Grayson | Dacula | Lawrenceville | Snellville | Loganville
On the Cover:
A Decade of Natural Healing: Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies Celebrates 10 Years of Community Care
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
This year marks a meaningful milestone for Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies—ten years of bringing natural, patient-centered healing to Snellville and beyond. What began as one man’s vision has become a thriving wellness clinic and a beacon of holistic health, thanks to the continued leadership of Dr. Powell and the unwavering dedication of the team.
Founded by the beloved Dr. Chris, a familiar name to many across the Southeast from his long-running radio show, the clinic was built on a mission: to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. Dr. Chris’ decades of experience in natural health, chiropractic care, and Nutrition Response Testing created the foundation for a practice where patients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their wellness journey.
In 2015, Dr. Powell assumed ownership of the clinic, carrying forward that legacy while expanding its reach. With over twenty-five years of chiropractic experience, Dr. Powell has treated a diverse range of patients, including newborns, pregnant mothers, young athletes, and seniors. His thoughtful, personalized approach blends the Thompson technique with other proven chiropractic methods, always tailored to meet individual needs.
Dr. Ronda Ward, another key member of the team, brings her expertise in traditional naturopathy and iridology to the practice. Known for her calming presence and deep care for women and children, Dr. Ward continues to offer gentle yet powerful solutions to chronic health concerns using time-honored, natural methods.
continuing to support a birthing center in Haiti.
Together, the team at Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies offers a unique blend of services—from chiropractic and Zyto scanning to NES bioenergetics, custom orthotics, and nutrition-based lab testing. It’s a place where healing truly comes naturally. But the clinic’s impact doesn’t stop at the office doors.
The nonprofit arm, Mission Life Georgia, has spent the past decade delivering holistic healthcare to underserved communities both locally and internationally. Since its inception, the organization has completed seven mission trips to Jamaica and two to Haiti, providing free chiropractic care, nutritional support, and love to those in need.
Mission Life Georgia has also become a local partner, offering free exams to athletes participating in the Special Olympics of Georgia, and
And now, there’s even more to celebrate: Mission Life Georgia is officially a registered NGO in Jamaica, with a new headquarters in Trelawny set to open soon. This permanent base will enable the organization to expand its reach and establish sustainable partnerships on the island for years to come.
“We’ve come this far by faith, teamwork, and community,” says Dr. Powell. “We’re just getting started.”
As the clinic celebrates its ten-year anniversary, the team invites the community to help shape the next decade. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word, every act of support makes a difference. Mission Life Georgia is currently accepting product donations and financial contributions to support their upcoming 2025 mission trip to Jamaica.
More information at www.drchrisnaturalremedies.com or 770.979.5125
Our Town
Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett/Walton area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.
Entire contents copyright 2025 by Our Town Gwinnett Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.
Publisher/Owner
Dr. Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com
Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com
Editor
Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com
Cover Photography
Emil Powella
Photography
Distribution
Coordinator
Holly Cooks
Cover Story
Feature
Writer
Kristen Eleveld Feature
Jenna Cooper
Victoria R. Crosby
Tana Poncsak
Traci Sanders
Contributing Writers
Jane Bishop
Dr. Jenny Reesman
Tanisha Turner
Pam Walker
IN THIS ISSUE
5 On the Cover: A Decade of Natural Healing: Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies Celebrates 10 Years of Community Care
7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
7 Heading Back to School: Drive Carefully
9 Learning Lessons: Teaching Little Hands to Make a Big Difference
9 Pet Perch: Oh How (Not) Sweet It Is!
9 Family Fun as Summer Ends and School Begins
10 Navigate…A Word for Your Day
10 Travel Tales: Exploring the Amazon!
10 Catching Up with Exit 21 Transport of Atlanta
12 Shift… A Word for Your Day
12 Up Close with Books and Brew
13 Enjoy the Water: Boat Confidently with These Tips
13 One Man’s Opinion: Ending a Bad Dye Job
From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanTSauers @RyanTSauers
Well, hello, Our Town community. Welcome to August 2025, can you believe it? Summer break is wrapping up, school bells are warming up, and before long, footballs and falling leaves will be in the air.
This month brings fresh routines and new momentum. And in that spirit, I want to revisit something I believe deeply in: GRIT Not just the kind of grit that powers through tough times, but the kind that grows people, strengthens communities, and builds leaders.
Grit was at the heart of my doctoral research in leadership. Why do some people persevere while others give up? Why do some thrive under pressure? The common denominator: grit. And I’ve shaped it into an acronym that still rings true today.
G is for Growth.
Growth doesn’t happen in comfort. It happens when we’re stretched, challenged, and a little unsure. Whether you’re starting a new school year, launching a project, or navigating a life change—lean into the discomfort. That’s where real growth lives.
R is for Resilience.
Life throws curveballs—some expected, some not. Resilience is our bounce-back factor. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about showing up anyway, especially when things feel uncertain.
I is for Initiative.
In a world full of distractions and delays, initiative sets you apart. Don’t wait to be asked. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Take the lead—at home, at work, in your community. Start the conversation. Make the move.
Continued on page 14
Heading Back to School: Drive Carefully
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
As 1.6 million children across Georgia return to school, AAA urges motorists to slow down and stay alert in neighborhoods and school zones. They also must be especially vigilant for pedestrians before and after school hours. Children are particularly vulnerable during the afternoon hours following their school day. Over the last decade, nearly one-third of child pedestrian fatalities occurred between 3 and 6 p.m.
“We are aware of the risk to children in and around school zones, which is why we developed the AAA’s School’s Open–Drive Carefully awareness campaign to help curb unsafe driving behavior near schools,” said Garrett Townsend, Georgia Public Affairs Director, AAA-The Auto Club Group. “If Georgia motorists slow down and stay alert, they can save lives.”
The AAA School’s Open Drive Carefully awareness campaign was launched in 1946 to prevent school-related child pedestrian traffic crashes, helping kids live fulfilling, injury-free lives.
Continued on page 15
Learning Lessons: Teaching Little Hands to Make a Big Difference
By Tanisha Turner
In today’s world, it is important to take purposeful steps to help children grow up to be compassionate and generous human beings. Children who learn the value of giving back at a young age are better able to develop a sense of empathy and citizenship. In addition, research shows that young children who have high prosocial skills – or behaviors meant to benefit another – are also among the most cognitively ready for school.
While teaching young children the joy of giving back can seem overwhelming for parents, helping to instill these attributes in your little ones may be simpler than you think. A study conducted by two Harvard anthropologists, John and Beatrice Whiting, observed the altruistic practices of children of six different cultures. Their findings indicate that, regardless of culture, gender, or socioeconomic status, the most significant differentiating variable is that children assigned more household responsibilities are more helpful and giving.
Encouraging children to contribute to the well-being of the family at a young age – by taking care of the family’s pets, helping parents care for younger siblings, and performing household chores – teaches them the importance of giving back, and, more importantly, the sense of fulfillment derived from helping others. Parents can use the following tips to help nurture selflessness and generosity in children at home:
1. Model kindness to your child and others. Let your child see you offering to help a neighbor or co-worker and express to him or her the happiness you feel when helping others.
2. Remind your child how helping benefits others. Include your child in
Pet Perch: Oh How (Not) Sweet It Is!
By Dr. Jenny Reesman
“I know Cheeto is a little big. I mean, just more of him to love!” “Yeah, the litter box has been awfully full lately.” “What? Cheeto is diabetic? What do I do now?”
Cats are typically type 2 diabetics, meaning they are often insulin resistant and there are predisposing factors to becoming diabetic, like being overweight.
The most common symptoms of diabetes in both cats and dogs are increased thirst and urination, which is often noted in cats where the litter is more saturated and trips in and out of the box are more frequent. Cats are typically also not big water drinkers, so seeing cats sitting by the water bowl can also be an indicator of something going on.
Other things that we see are litter stuck to the paws (the urine is sticky with all that sugar!) and weight loss despite a great appetite. If you see symptoms likes these in your cat, it is time for a trip to the vet. Diagnosis is typically made with blood work and urinalysis, and those tests are also used to rule out other diseases that can cause similar symptoms.
Diabetes can be manageable using either oral medication or insulin injections, but the best thing you can do is keep your pet at an ideal body weight. Encouraging activity with toys and laser pointers, portion control and limiting treats can all help your pet maintain a healthy weight. Having a fat cat may seem cute, but diabetes is not so sweet!
More information at https://www.brookwoodanimal.com/
simple activities by asking for help. For instance, you might say, “Who wants to be my special helper today and help carry laundry to the washer?
We won’t have clean clothes without you!” Or, “The dog looks hungry. I bet he’d really appreciate it if you gave him his food and water.”
3. Acknowledge helpful behavior
Show your appreciation and explain why it was helpful to you. For example, rather than just saying “Thank you,” instead say, “Thank you for helping me carry the dishes to the kitchen without being asked. That saved me a lot of time.”
4. Encourage giving. If another child doesn’t have a toy to play with, suggest that your child offer a toy so they can have something fun to play with.
5. Avoid rewarding generosity. Avoid material rewards for helping and giving behaviors. Treats for good deeds may work in the short term, but children may become less generous over time when the rewards stop.
You may also consider taking your child with you to volunteer for a nonprofit organization. Choosing age-appropriate volunteer activities is important. Children as young as three years old enjoy participating in group activities and are able to follow directions. Think through the following questions to help select a volunteer opportunity that is right for your family: Does the organization have experience working with children and families? Will the organization staff welcome my child’s participation? Is there a specific job that my child can do successfully? Can the organization help my child understand how his or her efforts benefit others?
Compassion and generosity are important traits for every person to have. Helping young children learn the joy and fulfillment of lending a helping hand to others will empower them to make a difference in the world, both as children and adults.
Family Fun as Summer Ends and School Begins
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
As the school bells begin to ring and the summer sunshine starts to fade into the schedules of fall, it’s easy to feel like the fun is ending. But here at Our Town Gwinnett, we believe some of the best family memories happen in the “in-between” moments—like these last few weeks of summer and the early days of a new school year.
To help you get the most out of this transitional season, we’ve put together some simple, low-cost ideas to keep the fun going and the family connected.
1. One Last Summer Adventure
Before everyone gets buried in backpacks and busy days, plan one final summer fun event. Whether it’s a picnic at Stone Mountain Park, a splash at the local pool, or a backyard camping night, the goal is simple: unplug and enjoy each other.
2. Back-to-School Bucket List
Create a short list of fun goals to kick off the school year. Ideas like “try a new dessert recipe,” “have a pajama breakfast,” or “walk to school as a family” help make the transition from summer to going back to school feel exciting instead of stressful.
3. Game Night, Light Night
Choose one night a week when electronics go off and laughter takes over.
Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com or call 770513-0066. Continued
Navigate…A Word for Your Day
By Jane Bishop
Life is often called a journey, but do we consider the skills needed to navigate it? Navigation involves planning and directing to find a way through a complex system or situation. We need tools, i.e. life skills, to navigate daily life with clarity, confidence, and direction.
We can use navigators’ skills in life to guide life decisions. These skills can provide insights to move forward, adjust when needed, and stay aligned with a bigger picture. Consider these parallels for navigation skills to inspire your personal journey:
1. Reading a Map = Self-Awareness Navigators use maps and compasses. In life, our map is our inner sense of values, vision, and purpose, i.e. our CORE. Self-awareness is key to understanding where we are, what matters most, and what direction feels true. This internal compass is required to avoid drifting through life so that we live with intention and direction.
2. Plotting a Course = Goal Setting
A skilled navigator charts a course. Likewise, setting clear goals gives life structure. Goal setting connects today’s actions to tomorrow’s outcomes.
3. Adjusting to Weather = Adaptability
Storms and detours are inevitable. Navigation—and life—require flexibility. When things don’t go as planned, resilience helps you stay grounded. Rather than resisting change, choose to adapt and adjust while keeping your purpose in sight.
4. Using Landmarks = Seeking Guidance Navigators rely on landmarks, lighthouses, and signals. Who are your life landmarks? Mentors, feedback, and supportive communities are examples. When the path is unclear, wise counsel can help you reorient.
5. Making Mid-Course Changes = Problem Solving
Even with the best plans, conditions shift. Navigation teaches us that it’s not failure to change direction—it’s wisdom. Learning to reassess and make thoughtful decisions is a key life skill that turns setbacks into steppingstones.
Navigating life isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about being willing to move, to adjust, and to trust the process. The more you practice these navigation-style life skills, the more equipped you’ll be to steer your life with purpose.
So, stop, pause, and think. Check your inner compass. Adjust your route if needed and move forward—not perfectly, but intentionally. That’s what it means to effectively navigate life.
More information at www.janebishoplive.com.
Catching Up with Exit 21 Transport of Atlanta
By Kristen Eleveld
Carlik Jones is passionate about a lot of things, but one in particular takes a high priority: excellent client service. It is with that goal in mind that he and his father, Raymond Jones, have created a company that provides transportation services to hundreds of clients.
As the founder and co-owner of Exit 21 Transport of Atlanta, Carlik understands better than most just how important paying attention to the little details is. It can make a service go from good to great to above and beyond. Carlik and his team are always striving for the highest tier of excellence when it comes to the care shown to their clients’ needs.
“We are car enthusiasts,” said Carlik. “We found that services for towing and transportation were limited, and we decided to fill that need.”
Named for the well-known Roosevelt exit in New York, Exit 21 Transport of Atlanta has made a name for itself as it provides only top-notch service for all clients great and small. Whether they are transporting a vehicle for a city official, Falcons player, or just giving a tow to someone in need, the team at Exit 21 is committed to treating each vehicle it transports like it’s a $100,000 car.
“We offer white glove executive service. Think of us like a butler for cars,” said Carlik. “We use logistics tools to stay on schedule and are constantly evaluating new resources to be sure we can always communicate with a client.”
In addition to recognizing how important a vehicle is to its owner, regardless of the reason, Carlik and Raymond also place a high priority on customer contact and making sure a client is never left waiting without com-
Travel Tales: Exploring the Amazon!
By Pam Walker
There are many great rivers in the world: the Nile, the Yangtze, the Mississippi, and the Mekong, to name a few. But also in this list is the amazing Amazon. The Nile wins in the distance category by a few hundred feet only, but the Amazon wins in biodiversity.
The Amazon flows from the Andes and innermost regions of Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, and exits in the Atlantic Ocean in Brazil. Its rainforest is the largest on earth, and its river basin is teeming with wildlife! There are many creatures in the Amazon basin—such as monkeys, giant snakes called Anacondas, jaguars, and carnivorous plants that prey on insects— that inhabit the forest to survive. In the river itself, pink dolphins swim alongside flesh-eating piranha fish.
The native tribes there survive on what the river and its creatures provide, and even we in the USA depend on the river’s resources for items such as medicinal plants, rubber, and exotic fruits. Tourism is a big business for the Amazon. So many people want the opportunity to see this great river and experience the largest biosphere in the world.
In the past, there was a small tourist ship called the Little Red Boat that operated between Manaus, Brazil and Iquitos, Peru. However, now there are only small yet super deluxe ships that cover the Andean portion in Ecuador or Peru. On the Brazilian end there are deluxe hotels and lodges in the rainforest and even some less deluxe ships for charter. There are, of course, the riverboats that the locals take, where you hang your hammock on deck to sleep at night, and the food is river fish and fruit for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Prices on Amazon cruises range from $2,000 for 3 or 4 nights to $8,000 for the deluxe ships on the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon.
These recommended ships are small and deluxe, with a limited number of cabins and suites. The full picture windows in each cabin are well worth the money to see where the waters of this great river mix with the smaller tributaries. You can also see and sometimes swim with the pink dolphins on some of their shore excursions. Even visits to the local villages and hikes in the forest are included. The best time to travel is during the transition between the wet and dry seasons, in May and June.
The Amazon is a fascinating trip for anyone who loves adventure and wants to explore the world’s most incredible ecosystem. When do you want to go?
Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More information at pam@ walkeradventurers.com
Shift… A Word for Your Day
By Jane Bishop
What thoughts surface when you think of “shift”? One definition of shift, from Oxford languages is “move or cause to move from one place to another, especially over a small distance.” Simon T. Bailey wrote Shift Your Brilliance several years ago. It is a book I recommend as it offers thinking from a different perspective to help anyone who is stuck in “neutral” to shift and move forward.
Shifting can be a challenge. I remember when I learned to drive a standard transmission car (which I really enjoy driving!). As I practiced the shift of clutch, brake, and accelerator, it took time to get to that “sweet spot” of all working precisely at the right moment to make the gear change smoothly. How exhilarating it was the first time it happened! It took repetition and practice for the shifting to happen consistently and become second nature.
Effective self-leadership recognizes when we must make a shift. We make many shifts during the course of the day that are second nature. Each shift requires a choice. Because I often view situations as “a story and/or example of a concept,” I recently experienced several shifts in the span of twenty minutes! It was a nice day, and I was completing errands. I decided to treat myself to an ice cream cone on my way home. Here is the progression of shifts:
Location #1: out of ice cream. No problem, I said to myself. I made the shift and drove across the street to another option.
Location #2: closed/out of business. Shift again so I decide on another business on my route home.
Location #3: The computer system was down and unable to take orders or payments! Really?!
The next shift was to decide if I would continue my mission of getting ice cream or journey home. In the interest of time, I drove home and shifted my desire for a treat to something else! You may not find the humor in this story. However, I do believe it reflects the connection between shifts, choice, and change. The “Janeism” that came out of that twenty minute of shifts is this: “to shift your mindset, start with a consistent conscious choice.”
As I work with individuals, groups and teams and empower them to create their shifts, the results they experience are sustainable! When we choose to shift, it can be refreshing to experience the change!
“Change is hard because people overestimate the value of what they have and underestimate the value of what they may gain by giving that up.”
(James Belasco and Ralph Stayer)
How will you practice a shift to move forward?
More information at www.janebishoplive.com.
Up Close with Books and Brew
By Victoria R. Crosby
When Irene Bethelmie retired after forty years in the medical field, she was pondering what the next chapter of her life would bring. Her daughter Quinelle and her boyfriend Nate, who both have law degrees, started to discuss the idea of a book shop, and they all partnered to create Books and Brew, a “home away from home where people can socialize, work, and find comfort throughout the day into the evening.”
Located at 4316 Lawrenceville Highway in Tucker, Books and Brew serves wine, beer, coffee, and tea, and delicious stews, with a choice of vegetable, beef, lamb, or chicken stew. The lamb stew is made with Guinness, which, as I grew up in England, is my favorite.
Quinelle is also an artist whose paintings hang on the walls and are for sale. Although she has had no formal art training since high school, her artistic side is noticeably evident in her paintings, her poetry, her cooking, and the overall stylish design of the space with its tables, comfy chairs and couches, and a spectacular lighting fixture as you enter.
The shelves are filled with books that cover many subjects for adults and children, and include new and used books. Frequent events include books signings, a book club, and authors talking on popular topics.
“Out Loud with Beck” is an open mic night every other Friday from 7 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., and is led by poet Beck Duffield. She reads work from her book Letters from the Front, and invites others to read their own work or by their favorite poets. A diverse group of poets attend each session. Some are experienced with books of their own to sell, and some have never read in public before, but are encouraged and applauded for their courage. I have read inspirational, humorous, and British themed poetry from my own poetry books, and have found that the people who attend are also an appreciative audience of my three political, satirical, poetry books. My book of short stories Close Encounters of the Elvis Kind is now available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Both Quinelle and Irene shared their poetry with the group in between serving food and drinks and selling books. Poets and writers of all experience levels are welcome to come and share some of their work.
Stop in and feel free to browse while enjoying a drink of your favorite brew, whether it’s wine, beer, coffee, or tea. You’ll be welcomed by Irene, Quinelle, or Nate, and possibly all three.
More information at www.booksandbrew.net or Instagram and Facebook @thebooksandbrew
Exit 21 Transport of Atlanta
Continued from page 10
they do not leave so much as a smudge on any surface inside the vehicle.
“We’re always on time and we work to keep our trucks as clean as possible,” said Carlik. “We consider ourselves an extension of the dealers or companies we work for when we’re on the field, and we want to represent them well.”
Exit 21 has seen a lot of success, but they are committed to focusing on quality over quantity. So even as they look to expand some of their resources, their first priority is always to maintain the excellent customer service that keeps clients coming back for more.
“We won’t sacrifice the quality of our service for anything,” said Carlik.
For those who need to reserve services in advance, the process is easy. Just call (678) 861-8693 and speak to Raymond about your needs. But if you find yourself in an emergency and need a quick tow, go ahead and give Raymond a call, too.
If you want help moving your priceless vehicle, want to know how Exit 21 can assist with your fleet, or just need a quick tow—the answer is always the same. Reach out to Exit 21 Transport of Atlanta today.
More information at https://www.exit-21towing.com/, (678) 861-8693
Enjoy the Water: Boat Confidently with These Tips
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
Spending time on the water with your crew on or before Labor Day weekend?
There’s no better place to be! Boating, a longstanding American pastime, has seen a surge in popularity as millions of people recognize it gives you the freedom to explore and is one of the most fun, relaxing ways to escape stress on land. Plus, studies show being on the water improves health and wellness. It makes sense why a record number of newcomers purchased their first boat over the past two years.
Whether you’re new to boating or an experienced captain still navigating best practices for enjoying a day on the water, remember it should be fun, not intimidating. Understanding the basics on what to do and what to bring will help make you a safer, more confident boater while creating lasting memories.
“If you are looking for fun and adventure this summer, on the water with friends and family is where it’s at,” said Ellen Bradley, senior vice president of Discover Boating. “There’s nothing more enjoyable and relaxing than a day on a boat with your favorite people. Before you take the helm, learning the basic boating essentials will help ensure a fun and safe experience for all involved.”
Below are some tips from Discover Boating to improve your nautical know-how in no time to ensure the best possible experience on (and off) the water.
1. Learn the rules of the water. It is important to have the boating information and certifications you need to be a safe and responsible boater. By consulting Discover Boating’s safe boating tips, developing a safety checklist and obtaining the necessary training or certificates in your state, you not only protect yourself and your passengers but also other boaters on the water.
2. Take a class. Take the helm and become a confident boater. Sign up for a boating lesson to hone your powerboating, sailing, or watersports skills by mastering the basics while having fun along the way. On-water training courses, watersports camps, youth boating programs, and more are offered across the U.S.
3. Visit a boat show. Boat shows are an ideal place to immerse yourself in the boating lifestyle and provide a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with – and shop – a variety of boat dealers and marine product companies all under one roof. Most boat shows also offer educational opportunities (often complimentary) whether you’re a seasoned skipper looking to improve your skills or a new boater looking for tips on everything from boating safety to navigation and boat operation. Find a boat show in your area.
4. Look for the seal of approval. When shopping for a boat, whether at a Continued on page 15
One Man’s Opinion: Ending a Bad Dye Job
By Bill Crane
Colorful candies and cereals, cheese “singles” brighter than the color of any real cheese, mac n’ cheese without any real dairy—these are the food staples of my childhood and adolescence. Though I am still standing, I am also battling a highly aggressive form of colon cancer. Not blaming the artificial food coloring dyes or preservatives, but the data on both has been troubling for decades now.
I am a capitalist and want companies, large and small, to make a profit. American food manufacturers began using food coloring and dyes in the early 1900s. The U.S. government initially permitted the use of food dyes in butter and cheese. Many of the earliest artificial colors and dyes were derived from coal tar, a toxic byproduct of burning coal to produce energy. Coal tar plants, which powered stations, were subsequently taken out of service or banned due to a variety of negative environmental impacts, and the food industry largely shifted to petroleum-based dyes.
Due to health concerns and numerous studies linking these dyes to cancer, the European Union and Canada banned the use of most petroleum-based artificial dyes during the 2000s. Yellow 5, Red 40 and six other dyes—used to enhance products from Froot Loops to Nutri-Grain cereal bars—are called the “rainbow of risk” by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. They were banned in Norway, Finland, France, Austria, and the U.K. on June 25, 2013. Gatorade is not sold in most European countries due to the use of yellow dyes #5 and #6. There are, of course, natural alternatives; yet big food will repeatedly cite consumers and especially children preferring brighter colored food and products.
The most popular color additives are Red #40 (patent number), Yellow #5, and Yellow #6, making up almost 90% of all food dye used in the United
Continued on page 15
T is for Tenacity.
Tenacity is what keeps us going when the excitement wears off and the obstacles show up. It’s digging deep, sticking with it, and pushing through— not because it’s easy, but because it matters.
Here in our community, I see or hear about GRIT every day. The educator adjusting to new demands. The small business owner chasing a vision. The student defying the odds. The neighbor stepping in quietly to help someone else. These aren’t just acts of grit—they’re examples of leadership in action.
So, as August unfolds, let’s recommit to living with grit. Let’s grow, bounce back, step forward, and refuse to give up. Let’s model this for the next generation—because trust me, they’re watching.
And remember: Behind every problem is a potential solution. If you want something badly enough, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.
Here’s to a month of fresh starts, focused effort, and finishing what we begin. As always, thank you for being part of my town, your town… OUR TOWN.
STORMS CAN DAMAGE YOUR ROOF WITHOUT YOU EVEN KNOWING.
KNOWING FOR SURE, COSTS NOTHING. NOT KNOWING CAN COST THOUSANDS.
One Man’s
States, according to Healthline. Artificial food dye consumption in the U.S. has increased by 500% over the past fifty years.
Perhaps if the packaging contained cancer warnings, like those on cigarettes, those preferences would quickly wane. Froot Loops cereal in the U.S. remains much brighter and possibly even tastier—as well as having the real potential of being more deadly with long-term consumption.
There is plenty of precedent for prior banning of toxic dyes, including the earlier prohibition of use of Red #1,2,4, and 32. Yellow #1,2,3, and 4. Violet #1, Orange #1 and 2, and my favorites (in terms of the name), Sudan #1 and Butter Yellow (banned in 1919).
Longtime plaintiff attorney and now Secretary of Health & Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., announced plans earlier this spring to ban all petroleum-based dyes and artificial food colorings from the U.S. food supply. Kennedy has been winning multi-million-dollar judgments for similar concerns with Big Food for decades. And before those regulations are even in draft form, Heinz/Kraft Foods and General Mills, two of the larger players in the industry globally, have announced their proactive phase-out and removal of these dyes in all of their product lines by 2027. So, within two years, though Kraft Singles won’t actually be cheese, and its Mac n’ Cheese will no longer contain petroleum byproducts, healthier options like turmeric will become coloring staples.
However, the cereal king, Kellogg’s, recently sold, and M&M/Mars, one of the world’s largest candy and confectionery manufacturers, are still clinging to the toxic dyes. M&M says that its candies won’t look or taste as good using natural/organic products. Thank you for making it easier for me to leave behind my beloved M&M Peanuts. And Froot Loops and Toucan Sam will continue to share that same toxic rainbow we expect for years to come.
Summer Ends and School Begins
Cont’d from page 9
Playing board games, flashlight hide-and-seek, or having a family karaoke session can bring out everyone’s inner kid.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
The first week of school brings big emotions for students and parents. Celebrate completing the first day, turning in the first assignment, or simply waking up on time with a high five, a special snack, or a note of encouragement.
5. Visit a Local Favorite
Take advantage of our wonderful Gwinnett community! Visit a local farmers market, grab a treat from a small business, or attend a free outdoor concert. Supporting local while bonding as a family? That’s a win-win.
6. Sunday Setup, Together
Make Sunday evenings a time for family planning. Review everyone’s weekly schedule, set goals, pack backpacks—and end with a fun tradition like make-your-own pizza night. When kids feel involved, they feel empowered.
As one season ends and another begins, remember this: family time doesn’t have to be fancy to be meaningful. Just a few intentional moments each week can keep your home feeling connected, calm, and joyful.
From all of us at Our Town Gwinnett, we’re wishing your family a happy, healthy start to the school year.
Heading Back to School
Continued from page 7
AAA offers seven ways to keep kids safe this school year:
1. Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling 25 m.p.h. is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 m.p.h. faster. A difference between 25 m.p.h. and 35 m.p.h. can save a life.
2. Eliminate distractions. Children often cross the road unexpectedly and may emerge suddenly between two parked cars. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing.
3. Reverse responsibly. Every vehicle has blind spots. Check for children on the sidewalk, driveway, and around your vehicle before slowly backing up. Teach your children to never play in, under, or around vehicles – even parked ones.
4. Talk to your teen. Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death for teens in the United States, and more than one-quarter of fatal crashes
I, of course, routinely comment here when I think the Trump Administration has misstepped. This is instead a call for applause and a tip of the hat for protecting American health and holding Big Food accountable, particularly for products aimed at children. We recognize both good and bad deeds here. Start taking your readers with you when grocery shopping and feel safer knowing that soon, only actual organic tomato coloring will be inside Heinz Ketchup and other beloved brand staples. However, please note that the phase-out will take some time and is not yet universal. This is one BAD DYE JOB that completely needs to go.
Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
the Water: Continued from page 13
boat show, online, or at a dealership, check to make sure it is NMMA Certified. NMMA Certified boat and trailer manufacturers have been independently inspected to ensure they meet strict industry standards for safety and construction, as well as all federal regulations. Look for the NMMA Certified sticker near the helm of a boat.
5. Preserve your boat with proper maintenance. Like cars, there are a few areas that require regular maintenance by the owner, and a few areas that require maintenance at routine intervals, which most leave to the professionals. Prepare a boat maintenance checklist that covers everything from engine needs to cleaning to electrical systems to ensure your boat has a long lifespan.
Enjoy your next boating adventure and be sure to use the social media hashtag #SeeYouOutHere to share your favorite moments on the water. (BPT)
involving teen drivers occur during the after-school hours of 3 to 7 p.m.
5. Come to a complete stop. Research shows that over one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, checking carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding.
6. Watch for bicycles. Children on bicycles are often inexperienced, unsteady, and unpredictable. Slow down and allow at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle and the bicycle. If your child rides a bicycle to school, require that he or she wears a properly fitted bicycle helmet on every ride.
7. Look for AAA School Safety Patrollers. More than 679,000 AAA School Safety Patrollers stand guard at over 35,000 schools nationwide. When you see one, a school zone is likely nearby.
“If parents and other driver’s follow these simple rules when driving in and around school zones, countless children can avoid injury and death,” says Townsend. “It’s up to us to help all drivers become more aware of the risks of driving around our schools.”
