Fall 2023

David@gwinnettmagazine.com

STRENGTH, RESILIENCE, COMPASSION

Ahh. The Fall is upon us. As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on a chill, there’s more than just the change of seasons to bring warmth to our hearts. We’re in the cancer awareness months and it’s a humbling time to reflect and be grateful for life and those we love.

This year’s Paint Gwinnett Pink event reminds us of the strength and resilience embedded in the fabric of our community. If you’re not careful, and even if ya are,

or where we’re from. We are all in this part together.

When we walk shoulder to shoulder, we recognize our shared struggles and common dreams. We not only rise above our challenges, but also rediscover our true spirit of kindness, compassion, and unity that runs through our beloved Gwinnett community.

Let us also be very thankful for all the unsung heroes in healthcare who have tirelessly kept us going. Their efforts, often behind the scenes, are critical to our wellbeing and we can’t thank them enough. Healthcare professionals are special people with servant hearts and a treasure to us all.

life will throw ya a curve ball. In those times, the heart, resilience, and faith of our community is always a great anchor.

It’s so important that we come together as neighbors and friends to tackle the healthcare hurdles that have impact on every one of us. These challenges don’t care about our age, the color of our skin,

To all the participants of The Paint Gwinnett Pink event, we extend a heartfelt thank you. Your participation and support represent our collective strength, unity, and unwavering faith during these challenging times. Your efforts are truly appreciated.

As we reflect on the trials of the past year and look to the future, let’s remember to celebrate the triumphs, no matter how big or small. Let us be thankful for our daily bread and work every day to find all the silver linings we can.

Sincerely,

David Greer, Publisher David@GwinnettMagazine.com

WHEN WE WALK SHOULDER TO SHOULDER, WE RECOGNIZE OUR SHARED STRUGGLES AND COMMON DREAMS.

CONTENTS

GWINNETT MAGAZINE FALL 2023

FEATURE 8

PAINT GWINNETT PINK

Thousands gather at the pink-adorned starting line of this annual tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness. Learn all about the event that not only raises awareness but also funds support for local cancer survivors.

18

LOVE, TRUST AND RECOVERY: The triumphant story of Adele Steele.

43

FEATURE PRETTY IN PINK FUN STUFF TO PINK OVER!

48

HEALTHY LIVING BY AGE: FOCUS ON WOMEN Checklists for your checkups!

22 THE TRAVELS OF ARTHUR SALUS Army paratrooper to cancer survivor and travel CEO.

27 GUIDE TO GIVING

Get ready to give and volunteer with these charitable organizations.

40

HONORING DR. WILLAM B. MARTIN

The legacy of The Hope Clinic founder.

58

LEADERS AND LEGENDS

Get to know the people behind the places you call home.

62

PECAN PIE

Either way you say it, you’ll love this recipe for this fall time fav!

64

THE BEST USE OF YOUR TIME

Wise words from Pastor Andy Stanley.

NEWS PODCASTS VIDEOS

INTEGRICOM: BREATHE EASIER WITH RELIABLE IT SERVICES

By learning your needs and evaluating them to implement the best technology, IntegriCom can fix the issues.

PAINT GWINNETT PINK ON THE GWINNETT PODCAST

Featuring Jason Chandler, President of Gwinnett Medical Foundation, and the inspiring Adele Steele, a cancer survivor!

LOVING GWINNETT

Good times reminiscing with VIPs who have been a part of the Gwinnett Magazine community since its inception!

PROTECTING WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU:

From commercial, health, life, personal home and auto insurance, Brand & Britt Insurance Agency has you covered.

MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

Guide to Behavioral Investing with Roger S. Green.

THAT’S RIGHT, IT’S BEST OF GWINNETT VOTING TIME:

It’s that time to vote for your favorite businesses! #bestofgwinnett #lovegwinnett

LET’S TALK GROWTH AND EXCITEMENT!

Gwinnett’s cities are on a mission to become the ultimate places to live, and they’re doing it in style –with a touch of magic!

COMMUNITY OUTREACH IN LAWRENCEVILLE

Join our guests, Helen AppenzellerBalch and Jasmine Billings, as we discuss how Lawrenceville works to get the community engaged and make ideas come to life.

A FLASHBACK TO PINK Pink! That’s the spirit!

#breastcancerawarenessmonth

#CancerAwarenessMonth

LIVING HEALTHY

IS ESSENTIAL TO GWINNETT’S THRIVING COMMUNITY

In the heart of our vibrant community, lies a treasure trove of opportunities for individuals and families to cultivate a healthy, active, and engaged lifestyle. The Live Healthy Gwinnett initiative stands as a testament to Gwinnett County Government’s commitment to fostering wellness and building a strong sense of community.

With 50 parks, a wide array of recreation opportunities, and flourishing community gardens, we are sowing the seeds of well-being and reaping a harvest of vitality.

We meet our mission by providing free programs and events for residents, all made possible with the assistance of our amazing community partners, student interns, and volunteers.

Our mobile recreation program, Be Active Gwinnett, was launched in 2018 and promotes healthy habits while providing fun, outdoor physical activity to 36,826 youth in underrepresented play-desert areas. Thus far, our mobile recreation program has made 675 stops throughout Gwinnett.

Over the last three years, our Eat Healthy initiative, Harvest Gwinnett, has donated over 16,000 pounds of fresh produce to communities facing food security challenges. This year alone, 703 volunteers have given over 1,500 hours of their time. Harvest Gwinnett maintains and operates 11 community gardens, teaching residents how to grow and cook their own food.

In addition to those two flagship programs, Live Healthy Gwinnett hosts several community health fairs offering free screenings, cooking demos,

and resources on overall wellness. Throughout the year, we host Walk the Talks, Yoga in the Park, Sound Bath in the Park, and other free wellness programs to support our Be Positive and Get Checked initiatives.

Being well matters in Gwinnett, and we are excited to oversee Gwinnett’s Community Health Dashboard. LiveHealthyGwinnettdata.com provides a free, dynamic, easy-to-use, one-stop digital resource for access to community quality of life data. You will find up-to-date demographics, education, environmental, economic, health, social determinant, and equity data highlighting trends, challenges, and opportunities in our Gwinnett communities, along with hundreds of maps, tables, figures, promising practices, and over 250 indicators.

The Live Healthy Gwinnett initiative is more than just a collection of facilities, programs, and data. It demonstrates how local government can act as a catalyst for positive change, and it highlights the remarkable impact that can be achieved when a community unites under the banner of well-being. It is a privilege to witness so many people in our community, from the youngest to the oldest members, embracing this initiative.

So let us lace up our sneakers, dig into the soil, and embrace the Live Healthy Gwinnett mission to Be Active, Eat Healthy, Get Checked, and Be Positive. For in doing so, we cultivate not only stronger bodies but also stronger bonds, reminding ourselves that the true essence of community lies in our shared pursuit of a healthier and more vibrant life.

NICOLE L. HENDRICKSON CHAIRWOMAN

GWINNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

5KPAINT GWINNETT PINK

CAUSE! CAU THE FOR

Thousands gather, united for a cause, at the pink-adorned starting line of this annual tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event not only raises awareness but also funds support for local cancer survivors and the Northside Hospital Gwinnett Breast Centers.

The Heart of Paint Gwinnett Pink

Paint Gwinnett Pink is the culmination of efforts from around the county, but it came from the passionate hearts of Jennifer Griffin and Bobbie Menneg. Both women worked closely with cancer patients and realized they were not only battling breast cancer but also facing additional obstacles associated with getting a cancer diagnosis. The two ladies, along with a host of healthcare professionals and community leaders, agreed that the Gwinnett community could help make a difference, and Paint Gwinnett Pink was born!

Community Canvas: A Pink Retrospective

IN 2016, MORE THAN a thousand participants showed up ready to walk. That meant the inaugural event was the biggest walk in support of breast cancer ever at the time. Paint Georgia Pink Inc. helped get the event off the ground and running, along with helping hands from across the community. Some of the first event sponsors included Metro Waterproofing, Clyde and Sandra Strickland, Suburban Hematology-Oncology Associates, Dr. Kimberly Hutcherson, and Gwinnett Braves – now the Gwinnett Stripers - all who have stood by the effort for the past seven years of events!

They partnered with Gwinnett Medical Center and were able to raise $105,000 for their cause! It was an amount that surpassed all expectations. The Paint Gwinnett Pink inaugural event would create an annual tradition of celebration, remembrance, and community. Participants, sponsors, and committee members all came

together to exceed their fundraising goals. Every year since then, Paint Gwinnett Pink has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funding in order to help those in the community. Even in the year of lockdowns and masks, the event was held virtually.

Today, Jennifer Griffin now serves as the Event Director. She works to make sure each event is as special as the first one. For the eighth year in a row, Paint Gwinnett Pink is rallying support. More people are donating, running, walking or simply raising awareness now than ever before! It’s truly a community event, everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer. It supports a cause that’s near and dear to the hearts of everyone in Gwinnett.

“Paint Gwinnett Pink was created to support those fighting breast cancer, celebrate survivors, and remember the beautiful lives lost to the disease,” says Jennifer.

PICTURED ABOVE: DR. KIMBERLY HUTCHINSON, DR. DEBRA MILLER, JENNIFER GRIFFIN

The Dollar Difference On A Local Level

One and a half million dollars. The impact this year is tremendous. That’s the goal for donations that Paint Gwinnett Pink has been working towards for three years. The best part? All of the proceeds stay local.

When it comes to fighting cancer, it’s important to be able to diagnose early and take preventative steps. Equipment is purchased or updated in Northside Hospital facilities located in Gwinnett County. All funds are deposited and dispensed from the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation sub-account of the Patient Assistance - Cancer Fund. The Patient Assistance - Cancer Fund was established to provide financial assistance to Northside Hospital Gwinnett Cancer Institute patients who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of illness. These funds are also tailored toward providing women access to mammograms, ultrasounds and MRIs not covered by insurance.

Paint Gwinnett Pink has helped with purchasing tomosynthesis 3D mammography for the Breast Care Centers at Northside Gwinnett. Mammogram screenings can be used to detect cancer when there are no other symptoms. It’s recommended for women over 50 to get one every two years. Rather than struggling to decipher breast tissue from a static image, innovative equipment allows doctors to scrutinize the breast in layers. The modernization has decreased the number of false positives and call-back rates, which results in reduced costs and anxiety.

Whereas these procedures typically cost hundreds out of pocket, the fundraiser will afford hundreds of individuals in Gwinnett access to early detection services, transportation, and other additional services. The funds raised will remain within Gwinnett to help support those affected in the local community. Every single dollar is put to work here at home in the community.

What To Know About Tomosynthesis

Breast Tomosynthesis is also called 3D mammography. It is an advanced form of breast imaging that uses low-dose X-ray systems and computer reconstructions to create three-dimensional images of the breasts. A conventional X-ray creates two-dimensional images by compressing tissue to obtain a clear image in a top-tobottom and side-to-side approach. This can cause overlapping of the tissue, which can then hide the abnormal tissue and make the abnormal tissue appear normal.

Breast Tomosynthesis moves the X-ray tube in an arc over the breast, to capture images from all angles for the best digital image reconstruction. It captures a series of 40 to 80 images, compared to the traditional systeam that captures two to four. It minimizes tissue overlap, which makes it harder for cancers to hide or distinguish. This means earlier diagnosis and earlier detection.

The Survivors and Their Stories:

SANDRASTRICKLAND:AGREATERPURPOSE

CLYDE AND I BOTH HAVE ALWAYS FELT THE PURPOSE OF GIVING BACK

TO OUR COMMUNITY IS BECAUSE WE FEEL GOD HAS ENTRUSTED US TO HELP PEOPLE WHO ARE IN NEED. WE ESPECIALLY FEEL A SPECIAL CAUSE TO HELP OUR LOCAL HOSPITAL.”

Sandra and her husband, Clyde, have been sponsoring the event since the first year it started. They’re passionate about helping the community and they know on a personal level all the good that raising awareness, support and funding can do. Sandra has battled cancer throughout her life, her first diagnosis was in 1973. When Sandra went in for a mammogram in 2022, she was able to have it done with the new tomosynthesis equipment purchased with 2021 Paint Gwinnett Pink funding. The new technology provided her with early detection of the disease’s return which meant she could begin treating it as soon as possible. “I’m blessed with that,” said Sandra. “We want to purchase more of these machines so we can save women’s lives.”

ALEXIS’STORY:THANKFUL FOR 3D TECHNOLOGY

IT IS COMPLETELY NORMAL TO FEEL SCARED AND OVERWHELMED.

FOR ME, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, SO EDUCATING MYSELF ON MY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT PLAN OPTIONS HELPED A LOT,” SAID ALEXIS. “I AM EXTREMELY THANKFUL THAT I CAUGHT MY BREAST CANCER SO EARLY AND BELIEVE THAT HAVING THE 3D MAMMOGRAM HELPED DETECT MY DCIS EARLY.”

Choosing a 3D mammogram can be the decision that allows you to detect cancer. When Alexis’ opted for one, her results came back showing areas of calcification that would need a biopsy. She would be diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and eventually undergo a bilateral mastectomy. She was able to tackle her cancer with the experts at Northside and the support of her family and friends.

Northside is Built to Beat Cancer

The Northside Cancer Institute works hard to demonstrate its commitment to providing the best possible care to patients with diseases of the breast. It’s been accredited by the American Collegea of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, which recognizes centers from around the country that have achieved the highest quality breast care programs. Northside’s program is among the top five in the country. With comprehensive screening and diagnostic services, as well as imaging centers, it attends to over 3,000 patients every year. They’ve been a long-time supporter of the Paint Gwinnett Pink organization. They’re a Diamond Level sponsor of the 2023 event.

Paint

Gwinnett

Pink on the Gwinnett Podcast

Tune in to this captivating podcast episode featuring Jason Chandler, President of Gwinnett Medical Foundation, and the inspiring Adele Steele, a cancer survivor! Join us as Adele courageously shares her remarkable journey and the exceptional care she received at Northside Hospital, imparting her unwavering belief in trusting the expertise of medical professionals. Jason Chandler takes us behind the scenes of the transformative “Paint Gwinnett Pink” event, discussing its profound local influence and the heartwarming stories of resilience it has generated so far.

Discover the power of community, hope, and determination as we delve into Adele’s poignant narrative and Jason’s aspirations for the event’s future.

LISTEN NOW! SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE.

PICTURED ABOVE: DR. DEBRA MILLER, JAY DENNARD

2023 EVENTS

On Your Marks, Get Set … Celebrating Remarkable Support!

Not a runner? No worries. The event is for walkers, survivors, supporters and everyone from every background. The 2023 race event services are provided by Pacesetter Road Race Consulting and the course is officially US Track and Field (USATF) certified. Participants can join as individuals or as teams. They set a fundraising goal and aspire towards it, reaching out to their friends and family to join the cause.

Participants line up at Coolray Field on Saturday, October 14, 2023, for a 9:00 a.m. start time. Any pace goes! The event is family-friendly and includes live entertainment, vendors, booths and other activities so everyone can be involved!

SEPT.

OCT.

PINK IN THE PARK AT COOLRAY FIELD

In September, the Gwinnett Stripers raised awareness by wearing special pink jerseys that were available for purchase, proceeds going to Paint Gwinnett Pink!

OCT.

CALLING ALL CITIES! THE PINK PROCLAMATIONS

The Gwinnett County Commission, along with thirteen Gwinnett Cities, declared their support for Paint Gwinnett Pink by naming October Paint Gwinnett Pink Month. City residents are encouraged to check their health, get their cancer screenings, participate in events and donate to the cause. Proclamations came from Auburn, Berkeley Lake, Dacula, Duluth, Grayson, Hoschton, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Norcross, Peachtree Corners, Snellville, Sugar Hill, and Suwanee!

MOBILE UNIT ON THE MOVE

Thanks to Lincoln Property Company, the mobile mammography unit was set up to see those who had physician’s orders for mammograms at 1755 North Brown Road in early October.

In the vibrant tapestry of community and compassion, the 8th annual Paint Gwinnett Pink 5K Walk/Run for Breast Cancer and Family Fun Event stands as a testament to unity and hope. We extend our sincerest gratitude to our sponsors, whose impactful contributions infuse life into this event’s mission.

Your support transcends the race, touching lives in profound ways. Thanks to you, Northside Hospital Cancer Institute (NHCI) can provide critical access to advanced imaging technology, enabling early detection for those facing breast cancer. Your benevolence also ensures that vital patient assistance is readily available.

With each step taken during the 5K, the spirit of your sponsorship propels us forward. You are the heartbeat of this event, and your commitment resonates deeply within the community. Together, we stand against breast cancer, armed with unity and resilience.

From all of us at Paint Gwinnett Pink , thank you for your unwavering generosity and dedication. You are a true partner in this journey of making a difference.

Warmly, The Paint Gwinnett Pink Team

SPONSORS

2023

PAINT GWINNETT PINK

ADELE STEELE

A TRIUMPHANT STORY OF LOVE, TRUST, AND RECOVERY

When you are diagnosed with cancer, your whole life changes. Every day becomes full of questions you can’t answer and decisions that are hard to make. It’s a diagnosis that can be just as devastating emotionally as it is physically.

Adele Steele thought she knew a lot about dealing with emotions and life’s troubles. She was born in Vermont and grew up in a happy home. She had been a counselor for over three decades. During her time working in Gwinnett County Public Schools, she helped students on a personal level every day. Adele knew all about the ins and outs of handling feelings, both others and her own.

She was fearless. Nothing scared her. She had been a solo traveler, venturing to New York and Australia. She had dealt with illnesses in her family, her mother’s Alzheimer's and her husband’s cancer. Adele knew how to tackle each and every situation unafraid and head-on.

“I was fearless for 77 years,” Adele says. “If I got thrown off a horse, I got right back on. If I skied and came off a jump, I waited for my

Even when Adele found a lump in her breast in January of 2023, she was not fearful. Her gynecologist, Dr. Denise Pecht, immediately sent her over to Northside for testing. It wasn’t until the diagnosis came that she experienced every emotion under the sun. Dr. Kimberly Hutchinson, Adele’s pathologist at Northside Hospital, told her she had four tumors and two calcifications in her breasts and lymph nodes. Suddenly, the fear was real and Adele felt like she couldn’t control the situation or her feelings.

“All of a sudden I went from being fearless into all the negative stuff,” says Adele. “I was mad. I was frustrated. I was angry. I was sad. I was afraid of what was next because I had seen a lot of people go through this and it turned my life upside down. All of a sudden, I was the counselee instead of the counselor.”

Adele had learned during her counseling studies and psychology, that there was a belief that all emotions can be boiled down to two emotions: fear and love. All other emotions were rooted in those two.

Choosing between fear and love? Adele decided that being fearful just wouldn’t do. She knew that thinking negatively would only have negative effects on her situation. Instead, she surrounded herself with the love of her team at Northside. Her doctors, her nurse navigator, Amy Trammell, her oncologist, Kevin Peacock, her surgeon, Erica Proctor… each and every person who happily answered her questions and gave her the hard truths when she needed to hear them.

They didn’t candy-coat things, because they knew cancer is a hard beast to defeat and patients should have the whole truth.

Adele worked to accept the fact that she would need to let her medical team handle the things she couldn’t. Cancer affects everyone differently, but professionals have worked through it hundreds of times. They know the best routes and choices and Adele found comfort in that. Adele found that she trusted her team completely. She worked to understand the job that they had to do, just as they worked to understand the best way to treat her.

“I gained a tremendous respect for what they knew how to do, how they did it, and how they approached it. And their attitude, which was just amazing!” says Adele. She expressed that it was just as important

"All of a sudden I went from being fearless into all the negative stuff,” says Adele. “I was mad. I was frustrated. I was angry. I was sad. I was afraid of what was next because I had seen a lot of people go through this and it turned my life upside down."

to understand and appreciate what they were doing, instead of just thinking about what she needed to have done.

When Adele was diagnosed with cancer, she already knew a bit about how the doctor’s offices, the visits, and the medications would go. Her husband, Jim Steele, had been through a similar process only a few years before. He was a longtime chief operating officer of the Gwinnett County Public School system. He and Adele had met at Berkmar High School while she was a counselor there. He built 97 new schools during his 38 years with the system, a record-breaking number. Adele opened the Jim Steele Environmental Education Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia in honor of his passion for education, love of the environment, and commitment to making a difference.

No one wants to experience cancer, but Adele says she’s grateful hers came when it did. The Northside Hospital system was her main resource for all appointments and treatments. She underwent all of her biopsies, ultrasounds, mammograms, and surgeries at their locations. The team at Northside and new technology like tomosynthesis equipment were able to detect Adele’s disease early on. New technology also meant they were able to locate exactly which lymph nods had the cancer.

There are many different types of breast cancer. Adele was diagnosed with the type of cancer that chemotherapy does not work effectively on. Instead, her doctor recommended surgery and hormonal therapy. In February of 2023, she had a right breast mastectomy as well as the removal of two lymph nodes.

“The receptionists were wonderful. The nurses were outstanding. The doctors explained everything, what was coming next. They answered your questions no matter how bizarre or stupid they were. Everyone had this attitude that was beyond just doing the job,” Adele says about her time at Northside.

Adele still checks in with her team, not just every few weeks for a check-up, but also on a personal level. She had no pain through the whole process. Which was unusual, but very welcomed. Now she takes a daily pill to make sure the cancer stays away. Recovery hasn’t been easy, but Adele has kept up her faith. It all comes back to that single emotion. When you put the love in, you get the love out.

“It’s (Northside) a place with a whole lot of love.”

“The receptionists were wonderful. The nurses were outstanding. The doctors explained everything, what was coming next. They answered your questions no matter how bizarre or stupid they were. Everyone had this attitude that was beyond just doing the job."

ARMY PARATROOPER TO CANCER SURVIVOR AND TRAVEL CEO

large travel company employing dozens of staff. A sterling reputation in the community. A family who loves and adores him.

THE TRAVELS ARTHUR SALUS A

Arthur Salus, founder and CEO of Duluth Travel, has a lot to be grateful for. Perhaps number one on that list is another chance at enjoying life with the people he loves after being diagnosed with two different types of cancer within the span of years.

Native to the north, Salus moved to Atlanta when he was just nine years old. By the time he graduated the University of Georgia with a degree in marketing, the Vietnam War was in full swing and he was immediately drafted into the army, where he would serve for a little over a year.

On his first few days in the army, Salus and his fellow draftees, a total of some four hundred or so folks, were pulled into a room.

“How many of you are college graduates?” the commander asked the group.

Arthur raised his hand alongside about onefourth of the crowd.

“Okay, the ones with the hands up, you’re going to jump school,” the lieutenant said.

At jump school, or the United States Army Airborne School as it’s officially known, Arthur and his comrades were trained on being paratroop -

ers for the United States Armed Forces, jumping from aircrafts and navigating with a parachute to land and move onto a combat objective.

“I was in shock and not at all excited about the decision to be trained in that field,” says Salus. “But we had no choice.” The authorities surmised that college grads would have the most sense in handling the most challenging and strategy-riddled training, and so Salus’s fate was determined. Right away, training started.

However, one particular jump mission proved particularly fateful. Upon attempting to land, things went awry and Salus ended up cracking the bone in his leg. When he was helped back to meet with his commanders, they gave him a choice: either agree for them to operate on the leg or go home. Arthur chose the latter.

“Looking back, it seems God was with me,” he says. “Because some friends who went through training with me didn’t make it home from the war. It was a terrifying time.”

As soon as he arrived home, Salus started reaching out to doctors and arranged to have his leg fixed. Once he was fully recovered and recuperated, he considered his options, ultimately deciding to join his parents in operating the family’s chain of maternity retail shops scattered across the city. Things were going smoothly, until

his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. As luck would have it, his parents passed away within months of each other, with his mother succumbing to diabetes and heart disease, but also being diagnosed with cancer. With the disease present on both sides of his family, Salus recognized that his odds of also contracting cancer in the future ran exponentially high. He also knew that if he wanted to enjoy a good quality of life and longevity with his future family, he’d have to remain vigilant and mindful of his own wellbeing. Immediately, Salus made it a point to start monitoring his prostate health. Every year, like clockwork, he’d schedule physicals and insist on a PSA test, a blood test specifically designed to detect prostate cancer.

Life trudged slowly ahead. Salus gained employment at an automobile dealership and worked his way up through hard work and perseverance into a management role. Soon it dawned on him that anytime he was pulled into a brainstorming session or meeting to discuss how to increase sales, make processes better, and prepare for the future, he was inevitably the primary contributor of unique initiatives and innovative ideas. Gaining confidence in his ability to shape foresight for the future, Salus declined an offer to relocate to New York for the dealership. Instead, he decided he had the chops and drive to go into business for himself.

With this confidence and hope, Salus launched Duluth Travel–a wellreputed and locally recognized travel company in Gwinnett–in 1994.

“There was a Norcross Travel and Lilburn Travel, but no Duluth Travel,” he says. “Initially, I had no experience in the travel industry, but one thing I did have was a strong motivation and desire to work for myself and succeed.”

But operating a business wasn’t always smooth sailing–or a steady feat. During COVID, for instance, sales dipped nearly 74 percent for three years. But by a stroke of luck, Salus managed to make it through the turbulence and come out stronger on the other end. “Somehow,” he says, “God is always with me and helped keep me afloat.”

In the meantime, he didn’t relent on his regular visits to the doctor, even taking a step further to visit Virtual Imaging–a medical chain with only a handful of locations around the country where full body scans proactively detect life threatening diseases. In 2015, his proactive and diligent efforts proved wise–Salus was diagnosed with the early stages of prostate cancer.

“My first thought was, but I don’t feel anything,” says Salus. “The diagnosis was unexpected because I thought there would be some sign of pain or discomfort with cancer. But that simply wasn’t the case.”

Salus’s wife and kids were just as shocked as he was with his results. “They think of me as a strong individual, as something like the gladiator in the family. When I told them, their faces dropped.”

But they remained by his side every step of the way, for which Salus is eternally grateful. “The family support system is crucial,” he says. “There are so many people that go into hospitals for days and have no visitors–they have no family support. But I thank God that I have a close-knit family, and my family was always by my side.”

After several rounds of chemo and radiation as well as the removal of his prostate, Salus was cancer free. He was grateful to find that the entire process had, surprisingly, proved largely smooth and painless.

For several years, Salus enjoyed his return to good health. Then, a few years later, Virtual Imaging detected a speck on his lung. After a closer examination, the physician informed him the spot was benign–and his assessment remained the same until the early part of 2023 when a second spot appeared. This one, he was told, was cancerous. This took Salus by surprise as someone who had never smoked or touched a cigarette in his life.

The first doctor Salus spoke with from a renowned hospital was quick to come to a decision and schedule immediate surgery. But Salus was careful to procure second and third opinions from nationally renowned oncologists, including Emory. After weighing his options, Salus underwent a lobectomy, having the lower lobe of his left lung removed. For the first two days following the procedure, he remained under the influence of medication, on the third day, he experienced some light pain and on the fourth day, he was discharged to go home, where he remained in convalescence for three weeks. Once again, Salus was thankful for yet another seamless cancer treatment.

“Going through something like that weighs heavily on your heart and mind because you want to live,” says Salus. “For anyone who faces a similar ordeal, my best advice would be to first, invest in preventive prognosis. The earlier a disease is detected, the milder and less extensive your treatments can be. Second, don’t go with the first opinion you hear–get two or three opinions from medical professionals who are specialists in the specific organ and type of treatment you’re seeking. For example, don’t speak to an oncologist for cancer in your thorax, instead try to work with a thoracic oncologist.”

Today, Salus is once again several months into being cancer free–and extremely grateful for it. Duluth Travel is doing well and Salus is proud of his staff of seventy plus employees–and for their extensive support throughout his cancer journey.

“My belief has always been that if I’m good to my people, they’ll be good to me,” he says. “And they’ve come forth and proved that throughout this journey. The kindness, love, and support I’ve received is overwhelming.”

With his people-first mindset, Arthur has managed to maintain low turnover rates–less than 1.5 percent–at Duluth Travel. In the meantime, he continues to draw inspiration from his spiritual leader on all aspects of life, who has given him an enlightening perspective on his new bill of health.

“I remember my spiritual leader saying to me, ‘Arthur, if God wanted you today, he'd take you. If he wanted you yesterday, he would take you. You have a purpose here on earth. Find your purpose.’”

Salus has taken these words to heart, opening his thoughts to what more he can do to live meaningfully for himself, his loved ones, and those around him.

“There’s a purpose for me,” says Salus. “Everybody has a purpose in life. We have wishes and things we want to accomplish. But if we don’t take care of our health, we can’t effectively live to fulfill our purpose.”

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

Guide to Giving

IT'S NOT HOW MUCH WE GIVE,

BUT HOW MUCH LOVE WE

PUT INTO GIVING

— MOTHER TERESA

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

BEN CARSON

The Spirit of Giving

THE HOLIDAYS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SYNONYMOUS WITH THE SPIRIT OF GIVING. A season where we're wrapped up in the warmth of joyous celebrations, family gatherings, and of course, the tradition of gift-giving. But this year, let's weave a new narrative, a story of giving that transcends the ordinary and touches the very fabric of our community. Let's envision a tradition where the gifts we give not only warm the heart but also ignite a spark of change right in our own backyard.

The charm of local non-profits lies in their dedication to cater to the unique needs of our community. From providing shelter to those in need, nurturing the talents of our young, preserving the environment, to supporting health and well-being initiatives; these organizations touch lives in countless ways. But like any other endeavor, they need fuel to keep their missions alive. And this is where each one of us can play a pivotal role.

Enter the "Guide to Giving." A beacon for philanthropists and ordinary citizens alike, this guide seeks to spotlight the unsung heroes of our community: our local non-profits. For the philanthropists among us, this guide provides a platform to align passions with purpose, advertising opportunities to champion causes that resonate deeply. And for those of us hunting for that perfect holiday gift,

what could be more meaningful than making a donation in the name of a loved one? Imagine the delight of a family member or friend knowing that their holiday gift is paving the way for positive change.

This season, let's redefine holiday giving. Instead of focusing solely on tangible items, let's also invest in legacies, in dreams, and in the betterment of our community. Every dollar given to a local non-profit doesn't just provide funds; it lends hope, fosters growth, and kindles the flames of passion in those who work tirelessly to make a difference.

The beauty of giving, especially during the holidays, is that it has a ripple effect. The joy of one kind act can inspire another, and before we know it, our collective efforts can culminate in monumental change. So, as you turn the pages of the "Guide to Giving," be inspired by the stories of local nonprofits, be empowered by the change you can bring, and most importantly, let the spirit of giving be your guiding star this holiday season.

Your gift, no matter how big or small, has the power to transform lives. Let's come together, celebrate the season with purpose, and make our community shine a little brighter. The art of giving awaits; how will you paint your legacy this holiday?

“The best thin g to do with the best things in life is to give them away. "

—― ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

Giving, kindness, and humanity in history.

THE ACT OF GIVING HAS LITERALLY BEEN AROUND SINCE THE DAWN OF TIME. Philanthropy is derived from the Greek ‘philanthropia’ which means to love people, or love humanity. Throughout history we as people have worked to be kinder, from soup kitchens in ancient China to support for soldiers in World War II, we have always found a place in our hearts to be generous. For some societies, religion has been a motivator. All religions emphasize the common idea of treating people with kindness. For others, charity came from the idea of public good. Another train of thought? We’ve evolved to do so. Our ability to cooperate and our humanitarianism is what keeps us going! We function better when we prioritize communities. The ancient Romans considered philanthropy to be an obligation. The Ancient Hebrews practiced a tithe, or a tax to ensure the poor had help. In today’s times, we focus more on a systematic giving to promote the welfare of others. Compassion is hardwired and lending a helping hand is something we all should do, whatever the reason why.

Donating do's and don'ts

YOU WANT TO DONATE. That’s wonderful! But before you start creating your donation box or care bag, there’s some important aspects of donating to consider. The items needed most are often the items we least consider, or we don’t consider all aspects. Canned goods, for example, make a wonderful donation. But when they come without a “pop top”, it can be hard for someone in need to be able to open them. Or bar soap, for example, doesn’t travel well. When donating to the those facing homelessness or hunger, make sure you do some research first.

FOR FOOD BANKS:

DO: easy open canned items, pastas, rice, non-perishables, applesauce, crackers, nuts

DON’T: baked goods, frozen foods, leftovers, expired goods, glass packaging

FOR HOMELESS SHELTERS:

DO: feminine products, toiletries, new/gently used clothing, reusable containers, sunscreen

DON’T: used toys, used products, family-sized products, cans, appliances

The love of Giving

GENEROSITY HELPS ALL!

Here are some of the benefits of giving back.

• EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS. Donations don’t have to end with a dozen zeros. Charities benefit from donations in all sizes, and so do they people they help.

• YOU’LL RAISE AWARENESS. The attention you bring to a good cause can be just as vital as anything else. By spreading awareness, you’ll encourage others to do the same.

• WHAT MATTERS TO YOU?

Pick a cause that is close to your heart and make a difference in what you believe in.

• PEACE OF MIND and peace for all. By donating time or giving to charity, you’ll feel a little bit lighter. The satisfaction of knowing you’ve helped someone can make you feel like you are satisfying that purpose in life.

• ANOTHER BENEFIT, especially for students, is the resume boost. By donating time, you are adding another achievement to your list, but this one can do some real good for your community.

• TAX BENEFITS. No, it’s not the most selfless reason on this list, but it is still important. Donating allows you to use your money in a way that benefits you too.

— can get involved!

IF YOU’RE READY TO GIVE OR VOLUNTEER, Gwinnett has many non-profits, foundations and charitable organizations that would welcome your involvement. We’re sharing just a few!

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

All-In Charitable Events and Services, Inc.

404-618-6192

Amanda Riley Foundation

678-675-5344

Amigos for Christ

770-614-9250

Annandale Village

770-945-8381

Asian American Resource Center

770-270-0663

Beyond the Ribbon

404-274-2024

Camp Sunshine 404-325-7979

Care4All Children Services, Inc.

678-719-9677

Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia

770-813-3380

Connections Homes, Inc.

470-266-1462

Creative Enterprises

770-962-3908

Diamond In The Rough Youth Development

678-376-9676

Duluth Co-Op

770-623-9563

Eagle Ranch

770-967-8500

Family Promise of Gwinnett County

678-376-8950

First Integrated Community Care Services

770-281-9819

Food Finder

770-527-2181

Goodwill of North Georgia 770-957-4311

Good Smaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett

678-280-6630

Grace Arbor

770-963-0386

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful

770-822-5187

Gwinnett County Public School Foundation

678-301-7287

Gwinnett County Public Library

770-978-5154

Gwinnett Coalition

770-995-3339

Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity

770-931-8080

Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation

678-312-8500

Hi-Hope Service Center

770-963-8694

Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children's Shelter, Inc.

678-546-8770

Hope Clinic, Inc. 770-685-1300

Latin American Association Gwinnett Outreach Center

678-205-1018

Lawrenceville Co-Op

770-339-7887

Lilburn Co-Op

770-931-8333

Manna Scholarship Fund, Inc.

770-495-9775

Navigate Recovery

678-743-1808

Norcross Co-Op

770-263-0013

North Gwinnett Cooperative 770-985-5229

NSPIRE Outreach, Inc. 800-775-9020

Overcomers House 678-615-7714

Rainbow Village 770-497-1888

Relay For Life 770-814-0123

Salvation Army of Gwinnett 770-724-1677

Southeast Gwinnett Co-Op

770-985-5229

Spectrum Autism Support Group

770-239-6630

Streetwise Georgia

678-985-9952

The Path Project

678-439-9316

The Primerica Foundation

800-544-5445

The Quinn House

770-962-0470

US Military Veterans Association

678-242-9002

“Out of difficulties grow miracles.”

HONORING THE LEGACY OF

DR. WILLIAM B. MARTIN:

A BEACON OF HOPE

In the world of medicine, there are doctors, and then there are healers. Dr. William B. Martin, affectionately known as Dr. Bill, exemplified the latter. His journey, which began on July 1st, 1941, in Anderson, South Carolina, led him to become a beloved figure in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where he left an indelible mark on the community.

Dr. Bill's path to medicine was paved with dedication and service. After graduating from Boys High in Anderson and attending the Citadel in Charleston, he pursued his medical degree at the Medical University of South Carolina. His commitment to serving others was unwavering, leading him to become a flight surgeon in Vietnam as a Captain in the U.S. Army. His time in the military was a testament to his bravery and compassion.

Upon returning home, Dr. Bill completed his residency and internship in the Emory-VAGrady Health System, where he honed his skills and prepared to embark on a medical journey that would span over half a century in Gwinnett County. His practice became more than a profession; it became a lifeline for countless individuals and families.

In 2002, Dr. Bill founded the beacon of his life's work, the Hope Clinic. This remarkable institution was born from his deep understanding of the pressing need in the community. Dr. Bill recognized that the uninsured and underinsured were often left without proper care for chronic conditions, resulting in unnecessary suffering and costly emergency room visits. The Hope Clinic, a Christian nonprofit specializing in internal medicine and primary care, emerged as a vital part of Gwinnett's healthcare safety net.

Dr. Bill's vision was to provide affordable, quality care to those in need, regardless of their insurance status. The clinic's innovative fee structure, based on a patient's household income, allowed it to extend its compassionate services to all. Dr. Bill didn't just create a medical facility; he forged a medical home for his patients that reflected his love and faith in Jesus.

His dedication to early morning studies and spiritual growth illuminated his path, guiding him to not only heal bodies but also souls. Dr. Bill may have left us on August 12, 2023, but his legacy of hope and healing lives on through the countless lives he touched and the enduring work of the Hope Clinic.

“You were given this life because you are strong enough to live it.”

Welcome to a world where pink reigns supreme! Imagine sassy flamingos, pink Cadillacs, and bubblegum fun. From trusty erasers to mesmerizing sunsets discover all the pink things that make our world fabulous! Takeapeek.

It’s that sneaky famous cartoon character, who has appeared through the decades in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades!

THE PINK STUFF CLEANER

Meet the ultimate cleaning paste! It’s a dirt-vanishing wizard, zapping grime from stovetops, sinks, tiles, you name it. It’s like a spa day for your stuff.

PINK

The symbol for breast cancer awareness.

The musical artist and actress known as PINK, got “the party started” over 20 years ago and is still regularly on the top of the Billboard charts. Listen to the now classic: “Get The Party Started,” by scanning QR code above.

PinkRocks!

pinkberry

This kitschy lawn ornament with retro charm is frowned upon by HOAs everywhere ... but we still love them! Did you know it was American artist Don Featherstone that designed the pink lawn flamingo in 1957, naming the first “Diego”.

The iconic doll with pink outfits and accessories! The new Barbie movie is now Warner Bros top grossing blockbuster of all time! You can bet the about that!

PINK CADILLAC

Not only is the vehicle a symbol of luxury, but the Bruce Springsteen song is also an American treasure. Scan QR code above.

SPEAKING OF PINK CADILLACS!

“Mary Kay Ash” is a legendary business executive and philanthropist! She’s the founder of Mary Kay Inc. and they famously give their top sales people Pink Cadillacs!

“You can't have your pudding, if you don’t get your meat!” Please tell us you know this rock band with albums like “The Wall” and “Dark Side of the Moon.”

PINK FLOYD PINK POWER RANGER

If you are a nineties kid then we don’t have to tell you who this is.

PRETTY IN PINK

The classic 80’s film featuring Molly Ringwald’s famous pink prom dress.

PINK LEMONADE!

You know this beverage made with lemon juice and red fruit. Did you know in 1912 a New York Times obituary for Henry E. Allott, a Chicago man who, as a teenager, ran away to join the circus, credits him with inventing pink lemonade. Somehow, this sounds about right!

From big league baseball to your grandma’s pocketbook to the bottom of a park bench, it could be the stuff that makes life stick together! This nostalgic brand brings back the memories.

Healthy FOCUS

ON

Healthy 20s in your

YOU’RE IN YOUR 20 s! What can you do to live a healthier life? Be healthier with one — or all — of the steps below! Get the conversation started at your next well-woman visit with this list.

Commit to yearly chats with your doctor about:

• Whether I plan to get pregnant in the next year or the right birth control for me

• My family health history, especially of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes

• Protecting myself from the sun and the hazards of tanning

Risk Assessment: Ask your doctor about tests, vaccines, or concerns for:

• Chickenpox

• HPV

• Measles, mumps, and rubella

• Meningitis

• Pap (if 21 or older)

• Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough

• Tuberculosis

• Urinary incontinence

Healthy 30s in your

You’re in your 30s! What can you do to live a healthier life? Be healthier with one — or all — of the steps below! Get the conversation started at your next well-woman visit with this list.

Commit to yearly chats with your doctor about:

• Whether I plan to get pregnant in the next year or the right birth control for me

• My family health history, especially of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes

Risk Assessment: Ask your doctor about tests, vaccines, or concerns for:

• Chickenpox

• Measles, mumps, and rubella

• Meningitis

• Pap and HPV

Good Health, In General

There’s some good advice that applies to you, regardless of your age. For example, getting enough sleep is a universal. So look through this list in conjunction with the section for your age group.

Every Day, try to...

• Eat healthy — use the MyPlate Plan to get started.

• Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity. In your 60s and beyond, talk with your doctor about any conditions that limit your ability to do regular physical activity.

• Get 7-9 hours of sleep. After 60 you might need a little less.

• Reach and maintain a healthy weight.

• Get help to quit or don’t start smoking.

• Limit alcohol use to 1 drink or less.

• Do not use illegal drugs or misuse prescription drugs.

• Wear a helmet when riding a bike and wear protective gear for sports.

• Wear a seat belt in cars and don’t text and drive.

Talk to your doctor about...

• Your weight, diet, and physical activity level. In your 60s, start discussing your height as well.

• Whether you use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs.

• Any violence in your life.

• Depression and any other mental health concerns.

Ask your doctor about whether you are at higher risk of or need tests, medicines, or vaccines this year for:

• Blood pressure

• Breast cancer prevention medicines

• Flu

• Hepatitis A, B, and C

• HIV

• Sexually transmitted infections

• Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough

• Tuberculosis

• Urinary incontinence

Healthy 40s in your

YOU’RE IN YOUR 40s! What can you do to live a healthier life? Be healthier with one — or all — of the steps below! Get the conversation started at your next well-woman visit with this list.

Commit to yearly chats with your doctor about:

• Whether I plan to get pregnant or the right birth control for me (for premenopausal women)

• Perimenopause symptoms

• My family health history, especially my risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes

Risk Assessment: Ask your doctor about tests, vaccines, or concerns for:

• Cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Mammogram

• Measles, mumps, and rubella

• Meningitis

• Pap and HPV

Healthy 50s in your

YOU’RE IN YOUR 50s! What can you do to live a healthier life? Be healthier with one — or all — of the steps below! Get the conversation started at your next well-woman visit with this list.

Commit to yearly chats with your doctor about:

• Menopause symptoms

• My family health history, especially my risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes

Risk Assessment: Ask your doctor about tests, vaccines, or concerns for:

• Low-dose aspirin

• Cholesterol

Healthy 60s in your

YOU’RE IN YOUR 60s! What can you do to be as healthy as possible? Be healthier with one — or all — of the steps below! Get the conversation started at your next well-woman visit with this list. Don’t forget to sign up for Medicare health coverage around your 65th birthday. Learn more at Medicare.gov.

Commit to yearly chats with your doctor about:

• Who will make health care decisions for me if I am unable to

Risk Assessment: Ask your doctor about tests, vaccines, or concerns for:

• Low-dose aspirin

• Cholesterol

• Colorectal cancer

• Diabetes

• Colorectal cancer

• Diabetes

• Lung cancer (if 55 and older and smoking now or have quit within the last 15 years)

• Mammogram

• Measles, mumps, and rubella

• Meningitis

• Osteoporosis

• Pap and HPV

• Shingles

• Lung cancer (if I smoke now or have quit within the last 15 yrs)

• Mammogram

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (if born after 1956)

• Meningitis

• Osteoporosis

• Pap and HPV

• Pneumonia

• Shingles

Healthy 70s in your

YOU’RE IN YOUR 70s! What can you do to be as healthy as possible? Your yearly wellness visit is a good time to talk about your personalized prevention plan. This plan helps keep you well and healthy. If your doctor or nurse accepts Medicare, you will not pay anything for your yearly wellness visit. The yearly wellness visit is not the same as an annual exam or physical. Learn more at Medicare.gov. Get the conversation started at your next wellness visit with this list.

Commit to yearly chats with your doctor about:

• Who will make health care decisions for me if I am unable to

Risk Assessment: Ask your doctor about tests, vaccines, or concerns for:

• Cholesterol

• Colorectal cancer

• Diabetes

• Lung cancer (if I smoke now or have quit within the last 15 years)

• Mammogram

• Meningitis

• Osteoporosis

• Pneumonia

• Shingles

Healthy 80s in your

YOU’RE IN YOUR 80s! What can you do to be as healthy as possible? Your yearly wellness visit is a good time to talk about your personalized prevention plan. This plan helps keep you well and healthy. If your doctor or nurse accepts Medicare, you will not pay anything for your yearly wellness visit. The yearly wellness visit is not the same as an annual exam or physical. Learn more at Medicare.gov.

Get the conversation started at your next wellness visit with this list.

Commit to yearly chats with your doctor about:

• Who will make health care decisions for me if I am unable to

Risk Assessment: Ask your doctor about tests, vaccines, or concerns for:

• Lung cancer (if 80 or younger and if I smoke now or have quit within the last 15 years)

• Osteoporosis

• Pneumonia

• Shingles

Healthy 90s in your

YOU’RE IN YOUR 90s! What can you do to be as healthy as possible? Your yearly wellness visit is a good time to talk about your personalized prevention plan. This plan helps keep you well and healthy. If your doctor or nurse accepts Medicare, you will not pay anything for your yearly wellness visit. The yearly wellness visit is not the same as an annual exam or physical. Learn more at Medicare.gov. Get the conversation started at your next wellness visit with this list.

Commit to yearly chats with your doctor about:

• Who will make health care decisions for me if I am unable to?

Risk Assessment: Ask your doctor about tests, vaccines, or concerns for:

• Osteoporosis

• Pneumonia

• Shingles

This information provided by the Office on Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Faith can move mountains.”

What makes a great Leader?

What sets apart the Legends from the rest?

What common sense values do these Influencers share?

The Leaders & Legends series from Gwinnett Magazine will set your soul on fire with answers to these questions and more! Join us in discovering why it is so important to learn about the successes and failures of those who have come before us.

BEAUTY BALDWIN

WAYNE MASON

MANFRED SANDLER

Baldwin remembers cottonpicking and watching segregation run rampant in 1950s Georgia. Eager to never set foot on a cotton field again, she studied ambitiously through high school and college. Her passion for education saw her becoming a teacher—and the first black female superintendent in Georgia. Baldwin has served on boards, committees and commissions both within and outside education.

Always ambitious, Mason worked innumerable jobs growing up, saving over a thousand dollars by the time he graduated high school. Later, he painted homes with his uncle and bought land with his brother that yielded them over a million dollars. Mason broke into politics in 1972 and is known for his accomplishments toward establishing the county’s water and sewage infrastructures.

Sandler was 23 and working at a military hospital when he unknowingly jotted notes for what would one day influence the blueprint for Gwinnett’s largest stateof-the-art cardiac facility: Strickland Heart Center. A cardiologist, Sandler has earned recognition in Atlanta Magazine and US News and World Report. He also played a role in making the former Gwinnett Medical Center an open-heart full service cardiac facility.

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

—John Maxwell

MELVIN EVERSON

CALVIN WATTS

NICK MASINO

When Everson noticed issues being left unresolved around the city, he ran for Snellville City Council. Since then, he’s held a seat in the Georgia House of Representatives, become Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development and the Executive Director and Administrator of Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity. Currently, Everson serves as a minister at Cross Pointe Church in Duluth.

Taught the value of hard work as a child, Watts recalls completing chores before he was allowed to play outdoors. He incorporated that value into his life, achieving a milestone in 2021 after moving to Atlanta—becoming Gwinnett County Schools superintendent following J. Alvin Wilbanks. Watts currently has over 170,000 students under his purview.

In his mid-20s, Masino dappled with a rezoning near his Suwanee home, which prompted him to take a role on the planning and zoning board of appeals. At 29, he became mayor of Suwanee. He’s also served in economic development leadership and as Gwinnett’s Chief Economic Development Officer. Currently, Masino is Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce president.

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.

—John F. Kennedy

WILLIAM SHEALS

LOUISE RADLOFF

WAYNE HILL

Sheals once had a vision of Christ prompting him to spread the word of the Gospel. In 1980, he delivered his first sermon. Later, he sketched a drawing that materialized to become currentday Hopewell Baptist Church. Thanks to his vision, the church holds 10,000 members who enjoy its 50 ministries and auxiliaries, child development center, an accredited Bible institute and more.

In 1970, when Radloff registered her kids in Norcross Elementary, she was appalled by its abysmal state. She arranged an outstandingly successful cupcake fundraiser that later catapulted her to win the republican bid for the Gwinnett County Board of Education. For her achievements, Radloff has scholarships, societies, and even May 25—“Louise Radloff Day”—named in her honor.

Raised a country boy in Sugar Hill, Georgia, with no college education, Hill has long been recognized as a strong leader in the county. He’s been elected county commission chairman, established Wayne Hill Water Resources Center, played a hand in the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, and has a statue built after him, speaking volumes to his contributions and dedication.

The supreme quality of leadership is integrity.

–Dwight Eisenhower

EASY PECAN PIE

Ingredients

1 cup Light OR Dark Corn Syrup

3 eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1–1/2 cups (6 ounces) coarsely chopped pecans

1 (9-inch) unbaked OR frozen deep-dish pie crust

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix Corn Syrup, eggs, sugar, butter using a spoon or a rubber spatula.

3. Stir in pecans.

4. Pour the mixture into pie crust.

5. Bake on center rack of oven for 60 to 70 minutes.

6. Cool for at least 2 hours on wire rack before serving.

Notes

If you are using a prepared frozen pie crust, place cookie sheet in oven and preheat oven as directed. Pour filling into frozen crust and bake on preheated cookie sheet.

The pie is done when center reaches 200°F. Tap center surface of pie lightly – it should spring back when done. If pie crust is over-browning, cover edges with foil.

Andy Stanley DISCOVER THE BEST USE OF YOUR TIME.

Do you ever look back on certain seasons of your life and wonder where all the time went? Have you ever thought, “How could I have wasted that much time?” or “Why didn’t I spend more time focusing on the most important areas of life?”

We all know our time is limited and will run out some day, but we often don’t live with that reality in mind. Rather than investing consistent amounts of time in important things, we spend our time doing random things that have no cumulative value.

Investing in the relationships in your life and in your personal well-being requires constant effort and commitment. You can’t cram or pull an all-nighter, and you can’t make up for misspent time. In life’s most important areas, small deposits of time over time are what make all the difference.

But how do you navigate the invitations, opportunities, and decisions you face on a daily basis?

It all starts with one question. In light of my past experience, my current circumstances,

and my future hopes and dreams, what is the wise thing to do with my time?

If this question becomes a filter through which you evaluate how you spend your time, you will end up making better decisions in every area of your life.

Look ahead to your desired future. In light of where you’ve been, what’s happening now, and where you want to be in the future, what do you need to do? Where do you need to begin making consistent deposits of time? Reallocating your time can set you up for healthy relationships with the most important people in your life and help create a future without regret.

Time is your most valuable asset. If you determine to live wisely by making the most of your time now, you’ll look back on this season and be glad you did.

Andy Stanley is a communicator, author, pastor and founder of Atlanta-based North Point Ministries, which includes Gwinnett Church in Sugar Hill and Hamilton Mill Church in Buford, as well as six other churches in metro Atlanta and a global network of nearly 100 partner churches.