JUNE 2020: (GREEN) Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

JUNE 2020 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville

Up Close with Truman Steemers, see story on page 5.

10 11 11 16

Student Success Recipe: The Dream Team Time Out & Reflection: Quality Quarantining Up Close with Archer High AD Tim Watkins Meet Susan Kliesen: Killing Coronavirus with Kindness

More than 50 years of compassionate care. thethe cost keepsSince going costof ofliving living keeps going up.up.

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On the Cover: Steaming Your Way to Success: Everything You Need to Know about Truman Steemers

By Kristen Eleveld We’ve all been there – no matter how many times you try to clean your carpet or floors, it just doesn’t have the same shine it used to. Even the most diligent homeowner can’t guard against the everyday wear and tear that can make floors look less than perfect. But that doesn’t mean they can’t look perfect again. You just need the right team for the job.

Truman Steemers, led by owner Courtney Lee, has been operating out of the Gwinnett area for thirteen years and has made a name for itself through quality work and excellent prices. They also go the extra mile to make sure each homeowner knows that his or her flooring has been carefully attended to.

“When we are cleaning, we like to add an extra touch to make sure the rest of your home is protected,” said Courtney. “It’s our way of showing you that we care about what we do.”

Courtney cares so much about this industry that he has started his own YouTube channel, where he offers coaching and teaching to other people in his industry. He even does one-on-one sessions over video meetings or on the phone. It started when a few people noticed his expertise and asked him for help with their own floor care business, and quickly grew as word spread.

“The opportunity really found me,” Courtney said. “People were asking for help, and I know how hard it is to figure it out alone, so I wanted to offer them help.”

In between his video consulting and coaching, you will probably find Courtney at one of his client’s homes, working alongside his team to make the floors look their best. Truman Steemers is a small operation, and only uses two trucks to service all of its clients. Courtney said he enjoys being able to go to a client’s home himself, because he wants people to know that he cares about doing the job well and giving them what they need.

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Each client receives a free consult to determine what will work best for their floors and how long it will take to clean them. Courtney places a high priority on giving an honest and fair price, while also setting realistic expectations about what his services Continued on page 9

At the dental office of John W. Simmons, IV, we are committed to providing you with the hig comprehensive dental care, focused on improving both the function and beauty of your smile. A patient care and comfort are our primary concerns. We are proud to run a practice that treats e kind, gentle, and caring manner, just like family. We offer a full range of the latest cosmetic procedures that concentrate on ensuring long-lasting, brilliant results you will love, and others

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Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultZ.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultZ.com

Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultZ.com Cover Photographer Gena Ford Photography Distribution Coordinator

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Feature Writers K. Coats Kristen Eleveld Ron Lambros Amy Ney Emily Rubin Traci Sanders

Beth Volpert Johansen Contributing Writers

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Bill Crane Rhonda Frankhouser Terie Hansen Rev. Ron Lambros Tanisha Turner Pam Walker Darrell Watson

— An EndResultZ Media & Communications firm 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.

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IN THIS ISSUE 5 On the Cover: Steaming Your Way to Success: Everything You Need to Know about Truman Steemers 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 8 Learning Lessons: Tips to Help Young Children Learn Through Play 9 Insurance Matters with Darrell Watson 9 Teacher Feature: How the School Year Changed for a Gwinnett Educator 10 Student Success Recipe: The Dream Team Service When You Need Us! 11 Time Out and Reflection: Quality Quarantining 11 In His Own Words: Archer High Athletic Director Tim Watkins  Locally Owned & Operated 12 Getting Schooled: UGA Graduate Laure FitzSimons 12 One on One with Principal Clent Chatham of McConnell Middle  Broken Spring Replacement with Testing, Tracing, and Fears 13 Lifetime Warranty on the Springs From the Front Lines of Hospitals with Lisa Remshik 14 $20 Off  Garage Door Repair or New Installation 14 Leadership Requires Making Tough Calls with this 16 Meet Susan Kliesen: Killing Coronavirus with Kindness  Opener Repair or New Installation 16 Travel Tales: Relax, Renew, Rejuvenate Coupon!  Cable and Roller Replacement 16 Gardening Challenge: Georgia vs. California 17 Life Goes on for Cancer Patients amid the Pandemic  Quiet Your Loud and Squeaky Door 18 Pet Perch: Master the Walk  Same Day Repair Service 18 Building Stuff That Matters  Certified, Experienced Technicians 19 PTA/PTSA: Partnering For Success Crane’s Corner: I Believe, Madea, I Believe 20  15+ Years of Experience 20 Entering the Pulitzer Prize 21 Passing the Baton: Up Close with Grayson High Band We treat our customers exactly how we want to be treated!

22 Old Dogs Get New Lives at Frankie and Andy’s Place PAGE 6 Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049 Our Town Gwinnett

From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion

By Ryan T. Sauers @RyanSauers

@RyanTSauers

Hello there Our Town community. We are about three months into the “new normal.” For me, it seems like 2019 was so long ago and most of 2020 has been a blur. I have stayed busy doing many things, but most importantly, I’ve been reconnecting with people I had not talked to recently and have been having deep and meaningful conversations with others in my life.

This period (during the coronavirus) is what I refer to as the great “human reset” in terms of our being forced to slowdown. I have talked/written for years how humans are always “drowning, slammed, swamped” and chasing the clock. We have repeatedly stated that we do not have enough time to do “xyz” – until one day we did. All of the sudden we had lots of time.

The question we must consider is what we have learned about ourselves, others, and life during this time. Also, I do not know about you, but I miss people. I missed friends, family, sports, entertainment, and travel, to name a few. I took all these things for granted until they were taken away. Now they are slowly coming back. We must remain prudent and intelligent, and continue to do our part, but I know most people are ready for life to get rolling again from the coronavirus. Also, please continue to support our small businesses (make up 99% of all businesses) that have been hit hard by the economic shutdown.

This year I have seen the best in our schools as teachers, students, and parents were forced to “pivot” on a dime to learn how to use digital learning. Love it or hate it, we all did our best. I am so proud of our 2020 graduates. They did not get the normal graduations, but everyone has made things the best they could be. Also, I do not know anyone from 10 years to 80 years old who by now has not heard of Zoom. It is like a verb. For example, I may just zoom to the grocery store after our zoom call.

On a personal note, I started a new show during this time called Community Connections (CommunityConnectionsTV.com) and finished one of my last doctoral classes in leadership. In doing these things, I have talked to countless people and most people are optimistic about the future days beyond (coronavirus). Day by day and side by side we are working together, and in doing so we are making progress.

We have challenges beyond the coronavirus. Such challenges bring about much needed discussion of the inequality across America. We must address this one community at a time. We are all flesh and blood. We all must sleep, eat, and drink water.

We all laugh and cry. We are all created equal in the eyes of God. I certainly cannot understand all of this but am talking to a variety of friends. In doing so, my goal is to listen and learn.

Continued on page 8

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One Man’s Opinion Continued from page 7 So, how do we start? We must first fully listen to our fellow man. We must learn from them. We must love them. We must act (no more sitting on the sidelines) and be the change we want to see. We must help lead change. We must expand our own thinking and worldview. All change takes time, and we are in this together. We are all interconnected and on the same team. Let us remain positive and stay united! I know our community will serve as an amazing example to the rest of America.

Together, we are living history that will be studied a century from now. I am proud of the Our Town community and to be an American. Keep pushing forward everyone so that when we look back on 2020, you’ll be able to say, yes, I lived in that time and we made a difference. Thank you as always for continuing with us on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town.

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Learning Lessons: Tips to Help Young Children Learn Through Play

By Tanisha Turner Children and play go hand in hand.

Playing goes beyond entertainment for young children -- it is how they channel their natural curiosity and learn about the world around them.

While learning occurs naturally through play, parents and caregivers can help guide play-based learning and extend children’s thinking by getting involved in the fun!

Play, especially make-believe or pretend play, allows children to explore, imagine, create and interact with others. Make-believe playtime promotes cognitive, language, physical, social and emotional development in children, helping to build a strong foundation for future learning. Creating opportunities for play and helping to guide it can help make children’s learning experiences even more meaningful and challenge them to think outside of the box.

Following are a few play activities and tips for maximizing children’s learning that parents and caregivers can implement at home. Infusing playtime with props, prompts, and questions will allow children to stretch their imaginations. Also remember to follow their lead and get down on their level when playing together!

Finger Theater (Ages 0-2) Use your hands and fingers to act out stories while you and your baby build stronger bonds as he develops language skills. This Little Piggy is a great story to act out with your child’s fingers and toes.

Pretend Animals (Ages 1-4) Inspire make-believe time by reading animal books to your child, such as The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown or The Lion and the Mouse by Bernadette Watts. As you read, ask questions about the behaviors and appearances of different animals. After story time, pretend to be your favorite animals by crawling around on your hands and knees together and making animal noises.

Grocery Bag Costumes (Ages 2-6) Use large brown grocery bags and paper plates you may have around the house to create costumes for imaginary adventures.

Cut out holes in the grocery bags to create vests, and decorate your costume pieces using paint, crayons and markers. Let your child lead as you act out different scenarios together while wearing your costumes!

Creating opportunities for children to use their imagination, offering guidance, and taking part in the fun is a great way for parents and caregivers to nurture children’s development – and you’ll enjoy the quality time together along the way!

Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com.

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Insurance Matters with Darrell Watson

Truman Steemers Continued from page 5

By Darrell Watson

can accomplish. He emphasizes that he works to keep the prices fair, and only offers what he thinks will benefit the client most.

It’s not difficult to see why Truman Steemers was voted Best of Gwinnett in 2019, as well as named the best carpet company in Duluth. Between their attention to detail, as well as their dedication to hands-on work that meets clients’ needs, Truman Steemers is the perfect choice for your carpet, hardwood, or tile floors. They even work on upholstery and mattresses, and you can find all their prices online to see what kind of budget you need.

So the next time you see one of the Truman Steemers vans in your neighborhood, give them a wave, and chances are you will see Courtney himself as he heads off to make his client’s floors shine bright.

More information at www.trumansteemers.com/

Life insurance, the cornerstone of an individual and/or family’s Planned Protection Portfolio, serves six primary purposes: 1) Cover Debt; 2) Replace Income; 3) Educate Children; 4) Provide Long Term Care; 5) Pay for Final Expenses; and 6) Leave a Legacy Gift. Let’s take a look at the last purpose on our list.

Leaving a Legacy Gift Life insurance is one of the ways that you can transfer wealth from one generation to the next. There are several reasons to consider life insurance to accomplish this wealth transfer or legacy gift: 1) Unlike the stock market, life insurance policies offer a very safe, volatility free investment option.

2) The proceeds of a life insurance policy to beneficiaries are not taxable.

3) The proceeds of a life insurance policy transfer to designated beneficiaries without having to go through probate; and the proceeds are shielded from creditors.

Single Premium Policy One life insurance policy to consider accomplishing the goal of legacy gifting is called a single premium policy. The single premium policy is a permanent policy that has a single premium. Once the single premium is paid, the owner never has to pay another premium. It is one and done. The policy begins accumulating dividends, and the death benefit also begins to grow. Depending on your age and health, you can get an immediate and significant percentage guaranteed return on your investment.

I would strongly encourage anyone who has the desire to transfer assets to your children or grandchildren or a charitable entity to think about a single premium life insurance policy as a viable option!

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Teacher Feature: How the School Year Changed for a Gwinnett Educator

By Kristen Eleveld No one could have predicted how the 2019-2020 school year would end. So when Georgia school buildings were closed for the remainder of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, educators everywhere had to rise to the challenge of not only teaching their material online, but also working with individual students to answer questions on everything from internet connections to navigating their classroom website. One Gwinnett teacher went the extra mile as she worked with her classes to make the rest of the year the best it could possibly be.

Meet Samantha Mihalak, a history teacher in the Special Education department at Brookwood High School. Between balancing her family life and teaching responsibilities, Samantha has had a full plate over the last few months. Of course, it helped that she has been

Our Town Gwinnett

Continued on page 18

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PAGE 9

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Student Success Recipe: The Dream Team

By K Coats Often when we think of a student being successful, we imagine a student alone, bent over a desk, working hard on assignments. That student studies hard, turns in assignments, and gets the grade. The reality is a good deal messier, as most of us have discovered, thanks to Digital Learning Days (DLDs), and it confirmed what this fourteen year veteran teacher has known all along: education is a team effort. The common vision usually follows something along the lines of the student doing the assignments the teacher hands out while parents/guardians cheer on from the sidelines. But that understanding of how students achieve success is faulty to say the least.

A student’s classroom success is the result of three parts of a team: the student, the teacher, and the parent. Not all team members have equal parts, and the divisions might surprise you. Student success is best broken down into: student - 50%, teacher - 25%, parent - 25%. This does not mean they give that percentage of their effort; it means that to reach the full potential, each team member is responsible for that percentage of the success. If a student is giving his or her all, giving everything but having no support and no guidance from anyone else, then their efforts are only going to take them so far.

Being successful is extremely difficult. They can probably get to about 50% of what they could have achieved if they had support. A student and only one of the other team members giving their all can help a student be successful, but it’s possible that more could have been done had the third team member put in his or her all – achieving around 75% of what could have been done with full support. Students can be fully successful and reach their utmost potential when they give their all, parents give their all, and teachers give their all. Only when every team member is giving 100% will a student reach his or her most successful point. A student trying his or her hardest and a parent trying his or her hardest can overcome a weak teacher element. A student and teacher both giving their all can overcome a disinterested parent element. Likewise, a parent and teacher giving their all while the student does not, will never result in success. Their responsibility percentages are too small in the overall picture. But when all three team members come together in full effort, it is the Dream Team.

Looking back on the Digital Learning Days, I think those percentages came out in brighter contrast than any of us were used to. In some ways, it was frustrating. Parents felt like they were homeschooling while teachers were feverishly working more hours than ever. They relied on one another more than ever because the lines between home and school were erased. The stories I heard that were the most successful were the ones where the student, parent, and teacher understood that they were a unit all working towards a common goal. When the teacher is seen as the adversary, or the parent is viewed as the interloper, then the student success potential goes down. It really does take all three to achieve the highest level, and DLDs redefined what we all thought we were giving. What this means moving forward, especially as we approach an uncertain fall semester, is to remember, above all, that we are a team, and each member is responsible for a piece of the student success. Parents and teachers cannot achieve success on behalf of the students, but students need the support and unity of both to be the best version of themselves. We are a team, and now, more than ever, our ability to work together is imperative.

PAGE 10

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Time Out and Reflection: Quality Quarantining

By Rev. Ron Lambros For a self-professing workaholic, the word “quarantine” conjured up thoughts of dread and isolation.

Being told to stay indoors, locked up tight unless absolutely necessary, were not words I wanted to hear. But being the law-abiding citizens my wife, Bridget, and I are, and wanting to do our part for the good of the city, we stayed indoors, not venturing out, just like Governor Kemp and his medically-guided directive requested.

I must admit, looking at the calendar didn’t help.

Here it was, mid-March, and we were looking at midApril at a minimum for the scourge to pass, or at least to be contained enough for life as we know it to return to normal. It wasn’t long before the proposed deadline was extended, schools closed, and digital learning was in place, businesses and nonessential services were shut down – and my personal feeling that this too shall pass began to waiver. I became genuinely concerned.

It did not help that there was nothing on television except story after story about Covid-19. It then morphed into political attacks between parties, and the all-out accusation that it was purposefully developed and released by China. Chemical warfare were words that were bantered openly on every network, along with reports of the collateral damage of unemployment and stock market plunges.

One day became one week, then two, and soon it was difficult to even remember the day of the week, much less the date of the month. Being a minister, my “internal clock” revolved around Sundays. Everything I did was “reset” on that day. But churches were closed, and even with modern streaming providing techno-worship, it just wasn’t the same. Soon, the first question at the breakfast table every morning was, “Now, what day of the week is it?” This quarantine was beginning to take its toll, both mentally and physically.

The self-isolation was hard enough, but harder still was not seeing our children and grandchildren. Now it was getting personal! We became rebels and snuck out of our home and visited our son and his family. We needed a grandchild “fix.” Then, we really went rogue and drove to our daughter’s home in Miramar Beach and spent two weeks “self-quarantining” in the beauty of the Florida sunshine with our other three grandchildren (I did call the Florida Board of Health to check if we would be stopped at the state line for a temperature check before leaving). Then it was back to Atlanta for a week before returning to Florida for more self-quarantining with the grandchildren.

Trust me, we took every precaution for our good and the good of others. We wore masks everywhere, social-distanced always, and followed all the guidelines health experts proposed or mandated. We just didn’t do it within the confines of the four walls of our Lilburn home.

Then, a surprising thing happened. I soon began to realize that this quarantining had its upside, that it wasn’t all bad. It just became a matter of perspective.

For the first time in decades, Bridget and I actually had deep conversations, those times when we pour out our heart and soul about the things that are really important and meaningful to us, to our marriage, and to our family. I realized all over again what an incredibly beautiful and intelligent person my wife was.

It’s not that I didn’t know it; it was just that raising children and 80-hour work weeks sometimes clouded my mind.

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Continued on page 15

In His Own Words: Archer High Athletic Director Tim Watkins

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff I just finished my 30th year in education and my 11th year as Athletic Director (AD) at Archer (I have been here since the beginning). I am married to Lisa with four children: Kaleb and Chloe – two rising 7th graders at McConnell; and twins Hannah and Zach who just recently graduated from college.

When we received word on March 12th that schools would be closing, we all assumed it would be for a short time and we would be back after spring break. We began make plans for the return and how we would handle that in the athletic program. Obviously, that did not work out like we had hoped.

I cannot tell you how proud I am of our student/athletes. Their worlds were turned upside down and they have handled this with such maturity and perseverance. I know it was especially hard on our seniors to have their high school careers finish in this way. We experienced the same frustrations at my house where my college seniors had to spend the last semester of their college careers at home. I enjoyed them being home again a lot more than they enjoyed being there, I can guarantee you.

Nothing can replace what these student athletes missed out on, but we tried to do the best we could to honor and recognize them. Virtual scholarship signings and banquets became the norm. We also tried to recognize them with slide shows on Twitter and our website. Some groups became highly creative – see the link from our theater department: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD0lBu9ctSc Also, I think all our students enjoyed the “drive-thru” graduation we held for them: https://twitter.com/ArcherPrincipal/status/1263287689387880448?s=20 Personally, I really missed the face to face interaction with our student athletes and coaches. The job of AD is not meant to be spent behind a computer screen. Spring is the busiest season of the year for AD’s and I deeply missed the “craziness” of 100 things going on at once. We went from 1,000 mph to 0 in just a blink of an eye. When I see how all these groups handled (and are handling) this situation, it makes me really appreciate the school, community, and school system I represent. I hope everybody is staying safe, and I cannot wait until we can get back to some semblance of how things used to be.

For more information visit https://www.archerhighathletics.com/

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Getting Schooled: UGA Graduate Laure FitzSimons

By Traci Sanders I recently spoke with University of Georgia (UGA) graduate, Laure FitzSimons, about her experience at this prestigious university and how it has given her an advantage during the current world crisis. Laure completed her college career with a 3.69 GPA and received a Bachelor’s of Science and Health Promotion and Behavior. The last six credit hours of that program are obtained through a 300-hour internship experience. Laure served as an intern at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in the Strong4Life office to finish out her degree.

After the onset of COVID-19 in the United States, Laure was thankful to be able to complete her internship by working from home. However, the pandemic has canceled her in-person commencement service, though she stated that UGA is very hopeful to have an in-person celebration for the graduating class in October.

Regarding how her field of study and her internship plays into the current world crisis, Laure said, “I feel like I am in a very unique position right now as someone studying public health because the field actually seems to be becoming more relevant in the current state of the world. Certainly, any job market will be a difficult one to enter amid this crisis, but public health plays such an important role in the management of the health of communities always, especially in a pandemic.”

Laure’s five-year plan has been to spend a year or two working and saving money before beginning a Master’s program. She was hoping to be able to serve in Americorps during this educational break to benefit a community and save money specifically for further education, but it has been more difficult to find these placements in the midst of COVID-19. Laure is still hopeful to be able to find a healthrelated job in the fall and spend time saving money and deciding which Master’s program is best suited for her.

Regarding how the e-learning process affected her educational experience as a graduate and what advice she has to offer any students who are dealing with e-learning right now, Laure responded, “I think that e-learning has helped serve as a reminder

for so many that our teachers and schools play such an essential role in the life of the school-aged child. It also has illustrated how flexible and creative they can become. I hope that the current appreciation for school faculty and staff that I have observed on social media and in the news recently continues for years to come!”

Laure advises students who are e-learning right now to have patience and be forgiving “…with your teachers because this is all new to them; with your parents, siblings, and unexpected classmates you may now have because we are all learning to adjust to this new normal together. Just as importantly, try to be patient and forgiving with yourself.

This season of life is difficult for everyone, and it is more than okay to struggle. Give yourself some grace and continue to do the best you can with what you have.” She encourages future high school and college graduates to try and find what they are passionate about and work for it, then dream big and explore all sorts of possibilities.

The exemplary college graduate had one final piece of advice for upcoming UGA students: “Find a community in Athens where you can fully be yourself. Explore whatever you are interested in, and allow yourself to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. UGA can seem intimidating because of its size, but finding a smaller community within the school can make it seem like a tight-knit family. My own four years at UGA certainly had their ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade my time as a Bulldog student for anything.”

Let us all congratulate Laure FitzSimons and the entire UGA graduating class of 2020!

One on One with Principal Clent Chatham of McConnell Middle

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff Our Town Gwinnett (OTG): Please let our readers know more about you and your family.

Clent Chatham (CC): I am a Gwinnett County native, middle school educator for twenty-six years, twenty-four right here at McConnell. I just completed my tenth year as principal. My wife is also a principal and we have three children ages 11, 13, and 23.

OTG: What were your initial thoughts in early March regarding your school, students, and faculty? And how have these thoughts changed over time?

CC: I was betting we would return to school after spring break. As a matter of fact, I lost two $50 bets betting on the fact we would return before the end of the school year. No return became evident rather quickly, and preparation to make digital learning more effective became the focus. Now we’re beginning to plan for the “what if we don’t return to face to face in the fall?”

OTG: How has your own daily routine changed since social distancing measures began?

CC: We spend more quality time together, eating at the dinner table every night.

We’ve also been intentional about exercise even if it’s just for a walk.

OTG: What are the biggest challenges you had to face as the school year went all digital?

CC: We had to make sure all of our families got access as quickly as possible, and that the amount of work given was the “right” amount and the “right” quality. I couldn’t be happier with the way my teachers rose to the occasion.

OTG: How proud are you of all stakeholders (students, community, teachers) at your school?

CC: Student, parents, teachers, and support staff have been OUTSTANDING. Teachers have gotten really good at making the digital content more engaging and meaningful. Students have been working hard, and parents have been more appreciative than ever for the work teachers do, and have been responsive about supporting their children at home.

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OTG: Any special words of encouragement to your 8th graders who are now headed to high school?

CC: I know they’ll do great. They’ve gotten a solid foundation from elementary school and now here at McConnell. I have no doubt they’ll remember the pandemic and digital learning, but I also know they will overcome any negative impact.

OTG: What do you miss the most about how you did your job before this began?

CC: You become an educator because of the student/teacher connections. Those connections are much harder to make when it’s done through a computer screen. I can’t wait for us to get back to face to face learning in some capacity. This building is far too quiet.

OTG: What has surprised you most about how life has changed?

CC: The idea that we are still in this and we are very deliberate about how we do/ plan everything.

OTG: What new things have you learned about yourself or school during this time?

CC: While we may all be tired of Zoom sessions, it has made collaborative planning more effective. I would not have seen that coming. I also learned that teachers will provide help sessions at 10 p.m. if given the opportunity.

OTG: What are you most excited about moving forward?

CC: I believe this experience will change how teachers teach and support students.

I believe much of what teachers have learned will have a positive impact on student learning and relationships when we do get back to face to face.

More info at https://www.gcpsk12.org/McConnellMS

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Testing, Tracing, and Fears

By Bill Crane Though nine weeks seem a world away, it is helpful to recall that our self-imposed quarantine and national lockdown was about “flattening the curve” to prevent an unmanageable and perhaps much the more fatal surge of COVID19 cases from overwhelming our hospitals and healthcare system during this pandemic.

COVID-19 testing, both public and private, has ramped up considerably across the state, ranging from free drive-in testing offered by the state of Georgia and staffed by medical professionals and the National Guard, to private sector options offered by CVS, Walgreens, Emory Healthcare, and others.

While a positive, false positive, or a negative result may follow, those results are a specific snapshot of that testing day. Infection is still possible later that same day in an unprotected or non-hygienic environment, or from the sneeze droplets of an asymptomatic individual behind you in line at the grocery store as social distancing spaces begin to erode and contract. The best minds in bio-science and pharmacy in the world are on this case and collapsing typical testing timelines, but as those vaccines will later be injected into humans, we also do not want to rush a treatment or cure which might later prove to do more harm than good.

Anti-body testing shows promise, but it is also rife with current tests wrongly indicating that the common cold (a different corona virus) or certain other viral strains are giving false-positive antibody test results. And on the treatment front, several drug therapies show promise, but again there is yet no silver bullet.

As each state wrangles with the assembly of its own Contact Tracing apparatus, I would like to suggest a quick fix and a more viable solution. The US Department of Commerce has already hired and is training 400,000 temporary workers (NOT A TYPO) for conducting field interviews to gather data for the US Census. During a normal census year, those temps would be going door to door. The census deadline has been extended, and most follow up work is now being conducted by phone, email, and other online methods. The not yet entirely expended budget for our 2020 Census will be close to $16 billion – again, not a typo – and for comparison purposes, prior to this pandemic, the budget for the entire state of Georgia for the next fiscal year was going to be $27-28-billion. These workers have already been hired and phone follow up for the US Census is already underway. It seems a logical fit to have the census workers aid with contract tracing since the Contact Tracers use a questionnaire and template to record personal contacts, locations, etc. The only significant concern would be mixing the sensitive HIPA protected tracing data with the public census data, but that certainly seems simpler than 50 states creating their own Contact Tracing team and mechanisms from scratch during a pandemic.

Fear has always been among the most powerful and effective catalyst tools for behavior modification. The multi-million deaths projections of 8-9 weeks ago certainly had the desired effect, and most Americans stayed home – religiously.

But now, as it becomes equally important to begin the process of renewing and jump-starting our economy, it would be EQUALLY helpful to better disseminate data regarding patient recoveries and to tell and share success stories, as we have seen so effectively used in fundraising for treatments and cures of other chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s. Americans NEED to be able to better visualize, as is now the case with both HIV and AIDS, that a COVID-19 diagnosis, as with cancer, no longer means a death sentence.

As roughly 70 % of GDP is consumer spending and behavior, it will require a major push regarding the new sanitizing and hygiene procedures becoming pervasive and commonplace, AND stronger herd immunity as well as eventually successful treatments and a vaccine, before all Americans will again feel safe setting foot outside their front doors. We are not going to have a vaccine any time soon either, and virtually no one wants to unnecessarily risk the health and well-being of a more fragile

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loved one. We may be in this for the long haul though, and placing our seniors and the medically fragile somewhat apart from the rest of us for a time may be the only practical long-term solution as we plan for the virus and its likely return this fall.

This nation has weathered worse, and through a combination of self-sacrifice, community spirit, and grit, we have almost always come together and pulled through. At least with family and your neighbors, let us all try to focus on our many commonalities, look out for and protect the weak, and take your common sense, as well as your mask, gloves, and newly enhanced public hygiene habits as you begin to venture out. The curve has been flattened. Now let us reboot our economy.

Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the fullservice communications consulting firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.

CSICrane.com

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PAGE 13

Leadership Requires Making Tough Calls

By Bill Crane

From the Front Lines of Hospitals with Lisa Remshik

By Traci Sanders I recently interviewed Lisa Remshik, Manager of Clinical Operations in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) on the Egleston Campus, to get her take on how COVID-19 has affected, and still is affecting, essential workers in the medical field.

Lisa holds a BSN in Nursing and an MSN in Nursing Management and Leadership, and has been in the medical field for twenty-three years. She has experienced the effects of a multitude of viruses and illnesses throughout her career.

During the early weeks of COVID-19, Lisa stated that she felt immense pressure to ensure proper communication and education to keep her staff safe. As the quarantine was extended and more people stayed home to flatten the curve, the census in her workplace experienced a big shift, which illuminated an even more demanding aspect of Lisa’s job – maintaining the budget while keeping her staff employed. Each day was spent reviewing the facility’s resources to make sure there was not an overstaffing issue.

Due to the nature of the virus, Lisa said that she and her staff were pulled in two directions: wanting to protect their own health and that of their families, and knowing they had a job to do. In the early stages, the uncertainty and lack of PPE (personal protection equipment) created an understandable amount of fear and anxiety. “My staff was open and ready to care for the patients but were rightfully scared initially,” she said.

As the weeks wore on and the number of hospital goers increased, Lisa said her staff endured immense stress and exhaustion. “There are times during a twelve-hour shift that you’re lucky if you can take a bathroom break, much less eat,” she shared. And it was not just their everyday schedules that were affected. Many nurses experienced skin breakdown due to the extended wearing of the masks and gloves.

Despite all these extreme conditions and demands on their bodies, Lisa said her nurses have been troopers. “My staff never hesitated to care for our patients even in the midst of all the uncertainty,” she stated. There is also a camaraderie that is necessary in environments such as her hospital when life and death are part of the equation. “Nurses are strong and resilient,” she added, “but we do not do this alone.

We work alongside some of the best physicians and respiratory therapists. It is truly a team effort.”

To Lisa the biggest challenge faced by people in her line of work is burnout, especially when nurses are already under extreme stress from everything they see come through the PICU on a daily basis. “Resiliency is a necessary quality among nurses,” she said. “They give 100% of themselves to everyone and do little to give back to themselves to heal and recover from what they see and do every day.”

Lisa loves her job and says that leading her staff through the good and bad is what drives her. Of course, she also enjoys interacting with the patients. “Not many people can say that they have had such an impact on someone,” she added. “To know that you impacted someone who will remember you for the rest of their life is an overwhelming feeling that you can’t describe.”

I asked Lisa what she advises people to do to protect themselves against the COVID19 virus, or any health-related epidemic, and she recommended everyone follow the CDC guidelines. “I was in the hospital during H1N1,” she said, “and we felt the same.

We continually looked to the CDC for recommendations. This can be true for any virus or illness we come into contact within the hospital.” She added that the best way people can help make her job, and the jobs of all medical staff, easier is to practice good hand washing and hygiene, and if you are sick – regardless of a pandemic – stay home.

PAGE 14

“I find it impossible to keep it from spreading through the whole Army in a natural way...necessity not only authorizes but seems to require the measure,” General George Washington writing to John Hancock and the Continental Congress on February 5, 1777 explaining his decision to order his chief medical officer to inoculate all troops in the Continental Army against smallpox.

As a young man in 1751, George Washington visited the Caribbean island of Barbados and contracted smallpox. At the time, the disease caused by the variola virus killed nearly 1 in every 2 victims. Washington was lucky. After weeks of fever, chills, and painful pustules covering his face and body (the pox), he emerged with a pockmarked face, but alive and with immunity to the virus.

In 1775, the smallpox virus arrived in Boston, carried in by British, Hessian, and Canadian troops brought in to help quell the building Colonial rebellion. The virus was devastating to soldiers and civilians alike as it swept across the burgeoning colonies.

An inoculation procedure against smallpox, dating back to ancient China, was called variolation. It was considered highly controversial in the colonies, and its improper admission had resulted in the painful death of the son of King George III. The treatment required an incision in a patient’s arm and the insertion of a small dose of the live virus, large enough to trigger an immune system response, but small enough to prevent severe illness and death. A much more exacting process involving live virus is present in many modern vaccines today.

Even though Washington was immune to smallpox, his ragtag troops were not. The British had just brought an additional 30,000 troops to New York harbor, approximately the population of the largest city within the fledgling colonies.

Washington became an advocate for variolation, even convincing his wife Martha to take the treatment in May of 1776. The opening shots of the war for American independence were not in the colony’s favor. Washington and his ill-trained forces were quickly losing battle after battle, as New York City fell and Washington escaped with a small consort of remaining troops into neighboring New Jersey. A New Jersey signer of the Declaration of Independence recanted his participation and declared his loyalty to the crown, and while Washington considered inoculating his entire army, many colonial governments forbade the procedure.

Variolation not only had a risk of death, but it would also in the best of circumstances lay the vaccinated up for a few weeks as their body fought off and developed immunity to the infection. Finding the right/best time for attempting mass inoculation was not only a gamble, but if known to the British it could trigger an en-masse attack when Revolutionary forces were at their weakest.

The Continental Congress ordered army surgeons NOT to perform variolations. Washington was hamstrung, but ordered instead that all new recruits receive the procedure, hoping that by the time they were trained and battle-ready they would be fully recovered and newly immune to the pox.

As the epidemic spread, Washington took a risk and, against the direction of the Continental Congress and governors of many colonies and their prevailing laws, directed that all troops be inoculated. By the end of 1777, nearly 40,000 soldiers had received variolation therapy. Infection rates among the troops dropped from above 20 percent to below 1 percent, while the British forces were losing thousands to the smallpox epidemic, significantly more than from musket balls and battles with

Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same.

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Quality Quarantining Continued from page 11 We also began to find immense joy in the peace the quarantine offered. Television programs we dared not miss were no longer important. We simply enjoyed the quiet.

We talked and we read. We laughed at silly things and enjoyed doing it. We played video games on our iPhones or computers, and it no longer mattered what we were doing as long as we were in the same room together doing it.

We prayed together, for each other, for our country, and for our family, thanking God for His gracious goodness and blessing in the midst of a pandemic. And we reprioritized the important things in our life which seemed that we had become too busy to always notice or appreciate.

The laughter and innocence of our grandchildren was another thing I noticed more.

Playing Uno and other card games was special, as was the early-morning viewing of their programs on Nickelodeon, Disney, and The Hallmark Channel. I would watch the children as they watched the television. Trust me, I was the one entertained.

We would venture out to the beach when it opened to the public, and I watched as all three tackled skim-boarding and boogey-boarding. They already had sandcastle building down-pat. All simple joys and pleasures.

In mid-March, I dreaded the onset of the quarantine. Now, in mid-May, I dread it coming to an end. I am well-aware of its necessity, the hardship it has been economically and personally on so many. And I know that our national and local leadership has done its very best to maintain a level of normalcy throughout the ordeal. But I also realize that I need to take every measure necessary to remember all I learned to re-appreciate and reprioritize during the pandemic.

I don’t know what the “new normal” will be in our country, but I now realize that the “old normal” wasn’t as good as it could have been – and I’m going to change that.

Ron Lambros is the CEO/Founder of Ron Lambros Ministries, Inc. More information at ronlambrosministries.org.

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Meet Susan Kliesen: Killing Coronavirus with Kindness

By Traci Sanders The current pandemic has produced a great deal of panic, chaos, and fear in many people, but it has also inspired many others to reach out and help their neighbors where they can, give their time and resources to support others, and bring joy and comfort to those who are struggling. Private citizens are not the only ones who have been affected. Local business owners have suffered great losses. Some have become creative in how they are now serving their customers. Others have not been as fortunate and will not be able to recover from this economic disaster.

Susan Kliesen is a realtor from Grayson who stepped up to do her part in her community by utilizing her existing contact list to spread awareness for local businesses in need. Kliesen started a campaign called Killing Coronavirus with Kindness to give local citizens something to look forward to each day, while also supporting local businesses. It all took place on her business Facebook page where she started with $1,000 worth of gift cards to local restaurants and businesses that she gave away each day for five days.

Every person who replied to Kliesen’s email, Facebook post, or Instagram post stating how he or she was spreading kindness during these tough times had his or her name entered into a digital name wheel. Winners were selected in a Facebook LIVE video at 4:00 p.m. each day on Kliesen’s personal Facebook page. The gift cards were to such locally owned small businesses as Sam’s on Main, Johnny’s Pizza, and local beauty salons. The response was nothing short of astounding! In fact, even some of the local businesses started paying it forward by sponsoring the program with gift cards to other local businesses. Some even started sharing the process on their own Facebook pages.

The best part is that the kindness spread and created a movement throughout the community. Local citizens started calling in to sponsor the program with more gift cards, and some of the winners turned around and paid it forward by donating gift cards for future winners. What started as a five-day event has blossomed into an entire movement of kindness and concern for the fellow man. Therefore, the wheel keeps spinning. It does not take place every day, but it is still going on for now.

Kliesen has been so overwhelmed by the response and outpouring of support, she

Travel Tales: Relax, Renew, Rejuvenate

By Pam Walker Renew and rejuvenate your travel desires. That is the big message that I am receiving every day from my suppliers in the travel industry.

Countries are slowly opening to visitors and around the world airports are beginning to open to international flights.

I can’t wait to get on an airplane again! I never thought I would say that. As one who hated the crush of airports and the lines of the TSA, I am actually looking forward to getting back into it again.

That said, things are going to be different.

There will finally be space to breathe, both in airports and hotels. Airlines are leaving seats empty between passengers when they can. Some airlines have even pledged to keep those dreaded middle seats empty! Great news for everyone, I am sure. Oh, and masks are now required on most flights.

I have always cleaned my seat back table with antiseptic wipes along with armrests, buttons, or TV controls. Now they are sanitizing planes between each flight and making sure that the air filters are working correctly. It is a fact that 50% of the air on flights is from nature and the other percent is sanitized through big scrubbers to stop the spread of any unfriendly viruses and to protect passengers. I have a pair of glove

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threw in an extra special incentive on one of the daily drawings. For each person who entered the drawing – by commenting on her social media post or responding to her email – she donated one item to the local food bank in their name. The result was over 140 items donated in a single day!

In a time when most people panic and hoard resources, this event is proof that what goes around comes around and one person can make a difference if he or she believes in his or her cause strongly enough. It is not about having all the answers or all the resources; it is about knowing how to find the answers and use the resources we have available to create something new. The next time you think your voice, your vote, or your ideas do not matter, just remember this story, and speak out! It all starts with one act of kindness.

More information at https://www.facebook.com/SusanKliesenRealEstate/

Gardening Challenge: Georgia vs. California

By Rhonda Frankhouser Gardening is in my blood. I was raised by a farmer who used to say a garden smaller than a halfacre, and an orchard with less than twenty producing fruit trees, wasn’t worth planting at all. I spent much of my young life waking up at dawn, weeding and watering, picking fresh vegetables, and canning preserves. At the time, I wasn’t a big fan of the regimen, but looking back, spending those mornings beside my father in the garden were some of the best days of my life.

My gardening preferences changed over the years. I still grow fresh herbs for cooking, but now I prefer landscape gardening over growing fruits and vegetables. Fighting pesky bugs took much of the fun out of harvesting my own food, but cultivating beauty does feed a part of my soul.

Bakersfield, California, my hometown, offered ample sunshine, but water rationing and the dry climate limited the kinds of foliage that could survive. With an average rainfall of 7-10 inches A YEAR, I had no choice but to design a drought tolerant landscape. Succulents and cacti colored with fragrant lavender, Mexican sage and kangaroo paw around a bed of river rock, draped by live oak trees for much-needed shade. It was beautiful, but very limited.

As gorgeous and stark as that arid landscape was, it’s nothing compared to Georgia’s natural beauty. For someone accustomed to driving dusty roads, peering out over the dry, brown fields and thirsty trees, I was mesmerized by the lush landscape. The towering bright green trees, the thick ivy crawling over the red soil made a perfect backdrop for saucer-size magnolia blossoms, the scent of sweet lilacs, and the chirp of truly happy birds. It was breathtaking.

The moment we moved into our new home in Grayson, I couldn’t wait to revamp the garden. Every plant I chose was foreign to me – ones that would never live in California’s high desert. Lilacs and hydrangeas, and ferns of every kind. Camellias were a must, as well as my absolute favorite trees, dogwood and magnolia, to polish

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Leadership Requires Continued from page 14 Revolutionary forces.

Washington made variolation mandatory for all his troops. For the British who were being even more devastated by the pox, it remained voluntary, and both the conscripted Hessian and superior British forces feared the treatment which had taken the life of their monarch’s son. As a result the British forces were decimated by smallpox, as well as typhoid fever, dysentery, and other public health threats of the day.

Smallpox remained a global health threat until its eradication centuries later in 1980 by another longtime Georgian, Dr. William Foege of the CDC. Tough times require tough decisions to be made. At times we simply must step back, keep some faith, and let our leaders lead.

Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the fullservice communications consulting firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.

CSICrane.com

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Life has changed in some way for almost everyone during the current pandemic, especially the immunocompromised such as the cancer patients of Winship at Emory Johns Creek Hospital and their nurses.

Oncology nurse Darlene Hostetler from Lilburn has worked for Emory for sixteen years and began working in the Johns Creek Winship Cancer Center at Emory in January after transferring from the Winship Cancer Center on Clifton Road. Most of the day-to-day patient care has remained the same, but some major changes have been put in place to protect the patients and nurses from COVID-19 exposure.

In the initial weeks of the pandemic, only some nurses wore masks as a precaution and now every nurse must wear a mask. The visitor policy changed from one visitor per patient, but in the past month that has changed to no visitors. “Going through cancer is a very difficult thing to have to be dealt with in life and to deal with by yourself,” Darlene said. “It’s very sad for the patients and for us because we know how lonely they are and how much care and love they require and deserve and need.”

Volunteers visited the cancer patients to talk and pass out snacks and warm blankets before the pandemic, but with the extra measures in place the volunteers are unable WWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM WWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM to visit. Now, on top of their regular patient care, nurses are filling in for the volun- WWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM WWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM WWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM teers and spending as much time with each patient as they can during chemotherapyWWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM WWW.TRUMANSTEEMERS.COM treatments. A chaplain also visits twice a week to talk with the patients as well as the SERVING GWINNETT, HALL,WALTON, WALTON, BARROW NORTH FULTON COUNTIES nurses for emotional support.

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The safety precautions for chemotherapy have remained in place throughout the pandemic. Nurses wear masks and gowns, and double glove to treat the patients. New precautions such as screening have been put in place as well. Upon arrival at the building, nurses scan each other’s temperatures. Only nurses and cancer patients can enter WE ARE THE MOST HIGHLY RATED IN NORTH GEORGIA: the cancer center. All staff, patients, and limited visitors must wear masks, and anyone ARE THE MOST HIGHLY RATED NORTH GEORGIA: WEWE ARE MOST HIGHLY RATED IN NORTH GEORGIA: who enters the building must use hand sanitizer.

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“Our cancer patients are vulnerable, and I just think it’s really important for people to wear a mask and be respectful of those people who are super vulnerable,” Darlene said. “And just try to be vigilant and not let their guard down so we can keep our patients and their families and our staff safe.”

More information at ons.org/coronavirus.

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PAGE 17

Pet Perch: Master the Walk

Building Stuff That Matters

By Terie Hansen

By Ron Lambros

I get many calls from people who have dogs that are reactive on the leash while out walking.

They are reactive toward people, dogs, bicycles, cars, motorcycles, kids, squirrels, and the list goes on. Teaching your dog how to walk properly on a leash in the “following mode” (heel position with their nose no further up than your heel) is very important. When you lead the way, your dog is put at ease and it helps them to be more relaxed and compliant.

Keep your dog on a short but loose leash. Direct him into the heel position. If he forges ahead, simply let out the leash, and when he gets almost to the end of it, do a quick, but firm pop on the leash followed by a 180° turn going in the opposite direction. Here is a quick video to teach you how: https://rb.gy/xdlwpr You can also use the spatial pressure technique to stop your dog from forging ahead.

Here is a quick video to teach you how: https://rb.gy/n74xhh Start by doing driveway drills up and down your driveway while working on your technique. It is not about how far you go but about how you get there.

When you master driveway drills, move to walking back and forth in front of your house. When you master that, go a little farther. Each time you venture a bit farther you need to reinforce the technique of having your dog walking in following mode.

Repeat until your dog is no longer forging ahead. If your dog cannot walk properly in your driveway, then encountering distractions such as other people, dogs, squirrels etc. will seem impossible.

Lastly, what structures and boundaries are you are implementing INSIDE your home? If there are none, how do you expect your dog to trust that you are in charge outside of your home under stressful or exciting circumstances?

Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com

Construction is a way of life in Atlanta. Anyone who travels our roads or watches vacant lots become skyscrapers overnight sees it every day. To many, construction means progress. But to Chris Maier, Director of Business Development for Cooper & Company General Contractors, construction means opportunity.

“Cooper and Company is a family business with a reputation for loyalty, a strong focus on community involvement, and supporting various charitable initiatives,” Maier says. It seems like a natural fit for Chris, who has been working hard at finding ways to give back since he was fourteen.

“Within the first 1-2 months of my hire,” Maier said, “I decided to take on a fullfledged effort to partake in different charitable causes and give back for the blessings I have received in my life. For one year now, I have been organizing large-scale networking events to benefit a different charity each quarter. These events are called Contractors, Closers & Connections (CCC) events, and are intended to bring the professionals from within the construction and real estate industries together into one deliberate venue to collaborate, meet one another in person, discuss new ideas, and offer referrals – all while supporting a great cause.”

Maier added, “One event will benefit The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Not only will the FCA receive a portion of ticket sales proceeds, but more importantly, its members will have a chance to be introduced to a whole new audience of companies that would welcome the opportunity to bring them on board as interns, learning from the industry’s best.

“What we truly hope to accomplish from the CCC events,” Maier explained, “is to offer developers, brokers, general contractors, architects, and engineers an experience like no other, with a high-energy environment for those within the industry to attend and build long-lasting relationships. In the future, we hope to expand and even create CCC chapters and events in cities other than Atlanta. Think of the impact we could have and the good we could do!”

It’s encouraging to know that other industry leaders are following the example set

by Cooper and Company. More than just constructing buildings like fueling stations, police precincts, fire stations, city halls, industrial warehouses, religious centers, and educations facilities, they are building lives and opportunities by affording industries the chance to grow and become better at what they do, which creates a better world as well.

Does Maier ever get discouraged or disheartened by the priorities of much of big business today? “One of my life’s mottos,” he said, “was made famous by the legendary Babe Ruth, who said, ‘It’s hard to beat someone who never quits!’ I’m driven, it’s in my DNA, and I’m excited about everything we’re doing.”

As we were closing our conversation, I shared with him a business philosophy I was taught while pursuing my own Business Administration degree back in the early 70s: The business of business is business. Chris Maier paused and reflected. “Business is personal,” he said, “and one person can change the world, but it starts with small actions, and decisions to be bold!”

Here’s hoping Chris Maier never quits trying to change our world for the better. We need passionate people like him in every facet of life!

More information at chrism@coopergc.com.

Teacher Feature Continued from page 9 preparing to go into the Special Education field since she was a student herself.

“My mom was a pediatric occupational therapist who owned her own practice working with special needs children,” Samantha said. “Growing up I would help her at her clinic. I loved working with the kids.”

A graduate of Brookwood High School herself, Samantha has spent four of her seven years in the education field teaching at her alma mater. One of the most difficult parts of teaching her class through digital resources was that she couldn’t spend as much one-on-one time with each of her students to determine if they needed additional help to understand the material. On a more personal note, Samantha and her husband, who is a sergeant for the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, often found that their conflicting schedules presented its own set of unique challenges, as Samantha worked with her students and her own children during the day, and her husband worked the night shift. However, the Mihalak family is nothing if not resilient, and Samantha was more than ready to work through the unexpected turn of events resulting from the COVID-19 crisis.

Samantha and her family were not the only ones to rise to the new challenges this year. She said her students did an amazing job of working with her on the digital learning platform.

“I was so proud of my students,” Samantha said. “While there were a few who struggled with the change, most of my students really stepped up to the plate and got the work done.”

She was even able to schedule several video calls each week, which allowed her to check in with every student to ensure he or she was doing okay, both with schoolwork and with the upheaval to their schedule. She also created a YouTube channel to teach her lessons on video and record them, so students could always refer to them for future use.

One takeaway from this situation for Samantha was her ability to share her own experiences in high school with her class.

“I was my students’ age and a student at Brookwood when the tragedy of September Continued on page 21

PAGE 18

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Travel Tales Continued from page 16

PTA/PTSA: Partnering For Success

By Ron Lambros Chacaria James walks the halls of Lilburn Middle School and listens intently to the hum of students in their classrooms. As president of the school’s PTSA (ParentTeacher-Student Association), she knows just how important the education process is for each child and what is critically needed to help them achieve their greatest success.

“Parental involvement!” she emphatically states. “It’s a critical part of any child’s educational achievement. For kids to be truly successful in school and in life, they need to see their parents actively engaged with their teachers and school administrators in the learning process.”

That’s where a school’s PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) or PTSA comes into play. “We provide an avenue for a parent to become their child’s biggest advocate by working alongside their teachers and school administrators,” James says. “It doesn’t take long for any child to realize just how important education really is when they see their parents investing their time to help them in the process. Membership is open to parents, grandparents, even individuals in the community, who just want to see kids succeed. Students learn more by what they see than from what they hear.”

Like any major metropolitan city, Atlanta is highly diverse, and Gwinnett County in particular, is a melting pot of cultures and races. It is a microcosm of the world at large, and that can sometimes present a problem. “Many students are raised by parents of various cultures who never recognize the need to be actively engaged in the educational process,” James says. “We’re trying to change that. Our volunteer base reflects diversity in its makeup to mirror the makeup of the community. By doing so, all races and cultures can be reached, and every parent can understand the need for their involvement.”

James was born in Antigua and raised in the US Virgin Islands, moving to Atlanta in 2016. “We had PTA/PTSA groups when I was growing up,” she says, “and it was a natural transition to continue my involvement once I got here. To be truly effective, you need to build a foundation of involvement early in the educational process with elementary school and continue through high school and beyond. Parental involvement in the life of any child should never stop.”

Sadly, not every school in Gwinnett County has an active PTA/PTSA program. In fact, Georgia has lower numbers than many other states on a national basis. “The fact is, all schools should have a program, but don’t,” Jamie states, “and there is a direct correlation between gang activity, delinquency, and the drop-out rate when parental involvement is active and when it’s not. We’re doing our best to get more schools onboard.”

James is not alone. Large corporate sponsors like the Coca Cola Company, Stone Mountain Park, Papa John Pizza, Office Depot, and the Gwinnett Stripers Baseball organization recognize the value of PTA/PTSA groups, and are underwriting conferences and events to better equip their leadership for today’s challenges, to help raise up future leaders for the group, and to teach them fund-raising techniques to underwrite the group’s various activities, like offering scholarships to qualified students, and hosting events like Take Your Family to School Week.

“Nothing – no educator, teacher, or school program – absolutely nothing can take the place of parental involvement in the life of any student!” Jamie explains. “It is imperative for the overall success any student achieves in the educational process.

The PTA/PTSA helps them do just that, and I encourage every parent to get involved if they love their child and wants him or her to succeed in school and, ultimately, in life. What parent doesn’t want that?”

More information at office@georgiapta.org.

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liners that are going to be packed in my bag as well and washed after every wearing when I travel this month.

Many hotels have purchased sanitizing steam machines, and when a guest checks out of a room, in comes the sanitizer as well as housekeepers to polish things with antiseptic wipes. Restaurants within the hotels are being attended by wait staff with gloves and masks. All cutlery, plates, and menus are plastic or paper, and condiments come in little packets that are thrown away if not used. Gone are those big, dirty bottles of catsup and mustard!

So, if you are afraid of getting out there again, don’t be. It will be different and most definitely more sanitary than it used to be. Relax and let’s get going again! I miss the world. How about you?

Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More information at pam@walkeradventures.com

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PAGE 19

Crane’s Corner: I Believe, Madea, I Believe

Entering the Pulitzer Prize

By Bill Crane

By Rhonda Frankhouser

It is perhaps something of an understatement to say as a middle-aged white male that I am not really part of the target audience for most of the works of multi-talented actor/ director/producer and increasingly successful entertainment mogul Tyler Perry. That said, I have long followed his growing chain of successes, and admired the strong and positive force for good which he occupies in his community. Like his mentor, Oprah Winfrey, he has carved out a special role for often quietly popping up in places and times of need and simply doing the right thing.

One tale not being told by Perry or his press agents or his “people” occurred during a practical nationwide series of Shelter in Place emergency orders, and simultaneously in more than seventy places. Vulnerable populations and seniors have been given first dibs and opening hour slots by many grocers and big-box specialty retailers, either daily or several times per week, to come and shop, often with some assistance, to restock their pantry, pick up prescriptions, or purchase household items and soft goods or hardware items needed during this ongoing pandemic.

As shoppers rolled their carts and buggies through forty-four metro Atlanta area Kroger’s, and twenty-nine Winn-Dixies in New Orleans (Perry’s hometown) the morning of April 8th, little did they know that a mysterious benefactor, somewhat in the mold of the mysterious millionaire John Beresford Tipton – boomers of a certain age will understand the reference – had their backs that morning.

As hundreds of seniors were counting up their items and pennies, unsure if their SNAP card or strained wallet/purse might cover the day’s purchases, and as the cashier called out their purchase total due, each was stunned to hear, “That will be $0 due. An angel has paid your bill for today.”

“Senior and higher risk Kroger shoppers in metro Atlanta this morning,” Felix Turner, the Atlanta area spokesman for Kroger said, “did receive a nice surprise at the register this morning when they learned Tyler Perry had paid their grocery tab in full.

It was truly a pleasure to see our customers filled with joy and gratitude as the news spread across our forty-four stores across metro Atlanta.”

Former Atlanta Journal & Constitution reporter Phil Kloer was among those shoppers, dumbstruck to find out that Perry was covering his morning grocery tab of roughly $200. And here is the even better part of this story. Kloer, still employed, then immediately donated $300 to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to similarly help others and to pay this good deed further forward.

Next to the zero-balance due from each customer was the phrase, “Atlanta Angel.”

I have long believed in and supported servant leadership and have seen the power of paying good deeds forward. Perry just set another example that I think we will be hearing re-told for years to come. His most famous creation – sassy, swearing, advice on sleeve dissin’ and pistol-packin’ grandmother Madea – has long amused me, although I have only sat through one of her movies from start to finish. That is about to change dramatically.

I was inspired, after first hearing of Perry’s generosity on Facebook in a post by a former work colleague, who was among those shopping at a Decatur area Kroger. Compliments and kind words are not known to be a specialty of this old friend, and she was gushing. Though it may not be so tough during a pandemic to make someone’s day, this man and his muse of Madea made the month for several thousand.

His act inspired me, on a much smaller scale, to make gifts to a few local charities to help others during these trying times. I suspect I was not alone. On the following TakeOut Tuesday, I paid more attention to folks in line behind me at the drive-through, and I paid forward a couple of take-out tabs. It made me feel good, and I’m sure it helped make their night as well.

During these times when many a neighbor or family member has lost a job or a loved one, or is struggling in any number of ways, Perry’s example of servant leadership – a generous heart and paying his success forward – are all beacons for us to follow. Angels come in all shapes and sizes, and one of them just might be you.

We are blessed. Stay safe and well and take care out there. Thanks again, Madea.

You’ve converted another believer. God bless.

Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the fullservice communications consulting firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.

CSICrane.com

On May 4, 2020, the winners of the Pulitzer Prize were announced via an online Zoom feed from Columbia University. It took twenty excruciating minutes of listening to the dozen other categories before the fiction winner was read.

I held my breath and prayed. Up until the moment, I really believed I could win.

My heart-wrenching novel, Beyond Forever, ticked every emotional and literary box.

There was absolutely no reason it couldn’t take the prize.

If by some miracle my entry was announced, even as a finalist, it could change my life. Up until then I allowed myself to believe my honest story of the last day of a young woman’s life could compete with the works from the great literary minds of our generation.

But let’s start this story from the beginning. Beyond Forever is loosely based on my very own battle with cancer. The sentiment and fear that poured onto those pages came directly from my heart and soul. I created a fictional character living through a fictional scenario of dying at the age of thirty-three, leaving behind the love of her life, and a dysfunctional family who needed her.

I cried through writing the entire first draft. It was painful, yet so cathartic.

Ironically, it was never meant to be a novel at all as I was never meant to be an author.

My career and the miracle of the birth of this book were borne of this experience.

During a woman’s retreat in the mountains, I asked a friend to read a very rough copy of the story to show how I had written away my own fear of dying. In tears, she demanded I send the manuscript away to agents right away.

And send I did. I had three agents interested. That was unheard of for a first-time author, and it boosted my confidence to the moon, though, that excitement was very short lived.

My hopes of becoming a published author went down with the planes on September 11, 2001. Along with the mourning nation, editors were looking for happy endings.

Don’t get me wrong, Beyond Forever leaves open a door of hope in the end, but publishers shelved my manuscript for another time when our people could handle the struggles faced in this book. I understood, but I was devastated to say the least.

Some two decades later, the time finally came to publish the long-anticipated novel. I worked feverishly with a very attuned editor to bring a dual perspective to the dying experience: Lily, a young advice columnist, and her ever-dedicated, everloving, ever-protective husband, David. I wanted their love to be one for all to emulate.

Experiencing the final transition and the closures, then finally the hope for another chance, through both of their eyes, brought a new layer of realism to this sad, yet beautiful final day.

This brings us back to the day I noticed the Pulitzer was accepting entries for the 2020 prize. I hemmed and hawed, considered it, then felt foolish believing my novel could ever win.

But then I said, WHY NOT ME? If I don’t enter, I’ll never know. It took every bit of my courage, but I did it!

What happened next was more worrisome. I TOLD NO ONE I’D ENTERED. Why not? What was wrong with me? If I was so confident, why didn’t I want anyone to know?

Let’s be honest, I feared failure. I loathed the thought of others laughing at my arrogance. But then I reasoned, who cares what other people think? I’m at a stage in my life that if I don’t try things now, I’ll regret it later. That’s really what this exercise was all about. That’s the message I’m trying to bring to anyone reading this article.

If not now, when?

When the finalists and winner for the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction was announced, I wasn’t surprised when my name wasn’t read, but I admit I was disappointed. I believed wholeheartedly in this project and I was darn proud of myself for at least putting myself out there. That, in itself, was a HUGE accomplishment, and it just makes

PAGE 20

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Continued on page 22

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Passing the Baton: Up Close with Grayson High Band

Teacher Feature Continued from page 18

By Beth Volpert Johansen

11, 2001 occurred,” recalled Samantha. “I used this experience to explain to my students that when they are older, their children will be learning about COVID-19 and how it affected the country and world and that they will be able to share their personal experience with their own children. The idea that they are living through history was a real ‘light bulb’ moment for them.”

While the digital learning days were successful for Samantha’s classes, she still looks forward to the next school year and seeing her students in person again. Student safety is the highest priority for every educator, and while no one can see the future, it is Samantha’s hope that classes can safely gather in school buildings once again this fall.

“I truly miss the daily interaction with our students,” said Samantha. “No matter what the next school year looks like, I look forward to getting to know my new group of students and sharing my passion for history with them.”

Some of the earliest news articles written about the then “new” Grayson High School (GHS) were featured in a little paper called The Grayson Gazette. One of the articles from 2000 featured their new band director, Robert Barnes. The intro to what would become his twenty-year symphony was denoted by his excitement over the opportunity to build a lasting music program at Grayson.

Twenty years later, as he retires from his beloved job as director of bands, the excitement for the future of the band has not changed. “My time here is really a story of two different ten year periods,” says Barnes.

“At first, we had this amazing – and empty – band room that was ground zero for this program. After that, we saw steady growth in conjunction with so many other programs here. It was a time to build.”

Students who entered the program embarked upon a Divine Journey to Neverland with Romeo and Juliet. They passed through the Sands of Arabia, went West, painted a Portrait of Russia, celebrated The Year of the Dragon, and endured an evil Puppet Master among other adventures played out on the football field, various stages, and competition fields. “I know there has been an impact through the years just based on the number of alumni who have returned to the program to watch, volunteer, and teach,” says Barnes. “That tells me I did something right – that and how many kids choose to start their day at 6:30 a.m. just sitting around in the band room together, talking, laughing, working, and enjoying friendships you can’t build anywhere else.”

Echoing the sentiment that there is something important outside of the music are the students themselves. Trying to choose among the quotes from twenty years of students was difficult, and it soon became apparent it would be impossible to print them all. The offers of heartfelt congratulations and precious lessons and memories have poured into a Padlet of notes representing the impact a teacher like Robert Barnes can bring to a program like the GHS Bands. However, one thing Barnes knows is how to choose leaders. So, given the need for a representative of students, the two senior drum majors, Charlie Enter and Sarai Arriola, were called upon to craft quotes: “Mr. Barnes was not only a great director, but for many students, including myself, he was a good friend. I know that the whole band is sad to see him go, but Mr. Ancell holds a bright hope for the band’s future. Nobody could replace Mr. Barnes, but I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Ancell before he was hired, and I know that he is not trying to replace Barnes, but that he will take the two decade long legacy of the band, make it his own, and really push us into new heights. I know we’re excited to see where we go next.”

- Charlie Enter “Barnes was the rock of our organization. With a heavy heart we watch him move on to the next chapter of his life. But we welcome with open arms Mr. Ancell and his ambitions for this program. We the students will give our all to continue Barnes’ legacy of excellence while helping Ancell breathe new life into the program. On behalf of the GHS Band leadership we expect to embrace and thrive in this change.”

- Sarai Arriola Those words, straight from the students, provide a perfect interlude in this musical journey. And as the baton changes hands, the audience is introduced to Mr. Johnathan Ancell. Welcomed by representatives from the Booster Club Board, Mr. Ancell begins his tenure directing the GHS Bands in an uncertain time and place in the history of, well, everything. “Even though his last year didn’t end as anticipated, we want to thank Mr. Barnes for all his hard work and endless hours he has put into this program,” says Band Booster President Briana Briscoe along with co-president, Lisa Brock. “He literally built the program from the ground up and we feel confident he is handing it over to the right person. As board members, parents, and friends, we are going to miss Mr. Barnes and welcome Mr. Ancell to Grayson.”

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Continued on page 22

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PAGE 21

Old Dogs Get New Lives at Frankie and Andy’s Place

By Emily Rubin We may not be able to teach old dogs new tricks, but we can give them new lives, which is exactly what the team of volunteers at Frankie and Andy’s Place do every day.

Frankie and Andy’s Place, a non-profit senior dog sanctuary in Winder, is the permanent home to twenty-one senior dogs. The sanctuary houses canines that have been abandoned, found as strays, or dropped off at animal shelters or animal control. Rescues and shelters work with the sanctuary to find the right dogs for Frankie and Andy’s Place.

Penny Miller, a dog behaviorist and the founder of Frankie and Andy’s Place, had just moved to the US from England and was volunteering at the Northeast Georgia Humane Society. There she met a Great Dane named Frankie who was scheduled to be put down unless someone took him home.

“I took him home and we’d only just moved to the States, and my own dogs hated him,” Miller said. “I could have managed to fix that problem with two of my dogs, but my alpha dog just could not cope with him. I tried to find him a new home.”

Frankie’s new home was with Penny Andrews, who, along with her sister Krystle – the owner of a dog named Andy – are now silent partners of Frankie and Andy’s Place. Without their love and support, Penny Miller believes starting the sanctuary would have been impossible.

“When we started this, we really wanted to save dogs so that those dogs could go on to help humans and create a circle of love and making things happen for both species,” Miller said. “But even I had no idea that it would grow as quickly as it has, and that’s really happened because of the people behind it. It can’t happen without the volunteers.”

The dogs help humans through community outreach programs. Frankie and Andy’s Place’s newest outreach program is their partnership with some of Winder-Barrow High School’s special education classes.

Two classes each visit the sanctuary once a month to sit with the dogs and pet them.

Large dogs roam about the main cabin and visit each student, while small dogs are brought over from the small cabin by a volunteer. Crowd favorites are Lily Tomlin, Kiefer Sutherland, Owen Wilson, and Justin Timberlake.

Every dog at Frankie and Andy’s Place is given a new name when they move in.

The dogs living at the sanctuary are treated like celebrities, so they are given celebrity names.

“We believe when they come here it’s a new life and whatever happened before is behind them,” volunteer Jennifer Wilt said. “Living here is their new identity and their new life.”

Working with senior dogs presents some challenges. Most are on medications for health conditions and many are on special diets. The staff cooks fresh food for the dogs each day, and they work with Gwinnett Animal Hospital on any medical needs.

Dr. Churchill, Dr. Brantly, and Andrea Haupt from Gwinnett Animal Hospital go out of their way to accommodate the senior dogs. They have also recently started visiting the sanctuary once a month to conduct vet checks.

The volunteers and staff describe their experience with the sanctuary as life changing. Jennifer’s visits are the highlights of her weeks. She feels the sanctuary is one of the best things she has ever been involved with.

“It’s more than just being around the most incredible dogs ever,” staff member Tonya Arnette stated. “I’ve made so many close friends here because we all have a common interest. We have a group of dogs that everybody loves, but we’re also a group of people that love and care for each other.”

More information at https://www.frankieandandysplace.org/ .

PAGE 22

Passing the Baton Continued from page 21 With the band in the next act of a long-running show, their new director will bring with him a vast array of experiences. An alumnus of Georgia Southern University, former Shiloh Middle School Band Director, Alliance Drum and Bugle Corps Drum Major, and experienced musical contest adjudicator, Johnathan Ancell comes to Grayson with considerable experience and energy. “As the school enters its 21st year, I am elated to begin as the new Director of Bands at Grayson High School,” says Ancell. “The students, parents, and school faculty have been so welcoming!”

That energy is one thing Robert Barnes found most reassuring upon learning that Ancell would be the next director. “I am very comfortable and confident that Johnathan will continue the traditions our school holds dear,” says Barnes, “but he also has the youth and energy to create new traditions that will continue to build this program. I remember a time in April of 2000 when I was sitting in the middle of the empty band room staring up at the ceiling. One of our maintenance crew came in and said to me, ‘Aw, you’re dreaming.’ I said, ‘Yes, I am.’ That is where Johnathan is – except he has kids...and stuff!”

Just as those days in 2000, expressed in those earliest of small town news articles, were of wonder for what would happen next, the students, families, and staff that serve the bands programs at Grayson High School are ready to embrace change. “As we transition during this uncertain time, I can confidently say that the booster club, student leaders, and myself have already hit the ground running to ensure that the Grayson High School Band Program continues to thrive!” says Ancell. “As Robert Barnes enters retirement after serving Grayson High as Director of Bands since the school’s opening in 2000, he leaves behind a program that is well-respected and is the home to many talented student musicians.”

As a matter of thanks, both Robert Barnes and Johnathan Ancell have considerable reason to express their gratitude. To that end, Barnes talked expressly about the support he had been given by the school system, the administration, his colleagues, the local area businesses, and the government representatives. “The list is endless,” says Barnes. “The unexpected turn this year took did not really allow for me to properly thank so many people, but I am grateful to be passing the baton to Johnathan Ancell knowing they will support him as well.”

Observing all aspects of the job he is about to undertake has been somewhat hampered by the current uncertain state, but Director Ancell is grateful, nonetheless. “I want to personally thank Mr. Robert Barnes for his guidance during this transition and assisting me to guarantee that I am set up for success!” says Ancell. “I also want to thank him for his confidence in me to take over the reins after the twenty years of endless hours of work he has put into the Grayson Band Program. His words and guidance will echo in me in years to come!”

More info at https://www.graysonhighband.net/

Pulitzer Prize Continued from page 20

me want to keep on striving.

My takeaways from this experiment are: • Winners always enter.

• Continue writing to the highest standard and read Pulitzer winning novels.

• Enter as many times as I have a worthy novel.

• And last, but not least, continue to take every chance.

Stay safe out there and thanks for listening.

Rhonda Frankhouser is an award-winning novelist of mainstream fiction and contemporary romance. More information at www.rhondafrankhouserbooks.com

Gardening Challenge Continued from page 16 off my dream garden. I couldn’t stop myself. Everything I put into the ground thrived without fuss. Even though I’d like to take the credit, the blessing of the sixty plus inches of rain and the temperate humidity in Georgia did most of the work.

The comparison between gardening in central California and northeast Georgia isn’t really a fair one. They both have an innate beauty – a style all their own. There’s a certain magnificence to the severity of a cactus garden, but there are few things more stunning than morning dew on a purple Endless Summer Hydrangea bloom. My father would have been in awe. I wish he was here to share it with me.

Rhonda Frankhouser is an award-winning novelist, now living in the beautiful state of Georgia. More information at www.rhondafrankhouserbooks.com.

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PAGE 23

We will make it through this, and the strength of hope will shine brightly.