Gwinnett Citizen West February 2019

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gwinnett Est. 1988 Covering Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Lilburn, wBerkeley Lake, Duluth

Vol. 31 No. 4

Tips for downsizing

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FREE

FEBRUARY 2019

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Wolves of Peachtree Corners competitive cheerleading team soars to new heights

By Julie Thompson GwinnettCitizen.com

Favorite restaurant

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The Wolves of Peachtree Corners competitive cheer program is on a winning streak, having scored its third consecutive National and Grand Championship with the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders (FCC) competition recently held in Orlando, FL. The Wolves, a parent-organized cheerleading club comprised of athletes who all attend Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners, is quickly earning a reputation in the competitive cheerleading world.

It seems the girls on the GOLD and WHITE teams are unstoppable, both having won their divisions at all regional competitions this season and National Championships and Grand Championships at FCC Nationals.

And the GREEN team has soared to new heights, winning fourth place in its category — the team’s best scoring performance to date.

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See WOLVES on Page 10 Essay winner

Harris leads

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The Wolves of Peachtree Corners cheer program is on a winning streak, having won its third consecutive National and Grand Championships at the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders competition recently held in Orlando, FL.

God added all these things, said Dorothy Maxey!

“Mingle”

Photo by Julie Thompson

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INSIDE Citizen Connection 4 Gwinnett Pulse 6 Health & Wellness 12 Classifieds 14 Weddings 15

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“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

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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 16

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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 18

Great tips for downsizing from The Mansions at Gwinnett Park

By Amy Stanitzke “What am I going to do with mama’s china?”

Not surprisingly, that’s almost always the first comment someone makes after signing a lease to move into a senior independent living community. If china isn’t the first thing mentioned, then it’s often something else - a treasured bedroom set - a lawn mower - something.

Over the years, I’ve learned it’s not so much the item itself that concerns the potential resident; rather, it’s the almost crushing realization that downsizing is now inevitable. A beloved house full of treasures almost becomes an insurmountable obstacle and the question is invariably asked, “How am I going to do all of this?”

Believe it or not, it’s not as hard as you think. For the person dedicated to doing it on their own, we recommend: 1) The Concept of Spark Joy. I’m sure you’ve heard about Marie Kondo’s best-selling book, “The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up.” The premise of her book is simple - if you look at an item and it doesn’t bring you joy, get rid of it.

We all have clothes in our closet we don’t wear. A garage full of unused

Amy Stanitzke

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power tools. An old office with desk and filing cabinet. Items that take up space but are rarely used.

A garage sale may be in order - or maybe you might want to consider an estate sale. There are many reputable companies in our area and one of the joys of an estate sale? You can get top dollar for those things that don’t bring you “joy.”

2) Give away some of the good stuff. My mother knew I loved a pair of depression era glass book ends that she kept on her desk. When she made the decision to downsize, she gave

the bookends to me over lunch, and I could not have been more thrilled.

Mom always said the happiness on my face made downsizing all worthwhile.

Do you have items that will be treasured by someone you love?

3) The kitchen. I’m a self-professed kitchen junkie, so I often ask future residents about the state and size of their kitchen. When downsizing to a senior living community, many kitchen wiz’s I know buy new for their new home! That way you always have the option to cook (which I love) or to hang up the apron - your choice!

No matter what, when you downsize there will be plenty of room for those things you love most in this life.

I know when I downsize, my mama’s china will come with me - all 142 pieces!

Amy Stanitzke is the Community Relations director for The Mansions at Gwinnett Park - Senior Independent Living. Amy has years of experience working in the senior housing industry and is a certified Ageless Grace© Educator. Do you have question about downsizing or senior independent living? Call Amy at (404) 797-2764 or at www.MansionsSeniorLiving.com.

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February 2019

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GWINNETTCITIZEN

connection

“What is your favorite restaurant and why?”

Travis Falcon, Lawrenceville Suwanee Town Center, Suwanee “McCray’s Tavern in downtown Lawrenceville. They have a good selection of beer and drinks, and it’s always a good time.”

Benjamin Okwei, Lawrenceville Suwanee Town Center, Suwanee “Waffle House. It’s really good food and it’s affordable. It doesn’t get old. I probably eat there about three times a week.”

Sonja Lemmers, Suwanee Suwanee Town Center, Suwanee “I just moved here, but probably Cinco’s Mexican Restaurant. I like Mexican food and they have a broad selection on the menu.”

Cass Mooney, Suwanee Suwanee Town Center, Suwanee “Melting Pot, for sure. I go there with my wife for special occasions.”

Tyler Wilson, Sugar Hill Suwanee Town Center, Suwanee “LongHorn. They have the best steak around.”

Heather Clark, Sugar Hill Suwanee Town Center, Suwanee “Vinny’s in Flowery Branch. Not only is the food great, I like the people that work there.”

Jyothsha Krishnamurthy, Sugar Hill Suwanee Town Center, Suwanee “My kids like Your Pie pizza. They have different types, and they let you make your own. And at the end, they have yogurt.”

James Chambers, Conyers Heartis Senior Living, Suwanee “Noble Fin on Peachtree Parkway.

I took my wife there for her birthday in January. That and Ocean Air — both have a 5-star ambiance and magnificent service. The food is really good.”

Fazil Amir, Acworth Heartis Senior Living, Suwanee “Bahama Breeze. It’s Caribbean food and the drinks — they’re not cheap with their liquor.”

Luisa Carmena, Suwanee Sims Lake Park, Suwanee “Umaido! I like their ramen. It’s different from other ramen.”

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February 2019

Lindsay Perkins, Buford

Yomagoch Hwang, Suwanee

Jessica Villarreal, Suwanee

Gary Vanover, Suwanee

Linda Littlejohn, Lawrenceville

“Aqua Terra in Buford! I’ve been going there since high school and have a lot of great memories there.”

“Taqueria Del Sol because it’s delicious.”

“Shabu Shabu in Duluth. It a Korean hotpot place. On cold winter days like this, it totally hits the spot.

They have a lot of different options for meat, fish, tofu and vegan options. You should try it!”

“I don’t eat out a lot but probably LongHorn SteakHouse. They have good food. It’s convenient and great service.”

“Parkside District. It’s great! Their Brunswick stew is delicious! It’s the best. Just amazing. Their customer service is great.”

Gwinnett County Public Library - Suwanee

Gwinnett County Public Library - Suwanee

Norbert Abashi, Lawrenceville

Marecia West, Buford

“The Cheesecake Factory. I like that they’re everywhere and in every state I go.”

“Café Tal! They have great empanadas and aji sauce. It’s Columbian!”

Gwinnett County Public Library - Suwanee

Natasha McFadden, Suwanee Publix, Suwanee “Seasons 52. They have a seasonal menu, and they focus on healthy eating there’s one in Perimeter and one in Buckhead. They have vegan options, and even their desserts are like shot glasses.”

February 2019

Gwinnett County Public Library - Suwanee

Justine Kunz, Grayson Publix, Suwanee “Sam’s on Main. They are fresh, friendly, and they make a lot of to go orders that aren’t even on the menu. They’re very accommodating!”

Gwinnett County Public Library - Suwanee

Gwinnett County Public Library - Suwanee

Gwinnett County Public Library - Suwanee

Wendy Irvine, Suwanee Suwanee Post Office “We just moved here 4 years ago, but I’d say Talay Thai Cuisine in Suwanee. I love them, and it’s really comfortable. Great service. Food’s great. We have to go at least once a month; my son gets the Pad Thai.

He loves it!”

Karla Manners, Suwanee Suwanee Post Office “Branchwater. The food’s delicious.

It’s a cozy environment, great for a date night.”

Diana Hilger, Suwanee Publix, Suwanee “Sushi Nami in Suwanee! I love sushi, and they have different types of traditional sushi.”

Michelle Quirk, Suwanee Publix, Suwanee “Seasons 52. They’re putting one by the Mall of Georgia, and I’ll probably go broke when they open, I’ll go so often! They have a lot of healthy options.”

Emily Hobbs, Suwanee Publix, Suwanee “Chick-Fil-A. The service is great, and it’s very convenient.”

Jennifer Jones, Suwanee Publix, Suwanee “Greek Island. It’s close, the food’s good, and the service is excellent.”

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Gwinnett Pulse William Pu Music Academy Founders recognized in Asian American Community

By Staff Reports Atlanta’s premier music school, William Pu Music Academy (WPMA), announced founders William Pu and Amy Chang received the Who’s Who in Asian American Communities (WWAAC) Spotlight Award.

The WWAAC Alliance Foundation ( http://wwaac.com ) is an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization created to recognize the accomplishments of Asian Americans and activities accomplished in the Asian-American community. The foundation has gained national prominence with their annual Who’s Who in Asian American Communities Awards Ceremony.

Mr. Pu and his wife, Ms. Chang, were spotlighted by WWAAC for their achievements. Since they founded WPMA ( https://wpmusicacademy. com) in 2014, they have brought some of the best classical musicians together in the Atlanta community and helped their students succeed in their auditions for various events. Un-

der their direction, WPMA is known for the unmatched teaching expertise of their faculty on both solo and orchestral repertories. WPMA is one of the most in-demand music institutions in northern metro Atlanta.

Mr. Pu is a distinguished Chinese-American violinist. Prior to founding WPMA, Mr. Pu served as the Assistant Concertmaster for the Houston Symphony Orchestra and the Associate Concertmaster for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for 25 years. He is the National Winner of the 1990 Music Teachers National Association Competition (MTNA) and has received several awards in national and international competitions. He has been featured as a soloist on many occasions, and collaborated with distinguished artists such as Robert Spano, Christoph Eschenbach, Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang, and Itzhak Perlman.

Ms. Chang is a distinguished violinist who was a member of the Houston Ballet Orchestra, the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra, and per-

formed frequently with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. After moving to Atlanta in 2003, she performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Opera Orchestra, where she served as Acting Viola Principle, and as a member of the viola section of the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. She was a winner of the Taiwan National Music Competition and has performed in several festivals and numerous chamber music concerts.

Mr. Pu and Ms. Chang continue to raise the bar in music education within the community. In 2016, they founded a premium summer youth ensemble that provides professional orchestra training and performance opportunities for young musicians.

Recently, they collaborated with Mrs. Wei Lin to co-found the Atlanta Festival Academy, a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization that will host a nine-day classical music institute in July 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Hudgens Center celebrates incredible success of partnership with Holtkamp Heating & Air, extends relationship for 2019 The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning is pleased to announce the continued results and renewal of a strategic partnership with Holtkamp Heating & Air. In addition to generously sponsoring free admission to the galleries since 2017, which has generated thousands of new visitors, the Holtkamp team also serviced all of the center’s HVAC systems and maintained 18 new smart thermostats to maximize energy efficiency.

According to Executive Director Ife Williams, “By offering free admission to our galleries, the Holtkamps have helped us eliminate barriers and broaden our audience to include thousands of local attendees who would otherwise be unable to gain exposure to the arts. Additionally, thanks to their heating and air efficiency expertise, we’ve saved thousands of dollars in utility costs that can now be put to good use for our non-profit mission of bringing the arts to all. Finally, the Holtkamps will be sponsoring dozens of passes for free classes to give local citizens the gift of art, many of which will be used to help children enjoy The Hudgens’ Passport to the Arts Summer Camp.”

The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning is committed to presenting a strong mix of gallery program-

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Suzanne and Matthew Holtkamp

ming, highlighting both internationally and locally renowned artists across a variety of mediums.

Additionally, each “free admission” ticket to the Hudgens Center gives attendees a voucher for $10 of free baked goods at Special Kneads & Treats Bakery in Lawrenceville, a non-profit bakery supported by the Holtkamps that gives meaningful employment to adults with special needs.

Holtkamp Heating & Air has provided residents of Gwinnett County and surrounding areas with high-quality customer service for

over 20 years. Owners, Matthew and Suzanne have a strong commitment to the local arts community.

“Our family has a deep love of the arts in Gwinnett County, and a thriving relationship with the Hudgens Center is important to us,” said Suzanne. “The organization brings the arts to community members of all ages and we’re thrilled to help everyone throughout Gwinnett gain free access to this world-class facility. Our family foundation motto is ‘Connecting our Community’, and we fully embrace this opportunity to lovingly connect Gwinnett’s citizens with the arts and with wonderful non-profits like Special Kneads & Treats Bakery.”

The Hudgens Center is a non-profit organization that has been focused on the arts since its establishment in 1981. The Hudgens’ mission is to bring art lovers, leaders and learners together through quality programs and exhibits. That mission is accomplished through visual arts initiatives, such as year-round fine art exhibits and classes for all ages, and community arts initiatives, which reach out to underserved populations.

To learn more, please visit HoltkampHVAC.com.

February 2019

Four Myths About Estate Planning

Holly Geerdes

Estate Planning Attorney

Twelve years ago, the “Purple Rain” star, Prince, graced the field at Dolphin Stadium for the Super Bowl XLI halftime performance. Nine years later, he would unexpectedly pass away, leaving behind a legacy of musical genius but also one of financial and legal chaos. What was the issue? Prince neglected to put in place a basic estate plan, leaving potential heirs quarrelling over his fortune.

Unfortunately, this is not unusual. According to a survey done by Caring.com, only 4 in 10 American adults have a will or living trust. The overwhelm-

February 2019

ing reason why adults fail to complete an estate plan is “they hadn’t gotten around to it” (47 percent), and they “don’t have enough assets to leave to anyone” (29 percent).

It’s understandable. Setting up arrangements for your home, health, and finances can quickly become intimidating. The paperwork and the tough conversations are daunting. And, it’s one of those things low on the to-do list. But, it does not have to be scary. In this article, I will uncover four common myths about estate planning and what you can do about it.

“My estate isn’t big enough to need any planning.” There is a widespread belief that estate plans are only for the rich.

However, the reality is that you need an estate plan regardless of how much or how little property you have. Without a plan, you give up the ability to determine who inherits your property and assets upon your death. Going even further, if you have specific things you would like to leave to

specific individuals, those items may go somewhere else. An estate plan can alleviate those concerns.

“I can prepare my will better when I am older.” It is often thought that if you do not have white hair yet, you do not need to worry about drawing up a will.

But, the truth is the moment you have people that depend on you is the moment to start thinking how you will protect your loved ones if you die. Making a few arrangements now can help your family sort through your belongings if an unexpected event occurs.

“I already have a will so I don’t need to worry about probate.” Unfortunately, this is wishful thinking. Probate often bears a negative connotation as a long and expensive process where one or more courts decide who will inherit your assets. While a will does provide the court with direction on your wishes, it does not avert the probate process altogether. Thus, it is important to start investigating now and put-

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ting plans into place to protect yourself and your loved ones.

“It’s too complicated to set up.” Designating beneficiaries, crafting powers of attorney, and gathering financial docs can seem like a lengthy and hazy process. One of the main reasons adults neglect to plan for their estate is that it is often perceived as complicated and difficult to understand. However, with attorneys who specialize in Estate Planning like Attorney Holly Geerdes, a Georgia local, setting up your estate plan can be a smooth, headache-free process. Geerdes, owner of the Atlanta Estate Law Center, hosts free workshops every month, going in depth about the differences between wills and trusts, asset protection, Medicaid, probate and more. Attendees even receive a free one-hour consultation where you can get your questions cleared up on a more personalized basis. Taking that first step forward can make all the difference.

When it comes to estate

planning, these are four very common misconceptions. As you can see, not having a plan in place can be a costly ordeal, both financially and emotionally.

Knowing the truth ahead of time can prevent future headaches as well as heartache.

Local attorney, Holly Geerdes, Esq. provides excellent solutions daily to families who value protecting the assets and traditions they have worked their entire lives to achieve. Her firm, The Atlanta Estate Law Center, have plans that are generally completed within 6-8 weeks. In addition, she makes sure to host annual reviews once plans are complete to update information in order to maintain accuracy. Geerdes takes the time to understand each of her client’s needs and desires to continue to take care of their families when they no longer are here or have the competency to do so. Her combination of empathy and expertise are what set her apart. Take the next step and reserve your spot in a workshop today.

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Northside Hospital and Gwinnett Health System cleared to merge in 2019

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Gwinnett Medical Center Lawrenceville.

By Staff Reports Northside Hospital and Gwinnett Health System (the parent of Gwinnett Medical Center) announced today that they have cleared the final regulatory hurdle toward combining operations.

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Northside Hospital Atlanta

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Philip Wolfe, President & CEO Gwinnett Health System

Bob Quattrocchi, President & CEO Northside Hospital

“We are excited to move forward on the merging of our two health systems,” said Bob Quattrocchi, president and CEO, Northside Hospital.

“Leaders from both systems are al-

ready meeting to develop a comprehensive integration plan that honors our employees and physicians. This plan ensures that our patients continue to receive quality health care with no disruption of service.”

The merger agreement was approved by the State of Georgia Office of the Attorney General in November 2017. Late last week, the Federal Trade Commission completed its review of the combination and gave its approval to move forward.

The two systems now will focus on finalizing patient, operational, and business functions. The combined system is expected to be operational by summer 2019.

“Through the merged entity, Gwinnett County will continue to

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Gwinnett Medical Center Duluth.

have access to world-class medical treatment,” said Philip Wolfe, president and CEO of Gwinnett Health System. “Health care is a dynamic industry that requires complex technology, highly skilled medical professionals and exceptional leadership. I’m confident the merger will help sustain our ability to offer leading-edge, compassionate and effective health care close to home for many years to come.”

Northside Hospital and Gwinnett Health System are both driven by quality patient care and satisfaction, strong medical professionals, health care innovation and unparalleled patient access.

Anchored by five hospitals in Sandy Springs, Lawrenceville, Cumming, Canton and Duluth, the new

Northside Hospital Forsyth

Northside Hospital Cherokee

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nonprofit health system will also operate additional sites of care including cancer treatment, imaging, surgical, urgent care and other outpatient centers throughout the state.

Altogether, the Northside-Gwinnett combined system will have 1,604 inpatient beds, over 250 outpatient locations, 21,000 employees and more than 3,500 physicians on staff.

For regular updates, visit northsidegwinnett.com.

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

Indications your loved ones need home care assistance

Duluth’s Event Calendar Season 2019 Event Calendar

By Staff Reports Duluth’s 2019 event calendar is jam-packed with tons of fun and exciting events for all to enjoy. The season has a little bit of something for everyone including food trucks, live music, movies on the Green and more!

“This year we will keep some of the community favorites as well as add in some new events to keep things interesting” said Festival Center Manager Talore Ruedt.

Duluth events kick off in March with the return of Muddbuggs & Music, presented by Rock 100.5, Kicks 101.5 and City of Duluth. The ticketed event will be held on March 30th.

Enjoy crawfish, delicious low country boil, live entertainment, beer and more on Duluth Town Green. The popular tailgate game Peach State Cornhole League returns-on Thursdays- with three 8-week leagues for all to enjoy.

Community favorite Flicks on the Bricks returns and presents a free movie on the 1st Friday of every month from June–August.

Flicks on the Bricks Schedule: June 7th – Wonder (PG) July 5th – Aquaman (PG-13) August 2nd – The Incredibles 2 (PG) Fridays-N-Duluth kicks off May 4th from 6–9 p.m. It will encompass Food Truck Friday which will run from May-August. New to Fridays-N-Duluth is “Block Party on Main” which will run on the last Friday of the month from May-August. Block Party on Main will showcase hometown favorites with a street fair atmosphere from 6–9 p.m. The event will wrap up with a themed concert on the Festival Center Stage from 6–9 p.m. The block party will not feature food trucks.

Block Party on Main Schedule: 80’s night featuring the Breakfast Club - May 31st 90’s night featuring Fool House - The Ultimate 90’s Dance Party – June 28th TBA - July 26th TBA- August 30th

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Signature events like S’mores ‘N Snores, Duluth Celebrates America, Howl on the Green, Deck the Hall, and Cookies & Cocoa with Santa will ALL be back for 2019. Events introduced in 2018 are also returning this year; Whatever Floats Your Boat and the Duluth Beer Festival.

The Duluth Arts Festival will once again kick off Duluth’s 8-day art week which features interactive activities such as Tweet & Seek, dance, theatre, music, Eat Like a Local and more.

Duluth High School’s performance of “Godspell” on May 4thth will wrap up ART week on Duluth Town Green.

New to the scene is the Margarita & Taco Festival. The event will take place on May 5th and is a co-sponsorship with the City of Duluth and Atlanta Creative Events. Attendees can expect to try different types of tacos from local businesses in the area and enjoy lots of margaritas. Food from 50+ countries will be featured at the Neighborhood Night Market on April 19th & 20th. The open-air bazaar will be held in downtown Duluth and will feature food trucks and music. Health & fitness fundraiser, Spring Fling will take place on June 1st. Lastly, the Indie Green Festival will take place on May 25th and will feature vegan food and fitness options along with live music and activities for the kids. This event is brought to you by Freeze Cream, Duluth.

The award-winning STEAM event will be back again this year in October with all Duluth cluster schools participating in the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. A Summer Stage Concert featuring the Petty Breakers (a Tom Petty Tribute

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band) will take place on June 8th on Duluth Town Green from 8-10pm.

Duluth had a successful event season in 2018 with over 150,000 attendees from all over Metro Atlanta. Their hope is to attract more to the area as progress continues in downtown Duluth. For more information, on all upcoming events visit www.duluthga. net/events

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

February 2019

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 organization 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-

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“As Baby Boomers age into retirement by the millions each year, their growing health care needs require more people to administer that care. Home health and personal care aides are generally the same, providing services such as checking vitals, providing companionship, prepping meals and bathing and grooming clients. – USA Today.

Certified Home Care Of GA LLC is poised and ready to help clients adjust to the maladies that are associated with aging. We have the capability to provide assistance currently in 11 counties(Including Gwinnett) and over 250 municipalities throughout North Georgia.

There is a prevalent myth that is circulating in the minds of adult children and relatives on when to decide on home care for their loved ones that we would like to debunk. In quite a lot of cases we handle, loved ones wait until their relatives are almost at the point of expiring, before they seek assistance. At Certified Home Care we like to recommend to folks to get their loved ones into transitioning earlier so they can get quality care prior to incidents that will hasten their departure. We currently have clients that we have been working with for over (4) years and others range between a few months to a few years. Being proactive is very pivotal should you want to get better results and garner the “peace of mind” which is such an elusive commodity currently.

Here are some indications that your loved ones need home care assistance:

•Unknowingly skipping meals and medications.

•Forget to turn off the stove or setting the correct time on the microwave.

•They can no longer color coordinate their clothing •Neglecting personal hygiene •Have stacks of unpaid bills and late payment notices.

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 wellknown, international organizations…”

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

Peter James

Certified Home Care of Georgia

•Become withdrawn from social activities and express non-interest in people •Continuously repeating the same statements within a short time frame.

•Have fallen frequently and constantly injuring themselves •Forgetting important dates, such as: birthdays, doctors appointments and anniversaries.

It is important that loved ones try to contain and provide assistance themselves or get the skilled assistance of Certified Home Care to provide the solutions to help maintain and keep their relatives independent as long as possible. It is only rational and fair that our loved ones are not neglected in their latter years while affordable options exist.

Certified Home Care Of GA LLC provides quality in home care that is customized to our clients needs. We prove A-La-Carte services that will fit any budget. We have no minimums and can provide a certified caregiver within a few hours after we receive your call. No job is too small for us to handle, call us today and reap the benefits.

Certified Home Care of Georgia is licensed by the state of Georgia Department of Community Health., we provide one-on-one care in companionship and personal care. Call Us Today (678) 973-5234

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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Duluth’s William Day essay winner

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Now Open at Town Center

By Staff Reports

By Staff Reports Duluth’s William Day Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, presented a medal, certificate and monetary award on February 10 to American History Essay winner Adelaide Lee Bolling, a fifth grader from Margaret Winn Holt Elementary School. Essay Contest Chairman Kris White shared that Addie’s parents, Davey and Beverly Bolling, had also won awards in their respective states for the same contest many years ago. This year’s topic was “The Women’s Suffrage Campaign.” The William Day Chapter meets every second Sunday afternoon, 2:00, at Gwinnett Community Bank in Duluth.

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Duluth’s William Day NSDAR Chapter presents American Essay Contest winner Addie Bolling her award.

Pictured are Regent Vanessa Watkins-Nutty, Essay Chair Kris White, and Addie Bolling.

visit GwinnettCitizen.com for more local news

City leaders, Peachtree Corners Business Association members and the restaurant’s manager and staff, recently celebrated the opening of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, the newest eatery to open at the Peachtree Corners Town Center.

Firebird’s address is 5215 Town Center Boulevard and is located near the intersection of Peachtree Parkway and Medlock Bridge Road. It is the Charlotte, NC-based business’ second location in the metro Atlanta location to open.

“We are delighted to welcome Firebirds Wood Fired Grill to our city,” said Mayor Mike Mason during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Jan. 11, 2019. “The restaurant is a great addition to our Town Center.”

The menu features a variety of choices including the restaurant’s signature aged ribeye steak, grilled salmon, chicken and ribs. Firebirds also offers a kids’ menu and gluten-sensitive menu items.

The interior décor is modern with light-colored woods, floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed steel, contemporary light

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City leaders and Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) members, joined Firebirds’ staff in celebrating the opening of the new restaurant at the ribbon-cutting event. Pictured L - R: Darrell Creedon, PCBA Membership Chairman, three members from Firebirds, Councilmember (Post 6) and Mayor Pro Tem Weare Gratwick, Mayor Mike Mason, Firebirds General Manager, Frankie Polanco, Lisa Proctor, PCBA president, Councilmember Phil Sadd (Post 1), Brad Kluesner, PCBA member and two members of the Firebirds’ team. fixtures and abstract artwork. A warm gas fire place and colorful display of bottles highlight the bar area. Adjacent to the lounge is an enclosed patio that is open year around.

Firebirds is open Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Visit the website or call 770-225-4662 for more information.

Several other restaurants, retail shops and businesses have begun opening in Peachtree Corners’ new Town Center. The city will officially celebrate its Town Center with a grand opening in late April. The development features a town green, two open air pavilions, a large ovalshaped lawn, performance stage, large screen TVs and café tables.

Norcross broke ground for mixed-use development near Lillian Webb Park New multifamily development will include 184 apartments, 9 “live-work” units, a 280-space parking garage and countless amenities.

By Staff Reports The City of Norcross broke ground on February 5 2019 on a multifamily development that is part of the city’s eight-year Downtown Norcross Expansion project (including a brand new 22,000 squarefoot library) taking place alongside Lillian Webb Park and Buford Highway. The development, called “The Brunswick” represents a significant step in attaining the goals of the 2034 Comprehensive Plan and the 2011 Livable Center Initiative.

“We are very excited to have reached this phase in our plans to bring Downtown Norcross to Buford Highway,” Norcross Mayor Craig Newton says of the groundbreaking this morning. “First came the [Lillian Webb] park, and now we’re seeing our vision of a true ‘Live. Work. Play.’ community come to life with the advent of a new library, townhomes, commercial space, and now this incredible, innovative property.”

The property is named for the Brunswick Hotel, a legacy with strong city roots as the 29-room hotel was built

by Norcross founder, John Thrasher, in 1870 before its demolishment at the end of World War II. The Brunswick Hotel was

Rendering of The Brunswick.

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a defining feature of Norcross’ origins as a railroad outpost, and the new Brunswick hopes to carry on that heritage as a defining feature of Norcross’ future.

Situated on a 3.35 acre site at the corner of Holcomb Bridge Road and Buford Highway (directly next to Lillian Webb Park), will rise five stories and feature 184 traditional apartment units in addition to nine Live/Work units, countless amenities and a 280 space parking garage available for residential and public use.

The developers behind the project, Gateway Ventures and Centro Development, are aiming to create a “flagship” urban product right in the heart of this historic neighborhood, providing residents with the best of both worlds–urban living in a small town setting.

“With Lillian Webb Park as its backyard and a charming downtown nearby, this project exemplifies our passion for weaving commercial development into

the context of unique and historic communities like Norcross,” says Matt Mason, Partner at Gateway Ventures.

Other key stakeholders in the project include: Dwell Design Studio (architect), New South Construction (contractor) and Eberly & Associates (civil engineering and landscape services).

The Live/Work units are of particular interest in light of the city’s ongoing sustainable initiatives – initiatives that have landed the city many accolades including Platinum-Level Green Community by the Atlanta Regional Commission. These nine apartments bring a whole new meaning to “Live. Work. Play.” in Norcross, encompassing both commercial and living space within individual, rentable units.

Residents will be able to relax at home, go to work and play in the park and nearby shops, all without ever stepping foot in a car!

Opens Fall 2020 and will pursue NGBS Bronze Certification, a national green building standard.

“I think one of the reasons people like Norcross is because we are different,” continues Mayor Newton. “It doesn’t matter what is happening around the region, we are going to maintain our historic character and values while we balance growth.

It’s a challenge, but we have proven ourselves capable of meeting it and will continue to grow into the future with this in mind.”

WOLVES continued from page 1 The way Program Director Stephanie Powell sees it, the recent victory is a positive reflection on the whole county and especially the Peachtree Corners area. A nationwide program, FCC’s headquarters are located in Suwanee, GA. Visit cheerfcc.org to learn more.

According to Powell, parents at Wesleyan decided to connect with FCC only three years ago seeking a competitive outlet for their girls that aligned with the

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Christian mission of their school.

“It’s been wildly successful,” Powell said. “All three years, the Gold team has won National and State championships, which was a huge feat for a new program.”

She added,” It’s good for everyone, the parents are excited, the athletes. And it was a God-thing for us, how it developed — it gave the girls a chance to grow in confidence. It’s been amazing! It’s not

just about winning but it’s also about seeing our athletes grow.”

The Wolves ranks have grown rapidly since the club was founded. The program grew from 33 in 2017 to 45 in 2018 and to 59 girls in 2019. The program includes elementary to middle school athletes. The Gold team consists of seventh and eighth graders, the White team of fifth and sixth graders, and the Green team includes third and fourth graders.

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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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

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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

gwinnettcitizen.com

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

gwinnettcitizen.com

13

Get the facts about the March 19 transit referendum

Charlotte J. Nash

County Business

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED

PRAYER MINISTRY DIRECTOR

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 one-cent 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 developed 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.

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

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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

Weddings, Engagements & Announcements

Engagements, Weddings, Births and Anniversaries are complimentary.

Email your announcement to: info@gwinnettcitizen.com

Congratulations 50th Wedding Anniversary James and Linda

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Linda and James Nodine

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

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.

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gwinnettcitizen.com

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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.

Veterans, supporters attend Veterans Monument groundbreaking

By Staff Reports

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

The mayor, several council members, city leaders and supporters braved the chilly weather for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019 which will be located at the city’s new Town Center.

Nearly 25 attended the event to celebrate the beginning of the construction of the 3,000 square-foot-monument. The veterans’ monument will feature five sculptures to represent each of the Armed Forces. Additionally, one sculpture will be placed to honor the veterans of the National Guard, Federal Reserves and Merchant Marines. A central pillar topped with a sculpture of an eagle atop the globe will represent the presence of the U.S. Armed Forces around the world.

The groundbreaking event, originally planned for Nov. 15, 2018, was postponed due to heavy rainfall. “We were delighted to finally be able to celebrate the groundbreaking of the city’s veterans’ monument,” said Bob Ballagh, Executive Director of the Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument Association. “This was a long-awaited event and we look forward to the grand opening in May when the monument is complete.”

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L-R: Kent Feuerbach, KLF Hardscapes, contractor building the monument Jeanne Aulbach, City Council, Bob Ballagh, Executive Director, PCVMA, Emily Carley, Director, Witness to War Foundation, PCVMA Board member, Alex Wright, City Council, PCVMA Board member, Brian Johnson, City manager, Tom Beaty, CEO Insight Sourcing Group, PCVMA Board member, Charlie Roberts, Roberts Properties, PCVMA Board Member, Mike Mason, Mayor, PCVMA Board Member, Doug Heckman, PCVMA Vice President

Doug Heckman, VP of the Peachtree Corner Veterans Monument Association, was the master of ceremony for the event. Rev. Leland Armbright, senior pastor at Christ the King Church, offered the invocation followed by remarks by Mayor Mike Mason. Ballagh then invited members of the Board and members of the City Council and staff to use the military entrenching tool provided at the site to move the dirt. After the informal ceremony, attendees visited the construction site to view the installed seats and wall caps.

“As a Naval veteran, it gives me

great pleasure that the city has set aside a special place to recognize the men and women who served or are serving our country,” said Mayor Mike Mason. “We as a nation owe them a debt of gratitude for their service.”

The Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument Association is a non-profit organization that is raising money to build the monument on the City’s town green. Find more information about the monument, including how to buy a brick to be placed on the monument on the PCVMA website.

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.

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Photo by Julie Thompson

Painting by Nancy Alhabashi.

“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

Photo by Julie Thompson

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

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 buildings, museums or when she hears old stories.

“I want people to feel this ecsta-

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sy, 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 of 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

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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MAXEY continued from page 1 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 demand.

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!”

Local bank Awarded for Excellence

By Staff Reports United Community Bank is pleased to announce it has received 10 Greenwich Excellence Awards for middle market and small business banking. Frequently rewarded for exceptional customer service, United is proud to also earn recognitions that showcase the company’s commitment to quality banking solutions and financial guidance.

“These awards are a testament to our promise to be small enough to know you personally, but large enough to meet all of your financial needs,” said Lynn Harton, President and CEO of United Community Bank. “We have consistently increased our commercial offerings

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over the past few years, and this recognition confirms that we are exceeding customers’ expectations.

It is an honor to be recognized by Greenwich Associates, and I couldn’t be any prouder of the great team we have at United.”

United was recognized for Overall Satisfaction in middle market banking in the South, which was based on interviews with over 14,000 U.S. businesses with sales of $10$500 million. In the small business banking categories, United earned five national awards, including Overall Satisfaction, Likelihood to Recommend, Branch Satisfaction, Cash Management Overall Satisfaction and Best Brand for Trust. The bank also received four regional

awards for small business banking in the South in the categories of Cash Management Overall Satisfaction, Likelihood to Recommend, Overall Satisfaction and Proactively Provides Advice.

These results were based on interviews with over 14,400 businesses in the U.S. with sales of $1$10 million. In addition, Greenwich Associates, the leading global provider of data and analytics to the financial services industry, evaluated more than 600 U.S. banks during the awards process. Of those, only 34 were deemed to have distinctive quality in small business banking and 40 in middle market banking.

gwinnettcitizen.com

Free Uber rides to Downtown Duluth Returns

By Staff Reports The City of Duluth’s Downtown Development Authority is partnering with Uber again to offer free roundtrip rides (up to $25 each way) on Thursday evenings from 5pm-midnight to its downtown restaurant and retail district. The promotion launched February 7th and will run through March 28th. Riders will be able to redeem their rides with a unique promo code each week that will be posted on the city’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

“This promotion is part of a larger plan to attract more people to downtown Duluth to see all the great things Duluth has to offer” said Eco-

nomic Development Director Chris McGahee. “Growth continues in Duluth and we are so proud of it. It’s the perfect opportunity for both newcomers and regulars to check out all of the exciting changes happening to our downtown district.”

Visitors will be able to take advantage of downtown Duluth’s to-go drink district, and try out a variety of establishments new to the block, including Vom Foss (a shop that sells a variety of products including vinegars, oils, and spices), Local on North (serving up traditional cuisine), and the newest restaurant – Nacho Daddy (a local restaurant/bar featuring gourmet nachos and their famous “Scorpion Shot”).

Duluth Mayor elected to Chair Metro Atlanta Mayors Association

Members of the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association.

Special photo

By Staff Reports Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris was unanimously elected chair of the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association (MAMA) at a MAMA gathering during the Georgia Municipal Association’s annual Mayors’ Day Conference on Jan. 27, 2019. Harris most recently served as vice chair of MAMA, a cooperative alliance of the mayors of more than 70 cities in the 10-county metro Atlanta region.

“It is an honor to serve as chairperson of MAMA, a position that allows me to engage the collective strength of the cities in the metro Atlanta region,” Mayor Harris said.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with other organizations to assist in moving MAMA’s vision and goals forward with impact.” Harris was elected to a two-year term.

The MAMA Executive Committee selected Tyrone Mayor Eric Dial as vice chair of the organization. Harris succeeds Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson as chair.

A life-long Duluth resident, Harris was first elected mayor of Duluth in 2007. A Gwinnett County Public Schools retiree, she served as principal of B.B. Harris Elementary, Suwanee Elementary and Norton Elementary. Mayor Harris is a past president of the Gwinnett Munic-

Special photo

Mayor Harris with outgoing MAMA chair Chamblee Mayor Eric Clarkson.

ipal Association, past president of the Georgia Municipal Association District 3 North East Region and currently is the Gwinnett County municipal representative on the Atlanta Regional Commission Board of Directors.

An affiliate of the Georgia Municipal Association, MAMA’s purpose is to foster communications among cities in the metro Atlanta region, support public policy decisions beneficial to them, coordinate activities among the cities that benefit the entire region, and communicate identified needs to federal, state and regional agencies and organizations and residents of the region.

February 2019

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

February 2019

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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February 2019