Director of Major Accounts & Digital Sales Mary Ann Holland maryann.holland@gwinnettdailypost.com (816) 489-8742
Registration begins soon at UGA Gwinnett for OLLI classes for adults age 50 and up
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Georgia, known as OLLI @ UGA is expanding its service to include classes at the UGA campus in Gwinnett County. Beginning in June, registration will be open for one of the many classes offered this summer for adults age 50 and older.
“Lifelong learning is one of the ways that can really impact one’s quality of life as one gets older,” according to OLLI Executive Director Tim Meehan. He said the National Institute on Aging highlights six key areas for healthy aging: physical activity, healthy eating, cognitive stimulation, social connections, regular check-ups and addressing mental health. He said OLLI meets four of those topics and is a great opportunity for baby boomers and senior adults.
“We’re offering at the moment a selection of classes at the Gwinnett campus,” Meehan said. “We will expand the number of offerings come fall. We’re still in some of the early stages of putting our classes together. We’ve had a decent response from people who are interested. We also have people drive up 316 from Athens for classes here. We want to make it convenient and build a lifelong learning community in Gwinnett.”
OLLI is member led with elected officers and a board, as well
as a professional staff. OLLI @ UGA began in 1994, as Learning in Retirement. It is one of 125 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes of The Bernard Osher Foundation, each affiliated with a college or university across the country.
OLLI @ UGA includes more than 1,000 members from the Athens area. More than 350 non-credit courses are offered each year in literature, history, religion, health, science, food, social sciences, art, architecture, personal finance, computers, lifestyle issues and many more topics.
TIMOTHY MEEHAN
The program also includes travel and study adventures locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. OLLI members took a trip to Iceland last year. A glance at the course catalog shows upcoming trips scheduled to London for “England Gardens and Gardening” later this month; “Montreal and Quebec City Christmas” in mid-December and “Iceland’s Midnight Sun: Glaciers, Geysers and the Golden Circle” next
May. An OLLI tour group recently returned from the trip, “Mexico: Mexcal, Mole, and More.”
There are more than 20 Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) exclusively for members, including hiking, writing, photography, bridge, gardening, music, kayaking and film/book discussions, to name a few. Social events are held throughout the year, including OLLI Fest, luncheons, parties, picnics and volunteer appreciation events.
While a catalog for OLLI @ UGA was not yet available at press time, recent classes held in Athens included such topics as Simple Fitness for Longevity and Vitality; Drawing: Fundamentals; 1960s/1970s Music Roundtable; Try Silk Painting! A Demonstration and Hands-On Class; Garden Bugs and How to Deal with Them; Cataract Surgery: What You Need to Know; The Sermon On the Mount: A Vision of Radical Discipleship and Alternative Community and Disruptive Technologies Coming to Our World, to offer a sampling of OLLI’s Athens catalog.
OLLI’s primary location is UGA’s River Crossing Building at 850 College Station Road in Athens. Locally, classes will be held on the UGA Campus in Gwinnett, located at 2530 Sever Road, Suite 100 in Lawrenceville.
“We are always interested in people’s passions, stories and expertise,” Meehan said. “All of our presenters are volunteers, so if anyone is interested in teaching, the deadline to become a presenter is May 15. Even the faculty from UGA is giving its time to OLLI.”
For more information on upcoming classes at UGA Gwinnett, SIGs, trips or to share your passion, story or expertise as a presenter or teacher for OLLI, contact Meehan and visit the website at www.olli.uga.edu/gwinnett.
A DYNAMIC LEARNING AND SOCIAL COMMUNITY FOR ADULTS
TOP: EXPERTS SHARE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND PASSION WITH OTHERS. BOTTOM: SOME CLASSES INVOLVE LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL AND EVEN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
Aurora Theatre
Aurora Theatre, often called the “crown jewel” of Downtown Lawrenceville has announced its 30th Anniversary Season, which begins later this summer with shows focusing on its theme this year of “Brilliant Together.”
“As we celebrate 30 years of extraordinary storytelling, each show reflects resilience, joy and the power of community—proof that theatre thrives when we come together,” says Tony Sandrew, Aurora’s Director of Marketing. “It’s our diamond anniversary, so we wanted to bring back a few past hits and some new shows for this milestone season. You can subscribe now and lock in your seats and dates so you don’t miss a show.”
Shows for the upcoming 30th season include: The Wiz; Christmas Canteen, an Aurora original classic; The Play That Goes Wrong, a past hit; Initiative, a world-premiere play by Atlanta local playwright Jacob York and In the Heights, a past hit coming back for this milestone season. Season 30 subscriptions are available to purchase at auroratheatre.com.
Believe It or Not: Disney Edition is for children in K-2nd grades and offers an introduction to the wonder of musical theater. This camp is designed to let kids shine as they bring their favorite characters to life. It runs Monday-Friday, July 7-25 from 10:30 a.m.4 p.m.
But first, Aurora continues its exciting spring and early summer lineup which includes the Broadway hit musical Waitress on stage from May 22-June 15. Based on the motion picture written by Adrienne Shelly, Waitress is a homespun tale that features music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Sara Bareilles. Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker dreams of a way out of her small town and a rocky marriage when a pie-baking contest in a nearby county offers the winner a big cash prize. Entertainment Weekly called Waitress “a little slice of heaven.” As a multi-platinum recording artist, Bareilles serves up a “delicious score” that brought a whole new audience to Broadway with her empowering story about the family we choose and “told with extreme heart and irreverent humor.” Waitress, the book, was written by Jessie Nelson.
Summer concerts at Aurora include the number one James Taylor Tribute, “Sweet Baby James” on stage July 18, at 7:30 p.m. and “We Are the Champions: A Celebration of Queen” in a performance July 26, at 7:30 p.m. Aurora hosts comedy nights and many other shows and events throughout the year for people of all ages. For a full schedule of everything happening at the theatre or to purchase tickets, visit www.auroratheatre.com. Aurora Theatre is located in the Lawrenceville Arts Center off the square in Downtown Lawrenceville.
In addition, Aurora’s summer camps for kids is the best ticket in town. Young performers take center stage at Aurora Theatre Academy with two musical theatre camps. Kids in 3rd-6th grades will embark on a wild journey in Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. and those in 7th-12th grades will make waves with The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition. Both camps run MondayFriday, June 2-22, from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., with a final performance on the Aurora Theatre stage.
Additional camps include Puppet Making for grades 4-5, June 2-13, where students in this hands-on class will design, build and bring their own puppets to life, as well as explore storytelling and performance skills. Costuming for the Stage, June 2-13, is for kids in 6th-12th grades, as they explore the art of costume creation from concept to construction and work on projects. Dog Man Experience: Unleashed, June 23-27, for kids in 1st-5th grades is a fun-filled acting class inspired by the beloved book series. The class brings Dog Man and his friends to life through creative drama, improvisation and storytelling. Young actors will act out scenes from the book. Film Series Part 1 – Acting for the Camera, June 23-27, is for students in 3rd-12th grades and will dive into the world of on-screen performance. This class focuses on the unique skills needed for acting in front of a camera, including hitting marks, delivering lines with authenticity and adjusting for closeups.
Aurora Theatre Academy presents Dog Man Experience: Grime and Punishment, July 7-11, a camp for kids in 1st-5th grades. This acting class brings Dog Man and his friends to life through creative drama, improvisation and storytelling. Young actors will explore character voices, movement and other skills. Film Series Part 2 – Production and Filmmaking is for 6th-12th grade students, July 7-11, as they step behind the camera and learn about the art of filmmaking from pre-production planning to shooting and editing. The final camp for the summer is Triple Threat Boot Camp July 14-25, for kids in 3rd-12th grades. This dynamic camp will have students singing, acting and dancing as they learn the essential skills of a triple-threat performer. Through fun and challenging activities, students will improve their confidence, technique and prepare for live performances. All camps are Monday-Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spaces are limited for these summer camps. To learn more or to register, visit www.auroratheatre.com
CHRISTMAS CANTEEN IS A TRADITIONAL FAVORITE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
New Community Resource Center breaks ground in Grayson as county outlines help for senior citizens
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
Almost eight weeks ago, county officials broke ground on the new Gwinnett Community Resource Center at Grayson Highway. Designed to meet the growing needs of the community, the three-story, 84,232-square-foot facility when completed next year, will offer a number of services, including mental and behavioral health support, human services navigation and workforce development.
This is just the latest in the county’s efforts to reach the community and re-brand what were formerly known as OneStop service centers to now be called Community Resource Centers. The Community Resource Center at Grayson, in partnership with View Point Health will be home to the county’s first inpatient stabilization unit with 30 beds and provide 24/7 access to care for individuals in crisis.
“Too many people struggle in silence, unable to find the help they desperately need,” Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson said. “My hope is that this addition to our health and human services network will propel us into a new era of community well-being. The urgent need for accessible, quality mental health services has never been greater.”
Other mental health services at the new Grayson location will include a temporary observation day center offering shortterm stabilization for up to 15 people and an outpatient clinic delivering ongoing mental and behavioral support.
The center will also connect residents to additional services. A dedicated Community Navigator space will help people access housing, food assistance, employment support and
other essential resources, much like those now offered at existing centers throughout the county. In addition, to support working families, the center will also house a Child Development Center offering childcare and early education programs.
Operating in partnership with Disabled American Veterans Chapter 90, and many other Veteran-focused agencies, the Veteran and Family Services Office will relocate to the new location and provide specialized assistance to veterans and their families. A 300-person multipurpose community room in the facility will host community and workforce development programs, training sessions and may even serve as an additional warming station during inclement weather. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the $46 million project is designed by TSW Design and constructed by Reeves Young. The state-of-the-art center will be located at 1040 Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville.
At existing facilities, the county is changing the names with OneStop centers now becoming Community Resource Centers including Community Resource Center at Sawnee Avenue (formerly OneStop Buford); Community Resource Center at Bethany Church Road (formerly OneStop Centerville) and Community Resource Center at Georgia Belle Court (formerly OneStop Norcross).
“Our Community Resource Centers serve as vital hubs for many essential community organizations, including public health—Gwinnett/Newton/Rockdale-GNR Public Health; mental health –View Point Health and early learning programs,” according to Regina Miller, deputy department
AN ARTIST'S RENDERING OF THE NEW COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
director for Gwinnett’s Community Services. “Each center provides comprehensive, locally integrated services through a collaborative, inter-agency approach with our key partners.”
Miller said what sets these facilities apart is what they offer. Centerville features a library branch, while Norcross includes a tag office. The sites are driven with activity through residents and their feedback and needs.
“Thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, we expanded services in 2024, with a two-story addition to the Community Resource Center at Bethany Church Road,” Miller added. “This facility, previously home to a community center, a branch of the Gwinnett County Library and our Senior Center, now includes expanded spaces for public health services, adolescent and youth-focused mental health counseling— including play therapy—and an early learning center.”
Once completed, the new facility in Grayson will serve as the headquarters for Gwinnett County OneStop 4 Help. Now in its third year, OneStop 4 Help, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, continues to empower residents by connecting them to essential resources and support. This program, along with its sub-initiatives—Veteran and Family Services, Warming Stations and Coordinated Care powered by Unite Us—has transformed the way Health and Human Services delivers critical aid, ensuring all residents, regardless of age, have access to the services they need, Miller explained.
Since its official launch in April 2022, a team of six community navigators—each bringing expertise in social work, mental health, veteran affairs, and more—has made a remarkable impact, she added. To date, they have assisted 72,820 residents, acting as a crucial link between individuals in need and a vast network of service providers, including county-run programs, community-based organizations and subsidized services.
“These navigators are the heart of our outreach efforts, breaking down barriers and ensuring no one is left without support,” Miller said. Navigators serve as case managers for all residents.
Beyond hosting key community partners, Gwinnett’s Community Resource Centers prioritize enrichment and community-centered programming to support a diverse, multigenerational population. One standout program is the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, which help more than 5,500 adults annually improve their language skills, gain new knowledge and develop job-related competencies. Additional enrichment opportunities include home-buying workshops, career and workforce development classes, youth programs that promote creativity and personal growth and coshared spaces for nonprofit organizations to host workshops and events. These initiatives help connect residents with essential resources and strengthen the community, Miller added.
In addition to the help found at its Community Resource Centers, Gwinnett continues to make sure its seniors have what they need and has put special programs in place to offer assistance.
“Whether you are aging out loud by staying active and engaged or aging in place with the support you need, our programs provide a direct connection to essential services for seniors aged 60 and older, as well as their spouses,” Miller said of Gwinnett’s Senior Services. “For over 52 years, Gwinnett County has served one of the largest senior populations and we continue to expand our offerings to meet the growing demand. More seniors are embracing vibrant, community-
SENIORS ENJOY HAVING
based activities focused on socialization, enrichment and well-being. With the leading edge of Generation X turning 60 in 2025, our four senior centers and satellite locations are evolving to address emerging needs, from financial management and multigenerational caregiving to preventative care and wellness programs.”
In-home support is offered as the county’s Senior Services team takes a strength-based, collaborative approach to assessing needs and creating care plans that empower seniors to live independently. It provides:
f Home-Delivered Meals – A cornerstone of senior programming since the 1970s, these meals support homebound seniors who are unable to prepare food for themselves.
f Transportation Services – Reliable transit for nonemergency medical appointments and quality-of-life outings, ensuring seniors remain active and connected.
f Respite Care – Temporary relief for caregivers, providing up to four hours per week of supervision, companionship, light housekeeping, and meal preparation.
f Personal Care Assistance – Trained professionals help with bathing needs up to three times per week, offering comfort and support.
f Homemaking Services – Light housekeeping, bedchanging, dusting, bathroom sanitization, trash removal, and other essential household tasks.
The county’s four senior centers and one satellite location provide a welcoming space for socialization, education, fitness and community outings. Open Monday through Friday, these
congregate sites serve lunch and offer transportation for those who need it. With more than 500 active enrolled clients and many daily visitors, these centers are hubs of connection, enrichment and wellness.
“As our senior population grows, Gwinnett County remains committed to ensuring older adults can live independently, stay engaged and receive the support they need,” Miller said. “Whether through our senior centers or in-home services, we provide vital programs that enhance quality of life, promote well-being and help seniors thrive in the place they call home.”
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VOLUNTEERS HAVE BEEN SERVING HOME-DELIVERED MEALS SINCE THE 1970S
Ride Gwinnett can take you there
Whether you’re going to a doctor’s appointment, vi si ting y o ur fa vorite comm uni ty cen ter, or c at ching u p w i th l i felon g friends, you can trust Ride Gwinnett to take you there.
Ride Gwinnett offers safe, affordable, and reliable transit options that support your everyday needs:
•Microtransit: A shared-ride, on-demand service available within certain parts of Snellville, Lawrenceville, and Norcross for $3 per trip
•Paratransit: On-demand transportation for eligible residents with disabilities
•Half-fare program: Offers half-price travel on all fixed-route local services to those who are 65 and older, have a disability, or hold a Medicare card
Now, you can spend more time visiting the people and places you love with a renewed sense of freedom and independence.
Visit RideGwinnett.com or call 770.822.5010 for more information.
All Ride Gwinnett vehicles are ADA-compliant for your convenience and comfort.
Piedmont Eastside advances lung cancer care in Gwinnett with
latest technology and holistic approach
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
Lung cancer holds the terrible title as the number one cause of cancer deaths in all of the U.S. In 2025, an estimated 618,000 people are expected to die of cancer in this country with lung and bronchus cancer responsible for the most deaths with 124,730 people expected to die from the disease, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Doctors say the sad fact is that many lung cancer deaths might have been prevented through early screening and detection. The pulmonologists at Pulmonary and Sleep Specialists of Piedmont Northeast, practicing at Piedmont Eastside Medical Center, are working to raise awareness about this critical health issue. They want to ensure residents of Gwinnett and surrounding counties understand the importance of early lung cancer detection and know that comprehensive screening and treatment services are available at Piedmont Eastside Medical Center in Snellville.
“With lung cancer accounting for a significant portion of cancerrelated deaths and approximately 234,580 new cases expected in 2024 alone, Piedmont’s expanded program represents a crucial step forward in the fight against this devastating disease,” says Rami Arfoosh, M.D., FCCP, FAASM, the pulmonologist spearheading the lung cancer screening program and advanced bronchoscopy at Piedmont Eastside. “Through our combination of advanced technology, community outreach and comprehensive care, Piedmont Healthcare is setting new standards for lung cancer detection and treatment in Georgia.”
During a recent interview on the campus of Piedmont Eastside, Arfoosh talked about lung cancer and the medical center’s newest service line of pulmonology and advanced bronchoscopy. In a significant advancement for healthcare in Gwinnett County, Piedmont Healthcare has expanded its comprehensive lung cancer program to Piedmont Eastside, bringing cutting-edge technology and expert care closer to Gwinnett residents.
“Advanced bronchoscopy is a newer service line for Piedmont Eastside, and it’s been off to a great start,” says Piedmont Eastside CEO Larry Ebert. “In addition to launching this service line, we’ve expanded our robotic capabilities. This department utilizes the ION robot for lung bronchoscopies and the EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) technology. We’ve experienced remarkable success with these advancements.”
services,” Dr. Arfoosh adds. “We’re committed to comprehensive care that encompasses smoking cessation support, lung cancer screening, patient education, ongoing monitoring and multidisciplinary Chest Board discussion and management of suspicious findings. This holistic approach is essential in reducing the burden of lung cancer in our community.”
Among the many factors contributing to the disease is getting older, the doctor said. “Aging is a major risk factor for lung cancer, and early detection is crucial for a cure,” Dr. Arfoosh said. “If you want to enjoy living and be healthy, you need to understand that, unfortunately, aging comes with a price.”
The pulmonologist emphasizes that early screening is key, with detection at stage one offering the highest chances of a cure.
“Unfortunately, lung cancer is one of those diseases that shows symptoms only when it’s more advanced—at stage three or four,” Dr. Arfoosh said. “Symptoms like coughing, coughing blood, or weight loss appear late. The key is to detect lung cancer early using a low-dose radiation CT scan. It’s very simple. The test takes just one minute. It doesn’t involve any IV contrast or cause concerns about claustrophobia and it has been proven repeatedly to be very safe.”
Dr. Arfoosh notes that screening for lung cancer is done annually. “People at high risk are those aged 50 to 80, who are current smokers or former smokers who quit within the past 15 years and who have smoked the equivalent of 1 pack per day for 20 years. The advantage is finding lung cancer at the earliest stage—we’re talking tumors of just several millimeters in size.”
Regarding screening, Dr. Arfoosh said that the goal is to safely
NADIA YIMER, M.D. AND RAMI ARFOOSH, M.D., SPECIALIZE IN LUNG CARE
investigate suspicious findings, provide accurate diagnosis and determine staging for the next treatment steps.
“That’s when advancing this technology has played a crucial role,” he notes. “Robotic bronchoscopy can reach small spots or nodules in the lungs throughout the 18 branches of the airways. The airways branch about 18 times before they reach the lungs. This robotic bronchoscopy can access the lung through the windpipe, replacing the old-school procedure of going through the chest, which carried a higher risk of puncturing the lung.”
“We combine robotic bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound to enhance the accuracy of reaching those peripheral nodules and sampling the lymph nodes in the chest to verify they’re not affected by cancer,” Dr. Arfoosh said. “This technology allows us to complete everything in one session. Many times, we have a pathologist bedside providing preliminary results who can immediately determine if cancer is present and the pulmonologist may then place a marker at that spot to guide the surgeon. All these procedures enable us to provide a safe, accurate diagnosis.”
While technology and expertise are ready, there remains one significant challenge.
“The biggest obstacle we face is the very low screening rate that persists,” Dr. Arfoosh said. “Nationwide, only about 13 percent of eligible individuals are being screened. In Georgia, that figure drops to just 6 percent, and in rural areas, we’re talking about a mere 1 percent. Several barriers exist, including lack of awareness—some patients simply don’t know that screening is an option. Others face problems with healthcare access or finding facilities that offer screening. There’s also stigma involved. Some people are reluctant to disclose their current or former smoking habits.”
Dr. Arfoosh points out that these screenings are often covered 100 percent by insurance, removing financial barriers for many patients.
By bringing advanced care to Gwinnett County, Piedmont Eastside seeks to make life-saving services more accessible to a broader population. The screening program targets individuals aged 50-80 who meet specific criteria, including a significant smoking history. The program serves both current smokers and those who have quit within the last 15 years, though guidelines are moving toward expanding these criteria to include more at-risk individuals. For Dr. Arfoosh, who graduated from medical school in 2000 and has been practicing in Georgia since 2010, encouraging adults to get screened is crucial. Trained in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, critical care and sleep medicine, he is board certified in all four specialties. Dr. Arfoosh established a pulmonary group in 2010 as a sole practitioner and has since expanded to 15 providers across four full-time locations. He serves as the Medical Director for Pulmonary and Sleep Specialists of Piedmont Northeast, with offices in Snellville (1800 Tree Lane, Suite 200) and Monroe (2151 W. Spring Street, Suite 1109). For more information, visit www.BreatheWellSleepWell.com.
“At the heart of Piedmont’s initiative is the integration of advanced diagnostic technologies, including robotic bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS),” Dr. Arfoosh said. “These state-of-the-art tools enable physicians to detect lung cancer at earlier stages, significantly improving patient outcomes. The robotic bronchoscopy procedures currently performed at Piedmont Eastside by Dr. Nadia Yimer with Pulmonary and Sleep Specialists of Piedmont Northeast provide unprecedented precision in safely accessing and biopsying the smallest suspicious lung nodules. Meanwhile, EBUS technology allows for detailed imaging and precise sampling of lymph nodes, revolutionizing the diagnostic and staging process in a single setting.”
Dr. Yimer began her medical journey at Emory University, where she completed her undergraduate studies before graduating from the Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Yimer went on to complete her Internal Medicine Residency at the renowned Duke University Medical Center and Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship at Emory University. She practices all aspects of pulmonary medicine and performs advanced pulmonary procedures at Piedmont Eastside.
Piedmont Eastside is located at 1700 Medical Way in Snellville. Piedmont Eastside Medical Center with its South Campus has been a healthcare leader for more than 40 years, providing care to patients in Gwinnett and surrounding counties. It is a 310-bed, multi-campus system of care offering comprehensive medical and surgical programs including cardiovascular, neurosciences, oncology, orthopedics, robotic surgery, rehabilitation, maternity with neonatal intensive care, behavioral health, bariatric, pulmonology, urgent care, and 24-hour emergency care at two locations (1700 Medical Way and 2160 Fountain Drive). Its medical staff includes 500 board certified physicians, 1,200 employees and 400 volunteers. Piedmont Eastside, formerly known as Eastside Medical Center became part of Piedmont Healthcare in 2021.
Gwinnett Stripers celebrate 16 th season with exciting promotions lineup
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
Get ready to take the grandkids out to the ballgame where they can cheer on the Major League Baseball stars of tomorrow in some fast-paced action today at Gwinnett’s Coolray Field. The field is home to the Gwinnett Stripers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, which celebrates its 16th season this year.
“Sports is about bringing us together and creating memories with the people we care about – we’re excited to be able to provide affordable, local, family-friendly entertainment for our community here at Coolray Field,” Stripers Assistant General Manager Carder Berry, says.
This season promises to be filled with exciting baseball, special promotions, live music, fireworks, and more as patrons come out to watch the team’s up-andcoming professional baseball stars. To date, 130 Gwinnett Stripers players have gone on to debut in the Major Leagues. Kanekoa Texeira enters his second year as Gwinnett’s manager after leading
the Stripers to a 72-78 record in 2024. Texeira was a former Gwinnett pitcher from 20142016.
With exceptional amenities, Coolray Field makes each game feel like a Major League outing. The facility is state-ofthe-art, with 10,000 seats, expansive lawn seating, and climatecontrolled, private suites. Full-service food and beverage options are also on site.
Last season, the Stripers teamed up with Coca-Cola to create the CocaCola Front Porch, marking the first major renovation project in the 16-year history of the Stripers home field. Rising from the area that was Section 100, the Coca-Cola Front Porch is a large, open-air deck located right off Coolray Field’s main concourse. Its 1,500-square feet can accommodate groups of up to 150 people and is the best group space in the ballpark with great views from right behind home plate.
“What we’re most excited about for the 2025 season is our wide range of promotions – there is truly something for everyone!” Berry adds.
TOP: STRIPERS PLAYER HURSTON WALDROP. PHOTO BY PAUL DANIEL. BOTTOM: STRIPERS MANAGER KANEKOA TEXEIRA (R) LEADS THE TRIPLE-A TEAM
“Whether you’re a die-hard baseball fanatic, a family looking for something fun on a Friday night, or a group of friends looking to get out of the house, we’ve designed our season to give everyone a memorable experience at Coolray Field.”
The Stripers are bringing back several popular day-of-week promotions, including: T-Shirt Tuesdays presented by Coolray Heating and Air Conditioning where fans get a free t-shirt at the gates; Wet Nose Wednesdays where dogs are free to attend as long as their owner has a ticket; Fireworks Fridays which have a postgame fireworks show each Friday evening and Sunday Funday presented by COUNTRY Financial where kids can play catch on the field before the game and run the bases after the game. New dayof-week promotions this season include Throwback Thursdays where the Stripers offer a rotating schedule of $2 food and drink specials and Soundcheck Saturday games where the team will have live music performances on the concourse on select Saturday nights.
On top of that, the Stripers have individual promotions and theme nights all season long. Kid-focused games include Faith & Family Night, Star Wars Night, Princess & Pirate Day, Marvel Night, Dinosaur Night, Chopper’s Birthday and Wizards & Wands Night. Baseball fanatics can look forward to 404 Night; Jackie Robinson Day; celebrations of the Atlanta Black Crackers legacy; the Braves Country Road Trip featuring a meet-and-greet with former Braves’ All-Star Marquis Grissom; Hometown Heroes Night and more. Lastly, it wouldn’t be Minor League Baseball without some of the more unique promotions,
such as the Stripers Open Golf Night, Heart of Gwinnett Night, Margaritaville Night, Meme Night, Singles Night, Christmas in July, “What Could Have Been” Night Georgia Peaches Weekend, 8-Bit/Retro Gaming Night, and Frank n’ Stein Night. The giveaways this season are also one-of-a-kind: there are the T-Shirt Tuesday promotions that include replica Stripers’ “shirsey” t-shirts, a patriotic tee; a celebration of the Xolos de Gwinnett tee, an ugly sweater tee; a Georgia Peaches tee and a Stripers tarp team tee.
On Saturdays, fans can look for premium giveaways like the Stripers’ bobblehead series – featuring Chopper the Groundhog, former President Jimmy Carter and Braves’ Hall of Famer Chipper Jones. Other giveaways include kid-focused options like glowsabers on Star Wars Night and a “Chopper Chain” on Chopper’s birthday. Lastly, fans will enjoy the Soundcheck Saturday “Tour Tee,” a Stripers replica jersey; a Georgia Peaches rope hat and a Stripers short-sleeve hoodie – all available as giveaways this season.
When it comes to food, patrons can always savor the quintessential ballpark experience with classic favorites: hot dogs, burgers, popcorn and soft drinks. On select nights, The Stripers will feature a special menu, including Saturday, May 3, Hunn Dogs; Friday, May 30, Shrimp Boil and Sunday, June 15, Father’s Day Picnic, with additional offers to be announced.
For the Gwinnett Stripers schedule, information on tickets, theme nights and other promotions, visit www.GoStripers.com.
TOP: COOLRAY FIELD IN GWINNETT COUNTY. MIDDLE: TEAM MASCOT CHOPPER GREETS BASEBALL FANS. BOTTOM: LUKE WADDELL GETS READY FOR A HIT. PHOTO BY JOSH CONNER.
Lawrenceville Police Department’s K9 Rowan reports for duty
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
She’s a head-turner. As soon as she walks into a room, one can’t help but be drawn to her friendly smile and gentle demeanor. Once she leans up against you, it is love. It is also just K9 Rowan doing her duty and serving the City of Lawrenceville Police Department. The nine-monthold Goldendoodle is in training as the department’s first community wellness dog.
“She is a comfort dog, normally known as a therapy dog, but we don’t like to refer to her as that because therapy dogs can’t be touched and they’re mainly designed for one job,” says her handler, City of Lawrenceville Police Officer
presence to the men and women in the department, Rowan also visits senior centers, schools, retirement homes and other places where she quickly becomes a celebrity and a source of calmness and compassion.
Rowan comes from Tails of Hope, a nonprofit based in Gay in Meriwether County, where their tagline is “changing lives at both ends of the leash.” Since 2013, Tails of Hope and its sister organization, Coco’s Cupboard have been providing ADA-compliant service dogs to military members and veterans, then expanding to include anyone who needed a service animal. Tails of Hope dogs do everything from monitoring a diabetic child’s blood sugar to “sweeping a room” for a veteran suffering with PTSD to helping autistic children and more.
Though still a young dog, K9 Rowan is already training to bring comfort and ease stress in the people she encounters. She offers support through gentle, grounding gestures – by pressing her weight against a person’s leg, sitting on their feet, or resting her head on their knee. Cole explains that while Rowan can sense when someone is stressed, she is trained to approach everyone equally, so no one feels singled out or exposed.
“If you are having the best day of your life, she would still walk up and just lean, making herself available,” Cole said. “This is new in law enforcement.”
This is ssomething Cole says she could have used for herself while facing difficult situations and dangers working as a patrol officer. She remembers one particularly daunting experience in which she and other officers responded to a domestic violence call. A man had cornered his wife on their second-story apartment balcony and was tearing the woman’s clothes off. He was verbally and physically attacking her and left momentarily to get a knife to cut off the rest of her clothes. The woman took the chance to escape and grabbed her keys as she went. She jumped in her car and met the officers at the entrance to the apartment complex. Cole stayed with the bruised and bleeding woman and was taking her report as the other officers entered the apartment to apprehend the man. Suddenly, the man appeared near Cole and the woman, screaming at them with one hand behind his back. Despite Cole telling him to show his hands, he refused and began advancing toward Cole and the woman, who was clinging to the officer. Cole continued to tell him to show his hands, but he did not comply and continued to advance while yelling,
“Take me to jail!” The other officers quickly appeared to offer assistance and arrested the perpetrator. Cole says she often wonders what would have happened if the threatening man had come any closer and she had to use force to protect both the woman and herself. As it turned out, the man did not have anything behind his back but repeatedly refused to show his hands.
“I’m happy it all worked out,” Cole said. “We had a great team. It was definitely high stress. That just kind of stands out because I don’t think a lot
of officers become officers to use force. It’s our job to work through that. She was able to be safe. We got him arrested. He went to jail...It was just a lot of moving parts.”
That’s just one example of how a K9 dog trained to help with stress could have assisted officers after dealing with such life and death situations. As an army veteran and a police officer for eight years, Cole has seen her share of stressful situations—both professionally and personally. Prior to joining the force in Lawrenceville almost three years ago, Cole was an officer for the City of Marietta Police Department for three years. She began her career in law enforcement in Luverne, Ala.
Cole says her work with Rowan is especially significant to her because she knows from personal experience that there are people who need extra help to deal with their problems. She said her first husband and the father of her two oldest children passed away in 2011 from suicide when he was almost 21 years old.
“That’s another reason Rowan is so important to me,” Cole said. “Mental health is so important...He left behind a wife and two children. He loved us, but was going through a lot. I do feel like if he could have known what it was going to do to us with him dying, he would have stayed. We were from a small town and those resources for help were not available. For African Americans, going to therapy was just not common. He felt like he didn’t have any help.”
Cole finished her work with the army and says she was “trying to figure out life” after losing her husband and trying to take care of her children. She once thought she might become a teacher, but at that point, she was at loose ends. That is until her daughter was sitting on the couch watching TV one day and asked, “Mama, can girls be police?”
“I said, ‘that’s it!’” Cole said. “I applied and became the first female police officer in that town. Not only can you set the standard, but you can be the first.” The first to serve in law enforcement on both sides of her family, Cole says many of her young nieces are now telling her they want to be police officers. She said her mother laughs and reminds her that she was once terrified of the police and terrified of dogs and now she is a policewoman and has a dog.
When she joined the police force, Cole said she “fell in love with it.” After working patrol and serving for a time as a court officer, her assignment with K9 Rowan now finds her out in the community visiting with residents of all ages as they become more acquainted with local police and meet the gentle Goldendoodle. Cole says Rowan is great with children and lives with her family, which includes her two teenage children and her one-year-old baby. “She is very, very sweet,” Cole says of her K9 partner. “She’s a very humble dog. She gets a lot of praise because she’s super cute, fluffy and soft. But she still stays very calm and collected in public, especially around kids and even those with special needs. It’s almost like she knows ‘you didn’t mean to grab my nose or pull my tail.’”
As a Goldendoodle, Rowan has a fluffy, curly red coat and a name that comes from Irish and Scottish origin meaning “little redhead.” Cole and K9 Rowan continue their training and go to Gay one weekend a month where they work with instructors and other service dogs and handlers. Anyone interested in inviting Cole and Rowan to visit a school, assisted living facility, library or other location is asked to contact the officer at qcole@lawrencevillepd.com.
OFFICER COLE AND K9 ROWAN OFTEN VISIT VISIT SCHOOLS AND OTHER LOCATIONS WHERE ROWAN IS ALWAYS A CELEBRITY
SMALL TOWN CHARM,
BIG TIME FUN!
ng for unique finds at char ming boutiques or a mouthwatering al with a cr af t beer from a loc al brewer y? Planning a fun family uting or a date night with show-stopping enter tainment? Skip the drive to Atlanta discover it all in Downtown Lawrenceville!
Downtown Lawrenceville of fers something for ever yone. From lively festivals and world-class per formances at the Lawrenceville Arts Center to endless family fun at the dog park, playground, and more at the Lawrenceville Lawn, this vibrant destination is where community meets culture
“COME ALIVE” WITH US
Park Springs: Where Your Story Comes First
In the heart of Stone Mountain, there is a community redefining senior living through an innovative approach called Storied Living. This beautiful 61+ acre community is Park Springs, which includes Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing. Their revolutionary philosophy recognizes each person in their care–– lovingly known as a Member––is a unique person with a rich life story that deserves to be honored.
Pioneered by Isakson Living, Storied Living began with the deeply personal journey of Park Springs’ founder, Andy Isakson. After watching traditional care models fail his aging mother, Isakson made it his mission to create a community where care is directed by people, not protocols.
The Storied Living philosophy: behind every physical need is a person with a lifetime of experiences, emotions, and a story yearning to be told. Institutional elements like uniforms, medicine carts, and rigid schedules are replaced with intimate household settings where care is driven by Member preferences.
Through innovative Spirit Training, Care Partners develop the sensitivity to recognize emotions behind words and actions, creating moments of authentic understanding with each Member. Intentionally low staff-toMember ratios make the time for these deep connections possible.
“Just because someone is properly fed, clothed, and housed doesn’t mean their needs are being met,” is another driving principle. Instead, Park Springs creates meaningful opportunities for Members to choose when and how they’d like to spend their days. Members in all Assisted Living and Memory Care households have a variety of fun, fulfilling ways to stay engaged including events and outings, art and music therapy, exercise programs, crafts, hobbies, and so much more.
Mealtimes are also another opportunity for connection. Members choose when and what they want to eat rather than adhering to a strict timeframe. The culinary approach balances brain-healthy options with comfort foods, transforming each meal into a meaningful social occasion where Members and Care Partners share conversation around the table.
For those exploring senior living options, Park Springs offers a vibrant environment where Members can keep writing their next chapter every day. To learn more, visit ParkSprings.com or call 678-684-3800.
In an industry where care has been directed by medical protocols, rigid schedules, and a narrow one-size-fits-all model, Storied Living at Park Springs radically alters that dynamic with a revolutionary person-led, relationshipdriven approach to care.
Park Springs Features:
• Wellness Clinic with a Geriatrician and Nurse Practitioner On-Staff
• Household Model of Care blending independence and support in a home-like setting
• Levels of care to meet Member’s individual needs
Mythical creatures visit Fernbank Natural History Museum’s WildWoods
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
A step into WildWoods at Fernbank Natural History Museum finds visitors taking a mythical, mystical and magical trip into a culture from long ago. With its newest exhibit, “Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles,” Fernbank introduces its guests to a supernatural world inspired by an ancient culture in Southern Mexico.
Visitors will walk alongside towering, brightly colored and richly patterned sculptures in the natural landscape of Fernbank’s WildWoods’ “Spirit Guides” exhibit through Aug. 3, as part of the many exhibits and events taking place at the museum located at 767 Clifton Road in Atlanta.
In creating “Spirit Guides,” artists Jacobo and María Ángeles were inspired by an ancient Zapotec stone calendar. Indigenous to southern Mexico, Zapotec culture is deeply connected to plants, seasons and animals. “Spirit Guides” beckons visitors to travel into the spiritual landscape of Southern Mexico’s Indigenous traditions through these animal sculptures that “act as both spirit guides and astrological embodiment of human character.” Some of the hybrid animals depicted include a combination of a deer-butterfly or a coyote-fish. These largerthan- life sculptures depict patterns and designs that symbolize different aspects of Zapotec life and culture, such as happiness, fertility and community.
The artists have previously stated that, according to a Zapotec legend, when you are born, an animal came to you to serve as your protector in this world. This animal is your tona, a being that shares your destiny and soul. Along with your tona, you also have a nahual, which is assigned based on the year of your birth. This spirit animal embodies characteristics that mirror your own personality.
The Zapotecs, known as the “Cloud People,” dwelt in the southern highlands of central Mesoamerica, specifically in the Valley of Oaxaca, which they inhabited from the late Preclassic period to the end of the Classic period (500 BC-900 AD).
“As guests stand before the sculptures in WildWoods, some of which stand at nearly eight feet tall and nine feet wide, they are made conscious of the profound connection between the natural and cosmological worlds,” according to Fernbank Communications Manager Jena Allison.
By drawing inspiration from the Zapotec calendar and their own imaginations, the Ángeles team sculpted their own mythical creations. This exhibit features eight towering, vibrant fiberglass sculptures of hybrid creatures, intersecting art, mythology and identity.
The sculptures were designed through a multistep process that included conceptual sketches, small wooden renderings and papier mâché molds before casting the fiberglass. A team of artisans then helped to paint the sculptures with striking colors and intricate geometric patterns inspired by Zapotec and other Indigenous designs, each with their own unique meaning.
Jacobo and María Ángeles are a married artist team based in Oaxaca, Mexico. Joyful, fanciful and distinctively patterned, the Ángeles’ sculptures embrace both contemporary art and folk-
art traditions. They employ and teach more than 100 artisans in their workshop, which has created artworks shown in museums around the world.
“Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles” is included with general admission at Fernbank Museum and is free with CityPASS. It will also be on view select nights when the museum is open, including Fernbank After Dark and Fernbank...but Later. For more information, please visit www.fernbankmuseum.org. “Spirit Guides: Fantastical Creatures from the Workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles” is organized by Denver Botanic Gardens.
Exhibits, films and Discovery Days are included with daytime general admission and with CityPASS. General admission tickets include three floors of exhibits in the natural history museum, choice of one giant screen film and 75-acres of nature explorations in Fernbank Forest and WildWoods. Fernbank After Dark and some other special after-hours events are available at a separate ticket price and may include access to special exhibits.
General admission tickets vary by date and program, starting at $23.95 for children, $24.95 for seniors and $25.95 for adults, and include a film in the Giant Screen Theater. Tickets purchased online are discounted. Members receive free general admission.
Fernbank is one of the most popular and iconic cultural destinations in Atlanta. Known as Atlanta’s Science and Nature Experience, Fernbank invites guests to discover a “World of Wow” through an expansive natural history museum, fourstory giant screen theater and 75-acres of nature adventures in WildWoods and Fernbank Forest. One of the oldest not-for-profit conservation organizations in the country, Fernbank was founded in 1939 to preserve Fernbank Forest, the largest urban, old growth, Piedmont forest in the United States.
The museum and giant screen theater opened as “a school in the woods for nature studies” on Oct. 5, 1992, and is today known for its giant dinosaurs, hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programming, immersive experiences and year-round nature exploration.
ONE OF THE COLORFUL CREATURES ON DISPLAY AT FERNBANK
GEORGIA’S HEARTS ARE ALWAYS ON OUR MINDS
While you’re busy being you, we’re working all day, every day to make Georgia Heart Institute the state’s # 1 heart and vascular program. With the highest rankings in heart attack care, heart failure treatment and heart surgery, Georgia Heart Institute is also one of only two programs in the state to offer robotic heart surgery. Whether you live in Gwinnett or Atlanta, in the country or in town, the future of heart care is here for you today.
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton
celebrates 10 th anniversary as first phase of $ 565 million expansion is completed this summer
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
As Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, work on the first phase of its latest expansion is expected to be completed by late summer. The expansion project began in late 2022, with the first phase targeted for completion by August. A second phase is also under way and should be finished in the summer of 2026. The total estimated cost for the entire planned expansion is almost $565 million and once both phases are completed, it should include new clinical space; new patient floors; additional acute care beds; doubling the number of treatment beds in the Emergency Department; expanding the pharmacy; laboratory; kitchen and other support spaces and add more more than 200 new parking spaces for patients and visitors.
The total expansion project is expected to include 235,000 square feet of new clinical space, including two new patient care floors, which will add 48 new patient rooms, bringing the hospital’s total licensed bed count to 236. It will also increase the number of treatment rooms in the Emergency Department from 23 to 46. In addition, a Certificate of Need has also been awarded by the
state to add four operating rooms to expand available surgeries and procedures. Additional expansion also includes the construction of an endovascular operating room for the performance of vascular and cardiac catheterization cases. Areas for care before and after surgery will also be expanded.
“We are very excited about this,” said Kevin Matson, vice president of Regional Hospitals, Southern Market for Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS). “We know our community around us is growing...This has been a pretty good decade for the facility here in Braselton. We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary and it’s a joy to step back and reflect on how we’ve grown. When you work in healthcare, you see the lives you touch everyday. When you think about all the lives you’ve impacted over 10 years, it really is phenomenal.” Matson said there have been many milestones to celebrate these past 10 years, including welcoming its 10,000th baby to the world. Scarlett Star Martin, daughter of Taylor and Jared Martin of Flowery Branch was born Oct. 24, 2024. Also in the past decade, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Braselton opened the Braselton Cancer Center; opened the Braselton Surgery Center and recruited many new surgeons to
KEVIN MATSON
THE HOSPITAL WELCOMED ITS 10,000TH BABY, SCARLETT STAR MARTIN
the area; was the first in Northeast Georgia to offer the NanoKnife procedure for prostate treatment and added the Ion robot in pulmonology, among other milestones.
“That work is very personal to me,” Matson said. “My grandmother died of lung cancer and part of that was delay in diagnosis. The Ion robot reaches deep into the lungs. It requires no incision, reduces pain and recovery time and allows us to catch cancer very early and we know that extends people’s lives...With this advanced technology, it allows us to diagnose lung cancer early. The Ion robot is the wave of the future. It’s not available at all hospitals. We want to be very progressive in the care we provide. We’re on the cutting edge of this technology. We have it in both Gainesville and Braselton.” The Ion is a robotic-assisted surgical system.
In addition to serving as vice president of Regional Hospitals, Southern Markets for NGHS, Matson also leads daily operations for NGMC Braselton and provides oversight at NGMC Barrow. Matson joined NGHS in 2000 and served in a leadership role at NGMC Braselton from 2017 to 2020. He said when the hospital opened in Braselton a decade ago, it was estimated that it would create about 500 new jobs.
“What we’ve seen is it created over 2,000 new jobs,” he said. “”There are people who work in the hospital and in the greater Braselton service area. The economic impact for the community is quite positive as well.”
Since 1951, NGHS has been a nonprofit that cares for more than one million people across more than 19 counties, including Gwinnett.
With hospitals located in Gainesville, Braselton, Winder, Dahlonega and Demorest, the five Northeast Georgia Medical Center campuses, which are part of NGHS, have a total of more than 850 beds and more than 1,300 medical staff members representing more than 60 specialties.
As its presence continues to expand in Gwinnett County,
Northeast Georgia Medical Center generates a local and state economic impact of almost $7.5 billion, according to a recent report from the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA), the state’s largest hospital trade association.
In addition, GHA reports NGMC provided more than $84 million in charity care and directly and indirectly sustained almost 30,000 full-time jobs throughout the region. The $84 million does not include unpaid bills that are written off or the more than $17 million NGMC provided in community outreach, such as screenings and health education.
“NGHS is proud to be a positive economic force in Northeast Georgia,” said Carol Burrell, president and CEO of NGHS. “We’re dedicated to returning our economic success to the community by investing in new facilities, technologies and treatments—which you can see across the region. It’s equally important to us that we use local contractors as much as possible for our ‘Growing the Greater Good’ projects because we’re ultimately reinvesting in the overall health of our region when we build new facilities, create new jobs and bring healthcare options to the community.”
Matson adds that it is the hospital system’s mission, core values and employees who make the difference. Its stated mission is to improve the health of the community “in all we do” and at every step along the way, make it a priority to “do the right things for the right reasons.”
“I would say it’s our mission and core values that are alive and so prominent to all our staff,” he said. “We have more than 12,000 associates. We are deeply committed to improving the health of all. It is palpable when you come to our facilities. This is where they live and where they work. They know they are building a system that will take care of them and their families. We also have a deep commitment and important relationship with our medical community. We value our physicians and our advanced practice providers and I think they feel that and that shows in the care they provide.”
TOP: THE SPRAWLING AND GROWING CAMPUS OF NORTHEAST GEORGIA MEDICAL CENTER BRASELTON. MIDDLE: TEAM THAT DID THE FIRST ION ROBOT PROCEDURE AT NGMC BRASELTON. BOTTOM: NGMC BRASELTON’S SURGERY CENTER
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Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton
Dr. Walker talks about robotic surgery
Despite what his patients might be going through, Dr. Travelyn Walker comforts them by giving them a reason to smile by using a little humor. The quick-witted surgeon said, “I can do a little bit of everything—from roid to roid— thyroid to hemorrhoids.” An attending surgeon at NGMC Braselton since 2020, Dr. Walker is a general surgeon by training and says doing robotic surgery is just one of the many approaches he might take when considering a patient’s medical care.
“Robotics is great, but there is still a role for open surgery,” said Dr. Walker. “I don’t like to make patients think if you don’t do it this way, there’s something wrong. The reason we choose robotic or minimally invasive surgery has to do with the patient’s anatomy.”
Dr. Walker explains traditional invasive surgery is called open surgery. When robotic surgery first came out, he said a lot of surgeons doing traditional surgery thought it was unnecessary and costly, or saw it as a marketing tool, but now it is actually seen as the standard.
with it in my residency program. I didn’t start doing robotics as an attending surgeon until I came to NGMC. I was blessed to be part of NGMC where they saw the future and made an investment in it. Robotics is different now. A lot of younger surgeons are very comfortable with it and it’s a part of most general surgery residency training programs.”
NGMC Braselton has two da Vinci Xi robots and one da Vinci Ion robot. NGMC Gainesville has six da Vinci Xi robots, one dv5 robot and one da Vinci Ion robot. Dr. Walker primarily does surgeries on hernias, gall bladders, intestines and adrenal tumors.
“Through the years, robotic surgery has become a large part of general, OB/GYN, urology, cardiothoracic and transplant surgery,” said Dr. Walker. “It allows surgeons to operate with greater precision that wasn’t possible before. Today, I performed three robotic hernia surgeries. One was a patient who had already had a laparoscopic hernia repair and the hernia came back. Before we had robotics, the traditional management of that patient would be another procedure resulting in an even larger incision.
“Today, I was able to operate with the robot instead of an open surgery. My goal is to do what is best for the patient, but there are so many more benefits to minimally invasive surgery, including less pain, less need for pain medication and fewer wound complications. Simply put, minimally invasive surgery is definitely the present and the future. Eventually, I think it will be the standard for most procedures.”
When Dr. Walker was in medical school, he said robotics were not yet used in hospitals, partly due to the cost, estimating one robot costs more than $1 million. “It was still so new then,” said Dr. Walker. “I had my first experience training
“I sit at a console, and it’s almost like I’m going to play a video game,” said Dr. Walker. “The robot has instruments attached to it that mimic my hand movements. A lot of hospitals don’t have this technology, so we are lucky. Robotic surgery has actually been out for 2030 years and has many benefits for patients–including speeding up the patient’s recovery time. We operate within millimeters and there’s a lot of repetition and precision required. I must be hyperfocused on what I’m doing.”
Born in College Park, Dr. Walker grew up attending Tri-Cities and North Springs high schools and was only interested in “sports and dating” until he took an anatomy class. “That’s what sparked my interest in medicine,” he recalls. He went to Morehouse College in Atlanta for his undergraduate degree and graduated from Morehouse School of Medicine then worked at Grady Memorial Hospital before joining the U.S. Navy. Dr. Walker was an active-duty surgeon stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. for almost four years. After serving his country, he worked at a community hospital in Columbia, S.C. for several years before the opportunity came up to work closer to home at NGMC Braselton. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his three daughters, Gabrielle, Glory Faith and Grace. Dr. Walker is part of Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG). He operates at NGMC Braselton and sees patients at the NGPG Surgical Associates practices at Medical Plaza B, 1404 River Place in Braselton and at Medical Plaza, 4445 South Lee Street in Buford.
TRAVELYN WALKER, MD
THE NGMC BRASELTON TEAM CELEBRATES ITS MORE THAN 25,000 ROBOTIC CASES
Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Dr. Lanzer discusses help for women through urogynecology
Women face unique health challenges at every age and stage of life, including pelvic health issues that can lead to vaginal bulge, pelvic pain and urinary or fecal incontinence. The board-certified doctors at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) specialize in providing comprehensive care related to pelvic health. One of its doctors, Jennifer Lanzer, M.D. recently returned from maternity leave and is now practicing at NGPG’s Buford and Braselton locations. Dr. Lanzer practices at 1404 River Place, Suite 303 in Braselton and 4445 South Lee Street, Suite 205 in Buford and performs surgery at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton at 1400 River Place in Braselton. Originally from Atlanta’s Sandy Springs community, Dr. Lanzer is now living in Braselton and says she enjoys working close to home where she and her husband are raising their three boys. She met her husband, Dr. James Crownover in medical school and he is now a sports medicine physician with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
JENNIFER LANZER, MD
We do robotic surgeries and try to take a minimal approach. If they need a prolapse repair or hysterectomy, we can send some ladies home the same day.”
Dr. Lanzer said the majority of her practice involves women who are middle-aged and seniors. She said that is typically the age at which many of these medical problems start to happen.
“One thing that can cause this is having our babies,” the doctor said. “I’ve had three. We go through menopause and with the hormonal fluctuations and decrease in collagen support, we see more symptoms...A lot of these ladies are of the generation where they had their baby or hysterectomy and were in the hospital for a week or days and days. It’s not like that any more.”
Dr. Lanzer received her medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia before completing her residency at UPMC Magee Hospital in Pittsburg, Pa., followed by a fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at Emory University Hospital. Dr. Lanzer is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Her interests include gynecology, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery and robotic surgery. She worked for about seven years at the Medical College of Georgia before deciding to move back to the Atlanta metro area to be closer to her family. She has been with NGPG for about a year.
“Probably the majority of the ladies come to me for bladder leakage,” Dr. Lanzer said. “One of the big things that a lot of women don’t even talk about is bladder or vaginal prolapse. Those are probably the two most common problems. A lot of ladies just think this happens as you get older. They think there’s nothing that can be done about it, but we have lots and lots of options. They can be relieved to know it can be done as an outpatient. We offer Botox in the office and bladder stimulators and slings we can do very quickly.
Dr. Lanzer explains that female pelvic health issues can be concerning and difficult to discuss for many women and while conditions like urinary and fecal incontinence, fistulas and pelvic organ prolapse are common, they do not have to be a normal part of aging. Many women experience pain, discomfort or urinary incontinence for years without a diagnosis or solution. Symptoms that may be related to a pelvic health issue include difficulty getting to the bathroom in time; dribbling or leaking urine or fecal matter; frequent urinary urges; fullness or pressure in the vagina or pelvis and women with a pelvic floor disorder may also have the sensation that something is falling out of the vagina. The doctor says the most rewarding part of her job is knowing she has helped someone. She told about a patient who said her pelvic problems were affecting her life so much so that she had to go to the bathroom all the time and didn’t want to go anywhere or even on trips to go see her grandchildren because of her problem.
“Your bladder does not have to rule your life,” Dr. Lanzer said. “This is not something women have to deal with. It doesn’t mean you have to live with this. We have lots of interventions that can help. I had a lady say, ‘I’m 75 and I don’t know if it’s worth it to do anything.’ She’s active. Of course, you are absolutely worth it. They spend all these years taking care of their kids and their families. It’s really worth it to improve their lives. There’s such a big impact we can make.”
Humana receives highest customer experience scores among insurers
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
It was announced that Humana received the highest customer experience index scores among health insurers in Forrester’s proprietary 2024 U.S. Customer Index Rankings. Forrester is a well-known research and advisory firm that conducts surveys and publishes reports, including the U.S. Health Insurers Customer Experience Index Rankings, which rates health insurers based on customer experience. Forrester, which is a 40-year-old research firm, states it does not endorse any company included in any customer experience index report and does not offer advice on selecting any products or services.
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“At Humana, we are committed to offering personalized care from people who care, listening to our members and creating solutions to help them reach the best version of themselves,” Humana’s Rubin Saint Juste said. “We strive to support and improve communities at a local level, ensuring every person has a fair, just and dignified opportunity to reach their full health potential.”
Saint Juste offered information on Humana’s diverse range of health insurance products tailored to meet the needs of an individual. That information is as follows:
■ Medicare Advantage Plans: These plans provide all the benefits of Original Medicare Parts A and B, often including prescription drug coverage and additional services like dental, vision and hearing care.
■ Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans: Also known as Medigap, these plans help cover costs not paid by Original Medicare, such as coinsurance, copayments, or deductibles.
■ Prescription Drug Plans: Humana’s stand-alone prescription drug plans offer coverage for medications, helping to manage and reduce prescription costs.
■ Dental and Vision Plans: Humana provides individual dental and vision insurance options, covering routine exams, procedures, glasses and contacts to maintain overall health.
“Since 1961, Humana has been dedicated to helping people live healthy and happy lives,” Saint Juste said. “The company’s mission is to eliminate unjust, avoidable, and unnecessary barriers in health and healthcare, fostering evidence-based collaborations and investments that support seniors, veterans and school-aged children in living connected, healthy lives.”
For more information or to find out more about Humana’s plans, visit www.humana.com.
THE GOAL IS TO HELP PEOPLE LIVE HEALTHY AND HAPPY LIVES
2025 Generations Expo Attend the in June
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
Sponsorships and exhibit space for vendors are selling quickly for the upcoming Generations Expo, which draws hundreds of baby boomers and seniors to the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville each year. The 2025 Generations Expo is set for Wednesday, June 25, from 10 a.m.-2p.m. in the Exhibit Building located on the Fairgrounds at 2505 Sugarloaf Parkway.
More than 60 vendors have already signed up for this annual event that is sponsored by the Gwinnett Daily Post . Sponsors this year include Northeast Georgia Health System, Sonder Insurance, Georgia Senior Medical Patrol, Humana, the Aurora Theater, City of Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County Communications, Gwinnett County Public Library and the Gwinnett Stripers. Other sponsorships are still available.
Baby boomers and seniors from across the area attend Generations Expo each year where they can get free health screenings in the Wellness Zone and enjoy educational seminars throughout the day. Plus, the first 300 folks
through the doors will receive a goodie bag offered by Georgia Senior Medical Patrol filled with items and resources chosen especially for them. Attendees may also visit the Community Zone where they get to meet people involved in area clubs and organizations and possibly sign up to join them. Generations Expo attendees enjoy the many prizes and giveaways that are awarded throughout the day. Bingo games are offered the entire time at Generations Expo and are quite popular. The expo also gives those attending an opportunity to talk with the vendors and learn what they have to offer, as well as providing a day of fun and fellowship with other boomers and seniors. Guests are invited to ride the free shuttle to and from the parking lot to the Exhibit Building. For those who need to take a break, they can relax in the Attendee Lounge. Vendors include nonprofits, government organizations, for-profit companies, home improvement service companies and those selling products and services. Vendor space and sponsorships are currently available. For more information, contact Janie Roling at 770-378-1050, or Janie.roling@scompapers.com. The deadline to register for exhibit space or to become a sponsor is June 11th.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Georgia Senior Medicare Patrol, Humana, Kaiser, Sonder, Northeast Georgia Health System, Aurora Theater, City Of Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County Communications, Gwinnett County Public Library, Gwinnett Stripers, Gwinnett County Probate and Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner
Other sponsorships still available!
FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS in the Wellness Zone All day
Free WELCOME BAG full of resources
Relax in the Attendee LOUNGE
BINGO & PRIZES
Visit the COMMUNITY ZONE to join a new club and meet with local groups
FREE SHUTTLE PARKING LOT RIDES
Tourism brings visitors to City of Norcross
‘THEN & NOW’
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
Ladies with parasols and steamer trunks and gentlemen sporting handlebar mustaches and top hats once stepped off the train, breathed in the fresh air--happy to leave the swelter of Atlanta behind—and called for a horse and carriage to take them the rest of the way on their summer holidays in Norcross.
Since its earliest days, the town that railroads put on the map has been a tourist destination. While much has changed and train travel gave way to cars and trucks, Norcross is still a town where people from across the region come out to have fun and be entertained.
Chartered in 1870, the community was named for Jonathan Norcross, a former Atlanta mayor and railroad official. Norcross was founded by John Thrasher, an original pioneer of Atlanta and a well-traveled entrepreneur throughout the American Southeast. Thrasher had a big idea in 1869, Norcross historian Gene Ramsay says. A railroad was under construction from Atlanta into Gwinnett County and beyond and Thrasher wanted to establish a new town to take advantage of the economic opportunity the railroad offered. At the centerpiece of his new town would be a resort hotel that he would build and operate. He established the town and named it for his friend, Jonathan Norcross and he built the hotel and called it The
City Hall
Brunswick. The hotel lasted almost a century.
, then & now
Born in Morgan County in 1818, Thrasher was a wellknown citizen in the early days of Atlanta. He arrived there in the late 1830s, when what would become Atlanta was still forested land several miles west of the village of Decatur. Thrasher took on a major construction project, committing to build a huge earthen embankment that would allow three railroads under construction to come together in the middle of those woods. A town grew up around the railroad junction in the following years, first known as Terminus, then Marthasville and finally Atlanta. After the Civil War, a group of investors organized to build another railroad out of Atlanta. This one would go through the “Northeast Georgia wilderness,” as some called it in those days, to Greenville, S.C. and Charlotte, N.C. and points beyond. In 1869, they let a contract to Thrasher and several associates to build the first 20 miles of this new railroad, which was then called the Piedmont Air-Line Railway. The first section of the new line would run from central Atlanta to a point in the woods in Southwest Gwinnett County, which was lightly populated. Ramsay says Thrasher thought the end point of this 20-mile stretch, where a depot would be built, would be a good spot for a town, so he bought the land lot of 250 acres that surrounded the 20mile point and got to work. He laid out the streets and lots and built a hotel to hold the visitors he envisioned would come to
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GENE RAMSAY AND DOWNTOWN NORCROSS DIRECTOR OF CULTURAL ARTS & TOURISM STEPHANIE NEWTON
his hotel in the town he named Norcross.
Ramsay shared an 1880s newspaper advertisement for the hotel: “The Brunswick Hotel at Norcross is growing in favor with the public as a summer resort, being located on the Piedmont ridge and Air-Line railroad, only 20 miles from Atlanta. The town is 800 feet higher than Atlanta, water pure and unsurpassed, air bracing and healthy, climate fine for children. Parties seeking a quiet home for the heated summer months cannot find a better place. The table is supplied with the best the country affords, first class in every respect, attentive servants, etc.”
Cotton Gin , then & now
industrial hope. It has an admirable climate and splendid health advantages. A ride of 20 minutes from Atlanta in the palatial coaches of the Air Line Division of the Richmond and Danville Railroad brings the tourists to this thriving young city.”
In an 1870 letter to the editor for the Atlanta papers, a reader wrote: “It is the first depot on the road from your city and from the energy and perseverance of cousin John Thrasher is being rapidly built in nice style. He is succeeding in improving this place beyond the most sanguine wishes of his many friends. His hotel, which will be completed soon will be one of the finest wooden buildings in the state, it being almost built of oak and poplar. The style of the house, as well as the place of the town does cousin John great credit. When it is completed, it will be worth $16,000.” The town grew and the hotel changed hands a few times. Located on a four-acre lot within 30 feet of the passenger depot, several passenger trains passed daily to and from Atlanta, making it convenient it convenient to those wishing to visit the city, Ramsay said. An old newspaper advertisement reads: “Norcross is a beautiful town of abundant commercial thrift and decided
Thrasher Park , then & now
Mrs. J.B. Kimball took over management of the hotel and a steady stream of Atlantans came to The Brunswick in the summers of the early 1900s. As was the custom, Ramsay explained, newspapers often listed by name Atlanta families staying at the hotel, as well as others staying there from far-flung places across the country, including New York City. With the rise of the automobile in the early 1900s, travel tastes changed and The Brunswick faded from prominence. A new owner showed movies in the hotel to entertain the local folks and guests, which Ramsay says might have been the first movies shown in Norcross. The two top floors were removed sometime in the early 1920s and the remaining portion was used as residential units prior to 1957, when all but one small section was torn down to make room for construction of a new brick post office. Now all is gone, Ramsay said.
But in 2020, a new Brunswick appeared in Downtown Norcross. It is an apartment complex of almost 200 units on Buford Highway adjacent to Lillian Webb Park and called The Brunswick in honor of the old hotel.
Although much has changed, Norcross is still a favorite destination for many metro Atlanta tourists and others who
enjoy all that it has to offer.
“We have top-notch dining with an international flair,” says Stephanie Newton, manager and director of Downtown Norcross Cultural Arts and Tourism. “There are Mojito’s— Cuban; Zapata’s—Mexican and Dominick’s—Italian. We have B&W Burgers, which won Gwinnett Burger of the Week in 2024 and 2025. They have great burgers and it’s a great live music spot on weekends. Norcross has The Crossing, which is a steakhouse in an old train depot. Sit by the window and watch the trains go by. There is the newly opened Savage Pizza, an Atlanta pizza institution known for its superherothemed environment. Visit the Local Peach where the award-winning chef won TV’s Hell’s Kitchen’s contest and where you can get breakfast and lunch. The Bleu House is a great spot for lunch with homemade delicacies. You haven’t lived until you’ve had grill master Willie’s brisket, smoked pork or turkey.”
Newton said Norcross is home to two neighborhood coffee shops, including 45 South Cafe and Refuge Coffee, which has four locations in the area. Shopping is plentiful with an array of unique shops, one-of-a-kind antiques, boutique apparel, whimsical home and garden accessories, original artwork, custom jewelry and more.
“There is so much to do in Norcross,” Newton added. “At
Norcross Gallery & Studios you can see local artists at work in studio spaces and peruse art pieces for sale. Lionheart Theatre, our community theatre is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It has a full schedule of live shows in an historic theater space in one of the oldest churches in Norcross. Thrasher Park and Lillian Webb Park are both within steps of downtown. They are perfect for picnics with playgrounds and green spaces for kids. We have the Splash Pad at Lillian Webb, plus the concert series at Thrasher Park. The City of Norcross sponsors First Friday concerts the first Friday of every month April through October in the Cultural Arts and Community Center. There are walking tours of historic downtown and cemetery tours are scheduled throughout the year. The Welcome Center and History Museum at the Rectory, 17 College Street, has a permanent history exhibit along with special history and art exhibits featured throughout the year.”
Newton said tourism is important to Norcross and other surrounding areas with Gwinnett County hosting more than four million visitors each year. The county boasts more than 12,000 hospitality industry jobs. Newton also said Gwinnett is one of Atlanta’s top filming counties with Norcross being the busiest single film location in the county with multiple shows being filmed in the city.
For more information about the history of Norcross and to find out what events and activities are coming up, visit www. norcrossga.net.
A TIMELESS
Step back in time and relive the charm of "Atlanta’s Summer Resort" in Historic Norcross! Once a beloved getaway for city dwellers escaping the heat, our town still offers that perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. Stroll through our picturesque streets, savor incredible eats from our vibrant culinary scene and dance the night away at our lively summer concerts in Thrasher Park—just like visitors did over a century ago. The trains may not stop here anymore, but trust us, you’ll want to!
CHECK OUT OUR SWEET SOUNDS OF SUMMER LINEUP
Enjoy lifelong learning, make friends, find a support group and enjoy games—all at the library!
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
Where to learn something new, find out what you need to know, get support as a caregiver or simply just socialize with others and have fun? Find those things and more at any branch of the Gwinnett County Library System. More than just a place to check out books, the county’s libraries are some of the busiest places in town with community services, activities and outreach to people of all ages.
Five Forks Branch associate Pete Fox runs Brain Games for Active Adults, a lunch and learn workshop for seniors. This is a monthly program held the last Wednesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The primary goals are to improve cognitive skills and to build a supportive community of friends. Seniors are encouraged to bring their own lunch and engage in brain games, as well as activities that explore art, community, environment, health and technology. Seniors leave each meeting with a folder full of articles, recipes, puzzles, games, Sudoku, word searches, crossword puzzles, coloring sheets and more.
Wednesday, May 7 from 5 to 6 p.m. for all ages. There will be a selection of board games, card games and video games provided.
Successful program topics have included Artificial Intelligence, DIY Tower Gardens, Great Backyard Bird Count, Volunteering in Your Community, Backyard Photography, Making Art with Gourds, Quilting, Blackout Poetry and Vision Boards. Other creative projects have included making faux stained glass, bird feeders and holiday crafts.
The Grayson Branch will offer Family Game Night on
The Centerville Branch associate Danielle Price facilitates its health and wellness Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group on Wednesday, May 14, from 2 to 3 p.m. for adults age 19 and older. As part of its Community and Conversations programming, this support group offers a safe space for people to share their thoughts and experiences involving the care of loved ones with Alzheimer’s.
“Our support group is just that,” Price said. “It’s a place where caregivers can share real conversations of the good days and challenging days and even moments of pure laughter. We are a community of caregivers consisting of children taking care of parents, significant others holding true to their vows of sickness and health and even adult grandchildren sharing their individual journey within the various stages of the disease.”
Price said the group helps build acquaintances and new friendships as it works to help caregivers become more resilient as it grows the local community of people within the Alzheimer’s journey.
“We don’t know all the answers; however, we do share more insight and different perspectives that may help from safety tips, sharing books we’ve read and of course, resources from the Alzheimer’s Association, along with life experiences,” Price said. “Plus, during our support group, this gives you as the caregiver a time to be off duty. It’s important to take care of yourself in order to take care
LIBRARY PATRONS ENJOY MAKING CRAFTS, LEARNING NEW THINGS AND SOCIALIZING
of others and my guests have expressed their gratitude for this space.”
The Norcross Branch offers “Intro to Computers” on Wednesday, May 14 from 11 a.m. to noon. Participants will socialize with others while learning a new skill during this introduction to computers with Google Suite-Session 1.
“Also at the Norcross Branch, Norcross Connect is more than just a community engagement program,” says Adrienne Booth Williams, library associate. “It is a welcoming space where adults and seniors can come together to forge new friendships, embrace lifelong learning and share enriching experiences.”
“Our monthly gatherings offer a refreshing mix of social interaction and hands-on learning, making each session both enjoyable and fulfilling,” library associate Jessie Javore added. “Every event is thoughtfully curated to reflect the seasons, holidays and the diverse interests of our community. From creative workshops to interactive skill-building sessions, there’s always something exciting to explore.”
Williams said some of the favorite past events of Norcross Connect includes the practice of chair yoga; a meaningful Black History Month Sgraffito mask workshop and an engaging introduction to American Sign Language. This summer, the program will include a two-part series on mastering Google Suite to empower participants with essential digital skills.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of Norcross Connect is witnessing our participants blossom—stepping out of their shells, sharing stories, laughter and heartfelt moments with one another and our team,” Javore said. “It’s not just about learning something new; it’s about building a sense of belonging, one connection at a time.”
Sometimes instead of patrons coming to the library, the library goes to the patrons. At the Suwanee Branch, staff members regularly visit the Heartis assisted living facility right across the street. It has a seniors outreach member on its team and each time the staff visits Heartis, it plans a different activity in order to start the conversation among participants. Favorite activities have included trivia about such topics as Christmas movies, as well as helping with different crafts projects. Branch leaders say the feedback is seniors enjoy crafts the most. They also work with the centers to help seniors be able to check out books.
Duffie Dixon, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Gwinnett Library System told about one librarian, Jana King, Youth Services Specialist who takes the mobile library to two senior centers each month.
“I help them with selecting books for their book club; getting a library card if they’ve recently moved to the area to live with family; find books they are interested in and at one center, we have a monthly intergenerational storytime with the kids from the Head Start in the building next door,” King said. “I also go to an assisted living center once a month—for the same reasons as stated before—mainly because they cannot get to the library without help.”
King has also helped connect people who have vision impairments with the Gwinnett Library System so they can become readers again and reconnect with their love of reading. “I recently helped a gentleman find out about books the library carries about gaining citizenship and informed him about the U.S. Citizen Prep Class that the library offers to attain this.”
For more information or to find out what might be offered at a certain branch, visit www.gwinnettpl.org.
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Advanced Neurosurgery Associates cares for patients at Northside Gwinnett & in three area offices
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
Doctors with Advanced Neurosurgery Associates perform some of the most intricate surgeries imaginable. As the sole providers for neurosurgical services at Northside Hospital Gwinnett, the physicians handle the majority of neurosurgical problems ranging from brain tumors and bleeds to neck and back pain, spinal fractures and almost everything in between at the Level II Trauma Center that serves more than a million people in Gwinnett and surrounding counties.
“Our group covers both urgent and emergent cases through the hospital as well as elective cases though our clinic,” according to Matthew Hazzard, M.D. “We offer everything from minimally invasive spinal procedures to major scoliosis reconstruction, from stem to stern.” Among other conditions doctors at the practice address both in the hospital and in the office are degenerative disc disease, spinal cord compression, disc herniations, spinal tumors, spinal stenosis and cervical or lumbar ridiculopathy, which is often referred to as a pinched nerve.
As employed Northside neurosurgeons, Dr. Hazzard said he and the other providers he works with are freed up to focus on patient care rather than get bogged down by a lot of the distractions inherent to private practice.
“I love the fact that I don’t have to see patients through a financial lens or be distracted by insurance coverage,” he said. “I get to focus on doing the right thing for each patient I encounter.”
Dr. Hazzard said Advanced Neurosurgery Associates includes four neurosurgeons who are highly skilled and fellowship trained, along with ten physician assistants and additional support staff. “We work closely with other groups at the hospital, such as trauma, critical care, orthopedics, the heart group and any others who need our services,” he added.
The doctor said it is important for the community to have access to these services and while they take care of patients inside of Northside Gwinnett, they are also growing their practice, which now includes offices located at 1255 Friendship Road, Suite 200 in Braselton; 5185 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 240, Peachtree Corners and 2200 Medical Center Boulevard, Suite 350 in Lawrenceville. Future plans call for opening offices in both Snellville and Suwanee.
“We’re in a phase of growing the elective side of our practice,” Dr. Hazzard said. “We want people to know we are here and happy to help serve in this community.”
The doctor is a board-certified neurosurgeon and a resident of Gwinnett County. As a teenager growing up
in Indiana, he says he knew he wanted to have a career where he could help and serve others while pursuing his passion for learning and science. He completed medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He completed his internship in surgery/ neurological surgery at Duke University in Durham, N.C. Dr. Hazzard continued his studies at Duke University with his residency in neurosurgery. He also served as chief resident during his final year in residency and was awarded a Consultant of the Year Award, as well as Resident Scholar Award at Duke. While at Duke, he completed an enfolded fellowship in the surgical management of pain. In addition, he has authored and co-authored several scholarly journal articles and abstracts as well as having presented on neurosurgical topics at numerous meetings. Dr. Hazzard is boardcertified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) and is a member of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), Georgia Neurosurgical Society (GNS) and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
Joining Dr. Hazzard and the others at Advanced
MATTHEW HAZZARD, MD
CHRISTOPHER BANERJEE, MD
Neurosurgery Associates is Dr. Christopher Banerjee, a neurosurgeon at the forefront of research and development. He is trained in the newest technologies and techniques for complex spine surgeries. With extensive experience in neurotrauma and neurocritical care, Dr. Banerjee is experienced in robotic spine surgery and minimally invasive surgery, including procedures for scoliosis and spinal tumor surgery. “Neurosurgery and spine surgery involve very meticulous and delicate operations on the organ system that is responsible for the essence of our human existence,” he said. “I find it most rewarding to help patients recover their ability to live a fulfilling life and accomplish their goals.” He and his family live in North Druid Hills. Dr. Banerjee holds bachelor degrees in neuroscience and behavioral biology and chemistry from Emory University; a master of public health degree and doctor of medicine from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and an internship from the Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. Banerjee did his residency and was the chief resident at the Department of Neurosurgery at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. He did his fellowship in Neurosurgery Complex Spine at Emory University. He is a member of GNS, AANS. Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and the Neurocritical Care Society. He was honored with the Exemplary Teaching Award for Excellence in Teaching Medical Education, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and the Best Resident Research Award for the Georgia Neurosurgical Society. His special interests include general neurosurgery, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and spinal trauma, neurocritical care and degenerative spine disorders.
Harlan Bruner, M.D. is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon at Advanced Neurosurgery Associates and says he is excited to serve the Gwinnett Community, adding that he treats each of his patients as if they are part of his family. Dr.
Bruner, who speaks Spanish received his medical degree at Columbia University Vagelos School of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed an internship in general surgery and a residency in neurosurgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. As a fellow, he completed training in the complex spine, neurosurgery at Medical College of Wisconsin. He has been published in many peer-reviewed articles and has written a chapter about traumatic spinal cord injuries in a spine surgery textbook. In his free time, the doctor says he enjoys raising his three children with his spouse, cooking for his family and reading. He is board-certified in neurological surgery and a member of AANS, AANS/CNS Joint Spine Section, Medical Association of Georgia and a board member of the Georgia Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.
Dr. Shashank Gandhi is a neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive and complex spinal surgeries, scoliosis and spinal tumors. His expertise includes spinal stenosis, scoliosis and vertebral fracture treatments, as well as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, kyphoplasty and scoliosis correction surgeries. Adhering to his philosophy of care that “less is more” in spinal surgery, Dr. Gandhi utilizes minimally invasive techniques to deliver rapid pain relief and accelerate recovery. He has made numerous presentations, published articles and book chapters. Outside of work, the doctor enjoys playing tennis and golf, as well as spending time with his wife and daughter. He did a fellowship in minimally invasive and complex adult spinal deformity at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Az.; a fellowship in complex pediatric spinal deformity and scoliosis, Shriners Hospitals for Children in Philadelphia, Pa. and his residency in neurological surgery at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, N.Y. Dr. Ghandi received his doctor of medicine from the University of Florida College of Medicine in Gainesville, Fla., and a bachelor of science from the University of Florida where he was in the Junior Honors Medical Program. He holds a biomedical engineering degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. He is board eligible in neurosurgery and a member of the AANS and CNS. His clinical interests include minimally invasive and complex spine surgery, scoliosis and spinal tumors.
“Speaking on behalf of all of us at Advanced Neurosurgery Associates, I believe what draws us to this field is a fascination with neuroanatomy, the brain, spinal cord and nerves, as well as a strong desire to help others with our unique skills and abilities,” Dr. Hazzard said. “...There is so much left to discover and learn. It is an immense field that can hold one’s interest for a career. Even by the time we retire, we won’t know everything. We all have a sincere passion to help people with our hands and our skills and not just our brains. It can be a very tough job at times, but it is rewarding.
“We have the privilege of coming alongside people at some of the most difficult times of their lives. We try to provide hope, care and support. We strive to help improve quality of life and sometimes extend length of life. That’s what draws us into it. Neurosurgeons spend so much of their lives in training, often in school until their mid-30s. Candidly, if you just wanted to make money, start a business or go to Wall Street. In this career, it’s more than that. You’ve got to love what you do and be drawn to caring for patients. The privilege of this career is that at the end of the day, hopefully we are able to say that what we’re doing is impacting someone in a positive way.”
SHASHANK GANDHI, MD
HARLAN BRUNER, MD
City of Suwanee parks offer something for all ages
From sun up to sundown, the City of Suwanee parks offer visitors of all ages a place to gather, exercise, have fun, enjoy nature and just unwind from a busy day. Town Center on Main and DeLay Nature Park are Suwanee’s newest park additions.
The 25-acre site at the corner of Suwanee Dam Road and Main Street was purchased in 2002 and the two parks have been years in the making. Located at 421 Main Street, Town Center on Main is a 13-acre urban park that expands upon the popular Town Center Park. It provides more opportunities for outdoor activities for everyone from families enjoying a picnic to athletes on the volleyball courts, people walking on the 1,200-foot-long park-spanning bridge to art enthusiasts admiring Greater Good, the Veterans Memorial. It offers a mix of recreation, relaxation and entertainment.
One of the most exciting new additions coming to Town Center on Main this spring will be Suwanee Circle, a vibrant food truck park which organizers say will be a “top-tier destination,” complete with a large outdoor bar, seating areas with tables and chairs, TVs for watching ballgames, a small stage for live acoustic music, twinkling lights and plenty of greenery.
“This new food truck park will offer a mix of rotating food trucks, fun and entertainment that truly embodies the energy of Suwanee,” says Bonnie Simmons, the city’s communications and marketing manager.
DeLay Nature Park features 15 acres of wooded nature along Brushy Creek, which includes the half-mile Brushy Creek Greenway. The park extends from Stonecypher Road to Suwanee Dam Road adjacent to Town Center on Main. It is a favorite for those who enjoy the beauty of nature and being outside.
For parents and grandparents hoping to keep children busy this summer, the city’s PlayTown Suwanee 2.0 is a favorite place
for many. The City of Suwanee debuted PlayTown Suwanee 2.0 last year, featuring the revamped beloved 20-year-old playground that spans 13,000 square feet. From separate areas for toddlers and older children to a lighted pavilion with wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, every detail was crafted with plans to include every child with accessibility in mind. Features like the continuous loop design ensure that children can fully engage in the joy of play, fostering imagination and a collaborative spirit for generations to come.
Featuring a 10,000-square-foot play area, a giant sandbox, swings and more, the playground, which was built by the community in 2004, got a major update. After consulting with the experts—kids-the design team worked to custom design the revamped playground with elements reminiscent of the original while meeting modern, inclusivity, safety and sustainability standards. The City of Suwanee, with Primerica as a partner involved more than 1,200 native and new Suwanee residents— many of them moms, dads and grandparents, city staff members and groups as they rallied to spearhead construction of a newer iteration of PlayTown Suwanee. The updated playground utilizes recycled plastics as the primary building material, recycling more than one million milk jugs worth of plastic. Another aspect of the playground’s redevelopment was the involvement of high school artists and students from Suwanee Youth Leaders who contributed design elements to enhance the playground’s aesthetic appeal.
To learn more about the city’s two newest parks, as well as upcoming events and activities in the City of Suwanee, visit www.suwanee.com. Also visit the website for a full listing of Suwanee’s many other parks. Suwanee is widely recognized throughout the Atlanta region for its leadership in preserving open space and establishing high-quality parks and passive recreation opportunities.
PHOTOS SHOW SOME OF THE MANY FEATURES AT SUWANEE’S TOWN CENTER ON MAIN
“Your Green®”
Inflation and Your Retirement
Sonder Health plans are ‘designed by Georgians for Georgians’
BY BETH SLAUGHTER SEXTON
Preventative care involves health services, such as checkups, screenings and counseling to prevent illnesses, diseases and other health problems from occurring or worsening. For those living with chronic conditions, preventative care is particularly important.
Living with a chronic condition can be challenging, but Sonder Health experts say with the right approach to healthcare, a person can maintain a high quality of life and potentially prevent complications. One key to managing chronic conditions is preventative care and Medicare Advantage plans offer support in this area.
Sonder Health Plans, a Medicare Advantage company, was founded in 2018, and is based in Atlanta specializing in plans designed “by Georgians for Georgians.” The plans have expanded significantly and now more plans are offered with Sonder serving more Georgia counties than ever before, according to Sonder’s Carmalitha Gumbs. The number of plans has grown from five to now 12 health plans and the company has expanded its service area from 12 to 84 Georgia counties. Sonder states its mission is to “deliver a high-touch service to every member, provider and participant in our network with a care-centered mindset.” The company’s CEO is Suzanna Roberts.
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, often go beyond Original Medicare in supporting preventative care for those with chronic conditions. The following information outlines some ways these plans can help. Comprehensive coverage may include annual wellness visits, health screenings and vaccinations. Some plans offer care coordination services where a healthcare professional helps manage various treatments and providers, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your health. Many plans offer specialized programs for managing specific chronic conditions. These might include regular check-ins, educational resources and personalized care plans. Remote healthcare options can make it easier to stay on top of your health without frequent in-person visits, which is especially beneficial for those with mobility issues or transportation challenges.
Also, some plans offer gym memberships or wellness programs, encouraging physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices that can help manage chronic conditions. Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, which can be crucial for managing chronic conditions effectively. Dental, vision and hearing coverage are additional services often not covered by Original Medicare. They can be important for overall health and early detection of complications
related to chronic conditions.
For those living with chronic conditions, preventative care is particularly important as it can help detect potential complications early; manage symptoms effectively; improve overall quality of life and reduce healthcare costs in the long run. Common chronic conditions that benefit from regular preventative care include diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
While preventative care needs vary based on individual health status, Sonder states some key services for those with chronic conditions include regular blood pressure checks, cholesterol screenings, diabetes screenings and management, cancer screenings, immunizations, depression screenings, nutrition counseling and smoking cessation programs.
To benefit the most from the preventative care offerings in your Medicare Advantage plan, Sonder recommends reviewing your benefits and familiarize yourself with all the preventative services covered by the plan. Schedule regular check-ups and don’t wait for symptoms to worsen before seeing a doctor. Participate in wellness programs and take advantage of any fitness or wellness plan offered by your plan. For minor issues or quick follow-ups, consider using telehealth options if available. Ask questions. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider or plan representative about available preventative services. Keep up with any changes or updates to your plan’s offerings and remember, prevention is always better than cure. Take a proactive approach to managing your chronic condition and maintaining your over all health.
For more information on Medicare Advantage plans or other plans offered by Sonder, visit www.sonderhealthplans.com.
SUZANNA ROBERTS
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At Sonder Health, you’re the MVP. Our Medicare Advantage plans are designed to help you live life to the fullest every day— not just when you’re sick or injured. As Georgians caring for Georgians, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and innovative plans. Our plans even include special options for those with chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
If you are eligible for Medicare, visit sonderhealthplans.com or call 1-888-688-1098 today to explore your options. Live your best life with Sonder Health.
Medicare Card Fraud & Scams
Many Medicare recipients have reported receiving calls from scammers who claim to represent Medicare, Social Security, or a Medicare Advantage plan insurance company. These callers claim that new Medicare, Social Security or Medicare Advantage plan benefits are being rolled out. Some callers state that Medicare is sending out new plastic cards or cards that contain a “chip” and claim they need the beneficiary’s information to send out these new cards. These calls are fraudulent and the callers are trying to steal your information!
The scammers may even have limited information about the beneficiary such as their name, address, doctor’s name or sometimes even their birth date. The caller may be extremely aggressive, calling multiple times or threatening the beneficiary with a loss of benefits. The caller may promise that they can improve the benefits that a beneficiary is receiving or decrease the cost of their insurance. They will say anything to obtain your personal information.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Social Security Administration will never call you to update your information or give you a new card. If you receive a call from anyone asking you to verify your Medicare or Social Security information, hang up the phone immediately. Do not answer any questions from a caller that you do not know. If and when a scammer aquires your Medicare number, they can begin to use it to get Medicare to pay for all kinds of services and medical devices that are not medically necessary, and that they may not even send you. Medicare numbers can be just as dangerous in the wrong hands as a credit card number, so you should guard your Medicare number and credit card numbers with an equal level of care.
In summary, the following is a short list of ways that Medicare beneficiaries can protect themselves and reduce the chance that they may become a victim of Medicare fraud:
a. Protect your Medicare card and information. Only give your Medicare number to your healthcare
provider, your physician or hospital
b. Remember that Medicare and Social Security will NEVER call you on the phone or contact you by email. Do not give your Medicare or Social Security number to someone on the phone or on the internet
c. Carefully review your Medicare Summary Notices or Explanation of Benefits statements to ensure all the charges and information seem correct
d. If you find something concerning, REPORT it to SMP’s toll-free hotline
The Senior Medicare Patrol program works to empower those on Medicare, their caregivers, and family members with knowledge on how to prevent, detect, and report the estimated $65+ billion dollars lost to Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse each year. These scammers are unfortunately often very good at what they do, and scams can happen to even the savviest of beneficiaries. Our program thrives on community engagement and offers no-cost educational presentations on healthcare fraud and elder scam prevention at locations including but not limited to senior centers, houses of worship, civic clubs, and support groups throughout the state. SMP works to stop these scammers and stopping them isn’t possible without reports from people like yourself and others in the community. If you would like to report potential fraud, have questions, or would like to invite us to give a presentation, please call us on the toll-free SMP hotline number at:
877-272-8720
StopMedicareFraud.org
This project in Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Vermont is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $2,177,422.00 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the US Government.
