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Up Close with Yellow River Game Ranch, see story on page 5.
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PAGE 2 Become an Advertising Partner: Info@OurTown Gwinnett.com or 678-825-2049 John W. Simmons IV, DMD Robert J. French, DDS 2381-B Main Street East • Snellville, Georgia 30078 770-985-2437 • SmilesBySimmons.com Before After H ealt H y • B eautiful • i nspired Dr. John Simmons and Dr. Robert French combine a blend of experience, wisdom and advanced knowledge to affordably serve their patients with healthy, beautiful smiles. Our experienced team provides 5 star service, personalized care, and an extraordinary commitment to your health and well-being. Please join our family by scheduling a new patient visit today!
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“It’s really a people sanctuary!” said Jonathan. “Every time you come here it’s going to be a different adventure.”
Now the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary has once again become home to many creatures large and small (and several in between). Past visitors will remember the beloved bears and how they were able to get an incredible new habitat over the last few years. But they aren’t the only ones moving up in the animal real estate world. The sloth habitat has also undergone a makeover to give the sloths more space and a more regulated environment.“BeforeIwas here every day, I used to wonder why people loved sloths so much,” said Katy. “And now I get it. They’re so amazing. And they are so different than other animals.”
By Kristen Eleveld
“We have some families who walk through the sanctuary every morn ing,” said Katy. “It’s a nice walk, and they always see something new.”
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So, naturally, they bought the place themselves.
If you are from the Gwinnett County area, odds are high that you have heard of or have even visited the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary. As a longstanding staple in the Gwinnett community, this wildlife sanctuary has always been a beloved memory for those lucky enough to see it first hand. And now, with some exciting renovations made by owners Jonathan and Katy Ordway, the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary is an even more amazing experience.
For instance, you might get a tour from Hank the turkey, who often walks with visitors through the park. Or you could catch a glimpse of the aptly named vampire deer, who joined the sanctuary not too long ago.
“I grew up going to the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary,” said Jonathan. “I had brought my own kids, and hearing that it was going to be closed was incredibly sad.”
Seeing bears and sloths is more than enough motivation to visit the wildlife sanctuary, but Jonathan and Katy have continued to rescue more animals over the years, so you are likely to see all sorts of interesting animals during your time at Yellow River.
Back in 2018, many local residents were sad to hear that Yellow River was shutting its doors for good. The sanctuary had long been a home to many animals who needed care and love, and the Ordways wondered what would happen to all of these furry friends – and how they could help.
September 2022 Our Town Gwinnett PAGE 5
Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary offers season passes, which Katy has noticed is popular for many families in the area.
Both Jonathan and Katy credit the successful reopening of the wild life sanctuary to the staff and volunteers around them, along with the local community. They scoured the country to find the best zookeep
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Climbing Mountains – A Journey from Georgia to Africa in a Time of Covid
Terie Hansen Walker
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Everyone has a brand. Yes...everyone. Thus, the question is NOT if you have a brand, but what do you do with your brand? Your brand is not defined by what you say it is, but is indeed characterized by what others say it is. To that end, successful individuals/organizations work hard to develop their brands through effective communication. Perception is a reality when it comes to your brand.
Ryan’s Remarks
Continued on page 20
By Ryan T. Sauers
It is key to remember that building a strong, recognizable, and con sistent brand takes time, effort, and commitment. And it requires a deliberate, purposeful, and intentional strategy. We live in a constantly connected world, making it vital to keep your name and story in front of people through all mediums they look forward to using. Our company helps people in organizations do this every day, so please connect if you want to know more.
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Hello, everyone. Happy September. The fall season is almost here, and I always look forward to the fall weather. I love all sports, football is back, and baseball will be fun to watch down the stretch. As you can see, I am excited about this time of Iyear.have worked with many individuals and organizations on the best way to build their brands. So, this month I decided to focus on how you (an individual or organization) can best communicate your brand and story.
From the Publisher:
It was during the Thanksgiving holiday, time spent with her sons, and the beginning of Hanukkah that word of Omicron in Africa began to real ly weigh in on Sherie’s mind. While she did not doubt her physical ability or her commitment to her goal, Sherie had to shrug off any thoughts of Covid stopping her. “I adopted a wait-and-see mindset and hoped and prayed that we could still go,” remembers Sherie. “The next miracle I needed was to be able to stuff everything required into one 50 lb. pack!”
Taking to the skies gave an entirely different perspective on the whole landscape. An early morning hot-air balloon ride over the Masai Mara provided the day’s excitement. “We had breakfast in the middle of nowhere!” says Sherie. “There was so much to see and take in.” The highlight of the day was seeing two leopards up close and then, because animals will be, well, animals, a pair of amorous lions made an appear ance and Sherie caught it all on video.
From the canyons and peaks of the Southeast, Sherie’s goals grew
As if the joy and exhilaration of the safari were not enough for one trip, Sherie bid Marianne farewell and prepared to embark on the Kilimanjaro climb. What Sherie learned was that she was in no way prepared for the life-changing experience this climb came to represent. Sure, she had physically, spiritually, and financially prepared, but no amount of plan ning had prepared Sherie for the reality of the summit. The Swahili words of wisdom that she had learned while in Tanzania – “Pole Pole” which means “Slow Slow” – would come in handy over the course of her climb.
Continued on page 17
It all started as a way to get moving. Life as an educator, especially in a technical support capacity, means sitting in front of a bank of screens all day long solving issues and keeping things running smoothly for those inside the classroom. For Sherie Green, hiking began as a way to stretch the body and the mind during the trying times of pandemic-related vir tual education. But, somewhere along the trail, hiking became so much more than a walk in the woods.
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Meeting Sherie means you have made a friend. She is always quick to provide help and is generous with her time and talents. When it came to hiking, she found existing friends who wanted to join in for a hike or two, some for more. And, in true Sherie fashion, she quickly fell into step with new friends along the way. “The people you meet on the trail are the nicest ever,” says Sherie. “Some of the people I have met have become goodFromfriends.”those early relatively level-ground walks, Sherie began to work her way uphill. Eventually, she placed her sights less on the mileage and more on the challenge of the hike and set her goals on increasing the number of her hikes each year. In 2021, she joined the 52 Hike Challenge and completed 52 hikes in 10 months – 2 months before the deadline. Chronicling her journey on Facebook, Sherie had no idea how many people would follow her self-paced tour of some of the most beautiful hikes available in Georgia and across the Southeast. “It thrilled me to know that I am actually making a difference in people’s lives with my posts,” explains Sherie. “During the 52 Hike Challenge, I posted each hike and I have heard from other people that this has inspired them to get outside and walk more. I was shocked to know that my posts have helped people get healthy.”
Boarding an 18-seat plane took a good bit of faith and Hakuna Matata, but Sherie and Marianne made their way to Tanzania and one step closer to the hike of Sherie’s dreams. The pair spent time in a tent lodge where they were treated to African drums and dance, local cuisine, and more wild adventures. “We completed our big five at Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania where we spotted the endangered black rhino,” says Sherie. “It was exciting as he kept running and running!”
Their first game drive was to the area around Lake Elementaita where the pair snapped brilliant photos of zebras, bucks, hyenas, and giraffes. Sherie was able to share video of several animals, but none managed to entertain as much as the giraffes. Both graceful and mischievous, the vid eos captured the many moods of the elegant creatures. One video features Sherie on the receiving end of a swooping “head-butt.” She admits to having read the warning signs, so she wasn’t too unhappy about the close encounter. Besides, it made a really good story!
She“Ascendingwrote: was hard. Descending was harder. I did an excellent job on the first half with my pace. We were one of the first hikers starting up. About half way through, every few minutes I announced, ‘little break’ and we would stop to catch my breath. I swear my heart was beating a thousand beats a minute. Slow it down. Keep moving forward. Always Pole Pole.
I kept looking back at the horizon when we got close to Stella
beyond the boundaries of the United States. With strong legs, a healthy heart, and a love of adventure, Sherie went about plan ning a bucket-list trip of a lifetime. “I set my sights on Kilimanjaro – 19,341 feet above the clouds,” says Sherie. “The top of Africa!” Sherie wrote: “Kilimanjaro is known as ‘Everyman’s Everest’ because it is a challenge that is completely doable by laymen. It is what is known as a ‘walk up’ mountain because, well, you just walk up it.” Her posts were tagged with: #count downtoafrica.Trainingwasn’t always easy and Sherie was honest with her followers: “Today I doubted myself – haven’t done that yet while training. I went with a new group and they hiked faster than me. Need to remember it is not a race.”
Climbing Mountains – A Journey from Georgia to Africa in a Time of Covid
Sherie got her miracles and boarded her flight to Africa where she would meet up with her friend Marianne Maddox for the first leg of her trip in Nairobi, Kenya – a safari. After some good sleep, the pair set out to greet the beautiful animals of Africa.
By Beth Volpert Johansen
And in her writing, it’s clear that it could only have been written by someone who has lived that reality. McGee hits chords in her story that echo many other victims’ experiences. She understands and connects that back to her own growth in a way that is both sympathetic yet resilient. “It’s hard to comprehend that the person you love didn’t actually love you back; it’s just something no one wants to face,” she says. And in that experience, McGee touches a nerve that many find all too relatable. But putting so much of oneself in one’s writing can be daunting,
By her super proud former teacher, K. Coats
From the Ashes , a Debut Novel by Sara McGee
Continued on page 11
September 2022 Our Town Gwinnett PAGE 9
For her first publication, McGee dug deep into her own personal experiences. “From the Ashes is mostly based on my past experiences,” she remembers. “Last year, I was once again entering into a depressive episode triggered by a trauma anniversary. I found that writing everything down rather than bottling it all up was for the best.” But she did more than write it down. In her struggles, McGee decided to reach out to others through her writing. And while it was difficult having to revisit her trau ma, McGee focused on her goal – letting other domestic violence victims know they weren’t alone. She explains, “My hope is that my book will help anyone in the same or escalating situation leave. It never gets better. The ‘sorrys’ aren’t sincere, and situations like that don’t have an end.” She adds, “Most domestic violence victims don’t leave until it’s scarier to stay than it is to leave, especially when you don’t have a strong support system. When you’re in the middle of it, it’s hard to see that it’s already more dangerous to stay because a part of you still believes the person you love is still there.”
Sara McGee graduated from South Gwinnett High School in 2009. Her teachers remember her wry humor fondly. She would go on to Gwinnett Tech where she focused on English and Business Management. And even though her debut novel is this year, McGee has been writing for most of her life. “I wrote my very first book a little over ten years ago,” she explains. “I never thought to publish it. The publishing industry was so different back then. For now it’ll just sit on my laptop.” But now that she’s gotten started, McGee has big plans to keep up the momentum. “Well, I have five more books outlined,” she says, “so I plan to publish two more novels this year and hope I can keep the pace of at least three novels a year.” But the role her writing will play has to change when it comes to long-term plans. “With my debut series, I never set out to make a living off of it,” she explains. “I wrote them to help fellow domestic violence victims know that they’re not alone, but also so that their families and friends can better understand the situation they’d found themselves in.” She then adds, “The rest of my books need to pay some bills, though.”
Writing to decompress is a com mon activity. People have journals and blogs aplenty these days. But for local author Sara McGee, it became a way of survival and healing. In her debut novel, From the Ashes, McGee explores the dynamics of breaking the cycle of domestic vio lence through her character Jordan Collins. Jordan struggles against her abusive ex-boyfriend while also fighting her own personal demons of alcoholism and suicide only to learn the relationship has resulted in a pregnancy. As she journeys through the loneliness and terror of domestic abuse and learns to navigate her new role as an expect ant mother, Jordan shows all of us a resilience that can only be forged through fire. And from the ashes, she gains a strength that changes all those around her.
Ugh. Maybe, if I don’t respond, they will stop. A way that two people can avoid dealing with a conflict is to engage a third party who they know – not a professional – who can take a neutral stance in the conflict. This means engaging someone who they know to complete the third side of the triangle.
es out to you. “Did you tell her that you don’t believe me and that you side with her on this?”
Not all ughs end up poorly. Many times, an ugh becomes a “hug” when the parties manage or resolve their conflict and give you the kudos for being the third party of reason, support, calm, and guidance. However, many times I’ve seen it not result in a “hug for all.” I’ve felt the anger, disappointment, frustration, and disconnection when the ugh sticks and I regret letting my own desire to be involved take over.
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Can I put my own desire to be involved aside for the greater good of the other two parties, their relationship, and mine with them? Can I draw and maintain a boundary, although they might not want me to and get angry or frustrated when I do?
“Ugh!”Many times you and I know how to detach and listen with out favoritism. We have been told that our listening ear made all of the difference. Truth be told, we might thrive on being in this role and we don’t hesitate to make the time by listen ing and offering guidance and suggestions. We might think “Ugh,” but we say, “Yes.”
Conflict Corner: The Ugh Factor
happened to you? Two relatives or friends have a conflict and you get a call from one of them to tell you all about it. You listen. You comment. You show support. Before you know it, the other person reach
Barbara Bailey is the co-founder and CEO of The Healing Bridge Foundation.
Ugh. I thought they settled it.
By Barbara A. Bailey, PhD
You say, “What?” but you think,
However, when it comes to a personal connection, whether it be friends, relatives, children, significant others, partners, and spouses, we take the risk inherent in the emotional ties that bind. That risk rests in the possibility that “two against one” means you are the one. You can find yourself being the target of the conflict before you realize that it changed, and you wonder how in the world did it happen.
Here is something that works for me. I don’t like the middle seat. The middle seat on a plane can make me feel hemmed in. The middle seat in a restaurant booth can make me a bit antsy. Being the third side of a triangle in a personal situation can make me feel like I’m in the middle seat. If I sit there, it reflects a choice that I make to be involved, risk and all. Although sometimes not my first choice, if I choose not to sit in the middle, it can be my best choice. What seat works best for you? Let choosing your Ugh become a part of your positive conflict management practice.
HasUgh.You.it
and for me, since day one! She was the first person I told I was writing a book and has been my most loyal beta reader ever since!” And all the support has cer tainly paid off.
The staff at Our Town wish Sara McGee the best in her journey both personally and as a writer. Thank you for sharing your gifts through your writing as you help those around you heal and break their own cycles. Sara McGee’s novel, From the Ashes, can be found on Amazon.com and Kindle Unlimited.
From the Ashes Continued from page 9
Q: With so many options, who can be trusted with your real estate needs?
Simply Karen has you covered.
More information on Facebook at Sara McGee and on Instagram at @saramcgee
A: Karen Lickay is your outstanding solution.
put,
A: Karen is a bold visionary. At the young age of 23, she immigrated to America from Argentina. With only a suitcase, she used her determination, tenacity and magnetic personality to cultivate a real estate business and life right here in Gwinnett County. Karen knows and loves her Lilburn community, which is why she brings a passion for helping others succeed. She has an attentive eye for detail and knowledge that can only come from two decades of experience. Karen’s dedication shows in her responsiveness and determination. Her ability to communicate thoroughly and effectively in both English and Spanish (with a dash of Italian) has proven invaluable to her clients.
Q: What sets Karen apart?
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especially when it comes to such heavy topics. In fact, the task almost got the best of McGee. She remembers, “The month I was set to pub lish, I almost didn’t. I almost pulled the whole book. I was feeling very vulnerable as I never told anyone what I had been through, and I was scared of what people would say or think.” But in the end, she showed us why she is so wonderful and did the bravest move yet –she published. “I read it one last time and sent the final version to be published and didn’t think about it again.” And the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. With her friends supporting her as she wrote, McGee was able to craft a tale that portrays an all-too-common circumstance and shows readers the strength needed to change. She particularly wanted to recognize her friend Alyssa Karney. She says Karney is “…basically my little sister. She has been there for the book,
September 2022 Our Town Gwinnett PAGE 11 770-776-6033 www.KarenAtlantaHomes.com 650 Hillcrest Rd NW #500, Lilburn, GA 30047
Many of those in the Snellville community will recognize the name Summit Chase, which has been part of the Snellville neighbor hood for nearly fifty years. But while the Summit Chase so many grew up with was an amazing place to visit, there have been some chang es that everyone in the area can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a great way to spend your day outdoors, Summit Chase has a little something for every one.“We’re reinventing our selves,” said Don Britt, who has owned Summit Chase alongside his family for decades. “We have something new and different that’s available to every one in the community.”
Naturally, a farm-to-table model has given Don and the team the oppor tunity to connect with and order from many local farms. They even plan to visit some local farmer’s markets to ensure that every ingredient on their table is fresh and homegrown from a trusted source.
Find Your Community at Summit Chase
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Of course, the weekends are another great time to stop by The Pub, thanks to the live music playing every Friday night. And nothing makes a date night better than delicious food combined with beautiful scenery and an atmosphere designed to make you feel right at home, which you will find at both The Kitchen and The Pub every weekend.
Another popular use of the Summit Chase grounds is for weddings and other special events. With gorgeous scenery and a new lawn, your wed ding or party will have the perfect blend of a lovely view and amenities to make the experience unforgettable.
Because The Kitchen at Summit Chase is so committed to only serving the freshest food available, they have created a unique and delicious menu that will be unlike any other restaurant experience you’ve had. Chef Alex, who is the mastermind behind these savory meals, has worked hard to create an atmosphere that encourages you to try new foods while getting to know some of your neighbors.
“Since our food is locally sourced, eating here means supporting family businesses,” said Don. “We opened the restaurant in March, and it’s been really fun to get to know the local farmers and talk to them every time they come to drop off more food.”
Though membership is not required, there are still some membership perks available. Things like swim and tennis are still popular among local members – though Don says pickleball is quickly overtaking everything else when it comes to participation.
By Kristen Eleveld
Continued on page 20
Don and the team are especially excited about The Kitchen at Summit Chase, which is a farm-to-table restaurant designed to give people a great meal filled with only the freshest foods. One of the best parts about The Kitchen is that its doors are open to all. No membership is required to enjoy a meal at The Kitchen or at The Pub right next door.
The Kitchen has also spent some time adding a little extra fun into the mix, especially over at The Pub. The middle of the week is a lot more exciting thanks to themed evenings like Whiskey Wednesday and Wined Down Thursday. Summit Chase also hosts a variety of classes, like how to make a charcuterie board, and plans to host a special wine dinner in the summer. You can even be part of a cornhole league on Tuesday nights while you enjoy the tasty treats that Alex and the staff have prepared. Be sure to register at Peach State Cornhole to be part of the cornhole league!
Five Forks Library2780 Five Forks Trickum Road, Lawrenceville (Mike770-978-5600Owens-chapter leader – 225-315-0851)
Always Fresh Restaurant 5394 Five Forks Trickum Rd, Lilburn 678-380-4656
3rd Tuesday of the Month - Lilburn
The book store has 32 authors and over 80 books.
3. Teamwork:
TUCKER Hugh Howell Marketplace Hugh Howell Rd, Ste 650 Tucker, GA 30084 (770) 538-1790
Continued page
If you ask a veteran what they “did” on active duty, the answer will be impressive. During their time in the military, service members expe rience continuous on-the-job learning, constantly gaining new skillsets and specialties within new teams and environments. As agile, resourceful learners, veterans can pivot on a dime, bringing tenacity and personal initiative to every challenge.
More information at yellowriverwildlifesanctuary.com, or call 678395-3453
scenthound.com
on
Monthly meetings are at 6:00 PM.
Meetings: All
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to the glory of
Resilience is part of any service member’s training. Military ser vice members know how to complete the mission set before them, whether it’s deployment to crisis areas, moving families to a new base or country, sacrificing holidays and time with loved ones, or enormous physical and mental challenges.
ers to ensure that every animal was cared for with love and expertise. Volunteers are able to sign up to teach people about their favorite animal on site or to walk the trails and help people find their way. And, of course, the community has rallied around Yellow River, whether through their multiple visits to see the animals or signing up to take a shift to tell visi tors about Lopsy the bison.
To help you understand the value-add veterans are to the businesses and organizations that hire them, MMA has highlighted four skills former service members bring to the table.
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
www.scribblersweb.com
“ZOOM” chapter meets the last Monday of every month, anyone can https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86306717298attend.
4. Leadership: Adaptability, resilience, and teamwork are all skills that ultimately
all have a
Each year, the U.S. military generates thousands of professionals with highly specialized, transferable skills. Beyond technical and operational expertise, every service member gains skills that help keep teams afloat and foster cohesion and productivity, serving them well in their civilian careers. It’s important to recognize the value of these skills that veter ans bring to businesses and organizations that employ them. Microsoft Military Affairs (MMA) – which helps veterans and transitioning service members get their footing in tech – recognizes veterans’ unquantifiable value and experience in their civilian work.
Overcoming obstacles and “staying on target” served a veteran well during his or her military service and will continue to serve him or her as a civilian and private sector professional, particularly as the work envi ronment and customer needs continue to evolve.
OURTOWN.
2. Resilience:
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To receive 10% discount on book purchase mention
Cybersecurity, cloud administration, and cloud application develop ment are quickly evolving fields that require adaptability, which former
At the end of the day, the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary serves two purposes. One, of course, is to give a safe and loving home to animals in need. But the other is for those who visit, as it offers a peaceful, educa tional experience that people of all ages can enjoy.
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service members have in spades. This adapt ability allows veterans to thrive in an envi ronment of constant flux and bridge critical knowledge gaps that drive new solutions to business challenges.
Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary Continued from page 5
“We story to tell, God”
“We have five kids, so we understand chaos!” said Katy. “But when you come here, you can make it whatever you want it to be. Walk through the paths slowly, spend all your time petting the sheep, go feed the donkey –you get to decide what your experience will be.”
1. Adaptability:
3rd Wednesday of the Month - Tucker/Norcross
Teamwork is a critical skill in the military because members must operate in unison for the mission to succeed. This “stronger together” mindset cultivates a deep understanding of the value each member brings to a team and how to facilitate trust to develop cohesion.
Military Matters: Four Skills Veterans Bring as Team Members in Civilian Careers
Veterans know how to join, develop, and empower a team to operate as a unit. These interpersonal skills allow former service members to work productively and establish trust with different groups and personalities, fostering collaboration and teamwork.
If you’re ready to visit Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, they are ready to see you! See how your favorite animals are doing or maybe learn about something new. Like Jonathan and Katy say, this sanctuary isn’t just for the animals.
PAGE 14 Become an Advertising Partner: Info@OurTown Gwinnett.com or 678-825-2049 Understanding VA Aid & Attendance Program Benefits Thursday, September 29 | 11 a.m. 1900 Tree Lane Snellville, GA 30078 If you’re a veteran or spouse eligible for a VA pension, you may qualify for additional benefits to subsidize your housing in an assisted living or memory care community. Join us for an informative discussion on VA benefits. You’ll learn who qualifies, what documents are necessary and how to get started on the application process. We’re here to support you. RSVP by September 26 to 678-841-0030. For the safety and well-being of all residents and guests, all recommended safety precautions will be taken. Please call to inquire about our safety measures for this event. PRESENTED BY WILLIAM J. KIERNAN, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care SHERIDANEASTSIDE.COM
Bring on the Community with Peach State Cornhole
Continued on page
Now, this small, local cornhole league has grown into hundreds of teams covering the entire state – and people can’t get enough of it.
16
Back in 2013, Nick had just moved to Gwinnett County from Ohio, where cornhole is a popular pastime. Nick is all about commu nity, so he decided to see if anyone was interested in forming some teams to play for fun. He wound up with eight teams in the Suwanee area, formed by a love of creating new rela tionships and trying something new.
By Kristen Eleveld
make veterans agile, thoughtful leaders on any team. While the pressures they face on active duty are very different from those they’ll face in civil ian life, veterans can be relied on to bring decisiveness and poise to even the most stressful environments.
More information at Military.Microsoft.com
Military Matters
Continued from page 13
Former service members are steady, focused, and equipped to make tough decisions in some of the most stressful situations. As crisis man agers, they know how to manage stress, deescalate, and provide balance in a challenging environment. This advanced degree of “grace under pressure” allows former service members to push through when a project doesn’t go according to plan, find a solution, and lead a team to success. These are just a few of the core skills veterans bring to their jobs outside of military service. (BPT)
1040
1031 Lawrenceville Hwy.
Gwinnett Chapel
September 2022 Our Town Gwinnett PAGE 15 678-469-1599 | scottpressurewash@gmail.com 678-469-1599 | scottpressurewash@gmail.com To schedule a tour or to request FREE Planning information, call 770-277-4550 or visit WagesandSons.com today. Owned by the Wages Family Accommodating all Cultures, Religions and Rituals WE INVITE YOU TO EXPERIENCE OUR GWINNETT CHAPEL l Funeral & Cremation Services l Onsite Crematory l Onsite Reception Center l Cremation Security Guarantee l No-cost Grief Support: Check Out Our Online Fall Grief Support Series l Pre-planning Services
There are lots of ways to spend your weeknights, but only one that will help you polish your handeye coordination skills, allow you to meet new friends, and even become a champion. Yes, of course, we are talking about the game of cornhole. And no one does it better than Peach State Cornhole, founded by Gwinnett’s own Nick Boyers.
Stone Mountain, GA
Stone Mountain Chapel Main Street
“We never knew it would get this big!” said Nick. “This was founded out of a desire to form new relationships, and now we are in thirty loca tions across the state.”
Lawrenceville, GA
Nick and his team encourage anyone to play, whether you are an expert at tossing a bean bag or whether you just heard of cornhole this week. Divided into three divisions – the expert Ringers, the intermediate
Peach State Cornhole
“We’re here more for the personal connection rather than just corn hole,” said Nick. “We want people to come out and play because they have formed great relationships with other players.”
By Pam Walker
Travel Tales: Las Vegas Revisited!
More information at www.peachstatecornhole.com, or call (678) 8358090
Shows are back, headliners are back – but restaurants and things seem to be OK. Afterhours fun spots are not full and live music is hard to find. The blackjack tables and “one-armed bandits” are not full either. Vegas is still hurting.
Continued from page 15
Live it up. Love Vegas! Love Travel!
Slingers, and the beginner Dingers – the league is intentionally designed to help you have fun whether you win the game or not. Players can sign up on a team or as a free agent.
PAGE 16 Become an Advertising Partner: Info@OurTown Gwinnett.com or 678-825-2049 Dr. Kristine Mycroft, DMD Dr. Jimmy Balkcom, DMD 2175 North Rd SW, Snellville NorthRoadFamilyDental.com (770) 284-9171
Proudly serving our community for more than 20 years.
Every year since 2000, I have attended a meeting of 5,000 travel providers from around the world, held at Bellagio in Las Vegas. For the last two years, the meeting has been held virtually because of Covid.
The world is returning to normal, and Las Vegas is trying to get back, too. I am going to be so happy to see all those friends and contacts from Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa! What a great time for us all. But if you ever wanted to enjoy Las Vegas without the crowds, now is the time to visit!
Enter 2022 and here I am arriving at Bellagio Hotel & Casino for the live ver sion of Virtuoso Travel Week! My flight was full of people, excited to have a great time again. The Harry Reid International Airport (formerly known as McCarran International Las Vegas) was fairly empty on arrival compared with pre-pandemic crowds.Even traffic is not what it used to be in this desert town. Where are all those people looking forward to getting into the gambling scene again and playing the tables and seeing the shows? The hotels have had two years to spruce things up and get back into the meeting mode that used to prevail and when tourists flocked to the casinos, too.
Peach State Cornhole also enjoys participating in community events throughout the year. They partner with many non-profit organizations and charities around Georgia to help them bring awareness to their cause and needs. Whether an organization is hoping to raise money or bring in new volunteers, Nick and his team work to tailor their part of the experience to turn those goals into a reality. They even help organizations gain height ened awareness through the extensive network of 10,000 people that have signed up for Peach State Cornhole since its beginnings. Anyone who wants to talk with Nick or the Peach State Cornhole crew about making cornhole part of their next event or fundraiser should email info@peach statecornhole.com.ForNickandeveryone on the Peach State Cornhole team, the bottom line is connection. They want to use these leagues to bring friends and strangers together in a way that fosters new connections and memorable experiences.“We’vegot something for everyone,” said Nick. “All skill levels and ages are welcome!”
Of course, just because the league is all about fun doesn’t mean it doesn’t take its cornhole playing seriously. Each season, four times per year, Peach State Cornhole hosts a state tournament that consists of the top three teams from each skill division – and gives out over $3,000 worth of prizes. Last year’s championship was held at Slow Pour Brewery in Lawrenceville.Ifyou’reinterested in playing, it’s never to late to start. Be warned, though. Once you start playing, you may never want to stop.
But times have changed. As I check in, I hear from staff that they, like so many industries, are low on staff. Gone are the room amenities and turn down service. You must ask for those now. When you do, they apolo gize saying that due to low staff levels it could be an hour or more to have that bathrobe and slippers delivered. You also must ask for shampoo and conditioner as well. Where baths used to be loaded with designer special ties and soaps, now there are “no name” brands.
Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More information at pam@ walkeradventures.com
I’m going back to grad school in the fall, and I’d like to state publicly that it is all my Great Aunt Gail’s fault. Years ago, when I decided to become a teacher, my aunt was an excellent resource: former teacher, for mer principal, and former assistant super intendent. What she said went. I thought once I completed my Masters of Education that I’d never have to sit at a student desk again. That was my first mistake. My sec ond was calling that same great aunt on the way home from work one afternoon when I’d finished my audiobook and wasn’t in the mood for music. So I called her to say hello. The ride home from work is often where I catch up and make short calls – hands free, of course. We chatted about this and that – can’t remember exactly what about now – but near the end of the call, my Aunt Gail did what she’s always done. She was direct.
Back to School – Grad School, That Is
Five-year plan?! I was proud I knew what my next unit would be. I was proud that I might know what to make for dinner that night. I was proud
So, all of this is to say, if you’ve torn open issues of Our Town eagerly looking for articles specifically written by yours truly, then you’ll have to content yourself with back issues of the previous 54 I’ve already written for a good while. This wife/mother/teacher/quilter will be headed back to grad school for her specialist degree and, possibly, doctorate. Instead of dazzling the citizens of Gwinnett with my thoughts and showcasing our Gwinnett County Schools graduates, I’ll be attempting to impress professors at KSU. Heck, maybe MY high school alma mater will show case me. As you miss my articles and pine for my wit and insights, take
September 2022 Our Town Gwinnett PAGE 17
“Well,” I stammered. “I was thinking at some point of going back to grad school. Maybe I’ll get my specialist or my doctorate.”
Covid. But there was one rare thing that resulted from Covid that was a perk. Up until this time, online classes had a stigma. And online education courses could be overpriced and limited in their offerings. Convenience is expensive, right? Once the general population got a taste of working from home, there was a demand for more. So now I had more options and didn’t have to wait until my children were older before going back. I didn’t have to take MARTA down to Georgia State University throughout the work week like I did when I was 24 after teach ing each day. Kennesaw State University (KSU) would allow me to work from my living room, or bedroom, or basement crafting room.
Sherie’s advice? Join a hiking group and get moving! You never know where it will take you!
Point as it was going to be a beautiful sunrise. Festo (my guide) took pictures for me because of all my layers there would be no way I could push a button. They say once you make it to Stella Point, it’s easy to reach Uhuru Peak (highest point). I say – FALSE! Little by little we moved forward. Glaciers were all around. It was cold! But the feeling you have once you make it is unbelievable. 19,341 feet! Highest point in Africa. Highest I have ever climbed. And I did it on my own two feet!!”
As all of the oxygen returned to Sherie’s bloodstream and the real processing began, the reality of her accomplishment began to take hold. Reading back over all of the comments that had been made by her friends and family was a humbling experience. Sherie tentatively reached out to “see” if anyone was interested in perhaps a Zoom presentation of her trip. They were, and it is exciting to Sherie that some of the very same technol ogy that caused so much stress at the beginning of virtual learning – and has become an integral part of everyday life – will allow Sherie to take everyone along on her journey.
“Alright, girl, what is your five-year plan?”
I didn’t lie to my aunt. I really had considered it many times. But something always came up. Some reason. Finances. Buying a home. A car. Having kids. My side business. There was always something there to get in the way just enough to make the idea of more graduate studies unappetizing.Thencame
my essays were finished being graded. I was too proud to say, “I don’t know,” and disappoint her.
Climbing Mountains
Continued on page 22
Isn’t it funny how you know someone is nodding when speaking on the phone? I could feel her nodding as I spoke. She approved of this plan. She’d done the same thing in her own time. So, I was relieved that she agreed. But now I had to follow through.
By K. Coats
Continued from page 8
The soul-searching part of the journey was something unexpected and Sherie remembers having to dig deep in order to move forward. Also unexpected was the degree to which the old adage, “What goes up, must come down” applied to the trip down Kilimanjaro. Rocks and gravel were fairly unforgiving on knees and the path was not something that could be made easier by wishing it away. “I was ready to quit hiking forever!” recalls Sherie. “I was crying inside my head and was mad at myself despite the beauty of the summit.”
Turned out, things did get better. Food, water, rest, the restorative pow ers of Ibuprofen, and the beautiful songs of the porters proved enough to get Sherie down the mountain. “Watching the habitats change before my eyes was amazing and I knew I was close to the end when we got back to the rain forest,” recalls Sherie.
Community art has been around since ancient civilizations. Even early societies understood the importance of art and what it could do for society as a whole. According to Bold Business in an article by Imelda Rabang entitled Art And Its Impact on Society: Art Districts Revitalizing Communities, com munity art can help cities attract tourists and diverse talent, can bring about innovation, and can help grow the economy.
Artworks Gwinnett Asks for Community Feedback for Create Gwinnett
Create Gwinnett began by getting county leaders and officials involved. With their con tinued support, as well as the engagement and support of the municipalities that make up Gwinnett County, the idea is to create a plan that will feed into both the county’s 2040 Unified Plan and the Economic Development Plan created by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.
But for now when it comes to running, Harmonee’s main focus isn’t just about the winning.
“It shows that I can do anything that I put my mind to if I don’t quit,”
According to Holmes, Create Gwinnett is “simply our way of giving back where there’s a legacy that kids are developed, educated, and successful. And that’s really our mantra for the kids coming up behind us.”
For now, Holmes calls it a grassroots effort and he’s asking people who “live, work, and/or play” in the county to be involved and engaged and to share their ideas.
While living in Florida where running track is a community sport, Harmonee started running at an early age. It’s there where she earned her titles in not just one, but in three of the four events. Harmonee and her family moved to Georgia a couple of years ago, and she has continued to train and compete in track and field. Running means a lot to her.
PAGE 18 Become an Advertising Partner: Info@OurTown Gwinnett.com or 678-825-2049
Meet Harmonee Hill: Holds Champion Titles in Track and Field
Gwinnett leaders understand the connec tion and importance of art in the community, and cities around the county continue to enhance their communities with a variety of public art.
At its core, Create Gwinnett focuses on how arts and culture help foster economic prosperity in the county. Once established, it will be the first comprehensive plan for a culture and creative economy in Gwinnett.
A series of county meetings were held in August for residents to give their feedback and ideas as the plan is developed to enhance the county’s
Her mother, Erin Hill, a teacher in the Gwinnett County school system, said the transition from training in Florida in a group situation to a pri vate trainer in Georgia was a challenge for Harmonee at first, but she has adjusted well. Harmonee is social, and working and training with peers has been good for her.
Harmonee makes it a point to continually run her best, and she works to improve with each run and each event.
Currently a comprehensive inventory of all the assets in the county is taking place and they’re looking at opportunities for future projects such as painted crosswalks, bridges, school curriculums, and where to put public art.
By Tana Poncsak
Harmonee Hill is a middle-schooler who is artistic, loves school, makes straight As, and likes to spend time playing video games with her older brother, Romance. She is also a national champ!Harmonee holds the champion title in four track and field events: 2022 Indoor Season for AAU National Championship 60 Meters, 2019 AAU Club National Championship 1500 Meter, the 10-year-old 4 By 100 Meter Relay, and 2018 AAU Club National Championship 4 By 400 Meter Relay, all in her age group.
she said. “Running also helps me develop skills like confidence and independence.”AndHarmonee’s confidence and independence, along with her pas sion for running and competing, has garnered the attention of many who know her, including her previous teachers and principal at Shiloh Elementary School.
“When it is time for me to compete, winning is not my focus,” she said. “I focus strictly on executing my races the way that my coach trains me to do. In the end, winning makes me feel good about myself.”
can grow and use their talents can also be a vital part of a community and its economy. And perhaps there’s not a better place to promote and recognize art as part of economic development other than Gwinnett County.
Leading the organization and Create Gwinnett is Jonathan Holmes, chair of Artworks Gwinnett and cofounder of Mighty 8th Media in Buford.Holmes said the driving force behind art as part of a thriving economy was penned by John Howkins and his idea of a creative economy. The notion substantiates a community that intentionally marries the ideas of economic development with a plan to drive creative expression within theHolmescommunity.described it similar to how a community builds an athletic program that starts with a youth league. From there, with the help of coaches and others, communities are able to develop talent and foster a love for the game. By high school, athletic programs can be filled with athletes who are passionate and have cultivated their talent for the sport. But not everyone is athletically inclined. What about those who are artistic and creatively inclined? Building a community where residents
“The county has been amazing for me,” Holmes said. “I started my own business here. The county has helped with growth and sup port. We’ve been able to be successful by being involved in the county.”
“My favorite event to compete in is the 200 meters,” she said. “I enjoy watching my times drop because it makes me feel accomplished.”
Harmonee continues to travel to meets running in her events, meeting new friends, and seeing familiar faces. And while she has some time before making it to high school, Harmonee already has aspirations of running for her high school track team.
Now the county is taking the notion of public art to the next level with Create Gwinnett through Artworks Gwinnett, a nonprofit organization with a mission to strengthen the cultural quality of life for the citizens of Gwinnett County by identifying talent, businesses, and community leaders who advocate for a creative economy.
By Tana Poncsak
Before long, we may see Harmonee’s name alongside some of the great track and field competitors like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Joan Benoit, and Gail Devers! Congratulations Harmonee! And keep on running.
Continued on page 22
Other areas of service for Create Gwinnett will include volunteers to help with the locations of artwork and the resources needed, from the artists who will perform or create the artwork, to the supplies used, and more. The goal is for all cultures to be represented. Holmes also stressed that all artworks will be planned, not haphazard, and will adhere to the guidelines and stipulations set forth in the master plan.
With Blood Cancer Awareness Month kicking off in September, the SagerStrong Foundation has a series of events coming up to create aware
Continued on page 21
A fourteen-year tradition for eco-fo cused nonprofit Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful (GC&B) was realized on August 12th. Four hundred commu nity, business, educational, and envi ronmental leaders packed the conven tion center at Gas South District to hear Governor Brian Kemp’s thoughts on the state of the environment in Georgia. In addition to the speech from Georgia’s 83rd governor, attend ees were treated to a rousing rendi tion of the National Anthem from Gwinnett Police Department MPO Dustin Martin-Young, the awarding of several scholarships to up-and-coming environmental stewards, and the presentation of the 2022 Environmental Consciousness and Stewardship (ECoS) Awards.
September 2022 Our Town Gwinnett PAGE 19
Continued on page 22
The Foundation has raised over 2.5 million dollars to help fund blood cancer research, including two clinical trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. These important trials support Dr. Naveen Pemmaraju’s (Craig’s doctor) research with current Myelofibrosis patients and patients with Advanced Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.
Foundation Spotlight – The SagerStrong Foundation
Governor inEnvironmentalKemp’sAddressGwinnett
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
The SagerStrong Foundation was founded in 2016 by former Hall of Fame and two-time Emmy Award Sportscaster Craig Sager and his wife Stacy, to fund and support blood cancer research, trials, and program ming, so that one day blood cancer patients and families will not have to go through the battle they endured.
Introduced by Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson, Governor Kemp spoke to the fact that Georgia has emerged from the pandemic even stronger than before, setting new records for job growth and economic development. With 51,332 jobs and $21 billion in investments on the horizon, he asserted his belief that Georgia is the best state to work, live, and raise a family. The governor insisted that even though Georgia, Metro Atlanta, and Gwinnett have
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
More information at www.thekitchenatsummitchase.com Remarks
PAGE 20 Become an Advertising Partner: Info@OurTown Gwinnett.com or 678-825-2049
You see, price is price. Value is about your brand. Thus, value is = goods/services + price + you (your brand). Nobody else can be you. Only you can be you. This is what your brand is all about. If people are only looking for the lowest price – well, wish them good luck and let them look. Once you know what your brand is, you can determine the ways you want to purposefully grow, change, re-frame, promote, and/or strengthen
Continued from page 12
“I love working here because every day you get to meet new people and see new things,” said Don. “We hope that everyone can come out and visit us this summer!”
Ryan’s
Continued from page 7
At the end of the day, Don and the team at Summit Chase just want the community to know they are there for a delicious, enjoyable, and commu nity-based experience.
your current brand position. So, how do you define your brand? Does it matter? You Remember,bet!we all have a brand, and there is no better time than now to address it. Thank you, as always, for your support and for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN
Summit Chase
To help simplify this subject, I have developed a BRAND acronym. A BRAND can be considered the Baseline (measurement) of one’s Reputation, Attributes, Name, and Distinctiveness. Reputation is all you or your organization stands for. Attributes are the characteristics others use when describing you. Your Name suggests something (good, bad, or indifferent) when one hears it. Your Distinctiveness answers the question, “What makes you unique?” Or, “So What, Why You, Who cares?”
More information at www.GwinnettCB.org.
• Green Government of the Year: The City of Lawrenceville for its citywide sanitation and recycling efforts
Kemp’s
To round out the event, a number of scholarships were presented to recent high school graduates and Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) stu dents. GGC’s Brian Land and Ngoc Lan Thanh Le were each awarded $2,500 scholarships from Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful. Former Green Youth Advisory Council members, Daniel Jung and Logan Zimmerman, were each awarded $2,000 Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Jim Steele Environmental Education Scholarships.
September 2022 Our Town Gwinnett PAGE 21 WATC is a non-profit television station serving Metro Atlanta and beyond with family, christian, and educational programming for over 25 years! Available on all platforms: ContactFollowus:us: Including cable, satellite, digital antena, Roku, live streaming and through our app in the App Store, Google Play and more! **WATC TOO does not air currently on Xfinity or Direct TV** (770)www.WATC.tv300-9828info@WATC.tv DO YOU WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR ORGANIZATION OR AIR YOUR TV SHOW? WATC@watctvatlantafacebook.com/watctvatlantaTV57Atlanta
“We were so honored to have Governor Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, their daughter Lucy, and members of his office staff join us for the 14th Environmental Address,” said Schelly Marlatt, Executive Director of Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful. “This was his second time before the GC&B podium, and he did not disappoint. His speech was fifteen pages long – that’s fifteen pages of amazing strides being made in Gwinnett County and throughout the state of Georgia. By the time he was done, every guest in that room was swelling with collective pride over the accomplishments that have been made and those yet to come. Before he was an elected official, he was an agriculture grad from the University of Georgia and an entrepreneur. He connected with our audience on so many levels, and he has a deep understanding of the environment’s role in economic success. We applaud the advances he and his administration are making on behalf of the environment and the people of Georgia.”
• Green Community Partner of the Year: Gwinnett County Police Department for its efforts to help GC&B combat graffiti, illegal dumping, and urban camping
been heralded for their efforts with a number of accolades, it’s import ant not to rest on their collective laurels. With quality of life – spanning from the North Georgia mountains to the Golden Isles – as one of Georgia’s greatest appeals, Kemp pointed to investments in state parks, as well as water and air quality infrastructure.
• Volunteer of the Year: Angela Hamlet for her tireless devotion to keeping her community clean and beautiful, including the adoption of four roads through the Adopt-A-Road program
The winners of the 2022 ECoS Awards were also announced:
Address Continued from page 19
Highlighting its impact on economic growth, Kemp believes the state of Georgia’s environment makes the state attractive to a growing number of companies. Recognized as a national leader in the Electric Vehicle industry and designated as #3 in the country for environmen tal sustainability by Site Selection Magazine, Georgia has gained the attention of companies like Rivian and Hyundai Motor Group. Late last year, Rivian announced the expansion of its manufacturing operations with the opening of a second plant in Georgia – with a $5 billion site east of Atlanta in Morgan and Walton Counties – set to create 7,500 jobs. In May 2022, Hyundai announced a $5.54 billion investment in the opening of its first state-of-the-art U.S. smart factory in Bryan County, delivering an estimated 8,100 new jobs to Georgia’s coastal region. The creation of the Georgia Electric Mobility and Innovation Alliance in July 2021 will continue to pave the way for electric mobil ity infrastructure in the state.
• Jim Steele Education Award: Lovin Elementary School for its tex tiles recycling, composting, and community garden initiatives
• Connie Wiggins Legacy Award: Jim Steele – longtime COO of Gwinnett County’s Board of Education, as well as Charter Member, former Board Chairman and Emeritus Board Member of Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful. Awarded posthumously, it was accepted by Adele Steele, who created and funded the Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Jim Steele Environmental Education Scholarship in honor of her late hus bandNow that the 14th Environmental Address is one for the history books, the next events on Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful’s calendar are the Yellow River Trash Bash on Saturday, September 10th, Great Days of Service in late October, and America Recycles Day at Coolray Field on Saturday, November 5th.
More information at www.mountainparkumc.org/lunchesoflove
More information at https://www.artworksgwinnett.org/create-gwin nett/ comfort from the same thing I’ll be telling myself as I reply to tedious message boards and annotate article after article – this is all my Aunt Gail’s fault.
PAGE 22 Become an Advertising Partner: Info@OurTown Gwinnett.com or 678-825-2049
overall master plan.
Lunches of Love – Feeding Families, One Bag at a Time
The SagerStrong Foundation Celebration Braves Game will take place on October 2nd at Truist Park. Participants in the run and non-partic ipants can purchase discounted tickets to the Braves vs. Mets game to support the Foundation. Everyone purchasing tickets in the SagerStrong section that day will be a part of a pre-game parade on the field and will get the opportunity to be the first to see the SagerStrong Bentley when it debuts in Atlanta!
The SagerStrong Foundation is working with the American Red Cross on a blood and platelets drive for the month of September as well. Please visit https://sagerstrongfoundation.org for more information.
More information at www.sagerstrongfoundation.org .
Continued from page 19
The SagerStrong Foundation
Finally, the SagerStrong Bentley will head out on a nationwide tour to be autographed by athletes. It will be auctioned off in early 2023 to raise funds for blood cancer research. The organization is honored to work with Bentley Motors on this important project.
MPUMC’s tenth summer of Lunches of Love Food Delivery is under way! There are three ways to help: 1. Donate any items on the approved Grocery List to fill the Weekly Food Bags; 2. Donate a Weekly Food bag already filled with non-perishable food; and 3. Donate money for purchases of supplies or needed food.
Substitutions may be needed. Patrons are encouraged to use their best judgement to choose replacement items, but are asked to not omit any items on the list. The goal is at least 8-10 servings in each bag, and expired items are not accepted. The MPUMC volunteers will purchase and distribute loaves of bread along with these bags, so bread is not needed.Inaddition to summer lunches, MPUMC also provides school supplies, household items, clothing, diapers, books, food boxes, Thanksgiving meals, and a free Christmas Shoppe. This program is run entirely by volunteers and exists through generous donations of food, supplies, and
Continued from page 17
ness and to fundraise in memory of Craig to support the organization’s mission.TheSagerStrong Stadium Fun Run at Truist Park will take place on Sunday, September 11th at 8:00 a.m. Sponsored in part by Walmart and Northside, the Fun Run is a family friendly event that includes a 3K Stadium Fun Run/Walk and a Kids Dash (ages 7 and under). This year, the Atlanta Braves 2021 World Champions Trophy will join in the fun as participants finish the race on the warning track at the fourth annual event. Visit runsignup.com/sagerstrong to register.
Continued from page 18
If you didn’t get the opportunity to attend one of the county meetings, there are ways to get involved. You can still have a voice by participating in the survey on the Create Gwinnett website and/or signing up to volun teer. The survey will be available until September 30, 2022.
This program began in 2013 when MPUMC partnered with individuals and groups in the community to gather food and other necessities to deliver to those in Gwinnett and sur rounding areas who are isolated due to poverty or lack of transportation or other resources. What began as a summer lunch program quickly became a year-round outpouring of love. Many times the meals they pro vide are the only meals some of those families will eat in a given day.
Non-perishable food donations may be dropped off in the Family Life Center/Community Room at Mountain Park United Methodist Church, 1405 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain, 30087 (use Popular Drive entrance) between these times: Sundays 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., and Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Afterhours drop boxes are available as well.
By Traci Sanders
Mountain Park United Methodist Church’s (MPUMC) mission encour ages us to “Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” And this church is living out that mission in many ways, one of which is through their program called Lunches of Love.
Weekly Food Bags are also welcome. Donors may choose to bring in pre-filled bags in accordance with the approved grocery list, which includes items such as pretzels, chips, microwave popcorn, peanut butter, oatmeal or grits, and canned noodles or meat.
It has become a Lunches of Love tradition to give each teen/child a new ball each summer. On Sports Day, they start with the oldest teens, giving them first choice of balls since teens are often involved with high school sports teams and need practice balls. These older teens are also challenged to serve as role models for the younger kids to give them “someone worth looking up to.” The following ball sizes are always accepted: sizes 4 and 5 soccer balls, official-sized footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, four-square balls, Hula Hoops®, Frisbees®, and jumpTheropes.director of Lunches of Love shared with me, “Our Lunches of Love theme is ‘love your neighbor.’ One of the most special things about this program is the relationships that are built through it. We celebrate ten-year-old kids that we met as infants, high school graduates that come back and visit us, and grandparent volunteers who serve with us and men tor the kids. We have spent time at hospitals sitting with worried family members or visiting new babies. We have grieved together as a communi ty through funerals of friends who have been lost too soon. We celebrate the things that bond us – friendships, family, community, love. There is no way to measure ‘who’ receives more from each encounter, between our Lunches of Love volunteers and the neighbors we seek to serve.”
Back to School – Grad School
“We cannot wait until September and October to bring the SagerStrong mission to life here in Atlanta,” said Stacy Sager, the Foundation’s president. “We’re excited to share both the Stadium Fun Run and the SagerStrong Bentley with our hometown next month, to continue to build Craig’s legacy in Sager Style!”
Create Gwinnett
money. In addition, each summer MPUMC hands out full-sized back packs full of supplies to kids and teens. Some of the most-needed dona tions are: new full-sized 17” or larger backpacks, 1” notebooks, packs of subject dividers, filler paper (college rule and wide rule), scissors (blunt and pointed tip), 24-pack Crayola® crayons, composition books, packs of markers, packs of colored pencils, packs of pencils, 100 count packs of 3” x 5” index cards, 3-prong folders with pockets, and dry erase markers.
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