Grayson | Dacula | Lawrenceville | Snellville | Loganville
Up Close with Quinn Windows, see story on page 5.
A t h e n s G r a y s o n W a t k i n s v i l l e
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By Kristen Eleveld
For over forty years, Quinn Windows has served the Gwinnett Community and beyond as they work with clients to bring them the best windows for the best price. Not only does Quinn Windows focus on the aesthetic of your windows, but they also provide important information on which windows will protect you the most. Now owned and operated by Conor Quinn, this company has continued to serve their community with dedication and expertise.
The process for getting started is simple. Most customers call or email to schedule the on-site estimate, which is always free. The majority of estimates only take around thirty or forty-five minutes, and there is never pressure to buy. Instead, Conor and his team work to make these estimates informative above all else, and invite potential clients to their showroom to see exactly what Quinn Windows can offer.
“We don’t do smoke and mirrors or pressure clients into same-day discounts to give them a ‘deal,’” said Conor. “We have never had to. We strive to put our best foot forward from the beginning.”
With this philosophy in mind, Conor and his team set out to give their clients the necessary information and expertise that comes with choosing the right door or windows to suit their needs. It’s never a one-size-fits-all solution. Quinn Windows offers a wide variety of options so they can find the right solution that meets their customer’s goals.
And while the name of the business is Quinn Windows, Conor and his team can help you with much more. Patio doors, entry doors, shutters – if you need advice, they have an expert who can help.
“I meet new people every day and we are challenged to come up with solutions for all types of situations surrounding windows and doors,” said Conor. “Every single day is different at Quinn Windows and is an opportunity to do things better and better.”
With his hands-on approach to business and his dedication to make sure each client’s individual needs are met, Conor has cultivated a long history of trust in Tucker and the surrounding area as he continues to provide the knowledge and service so many of us need. And as a family business, Quinn Windows makes it their mission to treat you like one of their own family
members, which means they will not try to upsell you or rush your decisions. Instead, you can take the time you need to decide what you want, ask questions, and visit the showroom to get a full understanding of your options. Hurricane season is still in effect, and winter won’t be far behind. Get your windows, shutters, and doors up to date with Quinn Windows. More information at https://www.quinnwindows.biz/
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
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
Bill Crane
Jane Bishop
Tanisha Turner
5 On the Cover: Catching Up with Quinn Windows
7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
7 Expert Tips to Organize Your Home for Fall
8 Get Ready for Soups and Ciders – It’s Officially Fall!
8 Learning Lessons: Helping Young Children Understand Differences
11 Sally Sierer Bethea: Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
11 Local Author Spotlight: Randy Cox
13 Gwinnett Tech Students Earn Seventeen Medals at National SkillsUSA Competition
13 Up Close with Orthodontic Assistant School of Metro Atlanta
13 Spark…A Word for Your Day
14 CHRIS 180 Expands its Gwinnett Facility
14 One Man’s Opinion: College Park: A Metro Atlanta Best Kept Secret
By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanTSauers @RyanTSauers
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 fan-
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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 pan-
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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.
By Tanisha Turner
Does it ever seem like “why?” is your child’s favorite word? It’s completely natural for children to ask a lot of questions, and young children are particularly curious about differences – why another child’s skin is lighter or darker than their own, or why some people speak another language. As children notice these differences, talking openly about them and encouraging acceptance will help them develop an appreciation and respect for others.
Young children learn about differences through a two-step process. First, they must learn to recognize the traits and customs that make them unique. Then, with a little guidance, children will be able to recognize and embrace what makes others special. Following are five at-home activities to help children understand and appreciate differences.
• Share Your Family History. Show pictures of family members and talk
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
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 each person. Children love and remember stories, so share a favorite story or something you remember about each person. This builds your child’s awareness of family history and culture.
• Create a Self-Portrait. An art project is a fun way to help children understand their unique traits. As you point out different physical features, like hair length and eye color, ask your child to draw him or herself accordingly. Afterward, ask your child to draw his or her best friend or a family member, asking similar questions about the person’s appearance. Have your child name a few similarities and differences between the two drawings.
• Listen to Music. Play music from your family’s country of origin or your region of the United States, and share favorite songs you sang as a child. Then play music from other cultures or parts of the country and ask your child to identify the similarities and differences.
• Read a Book. Reading to children is one of the best ways to introduce them to people of different origins worldwide. Characters and storylines are great starting points for discussions on diversity, so look for books that have characters that your child can identify with, even though they may have different appearances or customs. Some suggestions include It’s Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr (ages 4-7) and The Crayon Box That Talked by Shane Derolf (ages 4-7).
• Think Outside the Box. Look for opportunities for your child to interact with children from different countries and cultures. Visit museums, festivals, ethnic restaurants, and other places that will help your child learn about various customs and cultures firsthand.
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tastic for sharing information but are a breeding ground for FOMO. Such platforms 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
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.
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!
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.
I n t e r i o r & E x t e r i o r
P a i n t i n g
C a b i n e t P a i n t i n g
C a r p e n t r y R e p a i r s
G u t t e r & G u a r d
I n s t a l l a t i o n
B r i c k & C o n c r e t e
C o a t i n g s
By Victoria R. Crosby
I met the author Sally Sierer Bethea at a Smoke Rise Garden Club (SRGC) meeting earlier this year. Sally was one of the first women in America to be known as a “Riverkeeper.”
A riverkeeper defends a specific waterway and holds polluters accountable. Her book, Keeping the Chattahoochee: Reviving and Defending a Great Southern River, tells her remarkable story.
The Garden Club’s vice president, Denise Finley, received a copy of Sally’s book as a gift and was so impressed that she contacted Sally and asked her to speak at one of the club’s meetings. Denise is also a past president of the SRGC; I am the current president.
Denise told me, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Sally is an Environmental Superstar! I am inspired to hike the trails due to reading her book.”
At the meeting, Sally told us how she worked to restore and protect the Chattahoochee River. She is the Founding Director who served for twenty years as Executive Director of the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. She is now retired, but continues to assist the present director as a senior advisor.
Many chapters of Sally’s book include a heading with a quote from various professions – scientists, poets, authors, and political leaders – including Mary Oliver, Beryl Markham, Rachel Carson, Mahatma Gandhi, and Carl Sagan.
The book is part journal or diary of her walks along the river from May 8, 2019, to October 16, 2020. She describes in poetic terms the plants, mushrooms, and wildflowers that she found on her walks, with photographs and diagrams to illustrate her experiences. One of her discoveries was a rare, wild orchid: the Crane-fly orchid (Tipularia discolor), a perennial woodland orchid.
At the end of the book, which is two hundred and ten pages, in addition to a list of resources and references, Sally lists “A Chronology: Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Highlights (1994-2016).”
I recently watched a movie on TV that was somewhat reminiscent of Sally’s journey. Dark Waters is the true story of a well-known chemical company’s environmental pollution of the water supply in West Virginia. Although not as dramatic, the Chattahoochee wasn’t being poisoned with industrial waste; it was neglected and polluted with sewage. Without Sally’s vigilance and input, the river and Atlanta’s drinking water would not be as
clear and clean.
Clean water is a basic human right, and the Smoke Rise Garden Club is dedicated to supporting the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper organization and the continued fight to keep our waterways safe and clean. The river provides drinking water for metro Atlanta communities, wildlife habitat, and recreation for millions of people.
Sally also publishes a monthly column in Atlanta Intown called Above the Waterline.
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, firsthand 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.
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.
try 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)
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One of the best ways to help young children understand and embrace all forms of diversity is to speak openly and honestly about the differences between people. When your child points out someone who is different or as you’re doing the above activities together, don’t shy away from the topic and remind him or her that appearances have nothing to do with what’s on the inside. With a little guidance, your preschooler will grow into a kind, accepting person who understands that diversity makes the world a better place.
Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com or 770-513-0066
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
At the National SkillsUSA Post-Secondary State Leadership and Skills Conference, hosted in Atlanta, Georgia from June 24 to 29, 2024, Gwinnett Tech students made an impressive showing. Out of the twenty-five Gwinnett Tech students who competed across fourteen contests accompanied by fourteen advisors, eighteen placed and thirteen earned gold medals. Additionally, Gwinnett Tech had ten students named Skill Point Honorees. SkillsUSA recognizes competitors who achieve a benchmark score – typically 80% or higher – set by business and industry partners.
Dr. D. Glen Cannon, the president of Gwinnett Tech, emphasized that these competition results demonstrate the exceptional educational foundation of Gwinnett Tech students and their ability to apply their learning in real-world situations.
“The winners at both the national and state competitions,” Dr. Cannon said, “affirm that our students are well-prepared for the job market.”
The Gwinnett Tech 2024 national award recipients include: Gold Medalists:
• Harveen Banga, Meagan Cash, Sebastian Hoyas, and Keturah Polius Hazell (Health Knowledge Bowl)
• Olugbenga Bakare, Karen Escario, Lily Lieng, Jeffery Miles, Carmen Monroe, Adriana Teodoro (Quiz Bowl)
• Anh Do (Technical Computer Applications, Skill Point Award)
• Duy Do (Related Technical Math, Skill Point Award)
• Iris Kim (Medical Math, Skill Point Award) Silver Medalists:
• Sharon Broady, Raquel Kangalee, and Shagufta Khan (Outstanding Chapter, Skill Point Award) Bronze Medalists:
• Joshua McGee (Extemporaneous Speech, Skill Point Award)
• Mikayla Schorr (Baking and Pastry Arts) Skill Point Awards:
• Rayyan Surani (Computer Programming)
• Drake Hamilton (Culinary Arts)
By Traci Sanders
In 2020, Dr. Alisa Raglin, a respected orthodontist in the Gwinnett area with over twenty-five years of experience, identified a need for more proficient orthodontic assistants. She dedicated herself to creating a program that imparts the essential knowledge and skills necessary to excel as an orthodontic assistant and embark on a rewarding career in orthodontics.
“In recent years, there has been a shift where orthodontic assistants possess technology skills and basic dental knowledge, but have limited ‘hands-on’ training and lack the
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• Byron Jones (Pin Design)
The Gwinnett Tech SkillsUSA chapter received recognition for its contributions to students and the community. The chapter earned two awards: Level 1 Chapter of Distinction (Chapter of Excellence Program Quality Chapter) and Level 2 Chapter of Distinction (Gold Level-Winning Chapter). These titles are bestowed upon chapters that organize high-quality professional development, focusing on students’ personal, workplace, and technical skills. Additionally, our chapter participated in the President’s Volunteer Service Award, securing three Gold-level chapter awards. Notably, student Kayden Cash received the silver-level individual award. Individuals and teams must accumulate 500+ hours of volunteer work within twelve months to attain a gold-level award. For the silver-level award, the requirement is 250+ hours of volunteer work.
SkillsUSA’s mission centers on empowering its members to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible American citizens. The organization contributes to enhancing America’s skilled workforce through structured programs in citizenship, leadership, employability, and technical and professional skills training. Furthermore, SkillsUSA plays a crucial role in establishing industry standards for job skill training in lab and classroom settings while promoting community service.
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 770-962-7580.
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 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.
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By Tana Poncsak
CHRIS 180 has served the metro Atlanta area for forty-three years. And their CHRIS Counseling Center-Gwinnett facility just got bigger.
CHRIS 180 is a nonprofit, Atlantabased trauma organization with several locations across metro Atlanta, including Lawrenceville. In May, the expansion of the Lawrenceville facility located at 220 West Crogan Street, was completed and a grand opening celebration was held on June 13th.
Melania Soto, LPC, clinical director at CHRIS Counseling CenterGwinnet, has been at the facility for about four years now. She said the grand opening was pretty amazing with a number of leaders from other locations in attendance.
“We can help them to overcome the trauma by teaching them solutions,” she says.
The original facility has been in Lawrenceville for eight years, and the expanded facility will allow them to operate more efficiently and help the community with the services they need.
“We’re growing up,” Melania says. “It’s an expansion so that we can provide more services.”
So far, the expanded facility has been well received by the community. The new space is more open and well-lit, allowing for services such as play therapy and more to be included with the treatments and service already offered.
Melania explains that when a client comes in, they help the client find solutions for the problems they are facing.
By Bill Crane
The city of College Park, Maryland is a well-kept suburb of Washington, D.C. – home to the University of Maryland, within Prince George County, MD – about four miles from the District of Columbia. Chances are much better that you have already been to College Park, Georgia, among the most visited places in our state; but you may not have known you were there.
A bit less than half of the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, its Main Terminal, Delta’s Concourse A, and the southern half of Concourse B, as well as the MARTA transit station and adjacent SkyTrain, connecting to the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) nearby, are all within the city limits of College Park, Georgia.
However, there is much more to this charming burg of just under 14,000. College Park is home to the nation’s largest K-12 private school, the Woodward Academy, with students from across the region and globe and with athletic facilities rivaling most NCAA Division II campuses. The corporate headquarters of Chick-fil-A (CFA) is in College Park, and the Original CFA Dwarf House and neighboring world HQ of Delta Air Lines and Porsche North America HQ are all nearby in Hapeville, Georgia. College Park is led by a progressive mayor, a four-member city council, and a city manager system. By charter, the municipality has a weak mayor structure (Mayor Bianca Motley Brown), with policy and budgets determined by a majority vote of the Council. and then implemented by interim City Manager Dr. Emmanuel Adediran. For the first time in its long history, the mayor, city council, and city manager are all African American. College Park was created by land grant in 1846, and originally named Manchester. Renamed College Park in 1896, the municipality has the fourth largest urban historic district in the U.S. The district has 867 structures
And Melania adds that when one family member experiences trauma, it’s not unusual for other family members to be impacted as well. Services offered by CHRIS 180 can help the family come together as a unit to find solutions.
Being able to provide services to the Hispanic community is particularly rewarding for Melania.
“Seeing the changes in the families. That’s the reward for me personally,” she says. “Now they are feeling better and without any pain. That’s a win for us.”
Community needs prompted the search for the expansion, and they were looking for a building in close proximity to the Gwinnett County Juvenile Court with ample parking. Melania said she was excited to find the building.
“We have everything here,” Melania says, referring to it as a one stop shop for those seeking to find a doctor to many of the other resources someone might need.
Melania invites those who are interested to come by and visit the facility –take a tour and meet the people who work there. She says it’s important not to wait until you need a therapist to find a therapist.
In addition to the number of services offered, CHRIS 180 also provides training for social-service professionals through the CHRIS Training Institute, and in Clinical Pastoral Education through its Institute for Spiritual Health. Other ways people can help is through donations and volunteering. More information at https://chris180.org/.
on the National Register of Historic Places, including monuments, homes, schools, churches, parks, a cemetery, and rail depot, primarily along Main Street (U.S. Highway 29) and surrounding the campus of Woodward Academy.
The renaming was partly due to numerous streets within the historic district honoring leading institutions of higher learning across America, including Harvard Avenue, Princeton Avenue, Cambridge Avenue, Yale Avenue, and even Georgia-based Mercer Avenue. City leaders recently voted to add Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) names into the new Six West Development. Six West is a $1.5-billion project in the pre-development phase, to be built on 311 acres owned by College Park, adjacent to Hartsfield and the city’s historic district, akin to Atlantic Station in Midtown Atlanta, or Avalon in north Fulton County.
College Park’s population is 86 percent African American, and 78 percent of city residents are renters versus homeowners. Part small-town charm, mixed with urban amenities, and occasionally overwhelmed by the booming and adjoining aero-tropolis next door, you may have just inadvertently overlooked College Park in your rush to catch your next flight, just as you never knew that LaGuardia Airport was in East Elmhurst and Queens, New York, or that LAX straddles the cities of Inglewood and El Segundo, CA.
Recently, meeting and visiting with City Council Members Joe Carn (Ward #2) and Jamelle McKenzie (Ward #1), was a delight. Carn is the senior member of the Council and a former Fulton County Commissioner and vice-mayor. Carn is responsible for the reclassification and millions in federal assistance funding for airport noise abatement improvements for apartments and multi-family housing across the city. Joining the Council earlier this year is Jamelle McKenzie, a skilled non-profit executive and trained chaplain with a prior career with Macy’s and Federated Department Stores. McKenzie established the Chaplaincy Corps for the College Park Police and Fire Departments in 2017, shortly after relocating to the city. Mayor Pro Tem Roderick Gay and Councilwoman Tracie Arnold round out the Council.
A rising star along the metro area’s southern crescent, College Park is a city on the move. For the many families who spend parts of their fall and spring traveling the nation to help their children select their college campus of choice, College Park is certainly worthy of an afternoon stroll, brunch visit, or pre-trip overnight to make your airport departure that much smoother, as well as your return. Regular readers and visitors to this space know that I like to share Georgia’s best-kept secrets and places. College Park easily makes my list of diamonds in the rough, and it won’t take much more than a bit of polishing for this one to really shine. Watch-out, Decatur.
Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
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specialized insight needed in orthodontics,” Dr. Raglin shared. “I found myself spending more time training new assistants in-office and less time with patients. My colleagues were experiencing the same challenges.”
Dr. Raglin stated that there are few programs available to teach these crucial skills specific to the orthodontic field.
“In my experience,” she explained, “these skills can only be truly absorbed and developed in a professional setting through practical application combined with lectures and clinical training, not through online courses.”
The Orthodontic Assistant School of Metro Atlanta (OASMA) was founded in 2022 and consists of a dedicated team of orthodontists, dentists, orthodontic and dental assistants, and administrative personnel.
The OASMA provides an eight-week, in-person training program on Saturdays to allow more flexibility for students who have jobs, families, or other responsibilities. The program is authorized in the state of Georgia and serves as a stepping stone to allow graduates to seek initial employment in an orthodontic or dental office.
“Many graduates of our program secure positions starting at hourly rates up to twenty dollars,” Dr. Raglin added.
While this program does not offer financial aid or loans, the students’ return on investment is invaluable. They not only acquire fundamental dental science knowledge, but also develop proficiency in laboratory and clinical skills through hands-on experience shadowing orthodontic professionals. Smaller class sizes allow for a more focused and enhanced learning environment, where every student is noticed and develops a close connection with one’s peers. Students receive an introduction to essential dental and orthodontic terminology, OSHA guidelines and sterilization techniques, as well as radiology and imaging methods, among other crucial skills required in the field.
As this program is authorized in Georgia, certain prerequisites must be met for enrollment. Students must be eighteen years or older and have earned a high school diploma or GED. Prospective candidates undergo an interview process designed to assess their interest, attitude toward the profession, academic skills, work experience, and career goals. Additionally, access to an internet connection and a computer/laptop/tablet is required to fulfill coursework requirements. At the moment, this program is only available in English.
Dr. Raglin emphasized that this course is designed for students with a deep enthusiasm for dentistry and specifically orthodontics.
She remarked, “It’s encouraging to witness a growing number of young individuals joining our program, bringing valuable technology skills to our profession.”
However, she stressed the enduring importance of compassion in orthodontics, noting that while technology enhances the field, it cannot replace the essential human connection required to create lasting smiles and boost self-esteem in patients.
More information at https://www.orthoassistatl.com/.
• 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.
