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Up Close with the Loganville Dance Academy, see story on page 5.

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On the Cover: Getting to Know: Loganville Dance Academy

By Kristen Eleveld

“Progress over perfection.” This is the motto that Loganville Dance Academy has adapted. And not only is it something they believe; it’s something they practice as they open their doors to dancers each day.

Led by founder Kellyn McMichael, the Loganville Dance Academy and the team that operates it are excited to welcome dancers of all experiences and goals.

In 2024, Kellyn felt the Lord put the desire on her heart to officially say that she would one day open a dance studio. After receiving overwhelming support from her friends, Kellyn began to look at which opportunities she could pursue to achieve her goal. She also deeply reflected on what kind of studio she wanted to run—and what she wanted her dancers to learn in addition to excellent technique.

As an experienced dancer herself, Kellyn could easily understand the high pressure environment that she and many other dancers faced during their formative years. Many of these dancers have carried those memories into adulthood, and Kellyn saw an opportunity to open a studio that would

nourish a dancer’s love for their art, not just a desire for being the best.

“I am opening Loganville Dance Academy to create a safe and beautiful atmosphere for dancers from their first steps in the studio to adults wanting to continue their craft,” said Kellyn, who has been dancing for thirty-seven years and teaching for twenty-three years. “Our focus is on progress, not perfection, because true excellence comes from dedication and love for the art.”

Many times, Kellyn noted, the ballet world can focus more on perfection, even though that goal is unattainable. Kellyn knew that urging her ballet dancers to be perfect was actually a way to quickly discourage them, which is why she decided to take a different path.

Kellyn reminds her dancers that their progress is to be celebrated not only in their dancing, but also in their everyday lives.

“We always stumble, and sometimes fall, in our lives,” said Kellyn. “But there is always something to learn. No one has ‘arrived.’

As we pursue progress, we will one day achieve excellence in our technique, or whatever we do in life.”

With her motto in mind, Kellyn has opened a dance studio that not only focuses on technique, but in inspiring the joy that brings dancers to her studio in the first place. And while the studio has just gotten started, Kellyn and her team have already made a big impact in the community.

This summer, dancers of all skill levels are invited to participate in one of the many camps and programs Loganville Dance Academy is offering. Themed Dance Camps in June and July are for both new and experienced dancers, while the Summer Intensive Workshop and mini sessions are designed for dancers who want to advance a specific skill or maintain the techniques they have learned.

And on May 31st, Loganville Dance Academy will be holding auditions for their dance company. Kellyn describes this as a ballet and contemporary dance company performing excerpts of the classics alongside contemporary pieces, creating thought-provoking and emotionally resonant performances that forge deep connections with audiences. If you’re interested in joining, you can find the audition registration form on the Loganville Dance Academy website.

At Loganville Dance Academy and in their dance company, dancers learn that progress— not perfection—is the true measure of growth. Through every step, they build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of movement.

“I hope to teach my students that they are worthy to be in our studio no matter what level they are; that they are dearly loved and can do great things; and that the art of dancing can be used to touch audiences and bring glory to their Creator,” said Kellyn. “This will be a place focused on progress, not perfection—where dancers feel seen, supported, and inspired.”

More information at https://www.loganvilledanceacademy.com/, 470-504-4367

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.

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

IN THIS ISSUE

Feature Writers

Victoria R. Crosby

Tana Poncsak

Traci Sanders

Contributing

Writers

Jane Bishop

Bill Crane

Dr. Jenny Reesman

Tanisha Turner

5 On the Cover: Getting to Know Loganville Dance Academy

7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks

7 Pet Perch: Leftover Medicines

9 Military Appreciation Month: Five Ways to Show Your Support

9 Seen in Gwinnett: Emil’s Photo of the Month

10 Meet Mohamed Belal: Gwinnett Technical College 2025 Instructor of the Year

10 Lilburn Girl Scout Day Camp Celebrates the Summer with a Prehistoric Party Theme

10 Learning Lessons: Nurturing Good Character Traits in Preschoolers

11 One Man’s Opinion: Trade Wars

11 Four Trends in Transforming Your Kitchen in 2025

12 Rainbow Village Expands Scope with Georgia Uplift Partnership

12 Seen in Gwinnett: Emil’s Photo of the Month

13 Lilburn Police Department Adds ATV Patrol

14 Ebullience…A Word for Your Day

From the Publisher:

Ryan’s

Remarks

By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanTSauers @RyanTSauers

Well, hello, May 2025! The birds are singing, graduation caps are flying, and summer is approaching. So, I figured there’s no better time to revisit something we all think about but rarely master: how we use our time.

No matter who you are, whether you are a CEO, student, soccer parent, or all three at once, time is the one resource we all get in equal measure. It’s also the one thing we can’t buy back once it’s gone. As we step into longer days and lighter schedules (maybe), let’s take a moment to re-center on how we can make time work for us, not against us.

In fact, I’ve got an acronym for you—because who doesn’t love a good acronym? Let’s talk about TIME and how these four simple concepts can help us reclaim our days and reenergize our goals.

T — Take control

You’re the boss of your calendar. Not your inbox. Not your group texts. And certainly not your 17th “urgent” Zoom invite of the week. Be proactive, not reactive. Prioritize like a pro and practice the powerful art of saying “no” to the noise. The clearer your yeses, the stronger your nos

I — Invest in yourself

Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s strategic. You can’t pour from an empty coffee mug (or energy tank). Fuel your body, rest your mind, and move your feet. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a good meal, or ten deep breaths between meetings—invest in the best asset you’ve got: you

M — Manage your tasks

Let’s ditch the endless to-do list for a focused action plan. Break goals into bite-sized wins. Tackle the big rocks first—one task at a time, all in. Multitasking might look impressive, but it usually just means doing multiple things poorly. Let’s choose purpose over panic.

Continued on page 15

Pet Perch: Leftover Medicines

By Dr. Jenny Reesman, DVM

Ugh. Scratching at his ears…again! Another nighttime wake up due to thumper in the bed next to me. Now, where are those leftover meds? I see it over and over. A pet comes in for an appointment, or an owner calls to tell me what the problem is with their pet. Oh, and they already started some leftover meds from last time, so they hope that was alright. I know it is tempting…the same symptoms, probably need the same treatment, right? Unfortunately, there are a few things wrong with this.

In a lot of cases, medications used for a certain ailment should not be restarted without consulting with the vet, especially when it comes to antibiotics (and a lot of those ear meds have antibiotics in them!). Using medication without knowing what is causing the symptoms, even if they appear to be the same, can be detrimental, both in the short and long-term care of your pet. For example, the use of ear medication without a visual inspection of the ear and a swab to see what is growing could lead to resistant, ineffective care of the problem, or possible changes to the inner ear and loss of hearing.

Antibiotics should never be left over as the treatment course prescribed should be completed, even if the symptoms improve. So, even if you think it’s the same old thing, please reach out to your vet prior to giving your pet any medication you have at home, unless you are previously instructed to do so. Your pet will thank you, and hopefully you can return to a good night’s rest, knowing you have cared for your pet in the best way possible.

Dr. Jenny Reesman is the owner of Brookwood Animal Hospital More information at https://www.brookwoodanimal.com/

Military Appreciation Month: Five Ways to Show Your Support

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

U.S. military service members are ready to be called upon at any time to protect the country, and May, which is Military Appreciation Month, is the perfect opportunity to express gratitude for their sacrifice.

Military Appreciation Month was initially recognized by a U.S. Senate resolution in 1999. Although the entire month is designated to honor past and present military members and their families, several holidays are sprinkled throughout the month that honor service members: Loyalty Day, VE Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day.

“This year, in particular, many more service members are overseas supporting NATO due to the war in Ukraine,” says Christopher Plamp, United Service Organizations (USO) senior vice president of Operations, Programs, and Entertainment and an Air Force veteran. “These deployments should be a reminder to all Americans of the importance of expressing our gratitude to the men and women in the military who sacrifice so much for us.”

With its long history of keeping America’s military service members connected to family, home, and country, the USO is providing five ideas for how to honor and support service members and their families.

1. Say “Thank You.” The simplest way to support service members is to thank them for their service. According to the Blue Star Families 2022 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, only one-third of active-duty families feel a sense of belonging to their local civilian community. You can send service members a message of support and encouragement through the USO’s website. “Acknowledging the immense challenges of military life can have a positive impact,” says Plamp. “The simple act of thanks can show military members that their work is valued and appreciated.”

2. Send a Care Package. Sending care packages with snacks and hygiene products lets service members know that the American people are thinking of them, even from thousands of miles away. The USO Care Package program simplifies sending military care packages, which can be complicated. You can support this program by making a monetary donation to the USO. Another option is to check out the USO Wishbook, where you can select from a catalog a symbolic gift, such as a USO Care Package, to be sent to service members. In 2022, the USO delivered 200,000 of these care packages globally.

3. Support Military Spouses. Deployments are challenging for military

spouses. Aside from being separated from their loved ones, military spouses must also shoulder household responsibilities alone. For military families with children, this can be even more difficult. Offer to cook a family dinner or pick up groceries. Even simply asking how they are doing can make a difference.

4. Volunteer. Many challenging but rewarding volunteer opportunities are available to serve the men and women in uniform, including with the USO, where you will see the impact of your support firsthand. Many USO locations need volunteers who can facilitate programs and events and help ensure the military community has the resources and support they need to carry out their missions.

5. Donate. Show your support through the annual USO T-shirt campaign, which raises funds for the USO’s mobile and center operations, programs, and entertainment, transition services, and more. The campaign also builds awareness and understanding of military families. To learn more, visit https://www. uso.org/tshirt.

“From simple words of gratitude to hands-on volunteering, there are many ways to let service members who selflessly put their lives on the line every day know we value their service,” says Plamp. (StatePoint)

Meet Mohamed Belal: Gwinnett Technical College 2025 Instructor of the Year

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Gwinnett Technical College recently named Mohamed Belal, Humanities Program Director, as the Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year recipient for 2025. Belal, who became a teacher to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, expressed his passion for education and student success.

“I love the moment when a concept ‘clicks’ for a student—their confidence grows, and they realize what they’re capable of achieving,” said Belal. “My inspiration comes from seeing my students succeed, whether earning certifications, starting careers, or simply gaining the confidence to tackle challenges. Watching them transform their lives through education and achieve their career dreams is deeply rewarding.”

Belal emphasized the honor and responsibility of representing Gwinnett Tech, highlighting the institution and the Technical College System of Georgia’s commitment to excellence in technical education.

“Earning this recognition confirms my dedication to our students and the community. It also reminds me of the collective effort of my colleagues who strive to make a difference every day,” he stated. “I hope my students leave with more than technical skills. I want them to develop critical thinking, problem solving, resilience, and a continuous learning mindset. I strive to teach them how to adapt, problem solve, and excel professionally and personally. Additionally, I incorporate various soft skills into my lesson plans, which are essential for every career.”

Belal holds a Master of Arts in Music Education from Helwan University in Cairo, Egypt, and resides in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction has been prestigious in the Technical College System of Georgia since 1991.

The award is designed to honor technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. It highlights the dedication and impact of educators who inspire and support their students in achieving academic and professional success.

More information at GwinnettTech.edu.

Learning Lessons: Nurturing Good Character Traits in Preschoolers

By Tanisha Turner

Lilburn Girl Scout Day Camp Celebrates the Summer with a Prehistoric Party Theme

By Tana Poncsak

With summertime just around the corner, many school-aged children are looking forward to the summer ritual—camp. And for many in Gwinnett, camp means Lilburn Girl Scout Day Camp.

Lilburn Day Camp started in 1982 with seventy-five campers and is still going strong more than forty years later with up to 350 campers in attendance before the pandemic. Kathy Lewis joined the camp in 2010 as one of the many volunteers, and she is now the director of the day camp. Kathy says being a part of the camp is more like being a part of a family.

“It’s awesome,” she says. “I love it. It’s so rewarding to watch the younger campers grow. Then many of those girls have now graduated high school, and they come back as leaders. Once you get involved with the camp, you want to keep coming back and stay part of the family. It’s just a really rewarding experience.”

Each year the campers help to decide the theme for the next year. On Thursday morning of camp week, they have a theme suggestion box. By the middle of that day, camp staff members review the suggestions for the most popular ones, and on Friday, the top suggestions are brought to the campers for

Continued on page 14

concepts in a variety of ways. Primrose Schools suggests the following tips for parents and caregivers to use at home:

Parents want their children to develop character traits such as compassion, generosity, and kindness, but how do you get from point A to point B? Are preschoolers capable of learning and understanding these traits? And if so, how can parents and caregivers support their development? According to the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, the early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for a wide range of important developmental outcomes, like self-confidence, mental health, and the motivation to learn. The earlier these softer skills are fostered in young children, the more likely they are to be successful in school and later in life. And while it may seem like your child is too young to grasp these concepts, the foundational behaviors needed to develop empathy and other social-emotional skills that make us good people are actually nurtured in the first years of life. Oftentimes the best way to teach young children about these intangible skills and traits is to provide hands-on learning opportunities and to reinforce the

• Build an understanding of different traits. Even at a young age, children begin to build their understanding of traits like generosity, respect, and gratitude. Read books such as I Can Share by Karen Katz (ages 2-5) and When I Care About Others by Cornelia Maude Spelman (ages 4-7) with your child and take the opportunity to discuss the positive traits that the characters possess. Ask questions and help your child apply the concepts in the book to real-life experiences.

• Introduce important life skills. Even very young children can begin to learn about essential life skills, such as manners, safety, and caring for the environment. Letting children take care of their plant will promote responsibility while teaching them the importance of caring for the world around them. Modeling these life skills is also a great way to introduce them, especially to younger children.

• Make time for hands-on learning. Children get most excited about giving back when they are able to experience it firsthand. Introduce your child to helping those in need by starting small in your community. Whether it’s collecting coats for a clothing drive or making cards for the local nursing home, it’s rewarding to see your child begin to understand the huge impact a simple project can have.

Young children learn through repetition and observation. One of the best ways to nurture positive character traits is to lead by example and consistently model what it means to be a good person. Sooner than later, your child will start imitating you and be on their way to becoming a kind, caring individual. Tanisha Turner is the Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information, at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com or call 770-5130066.

One Man’s Opinion: Trade Wars

By Bill Crane

The American people have long demonstrated antipathy towards tariffs and duty fees. In Boston on December 16, 1773, in response to increasing tariffs on tea under the monopoly control of Great Britain, American colonists, disguised as native Americans, boarded the Dartmouth, a British ship owned by the East India Tea Company, and dumped 342 chests of tea imported from China into Boston Harbor. The self-labeled Sons of Liberty would later proclaim, “No taxation without representation.”

Later, President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt broke up a number of large monopoly industries and trusts while substantially reducing tariffs, which were a large source of federal tax revenue at the time. This set the stage for the creation and implementation of the federal income tax in 1913.

Post-World War I, the costs of the Great War, in lives and government treasuries, caused many nations of the world to consider nationalist and protectionist policies, in part to isolate themselves in the event of another future global conflict. The United States was among those countries considering such an internal-facing economic turn.

The League of Nations, a precursor to the United Nations, was formed in 1920 in Paris and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, to promote world peace. President Woodrow Wilson was a primary advocate for the League’s creation to maintain peace, though the U.S. never became a member.

Wilson was a Democrat, and the Republican Party of that day opposed the growing trend of free trade and the League of Nations. Thanks in part to the Industrial Revolution, the U.S. had a strong trade surplus, but as the country headed into a recession in 1929, there were beliefs that foreign trade was stealing American jobs.

In October 1929, the stock market crashed, rippling across global financial markets. U.S. Senator Reed Smoot, a Mormon “prophet” businessman and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, proposed a series of high tariffs and duties on 20,000 durable goods being imported into the United States.

Working with House Ways and Means Chairman Congressman Willis Hawley, the pair crafted the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, which went into effect in June of that year. Duties on some popular imports were quadrupled. As the bill headed to President Herbert Hoover’s desk for signature, nearly 1,000 of the nation’s leading economists wrote a letter asking the president not to sign or veto it.

Though Hoover had previously been critical of the bill and tariffs in general, he signed it into law, beginning a global trade war. An outraged Canada placed a tariff of roughly 30 percent on American imports. The UK, France, and Germany immediately followed suit, either developing their own internal manufacturing capacity to replace American imports or locating alternative markets.

Global trade dried up, much of the world’s shipping fleet was mothballed, and new ship orders were cancelled. This, in turn, affected numerous other U.S. profit centers and industries, including steel production, fishing, farming, and manufacturing of all kinds. Along with the market crash and the present recession, the U.S. economy slid into the Great Depression.

Incoming President Franklin Delano Roosevelt faced economic meltdown and catastrophe. Speaking of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, he said, that the U.S. had “...compelled the world to build tariff fences so high that world trade is decreasing to a vanishing point.”

From 1929 to 1933, U.S. exports plummeted by 61 percent, imports declined by 66 percent. The unemployment rate tripled from 8 percent to 25 percent. America’s aggregate wealth was nearly cut in half.

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Four Trends in Transforming Your Kitchen in 2025

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where you gather with loved ones for meals and conversations, making memories and traditions. To achieve these connections (while still preparing delicious meals), warmth and a welcoming atmosphere are key.

If you’re concerned about being out of step with the modern and minimalist design trends of recent years, consider this: experts have observed a growing desire among clients for cozier and warmer designs. Are you interested in updating your kitchen while staying on trend? Here are four upcoming trends from design experts across the country who can help you step into the new year on trend.

1. Luxury through personalization: While homeowners seek a luxurious feel for their kitchens, they don’t want them to be exactly like those of their neighbors, friends, and family members. Instead, there is a desire among clients for personalization while still maintaining a luxe style.

“I am seeing a shift toward extremely personal customization,” said Jennifer Hutton, Creative Director and Principal Designer at Grau Design Studio. “That’s anything from bespoke storage options to specialized cabinet interiors to an emphasis on personal hobbies like creating craft cocktails, baking, or even using certain types of cooking equipment.”

Andrea Harvey, founder of ASH Interiors and Design, has also noted that homeowners want to add personal lifestyle details to their kitchen design.

“As always, luxury is about personalization,” said Harvey. “Luxury clients want their spaces to be uniquely theirs. They want details that are all about how they live. They would prefer to be ‘the only one’ than feel they are copying their neighbor or friend.”

2. A return to color and warmth: Gone are the days of bright whites and cold neutrals. Increasingly, clients are seeking to infuse color and warmth into their kitchen spaces.

“No more gray!” said Ariana Lovato, Founder and Principal Designer of Honeycomb Home Design. “Warm tones and oak finishes will still prevail next year, but people are not shying away from color when it comes to an island or perimeter cabinetry.” Hutton has also had clients ask for a darker, warmer aesthetic with textural and colorful interest. “I see luxury kitchen trends taking a turn to a deeper, moodier style, a far cry from the bright white, pristine kitchens from a few years ago,” said Hutton. “My clients are looking for unique marbles, lots of texture, organic materials, and rich colors.”

3. Multiple zones: Recent home kitchen designs have mimicked the style and functionality of professional kitchens, providing all the essentials in one place. However, homes are already departing from this modern trend.

“We anticipate our luxury clients’ desire for ‘multiple zones’ to continue to strongly impact 2025 kitchen design,” said Linda Engler, founder of Engler

Continued on page 14

Rainbow Village Expands Scope with Georgia Uplift Partnership

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Having recently launched the Building Homes, Building Hope Capital Campaign to more than double the number of families it can serve, Rainbow Village is also exploring other ways to grow. The nonprofit, dedicated to bringing Help, Hope, Housing, and Healing to families experiencing homelessness, announced today a new partnership with another local organization, Georgia Uplift. With a mission to connect the intellectual and developmental disability workforce with resources and support that foster a stronger, more resilient community of professionals, Georgia Uplift proves an ideal match for the Success Coach model that has been in place at Rainbow Village for decades.

“We say it all the time…homelessness can happen to anyone,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village. “When that ‘anyone’ is someone who works closely with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, it can have a domino effect. Direct Support Professionals who strive to make a difference in the lives of the people they serve deserve the same level of stability, support, and success in their own lives.”

Conner added, “Low industry wages paid to these essential workers, coupled with the high cost of housing and other necessities, can put them in danger of becoming financially strapped or even unhoused. We believe that the Success Coach model that has proven such a game changer for the families Rainbow Village serves can be modified to fit the needs of those in the Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities industry.”

To help them launch this new outreach program, Rainbow Village has added Yuli Fernandez to the team as Georgia Uplift Success Coach.

Fernandez brings a big heart, a psychology degree from Purdue University, a passion for serving the community, and an impressive career that includes stints with Gwinnett County Juvenile Court and Atlanta Public Schools to this newly created role. In her service to Direct Support Professionals, Fernandez empowers them to navigate daily life challenges, address barriers to home and work-life balance, and develop a roadmap of hope to guide them toward their best life.

“My Georgia Uplift cases may need assistance identifying ways to help

Continued on page 14

Seen in Gwinnett

Emil’s Photo of the Month

Lilburn Police Department Adds ATV Patrol

By Tana Poncsak

When thinking about an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), perhaps recreational use is the first thing that comes to mind for most people. But it turns out ATVs are being used for more than just recreation these days. In fact, there are a number of professional uses for the vehicles, including law enforcement and public safety.

ATV patrolling is currently being used by number of police departments and public safety entities in Georgia and beyond. According to the article, “Patrolling Beyond the Streets” by Paul Peluso on the website Officer.com, ATVs are used in environments with unique terrain, and where versatility and mobility take priority.

The Lilburn Police Department is hard at work to keep the city of Lilburn safe, and that means having the ability to patrol all parts of the city. To access some of the harder-to-reach areas, the city’s police department has added an ATV Patrol in downtown.

Lilburn Police Chief Chris Dusik says the ATV patrol started a few months ago, and so far, it’s going very well.

“Basically downtown is our city center,” Dusik says. “It’s a nice, safe area and we don’t see a lot of calls for service there.”

But even so, Dusik says they still need police presence in the way of a dedicated officer, who not only responds to calls on the streets around the city center with a traditional vehicle, but who can also access the nearby parks and trails.

Senior Officer Matt Legerme, who has been with the Lilburn Police Department since 2012, is assigned to this patrol and is the police officer you’ll likely see on the ATV. Chief Dusik says the ATV allows Officer Legerme to access the narrow trails and wooded areas where traditional vehicles are too

big to access.

Using an ATV also allows the officer to get to where he needs to go quickly when help is needed, and it’s equipped with everything the officer might need, including handcuffs for multiple arrests and a trauma bag for medical emergencies.

“If somebody is hurt a mile down the trail, and they need to be brought up to the road, there’s room to bring somebody out,” Dusik says.

While many people use ATVs for recreation and fun, Dusik points out that they can be dangerous for those who don’t know how to operate them properly. To use the ATV when patrolling, Legerme attended training at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth and received his certification to

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Ebullience…A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop

Spring has always been my favorite season. There’s something magical about the way daffodils and tulips rise from the soil, how fresh green leaves unfurl on trees, and how the world seems to exhale into bloom again. It’s a quiet kind of wonder that evokes joy, hope, energy.

That’s where the word ebullience comes in.

Ebullience is one of those words that feels like a little celebration. It means being cheerful and full of energy—bubbling over with enthusiasm. Its roots lie in the Latin word ebullire, “to bubble out,” and doesn’t that just sound like spring?

Life has seasons, too. The world gets heavy, and our joyful spirit—our ebullience—can quietly slip into dormancy, like flowers under winter snow. We go on, but something feels parked, paused, or disconnected. Lately, I’ve been in a season of reset—a time to slow down, breathe, and realign. And in this gentle, personal springtime, I’m beginning

Rainbow Village Expands Scope Continued from page 12

meet their basic needs, from rent and utilities to food and health,” shared Fernandez. “I offer connectivity to a wealth of resources that can help these critical need professionals and their families thrive every day. When the occasional crisis arises, I’m there to coach them through it. I can help them identify potential resources for childcare, transportation, housing, and more. Their daily job is critical. My goal is to offer them peace of mind. They know that I’m here for them, offering the same levels of caring, compassion, communication, and confidentiality they extend to their own clients.”

Georgia Uplift is a joint venture funded by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and operated by the Service Providers Association for Developmental Disabilities. More information at https://rainbowvillage.org/.

Transforming Your Kitchen Continued from page 11

Studio. “By multiple zones, I mean specific function areas beyond a primary kitchen: coffee and beverage stations, prep kitchens, sculleries, and baking centers.”

Engler went on to say that the multiple-zone approach uses a variation of materials and finishes, distinguishing these stations from the primary kitchen visually.

Due to these zones, designers and clients can expect an increase in appliances, as each zone will require its own package. Another aspect of multiple zones is that homeowners are rediscovering the kitchen as a gathering place.

“It’s an exciting time in kitchen design because we’re starting to see a shift from the super sterile modern kitchen,” said Lovato. “Clients want islands that have wrap-around seating for casual conversations and built-in seating options like a nook or a custom banquette attached to the back of an island.”

4. Transitional design: Are you stuck between designing a modern or traditional kitchen? You can have the best of both worlds by aiming for a transitional design aesthetic. The term “transitional design” can be challenging to define, but it generally encompasses a style that incorporates modern elements, such as clean, sleek lines, with traditional details that are homey and welcoming.

“I view transitional design as the bridge that connects traditional and modern,” said Engler. “It’s the middle ground between two extremes.”

A simple yet effective way to combine modern and traditional kitchen design is through careful hardware and appliance choices.

“Things like faucet style, hardware, and light fixtures are examples of elements that can read as transitional and can be switched out over time if needed,” said Hutton. “Appliance style also plays a role here. Very professional, grand pieces tone down the modern style and add an ‘old-school’ flair, which can neutralize the ultramodern aesthetic.”

By incorporating these four trends, you can bid farewell to a purely clean and functional aesthetic and welcome a cozy kitchen that you and your loved ones will want to spend time in. (BPT)

to rediscover my own ebullient spirit. It’s not a dramatic burst of energy; it’s a slow, steady reawakening. Like buds on a tree, my ebullience is emerging once again.

As someone who lives out of a “positive interrupter” mindset—always striving to lead with optimism—I’ve come to realize that even our brightest parts sometimes need tending. Sometimes, we have to brush off the dust, open the windows of our heart, and let in fresh air.

Rediscovering ebullience is not about forcing a smile or pretending everything’s okay. It is about reconnecting with what makes your spirit come alive. It’s about allowing space for wonder, play, and spontaneity. and letting that energy bubble back up to the surface.

I invite you to rediscover your own ebullience. Here are 3 steps to get started:

• Pause and notice what brings you joy.

A walk in nature, a favorite song, laughter with a friend—these are sparks of ebullience waiting to be felt.

• Say yes to something spontaneous.

Let go of the schedule, even for a moment, and follow your curiosity. Ebullience often hides in the unplanned.

• Let your energy shine.

Offer encouragement. Your energy, no matter how small, can be contagious, and giving it freely often multiplies it in return.

Be a positive interruption in someone’s day. People in your sphere of influence are watching, needing encouragement, and your renewed spirit might just be the inspiration and spark they’ve been waiting for.

More information at https://www.janebishoplive.com./

Girl Scout Day Camp Continued from page 10

a vote. The one with the most votes is the theme for the next summer.

For 2025, Lilburn Girl Scout Day Camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. the week of June 2nd through June 6th at Lilburn City Park. This year the theme is Prehistoric Party, with daily dinosaur visits from Prehistoric Nation, fossil hunts, Jurassic jungle hikes, crafts, and more. Parents can expect their camper to be exhausted after a fun day of camp.

“And hopefully they’re going to talk their [parents’] ears off about what they did, and what they saw, and what they learned,” Kathy says.

And the campers? Along with learning songs, playing games, making new friends and bonding with the other campers, Kathy says they’ll have a blast learning scout skills and cooking outdoors, and for this year’s mad science project, campers will pull the DNA out of a strawberry.

“So there’s an educational component, too,” she explains.

With the hot Georgia summers, the camp staff stresses the importance of staying hydrated during the week of camp. Campers are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle, and drinking water is provided throughout the day. Chick-fil-A in Lilburn provides ice daily to help keep campers cool and hydrated. There’s also a plan in place in the event of inclement weather.

Lilburn Girl Scout Day Camp is for Girl Scouts who are rising first graders through seventh grade. Campers must be registered with the Girl Scouts to register and attend Lilburn Day Camp. Children, both boys and girls, of volunteers and staff members ages 3 and older may also register to attend.

More information at https://lilburndaycamp.org/

Lilburn Police Department Continued from page 13

ensure everyone’s safety while using the ATV for patrolling.

Dusik, who has been in law enforcement for more than twenty years and is a Gwinnett County native, says that so far both the ATV patrol and Legerme have received a lot of positive feedback from the community.

“He’s a really great guy,” Dusik says about Officer Legerme. “He’s a real funny guy with a good personality. So it’s a really positive interaction with the community.”

And Dusik says being able to patrol the area and having a police presence help to make those who use the city’s amenities, such as the parks and trails for walking, biking, and other recreational purposes, feel safer and more comfortable.

Currently, Legerme is the only ATV certified officer in the department who patrols the area, but eventually Dusik says he’d like to see round the clock patrolling, especially as the area grows and the city adds more businesses and other amenities in downtown.

The ATV Patrol is just one of many public safety measures that the Lilburn Police Department uses to promote a safe and secure environment for the city’s residents and visitors.

More information at https://www.cityoflilburn.com/.

Lilburn

One Man’s Opinion: Trade Wars

Though the negative impacts of the tariff hikes on allies and enemies alike were almost immediate, repairing this damage would take decades, both in terms of statecraft and rebuilding trust and U.S. trade markets. Until the U.S. joined the Allies in fighting World War II, when France was occupied by German forces and London was continually shelled, the U.S. had alienated itself from much of the rest of the world.

While I do not believe that the more immediate and ever-changing Trump Administration tariffs, duties, and taxes will have as immediate or drastic an impact, if the deal maker-in-chief cannot produce results quickly, the tariffs will become a net drag on the U.S. economy and consumer spending. U.S. export markets will shrink.

Time and again, our nation has been able to find the best path ahead, in part by looking at what did not work well in the past. The data is still there, but this point is not yet smooth.

Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com

Ryan’s Remarks

E — Eliminate distractions

You know the culprits: buzzes, beeps, dings, pings. Time thieves dressed up as “digital friends.” Create zones of deep focus. Silence the noise. The world can wait twenty minutes while you lock in on what matters. Distraction is the enemy of depth.

The truth is, we all have time. We all have 168 hours each week, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The question is: Are we owning it or letting it slip away? Mastering time management isn’t about being busy—it’s about being intentional.

So, as we soak up the sunshine of May and look toward the halfway mark of this year (how did that happen?), let’s recommit to using our time wisely. When we take control, invest in ourselves, manage well, and eliminate distractions, we don’t just manage time. We magnify it.

Here’s to making this May magnificent. And as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town—OUR TOWN!

RESTORING ROOFS, BUILDING TRUST

INSPECTIONS ARE ALWAYS FREE PREVENT EXPENSIVE REPAIRS

Early detection of roof damage can save you from expensive repairs or full roof replacements.

Addressing issues early helps extend the life of your roof.

MAXIMIZE INSURANCE COVERAGE

A thorough inspection ensures all damage is documented, making it easier to file successful insurance claims.

Proper documentation increases the likelihood of getting full coverage for repairs.

Roger Green, MSFS®, CFP® Andrew Green, CFP®, AIF® Michael Green, CWS®