NOVEMBER 2018 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville
Up Close with Survivor Donna Valentine, Lung Cancer and Gwinnett Medical Center, see story on page 5.
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Living in Loganville: Make This Holiday Season One to Remember Meet Kim Dyer: Teacher of the Year at Archer High School Girls Take the Field: Gwinnett School’s New Flag Football League One on One with David Hinesley: Dacula Postmaster Delivers
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You are invited to our November Events! Dogwood Forest of Grayson F AM ILY C AREGIVER E DU Assisted Living & Memory Care S UPPORT & D EM ENTIA Join us every 3rd Tuesday of the Month, starting
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Refreshments will be provided. Dogwood Forest of Grayson provides care services for your loved one while you attend the support group.
Coping with an aging loved one with memory loss is a process comprised of many small steps. Join us and let’s take the first step together.
RSVP Requested 678-496-2319 1754 Grayson Highway Dogwood Forest of Grayson Assisted Living www.dogwoodforest.com/grayson Grayson GA 30017 Join us every 3rd Tuesday of the Month, starting J RSVP Requested 678-496-2319 1:30 – 3:00 PM. 1754PM Grayson Highway will be provided. www.dogwoodforest.com/grayson Refreshments Grayson GA 30017 ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE
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ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE
Dogwood Forest of Grayson provides care services for your lo Our Town the support group. (RSVP required)
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On the Cover: Screenings Save Lives: How One Medical Center is Making Incredible Changes in Gwinnett By Kristen Eleveld November is here, bringing us fall weather, the promise of turkey on the horizon, and the holiday season right around the corner. For Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC), with locations in Lawrenceville and Duluth, November also brings an opportunity to save lives through lung cancer screening. Gwinnett Medical Center is making big strides toward diagnosing lung cancer in its earliest stages, as well as preventing the disease altogether. With their motto—early detection is the best protection—paving the way, GMC is urging everyone to pay attention to their health and participate in recommended screenings. If you are over the age of 55 and smoke, or have a history of smoking in the last 15 years, you may be at a higher risk of developing lung cancer, and could qualify for a lung cancer screening at GMC. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 15 men and 1 in 17 women will be diagnosed with lung cancer in their lifetime. However, in spite of overwhelming research that shows just how dangerous smoking can be, many smokers find themselves reluctant to get screened. “People know smoking is bad for them. That isn’t new information,” says Nancy McCormick, GMC’s Thoracic Oncology Nurse Navigator and one of the leaders of the lung screening initiative. “But they are avoiding the lung cancer screenings because they are afraid of a potential diagnosis.” Unfortunately, cancer does not go away by ignoring it, which is why GMC is so adamant about making sure everyone who is at risk is thoroughly checked and treated when necessary. But there is good news. By taking the time to assess the health of at-risk patients, GMC is able to help many people who do participate in lung cancer screenings. One such patient is Donna Valentine, who recently celebrated being cancer-free after having surgery to remove a mass in her lung. Mrs. Valentine had been a smoker for over forty years, but stopped for good in 2006. She had no symptoms that indicated anything was wrong. Her doctors recommended she have regular chest X-rays and then CT scans to ensure she remained healthy since her age and history of smoking put her at a higher risk for developing lung cancer. In late 2017, after the latest CT scan of her lungs, Donna’s doctors called her at home to inform her that they had found a suspicious mass in her right lung. They told her to get a PET scan immediately at GMC. Soon after, her worst fears were confirmed – she had lung cancer. “Gwinnett Medical Center has always been my ‘go to’ place,” said Mrs. Valentine of her decision to receive treatment at GMC. “The staff at GMC has always provided the appropriate care while in
“Dr. Simmons is proud to offer Botox and Dermal Fillers. Call the office to schedule your consulta the hospital and the care necessary after being discharged.” Her team of doctors wasted no time deciding her next steps. She met with her surgeon on a Wednesday afternoon, and surgery was scheduled for the following Monday. During surgery, her doctor removed the upper lobe of her right lung, a decision they had agreed upon before surgery began. Donna, who originally hails from Michigan, knows that the screening saved her life, and is now able to enjoy her grandkids and daily activities much more. She emphasized that it is imperative for those at high-risk for lung cancer to get screened as soon as possible – and to keep up the screenings on a regular basis! “One of my doctors managed to drive home the message that, while she was concerned for my Continued on page 20
isJohn honored to beIV, we are committed to providing you with the high AtDr. the Simmons dental office of W. Simmons, comprehensive dental care, focused on both the function and beauty of your smile. A one of only nine dentists improving in patient care and comfort are our primary concerns. We are proud to run a practice that treats ea Georgia to have passed the kind, gentle, and caring manner, just like family. We offer a full range of the latest cosmetic a rigorous required to long-lasting, earn procedures thattesting concentrate on ensuring brilliant results you will love, and others
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accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His state-of-the-art equipment and updated technology allow him to affordably serveDENTAL CARE AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY D.M.D., P.C. • SUPERIOR his patients by providing healthy, beautiful smiles. Our experienced team provides five-star service, personalized care, and an extraordinary commitment to your health and well-being. Please join our Call for an Appointment family by scheduling a new patient exam.
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Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
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Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett/Walton area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyright 2018 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.
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IN THIS ISSUE 5 On the Cover: Screenings Save Lives: How One Medical Center is Making Incredible Changes in Gwinnett
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From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion Learning Lessons: Six Tips for Balancing Work and Family Life Pet Perch: Food is a Powerful Motivator and Bridge to Learning Christmas 2018: Another Year of Cheer at M.C. Twinklin’s College Spotlight: Gwinnett Tech Earns National Recognition for Veterans Services Living in Loganville: How to Make This Holiday Season One to Remember My Parent, My Teacher — What it’s Like When They are the Same Person Travel Tales: Adventures in Columbia Meet Kim Dyer: Teacher of the Year at Archer High School Girls Take the Field: Gwinnett School’s New Flag Football League One on One with David Hinesley: Dacula Postmaster Delivers Star Struck! – The Life of a Background Extra in Gwinnett City of Loganville Autumn Fest Photos Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper Do Not Disappoint in Latest A Star is Born Remake Crane’s Corner: A True Community Champion One on One with Ashley Dunlop: TOTY at Pharr Elementary “G” Whiz! Melvin Everson is Spreading Good News Getting to Know Alicia Teague: Starling Elementary’s TOTY
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It is November and we are inching closer to Thanksgiving. I am thankful for family, friends, and community among many other things. My love of family and community is one of the many reasons I enjoy publishing two monthly magazines dedicated to these topics. I believe there is so much more good in the world than is ever reported. If you are a regular reader of my column, you may be thinking that I say this a lot. And you are correct. Why do I do this? We all need to remind ourselves of the good that exists – yet is overlooked – throughout our community, country, and world. Moreover, many of us see our (nearly 2019) world as overloaded with information and moving at warp speed – quite impersonal and “no attention” span in nature. If you consume any type of local, national, or global news (and how can you not), you witness a world that “appears” out of control, angry, divided, and frustrated. If I did not know better, I would think there weren’t any good, loving, reasonable, and caring people left. But let me tell you something – there are more amazing people out there than we can ever do stories on. And that is just in our local community. And, in all my travels, I see these types of people all over the country. Rest assured I see everything (good and bad) that is going on around us and it can all seem overwhelming. But, here is what I want to stress to you. It is always the outpouring of love, caring, and our coming together (even when bad things happen) that makes me proud. This community truly has each other’s “back,” and we help push each other to move forward one step, one hour, and one day at a time. We do this side by side and shoulder to shoulder. The people I know desire peace, love, laughter, and a better world for their children and grandchildren. You see, the Our Town community is simply a microcosm of all that is happening around America and the world. Right here in our own communities we have our own opinions, beliefs, values, and worldview. As I have said before, UNTIE (coming undone) and UNITE (coming together) are not that different in “word appearance,” but so different in meaning. Continued on page 14
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Learning Lessons: Six Tips for Balancing Work and Family Life By Tanisha Turner
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As parents, it can be challenging to balance a busy schedule full of family needs, work obligations, and countless other demands. Typical family schedules are already packed full of activities, appointments, and responsibilities. When you pair these demands with a career, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and overscheduled. • Finding a healthy work-life balance is difficult, but the following tips can help you gain more control over your busy schedule for the sake of yourself and your family. • Get organized. Even if it doesn’t come naturally, establish routines to help organize and plan your day. Not having to think about what comes next will make all the difference in the world. From laying out your child’s clothing the night before to keeping a family calendar so that everyone’s activities and schedules are in one place, pre-planning will help keep everyone on track. • Start planning your meals. If you find yourself consistently worrying about what to serve for dinner after a long day of work, meal planning can help take the weight off your shoulders. Taking time to plan, shop, and possibly make some meals in advance will alleviate a daily stressor and allow you to enjoy dinner more as a family, rather than worrying about what to put on the table. • Schedule “fun time” for the family. Consider adding things like weekend trips to the park, a game night, or quality time together at home to your family calendar. It may seem silly to schedule fun time, but with hectic schedules it is often the best way to ensure you make time for family fun! • Be present. Avoid distractions like emails, phone calls, and the television when spending time with family. Consider instituting a no-phones-after-dinner rule. Time together is precious, so make a conscious effort to be present in the moment. • Make “me” time. If you’re like most parents, the last items to get scratched off the to-do list are those centered on you. Quality “me” time can translate to a happier family and a happier you. Take the time to take care of yourself so that you can continue to take care of others. • Find trusted, quality child care. While high-quality child care alone is not a solution to all parental worries and fears, parents can find comfort in the fact that their child is in a safe, happy, and nurturing environment during the workday. Juggling family and a career is difficult enough – finding a trustworthy child care provider will make dropping your children off in the mornings a little easier. When you choose a school that adheres to the highest of standards, both you and your children will reap the rewards. Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www. PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com
Pet Perch: Food is a Powerful Motivator and Bridge to Learning By Terie Hansen As a dog trainer I work with many personalities of dogs. One of the most important things I need to do is to find ways to motivate dogs to get a desired response. Food is that motivator for many. Not dog treats, but food. Their food. Food training is very different from treat training in that we actually use the dog’s kibble to train. This method uses the dog’s daily allotment of food to train the dog on simple basic commands such as sit, down, come, and place. In this way the dog earns its food for learning/performing the commands. When initially starting to train, a dog may not be motivated by their food because they have been free feeding (food left out all the time) or they’ve eaten just hours earlier. We offer the food and work to get them to perform the simple commands, but if the dog is not motivated, then we stop and try again later. However, this is the only way the dog will be fed, so if the dog is not initially motivated to learn/perform the commands, it does NOT get its food in a bowl afterwards. In other words, it has lost that food for the day. Pretty soon the dog begins to get hungry and becomes more motivated to learn/train/perform the tasks asked of it. The key is using food long enough to create a conditioned response with regards to the commands. This can take weeks or months, depending on the consistency of the owner in working with their dog. However, using food training protocols implies that you would be working with your dog daily so they can earn their meals. Once your dog understands that the key to gaining the food is learning and listening to you the handler, then having your dog work for its food is quite fulfilling for them. In this way the food becomes a bridge to learning. This is a great way to spend time with your dog. They have your undivided attention and you get a well-trained companion! Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com .
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Christmas 2018: Another Year of Cheer at M.C. Twinklin’s By Jess Wells Last year, Our Town Gwinnett reported on the magical Christmas wonderland that is M.C. Twinklin’s. ‘Tis the season to check back in for 2018! As you may remember, M.C. Twinklin’s is THE Christmas store on our side of Atlanta. Located in Lilburn on Stone Mountain Highway, the store is celebrating its 36th consecutive year of bringing Christmas cheer to all, far and near. “We’ve always had great customers,” says Cheryl Gaston, owner of the spectacular shop, “but things go fast. I recommend no one wait too long to pick out a tree and decorations. We close the store Christmas Eve Day because at some point I have to decorate my own house!” Fear not, there is plenty of time for Christmas shopping. M.C. Twinklin’s is open seasonally from October through the first weekend in January. As Gaston mentioned, they are closed on Christmas Eve Day. The only other days the shop is shuttered are on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve Day, and New Year’s Day. M.C. Twinklin’s – whose initials stand for the original owners, Cheryl, and her late brother-inlaw, Mike, but also Merry Christmas – is the only “permanent tree” retailer in the Atlanta area carrying Neuman Trees. “Neuman is a small company that specializes in making great trees,” shares Gaston. Both pre-lighted and unlighted trees are available from two feet to twelve feet, with much larger sizes available by special order. Styles vary by color, width, and size. Gaston is also happy to sell fully-ornamented trees. “We do seven or eight each year,” she says. The store sells custom wreaths, bows, and flower arrangements. Gaston teaches workshops each year in ribbon and wreath making, tree decorating, and the home fabrication of unique tree toppers. One of the most special and popular items that M.C. Twinklin’s sells is the full range of nativity scenes from Fontanini. The pieces are based on hand carved Italian characters made of a durable, unbreakable material. They come in five sizes, the five-inch size being the most popular for home display. That particular size, according to Gaston, offers 127 unique pieces in the collection. Furry pets and woodland creatures bedecked for Christmas are consistently popular, says Gaston. And for families that are willing to pay, Gaston is happy to recommend personal decorators that will Continued on page 12
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College Spotlight: Gwinnett Tech Earns National Recognition for Veterans Services By Our Town Staff Military Times recently released their Military Times Best: Colleges 2019 rankings and Gwinnett Technical College is ranked third among career and technical colleges in the nation for its commitment to education and for providing opportunities to America’s veterans, service members, and their families. This marks the third consecutive year Gwinnett Tech has moved up in the rankings, and the second consecutive year in the Top 5. In 2018, the College was ranked 4th in the nation. “Gwinnett Tech is honored to be named one of the top colleges in the nation for Veterans,” stated Dr. D. Glen Cannon, president of Gwinnett Tech. “Our Office of Veterans Affairs continually strives to serve prospective and current students as they transition from military life to civilian life.” Gwinnett Tech Veteran Services include: • Veterans Educational Benefits Support • Yellow Ribbon Program • Veterans Scholarships • Dedicated Computer Lab • Student Veterans Organization • Veterans Resource Advocate • Career Counseling “Our office is deeply committed to helping veterans repurpose their military training and skills into lucrative careers in both public and private sectors,” stated Travis Simpson, coordinator of Gwinnett Tech’s Office of Veterans Affairs. Annually, Military Times invites career and technical colleges from across the US to complete a rigorous survey comprised of 150 questions, about their operations involving current and former service members and their families. Additional data is then collected from the Veterans Affairs and Defense departments, as well as three Educational Department sources: the IPEDS Data Center, College Scorecard, and the Cohort Default Rate Database. Institutions are independently evaluated in five key categories: university culture, student support, academic outcomes/quality, academic policies, and cost and financial aid. More information at http://www.gwinnetttech.edu/veteransaffairs/
Our Town
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PAGE 9
Living in Loganville: How to Make This Holiday Season One to Remember By Kristen Eleveld With just over 12,000 residents, the city of Loganville seems like it should have the feel of a large city with few opportunities to connect with neighbors. However, residents of Loganville agree that just isn’t the case. Instead, those in Loganville enjoy a close bond and a sense of comradery, creating a community in the truest sense of the word. It’s no wonder that this city has become a beacon in Gwinnett County, showing its neighbors what it really means to create an atmosphere that brings people together. “Loganville is still a place where you can have a conversation with a councilmember at the local grocery store, or where friendships are created on a ball field,” said Kristy Daniel, Events and Marketing Director for the City of Loganville. “I believe that people are what makes the community special and we have some great folks here in Loganville.” One popular topic of conversation this holiday season will likely be the Christmas events that the city puts on for everyone to enjoy. The Tree Lighting is a particular family favorite, as people of all ages can gather at 6:00 p.m. on November 23rd to celebrate the official start of the Christmas season. Children will also love the opportunity to see Santa Claus and get their picture taken – after they give him their wish list, of course. You also won’t want to miss the annual Christmas Parade! Everyone in Loganville will gather on Main Street on December 1st to watch as local clubs, marching bands, and businesses march down the road. The floats alone will make you glad that you didn’t miss the fun, so invite a friend to join you for this special day! Of course, you don’t only have to watch these events happen. Loganville always welcomes new volunteers to help make these events special for the whole community. If you want to par-
ticipate in these holiday plans or learn about other opportunities in the future, all you have to do is ask – head to https://www. loganville-ga.gov/news-events for info on how to contact the city and volunteer your time and talent. And your participation doesn’t have to be limited to events and activities. The city of Loganville encourages all of its residents to be aware of the latest community updates and discover how their town is growing. “One important thing that residents can do is to stay informed about what is going on in their community,” said Mrs. Daniel. “It doesn’t hurt to attend a council meeting once in a while to just see what is going on and let your elected leaders know that you care and are involved, even if it is just by being an informed resident.” Whether you have been a lifelong resident of Loganville or are thinking of visiting for the first time, one thing is clear to everyone who steps foot into the city: Loganville is not your average town. “The people are what makes this community special,” Mrs. Daniel said when asked what she loves about her city. “We also have the best of both worlds – the small-town atmosphere but also a big-town feel.” It’s true – with one foot in Gwinnett County and the other in Walton County, Loganville has the unique ability to keep its finger on the pulse of the rush of metro Atlanta, while also giving its residents a quiet, neighborly city that places a high value on bringing people together. It may seem impossible to think of ways for Loganville to do even more for its community, but Mrs. Daniel sees big things for the future and growth of the city. Six hundred homes are being added in the next two to three years, and there are always new opportunities for events and celebrations. Some ideas that residents and city officials have put forward are a pet festival, a
Taste of Loganville event, and a community clean-up day. They are also looking for more ways to foster the growth of the arts within the community. The calendar is filling up fast, but the city is always open to new ideas. “To keep our sense of community, I think it is important to keep the events we offer growing both in number and variety, which will reach different segments of our city and bring them together,” Mrs. Daniel said of the plethora of activities that are already being planned for 2019. Indeed, Loganville is making great strides towards bringing not only its residents together, but people from all over the area. You don’t have to live in the city to enjoy the fun. If you want to be part of the holiday festivities, or even if you just want to see for yourself what makes Loganville so great, stop by this Christmas season and learn why this community is one to watch for the future. Kristy Daniel is Events and Marketing Director for the City of Loganville. More information at www.loganville-ga.gov.
Celebrating each life like no other. Celebrating each life like no other. Celebrating each life like no other. Celebrating each life like no other. No two No of two us are A memorial service should of alike. us are A alike. memorial service should No two ofalike. us are A memorial service should reflect that. Whether your family is in need of immediate reflect that. Whether your family is in need of immediate No two of usfamily are is alike. A memorial service should reflect that. Whether your in need of immediate service or service interested in planning can rely on or service interested in ahead, planning ahead, you can rely on reflect that.you Whether your family iscan in need of immediate or interested in planning ahead, you rely on ®Memorial ® professionals your Dignity professionals to interested help youtocreate a tocreate yourMemorial Dignity help you a create ® professionals service or in planning ahead, you can your Dignity Memorial help you a rely on unique and meaningful send-off. ® professionals to help you create a unique and meaningful send-off. your Dignity Memorial unique and meaningful send-off. unique and meaningful send-off.
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3/26/17 1:48 PM3/26/17 To become an Our Town advertising partner email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or call 678-825-2049
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LET’S FACE THE FACTS. If you’re over the age of 55 and have a history of smoking, you’re at a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Early detection is the best way to beat this devastating disease. gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/lungscreening Our Town
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M.C. Twinklin’s Continued from page 9 come to your home and fill your house with gorgeous seasonal displays. New this year, M.C. Twinklin’s is carrying exclusive Atlanta ornaments, each adorned with famous Atlanta landmarks. You can trim your tree with depictions of Peachtree Plaza, the Fabulous Fox Theatre, Tara, and the Giant Peach. Come visit M.C. Twinklin’s and fill yourself with the holiday spirit – and bring some of the same home with you! More information at http://mctwinklins.com
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My Parent, My Teacher — What it’s Like When They are the Same Person By K. Coats For most of us with kids in school, we go to work each morning, the kids go to school, and we meet back up in the afternoon. But what happens when work and school are the same place? For some students, this is a daily reality. Their parent knows their friends, gives them grades, and manages classrooms filled with their peers. The student sits in classes taught by their parent’s peers, sees some of the background parts of the school management, and gains insight on teachers’ personalities when not in front of a class. Such a complex situation can come with its perks, but there are certainly drawbacks as well. For Spencer Kenyon, a junior, it became even harder to blend in with his mother’s newest title, Grayson High School’s 2018-19 Teacher of the Year. Dr. Stacy Kenyon is popular throughout the school, especially with the seniors. So making his own space can definitely be a challenge. To his credit, Spencer takes it all in stride. In some ways, he points out having a mom nearby is wonderful. “I get to eat lunch with her and sit on her couch,.” he says. Dr. Kenyon also seconded lunch with her son as one of her favorite perks. In fact, it was a habit with her previous sons as well. Some other perks would seem obvious, like forgotten permission slips, notes that need signing, or even the occasional pit stop for a snack or project storage. But it wasn’t all apples and chalkboards – so to speak. Maintaining a respectful distance to allow students their space is hard when you work in their school and with their peers. Dr. Kenyon emphasized the need for strict boundaries. She says, “I actually taught one of my sons, and we decided that we would not talk about the class outside of school. He could not ask questions at home, and I could not ask if he did his project or studied for his test. We really tried to keep school (at least details) out of our home life.” Those boundaries helped create a balance in the work-school-home spheres that could easily disappear. Even when your parent isn’t Teacher of the Year, being at the same school can be tricky. Jeremiah Smith is the son of Sebastian “Rudy” Smith, a special education teacher and football coach. Coach Continued on page 19
Travel Tales: Adventures in Columbia By Pam Walker
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I have been to Colombia several times. Most people who have been there visited when their cruise ship docked in Cartagena. But I have really been there – exploring this wonderful country that unfortunately is better known for Pablo Escobar and the Narco shows on TV and Cable. I have been in the capitol city of Bogota when police dogs guarded hotel arrivals and the ugly face of crime scared off most visitors. Even then, the Colombian Tourist Board promoted the country with the slogan, “The only thing to be afraid of is not wanting to go home.” Genius, I thought. But the Colombian government is trying to do everything to forget its ugly past and move on to show what a wonderful country it is. Full of friendly people, Colombia welcome you to their now very safe nation. Medellin, once the home of Pablo, has an amazing art museum filled with the works of native artist Fernando Botero. Here also you can find the longest “metrocable” where the metro system is linked to a cable car system that takes you to beautiful Arvi Park in about forty minutes. It is one of the longest aerial tramways in the world and an engineering marvel. But the main reason I went back this time was to see Cano Cristales (Crystal Channel), located on a tributary of the Guayabero River near the small town of La Macarena. This is the only place in the world where you can see a “Liquid Rainbow” made up of red, green, blue, and black macarena clavigera plants that grow in the river bed. The place is heavily guarded by Colombian military, and you must take a half hour course on what you can and cannot do to see this wonder. Only with the course paper bracelet and park entrance bracelets will the guards let you in to see it. Here, too, are many endemic plants and flowers that have been around since prehistoric man inhabited the area This is a magical place to visit, along with so many other wonderful regions of Colombia. I have just begun my exploration of this lovely country that has been hidden for so many years. Colombia is back, and very safe! Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More information at pam@walkeradventures.com
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Meet Kim Dyer: Teacher of the Year at Archer High School By Jess Wells Kim Dyer teaches 11th Grade AP Language Arts at Archer High School. Her reputation as an excellent teacher precedes her. Every year, students line up to take her classes because it is common knowledge that kids from her classroom get consistently high marks on their AP exams. Kim has learned how to effectively motivate her students. She knows that not every child comprehends lessons the same way. She understands that repetition in the classroom is a necessity, and that embracing simplicity is vital when imparting knowledge. She cares deeply for her pupils, and she is invested in their success. And this year, Kim Dyer is Archer High School’s Teacher of the Year. “I know this sounds dorky, but I’m not counting the days until I retire,” Kim says. “I know that’s what everyone jokes about, but I feel like I get more passionate about teaching each year. Every year I get a little bit better.” This is Kim’s 19th year as a teacher in Gwinnett County. When her children were small, Kim received her English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Certification. When she returned to working full time, she spent eight years as an ESOL teacher at McConnell Middle School and then Mill Creek High School. Continued on page 21
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Girls Take the Field: Gwinnett School’s New Flag Football League By Emily Haney Football in Georgia just got bigger. Thanks to funding from USA Football, ESPN, and the Atlanta Falcons, Gwinnett County Public Schools have launched a flag football league. This is an opportunity young women have been waiting for as hundreds of them showed up to try out. “I walked in to the gym where we were holding the initial meeting, and it was full of girls. My jaw dropped,” said Archer High School’s head coach Leslie Stuart, who also coaches lacrosse in the spring. “We had almost 100 girls try out, and we kept twenty for the team.” After the team was formed, Stuart and Sarah Brooks, assistant coach, told the team the news. There was no cost for playing on the team. Most teams formed after the school year started, which resulted in a quick turnaround time. Some schools only had one week to prepare before the first game. “They’re doing good at being flexible. It helps that they want to be out there,” said Stuart. “I haven’t had any issues as far as hustling and teamwork. They are just as aggressive and as big of go getters as the boys.” Each school will play a total of fourteen games. The regular season play officially began on Tuesday, October 9 and will end on Wednesday, November 28. A tournament and championship game will follow in December. Games are hosted at five schools: Brookwood, Collins Hill, Discovery, Lanier, and Peachtree Ridge, with two games playing simultaneously on a field. When it comes to games, parents like Sara Kelly, Archer player (12) Leah Kelly’s mom, are glad to see their kids enjoying themselves. The energy is high, and players can be heard cheering on each other from the sideline and on the field. “Everyone brings something different to the table, whether it’s with talent or just personality,” said Archer player (23) Sydney Clay. “I love how we all come together and motivate each other.” Archer’s team takes the games seriously. Archer player (21) Alicia Booth remarked, “We have a team full of athletes who care about that they do.” Booth scored her first touchdown in the fourth game of the season against Berkmar. “It’s not as easy as it looks,” said Booth. “I’m a football manager, so when I see guys miss the ball on Fridays, I’m like what the heck. Now I get it.” She also represented juniors in the Powder Puff game last year. “Powder puff was just one game. This is a whole season, so I’m excited to grow as a team and Continued on page 15
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David Hinesley, the postmaster of Dacula, had a life–changing health event in June. It’s a story not many people get to live to tell, but one he says has made him a better person. His wife, Mary, is a preschool teacher at Grayson United Methodist. The morning of his stoke, Hinesley was sitting in the kitchen and suddenly couldn’t talk or move. “I couldn’t even recognize my wife,” Hinesley said. “She saved my life. She recognized the signs that something was very wrong and called for help.” Help arrived in ten minutes. At Eastside hospital, Hinesley was given the drug TPA and spent three days in the ICU. “We spent our 30th anniversary at the hospital. But I feel so fortunate. I was able to walk out of there. Most people do not.” Hinesley says he is passionate about God, about family, about Georgia Football, and about mail. As postmaster, he explains, “I am in charge of all the mail in the city of Dacula, as well as the retail operation of the post office.” Dacula has over 25,000 mail deliveries a day and is growing. In addition, Hinesley keeps mail safe and ensures that delivery resumes as soon as possible after a natural disaster. “People have very important things mailed to them: money for food or rent, medicine, and packages. After any natural disaster such as the hurricane weather we just experienced, I was in contact with my carriers to make sure they were all right and would be able to work. I drove to the building to evaluate the damage and secure it and to be sure no one lost mail.” Hinesley is a Brookwood High School graduate. He and Mary have two daughters: Heather, who is expecting their first granddaughter, and Courtney who is engaged to be married next July. “I came to work for the postal service after graduation from Dekalb College. I have worked for the Post Office for 31 years. I started as a carrier in Tucker, Georgia in 1988. I then became a supervisor in Grayson in 2006. I became Postmaster of Auburn, Georgia in 2012 and Lilburn in 2015. I came to Dacula in January of 2018 and I plan to end my career here. I am twelve miles from home, and I have a great system of people who provide good support and are great to work with.” Not many people have a stroke and live to tell about it as Hinesley has. A stroke can cause a host of disabilities, including loss of mobility, impaired speech, and cognitive problems. These trends have made stroke the third leading cause of death in the US, behind heart disease and cancer, and a major cause of disability. But Hinesley continues to defy the odds. “I was only 50 years old,” he said about his stroke. “I love work and thought I would never retire. I also own a business and I love what I do. I now appreciate the little things more. I appreciate the things I took for granted, such as I was going to wake up in the morning.” He added he has even found joy in the things he used to complain about. “It is now God, family, and then work. I used to be glued to my work phone, but now my family has my attention because in the end family is what matters the most.” Since his discharge from Eastside, Hinesley says he’s about ninety percent recovered. But he’s cut back from his ten to twelve-hour days. He is grateful to be able to enjoy the things he used to take for granted. “It’s also given me a heart and perspective for people who face disabilities. There was a point this summer I didn’t know if I would ever be able to do life like before. And now I can appreciate how hard some people have it every day.” David Hinesley is the Postmaster at Dacula Post Office, 470 Dacula Rd, Dacula, GA 30019
I challenge each of us to focus on what unites us, not divides us. Be the person who is willing to hear another person out (without getting angry) even if you do not agree with them. As the late Stephen Covey said, “seek first to understand then to be understood.” If we all do this, we can make our small corner of the earth a better place. In the Our Town community, we have a lot to be proud of. We have super families, great schools, amazing teams, top businesses, wonderful parks, loving churches and nonprofits, and people of character. Our diversity and uniqueness are things we must ALWAYS embrace, and that makes us all stronger. We must work hard to care about each person we meet. Yes, put your phone down and talk to someone (really and truly listen). Will you help me challenge others to think of further ways to strengthen our community, refrain from criticism, and to focus on solutions not problems? Remember, every human has emotions: joy, love, anger, frustration, anxiousness. Together we can make a difference and build strong bridges of understanding between one another. This allows us to develop trust and such trust and strong relationships are what are needed to move us all forward. I am so very proud of where I live, work, and play. People need encouragement and are eager to hear a kind word. People need to laugh, and they want to smile. Be the person that gives them that laughter. Let’s all make another person’s day amazing. A community is strengthened one person at a time and one day at a time. I wish you and your family a wonderful and blessed November and Thanksgiving holiday. I am so glad you are with me as we continue the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!
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Star Struck! – The Life of a Background Extra in Gwinnett By Emily Haney
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Dressed as a music executive, Jeff Allen strolls down a hallway until he approaches his spot 2 mark. He watches the performers finish the scene, waiting to hear “cut” before he turns Are you dealing with pain, around. A few inches from him stands Queen Latifah. She has injury, or are you healing almost walked right into him. “How’s it going?” she asks. He’s speechless as he thinks, “Wow, she’s a big deal.” This is one of from surgery? Don’t wait. the days Allen has had since retiring. Let’s get you Since June 2017 Allen, who is from Grayson, has worked 35 days as an extra, several of them in Gwinnett. Allen became an feeling better NOW! MUSCULAR IMBALANCES CAN PUT YOU Uber driver after retiring from Lifetouch to stay busy, and later started looking into extra roles at the suggestion of friends. Not AT RISK FOR INJURIES long after he was registered with Central Casting, one of the Call us to schedule your Physical Therapy leading casting companies in Atlanta. If you look close enough, you can spot him in Ozark, Brockmire, STAR, The Resident, and appointment today and take advantage of any insatiable – just to name a few. Oftentimes he’s there for a couple of seconds. Other times you can only see the back of his head. In the Netflix series Ozark, he listens to the preacher street preachunused benefits this year ing in a scene, but you can only see him from behind. To play on this, Allen took a picture of the back of his head and posted it for reference. It falls under his personal motto of having fun with it. ANNUAL MUSCULAR “You just have to have fun with it,” remarked Allen. “A lot of wonderful people are doing this. Some of them like me are doing it for fun, some are trying to be the next great star; but I have no SCREENING EXAM illusions of grandeur. I’m usually going to be out of focus and when I can see myself it’s a bonus.” One bonus came when he appeared in the season two promo of Brockmire. The show filmed at Coolray Field, which is home in Lawrenceville to the minor league baseball team the Gwinnett Stripers. A friend texted him and said, “You need to go look at this promo. I think it’s you.” This was the first time someone watching noticed Allen in a show. In the promo, the actor was using a rubber bat for safety reasons, but to the viewer, you couldn’t tell the difference. “People said to me, 20 Grayson New Hope Rd. Grayson you really looked like you were startled,” said Allen. “What they don’t realize with the wide angle www.promotionpt.com is he came inches away from me so when he swung, it was a natural reaction.” Most days on set are long. The longest day was when Allen worked on Doom Patrol on the Grayson Hope Rd, GA 30017 - www.promotionpt.com - 770-554-7977 Lawrenceville Square. Call time was 5:30 a.m., and he left20after 9 p.m.New According toGrayson Allen, when you first show up on set you have people approve or deny your outfit. Later on, someone else can change you back into the first outfit you had on to start. “It’s a rollercoaster, but that’s part of the fun,” said Allen. After this it’s a day of waiting with working on a couple of scenes in-between. The set feeds you, though, so that’s a perk of the job. What Allen finds to be the biggest perk is “watching how they bring everything together.” Some sets are different, especially if the number of extras is smaller. While working on Ozark one day, Allen found himself waiting out a rainstorm next to Jason Bateman, who is one of the stars of the show. “We’re sitting there eating soup as a snack and just having a normal conversation. It was surreal,” remembered Allen. Pre-Lighted Trees Allen has an album on his phone listed as casting. He keeps screen grabs from his appearances on shows and images he takes of himself in costume and around set, which he posts after the episode Wreaths & Garlands airs. He keeps the album to remember his time on set. Allen suggests being an extra to anyone – if you have free days. You might not have to go far from Byer’s Choice Carolers home, since more than 40 productions filmed in Gwinnett last year. “It’s like jumping in the deep Annalee Elves & Dolls end of a pool,” said Allen. “You just have to do it.” He suggests getting registered with a casting company and applying to anything where you almost fit the description. Once working, you should Fontanini Nativities stay connected with your fellow background workers. They often know what productions are using what companies and what time of the year each is busier. “It’s all a numbers game,” said Allen. “You Mark Roberts just have to keep applying and eventually it’ll happen.” Fairies & Elves If you’re looking to work as an extra, here is a list of casting agencies in Georgia: Central Casting, Casting All Talent, Marinella Hume Casting Atlanta, Tammy Smith Casting- Atlanta, Extras Harvest Casting Atlanta, CL Casting, Casting TaylorMade, Southern Casting Associates, Rose Locke Casting, CAB Castings, Extra Extra Casting of the South, Project Casting
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Girls to Take the Field Continued from page 13 win more,” said Booth. Flag football is not currently recognized as a sport by the Gwinnett High School Association, the state athletics association. There are hopes that won’t be the case next year. This recognition would lead to more dedicated practice time for the flag football teams as it is technically still an out-school activity. In the meantime, players like Booth want you to know, “Girls can do anything guys can do. I think if you watch our games, you’ll see that. It’s actually very intense like any other football game you would watch.”
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Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper Do Not Disappoint in Latest A Star is Born Remake By Heidi Campbell The latest version of A Star is Born, starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, hit theaters on October 7th earning almost $43 million in the opening weekend, and over $100 million after just the first two weeks. This film, directed by Cooper, is arguably the most powerful remake in a list dating back to 1937, when Jane Gaynor and Fredric March played the lead. In 1954, Judy Garland and James Mason starred in the film, and in 1976 Barbra Streisand starred with Kris Kristofferson. Kristofferson even won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture that year (Musical or Comedy). The newest rendition, however, is one that can truly stand on its own – not one that must ride the coattails of the past. The cast, the music, and the directing earned the film a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, and there are rumors all over the media suggesting that the film will earn numerous awards at the Oscars, Grammys, and Golden Globes. The cast is supercharged with a leading pair who showcases talent both as actors and musicians. Cooper plays Jackson Maine, a stadium-sellout country music star whose life is in near ruin from drug and alcohol abuse. Lady Gaga plays Ally, a talented singer who has nearly given up on the idea of having a successful music career. When Jackson stumbles into a drag bar one night, he hears Ally singing a beautiful French song entitled “La Vie en Rose,” and he is mesmerized. He waits to meet her, and the chemistry is palpable. His fascination with her talent is artfully juxtaposed over her insecurity and previous rejections. She tells him, “Because like almost every single person that I’ve come in contact with in the music industry has told me that my nose is too big and that I won’t make it.” He insists, throughout the film, that her nose is beautiful. The film expertly shines light on the idea that, although the modern world often tries to define beauty, it is still up to the eye of the beholder. Even though he is often completely inebriated, Jackson’s focus on promoting Ally is sharp. He goes straight to her home, where she still lives with her dad Lorenzo, played by Andrew Dice Clay, and convinces her to come on tour with him. She knows that this is her dream, and so she agrees to go. The first time he calls her to the stage, they sing their first duet, a song called “Shallow,” and the audience goes wild. The lyrics, which Ally first shared with Jackson in the parking lot, come alive, and the rapport that these two musicians have on stage further progresses their love story. Sadly, apart from Ally, Jackson lashes out at everyone around him, including his older brother Continued on page 18
Crane’s Corner: A True Community Champion
T
By Bill Crane “I’ ll just say this...when you are known everywhere, simply by your first name, that says you are special,” said Georgia State Senator Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody), speaking of former DeKalb County CEO and State Senator Liane Levetan. I can’t recall a time in my life when I did not know Liane (pronounced Lee Ah Nu). At first, she was part of a well-organized neighborhood car pool, dropping us off at elementary school. Even then I could tell she was somehow different than the other moms, though I wasn’t quite sure exactly how. A Lebanese survivor of World War II as a child, Liane Levetan would go on to leave many legacies and lasting marks across Georgia, particularly in her adopted “hometown” of DeKalb County, where she would later become the first woman elected as the county’s CEO. Liane raised her family with her entrepreneur husband Phil Levetan, and though her longest career has been in real estate, she began her life in public service as an educator. Her area of focus was special education, and Levetan chose to begin her work with developmentally disabled youths and adults while Jimmy Carter was governor of Georgia. During that era, the state and federal governments began the move away from institutionalization and began the shift from the label of mental retardation to the present day “developmentally
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Crane’s Corner Continued from page 17
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delayed.” The state hospitals and institutions, principally in Milledgeville, Georgia, began their long road to closure, and more enlightened communities, such as DeKalb County, began to offer group homes and other social services following the passage of the Mandatory Education Act. Levetan originally taught at the Fairhaven School and Hamilton High School before she was elected to serve as a county commissioner from District 2 in 1973. A lifelong Democrat, Levetan was far from being a quiet, retiring housewife. She became the community’s champion for a bond referendum to fund many improvements in the county, including what is now known as the DeKalb Services Center, which initially was able to daily serve a population of as many as 200 with severe developmental delays. To accomplish her goal, Levetan would reach across the aisle and enlist the support of one of DeKalb’s few GOP County Commission chairs, Bob Guhl. The DeKalb Services Center of today offers multiple therapies, job and skills training, family counseling, and many other programs, all at no cost to citizens of DeKalb County and their families. The facility, still just off Peachtree Road near Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven and fronting Brookhaven Park, was opened in October of 1978 to serve the needs of infants, children, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At the recent 40th Anniversary Celebration of the DeKalb Services Center, by the DeKalb Community Service Board, Levetan recalled that tough bond referendum battle, and her recruitment of another “Champion” to lead the call to serve others. While vacationing in Miami at the famed Fountainbleau Hotel, Levetan was able to meet and lunch with world-heavyweight champion, Mohammed Ali, after meeting one of his children on the beach. Ever resourceful, Levetan coerced Ali intro recording a public service announcement, touting the bond referendum and providing services for the developmentally disabled in DeKalb County by funding and building the DeKalb Services Center. Sadly, the audio cassette is lost to time and memory, but Ali’s message resonated, resulting in a solid base of African-American community support, which helped with the bond referendum’s passage. Levetan understood, then and now, as an elected official and as a community volunteer and advocate, that very little of great substance, importance, or difficulty can be accomplished alone. Yes, she was and is a catalyst and someone who does not take well to the words, “That can’t be done.” And even now in her 8th decade, she remains a believer in the ability and will of the community to do good, support others, and work together in spite of differences in age, race, gender, and education/ background. Following closure in 1996 of the Georgia Retardation Center in Dunwoody, that land would later become a large, multi-use park in the new city of Dunwoody in 2010. The Liane Levetan Park at Brook Run now hosts community events, food truck nights, and fundraisers year round. And Levetan was again recently honored as Community Champion by the DeKalb Community Service Board with a plaque and portrait commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Services Center. Without Levetan’s strong voice, as well as that well-placed nudge to Ali, that center might never have existed. Reaching across the aisle to build consensus and community support should perhaps be more commonplace, but until it is again, we thankfully still have exemplars around like Liane to help lead the way. Bill Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the consulting firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
A Star Is Born Remake Continued from page 17 and manager Bobby, played by Sam Elliot. The film does a poignant job of portraying the agony of substance abuse and the impact it has on the people who try to help those with addiction. At one point, after finding Jackson passed out on the side of the road, his friend Noodles, played by Dave Chappelle, says, “Jack, I feel like we done this before. Didn’t think we’d do it so soon, bro, get up.” Jackson’s spiraling behavior grows worse and worse, and finally erupts in a most horrifying public event. Jackson and Ally’s relationship builds with every song, and he encourages her at every turn. He builds her confidence, even while his is tested by not only his drugs and alcohol, but also with the possibility of impending deafness. He tells her, “Look, talent comes everywhere, but having something to say and a way to say it so that people listen to it, that’s a whole other bag. And, unless you get out and you try to do it, you’ll never know. That’s just the truth.” The film is over two hours long, and the audience is entranced up until the final credits. This is not, however, a typical feel-good, inspirational film. While there are certainly poignant moments, as well as comic relief, the film is filled with heartache, embarrassment, and self-loathing. It not only brings out the complete damage of substance abuse, but it works to illustrate how devastating and unsuspecting depression can be as well. Even in the throes of his inner turmoil, Jackson continually encourages Ally. He helps to mold her into a confident, Grammy-winning superstar. Finally, much of the film’s powerful words are found nestled amid the incredible music scores. The soundtrack, which includes 34 tracks, is loaded with super-hits, including “Maybe it’s Time to Let the Old Ways Die,” “Always Remember Us This Way,” “Shallow,” and “I’ll Never Love This Way Again.” Lady Gaga’s voice doesn’t disappoint. Her distinct sound is powerful and majestic, and Bradley Cooper absolutely stuns viewers with his musical prowess – who knew? It is, quite honestly, a film that Lady Gaga fans will want to watch again and again.
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One on One with Ashley Dunlop: TOTY at Pharr Elementary By Jess Wells Ashley Dunlop was young when she realized she wanted to be a Special Education teacher. Her mother taught Special Ed classes, and Ashley, along with her older sister, grew up with their mother’s students as their constant peer group. “What my mom did was raise us in knowing that everyone should always be treated equally,” says Ashley. “Having a disability makes you no different from anyone else. She took us to school events and she would work summer school, and we would come volunteer during summer school with her and get the chance to work with her students.” Ashley and her sister both went on to pursue teaching degrees and both now work in Gwinnett County as Special Education teachers. “The crazy thing,” Ashley confides, “is that in my Senior High School yearbook, my quote said that I wanted to teach Special Ed and someday be selected Teacher of the Year!” “My Mom was a Teacher of the Year, and a couple of years ago, my sister won Teacher of the Year at Puckett’s Mill Elementary. They are my role models, and we really, truly love what we do.” Ashley and her husband, Michael, live in Grayson and are currently expecting their second girl in the coming months. They also have an older daughter, Taylor, 11, who enjoys gymnastics, horseback riding, and cheering for GAA football. Now in her fourth year at Pharr Elementary, and her seventh year teaching overall, Ashley has four Pre-K students with severe disabilities – Jeremy, Wesley, Autumn, and Tamari. Ashley maintains a close relationship with the children’s parents, who are active participants in their kids’ development and school experience. “I keep in close contact with the families of students who I have taught,” beams Ashley. “I make an effort to check up on my past students and do make home visits to my current students from time to time. I have coached several of my past students in special needs baseball.” Of course, there are challenges, as well. As with many programs across the state, “We have a lack of funding,” shares Ashley. “We rely on outside organizations to help us provide our students with Continued on page 22
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My Parent, My Teacher Continued from page 12 Smith discussed the concern he had being so close to his children all the time. He observed, “There have been moments that my presence was difficult for my son and daughters. I coached all three of them in all of their youth sports, and they felt at times that I didn’t let them experience the freedom of not being coached by their parent.” Both Dr. Kenyon and Coach Smith echoed that strong need for their children to have their own space. Coach Smith gave some great advice. “Just ask them the general question of ‘How was your day?’ instead of directly asking them, ‘What happened in [3rd period] today?’ They sometimes think that you are spying on them when you ask them a direct question concerning school.” When it came to the perks of having a parent at his school, Jeremiah pointed out a detail that only a child of the coach would understand. He claimed he actually liked it because he was “able to see [him] more than I did in previous years because football takes over his life.” So in this case, being at school together helped to increase quality time. As a final piece of advice for students of teachers, both parents and students cautioned, ”Be ready for your parent to know your grades before you do.” More information at http://www.graysonhs.org/home.
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Gwinnett Medical Center Continued from page 5 well-being, if I did not do my part to take care of myself, there wasn’t much she could do,” recalls Mrs. Valentine. “That message was loud and clear, and I knew I had to keep my appointments and see specialists who could help me.” The ending to Donna’s story is a happy one, but the outcome is different for so many others who did not take advantage of the available resources to keep themselves well. If you’re wondering whether you qualify for a lung cancer screening, Gwinnett Medical Center has made it easy for you – just visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/lungscreening to view the guidelines for people who need to be screened on a regular basis. They also provide a phone number and online form so you can speak with a lung expert and ask any questions you have about the screening process. These days, Mrs. Valentine doesn’t worry about cancer. She knows she is doing everything she can to monitor the signs and keep herself healthy. “I am confident that I can celebrate a victory over this bout with cancer, with continued blood work and CT scans,” she said. “We never know what lies ahead, but for now, with the help and wisdom of others, I can smile knowing I won this round.” More information at gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/lungcreening.
“G” Whiz! Melvin Everson is Spreading Good News By Beth Volpert Johansen Say what you will about the merits or evils of social media. Like all things, social media can be used for dissent, division, and derisiveness. Or, the power of all available platforms can be harnessed for decency, development, and decisiveness. For Melvin Everson, a very positive social media spin is where his heart leads. Melvin Everson follows his heart all around the state of Georgia in his leadership capacity with Gwinnett Technical College and a variety of other goodwill missions. His travels give him the opportunity for spreading some love and stumping for his beloved Georgia Bulldogs along the route. Putting miles on his car and using social media to document his travels, Everson has taken to surprising unsuspecting UGA fans with a very special Georgia G plaque. “This all started with a plaque I found at the Snellville Farmers Market about a year ago,” says Everson. “The handmade plaques were in this tent, and I knew immediately that they were something special.” Those plaques, made by South Gwinnett graduate, Nelson Cross, have made their way across the United States, surprising the recipients and serving as a symbol of the kind of pride associated with UGA. Everson’s method of surprising recipients began with his son, Ricardo, a UGA grad. Proud dad surprised Ricardo and took his son’s positive reaction on the road. “He loved it, so I decided to get another one to surprise my pastor, Dr. James Merritt,” says Everson. “From there, it began to grow into a movement.” That movement has parlayed into its own Facebook page, the ME “G” Award, where photographic evidence of the presentation of this unexpected award is posted. The page description says that the Me “G” Award is intended to recognize the significant contributions of individuals for their public service and commitment to UGA. Additionally, the award generally comes as a big surprise to the recipient. Some of the higher profile recipients include Governor Nathan Deal, Representative Rob Woodall, and Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black. However, for the most part, Everson tries to surprise the most unassuming folks, and is always prepared with plenty of plaques right alongside the travel essentials found in his trunk. “There was this time I bumped into a gentleman I had met during a Snellville Commerce Club meeting,” explains Everson. “As I was coming out of the Auto Zone in Snellville, here comes Rod Parham. He greeted me, and I remembered his support when I ran for office. I observed his vehicle had lots of UGA paraphernalia on it, so I popped the trunk, grabbed a plaque and walked back into Continued on page 22
Getting to Know Alicia Teague: Starling Elementary’s TOTY By K. Coats
PAGE 20
Most teachers will readily tell you, they didn’t always want to be a teacher. Many had ideas throughout childhood of going around the world as a pilot, rescuing people as a firefighter, healing their pets as a vet, or even seeing Jurassic Park one too many times and wanting to be a paleontologist. But somewhere in there the siren-call of life as an educator beckoned. That is the way of most teachers. Mrs. Alicia Teague, Starling Elementary’s 2018-19 Teacher of the Year, however, is not “most teachers.” She knew exactly where she wanted to be in the 4th grade. And no one having the privilege to hear her speak could have any doubt of her being right where she belongs. Mrs. Teague is a product of the Gwinnett County School System as well as a teacher. Her 4th grade classroom where she heard that early calling was in Mrs. Holt’s room at Pharr Elementary. She went on to attend Snellville Middle School, where she was inspired by Mrs. Pepe in her 7th grade social studies class. She recalls, “She had a way of bonding with her students. I didn’t love social studies, but I loved her class because I could talk to her about anything!” In fact, this experience has stuck with her and forms the backbone of her own teaching philosophy. Mrs. Teague would go on to graduate from South Gwinnett High School in 1999. When Starling Elementary opened in 2009, Mrs. Teague was one of the charter members, opening the school and staying on to the present. However, she has also lent her educational talent to other elementary schools in the area as well as South Georgia. When asked what the particular appeal was for the elementary school level, she comments, “I love the variety of age groups I get to see. There is a huge difference between kindergarten and fifth grade students, and I get to teach them all. Also, I feel like elementary is where the foundation is built. Without strong elementary school teachers, the other levels have nothing to work from; therefore, I believe I can make the biggest impact at the elementary level.” And as the school’s ESOL (English as a Second Language) teacher, she gets to see them all. Instructing around 65 students, Continued on page 22
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Kim Dyer Continued from page 13 Kim knows that the methodologies she practiced as an ESOL teacher have helped make her an effective AP Language Arts teacher as well. “It’s all about finding as many different ways as possible to present information to my students,” she says. “Whether they’re visual, auditory, or even movement learners, I have to teach them in the way they learn, with plenty of repetition, in the simplest terms possible.” In her classroom, Kim works to find ways to motivate her students every day. “I have to find their currency,” she laughs. “It usually comes down to food and grades. They are in an AP class, so their grades matter to them. But they also always want food.” When asked what food motivates best, Kim says that “candy is always good, but my kids also really love the little blue bags of Doritos! “I also like to encourage competition, because I am a competitive person,” Kim continues. “I have a point system for everything, and my classes compete against each other. Every month we tally up the scores, and I make a cake for the winning class.” However, this is no ordinary cake that she makes. “It’s a family recipe,” Kim confides. “We call it Sho’ Nuff Good Cake.’ It’s impossible to describe. It’s not chocolate, it’s not vanilla, it’s kind of like a spice cake, but not really – you really can’t describe it, but it is ‘Sho’ Nuff Good!’ The kids love it. In fact, I made two of them last year for a charity auction, and a student paid fifty dollars for one of the cakes!” For the Dyer household, Archer High School is a family affair. Kim’s husband, Andy, is the head football coach at AHS. Their daughter, Mary Lyn, graduated from Archer this past spring and is now in her first year at the University of Georgia. Their son, Andrew, is in his sophomore year at AHS this fall. Last school year, Kim had Mary Lyn as a student in her AP class. It was a wonderful experience, allowing both to see each other through a different lens than usual. When asked how she is able to determine if she’s teaching effectively, Kim replies, “There are two questions I always ask myself. First, if these were my kids in this class, is this how I’d want them to be taught? Then, if I were a student in this class, is this how I’d want these lessons presented to me?” Having Mary Lynn as a student helped to make these questions even more important to answer honestly. “I didn’t grow up wanting to be a teacher,” Kim recalls. “But when I got to college I didn’t know at first what I wanted to do. So, I tried to think about what I was good at – and I’ve always felt I was good at Language Arts. Then, I thought about what I like to do, what I enjoy. I like to be around people. I like to help people. When I recognized that, it was easy to choose teaching.” Congratulations to Kim Dyer on being selected Archer High School’s Teacher of the Year! More at https://archer.archerhighschool.net/
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PAGE 21
“G” Whiz!
Alicia Teague Continued from page 20
Continued from page 20
the store with that G. Boy was he surprised!” More humbling in nature is the presentation Everson made to Officer Matt Cooper of the Covington Police shortly after Officer Cooper survived a bullet to the head. “When I heard Office Cooper was a big UGA fan, I knew I needed to make this happen,” says Everson, who presented the award to Covington Assistant Police Chief Phillip Bradford, who accepted the award on Cooper’s behalf. “I wish all the best in the world to Officer Cooper as he continues to recover,” Everson says. Everson can rattle off story after story, recalling the smallest details about each presentation. But what they all have in common is good news. From cancer survivors to county clerks, the plaques have found their way into the possession of some very surprised and delighted recipients. “These presentations take people’s minds off of the current craziness,” says Everson. “These awards cut across party lines and help to establish a unity among different people.” For his part in preserving the Good News, Everson lives out his mission each and every day documenting his movements all around the South. “Delivering these Me ‘G’ Awards makes people feel good for the moment, and maybe that can carry along to someone else,” says Everson. “People are delighted to get this award, and they post pictures, tag others, and the movement goes on and on.” Check out Melvin Everson and his Me “G” Award travels on Facebook and Twitter. And, share some Good News every day.
Ashley Dunlop Continued from page 19 opportunities the school district cannot afford. Special Ed equipment is expensive.” Because toys and teaching tools need to be adapted for Special Needs children, these items can cost $200 - $300 each. Specifically, Ashley identifies the nonprofit organization, Donors Choose, as a valuable contributor. Through their generous funding, Ashley has been able to do things such as take her kids on a field trip to the Georgia Aquarium each year. When asked what she’d like to see improved, Ashley is quick to respond. “I’d like to see all avenues of funding increased, please,” she says. “However, even though Special Ed materials are expensive and funding is something I am always pursuing for the Special Ed community, I do love working for Gwinnett County Public Schools and I know that Gwinnett is one of the best counties to work for in Georgia. I am a proud GCPS teacher and a proud Pharr Ram!” Congratulations to Ashley Dunlop on being selected Teacher of the Year! More information at http://donorschoose.org
Mrs. Teague knows things can get a bit hectic; but she doesn’t let that slow her down or divide her attention. She emphasizes a strong need to get to know her students personally and ensure they know she’s there for them. “Each student is precious to someone,” she says. “I try to think about how I would want someone to treat my children. I teach students, not standards.” Those relationships with students are what drive most teachers’ passion, but Mrs. Teague’s commitment is impressive. Whether it is calming down a student crying about decimals in the middle of story time or staying in during lunch for extra tutoring, Mrs. Teague is there for her students and they know it. When asked for words to describe their teacher, her students called her “funny, kind, crazy, sweet, [and] helpful.” But it isn’t all fun and games, of course. In addition to the personal connections, Mrs. Teague is also looking ahead at how she can help them become life-longer learners by way of motivation. Helping students to be self-motivated is also part of her philosophy. She states that aside from the school sponsored rewards like Dojo points and Ram Bucks, “I do not give out too many other initiatives because I believe in teaching students the value of a growth mindset, which is not built through external prizes.” Loving learning for its own sake instead of an outside prize sets students up for success throughout their years long past their time in Starling Elementary. And of course, Mrs. Teague is a model of a life-longer learner in that she is always looking for ways to improve her own instruction. She points out, “Additionally, I believe in data. That does not mean I think that we should be testing our students all day every day, but instead, we should be taking notes, collecting student work samples, interviewing students, and looking at test scores to discover weaknesses not just in student learning but also in our teaching. Each group of students is different, and each student reacts differently to content as it changes and evolves. Therefore, we should never sit back and teach as we did last year, last month, or even yesterday. We should always be asking, where we can make changes so that every student can reach his/her full potential.” When asked what her ideal student was, Mrs. Teague had a ready answer. She claims, “It doesn’t matter if they like school or not. I don’t care if they are the smartest kid or have the lowest grades. If they are kind and honest, then I love them! I can teach academics; it is much harder to teach kindness.” But ask any of her students, and you’ll quickly understand that she does model it constantly. And it is in her kindness to her students that they receive their first lesson of the day. “I believe that every child can learn and wants to learn. Most children will learn with very little support or extra effort from me, as the teacher.” We wish a special congratulations to Mrs. Teague on her well-deserved honor of Starling Elementary’s 2018-19 Teacher of the Year. We are blessed to have her in our community, and we know our students are in good hands. More information at www.starlingelementary.org.
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GOLF • Sapp TENNIS • SWIM • DINING GOLF • Sapp TENNIS •Carol SWIM • DINING • SOCIAL Call today Zamzow for details Ask about ourCarol “Business Casual” Membership Call today Zamzow for details Ask about our “Business Casual” Membership © 2018 CURVES NA, INC. (1810)
770-979-9000 (ext. 101). We’ve helped millions of women get fit,101). gain strength 770-979-9000 (ext. NO INITIATIONNO FEE INITIATION FEE and stay healthy. Now it’s your turn! mmitment plus a $25.00 monthly Food & Beverage minimum A twelve month commitment plus a HERE! $25.00 monthly Foodis&required. Beverage minimum is required. YOUR FAMILY BELONGS YOUR FAMILY BELONGS HERE! onal information, Carol Zamzow 770-979-9000 (ext. 101 770-979-9000 ) Forcontact additional information, contact Carol Zamzow (ext. 101 )
YOUR 6 WEEKS STARTS NOW!
or email: info@summitchasecc.com or email: Try info@summitchasecc.com Curves for yourself and find out
3197 Classic Drive 197 Classic Drive Snellville, Ga 30078 Snellville, GA 30078
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and Operated TENNIS • SWIM • Locally DINING • •SOCIAL GOLF • TENNIS •OwnedSWIM DINING • SOCIAL 2018 INTRODUCTORY MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL All Full Facility Golf Memberships pay $150 per month and Tennis Swim Social
2144 Fountain Square, Snellville, GA. 678.344.0200 Memberships pay $75 per month 30078 for first twelve months. Social Dining Membership $300 per year. Summit Chase offers exciting junior lesson programs in golf, tennis and swimming.
Our junior who programs are open Curves to members and non-members. * Offer valid between 10/1/18 – 12/25/18. Available to new members, sign up for a 6-week Fitness membership, payable up front in full at the time of signing. 6-week Curves Fitness membership valid only at the club where the membership is purchased. Offer excludes CurvesSmart® and Curves Complete®. Valid at participating locations only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. SUMMIT CHASE COUNTRY CLUBNo cash value. ( ) © 2018 CURVES NA, INC. 1810 3197 Classic Drive, Snellville, Ga 30078 770-979-9000 www.summitchasecc.com You belong here!
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