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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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Meet GCAA: New Academy Helps Students Re-Engage in Learning

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

As the 2023-24 school year begins, students confronted with challenges that have sidetracked their educational aspirations have a new opportunity to earn their diplomas through a flexible, personalized course of study.

On Tuesday, September 26, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to introduce Gwinnett County Acceleration Academies (GCAA), which is working in partnership with the public school district to offer a flexible, personalized curriculum to students who did not succeed in traditional schools. The event featured Gwinnett County Public Schools Superintendent: Dr. Calvin Watts, GCAA educators, and their students.

“We are so excited to work with Dr. Watts and his colleagues to provide an option for young people who need a non-traditional path to their high school diploma and the brighter future it can bring,” said Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of Acceleration Academies, Mark Graves. “As our growing number of graduates can attest, having the chance to pursue a personalized path to graduation enables young people to, as our motto says, #OwnYourSuccess.”

The program began in October 2022 at a temporary location. The ribbon-cutting marks the official opening of the new, permanent campus. Among the students who have found their learning home at GCAA is Shamyiah Lewis, who spoke at the event. Shamyiah moved to Georgia from New York halfway through her senior year. She felt out of place in a traditional high school, and decided to drop out. Then she discovered Gwinnett County Acceleration Academies and hit her

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Snellville Lodge No. 99 and Snellville’s 100th Birthday

By Mike Sabbagh

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow across the city of Snellville at the Lawn, the city came alive with a sense of history and community. It was a momentous occasion, the 100th birthday of the City of Snellville, and at the heart of this celebration stood the members of Snellville Lodge No. 99, with the Worshipful Master Shaun Dayringer leading the way.

The City of Snellville, nestled in the heart of Georgia, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1923. This charming community has grown, thrived, and embraced change for an entire century, while holding onto its unique values. As the city reached its centennial milestone, it was only fitting that the Masonic members of Snellville Lodge No. 99 played a prominent role in the celebrations.

One of the highlights of this remarkable day was the arrival of a stunning 150-pound replica of the City of Snellville itself, crafted entirely from cake. This culinary masterpiece was carried with great care and precision by the Masons, symbolizing the enduring partnership between the Lodge and the city. The cake was not merely a delectable treat, but a tangible representation of the Lodge’s commitment to the community.

Under the watchful eye of Worshipful Master Shaun Dayringer, the Masons paraded the cake to the Snellville Lawn. As they moved

Up Close with Alberta Alleyne: Gwinnett Technical College’s Adjunct Instructor of the Year

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Alberta Alleyne, with over twenty-five years of experience in education, leadership, and the real estate industry, has been named Adjunct Instructor of the Year by Gwinnett Technical College. For the past fifteen years, Alleyne has contributed her expertise at Gwinnett Technical College, where she excels in teaching computer concepts and is the Chair for the CIS Mentoring Program under the Computer Sciences department.

Through the CIS Mentoring Program, Alberta has actively engaged students in transformative activities like organizing the CIS job fair, web design contest, and mentoring relaunch event. The event’s success exemplified the program’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections between students and the professional world.

“The inspiration behind my career in teaching has been the profound impact it can have on students’ lives,” Alleyne said. “For more than two decades, I have been drawn to the transformative power of education. It’s the privilege of guiding students, encouraging them to explore their unique talents, and watching them thrive that continues to drive my commitment to teaching.”

Computer Sciences Dean Garfield Anderson nominated Alleyne for the 2023 Adjunct of the Year, stating, “Alberta’s energetic passion for promoting and being present for all Gwinnett Tech and CIS student-focused activities is unparalleled.”

“Being named Adjunct of the Year is a catalyst for change,” through the jubilant crowd, it was evident that this was more than just a dessert; it was a gesture of love and unity. The Masons served generous portions of cake to Snellville’s citizens and the assembled crowds, their smiles reflecting their pride in being part of such a momentous celebration.

The festivities continued as the evening sky darkened, and the city prepared for a spectacle. The Masons, true to their tradition of enlightenment and illumination, lit up sparklers. The bursts of light and color painted a vivid picture of a city that has, for a century, shone as a beacon of community, unity, and progress.

The pictures captured throughout the day tell a story of their own. Inside the Snellville City Hall, where countless decisions have shaped the city’s destiny, Masonic members and city leaders joined hands, reaffirming their commitment to a bright future.

In the partnership between Snellville Lodge No. 99 and the City of Snellville, we see a beautiful example of how a community and its dedicated members can come together to celebrate history, honor tradition, and look forward to a promising future. As the centennial celebration ended, it was clear that the Masons of

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Alleyne said. “It’s not just about celebrating my efforts but elevating the CIS Mentoring Program I chair to new heights. This recognition provides a unique chance to shine a brighter spotlight on the program’s success stories and its potential to empower students. My vision is to use this platform to garner more support in terms of resources and mentorship involvement to ensure that our program continues to thrive and serves as a model for mentorship excellence in academia. Together, we can foster a culture of learning and growth that benefits countless students for years to come.”

Alleyne holds a bachelor’s degree in science with a major in Information Systems Management and a Master of Education specializing in Instructional Technology. She is also an esteemed alumnus of the Volunteer Involvement Program at United Way Atlanta. More information at www.GwinnettTech.edu.

Yoon-mi Hampton Continued from page 12 by the same father.

James and Yoon-mi lived in Clarkston in 1993 and moved to Lilburn in 1998, where they have lived since. Yoon-mi’s involvement in politics came about through her and her husband hosting the annual neighborhood Christmas party and International Day parties. They met people of many different nationalities, with each group providing main dishes and desserts.

Gwinnett County would accept paper ballots in the Korean language and was successful in collecting two hundred signatures.

That same Korean leader then asked her to run for city council. Her husband and friends encouraged her to run. She prayed for an answer, and there was no opposition in Post 1, so she became the first African and Korean American on the city council in Gwinnett history. Since serving Yoon-mi’s circle has widened, and she has been able to help many people with issues, including helping to obtain a green card.

“It’s important for me to reach more people to help them,” she said. “I believe in the Golden Rule.”

I can understand why her nickname is “Sunshine” as she has a very positive attitude.

One Man’s Opinion

Roxanne Lau Continued from page 12

Yoon-mi was involved in a lot of charity work and began talking to people of different cultures about the importance of voting. A Korean leader in the community asked her to help get signatures so that in the household’s daily activities. “When the student asks you if they can help, I don’t care how menial the task is, give them something to do,” she adds.

Whether you’re a host family member or an exchange student, Roxanne suggests reading The Exchange Student Survival Kit by Bettina Hansel. She said it’s a good reference book for anyone who is a host family or is considering being a host family at some point. And for students, the book gives them insight into what they may think or feel as they go through the process of being an exchange student.

Roxanne says they’re always in need of host families, which includes families with or without children, married or single, and even retirees. Host families are volunteers and can give the exchange student a life-changing experience by providing room and board and love. Exchange students come to their new homes with their own money and their own health insurance.

But don’t be surprised if members of the host family also have a life-changing experience as well. Host family members have the opportunity to learn about new cultures and to gain a lifelong friend who is, in many cases, like a family member.

Roxanne holds a second potluck dinner each year during the holidays, where attendees share different holiday customs and traditions, including American traditions like making ornaments. There’s even a visit from jolly old St. Nick himself. The holiday potluck is open to the public, and she encourages anyone interested in becoming a host family to attend the holiday potluck to learn more.

More information at https://pax.org/ or contact Roxanne directly at roxannel@pax.org.

Continued from page 11 the air, with the force of a big brass band, followed by cheerleaders, your school team, and the raucous and celebratory atmosphere of a game day. And though I am clearly partial to Athens, Georgia, the Grove in Oxford, Mississippi, the Quad and campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, nose-bleed seats at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, overlooking the Tennessee River – and other impressive sites and gatherings including some incredible posture by both the athletes and each campus and their co-eds – make even the game road trips that we lose worthwhile.

So, while it is nice to dream of the potential Three-Peat and another year at the top, the SEC and my Dawgs have yet another fan for life. I never played and I don’t bet on the outcome, so though the game always matters, it is also just part of the great show. Georgia football reawakened itself recently. If we let Those Dawgs out for the rest of this season, I will end 2023 with another smile. Loran...what have you got?

Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com