DECEMBER 2023: (GREEN) Our Town Gwinnett Monthly Magazine for Gwinnett/Walton

DECEMBER 2023 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Our Town

Up Close with Double Durango Farm & Goat Yoga, see story on page 5.

GWINNETT

Grayson Dacula Lawrenceville Snellville Loganville

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On the Cover:

If it’s Not Goat Yoga: It’s Just Another Workout

By Tana Poncsak

Some people are dog people, and others are cat people. But there are other pets, including goats. Take it from Dianne Cassara of Double Durango Farm in Loganville. She’s been breeding and raising goats for about twenty years now.

“They’re fun, and they’re great pets,” Dianne said, adding that goats are a little like dogs, but they don’t bark. She also says they’re very entertaining. In fact, many people have looked to goat yoga to add an element of cute and fun to an otherwise mundane or strenuous workout.

Initially, Dianne, who is first and foremost a goat breeder, wasn’t interested in adding goat yoga to the many activities already offered around her farm located in Loganville. But eventually, she gave in and joined forces with a yoga instructor to give goat yoga a try, and it was a success.

Now they hold classes on the farm where people can come and participate in a yoga class while goats roam the area and join in the workout. Those who take goat yoga classes are having more than just a workout. They’re having fun.

“They laugh and make memories,” Dianne said. “You forget the stress of the week when these little goats are running around and jumping on your back.”

In her younger years, Dianne always had horses and never imagined owning and breeding goats until she met her mentor when she was working as a pet sitter taking care of dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. She first started feeding the goats and took a liking to them.

December 2023 Our Town Gwinnett

“One thing led to another,” she said, “and instead of him paying me for pet sitting, I started working off the price of the little baby girl I wanted to buy from him. I was hooked.”

As a breeder, Dianne bottle feeds her goats, which means they’re used to people, so they’re people-friendly. Many people want them as pets because they are cute and have a fun and friendly demeanor.

Dianne has also shown her goats in various shows and has won many awards. And while many people travel miles to see and spend time with her goats on the farm during scheduled farm tours, she said her goats travel as well – like the time they were featured on a television show and she had to take her them to the set, which was a house near Hartsfield Jackson International Airport.

Continued on page 9

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Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

— An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com

Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett/Walton area.

Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.

Entire contents copyright 2023 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Publisher/Owner Dr. Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com

Photography Emil Powella Photography

Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com

Distribution Coordinator Holly Cooks

Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com

Cover Story Feature Writer Kristen Eleveld

Feature Writers Victoria R. Crosby Tana Poncsak Traci Sanders

Contributing Writers Jane Bishop Bill Crane Ashley Lewis Tanisha Turner Pam Walker

IN THIS ISSUE

5 On the Cover: If it’s Not Goat Yoga: It’s Just Another Workout 7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks 8 Learning Lessons: Encouraging Cooperation in Children 8 Legal Talk: My Tenant Has Not Paid Rent, Now What?

11 Up Close with The Play Parlor 11 The Miss Gwinnett County Pageant 13 Tips to Take the Stress Out of Holiday Hosting 13 One Man’s Opinion: I Hate E-Tickets 14 Travel Tales: Dude Ranch Heaven 14 Three Daily Habits That Increase Your Healthspan 15 Up Close with Alberta Alleyne: Gwinnett Technical College’s Adjunct Instructor of the Year 15 Are You a Medicare Rookie? Pros Can Help You Find the Right Plan 17 Kindness – A Word for Your Day

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From the Publisher:

Ryan’s Remarks

By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanTSauers

@RyanTSauers

As the December breeze sweeps through Gwinnett County, it brings with

it a sense of warmth, joy, and reflection.

In this season of giving, our team would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the community that makes this publication possible.

Gratitude is more than just a fleeting emotion: it is a powerful force that transforms lives and our communities. It is about acknowledging the good in our lives, both big and small, and recognizing the interconnectedness that binds us together.

It is my and our team’s privilege to witness the stories of helpfulness, kindness, and generosity that define our community.

Our local businesses have faced adversity with unwavering determination, and as always, our residents have demonstrated remarkable compassion for one another. The stories of neighbors helping neighbors, businesses supporting their communities, and individuals stepping up to make a difference are a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Gratitude, I believe, is not just a reaction to positive circumstances but a mindset that can shape our experiences. It is a lens through which we can view the world, finding beauty during chaos and silver linings in every cloud. This perspective is particularly poignant as we approach the holiday season—a time for reflection, celebration, and, most importantly, gratitude.

In the pages of this December edition, we invite you to join us on a journey of gratitude. Explore the stories of local leaders who have gone above and beyond to make a positive impact. Discover the hidden gems in our community that often go unnoticed but contribute immensely to the vibrant tapestry of Gwinnett and surrounding areas.

As you flip through these pages or read this online, we hope you feel a sense of connection and appreciation for the incredible community we are all a part of.

Our Town Gwinnett magazine is not just a publication; it is a celebration of the people, businesses, and events that make our commuContinued on page 9

December 2023 Our Town Gwinnett

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Learning Lessons: Encouraging Cooperation in Children

By Tanisha Turner Cooperation is a basic life skill that allows children to make friends and work successfully with others. The word means combining energies to work towards a common goal. But teaching it can be a challenge. It requires such character attributes as respect, honesty, patience, and thoughtfulness. Parent want their children to exhibit these skills, but they are tricky to teach since young children naturally focus on themselves. The good news is that cooperation can be learned over time through purposeful activities and frequent encouragement.

Children learn character mainly through imitation. They listen, observe, and learn cooperation skills by watching the words and actions of their caregivers and parents. By practicing cooperative skills in front of your child, you are teaching behaviors that will ultimately help your child succeed. Here are some ways you can model cooperation: • Listen carefully to others so that you can understand what they are saying.

• Share or take turns when more than one person wants the same thing.

• Compromise when you have a serious conflict.

• Do your part of a shared task and do the very best that you can.

• Show appreciation for what people contribute to a group or team.

• Encourage others to do their best.

• Include everyone and make everyone feel needed.

It’s important to be intentional about teaching cooperation. Use the following to encourage your child to cooperate with family and friends: • When you read a story with your child, point out times when the characters cooperate with each other. Discuss how the characters feel and how much easier it is to accomplish the task when they work together.

• Schedule household chores at times when all family members can work together to finish them. Praise your child for her attempts to help, and refrain from redoing the chore when she’s finished. Help her see the fun of working together to accomplish a goal.

• Point out how cooperation with chores allows for more time for family fun.

• “Catch” your child sharing or helping someone and show your appreciation, but refrain from giving material rewards. Children should learn the joy of helping others without expecting something in return.

By taking advantage of these moments and creating learning opportunities for your child, you will help him understand the importance of cooperation. Working together becomes fun for children as they develop an understanding of the skills and techniques needed to achieve a common goal.

Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway.

More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com or call 770513-0066.

Legal Talk: My Tenant Has Not Paid Rent, Now What?

By Ashley Lewis

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As an attorney practicing landlord-tenant law, I am often asked many questions regarding evictions. Specifically, I am often asked by landlords, “If my tenants have not paid rent in several months, can I turn off their utilities?” The answer is No. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 44-714.1), a landlord who wants to force tenants to move must first go through the court process and file what is called a dispossessory action and follow the dispossessory process. A landlord who suspends or terminates a tenant’s utility services prior to a final judgment is in violation of the law and may be subject to a fine of up to $500.00.

Another question landlords typically ask is, “I filed a dispossessory action, but the hearing will not be held until the end of next month.

However, rent is due on the first of the month. Can I accept rent while I wait on the dispossessory hearing?” Unfortunately, when a landlord files a dispossessory action, rental payments can no longer be accepted from the tenant without a court order. If the landlord does accept rental payments during the pendency of its case, the tenant will have a defense to avoid the eviction. However, after the dispossessory action has been filed, and if the case has not been resolved within two weeks, the landlord may request the court order the tenant to pay rent into the court’s registry, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 44-7-54.

If you are having issues with your tenants or are in need of help regarding an eviction matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at (404) 2282629. I am happy to assist you with this process or answer any of your landlord-tenant questions!

Ashley Lewis is an Associate with Weinstein & Black, LLC.

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Ryan’s Remarks Continued from page 7

Goat Yoga Continued from page 5

nity such a special place to call home. We extend our deepest thanks to our readers, contributors, partners, and everyone who makes this possible. Your support fuels our passion, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

As the year draws to a close, let us carry the spirit of gratitude into 2024. May it inspire us to continue building a community where kindness prevails, connections flourish, and the spirit of giving endures.

Thank you for being an integral part of our story. I wish you a blessed holiday season filled with gratitude, warmth, and moments of connection. And, as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

Dianne has some help in the way of volunteers. Crazy Eddie of Crazy Eddie’s Craft and Flea Market helps out when he’s not running his flea market located in Loganville.

Dianne raises her goats and lives on the five-acre farm with her husband, John. It’s their personal residence and they are not open to the public, but they offer farm tours, goat yoga classes, and more, all by appointment only. Appointments are made by email at doubledurango@gmail.com. Goat Yoga tickets can be purchased through links on the Goat Yoga Georgia website. To get information on booking private events, email goatyogageorgia@gmail.com.

More information at www.doubledurangofarm.com and www. goatyogageorgia.com.

December 2023 Our Town Gwinnett

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Up Close with The Play Parlor

By Traci Sanders Gwinnett citizens, it’s time to get your game on at The Play Parlor!

This 3,000 square foot, family-friendly game lounge is situated just down the street from Lawrenceville Square. It ensures a fun experience for all, whether you want to enjoy a simple game like Uno or Candyland, or prefer a more actionpacked activity like karaoke.

Founder and owner Tiffany Welch stepped away from a career in family medicine and a PA in urgent care in December 2022 to provide a place where people could briefly break away from technology and enjoy in-person connections when she saw the effect that technology and social media addiction was having on people, especially teens and young adults.

I recently visited The Play Parlor and was enamored by the nostalgic-yet-modern atmosphere.

When you first walk in the door, you see the timeline of the company displayed above the threshold as a mural featuring the original Monopoly man and the Lawrenceville railroad system stretched out across the city.

As you enter the main game lounge, booths and tables are set up to accommodate single-person games, activities, and group endeavors.

Behind the counter, you’ll discover the game rental closet that houses multiples of nearly any game you can imagine – from puzzles to board games to Rubik’s cubes. For just $10 per hour, you can enjoy any activity or board game, excluding the themed rooms.

A stage lines the back wall to accommodate karaoke singers who don’t mind a crowd, but there’s also a private themed room called The Acting Out Lounge that offers a more intimate experience for you and up to nine other close friends if you so choose. Play loud and active games such as Blurt It Out, Charades, or sing until your heart’s content in private along with the karaoke machine.

The Billboards Walk is the second of the three themed rooms that offer active games such as pool, air hockey, ping pong, and darts. You get all this and more for just $50 per hour, and the room holds up to thirty-two people with ample space for sitting and standing. This room is perfect for birthday parties or group socials. Zono Technology, which kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, is used to sanitize the board game pieces and structures to ensure a safe and healthy experience.

The Deck of Cards is another private-themed room that can be rented by the hour. Picture the ambiance of a gentleman’s cigar lounge – without the cigars, of course – set up with a conference-style round table that accommodates up to twelve people. You’ll even see the poker dogs mural featured on the light that hangs above the table. This room can be rented for just $25 per hour, providing a great space for business socials and card game nights.

If you live close by and wish to frequent The Play Parlor regularly, they offer a membership that allows unlimited play one day per week for just $39.99 per month. They also offer monthly events to support and connect students, such as their Homeschool Membership Package, certified tutors to help with schoolwork, and socials on the last Tuesday of every month. Chess coaching is available every Thursday as well. Their concession stand offers theater-style snacks and treats such as nachos, popcorn, candy bars, and chips for those who get snack-ish during play.

Memberships and tickets to events can be purchased through their website.

Suffice it to say, The Play Parlor offers something for everyone.

The Miss Gwinnett County Pageant

By Traci Sanders The Miss Gwinnett County Pageant recently held its 45th pageant at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds – a proud sponsor of the event – and awarded scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,500 to the winners.

Adesuwa Ehioghae was named Miss Gwinnett County, Landry Wolf won the title of Miss Gwinnett County’s Teen, Sarah Stallings was crowned Miss Historic Gwinnett, and Delaney Lanham was named Miss Historic Gwinnett’s Teen.

This pageant, with a low entry fee of just $75, is open to young ladies in all counties in the state of Georgia. Each contestant must live, work, or attend school in the state of Georgia, and must have been born between 1996 and 2006. Birth certificates and proof of residence are also required.

The pageant features a ten-minute private interview with a panel of five judges, a single question asked on stage during the pageant, and a health and fitness segment where contestants are assessed for their physique as they model red fitness apparel by the pageant sponsor, Rebel.

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December 2023 Our Town Gwinnett

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Miss Gwinnett County Pageant Cont’ d from page 11 Contestants are required to perform a 90-second talent on stage before the judges and a general audience. Many talents have been presented in this pageant over the years such as singing, dancing, speed painting, spoken word, and playing instruments.

Competing in this pageant not only provides the opportunity for Georgia teens to enhance their interview and public speaking skills, which will play a huge role when these young women enter the workforce, but it also offers a space of community, camaraderie, and teamwork.

Many of the contestants are involved in local charities and fundraisers such as the March of Dimes, the American Heart Association – another sponsor of the pageant – and Food Insecurity, as well as other community service initiatives. Some use their influence to encourage and mentor school-aged children to develop a love of reading. Others are involved

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in first-generation financial clubs and speak to college students about financial education.

Community appearances are part of the pageant experience as well.

Contestants participate in festivities such as the City of Snellville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, Grayson Days Parade, Gwinnett County Relay for Life, and the Dacula Memorial Parade. They have also been seen singing the National Anthem or throwing out the first pitch at a Gwinnett Stripers game.

The Miss Gwinnett Pageant is a preliminary event that paves the way for winners to compete in the Miss Georgia and Miss America pageants as well. The Miss America pageant is the largest provider of scholarships for women in America.

The pageant life isn’t just about glitz and glamour. These young ladies are acquiring marketable skills for future employment and social skills to become high-functioning citizens, while also serving the needs of the community at large.

More information at www.missgwinnettcountypageant.com.

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Tips to Take the Stress Out of Holiday Hosting

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff The holiday season is one of the best times of the year! Between cooking, cleaning, and keeping guests entertained, your time and energy can also be demanding. In fact, during the holidays, adults are five times more likely to say the level of stress in their life increases rather than decreases, according to the American Psychiatric Institute.

This year, make life easier with these stress-reducing holiday entertaining tips, broken down into three areas.

Meal Prep: You should work to get ahead with meal prep, which can mean more time spent with friends and family. If you’re tasked with serving a big holiday meal, prep the main dishes a day or two ahead of time so you can pop them into the oven the day of your holiday feast.

You can also brine and season turkey, prepare your glaze, and score the ham, chop veggies, and pre-mix salad dressings the night before.

Festive beverages can be batched in advance so guests can efficiently serve themselves, helping you stay calm and collected during your party.

And of course, don’t hesitate to ask friends and family to contribute a dish.

Have Dessert Ready: Whether you’re throwing a holiday bash or expecting overnight guests, you’ll be the host with the most if you have delicious desserts on hand.

Fortunately, serving baked goods made with care and quality ingredients is easier than you think! Stick with the classics like Entenmann’s – a 125-year-old brand with many delicious options. Convenient choices can prepare you for the night ahead should the doorbell surprise you with carolers or other visitors. They can also round out a buffet spread, help you end a multi-course feast on a sweet note, or simplify breakfast for overnight guests. All you’ll need to do is put the coffee on!

Plan a Game Night: If your overnight guests spend more than a night or two at your home, you can keep them happy and entertained with some activities that require very little planning but are a lot of fun. For example, you can organize a game night, an excellent way to maximize your time together. Pick a few games that are well-suited for the crowd’s size and the players’ ages.

Remember, the best choices for a party are games that inspire conversations, teamwork, and creativity. Or plan a movie marathon, picking some holiday-themed crowd favorites in advance. You can simplify feeding your guests during these low-key activities by putting out finger foods like crudité, popcorn, pretzels, and donut holes.

With a few tips and strategies, you can ensure holiday entertainment goes as smoothly as possible. Have a great holiday season. (StatePoint)

The Play Parlor Continued from page 11 My husband and seventeen-year-old daughter enjoyed a rousing game of Scrabble and Giant Uno, and then belted out some tunes on the karaoke machine. We had a blast! And the best part was, we barely looked at our phones the entire two and a half hours we were there.

So, it seems The Play Parlor accomplishes its goal of providing enough nostalgic games and entertainment to encourage the entire family to unplug from technology and plug into real-life conversations, even for a brief moment.

More information at the-play-parlor.com/.

December 2023 Our Town Gwinnett

One Man’s Opinion: I Hate E-Tickets

By Bill Crane Though not always an early adopter, I tend to roll with and learn the latest technologies as they become readily and widely available. With a few exceptions, I do consider technology to be a friend of productivity that frees us from dozens of tasks that at one time could only be accomplished with hours or even days of labor by hand. As a Boomer, I have seen a lot of enhancements come to the fore in my lifetime. While I can easily recall the 8-track, cassette, CD, and fax machines, I will attest that I never would have guessed that a palm-held device, such as a Smart Phone, would ever become so much a part of our day-to-day lives.

This is not a column to attack Generation Z, Millennials, up-and-coming teens, or tweens who seemingly are addicted to those devices. This is instead a call out against those instances where technology can take us BACKWARDS, or at the very least to a more challenging, less functional, and even occasionally unsafe space. I HATE paperless e-tickets.

I will point out, that whether we are speaking of your Delta boarding pass on your phone, or an e-ticket to a charitable, sporting, or entertainment event, this change created significant savings for the venue, the ticket brokers, and re-sellers and middlemen, with e-tickets ostensibly making it significantly easier to transfer, sell, and resell the same ticket, all sent seamlessly through the airwaves. Define seamlessly.

What has undoubtedly become Less Than Fun is the process of accepting or downloading e-tickets for each event, saving time in your iPhone or Google Wallet (Android), or God forbid, forgetting this step and attempting to access your seats via Wi-Fi on game day.

In the event of technical problems, we are now at the complete mercy of box offices with incredibly limited hours of operation, Call Centers with only occasionally helpful staff, frequent instances where glitches cannot be addressed or corrected, and tickets paid for that ultimately go unused. Thank God, though, that Ticketmaster, Stub Hub, SEATS, and the like all get their money, because after all, isn’t that what this is all about?

The relationship between Ticketmaster and the SEC is apparently newer. If you are receiving a ticket invitation or transfer, via email or text, you must first accept the invitation. Click on the link to enter the app or the SEC Championship/Ticketmaster website. Enter your username and password, and click on My Tickets, and hopefully, your ticket gate, seat, and row number will then load onscreen. Click on VIEW TICKET where you will see an endlessly spinning blue circle. No tickets. The MB Stadium Box Office can provide a paper ticket, with proper documentation, on Game Day only. The Box Office will open at 1 p.m. and kickoff is at 4 p.m. That should be the highlight of the day. Who wants to tailgate?

I am getting a strong feeling that thousands may be stranded outside on game day, cursing their phone screens and apps, for the technology marvel that won’t deliver on its promise. I don’t mind overpaying for entertainment or sporting events I want to see, for people I care about, clients, or worthy charitable causes.

Strangely, perhaps there is just enough “Karen” in me that I do have a problem paying hundreds, occasionally even thousands, for event tickets, knowing that the funds certainly made it to their destination for the venue, sporting franchise, artist, and the middlemen ticket broker, and yet NO ticket for the ticket holder. It would seem that only the fan, and perhaps an athlete or two on the field in what will easily be a challenging game, run any serious risk of injury from this ongoing e-ticket scam.

Most fans I know would be willing to pay a bit more to have PAPER TICKETS back, sort of like newspapers costing more than their elecContinued on page 17

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Travel Tales: Dude Ranch Heaven

By Pam Walker Have you ever considered going to a Dude Ranch? Yes, those of us on the East Coast who live on farms or acreage are considered “Dudes.” With the Yellowstone TV series breaking records, the Dude Ranch Association is also reporting record-setting visitor numbers.

There are many types of Dude Ranches. They vary from inexpensive ones where they teach you to ride and then put you to work, to the very upscale ones where everything is done for you and the cabins and accommodations are deluxe.

Brush Creed Ranch is a Virtuoso branded property and even has a spa!

When you finish your horsy activities, you can relax in their pool and get a massage. There are several others like this that offer fishing, riding, and superb culinary experiences along with unrivaled wine lists.

There are others that are offering holiday (now called “festive Season”) specials. They boast days filled with trail rides, hikes, horsedrawn wagon rides, fishing, natural history chats, and kid activities.

Three Daily Habits That Increase Your Healthspan

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff Americans are optimistic about their longevity. A recent survey by MDVIP – a national network of primary care doctors focused on preventive medicine – and Ipsos found that 67% of Americans want to live longer than their parents, and 87% want to take steps to live healthier for longer.

However, 74% of Americans failed a basic 20-question quiz on the lifestyle factors that influence aging and longevity.

Living longer doesn’t happen by accident or by the grace of genetics alone. “Study after study has shown that our lifetime of decisions about what we eat, whether we exercise or whether we’re managing stress have a considerable impact on how well we age,” said Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief medical officer at MDVIP. Another thing to consider is that extending your lifespan shouldn’t be the only goal. You want to focus on maximizing the number of healthy years of your life. By increasing your “healthspan” – how many years you live without severe disease – you can enjoy your life well into your 80s and beyond.

Here are three simple but essential habits you can incorporate into your life to help improve your healthspan.

1. Invest in your health like you do your finances. According to the survey, 54% of Americans admit they plan more for their financial future than their health. To invest in your health, you need to learn more about your family’s medical history and how lifestyle changes can improve your healthspan. “Just like you start saving for retirement in your 20s, you need to start investing as early as possible in your health,” said Dr. Klemes. “Try taking a ‘portfolio’ approach to longevity and make sure

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Keep in mind that at this time of year, you can ride in the snow, too, so bring your woolies.

Most have cabin-type accommodations, but some are big lodges with more than forty rooms. All meals are included and some even offer the “chuck wagon” experience to learn how the real cowboys lived in the wilderness. One of the ranches has styled its accommodations to represent an old western town where you might spend the nights in an old jail or a saloon!

Most every ranch has a kids program where they have everything from petting zoos to learning about horses and animals and riding lessons.

They also show them roping and other cowboy activities and teach them about nature to get them excited about ranch life.

These ranches can be found all the way from California to North Carolina. However, the majority are located in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Arizona. They are great places to visit in winter or summer to learn archery or how to barn dance or go mountain biking or climb the nearby mountains. Each ranch has a different set of experiences you can enjoy. You can even join a cattle drive or join a women’s or men’s week with activities planned for each different group.

The ranches are located in some of the most spectacular scenery in the West. In summer and in winter, the ranches help celebrate the seasons with special activities and meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, if you have ever wanted to experience the old west – not à la Yellowstone – now is the time. They are all small and are taking bookings now. Enjoy a good old fashioned time in the Old West!

Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More information at pam@ walkeradventures.com you have a primary care doctor who will help you build the right mix of healthy habits based on your history, risk factors, and goals.”

Investing in your health doesn’t require overhauling your life in one night. You can talk with your doctor about your current health status and work to set realistic goals and benchmarks you can work toward over time. By creating a plan and making small incremental changes to your lifestyle, you can reap dividends in healthier years now and in the future.

2. Prioritize socializing and happiness. When you think about your health, you likely think about what you, as an individual, can do to improve your wellness and longevity. However, the relationships you form and maintain throughout your life can significantly impact your health. That’s because having healthy, stable, and strong relationships positively impacts your happiness. According to an 85-year-long study by Harvard University, there is a direct correlation between social connections and longevity. People with strong social ties with their friends, family, and community are happier, healthier, and live longer than those less well-connected.

Other research supports the Harvard finding. A 2022 article published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that optimism is associated with healthy aging and longevity across racial and ethnic groups.

Make it a point to schedule regular calls, meet-ups, and activities with people you care about so you can be happier and help contribute to their happiness and health, too.

3. Find a primary care physician (PCP). Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician and getting annual check-ups is vital to improving your healthspan. A PCP will get to know you and monitor any changes to your health that could otherwise be missed if you don’t have a regular doctor.

Another advantage of having a PCP is that you can talk about your risk factors and ways to prevent disease instead of reacting only to health problems as they appear.

If you want to lead a healthier, more vibrant life, visit MDVIP.com/ LongevityIQ and take the Longevity quiz to understand more about the factors that influence aging. There you can also learn the steps to help extend your healthy years. (BPT)

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Up Close with Alberta Alleyne: Gwinnett Technical College’s Adjunct Instructor of the Year

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff Alberta Alleyne, with over twenty-five years of experience in education, leadership, and the real estate industry, has been named Adjunct Instructor of the Year by Gwinnett Technical College. For the past fifteen years, Alleyne has contributed her expertise at Gwinnett Technical College, where she excels in teaching computer concepts and is the Chair for the CIS Mentoring Program under the Computer Sciences department.

Through the CIS Mentoring Program, Alberta has actively engaged students in transformative activities like organizing the CIS job fair, web design contest, and mentoring relaunch event. The event’s success exemplified the program’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections between students and the professional world.

“The inspiration behind my career in teaching has been the profound impact it can have on students’ lives,” Alleyne said. “For more than two decades, I have been drawn to the transformative power of education.

Are You a Medicare Rookie? Pros Can Help You Find the Right Plan

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff Roughly 4.4 million Americans will reach the age of 65 in 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. While age is just a number in some respects, this birthday marks the time when Americans become eligible for the federal Medicare health insurance program. And if you’ll be hitting this milestone soon, you’re in good company as athlete, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Earvin “Magic” Johnson will be doing the same. “I’ve been a rookie a few times in my life, but this time, I’m new to Medicare,” says Johnson.

Medicare is the government health insurance program for Americans 65 and older and those under 65 with certain disabilities, providing hospital coverage (Part A) and physician visits (Part B) to those who qualify. This year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) takes place between October 15 to December 7, 2023.

Rookies and pros alike can hone their health insurance selection game plan with some coaching. That’s why Magic Johnson got these tips from Cigna Healthcare, which serves millions of Medicare customers nationwide: 1. Don’t delay. Medicare has a seven-month window around your 65th birthday called the Initial Enrollment Period. Enrolling outside this window could result in higher premiums on Medicare Part B for the rest of your life. However, if you’re still working, you may be able to keep your current plan, depending on the size of your company, and switch to Medicare without penalty when you retire. If you’re not working and you’ve already filed for Social Security, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B when you turn 65.

December 2023 Our Town Gwinnett

It’s the privilege of guiding students, encouraging them to explore their unique talents, and watching them thrive that continues to drive my commitment to teaching.”

Computer Sciences Dean Garfield Anderson nominated Alleyne for the 2023 Adjunct of the Year, stating, “Alberta’s energetic passion for promoting and being present for all Gwinnett Tech and CIS student-focused activities is unparalleled.”

“Being named Adjunct of the Year is a catalyst for change,” Alleyne said. “It’s not just about celebrating my efforts but elevating the CIS Mentoring Program I chair to new heights. This recognition provides a unique chance to shine a brighter spotlight on the program’s success stories and its potential to empower students.

My vision is to use this platform to garner more support in terms of resources and mentorship involvement to ensure that our program continues to thrive and serves as a model for mentorship excellence in academia. Together, we can foster a culture of learning and growth that benefits countless students for years to come.”

Alleyne holds a bachelor’s degree in science with a major in Information Systems Management and a Master of Education specializing in Instructional Technology. She is also an esteemed alumnus of the Volunteer Involvement Program at United Way Atlanta.

More information at www.GwinnettTech.edu.

2. Know what’s covered. Medicare Parts A and B are sometimes called Original Medicare and cover hospital and physician expenses. To cover things like dental, vision, hearing, and pharmacy, you may opt for a Medicare Advantage plan (also known as Part C), which covers everything that Medicare does and provides additional benefits, including, in many cases, prescription drugs (also known as Part D). Assessing your budget, health needs, doctor preferences, and lifestyle will be important in making your best choice.

3. Read the fine print. Before signing up for a particular plan, ensure your favorite healthcare providers are in its network. While you may be able to go out of the network for care, be prepared to pay more if you do. You’ll also want to factor in all the associated costs of a given plan, including monthly premiums, co-pays, and deductibles, as well as the prices and rules around the prescription drugs you take.

4. Get help. Turn to resources and platforms that can help ensure you understand the plan you’re enrolling in. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-6334227) 24/7. TTY users can call 1-877486-2048. Or visit the Medicare Plan Finder website at Medicare.gov/plan-compare. Refer to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at www.shiptacenter.org for local assistance.

5. Use your benefits. For optimal health, make full use of your plan’s benefits. Be sure to get the wellness checks and preventive screenings needed for your age and health status. If your plan offers extra perks, such as fitness or nutrition programs, take advantage of them.

“If you find out that the plan you signed up for last year is not the right fit, lean into the experts about what works best for you and make changes during AEP to set yourself up for a winning year,” says Johnson.

(StatePoint)

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Kindness – A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop It’s that time of year! You know, where one holiday barely concludes and evidence of the next one seems to suddenly “appear.”

Calendars become filled with a myriad of celebrations/activities and completing end-of-the-year projects. The frenzy of trying to do it all is in motion. What often gets forgotten in the frenzy is kindness. Google kindness and you will find these descriptives: friendly, generous, being considerate, caring, compassionate, treating people with respect, and more.

Kindness defined is “the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.” What if you accessorized this time of year with kindness? What impact would you experience as you relate that to yourself and to others?

To get started creating the practice of accessorizing with kindness, begin with a 7-Day Kindness Challenge. For seven days (every 24-hour period) practice three acts of kindness for yourself and three acts of kindness for others. At the end of each 24 hours, note your actions (write it, record it, note it, etc.) AND…tell no one! This information is for your eyes only for now!

Now that you’ve logged your kindness, reflect on your actions. Think about how these acts made you feel, what you observed, what you were aware of, etc. What difference did it make in you and in others? Once you’ve practiced, acted, noted, and reflected, it’s time to do it again!

At the end of this practice for seven days, consider sharing what you

experienced (not the details/actions) as you practiced accessorizing with kindness! Consider noting what was reinforced, what was challenging, and/or what was enjoyable. Focus less on what you did and more on the impact it had.

Kindness can be exhibited in a variety of ways. It can simply be expressing empathy toward someone; it can be choosing not to offload your frustrations onto somebody else. Just be creative, be playful, and above all, be kind. Stretch yourself, have fun, and be playful with all your acts of kindness!

I hope you will embark on this seven day adventure as you practice wearing the timeless accessory of kindness! By the end of your seven days, I believe you will be fully enriched in all areas of your life.

Remember, kindness is an accessory that can be “worn” with any outfit by any person, and it’s free. How will you wear the timeless accessory of kindness?

I invite you to email me at jane@takethenextstepcct.com what you experience as you “wear” the timeless accessory of kindness not only at this time of year but year-round!

More information at www.janebishoplive.com.

One Man’s Opinion Continued from page 13 tronic editions. Electronic ticketing also makes it easier for bots and the brokers to buy up larger blocks of seats, as they no longer need to be bothered with physical ticket retrieval, purchase caps, box offices, and the like – and again, the only crowd sufficiently guaranteed to be screwed are the fans, customers, and supporters of the team or artist.

I give e-tickets an F. The last GOOD E-tickets were last offered when Disneyland and Disney World sold paper E-tickets (the most expensive) for the individual ride. I am only making one request to Santa this year: please bring back the OPTION of paper tickets. I will make sure that you, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph get some REALLY great seats.

Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane.

More information at www.CSICrane.com

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