Gwinnett Citizen South February 2019

CITIZEN

Vol. 31 No. 4

Small town feel

page 6

Est. 1988 Covering Snellville, Lawrenceville, Grayson, Loganville

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FEBRUARY 2019

www.gwinnettcitizen.com

The Comedic Historian Mary Frazier Long

A Man Cloaked in Humility – Stas Preczewki

By Theresa Lynn Bailey GwinnettCitizen.com

By Theresa Lynn Bailey GwinnettCitizen.com

Happy 90th Audrey

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If Jerry Clower, American stand-up Comedian, could be nicknamed “The Mouth of Mississippi” then Mary Frazier Long can be known as “The Comedic Historian!”

Most Comics will tell you that it’s difficult to make people laugh — but to get folks laughing and teach history! Mary can be described as a mixture of, Larry the Cable Guy, Lily Tomlin, Ron White, Carol Burnette just to name a few.

Mary delighted the recent meeting of the Lawrenceville Lions Club with a 20 minute “act” liberally splattering euphemisms and tongue-in-cheek stories; all the while teaching and informing the audience

See MARYon Page 14 Whole nine yards

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So u t h

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Photo by Emmett Clower

“Whenever I call him, he comes! No job is too small or too large; Stas is totally reliable and can always be counted on!” Pete Stamsen, Membership Chairman effusively affirmed Dr. Stanley ‘Stas’ Preczewski! Pete eagerly continued, “Stas is just a great guy … an awesome person … he’s important to the Lawrenceville community, instrumental to Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) and invaluable to the Lions Club!”

The Lions Club awarded the former GGC president its highest award, the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award (MFJ), from the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF). The LCIF’s mission is “to support the efforts of Lions clubs in serving communities locally and globally giving hope and impacting lives

Mary Frazier Long and Stas Preczewski were recognized by the Lawrenceville Lions Club.

See STAS on Page 14

God added all these things, said Dorothy Maxey!

“Mingle”

Photo by Julie Thompson

Donator Beware

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INSIDE Picture Perfect 4 Gwinnett Pulse 6 Wedding 13 Road Runner 16 Health & Wellness 18 Classifieds 26 Spiritual 26/27 PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ABC DIRECT ECR-WSS POSTAL CUSTOMER

“Mingle” by Nancy Alhabashi is an art collection that depicts flashy parties in the style of The Great Gatsby.

An expressive art exhibit at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse

Special photo

By Julie Thompson GwinnettCitizen.com “Mingle”— an expressive art exhibit at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Many know Nancy Alhabashi as the owner of Nancy’s Candy located on the square in downtown Lawrenceville, but her close acquaintances know she’s also an artist and a poet.

Alhabashi’s journey as an artist has taken turns, but she believes the art currently exhibited in the

Ms.Dorothy Maxey - then.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Matthew 6:33KJV

Educator. New York had House Representative Shirley Chisholm! And Lawrenceville, Georgia has Dorothy Gholston Maxey, this unsung Progressive Entrepreneur! “I just put God first … in everything I did, in everything I do, in everything and He added all these things to me!”

This 92 years strong, intelligent and spirit-filled woman answered slowly and reflectively reciting one of her favorite scriptures, Matthew 6:33 when asked how she accomplished all that she had with little formal education; “He did it!”

By Theresa Bailey GwinnettCitizen.com Special photo

Nancy Alhabashi with her daughter Rowanne, 12.

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse is among her best work yet.

The name of the exhibit is

See MINGLE on Page 28

Special photo

Ms.Dorothy Maxey - now.

Civil Rights Soldiers are not always easy to spot. For instance, Mississippians had their Fannie Lou Hamer, Co-Founder, and Vice-Chair of the Freedom Democratic Party.

Alabama had Rosa Parks, sitting on the front seat of a bus! Washington, D. C. had Dorothy Height, American

See MAXEY on Page 30

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February 2019

Gwinnett will open two senior centers in Grayson, Snellville

By Staff Reports

Existing senior centers in two cities will soon be operated by Gwinnett County Senior Services under agreements approved by commissioners Tuesday.

The Grayson center will be in an existing facility behind city hall.

“When the Grayson Senior Center was built in 1996, the original vision was to use it to provide meals and activities for seniors,” said Grayson Mayor Allison Wilkerson. “The city of Grayson is very proud and excited to partner with Gwinnett County for this wonderful and worthy use of our beautiful facility.”

Snellville Mayor Barbara Bender

said, “The city of Snellville is excited that we had facilities available at T.W. Briscoe Park to allow Gwinnett Senior Services to expand their wonderful programs supporting our senior population.”

Both new centers are expected to open in March and both will accommodate 40 people. The project will receive federal funding through the Atlanta Regional Commission.

The waiting list for the County’s Centerville facility has grown to 150 people, according to Blake Hawkins, deputy director for community services. He said the demand is high in southeast Gwinnett because it was in the first wave of settlement in the 1970’s and those early residents are

now aging.

District 3 Commissioner Tommy Hunter said, “I am grateful to the Grayson and Snellville city councils for generously providing valuable space that will allow the County to expand services to more seniors.”

Four senior centers in Buford, Centerville, Lawrenceville and Norcross are currently operated by Gwinnett Health and Human Ser-

vices as gathering places for adults 60 and older. Hot, balanced lunches are available five days a week. Seniors find daily planned activities such as exercise and dance classes, arts and crafts, table games, billiards and day trip excursions. The centers also host performers and speakers on medical, financial and consumer issues important to seniors. Membership is free but some classes and

day trips have small fees.

More information about the congregate meals program or other services for seniors and their families is available from the Gwinnett Senior Services Center located at 567 Swanson Drive in Lawrenceville or by phone at 678-377-4150. The office is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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 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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February 2019

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Excited for spring like temperatures and what’s to come

Meredith Chastain & Meghan Schroder Picture Perfect

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Spring is the time for a change – which can be hard but often leads to great things. Over at Lovin Elementary, our beloved Dr. Blanchette recently retired as principal. Stepping into her shoes is Kevin Payne (former AP at Baggett Elementary).

We were able to meet him recently, and while he has big shoes to fill, we believe he will have no problem elevating the already high standards set at Lovin.

I think large groups of Seniors

are the theme this year as Lanier High School has nine on their team.

Under the direction of coach Jonathan Wyman, they begin their season next week with five (count them, five) games in one week!

Coach Tim Watkins day job is the phenomenal Athletic Director at Archer High School. He uses his teeny tiny amounts of extra time to continue his first love, coaching basketball. In this case, it makes it even sweeter that he can coach the

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GGBL Basketball team of his son Kaleb. Joining the team is longtime friend Christian Wofford. His dad is legendary football coach Todd Wofford of Central Gwinnett. Both sons are star athletes in multiple sports – not surprising given their parental pedigrees.

Senior Superlatives at Central Gwinnett are also a fun day of creative ideas. We learned a new term this year “Glow-Up”. Think “most changed” but with a 2019 feel. Here we have Ashlyn Maxey and Cam-

eron Henderson – Seniors at Central Gwinnett. Their classmates felt they had the best Glow Up since freshman year. We personally think they’ve had four adorable years.

Brookwood Baseball is hoping to take it all the way this year behind a huge group of talented Seniors.

Last year they went all the way to the semi-finals behind a 29-12 season. Talk about sending players to the Big Leagues – BHS baseball has

See SPRING Page 5

February 2019

SPRING continued from page 4 a long history of doing so as well.

Their most recent being Will Banfield who was drafted by the Miami Marlins in 2018.

Mountain View High School baseball team had a high spirited group of seniors this year. Here, they are modeling all six of their uniform combinations. The MVHS program, in its short ten years, has sent several players to the Big Leagues – recently including the son of Principal Keith Chaney. Chase Chaney was drafted last year by the Los Angeles Angels. We are excited to watch this

February 2019

season and tried to tag along on their upcoming tournament at the beach.

We are excited for these springlike temperatures lately! Hopefully, it is a sign for the season ahead as we look forward to all our spring sports and‌..graduations!!

email: magicmoment777@yahoo.com or call 770-979-4203

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Gwinnett Pulse Snellville Farmer’s Market brings back small-town feel

By Julie Thompson GwinnettCitizen.com For many residents, the fresh, locally grown produce sold at the Snellville Farmers Market is just one of many reasons to visit on a Saturday morning.

The Market got a head start this year with an extended-season sale which takes place once a month at Snellville City Hall. At the January sale, visitors purchased crops like collards, arugula, and other leafy winter greens.

But according to City Council Member Gretchen Schulz, who helped start the market in 2010 with a small committee of volunteers, the extended-season is only a preview of what’s to come.

Up to 50 vendors will set up shop throughout the four-month summer market which runs every Saturday from June through September.

Greg Earle has been with the Market for nearly a decade, and for the summer market, he will provide an abundance of fresh produce grown on his farm in Madison, Ga. There are two key reasons why it’s better to buy locally grown produce, according to Earle.

“Number one, you’re buying local and supporting local farmers,” said Earle, who began growing tomatoes, corn and a variety of produce when sales from his tree farm declined during the Recession.

“And number two is the difference in the produce in the way it is picked and sold,” Earle added. “Much of the produce you buy in a grocery store is picked when it’s still not ripe and allowed to ripen in a box as opposed to market produce which is picked ripe within a day or two of the market.

Picking that close to market day really enhances the flavor especially with tomatoes.”

Baked goods vendors and craft booths are highlights for Susan Jordan-Fell, who has been a customer “since the beginning”.

“We like going for the breads, cheeses, brown eggs, jalapeno honey, the furniture,” Jordan-Fell said, explaining why she’s been a regular for the past decade. ”They have people who come and sell furniture they make.”

Only a select number of craft vendors are admitted each season, according to Gretchen Schulz. They are chosen based on the novelty of their items and on the artistry required to make them. Some sell handmade bath and body care products — others sell knitted scarves and hats.

But regulars often say there’s more to the Market than shopping. For long-time customers like Jordan-Fell, it’s a cherished tradition.

“It’s a place where it’s like, ‘Oh, it’s Saturday morning. We’ll have breakfast and then we’ll go to the Market,’ ” Jordan-Fell said.

She added, “It’s camaraderie — I

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Special photo

Ty Cowart of TyCo B Farms.

Special photo

Edward Sezenov of Snellville Honey.

think it brings together people with common interests. “You find out people have different talents, and you get to know the people. It’s great!”

Some will go so far as to say the Snellville Farmers Market brings back the small-town feel to Snellville.

“Snellville went from a small hometown community where everybody knew everyone in the 70’s and 80’s to a town of 19,000 people,” said Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Bender who was on the founding committee.

“As people got busier, the old social gatherings dwindled and so did a lot of the family/friend connections.

We created the Farmers Market to bring fresh, local food to residents but also as a way to bring people together to create some of the community we lost,” Bender added.

Speaking to the market’s current success, Schulz said, “What we use as our slogan is ‘Nourishing our Community,’ and we feel like we’re doing that, not only by providing a venue for locally grown and made nutritious foods, but also, our market has become the place to be on a Saturday morning in Snellville.“ Schulz is pleased that the market has made an impact by donating to local nonprofits and charities.

Often, they donate sums of money to The Southeast Gwinnett Co-op using fees collected from vendor booths.

They also contributed a large sum to help build the veteran’s memorial at City Hall.

Greg Earle does his share to help and donates produce to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op. According to Schulz, Earle purposely brings more than he will sell and donates whatever is left at

Special photo

Cassidy of Gralan Farms (Greg Earle’s farm).

Pie-A-Bakeshop booth.

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the end of the day. She estimates he donates thousands of pounds of produce each season.

The tenth season of the Farmers Market will start Jun. 1 and run 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Visitors might stroll with their dog across the lawn and enjoy a family-friendly ambiance with light music played by a local singer.

And Schulz emphasizes that local patronage is what sustains the Market, as it doesn’t receive funding from the City.

“We’re so grateful for the community support,” Schulz said. “Because to be able to continue the Market, we have to have that. We don’t get vendors if they don’t have decent sales, and so we just depend on community support for the market to continue. “ Find online recipes and more on the Market’s website: www.snellvillefarmer’smarket.com, and check out the Facebook page (@SnellvilleFM) to find updates and activity information.

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Run the Reagan proceeds support summer needs of local co-op

Special photo

Buggies lined up waiting to be loaded in cars.

By Akilah C. Clarke The early morning air is cool and crisp, gently stirred by a light breeze – it’s the kind of cold that is just right for the day’s activities. Hundreds of anxious runners crowd the start line, jockeying, jostling and stamping the cold out of chilled fingers and toes, tensely waiting for the sound of their release...

Bam! The reverberating sound of the starting pistol cracks the air, signifying the start of Gwinnett County’s annual fun-filled, family-oriented community event – Run the Reagan.

Touted as “Gwinnett’s Premiere Road Race,” Run the Reagan is more than just a day of communal festivity for avid runners, joggers and walkers alike. The race, in existence since 1994, donates proceeds to three local organizations – the Brookwood Schools Foundation, the Lilburn Cooperative Ministry and the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry, each of which uses the funds received to support various community needs.

Last year’s event raised about $18,000 for the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op, according to Laura Drake, coop director. The funds are critical in supporting the organization’s quest to aid families in need of food, particularly during the summer months.

The 2019 25th Run the Reagan will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. The Reagan® has been a Gwinnett County tradition since 1994. The race features: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, a 1 Mile Fun Run, as well as a Family Festival. You can register online at runthereagan.net.

“When this money comes to us, we hold it and it becomes our seed money. The beginning of the year is historically very slow for donations.

We get a lot of donations at the end of the year, but then at the beginning of the year it slows down,” Drake said.

Due to the lag in donations at the beginning of the year and during the summer months, the co-op targets proceeds from Run the Regan to meet critical summer demand, via the Summer Feeding Program.

“We’re in prep mode to get ready – as soon as Christmas is over, we already start looking at summer, because summer is an intense time of need here at the co-op,” Drake said.

“In the summer, parents need more food because the kids are home from school. So, it creates a perfect storm because donations are down in the summer. People are traveling – people just aren’t thinking about us. So, we have a greater need, but we have less resources to meet the need.”

Drake went on to explain how

the race proceeds helps the co-op address the increased need for food in the summer by providing funding that allows families an additional visit beyond the standard 30-day timeframe.

“What happens in the summertime is that we invite parents of children that are high school and younger to visit the co-op for additional visits, [because] the kids are not receiving free and reduced lunch at school. Instead of coming once every 30 days for food, we’ve told the parents that in June and July, they can come for an additional visit,” Drake explained. “We just really try to be practical problem solvers.

If the kids are home and they need more food, then we want to be able to give more food. But the problem is created when our donations slow.

So we were so blessed when the Run the Regan offered for us to become recipients [of race proceeds].”

Proceeds from the race also allows the co-op to provide families with additional milk, eggs, cheese and lunchmeat, which is purchased from a local distributor, according to Drake. “Because our donations are low, we end up having to purchase retail in the summer, so we go out and purchase [those items],” she explained.

Drake went on to say how she would love to raise more awareness of the dire situation that the co-op faces during the beginning of the year and the summer months. However, although race funding meets only about half of the summer need, Drake said she is still grateful for the

Special photo

Milk purchased from RTR proceeds and offered to parents.

support, because “without that, we couldn’t do what we do. [Run the Reagan] provides the opportunity for us to fill in the gap and for that, we are hugely blessed. We like to

tell people, if you want to affect your community in a positive way -- by participating in this race, by promoting it, by becoming a sponsor, by just getting the word out, it helps us do this critical piece.”

The Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry is located at 55 Grayson Industrial Parkway, Grayson, GA 30017. More information on donations needed and volunteering opportunities can be found at www.segwinnettcoop.org, or by calling (770) 985-5229.

Happy 90th Birthday Audrey

Photo by Emmett Clower

First row L - R: seated Giles Johnson, Mrs. Audrey Ford, Candler Johnson, Josh Johnson; 2nd row L - R: Brandi Johnson, Wanda Clower, Jewett Clower.

Audrey Harrison Ford celebrated her 90th birthday on January 29th. Audrey was born in the Bethesda Community of Gwinnett County to her parents, L. V. Harrison, Sr. and Ada B. Harrison. She is a member of the Snellville Unit-

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ed Methodist Church. She enjoys spending time with her daughter and son-in-law, Wanda and Jewett Clower, her grandson and his wife, Josh and Brandi Johnson and her great grandchildren, Giles and Candler Johnson.

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Get the facts about the March 19 transit referendum

Charlotte J. Nash

County Business

Gwinnett County voters will go to the polls March 19 to consider expansion of our transit options through a contract with MARTA. If voters choose to approve the transit contract that Gwinnett County has negotiated with MARTA, the expansion will follow a plan developed by Gwinnett County with substantial public participation. It would also mean the establishment of a onecent sales tax to pay for the transit improvements and expansion.

Why are we doing this now?

Gwinnett County’s population is expected to grow by another half-million people over the next 25 years or so. We all know that more travel options are needed now, but the projected population growth means additional options will be needed even more in the future. We recently de-

veloped a comprehensive transportation plan, which we followed with a detailed transit plan adopted last year. What people told us is that they wanted more transportation choices.

After much thought and analysis by a lot of really bright people, we came up with a blueprint for transit for the next 30 years and beyond.

Here are the highlights: • 5-mile extension of heavy rail from Doraville to the Jimmy Carter Boulevard area • 3 Bus Rapid Transit routes using 50 miles of dedicated lanes • 8 Rapid Bus routes would cover 110 miles • 9 Express Commuter Routes covering more than 250 miles to and from Atlanta with 11 Park and Ride lots – more than double the existing service • 12 Local Routes covering more than 160 miles and greater frequency for buses traveling these routes • Door-to-door, on-demand Flex Service in 6 less-populated areas • Expanded paratransit service coverage from 20 percent to 65 percent of the county, improving mobility for seniors and others with mobility challenges • New buses, new and upgraded transit centers, improved bus shelters, new maintenance facilities, new technology improvements, and extended evening and Sunday service

As I mentioned earlier, this expansion will take place if the transit contract referendum passes. In negotiating the contract, we tried to address concerns voiced about being a part of MARTA. For example, under the contract, Gwinnett will control the funds, the expenditures, and the projects. That means that our tax dollars will come to us, and we will determine how they are to be spent. Gwinnett funds will be spent for the benefit of Gwinnett riders.

Our approved transit plan will drive transit improvements, expansions and operations in Gwinnett. Gwinnett will have a say in the standards for services and facilities, and we can audit MARTA transactions that affect Gwinnett’s costs.

In short, the contract was drafted to try to ensure we would see the benefits of being a member of the MARTA system while protecting the interests of Gwinnett County.

If you are interested in learning more about the transit contract and Gwinnett’s transit plan, I would very much encourage you to attend one of the many open house public education sessions we are hosting around the county. For dates and locations, visit www.gwinnettcounty.com.

To learn how to register to vote, dates for advance voting, or other voting information, visit www.gwinnettelections.com.

Snellville Historical Society Appreciation Award

Photo by Emmett CLower

Jim Cofer, David Snell, Larry Gilleland, Grace Clower, Melinda Franklin

By Grace Clower Snellville Historical Society The Snellville Historical Society recently presented an Appreciation Award to one of its members, Larry Gilleland. Larry grew up in Snellville, and he served in the Peace Corps and lived out of the country for years.

He got involved with the Historical Society in 2009 and was willing to assist in any way he could.

From his interest in history, he created a timeline of Snellville over

the years. He has served as Editor of the Historical Society Newsletter and wrote many articles for the Newsletter. He has served as part of the volunteer office staff for the past several years. He has been instrumental in preparing the newsletters for mailing also.

Larry and his wife Ann will be moving out of country, so it is only fitting that the Snellville Historical Society recognize him for his continuous support of the history of Snellville.

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February 2019

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Love Deserves More than Candy and Flowers

James Miskell

Estate Planning

It’s that time of year again – love is in the air! As Valentine’s Day approaches, we make dinner reservations and shop for the perfect gift to express our love. This Valentine’s Day, consider giving a heartfelt gift—an estate plan to provide support and guidance for them during grief and loss. Whether your assets are large or small, giving your family the peace of mind of knowing your wishes in these difficult times is priceless.

You are likely thinking, “that doesn’t sound romantic or fun!” Cupid would not be interested. While an estate plan may not be something we wrap with a pretty bow or present in a heart-shaped box, taking the time to get your affairs in order is a

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perfect way to show your loved ones just how much much you care.

Take a moment to think about what would happen if you were disabled, incapacitated or if you died unexpectedly. Are you confident that your wishes would be honored?

Does anyone know what your wishes are? Who will speak for you? Who will pay the bills if you are alive but incapacitated? Will your family waste money in a court battle for guardianship and conservatorship? Who will your care for your minor children – will they be cared for by the people you prefer or will a judge be left to choose the best candidate?

Thoughtful planning and several basic documents can provide a safe detour around many of these problems. A Healthcare Directive allows you to give a loved one the authority to speak with the doctors about treatment options and to formalize your treatment preferences should you become gravely ill. A Durable Financial Power of Attorney enables you to pick the person who will handle your financial and legal matters when you are unable to do so. You can designate your children’s guardian in a Last Will and Testament.

What about the distribution of your assets when you die? Do you and your spouse have step-children

“Show your family that you loved them enough to plan for the future.” from prior marriages? Do you have a child that needs help managing money? A child with substance abuse issues? A child or grandchild with a disability or special needs?

The gifts you leave for loved ones can be protected from creditors and predators. These gifts can be insulated from future divorce and structured to ensure that disabled beneficiaries receive maximum advantage from your gift without losing government benefits. A Living Trust can also be structured to extend asset protection for you during your life and can be useful in preparing the family to handle the costs of long term care.

Whether your estate is large or small, planning ahead lets you control costs and take uncertainty out of the process for your family. Planning allows you to appoint the right person to handle your estate and to pay that person as much or as little as you think is right. You can make sure your possessions go to the right

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people—the people who will truly appreciate them. You have the ability to protect your loved ones from bad decisions, outside influences, creditors and divorcing spouses. You can even use trust planning to help your family avoid probate altogether. Most important, you lighten your family’s burden by reducing the number of stressful decisions they will face.

There’s no better way to show your love for your family than to craft a plan to ensure that you are

taken care of in the event of disability and that they are taken care of in the event of your death. And you can leave a legacy that will last for many more Valentine’s Days to come!

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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“Attention! Attention! May I please have your attention?” what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up,

the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved – even though only as one escaping through the flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:11-15.

Time, your time, is a valuable currency. It is a precious and limited

resource. Where are you focusing your time and attention? How are you investing it?

About Katie Hart Smith Katie Hart Smith’s column, “From the Heart,” touches the heart,

inspires, and entertains. Smith, a published author for over twenty years, believes that words, written or spoken, have power. To learn more, visit www. katiehartsmith.com.

Katie Hart Smith From the Heart

When you hear those words while walking through the bustling and noisy airport, grocery or department store, or while at school, do you find yourself automatically stopping what you’re doing at that moment and look up at the intercom? As the crowd calms, perhaps, we shush others around us who are talking.

We pause, patiently waiting and listening for the next set of instructions or call to action while glancing up at the ceiling.

A flurry of thoughts may pour through your mind. Is this message possibly for me? What kind of message is it going to be? Was there cheer and happiness in the announcer’s voice or did they sound serious and directive? However, once the message is conveyed and we find ourselves unaffected by the directives, we tend to put our head down and simply go about our day.

Everyone is fighting for your attention. Daily, you are bombarded by pop-up ads on social media, push emails from solicitors, unwanted texts, junk mail, robocalls, and commercials. With so much overwhelming information flying at you, it’s hard to sort through what is important and not important, finding ourselves accidentally overlooking or deleting a valuable message. In addition, the demands of our work, social, spiritual, and personal schedules pull us in different directions, too.

What is captivating the majority of our attention? According to recent studies, adults spend more than eleven hours per day interacting with media (watching, listening, or reading). Teens spend approximately nine hours a day engaged in social media platforms.

How is this affecting you? What changes need to be made in order to focus on what’s truly of value?

Shouldn’t our priority and attention be directed to developing meaningful personal interactions, conversations, and relationships with our families, friends, and our faith?

God is constantly calling out to us, “Attention! Attention! May I please have your attention?” HE speaks to us in the stillness. Are we listening? Do we hear Him directing us to a higher purpose to build His kingdom and serve others – the invisible, the unseen, the poor, the hungry, the sick?

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for

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Truth’s Community Clinic serves medical and spiritual needs of a growing and diverse population

By Fran Worrall More than 15 years ago, a small group of visionaries from Hebron Baptist Church in Dacula saw a need for a free health clinic that would care for the poorest in the community — those with little or no income, no health insurance, and little hope of receiving adequate healthcare for themselves or their families. Within a few months, Hebron Community Health Center was up and running, meeting the needs of an underserved population in Lawrenceville, Dacula, and surrounding communities in east Gwinnett County.

One of the things that made the clinic different was its dual objective to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of its patients. “The idea was to serve the whole person, not just the

physical body,” said Scarlett Rigsby, clinic director.

Rigsby, who has worked with non-profit organizations for more than 25 years, including 18 years as a YMCA program director, is convinced that physical health and spiritual health go hand in hand. “We’ve found that caring for the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – makes a huge difference in the lives of our patients,” she said.

Today, this faith-based healthcare facility operates under a new name and in a newer and larger building.

Truth’s Community Clinic is located on Langley Drive near downtown Lawrenceville where it serves a growing and diverse patient population. It offers non-emergency primary care as well as a limited number of dental services, such as extractions and fillings.

According to Rigsby, the clinic was renamed to more accurately represent those who support and serve the organization. “Although its beginnings were rooted in the Baptist church, we’re now funded by a wide range of denominations, community groups, and foundation grants,” she explained.

“Our volunteers also come from a variety of faith backgrounds.”

Practitioners at the clinic treat a range of medical conditions, including asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, non-insulin dependent diabetes, thyroid problems, and many issues related to women’s health. Services at Truth’s Community Clinic are completely free, although a $20 donation is suggested to help defray expenses.

Patients diagnosed with cancer, heart disease, orthopedic problems, and

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Truth’s Community Clinic was awarded a $15,000 grant by Jackson EMC. Truth’s Community Clinic board members L to R: Susan Sikes Davis, Carl Walls, Mamie Outler, Fran Worrall, Alisa Pognant, Dr. Hubert Tucker, and Katie Hart Smith.

other serious medical conditions are referred to physicians and facilities that partner with the clinic to provide discounted care.

Dr. Hoyt Gazaway, a family physician who has practiced in Gwinnett County for 25 years, and Mamie Outler, a registered nurse with more than 50 years’ experience, manage clinical care and oversee regulatory compliance and policy and procedure implementation. Dedicated medical and lay volunteers donate their time and services to assist their less fortunate neighbors.

Remaining true to its original mission, Truth’s Community Clinic continues to provide spiritual care to its patients through a partnership with Nothing but the Truth Ministries, a faith-based non-profit located in the same office complex and also overseen by Rigsby. Through this partnership, the clinic offers a number of Christ-centered programs, such as ESL classes, family night dinners, Life Conversation Groups, and Bible studies. “The two ministries are a natural fit to serve the spirit, mind, and body,’ she said.

“We want patients to know that we care about their emotional needs as well as their physical needs,” said

Outler, who notes that this holistic approach is changing lives in ways that go far beyond a medical chart. “We’re seeing improved health, but we’re also seeing improved attitudes and outlooks.”

Rigsby points out that missions work doesn’t have to involve traveling out of the country, out of the state or even out of Gwinnett County. “Our guiding statement is ‘Sharing truth in medical and dental missions’, and we’ve found we can do that right here at home,” she said. “We have a huge population of struggling families in our own back yard, and we want them to see us working together to carry out the mission the Lord has placed before us.”

Truth’s Community Clinic is located at 250 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. Medical services are provided on the first and third Tuesdays of each month; dental services on the first and third Thursdays of each month. The clinic is seeking medical personnel, including physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, hygienists, and dental and medical assistants, to volunteer a few hours each month. For more information, call 770-277-4675; or visit www. truthsclinic.org.

Decorate with Hardware One of the quickest ways to transform the look of a room is by changing your cabinet hardware.

Cabinet hardware provides the finishing touch to cabinets and drawers, and can also add a spark of color and style. For a new look, you can update your entire kitchen or bathroom, or simply replace the hardware on one piece of furniture in the living room.

There is an unlimited variety of styles, shapes, and colors available for drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, and door handles. The most important consideration in selecting hardware is function. Make sure that the handle you choose will be comfortable to use. If a drawer is very heavy, it will require a substantial pull.

Sometimes changing the hardware on one piece of furniture can update an entire room. Update the wall unit with new pulls and handles, and it will look like you bought a brand-new piece.

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Joan Miller

The Blind Ladies

Hardware is a wonderful way to express your personality in a functional way. It’s great when a simple idea makes such a big difference.

By adding the latest cabinet “jewelry,” you can quickly give your room a whole new look!

Contact Joan Miller at The Blind Ladies – 404 918-5288 or visit the website: www.theblindladies.com

February 2019

The Natural Transformation!

Meet the Fractotal Facial The trend in anti-aging in 2019 is a natural, fresh, rejuvenated look. Although the younger women are enjoying much fuller lips right now, we are seeing a decline in the Hollywood trend of over- stuffed cheeks and frozen faces in stars as they reach their 50’s and 60’s. One of the reasons for this trend is the development of new technology that will actually thicken facial tissue that naturally gets thinner over time. To make the face develop thicker tissue and tighten is truly turning back the clock.

Clients today often have similar concerns. Dull, tired skin with age spots, redness and large pores are common complaints. Drooping cheeks, jowls, and eyes are also in the top ten complaints. Necks are a beast of their own. Thankfully, we have many tools to address and correct these concerns. One of the most effective is the Fractotal Facial.

The Fractotal Facial utilizes two

Chrissy Thomas

About Face Skin Care

different treatments in a series. Lumecca IPL is a laser like device that uses light therapy to break down brown and red pigment in the skin, decrease pore size and tighten tissue. Fractora is a combination of Microneedling and Radio Frequency that stimulates collagen deep beneath the skin to thicken aging tissue and tighten skin over the face, neck or any other area treated. Clients may experience slight pink skin

Happy 95th Birthday

Nancy Spears Williams

February 2019

after Lumecca IPL and will need to avoid makeup for two days after Fractora. Clients need to avoid unprotected sun exposure for a period of time before and after treatments.

Typically, there will be a two week break between each treatment. It is important that clients receive a free consultation before treatment so that we may assess skin type. Lumecca IPL is not indicated for clients with dark skin, but other treatments may be used in substitution. Clients with sensitive skin may notice that the sensitivities get better with treatment.

The results are incredible and natural. Bright, beautiful skin with a tighter jawline and lifted brows is waiting for you! Give us a call to discuss this and other amazing treatments offered. Remember, you have the right to remain youthful! We look forward to meeting you.

770.935 FACE (3223) or www.aboutfaceskin.com

Nancy Spears Williams just celebrated her 95th birthday on Feb. 1, 2019 with her daughters and grandchildren.

Nancy is the last surviving sibling of her seven brothers and sisters all born in Vienna, Georgia. Nancy came to Snellville when she was 15 years old where she met Carvis Williams whom she later married. Carvis passed away in 1984. They have

Weddings, Engagements & Announcements

Engagements, Weddings, Births and Anniversaries are complimentary.

Email your announcement to: info@gwinnettcitizen.com

Congratulations 50th Wedding Anniversary James and Linda

Special Photo

Linda and James Nodine

three daughters, Martha Williams Cooper, Gail Williams Guffey and Joan Williams Ottinger, 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and six great, great grandchildren.

Throughout her career, Nancy was known for creative ability. She was a great seamstress making everything from drapes to evening gowns for “Miss Georgia” contestants. Nancy could reproduce wed-

James L. Nodine and Linda Johnson Nodine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Sunday, January 20, 2019. The reception, hosted by family, was held in the ballroom of the Gwinnett County Historic Courthouse in downtown Lawrenceville.

Surrounded by friends and family, the couple enjoyed a wonderful afternoon. ding gowns or detailed evening gowns by seeing pictures.

She also owned a ceramic business where she held classes in her basement for years. This ceramic business led her to making antique reproduction dolls. Some of these dolls were sold in Williamsburg, Va., Disney World in Florida and also to many people throughout the state of Georgia.

Special photo

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STAS continued from page 1

MARY continued from page 1

Mary Frazier Long and Pete Stamsen.

Photo by Emmett Clower

Grace Clower, Georgia Lions Club Leadership Coordinator, Stas Preczewski, former President Georgia Gwinnett College, and Pete Stamsen, Lawrenceville Lions Club Membership Chairman.

through humanitarian service projects and grants.” Dr. Preczewski, was recently named one of Who’s Who in Education by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Former State Representative and retired Educator, Dr. Valerie Clark, contributed, “It was indeed a treat to be in the presence of this great man who has given so much of himself; not only to the students of GGC but to Gwinnett County at large.”

Pete recalled how, “When a Leo Club was chartered at Moore Middle School in Lawrenceville, Georgia; Stas came down from the stage and stood eye level with the students to relate with them!” Pete continued, “Stas is readily accessible, answering and returning calls. He has been known to assist students with arduous move-ins; he’s just a great guy.”

Brian Donegan, President of the club stated that, “It was a joy to honor Stas. He agreed with everyone that this is a man deserving of this great honor.”

The affirmations coming from

the audience much resembled the responses heard in a Southern Baptist Church on a Sunday morning!

The ooh’s and the aah’s were generously splattered with head nodding and several ‘Amen’s’ spoken throughout the presenting of the Service Award. Stas appeared to be moved by the presentation and one witness described his demeanor as ‘humbled’.

Present also was Lawrenceville’s Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson.

As mayor, she has the privilege of interacting with its citizens daily and engaging them wherever they are.

She stated, “Dr. Stas Preczewski has a heart for learning and student engagement. He welcomed the Lions Club to GGC because he knew the value of student involvement in civic organizations.” She continued saying, “He believes that community service should be a part of each student’s life.”

It was interesting to note that Dr. Preczewski was not aware that he was receiving this award; he thought he was there to support someone else. Humility was the cloak that he seemed to be comfortable wearing, and it certainly fit him well. He actually, literally epitomized the mission statement of the LCIF, “to support the efforts of Lions clubs in serving communities locally and globally giving hope and impacting lives ….”

Indeed, he is a gifted man, “Cloaked in Humility!”

Special Photo

Grace Clower pins Stas Preczewski.

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of the History of Lawrenceville. Ask any high school teacher how hard it is to teach a history lesson; not everyone is interested. But, when Mary Long is in charge of weaving the magic of history with comedy, it’s similar to a mother lacing cod liver oil with orange juice to make it palatable; that’s what Mary does.

When she finished her “Talk” as she called it, Pete Stamsen, Membership Chairman smoothly informed her, “Mary Long! This is your Life!”

And true to her style, she graciously said, “Thank you!” Pete invited the audience to respond and toast Mary and she was fit for the task, taking it all in stride!

Her granddaughter, Jaletta Long Smith, asked if she remembered teaching her to read. Mary responded with the lesson and stated, “Yes! M is for Macy’s and R is for Rich’s and you know the rest!” The laughter was explosive! Mary has published several books and Jaletta recalled one in particular, “Old Georgia Privies” when she assisted her grandmother writing and taking pictures of ‘Outhouses’ all over the state of Georgia! Jaletta recounts, “It was a great time being with her and learning so much from her especially about outdoor bathrooms.”

Pete stated that she is a treasure and he stated, “There aren’t many Mary Long’s left on the face of the earth!” He continued, “We are losing our history of local towns and without people like her, the information will not be passed down!”

“She’s hilariously funny, irreverent and she has the kindest heart and all of that just makes her a wonderful person. She can cross age, races and gender lines appealing to everyone!

And she’s informative in a fun way!” stated Leigh McIntosh.

“The evening was a joy and we

Photo by Emmett Clower

Photo by Emmett Clower

Mary Frazier Long and her family.

will remember it fondly for a long time to come,” said Brian Donegan, Lions Club President, as he recovered from a deep, guttural laugh!

Former State Representative and retired Educator, Dr. Valerie Clark declared, “I’m still laughing and trying to tell her jokes! It was a joy to have spent the evening with such a person like Mary who gives so freely of herself!”

“Agreed!” Stated Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson. “Mary Long is considered the Lawrenceville Historian.

Mary has a unique God-given talent to incorporate humor in history.

When you hear Mary speak, you will laugh and learn some history at the same time.”

Mary Frazier Long, The Comedic Historian indeed!

Special Photo

Mary Frazier Long, Virginia McIntosh and Valerie Clark.

Mary Frazier Long, Emmett Clower and Valerie Clark.

Special Photo

February 2019

February Adult Programming Events

FREE N-400 NATURALIZATION APPLICATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Friday, Feb. 15, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Lilburn Branch 4817 Church Street, Lilburn 30047 Legal permanent residents will be offered free legal assistance with filling out the N400 citizenship application form. This event is free and on a first come, first served basis.

MAKING A MEMORY QUILT: TELL YOUR FAMILY’S STORY Saturday, Feb. 16 at 2:00 p.m.

Lawrenceville Branch 1001 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville 30046 Contemporary memory quilts preserve treasured memories of people, events, accomplishments, and places. Join Master Quilter, Elizabeth Thomas, for this workshop and learn more about the art form.

MEET HISTORIAN AND AUTHOR JIM JORDAN Saturday, Feb. 16 at 3:00 p.m.

Liberty Books 176 W Crogan Street, Lawrenceville 30046 Jim Jordan is the author of the award-winning book The Slave-Trader’s Letter-Book: Charles Lamar, the Wanderer, and Other Tales of the African Slave Trade. These 70 long-lost letters detail the illegal landing of 400 African slaves on American soil by Charles Lamar who used the yacht the Wanderer as a slave ship dropping off slaves on Jekyll Island. Free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

GINA’S JOURNEY: A FILM EXPLORATION ON THE FIRST OFFICIAL SLAVE NARRATIVE Thursday, Feb.21 at 6:00 p.m.

Lilburn Branch 4817 Church Street, Lilburn 30047

In 1825, William Grimes wrote and published the story of his life as a slave and his escape to freedom. Two centuries later, his great-great-greatgranddaughter, Regina Mason, picks up where her pioneering ancestor left off, with a book, a documentary, and her own story of self-discovery through a rigorous commitment to her family’s past.

ATLANTA RADIO THEATRE COMPANY Saturday, Feb. 23 at 1:00 p.m.

Collins Hill Branch 455 Camp Perrin Road, Lawrenceville 30043 ARTC performs live audio drama for adults at a wide variety of events such as DragonCon, Mythic Journeys, and the World Fantasy Convention. They have been performing for 24 years and often have a very specific focus on science fiction, horror, and fantasy. Come hear performances of adaptations and original literary favorites.

MEET JIM MCDOWELL, “THE BLACK POTTER” Saturday, Feb. 23 at 1:00 p.m.

Lilburn Branch 4817 Church Street, Lilburn 30047 Jim McDowell, who calls himself “the Black Potter,” believes himself to be the only black potter who creates face jugs based on both his family traditions and his sacred ancestral tradition of using face jugs as grave markers. He has been a studio potter for over 30 years and has been creating face jugs for nearly 25.

AFROCENTRIC FABRIC HISTORY AND DESIGN In partnership with Kisanii Liz Ankara Textiles Sunday, Feb. 24 at 3:00 p.m.

Lawrenceville Branch 1001 Lawrenceville Highway,

Lawrenceville 30046 The bright colors, distinctive designs, and hand-made quality of African fabrics are truly extraordinary and rich with cultural meaning. Learn the history of African fabrics and how they can enhance your wardrobe.

DUAL ENROLLMENT - EARN FREE COLLEGE CREDIT IN HIGH SCHOOL In partnership with Gwinnett Technical College Monday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Collins Hill Branch 455 Camp Perrin Road, Lawrenceville 30043 Learn about this tuition-free program that includes free courses online or on campus, free textbooks, the ability to earn an Associate’s Degree while in high school, credits that transfer to University System of Georgia colleges, and more.

MEET THE AUTHOR: JONATHAN PUTNAM Sunday, March 3 at 6:30 pm Aurora Theatre - Free parking at 153 East Crogan Street Lawrenceville 30046 A recognized Lincoln scholar, Putnam’s research has focused on the young Abraham Lincoln and his defining relationship with friend Joshua Speed. His Lincoln and Speed Mystery Series has been a critical and commercial success. Putnam will speak on the topic “How the Young Lincoln Became Our Lincoln.” Free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

WOMEN’S SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP Registration required: events@

gwinnettpl.org Tuesday, March 5 at 6:00 pm Collins Hill Branch 455 Camp Perrin Road Lawrenceville 30043 Learn how to protect and empower yourself! Join Gwinnett County Police for this class to gain self-defense skills and techniques that will focus on awareness and prevention. Learn how to avoid, escape, and survive a possible assault. Disclaimer: Participating in live demo requires waiver to be signed day of program.

DRUG AWARENESS FOR FAMILIES Saturday, March 16 at 2:00 pm Lawrenceville Branch 1001 Lawrenceville Highway Lawrenceville 30046 A Gwinnett County Crime Prevention Officer will speak about how to become more aware of the impact of drug use on individuals, families, and communities and will give information about local contacts and programs. Drug use is preventable and addiction can be treated.

MAKING A MORE SUSTAINABLE GWINNETT In partnership with Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful Registration requested: events@ gwinnettpl.org Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30 PM Five Forks Branch 2780 Five Forks Trickum Rd Lawrenceville 30044 Make Gwinnett a greener, cleaner, and more liveable community!

Learn about the resources and services available in Gwinnett to help residents with recycling, reducing litter, and beautifying their community.

Create a “self-watering” seed starter by bringing an empty 2-Liter bottle!

TRACING YOUR ROOTS: A GENEALOGY WORKSHOP Wednesday, March 13 at 1:00 pm Bethesda Park Senior Center 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville 30044 Genealogy interest has exploded due to the ease of researching online.

Learn how to get started in this fun hobby and explore free genealogy databases including Ancestry Library Edition and Heritage Quest.

Jerome Furman

Emmett Clower Studio (770) 972-9211

2389 Scenic Hwy., South • Snellville

February 2019

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The Gwinnett Roadrunner

Mary Frazier Long

Laundry Day.

Mary Long Photo

Doctor is in the house!

“ON THE RUN” By Mary Frazier Long

Mary Long Photo

Gwinnett County Author, Historian

QUOTABLES Perfect Love does not appear until grandchildren come along.

Happy Valentine’s Day with sisters Alyssa and Baily.

Love makes the world go ‘round, and so does an upset stomach.

“A girl must marry for love, and keep on marrying until she finds it.” ~ Zsa Zsa Gabor

Whose at the door?

“Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, and half shut afterward.” ~ Ben Franklin “There is more to life than increasing its speed.” Gandhi “If you want to lose a troublesome friend, lend him money,” ~ Ben Franklin “Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.” ~ Erma Bombeck “A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman of the next generation.” ~ J.F. Clarke GEORGIA SETTLERS • Oglethorpe and the boatload of the first Georgia settlers from England landed in Savannah on Feb. 12, 1733.

LOOKING BACK IN GWINNETT • The News-Herald, Dec. 13, 1945, “There are 392 phones in Lawrenceville.”

• In 1916 the Bank of Lawrenceville paid 6% on money placed on a time deposit for six months or longer.

• The News-Herald Feb. 1, 1940, “The Snellville telephone line opened Jan. 18.”

• The News-Herald, Feb. 15, 1940, “The Gwinnett County Basketball Tournament sponsored by the Junior and Senior high schools of the county was held in the Lawrenceville gymnasium on Feb. 7, 8 and 9. In the senior high bracket, Dacula was the winner and Lawrenceville high second place.”

• The News-Herald, Jan. 25, 1945, “The Gwinnett County Public Welfare Department is in three rooms on the north side of the courthouse. Abba Jo Gordon, Director, Sara Corley, and Reba Johnson stenographer. Frances Boggs and Mrs. Jack Pricket are Public Welfare Workers.”

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Night riding.

Mary Long Photo

• One of the best opportunities for children is story time at the Lawrenceville Library at 10:30 and 11:30 on Wednesdays and Mondays. Andrea Stroman and her son Jonah enjoy story time at the library in Lawrenceville.

Mary Long Photo

GWINNETT COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Jan. 14, 2019 meeting of the Society featured Sara Martin as guest speaker. Sara Martin spoke on Remarkable Georgia Women, and several of her books were available.

Mary Long Photo

• The News-Herald Feb. 2, 1950, “For the first time in Lawrenceville history a young woman, Miss Frances Fortune, has been elected to serve as City Clerk.”

• The News-Herald Feb. 9, 1958, “Mr. A.G. Robison who recently retired after over thirty-one years of service as county agent of Gwinnett County was guest of honor at a reception given by the Home Demonstration Council.”

• The Gwinnett Daily News, Feb. 17, 1969, ‘Gwinnett school children were happily enjoying an extra day off from their studies Monday while the remainder of the county struggled to return to normal after a weekend of paralyzing ice and snow brought activities to a standstill.”

CURRENT EVENTS • Lawrenceville city Councilman Tony Powell has resigned from his elected post with the city to fulfill his commitment to serve a limited term.

• The Lawrenceville City Council voted unanimously to expand the existing arts and education center which fronts on East Pike Street.

The expanded arts center will include a 500 seat theater.

FOREVER VALENTINE Congratulations to Larry and Frankie Moon Peevy who celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Dec. 24, 2018. Larry and Frankie, Gwinnett natives, are graduates of Snellville High School and resided in Gwinnett County before they moved to Elberton. They now live in the Hartwell Health and Rehab Center, 94 Cade Street, Hartwell, Ga. 30643.

Their children are Jennifer Norton and Ricky Peevy.

Big smiles for February.

Mary Long Photo

CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES • Gwinnett Retired Educators will meet on Feb. 15, 2019, at the Northwood Country Club.

The luncheon meeting will begin at 11 a.m. and the Share the Light program will shine a light on Gwinnett students in “The Academy Program.”

Additionally, a representative of the Gwinnett Foundation will share opportunities for retirees sponsored by the Gwinnett Foundation. FYI the Northwood Country Club is at 3157 Club Drive, Lawrenceville 30044.

• The Grayson High School Annual Reunion will be on Mar. 30, 2019. The Reunion will be in the Commons Area at Grayson High School. The Grayson High School Alumni Association was organized Apr. 26, 1997, by Margie Knight McBryar. The first Alumni Reunion was on Mar. 28, 1998, at the Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Grayson and 304 people were present. The Association voted to hold the annual reunions the last Saturday in March, except Easter weekends.

• The Gwinnett County Historical Society will meet on Mar. 18 at 7 p.m. Meeting place is on the second floor of the Historic Courthouse in Downtown Lawrenceville.

• Spotlighting Georgia’s fascinating past, State Historic sites are offering free admission on Sunday, Feb. 10. The nearby Dahlonega Gold Museum in the former Lumpkin County Courthouse is on the list.

gwinnettcitizen.com

Mary Long Photo

Andrea Stroman and Jonah.

• First United Methodist Church Lawrenceville’s Rejoice Women’s Ensemble will sing the Star Spangled Banner at the Cornerstone Society Gala hosted by the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation on February 16, 2019.

The group has performed on numerous occasions, including singing the Star Spangled Banner at a Gwinnett Stripers game in June, 2018.

Mary Long Photo

Joyce Stallings GCHS Secretary

Mary Long Photo

Bobbie Tikacik, GCHS Office Manager

Mary Long Photo

Front row: Debbie Martin, Whitney Ricker, Cheryl Anacker, Jerrie Doyle, Carol Taylor (accompanist), Carolyn Keller, Linda Monn, Carol Robinson, and Karen Griffin.

Back row: Amy Weimer, Marcia Barker, Terri Poffenberger, Sammie Poffenberger, Kay Watson, Donna Walters, Nancy Hayes, and Nona Patterson.

Not pictured: Ginny Harvey, Shirley Jones, Jennifer Kearson, Linda McCollough, Joyce Miller, Alice Morris, Shirley Oesterle, Nancy Shipman, Lynn Wrench, and Laura Reesman (director.)

Sara Martin.

Mary Long Photo

February 2019

YARN SPINNERS Susan Allison and Jeanette Rice with some of the items that they crochet and knit at Lawrenceville First Methodist Church. The two women work meet with a group of women who make things to give to those who need the special comfort that handmade items bring.

ESTHER CIRCLE CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

LAWRENCEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL LUNCHEON (thanks to Yvonne Huff Baker for this article) Some members of the Lawrenceville High school graduating class of 1957 were guests of Carolyn and Clyde Streetman on December 11, 2018, at the Streetman Home in Braselton.

Mary Long Photo

Front row L-R: Mary Hamley, Shirley Oesterle, June Cartee, Blondine Cooper, Ethel Carpenter, Pat Spradley, Carlene Bell. Back row L to R: Gloria James, Jeanne Hufman, Norma Huff, Carol White, Janette Hester, Carol Theobald, Kathy McHolland, Kathy McMillian Mary Long Photo

Susan Allixon and Jeanette Rice.

MEN’S BREAKFAST CLUB This group of men meets regularly for breakfast and lots of conversation.

Mary Long Photo

Front row L-R: Marcia Hood Lowe, Linda Bradberry Baker, Rachel Tanner Bronnum. Second row L-R: Yvonne Huff Baker, Dwayne Tucker Blasingame, Carolyn Mealor Streetman. Back row L-R: Nell Wallace Richardson, Lowell Pratt, Peggy Garner Bennett, Evelyn Holcombe Edmonds, Evelyn Jackson Dutton.

Mary Long Photo

Right: W.T. Kemp, Lee Mitchell, Howard Turnage, Ronald Ford, Judge Jim Clark, J. P. Wallis, and “Poochie”.

GRAYSON PHOTOS FROM THE PAST

Mary Long Photo

2005 – Jack Britt, Margie McBryar, Hilda Underwood, Bob Biggers

Mary Long Photo

March 25, 2000 – Sara Foster Miles, Raymond Henderson, Elkin Couch

Mary Long Photo

2001 – Jo Puckett, Jerry Downs, Bernice Dixon

Mary Long Photo

2008 – Roy Couch and Kenneth Bullock.

Mary Long Photo

2005 – Lynette Couch and Leona Lackey.

Mary Long Photo

2003 – Rebecca Mason Page and Margie McBryar

Mary Long Photo

Mrs. Mary Long’s Second/Third Grade 1955: Top Row L-R: Mrs. Long, third is Margaret Grissom, Second Row 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Elaine Briscoe, 13 Judy Porter, 14, 15 Camilla Lacy, 16. Third Row 17 Judy Ewing, 18 Patricia White, 19 Brenda Westfall, 20 Linda Smith, 21 Barbara Hood, 22 Karen Dyer, 23 Barbara Anglin, 24 Mary Jo Simington, 25 Donna Walls, 26, 27 Betty Brand. Bottom Row 28 Bobby Barnes, 29, 30, 31 Ricky Britt, 32 Richard Smith, Jimmy Pate was absent the day the photo was taken.

February 2019

gwinnettcitizen.com

Mary Long Photo

Mary Long Photo

2008 – Scholarship Recipients Duane Jurma and Brett Johnson.

2004 – Rebecca Mason Page, Hilda Underwood, and Jane Alexander.

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Health, Beauty & Wellness Here’s Exactly What To Do Now To Prevent Heart Disease Later heart disease—you actually have the power to prevent it. “Before you assume that it’s too late, or that you’re doomed to have heart disease, evidence has shown that healthy lifestyle changes at any stage of life can help to reverse and prevent damage,” says Jim John, MD, a cardiologist with Gwinnett Consultants in Cardiology, a part of Gwinnett Medical Group.

Jim John, MD

Special Photo

Heart disease has developed quite the reputation, but not for anything good. of course. When you think of heart disease, what comes to mind? That it’s the number one killer of both men and women, or maybe that it’s something that you only have to worry about when you’re older.

Despite all of its negative qualities, there is one good thing about

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Don’t Overlook the Small Stuff The good news is making hearthealthy life style changes doesn’t mean you have to dramatically change everything. It means starting to make small choices that add up over time. “In fact, major lifestyle changes, especially health fads, rarely have a lasting impact, as they invariably become hard to maintain and people fall off the wagon,” says Dr. John. “Instead, I encourage my patients to make small changes that accumulate in big ways.”

Stop Smoking—seriously.

“One of the most important things you can do when planning to quit is to focus on all of the benefits you’ll gain starting the moment you

put out your last cigarette,” emphasizes Dr. John. Within a few minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure will both start to return to normal levels. Within one year, your risk of heart disease and heart attack will be reduced by 50 percent.

Find your healthy weight.

There is certainly no one-sizefits-all when it comes to shape, size or weight. Despite the common notion that a healthy weight can only be measured by a scale, there are many other factors to consider.

It’s important to note, though, that if you are overweight; losing just 10 percent of your body weight will have a tremendous impact on your heart health. “You can expect your blood pressure and cholesterol levels to be lower, as well as your risk for clots and heart disease,” explains Dr. John.

Eat good, feel better.

It’s important to note that cutting out unhealthy foods is just as important as adding in nutritious ones. “Foods that are high in fat, sodium and sugar all take a toll on heart health,” says Dr. John. So, if

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one of your favorite weekly meals is a fast-food burger, you’re likely consuming between 85-175 milligrams of cholesterol in one sitting. (The recommended daily amount is only 200-300 milligrams.)

Work your body.

Regular exercise that raises your heart rate not only helps to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, it can actually change the way your heart works. “Overtime, your left ventricle will adapt to provide more blood per burst, which will lower your resting heart rate,” explains Dr. John. “It will also stimulate new blood vessels to form, which promotes better circulation.”

Take time off.

Feeling stressed, anxious and tired has become a part of the daily reality for most people. These feelings not only take a toll on mental

health, they also have a surprising impact on physical health, too. Over time, stress can increase cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.

It can even promote the buildup of plaque in arteries throughout the body.

With such a tremendous physical impact, there is only solution when it comes to stress—relaxation.

Whether it’s reading, spending time in nature, getting a massage or taking a vacation, you need to find a way to relieve and release your stress.

Your heart will thank you for it.

Your heart health is our priority.

GMG’s Gwinnett Consultants in Cardiology, offers extensive resources, the latest in treatment and prevention options and a dedicated team of specialists. To find a cardiologist near you, visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/cardiologist.

February 2019

February 2019

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Ideal Gynecology — Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners go the whole nine yards

By Julie Thompson GwinnettCitizen.com Every day before she starts work, Kathryn Garren, WHNP, asks herself, “Am I the kind of provider I would want my mom or aunts to see?”

A recent addition to Ideal Gynecology’s staff, Garren has a passion for all things related to women’s health. While her focus includes gynecological problem visits and annual exams, she has a particular interest in post-menopausal care, contraceptive management, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

Garren started her professional education at Anderson University, S.C. with little idea as to where her career would take her. Her passion

for women’s health began during an undergraduate clinical rotation in labor and delivery.

With the support of an academic mentor, Garren was able to find her niche, and after receiving her Bachelor’s, she enrolled at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory.

Shortly after graduation, Garren started working at a Gwinnett practice, Preferred Women’s Healthcare alongside Dr. Audrey Arona. While working there, she was able to collaborate with and meet many professionals from Gwinnett Medical Center and the surrounding area. She enjoyed learning and growing from not only her coworkers and peers, but her patients.

The practice dissolved in December of 2018, and soon after, Garren

was hired by Ideal Gynecology. She looks forward to expanding her practice and building strong relationships with her patients.

“Women are relational beings,” Garren said. “We all know someone who we rely on, whether that’s Google or a close girlfriend, who might not always provide the right information. It is my hope that women will begin to trust and rely on their healthcare providers as their source of information when it comes to their health.”

One thing Garren found refreshing when she started at Ideal Gynecology was the collaborative and accepting relationship she shares with her peers. The three providers at the Atlanta practice, along with the practice owner, Dr. Lillian Schapiro, and another WHNP, Ashlee Forrester,

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Kathryn Garren is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Ideal Gynecology.

enjoy bouncing ideas off each other to ensure their patients receive the best care.

“You’re walking into three very empathetic providers,” Garren said of the patient experience at Ideal Gynecology. “We are very relatable and willing to walk hand in hand with you.”

With a staff of highly trained professionals, Ideal Gynecology provides care for a diverse array of women. Annual exams, contraceptive counseling, irregular periods, perimenopause, weight management and CoolSculpting are just a few of the services offered.

“We specialize in all areas of gynecology and pregnancy up to 12 weeks,” Garren said of their practice.

The clinic is located in Atlanta at 3200 Downwood Circle, Suite 220, and has long-held ties with patients in Gwinnett and across the metro area.

Garren and the others at Ideal Gynecology believe that gynecology is at the center of maintaining the well-being of healthy women across the Atlanta area.

As part of her community outreach, she often speaks to small groups of women to spread awareness about STI’s and to share tips

about preventative care regarding different forms of birth control.

More recently, she published an article on cervical health in Rolling Out Magazine, and she regularly makes educational materials to share wither her patients.

Garren added, “People are often embarrassed or timid when it comes to speaking about their health. So, I try to be an empathetic provider; that’s my motivating factor.”

As the first member of her family to enter the medical field, the career she holds is different than anything she had experienced growing up, but Garren knows she made the right choice every time she thinks about her family.

“Several women in my family including my mom and aunts have had issues with their female health,” Garren said. ”So every day I tell myself, ‘Let me be the provider who my family would love to see.’ “ A native of South Carolina, Garren makes frequent trips back home to Greenville or Lake Hartwell to visit family, and when she can, watch the Clemson Tigers play football.

Garren hopes that her strong family bond will help her provide even better care and be more empathetic as a provider.

“I love what I do — woman to woman there’s a special bond,” Garren said of the extensive care she enjoys providing. “I love when my patients come in, and we talk about whatever may be bothering them and work together to find a solution.

Then after several months they come back to follow up saying, ‘You saved my marriage, job, etc. . .’ That makes it all worth it to me.”

To learn more about Garren or any of the other providers at Ideal Gynecology, or to schedule an appointment, call (470) 312-3696 or visit the website at http://idealgynecology.com.

Lawrenceville calls special election for Sunday Brunch Referendum Election Day set for March 19, 2019, at City Hall, Early Voting Begins February 25, 2019

By Staff Reports The City of Lawrenceville has called for a Special Election on March 19, 2019, for residents to vote on the local adoption of Senate Bill 17 also known as the Sunday Brunch Bill. Voters will have the opportunity to state their position on whether or not local restaurants should be able to serve alcohol at 11:00 am on Sundays as opposed to the current time of 12:30 pm.

Election Day will be on March 19, 2019, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm at the City Hall (70 South Clayton Street). Early vot-

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ing begins February 25, 2019, at the same location. Voters will need to enter City Hall and come to the fourth floor to cast their vote.

The City of Lawrenceville wants all residents to know that on this same day, Gwinnett County will also be conducting a Special Election to casts votes for the County-wide Transit Services Referendum. This vote will be taking place at a different location from the City’s Brunch Bill vote. Residents are encouraged to check their polling location information to ensure they arrive at the right location for the right issue. For more information on the City’s local election process and Brunch Bill Referendum, please visit www.lawrencevillega.org.

February 2019

What is Heart Failure?

By: Dr. Demir Baykal, Cardiologist Eastside Heart and Vascular 1700 Tree Lane, Suite 190 Snellville, GA 30078 770-736-6300 EastsideHeart.com Heart failure, a major public health problem, is a constellation of signs and symptoms originating from structural and functional abnormalities of the heart. It leads to a generalized maladaptive chronic inflammatory stress reaction in the body.

It can be caused by common conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in arteries) or exogenous factors such as viruses, alcohol, toxins. It can also be hereditary. The manifestations of heart failure are either due to low blood flow or blood stasis in organs, secondary to deranged circulation.

Because every organ is connected to heart via blood vessels, it is not uncommon for the first signs of heart failure to show themselves in other organs such as lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract and kidney. Therefore, at the end heart failure is the failure of whole body.

How do you Diagnose Heart Failure?

The heart itself can be imaged easily and its electrical, mechanical functions can be assessed readily.

Heart Failure, however, is a syndrome involving the whole body. At any given stage different organs can be affected to different degrees variably.

This complex interaction can create a diagnostic dilemma. Health care providers should have analytic capability beyond routine clinical observations and measurements to de-

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Dr. Demir Baykal, Cardiologist

termine the contribution of HF to any organ malfunction at a given time and vice versa. Therefore, practically useful diagnosis of heart failure requires staging severity, determining cause, and attributes to the other organs.

Can Heart Failure be Misdiagnosed?

Misdiagnosis of Heart Failure happens more often than realized. It may also lead to multiple organ diseases, usually progressive. The result may be death, more commonly prolonged hospitalizations, and poor quality of life, the later ones significantly contributing to rising global health care cost.

Cumulative effects on individual and society are immense for the fact that HF is the most chronic, recurring, progressive, debilitating disorder. The cost increases exponentially as the disease advances.

Stage B and C – Structural and clinical heart disease, yet potentially reversible.

Stage D – Refractory heart failure requiring advanced therapies such as assist devices, heart transplant or if appropriate hospice care.

Most recurrent hospitalizations are for late stage C and D heart failure, a population representing the tip of the iceberg.

Depending on what stage it is, HF is treated by drugs, devices and transplantation from a living donor.

Although dietary discretion and hygienic lifestyle is essential; dietary supplements, exercise, herbal therapies, alternative medicine have very limited role in HF management.

Application of any therapy(s) requires methodical, algorithmic and multidisciplinary approach.

Many recent advances in treatments prolonging lives have posed challenges to healthcare providers to stay abreast, especially in advanced heart failure field. Within current institute-physician integration trends; efficacious, guidelines-based management of heart failure led by heart failure specialists will be a crucial for better outcomes.

Dr. Demir Baykal specializes in the prevention and treatment of heart failure at Eastside Heart and Vascular.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call 770-7366300 or visit EastsideHeart.com.

Staging and Treatment Per Current Guidelines Stage A – Carrying risk factors such as; hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia.

Gwinnett Commissioners approve 2040 Unified Plan

By Staff Reports The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved the final draft of the 2040 Unified Plan following a favorable review by the state Department of Community Affairs and the Atlanta Regional Commission.

The 2040 Unified Plan, also known as a comprehensive plan, contains analysis, maps and policies to help guide progress and development countywide on multiple fronts through 2040. It was crafted after months of public input from stakeholder meetings, open house information sessions across the county, intercept interviews at parks and surveys.

“The Unified Plan provides a blueprint for the County’s growth and development over the next two decades.

Input from residents and other stakeholders was balanced with technical analysis by the experts of demographic information and other data to create

February 2019

a vision of a preferred future for the County,” said Board of Commissioners Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash. “It anticipates future needs and establishes our short-term and longterm goals. The 2040 Unified Plan also ties several other plans into a single, coordinated vision so that everyone is on the same page and moving in the same direction.”

Other plans are incorporated into the Unified Plan, including the County’s recently approved Comprehensive Transportation Plan, Connect Gwinnett: Transit Plan, Countywide Trails Master Plan and water and sewer plans.

The Unified Plan addresses community goals, needs and opportunities, housing, transportation, economic development and land use and establishes a community work program.

Developed by consulting firm Pond & Co., the plan traces Gwinnett’s history, covers the results from

public input sessions, incorporates demographic trends, and inventories the county’s infrastructure, community amenities, land use and built environment. It establishes a vision taking into account the County’s needs and opportunities and incorporates five themes: Maintain Economic Development and Fiscal Health, Foster Redevelopment, Maintain Mobility and Accessibility, Provide More Housing Choices, and Keep Gwinnett a Preferred Place.

Future development possibilities are laid out, identifying higher density areas, more pastoral areas and those in between. The plan enumerates possible activity centers, employment centers, residential neighborhoods and low-intensity areas. A future land use map shows recommended development patterns in detail.

The plan is required by law and necessary for certain state and federal grants. To read the plan, visit www. gwinnettcounty.com.

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With Just a Few!

All photos by Emmett Clower

By Theresa Lynn Bailey GwinnettCitizen.com The bible tells of a story in the book of Judges, chapters 6-8, Gideon and the Israelites are in a lot of trouble; again, because they disobeyed God. Their enemy has gained power and causing them great pain. So, in true form, when children are in trouble, they cry out to their Father for help! And the Father not only listens, He responds! Ref: (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).

On January 27, 2019, a group of American Citizens convened on the Lawrenceville Lawn for the “One Nation under God – March!” Organizer and Local Philanthropist, Clyde Strickland, whose vision resulted in this gathering, commented that he would like to see thousands of people coming who would come together and stop the traffic drawing the national news to this effort. Gideon originally started out with 32,000 army of warriors but God had him reduce the army to a mere 300! The whole premise was if Israel won the war because of their large numbers, it could have been indicated of the notion that they did not need God to succeed. Likewise, Clyde did not get his thousands but roughly 300+ prayer warriors descended the Lawn and marched through downtown Lawrenceville, circling the historic

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courthouse and ending up back on the Lawn. Regardless of the numbers, Clyde continued to state, “God is doing this and He’s going to get the victory!”

Truly, it was an event to witness!

Present were prayer warriors from Bethesda Methodist, Twelve Stones, New Jerusalem Baptist Church and Holy Cross to name a few! The Crowd often split into groups of three’s and as many as 12 just praying, singing and worshipping God! There were men, women, wealthy, middle class, young, old, boys, girls and a splendid display of ethnic diversity! And the air was thick with the sounds of praise to the Almighty!

Spontaneous outbursts of prayer erupted on the march as well as in the assemblage on the Lawn! Country singer, Ricky Lee, did not disappoint, singing anthems and hymns of praise and patriotism.

Ever the optimist,

Clyde insisted that Americans have a duty to leave a better America for our children as well as our unborn children! He wants everyone to know that the “One Nation under God – March!” tour will continue in Snellville, Georgia on March 16, 2019. Again, he stated we would like to see thousands come out to unite with one voice praying and praising to one God so that He will heal our land!

Yes! It would be nice to have thousands, but according to Gideon’s story, we can get it done …

“With Just a Few!”

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February 2019

Your Green: How Much Do You Know About Your Parent’s Estate?

Roger Green, MSFS,CFP ® Green Financial Resources

One study found that more than 60% of adult Americans have never discussed their estate plans with their heirs – my experience shows this number may actually be higher. Parents may hesitate to discuss death or incapacity for a variety of reasons. Children or grandchildren may be reluctant to broach the subject for fear of appearing greedy.

This is, however, something you need to discuss….perhaps starting by discussing your own estate plan. Tell your parents about your wishes for your own children and property should something happen to you, as well as the location of your legal documents.

Often, parents will consider sharing the same information with you.

Intergenerational planning, with a financial advisor helping to guide the

February 2019

conversation, can be a very effective tool that helps to lower stress before and after events occur. It can help to ensure the wishes of all parties are known and understood. It may also help identify things that need to be considered to make things easier on all involved. An advisor may be able to recommend ways to save money, taxes, and time in these situations.

Questions to ask of yourself/your parents:  Do you have a valid will, a trust, and a power of attorney (POA) in place? If not, encourage them to have these documents created right away. A valid will can help prevent the unnecessary cost and delays that may result if court probate is required. Trusts can be an especially powerful way to help guide, and perhaps even control, the distribution of assets after someone’s death. This may be especially important in situations where someone inheriting money may be underage, immature, or otherwise unprepared to be given access to a large sum of money all at one time.

Under a trust, money can be paid out over time or upon accomplishment of certain goals and requirements. And a POA can be especially important in situations where sudden incapacity results in an inability to manage one’s financial situation or make decisions for themselves.  Do you have an inventory of insurance policies, financial and

retirement accounts, mortgages, safe-deposit boxes, Social Security benefits, etc.? If not, ask them to prepare one, and if they don’t wish to share it at this time, ask them to tell you where it can be found in the event something does occur.  Do you have a list showing the names and contact information for financial advisors, attorneys, insurance agents, accountants and others who help manage your financial affairs?  Have you established clear beneficiaries, and contingent beneficiaries for your life insurance policies and investment and retirement accounts? Depending on how they are designated, it may also be important that updates have been made along the way to account for any changes such as a former beneficiary who has passed, or a beneficiary who may have been added, such as additional grandchildren.  Do you have long term care insurance to provide the ongoing care most medical insurance policies and Medicare do not provide?

If not, what is your plan for care you may need should you become unable to live on your own? Lack of coverage may leave you supporting and caring for your ailing parents without assistance; or it may leave them needing to sell off and utilize all of their assets to qualify for Medicaid assistance.

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 Do you have letters of instruction addressing personal issues not covered by legal documents, such as instructions for burial and memorial, disposition of personal belongings, location and access information for safe deposit boxes or safes, as well as computer and various account passwords/access?

Tell your loved ones you would like to make sure their wishes are carried out, and these instructions, or at least knowing where to find them once they pass, will help you do so.  Do you have an advance directive for healthcare providing instructions for medical care decisions in the event of a healthcare situation where you are unable to make decisions for yourself? Again, the goal is to ensure wishes are carried out and to remove the burden of such decisions from family members who will already be stressed by these difficult situations. This can also help avoid the added expense of legal help and court delays after someone becomes incapacitated when dealing with these issues becomes much more complicated.  Have your parents provided adequately for each other in the event of the death of one of them?

Failure to do so may leave you in a position where you need to change your lifestyle to support a parent.

Many want to leave a legacy to their heirs, but may be surprised to

find there may be benefits to giving some of those assets while they are living. Others may want to leave money to a charity, and there may be ways to gain tax and other benefits by starting this now via various investment tools such as Donor Advised Funds or Qualified Charitable Distributions. There are many ways to plan for these types of giving during your lifetime, and after your death so you can also experience the joy of being able to see the benefits of those gifts.

You may want to arrange an “intergenerational planning” session either on your own, or with a financial advisor who can help guide the process. To schedule a no-cost, no-obligation meeting with you and/or your parents/ adult children, please call our office at 770.931.1414 or visit our website at www.rogersgreen.com. An estate planning attorney would be another effective resource for guidance.

Inquiring and planning now may make a difficult situation far less stressful in the future on all who are impacted. Please visit our website Helpful Web Links page at www. rogersgreen.com for various tools to get you started.

Roger S. Green is a Registered Representative with Cetera Advisors LLC, a broker/dealer, Registered Investment Advisor, and member FINRA/SIPC. Roger’s office is located at 3700 Crestwood Parkway, Suite 140, Duluth, GA 30096.

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Camellias thrive in southern gardens

Tim Daly

Gwinnett County Extension Agent

Throughout our area, camellias are a favorite evergreen shrub. They have attractive dark green broad leaves, and they bloom prolifically during the winter. Camellias produce flowers in a multitude of shapes and colors with more than 2,300 different varieties registered with the American Camellia Society. Camellias usually grow to a height of 6 to 12 feet but have the potential to become much larger. Because they are evergreen shrubs, they are attractive landscape plants throughout the year. Given proper care and maintenance, camellias are a great addition to the home landscape.

Two types of camellias are commonly planted in our area: The Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica) blooms during the winter and early spring months, whereas the sasanqua camellia (Camellia sasanqua) flowers in the fall and tolerate more sunlight. They are related to the tea plant (Camellia sinensis).

Camellias are slow growing plants. Sometimes it can take a century for some varieties of camellias to reach 25 feet in height. They have many practical uses in the landscape.

Since the shrubs have the potential to grow large, they are often used as specimen plants and screens. However, their most valued ornamental feature is their beautiful, showy flowers.

Camellias should be planted in well-drained, organic soil in areas of partial shade since too much sun can cause sun scald and yellowing of the leaves. They also prefer locations that are protected from the wind. As with planting other trees and shrubs, dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball, and then place the rootball in the hole at a depth where the top is slightly above the soil level. Avoid planting it too deeply, which could cause root rot. Fill in the hole with the original soil and cover it with a

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two to three-inch layer of organic mulch such as pine straw, pine bark, or cypress mulch. Camellia plants require adequate water during the first year. However, well established older camellias need no watering except during prolonged dry spells.

Camellias prefer a pH of 5.0 to 6.5 and require minimal fertilizer.

One level tablespoon of an all-purpose fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, per foot of plant height applied in March and then again in June is usually sufficient in the first couple of years.

Broadcast the fertilizer evenly across the soil underneath the plant and water in thoroughly. Once the plants become established they seldom need supplemental fertilization.

Be aware that sometimes flower buds sometimes drop off the plants, which is quite natural and harmless in most cases. Often camellias produce more buds than can become flowers and shed the excess ones.

Environmental conditions, such as extreme heat and drought will increase bud dropping and can sometimes result in blooms of inferior quality.

Late February to early April, after flowering, is the ideal time to do any substantial, corrective pruning.

Most camellias generally need only the occasional removal of damaged branches and shoots that detract from the desired form of the plant.

Camellias are great shrubs to grow, and they liven up the landscape with their form, dark green foliage, and colorful blooms. Proper care and maintenance will allow them to perform at their bests for many years to come. For more information on camellias, go to the American Camellia Society website at www. camellias-acs.com/.

The UGA Extension Gwinnett 2019 annual plant sale is underway.

Many excellent plants are available at affordable prices. Among the plants is the ‘Yuletide’ sasanqua camellia, which has bright red flowers with yellow centers. The sale also has blueberries, gardenias, ferns, goji berries, and many others. To obtain an order form, one can be downloaded from the Extension website at www.ugaextension.org/gwinnett, or you can have one mailed to you by contacting the Extension office.

Timothy Daly is a County Extension Agent with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Gwinnett County. He can be reached at 678-377-4011 or tdaly@uga.edu.

Kemp applauded for adding funds to help elderly Georgians

By Staff Reports Advocates for the elderly are praising Gov. Brian Kemp for proposing funding that could make a difference for 1,000 of the 7,000 older Georgians on waiting lists for home and community services.

Kemp’s FY 2020 budget proposal, unveiled Thursday, includes an extra $1,898,000 for a state program that helps the elderly stay in their communities. Also in response to the waiting lists for Meals on Wheels at the Area Agencies on Aging across the state, Kemp’s budget includes $945,955 for meals for these seniors.

“We are so grateful to the governor for his insight and budget recommendation,” Vicki Johnson, chair of the Georgia Council on Aging, said late Thursday. “Not only is this the most cost-efficient way of helping our elderly citizens, but it also allows them to stay in their homes where they prefer to be.” The state Home and Community-based Service (HCBS) program provides help for eligible elderly Georgians with tasks, such as bathing and dressing, transportation to doctors, and

home-delivered meals.

In Fiscal Year 2017, about 34,000 Georgians received HCBS assistance, a 9.9 percent increase from the previous year thanks to budget increases. About 7,000 seniors currently are on waiting lists for these services, according to data from the Georgia Council on Aging.

The Council and the 900-plus member Coalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly (CO-AGE) are making extra funding for HCBS their top priority for the 2019 legislative session. The costs to provide home and community-based care is about one-tenth of the costs of nursing home care, Johnson said.

“It’s far less expensive than the alternatives, and it’s giving our seniors and their families an option they want and need,” she said.

Kemp’s budget recommendations have to be approved by the Georgia General Assembly and would be valid for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Kemp’s budget also includes $338,802 for Georgia’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC). The Council and CO-AGE

had asked for a $4 million increase in state funds. The centers, located throughout the state, provide information and referral services to older Georgians about private and public help that’s available.

More than 95,000 Georgians received assistance through the centers in Fiscal Year 2017 from more than 26,000 community-based providers.

Also included in Kemp’s budget are funds for Adult Protective Service and Public Guardianship workers, for a total of $1,323,839. These crucial public servants help protect Georgia’s vulnerable at-risk adults.

CO-AGE has other 2019 legislative priorities including: • Providing affordable housing for people who need help with daily living activities, such as meals, medications, dressing, and bathing.

• Strengthening penalties and sanctions for personal care homes that do not comply with existing regulations.

• And expanding healthcare coverage for seniors

Royal-themed event to raise awareness of mother-helping organization

By Staff Reports A local woman is opening her home to raise awareness of the needs of new mothers and their babies.

Regina Hart, an employee at Snellville City Hall, will host an open house to let others know about Helping Mamas, a Norcross-based organization which collects donations and supplies to help new mothers in need and their babies. Helping Mamas has served 35,000 children.

More than 850,000 baby items have been distributed and volunteers have worked 6,600 hours for the cause.

“The mission of Helping Mamas is to connect helping mamas to mamas needing help,” according to the organization’s website helpingmamas.org. “We are the baby supply bank for Georgia.”

Hart’s open house is scheduled for 2-5 p.m. Feb. 16 at her home, 1694 Holly Lake Circle in Snellville. There is a Royal Baby Shower theme in honor of expecting mother Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex.

Attendees are asked to “dress like a Royal in your Sunday best, with fancy hats and/or fascinators.” A light tea will be served.

An Amazon Wish List has been set up at amazon.com/baby-reg/ helping-mamas-june-2018-snellville/2TWZNYHNR3WM8

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A Walmart wish list has been set up at walmart.com/lists/view-babyregistr y-items?id=66dc5f5c-6c0d46db-ab99-b75c586d694f<https:// www.walmart.com/lists/view-babyregistr y-items?id=66dc5f5c-6c0d46db-ab99-b75c586d694f> For more information visit helpingmamas.org or contact Hart at 770-310-3737 or reghart@comcast. net.

Items Accepted: * Diapers: All sizes * Pull-ups: All sizes * Wipes * Clothes * Bottles * Pacifiers * Bibs * Blankets * Diaper Bags * Books * Toys * Strollers * Car Seats * Pack and Plays * High chairs * Bouncy seats * Portable swings * Hygiene items * Breast Pumps * Towels * Washcloths

Helping Mamas will accept the following items gently used if they have been purchased in the last 5 years: * Bouncy seats * Clothes * Strollers * Towels * Washcloths * Diaper bags * Books * High Chairs * Bibs * Blankets * Pack and Plays * Portable Swings Helping Mamas will accept the following items only if they are new: * Car seats * Toys * Bottles * Breast Pumps * Pacifier Helping Mamas does not accept the following items: * Play structures * Race tracks * Outside toys * Ride on toys * Sports equipment or uniforms * Bathing suits * Exersaucer * Large swings * Jumpers * Mattresses * Furniture

February 2019

Marlene Ratledge Buchanan Hey Y’all

Well, I did it!!!! I really did it. I have written a book. It is a compilation of essays. Some are based on columns I have written, but most are new material. I hope you will be interested in it and find it humorous. That was my goal, anyway.

It has been a long, hard haul. I didn’t think it would be. I thought: I will write, find a publisher, and it will be done. Oh no, it is not at all like that.

I have a terrible flaw for one thing.

I am The Comma Queen. When I was in high school and college I was

taught to use longer sentences, joined by commas and conjunctions. Have you ever read something that was one sentence and eight lines long? That is what I turned into. My teacher told me to lengthen my sentences. They were too short. Now they are too long. Oh well. Can’t make everyone happy.

Life is hard. Think about it. You come into this world all wrinkly and

screaming. Then you leave this world all wrinkly and screaming. At least I will be screaming “I ain’t going!” even if it is only in my mind.

We need to find things that lighten our days as often as we can. Sometimes, it is that one giggle we had that kept us going for the other 23 hours 57 minutes of the day. My goal is to help you find that giggle, perhaps an occasional outright guffaw. By any means we can soften our lives with laughter, we need to do it.

I have a Facebook page: Marlene Ratledge Buchanan. I also have a web site: www.MsRatWrites.com. I have them because the publisher made them. I have to learn what to do with them. You can write directly to me at MsRatWrites@gmail.com. It might take me a few days, but I will answer your note.

My book is available at www. southernpenbookshop.com. I will have book signings and you can find out about those at www.MsRatWrites. com. I want to say that I am not tooting my own horn, but Hey — I wrote a book!!!

Sewer and back up

678-691-3438 Tracey L. Wells

Your Local Farmers Agent 2402 Loganville Hwy, Ste 300 Grayson, GA 30017 twells@farmersagent.com Yuck! You just came home to about two to three inches of bilge on your floor. It smells horrible and what do you do? Is it automatically covered by your homeowners policy? Not unless you have Sewer and Drain coverage. If you don’t have it on your current homeowners policy you will be paying for the clean up/extraction, the flooring, dry wall, maybe a ceiling and

furniture. This can cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

Most homeowners’ policies will cover an accidental discharge of water but without Sewer and Drain coverage the sewer overflow will not be covered. Usually, the coverage amounts offered for Sewer and Drain are between $5,000 and $50,000. I have spoken to about five of the top emergency cleanup companies and they all have indicated that about $20,000 is the average cleanup cost on a sewage backup incident. Depending on how long the bilge has been sitting, it can cause even more damage and an even costlier cleanup.

If your home is on a sewer line it is a coverage to consider adding to your policy. If you are on a septic tank this coverage is not an option.

This is an often-overlooked coverage. Check your policy to confirm if you have Sewer and Drain coverage, don’t assume you have it.

Don’t wait until you have a sewage back up to find out.

Advertorial

Life is Hard. Soften it with Laughter.

Charitable Giving- Donator Beware

Dave Emanuel

Cut to the Chase

During the past few years, the Give Hunger the Boot program has helped raise over $350,000 in food and financial donations for the Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-Op. The donations have come from individuals, businesses, schools, and churches and demonstrate the willingness of people to help others. That willingness is the foundation upon which charity organizations are built. But not all charities are as “charitable” as they appear.

Many less than legitimate organizations do extremely well at appealing to most people’s desire to help others in need. We’ve all seen posts on social media and direct mail pieces that paint a heart-wrenching story that your emotions past your logic and motivates you to donate. However, regardless of the story being told, it’s best to research any organi-

zation requesting a donation before contributing. Although most charity organizations are legitimate, some deliver only a small percentage of the donations they receive to the people and causes they claim to be helping.

Others are outright scams.

A case in point – the American Red Cross of Seattle. How could a Red Cross organization be a scam?

As it turns out, very easily. According to Charity Navigator, (www.charitynavigator.org) “On August 7, 2018, the Washington State Office of the Attorney General reported on the operations of American Red Cross of Seattle, an alleged charity, in the press release, “AG FERGUSON FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST NONPROFIT FOUNDER WITH TIES TO ORGANIZED CRIME.” It has come to our attention that this organization is not registered with the IRS, but is soliciting from the general public in violation of federal tax law. For this reason, we have issued a High Concern CN Advisory.

Charity Navigator also referenced a press release (https://www. atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ ag-ferguson-files-lawsuit-against-nonprofit-founder-ties-organized-crime) issued by the Washington State Attorney General’s office which states, “Attorney General Bob Ferguson today filed a lawsuit to shut down six fake nonprofit entities posing as well-known, international organiza-

tions…”

The most significant qualification a rating organization looks for is whether a charity is registered as a legitimate non-profit 501c(3) corporation. (Not all non-profits are charities.

As an example, a 501c(6) corporation has non-profit status, but its purpose is typically to promote a common business interest.) Other areas of interest and concern are transparency and whether normal standards have been met. The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance (give. org) rates charities based on 20 standards for charity accountability. To receive Wise Giving Alliance approval, a charity must spend at least 65% of total expenses on program activities, spend no more than 35% of contributions on fundraising and include electronic access to its most recent IRS Form 990, which details an organization’s income and expenses.

(Some charities are not rated because they’re too small, but their Form 990 should still be publicly available.)

In the Wise Giving Alliance’s Donor Trust Report, a surprising number of charities did not disclose the information needed for proper evaluation. That’s understandable for new organizations, because the necessary paperwork can be cumbersome and time-consuming. However, it’s a red flag for established charities.

The bottom line – think and check before you donate.

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Contact the GWINNETTCITIZEN.COM today to share your community news & inquire about advertising and partnering.

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February 2019

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A Call for Unity among Christians

Jonathan Howes

Lead Pastor Graystone Church God desires for His people, the church, to be unified. Now, it’s really hard for people to have unity, because we have so many different beliefs, opinions and preferences. It’s challenging for a family living under the same roof to be unified. It’s really difficult for a church family, a local body of believers, to be unified. And it’s extremely challenging for all the churches around our community, country, and the world to be unified. But Jesus, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, wants His people to live in unity.

On the last week of Jesus’ life, he prays not only for his current disciples, but he prays for his future disciples, those of us who are followers of Jesus.

In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays that His followers, the church, would be one.

He prays that we would be brought to complete unity. And the result of the church being unified is that the world would know that Jesus was sent by God. In fact, one of the best ways that Christians can witness to the lost world is through our love for each other. Jesus said in John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” Jesus’ command is for fellow Christians to love one another.

Love and unity among believers are crucial to Jesus’ message and mission.

When Christians and churches are

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fighting, arguing and talking bad about one another, it damages the cause of Christ. When we are divisive toward one another, it turns people away from Jesus Christ. God wants all of His children to be unified and work together to build His church and kingdom.

The Apostle Paul explains this further in his letter to the church in Ephesus. “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3).”

The Apostle Paul urges the church to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” We are to work really hard to be unified as the church, God’s people.

It is not easy for the church to live in harmony and unity. This is one of the reasons there are so many different denominations. Over the centuries, Christians have had a hard time working together and staying unified.

In this passage in the book of Ephesians, Paul gives some instructions for how we can stay unified. First, be completely humble. Don’t think too highly of yourself and don’t let pride hinder your relationships. Secondly, be gentle. Do not be hard or abrasive toward one another. In other words, be gentlemen or gentlewomen. Thirdly, be patient. It’s easy to lose patience with people who do not believe or think the way we do. Getting impatient with imperfect people is easy. Well, I have news for you. The church is full of imperfect people. I am one of them. Lastly, the Apostle Paul says to bear with one another in love. We are to bear with one another. We are to put up with one another. We are to forgive whatever grievances we have toward one another. In fact, we are to forgive as the Lord forgave us (Colossians 3:13).

And the only way we can put any of this into practice is through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us and through us. It is through God’s love in

us that we can truly love and forgive others. If Christians from all churches were truly unified and worked together for the cause of Jesus Christ, imagine the incredible impact we could have on our community, country, and the world. Fellow followers of Jesus, let’s be the answer to Jesus’ prayer in John 17. Let’s be one in Christ and work together in complete unity. And when we do, God will be glorified, and many

people will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Jonathan Howes has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Jacksonville State University and a Master in Divinity Degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the lead pastor for Graystone Church. Locations include the Ozora Campus: 1551 Ozora Road Loganville, GA 30052, the Walton Campus: 723 N Broad St Monroe, GA 30655 and the Oconee Campus: 1275 Lenru Road Boga-

rt, GA 30622.

Phone: (770) 466-3159 Email: info@graystonechurch.com Website: GraystoneChurch.com Blog: http://toliveischrist.cc Twitter: @JohnnyHowes

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED

Field Technician 3 Lawrenceville Required: • 2-5yrs experience • Knowledge of survey/GPS methods/instruments/3D laser scanning experience • HS Diploma, valid DL, clean record, drug test • Willingness to work overtime

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Apply online: http://careers.kci.com/ jobdetail/18-P110-446_field_ technician_3_lawrenceville_ georgia

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PRAYER MINISTRY DIRECTOR Plan, direct or coordinate prayer ministry programs designed to educate prayer life for spiritual growth, biblical prophecy, physical healing & assurance of personal deliverance; Provide spiritual counseling and guidance related to marital, financial, physical, or other Christian life issues; Req’d Master’s degree in Divinity in Baptist denomination; 40 hrs/wk

Send Resume to: I Crucified Christ Lives Church, Inc. 45 Old Peachtree Rd. NW Ste 600 Suwanee, GA 30024

February 2019

Two-day Spring on the Satilla Paddle Adventure planned for Apr. 6-7

By Staff Reports For a fourth consecutive year, Georgia River Network and Satilla Riverkeeper are giving river enthusiasts the opportunity for a spring respite on southeast Georgia’s Satilla River.

Paddle Georgia Spring on the Satilla, a two-day, 21-mile canoe and kayak adventure on the blackwater river, is set for Apr. 6 - 7. Online registration opens Dec. 26 at 8 a.m.: https://garivers.org/spring-on-the-satilla/ Spaces are limited to the first 120 registrants.

The event includes on-river camping, two full days of paddling, educational programs, catered breakfasts, lunches and dinners, opportunities to learn chemical water monitoring as well as games and other activities.

“This is a great trip for individuals or families that have always dreamed of doing an overnight canoe/kayak trip but weren’t quite sure how to go about it,” said Paddle Georgia Coordinator, Joe Cook. “We’ve taken the guess work out of the logistics of vehicle shuttles, meals and camping, and the flatwater paddling is an easy introduction to canoeing and kayaking for first timers.”

Organizers say the purpose of the trip is to engage citizens in protecting the Satilla and Georgia’s other rivers while raising money to help protect these waterways. The event will also highlight Satilla Riverkeeper’s efforts to establish a recreational boating trail on the river.

Satilla Riverkeeper has been instrumental in organizing the Satilla River Water Trail with intensive technical assistance from Georgia River Network. The Satilla River Water Trail is a recreational boating trail with designated public access points along a 175-mile stretch of the river.

The water trail was officially established in Fall 2016 with the development of signage, brochures, maps, a website and more.

“The water trail not only serves as an important source of tourism and economic development for local communities but also a way to bring attention to the river as an invaluable resource that needs protection,” said Gwyneth Moody, GRN’s Director of Programs and Outreach.

Participants on Spring on the Satilla will see this work firsthand.

Registration fees range $120-$235 per person and include all meals for the weekend, tent campsite, shuttles to the river and all education programs.

For those without their own boats, canoe and kayak rentals will be offered through the event sponsor, Southeast Adventure Outfitters in St. Simons.

Georgia River Network is a statewide organization working to ensure a clean water legacy by engaging and empowering Georgians to protect, restore and enjoy our rivers from the mountains to the coast.

Satilla Riverkeeper’s mission is to protect, restore, and educate about the ecological values and unique beauty of the Satilla River. The organization works to insure adequate quality and quantity of water in the Satilla River for all uses.

It’s in Their DNA “A mother bear is the quintessential example of fierceness and protection!”

By Theresa Bailey GwinnettCitizen.com This was demonstrated by a mother who declared herself as an advocate for social justice in the behalf of her identical twin daughters, Malia and Sharena. The twins were assigned the task of putting together a Family Heritage Project that they could share with their fourth grade Girl Scout Troop. Delighted with the prospect of sharing their rich family history, their mother, Angela Greene pulled out her father’s ‘treasure trove of mementos.’ But little did they realize, what began as an exciting revealing of their family dreamers quickly became a bigger than life nightmare. The girls put together their project and it was not met In the 1960s, Greenwood, Mississippi was at the center of protests, and voter registration struggles during the Civil Rights Movement and the Dewey Greene family were front and center. They fought alongside such notable leaders as Andrew Young, H. Rapp Brown, John Lewis, and Dr. Martin Luther King. Many of these leaders were overnight guests at “Big Daddy” Dewey Greene, Sr.’s home. The Greene family was recognized as one of the bravest families in Greenwood. Historical memorabilia was a way of life for this family. It was not collected, it was lived! Even the home was a testament to history, as it was riddled with bullet holes. In an attempt to deter Angela’s Uncle George from voting, the Klan attacked their home by shooting into it! Mr. Moses stated that “one of the shotgun blasts were fired into a bedroom where Mr. Greene’s daughter-in-

Special photo

Malia and Sharena

law and her three small children were sleeping!” Dewey Sr. later declared, “The white people of this state shot me into politics. And to get me out, they’ll have to shoot me out!” Dewey later became a delegate at the 1964 National Convention for the Democratic Party.

The Greene family history is replete with Civil Rights stories regarding voter registration drives where literacy tests were required so that African Americans could be deemed eligible to vote. Their great Aunt Freddie Greene Biddie shared stories regarding the unfair literacy tests required of her. Included in the Greene family treasure trove were two items in particular. The first item was a newsletter, The Independent: The Freedom Voice of LeFlore County announcing Dr. King as the guest speaker. The second item was a newspaper, The Student Voice, for the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) which spotlighted a young John Lewis in the now-famous picture of a very young Mr. Lewis.

In March 2011, fifty years later,

descendants of Dewey Greene, Sr. wondered, “Is the rehearsing of the past too great of a reminder in the present?” Instead, their mother received two emails asking them to leave the Troop, join another Troop or for their mother to start a new Troop so that they could be a part of a Troop that would better ‘fit’ them. The emails alleged that “We haven’t seen the level of enthusiasm from the twins …. their disinterest in the troop activities affects other girls …. We don’t feel it fair …. for the girls to continue.”

The girls’ joy was now drowned in tears.

In 2017, Angela released her book, “Unnecessary Roughness” The Story of a Mother’s Fight for Justice. In it, she gives a detailed account of her journey, when she pushed through four jurisdictions, from State to Federal Courts to present her Case. She sued the Girl Scouts, Pro Se based on the threshold for Emotional Distress that, “No child should be made to feel they are being punished for sharing their family’s true and historical heritage.” The Department of Archives and History, Jackson, Mississippi requested to memorialize their project and the book in History. So, with the strength of the knowledge of their great grandfather’s passion, the girls discovered that his DNA lives in them.

Post Girl Scouts, they completed the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), a student leadership training program, which has assisted them in coping with experiences like these. While the girls are no longer active Girl Scouts, both of them stated that they miss the camaraderie and the cookies they enjoyed as Scouts. Both girls are already looking ahead to attending college in the fall.

Revealing the Wizard in 2019

Rev. Robert Thompson

Chapel Woods Presbyterian Church You remember the classic 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz” of course.

Dorothy was whisked away to a dream world in the sky to do battle with the Wicked Witch of the West.

Her battle was to return to her world, but first, she must find the Great Oz. She thought he was the only one that

February 2019

could get her home to the real world.

And indeed, most of the movie Dorothy was not even aware she was not in a real world until she woke up!

We are in a spiritual battle.

Scripture tells us that the main tactic of the evil one is to distract us from the truth. He is the father of lies! He wants us to keep looking down at the danger, watch the train wreck when the real action looms above! The Lord Jesus wants us to keep looking up!

Hebrews 6:18 assures us: “...it is impossible for God to lie...” The Devil is the Wizard! Jesus tells us of the devil in John 8:44 and following: “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you

do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” Fake news and lies upon lies saturate our every waking moments.

Practically everything we have been taught in our whole life is from the father of lies if we believe the Word of God. We need to wake up to these lies. We are told in 1 John 5:19: “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” God who created everything we see, He wakes us to the truth; then, we rest in His Son, the Way, the Truth, and Life! I challenge you to test everything you have learned from the world to the things you see in the sky, the food you eat,

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the programs you watch and the real authority over you! Recognize the Wizard has lied to you, and the goal of the Wizard is to keep you in Oz. Paul reminds us: “...be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12) Pray to the God of Truth to open your eyes to the deception! It runs deeper than you think, yet, the Word of God alerts us!. Rest in His Son, the Way, the Truth, and Life! When you do, Satan’s deception will be as obvious as Toto pulling back the curtain to reveal “the

Wizard”! Do not be his victim any longer. May 2019 be your year of “truth” awake in the real world and Toto too!

Robert Thompson has been the senior pastor of Chapel Woods Presbyterian Church in Snellville since May 2003. He graduated from Covenant Theological Seminary in 1986. Robert is also Chairman of the Board of Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship. He and his wife Wanda have been married for 43 years. They have three adult daughters, Amanda and twins Rebecca and Sarah.

Amanda is married to Jerry Jones and they have three daughters of their own. Rebecca is married to Wesley Payton; they have two sons. Sarah is married to Mark Magdziarz and they have two daughters and two sons.

Chapel Woods Presbyterian Church 3800 Lenora Church Rd., Snellville, GA 30078 web: www.chapelwoods.org e-mail: pastor@chapelwoods.org phone: 770 978 1445

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Rotarians promoting peace and conflict resolution

Leigh McIntosh

Lawrenceville Rotary

With daily headlines designed to provoke strong emotion rather than truth, it is not surprising that people with opposing views would be offended. We hear of the division between Republicans and Democrats, liberals and conservatives, citizens and illegal immigrants, whether or not to build a wall, provide national healthcare, or manage crime. If we believe the headlines and their claims of imminent doom, promoting peace and conflict resolution may be one of the greatest legacies we could instill in our children. February is the month that Rotarians across the world will be focused on promoting peace and conflict resolution. Each of us, as citizens in this community we call home, can be part of the solution.

I have mentioned before that I remember as a child being afraid that the Soviets and America were going to blow each other apart with nuclear weapons. Since I was only six, I did not know that I was picking up on what is known as the Cuban Missile Crisis, but I do remember drills in school where we had to get under our desks and cover our heads with our coats (like it would help). My fear was real, and John F. Kennedy said, “We have the power to make this the best generation of mankind in the history of the world or make it the last.” These prophetic words continue to be true. There are several times in history where we have been on the brink of annihilation, and level heads have prevailed as the leaders we needed came along and encouraged us to be better versions of ourselves.

Just like we use fire drills to prepare for emergency situations, we should prepare ourselves to think calmly when the headlines are predicting their “Chicken Little” versions of disaster. With President’s Day upon us, it seems fitting to quote some of our Presidents without considering their political party: John F. Kennedy – “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

Thomas Jefferson – “On matters of style, swim with the current, on matters of principle, stand like a rock.”

James Garfield – “There are men and women who make the world bet-

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ter just by being the kind of people they are. They have the gift of kindness or courage or loyalty or integrity.

It matters very little whether they are behind the wheel of a truck or running a business or bringing up a family. They teach the truth by living it.”

Theodore Roosevelt – “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower – “If you want total security, go to prison.

There you’re fed, clothed, given medical care and so on. The only thing lacking…is freedom.”

Ronald Reagan – “Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God.” Barack Obama – “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope; you will fill yourself with hope.”

Over the next few months, the Rotary Club of Lawrenceville will be seeking four high school seniors from Lawrenceville high schools who are making a difference in our community. Help us get the word out to inspirational young people so they can apply for a $500 scholarship to use toward college expenses.

If you are a person of faith, this is the time to pray for our country, our leaders and our communities.

We may think differently, but we can find common ground if we listen and respect each other as we work together to solve serious problems.

I have such faith in this community and believe each of you can inspire hope in a neighbor or someone else in need. I would love to hear what you accomplish.

Leigh is a proud Rotarian and CEO of Creative Enterprises, Inc., a not for profit, training and employment, community rehabilitation program for adults with disabilities. A lifelong resident of Gwinnett County, Leigh divides her time between advocating for people with disabilities, enjoying her children, grandchildren and friends, helping her doTerra essential oil customers, traveling, and focusing on her spiritual journey to appreciate how we are all connected.

MINGLE continued from page 1 “Mingle”, and it features a collection of smaller exhibits, each with a distinct theme.

The exhibit draws its name from a collection which depicts a Roaring 20’s style nightlife scene. Some of the paintings show women in glamorous attire — mingling — at fancy parties.

On a separate corridor is the Farmhouse collection, which depicts rural landscapes with simple buildings and women in plain clothes. And further in the building are the Floral and Les Misérables collections.

The Courthouse is a perfect venue for this exhibit, according to Alhabashi whose preferred mode is acrylic on large canvases. She acquired the help of local art professionals Carolyn Wright and Sylvia Culberson to hang the paintings throughout the old building which was rebuilt in 1885 after a fire.

The placing is both strategic and playful. Some of the paintings are placed in plain sight, while others hang along corridors, inviting visitors to come find them.

Peering at the canvases, visitors will find they come in different colors and sizes, and the images they depict are distinct from one another.

But there is a commonality in the abstract, emotive style that is unmistakably Alhabashi’s.

“Les Misérables No. 3” is particularly moving in her opinion.

“I was feeling a certain way, and it came out so expressive,” Alhabashi said of the painting that pictures a face, agonized and sad. “ I don’t have a personal story [for the painting]; I don’t know what I was feeling, but it just came out this way.”

Alhabashi is proud of this exhibit because it marks a development in her style. “Nontraditional” is the word Alhabashi uses to describes her work, and she’s pleased that most buyers say they purchased a painting because it made them feel — not just because it was decorative.

“Good art is what makes you feel,” Alhabashi said. “I’ve been told, and I feel myself by looking at my art, that there is serenity.”

Over the years, Alhabashi has sold many paintings, and there is one her patrons seem to request more often than the rest —“Happy No.5” is her latest version, and it hangs in the Courthouse’s main hall.

“Every time I do ‘Happy,’ people buy it . . . people fall in love with it,” Alhabashi said. “It’s a lady swinging from the sky — I’m sure you’ve seen [the painting] from the Victorian era, where there is a big tree, and people are swinging from it. This one has a modern look, but the lady has old-fashioned clothes, but it’s not the old surrounding.”

Alhabashi once did an exhibit in her home town in Palestine, called “Nostalgia,” and she finds all her paintings show this longing and bliss she feels whenever she sees old

gwinnettcitizen.com

Photo by Julie Thompson

Painting by Nancy Alhabashi.

Photo by Julie Thompson

A piece from the Les Miserables collection on display at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse.

buildings, museums or when she hears old stories.

“I want people to feel this ecstasy, the out-of-this-world experience even in the flashy ‘Mingle’ pieces,” Alhabashi explained. “I think you can still feel that because of the way people are standing — because of the sadness, although they are in a big party.”

“So this is a common theme in all those pieces Misérables. Mingle and the Farmhouse — they are very aesthetic, they are very serene,” Alhabashi added.

Local art professional Carolyn Wright owned a gallery where Alhabashi’s art was displayed for many years. Over the past decade, they have worked together; Wright has come to admire the passion that inspires Alhabashi to create.

“Nancy is a wonderful artist, and she her heart is as big as her

talent,” Wright said.

Alhabashi published a book of poems called Soul Whispers which received an Honorable Mention at the London Book Festival in 2015 and considers herself a multimedia artist.

As her style develops, she hopes her paintings will be displayed in a museum. Van Gough, Monet and a little-known artist named Usher are some her top influencers.

During the day, Alhabashi greets customers at her family’s shop, “Nancy’s Candy and Spices” which she has fashioned after the old markets she remembers in Palestine.

Her children have inherited her talent and create their own art. One of her daughters, Rowanne, age 12, has found her niche drawing imaginary characters and making graphic cartoons.

Of her mother’s art, Rowanne said,” I think it’s like you can think while looking at her paintings . . . like when you run, and you just think about what like your life or whatever.

That’s how I feel when I look at her paintings.”

“I just like looking — they’re all similar,” Rowanne said. “[With] her paintings, you make up what the point is because it doesn’t have a certain objective that it wants to show you. You just feel whatever you feel. Sometimes I can see sadness in the paintings, friendship or love . . . things like that.”

“Mingle” will hang in the Gwinnett Courthouse until April. The Courthouse is located at 185 E Crogan St. in Lawrenceville. Visitors can see the exhibit during open hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

To learn more about Alhabahsi and her art or poetry, visit her website at www.nancyalhabashi.com.

February 2019

Gwinnett BOE names new principal

To Students: Do You Feel Defeated by “Failure” at School?

By Staff Reports At its regular monthly meeting, the Gwinnett County Board of Education named a local school leader to fill an upcoming vacancy.

Dr. Chisel Valdez was appointed Principal at Stripling Elementary. She currently serves as Assistant Principal at Dacula Elementary School.

Dr. Chisel Valdez, Principal, Stripling Elementary School.

Dr. Valez is a graduate of the 2016 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Principal Program and the 2010 Quality-Plus Leader Academy, Aspiring Leader Program.

Special photo

Dr. Chisel Valdez.

2019 Spring Middle School Golf League registration

By Staff Reports The Middle School Golf League announced registration for the 2019 spring season would open Feb. 1 and is scheduled to close on Feb. 15. However, participation will be limited to the first 100 registrations. Play will begin in March and run through the end of May. Parents can register their Middle School players by going to the Middle School Golf League website at https://www.middleschoolgolfleague.com.

The Middle School Golf League is organized with parents registering through the South Gwinnett Athletic Association. Players are assigned teams based on middle school attendance and receive golf shirts with their middle school or feeder high school colors. Play during the spring season will again be at Dacula’s Trophy Club of Apalachee, Lawrenceville’s Collins Hill Golf Course, Loganville’s Cedar Lake Golf Course and Snellville’s County Club of Gwinnett and Summit Chase Country Club.

“We had a great fall season with teams representing Bay Creek, Couch, Crews, Creekland, Dacula, Five Forks, Loganville, McConnell, Shiloh, and Trickum,” said League Director Les Witmer. “We’re really proud of the support we are getting from the middle schools, our golf courses, the high school golf coaches and our parents.”

Witmer emphasized that the program teaches young golfers the fundamentals of golf and through team best ball play provides a positive environment where everyone participates, no matter whether just a beginner or an accomplished junior player.

According to the league website, during the first weeks be-

February 2019

ginning golfers spend more time becoming more proficient at ball striking and understanding golf rules and etiquette. And then, they take that knowledge onto the golf course, joining repeat Middle School Golf League players or the more advanced junior golfer playing as team members in the best ball “Lauderdale” format. Players play from forward or junior tees based on ability. The league schedules four weeks of team best ball play for all including a week where a high school player plays with each team, and then, the middle school golfer is introduced to stroke play where they play their own ball for an individual score.

The season culminates with a very popular Pitch, Putt and Drive competition, party and awards presentation.

According to Witmer, the league play and clinics are typically held on Sundays at 4 p.m. “Each team has a volunteer team marshal who is responsible for team lineups and supervises the play on the course,” added Witmer. “Parents are welcome to walk or ride carts along the course as spectators but must remain on the cart paths.”

At the close of registration and before the opening clinics, a parent orientation is scheduled to be held with more detailed information about the season schedule, play and courses and information about golf equipment and clubs and a Q&A session with League Director Les Witmer and SGAA ‘s Tim Gains. Parents may also now find a list of the Frequently Asked Questions and Answers at https://www. middleschoolgolfleague.com, or if they have additional questions may contact MSGL Director Les Witmer at lawitmer@comcast.net.

It is rare for a student to earn a passing grade on every assignment and/or test taken in school. However, for some students, if and when a failing grade is earned, they feel like a complete failure in, not just their academics, but in everything and beat themselves up in their minds.

The frustration with themselves can cause them to give up and possibly even transfer negative feeling about themselves into other areas of their lives. Are you one of those students?

If so, read on.

For many people, the fear of failure is actually worse than failing itself. Some students worry excessively about an upcoming major test or their current course average to the point that they lose sleep, become irritable, or isolate themselves from others. They worry about their GPA, disappointing their parents and teachers, making the right course selections, admissions to college and more.

Let’s look at a few facts about failure that may be helpful for you to know…

• Everyone fails at some point in something. It is inevitable! No one can be perfect all of the time. What’s important is that you get back up, learn something from the failure and then try again.

• Failure can be redefined as being when we give up too soon on something. We can try again and approach the assignment differently the next time.

• Failure is not final, fatal, nor eternal. Sometimes failure feels permanent; but know that your feelings

gwinnettcitizen.com

Carol Wood

Total Learning Concepts

can deceive you. Feelings are not the same as facts! If you fail a school assignment, the fact is you can work harder and/or smarter for the next graded assignment to insure a grade more reflective of your true ability. Whereas it’s true that positive feelings can propel you to success, negative feelings may lead you to perform at a level lower than you are capable.

• There are actually benefits from failing. o It teaches you what NOT to do the next time. Sometimes it’s more valuable to learn what not to do rather than what to do. o Failure sometimes enables you to develop new and/or improved skills as a result of learning what you did or answered incorrectly on the last test or other graded assignment.

Once you learn where you erred, you can correct and improve your study technique. o It helps you discover your hidden skills and talents. For example, if you take all honors classes

and find that you greatly achieve in a particular course, you may learn that you have a special gift or talent as it pertains to that subject area. o And failure causes most people to become less judgmental of others since we now have experienced it first-hand. So, as a student and friend to other students, failure will likely put you in a position to encourage them to work through their own sense of failure they have after earning a failing grade.

• You can stop comparing yourself to others, which will help you become more positive. Everyone is different and has different skill sets.

What someone else does better than you, you do other things better than he or she.

• You can replace fear with faith.

Believe in yourself and the God given skills and talents with which you have been blessed. Accept these gifts from God, be responsible for them, and use these special skills and talents to the best of your ability.

Now, go out there and attack your academics with confidence and an “I CAN” attitude. Don’t accept a failing grade as final, but as something you can learn from. You’ve got this!

Carol Wood is the Founder & CEO of Total Learning Concepts, Inc. Visit www.totallearningconcepts. com for information about their tutorial and test preparation services.

For more information about Total Learning Concepts, Inc., please call 770-381-5958 or visit their website at http://totallearningconcepts.com

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Gwinnett BOE names new assistant superintendent

MAXEY continued from page 1

By Staff Reports At its regular monthly meeting, the Gwinnett County Board of Education named two local school leaders to fill upcoming vacancies.

Clifton D. Alexander is the new Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Schools, in the Division of School Improvement & Operations. He replaces Dr. Clay Hunter who is the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instructional Support. Alexander currently serves as Principal at Simonton Elementary School.

Clifton Alexander, Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Schools, Division of School Improvement & Operations.

Special photo

Clifton Alexander.

Boy Scout motto, Be Prepared

Bill York

Nonagenarian After retiring from the fur business, I worked for Ace Hardware for seven years.

Noticing dust on some shelves, I wondered why there was little turnover of important merchandise.

Applying a sales technique, I perfected during my career I began asking every customer if they had smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, a mosquito spray, and an ant killer.

I discovered a disturbing fact; few people are prepared for emergencies.

My first customer was an elderly woman, needing a mouse trap. I sold her four traps explaining where and how to set them.

I asked if she had fire extinguishers.

She said. ”I don’t know; Jack took care of that.”

“It’s important. Will you ask Jack and call me?”

“My husband died two years ago.”

“I’m very sorry. But you do need fire extinguishers. Do you have any?”

“I think there is one in the basement?

“They are good for ten years. How old is the one?”

“He bought it in when we got our home?

“When was that?”

“1974.”

“That’s 20 years. You need some

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new extinguishers. You need one in your kitchen, one by the fireplace, one by the furnace and, really, one in your car.

“I wouldn’t know how to use it, she said.”

“Tell you what, when I get off work I’ll come to your house and install them and show you how to use them.

She looked a little confused.

“Do you intend to buy what you honestly need, ma’am?

“Yes.” “You need three smoke alarms.

Do you get ants in the house?”

“Occasionally, during rainy spells.”

“You need Terro ant killer. I’ll explain how it works.”

“No one has ever told me what I needed. Thanks.”

“Customer service is my forté. I will be there right at 6 p.m., after the store closes, okay?”

She asked how much it would cost. She left the store smiling.

Instead of $20.00 for the mouse traps the lady bought about $225.00 worth of products she really needed.

That’s a salesman instead of a clerk.

I wouldn’t charge her for installing them. She’d likely mention great things about Ace Hardware to her friends. That’s how business is developed.

The store had been selling a few fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. I increased sales every week by asking customers if they had sufficient fire protection. Terro sales increased substantially. You must ask. I will bet many readers of this article haven’t checked the age of their fire extinguishers lately.

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

We were sitting in her museum-like house in the community known as “Rocky Knob” in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Although Ms. Dorothy was born Dorcas, from the bible, she changed it to Dorothy. She was born in “Cross Town” near Hooper Renwick High School; Rocky Knob was where her parents moved when she was a toddler. Coincidentally, they lived across the street from Mr. Hooper who donated the land for Hooper Renwick. Of course, Ms. Dorothy declared that God did that too! Married to Clifford Maxey, Jr., (WWII veteran) for over 60 years until he passed away, they had five children: Robert James (deceased), Terry, John, Carolyn and Carrene and 17 grandchildren.

Back then, it was a close-knit community, people knew each other - playing, socializing and worshipping together. She was six weeks old when her parents had her christened at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. At that time, Pleasant Hill was around 48 years old. She proudly stated that the Church is over 140 years old and she continues to worship there today. She taught Sunday school for years, she was secretary of the Sunday school, and she was a Missionary along with her late sister and best friend, Clara Collins who was affectionately known as “Ms. Kitty.”

Ms. Dorothy has lived through 16 presidents and has outlived all of them except four of them. She proudly watched the election of America’s first African American president. Ms. Dorothy stated that she registered to vote in 1956. Her quiet, quick-witted and articulate manner reveals deeper stories than she would ever share. Always careful to give God the glory for the many accomplishments in her life, Ms. Dorothy gingerly shared the plight of racism as she experienced it. She acknowledges that it was there, but she stated that she kept her focus on the Lord and purposed to seek His direction.

Ms. Dorothy worked as a Domestic Worker. In plain language, she stated that she cleaned White folks homes. She declared that she was in high demand because “she was just that good!” Her first job at 12 years old paid her $.10 an hour!

She cleaned homes in a particular cul-de-sac in a certain neighborhood. She marveled that she was able to move from house to house in this neighborhood working two hours in each home for $2.00 an hour. She proudly stated that often she deposited as little as $2.00 in her savings account and sometimes, she was able to make as much as $50.00 and deposited that in her bank! Yes, racism was present, in the form of how she was addressed in conversation, but she remained focused, and because she was so good at what she did, she remained in high de-

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mand. She stated that she hoped she had passed these same attributes on to her children. Of course, Ms. Dorothy stated that she continued to seek God and He was responsible for adding “all these things” to her!

In 1966, one of the women she cleaned houses for, informed her that the local hospital, which was Button Gwinnett now Gwinnett Medical, was looking for help in the Radiology department. Ms. Dorothy went to inquire about this job on behalf of her daughter Carolyn, who had just graduated from high school but was already employed. However, Ms. Dorothy continued with an idea in her head! She was informed that the applicant needed to have a high school diploma. Ms. Dorothy said to me with a twinkle in her eye, “Wait! Put a pin in that! Let me tell you this!”

She tells the story of how she along with her sister, Ms. Kitty, and other ladies learned of a program that would allow them to go to night school and receive their GEDs. Ms. Dorothy stated that she had attended school through the 7th grade and graduated because that is as far as school went for Blacks in those days.

But Ms. Dorothy was defiant and declared that she wanted to finish high school because “education was her thing!” She insisted on her children graduating high school, and they did; some achieving Grad school levels! She stated that her greatest joy is that they will all join her in Heaven one day! In true mother fashion, she gloated, “I’m proud of them and their many accomplishments as well as her beautiful and talented grandchildren!”

So, when she ‘interviewed’ or ‘inquired’ about this job, she asked the interviewer if it were possible for him to consider her for the job.

She stated that it would except you must have a high school diploma.

Ms. Dorothy stated that she proudly declared, “I have my GED!” He had no choice but to give her the job. She worked on this job for 40 years and continued to clean homes throughout. She continued to take her earnings to the bank regularly depositing still very small amounts but all the while consistently depositing. These weekly ‘field trips’ to the bank, along with her sister, allowed both of them to pay cash for their homes as well as their cars. Carolyn stated that they still have the check their mother wrote paying cash for her house! It didn’t stop there; she served as a foreman overseeing the construction of the house with no training. Ms. Dorothy humbly shrugged, and you guessed it, she said, “God did it!”

Ms. Dorothy has purchased all of the available and substantial acreages around her on Rocky Knob.

For a woman with a GED in a city and county in the Deep South that did not necessarily value her, her thoughts or opinions that never asked if she was happy, satisfied or pleased, Dorothy G. Maxey found her niche! Her job is to progress.

She adamantly stated, “I am very progressive! I don’t feel no ways tired! I may not have been liked in that bank, but I was respected like I owned it!” In the age of the woman, Ms. Dorothy was an entrepreneur before women were even recognized as such!

A voracious reader, Ms. Dorothy stated that she read that former President Jimmy Carter still teaches Sunday School in Plains, Georgia.

She stated that they are close in age, he’s 94, and she’s 92, and in October, both of them will have a birthday. She wants to attend his Sunday School class. So, in true Dorothy Maxey fashion, she is seeking God once again asking Him “to add these things unto her!”

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February 2019