MAY 2016: Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

The Gwinnett/Walton Community and Family Magazine

Our Town

May 2016

Grayson l Loganville and surrounding areas

Meet the Team at The Family Tree Garden Center see story on page 5.

10 12 13 14

Nell Foster is a Living Legend: Happy 110th Birthday Getting Local with Loganville: Groovin’ on the Green Making a Difference: Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce Youth Lacrosse in Gwinnett: Growing at a Rapid Pace

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isJohn honored to beIV, we are committed to providing you with the high AtDr. the Simmons dental office of W. Simmons, comprehensive dentalnine care, focused on improving both the function and beauty of your smile. A one of only dentists in patient care and comfort are our primary concerns. We are proud to run a practice that treats ea Georgia to have passed the kind, gentle, and caring manner, just like family. We offer a full range of the latest cosmetic a rigorous required to long-lasting, earn procedures thattesting concentrate on ensuring brilliant results you will love, and others

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PAGE 2

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Our Town

Maurice Jové M.D. Nathan A. Jové M.D. Jeff A. Traub M.D. Decatur

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Our Town

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PAGE 3

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PAGE 4

Grayson, Ga. 30017 770.338.9001

1983 Main Street E. (Hwy 78) Snellville, GA 30078 A mile & ½ east of Hwy 124

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Our Town

On the Cover: The Family Tree Garden Center Offers Something for Everyone

By Kim Hill

Dana is proud of The Family Tree’s community involvement, the educaSome may be surprised to know that Snellville has an upscale gift shop lurking just inside tional programs, and special events. the doors of the Family Tree Garden Center. The unique displays showcase such items as “It is our honor to give back to our lamps, pictures, tasty foods, fragrances, gardeners’ apparel, birdhouses both decorative and community with charitable donafunctional, umbrellas, artwork, candles, greenery, honey products, and home décor galore! For tions and events for fund raising, and outdoor spaces, Family Tree offers bird baths, statuary, pillows, pottery, yard art, lanterns, and to offer free seminars for expert and fountains. Children and adults alike love the miniature and fairy gardening items. novice gardeners alike.” Guest speak“If there is anything you desire for your home and garden and we don’t have it, we will ers have included Vince Dooley, repdo our best to find it for you,” says owner Dana Pike-Van Vlake. She adds that it is so much resentatives from Southern Living more fun than going to the grocery store or another retail store because there is so much living Plant Collection, Extension Services, color and so many creative decorating ideas. “We keep up on trends for the home décor and and Rose Societies, and gardenlandscaping – things that we would love to have for our home. We understand that your home ing gurus Walter Reeves and Bruce is your biggest investment and your personal haven. It is a reflection of you and your family.”

Holliday.

Dana is the daughter of Pete Pike, former owner of the Pike Nursery chain. The Pete Pike Family Tree offers landscape Museum located onsite is yet another reason to visit The Family Tree. Growing up, Dana was design and installation on both large scale and small, with a unique free service called “Quick a cashier at Pike’s, but never knew she would be in the nursery business. She attended Tucker Sketch” for small areas. Customers can pick their own plants and Family Tree will plant them.

High School; then headed to UGA thinking she wanted to do something different. After Summer children’s programs are a Family Tree favorite. “It’s fun to see families coming in here graduation, however, she realized she loved the family business, and she knew her degree in and see the children get excited, and it’s good that families are doing this together,” says Dana. marketing and advertising would be a great asset. She used her talents in human resources for Of her plant selection, Dana says, “We work really hard here to find the best growers. We go recruiting managers for Pike’s twenty-six stores. to their farms and their growing facilities to see how they are grown – to be sure they are grown When Pike sold the business in 2004, Dana retired for a few years and raised her children. properly. We use a lot of local and small growers as well as high end growers like Monrovia One day her dad said to her, “That property is still sitting on Highway 78. I think that’s a good and Southern Living Plant Collection. buy.” He was referring to a former Pike Nursery location perched near the corner of 78 and “Our goal is to be your destination garden center. We are proud to have people from all over Grayson Parkway. “I said, ‘Okay, let’s do it!’” says Dana, “so we started working on it together.

Atlanta come and have a wonderful experience here, and of course find what they are looking It was fun to get to see him work from the ground up. He knows the business so well and was for. Because we are a single store, we can get so many different varieties that maybe other places eager to support me. We opened up in March (2010) and it’s been great since. We are so happy can’t carry because they have to supply their whole chain of stores.” She explains that people to be here.” get excited about this because they want something different from what they had last year or Some of The Family Tree’s employees are people Dana has worked with for a long time. different from what their neighbor has. One customer drove two hours to buy something he Dana claims they are the best of the best. “The people that we have are knowledgeable, they are couldn’t find anywhere else, and he has been back, stating, “This is like paradise!” passionate, and they love helping others. Our personal, professional service is second to none.”

More information at http://thefamilytreeinc.com/ • Catholic Values • Financial Aid • Catholic Values • Financial Aid • Community Service • Extended Day • Program Community Service • Extended Day Program • Catholic Values • Financial Aid • Family Involvement • Blue Ribbon School of Involvement Excellence• Community • Family • Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Service • Extended Day Program • Family Involvement • Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

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PAGE 5

Our Town The Gwinnett/Walton Community and Family M agazine

— An EndResultz Inc. Company

Let Your Smile Shine!

Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Cover Photographer Kerr Studio Inc. Webmaster Robert Fordham Distribution Coordinator Ellen Sawtelle Feature Writers Daidra Annis Macrae Brennan-Fuller Rachael Brice Heidi Campbell Kim Hill Anthony R. Socci Karla Socci Somers Michelle Watson Contributing Writers

Mike Harper Gail Lane

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

Entire contents copyright 2016 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Our Town Gwinnett

1227 Rockbridge Road Suite 208-171 Stone Mountain, GA 30087 678-825-2049 Info@OurTownGwinnett.com

Stay Connected!

OurTownGwinnett.com Read Online: OurTownGwinnettOnline.com OurTownGwinnett OurTownGwinnett OurTownGwinnett

IN THIS ISSUE

Treatment

wn Magazine If you mention Our To e Consultation when setting up a Fre

l Free Consultation l Excellent Patient Care l Convenient Location l Most insurance accepted

Dr. Cesar Cardenas

At Grayson Orthodontics we welcome our patients into a comfortable and fun environment where getting orthodontics treatment is a pleasant experience.

Our state-of-the art facility uses the highest quality of materials and the newest procedures to give our patients the best care possible.

5 On the Cover: The Family Tree Garden Center Offers Something for Everyone 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 7 Grayson Growth with Gail Lane: The Importance of Community 8 Community Spotlight: Gwinnett Senior Golden Games 9 Realty Reality: A Great Picture is Worth 1,000 Words…And a Higher Price?

10 4 HOPE Brings Message of Healing and Health to Domestic Violence 10 Nell Foster is a Living Legend: Happy 110th Birthday!

11 One on One with Ride for America 12 Loganville Prepares for an Action-Packed Events Season 13 Making a Difference: Meet the Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce 14 Youth Lacrosse in Gwinnett: Growing at a Rapid Pace

elsie’s design group Linda Coots MaryAnne Burke

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Our Town

From the Publisher:

MAY

One Man’s Opinion

By Ryan T. Sauers

Love your lawn, all year long.

@RyanSauers

Nearly everything we read, listen to, and watch is tied to media sensationalism. And it is mostly negative in nature. We hear of dirty politics, shootings, health epidemics, and many other tensions. Media is programmed to “shock us” into listening. They talk about robbery, murders, assaults, scandals, lawsuits and more.

Why do we seldom hear about a neighbor helping a stranger charge their battery in a parking lot, or about volunteers picking up trash from the roads in our community? Why don’t we hear about community members who adopted children to make their lives better, or about the local law and emergency heroes who risk their lives for us each day?

Instead of hearing about a teacher who works on her own time to help a student pass a course or grades papers all weekend long, we hear of a handful of educators who mess up. Where are the stories about the great parks and schools in the neighborhood, or about homes that are selling and being built in a rapid manner? Instead we hear the negative news about construction of new schools or neighborhoods. Folks, growth is a good thing. We have two options in life. We are either moving forward or going backward. There is no such thing as staying the same.

Most people simply want a better life for themselves and their family and are sick of negative news.

This is where we come in. We supply original local content that you do not get anywhere else. You get it in print, online, and thru social channels. Anyone with an online or offline publication can run generic articles found on the internet. It is quick and easy, and one Google search away. However, it is UNINSPIRING, LAZY, and BORING. It takes true dedication to have local writers cover one organic story at a time. It is the extra effort that makes all the difference in any organization in 2016 and beyond. This is what we are all about.

We smile as “competitors” seemingly copy our every move. They fail to realize this is the ultimate compliment or that we are already working on our 2017 plans. Readers demand great content and this is what we provide. We are not merely a magazine but a media connection point, based on trust and faith, that helps the community prosper and great news to spread.

This community is special and is a true throwback in nature. We see people trying to make a difference. We see families who love each other, friends who care for one another, and neighbors who look out for each other. You see, this community consists of people of character.

I am thankful for this community and our (3F) focus of…faith, families, and friendships. We may have our differences, however, I see a lot 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 the story of my town, your town, OUR TOWN.

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Grayson Growth with Gail Lane: The Importance of Community

Ninja Warrior O Parkour/Free Running/Tumblin

By Gail Lane It’s the political season. The onslaught of ads is WAY beyond the flyers and postcards that usually inundate our mailboxes. Social media feeds are full of political reports. Our “news” is boiled down into sensationalized headlines and catchy memes that rarely tell the whole story, and are meant to encourage you to click on the link to join in the inevitably hateful conversation.

And, let’s be honest. It’s not just politics that promotes our differences and fuels our anger on social media. I’ve seen good folks go after each other about restaurants, music, wildlife, religion, and grocery stores, including skirmishes over percale sheets vs. sateen sheets that you would think had life-saving implications.

It seems that social media highlighted the differences between my friends – my discussions throughout the day were tinged with disbelief and anger at these monumental betrayals! I mean, if I had KNOWN she was a dog snob who preferred rescuing pure bred poodles and not “poodlish” dogs from the pound, I would never have befriended her on Facebook, right?

In February, however, my life took a humbling turn as I stepped away from the world to assist with the care of Mom. I needed positive validation, so logging in from the hospital room, I found myself clicking on videos of cute animals and laughing babies. Within a few days, I regained that common ground with friends where we celebrated each other’s successes and shared interests. My feed became less about our differences and more about the reasons we were friends.

The dynamics and algorithms of social media ARE powerful tools that fill your feed with things that interest you. If you are always trying to change a mind, click away at the controversial subjects and continue to be part of the difference. Live your day angry and wonder each day “what is the world coming to?”

Or step away. Become part of the common fabric that holds us together as a community. It makes all the difference. I promise.

Gail Lane is Community Development Director for the city of Grayson. More information at http:// www.cityofgrayson.org/

Our Town

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PAGE 7

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Community Stoplight: Gwinnett Senior Golden Games

By Rachael Brice The Gwinnett Senior Golden Games have always been a momentous occasion for Gwinnett’s seniors.

Aiming to provide opportunity for all men and women over fifty to participate in social, competitive, recreational, and athletic events, the games were created to develop an awareness of the abilities and capabilities of older adults, to help maintain and improve health and wellness, and to promote an interest in lifetime sports, recreation, and physical activity. Our Town recently spoke with Shirley Snow, an event manager and volunteer, about the upcoming 2016 games.

When and how were the Gwinnett Senior Golden Games started?

A: The Gwinnett Senior Golden Games were started by a couple in May of 2000 due to the cooperative effort of a group of Gwinnett County citizens and the Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation Department. Our senior movement was founded to provide senior residents of Gwinnett County and surrounding areas the opportunity to participate in social, competitive, recreational and athletic events. The games are of varying activity levels to provide participants the opportunity to achieve gold, silver, or bronze medals for their accomplishments.

Who is involved in the games?

A: All Gwinnett County seniors, fifty years old and older, are invited to participate in the Gwinnett Senior Golden Games, although participants don’t have to live in Gwinnett. Senior citizens from DeKalb and Fulton counties come and participate in the games every year and enjoy new experiences and making new friends. Athletes are placed in their certain age brackets, broken into five-year increments, so they can compete with those that are around their same age.

How long do the games run and how do you plan for the events?

A: The 2016 Gwinnett Senior Golden Games run March 30th to May 11th. We begin on March 30th with an Opening Ceremony at Bethesda Park Senior Center where we supply participants with a light lunch and a T-shirt, and, of course, play bingo. From there, all games are scheduled on weekdays throughout the next six weeks at various facilities that have agreed to host the game most appropriate to the facility. We close the games on May 11th back at the Bethesda Park Senior Center with a Closing Ceremony, light lunch, and, of course, more bingo. Equipment for the events is provided, except for golf and bowling, and the cost to participate is $15, covering both meals at the Opening and Closing Ceremony, a free gift, and a participatory T-shirt.

What types of activities do the games offer?

A: This year, we’re offering thirty-seven games, which include but are not limited to: Archery, Billiards, Bowling, Croquet, Golf, Horseshoes, Shot Put, Swimming, and Table Tennis. Though personally, I always think Horseshoes is the best because I manage that event, but all of the events are great and the participants enjoy each and every one. The great thing about the games is athletes can participate in as many events as they want. The more events you partake in, the better chance you may have at winning a coveted medal.

Who runs the games?

A: Volunteers. Each volunteer signs up to help facilitate and manage at least one game.

Currently, we have 350 volunteers signed up to help with this year’s games.

How have you seen the program grow?

A: In 2000, we had seventy-six seniors participate in fifteen games. The number of participants in recent years has exceeded 350 athletes competing in twenty-seven venues. In 2015, we had 326 athletes participate. To date, we have 283 participants signed up for this year’s games, and we’re hoping to reach our goal of 300. Traditionally a noteworthy athlete at our Opening Ceremony presents an Olympic Torch. This year, Mary Luick, a 90-year-old Gwinnett resident, will bear the torch.

Has a well-known athlete ever competed in the games?

A: Yes! In the 2015 games, Isabelle Daniels Holston participated in the Gwinnett games.

Holston competed for the United States in the 1956 Summer Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia, where she won the bronze medal in the 4x100 meters relay.

How do people get involved or sign-up for the Gwinnett games?

A: Unfortunately, the deadline for this year’s games has passed, but participants always need audience members to cheer them on! The games are a great way to get people out in the community, to swap life stories, make friends, and play games together. Even if you don’t know how to do a particular sport or are coming by yourself, we guarantee you’ll walk away with new friends and new life experiences.

We hope many more seniors from Gwinnett and surrounding counties will join future games and enjoy the fellowship of other senior athletes. If you’re interested in participating in next year’s games, visit the Gwinnett Senior Golden Games website at http://www.gwinnettseniorgoldengames.org/.

For information on becoming an advertising partner visit OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049

Our Town

Realty Reality: A Great Picture is Worth 1,000 Words…And a Higher Price?

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By Mike Harper, Realtor

If you’ve looked at online home listings recently, you’ve probably noticed a wide range in photo quality, from very poor to commercial grade. If you think about it, you’re likely to assign a greater value, or even a perceived quality, to homes that have better photographs. Given the way homes are researched by prospective buyers today, it is no accident that quality photos often result in a faster sale and possibly more money.

Since the proliferation of home listings on the internet, photographs are the most viewed part. A prospective buyer will generally research a given geographical area and price range, and then begin the process of narrowing down selections by looking at the photos, and, to a lesser degree, reading Major Depressive Disorder ALL4ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY. the summary description. If the photos do not capture the attention and imagination of the buyer 4 Post-Partum Depression in the first 10 to 15 seconds, then it’s quickly on to the next one. That is why I hire a professional 4 Seasonal Affective Disorder photographer to take about 40 to 50 high-quality photographs of a new listing from which about 4 Situational Depression 25 are selected to appear online.

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PAGE 9

4 HOPE Brings Message of Healing and Health to Domestic Violence

By Kim Hill

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PAGE 10

The statistics are frightening: one in four women will be victims of domestic violence (DV), and 1,300 victims die each year, according to Allstate Foundation’s Click to Empower website. Not all DV victims suffer physical abuse, however. Many undergo a less recognized and perhaps less understood form of domestic abuse that 4 HOPE – Out of Domestic Violence founder, Angie Cushwa, wishes to bring to light: non-physical domestic violence (NP DV). A former victim herself and a writer, Ms. Cushwa started 4 HOPE with the intention of raising awareness of this form of domestic violence by sharing her story and partnering with other victims who are willing to come forward and share their experiences. This collection of stories will be published in a book with the main intent of reaching those still in the clutches of NP DV and to offer them the courage and inspiration they need to leave, while also serving to educate society at large.

As the 4 HOPE website explains, the most common non-physical occurrences involve economic abuse, in which the abuser controls finances to the extent that the victim has little or no access to shared money and feels powerless to leave. Cyberstalking is a means of monitoring texts, email, internet searches, etc. to keep constant tabs on the victim. With gaslighting, the abuser systematically presents false information that, over time, causes the victim to doubt her own perception and judgment. Extreme cases can render a victim suicidal. Verbal and emotional/mental abuses are other means of degrading the victim. Victims often live in denial as there is little or no physical violence.

Ms. Cushwa feels the stories will help victims “identify what they can’t see because they’re living in it.”

When describing her story, Ms. Cushwa states, “I tell the raw, black truth because you can’t help people get to their pain (otherwise). I’m doing an original work that is going to make a difference.”

She is soliciting stories from women who have walked this journey; stories that will contain awareness and wisdom. “In partnership we can bring their story to life, to help other women.” She seeks funding for the project as well, and donations can be made through a GoFundMe page where donors can remain anonymous if they wish. “It is a sensitive topic and I understand that people may prefer anonymity when donating to this important cause,” Ms. Cushwa says. “I’m just trusting God to bless it.”

Ms. Cushwa wants this to be a well-known and utilized book, a resource that could be found in the offices of doctors and counselors, as well as in battered women’s shelters. The end result will feature about ten unique stories showing how each woman found her path out: what they did and how they did it. “When you are living in domestic violence, there is a strength that allows you to endure that every day. That’s what I understand from being on the other side of it. That’s the message that I want the women to get who are trying to leave…Use your strength that you don’t really realize and think you have. It’s in you and it’s formidable. Tap and re-channel it to get to safety and health.”

More information at 4hopeoutofdv.wix.com/4hopeoutofdv or call the National Domestic Hotline at 800-799-7233

Nell Foster is a Living Legend: Happy 110th Birthday!

By Daidra Annis Mrs. Runell “Nell” Brooks Foster has celebrated a lot of birthdays, but March 27, 2016 was a special one. This year on Easter, Mrs. Foster turned 110 years old and celebrated with family, lifelong friends, and a community that cherishes her.

There aren’t too many folks in the area that remember when Highway 78 was a dirt road or the quarry that was alongside it.

But there are many who drive by the little stone house on the corner of Rosebud and 78. George Brooks used stones from that quarry to build the house that became a home for his daughter, Nell, and her husband in 1929. There, the high school sweethearts raised a family of three daughters, and she still lives there today. Clyde and Nell Foster owned and operated Foster’s Service Station, which was located across 78, a short walk from the house. Customers purchased gas and light groceries from the store.

Nell is a lifelong Loganville resident, having grown up on her family’s farm just further down Rosebud Road. Her father owned approximately 150 acres, and the family home built by Mr. Brooks and his brother back in 1904-1905 is still standing. The Brooks family had a garden filled with tomatoes, green beans, black-eyed peas, and corn, along with other vegetables. Cows, chickens, and pigs provided the meat, milk, butter, and eggs the family needed to survive. Fruit trees on the property yielded delicious jams and jellies that Nell helped her oldest sister make. She remembers what a big deal it was when her father and brothers went to Atlanta, an overnight trip by horse and Continued on page 14

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Our Town

One on One with Ride for America

A Day of ...

By Macrae Brennan-Fuller The American Legion Riders of American Legion Barrett-Davis-Watson Post 233 invite the community to line our city streets and rural roads to jump start the upcoming Memorial Day by supporting Ride for America on Monday, May 30th. The event begins at American Legion Post 233, located at 4635 Atlanta Highway in Loganville. Registration starts at 7 a.m. with motorcycle kickstands up and ready to ride at 9:30 a.m.

The patriotic ride, which follows a police-escorted rural route with a ceremony stop in Madison before returning to Loganville, honors American troops for protecting our freedoms at home and abroad, and pays tribute to our fallen military service men and women for their selfless sacrifices for our nation.

“The crowd support for Ride for America has been awesome in years past, and we know that the sounds of all those bikes rolling down the highway are a Memorial Day highlight for many folks along the route,” Ride for America co-founder Stan Mauldin said.

Nearly twenty years ago, Mauldin founded the event along with the late Social Circle resident Gary Lemonds. Briefly after meeting one another, these two fast friends shared their ideas to develop a “Rolling Thunder in the Country.”

“Gary never planned small, and after his visit to Rolling Thunder in Washington, DC, he was dedicated to bringing some ‘Thunder in the Country’ to the south,” Mauldin said. “He always appreciated how patriotic motorcyclists are, and how we could empower them to share their patriotism with the community here in Walton and neighboring counties, so we created Ride for America together.”

Much like in the past eight years, Ride for America this Memorial Day will teach youth and citizens of all ages the importance of the sacrifices our military service men and women made to preserve the safety of our nation. All funds raised will support the American Legion National Legacy Scholarship Fund, which has served the children of fallen military service men and women since September 11, 2001.

Ride for America continues to grow with new riders, spectators, and sponsors each year, and could not be done without the many volunteers who donate their time and talents to ensure the next event is even more patriotic than the year before.

Continued on page 12

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PAGE 11

Loganville Prepares for an Action-Packed Events Season

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By Macrae Brennan-Fuller The City of Loganville is excited to announce its upcoming events lineup, which positions Loganville as a tourism destination for festival-goers, music lovers, automotive enthusiasts, and visitors of all ages.

The City kicks off its events season on Thursday, May 5th with a National Day of Prayer ceremony at noon on the City Hall lawn. On Saturday, May 14th, the City invites automotive enthusiasts to show off their rides at the Car Show at the Town Green from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Later in the month, residents can enjoy the outdoors with the music of The Beatles’ cover band, The Return, in the comfort of their own lawn chairs at this year’s first Groovin’ on the Green on Friday, May 20th. All Groovin’ on the Green concerts will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Loganville Town Green near the intersection of Pecan St. and Main St. across from City Hall.

Summertime is sure to heat up Loganville in June with the Legacy Motown Revue at the next Groovin’ on the Green on Friday, June 17th. The public can enjoy several patriotic-themed events on Saturday, July 2nd, including an Independence Day Opening Ceremony on the Town Green at 9:45 a.m., the Independence Day Parade along Main Street at 10 a.m., and the City’s first-ever fireworks display at dusk. The City will shoot off fireworks behind American Legion Post 233, and encourages citizens to watch the display from the Ingles or Kroger Shopping Center parking lots.

The City will continue to turn up the heat in July and August with Too Much Sylvia and The Embers at Groovin’ on the Green on Friday, July 15th and Friday, Aug. 19th respectively.

According to the City’s Events and Marketing Director Kristy Peters, all events are subject to change. Peters also encourages the public to like the Loganville events page on Facebook at facebook.com/City-of-Loganville-Events to stay up to date on all City-sponsored events.

More information at www.loganvilleevents.com.

Ride for America Continued from page 11 Mauldin believes Lemonds’ early departure instills in the public the devotion to keep Ride for America going strong. “Every year since his death, I feel as though he’s right beside me on the ride leading the way. I tear up while on this ride as we pass the hundreds, if not thousands, of people who come out to show they still care about this great nation and the sacrifices that have been made to get us where we are today.”

More information at rideforamerica.org

on! o S ing 17 Com mer 20 Sum

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PAGE 12

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Our Town

Meet the Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce

By Daidra Annis On the east side of Gwinnett County, there’s a little chamber of commerce that is making a big difference with its members and the community. The Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce (GECC) has effectively served small businesses and the East Gwinnett/Walton communities since 2006, and today it is growing by leaps and bounds.

From humble beginnings as the Grayson Chamber of Commerce, the GECC is now proud to serve the Loganville, Grayson, and Snellville communities. It is the official chamber for the city of Snellville and participates in events in all three cities. The GECC currently serves hundreds of members, which is more than double its membership just one year ago. Doug Adams, the current president, will serve until July 2017 with the support of three elected and four appointed board members. Mr. Adams took over the helm of GECC six months ago from past president Jamie Dempsey, who had served as president for four years. With a commitment to serving the business community and a goal of no member getting “lost in the shuffle,” it’s no surprise that GECC is experiencing such explosive growth!

Although GECC’s focus is businesses located in Grayson, Loganville and Snellville, a business from Monroe, Lawrenceville, or even as far as Covington, could benefit from what GECC has to offer. Membership is open to all areas of Georgia, and individuals (i.e. political figures and retirees) and non-profits are offered their own levels of membership as well.

GECC offers a plethora of opportunities to grow a business, and they provide multiple support services for their business owners. From monthly events like Coffee & Commerce, a Monthly Luncheon, and Lunch-N-Learns, to weekly open and closed networking events, every member has the opportunity to participate at the level in which they are able, and to leverage the chamber’s many resources. One such resource is the business video series, “Profitability Revolution Paradigm.” All GECC members have unlimited access to this informative video library that covers a wide range of topics from human resources to marketing to employee development. A weekly e-mail Benefit Chat includes discounts at other member businesses. Chamber Chat, which includes information on upcoming chamber-hosted events, goes out every Monday morning to over 550 people. All new members can have a Ribbon Cutting no matter how long the business has been open. Hosting a Ribbon Cutting or a monthly Coffee & Commerce meeting is a great way to introduce a business to the community and to meet fellow members.

GECC can be found supporting many charitable organizations within the community.

Shepherd’s Staff, FISH, Make-A-Wish, The Path Project, and the SE Gwinnett Co-Op are just a few of the wonderful organizations that have benefited from a partnership with GECC. Each fall, the chamber hosts its signature fundraising event, a Chili Cook-off, in Grayson Community Park. All proceeds from the event go to benefit the charitable partners chosen for that year. GECC members are not only passionate about their businesses, but they are dedicated to giving back to the community.

Partnering with local schools in Loganville, Grayson, and Snellville, the leadership team also works closely with Snellville’s Economic Development Department. They are also an active supporter of South Gwinnett High School’s ongoing Entrepreneurship program, specifically the annual “Shark Tank” competition in which students are awarded money to start a business that has been accepted by judges. Each quarter, GECC partners with Heart of Gwinnett and Snellville Tourism & Trade in a free networking “After Hours” event that boasts an average of 100-120 attendees. In addition, the GECC recently celebrated the opening of its new location in Loganville.

The Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce is truly “Where Business and Community Meet.”

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Youth Lacrosse in Gwinnett: Growing at a Rapid Pace

By Heidi Campbell Fast breaking, cradling, cutting, double teaming, and slashing are just a few of the actions spectators will see when they watch the exciting sport of lacrosse which is spreading in popularity throughout the Southeast. In fact, youth lacrosse in Gwinnett County has exploded, and county parks have added the sport to their recreational options.

In 2008, the rapidly growing lacrosse programs were in need of governance, and the Gwinnett Lacrosse League (GLL) was founded in order to bring a safe, organized recreational league to the players in the county. This league, which is one of only eighteen US Lacrosse Gold Stick leagues, helps prepare kids to play in their respective high schools. They currently serve twelve associations: Archer, Brookwood, Buford, Collins Hill, Duluth, Greater Atlanta Christian, Grayson, Mill Creek, Mountain View, Oconee, Parkview, and Peachtree Ridge.

All associations in the league must agree to abide by the rules and by-laws set forth by the GLL, which is run by an executive board that includes President Bob Lombardo, Vice President Scott Hall, Treasurer and Rules Coordinator Henry Autler, and Girls Director Andrea Braun. The Board members are volunteers who work hard to make the league run smoothly. “We [the GLL] maintain the website, produce the nine-division schedule, organize the certified refs; we put on coaches’ clinics, and we are the governing body who makes sure that the rules and regulations are followed,” explains Lombardo. “We oversee the team drafts so there are no shenanigans or stacking teams. Our mission is to create a safe, fun environment for the players.”

The largest program in the league is the Mill Creek Association, with close to 270 kids making up ten boys teams and five girls teams. According to Dan Blake, the league’s youth director, the program, which has grown between 5-10% in the last two years, is lucky to have dedicated volunteer coaches who have, for the most part, played lacrosse themselves. The association not only has great participation, but in the last two seasons they have been represented in more than half of the championship games in the GLL. Blake sees their high numbers as a sign of people wanting to try something new. “When kids see lacrosse being played, they want to know what it is about,” says Blake. “Once the parents see how much fun it is for the kids, they want to learn about the sport.

We involve those parents in practices and camps to improve their knowledge as well.”

Another program that has seen tremendous growth is the Parkview program, which has 113 players this season, filling three girls teams and four boys teams. Although there is no designated field at Mountain Park (practices are held at Parkview High School), the program is flourishing.

Scott Bunson, the director of their Youth Lacrosse Association, has helped build the program for the last six years. “We distribute school fliers, keep a presence on social media, and use word of mouth,” explains Bunson. “We are fortunate to have a very dedicated and loyal core group of parents of younger players in grades 2-5 who do a great job getting the word out about our program.

These players are the lifeblood of the future of our program.”

Lacrosse, which was played by Native Americans as far back as the seventeenth century, has finally infiltrated Gwinnett County. The GLL has set up a well-respected league, where coaches receive training and referees are certified through US Lacrosse. Bunson explains that although it can be a tough and physical sport, a huge emphasis is placed on coaches to make sure players act in a way that brings honor to the sport. Sportsmanship is everything. “Lacrosse may be the only sport that features a handshake between opposing teams prior to and after a game,” explains Bunson, “and players from opposing teams are friends on and off of the field.”

More information at http://gwinnettlacrosseleague.com

Nell Foster Continued from page 10 buggy. The family made this trip just once a year in the fall, after the crops were harvested for the season.

Not everyone gets to count two mayors, county commissioners, Georgia state senators, and an executive director from the Georgia state government as guests at their birthday party; but Nell Foster does. The afternoon of Saturday, March 26th, the day before her actual birthdate, was spent in celebration of Mrs. Runell Brooks Foster and the life that she has lived. Multiple resolutions from the House of Representatives and proclamations from both Loganville and Grayson’s mayors highlighted the presentations that afternoon. In addition, Proclamations from both Governor Deal and President Obama were received. In Grayson City Park, you will soon find a Steel Magnolia planted in Mrs. Foster’s honor, while March 27, 2016 was declared Mrs. Runell Brooks Foster Day in the 4th District, by Representative Hank Johnson.

Mrs. Foster still gets out and about from time to time with her family. She enjoys eating out, with cheeseburgers and pizza among her favorites. She is known for her caramel cakes, which is still requested at every family gathering, even if Nell can’t attend. When asked how Nell has been able to maintain her health at the age of 110, her daughter, Mary, attributes her faith, active lifestyle, and healthy diet. She was still tending her flower garden at age 100, and was a pianist and Sunday school teacher at her church for many years. Understandably, life can be lonely at 110 years old, when most of one’s family and friends have passed, but even in the midst of death and sorrow, Nell has maintained her strong faith and a positive attitude, proving that “laughter [really] is the best medicine.”

PAGE 14

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