SEPTEMBER 2021: (GREEN) Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine by Our Town Gwinnett Magazine

SEPTEMBER 2021 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville Hamilton Mill

Up Close with Grayson Farmacy, see story on page 5.

9 17 19 20

One on One with Tim Oppelt: Brookwood High Class of 2000 Leadership Gwinnett: Positively Impacting the Community Gwinnett Swim League Coach of the Year: Meet Cathy Ruffing National Youth Leadership Forum: Grayson’s Laila Noel

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On the Cover: Getting to Know the Grayson Farmacy By Kristen Eleveld

A lot of us have big plans to hit the local farmers markets, but when the weekend finally rolls around, we realize we just don’t have the time. We want to buy fresh, local ingredients, but fitting it into our busy schedule isn’t always easy. Luckily for those of us living in Gwinnett, the Grayson Farmacy will soon be open to solve our problems. Despite what the name may cause you to think of, the Farmacy will not sell medication, though it will offer relief of a different kind. The Grayson Farmacy is a year-round farmers market and general store that will offer locally produced wares as well as local produce, locally farmed proteins like beef, pork, bison, and lamb, and dairy products including milks and cheeses. It will give patrons the opportunity to check items off their grocery list as well as check out products and produce that may come from their own neighbors. At the helm of the Grayson Farmacy is Blake Hawkins, a long-time business owner who felt the call to make a change from the restaurant industry to the more localized Farmacy. You will probably recognize several others as friends who have been assisting Blake with community connections, social media, manning the pop-up markets, and being part of the planning that goes into this kind of endeavor. Long-time friends Dan Schuster, Coral Lynn, Meyer Whittaker, and Gail Lane are well-known in Gwinnett as “go-to” folks when assistance is needed. “I love making these connections right in our community and providing locally sourced goods of all types,” said Blake. If you’re picturing the Farmacy to look like one of your favorite old country stores, you hit the nail on the head. Blake and his team have a vision of creating an atmosphere that makes you feel at home as soon as you park your car, complete with a big front porch that offers people the chance to sit and catch up with each other. Located in the Railyard in downtown Grayson, the Farmacy will offer the perfect combination of shopping and socialization. The plans include a large walnut communal table that allows shoppers to sit down with their friends -- or even with the staff -- to discuss current events, favorite movies, or whatever happens to be on their minds. “This will not just be a place where you say hello and goodbye,” said Blake. “We want everyone to share their experiences and build real connections and relationships.” Aside from the vast array of homegrown produce and hand-crafted wares, the Farmacy will also offer classes for all ages. Young children will have the opportunity to learn how to grow

their own garden, while adults might enjoy trying a hand at a pottery class. The Farmacy hopes to not only give people the chance to learn about what it means to their community to buy locally, but also to give people the inspiration to try out their own cooking or crafting skills at home. If this sounds like an environment you want to be part of, you can follow their progress (and participate in their famous Tomato Sandwich debate) on their Facebook and Instagram accounts, which are also the best way to get in touch with any questions or ideas. “This will be a local, convenient, one-stop shop for everyone,” said Blake. “We are thrilled to be part of the Railyard with these other Grayson entrepreneurs.” More information at www.facebook.com/GraysonFarmacy or www.instagram.com/graysonfarmacyblake

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Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

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Feature Writers K. Coats NOW Kristen Eleveld ACCEPTING Tana Poncsak EVENING Emily Rubin & WEEKEND Traci Sanders APPOINTMENTS Beth Volpert Johansen

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— An EndResultz Media & Communications firm www.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 2021 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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On the Cover: Getting to Know the Grayson Farmacy From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks Learning Lessons: Encouraging Daily Physical Activity for Children Travel Tales: Going Home Again One on One with Tim Oppelt: Brookwood High Class of 2000 Meet the Team at Georgia Will & Probate Lawyers, LLC Parkview Graduate Publishes Children’s Book About Food Allergies Art is at the Heart of Gwinnett County Community Business Spotlight: True Blue Plumbing Services Pet Perch: Exercise? Or Over Excitement? Leadership Gwinnett: Positively Impacting the Community Gwinnett Swim League Coach of the Year: Meet Cathy Ruffing Building Better Homes and Brighter Futures Together: Gwinnett-Walton Smaller Company, Bigger Service Habitat for Humanity 20 National Youth Leadership Forum: Grayson’s Laila Noel 20 Gwinnett County Police Chief Spotlight 21 One Man’s Opinion: When Looking Left Seems RIGHT simplygreenlawncare.com 22 Ready to Get Out and Enjoy Some Cooler Weather? PAGE 6 Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049 Sep ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

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Hey there, Our Town Community. I want to tell you (yes, YOU) how much I appreciate you. You are unique and valued, and I am glad you are part of the community. We are all created in God’s image and we desire (even introverts) to have relationships and to talk with other people. I may not know all of you, but your feedback and encouragement to me are always appreciated. Moreover, it helps me in writing these columns and in the other things I do. Iron sharpens iron. So, let me share some things on my mind in September 2021. Let me encourage you all to consider the time we are living in. The road has been long. The direction and rules keep changing. It seems like all of this will never end. People are hurting and/or have died. We are, in many cases fighting over the dumbest things. This time is challenging and unprecedented. It is also frustrating. Confusing. Overwhelming. Unknown, and much more. It seemed a few months back, we were getting back to some sense of normalcy, and then everything (like the entire pandemic) turned on a dime. Quite frankly, there are no actual words that are good enough to encompass or describe the ATTENTION - Double check Phone, web, web,address, address,coupons, coupons,etc. etc.Assu Ass checkad ad for for ALL ALL content. content. Phone, feeling in the fall of 2021 as things keep changing. We are living history that ATTENTION willATTENTION be studied for- Double - Double check ad ALL for ALL content. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. Assum ATTENTION Double check ad for ALL content. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. As Reply back that ad is approved once ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCU ATTENTION Double check ad for content. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. Assume no n Reply that ad once ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FORACCURA ACCUR years as we have been living in such times since March 2020. This is going on month #19. The backcheck ATTENTION - Reply Double adadis forisapproved ALL content. Phone, web, address, coupons, etc. FOR Assume noth back that approved once ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED Reply back that ad is approved once ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACC mental health issues, depression, anxiety, and stress are real. Reply back that ad is approved once ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY. Reply back that ad is approved once ALL ITEMS HAVE BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY. In such an environment, we are still more isolated than we are used to, and we may turn to social media to interact and express ourselves. These fantastic tools of communication can create great division (if used in the wrong way) and can seemingly push our buttons and/or push us over the edge. There is nothing wrong with these tools, and I use almost all of them. However, digital and social media can be toxic. Have you seen the arguments about getting vaccinated or wearing a mask? Republicans and 678-469-1599 scottpressurewash@gmail.com the right vs. Democrats and the left. Goodness. Can we all take a step back and think for ourselves? What do you think and why? Can we become independent thinkers who genuinely seek to do the best and most intelligent things for ourselves and others? Can we live by the Golden Rule, which means “we should treat others as we would like to be treated”? For me, it is that simple. I ask everyone to find common ground and recall that we are much more alike than different. We are all human. We are all flesh and blood. We all breathe air to live. We eat food and drink water. We all live and die. We all must sleep, and I genuinely believe we want to leave the world better for our kids and grandkids than we found it. So, as Join usas asus we explore the needs at Join us as we explore the body’s needs atat at Join asexplore wethe explore the body’s the late Stephen Covey said, can we all “seek first to understand… then to be understood”? All Join us we the body’s needs Join us as we explore the body’s needs atneeds Join us as we explore body’s needs at I am saying is, if we post stuff or say/write it, and it divides people, puts people down, or is not The Wellness Studio at ProMotion The Wellness Studio at The Wellness Studio at ProMotion The Wellness Studio ProMotion The Wellness Studio atProMotion ProMotion encouraging in nature, then maybe we should think twice before doing it. Right? The Wellness Studio atat ProMotion I hope we can give each other the benefit of the doubt and love and care more, listen better, Continued on page 21

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Learning Lessons: Encouraging Daily Physical Activity for Children By Tanisha Turner

If you have a toddler or preschooler in your family, chances are you have more trouble getting them to sit still than be active. However, even with all of their natural energy, parents still need to encourage and support children’s physical development. Research shows that daily physical activity may help increase attention span and improve cognitive processing. Children who develop basic physical skills, such as throwing, catching, and balancing, are more likely to grow into healthy, active adults. In short, learning basic physical skills is essential to your child’s healthy growth and development. Children, however, do not necessarily learn physical skills on their own. They need guidance from adults and challenging activities and opportunities to practice and refine physical skills. To help your child develop physically, use the tips below to create a fun, active, and healthy environment for your family.

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Provide safe spaces for physical activity. Designate safe spaces inside and outside of your home for your child to be active. Take a moment to see the world through his or her eyes to identify any potential hazards in the space. For example, are there any cords to trip over when playing inside? Similarly, before playtime begins, address any rules, like staying in the yard and out of the road, and discourage any negative behaviors, such as throwing a ball at another child’s face. Make age-appropriate equipment available. Developing motor skills and other physical skills is like learning to read, write, or do math problems; it requires the proper materials or equipment. For infants, soft blocks and rattles promote fine motor skills like pinching and grasping, and toddlers may use shape sorters, puzzles, and nesting toys to develop fine motor skills. Balls of various sizes will help preschoolers practice gross motor skills like throwing, rolling, catching, and kicking. Regardless of your child’s age, be sure that the equipment is soft, lightweight, and age-appropriate. Watch how your child naturally plays with the equipment and feel free to change the game to help him or her enjoy the activity. Promote a feeling of success for your child. Skills are acquired incrementally, and children who do not experience success tend to lose interest and quit trying. Try to create some easy victories for your child. For example, if he or she is not yet able to successfully throw and hit a target, encourage your child to move a little closer. Regardless of your child’s skill level, be a supportive coach and acknowledge effort with specific, encouraging comments. Be active with your child. Rather than sending your child outside to play, be a role model and get some exercise at the same time by participating in games and other activities that require physical exertion. Easy and fun activities include: • Playing four-square or hopscotch, using sidewalk chalk to create the grid • Blowing bubbles and then chasing them around the yard to see who can catch them • Playing lawn games like Red Light, Green Light • Running through the sprinklers, weather permitting When children come into the world, physical activity is at the very center of their lives. They are on a mission to learn to crawl, walk, run, throw, catch, and kick. Nurture that desire to be active that begins in infancy by playing with your child each day to ensure he or she develops a love for fitness and healthy habits for years to come. Tanisha Turner is the Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com

Travel Tales: Going Home Again By Pam Walker

Last month I wrote about my recent trip to Spain and the patience needed to travel by air. Now, one of the biggest worries is getting home. According to the US State Department, “Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel.” Within three days of your arrival time in the USA, you must have a PCR test or an Antigen Test. The results must be negative, and you must carry a printout with you. All air carriers ask for this at check in. If you are connecting through another country, you need to check their entry information and make sure that you comply to their rules. For example, if you are flying to JFK and have to connect in the UK, you have to have a PCR test with 48 hours of your arrival in the UK. Antigen tests will not be permitted. You can use your PCR test also for arrival in the USA. Each country is different in their requirements, so make sure you check all transit country regulations as well. In the event you test positive, you must quarantine in your hotel room for ten days. The hotel management is alerted, and no services will be done inside that room for the duration. If you need anything – food or clean towels – the hotel will bring them to your door and leave them outside. If you cannot afford to stay for ten days in an expensive hotel, the hotel will provide a list of hotels that permit COVID positive guests. There you will be sequestered for ten days as well. It is still an amazing experience to travel during these times of low tourism. So don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the world with a new light. Again, just pack your patience and your wonder and get out there – and get home with your negative PCR tests in hand! Pam Walker owner of Walker Adventures More information at www.walkeradventures.com or pam@walkeradventures.com.

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Sep ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

One on One with Tim Oppelt: Brookwood High Class of 2000 By K. Coats

When one thinks of a “lawyer,” what comes to mind? For some of us, it’s Cousin Vinny and his “two yutes’’ comment. For others, they might recall Lieutenant Kaffee as he demanded to know the truth in A Few Good Men. As a child, my image would have been courtesy of Jurassic Park and Mr. Gennero’s unfortunate end via t-rex. The fact is, the term “lawyer” isn’t as simple (or even as exciting) as a modern film would have us believe. However, it has a calling all its own. And not all who are called to practice law are called to practice legal “chess matches” in courtrooms, as Brookwood class of 2000 alumnus Tim Oppelt discovered. For him, it’s all about the fine print. “I give advice to credit unions, so member-owned financial institutions, on how to make good choices and comply with the law,” Tim explains. “This can include everything from writing the fine print that comes with your credit card to helping boards of directors work together.” And, like other jobs, the running of the business itself also calls for attention, something Tim discovered when he became a partner in a firm. “With a couple of my other partners, I also manage our office, its finances, and its technology,” he says. “Our office (15 lawyers) deals with institutions holding over 1% of the deposits in the US. While one’s a small number, working with deposits for millions of households isn’t too shabby.” No indeed, Tim. Not too shabby at all. The journey from Brookwood High School to a firm partner in Glendale, California, has many twists and turns for Tim. During his time at Brookwood, Tim played alto and bari sax in the marching band, was a chess club member, and helped re-start the literary magazine, Pegasus, and was its editor under the direction of Renee Covin. Ms. Covin was one of Tim’s favorite teachers at Brookwood. “She got me in a way that other teachers didn’t and leaned into my dreamer/poet side,” he explains. After Brookwood, Tim enrolled at Emory University. But again, a career in law wasn’t in the plans just yet. He says, “Honestly, I didn’t know what I was going to do when I left Lawrenceville for Decatur and Emory. I was considering majoring in poetry. Falling into a philosophy major and then law school was a bit of an accident, but it works.” It seems going west was a pattern as Tim headed for California next to study law at Loyola Law School, where he would graduate in 2007. Even then, the current arrangement wasn’t evident. Tim originally had a flashier part of law in mind. “I had the idea that I would be working as an entertainment lawyer, supporting my artist friends with business solutions,” he recalls. “I had no idea that I’d accidentally fall into supporting financial institutions – and before applying for jobs during law school, I didn’t even know what a credit union was. In 2000, I certainly would not have pegged that I’d be living with a family in suburban Los Angeles working with banks and credit unions. It’s amazing how sometimes, you can’t even imagine where you will find success or what opportunities might become available to you if you keep your eyes open and lean into where you actually find yourself.” Often when asked about future plans, people will focus on the next level of their career. But for Tim, it’s about perspective and context. For him, it isn’t so much about going “higher” on the ladder as it is about security. “My goal for a long time has been freedom from worry,” he says. “I want to work to pass on that freedom to my kids: financial stability, intellectual resources, choice, health. For me, that means work to make my business successful but also work to make a happy home base for us and our friends.” And keeping family at the core of his motivations helps Tim stay focused on his out of work hours. “Now, my major hobby is home improvement; landscaping and remodeling take up any time that kids and work don’t,” he explains. But don’t mistake that for being a homebody. With access to many of the nation’s natural treasures, Tim and his wife, Megan, are very active. “We try to visit a national park every year for our wedding anniversary,” he says, “and we’re looking forward to getting back to the food, wine, and outdoor experiences that Los Angeles has to offer. Pre-pandemic, we loved entertaining, and hope to get back to that as well.” Some of the National Parks they have visited include Sequoia, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Zion, Rocky Mountain, and Joshua Tree. They were even married at Muir Woods. “Last year, we had to cancel a trip to Olympic, so we’ll have to reschedule that one,” he adds. Concerning his proudest accomplishment, Tim explains that it’s all about context. “No accomplishment is without its context, and getting to some brass ring but neglecting everything else wouldn’t be worth it,” he says. “Professional attainment, financial stability, secure housing, beautiful (albeit occasionally monstrous) children, a happy marriage, and all the foundations to work forward to good things. It’s not without significant challenges, but I am proud of what we’ve built.” Good luck, Tim, on your firm, family, and accomplishments. And while we may often take the fine print in life for granted, we thank you for your work and wish you the best.

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Sep ’21 Our Town 8/30/2021Gwinnett 10:20:55 AM

Meet the Team at Georgia Will & Probate Lawyers, LLC By Kristen Eleveld

When it comes to estate planning and creating wills, many people prefer to put the process off to a later time, or even avoid it entirely. But you may be surprised to learn just how important having a will can be and how simple it is to get one. Even more important is how much relief it can give you now. Thanks to one local law firm, more and more community members are able to learn what exactly is necessary to plan for the future. Attorneys Steven Ashby and Latawsha Little-Hill of Georgia Will & Probate Lawyers, LLC have a lot in common, but the biggest similarity that unites these law partners is their genuine desire to help their neighbors plan for the future. That’s why they decided to create a law firm that focuses exclusively on wills, probate, estate planning, advanced medical directives, and other related areas that can help people obtain peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones. Steve decided he wanted to be a lawyer when he was nine years old. After reading the book To Kill a Mockingbird, which tells the story of an attorney and his family, he knew that practicing law would be his life’s work. He pursued his goal and graduated at the top of his class at Georgia Tech and then the University of Georgia Law School, and is now celebrating forty years of practicing as an attorney. Although he started out at a large corporate law firm, Steve found himself wanting to have a more personalized experience with his clients. This attitude is a large part of the reason he and Latawsha sought to build a firm that was designed to work with people regardless of their socio-economic status. “I wanted a kinder, gentler practice,” said Steve. “We want to help families on a really personal level.” Steve and Latawsha had been working in the same office, both practicing family law, when they decided to join forces. Latawsha has also known she would be a lawyer since she was a kid in school. After gaining her undergraduate degree at Georgia Southern University, Latawsha attended law school at Western Michigan University. Incredibly, Latawsha commuted back and forth between Georgia and Michigan to obtain her law degree. Right out of Law School, Latawsha served as a prosecutor in Gwinnett County for five years. Later, she built a civil practice before she and Steve created Georgia Will & Probate Lawyers to fulfill her dream of serving families in a more personal way. “I’m glad my path led me here,” said Latawsha, who has been practicing law for over a decade. “I love the opportunity to really understand my clients and their needs.” This dynamic duo has worked hard to not only provide important services to the metroAtlanta community, but also to help educate people on what it really means to make a will and plan for the future. When someone reaches out to the team with questions, the first thing they do is set up an interview. This interview typically lasts around an hour, and is spent getting to know the client, finding out what their concerns and goals are, and walking them through the process of understanding what they need to do to make sure their loved ones are covered when the client passes away or suffers an incapacitating life change. This consultation is given at no charge. Clients are free not to pursue the plans they discuss with Steve and Latawsha. But the attorneys find that most clients do wish to continue the entire process once they understand just how important it is to go through the legal steps of creating a will, planning out their estate, and making plans to protect them in the event they ever become incapacitated. While a Last Will and Testament will protect a family once a loved one passes away, Steve and Latawsha point out that a Durable Power of Attorney and an Advanced Directive for Health Care will protect your family if you ever become incapacitated and cannot fend for yourself. “We have tried to streamline the process as much as possible,” said Latawsha “Once we finish the interview and understand what you need, everything begins to fall into place.” Indeed, the goal of Georgia Will & Probate Lawyers, LLC is to truly serve their clients in every sense of the word. That’s why they work to make their intake process both thorough and manageable so that anyone who walks through their doors can have the chance to learn what they need to know and get the services they need. Georgia Will and Probate Lawyers also help families navigate the legal process that arises when a family member dies, either with or without a will. The process of probating or administering an estate can be subject to many pitfalls. Steve and Latawsha are experienced in guiding families through this maze as efficiently as possible. A large factor in the success of this law firm is the way Steve and Latawsha work together. The two attorneys have an incredible working relationship that allows them to work together seamlessly. “Latawsha is a tough person!” said Steve of his partner. “I admire her intellect, tenacity, and kind heart.” “One of the reasons I like working with Steve so much is because he is so personable,” added Latawsha. “We’re busy, but we both love what we do.” The love for their practice and community is evident to anyone who interacts with this attorney team. Whether you’ve lost a family member or are not quite sure how to start your end-oflife planning, give Georgia Will & Probate Lawyers, LLC a call. Both Steve and Latawsha urge everyone to start sooner rather than later. It’s always better to be confident that your future is secure, so that you can focus on living your life today.

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“Our vision in creating this practice was to relate to our community on a personal level,” said Steve. “We are right here with you, and we’re ready to help.” More information at www.gwaplaw.com or call (770) 493-4924

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Parkview Graduate Publishes Children’s Book About Food Allergies By Emily Rubin

Katherine Kise has struggled with asthma and nut allergies almost all her life. She was diagnosed with asthma at just one year old and found out about her nut allergy when she was about four years old. Katherine’s asthma impacted her physical fitness test results in school when she attended Camp Creek Elementary and Trickum Middle, and she remembers being told to push through running a mile even when she was unable to breathe. “I always felt as though there was something different about me compared to my peers,” she said. Katherine always knew the sensitivity of her health, but she didn’t understand the gravity of her allergies until she almost died because of them. Her allergies not only affected her day-today life, but who she became and how she saw the world as she was growing up. Her health challenges early on impacted what she viewed as healthy growing up. She dealt with other health issues later on that were not mitigated by traditional methods and she had to

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find her own way to deal with them. After graduating from Parkview High School in 2000, Katherine went on to higher education, earning degrees from UGA and Georgia State, and then joining CocaCola. She saw multiple doctors who were unable to pinpoint her underlying issues, so she took her health into her own hands. Katherine realized there was a lack of accessible, relatable information around many health concepts and became a board-certified health coach to help others. She sat down one afternoon and wrote her book Katie Can’t Eat Nuts as one solution to this issue. Katie Can’t Eat Nuts was released in June. Aimed at a young audience, the book touches on the isolation Katherine felt but not the severity of what can happen when nut allergies are triggered. “I hope it cultivates inclusion and acceptance, not only for the kids with the food allergies to accept themselves, but also to foster that conversation around how we all have differences and that’s okay,” Katherine said, “and to help those kids who might not be familiar with food allergies to have a better understanding so that they can be more compassionate. Maybe all of that together will create a more compassionate experience for anybody.” Katherine hopes her book normalizes food allergies. She feels if there had been a book like hers when she was growing up, she might not have felt so different. Katherine is also considering a sequel where Katie takes a field trip to a farm, a cookbook for kids who cannot eat nuts, and a novel for young adults where Katie navigates parties and more serious issues are addressed. “It seems like there is a need for more conversations around these things no matter what age you are,” Katherine said. Katherine’s holistic health and wellness coaching practice, Sprout and Rosebud, was started to make health information available to everyone regardless of income level. She works one-onone with clients, but mainly does pro bono coaching with women’s groups, mental health groups and neighborhood associations as well. “The most important thing I’ve learned through this,” she added, “is that we have a lot more power to create the life we want and to create the health we want to have than I think any of us really knew we could.” More information at www.katherinekise.com.

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By Kristen Eleveld

Do you heart art? If so, you are in the right place, because over the last few years, Gwinnett County has become a hub for the artistic community. Every medium is represented, including performance, painting, drawing, and, of course, music. The local music scene has become a staple of the county, and there are multiple groups leading the charge including Music on Main Street, Citizen Exchange, and the Grace Note Foundation for Music Education. This summer, Music on Main Street in Lilburn and Citizen Exchange are working together to support the Grace Note Foundation, which provides music education in the form of classes and camps for all ages and walks of life. The benefits of music education speak for themselves. For children, music offers invaluable skills and development for things like hand-eye coordination, muscle tone, and even language development. But children aren’t the only ones who can gain something from music. Studies Continued on page 16

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Sep ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

Community Business Spotlight: True Blue Plumbing Services By Kristen Eleveld

It’s not always easy to call the plumber. You might worry about the cost, the quality of service you’ll receive, or whether you can’t just fix the problem yourself. But when it comes to plumbing issues, you need an expert. And not just any expert – you need a company that wants to offer you great service for a fair price, all while making you feel like family. You need True Blue Plumbing Services. Founded in 2017 by James Guzman, True Blue Plumbing Services has quickly risen to the top of the plumbing industry and is becoming a household name for Gwinnett County. With an incredible focus on customer service, True Blue has shown its clients that they are not there just to make a quick buck, but to make a difference for everyone they meet. “Our clients are like my family,” said office manager Kelly Harvey. “We are so fortunate because all of our clients are amazing. They really are!” With Kelly manning the front desk and James and service technician Sean Nelson out in the field, this three-person operation is able to accomplish a lot for the community they serve. In fact, True Blue stays busy from early in the morning until their last call of the day. But even with the hundreds of service calls they manage during the week, the team at True Blue is always ready to answer the next phone call from someone who needs their help. “We’re like a triple-braided cord,” said James of the team’s incredible work ethic and teamwork. “We’re small, but we’re doing mighty things.” James and his team share the number one goal of making sure that every client and potential client understands that the group at True Blue genuinely cares about people. Their reliability has spoken for itself as many clients are referred by friends or family who have had an unparalleled customer service experience with True Blue. “I love it when someone calls and tells me they are the mother of one of our current clients,” said Kelly. “You would only recommend the best to your own mother, and it really uplifts me to know people are referring us to their families.”

Pet Perch: Exercise? Or Over Excitement? By Terie Hansen

While there is no doubt that dogs need exercise, many dog owners turn to running and racing around in a yard or a park as the only form of exercise their dog gets. The problem is that if the only interactions you have with your dog are of high excitement, that is what you are patterning – a dog whose mind doesn’t know how to settle down; a dog that is always looking for the next high-energy engagement activity; a dog that typically demands attention from you on a pretty consistent basis. On the other hand, training burns a ton of energy, both physical and mental, and has many positive side effects such as creating a calm, relaxed state of mind. Your dog learns to focus. Your dog is learning valuable commands. Your dog has your undivided attention, so it is less likely to demand your attention at other times during the day. Your dog views you as the leader, which can significantly reduce and/or eliminate anxiety, stress, fear, and other negative states of mind and behaviors. All of which, in the long run, equal a well-trained dog! Moreover, if you’re going to spend time with your dog, what is the difference if you spend fifteen to twenty minutes throwing a ball versus fifteen to twenty minutes training? Time is time, right? Simply doing sit drills burns both mental energy (because your dog needs to focus) and physical energy (because your dog is doing squats) and will tire your dog out. Down drills are push-ups for your dog. Recalls (coming when called) has your dog running back and forth, but in a controlled manner. Kennel drills also include push-ups because you will teach your dog to enter their kennel and lie down. Even duration commands such as Down and Place burn a tremendous amount of mental energy as your dog practices impulse control while holding those commands. All drills are done with a leash until your dog consistently follow commands without engaging the leash. You can even use their food (not treats) as a reward. Doing these simple drills will burn tons of energy and sharpen your dog’s obedience skills. In a couple of weeks, you will be Continued on page 22

Sep ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

While James has always been great with people, he didn’t grow up wanting to be a plumber. It was only when he was trying to decide on a path after high school that a cousin offered to let James work as an apprentice for his plumbing business in Miami. Within a year, James became the apprentice of the year for the company, and was running a crew of 20 people on his own. When he moved to Gwinnett four years ago, he realized he had a lot to offer people as a plumber and opened up True Blue Plumbing Services. Now, True Blue is making waves in the community as it continues to offer excellent service at fair prices while adding a personal touch that only a small business can. The True Blue team often finds themselves not only answering service calls but also listening to clients as they share about their lives. The authentic love of community and the desire to really learn about their clients have set True Blue apart, both in their industry and in customer service as a whole. “For us, plumbing is just the vehicle that allows us to get in front of people and make a difference,” said James. “It’s always been about the people. I like the challenge of doing a good job and being the best version of ourselves.” James added, “We’re just looking for connection with people. Every time you call, we will be there.” More information at www.trueblueatl.com or call (770) 544-9223

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Art is at the Heart of Gwinnett County Continued from page 14 show that music can motivate teens and adults to new goals for an exercise routine, can help a person get a better night’s sleep, and can increase overall endurance. Music even has benefits for one’s mental health, as multiple studies report that music causes mood elevation and can help people work through the challenges of stress and depression. It’s easy to see why so many Gwinnett groups are motivated to make music education more available, but they need help to do it. Through a variety of events and fundraisers, Music on Main Street is working through their non-profit to help the Grace Note Foundation find the funds and resources they need to offer more music to more people. One such event is the market that took place on June 26th in Lilburn. This market was designed for artists and other creators to offer their wares to the community. Art, clothing, jewelry, and a variety of other hand-made products were available for purchase, and nearby food trucks and a great live music made the event fun for community members and families in the area. The market was a rousing success, raising $3,600 dollars with more donations continuing to arrive.

PAGE 16

But while the market is over, the opportunities to contribute to the arts in Gwinnett are ongoing. “Art is for everyone,” said Megan Flowers, who serves as the Director of Arts for Citizen Exchange. “We want to use art as a way to bring our community together.” While the market benefitted the Grace Note Foundation, other music-centered organizations in the area also offered camps and classes. Over at Citizen Exchange, there are multiple art classes for all ages waiting for you to sign up. Whether you have a kindergartner who wants to paint or you like the idea of sipping your favorite beverage while learning a new artistic skill, the classes at the Citizen Exchange should definitely be on your bucket list. This year, they are taking their classes a step further by offering an art therapy camp for children with special needs. “I am so passionate about having Lilburn be an arts area for Gwinnett,” Megan said. “Our mission is to uplift one another through art until ‘I am’ becomes ‘we are.’” What are you waiting for? Head to Lilburn this or other parts of Gwinnett to find out just what kind of artist you are, and you might even make some new friends in the process. More information at www.gracenotefoundation.org, musiconmainstreetlilburn.com, www. citizenexchange.biz

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Leadership Gwinnett: Positively Impacting the Community By Beth Volpert Johansen

There is always more to the story beyond the basic press release. Such is the case with the latest announcement from Leadership Gwinnett. In addition to the naming of four new members to its Foundation Board, Leadership Gwinnett benefits from an impressive legacy of engaged leaders who hold the overall governance and well-being of the board in high regard. With the appointment of Scott Haggard, Director of Government and External Affairs, ATL/ SRTA/GRTA, Lanier Levett, Chief Operations Officer, Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, Charlotte Nash, Retired, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, and Stephen Pereira, Partner, Thompson, Sweeny, Kinsinger and Pereira, P.C., the organization’s vision, mission, and core values will remain in good hands. Additionally, the board members will continue to ensure that the “strategic direction and fiscal health” of the program will be maintained with integrity. Leadership Gwinnett (LG) describes itself as “an award-winning community impact organization that has been a part of the fabric of the Gwinnett community for 36 years with a mission to educate, equip, and engage diverse leaders and inspire civic involvement. LG offers a variety of programs that include a nine-month Leadership Gwinnett cohort, Glance Gwinnett, a twoand-a-half-day snapshot event, and a robust Alumni network of over 2,000 program graduates.” “Leadership Gwinnett is recognized as a model across the region, state, and nation for its innovative and effective approach to engaging leaders in the community, and rightly so,” says new board member Scott Haggard. “Being involved with Leadership Gwinnett has been one of the highlights of my professional life.” Notable graduates include retired Gwinnett County Chairwoman Charlotte Nash as well as her successor, Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. Both women have long supported the ideals behind Leadership Gwinnett and continue to consider the organization vital to the well-being of the county. “We are extremely excited to have Chairwoman Nash and all of our newest members join Leadership Gwinnett,” says Marketing and Communications Director Logan Serrano. “Their hours of volunteerism and support are a huge part of what makes this program happen.” Making the program happen isn’t easy. In order to present the nearly year-long program, volunteers give of their time and talent in myriad ways. “From the moment they get together to plan program content for Learning Days, our volunteers are able to plug into their passion,” says Director Serrano. “They have been through the program themselves and know what it takes for

leaders to step forward and make a difference.” Each year, participants are chosen from a large pool of applicants. “We start each 9-month session with a retreat where title and suits don’t matter,” explains Director Serrano. “It’s t-shirts and jeans along with challenging team building and personality assessments that allow everyone to examine, for themselves, the results for ethics, equity, and personal bias, and really sets the stage for the first of seven learning days over the year that leads to graduation.” Given the thought that goes into the details, Leadership Gwinnett’s volunteers and participants can do a deep dive into all of the different aspects of the county. Each Learning Day maintains a focus on entities like Public Safety, Health and Human Services, Water Quality, Education, and many more of the working parts that make up the county. “This program is all about finding a place to plug in; finding the people who share your passion and area of interest so that, together, they are able to provide Gwinnett with a better future,” Director Serrano adds. While the Leadership Gwinnett website is exceptionally well-presented with considerable information, one video in particular provides an answer to the questions: Can I do this? Should I do this? Can I afford this? Newly elected Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson’s recorded message about scholarship opportunities is insightful and tells her own story of how Leadership Continued on page 22

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Sep ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

Gwinnett Swim League Coach of the Year: Meet Cathy Ruffing By Beth Volpert Johansen

Coaching gets in your blood, pure and simple. It is an emotional roller coaster that produces the most joyful of happy moments and the most crushing of defeated moments. It is what you do with those moments, when kids are watching, that makes you Coach of the Year material. Coach Cathy Ruffing is made of the right stuff. With a forty-year swim coaching legacy, Cathy has stood on the pool deck at the county meet more than most. In each of those years she has congratulated her peer coaches as they received awards, except in 2021. This year, at the Gwinnett County Swim League (GCSL) County Championship Meet, Cathy was announced as the 2021 Swim Coach of the Year. “I have been coaching for forty years, twenty of them at Evergreen,” says Cathy. “I was excited and a little embarrassed that I started crying when everyone – coaches, officials, parents, kids – all started hugging me!” GCSL is a non-profit organization composed of 43 teams with approximately 6,500 swimmers ages 4 to 18. The League was established in 1973 and is a summertime league with meets starting in May that conclude in July with a County Championship Meet at Georgia Tech. Helping children become confident swimmers is important to Cathy. Like anything else, COVID-19 brought changes to how GCSL was able to extend the summer swim program. Changes to how many swimmers in the pool, how close coaches could get, and how both practices and meets were held took some getting used to, but Cathy and her coaching staff managed to keep the kids motivated and excited to participate. “Swimming is a life-skill,” says Cathy. “When kids participate on a swim team, they are working hard to constantly improve their personal best times.” Cathy says she has been coaching so long that parents, swimmers, coaches, and alumni all know that when a kid asks her in which place they finished, she is most likely going to tell them their time instead. “We reward the swimmers with Personal Best ribbons for improving times,” says Cathy. “Every little second counts towards a bigger goal.” The bigger goal for many kids in the summer swim league is just to do something fun – and a bit competitive – with their friends. However, for the high school and year-round swimmers, Summer League keeps them in good shape while having fun. “Summer League is good for these kids,” says Cathy. “They get some time to play – to just hang out and be kids – and they also get to race!” As the summer winds down, she has returned to her job as a kindergarten paraprofessional at Mountain Park Elementary. Additionally, she will return for another year as a “lay-coach” for Parkview High School’s Swim and Dive Team. “Now that my own sons are grown, and I have a grandbaby, I will start thinking about retiring from coaching,” says Cathy. But there is always that thought in the back of her mind of what summer would be like if she were not on the pool deck encouraging the littlest “Elvers” (baby eels) into the pool. “There are so many kids I Continued on page 22

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Building Better Homes and Brighter Futures Together: Gwinnett-Walton Habitat for Humanity By Traci Sanders

Habitat for Humanity has been providing support and stability through shelter to local families since 1988 when a group of concerned citizens came together to address the lack of adequate housing for low-income families. The community embraced this concept and the program exploded. In 2020 Habitat for Humanity dedicated its 150th home in Gwinnett County and began its first Neighborhood Revitalization project. The year 2020 also brought about a merger with the Walton County Habitat for Humanity affiliate to create Gwinnett-Walton Habitat for Humanity, serving both counties and doubling the reach. The first home, post-merger, will be constructed in September 2021. “Our continued dedication to home repairs through our A Brush with Kindness program in both counties assists all types of families in need with home improvements,” Jen Welch of Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity shared, “allowing them to remain and thrive in their homes. The collaboration of volunteers, staff, donors, and sponsors transforms our communities, bringing people together to build better homes and brighter futures for every family we serve.” Continued on page 22

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National Youth Leadership Forum: Grayson’s Laila Noel

Gwinnett County Police Chief Spotlight

Leadership can be both an inherent trait and a learned trait. Those who are gifted with leadership traits naturally use their talents in such a way that sets them apart from the pack. For one Grayson High School Junior, the idea of leadership is something to nurture and use for the betterment of society. Wise beyond her years, Laila Noel has just returned from an exceptional leadership experience representing Grayson High School at the National Youth Leadership Forum: Advanced Medicine and Healthcare, held this summer in Baltimore. During the July session, Laila was able to meet and work with a variety of medical professionals from prestigious places like Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical Center, who guided teen representatives interested in the field of medicine. Not unlike anything else that has been COVID-19 affected, this year’s forum had to follow stringent guidelines for the hands-on activities like bone setting and suturing. “Prior to this program, I thought about studying pharmaceutical science,” says Laila. “After completing the program, my eyes have been opened to a whole new world I wasn’t aware of; but I still think I want to become a pharmaceutical research scientist.” When asked why, Laila says that seeing the effects of COVID-19 on the world made her want to be a part of the solution. “It was a shock to me that a vaccine couldn’t be developed faster,” she says. “There was so much death and it made me want to know why the technology wasn’t ready.” The one thing that pandemic conditions allowed for in Laila’s case was an opportunity to attend high school in small in-person class sizes. “Since there were not as many students, I was able to focus on my studies and boost my GPA,” says Laila. “It was a completely different experience, and I was very motivated to do well.” This summer’s leadership forum allowed Laila to continue learning in a small group environment. “Students came from all over the world to participate,” Laila says. “We were able to bond because they came with the same motivation to achieve their goals that I did.” Keeping in touch with her new friends is high on Laila’s post-summer list. In addition to the student participants, Laila found herself grateful for the many different speakers and medical professionals who took the time to work with her. “I really appreciated the advisors,” Laila explains. “They were not only well-educated, but also young enough that their communication styles were similar to ours.” Noting that communication is key to any sucContinued on page 22

Gwinnett County Administrator Glenn Stephens has announced the appointment of Deputy Chief J.D. McClure to succeed Police Chief Brett West who will retire after thirty years of service to the county. McClure, who began his career as a police officer with Gwinnett County in 1996 and currently serves as deputy chief over the department’s Operations Bureau, assumed his new role August 21st. He will also become the department’s first African American chief. “I’m honored to have this opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Chief West and previous Gwinnett County police chiefs who have led with integrity and compassion,” McClure said. “The men and women of this agency are among the best in the country, and I’m grateful for the ongoing support of the board and our residents as we strive to prioritize professionalism and bring pride to our community.” Promoted to Lieutenant in September 2009, McClure previously served as Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division, Watch Commander in the Criminal Investigations Section, and as the Commander of the Office of Professional Standards. Appointed to Major in September 2016, he served as the Central Precinct Commander and as the department’s Chief of Staff. Deputy Chief McClure was a dedicated member of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team for more than a decade, retiring as the Tactical Team Leader. McClure is also a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. “Our police department is a shining example of well-coordinated succession planning at the county,” said Stephens. “J.D.’s strength of character and professionalism, combined with the knowledge and leadership skills he has acquired during his decades of service to the county, make him the ideal choice for the awesome responsibility and privilege of leading this great department. I am confident that J.D. will continue the tradition of setting the Gwinnett Standard for excellence in community policing.” Retiring Chief West, who joined the Gwinnett Police Department as an officer in 1991, said he is proud to hand the torch to McClure. “I’ve been fortunate to serve with J.D. for many years,” said West. “Our department’s mission is to serve the community in an unbiased and compassionate manner to protect the lives and property of residents and improve the quality of life in our community. All I’ve learned about J.D. throughout our time serving side-by-side tells me he’s the right person to carry this department through its next chapter with that mission at heart.” The Gwinnett County Police Department is the second largest police agency in Georgia with an authorized strength of 895 sworn officers, supported by 301 civilian employees. The department is CALEA accredited, originally attaining that designation in 1993. Gwinnett Police serve a population of almost a million residents with an area of 437 square miles. More information at https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/

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One Man’s Opinion: When Looking Left Seems RIGHT By Bill Crane

As a youngster, acting in community theater, a movie, a few TV commercials, and even hosting a kid’s talk show, I thought that my later years might take me to Hollywood. Common sense and realistic appreciation for the limits of my talents eventually brought me to my senses. And yet, there is the rare and occasional exception when looking left seems right. The State of California will soon require all state employees and health care workers to be vaccinated against the COVID19 virus or to face regular and indefinitely continuing testing. Following that direction are the state of New York, New York City (which includes its public schools, all under the direction of the Office of Mayor), the US Veterans Administration, and more recently two larger private-sector employers who will be mandating vaccines for their public-facing employees, Walmart, and the Disney Corporation amusement parks. Like it or not, we remain in the midst of a pandemic and public health crisis. Though pandemic conditions have significantly been improving across the nation, the Delta variant and others are surging in multiple locations. In our neighboring state of Florida, new single-day COVID-19 positive cases are surpassing the previous highs of winter 2021, and virtually all of the hospitalized and fatal cases are occurring among the unvaccinated. And while originally the most vulnerable may have been the elderly and medically fragile, most current cases are coming to a much younger and generally healthier population. A confusing patchwork of mask mandates are on the rise and return, as mask-wearing, and good public hygiene and hand-washing remain part of a solid health system defense. However, NOTHING has proved more impactful and effective at beating back this virus than those vaccines. We have already experienced a “breakthrough” COVID case among a vaccinated member of our family, thankfully a relatively mild case. Earlier and before vaccination availability, we nearly lost our mother. COVID-19 also got hold of my father, my firstborn daughter and her husband, and at the time, their infant twin sons. All have survived, but recovery continues. Mom is again hospitalized, and the twins are on their third serious respiratory infection in six months: COVID-19, parainfluenza, and now RSV. They have very dutiful and responsible parents and receive regular medical attention. We hope and pray that the damage sustained by their lungs is not significant nor permanent. Having two daughters (aged 15 years apart) educated through and one teaching in our public schools, I remember marveling at the difference in both the number and frequency of required inoculations for children PRIOR to registering and matriculating in a public school. I support adding the most effective COVID-19 vaccine to this roster. Though Operation Warp Speed delivered these products in record time, the RNA research driving their development had been going on for decades in battles to fight the development of a wide array of cancers. NONE of the viruses approved for use in the United State utilize any live-strain of the virus within the vaccine, so these vaccines, among many myths and enchantment tales in circulation, CANNOT GIVE YOU COVID. So, for my many Libertarian and more conservative friends who think I may have “lost it” in recent years, the West Coast still remains the Left Coast for me, but they do get things right on occasion. As millions of school children return to classrooms across the nation, I’m hoping that my younger daughter will soon be able to see her own classmates smile without having to look for crinkling eyes above the mask line. But those choices being made for school children in the coming days and weeks will primarily be driven by how many of us still sitting around unvaccinated and on the sidelines are now finally willing to roll up our sleeves. I am ready for the shelling and “personal liberty” infringement shouts from my more conservative and anti-vaxx associates, in part because I know that I already took my shot for them and already plan to do so again as soon as the boosters are available. As a result, I hopefully will never be in the position or risk of later giving someone else this potentially fatal virus. For those still unwilling, the aforementioned employers will offer options for the medically fragile, those already surviving COVID-19 and those objecting for faith reasons. They may opt for rigorous Continued on page 22

Ryan’s Remarks Continued from page 7 judge less, smile (I guess that depends on the mask situation), and be patient. We all need to be loved and told it is all going to be okay. IT WILL. Ultimately, IT WILL. This, too SHALL pass. Trust me, I do not profess to have mastered all these things and work on them each day. Despite all we are facing, we will get there. However, we can only do so “shoulder to shoulder” and “side by side.” We must remember that the name of our country is the UNITED (not DIVIDED) States of America. So, to everyone, I appreciate you. We can do this, we will do this, we will prevail together! Keep Pushing Forward. I wish you a great month and thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

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Ready to Get Out and Enjoy Some Cooler Weather? By Tana Poncsak

The weather may still be warm, but before you know it, there will be an old familiar cool nip in the air and you’ll know fall is just around the corner! After the hot days of summer, you and your family may be looking for some things to do outside in the cooler temperatures. Here are a few ideas to get you out and about for a day of fall fun. 1. Take a hike – There are plenty of short but fun hiking trails near and around Atlanta. Check out Atlanta Trails by Trailful Outdoor Co. for top hiking trails in the Atlanta area. 2. Walk around Helen – It’s always a day of fun to drive up to Helen and feel like you’ve been to the Swiss Alps (minus the Alps). Check out the website for upcoming events. 3. Visit a winery – There are a number of wineries in and around the Atlanta area that are perfect for a day trip. Check out an article from Explore Georgia that highlights the “Top Five Winning Wineries in North Georgia”. 4. Head to Ellijay for some apple picking – Some might say there are no better apples than those picked fresh off the tree! And Gwinnett is in luck, as there are a number of apple orchards just a short drive to Ellijay. Here are some apple-picking tips from Taste of Home to get the most out of your apple-picking trip. 5. Take a drive – If you prefer to never leave the comfort of your own vehicle, perhaps a scenic drive is your idea of a fun day trip. To find the scenic drives near you, check out those chosen by the Scenic America National Byways Program. 6. Climb a mountain – When you think about mountains in the Atlanta area, Stone Mountain is perhaps the most obvious that comes to mind, but there are a number of mountains in and around the area. For a list, visit Atlanta Trails for Georgia Mountain hot spots. 7. Visit a pumpkin patch and/or corn maze – The good thing about fall, other than the cooler weather, is Halloween. And with it comes the season of pumpkin patches and corn mazes. There are several nearby that open early and are worth the trip. Check them out at the Atlanta on the Cheap website. 8. Panning for gold in Dahlonega – Home to the first gold rush, people are still visiting Dahlonega to pan for their fortune. If you’re feeling lucky or just want to have some good, clean fun, consider trying your luck and skill for a day of family fun. For information go to Chestateeford.com. Be sure to check websites for hours, locations, and any protocols and guidelines. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but something to get you out and about for some fresh air and fall fun!

Meet Cathy Ruffing Continued from page 19 consider ‘mine’ who, of course, are not my own,” says Cathy. “I would miss seeing them come back as grown kids and adults with their own little ones just learning to swim.” As Cathy heads back into the classroom and into another year of coaching, she can reflect on the visual recognition of a job well done. Not unlike the swimmers and their Personal Best Ribbons who start each season with the goal to improve themselves, Cathy has begun each year with the goal to become a better coach. “I still believe that I didn’t get that award by myself,” says Coach Cathy. “I had help from the parents, other coaches, and all of the swimmers over the past forty years who have taught me how to be a coach.” More information at www.GwinnettSwimLeague.com

Gwinnett-Walton Habitat for Humanity Continued from page 19 A few of the sponsors of this build include: Darrell McWaters, who donated the property for the build; Lowe’s Home Improvement, which donated funding; Wells Fargo Bank, which has an ongoing financial partnership with Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity; Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which has donated funds and has agreed to send volunteers to help build; and HOPE Monroe, which has agreed to match donated funds up to $10,000 to assist with building costs. “Our team has been excited to spend more time in Walton County building relationships with local leaders, businesses, and churches to gain an understanding of the needs in the area,” Welch went on to say, and added that everyone at Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity is grateful to have been welcomed with open arms by the Monroe community. Donations are still needed to meet the total cost for this new home build. Interested donors can contact Jen Welch at 770-931-8080, ext. 1101. There is also a donation page set up at https://habitatgwinnett.charityproud.org/Donate/ MiniCampaign/13218

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Leadership Gwinnett Continued from page 17 Gwinnett helped her learn how to transform others on their leadership journeys. Her words also describe her “profound understanding” of how the connections that spur change in the community happen. The video is just two and a half minutes long, but is well worth watching if anyone has ever considered participating in Leadership Gwinnett but felt they might not be the right fit. In a county as diverse as Gwinnett, it has always and will always take strong leadership to meet the community’s needs. “We have participants and volunteers who represent all aspects of our county,” says Director Serrano. “The main thing is that Leadership Gwinnett is really about powerful connections that open people’s eyes to the needs in our community. It is a unique atmosphere that is the catalyst for change that impacts our people.” More information at www.LeadershipGwinnett.com

National Youth Leadership Forum Continued from page 20 cessful outcome, Laila was significantly impacted by the attention to teamwork preparation that took place during the early days that allowed her and her teammates to solve complex medical diagnoses better when presented with a set of symptoms. “I learned to adjust my awareness of other people who differ from me,” says Laila. “It was that consciousness of self that allowed me to support the ideas of others, whether they were outspoken or quiet, because they might have something important to say.” In all, it would appear that Grayson High School (GHS) will be getting a very different Laila this school year than the one who walked out its doors in May. The leadership forum adds to her already impressive resumé that includes Girl Scouts, JROTC, GHS and Waterton swim teams, GHS Bands Librarian, and Bari-Sax Section Leader. Staying afloat means juggling a very full schedule that is part of Laila’s greater plan of studying for a career in pharmaceutical research so that nobody has to needlessly suffer from something like COVID-19. Laila describes treating her life a bit like training for a swim meet to accomplish her ultimate goal. “I’m better at endurance events where I can swim at a steady pace,” she says. “I don’t like to look too far in the past or too far forward to make my decisions. I like to enjoy what I have when I have it.” She adds, “I could not do any of this without the support of my mom. She is very good at being incorporated in our (her and brother Ethan’s) lives so that we get to have these great experiences.” So, for now, we leave Laila unpacking her suitcase from one experience only to ready her saxophone and find her sunglasses as she marches right into summer – Bandcamp.

One Man’s Opinion Continued from page 21 and weekly COVID-19 testing, or for positions allowing work from home or in virtual settings, as those slots remain available. But again, and once more with feeling: Do the Right Thing. Go take your shot! Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the full-service communications firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com

Pet Perch Continued from page 15 rewarded with a much calmer, better behaved dog. I am not saying don’t play with your dog. I am saying, even if you did 50-50, or better yet, one out of every four interactions with your dog, you played and the other three you trained. The outcome would be a tremendous difference in your dog’s overall behavior, equaling an amazing difference in your relationship with your dog. Terie Hansen is the Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www. gooddogcoaching.com

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