms, she

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Apps to Help You Accomplish Life-Improving Goals

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Setting a goal to improve your life is simple, but holding yourself accountable and tracking progress can make it a challenge to stick with your objectives. Make your new attempts to reach your goals different by utilizing apps to stay on track.

1. Stay Connected with Loved Ones. With busy schedules and loved ones living near and far, keeping track of life’s special moments can be hard. Luckily, the American Greetings ecards app makes celebrations easy and affordable. With more than 1,000 highly personalized digital greetings including ecards, SmashUps™ personalized video greetings, Creatacard™ virtual greeting cards, and Pics & Wishes multimedia cards, you can quickly create, personalize, and send greetings for every holiday, occasion, or just because. Plus, with the ability to schedule cards up to a year in advance and receive reminders for birthdays and anniversaries, the app will ensure your loved ones’ special days are never forgotten.

2. Hit Your Workout Goals. Achieving your workout goals is within reach –even if you are short on time for the gym. Whether you are aiming to start a more active lifestyle, build healthy habits, lose weight, get fit, tone up, or feel amazing, there is a workout routine out there for you. The FitCoach app creates a weekly

workout plan that includes cardio, strength, recovery, and other exercises tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and personal data.

3. Dive into a New Book Series. Exercising your mind is equally as important as exercising your body. Reading can boost your vocabulary, knowledge, and creativity and make you more empathetic. Plus, studies from the Mayo Clinic reveal that incorporating reading into your nighttime routine helps with sleep. Now, finding a new series or page-turner is easier than ever with the Goodreads app. Users can set annual reading goals, see what their friends are reading, write book reviews, and track what they want to read. Struggling with motivation to finish that hefty novel? Online book clubs available in the app can connect you with other readers.

4. Track and Manage Your Finances. Take charge of your finances and keep an eye on your spending. Utilizing a personal finance app like the Spending Tracker – Budget app helps you create a budget calendar, keep track of transactions, and manage your accounts, all in one place. Gaining insight into spending habits can make saving goals much more manageable.

5. Cook a New Recipe. Stuck in a culinary rut? Find new recipes in the Kitchen Stories app. With more than 10,000 recipes, Kitchen Stories can help users of any skill level and diet preference find a new recipe daily, complete with instructional videos and tips from expert chefs. Once you find a favorite meal, add it to your personal cookbook so friends can see what you have been up to in the kitchen. Grab your phone and start downloading! With these simple and helpful apps, you can make your goals stick. (StatePoint)

Our loving

Exercise Matters: Interested But Intimidated By Joining a Gym?

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

You know staying active is important, especially as you age, so you’re considering signing up for a local gym. The problem is that a gym can be intimidating! If you’ve put off joining a gym for this reason, here’s what you need to know to feel comfortable and confident.

Exercise and healthy aging

Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle at every age, but it is particularly important for seniors. Why? Sharlyn Green, a national trainer with SilverSneakers, says it goes beyond physical wellness.

“Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, boost your memory and decrease the risk for some diseases such as Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” she said. “It can help you stay independent and able to keep doing the things you enjoy. It’s time to bust the misconception that gyms are only for younger people and fitness enthusiasts. Gyms are for everyone, no matter their age or abilities.”

To help everyone feel comfortable and confident as a new gym member, Green recommends these steps.

for reference and to record what you do: which machines, how much weight, how many times you lift, etc.

Step 3: Know the exercises in your program. It’s important to know where the equipment you need is and how to use it. Work with a trainer if you have questions. This person can guide you on proper techniques, so you get the most out of your workouts and prevent accidents. Understanding the equipment and gym etiquette is important for your safety and others. For example, you don’t want to unintentionally walk into someone’s workout space and cause them to trip, fall, or drop heavy weights.

Step 1: Get a tour. Have someone who works for the gym show you where everything is. Don’t expect to understand immediately what it all does or how to use it. You’re simply establishing baseline knowledge to build your experience from there. Remember, don’t be afraid to ask questions during or after your tour. Employees at a good gym will take an inclusive approach and be happy to help you by clarifying information or guiding you appropriately.

Step 2: Request a training program. People new to gyms typically get the best results from a personalized program created by a trainer. Print out the program

Travel Tales: Summer Adventures – Maybe!

By Pam Walker

Wow…can you believe it? Summer is almost here! This year has flown by so far! Have you made your vacation plans by now? I hope so!

Europe is filling up more than ever this summer, and if you are planning a last-minute trip to Italy – good luck. It is full! There have been horrendous pictures on the internet of crowds around the Trevi Fountain in Rome and St. Marks Square in Venice. Hotels, both large and small, are charging outrageous prices, too.

Other places in the world are busy as well. It is a magical year for Scandinavia. Everyone wants to go to Norway. My friend Jan, who owns a tourism company in Oslo, says he has never been busier.

Africa and South America, both continents in the Southern Hemisphere where in our summer it is their winter, have also been slammed. Safari space is very limited, and in Patagonia in southern Argentina and Chile, hotels are full.

Asia, too, is experiencing unprecedented tourism, and Japanese tour companies have stopped taking tour requests through October. All in all this year’s travel boom is alive and well. So again, if you have not made your plans yet, contact your travel advisor as soon as possible to get to where you want to go.

Don’t forget the USA. You won’t find space in Orlando as the home of the Mouse is always on everyone’s list to visit. Plus, Orlando is building new attractions and theme parks every year. There are six major parks there now, and two new ones are being built as I write this.

Don’t forget our national parks! We have some homegrown beauties across the USA. Go to their website (nps.gov) before you travel as tickets to enter the parks are now required at quite a few of them.

One final word – always remember to be patient and kind when you travel. Travel is the best way to share worldwide peace, and we learn so much from each other when we travel to new places. Enjoy your summer travels!

Pam Walker is a Virtuoso travel advisor. More information at pam@walkeradventures.com

Step 4: Learn how to adjust machines. Understanding the purpose of a machine is the first step, then you need to know how to adjust it to fit your needs. Depending on your height, weight, fitness level, and goals, you may need to adjust certain machines every time you use them. When in doubt, ask. It’s better to pause and use a machine correctly than go forward and risk hurting yourself or others. A trainer or gym employee can help you, so don’t be shy.

Step 5: Know how much weight or resistance to use. A good trainer will guide you in finding the appropriate weight or resistance for each exercise and share that information in your program. Use this as a foundation and adjust as needed, keeping in mind that as you progress, you’ll likely make changes to continue your health journey.

Again, if something isn’t clear, ask. It’s always better to start easier and adjust up rather than start too difficult and risk hurting yourself.

“The machines and different spaces at the gym can be a great asset for seniors who want to focus on their well-being,” said Green. “Remember to create a well-rounded workout routine that includes stretching, strength training, and cardio to help improve flexibility, muscle mass, heart health, and much more.”

SilverSneakers offers a broad range of physical activity, mental enrichment, and social engagement opportunities in 2023. Members can go to thousands of fitness locations nationwide, plus take group exercise classes designed for seniors and led by supportive instructors. (BPT)

More information at SilverSneakers.com

Pet Perch: No, You Can’t Pet My Dog

By Terie Hansen

Do you let random strangers come up to you or your child, get into your personal space, and touch you or your child? No, of course you don’t. Why? Because you don’t know them, because it would be uncomfortable, because it would make you feel nervous, anxious, or even scared. And because it’s just plain weird.

Well, it’s no different for your dogs. Having someone they don’t know approach them and come into their personal space, make direct eye contact, touch them, talk to them, etc., makes most dogs uncomfortable. You just don’t realize it because you don’t recognize subtle cues dogs exhibit to show their discomfort. Cues such as turning their head away, looking away, yawning, exposing their belly, or licking their lips are just a few of the cues they display. Furthermore, just because a dog is wagging its tail doesn’t mean it’s happy. Dogs wag their tails for many reasons, even right before they attack.

With repeated exposure to strangers your dog can become reactive (growling, barking, lunging, biting, etc). You may ask, “But what about the dog that is excited, looks happy, and pulls towards people?”

That dog can become reactive out of overarousal and excitement. Advocating for your dog (protecting your dog’s personal space), strengthens the bond of trust and helps your dog feel safe and secure. When around strangers, whether in your home or out in public, it’s as simple as not allowing people to interact with your dog.

If you feel awkward saying no, here are some polite ways you can respond when someone asks, “Can I pet your dog?”

“No, he’s in training, but thank you!”

“No thanks, he isn’t friendly.”

“No, my dog wouldn’t be comfortable with that.”

“No, not today, but thank you!”

Remember, you wouldn’t let strangers approach your children, let alone touch them! Speak up and advocate/protect your dog from entitled, albeit well-meaning strangers. It may save your dog from going down the road to reactivity.

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

Getting to Know: Mercy Montgomery, Snellville’s New Assistant City Manager

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

City officials are proud to announce the hiring of Mercy Montgomery to the position of Assistant City Manager.

Montgomery joins the City of Snellville after serving as Assistant City Manager for the City of Chamblee where she managed the directors of the Parks and Recreation, Planning and Development, and Economic Development departments as well as a range of policy development and special projects, including housing policy, downtown activation strategies, and collaborative community service provision.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Snellville team at such an exciting time in our community’s history,” she said. “I look forward to supporting ongoing progress in downtown Snellville and seeing The Grove thriving with new businesses and community activity. The city is fortunate to have exemplary leadership and a highly skilled staff, and I’m looking forward to building strong working relationships and collaborating on innovative ideas as I serve our city.”

Montgomery received her Bachelor of Arts in Education with a focus on experiential learning from the University of Georgia. She also holds a Master of Public Administration degree as well as a certificate in Non-Profit Management from UGA. Following completion of the top ranked MPA program, she completed a Local Government Management Fellowship in Hamilton, Ohio through the International City/County Management Association.

Returning home to Georgia provided Montgomery with the opportunity to work with students at her alma mater before joining the team at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government as a consultant on workforce development for communities and clients such as the State of Georgia’s Department of Economic Development.

She then served for three years as Director of Economic Development for the City of Sugar Hill, leading cultivation, and support of business opportunities in the community and lease-up and opening of the community’s new E Center project. Mercy and her team also managed and provided customized small business support, implementation of an interactive public communications strategy, and various community and economic development initiatives.

Montgomery proudly serves as a member of the Alumni Advisory Board for the Master of Public Administration program at The University of Georgia and is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Gwinnett. More information at mmontomery@snellville.org.

Ready For My Closeup? Filming at Smoke Rise Country

Club

By Victoria R. Crosby

I recently had an interesting experience as an extra on a film set – something I have never done before. The movie, Gander Man, which producer Mike Lindenmayer and writer and director Tom von Dohlen described as a mockumentary, was filming at the Smoke Rise Country Club, and volunteers were needed for certain scenes. The action takes place inside the clubhouse and outside on the golf course.

I jokingly asked if it was to be a remake of the 1980 movie Caddy Shack which featured Chevy Chase and Bill Murray, but I was informed that Gander Man was inspired by the 2005 documentary Grizzly Man by filmmaker Werner Herzog, in which Timothy Treadwell, originally from Long Island, New York (where I lived most of my life), goes to live in the wilderness of Alaska camping among the grizzly bears. Gander Man is about a college dropout whose father is president of a country club, and Gander Man goes to live on the golf course with the geese. I don’t know the complete plot of the film, but our final scene was at a memorial, so it’s possible that the hero dies toward the end of the movie.

Mistake…A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop

In our lives, mistakes are inevitable. They are the markers of our missteps and misguided decisions, revealing areas where growth and improvement are needed. While the consequences of mistakes vary, the value they bring to our personal and professional development is immeasurable.

Mistakes help us learn. Pause for a moment and be present with what is coming to mind. While mistakes can help us learn, it can be awkward, uncomfortable, and challenging to acknowledge a mistake and “own it.” Recently in a conversation with a friend, I was somewhat sure of a specific fact on a subject we were discussing. The next day, I had to acknowledge to my friend they were right, and I was wrong!

Reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve come to realize that mistakes often arise from three contexts:

1. I have not listened to my gut or intuition. I made a misguided decision and it was a mistake.

2. I have mistaken stubbornness for grit and tenacity. This was a lesson I fondly refer to as “The $10,000 Mistake” I made early in my solopreneur career.

3. I have been too hasty and impatient. I’m in a rush or hurry and I don’t take time to just stop and think for a moment. This can either be when I’m writing something and reviewing it to make sure there are no mistakes, or if it’s thinking for a moment before taking a phone call.

However, the beauty of mistakes lies in the lessons they can impart.

Acknowledging a mistake is the first step towards growth. From my perspective, I find that 9.9 times out of 10, I don’t repeat the same mistake. This margin accounts for the acknowledgment that perfection is unattainable, but learning is continuous. One of my Janeisms is “strive for consistent excellence not perfection.”

Mistakes provide us with valuable data about our emotions and responses to various situations. They are intricate details that shape our journey, offering insights into our strengths and areas that require more attention.

By learning from our mistakes, we enhance our effectiveness as leaders. Remember, leadership is influence, and the better we lead ourselves, the greater the impact we have on those around us.

As you navigate through your day, consider recent mistakes you made. Acknowledge them, learn from them, and leverage them as a stepping stone toward becoming a more effective and influential leader. Embrace mistakes as a necessary part of your journey, for they are key to continuous learning and leadership development. Keep leading4ward!

More information at www.janebishoplive.com.

been told to wear clothes typical of country club attire, which varied from woman to woman, some wearing pants, some wearing skirts. We learned that we should mouth the words “walla walla” as it looks like a real conversation without any sound from us.

There is a lot of time that the actors and extras spend just waiting while the technical aspects of the film are being worked on. Snacks and drinks were available to actors, film crew, and extras, provided by the producers.

For our second scene the extras needed to be dressed in festive, colorful, beachy attire, as the scene was supposed to be a drunken board meeting. This was a great deal of fun to act in as we could laugh and act silly, and we even danced the conga line. For this scene we were joined by a male volunteer.

Our last scene, the memorial, takes place by a pond on the golf course in the evening just after sunset. For this scene we wore black and other dark colored outfits befitting a funeral. The actors and extras gathered around the pond. Some held votive candles and others had little blow-up swans, both black and white, with votives on their backs, which were lowered into the water on cue.

That was a wrap for the extras, although the actors and crew continued for a while longer.

It was a fun experience, and we were told that the film will be entered at several film festivals, including Sundance, and will be screened at Smoke Rise Country Club at a date to be announced.

In the first scene a group of us, all women, were just walking down the corridor of the club, pretending to be talking, as the cameraman began filming. We had

It’s something I would consider doing again, but I would hope to get a paying gig in the future!

Lilburn Elementary Students

Continued from page 11

of immigrants, to see this woman astronaut, an immigrant originally from Iran.” Mayo agreed. “They were mesmerized,” she said.

Astronaut Jasmine Moghbeli was born in 1983 in Bad Neuheim, West Germany of Iranian parents. Her father was an architect who emigrated to the United States in 1984 with his wife and children. Jasmine graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and information technology. She was commissioned as an officer of the United States Marine Corps in 2005 and trained to be an AH-1 Super Cobra Pilot.

Jasmine was deployed overseas three times, completing one hundred and fifty combat missions. She received her master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the US Naval Postgraduate School in California. She is married and has twin girls.

The students of Lilburn Elementary were asked to submit questions. A committee then chose the more unique questions to ask the astronaut.

The first question was how she was doing emotionally, which Moghbeli said that today was a good day. Other questions had to do with growing plants in space, what she likes to read in space, and when she wears a space suit.

Pe

t

Jasmine Moghbeli was a huge inspiration to the children. She is certainly a woman making history.

More information at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlwg2rof0LA or Lilburn Elementary School https://schools.gcpsk12.org/LilburnES

One Man’s Opinion Continued

from page 12

is a star on the Dwarf House Wall of Fame.

A letter from Truett Cathy accompanied that Mustang, which is a family keepsake. At the age of 88, in 2023, Ms. Zelma returned for one last stint of baking to give the new pie shop with her name on the wall and just inside her beloved work home one more tour of duty. They lined up around the building for those pies.

The bakery in heaven just got a major upgrade. I imagine Mr. Cathy will give her the full tour, if not already. Please save me one slice of that lemon pie, Ms. Zelma, assuming I eventually make it to that counter.

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

Catching Up on Care with LaVida Massage of Grayson

By Kristen Eleveld

Since October of 2021, TiAnn Walker and her team at LaVida Massage of Grayson have been providing Gwinnett with something we all need: whole body wellness. And while two-and-a-half years have passed since LaVida Massage of Grayson opened its doors, this group is not slowing down any time soon. In fact, TiAnn and her team of dedicated therapists are going full steam ahead with their desire to bring as much wellness in as many ways as possible to the Grayson community and beyond.

“We pride ourselves in being a customized massage center,” said TiAnn of her booming business. “When a therapist brings a new certification or modality in-house, we like to incorporate it.”

TiAnn’s massage therapists meet all of the licensing requirements of the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy, which means their education literally never stops. Some therapists like to brush up on old skills, while others are exploring new concepts to offer guests who visit LaVida Massage.

For instance, some of TiAnn’s therapists have learned the cupping therapy technique, which is often found in sports massage and treatment. While cupping does not have to be used for athletes only, TiAnn says she is looking forward to offering this service to local athletes who need assistance with managing the wear and tear that playing sports can have on their bodies.

When you visit LaVida Massage of Grayson, you will also now find prenatal massage specialists and lymphatic massage specialists. TiAnn’s goal, as always, is to create an opportunity for guests to experience whole body wellness that treats the root of their pain and not just the symptoms.

“We always want to take the opportunity to explore new modalities or techniques,” said TiAnn. “Many of our therapists have been here since we opened, and they know what guests request and hope to see us offer.”

While both staff and guests alike are excited to see these changes take place, one thing that has not changed about LaVida Massage of Grayson is the team’s commitment to giving excellent care to every person who comes through their doors.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” TiAnn quipped, noting that her team continues to make it a priority to get to know each guest individually so their needs can be met. “Many people come here to treat an injury; some come for relaxation. Whether you work on your feet all day or sit at a computer, this therapy will benefit you.”

If you want to learn more about how you can be treated at LaVida Massage of

Grayson, the process is still as easy as it can be. Just fill out the (recently expanded!) intake form to allow the team to assign the therapist that will be the best fit. Once you come for your appointment, your therapist will take some time to understand what your goals are and why you have come to therapy.

And if you want to make it a regular thing, LaVida Massage of Grayson has you covered. They offer a benefits membership program that is specifically designed to allow returning guests to get monthly (or more) massages at a discounted rate. Family members can even share a membership, meaning that each guest has the opportunity to get a top-rate massage at a price that meets their budget. TiAnn has seen some guests gift a massage to loved one to celebrate a birthday or to mark a special occasion. Best of all, the membership is a great way to be locked into a great rate without being locked into a contract, since you can end your membership at any time.

Not to mention, benefits members get 10% off retail products, like the increasingly popular CBD muscle and joint balm – but you will want to hurry, because TiAnn says that one is so popular she can barely keep it on the shelves. If you want to learn more about the benefits membership, just ask the front desk when you arrive for your appointment, and they can set you up.

If you are looking for a place that values whole body wellness, understands your individual needs, and wants to create an opportunity to stay within your budget, LaVida Massage of Grayson checks all of your boxes. Give them a call today to set up your next therapy session.

More information at lavidamassagegraysonga.com, 770.559.9441