When it comes to DIY, there are some things you don’t mind trying, like wallpapering your own living room or repainting some old furniture. But there are other things, like haircuts, legal advice, and electrical work, that are always best left to the professionals. That’s where Epie’s Electrical Services comes in. They may not be able to advise you on whether you should get bangs, but when it comes to residential and commercial electric work, there is just no one better.
Led by founder and owner Dan Doster, the team at Epie’s Electrical Services has made a name for themselves from Lawrenceville to Sandy Springs, leaving nothing but a trail of excellent work and happy customers behind them. Dan, who is a Georgia contractor with experience in all areas of construction, opened the business ten years ago and has been serving the same neighborhood he grew up in ever since.
“My grandfather was a tradesman, my uncle was a tradesman – it’s been going back for a while,” said Dan. “I’ve been doing this type of work since 1972.”
With Dan at the helm, Epie’s Electrical Services has spent the last decade committing itself to quality work and quality client care. Master Electrician Philip Scarborough leads the charge for the electrical work itself, and there are five to seven trucks in a seven-mile radius at any given time as the Epie’s team works to meet each client’s needs.
For Dan, the priority is investing into the relationship with each person he comes in contact with.
“What we do is care,” said Dan. “I care about people a lot. I care about your house, about your dogs, about your job – I care about the human side.”
Dan’s investment into each of his clients is not just talk. He really does want to know the names of his client’s family furry members, where they went to school, what interesting talents they have – all of it. And, of course, this genuine love for people is not confined to customers only. Dan pours into his team members just as often with just as much fervor.
“Anyone can turn a wrench, but it takes someone different to believe in you,” said Dan. “I believe it’s my job to do that for my team, and I believe it’s my
job to nurture that belief in my team so they can leave a legacy in their own families.”
In addition to a desire for investing into his employees’ lives, Dan also instills into his team the idea that they will do their work well and leave every place better than they found it. Even if that means sweeping up a mess they didn’t make, Dan’s team knows that the standard of the work they do is the best of the best and that they will take care of every client to the very best of their ability – which is why you will often find these men sweeping up the messes they did not make.
Continued on page 11
Wow, it is April 2024. Spring is here, and warm weather should stay. In this column, I want to share some things I do and believe in. These are things that help people achieve success in all parts of life, and they are based on a great deal of research as well as decades of real-world experience.
I believe in a relentless work ethic, a passion for excellence, and unwavering grit and perseverance. Success is not a matter of luck or talent, but a result of hard work, dedication, and resilience. There is no substitute for putting in the time and effort required to achieve your goals or your dreams. Success is not “working smart,” but “working hard and smart.” Or, in other words, being both efficient and effective at what we do. I always encourage people to adopt the Keep Pushing Forward (KPF) mindset, as I have done for so many years. This means digging deep, finding a way to make things happen, never giving up, and displaying grit.
Grit is the deep drive and courage to persist in the face of all types of adversity. Success is not a straight line, but a journey filled with achievements, setbacks, failures, and obstacles. My advice is to work hard but enjoy the ride. We can do this and grow our grit by embracing challenges and learning from failures. People with more grit are likelier to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. We must be authentic as well. Such authenticity and consistent behavior build integrity, credibility, and respect, which are critical elements for long-term success. We must always be honest, transparent, and genuine in our actions, which are built on trust. And when we make a mistake (which we all do as human beings), we must step up and make it right.
Passion is also vital to success because it is the fuel that drives success. It is more than just enthusiasm; it’s an intense desire to achieve your goals and make a difference. I encourage each of you to find your passions and pursue them relentlessly. When people are passionate about their work, they are more likely to work harder, dig deeper, take risks, and overcome obstacles.
One more thing that is key to success is perseverance. I think of perseverance as the will to succeed. It emphasizes that success requires a long-term commitment and a willingness to stick with things in good and challenging times. As people develop, they begin to set realistic goals, create a plan of action, and stay focused on their objectives. It is a fact that people who have perseverance are more likely to achieve their dreams and make a difference in the world.
So, here it is – my thoughts on success. However, we can never lose sight of one thing, perhaps the most important thing: the people around us are vital. We must always first work to help others achieve success, because we can only get to where we want by helping those around us get to where they want to be. Finally, I thank our fantastic community and partners for all your support. You all play a paramount role in our success. Also, and as always, thanks for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!
Brad Spratte was looking to do something where he could make a difference and positively impact his community, and he’s been doing just that since he joined Chick-fil-A. He started as an owner-operator of a restaurant in Snellville in 2007. A couple of years later, the Tucker Station location became available, allowing Brad the opportunity to be an owner-operator of a restaurant closer to his home and where he grew up. Now Brad is the owner-operator of both the Tucker and Northlake Chick-fil-A restaurants.
Not long ago, and after thirty-four years, the Tucker Station Chick-fil-A location was relocated nearby on Hugh Howell Road. And according to Brad, the new location is working out nicely.
“The building that we have now is really incredible,” Brad says. “It’s laid out well, and it’s a much better team member experience and a much better guest experience.”
In addition to making a great chicken sandwich, Brad says his store locations give back to the community in many ways, with helping to stop food insecurity topping the list. Brad says they help at both the store level and the market level by giving to the local food pantry and then through a program called Shared Table, where at the end of the day participating Chick-fil-A restaurants donate surplus food to local organizations to feed those in need.
“No food goes to waste,” Brad says.
Chick-fil-A also provides leadership training through a leadership development program offered to high school students. And Chick-fil-A provides scholarship opportunities, where team members who work at Chick-fil-A can apply for schol-
arships through Scholarship America. Team members compete for funds with other team members across the country. Brad says that looking back during his time in Tucker, they’ve awarded more than $250,000 in scholarships. It’s an incredible team member opportunity, and this year they added an education program that will pay for a portion of Chick-fil-A team members’ college tuition and professional certifications.
Over the past ten years, the Tucker and Northlake locations have employed more than 3,000 area residents.
“Our purpose at our restaurant level is to make a difference in the communities in which we live and serve,” Brad says. “One of the ways we do that is we challenge our team to be remarkable. When you think about your experience, is it just normal or one that you would tell others about? Our goal is to make all of our experiences remarkable and a memorable experience for all of our guests.”
Brad estimates that they serve about 5,000 people in a day in total at his Tucker and Northlake locations, and it takes a lot of people in the restaurant so that things run smoothly. But there are still challenges.
“We have challenges every day and we’re not perfect,” he says. “Our team works very, very hard, and we support our team so they can serve our guests in a meaningful way. When you’re serving as many people as we are in a day, you’re going to make mistakes, but we try to make those mistakes positive experiences.”
And they also want to be innovative and try new things. Currently, Mobile Thru is offered at the Tucker location. Mobile Thru allows guests who preorder through the Chick-fil-A app to bypass the ordering line when picking up food.
Brad says the Northlake location has also been a pilot restaurant and instrumental in trying out innovative ideas such as delivering food to tables for guests who are dining in.
“I’ve really tried over the years to be a good partner,” says Brad about working with Chick-fil-A and being an owner-operator quick to try out new ideas. “Because they’ve certainly been a good partner to me.”
Brad continues to live in the community where he works, and working with Chick-fil-A has given him a platform and opportunities to be a positive influence and to make improvements so that it’s a desirable place to live and to be in business.
“This is where I grew up,” Brad says. “I want to do everything I can to help our area continue to get better.”
More information at chick-fil-a.com or www.cfatucker.com.
On your mark…get set…go! Before long, neighborhood swim teams will be gearing up for a new year of summertime competition. But one neighborhood team is hitting a milestone. This year the Hanarry West Swim Team, led by Coach Eric Brown, will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Patricia Heys, co-manager of the team, says the team plans to celebrate the milestone in June with, but what else, a pool party. Plans include inviting former coaches and former swimmers to the celebration. And there are also plans to remember the days when the team got its start with some 1970s gear and apparel.
Started in 1974, the Hanarry West Dolphins in Lilburn formed a swim team as part of the Gwinnett County Swim League. Today the league has more than forty-three teams with more than 6,500 swimmers. Last year the Dolphins finished the season in 8th place and received the Margaret Gilbert Award for Best Team Sportsmanship for their hospitality when playing host during meets.
“It’s an old structure with a small parking lot and you’re hosting hundreds of people,” Patricia explains, speaking about the swimming pool area in Hanarry West. “How do you make that feel the least stressful as possible? That’s the goal. It’s awesome to see these kids feel welcomed and encouraged. It’s really exciting.” Patricia stresses that in the swim league, communication is key. “Our swimmers and our coaches are encouraging and polite to everybody,” she says. On a more personal note, Patricia says her favorite thing is to see the big smiles on the faces of the swimmers. She adds, “One of the great things about summer swim is that it’s for all ages and all abilities.”
Coach Brown is no stranger to the sport or the competition, as he’s also the
swim coach and head of the Social Studies Department at Parkview High School where he’s led high school teams to both county and state championships. He started coaching the Hanarry West team in 2018. Patricia says they know they have a great coach with Coach Brown.
“What doesn’t appear on paper is how encouraging he is of everyone on the team, especially the younger kids that follow him around and want to be his assistant coach,” Patricia says. “It’s the way he interacts with the younger swimmers is just as awesome as how he interacts with the teenagers. He’s just really an advocate for kids learning the life skill of swimming.”
And no matter at what level the swimmer, there’s always something to celebrate with the team’s Friday tradition of celebratory cannonballs into the pool! Patricia says there are all kinds of reasons to celebrate, from a swimmer improving his or her time to competing in a new event. Cannonball Fridays are a tradition and how Coach Brown is building the program. It’s no wonder the team has a full roster of 142 swimmers last season. Each year the league holds a county championship that includes the top fifty of every age group and every stroke/event at Georgia Tech, so the swimmers get a taste of what it’s like to compete at a college venue.
This year Hanarry West is starting a new program called Dolphin Pups for swimmers starting at age 3 to around age 10. The program is designed to help younger swimmers and potential swim team members get ready for the team and competition.
More information at https://hwdolphins.swimtopia.com/.
$10 per ride
During the late 1970s, Brian Lamb, then the Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief of an industry trade publication called Cablevision, proposed a channel on the growing cable spectrum to provide gavel-to-gavel coverage and airing of the U.S. Congress in action. Though a handful of congressional hearings had been televised as early as the Army-McCarthy Senate Hearings of 1954, the day-to-day business of law-making and the many “non-business” functions of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate were largely shielded from public view.
Lamb came up with the concept, and with the help of an early cable TV pioneer, Bob Rosencrans, and an initial investment of $25,000, in 1979, C-SPAN, the Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network, was on the air. Then, and now, a private nonprofit organization, C-SPAN, receives no government funding. The network has a staff of around 250, offering 24-hour coverage and programming across three different programmed networks. C-SPAN’s focus is the U.S. House of Representatives. It covers the U.S. Senate, shifting weekend programming to American History on Saturdays and Book TV on Sundays. It also covers congressional hearings, conferences and public events, campaigns, and press briefings by the White House, as well as members of Congress.
C-SPAN, a unique nonpartisan entity, strives to be apolitical while offering a level of detail and nuance about the Congressional legislative process that surpasses any other news outlet worldwide. It sustains itself through voluntary funding from the cable TV industry, with households paying roughly ten cents per viewer, per channel, per month. These three networks are accessible on approximately 7,900 cable systems in 86 million U.S. households. However, these numbers are declining as viewers shift to streaming content, particularly in rural and ex-urban areas without fiber or broadband access.
Although perhaps lesser known than CNN (launched in Atlanta on June 1, 1980), C-SPAN has continued to grow its programming and influence. Still, its greatest impact may be the copycat gavel-to-gavel coverage of numerous state legislatures as well as city and county governments across the United States. C-SPAN began coming into its audience and its own as newspaper readership and influence began its wane. Lamb, now 81, is still active as its Board Chairman.
A fixture of cable television for nearly thirty years, C-SPAN is facing financial difficulties as cable penetration decreases and the network refrains from advertising. While other television news networks have adopted the cable news network models, C-SPAN remains a unique news source, refusing to take a side or show any obvious partisan bias.
Congressman and later U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich was among the Continued on page 17
In a recent conversation with a friend, we explored the profound impact of alignment on our journeys. We had not seen each other in several years and found ourselves discussing the importance of staying true to who we are in our current seasons of life and discovered that aligning with our core values and standing firm on them is a key to consistently leading forward in life. We also discovered that we had “connected” and “aligned” years ago that created this lasting bond we were celebrating, and acknowledged that because we had remained connected virtually, it kept the connection aligned and functioning.
Alignment of self requires Awareness, Assessment, Adjustment, and Action to be in the best position to be effective. When you are Aware that something is “off,” you can Assess what is needed. Then you Adjust and take Action to reset the alignment and continue leading forward. That is like driving or being a passenger in an automobile that is out of alignment. The ride is not smooth, it may be difficult to keep in between the lines, and it creates unnecessary wear/tear on the tires. In short, the owner must take action to get the adjustments required to reset the alignment, or it significantly impacts the performance of the vehicle.
The same principle is true with our physical core, the group of muscles in our midsection that stabilizes our spine and pelvis and is vital to physical alignment. The stronger our core, the more stable our body. All the muscles in our midsection keep us steady and upright. When our core muscles are weak or compromised, it impacts our daily activities.
When we are unclear about our self-alignment or how to strengthen our core and stand confidently on our story, we experience unnecessary stress and unhealthy influences, and we pursue a path that is contrary to who we are. When
we practice the four A’s of alignment, we are better equipped to withstand the pressure or potential detours of life. The key question to ask before making any decision is “How does this align with who I am?”
Alignment is not perfection. “Strive for consistent excellence, not perfection” is a JANEism that I practice. It’s about navigating life with a sense of purpose and genuineness, even in the face of challenges. Think about your core values, your operating system, your relationships, and your ethics. These elements form the essence of who you are. Standing aligned with them, without compromising, strengthens your self-leadership and allows you to stand out in any space or field you find yourself in. “When we align WHO we are with WHERE we are, exceptional results can be experienced.” – A JANEism
More information at www.janeblishoplive.com.
While Dan runs a tight ship, he also recognizes the incredible talent he has on his team.
“The guys who work for me are the real craftsmen,” said Dan. “People know we are going to treat them right and take care of them.”
So the next time you notice the kitchen light is flickering and you’re tempted to pick up your toolset, pick up your phone instead and call Dan and his team at Epie’s Electrical Services. You will be guaranteed quality work, an excellent experience, and a team who wants to play with your dog just as much as you do.
More information at https:// epies-electrical.com/, (770) 9398808
Continued from page 5
l Seamless Transition: Memorial service to reception space without venue changes. No more traveling worries or complications
l Convenience: All-in-one location saves time, reduces complexity and unexpected circumstances
l Comfortable Healing: Stay in an environment where everyone can properly express their emotions without the worries of public judgement Gwinnett Chapel 1031 Lawrenceville Hwy.
On March 14, 2020, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a public health state of emergency for all Georgians due to the COVID-19 virus. While many of us had anticipated this possibility, Georgians were now faced with finding ways to accommodate new guidelines and learn how to live with this new normal, however long it may last. Everyone did their best to make these changes, but there is no denying that it was a stressful time for small businesses especially, as they worked to update their business model and workflow. It was a difficult time for many.
Except, of course, for the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry. For them, it was just another Saturday.
That isn’t to say that the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry didn’t face challenges with the pandemic. It’s just that facing challenges is what this ministry does best, regardless of the state of the world.
“We were intensely overwhelmed during the pandemic,” said director Laura Drake. “But God has never let us go without, and He provided for us in that time!”
As serving people in person was no longer a viable option for the cooperative ministry, Laura and her team started creating boxes of food to hand out to people in their cars. That allowed the community they served to receive the help they needed without endangering any of the community or staff. The cooperative ministry managed to make this change in a matter of hours, updating as many people as they could to let them know that help was still available; it would just look a little different than before.
The pandemic is over, but the hard work of the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry has only continued to grow. In 2023, they received over 13,900 requests for assistance – a number that has increased each year, and, in recent years, has only been higher during the pandemic. It is a daunting undertaking, but Laura and her team are confident that God will continue to provide the ministry with what it needs to help the community.
One of Laura’s favorite recollections of how God has met the ministry’s needs happened one afternoon in January 2024, when Laura realized she only had thirty-three more boxes of food left to give out to those who were waiting – and the
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Gwinnett Technical College students had an impressive showing at SkillsUSA, Georgia’s Postsecondary State Leadership and Skills Conference at the Georgia World Congress Center. Seventy-three Gwinnett Tech students competed, earning forty-four competition medals: twenty-five gold, eight silver, and eleven bronze.
The Gwinnett Tech SkillsUSA chapter secured the Level 1 Chapter of Distinction – Chapter of Excellence Program Quality Chapter, and Level 2 Chapter of Distinction GOLD Level-Winning Chapter titles. These awards recognize chapters that deliver high-quality professional development focusing on students’ personal, workplace, and technical skills. Additionally, the chapter received recognition for having the third-highest membership in Georgia.
Mohamed Belal, a humanities instructor, earned the prestigious SkillsUSA Georgia Postsecondary Advisor of the Year award for his significant contributions to SkillsUSA and to students in career and technical education programs. Mohamed remains in contention for the national-level award.
Dr. D. Glen Cannon, president of Gwinnett Technical College, shared, “The success of these students proves they are ready to excel and compete in a global workforce. Our students’ results at this competition continue to prove that their educational foundation is exceptional and that they can apply their learning in real-world situations.”
The National SkillsUSA Championships showcase the abilities of postsecondary students through hands-on competitions in leadership, health occupations, trades/industry, and technology.
The Gwinnett Tech 2024 award winners were: Gold Medalists: Olugbenga Bakare – Quiz Bowl; Harveen Banga – Health Knowledge Bowl; Sharon Broady – Outstanding Chapter Team; Meagan Cash –Health Knowledge Bowl; Duy Do – Related Technical Math; Karen Escario - Quiz Bowl; Annette Flynn - Web Design & Development; Drake Hamilton – Culinary Arts; Keturah Polius Hazell – Health Knowledge Bowl; Sebastian Hoyos – Health Knowledge Bowl; Kelly Inglett – Health Occupations Professional Portfolio; Byron Jones – Pin Design; Raquel Kangalee – Outstanding Chapter Team; Shagufta Khan – Outstanding Chapter Team; Dayoon (Iris) Kim – Medical Math;
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The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners acted on several initiatives during their January 16, 2024 meeting. Here’s a recap of what they approved: Singleton Park will support active lifestyles Commissioners gave the green light to build Singleton Park and Greenway in unincorporated Norcross. The new 1.58-acre park will meet the community’s diverse needs and preferences with recreational and accessibility features including open leisure spaces, a playground, multi-modal trail, shade structures and a Ride Gwinnett stop. F.S. Scarborough, LLC, was awarded the $6.3 million contract. Project funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, a Governor’s Office grant, SPLOST, and a CARES Act Community Development Block Grant.
Hurricane Shoals Road scores eco-friendly paving upgrade
Sustainable materials will be used to pave Hurricane Shoals Road with the help of a $250,000 Solid Waste Trust Fund grant. This state fund supports sustainability efforts by local governments, including repaving projects that incorporate recycled tires into asphalt. The result is durable roadways that also have the benefit of reducing solid waste. To date, the Department of Transportation has used the tire rubber mixture to repave more than eleven miles of roadway in Gwinnett. Water Resources wins Green Infrastructure Challenge
The Department of Water Resources won the Ferguson Waterworks Green Infrastructure Challenge for local governments. The award consists of materials valued at $50,000 plus in-kind technical support for the design and installation of watershed improvements in two highly visible areas of the Water Resources Central Facility. The project will reduce existing surface drainage issues, improve water quality, and provide educational opportunities to visitors and employees. Sewer projects expand capacity
Commissioners approved two gravity sewer contracts to JDS, Incorporated. The first is a $6.8 million project to install a gravity sewer interceptor and sewer force main that will connect the Little Suwanee Creek pump station currently under construction to the Rock Springs interceptor. The force main and gravity sewer will carry wastewater from the new pump station, providing capacity for development along Buford Drive in northern Gwinnett County and diverting existing flows from the downstream sewer interceptor that is nearing capacity.
The second project is a $21.5 million investment that will expand the Wolf Creek interceptor, upgrading two miles of gravity sewer along the Chattahoochee River from Simpsonwood Park to Jones Bridge Park in Peachtree Corners. The current 20-inch diameter sewer is nearing capacity and will be increased to a 36-inch diameter pipe to accommodate future development in western Gwinnett County.
More information at https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/web/gwinnett/aboutgwinnett/vibrantlyconnected
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There’s a huge difference in the kind of home care you can receive from someone who really understands what your life is like as a senior.
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Our loving and compassionate seniors are there to help. We offer all the services you need.
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Spending time on the water with your crew this summer? 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 knowhow 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.
You may never think of your cuddly cat as a killer, but domestic cats are causing the extinction of other species at an alarming rate. To date thirty-three species worldwide have become extinct due to cat predation.
The Stephens Island wren, one of only three flightless songbirds ever known, was discovered by lighthouse keeper David Lyall, only to be hunted to extinction by his pet cat and a number of others shortly after.
While the majority of mortalities are caused by unowned cats (which include farm/barn cats, strays that are fed by humans but not granted access to habitations, cats in subsidized colonies, and cats that are completely feral), owned cats that have access to the outside also pose a large threat. It’s estimated that free-ranging domestic cats kill 1.3–4.0 billion birds and 6.3–22.3 billion mammals annually.
Many owners don’t believe their cuddly kitty is a killer. A recent study from the University of Georgia attached cameras to sixty pets and found almost half were active hunters. It also revealed that they ate roadkill, lapped at sewer water, and dodged cars. Yikes!
“Through the use of Kitty Cams, our research team measured cat predation on wildlife and quantified common factors threatening the health of owned free roaming cats.” To learn more visit http://www.kittycams.uga.edu/research.html
How can you help? One of the easiest ways to minimize the impact that your cat may be having on local wildlife is to put a bell on its collar. This simple act can give at-risk prey a heads up that your cat is close. Keeping your cat inside at night can reduce kills by 50%. Spaying and neutering helps eliminate the possibility of your cat adding to the feral population.
To take it a step further, trap, spay/neuter, bell, and release neighborhood feral cats. Every little bit helps to preserve other important species inhabiting our world.
Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com
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 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)
As you age, your health needs change. Staying on top of senior wellness activities is important, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Creating a list of health and wellness to-do’s can help you stay organized, so you look and feel your best.
“Aging well is living well, and it all starts with a combination of activities that can improve our mental and physical well-being,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, chief executive officer of Determined Health and a physician specializing in geriatric medicine. “Although health and wellness may seem to get increasingly complicated with age, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. A few simple – and fun –steps can keep us on the healthy aging path. By taking a proactive approach and prioritizing health, seniors can live their best life.”
Kaiser shares a simple senior-health checklist to help keep you or a loved one focused on wellness:
1) Annual physical: Everyone’s health is different. Even if you see specialists for certain conditions, it’s typically recommended to get an annual physical with your primary physician. This is an opportunity for important health screenings that may include tests to evaluate blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, bone density, and more. It’s also a good time for you to ask any questions and discuss concerns.
2) Vaccinations: Staying current on recommended vaccinations can help you stay healthy and limit the spread of disease. When cold and flu season arrives, be sure to ask your doctor about getting an influenza vaccine. The risk of severe illness from COVID also increases with age. COVID vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness and you can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting vaccinated.
3) Physical activity: All seniors eligible for Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or group retiree plan may be eligible to join SilverSneakers at no additional cost and have access to live and on-demand virtual workouts, including nearly 2,000 activities and classes per week in a variety of lengths and formats.
4) Social connection: Maintaining friendships and connecting with others is an important component to supporting physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Set up coffee with friends. Join community groups. Check out social engagement opportunities through programs that feature working out with a group of peers to build friendships and community.
5) Mental health: Although prioritizing mental health is now more widely accepted, it still can be a challenge for older adults to admit they need help. Talk with your doctor about how you feel and about mental health concerns you may
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According to InjuryFacts.NSC.org, approximately sixteen out of 100 people were injured in a home or community venue in 2021. The leading causes that contribute to these injuries, such as drowning, fire smoke, and general home maintenance, can be prevented by acting ahead of time.
As the leading global source of model codes, standards, and building safety solutions, the International Code Council is passionate about educating homeowners on fire safety, home maintenance, and sustainability practices. Here are some safety tips to help prevent accidents and keep your family and community safe:
Fire Safety Tips:
• Put a smoke alarm on every level of your home, outside each sleeping area, and inside every bedroom. Test each smoke alarm regularly and replace it every ten years.
• Install home fire sprinklers. They are relatively affordable and can increase property value and lower insurance rates.
• For mold prevention, watch for leaky pipes, condensation, and wet spots, and fix sources of moisture problems as soon as possible.
• Remember that some materials and items should never be flushed down the toilet, including medication, disposable wipes, coffee grounds, etc.
• To prevent your pipes from freezing in the winter, drain water from the swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following the manufacturer’s or installer’s directions.
• Make an escape plan with a meeting place outside so everyone knows how to get out fast.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from portable heaters.
• Keep all items that can burn away from your home. Remember to clean leaves from your gutters and clear dead leaves and branches from shrubs and trees surrounding your home.
Home Maintenance Tips:
• Never overload electrical cords or power strips.
• Don’t use appliances that have damaged cords.
Love them, hate them, or don’t really care, electric vehicles (EVs) are beginning to take over transportation conversations and roadways, and soon, boats and planes. Already, there were 16.5 million electric cars on the road worldwide in 2021, three times more than in 2018, according to S&P Global. Though still in the early adopter phase, here are four reasons your next vehicle is likely to be electric.
Auto manufacturers are phasing out the production of internal combustion engine (ICE) models. General Motors announced in 2021 that the company will only sell vehicles that have zero tailpipe emissions by 2035 across all global markets. Similarly, leading companies like Ford committed to zero emissions globally by 2040 and no later than 2035 in key markets. Some states are making the same commitment. Through Michigan’s Healthy Climate plan, for example, the state is working to achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050, including through electrifying vehicles and increasing public transit.
States are accelerating the push for EVs through legislation. The Air Resources Board is offering a Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, making new and used electric cars more affordable for consumers, as some states seek to ban the sale of ICE model vehicles. On the federal level, as part of a broad new Inflation Reduction Act – designed to address climate change, healthcare, and taxes – a new tax credit of up to $4,000 on used electric cars and revised tax credits of up to $7,500 on certain new EVs are available for prospective buyers to take advantage of. These legislative changes highlight the need for tangible progress in increasing the accessibility of EVs.
States are building out supporting infrastructure for EVs. All over the United States, you will find EV chargers popping up at local supermarkets, malls, and sporting events. Michigan is taking it a step further by bringing chargers to state parks and working with public universities on pilot programs and research programs to improve battery design. The Lake Michigan EV Circuit Tour, for example, is a network of EV chargers that, once completed, will span over
• Make sure all pedestrian gates in the barrier fence of your swimming pool are self-closing and self-latching.
According to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, the average U.S. family can spend $2,000 annually on energy bills. This means that reducing your home energy use is the most effective way to save money and reduce your home’s contribution to greenhouse gases. The Code Council recognizes that it’s unclear where to start for many people, and suggests the following tips to help communities forge a path forward.
Energy and Sustainability Tips:
• Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators, and use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks. These steps can improve water conservation.
• To prevent stormwater runoff pollution, never dump anything down storm drains.
• Change the filters in your home’s heating and cooling system regularly to increase energy efficiency.
• Replace your light bulbs with LEDs, which use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Build green and design your home with easily recyclable, reusable, renewable, durable, affordable, and low-maintenance materials.
• Build a rain garden to capture roof drainage and divert it to your garden or landscaping to recycle non-potable water. Be sure to check your local rules on rainwater harvesting before installation.
More information at iccsafe.org. (StatePoint)
1,100 miles of drivable shoreline around Lake Michigan throughout Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
“We are going to see a huge uptick in EV adoption, especially as manufacturers continue to diversify the EV models on the market, lower prices for increased accessibility, and partner with states to ensure infrastructure is catching up with the high-tech innovation happening across the country,” says Trevor Pawl, Chief Mobility Officer for the State of Michigan. “It’s only a matter of time before your neighbors are driving one, too.”
Beyond incentives and legislation, we’re still human and want to keep up with our neighbors and peers. EVs have been around for almost thirty years, with the first mass-produced, purpose-built modern electric car from one of the industry’s key players released in 1996 from General Motors. Soon, EVs will make up a majority of new cars available. And, with the many financial incentives and user benefits associated with making the shift to EVs, it may not take long for you to begin reimagining how an EV could fit into your life, too.
While your next car choice will hinge on a range of factors – lifestyle, brand preference, car features, safety ratings, availability, and price – you may be surprised how many boxes an EV can tick. Even without gas, there’s a lot of sustainable power under their hoods. (BPT)
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have. There are many ways to help with a variety of mental health concerns, including mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety, seeing a therapist, and taking medication.
6) Mental enrichment: Cognitive decline can occur as you age, so it’s important to be proactive to help support brain health through mental stimulation. Read books. Join a weekly game group. Check out GetSetUp, new for SilverSneakers members in participating health plans. This program provides an online learning platform designed for seniors with a wide range of live video classes – over 2,000 hours per week on more than 1,800 topics – to support mental enrichment.
7) Nutrition: What you eat fuels your body and mind, so it’s important to pack your pantry and refrigerator with wholesome foods. Stock up on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, beans, and low-fat dairy. Then explore recipes you can try to experience new flavors and keep mealtime exciting. If you need help or have strict dietary concerns, consider working with a nutritionist for additional guidance.
Doesn’t it feel good to check a few things off your list? For more ideas on how seniors can stay active and connected, visit SilverSneakers.com. (BPT)
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line of cars hoping to receive some basic food supplies was wrapped around the block. Trying to see just how desperate the situation was, Laura began counting cars, and found that there were exactly thirty-three cars in line.
“Running a ministry like this is our mission, but it’s different than a mission trip,” said Laura. “The work here is ongoing – our job is not finished as long as people need us.”
Of course, as always, the ministry team has been in the process of making changes to better serve the community since they were able to come back to serving people in person in the fall of 2021. Though the original model of people coming inside the doors of the co-op is once again available, Laura and her team realized that many people still benefitted from being able to pick up food from their cars. Now the ministry offers both options to allow people to choose the method that suits them best.
Laura attributes the co-op’s serving ability to God alone. She also says that God has used many people and churches in the community to bring the resources so desperately needed to serve every person who comes to the door.
In the last few years, the co-op has seen a lot of refugee families asking for aid, in addition to local families who are trying to get back to work and need some assistance to bridge the gap. Whatever the need, the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry will help – but they need our help, too.
If you head to the co-op’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ groups/141267961327), you will find a list of needs posted regularly. While the ministry team knows they will always have what they need, they also know that it is possible due to God moving in the hearts of those willing to give. And that’s where we all come in. If you can meet even one need that the co-op shares, it will make a difference for a lifetime. Whether you donate ten pounds of food or a single toothbrush, the help you give adds up and is poured back into the community.
“It’s an honor to come alongside and support our community members,” said Laura. “It’s always a journey. You never know who is coming through the door each day; but whoever it is, we say ‘Come on in!’”
If you want to learn more about how you can help or how to receive help from the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry, just check out their website or Facebook page. You will find a team waiting for you that loves their community, wants to help people, and, as Laura says, is unapologetically all about Jesus.
More information at https://segwinnettcoop.org/
Recently I attended a wonderful recital at the Smoke Rise Baptist Church by talented pianist Hannah Ramanou, a resident of Stone Mountain. The concert was attended by her proud parents and many friends and family.
Music Director Danny Vasil of Smoke Rise Baptist Church introduced Ramanou, who has performed at the church on several occasions. Her program was titled, “A Musical Journey Through the Ages,” and featured Sonata in G Major by Domenico Scarlatti, Sonata in C Major, HOB. XVI:50 by Joseph Haydn, Liebesträum No. 2 in E Major and Hungarian Rhapsody No.3 in Bb Major by Franz Liszt, Impromptu in B Minor Opus 5, No. 5 by Jean Sibelius, and Scherzo in C# Minor, Opus 39, No. 3 by Frédéric Chopin.
Before each piece Ramanou, wearing a beautiful pink gown, gave a little background about the music and composer. At the end of the recital, Ramanou was presented with a lovely floral bouquet from her admirers.
A reception followed, hosted by her friends and family, with two large tables filled with tasty treats, including fruit punch, mini wraps, chocolate-covered strawberries, and delicious cookies that had the treble and bass clef depicted in icing.
Hannah Ramanou started piano lessons at age four with teacher Sherie Pierre-
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first to use C-SPAN as a megaphone for conservative thinking, giving speeches to a frequently empty House Chamber. C-SPAN’s camera was trained only on the podium and speaker in the well. Gingrich didn’t care if he was giving the remarks at 2 a.m.; he knew they would eventually find their audience. This quickly became such an effective propaganda tool by the GOP for campaign fodder and propaganda that then-House Speaker Tip O’Neil (D-Massachusetts) ordered that its cameras also focus on the empty house floor seats during “order of the day” speeches. This quickly became known as Camscam.
I say now, in C-SPAN’s 45th year, they deserve a strong round of applause for the increased transparency of Congress’s inner workings. Though there are twelve SPANs covering legislatures in states that receive some degree of public funding, C-SPAN does not seek to become part of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting nor to become captive to the funding whims of political bodies and officeholders who frequently threaten PBS and its state affiliates with funding cuts tied to programming.
I still have access to C-SPAN content via YouTube.TV, though I am not certain whether YouTube is passing along anything similar to the 30 cents per day per C-SPAN channel, roughly $1 per month, that was coming to them from my cable provider. And though we all have more subscriptions than we probably need these days, I would be more than happy to be giving C-SPAN $10 per month (or more) to keep C-SPAN keeping on. It is time to start giving C-SPAN a hand.
Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
Hendrix Scott, who recognized her talent and passion for the instrument. After years of practice Ramanou graduated from Townsend School of Music at Mercer University and the Georgia State University School of Music with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in piano performance. She is a member of the Music Teacher National Association and Musika. In 2020 Ramanou became a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, a prestigious music fraternity founded in 1903 at the Metropolitan College of Music in Cincinnati, Ohio.
During her undergraduate and graduate years, Ramanou was featured as a soloist in masterclasses, piano competitions, recitals, and festivals, including Perimeter PianoFest, the Southeast Young Artist Piano Competition, and Georgia Music Teachers Association College Auditions. Her awards include a Silver Medal, Award of Excellence, Honorable Mention, and Outstanding Performer.
“The realization that I wanted to pursue a career as a professional pianist came to me during my high school years,” she said. “As I continued to immerse myself in the world of music and devote countless hours to practicing the piano, a profound passion and sense of purpose began to gel with me. It was during a particularly inspiring piano performance by my high school piano teacher, Xiaochen Chen, when she performed Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A Minor; that was when I experienced a vital moment of clarity. Witnessing the transformative power of music and the deep emotional connection that she was able to convey through her performance struck a chord with me. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to the art of piano playing. The thought of sharing my love for music with others, evoking emotions through my performances, and striving for excellence in my craft became a driving force that fueled my aspirations to become a pianist. With steadfast determination and a firm commitment to my musical journey, I set forth on the path towards realizing my dream of making a meaningful impact through my music and pursuing my fulfilling career as a pianist.”
Currently, Ramanou is teaching privately and booking performances. She plays at weddings, combining both classical and contemporary music. With years of dedicated practice and study, in both solo and collaborative piano, a deep passion for and a strong desire to inspire others through the power of music, Hannah Ramanou has developed both technical proficiency and an understanding of the emotional and expressive elements of music.
In June she will marry her fiancé and move to Macon where she will be teaching and performing regularly.
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Nah Kim – Technical Computer Applications; Lily Lieng – Quiz Bowl; Joshua McGee – Extemporaneous Speech; Jeff Miles – Quiz Bowl; Carman Monroe –Quiz Bowl; Eric Nims – Web Design & Development; Mikayla Schorr – Baking & Pastry Arts; Rayyan Surani – Computer Programming; Adriana Teodoro –Quiz Bowl; Trinity Wagner – Restaurant Services
Please go to www.GwinnettTech.edu to see the full list of winners including Silver and Bronze Medalists. SkillsUSA contests begin locally and continue through state and national levels. State Gold Medalists now can compete in the SkillsUSA annual National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, June 24-28, 2024. The National SkillsUSA Championships showcase the skills of postsecondary students through hands-on competitions in leadership, health occupations, trades/industry, and technical contests. Over 16,000 students, teachers, and business partners participated in the weeklong national competition. More information at GwinnettTech.edu or call 770-962-7580.
