2026 FALL/HOLIDAY EDITION Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
OurTown
GWINNETT
Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker
Catching Up with Green Financial Resources See Story on page 5
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Roger and Andrew Green are Investment Advisor Representatives offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, Broker/Dealer, member FINRA, SIPC. Green Financial and Cetera Advisors are not affiliated. Green Financial Resources 2014-2025 Best of Gwinnett Awards issued by Gwinnett Magazine. Winners chosen by a combination of readers’ votes and editors’ input across more than 20 business sectors. Results are further vetted through available info, such as Better Business Bureau records. Multiple winners in each sector may finish as “Best”, “Among the Best”, or “Ones to Watch”, depending on the size of the market sector. Awards do not guarantee future results, nor are they an endorsement by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly for these awards. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Advisors LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice. Since 1997, located at 3700 Crestwood Pkwy, Ste 140, Duluth GA 30096
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2026 FALL/HOLIDAY Edition Our Town Gwinnett
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Catching Up with Green Financial Resources By Our Town Gwinnett Staff Planning for your future can feel overwhelming. When looking for someone to help you plan for your financial future, you need a team with experience and a commitment to putting your needs first. For those in Gwinnett (and beyond) that company is Green Financial Resources, LLC (GFR) in Duluth. For nearly 40 years, President and CEO Roger Green—working alongside son Andrew for the past 10 years—has been helping people do more with what they have. According to Roger, the secret to their decades of success comes down to a simple focus on helping others while delivering responsive service. Unlike most financial firms, GFR does not require a minimum amount of money for their guidance. Their goal is to help everyone make the most of whatever they have. The firm maintains a team with an intense focus on customer service. This people-first approach has earned the firm widespread recognition. A twelve-year Gwinnett Magazine Best of Gwinnett (2014-2025) winner, GFR also won the 2024 Culture Creator Award from the Gwinnett Chamber, and was twice a Chamber Small Business Award winner (2008 and 2016). Demonstrating their focus on all-around excellence, GFR has been a finalist each year from 2023 to 2026 in three award categories: Culture Creator, Community Contributor, and Small Business. Roger received a 2018 Gwinnett Chamber Public Service Award. The team is proud of these accolades, but they view them as a natural byproduct of their true mission: helping people.
Roger and Andrew have a combined 47+ years of experience helping thousands with a multitude of financial decisions. Their core focus is on guiding investment decisions, but most clients partner with them for 10, 20, 30, or more years and receive the benefit of ongoing life guidance: • Smart Investing: Allocation and diversification decisions • Major Life Purchases: Homes, boats, college tuition, etc. • Retirement & Transitions: Retirement and Social Security timing, managing an inheritance, and life change planning • Tax Reduction and Deferral Planning • Small Business Planning • Protecting Your Legacy: Ensuring your family is taken care of later Getting started is easy. GFR offers a no-cost initial 1-2-hour in-person or Zoom meeting to review your financial situation, discuss your questions on a wide range of financial topics, and provide no-obligation recommendations. More information at RogerSGreen. com or (770)931-1414.
Roger and Andrew Green are Investment Advisor Representatives offering securities and advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, Broker/Dealer, member FINRA, SIPC. Green Financial and Cetera Advisors are not affiliated. Best of Gwinnett Awards issued by Gwinnett Magazine. Winners chosen by a combination of readers’ votes and editors’ input across more than 20 business sectors. Results are further vetted through available info. Multiple winners in each sector may finish as “Best” or “Among the Best”, depending on the size of the sector. Gwinnett Chamber Small Business Awards are based on nominations in different categories. Nominees will complete an application covering growth, revenue, community service, and other criteria reviewed by a Chamber committee. Gwinnett Chamber Public Service Award Winner determined primarily based on the advisor’s services and benefits rendered the community as a whole, over and beyond excellence in one's own profession. Awards do not guarantee future results, nor are they an endorsement by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly for these awards. Neither Cetera Advisors LLC nor any of its representatives may give legal or tax advice, so please also consult with a tax or legal advisor. Since 1997, located at 3700 Crestwood Pkwy, Ste 140, Duluth GA 30096.
2026 FALL/HOLIDAY Edition Our Town Gwinnett
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Our Town
Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine — An EndResultz Media Company
Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett/NE DeKalb 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 2026 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
Cover Photography Emil Powella Photography
Creative Director Bruce Carlton
Distribution Coordinator Rob Rome
Editor Catherine L. Osornio
Cover Story Feature Writer Kristen Eleveld
Feature Writers Jenna Cooper Victoria R. Crosby Tana Poncsak Traci Sanders Contributing Writers Jane Bishop Dr. Jenny Reesman Pam Walker
IN THIS ISSUE
5 On the Cover: Catching Up with Green Financial Resources 7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks 7 Pet Perch: Turkey and Pie...Oh My!! 8 Milepost: A Word for the Day 10 Travel Tales: Fall and Holiday Travel Planning 10 Get Ready for Soups and Ciders – It’s Officially Fall! 11 Thanksgiving Tips: How to Practice Gratitude 12 Holiday Matters: Make Your Holidays Stress-Free 13 The Season of Simple Joys: Slowing Down to Savor What Matters Most 13 Finding Light When It Gets Dark Early 15 First Woman Archbishop of Canterbury 15 The City of Lilburn Holds the Inaugural Fiesta in the Park Event
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From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers @RyanTSauers
@RyanTSauers
Hello, Our Town Community. Can you believe we are already in fall and nearing the end of the year? Wow, it feels like it was not long ago that I was writing about the beginning of 2026. Time flies, and we must be grateful for each moment. November is a great time to reflect on our journey, express gratitude for the blessings around us, and draw inspiration from our community’s unwavering spirit. In this season of change, I encourage us to pause and count our blessings, no matter how small they may seem. Gratitude is a powerful force that can transform our lives. When we focus on the positive aspects of our lives, we build resilience and find strength in the face of challenges. Our community is resilient, and one we should all be proud of. It supports one another through thick and thin. Let us carry this spirit forward into the coming months, standing together, shoulder to shoulder, as we continue to grow and thrive. As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, remember that each day is an opportunity for growth and positive change. This is the time of year to set new goals and aspirations, big or small. It’s the perfect moment to take that step you’ve been putting off, start that project you’ve been dreaming about, or strengthen the bonds with your neighbors and friends. The holiday season is just around the corner, and it’s a time to come together to spread love and joy throughout our community. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger charitable efforts, let us remember the importance of giving and sharing. As we enjoy the warmth of our homes and the love of our families, let us also consider those who may be less fortunate and find ways to extend a helping hand. As we embrace this special time of year, remember that we are an unstoppable force when working together. We must UNITE (come together), not UNTIE (drift apart). The letters of each word are the same, but by changing their order, they mean entirely different things. I hope you have a blessed and wonderful fall and holiday season. One filled with downtime and enjoyment of all we have to be thankful for. Finally, and as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!
Pet Perch: Turkey and Pie…Oh My!! By Dr. Jennifer Reesman I can already smell the turkey in the oven and the cranberry sauce simmering on the stove, and I can feel the crisp fall air. Thanksgiving is around the corner, and the food festivities are about to commence! One of my dogs is probably already prepping his saddest looking face for a long day of begging grandma for a bite, and hoping that something, even just a tidbit, falls from the table. When it comes to the holidays, there is the right and wrong way to give our pets a little something extra. First, if your pets are like some of mine, they are on a very strict diet for medical reasons. These pets cannot have anything outside their usual diet as it could cause these conditions to no longer be regulated. Second, if your pet is not used to table food, I would avoid it as no one wants to be cleaning up diarrhea, let alone with a house full of guests, or at the ER because of acute pancreatitis! For my pets that do get a little something extra (yes, those begging eyes even work on me), my household follows some rules. First, pets do not get anything without asking the vet. Luckily for them, I live there. That said, please consult with your vet if you want to give your pet anything outside their usual diet. They know your pet! Second, it’s all lean and bland. We reserve a few potatoes before they are mixed with butter and milk, a small piece of white
Continued on page 9
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Milepost…A Word for the Day By Jane Bishop There are seasons in life when we find ourselves traveling through unfamiliar territory—new beginnings, unexpected detours, difficult decisions, or stretches where the road ahead feels uncertain. During those times, guidance can be an extraordinary gift. I remember preparing for my first trip to Alaska, a driving adventure from Anchorage to Fairbanks, then to Denali National Park, and back again. Having never been to Alaska, I had little sense of its vastness. A friend who had traveled there several times strongly encouraged me to buy a Milepost Guide—a detailed resource that identifies what is and is not available at each milepost along the journey. This same friend also shared practical advice on fuel, supplies, and preparation so I wouldn’t find myself stranded in such a remote landscape. What a gift that guidance became. The Milepost Guide didn’t drive the journey for me. It simply helped me know what to expect, so I could travel with greater confidence. Once I began my travels, I quickly understood why the Milepost Guide mattered. Alaska is breathtakingly beautiful, but it is also immense. There are long stretches where miles pass without services, signs of life, or even another traveler. I vividly remember driving through what felt like endless wilderness when, quite unexpectedly, a small road appeared with nothing more than a lone mailbox beside it—no house in sight. It was a reminder that things aren’t always as they first appear. Life can feel that way too. “Mileposts don’t change the journey; they change the traveler by helping us see where we are, what lies ahead, and how to move forward with confidence.” - Janeism We all encounter seasons where we wonder what lies ahead, what resources we’ll need, and whether we’re prepared for the journey. We search for direction, reassurance, and signs that we’re still on the right road. Perhaps that’s Continued on page 9
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Pet Perch: Turkey and Pie…Oh My!!
Continued from page 7
meat turkey without seasoning, and a few carrots before they are cooked in all the spices. Third, this counts as their meal. Those extra calories count, even on the holidays. Fourth, keep things out of reach. No one wants a reenactment of The Christmas Story scene where the dogs help themselves to the turkey (I know, wrong holiday, but it sure makes me think of Thanksgiving)! I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and holiday season, and a safe and pancreatitis free one for your pets! Dr. Jenny Reesman is owner of Brookwood Animal Hospital. More information at https://www.brookwoodanimal.com/
Milepost: A Word for the Day
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what mileposts are for. They don’t travel the road for us, nor do they eliminate the unknown. Instead, they quietly remind us where we are, what lies ahead, and what we may need before moving forward. I invite you to notice the mileposts in your life. They may appear as a trusted friend, a wise mentor, an unexpected conversation, a meaningful book, a quiet moment of reflection, or even a challenge that shifts your perspective. The positive interrupter isn’t always the loudest voice or the biggest event. Sometimes it’s simply the next milepost—gently inviting you to slow down, look around, and recognize what you need before taking your next step. What mileposts have quietly guided your journey? How are you paying attention to the ones appearing before you today? Jane Bishop is owner of Take the Next Step. More information at https://takethenextstepcct.com/
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Travel Tales: Fall and Holiday Travel Planning By Pam Walker Fall is here, and the cooler weather is creeping in. The holidays will be here before we know it! Have you made your travel plans yet? There are many things to consider this year. Airfares and gas prices are high, but those costs are not stopping people from traveling. If you have not made your plans for the holiday season yet, now is the time. Don’t wait. Our friends at the airlines are now making it more difficult than ever to choose which fare to pay. Delta, American, and several others have a new tiered system where you pay one price if you don’t care about the extras, another if you want to pre-reserve your seat, and still another if you want to pay for your seat and one checked bag. What are they doing? I think it is called “nickel-and-diming” the general public. So choose wisely! Read what you are paying for so you don’t get stuck at the airport without a seat or other amenities. If you decide to travel to Europe for the holidays, be prepared to apply for the ETA visa if traveling to the UK, and the ETIAS for most other European countries. For the ETA/UK visa, you must apply through the British Government at www.gov.uk. For the ETIAS visa, there is currently no application in place, but you will have to stand in a long line at any point of entry in the European Union for fingerprinting and a digital facial scan. This is then on file throughout Europe, and you should not have to do this again. That said, you will have to stand in long lines while the real rules of this visa are ironed out. So far, other countries still require a Valid Passport with at least six months of validity remaining. If cruising is your thing, you can no longer use your ID or birth certificate. Cruise lines also requiring passports these days. So again, if you have not made your plans for the holidays yet, there is no time like the present to start. Be smart… plan ahead! Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor and can be reached at pam@walkeradventures.com
Get Ready for Soups and Ciders – It’s Officially Fall! By Tana Poncsak Change is good, right? Many say change is inevitable. And when the seasons change, the weather isn’t the only thing that changes. You may also notice a difference in food, clothing, routines, and activities. And after the hot days of summer, fall is often a welcomed change! Here are some easy things you can do to embrace the fall season. Food When it comes to food, fall is generally the season to pull out the recipes for
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warm, hearty soups and stews, and to replace your frozen concoctions with warm teas and hot apple cider. Relish in the taste of seasonal vegetables and enjoy the robust flavors of roasted acorn and butternut squash. And don’t forget the pumpkin! For the home Make some small changes to the decor in your home to celebrate the season. Change out your sofa pillows with some that have fall colors or themes. Add a fall wreath to your front door. Replace summer smelling candles for some with autumn fragrances such as apples and cinnamon. Or fill your home with the smell of autumn with a big pot of hot apple cider simmering on the stove. Activities With the cooler temperatures, people still want to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather. Fun fall activities include: Apple picking – We’re lucky in that apple picking is just a short drive away. And with those apples, you can bake my grandmother’s Apple Cake – a family favorite.* Take in a nearby festival or chili cook off – Many metro areas hold festivals to celebrate the community and welcome the season. It won’t be long before the greenery of summer will give way to the beautiful colors of fall. Take a hike or a drive and enjoy the scenery. And for those sports fans, there’s always plenty of football! Happy fall y’all! *Nanny’s Apple Cake Ingredients: 2 eggs 1 1/4 cup vegetable oil 3 cups all-purpose flour 3 cups chopped apples 1 cups sugar 1 cup brown sugar 2 tsp vanilla flavoring 1/4 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp baking soda 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) Beat eggs, add sugar, vanilla flavoring, and oil. Beat three minutes Mix all dry ingredients together Mix ingredients together -- the dry and the egg, sugar, and oil mixture Add the chopped apples, then add chopped pecans - mix all ingredients thoroughly Pour into a greased Bundt pan or cake pan Bake at 350 degrees for one hour and 15 minutes or until cooked through Top with a dusting of powdered sugar Serve topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
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Thanksgiving Tips: How to Practice Gratitude By Tana Poncsak There’s a lot of chatter about how being thankful and practicing gratitude can help one live a healthier and a happier life. We hear about it in inspirational quotes on social media, discussed on podcasts, and we even read about it in various articles in magazines and on the web. It’s soon to be the month of Thanksgiving, and while many will be reminded to give thanks as a result of the holiday, let’s look at some ways we can practice gratitude all year.
in your church or your community. Help out a friend in need. Any small act could make a big impact. 7. Spend some time reflecting, praying, or meditating on and for an attitude of gratitude. It takes time and focus to develop a habit, even good ones. We often have to constantly remind ourselves as we pursue new endeavors and being thankful is no different. Keep it up. Hopefully, as you see and feel the positive power of gratitude, you’ll be motivated to keep practicing, even if it’s just for one more day.
1. Take a look at your values and how you spend your time. Perhaps those values have shifted along the way. Think about the things you value most and why you value them. Are you missing some special people in your life? Perhaps you need more time to yourself. Whatever it may be, time to yourself or more time for the special people in your life, think about ways to spend more time on the things you value in your life. 2. We’ve all heard it before, but it bears repeating. Stop comparing yourself to others. It’s easy to do, especially with social media 24 hours a day, but it’s counterproductive. You’re unique, so be thankful for your uniqueness and learn to lean into it. 3. Keep a gratitude journal. You don’t have to write a page every day. A few lines will do because being consistent is important. Just the act of writing something down can have a positive impact. 4. Be generous about saying “thank you” when you’re out and about in the community. In a world filled with road rage and other bouts of anger, it’s refreshing to encounter someone with a gracious spirit. 5. Make it a goal to send at least one thank you note or thank you email a week. Perhaps a coworker helped you with a big project or there’s a family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Not only will they feel good about receiving the note, but you will feel good about making someone else’s day a bit brighter. 6. Volunteer and help others any way you can. As people, we have a tendency to feel better about ourselves and other things when we’re helping others. And perhaps during the holidays is a great time to start. Volunteer
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Holiday Matters: Make Your Holidays Stress-Free By Tana Poncsak As soon as the kids roam the neighborhood for candy on Halloween, many of us start thinking (and maybe obsessing) about the upcoming holidays. After all, there’s cooking to be done, presents to buy, and plans to be made all while still working and going about our daily lives. And while the holidays are supposed to be meaningful and fun, often they turn out to be tiring, disappointing, and stressful. According to a December 2017 article in Medical News Today, some people can feel overwhelmed by the excess, expectations, and exchange and can become depressed during the holidays. The article goes on to say that a lack of time and money, credit card debt, and the pressure of gift giving can often contribute to stress during the holiday season. As mentioned in this article and cited by many others as well, one of the main causes for holiday stress can be linked to our expectations. We watch the holiday movies and see images of the picture-perfect holidays, and that becomes what we strive for. Anything less misses the mark. The answer can be as easy as keeping things simple and don’t over plan. But we all know that’s easier said than done. Here are a few things you can do to lower your expectations and keep things simple. • Make a realistic list of the things you need to accomplish to make your holiday special and meaningful. This shouldn’t be a long list. Try to keep this list at three to six things. Then make a second list of the things you would like to accomplish but aren’t necessary to make your holiday complete. • Try to simplify or delegate the things that need to be done to make the best use of your time. For example, you want to read the latest holiday novel, but you have no time. Try listening to the audio version while commuting to and from work. You may even be able to borrow it from the library for free using an app like Libby. • Don’t like outdoor decorating? Delegate it to the professionals. Some local landscaping companies may offer outdoor decorating during the holidays. • Don’t like to bake but need festive cookies? Leave the baking to your local bakery.
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• Have company coming into town for the holidays, but no time to clean? There are a number of cleaning services in the area you can call. • Need help wrapping? Hire a neighborhood teen to wrap your packages one afternoon. • Short on time for cooking the holiday meal? Have it catered by a local restaurant. Or if that’s totally out of the question, try cooking some dishes using a pressure cooker or an air fryer and save the stove and the oven for dishes that need your extra attention. You get the idea. Be creative and ask for help! • Don’t overwhelm yourself and your family with holiday activities. Pick a few that are manageable and let the others go. And even with the hustle and bustle of the season, remember to make self-care a priority. • With gift giving, it’s the thought that counts. Don’t feel like you have to spend a small fortune. A small thoughtful gift or handmade gift can be just as personal and meaningful than an expensive one. • Don’t compare your holiday to the holiday of others. The season is not meant to be a competition. • Be more thankful for the things you accomplish instead of sad about the things that you don’t get to on your list. You can look forward to the ones you didn’t get to for next year. • Always keep in mind the perfect holiday doesn’t exist. There are always things that are out of our control. • If loved ones can’t make it to your holiday celebration, keep in mind the holidays are a relatively short period of time within a year, and there are another 300+ days in the year giving us plenty of other opportunities to spend time with loved ones. Plan something for later when the timing is better and everyone can be more relaxed. At the end of the holiday, take some time to reflect. What went well? What didn’t go as well? Were there any surprises? And make notes for a head start on next year. Have a safe and happy holiday season!
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The Season of Simple Joys: Slowing Down to Savor What Matters Most By Our Town Gwinnett Staff This time of year has a way of reminding us to pause. The air turns crisp, the days grow shorter, and our schedules seem to fill up before we know it. Yet somewhere between Halloween candy and holiday lights, there’s a quiet invitation to slow down and focus on what truly matters. This season isn’t just about shopping lists or travel plans. It’s about gratitude—about family dinners that stretch late into the evening, neighbors waving from across the yard, and laughter filling living rooms on chilly nights. It’s a time to notice the small things we often overlook—the sound of a child’s giggle, the aroma of something warm baking, and the peace that comes when we finally put our phones aside. While much of the year is spent pursuing big moments—promotions, milestones, achievements—it’s often the smaller ones that leave the deepest impact. A quiet walk, a handwritten note, or a simple conversation can bring more happiness than any to-do list ever could. Research consistently shows that gratitude enhances well-being, lowers stress, and strengthens relationships. Science is clear, but the core idea is simple: when we focus on what’s right in our lives, the noise around us diminishes.
Across and around Gwinnett, acts of kindness happen every day: the volunteer who rings the Salvation Army bell, the coach who mentors students after hours, the small business owner who donates to a local charity. These moments weave together the fabric of our community. Each small act of generosity ripples outward, inspiring others to do the same. This November, perhaps gratitude could become our community’s theme. Instead of asking, “What can I get done before the holidays?” we might ask, “Who can I lift up today?” Here are a few small ways to celebrate the spirit of the season: • Write a thank-you note. Showing appreciation never goes out of style. • Give your time. Volunteer, mentor, or show up for someone who could use support. • Make space for rest. Leave an evening open to unwind, take a walk, and enjoy the moment. As we approach Thanksgiving and beyond, let’s remember that happiness doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from noticing more. This holiday season, may we all choose peace over pressure, connection over chaos, and gratitude over the grind. Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with simple joys and warm hearts.
worth appreciating. Step outside for a few minutes before your day begins. Breathe in the cool air, take a walk, or enjoy your first cup of coffee on the porch. Morning light can boost your mood and help keep your body clock in rhythm. And when evenings come early, create your own glow. Add warm lighting, candles, or soft string lights around your home. A little atmosphere can lift your spirits. 3. Create Comfort and Connection. There’s something special about this time of year—sweaters, soups, blankets, and home-cooked meals. Make your home a haven that feels peaceful when you walk through the door. And don’t forget the people side of comfort. Invite neighbors for dinner, host a game night, or catch a high school football game under the lights. When we lean into togetherness, the shorter days somehow feel longer and fuller. 4. Keep Moving. It’s tempting to hibernate once darkness falls, but staying active is one of the best ways to fight the early-dark blues. Take an evening walk, join a fitness class, or even turn on some music and dance around the living room. Movement keeps energy high and helps us stay positive during the seasonal change. 5. Stay Engaged in the Community. As the days get shorter, connection matters even more. Here in Gwinnett, there’s no shortage of ways to stay involved, from local festivals and holiday markets to volunteer opportunities and small business events. Whether it’s supporting a local business or attending a neighborhood gathering, being part of something larger reminds us that light isn’t only found in the sky—it’s found in people. 6. Reflect and Reframe. It’s easy to see early sunsets as the end of something, but perhaps they are the start of something else—a time for rest, reflection, and gratitude. The natural world slows down, and it’s okay for us to do the same. Take a moment each evening to consider what went well that day or write down one thing you’re thankful for. These small habits help maintain perspective when the nights grow long. So, as we “fall back” and the light fades earlier, let’s remember that darker days don’t have to diminish our outlook. There’s beauty in stillness, comfort in community, and brightness in simple, intentional living. The seasons remind us that change is constant, but how we respond is up to us. Here’s to finding warmth, light, and gratitude, right here in Our Town!
Finding Light When It Gets Dark Early By Our Town Gwinnett Staff It happens every year, yet it still feels like a surprise. One week, the evenings are long and golden, and the next, you’re glancing at your watch, wondering how it’s already dark before dinner. Daylight saving time ends, the clocks “fall back,” and our energy, sleep, and motivation all seem to wobble for a week or two. But perhaps this seasonal change isn’t something to resist. Maybe it’s an invitation—a gentle prompt to slow down, reflect, and find new ways to bring light into our days, even as the sun sets a little earlier. 1. Slow the Pace—Let the Season Reset You. When the world outside slows down, maybe we should, too. The early darkness can serve as a gentle reminder to pause and recharge. Instead of rushing through one task after another, take time to enjoy the small moments—dinner at the table, a meaningful conversation, or a cozy evening with a favorite movie or book. This season provides us with space to rest, reflect, and simply be. 2. Seek Out the Light. We may lose the brightness of evening, but mornings offer a gentle glow Continued on next column
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First Woman Archbishop of Canterbury By Victoria R. Crosby History was made recently when the first woman was enthroned as the Archbishop of Canterbury in one thousand, four hundred years. Dame Sarah Mullally, a former cancer nurse, was the one hundred and sixth person to serve as the spiritual leader of the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Church. She was ordained a deacon in 2001 and a priest in 2002 and was appointed DBE, Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, for her services to nursing after serving as the youngest Chief Nursing Officer for England from 1999 to 2004. Sarah Mullally was Bishop of London when she was elected by the College of Canons of Canterbury Cathedral, and the election was then approved by King Charles III. She was the first female Bishop of London and the fourth woman ever to be ordained a bishop in the history of the Church of England. The week before her enthronement, Sarah Mullally, along with her husband, Eamonn, took a symbolic walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral in London to Canterbury Cathedral, a pilgrimage of eighty-seven miles. They were joined by about one hundred people, including other bishops, as they completed the six-day journey. While this walk is not mandatory, it is a form of prayer and is historically associated with Sir Thomas Becket, as the route follows the “Becket Way.” Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury during the reign of King Henry II and was murdered at Canterbury Cathedral in December 1170. He was canonized as a saint and martyr in both the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. The enthronement ceremony, held at Canterbury Cathedral, was attended by many church leaders, including the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Historically, the monarch does not attend, but is represented by the heir to the throne. Traditionally, the Archbishop of Canterbury officiates at the coronation of the monarch. The Archbishops of Canterbury are required to retire at age seventy, although in special circumstances and with the permission of the monarch, this may be extended. They may also choose to retire earlier. Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, resigned at age sixty-eight in November 2024 and completed his official duties on his sixty-ninth birthday in January 2025. Archbishop Mullally met with Pope Leo XIV in April. This tradition began in 1960, when Archbishop Geoffrey Fisher met with Pope John XXIII, marking the first meeting of the heads of the Anglican and Roman Churches in four hundred years.
Each Anglican province has a different timeline. The Episcopal Church in the United States first ordained women in 1976. The Church of England first ordained women as priests in 1994. The first female bishop in the Church of England was in 2015.
The City of Lilburn Holds the Inaugural Fiesta in the Park Event By Tana Poncsak On May 2nd, Lilburn residents gathered in Lilburn City Park for Fiesta in the Park. Rebecca Baumann, communications director for the city of Lilburn, says the park was buzzing with an estimated 4,000 people who attended the inaugural event. “We had growing interest from the community for an event that celebrates Hispanic culture,” Rebecca said, so what a better time than around Cinco de Mayo. With some help from Carlos Castrejon, owner of Agavero Cantina Parkside, Fiesta in the Park was planned. Like with any outdoor event, the biggest concern on the day was the weather. “We had to closely monitor that, and thankfully, it wasn’t an issue,” Rebecca said. In fact, by the time the event started, the sunshine came out and it ended up being beautiful weather. “And everyone had a great time,” she added. Fiesta in the Park included great food, cultural music and dancing, and more. Lucha Libre Wrestling was a highlight of the event. The wrestlers arrived by walking through the crowd and interacting with spectators as they made their way to the ring while everyone cheered and picked their favorites. Rebecca pointed out that community events are incredibly important. “I think if we didn’t learn anything else from COVID, we learned how important it is for us to surround ourselves with people, and how much we enjoy being together and part of a community,” she said. The city of Lilburn has a number of community events in addition to Fiesta in the Park so that residents can come together, meet and greet neighbors, and have fun as a community. Annual events for 2026 included a June 13th concert that opened with Happy Hour and featured a Michael Jackson tribute band, Who’s Bad, that rocked the Park. Sparkle in the Park is the city’s July 4th celebration. There are also Food Truck Tuesdays, Movies on Main in the fall, and then holiday events that include a tree lighting and a drone show. “They’re all just a little bit different from one another…but the whole purpose of our events is to bring the community out and to get to know each other,” Rebecca added. As for the inaugural Fiesta in the Park event, Rebecca said the event exceeded all expectations and received positive feedback. At this point she said that she anticipates it’ll be back for next year, but a date hasn’t been set yet. More information at www.cityoflilburn.com.
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