SEPTEMBER 2018 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville
Up Close with City of Grayson, see story on page 5.
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ReClif’s Founder Reece Blankenship: Silent No More Church Spotlight: Family Thrives at Mount Zion Baptist Making a Difference: Hearts and Kits for the Homeless Grayson Spotlight: Blacksmithing, Farming, and Football
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On the Cover: Up Close with City of Grayson By J. Rice Grayson’s mayor, Allison Wilkerson, has had a front row seat to its development all of her life. Her father, Doug Wilkerson, was mayor from 1994 to 2001, and Allison, born and raised in Grayson, began serving on City Council in 2002, and took office as Mayor in 2014. Now the boutique city is experiencing a growth spurt. Construction is well underway for Grayson’s long-anticipated amphitheater project on Grayson Parkway. “We’re very excited about our Ampavillion that will be completed by mid-October,” says Wilkerson. (An ampavillion is an outdoor amphitheater that is flanked on both sides by pavilions.) “The ampavillion will be the new home to Grayson Day entertainment, Gimme Shelter, Blues and Brews, Christmas in Grayson, and a future concert series. The project also includes a restroom/ storage building.” Mayor Wilkerson was instrumental in pushing the plans forward, but even bigger projects lie ahead. Grayson’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan is taking shape with input from the town’s citizens. According to the Get into Grayson Facebook page, the 2040 plan will provide a working blueprint to guide growth and development for the next twenty-two years. “We are excited about the community involvement that this has generated,” says
Wilkerson. “We have a strong steering committee that is putting it into action, and we have held a community listening session. There is a survey that is available for people who live in Grayson.” The survey can be accessed through the website cityofgrayson.org. Mayor Wilkerson stresses that having the right team in place is the key to the success of Grayson. She just welcomed a new Public Works Director to her team at City Hall. “We hired Dan Pruehs to join TEAM GRAYSON,” she states. “He and his wife Krista live in Grayson with their two boys. Dan comes to us from the City of Auburn, where he served as their Parks and Leisure Services Director. September 10th will be his first day, and we’re very excited to have him join us!” And what does the future look like for Grayson? Mayor Wilkerson sees more growth and improvement ahead. She’s been pleased with the railyard development and all the businesses it has been attracting. She’d like to see a strong entrepreneurial presence continue to grow and develop, enough that Grayson residents will find all they need in the city proper without having to travel to neighboring communities. “Commercial, retail, and restaurant businesses are needed to help make Grayson the best it can possibly be,” she says. “We could also benefit greatly from additional medical facilities to serve our residents.” In its more immediate future, Grayson has
a full roster of community events planned
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September 9th from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m., NG3 is sponsoring Taste of Grayson in the park with more than twenty restaurants. Next, on September 22nd from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. is the Love Thy Neighbor Car Show benefiting Madeline McNeely. Those interested in entering a car should visit the Love Thy Neighbor Facebook page. The 9th annual Blues and Brews Craft Beer Festival sponsored by Precision Planning, Inc. is on October 20th. Tinsley Ellis will be performing and Slow Pour Brewery out
Grill, and at grayson-bluesandbrews.com. On November 3rd the Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Hot Tamale Chili Cook Off. Visit the GECC website for info regarding how to participate. “And our Christmas in Grayson event is Sunday, December 2nd from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.,” the Mayor adds. “This is a free event in the park with pony rides, petting zoo, crafts, music, and, of course, Santa!”
can be at City Hall, the Beverage for the fall. Fillers. “We have several awesome events “Dr. Simmons is proud to offer Botox and Dermal Call the office topurchased schedule your consulta Superstore, Johnny’s Pizza, Joe’s All-American coming up in our park!” says Wilkerson. On
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Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
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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 2018 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.
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IN THIS ISSUE
5 On the Cover: Up Close with City of Grayson 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion complement it. As holistic 8 Learning Lessons: Selecting the Best Child Care Option for Your Family Nutritional Counseling 8 College Talk: Gwinnett Technical College Hits Record-Breaking Enrollment practitioners, we get to know 9 Escape to (or from) Netherworld! Myofascial Release you, help you with your goals, 10 Family Planning Matters and give you options. 10 Simply the Best: Gwinnett County Lifeguards Win State Competition Spinal & Postural Screenings 12 Gwinnett Community Member Spotlight: Meet Don Magee 13 FODAC: Making a Difference in Puerto Rico’s Recovery Efforts 13 Take a Deep Breath: Five Ideas to Reduce Stress 14 ReClif’s Founder Reece Blankenship: Silent No More 15 Top Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding 16 Hot Off the Press: Getting to Know Rhonda Frankhouser 16 One on One: Connie Fulcher and Biker Tales 17 Church Spotlight: Family Thrives at Mount Zion Baptist Church 17 Making a Difference: Hearts and Kits for the Homeless 18 Grayson Spotlight: Blacksmithing, Farming, and Football 770.979.5125 19 The Trail of Terror Awaits at Vines Park drchrisnaturalremedies.com 19 Up Close with Amanda Riley Foundation 20 Making a Difference in Lives: More than a Swim This office complies with applicable Federal Civil Rights Laws and does not 21 Crane’s Corner: Not So Random Acts of Kindness discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. Kerith Powell, BS, DC | Doctor of Chiropractic 21 Local Book Review: The Great Alone is Full of Adventure and Suspense PAGE 6 To become an Our Town advertising partner email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049 Our Town allopathic
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I hope everyone is off to a great September. I do a lot of things each week and thus get to meet many people locally and across the country. One of the common themes centers around the “seeming” lack of time people feel they have. You know what I mean. We say, “Where did the time go?” Or, that we have been “buried, covered up, slammed, running crazy, swamped,” etc. It seems our world moves faster with each passing day. However, I want us to consider if that is true. Apple, Amazon, and Google did not make the clock go faster. Yes, we have more technology and information at our fingertips than we can ever consume. And, yes, that amount grows larger by the hour. But one fact remains: we have 24 hours a day and 7 days a week of time. No more and no less. So, we must slow down and reflect on what we want to do with this precious gift. As I type this, several globally admired persons have recently passed away or are on their deathbed. It does not matter how much money you have because you cannot buy MORE time. Time is the great equalizer for all of us. Why wait to do something you dream to do for “one day.” Why NOT now? Why settle? There are people I see who live their lives in a chaotic state and claim that everything is a disaster. It is depressing, and it is also not true for anyone. I encourage you to look at life’s challenges and reframe the way you want to think about them. You can either attack life head on and make time work for you, OR you can let life happen to you and your time will disappear. I recently got back to working on my Doctorate in Leadership Studies. People often say I am crazy for taking on more. I say bring it on. And, I am going after my dream, and if I fail – well, at least I tried and did not sit on the sidelines talking about it. You see, folks, if you want something bad enough in life, you will make time and find a way. And, if you do not, you will find an excuse and say you didn’t have enough time. So, anyone reading this in print or online around the world, I challenge you to quit making excuses, focus on what matters, Continued on page 8
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From the Publisher Continued from page 7 and make your time count. I am so very thankful for the Our Town community. Our goal with this publication is to provide you some much needed downtime (away from a screen) where you can recharge your batteries and enjoy reading about positive happenings that are covered almost nowhere else. I wish you a wonderful and safe September. I thank you for your valuable time when reading this column each month. And, as always, thank you for continuing with us on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!
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Learning Lessons: Selecting the Best Child Care Option for Your Family By Tanisha Turner Selecting child care is an agonizing decision for most parents. We know from research that the experiences children have in their first five years of life are critical to their intellectual, creative, physical, and social-emotional development. If that’s not enough pressure, the search for child care often starts months before your baby is even born. Getting child care recommendations from friends, family, coworkers, and your pediatrician is the natural place to begin your search. Their experiences will give you a good starting point; however, keep in mind that what they want for their child may not be the same as what you want for yours. Once you have a list of options, go through the following steps to help narrow it down: • Visit each provider’s website to learn more about what they offer. • Once you’ve developed a short list of top choices, call for more information. • If you like what you hear over the phone, schedule a tour. There is no factor more important to your decision than your impression when you visit a preschool or provider. Many parents can tell if a school is right for their family based on how they and their child are greeted, how the children attending are interacting, and how their questions are answered by the teacher or school director. Even if you have a strong gut feeling, there are a few key questions you’ll want to ask either over the phone or as you tour the provider. The whole experience of searching for child care can be overwhelming, so it’s a good idea to write down your questions ahead of time or keep a running list in your phone to ensure you don’t forget to ask something that is important to you. Following are five topics that are important to ask about when evaluating your child care options: • Early Learning Approach: You may be seeking an unstructured, play-based environment for your child; a more structured approach with guidance from teachers; or a balance of both. Know what you’re looking for and ask the school or provider how the approach translates into the daily activities and classroom experiences. • Learning Environment: Observe the children at the preschool or provider – how they are playing and learning, how the teachers interact with them, and what is the atmosphere of the classroom. Do the teachers create a loving, secure environment for the children to learn, and do they seem to genuinely care for the children? Also ask to see the daily schedule. If there are different classrooms for various age levels, ask to see the rooms your child will grow into so you can get a full picture of the experience. You may also want to ask how the school helps extend Continued on page 12
College Talk: Gwinnett Technical College Hits Record-Breaking Enrollment By Our Town Staff
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For the third consecutive year, Gwinnett Technical College has recorded the highest enrollment numbers in the College’s thirty-four year history. More than 12,000 students across Gwinnett and North Fulton enrolled at Gwinnett Tech for exceptional educational programs and exciting career opportunities. The 2018 academic year’s enrollment took a sizeable jump, recording an 8.5% uptick over a year ago. David Welden, acting president of Gwinnett Tech, attributes this surge in enrollment to a few key factors: • Expanding HOPE Career Grant offerings from 30 certificates and diplomas to 51. Programs of study include automotive and construction, computer sciences, early childhood care and education, health sciences, heavy diesel, logistics management, and welding and joining technology. • Increased awareness about programs and support services for veterans and their families. The College’s Office of Veterans Affairs earned the 2017 Military Friendly® School designation and ranked 4th in the nation on the 2017 Best Colleges for Vets list. • A dramatic increase in the number of high school students enrolled in the Dual Enrollment program. This year, 2,248 high school students from public, private, and home schools across the community are actively enrolled in Gwinnett Tech, taking classes both online and oncampus. Welden says, “We are continually working with our industry partners to respond and deliver the educational programs that meet the real-time needs of our community.” The College offers more than 140 different associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs. Gwinnett Tech’s programs continue to grow and expand to meet the ever-changing demands of the job market. More information at GwinnettTech.edu
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By Kim Hill A new sign has recently been hung on the extensive, yet unassuming brick building at 2076 West Park Place Boulevard in Stone Mountain. Actually, it is an old sign which has travelled from Norcross, and advertises the haunting attraction known as Netherworld. The new location promises a larger haunt than its predecessor, as well as a variety of additional entertaining spaces. Co-founder Billy Messina says the old sign was brought over for a sense of transition and nostalgia. Messina – who previously worked in the film industry on special effects and props – and his business partner and co-founder, Ben Armstrong – a former TV horror show host – conceived the idea for Netherworld in 1996 and opened for the 1997 fall season. “Our first year was in Kennesaw,” Messina says, “then we moved to Norcross where we kept expanding and expanding through the years until we couldn’t expand anymore. It was a time for change. We have so much more space to do different things here.” For starters, there is an interior queue line to keep people out of the elements. The area is a museum-like setting with controlled lighting and sound. Patrons experience eerie tales as they move through a series of rooms prior to entering the first of two attractions, which comprise the enormous warehouse area of the building. Messina says the first attraction is more fantastical and monster-oriented, while the second is “grittier.” Visitors will exit onto a midway where there will be food trucks, performing actors, photo ops, fun carnival-type games, and access to a gift shop. Much of the area is still a work in progress, but he says, “We’ll get it done by September – really we will!” The Netherworld brand is strong and is known nationwide, and it has been featured on The Today Show and The Daily Show. “We want to let people know that Netherworld is not just, ‘Boo!’” Messina says. “We offer quality entertainment.” The larger building will allow Netherworld to entertain beyond the Halloween season, with a big focus on escape games, something the owners have wanted to offer for years. Messina describes their games, which are open now, as “Netherworld versions of what we thought an escape game could be,” but he stresses that while the games’ themes are complementary to the Netherworld brand – Sasquatch, Haunted, Nosferatu – the escape rooms themselves are not scary, just maybe a little “spooky.” Messina says the games make a great birthday party event and are really popular with corporate America as team building exercises. A meeting room is available for groups who wish to discuss the experience afterward. Part of the challenge is to complete the task in sixty minutes, and each game has a different “survival rate.” “You have to work together,” stresses Messina. “You can’t win this game doing it yourself.” The goal of the game rooms is to offer an intimate experience with friends or co-workers, as cameras placed throughout allow Game Masters to observe patron progress behind the scenes and offer clues if needed. One room features a talking crow! Escape games are open Friday – Sunday year round and can be booked on the website, but Messina says private games may be booked almost any time as well. Two new games are scheduled to open in January 2019. In addition to the escape game meeting room, an adjoining Monster Museum (which will be open as a separate attraction during Halloween season) and a nicely appointed VIP room with a private bathroom, will also be available to rent to those wanting a bit more space for their postEscape Game experience. An added bonus for those fortunate enough to gain access to the VIP room during haunt season (perhaps some of the many celebrities who have visited Netherworld over the years) will be the ability to scare people in the haunts with the push of a big red button via video monitors attached to certain scare elements in the haunted houses! Continued on page 13
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Family Planning Matters By Dr. Ujuka Iloabuchi Jessica is twenty-nine. She recently married the love of her life and is now contemplating starting a family next year. She has no health issues. No one in her family has struggled with infertility. She does not give pregnancy much of thought except that it will happen when it does. While there is still much to be discovered about conception and pregnancy, science has shown that there are many aspects of Jessica’s health that can affect conception and pregnancy. Here are some points that every woman should know if she sees pregnancy in her future. - Are you taking a daily prenatal vitamin? If not, find one that has at least 400 micrograms of folic acid and begin taking it prior to trying to get pregnant. By doing this, you can prevent folic acid deficiency, a condition that causes spinal malformations in the fetus. - Are you up to date on your vaccinations – measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), and chicken pox? Being vaccinated can help reduce your risk of contracting these potentially devastating diseases during pregnancy. - Are you having regular menstrual cycles? If not, you should be evaluated by your gynecologist. Preliminary tests can determine if you have a chance to conceive spontaneously, or if you will require treatment from an infertility specialist. - Are you overweight or obese? Are you making lifestyle changes towards weight loss? Obesity can affect the ovaries negatively, preventing ovulation at regular intervals which in turn reduces the chance of spontaneous conception. Monitoring your periods and menstrual cycle length is important. A healthier you will increase your chance of conception, healthy pregnancy, and healthy baby. - Have you been exposed to or tested for infections? Some infections may be present without obvious symptoms. Some can progress to pelvic inflammatory disease, which could lead to scarring in the fallopian tubes. Each fallopian tube acts as a conduit between the ovary and the uterus. Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, which then carries the fertilized egg to the uterus where the embryo implants. Previous infections can lead to issues with infertility. Each one of us is unique and our conception/pregnancy journeys will differ. If you are struggling to conceive, you are not alone. Your gynecologist would love to help. Dr. Ujuka Iloabuchi is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist at Gwinnett OB/GYN Associates. More information at https://www.gwinnettobgyn.com/
Simply the Best: Gwinnett County Lifeguards Win State Competition By Our Town Staff Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation lifeguards won first place at the annual Georgia Recreation and Park Association State Lifeguarding Competition, held at Lake Oconee in Greene County on July 16th. The lifeguards came from several different aquatics facilities across the County and were selected based on their outstanding attention to safety, CPR/ AED, first aid, teamwork, and athletic skills. Guards honed these skills over the course of the summer with both written and physical skill practice. The team consisted of seasoned lifeguard veterans who have previously participated in the state competition. Jacob Finco is a college student, working summers as a lifeguard at Mountain Park Aquatic Center in Stone Mountain. Holly Smith is a college graduate and long-time lifeguard. Aiden Hall is a student at Parkview High School who works part-time at Mountain Park Aquatic Center. Aliyah Berry, both a lifeguard instructor and certified water safety instructor, brings several years of expertise to the team dynamic. Joel Nickerson is an assistant pool manager and has participated at the state level on several occasions. Cole Hembree is a college student studying to become an educator. Aaron Murdock is a recent college graduate who assists with recruiting and training aquatics staff at various aquatic centers. The competition consisted of events that evaluated teamwork, athletic ability, and lifeguard knowledge. The GCPR team proudly earned 38 points with high finishes in most of the events, taking first place in the swim relay and critical incident events, second in the rescue relay and capture
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THIS IS MORE THAN JUST AN ATHLETE. This is Colby—a son, a star running back and a straight A student who is looking forward to starting college next Fall. His parents trust GMC Sports Medicine, which includes the most sports medicine fellowship-trained doctors in Georgia, as well as the groundbreaking GMC Concussion Institute. With a member of the state’s largest team of certified athletic trainers placed directly in his school, they are confident that GMC is providing world class care right there where Colby needs it. Colby’s goal is to make this season a memorable one. At Gwinnett Medical Center, we make that possible.
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Simply the Best Continued from page 10 the flag events, and third in the triathlon and rescue board events. Arthur Bedard from Mountain Park Aquatic Center and Christen Hardy from Bethesda Park Aquatic Center coached the team. Aquatics Coordinator Christine Greenfield said, “Winning is a tribute to Gwinnett’s aquatics training program. We are extremely proud of the lifeguard team and coaches for their victory at state. Our lifeguard team takes great pride in their training and skill execution, and they were excited to use it in a competition setting.” More information at www.gwinnettparks.com
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Gwinnett Community Member Spotlight: Meet Don Magee By Joanna Shackelford Before most of us have had time to pour our first cup of coffee to start the day, Don Magee has already finished his first round of 200 push-ups. By lunch he’ll be up to 500. Before bedtime he’s hit his goal – 1,000. This may sound like the workout regimen of a spry 19-year-old college football player, but it’s not. Well, not anymore. Don is a retired superintendent of Illinois public schools who now lives in Lilburn with his wife Florence. His birthday is right around the corner. He’ll be 85. “Most people don’t believe me,” he says of his seemingly extreme daily exercise routine. But he can show you in his calendar where he’s carefully logged the exact number of each day’s push-ups as a way for him to keep track and set goals. He doesn’t miss a day, even on vacation. Don is also well known at the local LA Fitness where he goes to work out every day. He has seven machines that he uses and has met some good friends among the weights. The trainers love him. Don has known for a long time that it takes a little sweat to see results. He played high school basketball and then football for Illinois State in college. As for the push-ups, Don says it started out of convenience many years ago. His secret to a great quality of life is, of course, exercise. And he can do push-ups for free. “I can take it with me on vacation,” he says. “I’ll even do them when I’m waiting on my wife in a store shopping.” Any free moment is an opportunity to get his heartrate going. Where does he get this motivation? He says it’s Florence. In their 59 years of marriage, Don admits, “I have a hard time keeping up with her.” She swims, takes spin class at the gym, and works out with weights along with juggling a busy schedule of local volunteering. “But she is younger than me,” Don says. “She’s only 82.” Don has also played a key role in motivating others to get up and get moving. Back when he was working in Illinois and president of the Rotary Club, he started a fitness group. He brought close to 20 men together every week during their lunch hour to work out with weights. Recently, Don was asked to join a fitness program at his church. The director of the program told Don he needed him there to show people that age is not a deterrent. It worked. Don is passionate about his age and his fitness lifestyle. “People need to know that even when you’re old you can still do things,” he says. “It’s not over until it’s over.” Although Don may seem invincible, he has faced challenges that come with getting older. In the last few years he has endured hip surgery, reconstruction of the right knee, orthoscopic surgery of the left knee, and two back operations. After every episode, he was able to recover quickly. He and his doctors attribute this to his healthy exercise routine. Those who know him would say it’s also his healthy mindset. There isn’t anyone who enjoys a party more than Don. In fact, he and Florence have added a dance floor in their basement, right beside the record collection and the pool table. But exercise and fitness are what fuel his infectious energy and good attitude. For those reluctant to getting up and getting fit, Don says start small. “Most people go at it too hard too fast. They get sore and give up.” He will be the first to tell you that setting goals is key, but “keep your goals reasonable.” It also helps to have a partner who can keep you on track. “Without Florence, it would be harder,” he says. “She’s really been my hero.” Don’s current ambition is to increase his morning routine by adding 50 more push-ups. He also wants to do more cycling for his legs. But mostly, Don is just enjoying life. If you’re ever out and about around Lilburn, look for Don. He’ll be wearing Nike gear and comfortable kicks. If you don’t see him, just look down. He’s probably getting in a quick workout.
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what the children learn in the classroom at home. • Parent Communication: Being away from your child is difficult. Ask about the tools and processes the provider uses to keep parents informed each day. Do they send you a daily overview of the activities your child participates in? Do you know what your child ate for meals and snacks? Do they send you pictures throughout the day? Good parent communication will help give you peace of mind even on the toughest days. • Safety: Ask about the safety precautions the school or provider has in place (locks, placement of dangerous materials, etc.), as well as whether it has an emergency plan for various situations. You’ll also want to know how they will communicate with you in the event of an emergency. • Accountability: Many child care providers are accredited, but not all are held accountable for meeting certain standards on a regular basis. If quality is a big must-have for you, ask how the school or provider measures continuous improvement and whether a third-party holds it accountable. Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www. PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com
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FODAC: Making a Difference in Puerto Rico’s Recovery Efforts By Our Town Staff Many months after hurricanes Irma and Maria hit Puerto Rico with a devastating double punch, almost one-third of the island’s 1.5 million electricity customers – with many of them living in rural or remote areas – remain without power or appropriate shelter. For those with disabilities or other medical challenges, recovery from the storms has been even more difficult. Chris Brand, president and CEO of Georgia’s Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), spent time on the island after the storms to help coordinate distribution of durable medical equipment (DME) like wheelchairs, crutches, and other mobility aids. He recently returned there for a week-long tour to personally view the recovery and to help distribute additional DME and other supplies to remote communities. “Seven months after the storms, so much of the island is still in dire need,” said Brand. “Many people are still living from day to day without power, running water, and with little food in homes that are barely habitable. Many people living in rural or remote areas can’t afford gas for their generators, which is especially problematic when they need to keep oxygen machines operating or vital medicines like insulin refrigerated. I went back to Puerto Rico to see for myself the conditions, and see how we could work with FEMA and local partners to help these residents recover the lives they led before last September.” Brand returned to Puerto Rico in April, arriving first in San Juan, where he made contact with representatives from FEMA Office of Disability Integration and Coordination (ODIC), the Renance of Condado, Programa de Asistencia Tecnológica de Puerto Rico, Movimiento para el Alcance de Vida Independiente Puerto Rico, Lift Non-Profit Logistics, and the Rotary Club of San Juan. Brand had first worked with these organizations to send equipment. Now he reunited with his associates to deliver equipment into the most remote and sometimes most dangerous areas of Puerto Rico. Each day of the week-long mission, Brand was up before dawn and back after midnight. He and his colleagues traveled into the remote villages and settlements – troubled areas before the disaster, but now, without basic utilities and no employment, even more desperate with residents fearful of gang violence and crime sprees. Brand and his colleagues were accompanied on their journeys at times by a police escort to connect safely with those residents in need. While the Puerto Rican National Guard was still distributing food and water into these sections, delivery was very difficult in some parts because of the severe road conditions. “Every day during this trip I met with survivors under the worst conditions; yet I was constantly moved by their spirit and faith,” said Brand. “Seeing the areas first-hand and talking to the residents in person helped us understand better how to support our partners in their efforts. These citizens who are suffering are part of America,” continued Brand. “The infrastructure of the island has been destroyed and getting the necessary equipment into the hands of those who need it must be a priority.” Brand continued, “Our goal is to build a network here to distribute the equipment, collect more gently used equipment, and connect people with resources. At this point, we want to strengthen the local organizations by building effective partnerships, to empower the local groups to take up the mission.” More information at fodac.org
Netherworld Continued from page 9 About 400 employees keep Netherworld running. The shows are rebuilt every year. “We never want people to say, ‘Oh, I went to Netherworld last year. I’m not going this year,’” Messina says. “We change it up thematically; we change the sets, we change the path, we change the name.” He adds, “This year is particularly challenging because we had twenty years at the other location and one year to try to replicate that, but we have extra staff working all year long.” Netherworld has partnered with Vet Tix, an organization that makes event tickets available to active military, veterans, and families of those killed in action. “It’s a nice way to give back,” says Messina, “so we give thousands of tickets to Vet Tix.” Messina points out that Netherworld parking is always free, and a new onsite lot will provide sufficient space the majority of the time. On heavy nights, SpaceMax Storage, located across the street, will allow free parking in their lot as well. “We want people to have a good time and just walk away feeling good. People come for different reasons – some never get scared but just like to see their friends get scared, some people like to get scared, and some just come for the t-shirt.” More information at http://www.fearworld.com for the haunted houses and www.EscapeTheNetherworld. com for the escape games.
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Take a Deep Breath: Five Ideas to Reduce Stress By Our Town Staff From work to working out, kids’ activities to household tasks and so much more, modern life has never been busier. The problem is that our hectic schedules can lead to unnecessary stress. If you’re one of the many who feel frazzled on a regular basis, you’re probably longing for a vacation or a day at the spa. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy ways to cut stress that you can sneak into everyday life. From mealtime to bedtime, if you start embracing small moments to be more mindful, you’ll be surprised how fast you can cut down on overall stress. Here are five simple examples of how you can find your own moments of Zen today: 1. Take a 5-minute walk: Whether it’s getting fresh air or just getting yourself moving, a change of place and pace can reduce stress and give you a few moments to relax, especially during hectic times. For example, take a 5-minute break while dinner’s cooking to walk around the block. Weather not right for a walk? Give your body a quick stretch with an at-home yoga session. 2. Find quick-and-easy solutions: If making dinner for your family seems like a daunting task,
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Individuals who cannot speak due to various neurological and motor conditions, including autism, are the most vulnerable and isolated members of society. In the US about 1 in 59 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and of those, approximately 1 in 3 cannot communicate verbally. For nineteen years, Lilburn-born and raised Reece Blankenship was trapped inside a body that did not allow him to convey his thoughts and feelings. But due to a November 2014 breakthrough, Reece has learned to communicate via letterboard. Now Reece and his family are working to make an impact on the lives of autistic individuals throughout the greater Atlanta area. Reece, 23, is the founder and inspiration behind ReClif, a fitness-based therapy center designed around the concept that all people have competence regardless of their perceived limitations. Offering a variety of services specifically designed to enhance the physical and social lives of autistics and those that support them, ReClif helps their clients strive to be the best they can be. While most of the training at ReClif is done in one-to-one sessions with certified coaches, the non-profit branch of ReClif Community offers autistics and their families a chance to socialize and connect to others who accept them even when their wayward bodies make outings difficult. With a dedicated team of amazing coaches, and very supportive family and friends, Reece and his comrades are already having a tremendous impact. “Our intention, and the motto of ReClif, is to ‘change the conversation surrounding autism,’” says Reece’s mom, Lou Blankenship. “At ReClif, our goal is for families affected by autism to have a place to come to that envelopes them in positivity. ReClif was ‘designed by an autistic for other autistics,’ and everything about this center was suggested or approved by Reece – from the name, to the decor, to most importantly the staff who wholeheartedly adhere to the ReClif motto.” Believing that every individual should have a place where they can strive to be the best they can possibly be, they set about to create just such a place for autistic individuals. “ReClif is a place of high expectations, growth, achievement – and happiness!” Lou states. “The journey to ReClif actually began when Reece aged out of high school,” she continues. “After delving into research, I ended up running across a mom whose daughter had learned to communicate via letterboards. I asked her to meet up with me to explain the process. I will forever be grateful and will vividly remember that day in Chick-Fil-A where I first saw a glimpse of what could possibly be for Reece. It’s not an easy process and takes time and effort, but within a few months, Reece was able to begin communicating. Flash forward four years – and after many, many arduous letterboard sessions where Reece spelled out his visions, countless conversations with a few of his long-time therapists, and an affiliation with Mike Ramirez who designed the Special Fit exercise program for autistics – we came up with a thoughtful and detailed business plan for ReClif.” Reece can explain in his own words what the journey has been like for him – he is extremely bright, very articulate, and an inspiration to those around him. Our Town: What was it like finally finding a way to communicate your thoughts and ideas? Reece: An unparalleled feeling of freedom and hope. I could never have imagined I would end up here after so many years of no communication. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to hear my voice and acknowledge my intelligence. A whole new world opened up for me because of the letterboards. Imagine being fully understood and having a sense of purpose for the first time in your life! Our Town: What were some of the very first things you wanted to say to your parents? Reece: I first wanted them to know how thankful I was not only for their support, but for their constant hope and never-ending quest to help me. My spirits stayed up because of their positivity and my unwavering relationship and conversations with God who understood me even when no one else was able to. In short, the first thing I wanted to convey was my thankfulness to my family and take away any blame they felt for putting me through long hours of repetitious therapy. In the end it was all done with hopeful spirits and love. Our Town: What message do you have for other families living with an autistic child? Reece: My message would be to find a supportive community to get involved with. Staying active and reacting with positivity to this obstacle is paramount while raising a child with autism. Doing things together will help the autist to stay focused and feel secure. Body control is typically a chore for those on the spectrum. Learning to harness one’s actions through exercise and neuromapping is a key component to overall health and body awareness. Above all, teach ANY child that love has no boundaries. Accept them wholeheartedly and unashamedly. More information at reclif.com.
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Top Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding By Patty Gabilondo Weddings can be stressful – but they don’t have to be! After twentytwo years in the wedding business, Judith Warren and Caroline Tucker of Vecoma at the Yellow River in Snellville, have a few tips for having a stress-free day. Make a Wedding Day Timeline. This may sound crazy, but don’t be late for your own wedding! Plan a timeline for the entire wedding day. Frequently, brides don’t allow enough time for hair and makeup, and they show up late to the venue. Plan at least one hour for hair and one hour for makeup for each person getting ready. Take some of your wedding photos BEFORE the ceremony. By taking photos before the ceremony, you won’t need to spend as much time after the ceremony taking photos. This gets you to the reception sooner! Pack the Car the Day Before. The most common items that brides forget to pack are the veil, the ring bearer pillow, and the flower girl basket! (Yes – a bride did forget to pack her dress!) Make sure you have everything you need by packing the car the day before. Don’t look at Pinterest. Yes, there are gorgeous photos and ideas on Pinterest, but remember many of these photos are not from real weddings – they are from styled photo sessions! Decide on the details that you feel are most important and incorporate those into your wedding. Don’t feel like you have to do it all. Ditch the High Heels. Smiles are very difficult to fake when your feet are killing you, and shoes are truly one of the least important items of the day. Stay focused on the moment and be kind to your feet with attractive but comfortable shoes. Hire a Babysitter for Young Children. Young children are always one of the highlights of the wedding ceremony. They also can be a lot of fun to watch on the dancefloor. However, young children also require constant attention. Many times there have been screaming or rambunctious kids in the bride’s room while the bride is trying to get dressed. We’ve also seen kids running wild during the reception with no adult supervision. It’s hard for members of the wedding party to have a good time at the wedding if they have to watch toddlers whose mood can be unpredictable. Hire someone you trust who is not a member of the wedding party to be in charge of the children and agree in advance how certain situations will be handled. Everyone will be relieved. Hire a professional DJ and Photographer. Professional wedding DJs know how to get the party going and how to keep the timeline on track. The best DJs also act as emcee for the event. A professional wedding photographer will have the best equipment and know how to get the photos you want without cutting in to your reception time. Pamper Yourself the week before the wedding. By this time your major decisions have been made, so take time for a few long bubble baths. Turn off the news and watch some comedy movies, get your nails done, and savor these moments with your future spouse, friends, and family. Delegate Last-minute Details to your Bridesmaids or Friends. Does someone need to be picked up at the airport? Delegate it. Did you forget to get something at the store? Delegate it. Don’t run yourself ragged trying to do everything yourself. If you can delegate a task, do it! Let it go and Enjoy the day! If you didn’t make every cute sign that you wanted to, let it go and don’t worry about it. If something goes different than planned, go with it. If the bride and groom are happy and enjoying their wedding, everyone else will have a great time! “The most important thing about the wedding,” says Warren, “is that the bride smiles and kisses the groom. Guests will overlook any mishap if the couple is showing their love for each other.” More information at www.vecoma1.com.
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Take a Deep Breath Continued from page 13 choose quick-and-easy options designed to take the hassle out of meal prep. The frozen food aisle is a great place to begin your journey toward finding your happy place in the kitchen. Here you can find a variety of products that taste great and require minimal prep work, so you can dedicate more time to doing the things you love, like spending quality time with your family. 3. Choose quality over quantity: Make the most of your time each day by being intentional with your activities. Whether it’s playing a new board game with the kids after dinner or watching a TV show with your spouse, small quality moments can help you relax and enjoy yourself and your family when at home. 4. Take time to reflect: When using great-tasting, low-hassle products to make dinner, you’ll be spending way less time in the kitchen. Take those extra moments to reflect on everything you accomplished during your day or week. This will help give you a sense of pride and is a real confidence-booster. 5. Break from technology: Take a break from technology, even if it’s only for 5 minutes. Put down your phone, turn off the television, and step away from all electronics. Just giving your mind a break from the active world of technology can reduce stress and help you mentally reset, especially during mealtimes, where being present is particularly important. These are just five simple examples, but moments of peace can be found anywhere if you take the time to look for them. Remember, the little moments are what make the biggest impact in life, and by embracing mindfulness, you’re setting the stage to be able to focus on what really matters. Life is a present, so take time to enjoy the moment. (BPT)
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COMPETITION MATCH October 7th at 5:00pm-9:00pm November 4th at 5:00pm-9:00pm December 2nd at 5:00pm-9:00pm * Must be a GSSF member to compete-join at gssfonline.com * $15 Per match, must attend two out of three matches to qualify for plaques or prizes, please sign up in store or email us for more information. * A chance to win a free standard 9/40/45 Glock pistol.
Glock Day- October 27th Come out and meet the Glock representatives, test shooting, free merchandise giveaways, and a chance to win a free standard 9/40/45 Glock pistol.
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Hot Off the Press: Getting to Know Rhonda Frankhouser By Patty Gabilondo Romance novelist Rhonda Frankhouser and her dashing husband Bill, along with their needy Labrador and two equally needy pugs, recently moved to Grayson from Bakersfield, California. “Our new neighbors are wonderful and we just love how green Grayson is!” says Frankhouser. “I am also excited to be able to write full-time now that I have left my past life as a Hospice worker behind me.” Rhonda’s first novel seemed to pour out of her after a scare with cancer at the young age of 29. Writing stories became a cathartic and healing exercise that helped keep her sane. Her first novel, My Last Day, is a heart-wrenching tale of a young woman seeking love and closure on the last day of her life. An avid reader growing up on her parent’s farm, Frankhouser was the youngest of three siblings, and after her brother and sister had grown and moved away, would often find herself on the farm reading to her horses and dogs during the long hot summer months. Stories and their characters have always held a special appeal to her, and they became a way to retreat from chores and farm life. Charlotte’s Web was a gift from her mother and is now both a personal favorite and a treasured possession. It’s no surprise that the settings in her award-winning Ruby’s Ranch books are pulled directly from her parents’ ranch, which she refers to as her childhood happy place. Her characters also came from growing up with country Southern values and strong matriarchs. “I have always had people (characters) running around in my head for as long as I can remember,” states Frankhouser. “My mom was from Texas, married when she was 16, was a dancer, aerobics instructor, and later in life a body-builder. My dad was an old Southern guy who loved large family BBQs, working with the horses, and tending the half-acre garden, and was instrumental in teaching me to ‘Live your life rather than letting it live you.’” Return to Ruby’s Ranch, which debuted with 5-star reviews on Amazon in 2016, and Escape from Ruby’s Ranch are next in the series presented by Soul Mate Publishing. Each story in the series has a contemporary western romantic aspect with a solid family dynamic and a paranormal twist. Legacy of Ruby’s Ranch and Revenge at Ruby’s Ranch are under development to continue the series. Frankhouser’s Health Nut Café is a departure from the western romance novel genre, and was published and released this summer as part of the Shadowing Souls Series. Interested in a paranormal love-story with a few twists and turns along the way? There are clues throughout the storyline and a surprise ending sure to please mystery buffs and romance buffs alike. Frankhouser explains, “This story offers something completely different for my readers, but is close to my heart.” Look for sequels and prequels of both the Ruby’s Ranch series and the Shadowing Souls Series in the near future, and be sure to welcome Rhonda and Bill to Grayson if you happen to see them walking the dogs or you observe her in her new sunroom pouring out the next story onto paper. More information at www.rhondafrankhouserbooks.com.
One on One: Connie Fulcher and Biker Tales By Maple Johnson Born in Collins, GA, a small town just south of Savannah, Connie Fulcher moved to Gwinnett County when she was only six years old. Seeking better job opportunities, Connie’s family relocated back in 1963, and she has been a resident for over fifty years. She was raised in Duluth, but later moved to Grayson to be closer to her job where she worked as an associate in the Gwinnett County Public School System. Connie has always had a love of nature and a passion for the outdoors, and as an adult, she found herself falling in love with motorcycles. In August 2008, her husband presented her with a very special birthday gift – a brand new 96 cubic inch six speed Harley Davidson Deluxe. “It was one of the first 6 speeds made, and I love it,” she said. Female bikers are transforming the culture across the globe, and Connie is one who’s not afraid to jump into the driver’s seat. According to statistics, in 1998, only 8 percent of motorcycle owners were women. But, in 2014, female ownership had increased to 14 percent. Connie’s husband, Randy, is a bike rider as well, so not only is she a biker’s wife, she’s also a biker chick! But, there’s also a softer side to this biker lady who wears blue jeans, tee shirts, leather chaps, boots, and dark Continued on page 20
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Church Spotlight: Family Thrives at Mount Zion Baptist By Kim Hill Established in 1853, Mount Zion Baptist Church is one of the oldest churches in the Snellville community. As the church is located on bustling Scenic Highway 124, Scott Crow, Pastor of Discipleship and Administration, finds it interesting that recorded in Mount Zion’s early history is a desire to start a church in one of the more destitute parts of Gwinnett County. “To think about a church that has had 165 years of ministry in the same place and to still be reaching people and to be involved in so many different aspects of the community is just remarkable,” he says. Mount Zion is closely connected to the SE Gwinnett Co-op and other area ministries like Uniting Hope 4 Children, and has served at the Grayson Egg Hunt and the Snellville Fall Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting. One of the biggest events the church has sponsored recently was its Back to School Bash, the culmination of a vision of one of the church’s LIFE groups to give away over 500 book bags filled with school supplies. The congregation rallied behind that vision with their giving, additionally placing a Bible in each backpack. The day consisted of food, fun, inflatables, and games. Nearly 400 backpacks were given to attendees that day, and the rest were donated to the co-op. “It was a good day for the church and the community because the church was able to serve and fill a need, and the community got to meet us,” says Pastor Scott. “It was a big success!” While Mount Zion has members from all over Gwinnett County and even neighboring Walton County, lead pastor Jeff Gongwer says, “We are seeing more people join our fellowship from the community, too, so we’ve become more diverse as a church. We desire to reach the entire community and beyond.” Church programs that help with this outreach are the Mount Zion Weekday Preschool with an enrollment close to 200, and a children’s athletics program called Spirit, which incorporates four different sports seasons for children ages 4-8 years old, offering t-ball, basketball, soccer, and cheerleading. Spirit also offers flag-football for ages 6-12. “We have a gym and a softball field so we are able to do all those things on our campus,” explains Pastor Jeff. “It’s a great way to connect with families. We additionally have strong children’s and student ministry within the church on Wednesdays and Sundays. We are always looking for opportunities to reach out to families to strengthen them.” For example, there is an upcoming event called Your Best Night Out which will be a marriage enrichment opportunity for couples. The church also opens its buildings to the community for choral concerts, elementary graduations, Grayson High School’s baccalaureate, and staff meetings and trainings for local businesses. Mount Zion has a newly updated website and offers an app called MZ Connect which has information about the church sermons and more. “We’re on Facebook and we do Facebook Live where we broadcast our services live,” says Pastor Jeff. “If people ‘like’ our webpage, they will be able to access our services, which are also archived so people can watch them later, too. We’re trying to get the word out.” Continued on page 18
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Hearts and Kits for the Homeless By Patty Gabilondo “I remember back in the 1980s, my mother and I would drive down Cheshire Bridge Road on our way to the bakery and there was a homeless man every day on the side of the road,” recalls John Wade, founder of Kits for Homeless.org. “She started taking him food, struck up a conversation, and it turned out that he was a renowned surgeon who had saved thousands of people’s lives during his career. He had ultimately succumbed to alcoholism and lost everything. Mom’s compassion for him was the ultimate example for me.” Mrs. Wade passed away in 2007, but her legacy lives on in her son. “I’ve tried to follow her lead,” states Wade. “I’ve never been homeless myself, but I do know how hard it is living paycheck to paycheck, and giving someone a hand up rather than a hand out makes more sense to me.” Two years ago, after speaking with his pastor about creating a separate ministry for the homeless and medically fragile, Wade was encouraged after being told that they would absolutely support his efforts if he branched out and created an organization of his own. “Our mission is simple,” says Wade. “We provide approximately 500 hygiene kits plus bottled water to the homeless in the Atlanta area about once every 3 months.” The kits include basic products such as clean socks, a washcloth, travel size shampoo and conditioner, a razor, soap, a comb, toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, baby wipes, Q-tips, Band-Aids, tissues, individually wrapped feminine pads, etc. On delivery days, volunteers offer encouragement and occasionally a ride for those who wish to join programs to help get them off the streets. “Sometimes we pray with them, and when it gets colder, we pass out blankets, gloves, scarves – anything to keep them warm,” says Wade. “I’ve learned so much from these folks,” states Wade. “We’ve even adjusted the contents based on Continued on page 19
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CHOICE Educational Academy 5510 Lilburn Stone Mountain Road Stone Mountain, GA 30087 Phone 770.921.3690 n Fax 770.921.3693 admin@choiceeducationalacademy.com www.choiceeducationalacademy.com
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PAGE 17
Grayson Spotlight: Blacksmithing, Farming, and Football By Beth Volpert Johansen Keeping up with any teen is a real challenge. School, friends, and screens of all sorts vie for the attention of our kids. With so much virtual reality surrounding our children today, it was an absolute treat following seventeen-year-old Abraham Cameron, affectionately known as AB, into his very real world. We met AB on his family’s farm in Grayson where he and his brothers live a little different life than their peers. Older brother Johnathan is in college, but AB and his younger brother, Zachary, are homeschooled by choice. The reasons are varied, but for the most part, it has given the boys a chance to be involved in a variety of experiences. Always thinking outside the box, AB has spent time at Gwinnett Tech, dabbling in graphic design and interning with Gwinnett County blacksmith, Doc Watson. “I have learned how to make s-hooks, nails, and lots of other basic items,” says AB. “I think I have some of my mom’s creative side and some of my dad’s linear thinking.” With both sides of his brain completely engaged, AB says he doesn’t have much time for video games and things he can’t work on or change with his own hands. That line of thinking is part of what makes living on the farm less like work and more like a life he can get into – mind, body, and soul. This year, AB was accepted to the Gwinnett Youth Commission for the 2018 class. “The kids organize a legislative breakfast, a food pack event, and an environmental project,” says AB. Working together, the youth learn about government and the community while adding volunteer hours to their resumes. “We are truly fortunate to have Abraham Cameron as a member of the 2018-2019 Gwinnett Youth Commission,” says Gwinnett County Community Outreach Program Director Nicole Hendrickson. “Being the only representative with a homeschool background, he brought a unique balance and perspective to the group! He is a natural born leader, always engaging in dialogue, motivating and supporting his peers, and always demonstrating a great deal of enthusiasm each time we meet. His fellow Youth Commissioners really look up to him.” As with anything worth doing, there are pros and cons. One of the downsides of homeschooling for AB has always been his view of the football field. Rarely does he miss a hometown game at Grayson, but watching from the bleachers wasn’t where he really wanted to be. What he really wanted was to play the game on the field. As is the usual and customary operating procedure in the Cameron household, AB’s parents, Warren and Keisha, left the goal setting, research, and details up to AB. Accepting the challenge, AB managed to find a homeschool team, train, earn the money, and try out. “I researched the Georgia Force High School Football Team in Sugar Hill,” says AB. “I did the winter conditioning and played in some 7 v 7 tournaments until the season started.” After attending a summer camp with the team in Ellijay, AB was ready for the football practices and season to begin. “I really like that my teammates are very competitive. They won the NHFA National Championship last year,” says AB. “The team is a great brotherhood. Everybody loves everybody, which makes us a thinksmart team who can compete.” As a Christian-based team, there is devotion after Monday practice and no practice on Wednesdays. Finding a team with similar values has made the wait to play worth it for AB who can’t wait to hit the field for the 2018 season. Finding his own path, a way to enjoy life to the fullest, with as much input from as many varied sources as possible, AB Cameron will no doubt have a positive impact on his surroundings. Lessons learned on the farm, in homeschool, as a volunteer, and now as a teammate will serve to keep this teen fully grounded in all that is important for what promises to be a very bright future.
Church Spotlight Continued from page 17
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Mount Zion centers its ministries around Scripture and offers two Sunday morning worship services, a 9:30 blended service with a choir and a praise team, and an 11:00 contemporary service with a worship band and a praise team. LIFE groups (traditionally called Sunday School) are offered Sunday mornings at 8:15, 9:30, and 11:00. “One of our distinctions, we believe,” Pastor Jeff says, “is that your family can come to Mount Zion on a Sunday morning and every member of your family will have an opportunity to learn God’s Word within the community of a LIFE group and then be able to go into a worship service to worship together.” Mount Zion also offers worship for children and preschoolers during its 11:00 worship hour. The church motto is Where Family Thrives. “Mount Zion desires to be a place where family thrives to live and love like Jesus,” says Pastor Jeff. “We really desire to reach families, and for the church to be a family. Whether the person has their own family or is single, we want to make sure that everybody feels that this is their home, this is their family.” More information at https://mountzionsnellville.com
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The Trail of Terror Awaits at Vines Park
Hearts and Kits for the Homeless Continued from page 17
By Kristen Eleveld
their feedback. For example, most prefer dark socks rather than the white socks because they don’t show the dirt as much. They hear my car coming – a bright yellow VW beetle -- and they literally come running to greet me now.” Wade beams when he tells of one homeless man who said he has the “Cadillac” of hygiene kits. Wade’s goal is to build up inventory and increase deliveries to every other month, and then eventually bump the numbers up to 1,000 every month. As with all start-up organizations, there are logistical challenges to be overcome, plus it takes volunteers and money. Currently, the new start-up has only six volunteers on a regular basis, and kits are assembled at his church on Sunday afternoons. It’s probably no surprise that a large percentage of Atlanta’s homeless are veterans. Members of the Stone Mountain Masonic Lodge accompanied Wade on Memorial Day last year. Wearing Air Force caps, they met six men who had fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, and struck up a few good conversations. The Masons have continued to collect travel size toiletries for Wade since that time, and still accompany him on occasion. More information at www.kitsforhomeless.org
If you’re looking for a spooky, fun, and even educational Halloween event for your family, the Gwinnett County Master Gardeners and Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation at Vines Park have you covered. They combined their own knowledge and ingenuity with community resources to create a terror-filled walk through the park that will put your detective skills to the test. Dubbed the Trail of Terror, this walk is – well, no walk in the park. Groups of participants will follow clues down the boardwalk until they solve a mystery of ghostly proportions. That isn’t the only challenge, though. These detectives will also have to dodge all sorts of classic Halloween characters, like vampires and zombies, and make their way past a variety of haunts, including a spider’s lair, a graveyard, and a gruesome garden, looking for clues. And to top it all off, participants will have to navigate this without any lights – except for flashlights! “We really hope this event introduces more people to Vines Park,” said Shirley Bohm, Volunteer Coordinator for the Gwinnett Master Gardeners. Ms. Bohm and the other Master Gardener Volunteers are excited about making this night one to remember – and not just for the Trail of Terror. Their hope is that once more people get a chance to see such a beautiful park, they will want to return and get acquainted with other activities in the park. One such opportunity is a series of self-guided tours that will allow you to walk at your own pace while learning about the plants that grow there. Or, if you are a novice gardener who is really interested in learning how to grow your favorite flowers, you can join the Master Gardeners during the quarterly walk and get the tips and tricks of the trade. You might also love the Sunrise Yoga classes each Sunday at 7 a.m. during September that allow you to get some exercise while enjoying the beauty around you. There is no shortage of ways you can enjoy Vines Park! But only one way is the scariest. Ms. Bohm emphasized that the Trail of Terror is truly a team effort. Along with the Gwinnett Master Gardeners and Parks & Recreation, volunteers from Teen Nation at the Aurora Theater, a local Cub Scout troop, members of a local 4H Club, and several other community members worked together to create a night of fright that you are sure to enjoy. If you want to be on the Trail of Terror on October 27th, be sure to register so you can reserve your spot! The first group will start their journey on the boardwalk at 6:45 p.m. The only thing scarier than this trail will be missing out, so grab some friends and sign up for the Trail of Terror – if you dare. More information at https://secure.rec1.com/GA/gwinnett-county-parks-recreation/catalog/index/aa5d c85cdcd270400be34b43a8d0bbb4?filter=c2VhcmNoPQ Use the keyword “Terror” in the filter box to register for this event.
Up Close with Amanda Riley Foundation By J. Rice The 4th annual Gala-4-Gold benefiting the Amanda Riley Foundation was held August 25th at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth. The evening included both live and silent auctions, dinner, dancing, inspirational speakers, and casino-style games. The Amanda Riley Foundation is in its 8th year of providing support to children with cancer and to their families. The foundation is volunteer-based, has no overhead, and pays no salaries, so 100% of the donations they receive go to benefit the families they serve. The wide range of support they provide includes an outreach to all in-patient children at the AFLAC Cancer Center at Scottish Rite, as well as funding research grants for Rhabdomyosarcoma, the type of cancer that took Amanda’s life. For the Riley family, especially parents Steve and Barbara and sister Brittany, their world stopped turning the day 16-year-old Amanda was diagnosed with stage-4 cancer. “There is a hole in our hearts that will never be filled,” they declare on the foundation’s website. “After Amanda passed away, we wanted and needed to do something to keep her memory alive. It just didn’t seem fair that someone that once was so full of life was lost to the world. We wanted the world to know that we were hurting, that our daughter died, and CANCER took her life. We wanted the world to know that we would never forget her and that we would never forget all the other children that had died before her. Most importantly, we wanted to show we would never forget all the children that are still fighting for their lives against childhood cancer.” The family is again working devotedly behind the scenes, along with a team of faithful volunteers, to put together the annual fundraising gala. And Amanda is always on their minds. “Amanda was quite a character,” Barbara states, “very outgoing, loved sports, people, and God. Continued on page 22
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Connie Fulcher and Biker Tales Continued from page 16
Making a Difference: More than a Swim
sunglasses. She loves her family and enjoys spending quality time with her six-year-old great granddaughter, Maci, who rides with her occasionally. After riding behind her husband for many years, Connie finally got the opportunity she’d always longed for – to ride solo. “Once you learn how, and you have your own bike, you never want to ride with anybody again,” she stated. “Riding is peaceful and serene. I ride alone because if I’ve got something on my mind, I can focus better. When you’re riding with someone else, they’re in control; but riding alone puts you in full control.” The first motorcycle she owned was a soft tail. Back then, most women rode sportsters, which were smaller and easier to manage. But to Connie the larger bikes have always been more appealing. “They have more power and handle the road better,” she says. As a biker, she has ridden many miles and has seen many back roads from as far away as Hiawassee, GA to Philadelphia, PA, and everything in between. The only thing she doesn’t like about riding is the weather conditions. “Sometimes it can get eerily cold or steaming hot out there on the road,” she said. Connie relishes the experience of hugging the road in her Harley Davidson, enjoying the scenery, and meeting new people along her route. A typical day is going out to breakfast on the weekend and hitting the road with no destination in mind. “Riding gives bike lovers the kind of feeling you can never explain,” Connie said. She considers herself an expert at bike riding, and says that two of her greatest challenges were obtaining her MC license and dodging deer and wild game on the roadways. Equally so, one of her biggest concerns is safety. One of the most fearful things about biking is riding in the rain. “Once we were riding and it began to rain,” she said. “When we got to our destination, my boots were filled with water.” Besides her husband, Randy, and her grandchildren, Connie says bike riding is her greatest love, and she will probably ride until either her bike or she departs this earth. When asked what has been her greatest challenge, Connie’s responded, “Riding with guys. Men want to take charge. I’ve always wanted to be able to ride up front and lead the pack. I want to be up front and I want everyone to know that I’m a female.” A veteran rider, on any given day, Connie can be found releasing her kickstand, revving up her engine, and preparing to meet the wind. “It is exciting,” she said. “I can have a bad day at work, but I can get on my cycle and ride for miles, and it calms me. It’s just a totally different world!” When asked, “What’s going through your mind as you’re embracing the journey?” Her answer was, “Nothing – Absolutely nothing. That’s the one time you can breathe in the fresh airs of nature, let your mind run free, and escape the woes of life. I really don’t come back to reality until I return home and pull into my driveway.”
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“Childhood cancer research receives just 4% of the annual budget from the National Cancer Institute,” explains Dee Klerk, whose son Kyle is a survivor of childhood cancer. Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under age nineteen. Kids like Kyle are the motivation for Swim Across America (SAA) – Atlanta Open Water Swim. This year’s Make Waves to Fight Cancer event at Lake Lanier will be held September 22, 2018. SAA was established to unite the swimming community by hosting benefit swims to fund cancer research and clinical trials. To date, SAA has raised more than $75 million dollars. The Atlanta event began in 2013 and has raised more than $1 million to the Aflac Cancer Center of Atlanta. “We are proud to include over 1,000 swimmers, volunteers, spectators, and supporters, as well as Olympians,” said Nancy Tao, Atlanta Core Volunteer Chair. Tao explained, “Our Atlanta Swim is known as the ‘Super Bowl of Swims’ due to the number of swimmers and the funds raised.” Tao pointed out that the success in Atlanta is due to the tremendous support from Lawrenceville-based Swim Atlanta Aquatic Center. “Our most dedicated swimmers and volunteers are from Gwinnett County,” Tao added. Abby McCulloh of Parkview High School is swimming to raise funds for the third consecutive year. “The event helps me to appreciate the things that kids my age are going through,” she said. “The doctors explain research developments that are being made possible because of donations raised through SAA.” “This is our fifth year with the event,” said Swim Atlanta Co-owner Scot Davis. “Last year, our club raised more money than any other club team in the country. This year, our goal is to surpass $60,000. Being that we deal with so many children, this cause is near and dear to our hearts.” “Our 40th reunion benefitting Swim Across America was a great success,” explained Atlanta Event Director Kimberly Thompson. “We had over 175 people attend, some traveling from California and Tokyo. This event, and the awareness it raised has our team halfway to our goal!” Thompson said they set a goal of $60,000 this year and are currently listed as twelfth on SAA’s top fundraising list. “I am so impressed with our younger team members and the creative ways they come up with to raise money. They keep the ideas coming and keep planning successful events. Every little bit helps!” Tao added, “Paralympian McClain Hermes (Gwinnett Online) will participate this year as the first Paralympian alongside the US Olympians.” Last year, Paralympian Hannah Aspden surprised Aflac patient and Swim Atlanta swimmer Grace Bunke when she showed up at Lake Lanier to swim the event. Thompson said, “We were inspired by Hannah’s gesture and plan to invite both Paralympians and Olympians to the Atlanta event every year.” Bunke made national headlines as a huge voice for childhood cancer in previous years. Unfortunately, Bunke lost her battle against cancer this spring. She was an inspiration to many at the event. Kyle [Klerk] and his older sister Mikayla swam the mile last year with Bunke. Mikayla said the event was memorable. “I have met many inspiring people. My brother [Kyle] has cancer, so Continued on page 22
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PAGE 20
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Crane’s Corner: Not So Random Acts of Kindness
Local Book Review: The Great Alone is Full of Adventure and Suspense
By Bill Crane
By Heidi Campbell
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” Mark Twain (1835 - 1910), author, humorist, and observer of the human condition. Having a child with special needs certainly helped to reshape my world view, but even prior to that, I had long admired people who regularly and daily simply went out of their way to be kind and helpful to others with those many little things that make the difference between having a good day and a bad one. Nearly two decades ago, I sat in a hotel room in New York City, watching radio icon Don Imus interview my then client, AFLAC Chairman Dan Amos, before we headed out on a financial markets/quarterly earning media tour. Amos was making a significant donation to an annual radio telethon that Imus anchored to benefit his ranch summer camps for medically fragile children. Imus and his wife Deidre hosted thousands of pre-teens and teens over nearly three decades, with a Wild West experience that included on-site medical and all that a kids’ summer camp might offer. This gave me the seed for a great idea. Amos had recently made a $5 million gift to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) to expand and enhance the research and treatment capabilities of the AFLAC Cancer and Blood Disorder Services Center. He was seeking a way to broaden awareness of CHOA’s good works, as well as impact the cure rates for various deadly pediatric cancers. My first cousin had been battling brain cancer for years and is now among the longest term survivors of those halls at CHOA. She is now a married woman, living in Decatur, and volunteering at the front desk of the Egleston Hospital campus of CHOA. My on-air commentary for WSB-Radio in Atlanta would not begin for another six years, but I already had a strong friendship with Scott Slade, host of Atlanta’s Morning News. Slade, along with on-air personalities Neal Boortz and consumer guru Clark Howard, had been tasked with selecting a cause for the 750,000-watt radio blow torch to get behind. Boortz, a longtime volunteer pilot for Angel Flight, was championing that worthy charity. Continued on page 22
Kristen Hannah, the author of over twenty novels, is perhaps best known for her international bestselling book The Nightingale – an epic, award-winning work of historical fiction that takes place in France during WWII. Her latest novel, The Great Alone, is set in Alaska in the early 1970s. The 435 page novel is sewn together with paradoxical strings: isolation and community, power and weakness, mental illness and mental strength, loyalty and betrayal, dependence, and uncertainty. The story begins with antagonist Ernt Allbright, tortured by his time as a POW in Vietnam and struggling to find his place in the world. He learns that he inherited some land and a cabin in a remote part of Alaska, and he decides to move his wife Cora and 13-year-old daughter Leni to this new life as homesteaders. Ernt feels that this is the answer to his unhappiness. He sells the idea to his wife and daughter, explaining that it is “A house that is ours. That we own. In a place where we can be self-sufficient, grow our own vegetables, hunt our meat, and be free… we could be free. Think of it.” The family arrives in the tiny town of Kaneq, completely unprepared for what life in Alaska requires. They pull up to their new home – it is dirty, with no electricity and no running water. The land around it is so overgrown that they cannot even drive their VW Bus to the cabin. Fortunately for the Allbrights, they meet Large Marge, a former D.C. attorney, who gathers a few locals to help the new family prepare for their first winter. Everyone in town continuously reminds them that Alaska is very dangerous and everyone must prepare. One local, Natalie, tells them, “There’s a saying: up here you can make one mistake. The second one will kill you.” As winter nears, Ernt’s behavior becomes scarier and scarier, and the story takes a dark turn. Leni never had friends at any of her other schools, and is ecstatic when she meets Matthew on her first day of school. He is her nearest neighbor and they become best friends almost immediately. With winter closing in, Ernt begins spending time with “Mad Earl,” the father of his soldier friend who left him the land. Ernt drinks more and more, and paranoia seems to be his only motivation. His actions spiral out of control, leading to a shocking end. Leni, knows that she must be very Continued on page 22
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Crane’s Corner Continued from page 21 Howard, an avid advocate for foster children and Habitat for Humanity, was suggesting building a series of playgrounds in green-spaces near economically challenged communities. To fertilize the CHOA idea seed, I took Scott Slade to the Egleston campus to meet with the cancer patients, their families, and the caring hospital medical staff. Slade was sold. However, Boortz and Howard are no push-overs, and each wanted to support his favorite cause. But Slade kept repeating, “Those are both great causes...but they don’t beat kids with cancer.” The decision was soon made, and WSB Radio adopted the AFLAC Cancer Centers as their number one charity, to which they also annually donate 36 hours of airtime. Thankfully, WSB’s legion of loyal listeners – reaching as far north as Boston during overnight hours, as well hundreds of local and regional business enterprises, and celebrities from the sports, entertainment, and political arenas – all joined the effort. President George W. Bush made a pre-telethon visit to one of the Cancer Centers, and later made a pitch during the first Care-a-thon. Bush had lost his own sister Robin to pediatric cancer at the age of 4. The 2018 Care-a-thon raised over $1.63 million, with more coming in online and through north Georgia Kroger locations that offered customers to “round-up” to the nearest dollar during the Care-a-thon weekend. A wing at the Scottish Rite CHOA campus is dedicated to WSB Radio listeners who helped to make its construction possible. From an idea seed to a village of giving, this event grows more each year. Thanks to the many of you who have given, or who have shared this story with others. If or when you and yours have needs of this nature, CHOA and the AFLAC Cancer Centers will be ready. Praying that you never have the need, but knowing that if such tragedy strikes, you could not be in better hands nearby – surrounded by love, knowledge and thousands of others who have been down this same road ahead of you. Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the full-service communications consulting firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
Local Book Review Continued from page 21
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careful, but she is a teenager in love. She is caught between doing what she needs to do to survive and doing what she wants to do. This dilemma is captured when Hannah writes, “Love and fear. The most destructive forces on earth. Fear had turned her inside out, love had made her stupid.” The isolation found in Alaska, otherwise known as The Great Alone, was more than most could take, but Leni and Cora were able to find happiness that Ernt could not. They enjoyed the locals, the school, and the life, even while being caged in by a man who was mentally ill. Hannah describes the relationship between Leni and her mother by saying, “A girl was like a kite; without her mother’s strong, steady hold on the string, she might just float away, be lost somewhere among the clouds.” This novel is not for the weak at heart. It is loaded with suspense, twists, and turns. It is a story of love and terror, and the reader can truly grasp the life of the Alaska homesteaders. Hannah writes, “You think you know what wild means. It’s a word you’ve used all your life. You use it to describe an animal, your hair, an undisciplined child. In Alaska, you learn what wild really means.” After reading this novel, readers, at the very minimum, have a slightly more realistic view of a life they could previously not even imagine. More than the wild nature of the land, however, this novel touches on the wild found in human beings. There are simply things that cannot ever be tamed.
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More than a Swim Continued from page 20 this event means a lot to my family.” Bunke competed the one mile Open Water Swim and was the top individual fundraiser for Aflac last year even though cancer had returned to her spine and lungs. Her webpage reads, “Rest assured, I will be at Lake Lanier come September 22, 2018. You just might not be able to see me. But …you will be able to feel my presence as we continue to make waves to cure cancer More information at http://www.swimacrossamerica.org/site/PageNavigator/SAA_Donate.html
Amanda Riley Foundation Continued from page 19 Each year we host two major events that she would have loved being a part of – a race and a formal event.” Barbara says Amanda would have enjoyed the race because she was so passionate about running, and would have been enthused about the gala because she liked dressing up. “I truly believe she would have played basketball in heels if she could have! Even when she was all dolled up, sports were never far from her mind,” Barbara says with a smile. “The foundation is important to us and to her legacy because we are fulfilling her dreams of giving back and making a difference for others who are battling as she did,” Barbara adds. “The Amanda Riley Foundation is our way of keeping her name and memory alive for years to come. We work tirelessly every day to make a difference and could never thank our supporters enough for helping accomplish our goals!” More information at www.amandarileyfoundation.com.
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LILBURN 1227 Rockbridge Rd, Ste 402 (770) 925-9210
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A NEW NEW MEMBERSHIP OFFER ODUCTORY GOLF YEAR…A MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL e r t a i n r SPECIAL e s t rMEMBERSHIP i c t i o n s a p p l y. * C e r tGOLF a i n r e s t rMEMBERSHIP i c t i o CORPORATE n s a p*pCl y. INTRODUCTORY MEMBERSHIP CORPORATE new members M eFacility m bNe reGolf swh iGpMemberships s i n c l u d e c a r t f e e sper fCall omonth rdtoday 2 0cour 17 !t f eSapp Wf Full pay $150.00 Carol for!details Call today Carol Sapp for about “Business Casual” o l f Full MeFacility m b eour r Golf s h“Business i pMemberships s i nAsk cZamzow lu epay a$150.00 rdetails e sperfZamzow omonth r 2 0 Membership 17 Ask about Casual” Membership All NEW December 31, 2018. Te n n i s through Me m b e r s e n j o y 3 0m %bDecember d i ss ceo(ext. uj31, no ty101). ! 3770-979-9000 (ext. 101). 770-979-9000 through 2018. N e w Te n n i s Me e r n 0 % d i s c o u n t ! FEE NO INITIATION NO INITIATION FEE All-inclusive golf cart optionwith is available. annual membership golf option is available. p o r aFa tAetwelve a inl d ICnodrcommitment ipvoi drAll-inclusive uAtaetwelve l aplus M edmonth m bd ecommitment ricart s ih i upas lFood Av a&am iBeverage l$25.00 abbe lresmonthly m y,month a n In v d Me h i p s Av i lBeverage a b l e min plus Food & a $25.00 monthly minimum isarequired. Strengthening women is what weBELONGS doYOUR best. Take 30FAMILY minutes for yourself BELONGS HERE! YOUR FAMILY HERE! TENNISFor MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL For additional information, contact Zamzow additional TENNIS information, contact Zamzow 770-979-9000 101 ) 770-979-9000 MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL and find out what being Carol Curves Strong can do for you. Carol(ext. nis Swim Social membership isor$120.00 per month.isor$120.00 email: info@summitchasecc.com email: membership info@summitchasecc.com Tennis Swim Social per month. NO INITIATION FEE www.s 3197 Classic Drive www.summitchasecc.com 3197 Classic Drive NO INITIATION FEE
JOIN FOR FREE *
JOIN NOW! START STRONG STAY STRONG
bers may 30% discount payment option.dues 197with Classicannual 197enjoy ClassicaDrive www.summitchasecc.com New Tennis Members may enjoy aDrive 30% dues discount with annual payment option.
ww email: info Snellville, Ga 30078 email: info@summitchasecc.com Snellville, Ga 30078 Snellville, GA 30078 email: inf Snellville, GA 30078 email: info@summitchasecc.com * C e r t a i n r e s t r i c t i o n s a p p l y. CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP * C e r t a i n r e s t rMEMBERSHIP i c t i o n s a p p l y. CORPORATE * Joining fee waived for first 30 new members who join at each location starting 8/20/18. Monthly membership fees required and vary by location. Offer based on joining same day as first visit for a 12-month recurring billing fitness membership. Valid at participating locations only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. No cash value. Expires 9/30/18 or upon enrollment of 30 new members, whichever occurs first. © 2018 Curves NA, Inc. (1809)
GOLF • Sapp TENNIS • SWIM • DINING GOLF • Sapp TENNIS •Carol SWIM • DINING • SOCIAL Call today Zamzow for details Ask about ourCarol “Business Casual” Membership Call today Zamzow for details Ask about our “Business Casual” Membership 770-979-9000 (ext. 101). 770-979-9000 (ext. 101). NO INITIATION FEE
NO INITIATION FEE mmitment plus month a $25.00 monthly Food Beverage minimum A twelve commitment plus&a HERE! $25.00 monthly Foodis&required. Beverage minimum is required. YOUR FAMILY BELONGS YOUR FAMILY BELONGS HERE! onal information, contact Carol Zamzow 770-979-9000 (ext. 101 ) For additional information, contact Carol Zamzow 770-979-9000 (ext. 101 ) or email: info@summitchasecc.com or email: info@summitchasecc.com
3197 Classic Drive 197 Classic Drive Snellville, Ga 30078 Snellville, GA 30078
www.summitchasecc.com www.summitchasecc.com www.summitchasecc.com www.summitchasecc.com email: info@summitchasecc.com email: info@summitchasecc.com email: info@summitchasecc.com email: info@summitchasecc.com
TENNIS • SWIM • DINING • •SOCIAL GOLF • TENNIS • SWIM DINING • SOCIAL 2018 INTRODUCTORY MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL All Full Facility Golf Memberships pay $150 per month and Tennis Swim Social Memberships pay $75 per month for first twelve months. Social Dining Membership $300 per year. Summit Chase offers exciting junior lesson programs in golf, tennis and swimming. Our junior programs are open to members and non-members. SUMMIT CHASE COUNTRY CLUB 3197 Classic Drive, Snellville, Ga 30078 770-979-9000 www.summitchasecc.com You belong here!
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