MAY 2022: (BLUE) Our Town Gwinnett Monthly Magazine for Gwinnett/NE Dekalb

MAY 2022 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine

Our Town

Up Close with American Heritage Animal Hospital, see story on page 5.

GWINNETT

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On the Cover:

Catching Up with Dr. Cat at American Heritage Animal Hospital

By Kristen Eleveld

Your furriest family members deserve the best care – and that means finding the right veterinarian. For those in Snellville and the surrounding area, only one vet will do: Dr. Cat McGinnis, owner of American Heritage Animal Hospital.

For over nine years, Dr. Cat and her amazing staff have served as a lifeline to local pet owners. Whether you are bringing your pet in for a yearly check-up or need help diagnosing a medical problem, you can always feel confident that Dr. Cat will work diligently to find the answer and American Heritage Animal Hospital will provide the compassionate care your pet needs.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people decided to get a pet.

This, according to Dr. Cat, is great news. But it also means she and her team are working harder than ever to ensure that every one of their patients, both old and new, gets the individualized attention they need and deserve. And since Dr. Cat is committed to making sure she spends enough time with each patient, it may take a little longer to get an appointment – but it’s definitely worth

the wait.

“We’re still here, and we still treat each pet like family,” said Dr. Cat. “Our scheduling may have changed, but our commitment to providing quality pet care will never change.”

However, there are some things that have changed at American Heritage Animal Hospital – the outside of the building for one. The building has been painted and a new lighted sign was installed that helps new and old clients alike find their way to their favorite vet. The inside is also undergoing a makeover. The lobby and exam rooms have already gotten a fresh new look, while the surgery room, treatment area, and kennel space continue to undergo some exciting updates and transformations.

Regardless of how many outward changes the animal hospital goes through, Dr. Cat is always dedicated to giving every patient the best care possible. Because American Heritage Animal Hospital is an independent-

ly-run small business, Dr. Cat and her excellent team are able to tailor their treatments and policies to create the perfect health plan for every furry friend who walks (or crawls) through their doors.

“We’re an independent business, which gives me the freedom to adjust treatment plans based on each patient’s needs and their owner’s financial situation,” said Dr. Cat. Continued on page 13

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Our Town Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine

— An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com

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

Entire contents copyright 2022 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com

Photography Aleen Karakashian Photography

Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com

Distribution Coordinator Wendy Head

Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com

Cover Story Feature Writer Kristen Eleveld

Feature Writers K. Coats Tana Poncsak Traci Sanders

Beth Volpert Johansen Contributing Writers Pam Walker

IN THIS ISSUE

5 On the Cover: Catching Up with Dr. Cat at American Heritage Animal Hospital 7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks 8 One on One with Angela Duncan 9 Sports Talk: Celebrating 20 Consecutive Years of Parkview High’s Football Victories!

10 Want to Go Somewhere? Maybe it’s Time for a Staycation 12 Meet Jordan Vickery: All Missions Are Possible 16 Robotics Team at Trickum Middle School Attends World Championship Competition 17 Dr. Boone Benton of Brookwood High: Named 1st Runner Up for School Counselor of the Year 18 Travel Tales: Cruising the Canals of Holland (The Netherlands) 19 Health Matters: Key Steps to Healthy Aging

Stay Connected!

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E

From the Publisher:

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Ryan’s Remarks

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By Ryan T. Sauers

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@RyanTSauers

Hello there, Our Town Community Friends. I hope you are doing great. It seems that life all around us is slowly moving back to normal. I could not be more excited. In this column, I wanted to do something different. Let us focus on three “P” words to reflect on as we move forward in 2022.

First, is Passion. Americans are tough and resilient. We can take a punch or two. I have seen passionate business owners, non-profits, government leaders, and more “pivot, pivot, and repivot” over the past two years. The resilience has been amazing to watch. Moreover, I have had the great opportunity during this time to reconnect or connect at a deeper level with so many people in my life. I view the past two years as the “great reset,” and it has helped us all remember more of what really matters in life. And, that we are human beings and not human doings.

Second, is Purpose. What is your purpose? Have you had a chance to think about it and your legacy in this world? For me it is about helping people in as many ways as I can. I have been reminded that none of us will live forever, and thus how we conduct ourselves and treat others is of utmost importance. We should try and hear God’s voice and peace and remind ourselves that we are never fully in control of any situation. So, we must control the things we can control.

Third, is Perseverance. Let us face it – the past two years have been tough to navigate due to constant change. But most everyone I know has persevered, learned, grown, and have come to see life in new ways. I am so proud of our community and of people picking each other up and helping each other out. Long term passion and perseverance make up a powerful theory known as GRIT. We all need more grit, so let us focus on making it happen.

So, in the month of May and as we head toward the summer, let us remain positive, patient, passionate, and purposeful. You are an excellent community. Thank you, as always, for your support and for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN.

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PAGE 7

One on One with Angela Duncan

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Our Town Gwinnett sat down with Judge Angela Duncan of the Gwinnett County Superior Court who is running for re-election.

Our Town Gwinnett (OTG): Please tell our readers a little about yourself. What do you want our readers to know about you? Who were your mentors and role models?

Angela Duncan (AD): I would like everyone to know that I love what I do. I get up each day looking forward to going to work. It is my passion, honor and, privilege to serve the citizens of my county.

My father practiced law for forty-six years. He instilled in me a strong work ethic as I worked with him for the first few years of my legal career as a litigator, as did my mother. Both of them are and were

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my heroes. I have been working since I was fifteen years old, and my goal is and has always been to accomplish any mission assigned and to help others.

I grew up just outside of Washington, D.C., surrounded

by American history. We went to the Smithsonian, Washington Monument, and memorials every year. I have a deep love for my country. I served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1987 to 1995.

It instilled in me a discipline to produce and to serve others.

My other heroes would be Judge Melodie Conner and Judge Debra Turner (Senior Judges now). I practiced law for nineteen years before taking the bench full time, often appearing before these Continued on page 16

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Sports Talk: Celebrating 20 Consecutive Years of Parkview High’s Football Victories!

By Traci Sanders

Coach Cecil Flowe served as Parkview High’s head football coach from 1993 to 2013. The Panthers received six region titles, were state runners-up twice, and won four state championships in 1997, 2000, 2001, and 2002 during Coach Flowe’s tenure. A record of 197 wins and 67 losses went on the books! Between 2000 and 2002 the Panthers won 46 games in a row, the longest winning streak in Georgia’s largest classification. Coach Flowe was named Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year nine times and Atlanta Touchdown Club Coach of the Year four times. More than 100 student athletes coached by Flowe went on to play college football, and seven of those players secured careers in the NFL. Coach Flowe even had a huge hand in the construction of the press box in 2003. Therefore, to celebrate Parkview High’s 20th anniversary of its back-to-back state championships, the press box will be named after him to honor his legacy.

These days, Coach Eric Godfree is heading up the Parkview team.

Godfree has been coaching for twenty-three years, with thirteen of those years being at Parkview. In season, Godfree runs practices every day with meetings starting at 2:30 p.m. The team works out together five days a week and practices speed and skills development drills.

Lots of elements go into winning streaks of this magnitude. The players are encouraged to eat a lot during the season, following proper nutrition guidelines that they’re taught during training. One special routine the team observes is touching the bald head part of the memorial for Coach Chuck Mize before they run through the banner at each game. As Coach Godfree shared with me, “It’s a remind-

er of our great history here at Parkview. My absolute favorite ritual, though, is ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ that plays on the speakers and video board as the visiting team gets off their bus. I still have coaches today asking if we still do that and how their players react as they have to cross our stadium, and this is their welcome to the Big Orange Jungle!”

Godfree believes part of the success he’s had as head coach at Parkview is teaching players daily habits of doing the right thing all the time, not just during games. “You don’t fail a test on test day,” he says. “You fail it by not being prepared. Preparation is everything in football, and keeping kids motivated in the off season to continue to be great all the time is one of our biggest challenges as coaches.”

Family plays a huge role in this coach’s success. “I have a great family who loves sports, and we all support each other,” he says. “We love watching each other compete, through ups and downs. So many great memories and lessons are learned through sports. We love doing activities together outside of sports as well, especially family dinners and vacations. I’m truly blessed to have a great wife, kids, and extended family.”

The one thing Coach Godfree wishes players, parents, and spectators understood about coaching is that it’s more than what we see on the sidelines. “The sidelines of a game are 5% or less than what a Continued on page 15

EVENTS ON THE SNELLVILLE TOWNE GREEN & BRISCOE PARK

MAY 14 • 12-5 p.m.

Towne Green BEACH BLAST

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MAY 28 • Towne Green

Memorial Day Program • 4:30 p.m.

Free Concert • Summer Concert Series • 6-9 p.m.

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T.W. Briscoe Park PUBLIC SAFETY NIGHT FREE EVENT - Great family fun and information on how you can protect yourself, family, pets home and business.

Thanks to our Keystone Sponsors

PAGE 9

Want to Go Somewhere? Maybe it’s Time for a Staycation

By Tana Poncsak

After the last couple of years, perhaps we’re all more than ready to do some traveling again. But if gas prices or the lingering pandemic have you staying closer to home, perhaps it’s time for a staycation – a vacation in your own city.

Oftentimes a vacation is more about doing something fun and different and spending time as a family. So, whether you’re thinking about relaxing and reading by the neighborhood pool, taking a few days to work on a project, or spending time in your city playing tourist, it may be the perfect time for a staycation.

And if you’re looking for things to do during your staycation, here

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Experience Atlanta 1. Thirsty? Quench your thirst at the World of CocaCola 2. Thinking of the ocean?

Visit the Georgia Aquarium 3. Take a stroll through Centennial Olympic Park 4. Go back in history as you visit the Margaret Mitchell House and Atlanta History Center 5. Get inspired with a walk through the High Museum of Art 6. Hear some beautiful music at Atlanta Symphony Hall 7. See a show and take a tour of the Fox Theatre 8. Wake your inner child at the Center for Puppetry Arts 9. Curb your curiosity at the Fernbank Science Center and Fernbank Museum 10. Shop, eat, and play at the Ponce City Market 11. Tour the Atlanta BeltLine 12. Visit beyond the grave at Atlanta’s historic Oakland Cemetery 13. Pack a picnic and head to Piedmont Park 14. Stop and smell the flowers at Atlanta Botanical Gardens Other ideas for surrounding areas: 1. Grab a tube and Shoot the Hooch Continued on page 15

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A: Karen is a bold visionary. At the young age of 23, she immigrated to America from Argentina. With only a suitcase, she used her determination, tenacity and magnetic personality to cultivate a real estate business and life right here in Gwinnett County. Karen knows and loves her Lilburn community, which is why she brings a passion for helping others succeed. She has an attentive eye for detail and knowledge that can only come from two decades of experience. Karen’s dedication shows in her responsiveness and determination. Her ability to communicate thoroughly and effectively in both English and Spanish (with a dash of Italian) has proven invaluable to her clients.

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Meet Jordan Vickery: All Missions Are Possible

By Beth Volpert Johansen

Jordan Vickery is from “around here.” His people have their roots deep in the red clay of Southern Gwinnett County, where he grew up among cousins, aunts, uncles, grands, and a whole host of people that loved on him. After losing his parents at an early age, all the family in the world could not keep Jordan from landing on Parris Island, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, where he would form a strong bond with his Marine brothers. However, the lessons he learned touring Iraq, coupled with the love he knew existed “back home” was enough to bring Jordan Vickery full-circle to a place where he knew he belonged.

Currently, Jordan, his wife Sunni, and their “yours, mine = ours” children reside in Grayson, where they both make it their mission to touch lives each and every day positively. Whether it is in their neighborhood where Jordan serves on the board for his community association, being a team parent and “unofficial” assistant coach, performing a wedding ceremony, or – most importantly – staying on the phone with a veteran who is close to ending everything, Jordan Vickery keeps his focus on the positive.

Nick-named “The Beard,” Jordan’s presence is not to be ignored.

He has traded his military weapons for words and uses them to bring to light the realities of our current global life struggles. “There is so much trauma out there right now that if we allow ourselves to be negative, then nothing will progress in a positive way,” says Jordan.

“We have to come together, learn how to cope, and move forward to healing and building a good life.”

A good life was not always what Jordan thought he could have, or even deserved. Like many of his fellow servicemen and women, Jordan returned from three tours in Iraq with PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. His immediate answer was to try to drink away his pain. “I needed something to fill my cup,” says Jordan. “Because I’ve seen some of the harder parts of life, I know we need other people to steer us back on a path to create a tangible change.”

Helping to steer others back on track has become a natural extension of Jordan’s daily routine. It’s not unusual for Jordan to be on the phone with a veteran late into the night or early in the morning, helping in any way possible. “I have learned that it is better for me to run into the fire than to sit by and watch,” says Jordan. “PTSD never goes away. It is a bear – unchecked, in the dark. We feel it, smell it, fear it. And we need treatment to turn the lights on.”

Turning the lights on has become a way of life for Jordan and Sunni. Blending a family isn’t easy, but it is rewarding. “We have a child at every level of school right now – elementary, middle, and a rising high school freshman,” explains Jordan. It has given the couple a perspective on just exactly what students are feeling right now in the face of the pandemic as well as the insecurities that are a part of daily life in Gwinnett County. “Kids are missing so much without the face-to-face interactions. They can’t learn to read between the lines if they can’t even see the lines.”

Continued on page 21

PAGE 12

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Dr. Cat Continued from page 5 “We listen to every client’s concerns, and are always straightforward and honest with them. We want them to understand the reasoning behind all diagnostic and treatment recommendations so that we can work together to do what is in their pet’s best interest.”

Dr. Cat is passionate about treating every animal like the individual it is. And, she only hires people who share her philosophy that every animal deserves great care and that pets need to be treated like family. That means that everyone you talk to at this clinic will not only care about you and your pet, but they will also take extra steps to make sure you both have what you need to succeed.

“Everyone who works here is here because they love it,” said Dr. Cat. “They love and care about the animals because that’s what’s in their hearts.”

As many people know, Dr. Cat has a special place in her heart for Great Danes and she is currently the president of Southern Style Great Dane Rescue, an organization dedicated to helping surrendered Great Danes get the medical care they need and get loving forever homes. Great Danes are an exceptional breed that require a special level of care. The Southern Style Great Dane Rescue, along with other similar organizations, is dedicated to finding the right homes to ensure they will join a great family that will provide a safe and loving environment for these unique dogs.

So, whether you have just adopted a new pup or want to know how to best care for all six of your cats, your search is over. Dr. Cat and the team at American Heritage Animal Hospital are here to help.

Give them a call today to learn how you can set up your appointment and give your furry family members the outstanding care you know they deserve.

More information at www.americanheritageah.com or call 770972-7026

May 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

PAGE 13

You’re invited to join us for an upcoming event – part of our Lifelong Learning Series, where we continue to discover and expand in entertaining and powerful ways.

MEET THE AUTHOR SERIES JAMES W. COFER, JR. Thursday, May 12 | 11 a.m.

Interested in discovering more about our beautiful hometown? James W. Cofer, Jr., author of 200 Years of Snellville History, will entertain and education you.

MARLENE RATLEDGE BUCHANAN Thursday, June 9 | 11 a.m.

Author Marlene Ratledge Buchanan joins us again for a chat on finding the humor in life.

We look forward to seeing you there!

RSVP to 678-841-0030

For the safety and well-being of all residents and guests, all recommended safety precautions will be taken. Please call to inquire about our safety measures for these events.

INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE 1900 TREE LANE | SNELLVILLE, GA 30078 SHERIDANEASTSIDE.COM

PAGE 14

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Staycation Continued from page 10 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Get your thrills at Six flags Over Georgia Climb Stone Mountain Get wet at White Water Visit one of Atlanta’s many brewery’s Longing for Napa? Visit a local vineyard and go wine tasting Need some pampering? Book some time at one of the many area spas 8. Looking for something quaint with a European vibe? Stroll through Helen, Georgia.

9. If you’re looking for beauty in nature and some exercise, visit the Appalachian Mountains 10. Want some fun in the sun? Seek the islands: Margaritaville at Lanier Islands

11. If night life and live music is your thing, visit one of the area concert venue 12. To get your thrills and chills, take a Ghost Tour – Atlanta, Roswell, Decatur, Marietta 13. They don’t call Atlanta little Hollywood for nothing. Check out TV film location tours 14. Have the need for speed? Visit Atlanta Motor Speedway 15. Sports fans can catch a baseball game – Go Atlanta Braves and Go Gwinnett Stripers If shopping is your thing, many small towns have downtown areas and historic districts for shopping and exploring. And you can always plan a series of outings with disc golf, go kart racing, putt-putt golf, escape rooms, trivia night, I-FLY Indoor Skydiving, and more. Check local listings for venues near you and times of operation. Enjoy your staycation!

Parkview’s Football Victories Continued from page 9 coach actually does,” he shares. “A thank you and support go a long way. Coaches love their players no matter what, but appreciation for all the crap we do that nobody sees is truly motivating to a coach to somehow do even more.”

Godfree mentioned that many professional coaches, teachers, and other officials are quitting because of negative parents these days.

“It’s a shame, too,” he says, “because these are people I’d want my own kids to be mentored by. The sooner parents can get back to raising their children to be the best people they can be and not necessarily the super star of the game, the better off we will all be.”

Congrats to Coach Godfree and Coach Flowe for instilling these lifelong values into these players, our future citizens!

More information at https://www.gcpsk12.org/parkviewhs.

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PAGE 15

Angela Duncan Continued from page 8 two judges who served this community so well for so many years.

In addition to my trial practice, I served as a part time judge for seventeen years at various levels of court ranging from Municipal Court in several local cities to Magistrate Court. I was selected to serve as a full-time Magistrate in Gwinnett County in 2016, sitting by designation in Superior Court. I served in this capacity for four years, prior to being appointed by the governor in 2019 for my current Superior Court Division 11 position, so I am experienced in and well prepared for hearing cases in Superior Court.

OTG: What are your favorite things to do?

AD: My favorite things to do are to cook, run 5k’s, spend time with my family and my German Shepherds. We have two of them. I also love to work in my yard.

OTG: What role does community play in your life?

AD: Community is very important. I learned long ago that when someone asks, you say yes if you are able. I believe it is important to be there for your neighbor and your friends. As a leader in the community, I am responsible for setting an example.

OTG: How do you give back to your community?

AD: I am a volunteer at both the Veteran’s Resource Center and at the Seeking the Right Amendable Path, or “STRAP,” program for disadvantaged youth. I also volunteer to speak at local schools.

OTG: What things are you most excited about in the future?

AD: I am excited about watching my two sons grow into their own. We are new empty nesters, and I could not be prouder of how well our sons are succeeding. I am excited about this election. While I have been actively involved in my community, this election has encouraged me to engage even more, and I have gotten to meet many people and hear their questions and concerns about our legal system.

More information at https://duncan4gwinnett.com/

Robotics Team at Trickum Middle School Attends World Championship Competition

By Traci Sanders

Nine students and five mentors who are part of the FIRST Lego League (FLL) robotics team from Trickum Middle School traveled from to Houston in April to represent Georgia in the 2022 FIRST Robotics World Championship competition.

This group of bright students – also known as the Tigerbots – beat out 382 teams in Georgia to earn the spot of state champions.

A total of 108 teams showed up in Houston to present their robotic inventions. These teams were chosen out of 24,000 FIRST Lego League robotics teams in fifty different countries.

The research theme assigned to all teams this season is CARGO CONNECT, based on improving the transportation of goods or products. As a team, the Tigerbots needed to narrow down a problem and develop an innovative solution within that field. They chose the problem of foodborne pathogens in fresh produce.

Their solution is biodegradable, bacteriophage-powdered packing peanuts. Michelle Diep, one of the Tigerbots, said, “Bacteriophages are the most ubiquitous organisms on the planet! They are viruses that target only their specific host bacterium, meaning they will Continued on page 20

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Dr. Boone Benton of Brookwood High: Named 1st Runner Up for School Counselor of the Year

By Traci Sanders

Dr. Boone Benton from Brookwood High School was recently named 1st Runner Up for Counselor of the Year by Dr. Chon Hester, the current president of the Georgia School Counselor Association.

Benton is celebrating fifteen years as a high school counselor in Gwinnett County – five years at Berkmar High School and ten years at Brookwood High School. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia (UGA) and a couple of master’s degrees – one in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University, and another in Community Counseling from Georgia State University. “I’m a proud Blue Hose from Presbyterian College,” Benton remarked.

When asked what inspired him to enter into the school counseling field, Benton replied, “My wife Coralie is amazing, and I’m a better man for listening to her when she suggested I investigate school counseling when we moved to Georgia. I was seeking a counseling position with more structure during the day. My previous work had been with group homes where I was on call 24/7, which meant I was away from my own young children quite often. School counseling has been a discovered passion. I love working with high school students.”

For Dr. Benton the best part of his job is encouraging and empowering a student to achieve a goal beyond what he or she thought was attainable, which could be as immediate as improving in a rigorous class, or as long-term as getting into a college they didn’t think was possible. “I love sharing those ‘Aha!’ moments when a student walks away feeling more confident and motivated,” Benton said. Another “best part” is working with Brookwood’s Peer Leadership program inside the school as well as throughout the county. “Gwinnett County is nationally known for their leadership programs at all educational levels,” Benton explained.

Of course, no job is perfect. Benton stated that the worst part of his job is when he has to tell a student that they’re not able to graduate on time. “This is sometimes a shock,” he said, “and being the bearer of this sad news, for students and parents, can be challenging, especially May 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

when the parent wants to blame the school and not hold their child responsible.”

He added, “I wish parents and students understood that school counseling is multifaceted. We do many things. The American School Counselor Association outlines three aspects of a counselor’s work: Social/Emotional, Academic, and Career. School counselors cover all these facets with students in a variety of excellent ways.

Therefore, if we don’t respond to you right away, be patient. Every school counselor I know loves working with their students to motivate, encourage, and challenge them. School counselors need parents and students to partner together with their school to help them succeed. School counselors are an important person in your child’s ‘village,’ but parents have the most power and influence. Know your child’s grades and what they choose to do in their free time.” In the last several years, Dr. Benton has seen phones and video games steal away more academic success. “Parents and students collaborating on electronic usage could help prevent these disappointments,” he said.

Benton has been married for twenty-two years and has three children. His oldest daughter, Taylor, hopes to major in Animal Science at UGA. His son, a senior at Brookwood High School, is headed to Princeton in the fall. And his youngest, age 10, loves all things horses, anime, and video games, but is not fond of math. Benton’s family has been an integral part of his success, and they shared in this celebration. “My family was very excited for me,” he said “We went to UGA’s convention center for the reception and were treated well. It was a memorable day.”

In closing, Benton requested a shout out for his twin sister, Christy Kramer, who has been in education much longer than he and teaches art at Austin Elementary in Dekalb County. “We’ve both had a good year,” Benton shared. “She received Regional Employee of the year (Region 1), and was just announced the District winner!”

More information at https://www.gcpsk12.org/BrookwoodHS.

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Travel Tales: Cruising the Canals of Holland (The Netherlands)

By Pam Walker

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Covid was waning and the travel bug was really getting to me. With friends in Amsterdam that own a hotel, there was no better way to get away from the winter blues than to escape to Holland.

Flying was – well – not so pleasant. But after a while, I forgot the loathsome face mask on the seven plus hours of flight and in the crowded airports. The Amsterdam airport is huge! So a car service was the perfect solution to get to my friend’s hotel. The lovely Legend Le Grand is only a few blocks away from Dam Square, the center of everything.

Mask wearing in Amsterdam was not entirely necessary, and walking the canals with spring flowers and people everywhere was a wonderful escape from what the masked world was going through.

A few days in Amsterdam, visits to Delft with its blue pottery and to Maastricht to see windmills, and just enjoying the spring weather were enough. Amsterdam, called the Venice of the North, is a great jumping off place for river cruises and boat trips. You can reach every part of Holland on the water. What better way to see the countryside in spring than to cruise to Rotterdam, a wonderful modern city, and on to other towns such as Haarlem, Utrecht, or The Hague where so many international political meetings are held.

Remember the little Dutch boy who put his finger in a hole in a dike to save his city? There are similar dikes everywhere, just like the one he put his finger in. What is remarkably interesting too is that almost all the farms that you pass have these dikes around their fields to keep the water out! What a difference from our drought ridden fields of the American West.

Everything is so green – everywhere! And those beautiful willow trees that so love drinking up water, are also everywhere, with branches hanging and dancing in the wind. Here, too, every April the famed tulips bloom. A visit to the Keukenhof Gardens is a must as well as seeing the famed Floriade Flower exhibition also held in spring.

If you love flowers, and river cruising, you will love the Netherlands.

Springtime or any time, to cruise the canals of this little country is well worth the effort!

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

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Health Matters: Key Steps to Healthy Aging

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

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

“Aging well is living well, and it all starts with a combination of activities that can improve our mental and physical well-being,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, chief executive officer of Determined Health and a physician specializing in geriatric medicine.

“Although health and wellness may seem to get increasingly complicated with age, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. A few simple – and fun – steps can keep us on the healthy aging path. By taking a proactive approach and prioritizing health, seniors can live their best life.”

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

2) Vaccinations: Staying current on recommended vaccinations can help you stay healthy and limit the spread of disease. When

cold and flu season arrives, be sure to ask your doctor about getting an influenza vaccine. The risk of severe illness from COVID also increases with age. COVID vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness and you can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting vaccinated.

3) Physical activity: All seniors eligible for Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or group retiree plan may be eligible to join SilverSneakers at no additional cost and have access to live and on-demand virtual workouts, including nearly 2,000 activities and classes per week in a variety of lengths and formats.

4) Social connection: Maintaining friendships and connecting with others is an important component to supporting physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Set up coffee with friends. Join community groups.

Check out social engagement opportunities through programs that feature working out with a group of peers to build friendships and community.

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

6) Mental enrichment: Cognitive decline can occur as you age, so it’s important to be proactive to help support brain health Continued on page 22

I am Angela Duncan,

Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge.

As a wife, mom, veteran, and community advocate, I have the passion, drive, and wisdom to issue fair and even-handed decisions.

As your Superior Court Judge, you can count on me to be accessible, approachable, and honorable.

Vote on May 24, 2022 Early voting starts May 2, 2022

Angela Duncan

Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge

(678) 321-7056 Angela@Duncan4Gwinnett.com Duncan4Gwinnett.com May 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

PAGE 19

Robotics Team Continued from page 16 have no ill effect on human health. We will powder freeze-dried bacteriophages onto biodegradable packing peanuts to be dispersed within the crates and containers of fruits and vegetables, a natural and inexpensive solution that eradicates harmful microbes before the produce reaches the store!”

The team came together in the fall of 2021 and began working on the robot that would transport the packing peanuts. They named it Voltswagen (affectionately nicknamed Volts) and constructed it from Legos and various-sized motors in a SPIKE Prime Kit donated by Lego. When last tested, Volts was able to complete 14 out of 16 tasks on a mission table in 2.5 minutes. Some of the tasks included truck missions, helicopter capabilities, delivery, pushing

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objects, placing a cargo container into a circular opening, and knocking down objects.

Each team in the competition was judged in three areas: 1.

Innovative Solutions; 2. Tasks the Robot is Able to Complete; and 3. Core Values – life skills learned, teamwork, cooperation, and gracious professionalism. The Tigerbots decided to do a skit for all three aspects.

These students worked hard all year to create this robotic invention and were proud to represent our great state of Georgia in this international competition.

More information at https://gcps-foundation.org/gift-designation/trickum-middle-school-tigerbots/.

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Meet Jordan Vickery Continued from page 12 Noting that there is a level of food and housing insecurity in the county they call home that is beyond comprehension keeps the Vickerys on point with prayer and service. “Young people are supposed to be our most valued treasure,” says Jordan. “But right now, efforts are sidelined. We have cold children without coats, hungry children lacking basic nutrition, and children sleeping in cars in this very county. It is wrong and we want to set an example of getting involved.”

Being involved as a couple means relying on a solid marriage. Both Jordan and Sunni have proven they can make it as singles, but found their way to each other through their faith. It is in the vow and covenant of being true to their marriage that they find the lessons they need in order to provide a good example for others. In fact, they have made it their mission.

Mission Marriage was not so much founded as a business as it was a manifestation of being surrounded by love. “I wanted to surprise my sister at her wedding by performing the ceremony, so I went online and became ordained,” says Jordan. “She was surprised, as was our whole family, but very touched that I would do that for her.” After that initial wedding, Jordan’s family, friends, and friends-of-friends began to ask him to perform their weddings. At some point, Jordan and Sunni became so involved in Mission Marriage that they made it Sunni’s full-time “job.”

Sunni describes her story as a beautiful journey. She is a goal-setter and a dreamer who sets everything “sky-high.” With an entrepreneurial spirit, Sunni set about combining her dreams with her goals to bring brides and grooms together with the wedding they always envisioned. “I love, Love, LOVE helping others,” explains Sunni. “I also love entertaining and planning parties. This is just a natural extension of everything that makes me happy.”

As with any mission, it takes a solid and devoted team to make it work. Whether he is guiding veterans, caring for his family, or working with Sunni to make marriage dreams a reality, Jordan Vickery keeps one thing at the forefront of his mind: “If it matters to you, then it matters to me.”

Taking note of all that is potentially “wrong” or “bad” in this life and then stepping away from it allows Jordan to identify all that is good. “Learning to cope and navigate through the trials and hardships is KEY to this little experiment called life,” he says.

For a dose of what is right and positive in this world, follow Mission Marriage and Jordan Vickery on Facebook and Instagram.

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Key Steps to Healthy Aging Continued from page 19 through mental stimulation. Read books. Join a weekly game group. Check out GetSetUp, new for SilverSneakers members in participating health plans. This program provides an online learning platform designed for seniors with a wide range of live video classes – over 2,000 hours per week on more than 1,800 topics – to support mental enrichment.

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

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

“It’s time to REDISCOVER Lilburn.” New revitalization efforts continue to enhance downtown Lilburn. City Park has become a central location for special events, food, entertainment and simply outdoor fun. We have much to look forward to with the addition of a new restaurant, brewery, marketplace, expanded parking and more. Now is the perfect time to “Rediscover Lilburn”!

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