Gwinnett/NE DeKalb
Up Close with Blue Ribbon Grill and Jenovelle Café, see story on page 5.
Lawrenceville | Snellville | Lilburn | Stone Mountain | Tucker
On the Cover: Blue Ribbon Grill and Jenovelle Café and Market: Two Places You Need to Know
By Kristen Eleveld
In 2019, Jennifer and Eric Greene came home from an overseas trip with a mission: they wanted to open a restaurant that offered European food as well as a glimpse of European cultures. Despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic the following year, Jennifer and Eric pursued their goal and have been able to open the café they dreamed of – and they also managed to take ownership of another restaurant in the meantime.
Blue Ribbon Grill is a staple for many Gwinnett residents. With its delicious array of American comfort cuisine, this restaurant has long been a favorite for many local families and businesses. Jennifer and Eric have taken on the challenge of updating the look of the grill, as well as adding more cocktail options and restaurant hours.
“We worked all summer on updating the bar menu so it really lays out all of the options,” said Jennifer. “We have also created around fifteen specialized martinis and craft cocktails, and I am excited for people to try them.”
sale in Jenovelle.
With additional hours added for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Blue Ribbon Grill is stepping into 2025 with a fresh look, new menu, and the vigor of revitalization, thanks to Jennifer and Eric.
When the Greenes are not working on the Blue Ribbon Grill’s updates, they are working on Jenovelle, the European café and market that has been their dream for so long. With a menu filled with dishes from all parts of Europe, Jenovelle promises to give customers a unique and delicious experience.
And when your meal is over, you can take the opportunity to check out the crafts and gifts in the gift shop. Jennifer has spent months finding the vendors and crafters that will provide the items for
“We are trying to bring European culture to everyday American people at an affordable price,” said Jennifer. “You might not be able to travel to Europe, but you can come into our place and experience the food and culture.”
A visit to Jenovelle will also reveal one-of-a-kind creations discovered by Jennifer herself, in a collection she calls “Curated by Jen.” These will be truly unique and will include rare and vintage items from European creators.
If you’re worried about having to choose between Blue Ribbon Grill and Jenovelle, there is better news. The restaurants will be next door to each other, as they will each occupy a suite in the new Chamblee location. Jennifer and Eric hope to have both restaurants open in the fall, so keep an eye out to learn when you can go visit!
Continued on page 9
Our Town
Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine — An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com
Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett/NE DeKalb area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.
Entire contents copyright 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
Cover
Jane Bishop
IN THIS ISSUE
Cover
Kristen Eleveld
5 On the Cover: Blue Ribbon Grill and Jenovelle Café and Market: Two Places You Need to Know
7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
8 Get Ready for Soups and Ciders – It’s Officially Fall!
8 First Annual Snellville Book Festival
9 Expert Tips to Organize Your Home for Fall
10 Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett Kicks Off Capital Campaign: “They Will Grow 2.0”
11 Sports Talk: A Passion for Pickleball
12 Spark…A Word for Your Day
12 Astronomer Tom Crowley and the Aloha Telescope Project
13 Gwinnett Tech Hosts GiveWorx Program in Partnership with 100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta Inc.
13 Getting to Know: Daphany Williams-Dubois
15 Local Author Spotlight: Randy Cox
From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers
Wow, it is October and fall is here. Can you believe it? That means we are also in the final quarter of 2024, and the holidays will be here before we know it. The holidays always tend to bring times of business and stress. With that in mind, I have written an article that I hope can help all of us.
In our fast-paced world, getting caught up in the whirlwind of social media updates, texts, calls, invitations, and constant notifications is easy. The Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) has become a prevalent concern, leaving many of us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and perpetually dissatisfied. But don’t worry, because today we’re going to discuss ways to overcome FOMO and embrace the present moment.
Let me explain. FOMO is that nagging feeling that you’re missing out on something better, more exciting, or more critical happening elsewhere. It can be triggered by seeing friends’ posts about their vacations, parties, or achievements, or simply by the relentless stream of information vying for your attention. But here’s the bottom line: FOMO is a construct of our minds. It is not real, and it’s time to regain control over it. So how do we do that?
First, we need to define our priorities. What is our “WHY” and what truly matters to us in life? So, the first step in conquering FOMO is to clarify our values and priorities. What are our long-term goals and dreams? If we knew we had one more day to live, would we be worried about missing out on something? By having a clear vision of what’s essential, we can filter out distractions and focus on what aligns with our values. And always ask yourself, is this something that will make any difference ten years from now?
Second, we must limit social media time. Social media platforms are fantastic for sharing information but are a breeding ground for FOMO. Such platforms @RyanTSauers @RyanTSauers
Continued on page 11
Get Ready for Soups and Ciders – It’s Officially
Fall!
By Tana Poncsak
Change is good, right? Many say change is inevitable. And when the seasons change, the weather isn’t the only thing that changes. You may also notice a difference in food, clothing, routines, and activities. And after the hot days of summer, fall is often a welcomed change!
Here are some easy things you can do to embrace the fall season. Food
When it comes to food, fall is generally the season to pull out the recipes for warm, hearty soups and stews, and to replace your frozen concoctions with warm teas and hot apple cider.
Relish in the taste of seasonal vegetables and enjoy the robust flavors of roasted acorn and butternut squash. And don’t forget the pumpkin! For the home
Make some small changes to the decor in your home to celebrate the season. Change out your sofa pillows with some that have fall colors or themes. Add a fall wreath to your front door.
Replace summer smelling candles for some with autumn fragrances such as apples and cinnamon. Or fill your home with the smell of autumn with a big pot of hot apple cider simmering on the stove.
Activities
With the cooler temperatures, people still want to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather. Fun fall activities include:
Apple picking – We’re lucky in that apple picking is just a short drive away. And with those apples, you can bake my grandmother’s Apple Cake – a family favorite.*
Take in a nearby festival or chili cook off – Many metro areas hold festivals to celebrate the community and welcome the season.
First Annual Snellville Book Festival
By Traci Sanders
Gwinnett will be experiencing its first annual Snellville Book Festival on November 9th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Zoar United Methodist Church. The event is sponsored by the Georgia Independent Author Association (GIAA), founded in 2019 by Tori Bailey.
I spoke with Mary Treadwell, the current Chairman of GIAA and coordinator for the Snellville Book Festival, who informed me that the goal was to have at least fifty authors in participation of the event, but more than eighty had already registered by September.
Mary became involved with indie authors when she served as a beta reader for her good friend’s first self-published book. She soon began beta reading for other indie authors as well, which led into other aspects of the industry such as book reviews, promotions, and launches. She also operated a book review service for fifteen years.
After learning about a successful children’s book festival that had taken place at Zoar United Methodist Church, Mary contacted the church. She inquired
It won’t be long before the greenery of summer will give way to the beautiful colors of fall. Take a hike or a drive and enjoy the scenery.
And for those sports fans, there’s always plenty of football!
Happy fall y’all!
Ingredients:
2 eggs
*Nanny’s Apple Cake
1 1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups chopped apples
1 cups sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla flavoring
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Beat eggs, add sugar, vanilla flavoring, and oil. Beat three minutes
Mix all dry ingredients together
Mix ingredients together -- the dry and the egg, sugar, and oil mixture
Add the chopped apples, then add chopped pecans - mix all ingredients thoroughly
Pour into a greased Bundt pan or cake pan
Bake at 350 degrees for one hour and 15 minutes or until cooked through
Top with a dusting of powdered sugar
Serve topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
about expanding on that mission of offering quality books to the community, and the church agreed to allow the Snellville Book Festival to be held there.
Independent and traditionally published authors are welcome to participate in the Snellville Book Festival by simply paying the low registration fee of $20. Authors must furnish their own tables, décor, and signage.
Fifteen of the $20 registration fee will go to Zoar for the use of the church. The remaining $5 per registration will be donated to Conyers Police Department for their Shop with a Cop Christmas program. This is an event that’s near and dear to Mary’s heart because not only did she serve as a dispatcher for the department for many years, but her son is also a police officer there currently.
Great prizes such as movie passes, tickets to the Escape Room, and an autographed copy of Governor Nathan Deal’s book will be raffled off during the festival.
Several guest speakers are scheduled, including a few from the Snellville Police Department Outreach Program to discuss public safety. Representatives from the Gwinnett Public Library and the Feeney Legacy Project will speak as well. The Feeney Legacy Project was founded by a mom who lost her thirtythree-year-old son to cardiac arrest caused by trying cocaine one time. No one called 911 immediately, so when EMTs arrived and revived Feeney’s heart, it was short lived. Feeney was declared brain dead. However, his organs gave life to over 150 people. Come learn more about this worthy organization during the festival.
Volunteers for set up and break down of décor and props, as well as greeting guests, are welcomed and much appreciated.
More information at snellvillebookfestival.com.
Expert Tips to Organize Your Home for Fall
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
From the walk-in closet to the kitchen pantry, catch-all spots make all the difference in daily routines – but only if they’re kept neat. Family organizing expert Jessica Litman, also known as “The Organized Mama,” is on a mission to help families declutter and stay organized. She’s sharing her pro tips for getting your home in shape for this busy time of year.
Clear Away Cabinet Clutter: ‘Tis the season for autumn chili, stew, and other comfort foods. That means it’s also time to put your essential slow cookers and pans where you can reach them so that food prep will be hassle-free.
“When the weather starts to cool, I swap out summer cookware for winter bakeware,” says Litman. “I put the grilling items in the back of the cabinet and pull the turkey roaster and baking dishes to the front.” For added storage, Litman recommends using a shelf rack or vertical organizer to keep cutting boards and pie pans easily accessible.
Prep the Pantry: Create a system that gives grab-and-go snacks and cooking necessities a home. This will help keep the kitchen tidy amid busy work and school schedules. “Do a pantry cleanout,” Litman says. “Remove everything from the area and wipe down the shelves. Take the canned goods you didn’t eat and donate them to a local food bank.”
Use a combination shelf liner and new containers to restore order to the space. Measure the shelves, cut the liner to length, and then lay it flat. The shelf liner is durable, waterproof, and designed to keep surfaces dry, while making them easy to wipe clean. Use the measurements to determine what size bins will best fit the area. Store crackers, cereal, oats, and pasta in clear labeled containers, and put spices and seasonings in a slim organizer. “Set up items similarly to grocery store shelves by placing like items together,” Litman suggests. “When you do this, it’s like you are shopping in your pantry instead of hunting for things.”
Out with the Old: Before pulling out your fall wardrobe, declutter the piles of “stuff” from the closet. This will make your space seem more extensive and more organized. “Remove clothes from this past season,” Litman recommends. “Look through each garment. If you didn’t wear it, donate, toss, or sell it.” Now that there is more room, hang an over-the-door shoe rack for rain boots and work shoes and use a closet organizer to store accessories, such as belts, purses, and scarves. Litman also recommends dry cleaning winter jackets now, so they’re ready to wear when cold weather comes.
Find Balance in the Bathroom: Whether it’s the primary bath or the kids’ washroom, make the most of your space by organizing everything into different categories, like towels and haircare. Once everything is grouped, you can decide
what will be kept based on the available areas. Use a tray on the counter and bins in pullout drawers.
Litman says to wipe and line surfaces, especially under the sink, before putting essentials away. Antimicrobial agents inhibit mold and mildew growth to protect the liner and will catch makeup smudges and water spills to give the area an extra clean feeling. She also recommends waiting until after the organizing process to buy bins and caddies so you know exactly what you need. Once these organizing projects are complete, your home will be ready for all the fun fall festivities and family gatherings. (StatePoint)
Blue Ribbon Grill and Jenovelle Café
Cont’d from page 5
Craft cocktails, handmade crafts – it all comes together in the combination of Blue Ribbon Grill and Jenovelle Café and Market. As Jennifer says, she is excited about the possibilities – and now you can be, too.
More information at https://www.blueribbongrill.com/, https://www.jenovelle.com/
Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett Kicks Off Capital Campaign: “They Will Grow 2.0”
By Tana Poncsak
The Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett is growing. The school that started out as a preschool with four students in a converted storage closet in Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Lawrenceville, now teaches students preschool age through high school and beyond, including a Young Adult Learning Life Skills (YALLS) program that focuses on teaching life skills and building independence. With the younger students starting at the beginning of education to the Adult Learning Life Skill Program, the school literally serves about a fifty-year age span. And the school has gone from the four original students to teaching about seventy students in the school program with another twenty-six attendees in the YALLS program.
According to Jamie Hamilton, executive director and chief executive officer of the Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett, around mid-May, there were already eighty-five families on the waiting list for the 2024-2025 school year.
“We hate to know there are families out there who really want to be here,” Jamie says. “They are wonderful young people, and we know that our approach to education and this environment is a great fit for them. We just don’t have the capacity.”
At least not yet. The school has launched a capital campaign, They Will Grow 2.0, to fund the construction of a new additional school building to help accommodate the growing number of students. In May, an event was held to kick off the capital campaign with a visit from Brett Coltman of Coltman Farms Racing. Brett has been a friend of the school and a donor for about five years now. He also owns a dirt track racing team. For the kickoff event, Brett brought two drivers and their race cars, and the cars included the school’s logo.
“The kids got to see the cars, meet the drivers, and get their autographs,” Jamie says. “It doesn’t get a whole lot better than that.”
But then, it does. Jamie says that Brett made a financial contribution of one million dollars toward the school’s capital campaign goal.
“This was really a truly amazing day,” Jamie says. “To know that there are people out there like Brett, who have found a cause that they believe in. Obviously he’s been successful in his professional life and has chosen to use that platform to do a lot of really good things. We’re just really fortunate that he has gotten to know our school and believes in our kids.”
Jamie says it’s the largest single donation the school has ever received in its thirty-seven years.
However, construction costs are expensive and their capital campaign is just beginning. Donations are always welcome. But Jamie also explains that there is a tax credit program in the state of Georgia, called the Georgia Student Scholarship Organization, that allows any taxpayer, personal or business, to create scholarships for private schools.
“It’s a 100% taxpayer program, so it’s a literal dollar for dollar swap,” he says. “That has been a game changing option where people realize they basically get the ability to have a voice in how their tax dollars are being spent.”
Jamie adds, “Whether you have a special needs child in your life or not, there are very few people who don’t appreciate the importance of the young people that we serve, and wanting to help them has been a huge catalyst for positive change.
In finding the Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett, Jamie says the families and the students have not only found a place that has their best interest in mind, but that’s also ready to serve them specifically.
“That’s my main motivation,” Jamie says, “knowing that my efforts directly impact the lives of people who really need it and are very, very deserving of it.”
More information at georgiasso.com or http://specialneedsschools.org./
Sports Talk: A Passion for Pickleball
By Traci Sanders
Pickleball has exploded in popularity in the United States and has, in fact, been named the fastest growing sport in America for three years in a row. There are approximately 14,000 pickleball courts in the United States today. Other continents such as Europe, Asia, and Australia have begun to follow suit, adding thousands of pickleball courts to their communities.
A unique combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball first emerged in 1965 when three friends in Bainbridge Island (near Seattle) were looking for something to do after a game of golf one Saturday. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum grabbed some ping pong paddles and something similar to a whiffle ball and began passing it to each other, making up the rules as they played. A popular theory is that the honor of the game’s name belongs to Pritchard’s family dog, Pickles.
I recently interviewed Harvey Cross, an avid pickleball player in Gwinnett, to learn more about this seemingly simple sport that is making waves across the globe. Ironically enough, our interview took place on National Pickleball Day. Harvey stated that during Covid in 2020, there were approximately 20 million tennis players, and that number grew to 23 million by 2023. In contrast, there were 4 million pickleball players in 2020 and approximately 35 million by 2023, a growth of nearly nine times!
A standard tennis net is 36” high, but a pickleball net is only 34” high. Many tennis courts across America have been converted or additional courts have been implemented to incorporate pickleball. Rhodes Jordan Park converted two tennis courts into six pickleball courts. Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA), which currently has 60,000 players in their league, added a pickleball category in 2023.
When I asked Harvey what elements he thought has played into the growing popularity of pickleball, he replied, “It’s more of a social sport, in my opinion.
Ryan’s Remarks
Continued from page 7
make it easy to focus on things that don’t matter and where we can waste a lot of time. They are also a place where we can get caught up in comparing our lives with other’s lives. So, I recommend we take control of our digital life by setting specific times to check our accounts. Reducing our screen time helps alleviate FOMO and improves our overall mental well-being. I say that being “constantly connected” will drain the life out of all of us. So be purposeful, deliberate, and intentional with your time.
Third, we must cultivate mindfulness in our lives. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment. So, we must engage in activities encouraging mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga, prayer, or simply walking in nature. These practices can help us appreciate the beauty of the present and reduce the anxiety associated with FOMO.
Fourth, we should focus on quality over quantity. Remember that the quality of our experiences matters more than the quantity. So, my advice is instead of trying to attend every event or accept every invitation, focus on the activities and relationships that bring genuine joy and fulfillment to our lives. In addition, we must live with gratitude and contentment. We must shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance by practicing gratitude. I suggest we make a daily habit of listing the things we are thankful for. This will help us all remember how much we must be thankful for and decrease feelings of FOMO.
Finally, it is important to disconnect to reconnect. We should take occasional digital detoxes to fully reconnect with the real world and the people around us. Engage in meaningful conversations, enjoy face-to-face interactions, and savor the moments from which technology often distracts us.
The fear of missing out is a common modern-day struggle, but it doesn’t have to control our lives. By defining our priorities, limiting screen time, practicing mindfulness, and embracing gratitude, we can learn to appreciate the present moment and live a more fulfilling life. Remember, life is happening right now, and it’s beautiful in its own unique way. Life is a present. Life is the present. Life is being present.
Thank you as always for your support as we work to make a difference in lives. And also, and as always…thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!
The court is smaller, which allows for closer physical and verbal interaction.”
Harvey has been an avid tennis player for sixty-five years and pickleball player for seven years thus far.
“I’m in excellent shape, especially for my age,” he said. “I personally took up pickleball because I wanted to try something new and challenge myself physically.”
Harvey shared that it’s a very physical game, and some people can get hurt if they don’t take proper measures to stretch beforehand and listen to their body while playing.
The community where Harvey plays pickleball can typically have twenty to thirty people lined up on a Wednesday to play in shifts of two or four players—singles or doubles, just as in tennis. The first team to earn 11 points wins. Standard pickleball games, such as those through ALTA, go to 15 points, but non-professional games typically go to 11 to allow quicker rounds and more people play time.
If you enjoy badminton, ping pong, or tennis, why not combine all three for the ultimate experience of pickleball? You might just find yourself among the millions of people who have already made it their favorite pastime.
More information at https://www.gwinnettpickleball.org/.
Spark…A Word for Your Day
By Jane Bishop
The word “spark” evokes thoughts and images that can be literal or metaphorical. The literal definition is “a small particle of a burning substance thrown out by a body in combustion or remaining when combustion is nearly completed (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spark).” Basically, it’s a flash of light that is produced by a sudden electrical discharge.
When we consider spark metaphorically, the evidence may show up as an idea that ignites creativity that results in something tangible/visible. In both contexts, spark conveys energy and potential, symbolizing the start of something new and exciting, and can ignite significant change in our lives! So how can we harness the power of a spark that ignites positive transformations?
1. Identify Your Spark
• Reflection: What activities or ideas feed your energy and inspiration? This could be anything from a hobby, a career goal, or a personal project.
2. Nurture Your Spark
• Education: Learn more about your area of interest. Read books, take
Continued on page 14
Astronomer Tom Crowley and the Aloha Telescope Project
By Victoria R. Crosby
At the Eastminster Presbyterian church in Smoke Rise, I 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 and are members of the church. 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 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.”
Continued on page 14
Gwinnett Tech Hosts GiveWorx Program in Partnership with 100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta Inc.
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
Gwinnett Technical College proudly announces its collaboration with the GiveWorx Construction Program – a transformative initiative aimed at empowering resilient students. The program spans 14-16 weeks, where students receive academic, hands-on skills training in construction, mentoring, job shadowing, and job readiness workshops in partnership with community and business partners, Home Builders Initiative/HBI, Home Depot, and local chapters of 100 Black Men Atlanta, Inc.
Gwinnett Tech hosted a field trip on Thursday, June 27, 2024, with students and parents to showcase post-high school options. During the tour, Gwinnett Tech emphasized the “3 E’s”: Enrolled, Employed, and Enlisted.
Dr. Cannon, the president of Gwinnett Technical College, expressed delight in the college’s collaboration with 100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta Inc. and the GiveWorx program.
“This partnership,” he said, “allows Gwinnett Tech to offer robust support to families as they navigate diverse educational pathways.”
Karen Foote, program director of the Giveworx Construction Program at GIVE Center East, says the main priority for the program is to address educational and employment gaps where students can see success in school, work, and community. Graduating its first class of twenty-six students on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at the Alvin J. Wilbanks Instructional Support Center is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of these students.
100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta, Inc. chapter members actively engage with students, attending approximately five sessions. The students’ remarkable openness, respect, and commitment, coupled with an unwavering team of educa-
Continued on page 15
Getting to Know: Daphany Williams-Dubois
By Victoria R. Crosby
Daphany Williams-DuBois is a human rights advocate who started a multi-faceted nonprofit organization, Daphany’s Fabulous Objective Weekly Workshops (DFOWW) Incorporated. Her mission is to give back to the community by promoting self-sufficiency through nutrition literacy education, entrepreneurship education, and academic literacy.
The headquarters for her charity are housed in the Norcross Cultural Arts Center. The mission of two of her workshops, Write-Right Nutrition and WriteRight Entrepreneurship, is to bridge the food insecurity and financial poverty challenges that disproportionally impact
Continued on page 15
Spark…A Word for Your Day
Continued from page 12
courses, or watch tutorials. The more knowledge you gain, the more your spark will grow.
3. Share Your Spark
• Community: Join groups or communities that share your interest. Engaging with like-minded individuals can provide support, inspiration, and new ideas.
4. Fuel/Feed Your Spark
• Set Goals: Establish clear, achievable goals to keep yourself motivated. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps.
5. Ignite Others
• Inspire: Use your spark to inspire others. Share your journey, successes, and failures. Your story might be the spark someone else needs to ignite their own journey.
When we consider the literal result of energy with a spark, it is a powerful reminder that even the smallest burst of energy can lead to significant change. Whether a literal spark from a fire or the figurative spark of an idea, this word
captures the essence of what it means to ignite something new and exciting. By identifying, nurturing, sharing, and sustaining our sparks, we can ignite a chain reaction of positivity and growth in our self-leadership that can create a spark to ignite others.
So, the next time you feel a spark of inspiration, how will you handle it? I invite you to embrace it, harness it, and see where it leads you. After all, even the smallest spark can start a great fire for fuel to keep leading4ward!
More information at www.janebishop.live.
Astronomer
Tom Crowley
Continued from page 12
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.
RESTORING ROOFS, BUILDING TRUST
INSPECTIONS ARE ALWAYS FREE
PREVENT EXPENSIVE REPAIRS
Early detection of roof damage can save you from expensive repairs or full roof replacements.
Addressing issues early helps extend the life of your roof.
MAXIMIZE INSURANCE COVERAGE
A thorough inspection ensures all damage is documented, making it easier to file successful insurance claims.
Proper documentation increases the likelihood of getting full coverage for repairs.
Local Author Spotlight: Randy Cox
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
Randy Louis Cox, a resident of Lilburn for thirty-four years and retired acting editor of The Farmers’ and Consumers Market Bulletin, has authored and published his fourth book, 715 at 50: The Night Henry Aaron Changed Baseball and the World Forever.
This new book is an inside, first-hand look at one of the greatest moments in the history of sports: Aaron’s breaking of Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record of 714 on April 8, 1974, a mark fans and baseball purists believed would never be shattered. Featuring dozens of never published first-hand black and white photographs taken by Cox himself on the field of play and from the home team’s photographers’ box, this book allows readers to witness the historic events with access for the first time in fifty years.
Williams-Dubois Continued from page 13
low-income communities and families with children.
Daphany has been recognized by the Fulton County Board of Health for her charitable works. She is a young philanthropist who grew up in Niagara Falls, New York, and is a writer and published author. After graduating from LaSalle Senior High School in Niagara Falls, she wrote her first book of poetry and short stories titled Emotionally Scarred and in 2012 her memoirs titled 1027 The Red House on the Left. She attended the Erie Community College in Buffalo, New York, earning an associate degree in Humanities and Social Science, and later studied Business Management at Herzing University in Atlanta.
The DFOWW association held a workshop in Norcross at the Community Arts Center. The workshop focused on how to legally form a 501c3 non-profit and LLC small business in Geogia. Following the workshop, the organization hosted a Plant and Flower Fundraising event which was open to the public. Donors who purchased a minimum of two plants were honored with a luncheon donated by Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant.
In July Daphany returned to her hometown of Niagara Falls where she gave a free presentation on Nutrition Literacy and Community Resources at a local high school. The educational session included meal planning, label reading, and diabetes education.
The workshop began with a warm welcome from Niagara Falls’ Mayor Restaino who was accompanied by other members of the Niagara Falls City Council. Attendees enjoyed a free luncheon donated by Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Fundraising efforts included merchandise and plant sales.
Returning to teach in her hometown was a full circle moment for Daphany. The Superintendent of Niagara Falls City School District, Mark Laurrie, commented “We are excited to partner with Niagara County Department of Health and DFOWW to present this much needed information.”
Co-sponsors of this event included Bob Evans restaurant, Tim Hortons, Tops Friendly Market, Home Depot, Nike, Pappa John’s Pizza and DiCamillo Bakery.
“We need volunteers and board members to join our team.” Daphany said. “Our goal is to expand our nutrition program to reach rural communities in Georgia, and to maximize the number of families with children we serve.” More information at https://www.dfoww.org
Highlights include how the U.S. Postal Service estimated delivery of 930,000 fan letters to Aaron during his career – more mail than any non-politician in history; Cox’s exclusive interviews with Aaron’s teammates Ron Reed and Buzz Capra, as well as an interview with former Braves PR man Bob Hope; and how The Home Run King was a champion of civil rights throughout his life and wanted to follow the path of Jackie Robinson.
Cox has been an editor, reporter, and award-winning photographer working in the field of journalism for fifty years. He is the author of three books on Baby Boomer collectibles, from baseball memorabilia to 1950s Disney board games. In Alabama and Georgia, he has worked as a reporter, news and sports editor, and radio news broadcaster. He has been a freelance photographer for LIFE magazine and covered the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
“Covering Henry Aaron’s achievements and being part of one of the greatest moments in sports history was a great privilege and honor for me as a young sports editor,” Cox said.
The book is available online at summergamebooks.com and Amazon.com and at major retailers such as Barnes and Noble.
Gwinnett Tech Hosts GiveWorx Program
Cont’d from pg 13
tors, parental support, and community partners, underscore the profound impact of the GiveWorx Construction Program.
Upon completion of the program, students attain a PACT CORE certificate (a construction industry-recognized pre-apprenticeship credential) and the opportunity to enter the workforce or continue their journey along a selected career pathway through further education at a technical college, four-year university, or apprenticeship.
Gwinnett Tech offers over 140 degree, diploma, and certificate options that can be completed in two years or less.
More information at GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580.
Daphany
