JANUARY 2022: (GREEN) Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine by Our Town Gwinnett Magazine

JANUARY 2022 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

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On the Cover:

Bringing Luxury to Rustic Charm: Secret Ingredient in Handcrafted Desserts

By Kristen Eleveld

Cupcakes are a vital part of life. But choosing the right one from the right baker isn’t always easy. You want a cupcake that looks great for your next event, but you also need one that tastes amazing. That combo can be hard to find, but you can rest assured that your search is over as soon as you try a cupcake from Handcrafted Desserts. Run by husband-and-wife team SaVita and Lamont Davis, this cupcake shop has left a delicious impression on its community. Whether some are planning a fun birthday surprise or want the perfect cupcake for their wedding, they know they can trust the quality of every dessert that SaVita bakes. It’s not surprising that SaVita and Lamont have experienced success so quickly in spite of only being in business for less than a year. SaVita’s gift for baking and decorating is unique and extraordinary. After all, it’s in her blood: SaVita grew up surrounded by a family that placed a high emphasis on cooking together in the kitchen. At age six, SaVita helped with baking, advancing her skills through the years until multiple people suggested she open her own business. “At first, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it,” SaVita said. “I love baking and didn’t want it to become a stressful task. But my husband really encouraged me to go for it, so I decided to try.” “Try” may be an understatement. Once SaVita and Lamont opened up a test kitchen, they found immediate success in the variety of flavors they offered. As it became abundantly clear that these cupcakes were immensely popular, SaVita decided to get a business license and officially open the bakery from her home. Less than a month later, they were filling an order of sixteen dozen cupcakes for a Mother’s

Day event. While SaVita does the baking, Lamont is busy running many other elements of the business, like their social media and marketing strategies as well as tracking their inventory and sales. It’s truly a team Continued on page 17

Dr. John Simmons and Dr. Robert French combine a blend of experience, wisdom and fresh new knowledge to affordably serve our patients with healthy, beautiful smiles. Our experienced team provides 5 star service, personalized care, and an extraordinary commitment to your health and well-being. Please join our family by scheduling a new patient exam!

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Beth Volpert Johansen Contributing Writers Bill Crane Terie Hansen Dr. Kerith Powell Tanisha Turner Pam Walker

IN THIS ISSUE

5 On the Cover: Bringing Luxury to Rustic Charm: Secret Ingredient in Handcrafted Desserts 7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks 8 Thank You! 8 Spotlight on the Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity 9 Learning Lessons: Helping Young Children Understand Differences 10 Travel Tales: A Christmas Covid Cruise 11 BT Parker’s Masquerade Ball 12 Pet Perch: New Year, New Dog 12 Hometown Brag: Gabriela Bautista - SGHS Class of 2012 13 A House Divided 14 Laura Cone, City of Grayson Administrator: Retires After 20+ Years 15 Meet Kares 4 Kids: Positively Impacting Children and Communities 17 One Man’s Opinion: Not JUST Johnny 18 Helping Those Who Help Others: Meet Latrina Walden 18 Making a Difference: Meet the P4 Foundation 19 Archer High School TOTY: Meet Lee Allen 20 A New Year and New Goals 22 Erin Thompson of Brookwood High: Named Teacher of the Year

Stay Connected! OurTownGwinnett.com

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From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks By Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanSauers

@RyanTSauers

Goodbye 2021. Welcome 2022! It seems that not so long ago we were saying good riddance to 2020. Man, time flies. I am excited for 2022 – a year of new hopes, dreams, healing, love, fellowship, friends, family, and goals – and I am thankful for all the things that are possible with a new year. I am also thankful to be alive. I am grateful for family and friends. I am thankful for making progress on my doctoral dissertation, for having launched a new radio and podcast network, and for being the host of a new weekly tv show. I am grateful for all the amazing business and community partners we have, and for our two magazines. I am thankful for our amazing team and for so many more things. You see, my friends, we all have a lot to be thankful for. However, I am ready for 2022 and the new beginnings that a new year brings. The last nearly 24 months has been draining, unpredictable, and in a state of constant change. So, as we welcome in 2022, our team has spent the year thinking of new ideas and business plans. There is a lot of growth in many new areas on the way, so please stay tuned. With that said, this column is written to provide inspiration as we seek to make 2022 an incredible year in the Our Town Gwinnett community. My question to you 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 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. 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?

Continued on page 15

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Thank You!

By Dr. Kerith Powell, Chiropractor Last year is behind us, and I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the things that made it so great. Firstly, all the people of our community. You are the most caring people. I am so happy to be a part of this melting pot of ideas and culture where there are threads that hold us together, and one of those is the concern for our fellow man. In January of 2021, I joined the Board of Directors of a Birthing Center in Ouanaminthe, Haiti. The center is located on the same property as an Orphanage and is called the Village of Hope. In April, Dr. Ronda and I spent a week with the team in Haiti and returned forever changed. We asked around for donations to help get the center off the ground, and you did not disappoint. We collected so many items that two trips were required to get them all there. In June 2021, Dr. Jared Friebel visited Haiti to witness the opening of the Birthing Center. In August, I returned to establish a secure supply chain and improved internet connection for the birthing center. At this time there have been thirty-three babies delivered at the Center, and all are healthy. This work, we know, saved at least one tragedy from occurring and it is unknown how many others. We do know that the service we provide is not available to the women of this community any other way. I would like to thank all who helped last year, and I would like to secure your future support as this mission must continue. Secondly, the team at Dr. Chris’. Through a concerted effort by each team member, we received the Business of the Year Award from the Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce (GECC). This recognition

from our peers serves as evidence that when everyone pulls together, much can be accomplished. Our team fully participated in community events last year that included Special Olympics Medical Screening Day, Career Day at School, the GECC Chili Cookoff, and the sponsorship of Teacher of the Year at South Gwinnett High School. The team hosted our annual Patient Appreciation Day, which raised $2,000 for Haiti. This they did while undergoing an eight-month Expert Certification in the Greene Herbs training program. Each member of our team brings something different to the organization and contributes to all of the recognition we received this year. The entire staff wants to thank the following people for their outstanding support last year in no particular order: Sylvia Houston, Greene Herbs, Newtons Homeopathics, Evolution Salt, Europharma, Health Concerns, Pop the Cork, Jared, and Deborah at Edward Jones, Karline Feller, Valorie Biggs, Ashton Cary, and Georgia Hill. If we have missed anyone, we sincerely apologize. Looking forward to 2022, we have plans to increase our ability to help in Haiti as well as other islands like Jamaica. We will continue to support the Special Olympics and Mission Life International. Thank you for your time and support. Dr. Kerith Powell practices Chiropractic at Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies in Snellville. More information at drchrisnaturalremedies. com

Spotlight on the Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity By Kristen Eleveld

Neighbors helping neighbors: it’s a basic tenet of every great community, including those right here in Gwinnett. But while all of us do what we can to help our fellow man, there is one organization in our own backyard that has dedicated its mission to finding housing for people in need. The Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity is not only working to build homes for its neighbors but is also making strides in changing the surrounding community for the better. Staffed by both dedicated employees and volunteers, Habitat for Humanity is most often associated with home-building, but the services it provides extend far beyond a roof and four walls. For instance, the Gwinnett/Walton Habitat also offers a program called A Brush With Kindness. This program is designed to assist people who already own their home but may not be able to keep up with needed repairs due to age, ability, or financial income. Keeping these homes safe, dry, and accessible is a huge priority for Habitat for Humanity, even if they did not build the home themselves. “Habitat’s mission includes building communities and hope – this is most often done through building of new homes, but also includes home repairs projects and Neighborhood Revitalization initiatives,” said Director of Programs Jen Welch, whose task it is to oversee the many programs and opportunities that this Habitat for Humanity offers. Communities and hope are at the center of everything the Gwinnett/ Walton Habitat for Humanity does, as reflected in their mission statement: “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.” While giving people safe homes is certainly one of their main objectives, Habitat for Humanity maintains an even larger goal of ensuring that everyone in their community knows there is hope to be found through this organization. For Jen, one of the main benefits of the Habitat organization is the PAGE 8

human connection it offers to neighbors from all walks of life. “It’s great to see how connections and relationships are formed throughout this process,” Jen said. “So often we see that new relationships formed while building continue past the build site.” Many of these relationships are forged between volunteers, workers, homeowners, and anyone else who wants to help Habitat for Humanity’s mission move forward. An entire company may bring their staff to a build site, while another may work to raise donations towards supplies and materials. Whatever the contribution is, the Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity is always looking for people who are willing to give in some capacity, demonstrating the power that a community can have in changing the lives of those around them. If you are wondering whether you might qualify for any of the services provided by Habitat, there is an easy process to find out. Just

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Learning Lessons: Helping Young Children Understand Differences By Tanisha Turner

Is “why?” your child’s favorite word? It’s completely natural for children to ask a lot of questions, and young children are particularly curious about differences, wanting to know why another child’s skin is lighter or darker than their own or why some people speak another language. As children begin to notice these differences, talking openly about them and encouraging acceptance will help children develop an appreciation and respect for others. Young children learn about differences through a two-step process. First, they must learn to recognize the traits and customs that make them unique. Then, with a little guidance, children will be able to recognize and embrace what makes others special. Following are five at-home activities to help children understand and appreciate differences. • Share Your Family History. Show pictures of family members and talk about each person. Children love and remember stories, so share a favorite story or something you remember about each person. This builds your child’s awareness of family history and culture. • Create a Self-Portrait. An art project is a fun way to help children understand their unique traits. As you point out different physical features, like hair length and eye color, ask your child to draw him or herself accordingly. Afterward, ask your child to draw his or her best friend or a family member, asking similar questions about the person’s appearance. Have your child name a few similarities and differences between the two drawings. • Listen to Music. Play music from your family’s country of origin or your region of the United States and share favorite songs you sang

as a child. Then play music from other cultures or parts of the country and ask your child to identify the similarities and differences. • Read a Book. Reading to children is one of the best ways to introduce them to people of different origins from all over the world. Characters and storylines are great starting points for discussions on diversity, so look for books that have characters that your child can identify with, even though they may have different appearances or customs. Some suggestions include It’s Okay to Be Different by Todd Parr (ages 4-7) and The Crayon Box That Talked by Shane DeRolf (ages 4-7). • Think Outside the Box. Look for opportunities for your child to interact with children from different countries and cultures. Visit museums, festivals, ethnic restaurants, and other places that will help your child learn about various customs and cultures firsthand. One of the best ways to help young children understand and embrace all forms of diversity is to speak openly and honestly about the differences between people. When your child points out someone who is different or as you’re doing the above activities together, don’t shy away from the topic and remind him or her that appearances have nothing to do with what’s on the inside. With a little guidance, your preschooler will grow into a kind, accepting person who understands that diversity makes the world a better place. Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com.

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Travel Tales: A Christmas Covid Cruise By Pam Walker

Wow. Sometimes I think I must be crazy! I had a Christmas cruise planned since July of 2021. Since I had been vaxed, boosted, and had covid, I was loaded with antibodies. Even though the cruise ship held 4,700 passengers and it was reported to be full, I would be safe for sure. So along with staff, I boarded on Christmas Eve with other passengers. I must say that pier staff at Cape Canaveral were expert at what they do. I passed through several checks for our vaccine cards as well as our PCR tests which had to be done no more than 24 hours in advance. There were many short lines and more health checks before I got on. So much for 4,700 passengers! Due to air cancellations and the worrisome Omicron variant, the ship only boarded with 2,400 passengers. It was crowded even so. Elevators had signs stating only 5 passengers allowed at a time, but people pushed on anyway – all masked of course – but nonetheless, that was the last time anyone thought of Covid or the Omicron variant. Buffet lines were full although served by attendants with gloved hands and double masked. Pools were full of happy guests, all unmasked! Bars and the Promenade were also full, but there were not sales going on like normal and the inside staff were few and far between. On this particular cruise, I would estimate that more than half of the staff were from India and the rest from the Philippines. Most had been on board since October and on nine-month contracts. Because of Covid, they were not permitted to get off the ship in any port at any time. Each

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was given one hour per week to Face Time with relatives in places like Goa to Gujerat to Varanasi. They went from work to cabin to work with a few hours off in between. What a tremendous sacrifice for these folks who most assuredly were doing their best to make money to take home to hungry families abroad. Most cruise conglomerates sailing the Caribbean now have a specialty island that they visit during their sailings. Ours was no exception. However, the small island we visited hosted two huge ships at one time. Luckily, the other ship only had half their passengers, too. So, in total there must have been over 6,000 guests and many crew members there at one time. Social distancing? Maybe not. No one wore masks except staff, and the many venues offered were filled with people – with no masks. I am truly sorry that the cruise industry is suffering. They can’t find employees and they can’t fill their ships. I did have a wonderful time, but I wonder in the end if these huge behemoths of the oceans are not also part of the reason that we are spreading so much disease. I also could not help but think of the waste that is produced when so many people in the world are suffering with no jobs and no food. Cruises are wonderful for a quick and fun getaway, and should make all of us grateful for everything that we have! But let’s think of others as well. I’m glad for so many great staff members taking things home to help support the world. Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More information at pam@walkeradventures.com

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BT Parker’s Masquerade Ball By Traci Sanders

It was a night of laughter, dancing, and celebration at BT Parker’s Masquerade Ball on October 30, 2021. Over 200 guests showed up in tuxedos and ballgowns to raise awareness and funds for the Boys and Girls Club of America, an organization with which BT Parker has been involved for many years, and one that holds a special place in her heart because of her foster daughter. As a Board Member for the Boys and Girls Club, BT Parker is always an ambassador promoting the mission and vision of the organization. The festivities began earlier that day with a golf tournament at 1 p.m., and then the Masquerade Ball commenced at 7 p.m. that evening. The food consisted of elegant hors d’oeuvres and cupcakes, provided by Almond Catering. Former NBA great Charles Barkley provided the spirits for the event. A celebrity saxophonist graced the audience with lovely jazz, R&B, and pop tunes throughout the night. Measures were taken to ensure the safety and health of all guests by SafePass, which purified the air prior to the guests arriving and during the festivities. Several local heroes were also recognized for their achievements.

Regina Canty, the State of Georgia’s 2021 Nurse Practitioner of the Year, was honored. Dr. Barbara Joy Jones-Parks, who worked at Northside Hospital, was named Doctor of the Year 2021 and recognized for her contributions to Gwinnett and the surrounding communities. In attendance was diplomat Keith Doley, Honorary Consul to the Republic of South Africa, and many elected officials, pastors, and community influencers. Guest speakers included Senior Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club, Rory Johnson; Supreme Court Justice, Verda Colvin, who also serves on the Board for the Boys and Girls Club; and District Attorney, Patsy Austin-Gatson, who spoke about the recently developed Youth Empowerment Initiative and Crime Prevention Program. This event was just one example of the ways BT Parker is consistently reaching out to give back to the Gwinnett community. For that, she truly deserves recognition as well!

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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

Hometown Brag: Gabriela Bautista - SGHS Class of 2012

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

Her favorite class in high school was AP Biology with Mrs. Sue Healey. For By K. Coats fun, they did what many Life is funny, and it often leads in directions we could never predict. have done before them Ask any high school senior, and they’ll most likely have big plans of – take advantage of the leaving their town and going off to “anywhere but here.” Gabriela Grayson Bruster’s adjaBautista – friends from school know her as Gabby Mosso – is a great cent to Grayson Park. A example of how plans can change. Graduating from South Gwinnett winning combo for everyHigh School in 2012, she, too, had big plans. “My plans were to move one. Eventually the bowlaway after college and work for the FBI in another state or country,” ing alley in Loganville she recalls. But in the end, it turns out Snellville had a larger claim to also became a favorite her heart than she realized, and working for law enforcement couldn’t spot. compete with another calling. “It turns out that I like taking care of When asked about her children and adore my hometown,” Gabby explains. Her title reads, hometown, Gabby explains, “I love that it is large and small at the same Gabriela Bautista MSN, CPNP-AC/PC because she is now a Certified time. It is large enough to find many activities and shopping centers, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. but small enough that you will likely see someone from high school But Gabby did move away from her hometown for a good while everywhere you go.” before returning back. She headed over to Kennesaw State University And while the hometown appeal is strong, that doesn’t mean Gabby where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2016. From and Oscar stay put. Together, they have traveled to many countries, there, she went to the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she including Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Cuba, Mexico, Greece, Italy, and earned her Master of Science in Nursing in 2021. She also ended that Colombia. They have future plans for visiting Qatar and sharing their time with more than a master’s degree. “I finished my master’s while love of traveling with their daughter. I was pregnant and graduated with my five-month-old daughter in Outside of work, travel, and family, Gabby finds time to help others hand,” she says. “Fun Fact: I was working on final essays while I was as she was helped, giving back to her community outside of the doctor’s in labor!” This is a fact that will surprise no one who knows Gabby office. “I am very passionate about my job,” Gabby explains, “but also personally. She is tenacious and passionate and simply cannot do any- passionate about getting other students to graduate from college. I help thing half-hearted. students with FAFSA and applying to colleges. I am always happy to “I am a dual certified pediatric nurse practitioner,” Gabby explains. answer questions because I think education is so important.” “I am able to take care of children ages 0-21 in the critical care setting Gabby also remembers the role Gwinnett County Public Schools (ER, ICU) and in the primary care setting (doctor’s office). Currently, (GCPS) played for her as the daughter of immigrants. “I want to thank I am working at a pediatric clinic where I do yearly well-child checks, GCPS because they paved the road for my success and were supportive treat and diagnose illnesses, and prescribe medication if necessary.” when my parents didn’t know English or the American culture,” she Her future plans include earning her Doctorate of Nursing Practice and says. “For example, they missed a lot of events because they couldn’t possibly teaching at a university. “My ultimate goal is to open my own read the papers sent home, but I always had teachers there supporting pediatric clinic locally,” Gabby adds. me!” When she was a student at South Gwinnett, Gabby was very involved Gabby and her family have more than returned the favor as they love, with student life. She was a football and basketball cheerleader, a JV/ help, and support the Gwinnett community, and we are very blessed Varsity soccer manager, and was in the volunteer club. It was her posi- to have them here. Thank you, Gabby, for being an example of what tion as soccer manager that would have possibly the biggest impact Gwinnett can offer, and thank you for giving back to your community on her current life as she and a young man named Oscar became through all you do. Safe travels and good luck in all your plans. As the friends, began dating during Gabby’s last year of college, and would old Mexican proverb goes, “Poco a poco se anda lejos.” Little by little get married after a romantic proposal in Barcelona. Well done, Oscar! one goes far. And, oh, how far you’ve come and how far you’ll go! PAGE 12 Become an Advertising Partner: Info@OurTown Gwinnett.com or 678-825-2049

A House Divided By Bill Crane

Over the years, I have had the honor and pleasure of assisting, staffing, and supporting both Democratic and Republican candidates and officeholders, from the U.S. Senate and Georgia’s Governor’s office to sheriffs and local county commissions. There are certainly differences in philosophy and approach between the two major parties, but good people still exist and seek careers in public service on both sides of the aisle. Georgia’s Republican Party had a long drought and ride to eventually becoming Georgia’s majority party. The Georgia GOP won its first statewide contest with U.S. Senator Mack Mattingly in 1980. It would be November of 1992 before they would win statewide again with U.S. Senator-elect Paul Coverdell and Public Service Commissioner Bobby Baker. During the rest of the 1990s, the state became redder, politically speaking, first with a GOP Majority of its Congressional delegation in 1994, as Congressman Newt Gingrich swept into the Speaker’s office on the back of his Contract with America campaign. Other statewide wins would follow, and the governor’s office began to become competitive. In 2002, then State Senator Sonny Perdue would score an upset win over incumbent Governor Roy Barnes, as then 8th District Congressman Saxby Chambliss ousted popular Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator Max Cleland (D-Atlanta). But beginning with the campaign for the presidency by U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton in 2016, that GOP lock on the northern suburbs began to crumble. Demographic shifts were accompanied by a dramatic shift

right on numerous social issues, chasing off moderates, independents, Libertarian, and many nonpartisan voters who had leaned or voted in close contests for the GOP nominee. During 2016, 2018, and most recently 2020, the GOP has witnessed its share of the vote in the top 10 most populous counties, all surrounding metro Atlanta, continue to decline. Among the top 10 in 2020, only Cherokee and Forsyth counties went red in the presidential contest. This would tell most political strategists that the party might want to reconsider pitching that Big Tent so often described by President Ronald Reagan, with room available not only for Reagan Democrats and Libertarians, but also for fiscal conservatives, business folks (Chamber of Commerce Republicans), and even the many RHINOs now so often derided by longtime GOP activists. The GOP Grassroots as they are called, received their most recent and significant landscaping around the creation of the Tea Party in 2010. Without too heavily stereotyping, much of this group remains enthralled with former President Donald J. Trump, and the most popular applause line on the campaign trail this cycle involves some variation on “Stop the Steal,” referring to numerous unproven and outright fraudulent election conspiracy theories and allegations of wrongdoing or nothing doing by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensberger, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, and Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan in the aftermath of the November 2020 General Election. During the November 2020 General Election, the GOP lost one congressional seat, came in second in one of the U.S. Senate contests, and picked up seats in both the state house and state senate. It was not an election cycle for statewide Constitutional offices. But other than the Trump contest lost to Joe Biden by a few hundred votes less than 12,000, Georgia’s GOP had a very good night. Apparently, it was an evening they may choose to replay over and over straight out of the majority. Georgia’s GOP, once a proponent of leaner government, greater Continued on page 19

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Laura Cone, City of Grayson Administrator: Retires After 20+ Years of Service By Beth Volpert Johansen

“You can’t have a better friend – at work or in life. Dad [Former Mayor Doug Wilkerson] and I have been blessed by her friendship and guidance for the city.” Mayor Allison Wilkerson “She subbed for me when I was city administrator. When I left, I never blinked – she had it under control.” Laurie Anderson “Laura has always been exceedingly approachable. She has always worked hard to include community groups in city activities.” Santa Perry Eidson “Laura leaves a legacy here in Grayson. No matter what happens in the public eye, Laura has always defined the Southern gentility

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of Grayson.” Gail Lane (Former City of Grayson Community Development Management) “Mayor Hinkle always thought so much of her, and so do I. It was a joy for him to be able to perform the ceremony when she and Bo were married in the city gazebo.” Barbara Hinkle (Former First Lady of Grayson) “Her personality, oh! She is a gracious and lovely girl – and I will say it over and over even if she is mine!” Linda Heaton (Mom) “I have watched her friendships grow here in the past twenty years. Aside from the people, of course, Laura will miss Grayson Day planning with Allison and the whole team. It has been one of her favorite tasks. Retirement from the city means she will find some way to stay busy – and she will!” Bo Cone (Laura’s husband) There is no doubt Bo and Laura will find plenty to do. They are finishing their retirement cabin in the mountains (complete with a luxury chicken coop), will keep cheering on the GA Bulldogs, and doting on their four beautiful grandchildren will keep them plenty busy. But it is that energy and the gracious nature by which Laura has always treated anyone who has crossed her path that will carry her forward into a retirement that will be anything but “tired.” The very nature of “retirement” indicates an end to one thing. However, it is Laura’s way to stay very busy providing a joyful home, a bountiful table, and carefully chosen gifts for all occasions. For Laura, retirement is just the beginning of something wonderful at the cabin she has named “The Happiest Place on Earth.” It is Bo who is in charge of the gardens on the grounds of their cabin. It is Bo who brings the gardens inside in the form of seasonal bouquets that Laura features on her own social media pages alongside photos of the grands, their own blended family, and the many celebrations that make up a cherished life together. Just a little more than ten years ago, one such celebration took place in the newly established Grayson City Park. Their wedding in the gazebo on the grounds of the city they both love was a lovely event surrounded by their children. Laura and Bo exchanged vows with Former Mayor Judge Jim Hinkle officiating. The wedding was something to behold and a testament to the closeness of the Grayson community. What Laura leaves the Grayson community is her personal touch. “When she first began working with the city twenty years ago, Grayson Day was very small,” says Mayor Allison Wilkerson. “Over the years, as co-workers and, most importantly, friends, we have spent countless hours growing the event, laughing, and even crying together when plans didn’t quite go the way we intended. I will certainly miss the day-to-day with her!” Overall, the past twenty years have seen Grayson and its area grow by leaps and bounds. Throughout those years, Laura worked with the schools as her children moved towards each of their graduations. Even after they graduated, Laura stayed involved with the schools making sure, along with Mayor Allison Wilkerson, that the city could support the younger generations growing up both inside and just outside the city. Through her role as city administrator, Laura has kept a watchful eye on all things moving outside her window – not only keeping note in official record of the growth, but also noting when a bit of gracious Continued on page 16

PAGE 14

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Meet Kares 4 Kids: Positively Impacting Children and Communities By Beth Volpert Johansen

REALTORS® not only sell houses, but they also see the realities of the housing market. Any sale has a story, and any story has the potential to tell more than meets the eye at the front door. For Marci Fair of Keller-Williams Realty Atlanta Partners, there is almost always more to the story than marketing and sales. There is also the human factor. From home to homelessness, Marci’s perspective on what makes a community has changed over her years in real estate. It has come to encompass a drive to serve the community that began when she was just out of college. “I reserved a name in 1990 knowing that I wanted to begin a charity,” explains Marci. “Kares 4 Kids (K4K) finally got off the ground in 2005 with a donation of thirty-three book bags that we put together in our living room.” Fast forward to 2021 and more than 528,900 kids later, K4K has become a focal charity of the Atlanta Partners Keller Williams Real Estate offices. It has all been made possible by the generosity of donors and the incredible K4K Ambassadors and agent volunteers who selflessly give their time and energy to help children who are hurting. “Feedback is the breakfast of champions,” says Marci. “Learning from years of charity work allows us to give back in ways that are the most impactful to the communities where our offices are located.” K4K digs deepest to impact food insecurity, homelessness, and illiteracy. “These are all woven into the work we do,” says Marci. The organization holds six events per year in order to focus on making the most difference for children in the community. “Our agents always see, feel, and touch our events personally,” she explains. “They create tags for bears with personalized inspirational messages for the children experiencing trauma who might receive them, they pack book bags alongside their own children and the vendors we work with, and they deliver person-to-person because our community needs to see each other.” This summer K4K restocked a Gwinnett County Public Library Bookmobile with 4,500 books. “The Bookmobile went from 0 to 4,500

books, and was able to serve hundreds of neighborhoods over the summer,” Marci says. In the fall, K4K will donate another 6,590 books into children’s charities, local libraries, and Title I schools. The recent Christmas holiday event focused on teens who need everything from personal care items to school supplies. “They often need as much or more help than younger children, yet their needs often get overlooked,” says Marci. With the vision “to positively impact children today and strengthen our communities for tomorrow,” K4K is on track to surpass its own milestones. Working toward supporting at-risk children in their own communities, K4K has issued a challenge to themselves. “Our goal for 2021,” says Marci, “is to raise over $300,000 for children in need, which will put us over $2,300,000 raised for children since 2005!” All expenses of the charity are covered by private donors. One hundred percent of all donations go directly to helping the children. More information at www.kares4kids.com

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Laura Cone Continued from page 14 hospitality was in order. The city park and the administrative staff have grown tremendously as well as the events and festivals. Besides the joy of planning and then watching the community enjoy Grayson Day, Laura has had a considerable hand in expanding the uses for the facilities. Planning Grayson Day moved forward into the annual Chili Cookoff (she and Bo won some serious hardware one year!). The annual Gimme Shelter Concert, benefitting the local SE Gwinnett Food Coop, began with a portable stage and is now held on the Ampivilion Stage just behind City Hall. Grayson Blues and Brews has been a big hit. Moreover, Christmas in Grayson has long been a staple in the park. Laura’s photos with the mayor and her co-workers, along with Santa, will always have a spot amongst her memories.

Twenty years. It is a long time to remain in a job. But, for Laura Cone, it wasn’t always about a job. It was very much about the idea of community. Having covered her very first city council meeting gives me a little license to add my two cents. When Grayson began to grow by leaps and bounds, it was Laura who earned the office and title of City Administrator. With Laurie Anderson stepping out of a role that many had come to depend on – the seniors, the mayor, the new high school principal, the Bay Creek Parks and Rec Steering Committee, and many others – the new city administrator had to be someone who, like Laurie, had a tender spot for the city and the gracious demeanor of a true daughter of the South. It was Laura who came to fill the job. And today, twenty years later, it would seem that Laura leaves the city far stronger than she found it by virtue of those who speak so highly of her. Good luck to you Laura and thanks for all you have done!

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One Man’s Opinion: Not JUST Johnny By Bill Crane

Genuine humility, good humor, civility, and kindness can all serve you well in public life. Johnny Isakson lived those attributes, and then some. He is the only person in Georgia history to serve in the State House, State Senate, U.S. Congress, and the U.S. Senate, as well as being the only Republican to be elected to three terms in the U.S. Senate, and the only U.S. Senator, during his final term, to chair two Committees, Veterans Affairs and Ethics. Johnny Isakson was a man of accomplishment, a leader with vision, and always willing to work with others, find common ground, and get things done for the people of Georgia as well as our nation. Senator Isakson is a personal hero, but he is also my friend. As Johnny was fond of saying frequently, “There are two kinds of people in this world for me...friends and future friends.” Seeing and speaking with him frequently over thirty plus years, I would place his current elected title in front of his name. He would smile, sometimes even chuckle, and softly correct me by saying, “Just Johnny.” In an era where national politics, in particular, have become toxic and polarizing, we can use a great deal more of that thinking and sentiment, or as I often said of Johnny, more who will walk their talk. Isakson had first run for election in 1974 and lost. He ran again in 1976 and won his State House District, serving seven terms, the last four as State House Minority Leader. Along with two state senators, Bob Bell and Paul Coverdell, and some sage advice by folks like Bo Callaway, the trio would form the pillars of what evolved into the Georgia Republican Party of today. Johnny was also the last of those three to exit the stage. Johnny ran for Governor in 1990 and lost in the General Election to then Lieutenant Governor Zell Miller. Like many other Georgia Democrats, Governor Miller still thought very highly of his opponent; and when Georgia’s Blue Dam began to crack in 1994, with Georgian’s electing a majority GOP congressional delegation and State School Superintendent Linda Schrenko, Miller asked Isakson to chair the State School Board, otherwise comprised of longtime Democrats, in part to

Handcrafted Desserts Continued from page 5 effort by a couple who wants to do their job well, and that effort shines through in every bite a customer takes. Of course, they are also running Handcrafted Desserts on top of working full time jobs, which makes their bakery success all the more impressive. For SaVita, baking is not just about making delicious treats for others to enjoy. She uses it as a time to worship, feeling that God often speaks to her most clearly when she is working in her kitchen. “When I am creating, it is my atmosphere of worship,” SaVita said. “I try to let God do what he wants to do through me while I create.” “She will work a full eight hours at one job and then go fill the bakery orders for the week,” Lamont added. “I will see her in the kitchen, worshipping and smiling. She loves every aspect of it.” Looking to the year ahead, the Davises hope to become more involved with their neighborhood and community through their baking business. January 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

ensure that the school board and school superintendent did not start out butting heads and at partisan cross purposes. Isakson would later return to the general assembly, this time the state senate, and later make a run for the U.S. Senate in 1996. Isakson released a campaign ad, acknowledging his support for abortion rights, causing him to lose the GOP primary to Guy Millner in a race to succeed departing Senator Sam Nunn. Millner would score the second of his three big statewide losses to Senator-elect Max Cleland. In 1998, U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich announced he would not seek re-election to his 11th term, vacating the 7th Congressional District seat, which Isakson would go on to win. Isakson served three terms in Congress, re-elected with 80 percent of the vote in his final term. U.S. Senator Zell Miller had been appointed to fill the unexpired term of Senator Paul Coverdell, who died suddenly in the summer of 2000. Miller, Isakson’s former opponent, but longtime friend, announced he would not seek re-election. Isakson immediately entered the field, and was later elected to the senate, returned three times by Georgia voters. Several years ago, while racing to catch a flight at Hartsfield, there was an older gentleman hobbling and barely making any progress in the crosswalk. I honked the horn and startled him, before realizing that this slightly hunched fellow was Johnny Isakson. I pulled over got out of my car, and despite the rude honk, Johnny was as cordial as ever, urging me to come to visit him for coffee in D.C. or his Georgia district office. I knew something was off, but his optimism, smile, and those twinkling eyes were unchanged. It would be nearly 18 months before he went public with his Parkinson’s prognosis. And while the damage to his body, nervous system, and musculature was ongoing, his mind remained razor sharp. He would continue starting each day with 10,000 steps on his treadmill, warding off this progressive disease as long as he was physically able. The bumper stickers for his last election simply read, “Vote for Johnny,” and I could always hear that “Just Johnny” refrain from him in my head. Now more than ever, we could use a few more Just Johnny’s – just like him as well. 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 “We want people to think of Handcrafted Desserts when they think of Gwinnett County,” said Lamont. “It’s our goal to make real, genuine connections with people through these desserts.” Hailing from California, the Davises love the Southern hospitality they have experienced and work to incorporate that into their business and even their cupcakes. Combing elegance and rustic charm, these cupcakes not only look amazing, but taste amazing, too. If you’re hungry for cupcakes, you’ve come to the right place. SaVita bakes a lot for events, but she also loves to bake for someone just because they want a tasty dessert. And if a cupcake isn’t quite big enough to suit your needs, SaVita still has you covered, because any of her amazing cupcake flavors can be used in a full-sized cake, too. Whether it’s your next birthday party or your upcoming wedding, the Davises can tackle it all. Head to the Handcrafted Dessert website to peruse their menu and pick out the flavor you want to try – but we bet you can’t pick just one. More information at handcrafteddesserts.com PAGE 17

Helping Those Who Help Others: Meet Latrina Walden By Traci Sanders

As a double-board-certified nurse practitioner and a professor at a local university, Latrina Walden noticed some gaps in the teaching realm concerning nurse practitioners. Three years ago, she decided to fill that gap by developing a few signature programs and styles to address the application and retention piece she felt so many students were missing. Thus, the education company Latrina Walden Exam Solutions (LWES) was born. RNs who are in the process of completing Nurse Practitioner school and taking board exams such as AANP, AGNP, ANCC, and more can access Walden’s digital courses, workbooks, and private social community for resources and support. “Through these digital courses, I provide them with the blueprint on how to take care of their patients when they walk into the clinic,” Walden stated. “This, in turn, allows them to pass their board exams.” Through the platform Thinkific, LWES has been able to serve over 16,000 students, allowing Walden to build a support team so she can focus on what she loves most: creation and execution of her products and programs. “The challenge lately is strategically building a team,” she said. “Being remote has been a task in itself. As the business grows, I want all my employees to be in the right role with LWES. There is

Making a Difference: Meet the P4 Foundation By Beth Volpert Johansen

Solid foundations are critical for strength. It doesn’t matter whether the subject is a physical structure or the more delicate family structure. At a time when crisis hits, a structure is only as solid as its foundation. When a family takes the very brutal hit of a childhood cancer diagnosis, their support system may need to be shored-up with the kind of specialized love and care provided by the P4 Foundation. The P4 Foundation works directly with children and families impacted by childhood cancer to provide support, hope, and faithfilled encouragement – as well as tips for health and wellness – before, during, and after treatment. Completely funded by donations, the P4 Foundation is the result of one very strong young man, Gino Vizzi, who, when faced with his own diagnosis of an extremely rare childhood cancer, chose to strengthen his support system, as well as offer help and hope to others who were faced with their own challenging childhood cancer. When Gino and his family heard the initial diagnosis, they reacted in a variety of ways. David Vizzi, Gino’s dad, described the moment of impact as the worst moment of his life, but seeing his son rally from a position of absolute vulnerability gave him pause to consider his son’s “servant heart.” “We were at the hospital with Gino – as a family – to support him,” PAGE 18

something to having in-person water cooler talks with your colleagues, and I do believe that my team is missing that key link.” Getting a program off the ground was no small feat. “The first year was a blur,” Walden explained. “I was still working full time as a professor and building my business with the help of two people and a freelance web developer. I would go to the clinic to see patients, go teach at the university, and then come home and work until midnight or later on my business. I worked on weekends and would turn around and do it all over again. Honestly, it was exhausting, and I often look back and wonder how I never had any breakdowns.” Walden’s business was initially built completely through word of mouth alongside social media. “Students would tell their classmates, faculty would tell their students, and the journey would continue on,” Walden added. Currently, her Facebook study group has over 15,000 members. Because Walden built her business completely online prior to the pandemic, 2020 brought some great numbers. “The pandemic granted people more time to study and focus, causing an influx in orders and interactions,” she said. “People wanted to purchase all of our products.” The one drawback Walden’s company faced was being challenged to keep up with the rapid growth. In 2021, she decided to hit the pause button in order to put a team in place to build the infrastructure for her business, resulting in an organization that would grow steadily and develop smoothly in the years in to come. The health and wellness industry has always played a huge part in Walden’s life. That’s why it made perfect sense for her to sign up to compete in the half Ironman recently. “The 70.3 Ironman is my first Ironman half-distance branded race,” she said. “It involves a 1.2-mile swim, 56 miles of biking, and running 13.1 miles consecutively until Continued on page 20 describes David, who also serves as the foundation’s president. “He saw this one little girl by herself whose mom was the sole provider for her four children. Gino thought about how he had all of this support and this girl was facing this treatment on her own.” With the full support of his family, his Mill Creek Baseball teammates, and the community, Gino thought about how to help families facing a diagnosis of childhood cancer. “There was no stopping him,” says David. The family learned of Gino’s diagnosis on September 9th, 2014 and they launched their efforts in November of the same year. “My wife was a rock; I fell apart,” admits David. “The foundation gave me a focus to get out of the negativity of his illness.” With the idea that no parent should ever have to hear the words of a diagnosis and no child should have to fight alone, Gino began to pour himself into finding a way to fight his own battle as well as support and help lead others along a path with which his family had suddenly found themselves. Some of the areas of need that the P4 Foundation addresses include: extensive treatment costs, gas, groceries, utility bills, helping to afford fun activities, and, with a sobering acknowledgement, funeral and memorial expenses. With his family and community still firmly in his corner, Gino is completing his college degree in biology. He was recently accepted into Life University School of Chiropractic which will allow Gino to complete his personal goal of helping to take care of himself and others in the most innovative and healthy ways available. “Gino is

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Archer High School TOTY: Meet Lee Allen By Tana Poncsak

Lee Allen was all set starting his adult life with a good job as an Information Technology project manager. But after working in IT for several years, something wasn’t quite right. Allen realized he didn’t have a passion for what he was doing, and something was missing. Allen spent some time tutoring while in college, and he liked helping kids, seeing them grow, and helping them help themselves, so his wife, Mia, who was already a teacher, encouraged him to take the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE). Allen received his certification in secondary mathematics. After attending a job fair, Allen was hired in Whitfield County, Georgia in March 2013 and started his first teaching job in August. That was eight years ago, and he never looked back. Allen and his wife wanted to teach at the same school, so about three years ago, the teaching duo made the move to Gwinnett County where they are both math teachers at Gwinnett County’s Archer High School. “We chose Gwinnett because we liked the diversity and the school system,” Allen said. And they don’t regret the move. Allen, who is also a wrestling coach, said the change helped them both learn and grow as professionals because the schools are supported. “It’s allowed us to thrive professionally and personally,” he said. “I’m grateful to be able to work with the kids and athletes I do every day, and I’m thankful I have such great support from administrators and my teammates that I work with in Algebra I. I have these ideas and they challenge me and help me change them and implement them, and I wouldn’t be as successful without them.” And lately it’s been a special time for Allen. Recently he was named one of the six finalists for Gwinnett Teacher of the Year (as of the writing of this article). Allen found out that he had taken one of the top six spots when the principal of Archer High School along with officials from the Gwinnett County School System made an unexpected visit to one of his classes last month with a bouquet of balloons, a cake, and cameras in tow. “The kids (in the class) didn’t know what it was,” Allen said. “But they all knew it was good news. They were clapping. And when I didn’t see the guy from Publishers Clearing House carrying the big check, I knew it must be for the Gwinnett Teacher of the Year.” Allen said since being named one of the six finalists, he’s definitely had a mix of emotions. “My wife and I actually both teach Algebra I,” he said. “We’re teammates and work together. It’s hard because I wouldn’t be here without

A House Divided Continued from page 13 transparency, running government more like a business, and leaving room for a broad array of opinion and points of view, has devolved almost into a mono-syllabic chanting society, looking backward versus forward, and conducting a never-ending series of circular firing squads, often with its own well-established officeholders and incumbents taking that fire. Go figure. This should be a year for re-calibrating, potentially broadening appeal, and solidifying of power for Georgia’s GOP, but as President January 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

her or the other teacher who teaches with us. But it’s definitely been cool to be recognized, and it’s nice to feel like I’m doing the right thing coming in every day and doing what’s best for the kids.” What made Allen, the father of two, stand out and make the six finalists? Allen said he sometimes thinks his business background helps, because it gives him a little different perspective. It was during his first year of teaching when he realized that in a class of thirty-two students, not all kids care or want to do well, which is quite different from his own academic experience. “My first year I caught on quickly and realized I had to adjust my expectations,” he said. “Not in the sense of lowering them, but adjust them in the sense that I needed to find a hook for multiple kids to get them to care and to see the benefit of education and doing well in school.” And since that first year, he’s learned a lot in his classroom. “I’ve grown as an educator to realize that unfortunately not every kid is going to buy that hook,” he added. “Sometimes I just have to be there for them as a person and still try to provide them with the opportunity to learn and grow and still show them why it’s beneficial.” Allen uses a sports analogy to help get the kids engaged and to help them understand the need to learn math. He went to UGA and is a big UGA football fan and uses the current UGA running back to state his case for math. Allen explained that while you never see the players do squats or bench press, you know they do them in practice to get stronger and to be ready to play in the games on Saturdays. He emphasizes that’s what math does. With math, you’re learning to solve problems. And when you hear Allen’s overall philosophy, you can understand why he’s one of the six Gwinnett Teacher of the Year finalists. “Everything I do, I’m going to do it the best I possibly can,” he said. “When I walk through the doors of the school, I’m going to the best teacher I can. When I walk through the door at home, I’m going to be the best father and husband I can. When I walk into the wrestling room, I’m going to be the best coach I can. So, it’s nice to feel when I’m doing the best I can at something, I’m doing a good job.” And his wife, Mia, isn’t surprised by all his success as a teacher. “Honestly, Lee is the kind of person who is going to excel at anything he does,” she said. “When he said he wanted to be a teacher, I knew he would be great at it because he’s such a natural. He’s so empathetic and caring. He’s always, always, always willing to go the extra mile, whether it’s for his students, wrestlers, or his family – anyone. He’s unlike anyone I know. He’s so deserving and such a great, great person.” Footnote: The banquet on December 7, 2021 named Lee the overall winner of Gwinnett TOTY. More information at https://www.gcpsk12.org/ArcherHS Abraham Lincoln once said about our nation, a house divided against itself cannot long endure. The current GOP rank and file appear more intent on taking out each other than taking on a powerful ticket topped by incumbent U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Atlanta), and most likely vote-getting goliath Stacey Abrams in a rematch with Governor Brian Kemp. If the GOP doesn’t change direction and start looking forward instead of backward, they will have only themselves to blame for what may become devastating losses up and down the ballot next fall. 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 PAGE 19

A New Year and New Goals By Tana Poncsak

To many, a new year signifies a blank page or a blank screen. To others it means a fresh start. Whatever the onset of a new year brings to mind, it’s never a bad time to reassess your life goals. According to History.com and The History of New Year’s Resolutions, the first people to make New Year Resolutions were the ancient Babylonians about 4,000 years ago. In the midst of their celebration, they also saw the need to mark the beginning of the new year making sound intentions for the year to come. And we still continue to do that very same thing today. What’s the difference between a resolution and a goal? In a quick Google search, a resolution is described as “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” A goal is “the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.” Whether you call them resolutions or goals, what are some of the things you are hoping to accomplish during the new year? Many people like to categorize their goals into the different areas of life such as health, financial, professional, etc. Others have started to condense their efforts into a one-word concept for the new year. Words such as mindful, intentional, grateful, bold, and many others come to mind. One thing’s for sure, as we say goodbye to one year and hello to the next, what most of us really want is for the new year to be better than the year before. But all the goal setting and resolutions in the world won’t help if once life gets back into full swing and there’s the daily

Meet Latrina Walden Continued from page 18 the end. I know I’m not ready for the full Ironman yet, so I am listening to my body and taking on the half Ironman instead.” Conditioning for this race has also trickled into Walden’s business and made her a better entrepreneur. “The more I can complete physically,” Walden explained, “the more mental strength I gain. Doing this level of training day in and day out, while being an entrepreneur, mother, and wife is a journey. These workouts allow me one to two hours of mental space where I can solely focus on my overall growth, physical and mental.”

grind to contend with, our intentions for the new year get lost in the shuffle and we fall back into the grip of our old daily habits. So here are some tips for making the most of your New Year’s goals or resolutions. 1. Set aside some time to think about what you want 2022 to be like. 2. Make a list of your top priorities for the year and make sure to clearly define each goal. Don’t be vague. For example, “Get Healthy” is too vague. Be specific and try to visualize reaching each goal. 3. Make a plan of action of how you expect to accomplish each goal. 4. Keep the list handy and refer to it often throughout the year. Track your progress. 5. Things change, so don’t be afraid to revise and update the list of goals as needed. 6. Finally, pick a time before making your new goals for the next year and assess your progress. Where did you nail it and where did you fall short? And why? Don’t beat yourself up for what you didn’t achieve. Perhaps there was a good reason. Be sure to make note and recognize where you saw progress. Whatever the new year brings, we hope you realize all your goals and dreams. And we wish you a safe, healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year in 2022! Even while training for the half Ironman, Walden is heading up the LWES process of developing more workbooks, product lines, and an entire study system to give nursing students exactly what they need to Stewart Helton & Beau Upshaw succeed and provide ultimate careDoctors for their patients. When asked what advice Walden would offer to an entrepreneur just getting started, she replied, “Be consistent in your business. Make sure you take time for yourself, whether that is working out or finding a therapist. You matter! In order to grow personally and professionally, you have to continue to work on these things regularly.” More information at https://www.latrinawaldenexamsolutions. com/.

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Meet the P4 Foundation Continued from page 18 driven to be able to help others financially, spiritually, and emotionally,” says his dad. “His ability to impact the lives of so many people is a testament to his strength.” As Gino is moving into a new phase in his education and career, the P4 Foundation is embarking upon a “facelift” that will further expand the ability to impact lives. “We are working towards shifting the focus from Gino to shedding light on the impact of a childhood cancer diagnosis,” explains David. “The current pandemic has pointed out that even though people are dealing with all things Covid-related, cancer has not stopped.” In order to grow the reach of the foundation, the Board has worked closely with many sponsors to tell the stories of exactly how important the work has become. The website and social media presences are being updated, and a new video spotlighting the children and their families who have found a home in the P4 Foundation has been produced. “Even though we had to stop doing events for a while, the work continued,” says David. “Our partners have been incredible in helping us impact the daily lives of our families.” Each posting is a testament to the bravery among those who fight their diagnosis of childhood cancer each day. Reading the stories gives a great deal of perspective to everyday life, even in the face of pandemic. Every smile shows that empathy is strong among the youth of our community, and it takes just one determined person to make a world of difference. Good luck at school, Gino! More information at www.P4Foundation.org or Facebook and Instagram.

Habitat for Humanity Continued from page 8 head to habitat.gwinnett.org/become-a-homeowner to learn about the qualifications needed to be eligible for a home build or other repairs. Those who are a good fit will be prompted to fill out an application to indicate interest in the program, which will then be used to contact potential homeowners about the next Homeowner Orientation. After this required orientation session, Habitat selects the final applicants based on their needs and works with them through a series of workshops to provide future homeowners with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully maintain their mortgage in the future. Jen is passionate about educating the community on what exactly Habitat for Humanity provides. Contrary to popular misconceptions, they are not just giving away homes. All homeowners are responsible for paying their mortgage. Habitat just gives them an avenue to do so in a way that will allow them to meet their financial needs alongside the needs of their families. “Habitat works in partnership with sponsors to cover the cost of building the home up front. Habitat then owns the home and sells the home to a partner family at a no-interest mortgage, which is a huge savings factor in the overall cost of your home,” Jen explained. “Our homeowners will never pay more than a third of their income towards their housing costs, allowing them to save up for other important family needs such as health insurance and college funds.” This philosophy means that more families can have a roof over their head, and that the Gwinnett and Walton communities have a chance to help their neighbors out. If you want to learn more about how you or your company can help Habitat for Humanity, check out their volunteer page for all the opportunities available to anyone who wants to make a difference. “I love being able to help people who want to help their community find a way to do so through Habitat,” said Jen. “It truly takes a community coming together to build a better home and brighter future for our families.” More information at habitatgwinnett.org January 2022 Our Town Gwinnett

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Erin Thompson of Brookwood High: Named Teacher of the Year By Traci Sanders

Brookwood High School recently recognized Erin Thompson as Teacher of the Year 2021. Thompson teaches grades 9 through 12 in Gifted Accelerated Pre-Calculus and AP Statistics, and this is not only her fifteenth year in education, but her entire teaching career thus far has been devoted to Brookwood High. With three kids of her own – an eleven year old and six-year-old twins – Thompson adores children and revels in watching them learn new things. This is Thompson’s first teaching award, and her husband and children are quite proud of her accomplishment. “My husband is my biggest supporter,” Thompson stated, “and my kids have been an active part of the Brookwood community since they were born. Being a part of the Brookwood community is a blessing because we are one giant family where you can truly feel the love and support for one another and our schools.” This dedicated teacher wears many hats outside of her classroom to impact the lives of youth in her community.

She’s the co-department math chair and senior class sponsor in charge of planning graduation and other senior year events, and oversees the football managers and the Diamond Girls for Brookwood Baseball. Thompson and her husband piloted the ultimate frisbee team at Brookwood almost fifteen years ago and just recently turned the reins over to someone else. She has also volunteered for various charity events, including Relay For Life with a co-teacher friend. When asked what she loves best about teaching, Thompson replied, “The people. I love being in the school environment and learning just as much from the students as they learn from me, and I enjoy the camaraderie I share with the other teachers. We all learn from each other.” Thompson went on to say, “Those who teach are in it for their passion for kids, not just the content but molding our future leaders of this country.” What does the future hold for this Teacher of the Year? “I could see myself in a leadership role of some sort,” she said, “though I’m not sure in what capacity just yet. I truly enjoy supporting other educators, but for now I’m happy being in my classroom.” Congratulations again to this well-deserving, multi-talented educator! More information at https://www. gcpsk12.org/BrookwoodHS.

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JANUARY 2022: (GREEN) Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine

Articles inside

A New Year and New Goals

Archer High School TOTY: Meet Lee Allen

On the Cover: Bringing Luxury to Rustic Charm: Secret Ingredient in Handcrafted Desserts

BT Parker’s Masquerade Ball

Laura Cone, City of Grayson Administrator: Retires After 20+ Years

Learning Lessons: Helping Young Children Understand Differences

Travel Tales: A Christmas Covid Cruise

From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks

One Man’s Opinion: Not JUST Johnny

Meet Kares 4 Kids: Positively Impacting Children and Communities