SEPTEMBER 2021 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker
Up Close with Kent Suter(Johnson Financial Group), see story on page 5.
8 9 9 12
One on One: Tenijah Hamilton, SGHS Class of 2010 Community Event Spotlight: Taste of Tucker Returns Spice Up Your Life: Meet the Herb Gal Remembering Sheila Haynes with Trickum Middle School
Scan to Read Digital Edition6
The Village Corner
German Restaurant, Bakery & Tavern We are a full-service bakery, restaurant, and tavern specializing in German cuisine.
6655 James B Rivers Dr. Stone Mountain, GA 30083
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H e a lt H y • B e a u t i f u l • i n s p i r e d PAGE 2
John W. Simmons, IV, DMD, PC Robert J. French, DDS
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Sep ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
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Investment Advisor Representative offering securities & advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, Broker/Dealer, member FINRA, SIPC. Green Financial, Gwinnett Tech & Cetera Advisors are not affiliated. Awards are not to be considered a guarantee of future results, nor as an endorsement by any client. Best of Gwinnett winners are chosen via voting and editors’ input, & opinions are vetted with the use of other available information. Pinnacle award rankings are based on growth, revenue, community service, & other criteria. Barron’s: based on total assets (AUM), revenue, & other factors.
Sep ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
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PAGE 3
WE ARE MOVING!
Beginning October 1 our new address will be 1895J Beaver Ridge Circle, Norcross, GA 30071. Come in and see our new store! 11am-7pm Monday through Saturday and 12-3pm on Sunday.
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Sep ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
On the Cover: Plan for your Future with Kent Suter By Kristen Eleveld Paying for long term care is probably not one of your family’s favorite topics to discuss at the dinner table. But as uncomfortable as it can be to make financial preparations for the end of your life or for the life of a loved one, making plans now can not only ensure that you don’t have to worry about it again, but it could also have huge financial ramifications for you and your loved ones. If you’re wondering what long term care (LTC) is, think of it as the financial needs associated with the ongoing care that many people receive at the end of their lives. Whether this means round-the-clock nursing care or staying in a memory care facility, studies show that 70% of people will eventually need long term care. Fortunately for the people of Gwinnett, we have an expert in Norcross who can help us find exactly what we need. Meet Kent Suter, a local financial professional who specializes in retirement planning, life insurance, and, of course, long term care insurance. “Long term care insurance is not one of those topics you wake up thinking about every day,” said Kent, “but those who have taken care of a loved one for an extended timeframe and have felt firsthand the emotional, physical, and financial toll it can take on a family understand the realities.” But rather than offer traditional “use-it-or-lose-it” long term care insurance, Kent specializes in showing people a hybrid approach that provides benefits no matter the outcome. This approach not only offers world class LTC protection, but is also undergirded by a life insurance policy. If you never use the policy for long term, your family will instead receive a death benefit upon the passing of the insured. This plan can cover
both spouses with equal benefits, which can have tremendous advantages. Family is an especially important topic to Kent and has become the basis of his inspiration for working in this industry. Before he and his wife had their four children, Kent attended seminary and worked as a youth pastor at a local church for several years and now loves helping families prepare for their financial future. For Kent, the draw to his job is similar to the goal he held as a youth pastor: he wants to help people in need. “The burden for long term care tends to fall on the adult child who lives closest to their parents,” said Kent. “I know so many people who didn’t look into long term care until it was too late. LTC insurance not only has an incredible impact on the individual, but also the loved ones who are trying to care for them.” Part of Kent’s passion comes from his own life as a father. His youngest son was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth, which showed Kent, his wife, and their other three children a perspective they had never known before. “As an agent who knows and understands what it feels like to deal with special needs in their family, I hope that my practice can continue to develop in this area,” said Kent. “Special needs families already carry a tremendous load every day. The last thing most of them want to think about is a financial roadmap and LTC protection. That’s where I come in.” Kent added, “Like wearing a bicycle helmet, you hope you
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PAGE 5
Dr.Cat McGinnis!
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Come inside with your pet! Masks required
Our Town Gwinnett/NE DeKalb 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
— An EndResultz Media & Communications firm www.EndResultz.com Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett /NE DeKalb 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 2021 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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Gwinnett’s premier event destination for 23 years!
Feature Writers K. Coats Kristen Eleveld Tana Poncsak Emily Rubin Traci Sanders Beth Volpert Johansen
Contributing Writers Bill Crane Terie Hansen Pam Walker
@OurTownGwinnett @OurTownGwinnett
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IN THIS ISSUE 5 On the Cover: Plan for your Future with Kent Suter 7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks 8 One on One: Tenijah Hamilton, SGHS Class of 2010 9 Spice Up Your Life: Meet the Herb Gal 9 Community Event Spotlight: Taste of Tucker Returns 12 Remembering Sheila Haynes with Trickum Middle School 13 Travel Tales: Going Home Again 14 Gwinnett Christian Terrace – Overcoming COVID 16 Ready to Get Out and Enjoy Some Cooler Weather?
Weddings & receptions, holiday parties, anniversary celebrations, sweet 16 parties, corporate events and more!
19 One Man’s Opinion: When Looking Left Seems RIGHT
(770) 972-6540 • www.vecoma1.com
20 Pet Perch: Exercise? Or Over Excitement?
PAGE 6
17 Gardening with Purpose
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Sep ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
From the Publisher:
A Word from Wanda
Ryan’s Remarks By Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanTSauers
@RyanTSauers
Hey there, Our Town Community. I want to tell you (yes, YOU) how much I appreciate you. You are unique and valued, and I am glad you are part of the community. We are all created in God’s image and we desire (even introverts) to have relationships and to talk with other people. I may not know all of you, but your feedback and encouragement to me are always appreciated. Moreover, it helps me in writing these columns and in the other things I do. Iron sharpens iron. So, let me share some things on my mind in September 2021. Let me encourage you all to consider the time we are living in. The road has been long. The direction and rules keep changing. It seems like all of this will never end. People are hurting and/ or have died. We are, in many cases fighting over the dumbest things. This time is challenging and unprecedented. It is also frustrating. Confusing. Overwhelming. Unknown, and much more. It seemed a few months back, we were getting back to some sense of normalcy, and then everything (like the entire pandemic) turned on a dime. Quite frankly, there are no actual words that are good enough to encompass or describe the feeling in the fall of 2021 as things keep changing. We are living history that will be studied for years as we have been living in such times since March 2020. This is going on month #19. The mental health issues, depression, anxiety, and stress are real. In such an environment, we are still more isolated than we are used to, and we may turn to social media to interact and express ourselves. These fantastic tools of communication can create great division (if used in the wrong way) and can seemingly push our buttons and/or push us over the edge. There is nothing wrong with these tools, and I use almost all of them. However, digital and social media can be toxic. Have you seen the arguments about getting vaccinated or wearing a mask? Republicans and the right vs. Democrats and the left. Goodness. Can we all take a step back and think for ourselves? What do you think and why? Can we become independent thinkers who genuinely seek to do the best and most intelligent things for ourselves and others? Can we live by the Golden Rule, which means “we should treat others as we would like to be treated”? For me, it is that simple. I ask everyone to find common ground and recall that we are much more alike than different. We are all human. We are all flesh and blood. We all breathe air to live. We eat food and drink water. We all live and die. We all must sleep, and I genuinely believe we want to leave the world better for our kids and grandkids than we found it. So, as the late Stephen Covey said, can we all “seek first to understand… then to be understood”? All I am saying is, if we post stuff or say/write it, and it divides people, puts people down, or is not encouraging in nature, then maybe we should think twice before doing it. Right? I hope we can give each other the benefit of the doubt and love and care more, listen better, judge less, smile (I guess that depends on the mask situation), and be patient. We all need to be loved and told it is all going to be okay. IT WILL. Ultimately, IT WILL. This, too SHALL pass. Trust me, I do not profess to have mastered all these things and work on them each day. Despite all we are facing, we will get there. However, we can only do so “shoulder to shoulder” and “side by side.” We must remember that the name of our country is the UNITED (not DIVIDED) States of America. So, to everyone, I appreciate you. We can do this, we will do this, we will prevail together! Keep Pushing Forward. I wish you a great month and thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!
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3035 Five Forks Trickum Rd | Lilburn, Ga 30047 | Suite 8 | 678-915-2786 Tue-Fri: 10 am-6:30 pm | Sat: 9:30 am-5:30 pm | Sun: 12 pm-5 pm | Monday: closed
Sep ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
Saying that this year has been difficult is an extreme understatement at least. But, it has not been the most difficult year of my life.
5329 Five Forks Trickum Lilburn, GA 30047 (770) 931-8333 Phone www.lilburncoop.org “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
In 1999 I experienced unemployment, divorce and being a single mom of a young child all at the same time. And I will forever be grateful for places like the Lilburn Co-op that helped me fill in the gaps. I tell you my story so you know that when you help, in whatever way you can you will know that you are helping a neighbor in our community. We are blessed. Blessed with a roof over our heads and food on the table. We have clean drinking water and we sleep safely at night. But, for many that seemed to change overnight this year. So I’m asking, If you can please help, or if you need help, like I did, give them a call.
Thank you Lilburn Co-op. May God Bless your pantry
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PAGE 7
One on One: Tenijah Hamilton, SGHS Class of 2010 By K. Coats
Of all the graduates from Gwinnett County Public Schools interviewed for the Hometown Brag column, Tenijah Hamilton has definitely traveled the farthest. In fact, if you traveled any farther, you’d be on your way back to the States! Having lived in New Zealand, Tenijah’s perspective of the world has a lot of variables, which she’s found can make “home” all the sweeter. Tenijah attended both Meadowcreek High School and South Gwinnett High School (SGHS) where she graduated in 2010. She attended the University of West Georgia and graduated in 2015 with a degree in mass communications and creative writing. And despite living across the globe, she is now back home living in Grayson. Her current job is Program Manager at NOVA on PBS. She is also a host and producer at BirdNote where she runs a podcast on conservation called Bring Birds Back. Tenijah also has plans to ensure her creative writing degree is used. “I wrote a children’s book!” she says. “It’s still a draft, but in a time when I wasn’t writing at all and I was feeling uninspired, it helped me to find a little more magic. I’d love to publish it one day.” During her time in Gwinnett County as a student, Tenijah was involved with the Meadowcreek
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theater program, but acting was far from her goals. “When I was at Meadowcreek,” she says, “I was pretty involved in theater, only so much as I made friends with the real theater kids and was pretty content being an extra and a stagehand.” But once she arrived at SGHS, she seems to have found her groove being part of DECA, mock trial, yearbook, and literary competition. When it comes to influential teachers, Tenijah confessed she had many. “My favorite teacher was without a doubt Mr. [Heath] Gibson,” she admits, though she adds that AP Literature and Composition might have been her favorite class. “I loved the lit timed writing activities we did every Friday,” she recalls, “and I came across some of my most influential and memorable texts in [that] class.” Some of those novels included Their Eyes Were Watching God, The Stranger, and Crime and Punishment. Between living abroad and the confines of the pandemic, Tenijah has come to embrace and savor the small joys in life. Some of those joys many can agree with. “I really love the Snellville Farmers Market,” she says. “It always gives me a little bit of a Stars’ Hollow feel a la Gilmore Girls.” And you won’t find many who disagree. The Snellville Farmers Market does show Snellville at its best. Other small joys can be accomplishment-based such as learning to make biscuits from scratch. And Tenijah reminds us all that sometimes you have to leave your comfort zone to learn what matters most. “I have traveled a lot in the eleven years since I graduated high school, and it has been a great privilege, and one from which I learned a lot – a lot about myself too – that no matter where you go, there are things from the ways and the places you were raised that stick with you no matter what corner of the world you find yourself.” And in this, each place has left its mark. “Customs may be different globally, but my kindness is from Georgia. My smart mouth is from New York City. And though I’ve luckily been disabused of any misguided notions about American Exceptionalism, grape jelly is the supreme match for peanut butter on a sandwich, and we may not have hobbits or universal healthcare, but we will forever have that over New Zealand.” And grape jelly isn’t the only thing that has altered over the years. Tenijah says, “My ambitions only extend as far as I feel I am fulfilling my purpose and being purposeful with my life. What I’ve learned is that the things that I wanted at 18...changed. They evolved. And contrary to what I may have thought as a teenager, that really is the best-case scenario. I want to make the people in my life proud, I want to live a life of happiness, health, and love with my partner Ryan, and I would Continued on page 10
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Sep ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
Spice Up Your Life: Meet the Herb Gal By Kristen Eleveld
Some of us seem to be born with a green thumb. For others, it’s a miracle if we can keep a plant alive for more than a day. If you’re looking to expand your floral horizons, you might want to consider learning more about herbs – and for that, you need The Herb Gal. A few years ago, Julia Jensen Wilkinson, aka The Herb Gal, would have told you she wasn’t that interested in growing anything. She thought plants were cool, and she was always into biology, but she had never really considered how biology related to plants. Then, after retiring from a modeling career and moving to Naples, Florida, she began working for the Naples Botanical Gardens – and it was love at first sight. “I fell in love with the chemistry and ecology of plants and how essential they are,” said Julia. “Plants give us a lot of things that are often overlooked.” Inspired by the greenery she’d seen at the botanical gardens, Julia decided to try her hand at growing her own herbs. After moving back to Gwinnett County to be closer to her family, Julia decided she would open a business focused on growing herbs and showing others how they could try to do the same. While her business is new, Julia has already made a name for herself at the local Snellville and Lilburn farmers markets. These markets have given her the opportunity to not only sell her herbs to her local community, but also create connections with other vendors at the market. “It’s so cool to meet the community,” Julia said. “I love making connections and learning what people’s lives have been like through the last few years.” Along with selling a variety of amazing herbs to her clientele, Julia also encourages everyone to try growing herbs for themselves, even if it’s just to season their favorite meal. “Anyone can grow herbs!” said Julia, who noted she still does not consider herself a houseplant
Community Event Spotlight: Taste of Tucker Returns By Traci Sanders
Taste of Tucker is back for another season of fun, community support, and, of course, great food! This event will take place on Main Street October 2nd from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and will feature sample sizes of prized appetizers, entrees, salads, and decadent desserts from a multitude of Tucker restaurants and eateries for just a few bucks. All proceeds from this event will benefit the following charities: Camp Kudzu, a camp for children and teens with diabetes; NETWork, a cooperative Christian ministry in the Northlake-Embry Hills area that assists with food insecurities and housing crises; and Old Town Tucker Merchants Association (OTTMA), which aims to develop pedestrian-friendly shopping, dining, service Continued on page 18
person. “There is a little extra magic to grabbing your own oregano from your garden instead of buying it at the store.” Julia is also exploring the uses of herbs for other purposes, like getting better sleep or soothing indigestion distress. Thanks to the research she has been able to do through her biology studies at Georgia Gwinnett College, Julia has had the opportunity to understand that herbs can have a powerful effect. After she graduates, Julia isn’t sure exactly which path she will take, but knows she wants to help educate people on how plants benefit them and to give them resources on herb maintenance and care. Currently, she and her husband are working on a website that will allow people to have access to a lot of information they could use to grow their own herbs at home. Beyond that, Julia envisions a life filled with biological research and other educational opportunities, which she also hopes to use to encourage people to learn more for themselves. In the meantime, you can find The Herb Gal at the Lilburn Farmers Market on Friday afternoons, and at the Snellville Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. If you want to check out more of what Julia is up to in between markets, head over to her personal Instagram (@trap.queen.medusa) and her business Instagram (@the.herb.gal), where you can access photos, stories, and tips and tricks for understanding just how amazing herbs can be. More information at https://theherbgal.com/
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One on One: Tenijah Hamilton Continued from page 8 like to officially learn to drive!” But while those goals may be straightforward, that doesn’t mean Tenijah isn’t juggling a lot professionally. “I manage NOVA’s very first youth facing program, The NOVA Science Studio,” she explains. “The NOVA Science Studio is a program that aims to empower youth – especially those that are underrepresented in STEM – to tell engaging science communication stories about the issues that matter to them. In my role, I manage strategic planning, creative direction, and rollout for the program.” So, whenever you see the NOVA series on PBS, know that a little of Gwinnett is behind the scenes. Tenijah would like to give a shout out to “my four siblings! Two other SGHS grads, one a rising senior and another an incoming freshman. Go Comets!” Thank you, Tenijah, for your hard work with the NOVA series and in your conservation efforts for our bird populations. We here at Our Town wish you the best and look forward to seeing your children’s book in print. And thank you as well for reminding us to savor the small joys, especially biscuits from scratch and grape jelly. More information about Tenijah Hamilton on Linkedin or on Twitter @teniiijah.
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Remembering Sheila Haynes with Trickum Middle School By Kristen Eleveld
For many of the staff and students at Trickum Middle School (TMS), PE teacher Sheila Haynes was an inspiration. Whether she was encouraging her students to try to achieve a goal in class or cheering on her fellow teachers in their fitness goals, everyone knew Sheila as an incredible teacher who cared about her students, friends, and family. Last December, Sheila passed away after fighting breast cancer for two years. Now, the team at TMS is taking steps to ensure that the legacy she created will go on.
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A few months ago, sixth-grade teacher Andy Paulson, who also enjoys being active and who ran multiple races with Sheila, came to TMS health teacher Judy France with an idea for a way the school could honor Sheila’s memory. He wanted to rename the school walking path for Sheila, so that everyone who used the path could remember her. The walking path, which is an outdoor track that surrounds the school’s activity field, is an especially appropriate choice because Sheila could often be found at the path with her class for PE or just running on her own for fun. “We just really loved her in the PE and health department,” said Judy. “We wanted to figure out a way we could honor her.” Together, Andy and Judy created a proposal to officially rename the path, which they brought to Principal Ryan Queen. Ryan was immediately in favor of the plan, and brought it to the local school council. Once the council approved the idea, they wrote a letter to the Gwinnett County Board of Education, which was glad to give the final approval for renaming the path. Judy and the staff at Trickum have plans to organize an official ceremony in the fall to unveil the new path name and allow the faculty some time to celebrate Sheila’s life. “Mr. Queen said we have a big party to plan!” said Judy. “We’re excited to have a way to help people remember Sheila.” Though many current Trickum students and faculty did not have the opportunity to know Sheila personally, Judy is determined to spread the word about the amazing difference Sheila made in so many lives in the Lilburn community. For Judy, a lot of the motivation behind seeing this process through to the end was to help ensure that the school Sheila worked at for eighteen years would always remember her. Continued on page 15
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Sep ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
Travel Tales: Going Home Again By Pam Walker
Last month I wrote about my recent trip to Spain and the patience needed to travel by air. Now, one of the biggest worries is getting home. According to the US State Department, “Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel.” Within three days of your arrival time in the USA, you must have a PCR test or an Antigen Test. The results must be negative, and you must carry a printout with you. All air carriers ask for this at check in. If you are connecting through another country, you need to check their entry information and make sure that you comply to their rules. Continued on page 14
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Gwinnett Christian Terrace – Overcoming COVID By Traci Sanders
During COVID-19, many people worried about friends and family who resided in senior living homes. Would they be able to weather the virus if contracted? Would they be lonely without visitors? Would they have access to medical care if needed? According to Assistant Administrator Melody McTier, Gwinnett Christian Terrace (GCT) weathered the COVID storm quite well. In fact, within a building of over 150 residents, GCT experienced less than 5 cases! Gwinnett Christian Terrace is a spacious six-story, federally assisted apartment community for
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seniors, nestled in a quiet wooded setting near Lawrenceville Highway and Beaver Ruin Road in Lilburn. It’s a non-profit organization whose community houses 125 onebedroom apartments. Rent is based on 30% of the monthly gross income. All income and assets must be verified to determine the amount of rent to be paid. Satellite television channels and all utilities, except telephone, are included in the rent. Each apartment is equipped with an electric stove, refrigerator, carpet, tile flooring, and mini-blinds. Residents provide their own furnishings. Initially, in March 2020, the establishment went into full lockdown where only essential visitors were allowed. No deliveries of any sort were permitted. The center officials sprang into action, providing a number of activities residents could enjoy from their apartments. Among those were movie and TV marathons on GCT’s “in-house channel” and weekly puzzles left on the residents’ doors. Weekly check-ins were also conducted to gauge the “mood” of the building and provide assistance to those in need. In July 2020 GCT began gradually offering in-person activities within the complex. Attendance was limited, and social distancing measures were taken. Several virtual trips to places such as Continued on page 16
Travel Tales: Going Home Again Continued from page 13 For example, if you are flying to JFK and have to connect in the UK, you have to have a PCR test with 48 hours of your arrival in the UK. Antigen tests will not be permitted. You can use your PCR test also for arrival in the USA. Each country is different in their requirements, so make sure you check all transit country regulations as well. In the event you test positive, you must quarantine in your hotel room for ten days. The hotel management is alerted, and no services will be done inside that room for the duration. If you need anything – food or clean towels – the hotel will bring them to your door and leave them outside. If you cannot afford to stay for ten days in an expensive hotel, the hotel will provide a list of hotels that permit COVID positive guests. There you will be sequestered for ten days as well. It is still an amazing experience to travel during these times of low tourism. So don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the world with a new light. Again, just pack your patience and your wonder and get out there – and get home with your negative PCR tests in hand! Pam Walker owner of Walker Adventures More information at www.walkeradventures.com or pam@walkeradventures.com.
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Remembering Sheila Haynes Continued from page 12 For Judy and those staff members with whom Sheila was closest, many of their favorite memories have come to mind as they continue the process of renaming the walking path. “She was a great coworker, because she always had your back about everything,” said Eric Nawyn, a current TMS PE teacher who worked with Sheila for five years. “She gave me a lot of tips my first year, and she had a sense of humor that the kids loved.” “Sheila really did have such a fun, sarcastic humor,” added Judy. “And she was truly a fitness fanatic. She lived out the ideals she taught her students.” Between Sheila’s love for fitness, her devotion to her students, and her dedication to a job well done, it’s easy to see why Trickum has mourned the loss of one of their greatest teachers. Judy, Andy, and Eric hope the unveiling of the Sheila Haynes Memorial Walking Path this fall will give those who knew Sheila a chance to mourn, while showing those who never got to meet her just how great a teacher she was. Sheila may no longer be at Trickum, but her teaching legacy will last forever.
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PAGE 15
Ready to Get Out and Enjoy Some Cooler Weather? By Tana Poncsak
The weather may still be warm, but before you know it, there will be an old familiar cool nip in the air and you’ll know fall is just around the corner! After the hot days of summer, you and your family may be looking for some things to do outside in the cooler temperatures. Here are a few ideas to get you out and about for a day of fall fun. 1. Take a hike – There are plenty of short but fun hiking trails near and around Atlanta. Check out Atlanta Trails by Trailful Outdoor Co. for top hiking trails in the Atlanta area. 2. Walk around Helen – It’s always a day of fun to drive up to Helen and feel like you’ve been to the Swiss Alps (minus the Alps). Check out the website for upcoming events. 3. Visit a winery – There are a number of wineries in and around the Atlanta area that are perfect for a day trip. Check out an article from Explore Georgia that highlights the “Top Five Winning Wineries in North Georgia”. 4. Head to Ellijay for some apple picking – Some might say there are no better apples than those picked fresh off the tree! And Gwinnett is in luck, as there are a number of apple orchards just a
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short drive to Ellijay. Here are some apple-picking tips from Taste of Home to get the most out of your apple-picking trip. 5. Take a drive – If you prefer to never leave the comfort of your own vehicle, perhaps a scenic drive is your idea of a fun day trip. To find the scenic drives near you, check out those chosen by the Scenic America National Byways Program. 6. Climb a mountain – When you think about mountains in the Atlanta area, Stone Mountain is perhaps the most obvious that comes to mind, but there are a number of mountains in and around the area. For a list, visit Atlanta Trails for Georgia Mountain hot spots. 7. Visit a pumpkin patch and/or corn maze – The good thing about fall, other than the cooler weather, is Halloween. And with it comes the season of pumpkin patches and corn mazes. There are several nearby that open early and are worth the trip. Check them out at the Atlanta on the Cheap website. 8. Panning for gold in Dahlonega – Home to the first gold rush, people are still visiting Dahlonega to pan for their fortune. If you’re feeling lucky or just want to have some good, clean fun, consider trying your luck and skill for a day of family fun. For information go to Chestateeford.com. Be sure to check websites for hours, locations, and any protocols and guidelines. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but something to get you out and about for some fresh air and fall fun!
Gwinnett Christian Terrace Continued from page 14 Disney World, Omaha Zoo, Jefferson’s Monticello, and more were enjoyed by the residents who wished to participate. Virtual Theater trips – complete with Playbills, popcorn, and souvenirs – were also offered. Quarterly birthday lunches were delivered to residents’ doors, accompanied by personalized songs and party hats. Several surprise deliveries have also taken place: apple cider donuts, flowers, Christmas gifts, and Valentine’s treats. As of now, all visitor restrictions have been lifted and residents are able to once again enjoy all activities with their neighbors and family members. “It’s been a year full of adapting,” Melody said, “but the residents have done so well overall. Our goal has been to keep spirits bright despite everything going on, all while being vigilant about keeping residents safe.” More information at https://www.christianterrace.com/.
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Gardening with Purpose By Amy Ney
When Beth Arechiga began attending Grace New Hope Church a few years back, she said she was admiring all the fallow land and empty greenhouses when she felt God speaking to her. “I asked Pastor Randy (Rainwater) if we could utilize the space for a community garden and he said, ‘Of course!’ and that’s how we got started.” Today, Arechiga is the Administrator of the Organic Community Garden at the church. Unlike many community gardens that have sprung up over the area, the Organic Garden is a true collaboration of many groups in the Grayson Area. “The Master Gardener for Lovin Elementary, Kathie Kellie, lives next door to me and was explaining about her aquaponics program the school was granted,” Arechiga says. “We realized our Organic Garden could benefit from the plants and fish after their time in the schools.” The sheriff’s office also wanted to partner with the garden. “They provide a lot of workforce for the community garden in their time off,” she explains. Mercer, the University of Georgia, and the Archer Cluster all have had a hand in making the garden a success. “Even community businesses such as The Grower’s Outlet have donated surplus materials to Continued on page 18
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Taste of Tucker Returns Continued from page 9 options, and events. Taste of Tucker was founded by Art and Karen Wood. Art grew up in Tucker and graduated from Tucker High School. He’s deeply involved in the community, and Karen joined in on his enthusiasm long before they married in 2007. Their first event took place in 2010 at Tucker First United Methodist church. Thirteen restaurants participated, and 500 people attended. Three years later, the couple sought out a new venue because the church could no longer accommodate the volume, and the event was moved to Main Street. The 2019 Taste of Tucker event was a huge success that raised $40,000, had over 7,000 people
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in attendance, included two live bands and a kid zone, and featured twenty sponsors and thirty-three participating restaurants and eateries. The year 2020 presented a challenge for the Taste of Tucker tradition when the pandemic hit. Art and Karen viewed this as an opportunity to pivot, thus creating “30 Days of Taste of Tucker,” where a different local restaurant was featured each day for thirty days. The response was overwhelming! Now that things are opening back up, Taste of Tucker is back on Main Street in its traditional form and ready to go. As one can imagine, it takes a lot of hands to create an event with this type of success. Therefore, volunteers are greatly welcomed and appreciated. This will be a wonderful opportunity for community involvement from local churches, schools, and other organizations. So, be sure to save the date and get your baggy pants ready for Taste of Tucker! More information at https://tasteoftucker.com/about-us/.
Gardening with Purpose Continued from page 17 make the garden a true community project,” Arechiga adds. A Master Gardener, Arechiga moved to Georgia over twenty-five years ago from California, right after the birth of her sixth child. “It was a bit of a long path to get to here and what I do today,” she reveals. She was a stay-at-home mom, then worked as a manager for small-box stores. When her daughter had their grandson, Eli who has special needs, Arechiga quit her job to help with his care. She remembers, “When he was small, he would sit for hours while I worked in the garden, watching the trees; and then when he was older, gardening himself. He loves to be outside.” Arechiga’s s work with the garden has earned it two grants. Last year, they were able to establish a pollinator and native plant program. “This year, the Food Well Alliance, which partners with Atlanta Food Bank, is helping us build senior and handicap accessible [garden] beds. It is really my passion to work with disabled adults,” Arechiga confides. “There is so much evidence this garden is God’s garden. All the connections have been remarkable. He’s shown up repeatedly and done miracles here.”
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Continued on page 22
Sep ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
One Man’s Opinion: When Looking Left Seems RIGHT By Bill Crane
As a youngster, acting in community theater, a movie, a few TV commercials, and even hosting a kid’s talk show, I thought that my later years might take me to Hollywood. Common sense and realistic appreciation for the limits of my talents eventually brought me to my senses. And yet, there is the rare and occasional exception when looking left seems right. The State of California will soon require all state employees and health care workers to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus or to face regular and indefinitely continuing testing. Following that direction are the state of New York, New York City (which includes its public schools, all under the direction of the Office of Mayor), the US Veterans Administration, and more recently two larger privatesector employers who will be mandating vaccines for their publicfacing employees, Walmart, and the Disney Corporation amusement parks. Like it or not, we remain in the midst of a pandemic and public health crisis. Though pandemic conditions have significantly been improving across the nation, the Delta variant and others are surging in multiple locations. In our neighboring state of Florida, new single-day COVID-19 positive cases are surpassing the previous highs of winter 2021, and virtually all of the hospitalized and fatal cases are occurring among the unvaccinated. And while originally the most vulnerable may have been the elderly and medically fragile, most current cases are coming to a much younger and generally healthier population. A confusing patchwork of mask mandates are on the rise and return, as mask-wearing, and good public hygiene and hand-washing remain part of a solid health system defense. However, NOTHING has proved more impactful and effective at beating back this virus than those vaccines. We have already experienced a “breakthrough” COVID case among a vaccinated member of our family, thankfully a relatively mild case. Earlier and before vaccination availability, we nearly lost our mother. COVID-19 also got hold of my father, my firstborn daughter and her husband, and at the time, their infant twin sons. All have survived, but recovery continues. Mom is again hospitalized, and the twins are on their third serious respiratory infection in six months: COVID-19, parainfluenza, and now RSV. They have very dutiful and responsible parents and receive regular medical attention. We hope and pray that the damage sustained by their lungs is not significant nor permanent. Having two daughters (aged 15 years apart) educated through and one teaching in our public
schools, I remember marveling at the difference in both the number and frequency of required inoculations for children PRIOR to registering and matriculating in a public school. I support adding the most effective COVID-19 vaccine to this roster. Though Operation Warp Speed delivered these products in record time, the RNA research driving their development had been going on for decades in battles to fight the development of a wide array of cancers. NONE of the viruses approved for use in the United State utilize any live-strain of the virus within the vaccine, so these vaccines, among many myths and enchantment tales in circulation, CANNOT GIVE YOU COVID. So, for my many Libertarian and more conservative friends who think I may have “lost it” in recent years, the West Coast still remains the Left Coast for me, but they do get things right on Continued on page 22
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Pet Perch: Exercise? Or Over Excitement? By Terie Hansen
While there is no doubt that dogs need exercise, many dog owners turn to running and racing around in a yard or a park as the only form of exercise their dog gets. The problem is that if the only interactions you have with your dog are of high excitement, that is what you are patterning – a dog whose mind doesn’t know how to settle down; a dog that is always looking for the next high-energy engagement activity; a dog that typically demands attention from you on a pretty consistent basis. On the other hand, training burns a ton of energy, both physical and mental, and has many positive side effects such as creating a calm, relaxed state of mind. Your dog learns to focus. Your dog is learning valuable commands. Your dog has your undivided attention, so it is less likely to demand your attention at other times during the day. Your dog views you as the leader, which can significantly reduce and/or eliminate anxiety, stress, fear, and other negative states of mind and behaviors. All of which, in the long run, equal a well-trained dog! Moreover, if you’re going to spend time with your dog, what is the difference if you spend fifteen
PAGE 20
to twenty minutes throwing a ball versus fifteen to twenty minutes training? Time is time, right? Simply doing sit drills burns both mental energy (because your dog needs to focus) and physical energy (because your dog is doing squats) and will tire your dog out. Down drills are push-ups for your dog. Recalls (coming when called) has your dog running back and forth, but in a controlled manner. Kennel drills also include push-ups because you will teach your dog to enter their kennel and lie down. Even duration commands such as Down and Place burn a tremendous amount of mental energy as your dog practices impulse control while holding those commands. All drills are done with a leash until your dog consistently follow commands without engaging the leash. You can even use their food (not treats) as a reward. Doing these simple drills will burn tons of energy and sharpen your dog’s obedience skills. In a couple of weeks, you will be rewarded with a much calmer, better behaved dog. I am not saying don’t play with your dog. I am saying, even if you did 50-50, or better yet, one out of every four interactions with your dog, you played and the other three you trained. The outcome would be a tremendous difference in your dog’s overall behavior, equaling an amazing difference in your relationship with your dog. Terie Hansen is the Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www. gooddogcoaching.com
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CARE THAT’S ALWAYS
there Dementia Caregiver Support Group WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 AT 4:00PM
Family, friends and caregivers, please join our caregiver support group. There will be time for sharing along with discussions on struggles, fears, and other concerns with caregiving.
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One Man’s Opinion Continued from page 19
Gardening with Purpose Continued from page 18
occasion. As millions of school children return to classrooms across the nation, I’m hoping that my younger daughter will soon be able to see her own classmates smile without having to look for crinkling eyes above the mask line. But those choices being made for school children in the coming days and weeks will primarily be driven by how many of us still sitting around unvaccinated and on the sidelines are now finally willing to roll up our sleeves. I am ready for the shelling and “personal liberty” infringement shouts from my more conservative and anti-vaxx associates, in part because I know that I already took my shot for them and already plan to do so again as soon as the boosters are available. As a result, I hopefully will never be in the position or risk of later giving someone else this potentially fatal virus. For those still unwilling, the aforementioned employers will offer options for the medically fragile, those already surviving COVID-19 and those objecting for faith reasons. They may opt for rigorous and weekly COVID-19 testing, or for positions allowing work from home or in virtual settings, as those slots remain available. But again, and once more with feeling: Do the Right Thing. Go take your shot! Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the full-service communications firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
And it is her trust in God’s plan that directs Arechiga on how the direction of the Organic Garden should follow. “I don’t know, but I expect there will be free food and maybe there will be a plant sale,” she shares. “God has taken over this space. He will make it blossom! I am really so proud that God likes what we are doing here. He has been in this, connecting people the whole time.” Finding volunteers has been the greatest challenge in the garden. “There are over two acres of pastureland, the garden, and the greenhouse,” she says. “That is a lot of work. We can always use people.” She explains she does not even need other gardeners, but just people. She can teach volunteers how. “I love the Organic Garden,” she says, “and how it is an extension of the church and an opportunity to serve and be in the community.” More information at IamtheBeth@comcst.net or Patrick@ gft.tv.
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