JAN 2021 (BLUE) Our Town Gwinnett Monthly Magazine for Gwinnett/NE DeKalb.

JANUARY 2021 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker

Up Close with Benchmark Physical Therapy, see story on page 5

13 15 17 18

Get Creative with Hudgens Center for Arts & Learning Up Close with Coach Chan Brown: Ethics in Coaching Award Gwinnett Moms: Mother Knows Best Community Member Spotlight: Meet Emil Powella

The Village Corner

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Our Town Gwinnett

On the Cover: Staying Flexible: How Benchmark Physical Therapy Navigated a Challenging Year

By Kristen Eleveld

When COVID-19 swept across the country this past year, many businesses found themselves pivoting to adjust to the changes. Some had to shut down for weeks; others allowed employees to work from home. But for some businesses, shutting down was never an option. Businesses like Benchmark and Drayer Physical Therapy continued to not only serve their patients, but offer them a level of care that was above and beyond the norm.

Benchmark and Drayer were able to keep up with many patients, and even see a few new ones, thanks to their incorporation of telehealth services. While the therapists at these offices always prefer to see their patients in person as much as possible, using video services has opened up some unexpected benefits to both the therapists and their patients.

“Moving forward, we think telehealth could be a great tool for those who want to come in person but aren’t able to due to travel or scheduling issues,” said Regional Vice President Wesley Spake, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy himself. “We want people to be able to come to therapy as often as possible to help them heal.”

Along with adding more convenient times and methods for therapy sessions, Benchmark Physical Therapy has continued to offer times and days outside the typical work week so patients can find the time that works best for them. Now that so many patients are doing therapy over video, therapists are also able to better incorporate the equipment and resources that patients have at home, which means their physical therapy can continue even if they are not in a session.

COVID-19 has affected the physical therapy office in other ways, too – like the amount of people they are seeing who have attempted home improvement projects and the injuries that often follow.

“We have seen a lot of people in need this year because they are home more and are working on big projects,” Spake said. “We’re always here to help with any kind of need.”

While all locations of Benchmark Physical Therapy have always made a priority of keeping their office clean, this year they have gone the extra mile to ensure the safety of each patient who walks through their doors. Over in the Beaver Ruin location, Clinic Director Mason Earp is working with his team to enact the Clean Safe Ready program, put into place by Benchmark earlier this year. The program emphasizes patient and staff health through conducting temperature checks, providing multiple hand sanitizing stations around the office, requiring face coverings for everyone in the building, and encouraging everyone to minimize the time they spend touching or removing their face coverings.

Earp, who also holds a doctorate in physical therapy, attributes much of the success at his clinic’s location to the excellent team that runs the office.

“You’re not going to find a better team,” said Earp. “We have a fun environment here, and we pride ourselves on operating seamlessly together.”

This teamwork and commitment to patient care has been the driving force of many Benchmark locations in the Gwinnett area. As a whole, the practice is all about making their patients comfortable and, at the end of the day, leave them feeling better than when they came in.

“We really strive to provide not only excellent clinical services, but also customer service experiences,” said Earp.

“Customer service is at the base and heart of our practice.”

“I learn as much from my patients as I teach them,” added Spake. “We are all motivated by knowing that we have the ability to help people who are hurting, and we want to make each experience an educational one.”

With dozens of locations and specialties in the immediate area and beyond, Benchmark Physical Therapy and Drayer Physical Therapy have set the standard for physical therapy practices everywhere. Patients can expect to be treated well and to find a level of care that doesn’t just address their symptoms, but works to find the cause behind it all.

If you’re ready to get started with physical therapy, it’s easy. Just head to their website and find the location that’s closest to you. This team of excellent therapists and staff members are ready and waiting to heal what makes you hurt.

More information at https://benchmark.urpt.com/

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PAGE 5

From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks

Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine

By Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanSauers

Our Town

@RyanTSauers

Goodbye 2020. Welcome 2021! Let me say that again: goodbye 2020 and welcome 2021. A year of new hopes, dreams, healing, love, fellowship, friends, family, and more that come with a new year. Who would have ever thought that terms such as social distancing, quarantine, or masks are required would become commonplace?

I have seen many people wish away 2020 at every opportunity. Trust me when I say that I am more than ready for a new year. In some ways it seems 2020 was a blur as it moved so slow yet also seemingly flew by at the same time. You know what I mean. However, I am thankful and challenge you to be thankful as well.

I am thankful to be alive. I am thankful for catching up with old friends. I am thankful for launching a new podcast and video show. I am thankful for surviving a serious bout with COVID. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for all the business and community partners we have. I am thankful for our amazing team. I am thankful for getting back in shape. I am thankful that (during this pandemic) I finished my final classes of my doctorate in organizational leadership and now am ABD (all but dissertation and am officially a doctoral candidate).

You see folks, there is a lot to be thankful for.

However, with that said, I am so ready for 2021. With every new year comes new ideas, resolutions, and dreams. I have spent the year thinking of so many new things, ideas, and business plans. There is a lot of growth in many new areas on the way, so please stay tuned. However, getting the timing right is key. I will leave that timing to my own instincts and ultimately the Lord’s guidance.

With that said, this column is written to provide inspiration as we seek to make 2021 an incredible year in the Our Town Gwinnett community. My question is simple: How bad do you want to grow as a person this year?

If you want something bad enough, you will find a way to achieve it. You will desire to solve Continued on page 10

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

Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultZ.com Photography

Aleen Karakashian Photography Distribution Coordinator

DeeDee Chapman Feature Writers K. Coats Kristen Eleveld

Ron Lambros Amy Ney Emily Rubin

Traci Sanders Beth Volpert Johansen

Contributing Writers Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz Terie Hansen Aleen Karakashian Tim Morse Pam Walker

— An EndResultZ Media & Communications firm 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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IN THIS ISSUE 5 6 9 9 9 10 12 12 13 15 17 18 18 19 20 21 22

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On the Cover: Staying Flexible: How Benchmark Physical Therapy Navigated a Challenging Year From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks Chaplain’s Corner: Bring it on 2021!

Meeting Every Need: Welcome to the Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett Photography Corner: DIY Newborn Photos at Home Pet Perch: New Year, New Dog Travel Tales: Open Up World -- Here We Come!

Thinking of Becoming a Freelancer? Six Things You Should Consider Get Creative with the Hudgens Center for Art and Learning Up Close with Coach Chan Brown: Ethics in Coaching Award Gwinnett Moms: Mother Knows Best Community Member Spotlight: Meet Emil Powella Charlotte Nash Receives Atlanta Regional Commission’s Harry West Visionary Leadership Award Pack in the Fun with Creekwater Alpaca Farms Good Night! Resolve to Achieve Healthy Sleep in 2021 Style and Flair: Vecoma at the Yellow River Gives Brides an Unforgettable Experience Gwinnett County is the Fortunate Home to Two Remarkable Healthcare Practices

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A New Year’s Prayer May God make your year a happy one!

Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain, But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes; Not by making your path easy, But by making you sturdy to travel any path; Not by taking hardships from you, But by taking fear from your heart; Not by granting you unbroken sunshine, But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows; Not by making your life always pleasant, But by showing you when people and their causes need you most, and by making you anxious to be there to help.

God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead.

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For 10 years I published a Newsletter for Eddi thru done are ads and eting mark our Now most of Social Media. ral This year has been difficult to say the least. Seve r. lette news the miss you me of you have told cially How different articles touched you. I was espe placed I r praye a of nded remi tly humbled when recen . years y man for Issue Years in the January New that Usually on the front page. Shared with me was for r mirro room bath your this had been taped to years so that it would be seen every morning.

So, this year, especially, this is my wish, my hope, my prayer, for us all in the coming New Year.

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PS: “Thank You Pedro for the reminder. I needed it”. Wanda Our Town Gwinnett

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PAGE 7

PAGE 8

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Our Town Gwinnett

Chaplain’s Corner: Bring it on 2021!

Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz If you are reading this, then that means you made it through 2020. It may not have been pretty, but you made it.

As I reflect on this past year, I can sadly say that I have seen friends close their businesses because of the economy, I have had family members die because of COVID-19, and I have seen friends and neighbors struggle throughout the year because of the pandemic.

On the other hand, I cannot reflect on 2020 without acknowledging the good things that I have witnessed as well. I have seen people being generous with their time, talents, and treasures in order to come alongside friends, family, and strangers Continued on page 14

Meeting Every Need: Welcome to the Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett

By Kristen Eleveld If you are a parent of a child with special needs, you already know how vital it is to find the right fit for his or her education. Each child’s needs may differ – one may thrive in a small classroom, while another excels in a room with more activity and students. Finding tailor-made education like this isn’t easy, but fortunately for local residents, there is a great option that covers all your bases: Welcome to the Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett.

Founded over three decades ago, the Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett (SNS) is designed to allow children with special needs the opportunity to learn in an environment that accommodates the challenges and specific needs of each student who walks through its doors. In its mission to provide an excellent education, regardless of the need, the school does not require a child to qualify through testing or specific diagnoses. Instead, they want to act as a resource for any child who is not thriving in their current school setting.

“We are ready and able to assist with just about every type of need,” said Jamie Hamilton, who is the Director of Community and Donor Engagement for the school. “We want every family to feel safe and comfortable here.”

Continued on page 14

Our Town Gwinnett

Photography Corner: DIY Newborn Photos at Home

By Aleen Karakashian, Photographer We are going through such hard times! I cannot imagine what it is like to bring a newborn home during this season of life. If you cannot hire a professional photographer because of health issues, I do not want you to miss out on incredible portraits of your newborn. Here is a simple way to ensure you have something for his/ her future.

You will need: A nursing pillow (ex: Boppy Pillow), a sizeable white bedsheet, your phone (or camera), chairs/tabletop, and access to natural light from a window at home.

Find a large window at your home where you get good natural light. If you do not know which window gets good sunlight, pay attention to different areas of your home for the next two days and see which room has the most sunlight in the morning. Your setup will be right there.

The baby’s head should be close to the window, while some feet away from the window.

You, the photographer, will be in front of the baby, not blocking the sunlight. Next, we want to set up the bedsheet as a backdrop. If you are using your dining room as a setup, turn two chairs around, use the back of those chairs to hang the sheet from, spread it on the table, covering most of it, including the nursing pillow. Your nursing pillow is a great way to prop your baby’s head and chest up while the rest of his body is slightly dipped below. If you have large glass doors, you may choose to set up on the floor and use an ottoman. For instance, spread the sheets from there to the floor, covering the nursing pillow and more. Also, remember safety first, and please make sure an adult is always watching the baby.

Now, it’s picture time. For a classic look, dress the baby in a white onesie. Place your newborn on his tummy. His hands are resting under his face on the pillow. Try your best to keep the sheets from folding too much in the backdrop (use clamps if needed).

Make the best of the portrait feature on your phone and focus on your baby’s face. Take some straight-on shots while level with the ground, and then move closer for a close-up of fingers, toes, and those chunky rolls. I hope you enjoy this and please share your pictures with me. Also, if you think this article was helpful, please let me know.

More information at www.aleenkarakashian.com

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PAGE 9

Ryan’s Remarks Continued from page 6 things and make life better for everyone. In contrast, if you do not want something bad enough, you will find an excuse and complain about all the things “happening to you and around you.”

Simply said, it is the way human beings are wired.

So, you see, we have two choices. The first is to stand around and complain and be frustrated about how things are. The second is to do anything in our power to develop a plan and/or find a way to make things better. In this new year, I challenge you to push harder and dig deeper in every aspect of your life. Please set goals for yourself that you can track and achieve. We all can go deeper. Do not be afraid to fail. As my little green friend Yoda says in Star Wars, “The greatest teacher...failure is.” Also, do not be afraid to be your authentic self. Trust me – people are going to talk about you anyway, so why not give them a reason to talk.

There are three types of people in the world: those who make things happen; those who watch things happen; and those who wonder what happened. Thus, plan your work and work your plan so you can grow – in all parts of your life – in a deliberate, purposeful, and intentional manner. This will lead to success in 2021 (no matter what you encounter) and you will grow and help everyone around you grow to even greater heights in the process.

Better Grades, Better Scores...

Better Students!

Thanks for being part of our amazing community. Thanks for your support in 2020. Our team is so proud to have played a role in bringing you positive news during this pandemic. Here is to a great 2021. And now and as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!

Pet Perch: New Year, New Dog

By Terie Hansen A dog can learn new things at any age. If you have been living with a dog that has less than desirable behaviors, there is no time like the present to make some change!

Obedience training can change your dog’s behavior dramatically. Start with simple commands like sit or down. Teach your dog one new command every couple of weeks. Make sure to have a leash on your dog so that you have control when needed and can guide your dog into position.

Teach the commands with an implied stay. The sit, for example, does not just mean to sit down for a moment. It means to sit and keep sitting until you release the dog. There should be no need to even say, “Stay.”

At first, just do drills – having your dog sit for a moment and then release him or her by saying, “Let’s go.” Repeat in a fast drill-like fashion. Think of it like times tables. The quick repetitions help your dog learn the command quickly.

Over time you need to start adding duration, which means the length of time you have the dog hold command. You will also need to slowly add in distractions, which teaches your dog that even when there are distractions, he or she must remain in command. If your dog moves out of command, simply repeat the command, and use the leash to guide your pet back into position.

Once your dog is familiar with a command, start incorporating it into your daily routine.

Make your dog sit before going out any doors, before getting food, and before you give him or her treats, toys, or affection.

Be consistent and never give your dog a command that you are not able to reinforce. Over time, with lots of patterning, your dog will become proficient in each new command. It is a new year, and you can have a new dog. It is good for you and your dog!

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

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Travel Tales: Open Up World -- Here We Come!

Thinking of Becoming a Freelancer? Six Things You Should Consider

By Pam Walker

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

Yay! The vaccine is here! Slowly but surely, it is being delivered throughout the world. We just might be able to travel again.

The year 2021 is looking better and better for that trip you wanted to take last year. Cruises, that were postponed until late February and some even until November, are beginning to operate with new CDC guidelines. Travel to many parts of Africa is possible now. It is summer there, so it is a great time for a safari.

Several South American countries are now open, and international flights are beginning to others. Have you ever been to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador? There are more animals than humans. Have you ever seen a blue-footed booby bird?

Go now before the larger cruise ships come back.

Europe is slowly opening now that the vaccine has become available. Yes, there are still places in Spain and France that are very restrictive, but who wants to go in the winter months anyway? In the spring, all those beautiful places will hopefully be open so you can enjoy the lavender fields of Provence or hike the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) in northern Spain. Italy opens officially on Jan 15, 2021, and cruise lines are already planning stops in ports along the way. Greece is also open for explorations.

Most of these countries are requiring negative PCR tests before you arrive, but you must get results anywhere from 72 hours prior up to 5 days prior to arrival. Many countries are requiring that you register before you arrive and that you have evacuation insurance, too.

To find out more of the “rules of the road” for each country, the International Air Transport Association or IATA has an excellent website that you should check when you decide to go: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php Most importantly, be sure you have the best information. Contact your professional travel advisor, and do not just book online on a website that you are not familiar with. It would be terrible to get to your destination just to turn around and come home because of some detail that a website didn’t tell you about.

I’m ready to go again. Are you?

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

Considering the economic challenges the world is faced with today, including some of the highest unemployment numbers in recent history, now could be an excellent time to begin a career as a freelancer.

Recent nationwide furloughs and layoffs caused by the struggling economy and the social distancing necessitated

by COVID-19 make that particularly true. But statistics show the number of freelancers has been growing over the past decade, partly because people enjoy the flexibility, control, and better work-life balance that can come with the role. And independent contractors span a range of professions these days, from law to graphic design to engineering.

In a survey conducted in the nation’s top thirty cities for freelancing last year, for example, some six million independent contractors were collectively earning $150 billion. Some of the largest markets for freelancers these days? New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Nashville and Austin are also up-and-comers, with the population of skilled freelancers growing by 26% and 27%, respectively, between 2012 and 2017. Miami’s skilled freelance workforce contributes most to its overall city GDP, making up a full 2.3%.

Here are notable advantages to consider if you are mulling a move to the freelance lifestyle.

Control Over Your Schedule Freelancing empowers you with much more control over your workload and when you choose to complete it. Not only can you accept or decline assignments based on your availability and preferences, but in many cases, you can finish them during the hours most convenient Continued on page 16

Happy New Year!

Your Green - Did you know?

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Will your plan do what you need it to do?

Make time now to get your plan on track, even if you only need a 2nd opinion.

Contact Green Financial at 770.931.1414 or via www.RogerSGreen.com For a complimentary retirement plan health check.

Helping people with their money for over 30 years. www.RogerSGreen.com Investment Advisor Representative offering securities & advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, Broker/Dealer, member FINRA, SIPC. Green Financial & 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. Office located at 3700 Crestwood Pkwy, Ste 140, Duluth, GA 30096.

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Our Town Gwinnett

Get Creative with the Hudgens Center for Art and Learning

By Kristen Eleveld

In 1981, a group of Gwinnett citizens came together to find a way to bring art to the Gwinnett community. They called themselves the Gwinnett Council for the Arts, and they made it their mission to bring together art lovers, learners, and leaders through quality exhibitions, programs, and classes for all ages. Although the council’s name is now the Hudgens Center for Art and Learning, their mission remains the same, and they are making a difference for artists and community members all throughout Gwinnett.

With its combination of events, programs, and exhibits, the Hudgens Center has long made a name for itself through the high quality of local art and offerings it presents. There is an opportunity for all levels of interest. Whether you just want to walk through the latest exhibits and admire the art, or sign up for a class to polish your own budding skills, you will find a place at the Hudgens Center.

“The Hudgens is proud to serve as the premier visual arts center for the Gwinnett community,” said Executive Director Laura Ballance. “In our commitment to making art accessible to all, the Hudgens offers free admission to the 34,000 square-foot space that houses five galleries, a Children’s Art Zone, and a beautifully landscaped sculpture garden.”

The Hudgens Center’s impressive permanent collection also includes works from Rembrandt, Warhol, Picasso, Lichtenstein, Miro, and Kandinsky.

“I love that the Hudgens Center strives to reflect diversity of the community in its exhibits and classes,” said Stephanie Lloyd, Education and Development Coordinator at the Center.

“We are intentional about focusing on the community around us.”

This focus is evident in the classes themselves, many of which are offered in Spanish and Korean to accommodate every learner that walks through the doors. The classes also offer a variety of art media, ranging from painting to pottery to learning to make your own hand lotion.

These classes not only bring new opportunities to the community, but also give everyone a chance to see where their talents may lie.

In addition, the Hudgens Center is proud to offer multiple programs designed to reach specific demographics within the community. Project Welcome Home, which began this year, is a safe space for veterans to use their creative skills as a way to cope with the stress of active military service. Another program, Healing Arts, partners with local hospitals and human service organizations to offer therapeutic healing through art for those affected by chronic and terminal illness, PTSD, and developmental delays, as well as other chronic health struggles.

The smART Honors Program seeks out Gwinnett County high school students who have an interest in the arts, but face a barrier in accessing the education and resources they need to pursue that interest, and gives them the chance to experience art classes.

It’s easy to see why the Hudgens Center has become such a vital part of the Gwinnett community. And the classes offered aren’t just for older kids and adults. In fact, you may see Stephanie herself as she leads a weekly Toddler Time over a Zoom call to give those young artists the chance to learn and sing as they talk about art.

“We place a high priority on having art that is accessible to everyone,” said Stephanie. “We want to help all community members find a way to make art.”

If making art sounds like something you want to try, head over to the Hudgens Center Facebook page to take part in their monthly #HudgensCreativeChallenge, in which participants are asked to create art using a specific medium or method. The winner gets a 50% discount off the class of their choice, and the Hudgens Center encourages all who are interested to try it out at least once.

In fact, you may find yourself so interested in art that you want to volunteer, and the Center can help with that, too. They are currently taking volunteers to help them with various projects around the building. Greeting guests, helping in the gift shop, or helping Stephanie with her recent Paint ‘N Sip series are some of the ways the Hudgens Center can use your help. They also rely on community support in the form of donations, especially through their artist’s work in the gift shop. This is a great way to help a community staple keep its doors open for everyone to enjoy.

As the team at the Hudgens Center says, art is for everyone – so if you haven’t stopped by the Hudgens Center for Art and Learning yet, you need to pay them a visit.

More information at www.thehudgens.org

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Chaplain’s Corner Continued from page 9

Special Needs Schools of Gwinnett Continued from page 9

during these times.

Yes, 2020 was a rough year, but it also showed us that there are plenty of people out there who have a huge regard for human lives and for blessing others.

Therefore, it is hard to look back at 2020 and simply have bad memories since it has been precisely because of those challenges that the best has been brought out of many people, and for that I am thankful.

So, as we embrace 2021 and all the unknowns that it may bring to us, I want to encourage you to find ways to bless others. May this be the year where your generosity overwhelms people. May this be the year that something that you do for others will mark their lives forever.

May this be the year that changes people’s lives.

If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that we as individuals have the opportunity and ability to do good to others no matter what. So, let us find the broken, and do good.

Rodrigo Cruz is the Lead Pastor of The Nett Church.

More information at http://www.thenettchurch.com/

Safe and comfortable are certainly two words that would fit SNS, especially as they have just opened a new building over the summer, complete with updated technology and additional resources. It’s important that parents and students alike understand their family’s educational needs will be met on every level, and that this school is a place where their child can thrive.

Each classroom has a maximum of ten students, along with one teacher and a paraprofessional, which means every child has the chance to receive the individual attention he or she needs.

Moving forward, Jamie and the team have big goals of building even more classrooms and increasing their enrollment to offer even more students the chance to find a classroom that truly meets their needs.

“If we are able to help just one family through our school, it will all be worth it,” said Jamie.

“I’m proud to be part of a team that is making great things happen.”

While SNS offers classes for children from preschool all the way to twelfth grade, its efforts don’t stop there. They have created another program for adults with special needs called YALLS – Young Adults Learning Life Skills.

In Gwinnett County, students with special needs officially age out of the county’s programs at the age of 22, regardless of their level of academic development. While some are able to find the support they need moving forward, many others are left without a resource for guiding them into future endeavors. This is where the YALLS program enters the picture – it is designed specifically to help these young adults develop important skills that will allow them to function more independently. For some, this may mean teaching them how to live in an apartment by themselves. For others, it may involve developing skills that allow them to contribute at home with their family. And for others, they may work on developing skills for a job.

Whatever the needs, the school and its programs are there to meet it – but they can only do so with the community’s help. That might mean volunteering at the school for one of its programs (though many programs and events are on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic), or donating toward one of the student programs available online. You can choose to contribute toward the scholarship fund, which allows underserved students to attend the school even if they can’t afford it, or you might be drawn to giving to the annual fund that allows the school to improve its classrooms and resources.

“I want to make sure every student who needs us can attend, regardless of their financial circumstances,” Jamie said. “It doesn’t have to be a big gift – anything the community can do will help.”

More information at www.specialneedsschools.org

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Up Close with Coach Chan Brown: Ethics in Coaching Award

“Make Last Call Your First Call”

By Tim Morse Chan Brown tried his best to shift the attention elsewhere.

As the recipient of the 2021 Ethics in Coaching Award, the longtime Parkview High School baseball coach refused to take credit for the honor, one of the highest a high school coach can receive from the Georgia Dugout Club (GDC).

“It’s a big honor for the program, community, and our staff,” Brown said. “There have been a lot of people who have put blood, sweat, and tears into the program. A lot of pieces of the puzzle have to come together.”

Brown, already a GDC Hall of Famer, will be honored at the annual GDC Coaches Clinic in January, along with the six newest members of the Georgia Dugout Club Hall of Fame.

“Chan Brown has been recognized many times for his success on the field, but his leadership off the field made him an easy choice for this award,” said Greg Frady who chairs the Ethics in Coaching Committee for the Georgia Dugout Club. “He is a man of strong principles. Many times, coaches talk about doing it right, and Coach Brown has done it right from the beginning.

“Like many coaches, he has had strong role models around him to show the way,” Frady continued. “He was blessed with Coach Hugh Buchanan and Coach Roy Massey that came before him. Those two men were pillars of strength in their community. Coach Brown not only learned from those men, but has taken his commitment to doing it the right way to a new level.

He is a committed father, husband, and role model.”

Brown, who was inducted into the GDC Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2018, has a decorated coaching career. He is in his eighteenth season at Parkview, seventeen as the head baseball coach. After inheriting the Parkview program from longtime coach Hugh Buchanan in 2005, he helped keep the program among the nation’s elite.

In twenty-one seasons as a head baseball coach, he boasts a 449-149 record. He has guided the Parkview program to eleven region titles and five state titles (2011, ’12, ’15, ’18, and ’19).

His 2012 team was voted the national champions by Baseball America.

The 2015 Parkview squad was named national champions by five national media outlets, including Baseball America and USA Today. His 2018 state championship squad was named as national champions by Baseball America, while his 2019 squad won a state record thirty-six games.

Brown was named National Coach of the Year in 2015 by USA Today, Max Preps, Perfect Game, and Baseball America. The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) named him Southeastern Regional Coach of the Year three times (2011, ’12, and ’15), and the Baseball Coaches Association named him Regional Coach of the Year in 2015.

In 2019 Brown was named the ABCA National High School Coach of the Year. He boasts three Georgia Dugout Club Coach of the Year honors and three Gwinnett Dugout Club Coach of the Year awards. His peers also have great respect for the Parkview coach.

“Chan is one of the premier high school coaches in the country who always gets the very best out of his players and has developed a total high school program that rivals any program anywhere,” Johns Creek head coach Billy Nicholson said. “Chan has always been more than willing to share his model of success with anyone and has always been very accommodating Continued on page 19

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Job Satisfaction Those who freelance often see their work as more rewarding than others. In the survey, for example, seven of ten US freelancers called their work highly satisfying, compared to about half of US workers in general. The primary reasons for that added satisfaction are the freedom to work from home, the flexibility of work schedules, and the interesting nature of their work.

Healthy Paychecks Because they can control their own pricing, profit margins, and productivity, many freelancers earn more working for themselves than for others, and they are not expecting their revenues to change significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey found that 59% of independent contractors surveyed expected to earn equal or increased revenues in 2020.

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Gwinnett Moms: Mother Knows Best

By Traci Sanders Gwinnett County Government launched the #ListenToGwinnettMoms public health education campaign this October. Their goal is to inspire the local community to continue doing its part to slow the spread of COVID-19. The campaign is intended to unify and empower the community to understand and adopt three easy COVID-19 prevention tips: hand washing, wearing a mask, and keeping a safe distance.

However, this isn’t your typical sterile campaign filled with a plethora of statistics and facts. They are working with real Gwinnett moms to communicate these messages in a fresh, relatable way.

Gwinnett County District 4 Commissioner and campaign spokesperson Marlene Fosque stated, “We all know that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet, and it’s important that we stay diligent so we can keep our families safe, restrengthen our economy, and keep Gwinnett County vibrant and thriving. We’ve all heard COVID-19 prevention messages for the past several months, but again wanted to highlight them in new and interesting ways that will keep them top-of-mind for our community.”

This campaign is solely an effort of Gwinnett County Government. As the community continues to face this unprecedented public health issue, it became clear to officials that they had an opportunity to display strong leadership and be part of the solution in a big way. The county’s message is loud and clear: we support you, we are with you, and it’s up to every single one of us to do our part to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

The campaign officials intend to reach as many people as possible with this message. With this in mind, #ListenToGwinnettMoms includes social media outreach on Gwinnett County’s social channels, as well as being dispersed throughout traditional print, digital, radio, and TV media. Outdoor signage and geo-targeted ads online (ones that reach Gwinnett zip codes digitally) are being utilized as well as messages through audio and video streaming. Gwinnett County newsletters and emails also include campaign updates and key messaging. Local business partners have been encouraged to help spread the message as well.

“Our aha moment was that moms, grandmothers, and mother figures are a universally trusted and respected source of information,” Fosque said, “and, in fact, have been preparing us for this moment for a long time. Growing up, I’m sure we can all relate to and remember our mothers telling us to wash our hands, stay away from strangers, and keep our hands and germs to ourselves. These tokens of mother wisdom, or ‘momisms,’ have never been more important or relevant.”

The five women featured most prominently in campaign materials and videos are actors who are also real Gwinnett County moms, something that was particularly important to the developers of the campaign. “It’s been incredibly meaningful and fun to position real Gwinnett moms as both the stars and the ‘unofficial’ experts, echoing the scientists and health officials’ safety tips and messages,” said Fosque. Another important aspect of the campaign is that the moms featured represent the diversity that makes Gwinnett County such a special place to live.

Continued on page 19

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Community Member Spotlight: Meet Emil Powella

By Traci Sanders Emil Powella grew up in Lakeland, Florida and graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in marketing. Upon retiring from a longstanding career in Marketing Management with Amoco Oil and BP, Emil moved to Lilburn in 2000. He quickly fell in love with the city and began looking for ways to contribute.

His first community role arose in 2004 when he and a few other homeowners created an official HOA to be able to raise the value of their neighborhood and retain its amenities. Emil has served on that board since then and is currently the president. In 2013, Emil was appointed to the Lilburn Planning Commission. In 2019, he became a representative for city employees by serving on the Lilburn Merit Board and was elected to the Lilburn City Council, a position he still holds. Emil also graduated from the Lilburn Citizen’s Police Academy. “I live here and want the opportunity to help manage the direction that Lilburn goes,” he said.

Not only does Emil contribute to the Lilburn community through political service, but he also now captures the essence of his great city through photography. Emil recently realized that this part of his journey began many years ago when his parents gifted him a Pentax 35mm camera at his college graduation. Emil used it occasionally throughout his career in marketing, but his true passion for photography didn’t show up until after he retired. After calling a photographer friend one evening to get some insight on cameras, Emil decided to purchase a DSLR camera and dabble in photography as a hobby. Six months later, he invested in a high-quality camera and began taking more photos of local scenery, events, and landscape.

As Emil began sharing his photos on social media, requests for photoshoots and stock photos poured in. Being a Christian and co-pastor with his wife for many years, Emil didn’t want to charge people for his photos or services, so he often gave them away. “Photography has always been a labor of love for me,” he shared. “It’s fun. I learn something new every time, and it’s a great way to meet new people and build new friendships.”

Emil captures photos of everything in his community from landscapes to events to wildlife, with impeccable focus and attention to detail. He has become the unofficial photographer of Lilburn and provides the images to the city as well as posting many in the Lilburn Life Facebook group. He enjoys highlighting the city’s beauty and uniqueness and has started offerContinued on page 21

Bethesda Christian Academy Receives Grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and United Way Bethesda Christian Academy is a Christian school dedicated to providing a safe and happy learning environment, where children can learn and grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially at their own pace. Our curriculum is Christ-centered, child-friendly, and far above average. Thus, we offer ABEKA and Creative Curriculum in our infants, toddlers, and preschool classrooms. In Pre-K, we use Frog Street, a curriculum that enforces academics and social emotional development. In addition, we have the LITTLE grant program that provides lots of language and literacy activities that focus on improving literacy skills in young students. Our Afterschool Program is filled with an array of exciting homework help and art activities. Our program also offers dance and soccer programs as extra-curricular activities.

Charlotte Nash Receives Atlanta Regional Commission’s Harry West Visionary Leadership Award

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff In recognition of her significant contributions to Gwinnett County and the entire Atlanta region, Gwinnett Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash received the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Harry West Visionary Leadership Award for 2020.

Nash, who is retiring after almost forty years in public service, joined the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) board in 2011 and has held a variety of leadership roles across the region, including chairman of the Transportation and Air Quality Committee; member and chair of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District board; chief local elected official on the Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board; and member of the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority board.

“Charlotte has been one of the most active and impactful, members of the ARC Board.

That’s probably an understatement,” said Kerry Armstrong, ARC board chairman. “She has brought a deep wealth of knowledge, perspective, and wisdom to the table that will be sorely missed. Charlotte has been more than a member of the ARC board. She has been a leader – in words, which are few. And in deeds, which are too many to count.”

Her career began as Gwinnett County’s grants manager in 1977, and she served as county administrator for nine years before leaving in 2004. She ran for Board of Commissioners chairman in 2011 out of her devotion to the county she has called home her entire life.

The Harry West Visionary Leadership Award was established in memory of ARC’s longestserving executive director, who exemplified courageous and visionary leadership throughout his career in the public, private, and university sectors.

“The ARC has played a huge role in shaping metro Atlanta for the better, and Harry West was one of the driving forces at the ARC whose positive influence is still felt even today,” Nash said. “To receive this award named after him is a great honor. I’m humbled and grateful to have been selected from among so many deserving people.”

Gwinnett County Administrator Glenn Stephens praised Nash for her vision and dedication to making metro Atlanta a better place to live.

“It has been an honor to work with and support Chairman Nash during her tenure both on the ARC board as well as Chairman of Gwinnett County,” he said. “I humbly believe that Chairman Nash has provided an example of the regional thinking, planning, and innovation that would make Mr. West proud, and that we will continue to see her positive impact on our region for years to come.”

Each year, the physical award is passed from one recipient to the next. It is a turned wooden bowl of Red “Leopard” Maple crafted by Phillip Moulthrop, the middle of three generations of Marietta wood turners.

The bowl, which was made from a raw piece of wood that through vision, skill, and determination was turned into something of lasting beauty and value, symbolizes visionary leadership.

Nash received the award during the ARC board meeting, which was held virtually.

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Coach Chan Brown Continued from page 15

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to help young and old coaches with advice, mentoring, and being an incredible ambassador for high school baseball in our state and across the country.”

While Brown’s coaching career is impressive, he wants to be known more for helping young players grow into better men. “We want to make sure we run things the right way,” he said.

“When I first got here, I made a lot of mistakes that hopefully I learned from. I don’t know if I was the best coach for Parkview, but I like to think I’ve grown and matured.”

Brown has helped guide many players to the next level, but he said when they keep strong relationships with him and his staff and come back home for the program’s annual alumni golf tournament, it means a lot. He added that more than twenty-five alumni sat in the dugout at Hugh Buchanan Field when his Panthers played Mill Creek for the Class 7A state championship series in 2018.

“That was a very cool thing to experience,” Brown said. “Hopefully, we have made an impact on all of them to be highly successful people in society, and the most important thing is I hope we have helped them along the way to become leaders, great husbands, and fathers.”

“Much success has come Parkview’s way over the years and with that has come personal recognition,” Frady said. “However, Coach Brown has always put his players first and helped them to be recognized without compromising his values. He has built a family environment for all players to thrive. His commitment each year to the off-field work with charities and fundraising efforts is exemplary.

“This has given his program and players experiences they could not have experienced without his strong leadership,” Frady concluded. “This award reflects how Coach Brown was raised by his family and now, how he mentors his values to his community.”

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By Kristen Eleveld

Gwinnett Moms Continued from page 17 How can the community support this important and needed effort? First, by diligently following the 3 W’s of COVID-19 prevention: wear a mask, watch your distance (six feet or more), and wash your hands. This is especially important as we enter the winter months. Second, real moms are encouraged to speak up and share their own motherly wisdom and COVID-19 advice on social media at @GwinnettGov and with the hashtag #ListenToGwinnettMoms.

More information at ListenToGwinnettMoms.com.

The year 2020 isn’t likely to be voted anyone’s favorite. But there is still time to have fun, thanks to a local alpaca farm. Yes, you read that right – there is a farm full of cute, cuddly alpacas, not to mention some other great animals, that are ready and waiting for your visit.

Founded in Snellville in 1993, Creekwater Alpacas Farms is home to over fifty alpacas – a source of fun and education for thousands of Gwinnett residents. Unique in both the furry residents it keeps and the experience it provides, Creekwater Alpacs Farms is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Along with the alpacas, they also host goats, sheep, pigs, guinea fowl, a pony, and even some miniature horses.

During a typical year, the farm is open to the public seven days a week for visitors to come at their leisure. In an effort to maintain social distance and to adhere to CDC recommendations for safety, the farm now offers private tours Monday through Friday, and remains open for public, unscheduled tours on Saturday and Sunday. With around fifteen people to a private group and a knowledgeable tour guide leading the way, the private tours have become a hit for the Snellville community and surrounding areas. Even the public tours, while self-guided, are limited to fifteen people to ensure that the tour remains safe for each visitor.

“It’s a relaxing experience!” said Christina Cruz, who recently joined the Creekwater team and handles the social media and marketing side of the business. “The alpacas are very gentle and friendly.”

The alpacas are so friendly that Christina has noticed that many visitors return just so they can visit with their favorite alpaca. Each animal has its own distinct personality, and people of all ages find themselves drawn back to visit and feed their new furry friends over and over again.

The fun doesn’t stop when the tour ends. Each guest has a chance to visit the gift shop where you will find some soft, furry alpaca-fiber socks, headbands, and other accessories, courtesy of the very animals that live on the farm. You can also find gloves and hats to keep you warm during the colder months.

When the weather is good, the farm encourages people to make a day out of their visit and bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn after they finish their tour. With over forty acres of land, Continued on page 20

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BEST BEST BEST BEST

Alpaca Farms Continued from page 19

Good Night! Resolve to Achieve Healthy Sleep in 2021

there is no shortage of space for you and your family to find a spot outdoors. While it may

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff seem like this experience is geared toward kids, Christina says the farm plays host to people of all ages. She has seen couples on dates, adults celebrating birthdays, families who just moved According to a recent survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), 85% to the area – everyone is welcome to enjoy the fun that the farm brings. of US adults do not get the recommended seven hours or more of sleep every night. After a “We want people to know we’re here and that we want to be a resource for your family,” said challenging and stressful year, the New Year provides Americans with the opportunity to refoChristina. “This is something safe and fun for your family to enjoy.” cus on the importance of making healthy sleep a priority.

Giving people an experience they enjoy is a high priority for Creekwater Alpaca Farms, and “Our survey findings show a worrying trend of national sleep deprivation,” said AASM presthey encourage visitors to take photos and selfies to share with the community so everyone can ident Dr. Kannan Ramar. “Insufficient sleep contributes to the risk for several of today’s public be part of the fun. You might even see your photo on the farm’s social media platforms, which health epidemics, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. As such, it is critical can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. it comes to When it and comes tointo finding roof that we incorporate healthy sleep habits routines our dailythe livesperfect to beWhen our best in 2021.”

“I really enjoy hearing everyone’s excitement and about their experience,” said Christina.

Why should we make healthy sleep a New Year’s resolution?

The recommended adult sleep we for your for your home we have a HUGEroof selection home When it to finding the perfect roof When it comes to finding the perfect “Hearing how much they love the farm really touches my heart.” of comes at least seven hours promotes optimal health and well-being.

The survey also revealed that of brands and colo of(34%) brands and colors to choose from, End this year by making some new friends – who just happen to be the county’s friendliest slightly more one-third of we Americans said they sleep for seven or so more hours for your home wethan have a HUGE selection for your home have a HUGE selection alpacas. make we can make house look Allpage Continued on 22 your of brands and colors choose from, soyour ofto brands and colors to choose from,perfect. sowe can More information at cwafarm.com

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Style and Flair: Vecoma at the Yellow River Gives Brides an Unforgettable Experience

By Kristen Eleveld Planning a wedding, big holiday party, or even an important corporate gathering is no small task. You have to find the perfect venue – a place that is run by experts in the business who can offer you guidance and ideas while still allowing you to add your unique style to make the event your own. Luckily, for the citizens of Gwinnett, you can find all that and more in Snellville at Vecoma at the Yellow River.

Vecoma at the Yellow River is celebrating its 25th year as an official corporation, but the history of this gorgeous area extends all the way back to the 1800s. Now, mother-and-daughter team Judith Warren and Caroline Tucker run Vecoma with the efficiency and expertise that has become synonymous with the venue itself. Both Judith and Caroline have worked to ensure that every event, from bar mitzvahs to quinceañeras, has every detail attended to in order to create a memorable celebration.

“We hold over one hundred events a year and have hosted thousands of weddings, anniversary parties, birthday parties, celebrations of life, holiday parties, bar mitzvahs, and corporate meetings,” Caroline said. “We have even done baptisms in the river!”

With so many events taking place in such a short time, it may seem like it would be difficult to remember each of them individually. But for Caroline, the celebrations that stick out the most in her mind are the hundreds of themed weddings they have hosted.

“At Vecoma, brides can be creative and put their own unique flair on their wedding,” said Caroline. “Some of our most fun weddings have been theme weddings. Our couples are so creative!”

Indeed, the couples who are tying the knot at Vecoma have certainly run the gamut of possibilities when it comes to choosing a theme to commemorate their special day. Caroline and Judith have seen it all, from Harry Potter to Star Wars to a variety of favorite Disney movies.

They have even seen themes centered around lumberjacks and Harley Davidson motorcycles.

At this point, it would be hard to surprise Caroline or Judith with any kind of theme a couple chooses – though they certainly invite you to try!

Hosting so many weddings has made the Vecoma team experts at noticing and predicting trends for upcoming ceremonies. For instance, Caroline noted that purple had a long reign as

the most popular color to appear in a wedding. More recently, the colors burgundy and blue have been playing larger roles, and Caroline predicts that blue will stick around, while burgundy may be traded for icy shades of green instead.

Whatever your color choice, you don’t have to spend months thinking about it. Vecoma at the Yellow River can put together a wedding with very short notice. In fact, when many couples found themselves unable to go through with their wedding plans after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, the experts at Vecoma at the Yellow River were able to help several couples move their weddings to the Vecoma venue and create the wedding of their dreams.

If you’re not one for parties at a wedding, Vecoma has a plan for that, too. A growing trend for many couples is elopement, and Vecoma at the Yellow River offers elopement packages that allow you to have a gorgeous wedding in the perfect setting, without adding a reception at the end. These weddings take place Monday through Thursday, and have gained a lot of attention for its unique approach to planning a ceremony. They also have an option for micro-weddings if you want a more traditional ceremony but prefer to keep the guest list small.

Finding the perfect venue for your wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. Just call Vecoma at the Yellow River and tell them about your wedding dreams. Then watch as their talented crew makes it all come true.

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Make Your Home Ready for Family and Guests for the Holiday Season.

Meet Emil Powella Continued from page 18 ing prints of some of his work in the Citizen Exchange gallery in Lilburn. “There are about twenty-five local artists whose work is supported through this gallery,” Emil said, “and the owner is doing a great job showcasing them.”

When he doesn’t have a camera in hand, Emil enjoys spending time with his wife, with whom he’ll soon be celebrating fifty-two years of marriage, as well as his two daughters, their husbands, and his four grandkids.

One might say that Emil not only has a constant finger on the camera clicker, but also on the pulse of his community and the richness of life. And that’s just how he likes it.

More information at www.emilpowella.smugmug.com.

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PAGE 21

Gwinnett County is the Fortunate Home to Two Remarkable Healthcare Practices

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff Dr. Kerith Powell and Dr. Belinda Millington both grew up in the US Virgin Islands. They each saw the need there for general healthcare practitioners and decided to pursue that as their life’s mission.

Dr. Millington got her Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Atlantic University, with a major in chemistry and a minor in biology. She attended graduate school to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic and a degree in anatomy. She then obtained an MD degree and Master’s in Clinical Sciences from the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, and completed her MD internship and residency at Atlanta’s Grady Hospital, one of the nation’s elite teaching hospitals. It is also one of only two Level 1 Trauma Centers in Atlanta.

Dr. Powell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Anatomy and a Doctor of Chiropractic from Parker University in Dallas.

Dr. Powell and Dr. Millington practiced in Chicago from 2000 to 2003. Dr. Millington served as Medical Director for a multi-disciplined practice. Both doctors became frustrated with two facets of the practices where they served: patients were not encouraged by others in the practice to get off prescription medications, and emphasis was on treating the most patients possible to maximize revenue, not on treatment that was best for patients. Physicians would not reduce medications for symptoms they treated such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

In 2006 Dr. Powell accepted a faculty position at Life University in Marietta, Georgia, the world’s largest chiropractic university. While on faculty at Life University, Dr. Powell was invited by Governor Nathan Deal’s office to represent the chiropractic profession at the Georgia State Capitol. He and Governor Deal’s staff agreed on the need for chiropractic care in far more medical facilities across the state.

In 2015 Dr. Powell purchased Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies and the same year Dr. Millington opened Lifestyle Pain Management & Wellness Center. Both practices are based in Snellville, now next door to one another. Each doctor focuses on “dis-ease” not “disease”. There are three causes of dis-ease: trauma, toxins, and negative thoughts. Each of these can also cause misalignment in the vertebrae. The doctors’ comprehensive treatment approaches address physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. The result is alternative complementary care that is both effective and affordable.

The doctors offer perspective in terms of “health percentage” over the course of a person’s life. Our health is 100% at birth, 0% at death. Most physicians only treat patients in the 0% to 20% health range. In other words, those at severe risk of death. Unfortunately, healthier patients are often admonished to “Come see us when it gets worse.”

Dr. Powell and Dr. Millington treat those in the 80% to 20% health range. With such care patients need not approach the 20% point so early in life. No two patients are alike, and no two

office visits for that patient at Dr. Powell’s or Dr. Millington’s practices are alike. One visit might address chiropractic. The next might address naturopathic. The next exercise and/or diet and so on based on a patient’s unique needs.

Dr. Powell states, not entirely in jest, “The more people we can treat, the less likely patients will be aggressive behind the wheel, the more pleasant they will be at the grocery store, and the nicer their kids will be to other kids at school.”

He does not claim to cure notorious Atlanta road rage, but we can no doubt agree that is a lofty goal and would be a delightful outcome. What other healthcare professionals that you know of aspire to such a result that benefits the entire community?

“Taking medication for pain is like applying tape over a car dashboard warning light,” Dr. Powell says. “The problem condition still exists though the patient may think it does not.” Dr. Millington recently saw a patient with what she called a “widowmaker” – a heart condition without symptoms the patient might notice, but a condition that often causes instant death. She was able to quickly diagnose it and got the patient immediate lifesaving care. Patients routinely travel long distances to the practices, with many even residing out of state.

The practices also treat many patients they never see. They recently completed a series of phone consultations with a patient in London, and got that patient off of their prescribed medications.

While physical exams cannot be done by phone, Dr. Powell and Dr. Millington evaluate many conditions by analyzing x-rays and lab reports, making test kits available, and more.

Dr. Powell does not accept insurance, as that would drive up costs to patients. Insurance companies only pay a percentage of costs, so practices sometimes inflate those costs across the board, causing higher fees for patients who opt to pay cash or whose insurance does not cover the treatment. Further, there is a significant expense to a practice in administering insurance claims.

Dr. Millington focuses on primary care, pain management, personal injury, and addiction.

She accepts insurance for all services except for addiction treatment. For addiction patients, this assures a higher level of privacy, as insurance records are often shared with employers and others.

Other specialists on staff at Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies include: Dr. Chris Greene – nutritional response testing, Chinese medicine; Dr. LaRonda “Ronda” Ward – applied nutritional analysis, iridology; and Dr. Jared Friebel – sports chiropractic. Shelves at the combined practices display over 2,600 products, such as whole food supplements, pharmaceutical-grade vitamins, glandular, botanical, and homeopathic treatments.

A Google search for “kerith powell belinda millington” reveals a remarkable 5 Star rating with over 285 reviews on Demandforce.com. Any business with a 5 Star rating and over 50 reviews is doing something special. The practices serve patients of all ages, except Dr. Millington does not see pediatrics.

Dr. Powell and Dr. Millington are husband and wife, having married in 1994. This engenders further accountability to their patients. They seamlessly refer patients to each other’s practices, with full disclosure, to assure that care is available and provided most expediently.

More information for Dr. Kerith Powell at 770-979-5125 and for Dr. Belinda Millington at 470-395-3618

Good Night! Resolve to Achieve Healthy Sleep in 2021 Continued from page 20 only two nights – or fewer – each week, in line with findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regularly sleeping less than seven hours per day is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and frequent mental distress. Resolve to make 365 days of healthy sleep your goal for 2021 by keeping in mind its extensive benefits: • Sleep makes you healthier – Without good sleep, both mental and physical health suffer greatly, putting Americans at an increased risk of chronic disease.

• Sleep makes you happier – Sleep has a positive effect on mood and overall sense of wellbeing and can improve relationships with others.

• Sleep makes you smarter – Getting the right amount of sleep is conducive to learning, memory recall, creativity, and cognitive function.

Despite evidence showing the importance of adequate sleep, it often can take a back seat to other behaviors we find important. According to the survey, a vast majority (68%) of US adults lose sleep due to drinking alcohol past bedtime. Americans also report staying up past their bedtime to binge-watch a TV show or stream a video series (88%), read a book (66%), watch a sporting event (58%), and play video games (50%).

With a change in daily routines, the COVID-19 pandemic is also disrupting sleep for Americans. One in five Americans (22%) are sleeping worse due to the pandemic, and 19% are getting less nightly sleep. “Despite the fact that many Americans are no longer commuting to and from work,” Ramar added, “it is paramount to establish and maintain morning and bedtime rituals, such as getting up and going to bed at regular times to achieve adequate sleep.”

What are some tips to kick off the New Year with healthy sleep?

• Obtain adequate sleep – Set a bedtime that allows you to get enough sleep, so you wake up feeling refreshed and alert. Identify an appropriate bedtime for your age and lifestyle using the AASM bedtime calculator.

PAGE 22

• Establish a bedtime and waketime routine – Consider developing a nightly routine that evokes calm and relaxation, which may include reading, journaling, or meditating. Even for those working remotely, allow ample time to wake, reflect, and prepare for the day ahead.

• Ensure the bedroom is a space for sleep – Limit noise and distractions by making your bedroom quiet, dark, and a little bit cool, and only use the bed for sleeping, not watching TV or reading.

• Set boundaries for blue light exposure – Consider setting a technology curfew by turning off your TV and other electronic devices thirty minutes to an hour before bedtime. Silence your notifications and charge your devices away from your bed so you are not tempted to look at social media or news alerts.

• Limit alcohol, caffeine, and large meals before bed – Avoid consuming caffeine after lunch and avoid alcohol near bedtime, as both can disrupt sleep. If hungry after dinner, keep snacks small, sugar-free, and easily digestible to not disrupt sleep.

More information at SleepEducation.org (BPT)

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