SEPTEMBER 2020 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville
Up Close with Presidential Relocation Services, see story on page 5.
8 11 14 21
Health Matters: Healthcare vs. Health Care Community Spotlight: Together We Are Grayson A Heart for Healing: Meet Nurse Regina Canty Forever Young: 100 Years and Counting
More than 50 years of compassionate care. thethe cost keepsSince going costof ofliving living keeps going up.up. Since 1968, we've been been dedicated dedicated to to 1968, we've yourfuneral funeral doesn't havehave to. helping Snellville families celebrate celebrate helping Snellville The The costcost of ofyour doesn’t to. families special lives. lives. special why pre-plan your memorial? Like many things,costs will continue to increase, so locking Why pre-plan your memorial? Like many things, costs will continue to increase, so locking in now is a
in now is a wise decision.wise Yes, perhaps it’s a long way way away, but themore more reason get your plannow. together now. decision. Yes, perhaps it's a long away, butall all the reason to get to your plan together ® Contact yourDignity local Dignity Memorial® provider to lock in today's prices. prices. provider to lock in today’s Contact your local Memorial Ask us us about about our our Veterans Veterans discount discount Ask ETERNAL HILLS ETERNAL HILLS ETERNAL HILLS MEMORY GARDENS GARDENS MEMORY memory gardens SNELLVILLE SNELLVILLE
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Green Financial Resources, LLC These uncertain times may be impacting your finances in a variety of new ways. With 30 years of experience helping people in the good times and the bad, we can help you with financial guidance for whatever situations you are facing at this time. We remain open for telephone contact, and are here to help.
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Call 770.931.1414 to schedule a no-cost telephone consultation to discuss your investment accounts, retirement plan, job change, small business concerns, and more! Special No-Cost ZOOM Class - Medicare Supplement Seminar
For those age 65+, this session will help you analyze the many Medicare combinations available to narrow your choices and find the best options for your situation. Wednesday, August 26 1:00-3:00pm via Zoom. Simply call 770.931.1414 to sign up.
Successful Retirement Strategies (SRS) October 20 & 27
October 22 & 29
Two Tuesdays - 6:15-9:15pm Two Thursdays - 6:15-9:15pm Gwinnett Tech - Alpharetta Campus Gwinnett Tech - Sugarloaf Campus $99 for you and a guest $99 for you and a guest
Registration: www.GwinnettTech.edu/CE SRS will be found under the Hobbies & Personal Enrichment section. Questions about registration? Call the Continuing Education Dept. at 678.226.6739.3
Investment Advisor Representative offering securities & advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, Broker/Dealer, member FINRA, SIPC. Green Financial , Gwinnett Tech, & Cetera Advisors are not affiliated. Awards are not to be considered a guarantee of future results, nor as an endorsement by any client. Best of Gwinnett winners are chosen via voting and editors’ input, & opinions are vetted with the use of other available information. Pinnacle award rankings are based on growth, revenue, community service, & other criteria. Barron’s: based on total assets (AUM), revenue, & other factors. Office located at 3700 Crestwood Pkwy, Ste 140, Duluth, GA 30096.
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On the Cover: Moving on Up: How One Company is Changing Your Next Move for the Better By Kristen Eleveld No one likes the hassle of moving. Packing up boxes, renting a truck, and hauling your entire life to a new location is overwhelming and exhausting. You need help, but it’s hard to trust your most precious possessions to a stranger from a giant company that can’t be easily reached with questions or concerns. Enter Presidential Relocation Services (PRS), a homegrown company based in Gwinnett that is committed to giving homeowners and companies the best moving service possible. Grant Brondyke, the founder of the company, was only a senior in college when he decided to move forward with his idea to create a moving service that didn’t overcharge on costs but did overdeliver on quality. Now, just over a year later, Presidential Relocation Services has made a name for itself as a top-notch provider of moving services for homeowners and business owners alike. “I wanted to be a light in this industry,” said Brondyke. “Our goal is to put people over profits.” Brondyke worked for a large moving company while in college and realized that there was a market for a moving company that gave clients a personalized experience while providing a level of service that was unmatched by any national moving company. So, he gathered a few friends, rented some trucks, and set out to begin building what would eventually become one of the fastest growing service companies in the industry. While Presidential Relocation Services has increased
their staff and expanded their services over the last year, Brondyke still oversees every aspect of the business to ensure that customer service is always the top priority. One area in which the company takes particular care is the teams they employ to pack and move items to a new location. Every single employee is thoroughly vetted so that Presidential Relocation Services can guarantee that you can trust their employees in your home or business. “Every single item in your home is something you have worked for,” Brondyke said. “We want to help you protect your possessions, and we make it our mission to send only the best people to serve you on one of your most stressful days.” Presidential Relocation Services doesn’t just help homeowners and businesses move. They will also help you pack and even arrange storage for items you don’t need right away. Essentially, they do it all, and they do it well. For every client, a representative from the company goes onsite to fully understand the scope of your needs for the move, further practicing their people-first philosophy, and to talk to you about any special circumstances or specific concerns you may have. This allows the team to get to know each client and offer them the services they need.
“Dr. Simmons is proud to offer Botox and Dermal Fillers. Call the office to schedule your consulta “I like to say we are in the relationship business,” said Brondyke of the importance of these onsite visits. “How can you serve people if you don’t know them?” Once the team at PRS knows what you need, they give you a quote and work with you to schedule the time for your move. If you are on a strict budget, that’s not a problem – just let the staff know what you are able to spend, and they will let you know what they can provide for that price. Continued on page 14
At the dental office of John W. Simmons, IV, we are committed to providing you with the high comprehensive dental care, focused on improving both the function and beauty of your smile. A patient care and comfort are our primary concerns. We are proud to run a practice that treats ea kind, gentle, and caring manner, just like family. We offer a full range of the latest cosmetic a procedures that concentrate on ensuring long-lasting, brilliant results you will love, and others
Cosmetic Dentistry The cosmetic procedures we offer can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile. We offer a wide selection of procedures that can correct almost any dental imperfection.
• Porcelain Veneers • Teeth Whitening • Dental Bonding • Gum Recontouring • Dental Implants • All-Porcelain Crowns
BEFORE
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Compassionate Dentistry Our superior services can recapture the health, functionality, and youthful appearance of your natural smile. Our practice focuses on providing Before After long-lasting results and promoting overall dental health. Hexcellent e a lt H y • B e a u t i f u l • i n s p i r e d Our Town Gwinnett
J OHN W. S IMMONS,
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Office Monday 9:00am30078 - 7:00pm Tuesday 7:00am 2381-B Main Street EastHours: • Snellville, Georgia Wednesday 7:00am - 6:00pm Thursday 7:00am - 2: 770-985-2437 • SmilesBySimmons.com Dr. John W. Simmons, IV
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Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultZ.com
METRO ATLANTA
Join the Gwinnett County Public Schools
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770-965-8973
Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultZ.com Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultZ.com Cover Photographer Gena Ford Photography Distribution Coordinator DeeDee Chapman Feature Writers K. Coats Kristen Eleveld Ron Lambros Amy Ney Emily Rubin Traci Sanders Beth Volpert Johansen Contributing Writers Bill Crane Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz Dr. Kerith Powell Michelle L. Sutter Tanisha Turner Pam Walker Jasper Watkins III Darrell Watson
— An EndResultZ Media & Communications firm EndResultZ.com 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 2020 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: Moving on Up: How One Company is Changing Your
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Next Move for the Better 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 8 Health Matters: Healthcare vs. Health Care 9 Learning Lessons: Fostering Healthy Habits in Young Children 10 Insurance Matters with Darrell Watson: Long-Term Care 10 Chaplain’s Corner: Overwhelmed with Digital Learning? 11 Community Spotlight: Together We Are Grayson 12 Crane’s Corner: It’s in the Mail 13 Op-Ed: Up Close with Gwinnett County District 3 14 A Heart for Healing: Meet Nurse Regina Canty 14 Everyone Deserves a Good Landing 19 More Than the 3 Rs 21 Forever Young: 100 Years and Counting 22 Travel Tales: Back to School – The Not So Virtual Escape! 22 School Supplies and a Lesson in Hope 23 Accessing Care in a COVID World!
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From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion
ATTENTION - Double check ad for ALL content. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. Assume nothing Reply back that ad is approved once ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY.
By Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanSauers
ArthritisWellness Talk
@RyanTSauers
Hey there, Our Town Gwinnett Community. I appreciate all of you so very much. Also, I want to thank each of you for being a unique and special person. We are all created in God’s image and desire to have relationships with other people. I may not know all of you, but your feedback and encouragement to me is greatly appreciated. And it helps me in writing these columns and other things I do. Iron sharpens iron. So, let me share some things on my mind in September 2020. Let me encourage you all to the consider the time we are living in. It is tough. Unprecedented. Lonely. Frustrating. Confusing. Overwhelming. Unknown, and much more. Quite frankly, there are no real words that are good enough to encompass or describe 2020 – and things keep changing. We are living history that will be studied for years. In such an environment where we are isolated a lot more than we are used to, we often turn to social media to interact and express ourselves. There is nothing wrong with these tools and I use most of them. However, social media can be toxic. These amazing tools of communication can create great division and can seemingly push our buttons and/or push us over the edge. So, if what we post divides people, puts people down, or is not encouraging in nature, then maybe we should think twice before posting. Right? I hope we can give each other the benefit of the doubt, and love more, listen better, judge less, care more, smile, and be patient. We all need to be loved and told it is all going to be okay. IT WILL. This too SHALL pass. Trust me, I do not profess to have mastered all these things, and I work on them each day. Also, realize there are a lot of real and raw emotions we have in us due to this time. This is normal. Let us seek to help each other and not judge each other. Despite all we are facing, we will get there. But we can only do so “shoulder to shoulder” and “side by side.” We must remain UNITED and not become UNTIED. Finally, we must Continued on page 15
Welcome our newest staff member to ProMotion Physical Therapy and for Wellness Studio Members The Wellness Studio at ProMotion
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claimsdamaged for stormroofs. damaged roofs. claims for storm
Let us serve you through all of your relocation needs!
Health Matters: Healthcare vs. Health Care
With crews all over, By Dr. Kerith Powell With crews all to over, With crews over, weall are able service People around the world are recognizing the benefit of a complementary approach to traditional mediare able to service seeking we arewe able toof service ALL Georgia. cine; one that will help them achieve and maintain optimal health without requiring invasive treatments such as of Georgia. ALL of ALL Georgia. surgery. We do not want to simply say that we are the “trustworthy movers” or the “movers who care”. We want to earn your seal of approval by offering the highest quality of service to our customers.
We believe that healthcare should do more than just suppress symptoms – so much so that we call what we do n Our crews are highly trained. health care, a subtle but definite distinction. We offer a wellness model that allows us to find and address causes n Our customers come first. facebook.com/perimeterroofingllc of your health problems that many doctors ignore. This practice involves a deep understanding of an individual’s perimeterroofing_ga facebook.com/perimeterroofingllc facebook.com/perimeterroofingllc info@presidentialrelocation.com unique biology and the utilization of select natural remperimeterroofing_ga edies, therapeutic services, and chiropractic adjustments perimeterroofing_ga to support you. Why Chiropractic? When a vertebra, or bone in your spine, becomes misaligned or moves out of its normal position, we call this a subluxation, or more precisely, the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC). VSC can be caused by a wide range of stressors that fall into one or more of three categories: Trauma, Toxins, and Auto-Suggestion. Subluxations affect the nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue, and other surrounding structures; they Call us today interrupt the natural nerve pathways that carry messages to and from the brain. The longer for your free the subluxation is untreated, the longer it will take for treatment to return the vertebrae to consultation! its normal position. Next month we are offering an exclusive opportunity to join Dr. Don Clum in an online event about blood sugar myths. Contact the office with your email address to get details. A few of the services we offer at Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies include:
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• Applied Nutritional Analysis – includes an Iridology Assessment, Zinc Test, Iodine Test, Urine Analysis, and Nitric Oxide Tests. • Cold Laser – FDA cleared for low back pain, onychomycosis, plantar fasciitis, and more. • Comprehensive Bio-Screen – each area listed here has a series of markers recorded: Blood sugar analysis, Cardiovascular analysis, Infection analysis, Electrolyte analysis, Anemia analysis, Thyroid analysis, Lipid analysis, Liver & Biliary analysis, and Urinalysis. • Cryotherapy – Neuroreflective pain therapy or cold stimulation therapy is a natural technique for the daily treatment of acute and chronic diseases.
• Custom Orthotic Pillows – the world’s first individually designed pillow is made exclusively for you to help provide therapeutic cervical support during rest. Can help with frequent headaches and acquired cervical kyphosis (military neck).
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• Custom Orthotics by Foot Levelers – individually designed for your feet to help achieve a balanced foundation and stabilized pelvis. They are handmade for your unique feet based on 3D scans and your doctor’s exam.
• Hair Mineral Analysis – provides a picture of body chemistry including: Heavy Metal Toxicity, Mineral Deficiencies and Imbalances, Metabolic Rate (fast or slow), Adrenal Fatigue, Thyroid Function, Nervous System Imbalances, Protein Synthesis, Inflammation, Energy Levels, Mental Health Issues, Liver & Kidney Stress, Carbohydrate Tolerance & Blood Sugar Imbalances like Diabetes and Insulin resistance. Helpful for individuals on the spectrum.
• Kinesio Taping – has positive physiological effects on the lymphatic and circulatory system, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints.
• Nutrition Response Testing – Dr. Chris also uses his knowledge of Chinese Medicine to evaluate a blocked Qi. Qi is translated to lifeforce and is sometimes spelled Chi or Xi. See our YouTube Channel for an explanation of Qi. • Saliva Hormone Testing – of the several ways to test for hormones (saliva, serum, and urine), saliva is state-of-the-art. This is because only the active portions of hormones are measured, and it is these portions that determine how individuals feel. If using a topical (transdermal) hormone preparation, saliva testing is the most accurate tool to measure and monitor hormone status. • Ultrasound – helpful in the reduction of inflammation, reducing pain and the healing of injuries and wounds, increases circulation and mobility of soft tissues
Kerith Powell is the Chiropractic Consultant at Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies, Snellville GA. More information at https://www.drchrisnaturalremedies.com/
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Learning Lessons: Fostering Healthy Habits in Young Children
Day School Sessions
Two 4-hour sessions: morning 8-12 | afternoon 1-5
By Tanisha Turner
Special Offer
Every parent knows that fostering healthy habits in children is important, but there is no instruction manual for how to go about it. It can be tough to recognize habits forming before they become routine, and, as most parents know firsthand, bad habits are hard to break. In the middle of a tantrum or a broccoli boycott, it can even seem like giving in to unhealthy habits is the only option. But healthy habits are some of the most crucial behaviors children can learn, and they can be taught successfully with a little preparation and a lot of encouragement. Before plotting your next attempt to turn TV time into book time or to camouflage green beans, keep in mind the following bits of information from Dr. Laura Jana, pediatrician, author and member of the Primrose Schools Early Learning Council: • The numbers add up. Adults tend to dismiss habits like having one sweet after dinner or taking a daily stroll around the block as being too small to matter, but the numbers really do add up. Even the smallest actions can make a difference in a child’s future behaviors. • It’s never too early. The earlier a child forms a healthy habit, the better. Do not let age discourage you from promoting a healthy routine if it can be done in a safe way. • Take a step back. Parents are busy – it’s a fact. Try to take a step back every now and then to evaluate whether your actions with and around your child are promoting healthy habits, and readjust as needed. Dr. Jana also offers the following advice to encourage three very important habits for young children: toothbrushing, reading, and healthy eating. Tooth-brushing If you want your child to remember and even enjoy toothbrushing, do not wait for teeth. Infants love putting things in their mouths and having their gums rubbed. Establish a fun routine using baby toothbrushes, which are designed specifically for an infant’s mouth, to kick-start a healthy habit before your child reaches the tumultuous stage of toddlerhood. Reading Make reading fun before it becomes a challenge your child has to overcome. Start reading together even before your child can sit up, hold a book, and understand all the words. After all, the goal isn’t just to raise a child who knows how to read but who loves to read. As your child gets older, find ways to expand the routine or to make it more fun. Eating a Healthy Diet Don’t give up if your child turns up his or her nose at fruits or vegetables; it can take trying a food up to 15 times for children to like it! Consider teaching your child to take a “no thank you” bite to promote trying new foods. If they try it and don’t like it, respect their preference. Getting children involved in preparing and serving child- friendly snacks is another great way to promote trying new foods. You can also help your child establish healthy eating habits by having a consistent mealtime, which ensures that children know what to expect and are Continued on page 15
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Insurance Matters with Darrell Watson: Long-Term Care By Darrell Watson
678-469-1599 | scottpressurewash@gmail.com
While pastoring First Baptist Church of Forsyth, I led several Dave Ramsey classes for church members and residents of Monroe County. The classes were always well attended, and I personally adopted much of Dave Ramsey’s advice as gospel (I especially love his “debt snowball” concept). One of the things I remember him suggesting was that everyone needs to acquire LongTerm Care coverage. Now, as a State Farm Insurance agent, regarding this matter of long-term care, I am in complete agreement. As I plan for my own retirement, I have spoken to a number of financial planners and without fail, every one of them asks, “Darrell, do you have any long-term care coverage?” Fortunately, I say, “Yes, both my wife and I have a long-term care policy.” Why would Dave Ramsey and these financial planners give counsel regarding this type of care? The average cost of Long-Term Care in the United States is $90,000/year. The average length of time a male spends in need of long-term care is three years, while the average length of time a female is in need is five years. Let’s do the math: a male needs around $270,000 and a female, $450,000, to cover these costs. That’s a lot of money! You may ask, “Well, doesn’t Medicare cover the cost of long-term care?” The answer is a resounding, “No.” Medicaid covers this cost, and only those in the lowest economic condition qualify for Medicaid. For those who have some assets such as a house, savings, and retirement, we first must spend these assets down to minimal limits before we qualify for Medicaid, which then begins covering the cost of long-term care. Even when Medicaid does start picking up the cost, the type of facility covered may not be where you want you or your loved ones spending your or their final days. A Long-Term Care policy can provide you with both the resources and the flexibility to care for or be cared for in the manner and in the place of your own choosing. Where I disagree with Dave Ramsey is when you need to purchase a long-term care policy. If my memory is correct, he suggests that everyone purchase long-term care covContinued on page 13
Chaplain’s Corner: Overwhelmed with Digital Learning? By Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz I do not remember exactly which day of the week it was; somehow all days look and feel the same. But that morning as I walked into the dining room where two of five kids were digital learning, I heard Ben (age 5 years) and Gabe (age 8) having a disagreement about something. After a lot of yelling, I heard Gabe scream at Ben, “I just had enough of you,” and walked away. To be honest, while it was a little bit funny though not the best way to react, Ben’s behavior was simply a microcosm of what many of us are feeling. The more I have conversations with people during this pandemic season, the more I realize people are getting weary about it. In a lot of cases, they have had enough – enough of the stress because of the unknown, enough of financial struggles, enough of isolation that is leading to depression, enough of friends and family members getting sick, enough of anxiety with digital learning, and the list goes on and on. I really wish I could tell you that I can make it all go away, but I cannot do that. But what I can do is give you some words that can help you keep pressing on during this season of
PAGE 10
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Continued on page 16
Our Town Gwinnett
Community Spotlight: Together We Are Grayson By Beth Volpert-Johansen Whether a Grayson resident grew up in the area or chose to move there, one thing is for certain; Grayson is a special place in which to live. Led by a second-generation mayor, Grayson is small as far as the city limits is concerned, but huge in terms of identity. “We love the fact that our downtown is where people from the area come to gather,” says Mayor Allison Wilkerson. “Having a place to call home is especially crucial during these trying times, and I am proud of how our community has pulled together to support each other – and to safely enjoy community events.” Pulling together was exactly what Grayson resident Allyson Silvey had in mind when she began a small campaign to help her community stay connected. Coining the tagline “Together We Are Grayson,” Silvey began by offering signs for sale to place in yards, businesses, and other entities. “The campaign took on a life of its own,” says Silvey. “It was a positive thing to do in all this madness.” The original intent was to use funds from sign sales to support local restaurants and healthcare workers by purchasing meals from local restaurants and delivering them to the healthcare community. Now in addition to the original idea, the City of Grayson has adopted the idea and fully supports the message. “We are happy to support Allyson’s efforts and believe it has had a continued positive effect on the community as a whole,” says Wilkerson. With this new tagline, the city began and has maintained a strong social media presence since the beginning of the COVID-19 quarantine and social distancing measures. Assessing needs and finding ways to direct energy, funding, and support towards the
places that needed it most, the city urged residents and the surrounding community to give to the SE Gwinnett Co-op. “It was evident early on that the Co-op was going to be stretched to capacity as soon as the schools went virtual,” says Wilkerson. “We knew that having to cancel events like Grayson Day and our annual Gimme Shelter Benefit Concert was going to have an impact not only on the quality of life for our community, but also the opportunities for collecting the needed items for the Co-op.” Considerations for the quality of community life weighed heavily on those involved in providing public events in the park. The Grayson Ampavilion sat empty and did not echo the laughter of children playing in the park or project the sounds of live music or movies on the lawn. In fact, the streets were empty with a reduction in traffic, the library was shut tight, and restaurants that had worked hard to build a loyal clientele shut their doors. Like anywhere else, the Grayson Community was eerily quiet. As COVID-19 restrictions began to ease, Grayson became more active. Restaurants, stores, and public places began, as in many communities, to open their doors again with health and safety in mind. “The City never forgot about those very quiet days, and we Continued on page 17
This is it! We need you! Vote early for November 3rd. Elect
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Decisive, Determined, Dependable Military Decorated Registered Pharmacist & Licensed Nuclear Pharmacist Gwinnett Rotary & Chamber of Commerce VFW Post 5255 & American Legion Post 232 Medical Reserve Corps GEM I’m Jasper Watkins III, a decorated military veteran, civic leader, and a 14-year resident of Gwinnett County. I need your support to win on November 3rd. I’m committed and excited to become the next County Commissioner of District 3, Gwinnett County. Throughout my 25 years of military service and 15 years of private sector experience, I have devoted my life’s work to serving my community and defending our nation’s principals. My goal is to unite us with a sensible platform that restores economic security for the middle class, invests in workforce development, creating good-paying jobs, building a clean energy economy, and removes barriers to business opportunities to jump-start our economy post-pandemic. Moreover, I will address our everyday concerns about the safety of our neighborhoods, protecting our voting rights, justice reform, transportation infrastructure investments, smart mixed-use development, fiscal accountability, and diversity with inclusivity. In less than two years, Gwinnett County will have more than 1.5 million residents!
Now is the time to decide to protect our future quality of life by creating an upward cycle of prosperity for the 21st Century. Committee to Elect Jasper Watkins III 1911 Grayson Highway, Ste.8-233, Grayson, GA 30017
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Crane’s Corner: It’s in the Mail By Bill Crane “To avoid even the appearance of any impact on election mail, I am suspending these initiatives until after the election is concluded,” said US Postmaster General Louis DeJoy in testimony before the US House of Representatives. When was the last time you sent someone a handwritten letter or mailed birthday or Christmas cards to friends and family? How much of your own mail stream at home is comprised of bills and junk mail? During this pandemic how much shopping have you done online? The US Postal Service (USPS) delivers billions of letters, parcels, and bulk and commercial classes of mail annually to almost every household and commercial business address, as well as millions of P.O. boxes across the country. Our USPS has a 9-member board that appoints the US Postmaster General, who, behind the president of the United States, is currently our second highest-paid civil servant. The USPS employs roughly 497,000, making it larger than the US Army and the Veterans Administration, the second-largest agency attached to our federal government. Over the past decade, thousands of blue mailboxes across the country have been removed and retired in an effort that began during the Obama Administration. Most parcels will not fit into those mailboxes, and as first-class mail volume has declined, the costs of maintaining and servicing those boxes each day have been static. Yet despite their removal, the USPS still daily moves nearly 500-million items each day. A long-range USPS plan, which long pre-dates Postmaster LeJoy’s tenure (which began in June 2020 during the pandemic), called for removing roughly 10 percent of aging, larger sorting machines (671 across the country). California was slated for the largest number of machines scheduled for retirement (59), followed by Florida (59), Texas (58), New York (52), and Ohio (34). Only Alaska was spared from the current sorter de-commissioning list.
This number of machines targeted for removal during 2020 – if functioning at full capacity – could handle roughly 21.4 million pieces of paper mail per day, again against a total of nearly half a billion pieces of mail being handled each day. What do those sorters do? • Facer-canceler systems add barcodes to incoming mail to allow for tracking and to expedite mail moving from end to end • Barcode sorters separate labeled mail by ZIP code, and then sub-sort into a delivery sequence by route carrier • Flat sorting and sequencing machines handle larger and out-sized flat mail pieces, but these machines are more prone to jamming and under-performing, and many mail handlers say they are unreliable and simply prefer sorting these flats by hand Absentee and mail-in ballots are both first-class mail. An absentee ballot requires a “request” for that ballot, via mail, email, phone, or online request to their state or local election office. This demonstrates that the ballot is going to a registered voter. Five states currently (Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah, and Washington state) handle almost ALL balloting by mail-in voting, meaning that a ballot is automatically mailed, at every election, to every registered voter for casting. Earlier this year, the USPS warned that it may be difficult, with the surge of absentee and mail-in voting, for the post office to guarantee timely delivery of ALL ballots when it does not control nor is even aware of all the ballot receipt deadlines in each state (which vary). California, as one example, will tabulate ballots delivered up to one week following an election. But even if all 350 million Americans cast their ballots by mail and secured a postmark before election day, and mailed those ballots the week of the election, the vast majority of those ballots will all be delivered in time for tabulation. But the USPS does NOT otherwise guarantee a time frame for the delivery of first-class mail; it only holds a priority, with Express and Priority Mail already in line ahead of it. However, in this age of manufactured crises, and this president also often being his own worst enemy – or at least his thumbs – removing aging postal sorters has become a Constitutional crisis. Vote early, in person if you can, and assist your friends and family members who cannot do so with voting by absentee or mail, and dropping their ballot in the mail, or in an elections office drop box the week prior to Tuesday, November 3, 2020, and our USPS will handle the rest. And ZIP code, not machine sorters, moves the mail. 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
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Op-Ed: Up Close with Gwinnett County District 3 By Jasper Watkins III What is a commissioner responsible for? What does a commissioner do for us here in Gwinnett County, and why is that important to you? My website provides my background and qualifications, which brings us to the general election on November 3rd. Gwinnett needs diverse leadership at the table – representation that includes experienced leadership, smart decision making, and someone who can rally our communities, municipalities, and local businesses during and after this pandemic to work together towards economic recovery and a healthy future. We are at a pivotal point in determining how we want to move forward; it is about the “collective us.” We can make the difference together here in Gwinnett County. We are neither victims nor sheep, and we have a choice of how we progress as Gwinnett County citizens. “Let’s choose Progress together,” and put Gwinnett First. I see the explosive growth in District 3 – extensive approval of housing initiatives, infrastructure, and business expansions, whether they are needed or not. I have attended council meetings where I have witnessed homeowners and concerned citizens voicing their opinions to both the Gwinnett County Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners on all the traffic congestion and school overcrowding, only to have approvals/non- approvals moved down the calendar for an up and down vote where the scheduling for public engagement is not made easy. We can do better folks, and we will. I can help move Gwinnett forward. My goals are to address infrastructure expansion (water, sewage, traffic), and transportation infrastructure (roads, traffic flow, transit service improvements). This will be done with transparency (having access to your commissioner, counsels/committees and open forums, and the establishment of a communications portal for feedback and response). I want to provide some answers as to what the powers and responsibilities of a county commissioner are: • Build and maintain roads, bridges • Plan, review, prepare, and decide on the annual budget for the county • Provide for the protection of the general health and welfare of county residents • Build and maintain stormwater and sewage systems • Promote economic and industrial development • Undertake comprehensive planning, zoning, and development controls • Provide emergency management (sheriff, law enforcement, fire response) As I close, I do want to take a moment to recognize a major achievement for the board under the leadership of Chairwoman Nash. The Gwinnett Development Authority and Board of Commissioners recently approved up to $70 million to build a research center to be located near Dacula that will position District 3 and the County to become a critical player in the medicine, agricultural, and environmental industries, providing new and leading-edge scientific discoveries. Having worked and collaborated with members of research parks and the scientific community, I see this as just one of many new and exciting economic development opportunities that will keep Gwinnett the Preferred Place to Live. Thanks, and I appreciate your vote! More information at https://www.watkins3for3.com/
Insurance Matters Continued from page 10 erage on our 60th birthday. He based his counsel on statistics. Yet, there are two factors that I have learned that may have an even greater impact than statistics. One is cost, and a second is availability. When I speak to someone in their sixties about long-term care, the overwhelming majority simply cannot afford it. Others have medical issues that make them ineligible. There is also the matter that fewer and fewer companies are even offering a long-term care policy. So my advice is this: don’t wait until you are sixty years old to get your long-term care started. Begin planning as early in life as you possibly can. Get a policy and fit it into your budget while you are young and healthy and while such a policy is still available. Some insurance companies offer a life insurance policy that will double for long-term care! Be intentional by making long-term care an essential part of your planned protection portfolio, and the sooner you get such a policy, the better. More information at https://rup3prepared.com/
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Moving on Up Continued from page 5
A Heart for Healing: Meet Nurse Regina Canty
Rather than take an “all or nothing” approach, Brondyke always wants to offer clients as much as he can to address their moving needs with the constraints of a budget. In the spirit of doing all they can, Presidential Relocation Services has taken the extra steps to become fully licensed and insured, which means they are strictly monitored and regulated on both a state and federal level. Becoming a licensed moving company was important to Brondyke, because it gives customers an added level of safety and security as well as peace of mind during their move. “We answer to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which means they are always checking our paperwork and books,” Brondyke said. “We will never try to cheat you on any of our services.” If you are moving into a new home, or if your business is expanding into a new office, you need Presidential Relocation Services. They can make your next move the best you’ve ever had. More information at www.Presidentialrelocation.com
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Regina Canty is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a clinical nursing instructor at Gwinnett Technical College. She is also the chapter president for Gwinnett/Forsyth United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving access to healthcare for the citizens of Georgia. Canty started out in the medical field at Gwinnett Medical Hospital back in 1992 as Unit Secretary while she attended school to become a Registered Nurse. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing, and finally a Master’s of Science as a Nurse Practitioner. Combined, she has over twenty-five years of nursing experience. The COVID-19 situation brought about many changes to Canty’s job, as it did for many others in the medical field. Georgia is one of the few states that does not allow an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) to practice to the full extent of his or her education. Georgia’s healthcare system is also ranked as one of the lowest of all states. Canty stated, “APRNs are ready and willing to help with the shortage of providers, but we need the barriers removed. For example, in rural Georgia, it takes some patients more than forty-five minutes to reach their nearest care facility.” The pandemic also required Canty to begin working from home for many of her shifts. She commutes to the clinic once or twice weekly, however, which she enjoys because she misses the face to face interaction with her patients. “I have healing hands and a heart that loves to help people,” Canty said. “I also have the knowledge to help people care for themselves and teach students how to become better nurses and leaders in the industry.” Canty’s clinical classes with her students were cancelled as well due to the quarantine, which she said makes her job difficult. “Nursing is a hands-on profession,” she said. “There is no getting around it. We have to keep educating because the community needs nurses.” Continued on page 21
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ney to recovery can be. Thankfully, there are programs like Good Landing Recovery to ease *Every year, evaluates plans based on on a 5-star *EveryMedicare year, Medicare evaluates plans based a 5-star the pain on that path. rating system. rating system. I recently spoke to Trey Lewis, the founder and CEO of Good Landing Recovery, based out of Dacula, who shared with me that he, too, was an addict at one point in his life and Kaiser Permanente is an HMO plan with a Medicare Kaiser Permanente is an HMO plan with a Medicare fully understands the loneliness and feeling of isolation involved on the path to recovery. contract. Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends contract. Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends on Lewis served as an active member of the US Air Force and attended Mercer University, contract You renewal. mustinreside in the Permanente Kaiser contractonrenewal. mustYou reside the Kaiser where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety Leadership. When Lewis Permanente Medicare plan service in which developed an addiction to drugs and alcohol, he spent years going through ten different proMedicare health plan servicehealth area in which youarea enroll. Kaiser grams, but finally found freedom from the addiction through spiritual recovery when he was you enroll. Kaiser Plan of Georgia, Inc., Foundation Health Plan Foundation of Georgia,Health Inc., Nine Piedmont saved in Christ at age twenty-five. Lewis served as a minister for many years, which played a Center, Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, Center,Nine 3495Piedmont Piedmont Road3495 NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. huge part in him founding the faith-based program Good Landing Recovery in 2017 to share GA 30305. his story of transformation and to offer real and lasting results through spiritual redemption 492024364_C 04/20 H1170_020_09_M H1170_020_09_M 492024364_C 04/20 Continued on page 18 PAGE 14 Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049 Our Town Gwinnett
One Man’s Opinion Continued from page 7 be extra careful if we are posting when we are frustrated, overwhelmed, sad, hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, etc. So, to all my family, friends, colleagues, and to this community, you are the best. We can do this, we will do this, we will prevail – and we will prevail together! Keep Pushing Forward. I wish all of you the best, and thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!
Learning Lessons Continued from page 9
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Chaplain’s Corner Continued from page 10 life. These are four simple steps that my wife and I tell ourselves every day during this digital learning season. We did not come up with them, we got them from a Bible story in the Old Testament from a prophet named Elijah. (See 1 Kings 19). As you are overwhelmed with life and digital learning, let me encourage you to do the following:
1. Do not run yourself into the ground. Take a moment to stop and breathe and be still. Maybe it’s time to stop running for a little bit; time to shift from a sprint and realize that we are in a marathon.
2. Do not shut people out. I tell my congregation repeatedly that life is hard enough to do it alone, that life is better together. Don’t shut people out of your life in these moments of stress and isolation. Look for those who may be in a similar situation and let them be there for you.
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Together We Are Grayson Continued from page 11 started thinking about how we could provide outreach to the community in the safest possible ways,” says Wilkerson. “We started talking by focusing on July.” In quick succession, plans for a free concert featuring Band X (70’s-Now cover music), Shakespeare in the Park, and Christmas in July joined the social media campaign. “I think that there is a great potential for a COVID-19 Renaissance following this time in our history,” says Drew Kenyon, Director of Grayson’s Shakespeare in the Park. “People are ready to be entertained, to be together – safely, of course.” This year’s Shakespeare in the Park was based upon the play, Taming of the Shrew – with a twist. Set in the 1940s WWII era, the play uses the social commentary of both times in history to bring a new light to what is happening today. “Beginning with Shakespeare, I can manipulate the story in such a way as to modernize the play,” explains Kenyon who is also a teacher. “Expanding the story to a different culture and time period helps us understand the universal and generational nature of current issues.” Commitment to the annual event is made easier for Kenyon as he enjoys the support of his family with his brothers Tyler and Spencer playing several roles. His parents, Stacy and Rob, each support the production in a variety of ways. “I teach middle school in South Carolina and drive back to Grayson every weekend – so, yes, I am committed to the success of Grayson’s Shakespeare in the Park,” explains Kenyon. “My family and the Horn family have worked together to bring this FREE family friendly theater event to Grayson.” Continuing the Shakespeare in the Park event was especially important to Kristie Horn. A teacher at Grayson Elementary, Horn watched the earth move and the Ampavilion rise a little bit at a time as she drove to school each day. “Our family not only believes in the importance of exposing Grayson citizens to the theater arts in general, we are also passionate about bringing the community of Grayson together in a way that allows people to forget about the world’s problems for a bit and enjoy entertainment surrounded by nature,” explains Horn, whose husband, Alex, and three theatrically involved kids, Braxton, Brayden, and Kaitlyn, all have parts to play in the production. “One could say that the Horns enjoy ‘Theater Therapy’ and the opportunity to bring the Grayson Community together – because Together We Are Grayson,” Horn adds. Like others who have taken the idea of Together We Are Grayson to heart, Kenyon especially wants to give the local theater students a place to perform. “All these kids – their shows, their chance to perform one last time as seniors – got taken away from them,” says Kenyon with emotion. “It was super important and extremely relevant at this time to present this play and fill the entertainment void.” Even Santa weighed in about socialization and entertainment being critical to a community’s sense of well-being. The ever-present Perry Eidson is easily recognizable around town at Ram’s football games, nursing homes, preschools, and the annual Christmas in July Event. His role as Santa Claus allows him to observe how people interact in a variety of settings. “People are social; even introverts need some interaction,” says Perry. “With all the health-related issues and sheltering in place and the social issues and upheavals,
people are stressed now as much as I can remember since the late 1960s to early 1970s. People want to get out, they want to enjoy life, and they want to be with friends and neighbors.” Christmas in July gave children the opportunity to see that even Santa wears a mask, resulting in some “normalization” for kids. “Santa does not need to get sick,” says Perry, “nor does Santa need to possibly pass on any infection that can have dire consequences. For me, a major part of why I do this is to bring joy to people’s lives both young and old. I never know the impact I might have on someone’s life.” With July’s events safely in the books, Mayor Wilkerson and her staff are ready to put masked heads together to plan more outdoor events that will help bring the community together in a way that provides a social outlet beyond the safety of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. “We are excited for events to continue, but can understand and support all the necessary precautions,” says Wilkerson. “In the meantime, we will continue to be involved with all the efforts inside and outside of our city limits that support the idea that, Together, We Are Grayson.” More information at www.CityofGrayson.org and www.TogetherWeAreGrayson.com
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Good Landing Recovery is licensed by the Department of Community Health and is CARF, GARR, and NARR certified. Men and women from all walks of life travel from various parts of the country to be part of this program. Most insurance plans are accepted, to inspire others on their path of addiction. The goal is to not only allow the participants to and customers are offered a range of affordable, customized services. Twenty-five percent come out healed from their addiction, but also to be empowered to lead a purpose-filled life of revenue goes back into non-profits and ministries in the area. to inspire others. Lewis also hosts a weekly podcast on Wednesdays at 7 a.m. Eastern called The Comeback: Good Landing Recovery is staffed by thirty professionals including seven therapists, two From Addiction to Redemption, where he spotlights guests who offer insight into addiction nurse practitioners, worship leaders, a professional psychiatrist, and a host of others trained and recovery, along with other various empowering topics. The podcast is an extension of the to offer spiritual guidance and practical strategies to overcome addiction and to help particicompany’s mission statement: Your comeback starts here. We build champions. pants go from tragedy to triumph. Volunteers are welcomed as well to offer more community When I asked Lewis what he would love for people to know about Good Landing support throughout the process. Recovery, he replied, “Christian Faith-based recovery is more effective than any other type. The program is strongly community-based and encourages group support through fun God is still in the business When of savingitlives. No oneto is too far gonethe to beperfect reached and free.” to When itsetcomes comes finding roof outings and adventures that strengthen relationships, though medical and psychological It certainly sounds like Trey Lewis has proven this statement to be true, since Good for home services are available as needed as well. The core program is structured to last for ninety your home wepartial have a HUGEroof selection Recovery is now for the largest stand-alone, and your intensive out- we When itLanding comes to finding the perfect When it comes to roof finding thehospitalization perfect days, with recovery residence and out-patient care available, but is flexible to extend or be patient program in the Atlanta area, faith-based or not. to choose from, of brands of home brands and colors so and colo home we have a HUGE selection foratyour we have a HUGE selection shortened if necessary, and follow-up care plans are in place to help clients stay on trackfor andyour More information https://goodlandingrecovery.com/. we can make house look Allmake your feel supported. of brands and colors choose from, soyour ofto brands and colors to choose from,perfect. sowe can
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I am well aware that feelings run deep in both camps, and there are many who are far more educated to make an impassioned case for each method of educating our children. But I’d like to join the crowd, grab a megaphone, and state my case. COVID-19 has tossed our entire way of doing anything into a blender. We’re in uncharted waters, making decisions on the fly almost daily. And when that happens, people either agree or disagree – strongly – with each decision, especially when it comes to our children and their well-being. The results? Protests, honking horns, frustration, and the feeling that nothing will ever be the same again. Putting politics aside, my main concern has been for my grandchildren and all the children currently enrolled in every educational system throughout the country who are forced to learn digitally. I know in many ways it is the only safe way of educating during a pandemic, but I grieve for each one of them who are losing out on one of the fundamental elements of growing up – relationships. We’re all aware of the 3 Rs of education: reading, writing, and arithmetic. But we need to add relationships to the mix. If we don’t, the damage could affect our children for Continued on page 20
More Than the 3 Rs By Ron Lambros School has begun in Gwinnett County, but even before it began, a great debate had ensued by almost everyone across the nation, our state, and our county: digital learning or in-class education? Now, I have no dog in this hunt – well, maybe I do. While my two children graduated from high school in 2000 and 2001, four of my six grandchildren are in elementary school. So like everyone else, I have an opinion and a perspective on the good and the bad of both methods.
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More Than the 3 Rs Continued from page 19 generations to come. Face it, our children spend far too much time on electronic devices as it is. With their smartphones, iPads, and computers, they’ve forgotten how to communicate and socially interact with others who are just as wrapped up with theirs. They are dependent on these devices to maintain their perception of normalcy. It is how they define their world. Now, to make these devices the very avenue for their education makes them even more vulnerable to the ill-effects that may follow. When I think back to being in school, I remember the teaching, the homework, the tests, and the structure of it all. But the thing I remember most fondly are the friends who were right there with me, the relationships that were forged, and the education that was gained by social interaction, that taught me more about life than a book ever could. It is sad to think that our children will miss out on most of this due to all that is happening in our schools today.
I loved to read and write, and arithmetic and history were my favorite subjects. But I also loved my buddies that I spent seven hours a day with who taught me what real friends do, and share, and make possible when you just have fun. No smartphone, iPad, or computer can replace that. It is far too special. I earnestly pray for those in authority who are making the tough calls when it comes to our kids and their education. I know whatever they decide, they will not please everyone. But I’d like to think that each of them will take just a moment and remember the relationships, the friendships, they had when they were children in school, and remember just how special and important they really were in their growing-up years. If they do, maybe they will make the right decisions for all our children everywhere. It will be the best thing they can ever do. More information at ronlambrosministries.org.
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Forever Young: 100 Years and Counting By Ron Lambros
A Heart for Healing Continued from page 14 Many of the nurses on Canty’s team experienced a healthy level of concern due to the pandemic, but none have mentioned leaving the profession. They have remained determined to do their jobs. “COVID-19 is new,” Canty said. “I educate my patients to take care of their mental health first. I also practice safe social distancing and use a PPE recommended by the CDC.” She also recommends that citizens wear masks because it ensures the virus is contained in its own space. Canty wishes people would simply respect her profession and understand that healthcare workers are dedicated to helping people and the community, but that it is a team effort. “The patient’s health is important,” she said, “but nurses’ health is important, too. Research has shown that the nursing profession is one of the hardest degrees to acquire. It makes sense because what other profession integrates science, mental health, spirituality, and love?” More information at https://gcuaprn.enpnetwork.com/.
“Only look back to see how far you’ve come.” – Winnie the Pooh Walk down the halls of Benton House of Grayson, and you will soon find the smiles and laughter of Ms. Agnes Wansley, a four-year resident of the assisted living facility. You will quickly realize that she is no ordinary lady. She is unique in so many ways, including the fact that she has beaten the odds and is about to become one of the less than 2% of the United States population and celebrate her 100th birthday. That’s a century of living and a treasure-trove of memories. Agnes was born on September 9, 1920, just a couple of years after World War I ended, and the very same year that women were given the right to vote. She would grow up in the throes of the Great Depression, live through several more wars, survive numerous epidemics and pandemics, and manage to fill her heart and mind with the precious memories that overcame numerous trials and adversity. “I consider myself a native Georgian,” she proudly says. “I grew up in Jessup, worked and got married in Savannah, raised my family in Clarkston, and lived in Stone Mountain and Loganville, before moving to my current residence in Grayson.” And in-between Jessup and ***** CHECK OUT OUR 300+ REVIEWS ONGOOGLE GOOGLE ***** CHECK OUT OUR 300+ REVIEWS ON GOOGLE ***** CHECK OUT OUR 300+ REVIEWS ***** Grayson, she’s packed in a lot of living! CHECK OUT OUR 300+ REVIEWSON GOOGLE ***** CHECK OUT OUR 300+ REVIEWS ONONGOOGLE ***** REVIEWS ONON GOOGLE “Growing up during the Great Depression, we were poor, but we never went hungry,” she *****CHECK CHECKOUT OUTOUR OUR300+ 300+ REVIEWS GOOGLE says. “We lived in a two-room house that we shared with another family. My mother and father sort of spoiled me. We had no money and very few toys, so we played hopscotch, marbles, jump rope, roller skated and shared a bicycle from time to time. We didn’t have a lot, but we made the most of it and had a good time.” Agnes loved music and loved to dance. Glenn Miller was one of her favorites, and she loved to dance to the popular music of the day, songs like “Tennessee Waltz,” “As Time Goes By,” “Moonlight Serenade,” and “Chattanooga Choo-Choo.” She started dancing when she was nine and never quit. “I could dance all night with any man or boy who could keep up,” she jokingly admits. Dances like the Jitterbug, Swing, Boogie-Woogie, and others kept her happily occupied as she grew up, and eventually led her to meet her future husband, Neal Wansley, an all-state end in football from Lincolnton, Georgia. Neal had enlisted in the Navy at the onset of World War II and was stationed in Savannah, where they met. “We were both attending an Soldiers’ Social Services of Savannah dance on the base,” she says. “On a bet, he made a date with me and, like they say, the rest is history.” Neal won the bet and won a bride in the process. “We raised two children, have three grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. I am immensely proud of my family.” Thinking back over the past 100 years, Agnes looks at her life as a true blessing. WWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM WWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM WWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM “Compared to today,” she says, “I grew up in a good time. The world today is not in a good WWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM WWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM WWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM place. Everyone is mean, bad, and unkind to one another. There is too much fighting andWWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM killing going on and it makes me sad.” SERVING GWINNETT, HALL,WALTON, WALTON, BARROW NORTH FULTON COUNTIES She thinks back to kinder, gentler times of going to movies on Saturday and watching the SERVING GWINNETT, HALL, WALTON, BARROW NORTH FULTON COUNTIES GWINNETT, HALL, BARROW &&&&NORTH FULTON COUNTIES SERVING GWINNETT, HALL, WALTON, BARROW & NORTH FULTON COUNTIES SERVING GWINNETT, HALL, WALTON, BARROW NORTH FULTON COUNTIES serials, dancing to the jukebox at Snooky’s Drug Store, and watching American Bandstand SERVING SERVING GWINNETT, HALL, WALTON, BARROW & NORTH FULTON COUNTIES on television. “I do really hope that the world will wake up and smell the roses and change their ways to those of goodness, kindness, and respect. I include that wish in my nightly prayers.” Agnes’ faith has always been a constant in her life. “I have a deep faith in God and believe that it is His plan to keep me on this earth for this length of time,” she says. “I love my church and Sunday School class, and have really missed attending due to the virus. My church is my second family. And I pray every night, asking for God’s help and to bless my family and friends. I know that my time on this earth is short, but I believe that because of my belief in WE ARE THE MOST HIGHLY RATED IN NORTH GEORGIA: God and His Son, Jesus Christ, I will make it to Heaven.” WE ARE THE MOST HIGHLY RATED NORTH GEORGIA: WEWE ARE MOST HIGHLY RATED IN NORTH GEORGIA: WE ARE MOST HIGHLY RATED ININ NORTH GEORGIA: ARETHE THE MOST HIGHLY RATED IN NORTH GEORGIA: Of course, the question begged to be asked, “To what do you attribute your longevity?” WE THE ARE THE MOST HIGHLY RATED IN NORTH CARPET CLEANING FABRICGEORGIA: PROTECTION I thought she would surely say it was because she never smoked, never drank, never did WEat ARE THE MOST CARPET CLEANING FABRIC CARPETHIGHLY CLEANINGRATED IN NORTH GEORGIA: FABRIC PROTECTION PROTECTION drugs; or that she stayed active and busy, traveling abroad or being actively involved PET ODOR CLEANING REMOVAL UPHOLSTERY CLEANING CARPET CLEANING FABRIC PROTECTION CARPET CLEANING FABRIC PROTECTION CARPET FABRIC PROTECTION the Benton House; or that modern inventions and technologies have made it possible. 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She is a living testimony of the expression that “it’s not the years in FACEBOOK.COM/TRUMANSTEEMERSCARPETCLEANING the life that matter; it’s the life in the years.” FACEBOOK.COM/TRUMANSTEEMERSCARPETCLEANING Happy Birthday, Ms. Agnes! Something tells me you will blow out all 100 candles in a FACEBOOK.COM/TRUMANSTEEMERSCARPETCLEANING FACEBOOK.COM/TRUMANSTEEMERSCARPETCLEANING FACEBOOK.COM/TRUMANSTEEMERSCARPETCLEANING single breath! More information at ronlambrosministries.org. FACEBOOK.COM/TRUMANSTEEMERSCARPETCLEANING
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Travel Tales: Back to School – The Not So Virtual Escape! By Pam Walker It’s has been so hard living through this pandemic! Are you going back to physical classrooms or virtual school this fall? Fall is coming with its beautiful colors. If you do virtual school and work, there are great places you can go now that are only a short drive from home. If you physically go to school and work, then think of these as some long, safe weekend getaways. There are several places that I have in mind. One is traveling to the Georgia coastline and the Cloister for golf or a fabulous spa visit. There is nothing like walking on the nearly empty beach when the sunsets are long and with waves that slowly caress the shore. Jekyll Island is also great at this time of year as the warm days are always blessed with breezes that keep you cool in the evening. Both islands are practicing CDC guidelines for cleanliness and distancing Another lovely spot to get away for the weekend is the Ritz Carlton at Reynolds Plantation with its great golf courses and spectacular spa. You can even have s’mores lakeside over a roaring fire pit in the cool evenings. Here, too, CDC guidelines are being followed to a tee. There are lovely resorts all over the North Georgia Mountains. Barnsley Gardens in Adairsville is a super resort with a great golf course and other fun activities. There is also a beer garden to help celebrate Oktoberfest in style. Best of all Barnsley has wonderful little period-style cottages complete with fireplaces and claw foot tubs for a truly romantic getaway. And those spooky ruins of The Woodlands, Godfrey Barnsley’s original home, are a great place for a game of family “hide and seek” around Halloween. Most of these places are filled with activities for all ages. Some have kids’ clubs and still others provide nature activities, games, and fun things for kids from 3 to 93. So, if your weekend is looking bleak and home schooling is getting to you after a long summer under the rules of COVID-19, just think about getting away from it all – remarkably close to home. Pam Walker is a Virtuoso travel consultant. More information at pam@walkeradventures.com
School Supplies and a Lesson in Hope By K. Coats As the school year began to crank up in early August, I told my kids that I was going to go and get their school supplies one Saturday morning. My daughter looked at me funny and said, “But Mom, why? We’re digital.” I thought about telling her that there would be items she would probably need regardless. I thought about explaining that there was a sale. I thought about several answers. But in the end, I gave her the one I had given myself. I told her, “I’m going to get school supplies because I have hope. I know that we’ll be back in the building at some point, and I want you to be ready.” Now things have shifted since that conversation, but in some ways the outlook remains. It is a similar answer I gave to one of my high school senior students last spring. He had written in his journal how he did not see the point of all the schoolwork because we were all in quarantine. I told him I understood his view and respected it, but I also pointed out that life will go on for most of us at some point when quarantine is over. We focus on that point, however distant, and we continue with the seemingly pointless because it helps us remember that there will be an end to this pandemic. It has not come as soon as we had thought, and right now the end is not readily visible. But it is there. And if we remember it is there and work towards that goal, we have something to hold on to. This is not the end, but there will be an end. It does seem easy to forget that small point, though, doesn’t it? Our initial thoughts on how long this would last vary from a couple of weeks to maybe a couple of months. And that imaginary deadline, that goal, kept on changing until we quit really looking. Author Albert Camus once wrote, “After a while you could get used to anything,” and I think we have gotten used to not knowing. But that is vastly different than not hoping. I hope that we will safely be able to return to life as we knew it. I hope my kids’ school can open safely where we are all confident. Continued on page 23
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Accessing Care in a COVID World! By Michelle L. Sutter Over the course of the last six months, if COVID has taught us anything it is that we need to adapt. Many have found themselves thrust into a remote work position or into the role of teacher for their children, and now, the family’s virtual healthcare advocate. As time and dollars are stretched, there are many options available to today’s healthcare consumer to assist in navigating these unchartered waters. As technology has developed, so has people’s ability to overcome the traditional communication barriers of time and distance. The proliferation of virtual health care is a step forward in the health care industry that helps bridge the gap of time, distance, and affordability to reach patients in need of medical attention. Virtual health care has quickly become more mainstream as the COVID-19 pandemic quickly evolves. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends leveraging virtual health care services to help mitigate the impact and spread of COVID-19. Virtual care is capable of reducing ER visits, conserving health care resources, and preventing the spread of the coronavirus by treating patients remotely. What Is Virtual Health Care? Virtual health care – or telehealth – is emerging as a viable solution to help lessen the burden on health care facilities and staff, while still providing individuals with the care they need. Virtual health care is an umbrella term that encompasses all ways health care providers remotely interact with patients whether by phone, email, or webchat. Virtual health care includes technology-based communication that allows people to connect and communicate with a doctor or other health care professional without being in the same physical space. In some cases, telehealth can put you in contact with a doctor more quickly than calling your health care provider or local hospital. Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, frontline health care workers have been flooded with phone calls from patients who are concerned about possible COVID-19 symptoms. As a result, many health systems are implementing self-triaging tools to help patients check
their symptoms before being connected to a doctor or visiting a clinic. Accessing Virtual Health Care is easy as 1-2-3? Your 1st step is to contact your current health insurance provider to inquire about your telehealth options. In todays’ market almost all the major carriers are offering a telehealth solution for basic needs and care, in some cases at a $0 co-pay. In addition, you have access to COVID-19 and 24/7 Nurse Hotlines. If you haven’t already done so, may I recommend you register with your health insurance provider via their website. This will be your gateway to all the services they offer to you as an insured member. In addition, telehealth expands beyond just your medical needs; it also provides for Mental Health services allowing children and adults alike to speak to mental health professionals over the phone or via tele-chat. Studies show that Mental Health issues have risen dramatically over the last six months. Help is just a phone call away! As a mom of four I have used the services outlined in this article for years. My busy days often wouldn’t allow for three to four hours off in my day to drive to the doctor, sit, wait, be exposed to a host of germs, see the doctor, drive to the pharmacy, and return home. Sound familiar? Just recently my son woke up with pink eye, and within two hours we had a prescription in hand after speaking to the doctor via a telehealth call. The call was a $0 co-pay, we used GoodRx for a discount on the prescription, and off we went on our day. For added convenience some pharmacies are now offering home delivery for new prescriptions with carriers offering mail-order for long term maintenance drugs. As you embark on your new role as the Family Healthcare Advocate, ask questions – lots of questions! You will be happy you did. More information at msutter@wiaonline.com
School Supplies and a Lesson in Hope Continued from page 22 So I will continue to teach, albeit digitally, and my kids will continue to learn, also digitally, but I will go and buy school supplies because I know one day we will get this virus to a point where life can go on outside of quarantine. We will be able to pick up and move forward. We will not be picking up where we left off, of course, but maybe if we remember there will eventually be an end, we can pick up at a better spot than where we were. So, get the school supplies and do not forget to look ahead and remember there will be an end – however distant it may seem.
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