MAY 2024: (GREEN) Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

Up Close with the Students of Royal Flush Academy, see story on page 5.

Kristen Eleveld

What do the numbers 42, 137,877, and 57,545 have in common? No, those aren’t the numbers you remember from Lost. Those numbers represent the excellence that Royal Flush Plumbing brings to the Gwinnett area and beyond: 42 years of experience, 137,877 general plumbing fixes (as of the date of this article), and 57,545 drains unclogged (as of the date of this article). In other words, these are not ordinary plumbers. These are the experts you want to get to know.

So what makes this plumbing company stand out among its peers? They start with the most important part of any job – giving their employees the education and skills they need to succeed.

“Nearly all Royal Flush plumbers are fully trained, in-house, through the Royal Academy,” said Ryan Perry, CEO and co-founder of Royal Flush Plumbing. “Royal Flush’s recruiting department seeks out super high-quality human beings with above-average mechanical aptitudes, who also possess specific traits like positive attitudes, caring hearts, outstanding work ethics, and impeccable morals.”

Once an interested applicant is found to meet these high standards, Royal Flush begins what they consider one of the most vital aspects of their work: training their employees as apprentices in their trade.

The Royal Academy is unique even among training programs of its kind. While it’s conducted on a large scale, the program focuses on each detail of training to ensure no information or training is left out. Leading the charge at the Royal Academy is the Academy Leadership Team, or ALT, which is tasked with ensuring that each plumbing apprentice is given every tool necessary – both literally and figuratively – to be successful and knowledgeable in their trade.

“The ALT works directly with the apprentices to ensure no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of perfection in their training as it pertains to both their physical skillset and their inexhaustible repertoire of customer service skills,” said Ryan.

“At the end of their training, Royal Flush apprentices have an endless array of abilities that are able to be used to provide the customer with an inimitable, enjoyable, and deeply satisfying experience.”

As the need for high-quality service like the kind offered by Royal Flush Plumbing grows, so does the company’s desire to find more applicants who are

interested in joining the Royal Academy. PottyTrained.com, a website created by Royal Flush Plumbing, offers interested applicants more information about what they can expect while being trained as an apprentice, from the salary they will make to the skills they will graduate with.

“The Academy helps folks find high-paying jobs while also being trained for pay, instead of racking up student debt to get a degree that often leaves them fighting for a job that pays less than half that of the service industry,” said Ryan.

When a company takes the time to not only seek out the best of the best team members but then trains them to such a high degree of professionalism, it’s no wonder that Royal Flush Plumbing has become a household name for the Gwinnett community and everyone it serves.

Even if you’re not familiar with this particular company, Ryan and his team are committed to giving each of their clients “The Royal Treatment,” which is the company’s promise to treat each client like royalty from the first interaction to the last. They offer same-day serve upon request, and all customers are given a thorough explanation of the cost (by a well-trained Royal Plumbing Knight, of course) before the work begins so there are no surprises once the work is completed.

Continued on page 17

Where learning meets fun.

At Primrose Schools Summer Adventure Club, your child will discover new things every day-and they’’ have a great time doing it. They’ll explore hands-on activities--like sports, robotics, and more--that encourage them to think with creativity, compassion, and resourcefulness. School may be out for the summer, but the learning is still in.

2-3 field trips per week Begin practicing basic skills for the next grade level Nutritious, homemade multicultural meals every

Our Town

Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

— An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com

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

Entire contents copyright 2024 by Our Town Gwinnett Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Publisher/Owner

Dr. Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com

Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com

Editor

Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com

IN THIS ISSUE

Photography

Emil Powella

Photography

Distribution

Coordinator

Holly Cooks

Cover Story

Feature

Writer

Kristen Eleveld

Feature

Victoria R. Crosby

Tana Poncsak

Traci Sanders

Contributing Writers

Jane Bishop

Terie Hansen

Tanisha Turner

5 On the Cover: Getting to Know Royal Flush Plumbing

7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks

8 Learning Lessons: Nurturing Good Character Traits in Preschoolers

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

9 Expanding Young Minds with E3

11 Stan Cottrell Runs for Suicide Prevention

11 Shift… A Word for Your Day

13 Pianist Extraordinaire Hannah Ramanou

14 Healthy Habits: How to Choose the Best Weight Loss Plan for Your Goals

14 Pet Perch: Is Your Cat Suffering from Whisker Fatigue?

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

15 Military Appreciation Month: Five Ways to Show Your Support

15 Gwinnett Tech Students Earn Medals at State SkillsUSA Competition

17 Is it Clean or Saturday Morning Clean?

17 Visiting Chip Wade’s Pinhoti Peak

From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks

By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanTSauers @RyanTSauers

Wow, May is here, and summer is on the way. I thought I would provide insights into an area most people desire to improve. This area of focus is how we use our time. Every successful person I know desires to have more time. The better we manage our time, the more productive and successful we will be in all parts of our lives. Thus, what we do with our time makes all the difference.

Time is a precious commodity that we all have in equal measure. It is the one resource that cannot be bought, sold, or recovered once lost. Therefore, it is essential to manage it effectively to achieve success. In this column, I want us to focus on the importance of time management using the acronym TIME. I have broken this concept down to make it easier for you to consider.

T—Take control: The first step to effective time management is controlling your time. So, take ownership of your time and plan activities based on priorities. You are in charge of your schedule, and it is up to you to use it wisely. So be very clear of non-priority things you will say “no” to.

I - Invest in yourself: Invest in yourself by caring for your physical and emotional well-being. Eat well, exercise regularly, and take time off to relax and recharge. You cannot manage time effectively if you are not healthy and happy.

M—Manage your tasks: It is vital to set and break down goals into manageable chunks. Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and deadline. Focus on one task at a time and avoid continual multitasking, which can reduce productivity.

E—Eliminate distractions: Eliminate distractions that steal your time and attention. By removing distractions, you can focus on the task and accomplish more in less time. Turn off phone notifications, limit social media usage, and create a conducive work environment.

Effective use of our time is essential to success in any area of life. It requires

Continued on page 11

Learning Lessons: Nurturing Good Character Traits in Preschoolers

By Tanisha Turner

Parents want their children to develop character traits such as compassion, generosity, and kindness, but how do you get from point A to point B? Are preschoolers capable of learning and understanding these traits? And if so, how can parents and caregivers support their development

According to the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, the early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for a wide range of important developmental outcomes, like self-confidence, mental health, and the motivation to learn. The earlier these softer skills are fostered in young children, the more likely they are to be successful in school and later in life. And while it may seem like your child is too young to grasp these concepts, the foundational behaviors needed to develop empathy and other social-emotional skills that make us good people are actually nurtured in the first years of life.

Oftentimes the best way to teach young children about these intangible skills

and traits is to provide hands-on learning opportunities and to reinforce the concepts in a variety of ways. Primrose Schools suggests the following tips for parents and caregivers to use at hom

• Build an understanding of different traits. Even at a young age, children begin to build their understanding of traits like generosity, respect, and gratitude. Read books such as I Can Share by Karen Katz (ages 2-5) and When I Care About Others by Cornelia Maude Spelman (ages 4-7) with your child and take the opportunity to discuss the positive traits that the characters possess. Ask questions and help your child apply the concepts in the book to real-life experiences.

• Introduce important life skills. Even very young children can begin to learn about essential life skills, such as manners, safety, and caring for the environment. Letting children take care of their plant will promote responsibility while teaching them the importance of caring for the world around them. Modeling these life skills is also a great way to introduce them, especially to younger children.

• Make time for hands-on learning. Children get most excited about giving back when they are able to experience it firsthand. Introduce your child to helping those in need by starting small in your community. Whether it’s collecting coats for a clothing drive or making cards for the local nursing home, it’s rewarding to see your child begin to understand the huge impact a simple project can have.

Young children learn through repetition and observation. One of the best ways to nurture positive character traits is to lead by example and consistently model what it means to be a good person. Sooner than later, your child will start imitating you and be on their way to becoming a kind, caring individual.

Tanisha Turner is the Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information, at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com or call 770-513-0066.

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

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

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

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

Manager

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

Montgomery received her Bachelor of Arts in Education with a focus on experiential learning from the University of Georgia. She also holds a Master of Public Administration degree as well as a certificate in NonProfit Management from UGA. Following completion of the top ranked MPA program, she completed a Local Government Management Fellowship in Hamilton, Ohio through the International City/County Management Association. Returning home to Georgia provided Montgomery with the opportunity to work with students at her alma mater before joining the team at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government as a consultant on workforce development for communities and clients such as the State of Georgia’s Department of Economic Development.

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

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

More information at mmontomery@snellville.org.

Expanding Young Minds with E3

By Traci Sanders

Jestacia Jones is an accomplished holistic health and beauty expert, author, and TV professional who worked with many celebrity clients for decades. But she found the most joy and fulfillment in being a mom to her son Alexander.

When Jones saw Alex’s aptitude for learning science, math, technology, and engineering concepts through his love of playing with Legos at age nine, she recognized that this kind of learning experience could lead to a bright future in rewarding, hands-on careers. She created a program in 2014 called E3, which just celebrated its tenth year of enrichment for Gwinnett youth, to offer these learning opportunities to local students. The 3 Es in the name represent Education, Engineering, and Exposure.

E3 takes a unique approach that focuses on the knowledge of coding and engineering principles, which results in students acquiring a number of valuable skills in communication and creativity as well as problem solving and critical thinking.

As Jones states, “Working with Legos allows the students to have a fun learning atmosphere where they can be open-minded, make friends while learning, and

experience physical and cognitive exercise.”

Jones is proud to have found a way to give back to her community, especially in supporting the youth, as the program is geared toward elementary kids. Sara M. Continued on page 12

Stan Cottrell Runs for Suicide Prevention

By Victoria R. Crosby

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

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

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

More recently Stan Cottrell has been running to raise funds for veterans to prevent suicides and has partnered with American Legion Post #207 in this endeavor.

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

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

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

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

More information at www.americanlegionpost207.org

Ryan’s Remarks

Continued from page 7

discipline, focus, and commitment. So, if we follow this TIME acronym, we can take control of our time, invest in ourselves, manage our tasks, and eliminate distractions. Time is our most precious commodity, so we must use it wisely and make the most of every moment!

I hope this article helps you in all parts of life. Here is to a great May 2024. And as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

Shift… A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop

What thoughts surface when you think of “shift”? One definition of shift, from Oxford languages is “move or cause to move from one place to another, especially over a small distance.” Simon T. Bailey wrote Shift Your Brilliance several years ago. It is a book I recommend as it offers thinking from a different perspective to help anyone who is stuck in “neutral” to shift and move forward.

Shifting can be a challenge. I remember when I learned to drive a standard transmission car (which I really enjoy driving!). As I practiced the shift of clutch, brake, and accelerator, it took time to get to that “sweet spot” of all working precisely at the right moment to make the gear change smoothly. How exhilarating it was the first time it happened! It took repetition and practice for the shifting to happen consistently and become second nature.

Effective self-leadership recognizes when we must make a shift. We make many shifts during the course of the day that are second nature. Each shift requires a choice. Because I often view situations as “a story and/or example of a concept,” I recently experienced several shifts in the span of twenty minutes! It was a nice day, and I was completing errands. I decided to treat myself to an ice cream cone on my way home. Here is the progression of shifts:

Location #1: out of ice cream. No problem, I said to myself. I made the shift and

Continued on page 17

Expanding Young Minds with E3

Sellers at Dekalb County Public Library is a strong advocate for the work the E3 Tech Club is doing and offers its fundamental training to local youth at no charge.

“I want every kid to excel and receive a holistic education, regardless of their financial status,” Jones says.

She believes that enrichment and exposure are the keys to overcoming poverty. To help accomplish this goal, the E3 program requires parental involvement. Monthly classes and weekly updates are available in the E3 app. Private coaching is also available for parents and students for a nominal fee.

A prime example of how the E3 program develops mathematical and technical skills in Gwinnett youth is evident in Jones’s own son. Alex used the training and skills he received in E3 in his journey of becoming a certified FAA Drone Pilot at the age of sixteen. He’s also now the captain of Georgia’s first ever Drone Soccer Team, for which he built a drone from scratch, and is a member of the Aerospace Engineering pathway program in Rockdale at just seventeen years of age, as well as one of the coaches of the E3 program working with local youth.

Alex and his mom wrote an e-book together about the E3 program, each giving

their unique perspective on its formation and continued impact and success.

This dynamic mother-son duo has worked together for many years to spread awareness of the E3 program and its core themes of encouraging a passion for mathematical and technical subjects in local youth, and they don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

Schools and organizations that would like to partner with E3 can send inquiries to e3techacademy@gmail.com.

More information at https://e3legorobotics.wordpress.com/.

Pianist Extraordinaire Hannah Ramanou

By Victoria R. Crosby

Recently I attended a wonderful recital at the Smoke Rise Baptist Church by talented pianist Hannah Ramanou, a resident of Stone Mountain. The concert was attended by her proud parents and many friends and family.

Music Director Danny Vasil of Smoke Rise Baptist introduced Ramanou, who has performed at the church on several occasions. Her program was titled, “A Musical Journey Through the Ages,” and featured Sonata in G Major by Domenico Scarlatti, Sonata in C Major, HOB. XVI:50 by Joseph Haydn, Liebesträum No. 2 in E Major and Hungarian Rhapsody No.3 in Bb Major by Franz Liszt, Impromptu in B Minor Opus 5, No. 5 by Jean Sibelius, and Scherzo in C# Minor, Opus 39, No. 3 by Frédéric Chopin.

Before each piece Ramanou, wearing a beautiful pink gown, gave a little background about the music and composer. At the end of the recital, Ramanou was presented with a lovely floral bouquet from her admirers.

A reception followed, hosted by her friends and family, with two large tables filled with tasty treats, including fruit punch, mini wraps, chocolate-covered strawberries, and delicious cookies that had the treble and bass clef depicted in icing.

Hannah Ramanou started piano lessons at age four with teacher Sherie Pierre-Hendrix Scott, who recognized her talent and passion for the instrument. After years of practice Ramanou graduated from Townsend School of Music at Mercer University and the Georgia State University School of Music with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in piano performance. She is a member of the Music Teacher National Association and Musika. In 2020 Ramanou became a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, a prestigious music fraternity founded in 1903 at the Metropolitan College of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio.

During her undergraduate and graduate years, Ramanou was featured as a soloist in masterclasses, piano competitions, recitals, and festivals, including Perimeter PianoFest, the Southeast Young Artist Piano Competition, and Georgia Music Teachers Association College Auditions. Her awards include a Silver Medal, Award of Excellence, Honorable Mention, and Outstanding Performer.

“The realization that I wanted to pursue a career as a professional pianist came to me during my high school years,” she said. “As I continued to immerse myself in the world of music and devote countless hours to practicing the piano, a profound passion and sense of purpose began to gel with me. It was during a particularly inspiring piano performance by my high school piano teacher, Xiaochen Chen, when she performed Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor; that was when I experienced a vital moment of clarity. Witnessing the transformative power of music and the deep emotional connection that she was able to convey through her performance struck a chord with me. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to the art of piano playing. The thought of sharing my love for music with others, evoking emotions through my performances, and striving for excellence in my craft became a driving force that fueled my aspirations to become a pianist. With steadfast determination and a firm commitment to my musical journey, I set forth on the path towards realizing my dream of making a meaningful impact through my music and pursuing my fulfilling career as a pianist.”

Currently, Ramanou is teaching privately and booking performances. She plays at weddings, combining both classical and contemporary music. With years of dedicated practice and study, in both solo and collaborative piano, a deep passion for and a strong desire to inspire others through the power of music, Hannah Ramanou has developed both technical proficiency and an understanding of the emotional and expressive elements of music.

In June she will marry her fiancé and move to Macon where she will be teaching and performing regularly.

Healthy Habits: How to Choose the Best Weight Loss Plan for Your Goals

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

It’s that warm time of year again when many Americans resolve to lose weight and start a healthier routine. This year in particular, with the pandemic behind us, many Americans will once again focus on their health.

In fact, 64% of Americans are motivated to lose weight because they know it impacts their immunity, according to a recent poll of 2,000 U.S. adults aged 30 and above. And 61% also realize that a healthy diet and lifestyle can better protect their long-term health. So what should you look for when it comes to a weight loss plan? Courtney McCormick, MPH, RDN, LDN, corporate dietitian at Nutrisystem, offers these tips to help you choose the right program.

Keep it Simple: Let’s face it, in our crazy busy world, we have to make hundreds of decisions a day, often at lightning speed. You shouldn’t have to worry about counting points or measuring foods. Look for a plan that’s easy and convenient and does the work for you.

weight loss. Protein helps with satiety, so it’s important to include some in each meal and snack. Look for plans with high-protein options, which include up to 30 grams in each meal and keep you full for up to five hours.

Look for Value: As prices rise at grocery stores nationwide, many people struggle to find affordable options to help them eat healthier and lose weight. However, those options do exist. Look for plans that are cost-effective and deliver the majority of meals right to your door.

Focus on Protein: Protein is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and a key to

Pet Perch:

Is Your Cat Suffering

from Whisker Fatigue?

By Terie Hansen

I feel as though I am pretty knowledgeable regarding cats. I’ve owned cats all my life, and up until recently, I had never heard of Whisker Fatigue. I’ve always known that whiskers are sensitive and they help cats determine if they can fit through or in something (whiskers are usually about as long as a cat is wide). But in researching the topic of Whisker Fatigue, I learned some new things as well.

Most people know that a cat’s whiskers are thicker, longer hairs, but did you know they are more deeply rooted than regular fur and the area around each has a generous supply of nerves and blood? Cats typically have 8 to 12 whiskers on each side of their nose as well as above their eyes. They also have whiskers on their chins and on the lower back of their front legs.

Whiskers are super sensitive because each has a sensory organ at the end called a proprioceptor. This organ can detect the slightest vibration or change in air

Exercise Matters: Interested But Intimidated

By Joining a Gym?

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

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

Exercise and healthy aging

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

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

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

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

Don’t Give Up Your Favorite Meals: Look for a plan that lets you eat your favorite foods. Losing weight doesn’t have to mean giving up the things you love. Weight loss plans like Nutrisystem offer comfort foods made healthier that are perfectly portioned so you can enjoy them without guilt. The plan also offers dessert for those with a sweet tooth.

Seek Support: Achieving the goals you’ve set for yourself is so much easier when you have a support system. The best people to have on your team when you’re trying to lose excess weight are those who sit down at daily meals with you. Even better, your chances of reaching and maintaining your weight loss goal increase dramatically if another person in your household joins you on the journey. Look for plans that offer options for you and your partner to get healthier together.

Remember, your weight loss goals will be more than achievable this year if you follow the right plan for yourself. Look for a program designed to help you succeed. (StatePoint)

movement, which helps cats when catching prey as well as navigating in the dark based on how air currents change.

But because of these ultrasensitive proprioceptors, it is painful for your cat to eat if his or her food and water dishes are not shallow enough. When cats are fed from a typical bowl, their whiskers endure unnecessary contact with the sides of the bowl, causing fatigue and even pain. This can turn mealtimes into a stressful, even aggression-causing scenario. For symptoms of Whisker Fatigue, visit our blog at http://gooddogcoaching.com/whisker-fatigue-cat-suffering/

What can you do? Change out those dishes, fast! Choose wide, shallow dishes that allow your cat to eat and drink without whiskers touching. Don’t mess with or even cut your cat’s whiskers!

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

by clarifying information or guiding you appropriately.

Step 2: Request a training program. People new to gyms typically get the best results from a personalized program created by a trainer. Print out the program for reference and to record what you do: which machines, how much weight, how many times you lift, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

More information at SilverSneakers.com

Military Appreciation Month: Five Ways to Show Your Support

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

U.S. military service members are ready to be called upon at any time to protect the country, and May, which is Military Appreciation Month, is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude for their sacrifice.

Military Appreciation Month was initially recognized by a U.S. Senate resolution in 1999. Although the entire month is designated to honor past and present military members and their families, several holidays are sprinkled throughout the month that honor service members: Loyalty Day, VE Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day.

“This year, in particular, many more service members are overseas supporting NATO due to the war in Ukraine,” says Christopher Plamp, United Service Organizations (USO) senior vice president of Operations, Programs, and Entertainment and an Air Force veteran. “These deployments should be a reminder to all Americans of the importance of expressing our gratitude to the men and women in the military who sacrifice so much for us.”

challenges of military life can have a positive impact,” says Plamp. “The simple act of thanks can show military members that their work is valued and appreciated.”

2. Send a Care Package. Sending care packages with snacks and hygiene products lets service members know that the American people are thinking of them, even from thousands of miles away. The USO Care Package program simplifies sending military care packages, which can be complicated. You can support this program by making a monetary donation to the USO. Another option is to check out the USO Wishbook, where you can select from a catalog a symbolic gift, such as a USO Care Package, to be sent to service members. In 2022, the USO delivered 200,000 of these care packages globally.

With its long history of keeping America’s military service members connected to family, home, and country, the USO is providing five ideas for how to honor and support service members and their families.

1. Say “Thank You.” The simplest way to support service members is to thank them for their service. According to the Blue Star Families 2022 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, only one-third of active-duty families feel a sense of belonging to their local civilian community. You can send service members a message of support and encouragement through the USO’s website. “Acknowledging the immense

Gwinnett Tech Students Earn Medals at State SkillsUSA Competition

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Gwinnett Technical College students had an impressive showing at SkillsUSA, Georgia’s Postsecondary State Leadership and Skills Conference at the Georgia World Congress Center. Seventy-three Gwinnett Tech students competed, earning forty-four competition medals: twenty-five gold, eight silver, and eleven bronze.

The Gwinnett Tech SkillsUSA chapter secured the Level 1 Chapter of Distinction – Chapter of Excellence Program Quality Chapter, and Level 2 Chapter of Distinction GOLD Level-Winning Chapter titles. These awards recognize chapters that deliver high-quality professional development focusing on students’ personal, workplace, and technical skills. Additionally, the chapter received recognition for having the third-highest membership in Georgia.

Mohamed Belal, a humanities instructor, earned the prestigious SkillsUSA Georgia Postsecondary Advisor of the Year award for his significant contributions to SkillsUSA and to students in career and technical education programs. Mohamed remains in contention for the national-level award.

Dr. D. Glen Cannon, president of Gwinnett Technical College, shared, “The success of these students proves they are ready to excel and compete in a global workforce. Our students’ results at this competition continue to prove that their educational foundation is exceptional and that they can apply their learning in real-world situations.”

3. Support Military Spouses. Deployments are challenging for military spouses. Aside from being separated from their loved ones, military spouses must also shoulder household responsibilities alone. For military families with children, this can be even more difficult. Offer to cook a family dinner or pick up groceries. Even simply asking how they are doing can make a difference.

4. Volunteer. Many challenging but rewarding volunteer opportunities are available to serve the men and women in uniform, including with the USO, where you will see the impact of your support firsthand. Many USO locations need volunteers who can facilitate programs and events and help ensure the military community has the resources and support they need to carry out their missions.

5. Donate. Show your support through the annual USO T-shirt campaign, which raises funds for the USO’s mobile and center operations, programs, and entertainment, transition services, and more. The campaign also builds awareness and understanding of military families. To learn more, visit https://www.uso.org/tshirt.

“From simple words of gratitude to hands-on volunteering, there are many ways to let service members who selflessly put their lives on the line every day know we value their service,” says Plamp. (StatePoint)

The National SkillsUSA Championships showcase the abilities of postsecondary students through hands-on competitions in leadership, health occupations, trades/industry, and technology.

The Gwinnett Tech 2024 award winners were:

Gold Medalists: Olugbenga Bakare – Quiz Bowl; Harveen Banga – Health Knowledge Bowl; Sharon Broady – Outstanding Chapter Team; Meagan Cash –Health Knowledge Bowl; Duy Do – Related Technical Math; Karen Escario - Quiz Bowl; Annette Flynn - Web Design & Development; Drake Hamilton – Culinary Arts; Keturah Polius Hazell – Health Knowledge Bowl; Sebastian Hoyos – Health Knowledge Bowl; Kelly Inglett – Health Occupations Professional Portfolio; Byron Jones – Pin Design; Raquel Kangalee – Outstanding Chapter Team; Shagufta Khan – Outstanding Chapter Team; Dayoon (Iris) Kim – Medical Math; Nah Kim – Technical Computer Applications; Lily Lieng – Quiz Bowl; Joshua McGee – Extemporaneous Speech; Jeff Miles – Quiz Bowl; Carman Monroe –Quiz Bowl; Eric Nims – Web Design & Development; Mikayla Schorr – Baking & Pastry Arts; Rayyan Surani – Computer Programming; Adriana Teodoro – Quiz Bowl; Trinity Wagner – Restaurant Services

Please go to www.GwinnettTech.edu to see the full list of winners including Silver and Bronze Medalists. SkillsUSA contests begin locally and continue through state and national levels. State Gold Medalists now can compete in the SkillsUSA annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, June 24-28, 2024. The National SkillsUSA Championships showcase the skills of postsecondary students through hands-on competitions in leadership, health occupations, trades/industry, and technical contests. Over 16,000 students, teachers, and business partners participated in the weeklong national competition.

More information at GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580.

Is it Clean or Saturday Morning Clean?

By Tana Poncsak

For Tanya Jones, the smell of a clean house brings back good memories of her youth when she would wake up on Saturday mornings to loud music and the smell of the products her mother was using to clean the house. Tanya would get up and join her mother in their Saturday morning cleaning ritual. Because the very act of cleaning brings about such good memories, it’s no surprise Tanya owns and operates her own cleaning service aptly called Saturday Morning Clean. Tanya says cleaning is not just her job, it’s her passion. She knows at the end of the day a person’s home is their sanctuary. And for most of us, that means clean and free from a lot of clutter.

“Your home should feel peaceful,” Tanya says. “And it gives people a clear mindset when they’re not looking at clutter.”

Saturday Morning Clean offers Regular Cleanings that consist of routine services like dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and more. Deep Cleanings include everything in a Regular Cleaning plus attention to other items such as cleaning baseboards, crown molding, window treatments and ceiling fans, and disinfecting light switches, doorknobs, and more. And then there are Add-ons such as organizing closets, cleaning refrigerators and ovens, folding laundry, and more. And all cleaning products used are eco-friendly.

What makes Tanya’s cleaning service unique isn’t just the name, Saturday Morning Clean, but it’s the attention to detail and thoroughness that she gives to each home. “I’ve had a customer say I clean like their grandmother or their mom,” Tanya says. “It’s the attention to detail, and that’s the way I train my team.”

When the Saturday Morning Clean team takes on a cleaning project, they aren’t in a hurry to get it done and then on to the next stop like many of their competitors. They take their time to do a thorough job. And Tanya can often be found cleaning alongside her team, especially when it’s the first cleaning for a client. Tanya says she wants to be on site so she can make notes of areas that may need special attention for future cleanings.

When you book a cleaning with any cleaning service, Tanya says to trust your instincts and intuition, especially while speaking to someone on a telephone call. “How did they sound? Did they sound like they enjoy what they’re doing?” Tanya says, adding to make sure the person you speak with carries on a positive and caring conversation. And she suggests resisting the temptation to clean your house before the appointment to experience the full effect of before and after the cleaning.

Tanya loves that she’s able to help others with house cleaning, and as a way of giving back, she offers free cleanings. A free cleaning is a one-time, top to bottom cleaning for anyone who could use a helping hand. She says she got the idea when she attended a family member’s graduation and the valedictorian mentioned in a speech to fellow graduates that “…as they go out and do great things, don’t forget to reach back.” That idea stuck with Tanya, and she calls her free cleanings the Reach Back Program.

“I’m not rich, but I’m still able to reach back,” she says. “So it just shows that anybody can reach back.”

People who could use a free cleaning may have specific needs, such as the lack

Shift… A Word for Your Day

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of time to clean due to caring for a sick family member, or they may simply be overwhelmed with life and let some things, like cleaning the house, go for far too long and now they need help. Anyone can qualify for a free cleaning by sending an email to Tanya at info@getsaturdaymorningclean.com stating why you need a free cleaning. Free cleaning recipients are picked monthly and at random from the emails received.

When Tanya cleans, it’s not just clean, it’s Saturday Morning Clean (even though they clean any day of the week)!

More information at www.getsaturdaymorningclean.com

Visiting Chip Wade’s Pinhoti Peak

By Victoria R. Crosby

I had the pleasure of visiting the mountain retreat show home in Elijay of Designer and Producer Chip Wade, the Emmy Award winning host of HGTV. Chip’s parents, Jill and David Wade, have worked with Smoke Rise Baptist Church for over twenty years, and they invited a group of members to visit one of the homes that Chip had created. This house is called Pinhoti Peak, which is on the Pinhoti trail. Pinhoti means turkey home in the language of the indigenous people, as there are wild turkeys in that area.

For people unfamiliar with the name Chip Wade, as I was before this visit, he is a craftsman whose HGTV shows have won awards. Chip comes from a family of woodworkers and carpenters. His father taught him woodworking at an early age and Chip became interested in carpentry, landscaping, and renovation. He has a degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology, and is certified in residential construction. In 2007 Chip began to work with HGTV’s team in Atlanta on Designed to Sell, then Curb Appeal: The Block, Showdown, and Wise Buys, all on HGTV. He has also appeared on Oprah, Ellen’s Design Challenge, and CNN, and is regularly seen on Fox News. Chip is also host, designer, and executive producer of his Emmy Award winning series Elbow Room. He demonstrates how do-it-yourself viewers and homeowners can transform their homes themselves.

We first visited the historic town of Elijay and did a little shopping and browsing, ate lunch, then went to Pinhoti Peak. The house is very contemporary in style, has fabulous mountain views, and is near hiking trails. As you pull up the driveway, a huge lifelike sculpture of Big Foot stands off to the side of a small putting green where golfers can practice their shots. There is also a small swimming pool, and an outdoor wood burning fireplace and seating area. The outdoor living spaces also include a cooking area and a Bocce green. The house was built using no wood, and though the materials are made to resemble wood grain, they are concrete.

Jill and David acted as tour guides and took two separate groups around the house. My group was with Jill. The house has two separate sides, each group toured one side then the other. The house is very high tech. The High-Tech light switches don’t need to be touched; they work by just putting your hand near the switch – perfect for preventing the spreading of covid or any other virus.

To help create this fabulous mountain retreat, Wade Works partnered with many companies including Kohler, Mason Lite, Boise Cascade, Kichler, and many others that provided the materials.

Jill gave me her son’s business card, which lists his impressive areas of expertise that also include furniture sculpting, photography, produced digital experiences, styling, architectural plans, and marketing real estate.

More information at www.pinhotipeak.com or www.chipwade.com info@wadeworkscreative.com or call 770-312-5957. drove across the street to another option.

Location #2: closed/out of business. Shift again so I decide on another business on my route home.

Location #3: The computer system was down and unable to take orders or payments! Really?!

The next shift was to decide if I would continue my mission of getting ice cream or journey home. In the interest of time, I drove home and shifted my desire for a treat to something else! You may not find the humor in this story. However, I do believe it reflects the connection between shifts, choice, and change. The “Janeism” that came out of that twenty minute of shifts is this: “to shift your mindset, start with a consistent conscious choice.”

As I work with individuals, groups and teams and empower them to create their shifts, the results they experience are sustainable! When we choose to shift, it can be refreshing to experience the change!

“Change is hard because people overestimate the value of what they have and underestimate the value of what they may gain by giving that up.” (James Belasco and Ralph Stayer)

How will you practice a shift to move forward?

More information at www.janebishoplive.com.

Royal Flush Plumbing

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And the work doesn’t stop when the job is completed.

“Our technicians will always leave the space cleaner than they found it, and customers will be provided with a free report of the state of the plumbing in their home,” said Ryan. “This helps customers identify possible future issues before they happen.”

These are just a few of the “prodigious perks,” as Ryan refers to them, that come with using Royal Plumbing’s top-notch services. Any client who has benefited from receiving The Royal Treatment will attest to this company’s commitment to excellence and their passion for not only hiring talented team members, but training new apprentices to carry on their trade and teach it to generations behind them.

If you are ready to find out how it feels to be royal, just give Ryan and his team a call at 770-GO-ROYAL.

More information at https://plumbatlanta.com/ or https://pottytrained.com/

Roger S Green, MSFS, CFP®