MARCH 2018 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker
Meet the team at TNT Academy, see story on page 5
9 11 12 18
Making a Difference: Fresh Hope for Mental Health Ministry Getting Schooled with Brookwood High School PTSA Up Close with Parkview High School DECA Club Catching Up with UGA Football Legend David Greene
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On the Cover: At TNT Academy, It’s Full STEAM Ahead! By Kim Hill Nancy Gordeuk is pleased to announce that TNT Academy is on track to receive its STEAM certification from the state. STEAM is a teaching approach that incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics to develop student inquiry and critical thinking skills. Ms. Gordeuk, the founder and director of the small private school in Stone Mountain, says the school’s science teacher has already been STEM certified and the school will be adding the Arts component very soon. A couple of other teachers will be attending a professional conference in April to get the educational points, so the process should be completed in the next couple of months. Teachers go through a series of classes and write lesson plans involving across the board education incorporating STEAM into different subject areas. Ms. Gordeuk is especially excited about the STEAM summer camps that will be offered for ages eight through sixteen years. “It’s just something that’s needed in the area, so we took the leap of faith,” she says. “There are endless opportunities for projects, and kids just like to explore and tinker.” There will be teachers for each level and also high school camp counselors to help students with their projects. Ms. Gordeuk says the school has had a lot of things donated through non-profits, including twenty computers that students can use to access Minecraft block building adventure games and coding software. There will be an IT person on hand to assist. Among the other many types of projects to be offered are circuits, electrical light-up playdoh, robotics (Weebots), a forensic CSI, simple machines, and even a trash/renewable resources section where the kids can go and pick the supplies they want to make what they want. Many creative art projects will be included as well. Hoping to draw a large
middle school crowd, the school will offer before and after care, which has not been done before, so working parents can leave their students all day. The day camps will run Monday through Friday. Two other programs offered in the summer are summer school and a five-week credit recovery program for high school students to recover credits, most often in math. New for the current school year is a study skills class that was started based on feedback from college professors who observed that many students don’t know how to take notes or do research. “So we have been incorporating a lot of research and writing skills into our curriculum,” says Ms. Gordeuk, “and writing papers galore!” The school will have around 40 graduates this year, and most are applying and going to college. Many students are dual enrollment, which means they take three classes at TNT and then take one or two at a local college. One student will have completed an associate’s degree by the time he graduates. The school tries to have some social events outside of school and encourages students to get involved with sports through home school teams. Ms. Gordeuk says the NCAA looks at these teams just like they do the public schools, and there are programs in track and field, swimming, football, basketball, cheerleading, and drill team. Other programs like chorus, band, orchestra, and theatre are also available. Students can receive credit for these programs, and working students can get the work-study credit. The school participates in a corporate sponsorship program and is always looking for new partners who are willing to have the kids work in their environment. Students are especially interested in computer jobs, and electrical or heating and air are other areas the school would like to see added. Sponsored students may work weekends or a couple of hours daily after school. “We’re trying to get more into the community by putting
ourselves into things we can help like the Lilburn Co-op, Toys for Tots, and collecting coats and shoes for the homeless,” says Ms. Gordeuk. “We’re wanting to teach the kids team effort and responsibility.” Additionally, an IT person will be teaching classes for adults so they can learn various types of software such as Microsoft or QuickBooks. Some groups such as veterans may be able to receive government assistance to participate in these. Classes will be offered at the school building in the evenings. After finishing a 12-week course, these adult students will get a certificate in their chosen software and will be qualified to get a job. “We are just wanting to help adults in the community who may have dropped out of school or are having trouble getting a job,” Ms. Gordeuk explains, “and just get them into something that could be a career.” Continued on page 17
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Our Town Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
Our 2017 Statistics
Would you like to know:
Number of Homes Sold 130
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Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultZ.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultZ.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Cover Photographer Amadorphoto Distribution Coordinator DeeDee Chapman Feature Writers Daidra Annis Heidi Campbell Kim Hill Amy Ney J. Rice Joanna Shackelford Contributing Writers Jane Bishop Bill Crane Dr. Rodrigo Cruz Terie Hansen John Lemley Tanisha Turner Pam Walker
n Traditional, private middle and high school n Non-traditional high school n Credit Recovery n Accredit homeschool work n Accredited by the GAC- Georgia Accrediting Commission n HIGH ACT/SAT scoresWay above state averages n Accepted to all Colleges and Universities n Hope Scholarships/MOWR
TNT Academy 5510 Lilburn Stone Mountain Road Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Phone 770.921.3690 n Fax 770.921.3693 admin@tntacademy.com n www.tntacademy.com PAGE 6
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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 2018 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduc-tion in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.
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IN THIS ISSUE 5 7 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 21
On the Cover: At TNT Academy, It’s Full STEAM Ahead! From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion Character Counts: Up Close with NG3 at Parkview High School Chaplain’s Corner: Big Steps, Small Starts! Mental Health Support Group Offers Community “Fresh Hope” in Lilburn Howard McCalla, Ed.D. Carries a Legacy of Progress and of Love Getting Schooled with Brookwood High School PTSA Travel Tales: Cabo – Liking the Old-Style instead of the New Parkview High Students Win at DECA Learning Lessons: Fostering Healthy Habits in Young Children Making a Difference: Gwinnett County Delivers Pet Meals History Matters: Gwinnett County & Her Cemeteries Family Fun: Take a Pre-Cruise Vacation on Florida’s Space Coast Business Sense: Sales is ALL About Price: Right? Pet Perch: Simple Ways to Boost Confidence in Fearful Dogs Catching Up with David Greene: Staying True to His Roots Crane’s Corner: Insights from Bill Crane Leadership Lessons: I Don’t Want To! Gwinnett Tech Helps Hundreds Earn Their High School Equivalency Diploma Grayson Tech Culinary Arts Program Opens Ethnosphere Restaurant
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From the Publisher:
American Heritage Animal Hospital
One Man’s Opinion By Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanSauers
Happy March 2018 Our Town community. Warm weather is on the way, which makes this writer a happy guy. I want to take a moment and thank you for your awesome support and feedback. It means a great deal to us and inspires us to improve each day. Nearly everything we read, listen to, and watch is tied to negative media sensationalism. The media (all types) tries to shock/ scare us into paying attention. Why do we seldom hear about a neighbor helping a stranger change a tire, or about a local emergency hero who risks his or her life for us each day? I will tell you why. It is not considered to be the “sensationalistic news headline” that grabs a person’s attention. But, here is the problem with that line of thinking in 2018. People are sick and tired of the negative (doom and gloom news) all the time. So, how do we respond? We have two choices. We can (come together) and UNITE or we can (fall apart) and UNTIE. These two words are nearly the same except for two letters moving between them. UNITE is the heartbeat of this community. We work together, support each other, and help each other do great things. It is important to get this positive news out. This is where Our Town comes in. We supply original local positive content that you do not get anywhere else. You get it in print, online, and through our social channels. Your news, your way! News that makes you feel good, be proud, and smile. People enjoy being part of this community, and they have amazing stories about what they are doing to make it a better place. Our Town will never focus on the negative stories that serve no purpose other than to scare and divide. Does this mean our community is perfect? Of course not. There is no such thing on this earth. However, in all my travels I can find few places that have a greater sense of community than we do right here. I am thankful for this community and our (3F) focus of…faith, families, and friendships. We may have our differences, but we look out for one another first. Quite frankly, I see more of what we have in common than what we do not. Where we work, live, and play is special. Thanks for allowing us to continue sharing and being part of the story of my town, your town, OUR TOWN.
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NG3 Parkview Director: Javier Munoz Interview with Committee Members: William & Amy Ney William Ney is an attorney. He and his wife, Amy, work together in their law practice Ney Hoffecker Peacock & Hayle LLC, located in Midtown Atlanta. They have five children ranging in age from ten to twenty-one. Their children attend Parkview cluster schools. William coaches Mountain Park Lacrosse and Amy currently serves as the PTSA Co-President at Parkview High School. The Neys enjoy traveling, church, watching their kids swim and play lacrosse, cheering on the Parkview Band, and hanging out with their kids and their kids’ friends. Javier Munoz (JM): Why do you serve on the NG3 Parkview Committee? Neys: We have a strong sense of community. We know that what makes a community good is involvement. The more adults who touch a child’s life, the likelihood that the child will succeed will be better. We know kids hear many things, and we just want to be someone speaking truth and encouragement into these kids. Life is tough. But they are too! Many studies have shown that parental involvement drastically increases a student’s level of success. So we want to be that person, not only for our own children, but for the students with whom they go to school. NG3 Parkview is focused on exactly what we want to accomplish. Why reinvent the wheel? NG3 provides an opportunity for us to have an exponential impact. JM: What has your experience been like serving with NG3? Neys: It has been exciting. From day one, watching the program grow in the Parkview cluster, we have been nothing but impressed. The account how NG3 is changing lives has been inspiring. We love the positive influence, message, and opportunity for personal growth that NG3 provides. I wish we had enough volunteers to serve all of the athletic groups and band. It can be frustrating to Continued on page 16
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Chaplain’s Corner: Big Steps, Small Starts! By Dr. Rodrigo Cruz As a parent, there are few things more impactful than watching your kid take his or her first steps. And when he or she finally does, what do you do? You rejoice with jubilation and celebrate like you won the lottery. Why? Because your child started walking. He or she might have fallen flat on the face and bruised the head, but your child started walking. It was only one simple step, and he or she may just kind of floated on the way to the ground, but as parents we take that as a victory and we celebrate it big time. The reality is that eventually our kids will take more important steps in life. Maybe when they walk into kindergarten; when they step into a girl’s house for their first date; when they step into college; when they walk towards their first job interview; or when they walk down the aisle. Most likely, your kids will be taking plenty of important steps in life; but do you know what? There is nothing like the first step. There is nothing like that first start – even if it was a small start. As a parent, I want my kids to attempt big things in life. But more than anything, I want each one of my four children to attempt something big and impossible for God. And every time I challenge them to do that, they ask me a simple and honest question: “Daddy, where do I start?” Well, my answer is always the same: “Start small.” I believe God is always calling people to move forward, and often moving forward implies starting something new – a new direction, a new purpose in life. Yet, if you want to step toward something new, you may have to step away from something old. If you want to step toward your purpose in life, you will have to step away from your comforts in life. It might be to start school again. It might be to start over in a relationship that you lost trust in. It might be to start rehab again, even if didn’t work in the past. It might be to start a new job, to start trusting God with your finances. I don’t know what it’s going to be, but when you step toward what God has in store for you, you often have to step away from what you have in store for yourself. Now, you may have agreed with me up until this point. You may be wondering, “How can I take a step, even if it’s small, if I don’t know where my feet are going to land?” Well, that is actually where trusting in God takes place. If you are a parent and you have asked your kid to take a step towards you (even though they don’t know how to walk), you know what I am talking about. Continued on page 17
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Mental Health Support Group Offers Community “Fresh Hope” in Lilburn By Heidi Campbell “You are not alone.” These words represent the very essence of the Fresh Hope for Mental Health Ministry, a national program that serves adults with mental illnesses as well as their families and loved ones. One year ago, Don Anderson founded the first Georgia chapter of Fresh Hope at Parkview Church, located at 4875 Lilburn Stone Mountain Road in Lilburn. The faith-based group meets on Thursday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m., and welcomes people from all denominations. “My driving force in starting this,” shares Anderson, who is a full time recruiter, “came from realizing how little help there was for a family member who suffered from bipolar disorder. I did some research, found Fresh Hope, and brought it to the church elders as a way to serve our community. They approved it, and we got the program started. We now provide a place for people to share their pain, and there’s a great catharsis there. It’s amazing.” Mental illness is more prevalent than many might realize. In a recent Newsweek article, Victoria Bekiempis wrote, “Every year, about 42.5 million American adults (or 18.2 percent of the total adult population in the United States) suffers from some mental illness, enduring conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.” The available support services for the staggering number of people with mental illness are extremely limited. Anderson, currently the group leader at the Lilburn Fresh Hope meetings, believes that nearly 100% of people “know someone – either a family member, close friend, neighbor, or co-worker – who has a mental health concern.” Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a unique, confidential program that focuses on providing opportunities for people to connect with one another. The ministry in itself can benefit attendees, or it can work in conjunction with numerous other programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Family Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, and other 12-step and addiction programs. While it does not replace professional treatment or counseling, Fresh Hope does provide powerful support for a person’s overall wellness program. It serves people with a wide range of mental illnesses including depression, anxiety and panic disorders, bipolar, ADD Schizo-affective Disorder, Schizophrenia, PTSD, OCD, and other diagnosable conditions. “Fresh Hope is founded on the belief that it is possible to live well in spite of having mental health challenges because of the hope found in Christ,” explains Anderson. “No matter how one feels, it is possible to still have hope because of Christ.” The Thursday night meetings begin with a large group of up to fifteen people gathering to review the tenets of the program and announce the evening’s topic, which might include subjects like self-esteem, getting the most out of therapy, toxic relationships, or overcoming loneliness. The group then breaks into a smaller group setting in order to discuss the topics. Anderson assures that attendees know it is a safe place to share, and they “also know that they are not pressured to share anything that they are not ready to share.” Admission to the Fresh Hope meetings is not only free, but there is also no need to register ahead of time. The Parkview Church members donate meals and help with childcare, which makes it convenient for those coming straight from work. “We can’t thank Parkview Church members enough,” says Anderson, “for volunteering to provide food and childcare through their own expense and time every single week.” Anderson is glad to be part of the first Fresh Hope Chapter in the state of Georgia, but he sees a need to have active chapters in other locations. “We had people driving from 30-40 miles away to attend our meetings. Unfortunately, to make the drive every week is too much for them,” explains Anderson. “Because the need is so great, we would like to see chapters in numerous churches in every city.” Anderson is eager to help other churches start up programs, and is willing to help begin the process and answer questions. The Fresh Hope organization provides excellent training and support materials to make the process seamless. He is also hoping that a larger church with an active teenage population would consider starting up the Fresh Hope for Teens. “These programs are just so important,” says Anderson. “There is no judgement. We welcome those that have mental illness and those that love someone with a mental illness, and we let them know that they are not alone.” More information at www.facebook.com/freshhopelilburn, or www.parkviewchurch.net/freshhope
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Howard McCalla, Ed.D. Carries a Legacy of Progress and of Love By Kim Hill Known around Parkview High School for his positive attitude and contagious smile, Dr. Howard McCalla has a longstanding affection for the county and community where he grew up. With roots tracing to the Georgia Avenue area of Atlanta, the McCalla family ultimately settled in Gwinnett County. The youngest of nine children, Dr. McCalla was raised near Lenora Church Road in Snellville. His mother owned multiple acres on Hutchins Place, which was named after his mother’s great-grandfather, a sharecropper who obtained and bought the land after slavery. “I was pretty much raised on a farm – pigs, hogs, chickens, cows – you name it, we had.” McCalla has early memories of his parents discussing school integration. His oldest siblings attended Hooper Renwick School, which was referred to as the “B” school or black school during segregation. All black students from the Lawrenceville, Dacula, and Snellville area attended Hooper Renwick, which served elementary through high school students. Its teachers focused on delivering a good education, despite having to teach from worn, hand-me-down books. “In 1970 my cousin Jimmy integrated Central Gwinnett,” shares Dr. McCalla. “Jimmy remembers going to Hooper Renwick with my sisters, and then having a chance to go to Central.” Both Central and South Gwinnett High Schools were involved in the early integration of Gwinnett County Public Schools. McCalla explains there is a community called the Promised Land near Highway 124 in the Centerville-Lithonia area, so named because the owner of the land promised to leave it to the slaves who farmed that land after he died. The families of those slaves still live on that property today. “My family and the Promised Land families got a chance to go to South Gwinnett when the bussing began in Gwinnett,” says McCalla. “It was not an easy time for those early students who integrated the schools to be looked at as different.” McCalla attended Centerville Elementary along with his family members from the Promised Land, but when the Shiloh schools were built, the Promised Land families went to Shiloh, and he attended Snellville Middle School and subsequently South Gwinnett High, where he was the only black male in his graduating class. “I never really thought about it because we had all grown up together.” He credits his mom with teaching him love and tolerance. “That’s my walk of life – you treat everybody the way you want to be treated.” Shortly before high school graduation, McCalla remembers going to the counseling department and being told that black boys don’t go to college. “I think this was the most hurtful thing that happened while I was in Gwinnett County Public Schools. I remember it like it was yesterday,” he says. “I decided I would have to figure out how to go to college.” He started at DeKalb College, and as he was finishing he met a professor who also taught at Morehouse College. “He sent me a recommendation, and I got in,” says McCalla. He majored in Spanish and was able to become an exchange student in Mexico. “Looking back, it was not easy, not having the finances. Every once in a while you have people who help you along the way.” One such person was Donald Camp, one of McCalla’s first little league coaches. Camp helped fund the exchange program to Mexico. “He did everything with me because my father passed away when I was a freshman in high school. I dedicated my dissertation to Mr. Camp.” After graduating from Morehouse, McCalla had an opportunity to attend Clark Atlanta University for graduate studies. “I just never thought in a million years that an institution would give me $60,000 – a master’s degree and a specialist degree for free.” He met a young librarian, Alicia, who helped him acquire the scholarship. He had to marry the woman who helped him. He took a position in Detroit, Michigan as a public librarian. While there, he attended Wayne State University and obtained a second master’s degree in sports administration. His wife received a job offer as a reference librarian at Georgia Perimeter (formerly Dekalb College), so they moved back to Gwinnett. McCalla returned to Clark Atlanta University and received a media specialist certification. He worked in the city of Atlanta for two years before being hired at Parkview in the 04-05 school year as a media specialist and a softball and basketball coach. Dr. Charles “Buck” Buchanan, Parkview’s principal at that time, saw that McCalla was good with the kids and encouraged him to pursue administration. “I never had any dreams of going into administration,” says McCalla. “I was working on my doctorate and said, ‘No sir, I am good. I am happy to keep doing my doctorate, working in the media center and coaching.’ He said, ‘I see more for you.’” Dr. McCalla is now in his tenth year as an administrator. He feels it’s a blessing and a miracle. “I don’t know how my career will evolve, but it’s exciting to be back in Gwinnett County Schools where I began. Coming along I had no one to help with my homework. My dad only had a second grade education. He was a sharecropper and a steel mill worker. My mom only had a seventh grade education. So you think about that – I really should not be sitting behind this desk today, with a doctorate degree. It takes a lot of prayer, and hard work and determination.” Dr. Howard McCalla currently resides in Gwinnett with his wife, Alicia McCalla (Media Specialist at Trickum Middle School) and is proud of his son Asante McCalla who is a Navy Officer and Morehouse College graduate.
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“I view PTSA as a tripod,” explains Chuck Studebaker, co-president of the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) at Brookwood High School. “At the top is something valuable and fragile – our kids. They rely on the three legs of the tripod to hold them up. The three legs are the parents, other students, and teachers. If they all work together, everything is good. But if just one of those legs breaks, the thing we value the most, our kids, will fall.” Studebaker serves alongside Co-President Wendy Aina, Vice Presidents Debbie Sumpter and David Weigand, Treasurer Trish Encards, and Secretary Annabel Flunker. PTSA is the largest lobbying group for student interest in the US. They are responsible for initiatives such as school lunches in schools. At Brookwood, membership is a voluntary $7 fee, not to commit members to volunteering, but to demonstrate support of the Brookwood community. Aina, along with her husband Femi and freshman daughter Hillary, moved to the cluster ten years ago, specifically to attend Brookwood High School. Studebaker, his wife Melanie, and three Broncos, Josh, a senior, and Sara and Ryan, freshmen, have lived in the cluster nearly twenty-one years. However, serving on PTSA was not new to either co-president. Both served in the leadership of the PTSA at Five Forks Middle School. “I was interested in just being a parent and preparing my daughter for college in four years,” said Aina. “But then I was approached by the principal and the former co-president who suggested I would be a good fit for the position. And surprisingly, my daughter was excited about me serving as co-president because it keeps her in the ‘know’ about all things Brookwood.” Studebaker said his kids would probably agree. “I think my kids actually like having me at the school, being involved and knowing what’s going on.” Aina added another important benefit for her was the example she sets. “Any volunteer work my daughter has witnessed me do is a great benefit to her. I always talk about being a part of something greater than yourself, and I get to do that while giving back to others.” Studebaker has advice for people considering serving with PTSA, especially those who are afraid of the time commitment. He thinks people want to help but are afraid of getting trapped into a big commitment. “We are not volunteer number one,” he said. “We are here to equip and support our volunteers who step forward. And when they don’t step forward, we go find them.” “Our school is big, but because I am a volunteer, it doesn’t feel as big,” said Aina. Studebaker Continued on page 17
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Travel Tales: Cabo – Liking the Old-Style instead of the New By Pam Walker I don’t know why, but I always feel at home in Mexico. This time, flying all the way across the US to arrive in Cabo San Lucas, I almost felt like I was coming home. I hadn’t been to Cabo in several years, and the sight that awaited me was astounding. When I had been there about ten years ago, there was a small town with beach bars and fishing boats pulled into docks, waiting for customers who back then were few and far between. There was little beyond that, and one had to take a boat out to the giant arch that the area is known for. Today’s Cabo is a huge bustling city with condos everywhere and the rich “whales” from “El Otro Lado” (the other side of the border) are bait for locals. Stores selling designer clothes, hotels almost on top of the arch and reaching way beyond it, and bars everywhere, keep things hopping – both day and night. The place has become a mecca of sorts for Californians who drop in for the weekend to drop out at local spots that are as famous as those in Hollywood. So, did I say I felt at home? In Mexico maybe – but not this place, which has become an extension of the United States. That said, a short drive north took me back to the Mexico I know – little towns with quaint squares that house churches at one end and a police station at the other. Here, too, are the wilds – wild beaches, wild scenery, and miles and miles of desert. I hiked forty foot sand dunes, took little pangas out into the Sea of Cortez, saw Humpbacks and Grey whales giving birth and coming home to their breeding grounds, and saw locals so willing to share their way of life. This is the Mexico I know so well – and where I will come back to inChris the1_4 future. 11884_Dr page 4.875wide x 4.9369in tall.pdf 1 11/27/2017 12:58:00 PM Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor and can be reached at pam@walkeradventures.com
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Parkview High Students Win at DECA By J. Rice In December of 2017, twenty-two students from Parkview High School competed in the DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) regional competition. Two of those students, Julian Ashby and Madeline Le, placed first in their regional events. DECA is an international college preparatory program that offers “co-curricular” activities for high school students (grades 9-12) who want to pursue careers in business, marketing, management, hospitality, or finance. Georgia is one of the largest chapters of DECA. Last month, DECA held its State Career Development Conference competition (State CDC) with an impressive showing from Parkview. “In total, Parkview DECA took forty-three students to the State CDC, which included our Region qualifiers plus the state only competitors,” says Millicent Henson, Parkview’s DECA advisor. “We are proud to say that twenty-two of those forty-three students ‘made the stage’ that weekend as they placed top seven in the state of Georgia. Parkview took the second most students of any other school in Gwinnett and also had the second highest number of placements. After the final numbers rolled through, Parkview has thirty-one total students who placed in the top ten, with probable continuation to the International Career Development Conference, or ICDC.” Seven Parkview High students placed in the top two at State CDC. “Congratulations to Parkview freshmen Olivia Draper and Mackenzie Perez who placed first in Finance Operations Research,” Henson says. “We also had five second place State finishers who are: Julian Ashby in Sports & Entertainment Marketing, Matthew Castrillon and Angela Lee in Sports & Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making, and Mary Wang and Cindy Zhou who placed in Business Services Operations Research. All of these students will move on to ICDC in April and will also be recognized by the Board of Education at their monthly meeting in March.” The input received from local communities is one of the keys to the program’s success. “Business partners who are willing to work with our students and offer their time and expertise for competition preparation are priceless,” Henson explains. In addition, the Parkview chapter participates in at least one fundraiser per year. This year they are selling cookie dough. “We appreciate any and all support we receive during our fundraising drive,” Henson adds. Continued on page 14
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Learning Lessons: Fostering Healthy Habits in Young Children By Tanisha Turner
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Every parent knows that fostering healthy habits in children is important, but there is no instruction manual for how to go about it. It can be tough to recognize habits forming before they become routine, and, as most parents know firsthand, bad habits are hard to break. In the middle of a tantrum or a broccoli boycott, it can even seem like giving in to unhealthy habits is the only option. But healthy habits are some of the most crucial behaviors children can learn, and they can be taught successfully with a little preparation and a lot of encouragement. Before plotting your next attempt to turn TV time into book time or to camouflage green beans, keep in mind the following bits of information from Dr. Laura Jana, pediatrician, author and member of the Primrose Schools Early Learning Council: • The numbers add up. Adults tend to dismiss habits like having one sweet after dinner or taking a daily stroll around the block as being too small to matter, but the numbers really do add up. Even the smallest actions can make a difference in a child’s future behaviors. • It’s never too early. The earlier a child forms a healthy habit, the better. Don’t let age discourage you from promoting a healthy routine as long as it can be done in a safe way. • Take a step back. Parents are busy – it’s a fact. Try to take a step back every now and then to evaluate whether your actions with and around your child are promoting healthy habits, and readjust as needed. Dr. Jana also offers the following advice to encourage three very important habits for young children: tooth brushing, reading, and healthy eating. Tooth Brushing If you want your child to remember and even enjoy tooth brushing, don’t wait for teeth. Infants love putting things in their mouths and having their gums rubbed. Establish a fun routine using baby toothbrushes, which are designed specifically for an infant’s mouth, to kick-start a healthy habit before your child reaches the tumultuous stage of toddlerhood. Reading Make reading fun before it becomes a challenge your child has to overcome. Start reading together even before your child can sit up, hold a book, and understand all the words. After all, the goal isn’t just to raise a child who knows how to read but who loves to read. As your child gets older, find ways to expand the routine or to make it more fun. Eating a Healthy Diet Don’t give up if your child turns up his or her nose at fruits or vegetables – it can take trying a food up to 15 times for children to like it! Consider teaching your child to take a “no thank you” bite to promote trying new foods. If they try it and don’t like it, respect their preference. Getting children involved in preparing and serving child- friendly snacks is another great way to promote trying new foods. You can also help your child establish healthy eating habits by having a consistent mealtime – which ensures that children know what to expect and are hungry for meals – and by Continued on page 17
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Making a Difference: Gwinnett County Delivers Pet Meals
History Matters: Gwinnett County & Her Cemeteries
By Our Town Staff
By John Lemley
Gwinnett County Health and Human Services and Animal Welfare and Enforcement have partnered to provide pet food to Health and Human Services’ Home-delivered Meal clients beginning mid-December. “When we noticed a need, we worked together to act quickly so our seniors and their companions remain as healthy as possible,” Deputy Department Director Blake Hawkins said. “Our animals are like our kids, so not only is the health of our seniors important to us, but so is the health of their pets.” Animal Welfare and Enforcement currently funds the program, and volunteers from Health and Human Services deliver the sealed Hill’s Science Diet dry dog and cat food along with a dietician-approved five-day supply of nutritious frozen meals for the seniors. Approximately 400 seniors receive home-delivered meals, and about thirty of those clients currently receive pet food. Hawkins said they hope to increase that number in the next year and to expand the program to provide clients access to low cost vaccination and veterinary care for their animals. Gwinnett County Health and Human Services partners with the community to help improve the health and well-being of a growing and diverse Gwinnett County. Their four facilities offer wide-ranging social and senior services. More information at www.gwinnetthumanservices.com and www.gwinnettanimalwelfare.com.
“I’m saving my money. One of these days I’m going to be able to afford to move off. But, not yet.” Elmer Nash has the perfect dry sense of humor to comport with the demeanor of a refined country gentleman. He and his wife Judy live in a stately 1852 plantation plain-style house on North River Drive, just a stone’s throw from where Elmer was reared as a boy. This area of Lilburn, Georgia was once known as Berkshire, and it’s where Elmer’s family has lived for the better part of two centuries. Elmer’s first ancestor to settle in this area of the Georgia Piedmont region was his third greatgrandfather, John Walker Nash, Sr. (1782-1849), the focus of our last column. John Walker was the grandson of a Welsh immigrant who came to these shores in 1732 and fought as a patriot in the American Revolutionary War. As was noted previously, John Walker, his wife Sarah, and some of their offspring migrated to Gwinnett County from Greenville, South Carolina, sometime after 1820, with one of their older sons, John Walker Nash, Jr., remaining in South Carolina a little longer. John Walker, Jr. is living in Abbeville in the 1830 federal census. However, just five years later, he’s found in Gwinnett County with the rest of the family, marrying an 18-year-old Margaret Matthews on January 25, 1835. He is Elmer Nash’s second great-grandfather, and he is buried not far from Elmer Nash’s home in what is simply known as the Nash Cemetery. The burial site, according to Elmer, was once in an open field, with family homes and farms scattering the nearby countryside. Today, the Nash Cemetery is a wooded plot of land, surrounded by a substantial brick wall and sitting squarely in the middle of Continued on page 16
DECA Continued from page 12 “Parkview DECA is a family,” Henson declares. “When we prepare, travel, and compete, we are all supportive and we care about each other’s successes. We encourage one another to find positive ways to express ourselves, and to prepare for whatever the future holds. The benefits are limitless!” More information at http://www.parkview.net/home.html
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Family Fun: Take a Pre-Cruise Vacation on TNT Academy ANN-CAROL PENCE (Associate Producer/Co-Founder) arranged the music Presents for Florida’s Space Coast Aurora’s first Christmas Canteen in 1996 and was hired full-time in September of
1998 as Resident Musical Director. AnByeducation Our Town Staffmajor at James Madison University, she used her background to develop Learning Library (or L2). As a musician, she There’s something magical about created Aurora’s Musicals by Moonlight, andIsAurora’s New Musical Initiative. She taking a cruise. it the open ocean? The director indescribable both feeling of warm has performed as pianist and/or music nationally (Goodspeed Opera sea air blowing through your hair? House, Pasadena Playhouse, The Cleveland Playhouse, The Kennedy Center) and The endless access to world-class food, Georgia drinks, and entertainment? locally (The Alliance, Theatrical Outfit, Ensemble Theatre, The Horizon). Whatever the reason, each year milAs a proud citizen of Gwinnett, Ann-Carol most proud winlions of peopleisaround the world set of Aurora Theatre Now Enrolling - Serving Grades 3rd - 9th theirLarge sights onNon-Profit. the fun, adventure,This goes well with her 4 ning the first ever Pinnacle Award for and luxury that cruise ships have June 4th - July 13th Suzi Awards for Outstanding Music Direction for Mary Poppins and Les Misérables, been known to deliver. • Funology - The Science of Having Look what we have in store: Located on Space Coast, Aurora’s world premiere of Clyde ’n Bonnie: AFlorida’s Folktale, and A Catered Affair and her Fun (Elementary) • Designed to be fun and interactive bustling Port Canaveral is one of the multiple nominations for In the Heights, Aports Year Toad, Annie • Electronics & Mechanics: Simple STEAM & Certified Curriculum largest Memphis, and busiest cruise in with•Frog the US. Your As the home portGodspell, to some of the most innovative the cruise this vibrant Line. She Machines & Instructors Get Gun, Singin’ inplayers the inRain andworld, A Chorus is a participant East Coast venue may likely be the place where your next cruise might depart from. • Accredited Private School • It’s All About the Code (Elementary) inWith this year’s Regional Institute. so much to seeAtlanta and do on the Space Coast, Leadership many cruise passengers come to this fun-filled • State of the Art Facility
city a day or two before their cruise so they can settle in before departure and bypass any last-minute • Kid-friendly Support D.H. MALCOLM, (General Manager) joined Aurora Theatre part-time inStaff 2007 travel challenges. It’s called takingIII a “pre-cruise,” and it’s a perfect way to become immersed into the • Nutritious, Gluten-free Meals rhythm of your vacation and ensure you’re well-rested and prepared for your cruise adventure. To as the bookkeeper and business manager for the new facility. Now in charge of truly experience and get an intimate feel for the special way of life on the Space Coast during your • Snackbar during Break Sessions day-to-day D.H. thefiveAurora Theatre budget, spearheads pre-cruise, you’ll needoperations, to explore the area like a local,manages starting with these must-do activities: • Weekly Themes 1. Treetop Trek - Located the Brevard Zoo, Treetop Trek allowssound visitors tobusiness climb, crab advice. development andatprovides thethetheatre with His background • Robotics 1 (Elementary) walk, and zip line through different animal habitats and have an up-close experience with wildlife. • Robotics EV3 includes graduating from Marist School, obtaining a BS from Duke University and With three different aerial obstacle courses, this heart-racing activity provides something fun for everyone. later an MBA from Georgia State University. D.H. has extensive management 2. Duran Golf Club - What would a trip to Florida be without a few rounds of golf? And we’re experience entrepreneurial large course businesses. not just talking aboutinanyboth old kind of golf. Duran Golf Cluband is a world-class that attracts He serves on the board pros, beginners, and everyone inDevelopment between. A favorite among locals and nationally-recognized playof the Downtown Authority of the City of Lawrenceville. In his other ers, Duran has been voted “Best Public Course” and ranked as one of the top 50 courses in the life, he is an ranges. avid golfer and a professional club fitter for Callaway Golf. D.H. has two country for practice 3. Riverfront Park - Once youKatie experience Riverfront wonderful children, and CamPark in historic Cocoa Village, you’ll Our Programs Offers: quickly understand why this is a favorite place for locals to hang out. With public access to nearly Instruction by Master, Certified 10 acres of prime riverfront land, you’ll(Associate see plenty of people jogging, playing, relaxing, andhas lovingbeen• based JUSTIN ANDERSON Artistic Director) the metroEducationin Specialist the sun. The park includes a playground, amphitheater, boardwalk, spacious covered pavilions, and Atlanta area since 2009 and full-time with Aurora since January Artistic asareas for fishing. • Small2014. Group Ratio 4:1 4. Ossorio Bakery & Cafe We could write pages about how delicious the food is here, but this • Serving Students Grades 6th sociations include Theatrical Outfit, Synchronicity Theatre, and Serenbe Playhouse.- 9th handful of words usually will suffice: hand-rolled pastries and homemade ice cream. Caught your • Nutritious, Gluten to Freework Meals While directing at Rutgers University, Justin had the privilege interest yet? studying Located in historic downtown Cocoa Village, Ossorio has been providing locals with • Snackbar During Break Sessions unforgettable mealsSaltz, and treats in a relaxedBerlin, and friendlyWilliam setting for the past fifteen years. with Amy Pamela Carden, and Deborah Headwall. He holds • STEAM Certified Curriculum 5. Superb Fishing - You know how they say there are plenty of fish in the sea? Here, that’s litera BA in Theatre Artsthere from Campbell and an ally true. Along the Space Coast, are around 500 differentUniversity species of fish inhabiting the MA local in Theatre Studies from waters. From deep-sea fishing to surf casting to quietly angling along a peaceful river or lagoon, Regent University. His work has been seen at regional theatres in the Southeast there are numerous guides and outfitters who can take you on a fishing adventure like no other. including Actor's Aurora Dad'sTake Garage Theatre Company, Florida You’ve spent months, maybeExpress, even years, planning your Theatre, dream cruise vacation. an extra day orRepertory two and make itTheatre, even more special by exploring the Space Coast. You deserveSerenbe it! Horizon Theatre Company, Playhouse, Stage Door More information at http://www.visitspacecoast.com/ (BPT)
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Character Counts Continued from page 7
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have kids who want to be involved and not have enough quality mentors to connect with them all. JM: What potential do see with NG3? Neys: We want to see it grow and expand on a national level. That would truly be exciting. However, for us, the greatest impact would be for NG3 to touch every student’s life in the Parkview cluster in a way that makes them strive to be better people. That would be the greatest measure of success. JM: Why should someone in the community financially support and/or serve with NG3? Neys: We all say that we want the best for our kids and for our community. We know that these things do not happen without sacrifice. Supporting NG3 is putting your money where your mouth is. We invest in things that are important to us. Show me your checkbook, and I will show you what you value. When you support NG3 financially or with your time, you are supporting a better community and a better future, not just for your children and their peers, but the future of this community depends on them. More information at http://www.ng3.org/
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You see this article title and know it’s true, as many have told me in my travels across the country. So maybe you are right – in today’s world the sales process is simple. It all comes down to who has the lowest price. If you get your pricing tight/right, then you have a chance of winning/earning some business. If you cannot do this, then buyers will not consider you. Simply said, it is all about price these days. Are you feeling better about your sales now? Not so fast, there is something else I need to mention… The goal was to get your attention as we have the attention span of a goldfish, which is about eight seconds. Friends, this “ALL about price” tatement is absolutely and unequivocally false. If you are selling on price, and this is the only/main thing that separates you from your competition, then you should be quite concerned! You must immediately learn how to differentiate yourself. You see, it is somewhat about price, but indeed all about value. What is value? Value = your price + your goods/services + YOU. Price is just one part of the equation. And, yes, you play a huge part in the value equation. If you don’t add something to this equation, then you are just another price. So, what is value? It means creating a special experience. It means going beyond the norm. This is discussed at length in my best-selling book, Would You Buy from You? Your Brand Makes the Difference. In short, you must WOW someone. They must see you as too unique and valuable NOT to do business with. So, you ask, does price play a role in sales? You bet. However, it is just part of the value equation. Starbucks simply makes coffee, right? And, after all, coffee is coffee. Or is it? So, why do my friends shell out the extra money to buy it while calling them “Fourbucks?” It’s because Starbucks and its teams provide value and an amazing experience, which we desire to be part of, feel special around, and, in turn, gladly pay more money for. It is quite simple. Some trusted salesperson has the respect and the “ear” of your prospect or client. This trusted person will help “guide the buyer” to their final decision. Are you that person? Someone is telling them your price is too high, so you will go away and are out of the picture. It is true, in some cases, that a buyer is only concerned about bottom-line price and nothing more. I strongly recommend moving on from such prospects/customers. You must add real value and go deeper. You want a side by side and ongoing partnership, not an across the table and transactional relationship. I can help you learn how to do this. There are many companies that are making money and many that are not. The ones making money are not selling on price. In contrast, those that are trying to “stay afloat” oftentimes use their low pricing as a sales plan. This is not a good strategy. In fact, the word strategy is a disservice by linking its name to companies that think this way. You know the ones. Many years in a row, you are still talking about the same thing from five years earlier. My challenge in this article is simple. Please take off your “price hat” and put on your “value one.” Why should someone buy from you over the competition? Would You Buy from You? Can you list 4-5 compelling reasons why they should buy from you – beyond price or quality? Ask yourself: “So What?” “Why You?” and “Who Cares?” These questions will help define your brand and differentiation strategy. And, don’t forget, you need to be able to clearly articulate this in 17 seconds or less. Why wait? The time is now. Create value in all that you do so that price becomes a factor not THE factor in your sales strategy. Someone is selling value – is it you? For some free insights on how to sell value instead of price, contact me and we can set a complimentary consultation. Finally, I guess it is fair to say – sales is NOT all about price, right? Ryan T. Sauers is President of Sauers Consulting Strategies, a national speaker, and author of the books: Everyone is in Sales and Would You Buy from You? More info at SauersConsulting.com
History Matters Continued from page 14 the Cambria Springs subdivision off of Louis Road. As we enter the old iron gates of the Nash Cemetery, Elmer boils his pedigree down to just a few sentences: “John Walker [Sr.] is buried over there next to Yellow River [in the Lee-Nash Burying Grounds]. John Walker, Jr. is buried in here, and he was buried in 1882. James Lewis, his son and my great-grandfather, is buried in here, and [he died in] 1926. My grandfather is buried over at Luxomni [Baptist Church Cemetery], and he died in 1972. My daddy is buried over at Luxomni, and he died in 1990.” Now, lest you think otherwise, Elmer Nash is not one obsessed with his family history. In his words, “Judy [his wife] is into Ancestry.com – and she’s a Daughter of the American Revolution and has traced all that…” Before we parted company, I expressed interest in joining Elmer on future historical jaunts. He chuckled and replied, “Well, as long as you don’t believe anything I tell you. It’s probably all just a pack of lies.” More information and photos at A Sprig of Moss on Facebook.
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Pet Perch: Simple Ways to Boost Confidence in Fearful Dogs By Terie Hansen Does your dog seem anxious, nervous, or fearful? Puppies go through a developmental period in which they notice that the world around them is bigger than just them and their family. They can be curious, but also cautious. Some puppies naturally overcome their initial trepidations and go on to explore the world around them confidently. Yet others are frightened by each new experience, person, dog, or even objects such as big trash cans, holiday décor, brooms, and more. Knowing what to do at the first hint of fear or anxiety in your pup can make all the difference. You will need to have patience and know that you can’t rush the process. Teaching your dog basic obedience skills and then employing them when your dog becomes fearful can work wonders. It takes your dog’s attention off that which is scary and refocuses him or her on something positive that can be done, and with food as a reward. If you are unable to get your dog’s focus, move further away from what is scary and try again. Distance = easier. Something as simple as sit, down, and even shake will work when done repeatedly. This gives your dog the chance to learn that nothing bad happened, and that these things really aren’t scary. It can create a positive association (changing negative emotions to positive) regarding the person or thing that was once scary, and boost their confidence in new situations as well. Think about it like this…What if you were afraid of motorcycles, but every time you saw one, someone you trusted asked you to perform a simple task AND gave you $100 for doing so? It would distract you from the scary motorcycle, and over time you might feel better about them. Heck, you might even look for motorcycles so that you could get $100! Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com
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One thing that hasn’t changed at TNT is tuition, which will remain the same for next school year. “We are keeping it reasonable and parents can work out a payment plan,” says Ms. Gordeuk. “Students get the same experience here in our three-day plan that others get in five days. Our teachers are really on it. We have high SAT and ACT scores – above the state average – so we know we’re doing it right.” More information at www.tntacademy.com
Big Steps, Small Starts! Continued from page 8 The reality is that even if your kid falls down, you never say, “Well that was a lame step.” You pick your child up, and you encourage him or her to do it again. You celebrate attempts, failures, and eventually successes. Here is my final thought: You don’t need to have enough faith to finish the walk – you just need to have enough faith to start. You just need enough faith to take a first small step, because who knows what’s on the other side of your first step? Rodrigo Cruz is the Lead Pastor of The Nett Church. More information at www.thenettchurch.com
Brookwood PTSA Continued from page 11 added, “Teachers want to know we (as parents) care about them. Students want a place they can learn and be safe, and parents want the best for their kids. And PTSA supports these goals.” For less than three cents a day, a membership to Brookwood High School PTSA can offer parents, students, and teachers a part of that community. Aina teaches parents that involvement in their child’s school is so important. “Even if you don’t have time to help with a variety of events, try to plan a few hours a year for something that will make a difference which involves your children.” More information at http://www.brookwoodhsptsa.com
Learning Lessons Continued from page 13 being a good role model by eating a wide variety of foods. Encouraging healthy habits in children is no easy task, but getting a head start, taking small steps, and looking at the bigger picture every now and then can make all the difference. Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www. PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com
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PAGE 17
Catching Up with David Greene: Staying True to His Roots By Kim Hill “My parents still live in the same house that they moved into when I was three,” says former University of Georgia (UGA) quarterback David Greene. Greene grew up in the Lenora Park area of Snellville, and attended Norton Elementary, Snellville Middle School, and South Gwinnett High School. “I have been rooted here the whole time,” he says. At that time, Norton was part of Shiloh school district, so when Greene started playing football at seven years old, he began in the Shiloh association of the Gwinnett Football League, where he played alongside his future UGA teammate David Pollack. District lines were eventually redrawn, and as Greene entered 8th grade, he switched over to South Gwinnett Athletic Association because he knew he would be going to South Gwinnett High School. Of his football days there, Greene says, “There was nothing like that feel on a Friday night. You got the band playing and the whole town comes to watch the guys play – it was a lot of fun. I loved it.” After graduating from South in 2000, Greene headed to UGA. “I was fortunate enough to get a scholarship,” he says, “and I really didn’t even know if I was even good enough to play, but I just went out there and stayed true to myself and tried to get better.” Greene earned the opportunity to start as a red-shirt freshman, won the “quarterback battle,” and got to start all four years. “When you think about now,” says Greene, “it’s kind of rare that a kid gets to start at an SEC school for four years, especially at a program like Georgia; so when I look back, I pinch myself knowing I got to start 52 games in a row at Georgia, especially being a home-grown kid living 45 minutes down the road.” At the time, he was the most successful NCAA quarterback with 42 wins in four years. Greene was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2005 and was able to go to the Super Bowl his rookie year, which he says was a ton of fun. “Here I was, 23 years old, from Snellville,” he says, “running out at the Super Bowl.” He spent two and half years there, was released in 2007, and got picked up immediately by the Patriots. The Patriots went undefeated that year and lost to the Giants in the Super Bowl. “It was pretty neat watching Tom Brady that year because he was setting the NFL record for touchdown passes. I think he threw 50 touchdowns that year.” After being released from New England just before the playoffs, Greene was picked up immediately by the Chiefs on their active roster due to a quarterback injury. Greene sums it up: “So I really went from Seattle to New England, New England to Kansas City, finished up the last game or two with the
Chiefs, dressed out on the 53-man roster, spent the off-season with the Chiefs, and then got brought on to the Colts in 2008, getting released about midway through the season.” After having been shuffled around, Greene decided it was time to focus on his young family. “It was fun while it lasted, but when it was over, I was ready to move back home and settle down.” The Greenes returned to Gwinnett, moving to the Grayson neighborhood where his wife grew up. Greene was a risk management and insurance major at Georgia, and knew he wanted to get into the insurance world. In 2009, he started with Seacrest Partners, an insurance brokerage firm. He and UGA teammate Matt Stinchcomb opened up the Atlanta operations for Seacrest. The company merged with Sterling Risk Advisors in July of 2017, and is now SterlingSeacrest. “It’s pretty neat,” says Greene. “I worked myself into becoming a partner in a firm, and we’re the largest privately owned insurance brokerage firm in the state now.” The company has about 160 employees, with offices in Vinings, Peachtree Corners, Columbus, Savannah, Hilton Head, and Little Rock, Arkansas. Greene works out of the Peachtree Corners office. “It’s a great business,” says Greene. “If you love people and you like trying to solve problems and help people protect their assets and their company’s assets, it’s a phenomenal business to be in. I’ve built some great relationships.” The Greenes have three sons, ages ten, seven, and 7 months. “It’s busy now between work and the three kids. It’s busy times,” Greene says with a smile. The oldest two attend a private school in Dacula. “They play some little league ball, but I don’t push them one way or the other to play,” says Greene. “I want them to be themselves and kind of pave their own path. If they like it, great; and if not, no worries either. But they gotta do something. I want them busy!” In addition to his career and family, Greene finds time to give back to the community in a number of ways, sitting on many boards of local non-profits. He was on the FCA board for a number of years, and is currently on the Gwinnett Medical Center Hospital Foundation Board where he assists in coaching their golf tournament. He also sits on the board of the Mitsubishi Electric Classic senior golf tournament held at Sugarloaf, which gives its proceeds back to help non-profits in the area. He says, “I’m involved in a lot of different things, still know a lot of the football coaches that are at different schools, and have known a lot of people through the years of just living here.” More information at http://www.sterlingseacrest.com/
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Crane’s Corner: Insights from Bill Crane
Elevate Your Spirit!
By Bill Crane
yogaloftfitness
“The ABC’s of Health Reform?” “The healthcare system is complex, and we enter into this challenge open-eyed about the degree of difficulty. Hard as it might be, reducing healthcare’s burden on the economy while improving outcomes for employees and their families would be worth the effort. Success is going to require talented experts, a beginner’s mind, and a long-term orientation,” Jeff Bezos, CEO, Amazon.
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Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and Chase Bank – get used to reading about that trio together. Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffet, and Jamie Dimon (even the way they line up is in alpha order) are each innovators and giants in their respective industries. Our US health care costs are the highest in the world. Roughly 50 percent of US businesses with up to 49 employees offer health care coverage to their employees as a benefit. All larger companies are required to offer it, via the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Between Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway, and the enterprises owned by the conglomerate J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, they have nearly one million employees. Though their long-term goal is a larger playing field, in the near term this industry troika is focused on reducing health care costs for their own enterprises and employees. Here are some good places to start. Transparency & Price Competition In sectors of health care not now covered by insurance, there is substantial competition in the marketplace which impacts prices. Lasik eye surgery, cosmetic dentistry, weight loss, and even health clubs and exercise facilities all have dropping prices and even low interest financing available. Requiring health care providers to PRICE all drugs, procedures, etc. in advance of purchase or transaction will allow the trio to substantially reduce their costs through competition. Amazon no longer guarantees the best price, but their company became a market disruptor and frequent leader across retail category after category by wringing out costs. Warren Buffet and Berkshire Hathaway have demonstrated financial genius over decades, buying mature companies and building them into category and segment leaders, while having the resources available to re-invest and expand market access. Economies of Sale Amazon’s most profitable business line is its data centers. Among their largest customers in that enterprise are large hospitals and health care centers, which have to manage and store tremendous amounts of data, as well as those personal health care records available to their patients. This new model with a perhaps very different role for claims manager middlemen and insurers should begin to tip the health care arena back in the direction of the doctor/patient relationship, versus focus on profitability of health care insurers and big pharma. Here in Georgia, Chick-fil-A is one well-established enterprise that self-insures. Whether Team ABC creates its own captive insurer, negotiates a fixed cost-plus model with a large existing insurer, or creates a capitation or boutique health care system with regular direct payments to providers – versus insurance and re-insurance – their economies of scale, as well as other large corporations likely to follow their lead, should all cause a downward impact on health care costs. If you don’t think Amazon knows how to negotiate, just watch the ongoing bidding war between 20 cities and states selected as finalists for the new Amazon HQ 2. Overturn aspects of existing federal law President Donald Trump stated during his recent State of the Union address that reducing the costs of prescription drugs will be a primary goal of his administration during 2018. There is a direct path to getting there. In 2004, President George W. Bush and Congress passed the Medicare Part D Supplement Act, giving a prescription drug benefit to America’s seniors. Part of the act bans federal and local governments from negotiating prescription drug prices with US pharmaceutical companies. The US government is the world’s largest buyer of pharmaceutical products and prescription drugs. Overturn that aspect of the law, and watch prices start dropping. At least through January of 2019, President Trump now should have the votes in Congress to do this, and let’s hope that the positive rhetoric is not outweighed by the fact that the current largest donor to Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign is CVS/Caremark. ABC...I hope it will be easy as 1, 2, 3... I have long believed that to start driving health care costs down, the impetus and market moves would first need to come from big business and the market sector. I wonder – if I keep my Amazon Prime membership and GEICO Auto insurance coverage current, how soon will I be eligible for discounts? Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the full-service communications consulting firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
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PAGE 19
Leadership Lessons: I Don’t Want To! By Jane Bishop Recently, I had one of those “I don’t want to” days. I had begun my day with certain plans. It was to be the first chance in some time to not be on a schedule, and I was looking forward to accomplishing projects on the “want to do” list. But when those plans were derailed, I visited the “I don’t want to” camp! Through the years the mindset of “I don’t want to” generally shows up for me after a significant period of imbalance between responsibilities and play/free time. Thankfully, they don’t show up often. I muddled with this recent “mood” most of the day. It gave me pause to remember how I respond when this attitude shows up. I am by nature and choice a positive, living4ward person. However, that does not imply there are no side journeys into other mindsets. The key is to keep the side journeys brief. I want to share what I have learned, and I hope it will be an encouragement. If these don’t work for you, that’s okay. Find what does. Acknowledge that the mindset exists. Refrain from attempting to “talk yourself out of the mood.” Allow your mind to stay in that space briefly. In other words, don’t allow it to camp out or set up a nice lovely home! Do something out of the norm. For example, on this recent occasion, I went to a local café and had a homemade pimento and cheese sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup. Then, I drove down the road and chased it with a waffle cone sundae! Comfort foods! Give yourself permission to be out of sync. Have fun with your mindset. Related to this recent experience, I posted on FB “What do you do when you have an ‘I don’t want to’ day?” And I shared the photos. Fun and laughter is good physiologically as it produces endorphins. Learn what triggers your different mindsets. When you become aware of the triggers, you can find solutions, coping skills, etc. Next time you are in the space of “I don’t want to,” acknowledge it and apply what works for you! What is your “I don’t want to” story? Share it with me at jane@takethenextstepcct.com. Be sure and put My I don’t want to story in the subject line. Jane Bishop, owner of Take The Next Step, offers coaching and training. Call and book your free consultation: 404.432.2701.
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Gwinnett Tech Helps Hundreds Earn Their High School Equivalency Diploma By Our Town Staff On the heels of being named Georgia’s 2017 GED Testing Center of the Year, Gwinnett Technical College’s Adult Education department reached another milestone, graduating over 400 GED® students for the fall 2017 semester. Many have had to overcome great obstacles and hardships to get to this moment. Many have waited years to finally don the coveted cap and gown and walk across the commencement stage. Stephanie Rooks, Gwinnett Tech’s Dean of Adult Education, says, “That’s an encouraging number! Our department is committed to our students. We don’t want them to just get their GED®. We’re committed to providing students with the skills, resources, training, and guidance needed to advance into college or a career. We meet our students where they are and help them push forward with their lives and chart a new course for success.” Phil Klein, Dean of Health Sciences, gave the keynote address at the graduation. Klein shared words of encouragement to the graduates, saying, “There was likely a time in your life where a college education felt out of reach. Today, right now, that education is right in front of you. Grab that opportunity and embrace your future.” Raquel Mohammed, the GED® graduate speaker and Technical College System of Georgia Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education finalist, told her story of walking on to campus for the first time with her son. “Sitting with my son and his enrollment advisor as he enrolled in college, I learned of the GED® program at Gwinnett Tech, and for the first time in thirty years, I became intrigued and excited.” Out of work and living on a single income, Raquel made the decision to enroll at Gwinnett Tech and earn her GED®. “The barriers and limitations we have faced have been removed. Education is a way out of poverty – poverty of mind, body, and well-being.” According to Rooks, many of the GED®-earners have already accepted that challenge. She reports, “Thirty-four students from this class have already enrolled at Gwinnett Tech to further their education. They’re just getting started.” The Adult Education department serves approximately 2,300 GED® prep students each year. The College offers six adult education centers in Gwinnett (including partnerships with Gwinnett County Sheriff ’s Department, Gwinnett County Public Schools, and Gwinnett Juvenile Court) and three centers in North Fulton, as well as four GED® Testing Centers. Orientation, assessments, and classes are offered to students for free. The cost to take the GED® test is just $40 per subject area. Residents of Georgia who earn a GED® may also be eligible for a $500 HOPE GED® grant, which can be used toward continuing postsecondary education in Georgia. More information at GwinnettTech.edu/ged
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Grayson Tech Culinary Arts Program Opens Ethnosphere Restaurant By Kim Hill The Grayson Technical Education Program at Grayson High School is one of the county’s most exciting, hands-on learning opportunities available. Through applicable courses of study offered in state-of-the-art settings, students receive a superior level of career training in a field of their interest. Assistant Principal Jill Landtroop explains that students select a subject area or pathway that will comprise half of their school day, where part of the initiative is that they participate in some type of internship or workplace readiness development. On February 8th the culinary program launched an on-campus restaurant that will be open twice a month. The restaurant, named The Ethnosphere, offers a three-course meal served in a fine dining setting with table cloths and china. There is a limited-selection menu where guests can choose their starter, entrée, and dessert. Everything is cooked and served by the students. Two “soft” openings were held in the fall – one for the faculty and one for students’ families – to get practice before opening to the community. These two groups were given a survey so the students could get feedback and make any needed adjustments before opening night. The dining experience lasts approximately two hours as every order is freshly prepared in the school’s industry-standard kitchen. Dressed in their serving uniforms, the students interact with the diners. Ms. Landtroop says, “It’s a way for them to get real world experience with paying customers in a safe environment, working with their teacher while learning their skills.” The restaurant’s website, www.ethnosphere.org, allows guests to make reservations via a live reservation link. Reservations are offered from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. The menu is also available online. The price is $25.00 for adults, and a $5.00 kid’s meal is also offered. Students developed the price based on local restaurants’ pricing for a three-course meal, trying to offer a somewhat lower cost while still covering their expenses and retaining some funds to purchase needed products. The Ethnosphere is an example of the collaborative effort that often takes place between different programs offered at Grayson Tech. The Entrepreneurship class helped with the website, marketing, and promotion, while the Digital Media class designed the logo. The Musical Technology class developed a playlist of background music for the restaurant. Additionally, Grayson High School has a new program called Natural Resources Management, which is a horticulture class that has a greenhouse literally right outside the door to the restaurant’s kitchen. Some of the different lettuces and vegetables grown have been used for the restaurant, lending a “farm to table” experience for the students. Ms. Landtroop points out that this focus of collaboration and networking shows students that one way to be successful is to work with others, to play on each other’s strengths, and to take advantage of people you have around you. Though the Technical program is a part of Grayson High School, it is available to juniors and seniors in all schools in Gwinnett County, including the Online Campus. The program runs a blended schedule that offers some off-campus days where students can work on their eClass pages, participate in internships or off-sight projects, or they may opt to come in and work with their teacher. Each career pathway is a one-year program, but students can come back to take a different program or do a work-based learning situation as an intern with their teacher the second year. Students must apply and be accepted for the program, but this is mainly to be sure they can be successful and stay on track for graduation, and to ensure the strengths of the student align with the program he or she is choosing. In addition to the courses already listed, Grayson Tech offers Audio Engineering, Commercial Photography, Information Technology & Support Systems, Law & Justice, Sports Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Video Production & Television Broadcast. The benefits of participating in a Grayson Tech course are many. Ms. Landtroop says there are organizations where students can compete in their specific job area at state and national levels and where scholarship opportunities exist. Students can take industry certification exams in some of the programs, such as IT, where they can walk out with industry certifications that one would typically get in college, and the sports medicine students can do internships in the field with doctors and physical therapists. The program is truly an exceptional opportunity for Gwinnett County students. More information at www.graysontech.org
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1/15/18 12:10 PM
The Village Corner German Restaurant, Bakery & Tavern We are a full-service bakery, restaurant, and tavern specializing in German cuisine.
St. Patrick’s Day Specials 6655 James B Rivers Dr. Stone Mountain, GA 30083
(770) 498-0329
all weekend long Hours Of Operation: Tuesday - Friday 9am-10pm Saturday 8am-11pm Sunday 10am-9pm Closed Monday
Corned beef and cabbage Leg of Lamb Sheppard’s Pie
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Call your local BenchMark today to set up an evaluation. BUFORD I-85 2815 Buford Dr, Ste 102 (770) 271-4413
LAWRENCEVILLE 455 Philip Blvd, Ste 160 678) 985-0238
SNELLVILLE 2050 Scenic Hwy N, Ste A (678) 344-7197
GRAYSON 2065 Grayson Hwy, Ste B (678) 376-0213
LILBURN 1227 Rockbridge Rd, Ste 402 (770) 925-9210
SNELLVILLE CENTERVILLE HWY 124 3641 Centerville Hwy, Ste 400 (470) 365-2135
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