Up Close with ProMotion Physical Therapy & The Wellness Studio, see story on page 5.
Grayson | Dacula | Lawrenceville | Snellville | Loganville
On the Cover: Getting to Know ProMotion Physical Therapy & The Wellness Studio
By Kristen Eleveld
“Living your best life” is something we all strive to do – and the people at ProMotion Physical Therapy & The Wellness Studio are working to help the Gwinnett community meet those goals.
With a mission to “nurture an atmosphere of camaraderie, encouragement and motivation,” ProMotion Physical Therapy and The Wellness Studio are embracing the idea that taking care of your body happens in many areas of life. That’s why they offer everything from physical therapy to fitness classes to nutrition advice from a registered dietitian.
“Injuries and illnesses frequently limit our ability to engage in the many activities that bring quality and meaning to our lives,” said physical therapist Michael Sullivan. “We recognize that the path to a more healthy life involves attention to the physical, mental, and social components of wellness.”
As a teenager, Michael was in a car accident that left him wondering if he would ever have the ability to walk again. His own physical therapist encouraged him to work hard, saying the path would be difficult, but that it could be possible to regain Michael’s level of function before the accident. Five months later, Michael returned to the field as a competitive soccer player. Now, he wants to share that experience and his own expertise with others to allow them to overcome the obstacles in their own lives.
“The gifts that my physical therapist bestowed upon me changed the direction of my life,” said Michael. “I decided that I would like to help others as he helped me.”
With providers like Michael on staff, it’s no wonder that ProMotion PT and The Wellness Studio are so dedicated to helping their community find true wellness. And while the physical work is a major part of the process, Michael and the rest of the staff know that dealing with the physical injuries or struggles is only part of the picture.
“Ultimately, I see myself as an educator,” Michael said. “I love helping people to understand the nature of their injury and what they can do to create the conditions under which healing becomes possible. Recognizing that healing comes from within, I believe we all have incredible potential to heal but don’t necessarily know how to unlock our abilities. Helping to guide people through this process brings me great joy.”
In addition to a team that cares deeply for the whole-body wellness of their
patients, the combined expertise at ProMotion PT and The Wellness Studio makes it shine bright in its field. With a multi-disciplinary team that includes physical therapists, massage therapists, fitness trainers, and a registered dietician, these experts are able to provide a range of services to promote wellness. They are also dedicated to giving each patient the one-on-one time needed to fully address their concerns and goals.
“We tailor treatment to address specific individual goals and help people get back to doing what they want to do,” said Michael. “Ultimately our goal is to help people in our community to live happier and healthier lives.”
If you think you might benefit from one (or more) of the many services offered by ProMotion Physical Therapy and The Wellness Studio, reach out to them today! You can take your first step to living your best life by asking the experts how it’s done.
More information at http://www.promotionpt.com/, https://thewellnessstudio.com/
Our Town
Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
— An EndResultz Media Company
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 Writers
Victoria R. Crosby
Tana Poncsak
Traci Sanders
Contributing Writers
Jane Bishop
Bill Crane
Terie Hansen
Tanisha Turner
Pam Walker
5 On the Cover: Getting to Know ProMotion Physical Therapy & The Wellness Studio
7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
8 Learning Lessons: Supporting Your Child’s Music Development
8 Holiday Matters: Make Your Holidays Stress-Free
8 Health Matters: Older Adults Should Protect Their Health This Fall
9 Thanksgiving Tips: How to Practice Gratitude
11 Japanese Manufacturer Hirano America to Open First U.S. Office in Gwinnett
11 Travel Tales: Travel News for 2025
13 One Man’s Opinion: We’re From Georgia AIM – We’re Here to Help
13 Dose…A Word for Your Day
14 Rainbow Village Joins Other Organizations to Launch “Sista CEO”
14 Astronomer Tom Crowley and the Aloha Telescope Project
15 Pet Perch: What’s the Rush?
From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanTSauers @RyanTSauers
Hello, Our Town Community. Can you believe we are in November? Wow, it seems not long ago that I was writing about the beginning of a new year in 2024. Time flies, and we must be grateful for each moment. November is a great time to reflect upon our journey, express gratitude for the blessings surrounding us, and draw inspiration from the unwavering spirit of our community.
In this season of change, I encourage us to take a moment to count our blessings, no matter how small they may seem. Gratitude is a powerful force that can transform our lives. When we focus on the positive aspects of our existence, we build resilience and find strength in the face of challenges. Our community has shown remarkable resilience over the past few years, which we should all be proud of. We have faced unprecedented times with courage and determination, supporting one another through thick and thin. Let us carry this spirit forward into the coming months, standing together, shoulder to shoulder, as we continue to grow and thrive.
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop lower, remember that each day is an opportunity for growth and positive change. This is the time of year to set new goals and aspirations, whether big or small. It’s the perfect moment to take that step you’ve been putting off, to start that project you’ve been dreaming about, or to strengthen the bonds with your neighbors and friends.
As we learned during the pandemic, we can adapt, innovate, and support one another in times of need. The Our Town community exemplifies the strength and determination that lies within each of us. Let’s carry this energy into the months ahead, embracing challenges with open hearts and minds.
Continued on page 13
Learning Lessons: Supporting Your Child’s Music Development
By Tanisha Turner
Young children love music. It’s easy to see how they clap their hands or move around when an upbeat tune comes on. While children are likely to be exposed to music naturally, being intentional about their music development has a lot of benefits and can be fun for the whole family. Research shows that early exposure to music enhances children’s ability to create and to enjoy it and fosters brain development. Specifically, engaging young children in music can:
• Boost cognitive development. Songs help young children build memory skills, learn new vocabulary, and practice sequencing words and phrases in a fun and meaningful way. Learning to distinguish sounds in music also helps children discern sounds of language. And, music instruction improves verbal memory, which is the key to reading comprehension.
• Cultivate social-emotional skills and self-confidence. In group settings, musical activities nurture children’s social-emotional development and motivate them to cooperate with one another. Music can draw out the shyest child and make him eager to participate in group activities like singing and dancing while building self-confidence along the way.
• Encourage movement and motor skills. Moving to music, learning rhythm, and playing musical instruments help children enhance their gross and fine motor skills. Songs, poems, and rhymes with accompanying movements also keep children active while helping them develop coordination.
Encouraging Music Development at Home
To make the most of music as a learning opportunity for your child at home, try these simple games and activities:
• Sing the first line of a familiar song. Have your child sing the next line. Continue taking turns. This activity not only builds verbal memory, but also develops listening skills and concentration.
• Start with a familiar song like “Wheels on the Bus,” and take turns inserting new words to replace the original ones. Together, you can invent a gesture for each word and enjoy the giggles that follow.
Continued on page 11
Health Matters: Older Adults Should Protect Their Health This Fall
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
With cold and flu season upon us, it’s time to protect yourself from those seasonal threats and other health risks. “During the holidays, our lives get very busy with family and friends,” said Dr. J.B. Sobel, chief medical officer for Cigna Healthcare’s Medicare business. “Before then, please take time to ensure you get the preventive care you need to stay healthy.”
Preventive care is critical for everybody, but particularly for older adults, and especially in fall when risks can increase. Recommendations vary based on age, gender, and health status, but the following are some Sobel says are the most common for seniors. Vaccinations: There are several vaccines older adults need to consider to protect themselves. For example, flu and pneumonia are among the most common causes of senior deaths. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to vaccination. Timing and frequency vary, depending on your health history. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccines are appropriate for you.
Holiday Matters: Make Your Holidays Stress-Free
By Tana Poncsak
As soon as the kids roam the neighborhood for candy on Halloween, many of us start thinking (and maybe obsessing) about the upcoming holidays. After all, there’s cooking to be done, presents to buy, and plans to be made all while still working and going about our daily lives. And while the holidays are supposed to be meaningful and fun, often they turn out to be tiring, disappointing, and stressful.
According to a December 2017 article in Medical News Today, some people can feel overwhelmed by the excess, expectations, and exchange and can become depressed during the holidays. The article goes on to say that a lack of time and money, credit card debt, and the pressure of gift giving can often contribute to stress during the holiday season.
As mentioned in this article and cited by many others as well, one of the main causes for holiday stress can be linked to our expectations. We watch the holiday movies and see images of the picture-perfect holidays, and that becomes what we strive for. Anything less misses the mark.
The answer can be as easy as keeping things simple and don’t over plan. But we all know that’s easier said than done. Here are a few things you can do to lower your expectations and keep things simple.
• Make a realistic list of the things you need to accomplish to make your holiday special and meaningful. This shouldn’t be a long list. Try to keep this list at three to six things. Then make a second list of the things you would like to accomplish but aren’t necessary to make your holiday complete.
• Try to simplify or delegate the things that need to be done to make the best use of your time. For example, you want to read the latest holiday novel, but you have no time. Try listening to the audio version while commuting to and from work. You may even be able to borrow it from the library for free using an app like Libby.
• Don’t like outdoor decorating? Delegate it to the professionals. Some local landscaping companies may offer outdoor decorating during the holidays.
Continued on page 12
• Shingles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of the shingles vaccine for healthy adults aged 50 and older, spaced two to six months apart, to prevent shingles and related complications.
• COVID-19. Ask your doctors about current recommendations for the prevention of COVID-19 infections.
• RSV. Earlier this year, the Federal Drug Administration approved two separate vaccines to address respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in older adults. RSV, a common respiratory infection, usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can be more severe in older adults and children. Talk to your doctor about whether you should get an RSV vaccine.
Health Screenings: The following health screenings are commonly recommended for older adults.
• Mammogram. According to the CDC, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Every woman is at risk, and risk increases with age. Fortunately, breast cancer can often be treated successfully when found early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends women 50 to 74 years old at average risk get a mammogram every two years.
• Flu. This vaccine is administered annually, generally before the end of October, and is designed to match the latest circulating flu strains.
• Pneumonia. Administration varies based on health history. If you’re 65 or older and you’ve never had the vaccine before, you’ll likely need two shots administered a year apart.
• Colorectal screening. Colorectal cancer risk increases with age. Screenings can find precancerous polyps early, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. The USPSTF recommends colorectal cancer screening for adults age 45 to 75. Though colonoscopy is the most comprehensive test, there are other options you may consider with the help of your provider.
• Bone density scan. USPSTF recommends women aged 65 and older and women 60 and older at increased risk be routinely screened for osteoporosis,
Continued on page 11
Thanksgiving Tips: How to Practice Gratitude
By Tana Poncsak
There’s a lot of chatter about how being thankful and practicing gratitude can help one live a healthier and a happier life. We hear about it in inspirational quotes on social media, discussed on podcasts, and we even read about it in various articles in magazines and on the web. It’s November and the month of Thanksgiving, and while many will be reminded to give thanks as a result of the holiday, let’s look at some ways we can practice gratitude all year.
• Take a look at your values and how you spend your time. Perhaps those values have shifted along the way. Think about the things you
value most and why you value them. Are you missing some special people in your life? Perhaps you need more time to yourself. Whatever it may be, time to yourself or more time for the special people in your life, think about ways to spend more time on the things you value in your life.
• We’ve all heard it before, but it bears repeating. Stop comparing yourself to others. It’s easy to do, especially with social media 24 hours a day, but it’s counterproductive. You’re unique, so be thankful for your uniqueness and learn to lean into it.
• Keep a gratitude journal. You don’t have to write a page every day. A few lines will do because being consistent is important. Just the act of writing something down can have a positive impact.
Continued on page 15
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OWNER, NATE MCMICHAEL
Japanese Manufacturer Hirano America to Open First U.S. Office in Gwinnett
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
Partnership Gwinnett is pleased to announce that Hirano Tecseed Co., Ltd., a leading Japanese manufacturer of coating machines, will open its first U.S. office in Norcross in Gwinnett County. The company chose Gwinnett and the metro Atlanta region for their global access, diverse workforce, and strong economic climate, which will support growth.
Hirano Tecseed Co., Ltd. manufactures advanced coating machines used in various industries, including electronics, medical, and aerospace. Their innovative technology is critical for producing products such as adhesive tape, liquid crystal displays, electronic components, wallpaper, and aircraft parts. The company is also known for its environmentally conscientious operations.
ward to supporting their expansion and success in our community.”
“Hirano Tecseed’s investment in Norcross underscores the way international companies recognize Georgia as a reliable entryway into the U.S. market,” said Commissioner Pat Wilson, Georgia Department of Economic Development. “The State of Georgia’s participation in subnational organizations such as SEUS-Japan and our longstanding international presence foster relationships and lead to opportunities. We are excited to welcome an innovative company like Hirano Tecseed to Georgia, and we look forward to supporting their growth with local and statewide partners.”
Kaoru Okada, President of Hirano Tecseed, commented, “We are thrilled to open our first U.S. office in Norcross. This strategic location will allow us to serve our American clients better and expand our footprint in the U.S. market. We appreciate the warm welcome and support from Gwinnett County and the State of Georgia.”
This announcement was made during a global business mission to Japan, where a delegation led by Partnership Gwinnett, including Gwinnett County government, business and community leaders, and representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, visited Hirano Tecseed’s headquarters in Nara.
“We are excited to welcome Hirano America to Gwinnett,” said Commissioner Kirkland Carden. “This new office will not only strengthen our international business community, but also create new opportunities for collaboration and economic growth in the county.”
Deven Cason, Vice President of Economic Development, stated, “Hirano Tecseed’s decision to establish its first U.S. office in Norcross is a testament to Gwinnett County’s attractiveness as a business destination. We look for-
Learning Lessons
Continued from page 8
• Start dancing to one of your child’s favorite songs, and then stop the song at random. When the music stops, freeze! When the music starts, begin dancing again. This gets you both moving and teaches careful listening.
• Have an old-fashioned jam session! Grab some instruments, cue up some music, and play, play, play.
Children benefit from consistency, so engaging in music at home to complement your child care provider’s music program is ideal for their development.
Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com or call 770-513-0066
Health Matters
Continued from page 8
a disease in which bones become weak and brittle. Screening may facilitate treatment that helps prevent fractures.
• Eye exam. Routine eye exams can identify early signs of eye disease that are more likely as people age. People with diabetes, in particular, are prone to retinopathy, which leads to vision loss. It’s recommended that people with diabetes have annual retinal screenings.
• Mental health checkup. Many people experience seasonal depression during the fall. Mental health is strongly linked to physical health. Talk to your healthcare provider about your personal and family history. They can connect you with additional mental health resources.
To prevent unpleasant surprises, Sobel suggests talking with your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or insurer about preventive care costs. Fortunately, costs are often covered entirely by Medicare or Medicare Advantage.
Note: The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new healthcare regimen. (StatePoint)
Georgia Power, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and the City of Norcross were also instrumental in the project, helping create the opportunity for Hirano to join the local business community.
Norcross Mayor Craig Newton shared, “Our City is well known for its global business footprint. We are pleased to have Hirano joining our community and taking advantage of the strength in location that we offer for growth in the U.S. market.”
We welcome this great company to Gwinnett County!
Travel Tales: Travel News for 2025
By Pam Walker
I have written before about the ETIAS visa for European countries. But now there is another new visa you will need to travel to the UK starting in January.
On January 8, 2025, the UK will initiate a requirement for entry called the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). It must be completed for all inbound travelers to the UK from the US and elsewhere. Originated in 2023 for visitors from Middle Eastern countries, now US visitors must have one by January 2025, and Europeans in April 2025!
You can begin to process your ETA by November 27, 2024. It will be required for anyone planning to visit the UK, will have to be approved by the British Government before your trip, and will be linked to your passport “to ensure more robust security checks,” ETAs will also cost ten British Pounds or about $13.00 USD for stays up to six months. Multiple entries will be permitted on one ETA and expire when the passport expires. It will have a maximum of two years validity from the time of issue. So if you are planning on a visit to the UK in 2025, please access the following link to get your ETA! https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
Starting in May of 2025, you will need the ETIAS VISA for thirty European countries. This visa will be valid for three years. The cost of the ETIAS is now 7 euros or approximately USD $8.00. The application website is: https://etias.com/etias-application
Because of the world’s unrest and the large number of immigrants arriving without these permissions, governments worldwide are putting more restraints on the valid traveling public. Almost a million individuals enter the US daily through legal channels. We, too, have a visa program for visitors called ESTA.
ESTA is an automated system that determines visitors’ eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). That said, only US Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions, but our US Border Patrol makes the final decision regarding entry into our country.
Both the new ETA and ETIAS visas are quick and easy to obtain, so if you are traveling next year, please remember to do so, or you will be refused entry. Be prepared when you travel and ask your travel professional or airline what the requirements are before you travel. Good luck and happy travel in 2025 and beyond!
Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More information at pam@ walkeradventures.com
Holiday Matters
• Don’t like to bake but need festive cookies? Leave the baking to your local bakery.
• Have company coming into town for the holidays, but no time to clean? There are a number of cleaning services in the area you can call.
• Need help wrapping? Hire a neighborhood teen to wrap your packages one afternoon.
• Short on time for cooking the holiday meal? Have it catered by a local restaurant. Or if that’s totally out of the question, try cooking some dishes using a pressure cooker or an air fryer and save the stove and the oven for dishes that need your extra attention.
• You get the idea. Be creative and ask for help!
• Don’t overwhelm yourself and your family with holiday activities. Pick a few that are manageable and let the others go. And even with the hustle and bustle of the season, remember to make self-care a priority.
• With gift giving, it’s the thought that counts. Don’t feel like you have to
spend a small fortune. A small thoughtful gift or handmade gift can be just as personal and meaningful than an expensive one.
• Don’t compare your holiday to the holiday of others. The season is not meant to be a competition.
• Be more thankful for the things you accomplish instead of sad about the things that you don’t get to on your list. You can look forward to the ones you didn’t get to for next year.
• Always keep in mind the perfect holiday doesn’t exist. There are always things that are out of our control.
• If loved ones can’t make it to your holiday celebration, keep in mind the holidays are a relatively short period of time within a year, and there are another 300+ days in the year giving us plenty of other opportunities to spend time with loved ones. Plan something for later when the timing is better and everyone can be more relaxed.
At the end of the holiday, take some time to reflect. What went well? What didn’t go as well? Were there any surprises? And make notes for a head start on next year.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
CALLED TO CARE FOR YOUR A FAMILY OWNED & FAITH BASED COMPANY
One Man’s Opinion: We’re From Georgia AIM
– We’re Here to Help
By Bill Crane
While looking forward and embracing our future yet to come, I often find benefit in looking back. One of my favorite quotes by author/humorist Mark Twain speaks to, with more than a bit of tongue in cheek, the American fear of innovation and “things new.”
He said, “I am all for progress. It’s the damn change that I am against.”
In my lifetime and career, I began with news operations, shooting film with equipment weighing hundreds of pounds, and working with dot matrix printers, MS-Dos-based computers, pre-internet, email, and texting. The early adopters had pagers and mobile phones that looked like monstrous walkie-talkies, and began discussing sharing files and protocols on the internet, designed and intended primarily for academic research and advancing science.
The US Industrial Revolution and factories moved a predominantly male workforce away from farms, mines, foundries, forges, and repair shops and onto the assembly lines. Fear of business and job losses led to the creation of labor unions, various workplace benefits, and the many positive aspects of modern big business. Automation and robotics later came on the scene, which again brought the fear of the loss of jobs. But we instead saw the most robust period of economic growth in modern American history, including a handful of BALANCED federal budgets coming from Congress and the White House, despite a divided government in the mid-1990s.
Now, we smile and in some cases tremble a bit as the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sentience is becoming a reality for computers and much of the world around us, including the workplace. As someone who still says Please and Thank You to Alexa in my kitchen and at the office, I am admittedly NOT a technology pioneer. I was self-taught on MS-Dos and later the various iterations of Microsoft Windows. Still missing my beloved Blackberry, I have finally become reasonably adept at the multiple functions
Dose…A Word for Your Day
By Jane Bishop
When I was interviewed on a radio show, I enjoyed a fun and energetic conversation with the co-hosts. Near the end of the interview, one of the co-hosts remarked, “You have such an infectious energy. If we need a dose of Jane, how do we find you?”
“A dose of Jane” resonated with me as it describes my approach with life. If there is a skill, tool, lesson, or resource in my portfolio of life experiences that can help someone achieve their objective, I want to share it. I strive to listen, learn, and connect with others, so if a “dose of Jane” would be helpful, I offer to connect. However, I hesitate to initiate use of this phrase as I connect with others.
My friend Kim helped put this in perspective on one of our catch-up calls. She would text periodically with “I need to hear a little of Jane.” Our conversations are encouraging and energizing, and I have more in my “tank” after our phone visit. I shared the radio show comment with her, and she jumped on it immediately by describing how our conversations are meaningful to her. She thought that was a great description. And I quickly said to her, “And it’s always good to get a dose of Kim!”
Ponder this: our approach and attitude to life determines what “doses” we give others. In the book How Full is Your Bucket?, the authors, Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, Ph.D., use the metaphor of a bucket and dipper to describe how “even the briefest interactions affect relationships, productivity, health and longevity. Interactions with others either fill our bucket or drain our bucket. Whenever we choose to fill others’ buckets, we in turn fill
on my Android Smartphone.
But also, as a fan of the Terminator film series, there is a corner of my brain awaiting the word that Skynet has gone live and the age of man is about to be replaced by the age of computers. Thankfully, there are engineers, academics, and others leading the way here to ensure that not only does this not happen, but that Artificial Intelligence, like texting, email, the internet, Wi-Fi, and so many now-expected amenities of modern living, continue to free up and serve humanity, and not serve up humans
The Georgia Institute of Technology received a $65 million federal grant in late 2022 to develop teaching partnerships and models across Georgia, exposing middle and high school students to both the benefits (smart robots, drones, and AR gaming) and the hard work involved (coding, system design, system security) of making AI and a wide variety of applications into reality. The federal Economic Development Administration grant connects and funds sixteen projects across Georgia, each working to develop a future workforce skilled in the smart technologies needed to deploy AI innovation within the manufacturing sector.
During the first week of October, and including National Manufacturing Day, Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (Georgia AIM) Week touched thousands of students, manufacturers, and educators as a Georgia AIM Mobile Studio rolled across Georgia, only days after the devastation brought by Hurricane Helene. In an environment where a dose of hope helped lift many spirits, the Georgia AIM Mobile Studio brought smiles, inspiration, and bright aspirations into classrooms and educators from Moultrie to Atlanta and Fort Valley to Athens.
“Georgia AIM Week allowed us to showcase the incredible partnerships with a range of organizations over the last two years,” said Donna Ennis, Co-Director, Georgia AIM, based within the Enterprise Innovation Institute at Georgia Tech. “Artificial Intelligence and smart technologies will be game changes for small to medium-size manufacturers, and learning these technologies now opens doors for our workforce.”
In Athens at the University of Georgia, on a sunny Homecoming weekend Friday, Ms. Ennis and others beamed on the STEM program lawn on UGA’s East Campus, demonstrating their wares. At the same time, students interacted with the AI technologies available in the mobile studio. I will have to put my favored Twain quote aside for the moment. I witnessed my favorite North Atlanta Trade School, located near the world famous Varsity, and my alma mater, UGA, and its much more nascent Engineering School, working collaboratively and voluntarily together on a successful project. In that world...anything is possible.
Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
our own.” I want to be a bucket filler more than a bucket drainer. And if a “dose of Jane” can do that, I’m all in with the phrase!
You have your own doses to share! Each person is uniquely created and gifted. Consider your characteristics, gifts, skills, and core values. Who would benefit from a dose of you? Consider who is in your life that you go to for a “dose of encouragement, support, etc.”? Only YOU can give out a dose of YOU! What are others missing by not getting a dose of you? “You were born an original. Don’t die a copy.” (John Mason)
So, stand on your story, embrace your gifts and skills, and offer a positive dose of “you” as you influence those around you.
More information at www.janebishoplive.com.
Ryan’s Remarks
Continued from page 7
The holiday season is just around the corner, and it’s a time when we can come together to spread love and joy throughout our community. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger charitable endeavors, let us remember the importance of giving and sharing. As we enjoy the warmth of our homes and the love of our families, we should also consider those who may be less fortunate and find ways to extend a helping hand.
In the spirit of giving, let’s also appreciate and support the local businesses that contribute to our community’s uniqueness. They have faced their share of hardships, and your continued support means more to them than you can imagine. This November, make an extra effort to shop locally, dine at our community’s restaurants, and celebrate the incredible small businesses around us.
As we embrace November, remember that we are an unstoppable force when working together. We must UNITE (come together), not UNTIE (drift apart). The letters of each word are the same, but by making one change in their order, they mean entirely different things.
I hope you have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. One that is filled with some downtime and enjoyment of all we have to be thankful for. Finally, and as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!
Rainbow Village Joins Other Organizations to Launch “Sista CEO”
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
According to a recent study* of more than 59,000 public charities across the U.S., 62% of nonprofit leaders are women. With this in mind, Rainbow Village CEO Melanie Conner built a network of local nonprofit leaders aptly named “Sista CEO,” which was established in 1991. This Metro Atlanta charity’s mission is Bringing Help, Hope, Housing, and Healing to Families Experiencing Homelessness. She believed her organization and others could benefit from a forum where members can “collaborate, celebrate, and commiserate” over best practices, while sharing ideas and fostering partnerships to ensure success for all.
“It all began organically,” said Conner. “Often, one or two of us would get together, have lunch, and share what’s going on in our respective organizations. We began to see threads between our organizations and the challenges we were experiencing. We believed we could share ideas and find ways to overcome obstacles together. After all, we’re all in the business of trying to help people. Why not support one another in that effort? The idiom ‘It’s lonely at the top’ is particularly true for nonprofit leaders. We may have incredible relationships with our staff, board members, donors, and volunteers – which is very important. But it’s another thing to gather with others who share a deep understanding of your pain points. Sista CEOs can finish each other’s sentences. It’s a wonderful thing to know you’re not alone. As a result, our group has grown from five original members to 20.”
One of the many success stories that have emerged from Sista CEO is that of Executive Director Kristina McCalla. She recently launched her nonprofit, Rooted Interiors, a grassroots charity aimed at transforming empty houses into fully furnished homes for those emerging from homelessness. When McCalla first met Conner, her organization had not yet received its 501(c)3 designation. The support and guidance she received from Sista CEO were instrumental in her journey, highlighting the tangible benefits of this unique network.
Following that meeting, Rooted Interiors designed three apartments for families before they moved onto Rainbow Village’s campus. The nonprofit has partnered with other organizations within the Sista CEO network.
“Being a part of Sista CEO has been incredibly rewarding for myself and my organization,” said McCalla. “The unparalleled support, the invaluable resources and mentorship, and the opportunities for collaboration have sig-
Astronomer Tom Crowley and the Aloha Telescope Project
By Victoria R. Crosby
I recently attended a fascinating talk by retired engineer Tom Crowley. He and his wife Lynn now live in Stone Mountain in Park Springs Senior Life Plan Community. Tom grew up in New Jersey and met his wife at an IBM Systems Research Institute in New York City.
They met in a class of one hundred men and five women. Tom retired early as an electrical engineer with IBM and became interested in studying radio astronomy. At the Atlanta Astronomy Club, he met James Sowell of Georgia Tech, an astronomer in the School of Physics. Sowell asked Crowley to put a telescope on the island of Maui in Hawaii, known as the Aloha Telescope Project. With a grant Tom was asked to design a scientific camera. Max Estrada, an eight-year-old friend of the Crowley’s, was in the audience with his mother, and Tom asked him to help him demonstrate with the computer. Tom showed slides of different planets showing the Big Bang, the formation of galaxies, and the different types of galaxies. He talked about the contributions of scientists James Webb, Kip Thorn, Stephen Hawking, Edward Hubbel, Albert Einstein, and Carl Sagan. He said that Galileo was a
nificantly accelerated my personal and professional growth. It’s an honor to be amongst a group of amazing women whose desire is to make a meaningful change in the world. There is power in numbers, and Sista CEO is making incredible changes.”
Several of the other Sista CEO members had this to say about the collaborative organization:
“I was honored that Melanie asked me to be one of the first to join Sista CEO. I’m one of the younger members, so I get to benefit from the mentorship of women who’ve been in the field a lot longer. These women not only know how to run a successful organization, but are also willing to share their knowledge. We’re all involved in an industry that involves a lot of emotions. I’ve learned from one of my mentors that it’s okay to put up barriers and protect my own mental health by taking off weekends to avoid burnout. For my part, I’m able to leverage training from my own national organization and share it with the Sista CEO community. We build trust among the group and get together in a non-competitive way. It’s all about community.” ~ Carol Love, Executive Director | Family Promise of Gwinnett
“This group of impactful women brings together the collective expertise, passion, and resources of various nonprofit organizations, amplifying our efforts and creating a larger, more meaningful impact than any single organization could achieve alone. I have made so many strong, supportive relationships among like-minded women leaders in this group. We brainstorm new ideas and develop creative solutions to complex issues that we all face.” ~ Tami Wilder, CEO | Positive Impact International/Gwinnett County Safe Place
“The Sista CEO group allows me to collaborate with other non-profit C-Suite women on so many levels. We share our struggles and our wins. We figure out ways to work together to meet the needs of our community because together, we are stronger. There’s no competition. We are all in this together with the same goals, and this is what sisterhood is all about.” ~ Robin Mauck, Executive Director | Obria Medical Clinics Gwinnett
As Sista CEO continues to grow in unexpected ways, Conner and her fellow members hope to remain intentional about coming together and making things happen while maintaining the original sense of intimacy. Other nonprofit leaders in Metro Atlanta who’d like to learn about becoming a member of Sista CEO can contact Melanie Conner directly at mconner@ rainbowvillage.org or (770) 497-1888.
*Uchida, Kyoko. Candid.org “What to know about U.S. nonprofit sector demographics” https://blog.candid.org/post/diversity-in-nonprofit-sector-candid-demographic-data-report/
doctor who made a chart using the stars.
Tom talked about light pollution and stated that during the blackout in 1967 in New York and the other parts of the East Coast, “People saw the stars and were amazed!
“Astronomers hate the moon,” he said. “It’s a bright light which deters them from seeing planets.”
He explained that the night sky in Maui doesn’t have the problem of light pollution the way big cities do.
“M13 is a cluster of stars that looks like a diamond necklace and is a favorite of my wife’s,” Tom told the audience.
When asked about climate change, he said that global warming started thirty thousand years ago with melting glaciers, and that now the world is overpopulated and is using up resources and creating too much heat.
Tom noted that the constellations were named by the Romans and Greeks, and all the names have meanings. He then stated that “we are all stardust.”
The nearest star to Earth is 31 trillion miles away, but Tom thinks that we’ll find life at some point.
“The beauty of science is we just don’t know, but we make good guesses,” he said. “There is so much we don’t understand, but that is the beauty of it.”
Tom Crowley usually gives this fascinating presentation to school children, but the older audience was very appreciative of the education.
Pet Perch: What’s the Rush?
By Terie Hansen
As the saying goes, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.” The same applies when introducing a new dog/puppy to your current dog(s). My best advice? Go slowly through the process. And it IS a process. Let’s face it, it could go either way if you just put them together to see what happens, which is what most people do. It could turn out just fine in the short term, but it could be building towards a fight in the long run.
Taking it slowly means allowing the dogs to exist around each other for the first few days to a week or more – NOT interacting and certainly not playing. Have a separate crate/ area where the new dog is confined for sleeping, meals, and downtime (preferably for several weeks) and when you need a break from supervising/ working your dogs. Walk the dogs together (preferably you and another person, each with a dog). Be sure to have the dogs hold a command, such as place or down around one another. Also, have them on leashes, tied back so they can’t make contact. Work each dog through obedience commands while the other looks on.
After a few days to a week, allow them to sniff each other briefly (keep
Thanksgiving
Tips Continued from page 9
• Be generous about saying “thank you” when you’re out and about in the community. In a world filled with road rage and other bouts of anger, it’s refreshing to encounter someone with a gracious spirit.
• Make it a goal to send at least one thank you note or thank you email a week. Perhaps a coworker helped you with a big project or there’s a family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Not only will they feel good about receiving the note, but you will feel good about making someone else’s day a bit brighter.
• Volunteer and help others any way you can. As people, we have a tendency to feel better about ourselves and other things when we’re helping others. And perhaps during the holidays is a great time to start. Volunteer in your church or your community. Help out a friend in need. Any small act could make a big impact.
• Spend some time reflecting, praying, or meditating on and for an attitude of gratitude. It takes time and focus to develop a habit, even good ones. We often have to constantly remind ourselves as we pursue new endeavors and being thankful is no different. Keep it up.
Hopefully, as you see and feel the positive power of gratitude, you’ll be motivated to keep practicing, even if it’s just for one more day.
initial interactions brief, 3-second sniffs), then separate them for a bit before allowing them another short introduction. This fragmented initial contact can help to prevent the escalation of tension and aggression. Keep leashes loose and relaxed. Stay quiet during interactions and pay attention to each dog’s body language. If either looks nervous, freezes, or offers hard stares, move the dogs away from each other. Pulling their leashes to the side, NOT back. Remove toys/bones, food bowls, or anything that your current dog could value to avoid territorial behaviors.
Taking it slowly helps the dogs relax and feel safe and comfortable knowing that YOU the leader are in control. Remember, the new dog is coming into a situation where it knows nothing about you, the other dog, or what the rules of this new household are. Your current dog most likely views this new dog as an invader of his territory. This can be stressful for both dogs. Everybody wants to let the dogs sniff each other immediately and become best friends. But what’s the rush? This is a long-term commitment. You’ve got all the time in the world. Going slowly is the best-case scenario for helping your dogs to eventually become friends.
Terie Hansen is the Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com.
Roger Green, MSFS®, CFP®
Michael Green, CWS® Andrew Green, CFP®, AIF®