Gwinnett Citizen North May 2019

CITIZEN

Vol. 31 No. 7

6 tips to beat summer heat

page 3

.COM

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gwinnett Est. 1988 Covering Dacula, Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Buford, Sugar Hill, Braselton

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MAY 2019

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Full Count: A story about baseball and life

By Julie Thompson GwinnettCitizen.com

America wins global competition page 6

In high school, baseball was his everything.

He lived and breathed the sport. Making it to the major leagues was the ultimate goal for John Paul Kakos, but after a series of injuries, he had no choice but to turn in the bat.

“I would practice for hours and hours trying to be good enough, but due to injuries, I had to take an entire season off during high school,” said John Paul who had posterior labrum surgery after tearing and dislocating his shoulder — a dealbreaker for many young athletes. It was the second labrum surgery of his high school baseball career; and now, he had one on each shoulder.

A few months passed. The young athlete graduated with the Mountain View class of 2017, and he was ready to try something new.

Coming from an artistic family, John Paul had auditioned and was casted for minor roles in films like “All Hallows Evil” (2012), “Halloween – Revenge of the Sandman” (2012) and the television show “It’s Supernatural.”

See COUNT on Page 18 Buford’s 1950’s Fashion Show page 11

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John Paul Kakos stars in Robert Eagar’s inspirational film “Full Count” depicting a young baseball player who encounters a series of obstacles as he pursues his dream of becoming a major league baseball player.

Gwinnett Middle School Fast Pitch Softball League approaches 2019 Season

Pickleball Scores popularity points in Gwinnett

By Julie Thompson GwinnettCitizen.com

Errand Services for Seniors! page 15

INSIDE Citizen Connection Gwinnett Pulse Health & Wellness

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While football may be king of the South, one little known sport is quickly gaining an audience in Gwinnett and across the country.

“Pickleball” is emerging as a popular pastime for middle-aged adults seeking a low-intensity sport and for anyone who enjoys trying their ‘underhand’ at something new.

Pickleball is a paddle-based sport which can be played with either single players competing on either side of a court or in doubles matches.

The sport’s origins can be traced to the late 1960s, and while not everyone agrees on how Pickleball got its knee-jerk name, there’s no denying the exponential growth of its fanbase.

Snellville resident Kristy Kind started playing about a year ago and hasn’t put down her paddle since.

“A friend posted on Facebook she was looking for someone else to join her league in Loganville,” Kind said. “And so, I met her at her

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Kristy Kind is member to a handful of Pickleball clubs both in Gwinnett and across Metro-Atlanta. She plays at a private facility in Smokerise, Sugar Hill, the outdoor court at Suwanee Station, as well as at Bay Creek, Hammond Park in Sandy Springs and Chateau Elan.

house, and she let me borrow her wooden paddle to start practicing.

The rest is history. I was addicted.”

Although she’s relatively new to the sport, Kind is preparing to

See PICKLE on Page 16

Buford and Mountain View teams pose after their wins at the Gwinnett Middle School Fast Pitch Softball League 2018 Post Season Tournament.

By Julie Thompson GwinnettCitizen.com In the early 2000s, two parents noticed there weren’t many options for their young daughters to play competitive sports. So, Larry Barnes and Tom Robinson put their heads together to create a program that would cultivate that team-driven atmosphere they had been looking for.

In 2003, they created The Gwinnett Middle School Fast Pitch Soft-

ball League, a feeder program that provides an opportunity for girls across the county to start playing on high school fields and gain recognition for their skill in the sport.

Explaining the concept of a ‘feeder program’, the league’s new co-director Tanya McDaniel said, “The team is for middle school students to prepare and align with the high schools they will be attending

See LEAGUE on Page 10

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May 2019

6 Tips to Help Your Home Beat the Summer Heat Co-Publishers/Editors Auveed Bagheri Cawthon Chris Cawthon 107 W Crogan St • Lawrenceville, Ga 30046 • Office (770) 963-3699 www.gwinnettcitizen.com • info@gwinnettcitizen.com

Matthew Holtkamp Holtkamp Heating & Air

These top home cooling tips will help boost your comfort when the dog days of summer arrive.

Regularly Change Your Filter The easiest thing you can do to help keep your system running smoothly is changing your filter at least every 60 days. Got pets? Consider every 30 days.

Your system needs strong air flow, and fresh filters let your system “breathe” cool air into every corner of your home.

Manage Your Windows Keeping your blinds, drapes or shades closed during the peak heat of the day (mid to late-afternoon) will help keep your home cool, especially for south-facing windows.

Consider Different Ways to Cook Keep your home more comfortable by firing up the grill instead of

May 2019

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heating up your oven or cooking on the stove. The longer days and beautiful evening weather makes outdoor cooking a breeze.

After our tune-up, your A/C’s performance and efficiency will drastically improve, providing you with cooler air and lower energy bills.

Give Your Outdoor Unit Space Keep your outdoor unit clear of all vines, brush, leaves and other yard debris. Provide at least 18-24 inches of space for proper air flow and maximum efficiency.

Explore New Energy Efficient Systems If your system is 8-10 years old or older and you know it’s about to kick the bucket, don’t waste money by repairing an old unit that will soon fail. Modern systems are significantly more efficient than ten year old technology, costing much less to operate while delivering better comfort.

There are options for every budget, and convenient financing for qualified customers.

For a 21-point tune-up or a free system replacement estimate, call 470-223-1176, and we’ll bring comfort your way!

Schedule a Professional Tune-up Imagine driving your car for 50,000 miles and never changing the oil. It wouldn’t perform very well, and neither will your A/C unit.

For the price of taking your family out for a decent meal, our highly trained HVAC techs will get your system in tip-top shape with a comprehensive 21-point precision tune-up for just $78 (first system, normally $118).

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The mission of gwinnettcitizen.com newspaper, a publication of Media Maker Group Inc. dba gwinnettcitizen.com, is to provide our readers with stories about their communities and people. Our stories and photos bring to life the passion of living, working, playing, living healthy and worshiping in Gwinnett County. We help connect readers with local businesses to facilitate and promote shopping and buying local.

The newspaper, a free publication, is direct mailed to 3 geographic zones in Gwinnett County containing hyper-local news pertinent to each community for a total monthly distribution of 60,000 printed copies in Gwinnett County.

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GWINNETTCITIZEN

connection

“What is your prayer to love one another?”

Citizen Connection is a random sampling of opinions regarding various subjects. Visit our Facebook page to add yours and see a whole lot more!

“[My prayer is] that people can dialogue without anger and be okay disagreeing.” ~ Matt Davis, Loganville, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

“That we will put all oppositions aside and “The only thing that brings people togethfocus on God’s grace that forgives and er is Christ, so [my prayer is] that we be gives us a second chance.” brought together through Christ.” ~ David Burgher, Snellville, Ga. ~ Jenny Parsley, Buford, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.) (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

“That the nation will come together in unity instead of being divided by diversity.

Diversity is good, but we need to come together in unity.” ~ Daniel Flagg, Snellville, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

“[My prayer] is that those who are disenfranchised will be enfranchised. I say that as someone who wants to help the incarcerated so they can reenter society.” ~ Taylor Davis, Houschton, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

“My prayer is for men and women to love each other as Jesus loves us. He loves us no matter our background. So, my prayer is for everyone to love regardless of background.” ~ Brendan Spaar, Lawrenceville, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

“The prayer in loving one another is peace. Once everyone gets beyond the frustrations and takes the first step in love just as Jesus told us, peace can take place. As love covers a multitude of sins.” ~ Algernon Booker, Buford, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

“[My prayer] is that we be more like Jesus. That we love our neighbors like we love ourselves. That we love without conditions. All the time, anywhere. That we love each other as God loves us.” ~ Oscar Lopez, Lawrenceville, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

“My prayer is for us to come to the realization that we are all God’s creation, and he has commanded us to love one another.” ~ Melvin Everson, Snellville, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

“My prayer is that we always see others in God’s eyes, and we will love like he loves us.” ~ Clyde Strickland, Lawrenceville, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

“At the end of the day, we must love one another. Love can cover a multitude of sins and it’s not only Biblical, it’s human nature to love and be loved. My prayer is that this country be united again. Black, White, Brown, Green, Yellow. That we all be together again and can sit and talk in harmony.” ~ Patrick Batubenge, Grayson, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

“It’s interesting you ask that — this morning during my daily reflection I looked at a scripture [John 13:34]. We are commanded to love one another. My prayer is if we can see humanity in each other and truly love like God loves us, we can live in better harmony.

I have three sons. I couldn’t imagine giving them up for anything, so to think God love us so much he gave his only son, speaks volumes of his love. If we could unite to show the same love, we’d be a better community, a better state and a better nation.” ~ Veronica Cope, Grayson, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

“Well, [my prayer is for] the ability to step in another person’s shoes to see the world from another’s perspective. Jesus said to love God with all our heart and then he said, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ That’s how you love God with all your heart, by loving your neighbor.” ~ Jessie Williams, Winder, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

“My prayer is simple. It is that we follow the word of the Bible. My prayer is to get out of myself. Our own needs should already be taken care of by the Lord, so the answer is to listen to others’ needs and get below the surface because that’s where the heart is.” ~ Lorenzo Lewis, Norcross, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

“Looking at the nation’s problems since the inception and at the world’s problems since the beginning, it’s going to take more than us being better. We have to ask God to change humanity’s hearts.

The trouble is humanity’s sinful hearts, and we have to ask God to pour his Holy Spirit on us to change us to have hearts of flesh, not hearts of stone.” ~ Rachel O’Dell, Lawrenceville, Ga. (Fallen Heroes Memorial, Lawrenceville, Ga.)

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May 2019

Which Parts of Your Financial Plan Need an Annual Check-up / Tune-up? child • Greater financial responsibility • Death of a beneficiary

Holly Geerdes

Estate Planning Attorney

Many people assume financial plans made today for tomorrow are good forever, but that can amount to a costly mistake. Here’s a quick list of what needs an annual tuneup: Life insurance You should review your life insurance annually, and whenever you have a significant life change. Examples of the changes that require your immediate attention are: • Marriage or divorce • Birth of a child or grand-

May 2019

A review of your policies should include more than adding or removing beneficiaries.

Consider whether your coverage is still adequate or if you need more. An annual review is also a good time to decide whether to convert term policies to permanent insurance.

Wills A review of your will should also consider how any current or pending changes in tax laws will affect its terms. Make sure you also address financial windfalls, as well as setbacks. This is especially true if a financial change will influence the equitable distribution of assets.

Trusts Most trust attorneys agree that an annual review of revo-

cable trusts is a sound practice. The law regarding trusts is always evolving warranting a regular examination. Trusts are unlike wills in that recently divorced spouses are not automatically disinherited.

Divorced spouses must be removed manually from trust documents.

Estate Planning An annual review of your entire estate plan follows the same rules as trusts, wills and life insurance. It will confirm that each of the components still meet your overall estate plan.

Other life changes that may need to be addressed include your retirement and any sizable inheritance you have received as these may have an impact on your estate’s tax status. It is also advisable to engage in a more thorough review with the aid of a professional estate planner every five years.

gwinnettcitizen.com

Local attorney, Holly Geerdes, Esq. provides excellent solutions daily to families who value protecting the assets and traditions they have worked their entire lives to achieve. Her firm, The Atlanta Estate Law Center, takes the time to understand each client’s needs and desires

to continue to take care of their families when they no longer are here or have the competency to do so. Our combination of empathy and expertise are what set us apart. Take the next step and reserve your spot in a workshop today.

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Gwinnett Pulse Mill Creek High School student wins global art competition “Swift of foot was Hiawatha; He could shoot an arrow from him, And run forward with such fleetness, That the arrow fell behind him!” ~ Excerpt from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem “The Song of Hiawatha” (1855)

By Julie Thompson GwinnettCitizen.com Every year students from around the world submit work for the Unsung Hero ArtEffect Project Awards competition. And while America Garcia, a senior at Mill Creek High School, had entered the competition in previous years, she knew 2019 was going to be different.

“I started entering my art in the 10th grade, but I didn’t take it seriously. There were so many other students participating, I didn’t think there was a point. But as I got older, I started to put more effort each year,” America said.

The effort she put into “Hiawatha, The Leader We Need” is evident in the intricacies of the painting. Her 2019 submission depicts the Native American chief of the Onondaga Tribe, who is believed to have united his people under the Iroquois Confederation.

For her conscientious artwork, America won the grand prize for the worldwide competition. Sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center, the annual competition awards those that discover an artistic interpretation that honors the legacy of an Unsung Hero.

“I wanted to recognize the Iroquois Confederation,” America said of her inspiration for the painting. “I learned about what [Hiawatha] did in a history class, so I wrote a paper alongside a cultural visual sketching for my class.”

Where in years past, she thought there was no chance of winning, America decided to invest every ounce of her talent for the 2019 competition. “I figured even if I didn’t win, at least I would know I had tried my best,” she said.

And so, the high school senior spent many hours researching and revising her idea. She started by sketching the image digitally on her iPad and considered submitting a graphic design for the competition. But following her art teacher’s recommendation, America decided to go the extra mile and paint the image on canvas.

“It was a lot more work to handpaint it, mostly because it was harder to fix mistakes. But I had the rough idea on my iPad.” The idea developed as America put more thought into Hiawatha’s legacy. In Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic poem “The Song of Hiawatha” (1855), the leader is characterized as the embodiment of human advancement and as one

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L-R: Art teacher Mike Lasseter; America Garcia, Grand Prize winner of the 2019 Unsung Hero Art Effect Project, and proud father Noel Garcia.

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A finished product. “Hiawatha, The Leader We Need” by America Garcia, a senior at Mill Creek High School

who yields the powers of nature to create peace and prosperity.

Accordingly, America endowed her painted with mysticism. It pictures Hiawatha below a starry sky.

A full moon illuminates his face which appears serene, perhaps convening with a Great Spirit or with his natural surroundings.

“At first, I was mostly thinking what he did was cool. And then, when the government shutdown happened, I just thought we could learn from him. This guy united all these scattered and warring tribes.

Maybe, if we all compromised a little, we could work together, too.”

America was recognized during an award ceremony where she was presented a $6,000 check.

The surprise ceremony was attended by her art teacher, Mike Lasseter, along with 60 of her peers.

Of his student’s work, Lasseter said, “I want to spread the word, far and wide! America is an amazing student —intelligent, kind,

America Garcia’s work in progress!

hard-working, positive and respectful. I couldn’t be happier for her.

She is wonderful and deserves this recognition.”

The ArtEffect Project aims to teach students their potential to create positive change through creative storytelling that celebrates Unsung Heroes — “extraordinary individuals who changed history but were never recognized.” Through the competition, the ArtEffect Project hopes participating students will come to follow their hero’s footsteps and inspire positive social action as they share their projects.

Energized by her success, America looks forward to the challenges she will face after high school. She plans to attend the University of Georgia, and both her parents and younger brother share in her excitement.

“I’m not exactly sure what I want to study yet — I think I want to be a lawyer,” America admitted.

“Of course, I will always love art and will continue to do it just for me.”

May 2019

HELP WANTED

Business Spotlight: Irish Electric Inc —

Electricians who won’t yell ‘The sky is falling’

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Irish Electric provides both commercial and residential electrical contracting services to “just about the whole top of Georgia,” according to John Clune.

By Julie Thompson GwinnettCitizen.com Ever since the Clune family sailed from Ireland 100 years ago, they have passed down their family trade from generation to generation.

Construction was their inherited skill, and over decades of working in the Atlanta area, Thomas John Clune and his son, John Clune, found their expertise were needed in the field of electrical contracting.

Established in 2004, Irish Electric Inc was born out of extensive industry experience and out of the Clune’s passion for keeping families safe in their homes.

“We did construction in the mid80s mostly on bigger projects back then. Our family has been in construction for years, so it’s something I’ve always known,” said John Clune who was born and raised in the metro Atlanta area.

The Clunes never had to dig to discover their ancestry. With four

May 2019

generations of ‘Thomas John Clunes’, there’s only one place where their family tree could have sprouted.

“The Clunes founded a town in Ireland about 500 years ago called the city of Quinn. And about 100 years ago or so, dad’s dad’s dad — four generations back — started coming over here.”

Besides their affinity for the name “Thomas John”, another thread that connects men in Clune family is their strong work ethic developed from generations of military service.

“Dad’s air force. He served right before Vietnam and after Korea. I personally worked at a shipyard in Charleston, N.C. for the military as a civilian, but with the exception of myself, everyone has served the country.”

As a father of three girls, John is passionate about protecting the families he works with. Electrical hazards can be fixed if the problem is caught on time, so he expresses gratitude

each time one of their guys answers a call.

“Keeping families safe — that’s what makes this rewarding. There are 30,000 electrical fires a year and 1,000 casualties due to electrical fires. Today, there are more electrical units in homes than there used to be, and that’s just a factor we battle.”

Providing both commercial and residential electrical contracting, Irish Electric services “just about the whole top of Georgia,” according to John. A few of the services they provide include new house wiring, basement finishes, light and fan installations, electrical panel upgrades, ring and nest systems, landscape lighting and more. From start to finish, the family works together to ensure customers receive the quality service they deserve.

Folks who call Irish Electric will probably talk to either John or his wife, Claire. Although he’s in partial retirement, Thomas John stays engaged, and his wife, Tina Clune works the administrative end of the business.

“Some of our cousins are in the business, and we, also, work with a handful of electricians who are not kin, but they are skilled guys,” John said of Irish Electric’s trusted staff.

Having worked multiple sides in the construction and electrical fields, John has seen a variety of ways to get the job done. But the customer-engagement policy at Irish Electric derived from another Clune family characteristic which has contributed to the business’s success.

gwinnettcitizen.com

“We’re honest. We get in there, and if the electrical is bad, we’re not going to say you need some insane renovations. A lot of the competition will treat situations like the sky is falling in this business. We’re not like that.”

Located at 2278 Walker Dr. in Lawrenceville, Irish Electric is licensed, insured and bonded.

They can be reached by email at irisheinc@gmail.com or by phone from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday at (678)255-6303.

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Your Green: How Can I Afford College?

Roger Green, MSFS,CFP ® Green Financial Resources

Are you high school student wondering how you will one day pay for your college education? Or perhaps you are a parent who isn’t sure how to help their child get a college education? Many things can be done to make college more affordable. Here are a few: First, if you are still in school, good grades are very important.

Good grades and good study habits will allow you to take AP (Advanced Placement) classes while still in high school.

AP classes allow you to take a test upon completion and earn college credit for your class – at a much lower cost than you will pay for the same class at even a small community college.

Some high schools offer joint enrollment, where you take classes for credit at a local college, while still enrolled in high school. Although you will be paying college tuition, you will still be living at home and getting some of your college courses out of the way before

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you even go off to college. It is possible for someone to complete a full college semester or more before they even graduate high school.

Since you actually have to get accepted to college, good grades will give you more choices in schools you can attend. Good grades are the only way to qualify for the HOPE Scholarship, which is probably one of the best ways to make attending a Georgia college more affordable. Before you look at out of state colleges, give consideration to in-state colleges, where you save money through in-state tuition, and potentially qualify for the HOPE Scholarship in Georgia. HOPE can cover most, if not all, of your tuition expense. Good grades can also be a major factor in obtaining most scholarships, Try to identify what you really want to do as early as possible. So many waste money and time changing majors, or worse, they drop out of school due to a lack of focus and direction. Some choose careers where the job opportunities are limited, and end up under-employed or working outside of their chosen field. Use your high school years to explore options and to evaluate what you want to do with your life. High school counselors should have skills assessment tests and other tools to help you identify the types of jobs best suited to your skills, abilities, and interests.

They can also help you identify the jobs that have the best hiring prospects in the coming years, and can help you evaluate the expected salaries in various fields.

There are also many resources online.

Choose wisely. Most of us spend upward of forty to fifty years in our chosen career – make it one you will enjoy and find rewarding, as well as one where there is true opportunity.

Consider attending a nearby community or public college for the core classes you will be required to take in your first two years of college. Tuition at community and local public colleges is generally much more affordable, and you can live at home and save on the cost of going away to college. If your grades and admission test scores were not high enough for admission to the four-year college you wanted to attend, completion of a two-year Associates Degree at a local college will generally greatly increase the odds of acceptance as a transfer student at most four-year colleges. And consider one of the many two-year technical colleges as affordable alternatives for more focused training. Any amount of college education will help increase your income and employment odds in today’s employment market.

You may need to work. If you are still in school, consider summer or after-school employment as a way to begin setting aside money for college in your future. Good savings and good work habits will pay off for you in the long run in many other areas of your life. Perhaps you also need to consider working while attending school to help with the costs.

Many larger employers have programs to help their employees achieve their ed-

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ucational goals by providing tuition reimbursement programs. And when you graduate from college with work experience, the ability you have shown to manage multiple responsibilities and the experience you have had will likely make you a much more desirable job candidate.

Financial aid, grant money, scholarships of all different types, and student loans are often available. Your high school counselor or the financial aid office of the college you plan to attend can provide assistance identifying your options. Student loans are generally provided at excellent interest rates with lengthy terms for repayment, making them quite inviting as an easy way to pay for school expenses, perhaps at a college you really can’t afford.

A word of caution on student loan debt: When taking on student loan debt, think about how this debt will take away from your earnings for many years to come. Also, explore the federal loan money available, before taking on any private loans. Generally, if you must assume student loans, I recommend keeping this debt to no more than you can reasonably expect to earn in the first year of working in your chosen career.

The exception to this might be pursuing a profession requiring extra years of education with strong odds of earning a high future income; such as a doctor or dentist. Do you really want to have to send in chunks of your income year after year, to repay money you used for a few short years of college? If you do take

out loans, use this money very wisely, so you don’t regret it later.

A caution for parents about co-signing for student loans. LendEDU, an online marketplace for student loans and refinancing recently did a survey and found that nearly 57% of parents said their credit score has been negatively affected by co-signing for a student loan, and 58% said their children have asked them for help making payments. The survey said that 34% of parents responded that co-signing has hurt their ability to qualify for their own mortgages, auto loans, and other types of financing.

If you are a parent wanting to review investments for your child’s educational future, or if you are considering drawing from your own retirement investments or money you would save toward your own future to fund college for your child, please contact our office at 770.931.1414 to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation appointment to review college financial planning or any aspect of your financial situation in person. We are here to help!

Roger S. Green, MSFS, CFP® is an Investment Advisor Representative Registered Representative of Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/ dealer, Registered Investment Advisor. His office is located at 3700 Crestwood Parkway, Suite 140, Duluth, GA 30096. Visit our website at www.rogersgreen.com for more information about how we can help.

May 2019

“It’s all about the dogs” — State Judge Carla Brown opens her home to man’s best friend

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As the CEO of Canine Pet Rescues, State Judge Carla Brown cares for ten dogs at her home. And she brings an injured German Shepherd pup to her office every day as he needs constant attention.

By Julie Thompson GwinnettCitizen.com Horses graze and cows can be heard in the near distance at Big Sky Farm located in Dacula, Ga. The Farm is the home of State Judge Carla Brown, and she keeps company with 10 — and when there are litters — up to 20 dogs.

The state judge has opened her home to provide a base for “Canine Pet Rescue” (CPR), a nonprofit she founded in 2009. Her purpose was to focus on saving German Shepherds from high kill shelters across the state, nursing them back to health and ultimately finding permanent homes.

“Often people will buy a German Shepherd without doing their research on the breed. They don’t train them correctly as puppies, not realizing they are very active and protective dogs, and as they grow bigger, sometimes people mistake that energy as aggression,” Brown explained her emphasis on German Shepherds.

Brown manages the rescue’s frontline work, coordinating requests almost daily to save neglected and abused dogs. Due to the demand, she had an official pet shelter built on her farm in 2011.

Between her duties at court, Brown also juggles the daily de-

May 2019

mands of being the CEO of a growing and demanding rescue. She comes home to a host of rescue duties, ensuring that the dogs are cared for, arranging medical care with vets and specialists and matchmaking dogs with adopters.

Recently, Brown began fostering an injured German Shepherd pup.

He is in need of constant attention, so Brown has been bringing him to her office each day. She also cares for two additional foster dogs tucked away in her home as well as the to the seven in the CPR kennel.

One of the dogs up for adoption is Lex, a black German Shepherd.

Earlier in the year, Lex was saved from a puppy mill in Montgomery, Ga. along with 400 other German Shepherds. The puppy mill made local headlines after the owner was arrested for animal abuse.

“He’s one of the dogs that had been kept in a kennel his entire life and never knew what grass felt like. He never really plays with the toys, because he’s still not sure what they’re for,” volunteer Mary Carson said of Lex, who is still recovering from his previous neglect.

Freckles, a nine-year-old mixed Bulldog, is also in the rehab phase.

When CPR found Freckles, she was emaciated and in critical health conditions.

“She was one of 12 dogs we took

who had been starved by her trainer,” Brown said of Freckles who has put on healthy weight and gained an energetic spark in the few months she’s been at CPR. Kept separately in 5X10 kennels with both indoor and outdoor accesses, the dogs enjoy regular attention.

Volunteers will come out to feed and walk the dogs for morning, afternoon and evening shifts. Another seven dogs are cared for in foster homes, where the others will ultimately move to when there is room.

It’s a full-time operation, and Brown is thankful for the help she receives from volunteers and supporters of their mission.

“We have volunteers come by three times a day 365 days out of the year, and we always need more to help fill those duties,” Brown said.

“We could not do this work without our amazing volunteer staff.”

With so many incoming dogs, CPR has high expenses each month.

Brown says medical expenses are by far the highest expense, and the food bill is at a close second.

“We recently received about $6,000 worth of food from Hollywood Feed in Roswell. They donated 90 bags, and that will go a long way in helping us feed the dogs,” said Volunteer Coordinator Sean Richardson who estimates their food bill comes out to $500 each month.

Richardson admitted that she started volunteering in 2012 as a work requirement, but quickly fell in love with what Brown and the others were doing through CPR. “To be honest, this has become like therapy for me. The dogs are happy to see you, and it’s just a great feeling knowing that you’re helping an innocent soul,” said Richardson who has fostered a few dogs during her time with CPR. Volunteer information is available online at www. caninepetrescue.com.

With 30-acres of green pasture, Big Sky Farm is an upbeat place for social gatherings, and CPR is inviting dog owners near and far to bring their pets for the 2019 Bikes, Barks and BBQ event on May 18th. Motorcycle riders should show up for registration at the Gwinnett Detention Center by 8:00 a.m. They will end up at the Farm for a BBQ which runs from 12:00 -2:30 p.m.

“It’s really kind of two separate events. The bike ride starts at the jail and ends here. And around noon, families will start arriving at the Farm for BBQ,” Brown said.

Some of the event’s features include dog demonstrations, bounce houses for the kids, as well as food trucks and craft beer served by Lincoln Fill Station. According to Richardson, 100 percent of the event’s proceeds will go to CPR which is a registered 501(c)3. Vendors and local sponsors can sign up for the event

gwinnettcitizen.com

by emailing bbb@caninepetrescues. com or by visiting the following webpage: https://www.caninepetrescue. com/events .

For those yet to discover why dogs are man’s best friends, the BBQ will be an opportunity to learn more about volunteer and adoption opportunities.

To Judge Angela Duncan, who has two dogs from CPR, adopting a rescue can be a win-win situation. “It gives dogs a second chance and us a first chance to do right by them.”

A list of pictures and stories about each of the dogs at CPR is available online https://www.caninepetrescue.com/available-for-adoption . As Brown says, “It’s all about the dogs!”

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Templeton is a male German Shepherd pup believed to have been run over by a car before he was saved

by Canine Pet Rescue.

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Sasha is a grown German Shepherd female saved and cared for by Canine Pet Rescues.

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Freckles is a nine-year-old mixed Bulldog, up for adoption at Canine Pet Rescue (CPR). When CPR found Freckles, she was emaciated and in critical health conditions. In the months since, Freckles has gained healthy weight and a spark in her step.

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Lex is a black German Shepherd.

Earlier in the year, he was saved along with 400 other German Shepherds from a puppy mill that made local headlines after the owner was arrested for animal abuse.

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Laredo plays with his favorite toy at the Canine Pet Rescue Shelter’s fenced-in outdoor area.

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The 2019 Bikes Barks and BBQ event will begin at noon on May 18th. The event will include dog demonstrations bounce houses, food and craft beer served by local vendors. All proceeds will go to Canine Pet Rescue.

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LEAGUE continued from page 1 and get them ready for high school sports. This is an excellent program for more experienced girls that are looking for a higher level of competition.”

In 2018, they passed the baton on to Tim Gaines and McDaniel. In the past year, the two have seen the program blossom . For the 2018 season, they had close to 400 girls play-

ing on 33 teams that feed into high schools across Gwinnett.

Paul Stewart will coach the eighth-grade team for Dacula.

Coach Stewart has been coaching in

the county for 30 years and told the Gwinnett Citizen he has witnessed a wave of competitive culture rise with the expansion of the Gwinnett Middle School feeder program.

“Feeder programs were not that big back then, but they’ve developed over the past decade, Coach Stewart said. “My granddaughter is on the second generation on this league, and she loves it!”

With their 2019 season just around the corner, coaches and players alike are anticipating what will be a whirlwind of activity which will include daily drills, practice and group work for five straight weeks.

“Our season starts August 3rd with a preseason jamboree to get the young ladies warmed up for the season. This also allow for the teams to be placed in the right division” McDaniel explained of the league’s placement system. The Red Level is the highest division in the league, while the White and Blue divisions provide an opportunity for the girls to enhance their competitive edge and better prepare for the more competitive ranks.

Coach Stewart believes that playing on actual high school fields goes a long way towards preparing the girls for the rigorous pace of high school athletics.

“We’re a pretty advanced middle school program, and it’s great for my girls to play on the high school field because high school coaches have already started to watch them, and they’ve been looked at by recruiters,” Coach Stewart said.

Coach Whitney Wolfe is a teacher at Buford Elementary and trains one of the teams that feed into Buford High School. She was introduced to the league when her younger sister was in middle school and appreciates the ethic and drive it teaches many of the girls.

“One of the best things about the league is how it introduces them to the fast pace of playing in high school. It’s letting them know, ‘This is what you’re getting into,’” Coach Wolfe said.

Having played softball throughout high school and while she attended Piedmont College, Coach Wolfe believes playing competitive sports presents girls with much more than the athletic skill alone.

“All sports teach life lessons.

Lessons of teamwork and team chemistry are some of the big ones.

Our girls learn that they have to get along with each other before they can play together. It’s building that chemistry — that trust in them-

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selves, in their teammates and their coaches,” Coach Wolfe said.

For McDaniel, the upcoming season presents many hours of coordination with parents and coaches, but she’s excited to see where it will take the girls. Her son is a lifelong baseball player, so McDaniel values the importance of good sportsmanship.

“It’s wonderful to watch them compete and improve over the season. The girls have great camaraderie, and it’s rare to see them upset.

They love to be out there!” McDaniel said.

And she understands that the while girls thrive in a competitive environment, their adult supervisors should always be mindful of the work they put into the sport, even when they don’t win.

“These girls are young athletes, and they’re very strong, but we adults also need to remember that they’re still kids, and they want to impress us so badly, and they hate to disappoint their coaches. I remind all the coaches of that, because praise is so important.”

The Fast Pitch League Season wraps up in September each year with a league-wide tournament held at the Lilburn Lion’s Club. At the end-of-season tournament, teams will compete for Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze Divisions.

“That gives us an opportunity to recognize even more girls for their hard work,” McDaniel said of the competition.

For the 2018 end-of-season tournament, the First Place Platinum prize went to the North Gwinnett team. The Buford Manders won first place for the Gold Division, Grayson Dennis took first place for Silver and Norcross Hanson took first place for the Bronze Division.

Throughout the season, the young athletes had the opportunity to compete at the following high school fields: Dacula, Mountain View, North Gwinnett, Lanier, Archer, Brookwood, Grayson and Parkview.

Coach Stewart spoke of the girls’ rapid improvement over last year’s season, saying “I saw most of the girl’s skill level double!”

Parents interested in registering their middle school-aged daughters for the 2019 softball season should contact McDaniel by emailing gwinnettsoftball01@gmail.com.

From there, she will put you in contact with the respective team’s coaches to get you started.

May 2019

Happy Days 1950s Fashion Show fundraises for charities and local students

By Julie Thompson GwinnettCitizen.com Every year in February, volunteers with the Buford Lanier Woman’s Club (BLWC) begin planning their most glamorous annual fundraiser — The spring Fashion Show.

According to BLWC President Sue Morris, the Fashion Show has become the Club’s biggest and most successful annual fundraisers. Its proceeds help fund many local charities as well as five $1,000 scholarships awarded to students at Buford High School, Flowery Branch High School and two nontraditional students from Gwinnett Technical College More than 300 patrons RSVP’ed for the 2019 show themed “The 1950’s: A Time of Fashion Evolution” at the Sugar Hill Presbyterian Church. Beginning at noon, lunch was catered

by Tropical Delights and assisted by Lanier College students and Career Academy. Many guests arrived earlier at 11:00 a.m. to buy raffle tickets for prizes donated by friends and partners of the Woman’s Club.

Tara Jewelry provided two pieces – a 14K Yellow Gold and Diamond Fashion Ring and matching earrings.

The jewelry was donated in memory of Willena Robinson (1926-2019), a longtime member of the BLWC. Her daughter, Linda Evans, also a BLWC member, had been her caretaker and spoke to her mother’s zest for life and helping the community.

“She was very active [in the Club] up until the last year . . . she was very caring, [and] she loved her family and grand kids and her great-grandkids,” Evans said.

Evans participated as a model in the fashion show along with 12 others. After the luncheon concluded, the models paraded along a stage, displaying fashions provided by Dillard’s at the Mall of Georgia.

The show bore all the retro glamor of the 1950s. It was chaired by club members Dianne Templeton and Carole Colley, and the theme was devised

by Judy Franklin. Along with her team of helpers from the BLWC Art Department and Stonehedge Garden Club, Franklin spared no effort in the 2019 event. The venue was decked out in streamers, vintage records and posters and cutouts of some of the decade’s most iconic celebrities.

Franklin and her team had dedicated a corner of the room as the “Photo Booth” where guests posed with lifesize cutouts of Elvis and James Dean.

Explaining her choice in theme, Franklin said, “Well I’m from the 50s!

And my team [of event planners] were a big help. They’re all hard workers.”

The fashion procession included two styles of attire — summer casual and dress. Most of the models were members selected from the community.

Rev. Davis Bailey who is the pastor at Sugar Hill Presbyterian was among the party modeling Dillard’s fashions.

May 2019

While the church has a history of hosting the fashion show, it was Rev. Bailey’s first year to be involved.

“This is a great event. They’ve made the space look amazing, and it’s wonderful to have all the fundraising that comes out of this to benefit so many in our community,” Rev. Bailey said.

Directed by Kimberly Staples, Buford High School’s Thespians and Theatre volunteered as servers for the luncheon and held character as 1950s waiters as they escorted guests to their seats. A few of the students performed before the fashion show started. Their repertoire featured a partner dance number as well as live vocals for Connie Francis’ “Stupid Cupid” (1958) and “Hound Dog” (1956) by Elvis. The audience rippled with laughter during a brief improv piece involving a cardboard jukebox and cigarette-shaped candies.

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Thespians from the Buford High School performing a partner dance for the audience at 1950s-themed fashion show.

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Participants lining up onstage to take a final bow at the 2019 Buford Lanier Woman’s Club Fashion Show.

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Buford High school’s Thespians and Theatre volunteered as servers for theluncheon and held character as 1950s waiters as they escorted guests to their seats. The lunch was catered

by Tropical Delights and assisted by Lanier College students and Career Academy. Cupcakes were made by Sharon Matson.

“It’s rare to hear of students having the opportunity to raise funds for scholarships that go to their own peers.

Please know that all the tips your servers earn will go to scholarships for their fellow students at Buford High School,” announced President Morris.

The event ended with a drawing for the raffle items and a silent auction.

In addition to the Tara Jewelry, some of the auctioned items included a $300 gift certificate to Olde Atlanta Golf Club, flower arrangements and potted plants, Vera Bradley purses, gift baskets and assorted baked goods.

“Walmart is one of our sponsors, and they usually do a special presentation of the check. We’re so thankful for their support,” said Club member Carol Gibson.

The week following the fashion show, the Club’s Education Committee held a meeting to review the applications for each of their $1,000 scholarships.

“Every year we send out information about our scholarships, and this, year, we received 28 applications,” said

Tara Jewelry provided two pieces of jewelry for the raffle and silent auction.

Those were a 14K Yellow Gold and Diamond Fashion Ring and matching earrings. The jewelry was donated in memory of Willena Robinson (19262019), a longtime member of BLWC.

Elfreda Lakey of the Club’s Education Committee. “Our Education Committee then goes over the applications looking at their grade point average, how well they do in school, their need for the scholarship, things of that nature.”

BLWC is a non-profit committed to community service through various programs of Arts Conservation, Education and Community Life, and “Happy Days” was the theme for the BLWC’s Fundraiser/ Fashion Show.

The scholarships are just one of the many charitable works they do each year. For 2019, BLWC will allocate funds to support the following organizations: The Believers Concert Band, Buford Community Girls Chorus, Buford High School Thespians, Buford Museum, Camp Sunshine, Camp Kudzu, Eagle Ranch, Elachee Nature Center, Gainesville Botanical Garden, Girls State, Hi Hope Center, Hudgens Center for the Arts, Mending the Gap, North Georgia Co-op, Partners Against Domestic Violence, and The Salvation Army.

More information can be found on their website: www.bufordlanierwomansclub.org.

gwinnettcitizen.com

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Buford Lanier Woman’s Club member Linda Evans was one of the models displaying Dillards Fashions at the Club’s 2019 Fashion Show. Evans is the daughter of the late Willena Robinson whose memory was honored at the 2019 event.

11

Health, Beauty & Wellness Can Your Genes Put You At A Higher Risk Of Stroke?

Your brain is pretty amazing.

It has about 100 billion cells called neurons that allow it to perform its many functions throughout the entire body. It not only helps to regulate basic functions like breathing, blood pressure and heartbeat, it also helps you do everything from moving and thinking, to speaking and remembering.

To continue working well, 24 hours a day, nonstop, your brain needs a constant supply of both oxygen and nutrients. When this steady flow of oxygen and nutrients is stopped or interrupted, the result is a stroke. Even if a stroke only lasts a few minutes, brain cells begin to die.

That’s a scary thought.

What’s even scarier, nearly 795,000 people will suffer a stroke this year. So how can you make sure that you aren’t one of them? Start by

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Rizwan Bashir, MD

learning about the key risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, smoking, being

overweight and having a family history of stroke. Yes—you read that correctly.

While most people think of family history as it relates to cancer and heart disease risk, stroke isn’t often included. But perhaps it should be.

To better understand the genetics - stroke connection, Rizwan Bashir, MD, a neurologist and neuropsychologist with Gwinnett Medical Group answers some of the most common questions: Q: Is there a gene that predisposes someone to having a stroke?

While no specific “stroke” gene has been identified, there are several genetic factors that contribute to an individual’s risk of stroke. The best way to identify these factors is to understand your family history. Let your medical practitioner know if you have a family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, stroke or cardiovascular disease.

Q: In terms of stroke risk, how does genetic predisposition interact with environment and lifestyle?

Being genetically predisposed to any disease doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily get that disease.

Q: Are some people at higher risk of stroke?

While stroke can occur at any age (even babies), generally, the older you are, the higher your risk.

Increasingly, though, stroke is happening to younger people, possibly because obesity increases the likelihood of high blood pressure and diabetes.

Stroke is more common in wom-

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en than in men. In addition, birth control pills and pregnancy can increase stroke risks for women.

In addition to the most common risk factors, stroke is higher amongst people with conditions like sickle cell disease, atrial fibrillation, peripheral artery disease or carotid artery disease. Stroke is also more likely among people who smoke or are obese.

Q: What are the best ways to prevent stroke?

According to the American Heart Association, about 80 percent of clot-related strokes may be preventable. If you have any of the highrisk factors I’ve mentioned, seek treatment and modify your lifestyle to lower your risk.

The earlier you manage your lifestyle for general good health, including not smoking and keeping your blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol under control, the more you’ll

lower your lifetime risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

Comprehensive care when you need it most.

There is no doubt that stroke is scary, but with a comprehensive stroke program at Gwinnett Medical Center’s, your customized care will begin the moment you call 911. With GMC’s Stroke Alert process, you will be placed in a dedicated stroke unit, with a team of specialty-trained experts.

You will receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to suit your unique needs. This may include tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which is the only FDA-approved clot-busting medicine. Even after you have a stroke, GMC offers an extensive range of treatment options and services to ensure the best health outcome possible. Learn more at gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/ stroke.

Gwinnett Medical Center offers sports medicine fellowship program Hospital is second in Atlanta to offer specialty to resident physicians

By Staff Reports Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) recently announced the expansion of the Graduate Medical Education program to include the addition of a Sports Medicine Fellowship. Based on the hospital’s depth of experience and sports medicine resources available, including concussion management, and its highly successful Graduate Medical Education program, it was the next logical phase in its evolution.

“GMC’s Sports Medicine Fellowship program is a combination of our award-winning Graduate Medical Education program and a Sports Medicine program that is nationally

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recognized for treating the athlete,” said Dr. Mark Darrow, director of GMC’s Graduate Medical Education program. “As the second hospital to offer this specialty in metro Atlanta, it gives local physicians another option to receive exceptional training in a community where they can practice for years to come,” he continued.

The Sports Medicine Fellowship is a one-year program that includes comprehensive training in treating musculoskeletal injuries and complaints in athletes and active individuals of all ages. The Fellowship program follows a three-year residency in Family Medicine or Internal Medicine.

Key to the physician’s experience, their rotations will also include time at GMC-Duluth’s Concussion Institute and participation in school and community athletic functions.

For nearly five years, GMC has been the official healthcare provider of

sports medicine services to Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS).

GMC is also the official healthcare provider for Georgia Gwinnett College athletes, the Atlanta Gladiators, the Gwinnett Stripers and multiple recreational athletic leagues.

Other components of the fellowship experience include hands-on ultrasound-guided musculoskeletal procedures at Duluth Family & Sports Medicine Clinic and robust didactic learning from several GMC-affiliated physicians and surgeons prepared by Dr. Purnima Bansal, Sports Medicine Fellowship program director.

The initial two Sports Medicine Fellows will begin July 1st, 2019. Interested resident physicians will be able to apply in the fall. The Sports Medicine Fellowship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

May 2019

May 2019

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13

Keep on Walking: BrightStar receives award Pedestrian Safety is Paramount Ask the Senior Care Expert

Charlotte J. Nash

County Business

Shelly Sun, Founder and CEO of BrightStar Franchising, recently traveled to Atlanta to present the Home Care Pulse Provider of Choice Award to Tim and Carolyn Golden, Lawrenceville and Athens, Georgia franchisees. The Home Care Pulse Provider of Choice Award is based on client satisfaction ratings collected from telephone interviews performed by Home Care Pulse, an independent satisfaction research firm. This award recognizes home care agencies for providing best-inclass quality care to their clients. Tim Golden, Co-Owner and President of the Lawrenceville and Athens locations said “It is extremely humbling and gratifying to know all the hard work we’ve put in over all these many

Do you have a

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years is making a difference in the lives of our clients. I am so honored to see that those same clients have rewarded us by telling Home Care Pulse what a great job the BrightStar Care team does.”

Tim Golden is the owner of BrightStar Care, Lawrenceville. You can reach Tim at (404)281-1537 or by emailing asktheseniorcareexpert@ gmail.com. For more information please visit http://www.brightstarcare. com/lawrenceville/ -Tim Golden BrightStar Care (404)281-1537 PO Box 634 Lawrenceville, GA 30046 email: asktheseniorcareexpert@gmail.com

Story

Last month I focused on safe driving with tips for when you’re behind the wheel. Now with warmer weather and more hours of daylight, more people are out walking and kids are playing in parks until well into the evening, so I want to urge caution for pedestrians and drivers alike.

Drivers often don’t notice people on foot… or bicycles… or skateboards… or scooters – especially if those drivers are fiddling with their phones or checking directions on how to get where they’re going.

Plus, some drivers have a tendency to drive too fast. Please slow down and pay attention.

Voter approval of a series of

I saw a fox

to tell?

Our stories come from our readers all across the community and we’d love to get ideas from you.

GWINNETTCITIZEN

If you know of an inspiring story about real people doing great things in our community, email us at sharing@gwinnettcitizen.com

GwinnettCitizen.com

Bill York

Nonagenarian It was a flame colored young fox that caught my attention. I have only seen a few while hunting in Georgia.

It was running in a ditch alongside the road.

There was an over-cast sky and a light drizzle. The road was asphalt and wet.

Fortunately, I glanced up to see a car with its turn indicator blinking, waiting to turn left.

I was driving my Buick station wagon. I stomped on my brakes. I could feel a slight bump.

I backed up a couple feet and jumped out.

The lady had lowered the window and was rubbing her neck.

“You okay?” I said.

“I’m hurt.” Her voice sounded whiney.

“Want me to call an ambulance?”

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SPLOST sales tax programs provided funding for many safety improvements for both drivers and pedestrians. Many improvement projects take place in school zones so kids and parents can walk safely to school even as others arrive in the carpool line. Improvements often include a combination of turn lanes, sidewalks, cross walks, flashing lights, stop lights, speed limits, and speed bumps.

We also work on realigning roads and intersections to improve sight lines and straighten dangerous curves. We have a speed hump program where neighborhoods can petition for traffic calming devices if they meet certain qualifications.

Despite these efforts, we have seen too many pedestrian accidents in Gwinnett lately. For that reason, I am calling on drivers to be more alert, especially in school zones and neighborhoods. Kids often dart into the street without thinking or looking for oncoming vehicles, so the onus is on drivers to be doubly cautious.

Similarly, I am also asking pedestrians to walk safely and to model the behavior for their children. Always watch children closely whenever

they are near traffic. When on foot, walk on the sidewalk. In areas that don’t have sidewalks, walk as close to the left side of the street as possible facing oncoming traffic. Always remember, the driver of any vehicle may be texting or talking on the phone even though both activities are now illegal in Georgia. Further, many drivers overestimate how quickly they can stop.

Be sure to cross at crosswalks and wear light, colorful clothing and reflective strips at night for better visibility. Watch for turning traffic and try to make eye contact with drivers.

If the light is about to change, don’t run across an intersection. Obey all traffic signals, and don’t assume that a vehicle will stop even when it has a red light.

We’re working to make roads and sidewalks as safe as possible for everyone, but the human elements are tough to predict. Please watch out for your safety and that of others.

Our public safety officers have compiled handy safety tips like these about pedestrian safety as well as other topics such as preventing fires and preparing for severe weather.

Visit www.gwinnettsafety411.com to take advantage of these resources.

”No, I called the police.”

I took photographs. When the police got there I explained the incident. He took pictures of the cars.

He asked the driver if she wanted to go to the hospital.

“No. I called my husband, He will take me to my doctor,” she said, continuing to rub her neck.

A month later, I got a letter from a law firm. I was being sued for pain and suffering.

The letter was formal, listing her injuries and when they expected me to respond.

Her problems were whiplash, headaches, hearing loss, reduced sensitivity in her hands, vision impairment, muscle weakness, spinal pain, etc.

I called my insurance company.

They assigned me an attorney. I explained what happened.

He said that he would handle it and to forward the letter to him.

I forgot about it until he called me later.

“There will be a meeting in my office with the plaintiff tomorrow at 10 a.m.”

We sat around a circular table, my attorney, the plaintiff, her husband and her lawyer.

Jack said, “I have requested a trial by a jury.” He directed his remark to the woman.

“This list represents your claims.

Are you ready to testify that these injuries occurred?”

“Yes,” she said.

Jack handed her the police report that showed no damage to either car, plus pictures of both cars taken by the insurance company.

Jack pointed, “I have surgeons ready to testify that this incident could not have created these severe problems.”

“But he hit me,” she said.

“Ma’am, are you aware of the penalty for perjury and insurance fraud?”

“I don’t know.”

“These are felonies punishable by time in jail, fines and other costs.

Do you wish to continue this lawsuit?”

The plaintiff spoke with her husband and lawyer for several minutes then turned to my insurance representative. “No we don’t,” she said.

“I have a document for you to sign,” He handed the woman a legal form.

Over coffee he said, “We get hundreds of these, people figuring to make a buck.”

“And her ‘doctor’ runs a massage parlor.”

Bill is a 92-year old WW II Navy veteran and retired President of York Furs in Buckhead. You can contact him by email at Sioux2222@gmail.com

May 2019

Business Spotlight: Andersons’ Errand Services —

supporting senior citizens

and she will go out and visit them and help them complete the paperwork to sign up for any of her services, which can be bundled as needed to ensure affordability. They can also ask about unlisted services.

“I realize some senior citizens don’t work and are on a budget, so I

By Julie Thompson GwinnettCitizen.com “In a nutshell, what I do is support senior citizens and families who love them,” said Deborah Anderson, the owner of Andersons’ Errand Services.

In business since July 2018, Andersons’ Errand Services provides services, including picking up prescriptions, groceries, post-office pick-ups, dry cleaning drop-offs & pick-ups, and meal deliveries, to senior citizens across Gwinnett County.

Serving others comes naturally to Deborah. A wife, mother of two young men, and caretaker of her 86-year-old mother, she has done many errands, both in her personal life and through her church ministry.

Back where she grew up in Eufaula, Alabama, Deborah sang in the church choir. After graduating from Alabama A&M University, she got her first job at Fort Rucker, Alabama and continued singing in a church choir. It was after she married and moved to Atlanta, that she saw there was a need to visit the shut-in church members.

“There was one woman I visited for years. Her name was Ms. Frances Lazenberry. She lived at Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Atlanta, and I visited her for about five years.

That’s how I got started with the Sick and Shut-In ministry. I could clearly see there were people out there who needed help.” Deborah coordinated the Sick and Shut-In Ministry at Hopewell Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor William L. Sheals for about 10 years. She has been a member there for 30 years.

During the last 20 years, she threw herself whole-heartedly into raising a family and being active with youth ministries. But she never forgot the gratifying feeling that came from helping senior citizens. A few people she met during those early years inspired her to take the leap of faith and start her business.

With Andersons’ Errand Services, Deborah hopes to impact even more lives. Her goal is to establish trusting relationships with not only her clients but their families as well.

One year, a friend of Ms. Lazenberry asked Deborah to help him find a Christmas present for her, and she complied. Succeeding in that task, Deborah was able to establish trust with not only Ms. Lazenberry but also her best friend and family.

“Establishing a relationship of trust is critical,” said Deborah.

“Some of the people I met didn’t have family to help them all the time, and so for those family members, I created a reliable support system they could depend on.”

Starting a business that she could one day share with her family has been Deborah’s fervent wish for

May 2019

offer my services at very reasonable prices,” said Deborah whose starting rate is $30.

To reach Deborah, call (404)7713741 or email andersonserrandservices@gmail.com to learn more about her services which she extends to the entirety of Gwinnett.

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Serving others comes naturally to Deborah Anderson, the owner of Andersons’ Errand Services.

many years. And while she realizes that her sons, Kenneth James Anderson, II (KJ) 20 and Austin Jared Anderson (AJ) 15, have interests of their own, Deborah hopes that they will learn from her example and follow their own passions.

“Visiting senior citizens is not for everybody. They truly have to have a heart for it. I guess I love it because I like feeling that I have met a need.”

For inspiration, this caretaker looks to Mark 11:22-24 which reads, “Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore, I say unto you, what things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

Deborah compares these verses to challenges all entrepreneurs face. Her journey has just begun, so Deborah prays, conducts research

and maintains a high level of organization to catalyze the growth of her business. “I’m working to get my name out there. I’m planting the seeds, and I trust that it will all pay off.”

Deborah learned to rely on her faith as a teenager when she prayed to be able to meet the financial obligations to attend the college of her dreams and major in a Telecommunications program. While she was academically successful, after several major life changes, her passion has altered.

By caring for her own mother and from her personal experiences with senior citizens, who are a growing part of the population, Deborah understands the importance of having a reliable network or a family member to assist them with tasks that require skills like driving that could put them at risk.

Deborah seeks to work with clients needing the security of having someone on call to help them live independently in their own homes.

All they have to do is give her a call,

gwinnettcitizen.com

15

Scented geraniums: attractive, fragrant and low maintenance

Tim Daly

Gwinnett County Extension Agent Although not as popular as the common flowering geranium, scented geraniums make excellent additions to the garden. They are prized for their aromatic leaves and colorful foliage. The plants come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Their presence beautifies flower beds, and they are ideal for growing in containers.

Scented geraniums are categorized by their scent, which is released from the aromatic oils within the plant when you rub the leaves between your fingers or brush against the plants when you draw near them. Familiar scents are of rose, mint, lemon, pine, peppermint, or fruit such as apple, apricot, or pineapple. Others have a chocolate, coconut or nutmeg scent. One of the most popular cultivars is ‘Attar of Rose’ which has the smell of an old-fashioned rose. Another variety has a citronella fragrance and has been advertised as the “mosquito geranium,” although its ability to repel mosquitoes has not been proven. Scented geraniums are commonly used for flavoring beverages, preserves, desserts, and other dishes, as well as for use in potpourris.

Scented geraniums do best in well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. However, during the heat of the day, the plants should be provided some shade to prevent scorching.

Plants grown in containers dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground; therefore they should be monitored to be sure that they receive adequate water. Consistent pruning,

especially on smaller- leafed varieties that tend to become leggy, encourages dense growth. Use pruning snips or your fingers to remove stem tips above a leaf on the green part of the stalk. Leave several leaves on the stalk because the plants will branch out from these points. The plants require minimal amounts of fertilizer; an application of a general fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, a few times during the growing season will help them thrive.

Scented geraniums are easily propagated. Cuttings can be rooted in a glass of water but will root exceptionally well when placed in a soil-less growing medium. Take six-inch cuttings, strip off the lower leaves, and dip the cuttings into rooting hormone.

Keep the soil medium damp. After a few weeks, gently tug on the plants. If there is resistance, then the cuttings have formed roots and can be potted.

Because scented geraniums are not frost tolerant, they should be brought indoors before the first fall freeze is forecasted. They can be grown as houseplants by placing them on a window sill or in a location that receives plenty of sunlight. Home heating systems reduce humidity levels and can rapidly dry out indoor plants, so be sure to check moisture levels frequently. Another way to overwinter the plants is to allow them to go dormant.

Dig them up and store each one separately in its paper bag in a cool location that has moderate levels of humidity and is out of sunlight. In the spring, repot them and take them outside after all danger of frost has passed.

Scented geraniums are low-maintenance plants with attractive features that add fragrance to the garden throughout the growing season. They might be the perfect plants to provide extra interest in your garden this year.

Timothy Daly is an Agricultural and Natural Resource Extension Agent with UGA Extension Gwinnett. He can be contacted at 678-377-4011or tdaly@ uga.edu.

PICKLE continued from page 1 play at the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida. In 2018, the city saw an influx of 12,000 visitors from around the world with both players and spectators arriving for a week of matches at East Naples Community Park. The Park released statements revealing they expect to see similar numbers at the 2019 tournament.

“I’m playing on [April] 30th as well as on that Saturday and Sunday, but I’ll be practicing the whole time I’m there. “ The 2019 event runs from April 26th through May 4th, and Kind is prepared to be pickled out. She will be playing in two mixed gender matches with her good friend and doubles partner Tony Moussakhani.

Together, they hope to bring home the Gold medal for their division.

As a 4.0 level player, Kind regularly participates in tournaments across the state of Georgia. On April 13th, she won Gold after beating an opposing team who had a higher rank of 4.5.

“I’m a very competitive person, but I tell my parents who are in their 70’s, you don’t have to be as competitive as I am to play. It’s not a strenuous sport, but it’s still a good way to get your heart rate up and exercise without having to pop lunges at the gym.”

Kind is member to a handful of Pickleball clubs both in Gwinnett and across Metro-Atlanta. She plays at a private facility in Smokerise, Sugar Hill, the outdoor court at Suwannee Station, as well as at Bay Creek, Hammond Park in Sandy Springs and Chateau Elan.

While her friends tease that she trains ‘eight days a week,’ Kind knows the importance of drilling from her days as a tennis athlete in college.

“Just think about any other sport you might play. You play how often?

But you practice almost every day.

So that’s what I try to do.”

Kind gets her drill practice in three times a week with a friend who happens to be a tennis coach.

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Tony Moussakhani and Kristy Kind are good friends and regular doubles partners and hope to take home Gold when they compete in two the mixed gender matches at the 2019 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida.

According to Kind, Pickleball’s rules aren’t quite like tennis. The court is smaller, and only the serving team can score. Points are recorded evenly, with each score earning a team two points where tournament games might go to 15 or 21, with a two-point win.

Kind isn’t the only one on the Pickleball bandwagon. Gwinnettians are demanding the sport in their neighborhoods and local outdoor facilities. The City of Johns Creek has answered the call by adding courts at Newton Park on Lakefield Drive and at Ocee park on Buice Rd. “We converted two tennis courts into four Pickleball Courts at Newtown Park . . . we did this out of a recommendation of our strategic plan that our council had approved and as an answer to the demand we were receiving for Pickleball,” said Kirk Franz of Johns Creek’s Parks and Recreation Department. “It is a popular sport. It’s growing quite a bit, and not just older people, but all ages are finding Pickleball is a fun sport to play, and we are happy to include that in some of the offerings at our parks.”

Tony Narcisse, a real estate agent with Palmer House Property, has noted Pickleball Courts are a much sought-after amenity on cer-

Student Development “LEAADS” to Success

Dave Emanuel

Cut to the Chase

Karen Foote had had enough.

Fourteen years in law enforcement had brought her face to face with the dev-

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astation children face when a parent is taken to jail. And she had also found that the reason one parent, or both parents were absent didn’t matter; children living in single parent or no parent households all too often don’t have the direction and support they need to be successful in school- and in life.

It isn’t just children of single parent families that struggle. Regardless of the number of parents in a household, the economic demands of raising a family often force parents to work multiple jobs, which virtually eliminates the time they have to spend helping their children with schoolwork and social education.

In 2006, Karen formed the L.E.A.A.D.S Centers (Law Enforce-

ment Agencies Assisting in the Development of Students) to provide help for students facing a variety of issues ranging from failing in school to being involved in criminal activities. During the school year, LEAADS, which serves the Snellville/South Gwinnett county area, provides after-school academic programs, and during the summer months the organization hosts a camp.

The services provided by the LEAADS programs help on a number of levels. Obviously, the after-school programs provide the academic assistance needed to turn failing grades into passing grades. The summer camp also has an academic component but is primarily designed as a fun alternative to staying home alone or joining a gang.

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One aspect of these programs that is often overlooked is the impact on parents. According to Karen, “Parents often have no choice but to take their kids with them when they’re looking for a job, and if a better job requires additional education, taking your kids with you may not be an option. We provide low cost, and in some cases no cost programs that allow parents to pursue job opportunities without having to take their kids with them or leave them unsupervised.”

While providing students with a healthy after-school environment and motivating them to be successful is a prime focus of LEAADS, intervention is another area of specialization. Counselors work with a number of youth deten-

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As a 4.0 level Pickleball player, Kristy Kind regularly participates in tournaments across the state of Georgia.

Earlier in April 2019, she won Gold after beating an opposing team who had a higher rank of 4.5.

tain properties.

“One of the properties we were selling was in a neighborhood in Woodstock, and we included in the advertising that it had a Pickleball Court. We were surprised that people responded to the ad just because of the Pickleball mention,” Narcisse said. “It seems there is an emerging interest in Pickleball, and it’s even affecting homebuyer’s decisions.”

As for Kind, she plans to keep swinging her paddle. Since her first match, Kind has upgraded to a Pro Lite Titan paddle which is made of QuadCore Polymer Honeycomb and has a Carbon Fiber Facing. Already, it shows wear marks from where she hits her neon yellow Pickleball.

Ultimately, she hopes to become a signed athlete representing one of the better known Pickleball gear brands, possibly Pro Lite.

Of her newfound passion, Kind said, “It’s so much fun. I tell people it’s like duct tape. It fixes everything.”

To learn more about Pickleball, or to find locations to play the sport in your area, visit the United States of America Pickle Ball Association’s website: https://www.usapa.org.

Still have unanswered questions about the sport? Check out the Pickleball had guide: https://indoored. com/pickleball/.

tion facilities with the goal of reducing recidivism. Karen states, “All too often, after kids (and adults too) serve their time, they have no one to get them on the right track and they return to the same habits and environment that put them on a path to illegal activity. Our intervention programs give them a needed alternative, and fortunately, we’ve had a lot of success in that area.”

LEAADS has also had a lot of success with its summer camp. Last year it hosted over 200 kids at Shiloh High School. Unfortunately, that venue is no longer available, so the camp will serve a limited number of students this year, unless a suitably sized facility can be found.

May 2019

Board appoints principals for three schools

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Cortina Harris Principal of Alcova Elementary School

By Staff Reports During its monthly meeting in April, the Gwinnett County Board of Education approved three principal appointments for the 2019-2020 school year. Cortina Harris, an assistant principal at Lovin Elementary School, will become the principal of Alcova Elementary School. She will fill the position currently held by

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Jonathan Day Principal of Harmony Elementary School

Niki Ross Principal of Phoenix High School

Dr. Todd Langley who has accepted a district level position in another school system. Jonathan Day, principal of Mulberry Elementary, is transitioning to the principal post at Harmony Elementary. He will succeed Principal Anne Marie Keskonis who is retiring at the end of the school year. Niki Ross, an assistant principal at Phoenix High School, will become the next principal of that school as

Principal Donna Scott retires. In other personnel action, the Board named South Gwinnett High School Principal Monique Lee as Assistant Director of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. With the approval of these appointments, the district will soon begin its process to identify new principals for Mulberry Elementary and South Gwinnett High School.

34th Class of Leadership Gwinnett Graduates

By Staff Reports Thirty-nine community leaders graduated from Leadership Gwinnett this month and joined the other 1,158 alumni that make up the 35-year-old civic engagement organization. This group additionally raised $10,000 for the Leadership Gwinnett Scholarship Fund. This fund is critical to create more balanced classes inclusive of race, gender, profession, organization type and diversity of thought. These new graduates will continue to build networks, work collaboratively, address challenges, and develop new and viable solutions for community issues.

Leadership Gwinnett produces a powerhouse of impactful community leaders and a thriving volunteer population that is more likely to serve on boards, volunteer, and give back to our community. 100 percent of alumni are more knowledgeable about the issues and challenges facing Gwinnett County and are 100 percent more connected to Gwinnett’s decision makers and leaders, according to a 2018 Deloitte alumni impact survey.

“I entered into the Leadership Gwinnett program already in a leadership position and feeling like I was doing the most I could. My growth felt capped,” said Phil Sadd, Peachtree Corners City Council Member, Leadership Gwinnett Class

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of 2019. “Leadership Gwinnett was the key to unlocking my growth. Because of the connections I’ve made and things I’ve learned, my potential has been expanded.”

The Class of 2019: Courtney Spicer Adkins, Attorney, Courtney Adkins Law, P.C. Audrey Arona, MD, Medical Director, GNR Public Health Department Mary Beth Bender, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works, Utilities & Parks, City of Norcross Gray Brantley, Attorney, Andersen, Tate & Carr, P.C. Gene Byce, Jr., President, Jireh Supplies, Inc. Andrew Carnes, Senior Director of Economic Development, Partnership Gwinnett Fred Cephas, Assistant Chief, Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services

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David Clark, Owner, Clark Brothers Realty & Representative, Georgia House District 98 Meagan Cook, Key Account Manager, Scholastic Images/Balfour Lisa D’Addieco, Director of Housing, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – GA Campus Shon Davis, Principal, Alford Elementary, Gwinnett County Public Schools Cherish De la Cruz, Founding Partner, Cherish De la Cruz Law, LLC Doug Doblar, Teacher of the Year, R.D. Head Elementary, Gwinnett County Public Schools Jose Doyague, Senior Account Executive, Red Hat, Inc. Kara Dutton, Principal, Jackson Elementary, Gwinnett County Public Schools Erica Gwyn, President and CEO, The Nonprofit Guru, LLC

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Victoria Hawkins, Marketing & Communications Director, Explore Gwinnett Jim Hollandsworth, Executive Director, Path Project Sloan Jones, Associate Vice President of Communications, Georgia Gwinnett College Renee Liverpool, Learning & Development Specialist, Georgia United Credit Union Galen Martin, Vice President, Technology & Operations, Gwinnett Technical College John Moss, President, Interactive Business Technologies Curtis Northrup, City Councilman, Post 4, City of Sugar Hill Dana Pagan, Attorney, The Law Office of Dana Pagan, P.C. Nish Patel, VP and Administrator, Gwinnett Medical Center – Duluth Tyler Phillips, Senior Vice President, Quantum National Bank Debra Potter, Director of Community Outreach, Perimeter Church Bob Rodgers, CEO, Street Grace Phil Sadd, Senior Account Execu-

tive, Finastra, Peachtree Corners City Council Heather Sawyer, Deputy Communications Director, Gwinnett County Government Jeff Smith, Police Captain, City of Lawrenceville Shawn Still, President and CEO, Olympic Pool Plastering & Shotcrete Linda Stratton, Mortgage Broker, Brand Mortgage Nathan Umberg, AVP Commercial Relationship Manager, United Community Bank Belinda Walker, Property and Casualty Underwriter, State Farm Insurance Company Wanda Weegar, Vice President/ Branch Manager, Renasant Bank Amy Wheeler, Chief Financial Officer, Eastside Medical Center Garrett Wiley, Commercial & Industrial Marketing Representative, Jackson EMC Karen Winger, Transit Division Director, Gwinnett County Department of Transportation

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Think Faux Iron

Joan Miller

The Blind Ladies

When a traditional window covering just isn’t the right thing, think Faux Iron. Tableaux® Decorative Grilles are very versatile and can be used in windows, on walls, ceilings, as room dividers and in any other area of the home or office where you want something different or special. The possibilities are endless. Not only do Tableaux® Decorative Grilles add a decorative element, this product can help with light control by adding a solar screen behind it.

The material is resin and is much lighter in weight than iron or wood.

Tableaux® comes in several ironlook and wood veneer colors and your own custom colors. Each piece is custom-made to our specifications.

There are lots of patterns from which

to choose or your own custom design can be implemented. Some of the more popular applications include window transoms and arched windows. It is suitable for outdoor applications and commercial installation. You can use your imagination with this beautiful product and see amazing results.

If you have a place in your home or office that needs “something,” consider the possibilities of Tableaux®. It will be a unique piece in your décor.

For more information, call Joan at 404 918-5288 or visit The Blind Ladies website: www.theblindladies.com

We Earned the Happy!!

Marlene Ratledge Buchanan Hey Y’all

Well, reality has hit. James turned 37, and as we were celebrating, he informed me in 3 years he would be 40.

As his Mama, that was bit of a shock. I still think of him as 7. In 17 days I will be 70 years old.

Do you remember when we thought 35 was ancient? Then 50 was rather old? I was spry at 50. I am going to be 70. Entire body parts have started falling off of me. Not just stopped working, but sagging, bagging and gave up the ghost entirely.

A former boyfriend gave me a birthday card that said “Age is a matter of mind. If you don’t mind it, it doesn’t matter.“ The hell it doesn’t! At 70, am I a wise old woman or just an old wise cracking woman? You pick.

Remember perky? I used to be perky in all sense of the word. Perky personality. Perky breasts. Perky fanny.

Like coffee, fresh perked loses its flavor after 70 years.

“Don’t want my peaches? Then don’t shake my tree!” That was another birthday card from 50 years ago. My peaches, went to watermelons while breast feeding and now to long necked squash. Going wireless at my age has nothing to do with the telephone ser-

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vice—it means my ta-tas make a lot of noise beating against my knees when I walk.

Mini-skirts! Worn then with pride.

Now they can be worn as bando tops and stuff squishes out from under them. Fat wads. I get another one with every birthday. Now that slim, trim young body is lumpy, bumpy and definitely not humpy.

“Time changes all things” was one of Mama’s favorite expressions. Well, it sure does. My baby is 37 years old. My husband Snell recently turned 80, and now I am about to be 70. Time sort of snuck up on me. There have been a lot of changes, and I was not prepared for some of them.

Daddy used to tell me, “With the years comes wisdom.” I guess I am wise enough to know that I can’t stop the changes, and we all need to grow from our experiences. Am I wiser now?

Yes, I have learned a lot through the years. From the moment, 37 years ago, the nurse laid that beautiful black haired baby on my chest to today when I have to look up to see his face, I have learned that I can take care of a baby and it will thrive. I have learned a lot about special needs and how to help people. I learned that there is no better love that that of man I adore and a child I cherish more than life. I have learned that Mama and Daddy were right more often than I was.

Happy birthday, James and to me.

We earned the happy.

COUNT continued from page 1 (2012). So, John Paul decided to give acting another try.

And just a few months after graduating, he hit a home run, landing the lead role in “Full Count” where he portrays Milton Young, a smalltown baseball player who dreams of making it to the major leagues.

“He came into the audition in a baseball uniform. I knew immediately he had the look I wanted for the character,” said Director Robert Eagar who called John Paul in for a second and third audition before casting him in the lead role.

Eagar admits the decision was a risk. John Paul had little experience compared to the well-seasoned cast including Emmy Award winners Natalia Livingston and Rick Hearst, who were both featured on ABC’s popular soap opera “General Hospital”. But John Paul worked hard with the cast and crew to expand his skills, and Eagar’s risk paid off.

The film was a fifteen-years-in-themaking brainchild for Eagar who wrote, directed and produced “Full Count”.

In John Paul’s words, acting has presented him “a new life”. Since “Full Count”, he has played another major part in Stephen Beehler’s film “Brief Candle” (2019). It features a group of thespians rehearsing for a high school production of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”. The film takes a harrowing twist, as the actors get so consumed by their roles, it’s hard to tell when the acting stops and when their real world begins.

And now that he’s had time to consider the significance, John Paul has noticed a few uncanny similarities between his life and that of Milton, the character he plays in “Full Count”.

“The character in the film goes through some unbelievable obstacles, and it seems like everything is against him. Honestly, I haven’t been through many of the things he goes through, but I do relate to him because I understand what it’s like to want something that badly,” John Paul said. “I went through a lot of the same frustrations as my character Milton. It was very frustrating because I knew I could play, but physically I was not able to.”

While it’s too early to tell if it was his ‘big break’, the film certainly boosted his acting career, opening an entire avenue of possibility for the young actor who was signed by one of the Southeast’s top agencies in recent months.

During the week, John Paul splits his time between studies at Kennesaw State University and taking acting classes at a local studio owned by Emmy Award winner Natalia Livingston, his former castmate.

“I actually go to her studio now, and my teacher is Rob Pralgo. I’m learning a lot from him,” said John Paul who attends acting classes weekly.

Through its themes of setback, perseverance and faith, Robert Eager hopes “Full Count” will inspire audiences to believe in something bigger than themselves.

“It was by far the largest and longest production I have done. The fact

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“Full Count” (2019) stars Mountain View grad John Paul Kakos and actors including Natalia Livingston and Rick Hearst who were castmates on the ABC soap opera “General Hospital”.

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Before he began pursuing a career in acting, John Paul Kakos played baseball for Mountain View High School. Just like the character he played in his first major role “Full Count”, it was John Paul’s dream to play major league baseball.

that I wrote, directed, and produced the film it has extra special meaning to me,” Eagar said explaining he named the film to draw a parallel between a “Full Count” in the game of baseball and a “Full Count” in life.

For the launch in his career, John Paul thanks his family who provided transportation, support and encouragement as he auditioned in those first months after graduating from high school. He says he would never have gotten any of his roles if it weren’t for his dad, Paul Kakos, who worked as his manager, booking auditions and organizing logistics as he got started.

And as he begins a new phase of his career, he will count on his faith to find the perseverance to keep going.

“I’m so grateful for this new life I have. I’m doing everything for God, and I hope that my work will inspire others and make people feel they can overcome anything and achieve anything,” John Paul said.

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Before finding his passion for acting, John Paul Kakos wanted to be a major league baseball player, but after a series of injuries, he had to turn in the bat. What seemed a closed-door lead to a new life for the young actor who was signed with a local acting agency in recent months.

“Full Count” is set to release in the summer of 2019, by the Buckhead Film Group and Reel One Entertainment. Visit the website via https://www.fullcountmovie.com for more information.

May 2019

Should a Trust be Part of Your Planning?

James Miskell

Estate Planning

When it comes to estate planning, the most familiar document is the last will and testament. Most people have a basic understanding that a will allows you to appoint a personal representative (an executor) upon your death and directs that person to distribute your assets as you specify. Put another way, a will says who gets your stuff when you die—but until you die, it does nothing.

A living trust is similar to a will in that it indicates how you would like your assets to be distributed after your death and can be amended anytime. While you should always have a will, a living trust—which is simply a trust set up during your lifetime as opposed to one created

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after your death—can be a valuable addition to your estate plan.

People often call our office interested in setting up a trust. Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all project. We begin by talking about the client’s family circumstances, needs and desires to determine if a living trust makes sense as part of their estate plan. A living trust has some advantages that a will cannot offer, but, like any tool, is not right for every job.

A living trust can work for you during your life. As long as you are mentally and physically able, you may choose to serve as trustee yourself. When you become unable to continue, a successor trustee (whom you have chosen) steps in to manage the trust property--for your benefit. In this way, a trust established while you are alive can manage your assets if you are incapacitated and unable to do so yourself. Unlike guardians and conservators, your successor trustee does not need to be court approved. That means that the successor trustee begins serving without the delay and expense of court proceedings.

Upon your death, your estate can be settled more quickly.

“Trusts can save on court costs and delays, and allow you the flexibility to handle your own affairs as long as possible.”

Like assets in beneficiary designated accounts, the assets in a trust are not required to go through the probate process, which can add uncertainty, delay and expense. Your beneficiaries will be able to zip past the inconvenience of a court-supervised distribution of your estate.

Further, there is no waiting period for creditors to file claims, which is required when an estate is distributed through a will--even when there are no debts. You can also name the trust as a pay-on-death beneficiary or transfer-on-death beneficiary to fund the trust. These designations keep the assets out of probate but ensure that the assets are distributed and used according to the instructions in your trust.

You get to set out how and when your assets are distributed. You should also consider a trust if you have minor children or heirs with special needs. A nice feature of a trust is that you have the

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option to add terms that detail how and when a child or beneficiary is entitled to receive the assets. And, since a living trust is not a matter of public record (i.e., filed with the probate court), the distributions are protected from prying eyes of others.

Creating a trust need not be complicated. Once a trust is created, assets have to be moved into the trust so that they will be subject to the instructions you put into the trust document. This usually means changing the formal designation of ownership from one or more individuals to the name of the trust. While you are serving as trustee, you can have the same access and control over the assets as you would without the trust.

There are all sorts of trusts that can be used in a variety of situations. Some trusts offer asset protection for you during your life. Trusts can even be designed

to protect assets now or to plan for management of long term care costs. A trust may make sense even if you don’t consider yourself to be wealthy.

Trusts can save on court costs and delays, and allow you the flexibility to handle your own affairs as long as possible. Trusts can help you achieve a variety of specific needs. To discover if a living trust should be part of your planning, consult an experienced estate planning attorney. Together, you can review all of the details of your situation to craft a plan that meets your individual needs.

James M. Miskell received his law degree from the University of Georgia in 1993. His Asset Protection, Estate Planning and Elder Law practice has offices located in Lawrenceville and Johns Creek. He offers educational workshops and free consultations to assist clients as well as fellow professionals in creating individualized solutions. Visit his website: www.LetsTalkEstatePlanning. com. For more information, see his ad in this issue.

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May 2019