JULY 2020 (BLUE) Our Town Gwinnett Monthly Magazine for Gwinnett/NE DeKalb

JULY 2020 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker

Up Close with Agavero Cantina, see story on page 5.

11 15 19 20

One on One with Hi-Hope Service Center Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful: Celebrating 40 years Killing Coronavirus with Kindness: Meet Susan Kliesen Making a Difference: Up Front & in the Margins

The Village Corner

German Restaurant, Bakery & Tavern We are a full-service bakery, restaurant, and tavern specializing in German cuisine.

Now is the time to plan for

t s e f r e b o kt

“Dr. Simmons is proud to offer Botox and Dermal Fillers. Call the office to schedule your consulta

6655 James B Rivers Dr. Stone Mountain, GA 30083

(770) 498-0329

Hours Of Operation:

O

Tuesday - Friday 9am-10pm Saturday 8am-11pm Sunday 10am-9pm Closed Monday

2020

with pre-orders.

G e rmanRestau rant.com

isJohn honored to beIV, we are committed to providing you with the high AtDr. the Simmons dental office of W. Simmons, comprehensive dental care, focused on both the function and beauty of your smile. A one of only nine dentists improving in patient care and comfort are our primary concerns. We are proud to run a practice that treats ea Georgia to have passed the kind, gentle, and caring manner, just like family. We offer a full range of the latest cosmetic a rigorous required to long-lasting, earn procedures thattesting concentrate on ensuring brilliant results you will love, and others

Cosmetic Dentistry The cosmetic procedures we offer can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile. We offer a wide selection of procedures that can correct almost any dental imperfection.

• Porcelain Veneers • Teeth Whitening • Dental Bonding • Gum Recontouring • Dental Implants • All-Porcelain Crowns

BEFORE

AFTER

Compassionate Dentistry Our superior services can recapture the health, functionality, and youthful appearance of your natural smile. Our practice focuses on providing Before After long-lasting results and promoting overall dental health.

Hexcellent e a lt H y • B e a u t i f u l • i n s p i r e d PAGE 2

accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

His state-of-the-art equipment and updated technology allow him to affordably serveDENTAL CARE AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY D.M.D., P.C. • SUPERIOR his patients by providing healthy, beautiful smiles. Our experienced team provides five-star service, personalized care, and an extraordinary commitment to your health and well-being. Please join our Call for an Appointment family by scheduling a new patient exam.

J OHN W. S IMMONS,

2381-B Main Street E Snellville, Georgia 30

770-985-2437

John W. Simmons, IV, DMD, PC

2381 Main Street, Suite B www.smilesbysimmons.co Snellville, Georgia 30078 Hours: Monday 9:00am - 7:00pm Tuesday 7:00am 770-985-2437Office • smilesbysimmons.com Wednesday 7:00am - 6:00pm Thursday 7:00am - 2:

Dr. John W. Simmons, IV

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

Our Town Gwinnett

GEORGIA’S TOP HEART DOCTORS. POWERED BY NORTHSIDE.

When your heart needs care, you need a team of the top heart doctors by your side. At Northside Hospital Cardiovascular Institute, we bring together the leading cardiologists with the resources and technology of the Northside Network. It’s the powerful cardiac care you and your heart deserve. Our team of experts are now seeing patients in Lawrenceville, Braselton, Sandy Springs, Midtown Atlanta, Cumming, Holly Springs, and Canton.

Visit northsidecvi.com or call 404.962.6000 to schedule an appointment at one of our eight locations.

Our Town Gwinnett

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

PAGE 3

FANCY FEATHERS 3180 Oakcliff Industrial Street, Doraville Georgia 30340

Open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Offering all parrot/bird supplies at wholesale prices. We sell hand fed BABY PARROTS and cockatiels. Please call 770986-0661 or visit fancyfeathersstore.com.

Featuring Zupreem, Pretty Bird and Dr. D’s pelleted diets, laAvian seed diets along with our own mix, Fancy Feathers, of seeds specialized for parrots, cockatiels, parakeets, finches and Gouldian finches.

Online store at fancyfeathersstore.com

2020 babies are coming in!

Currently available l Macaws l Amazons l Cockatoos l Cockatiels l Conures See Facebook page ‘Fancy Feathers Atlanta’ for pictures.

Educational Entertainment

Learn

Touch

Cuddle

Be entertained while you learn!

Enjoy an interactive hour learning about these magnificent birds.

Parrot Productions Brenda Bean (770) 715-5337

Call us now to book your next party, school or retirement home entertainment.

parrotproshows.com

Check our website for events!

Go to menu, then events—we might be at a library near you!

PAGE 4

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

Our Town Gwinnett

On the Cover: Food, Fun, and a Fantastic Atmosphere: the Agavero Cantina Awaits!

By Kristen Eleveld Businesses are resuming their usual operations, malls are starting to reopen, and, most importantly, our favorite local restaurants are opening their dining rooms to allow us to enjoy the delicious food and wonderful ambiance we have missed so much. Of course, much of the food was available for take-out or delivery, but a huge part of the dining experience happens as you enjoy the atmosphere of an excellent restaurant that places a priority on giving its customers the best experience they can.

Restaurants like the Agavero Cantina know exactly how much customers enjoy a lively dining atmosphere, and the staff at Agavero is ready to greet every diner with the fun and entertainment that have become synonymous with the Cantina.

The original Agavero Cantina location has been run by a three-man team since 2012. Juan Carlos Castejon, Raul Contreras, and Rene Rivera – who all had previous experience in the restaurant business since they were in their teens – bought the business and turned it into one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in the Lilburn area. Carlos and Raul, who are cousins, and Rene, who is married to Raul’s sister, have been friends most of their lives and knew their partnership would be a successful one.

The Agavero Cantina, which has a second dine-in restaurant in west Midtown, is known for miles around for its fun theme nights and birthday celebrations. While some theme nights are currently on hold due to the COVID-19 situation, you can still stop by on Thursdays and enjoy some mariachi music, courtesy of Mariachi Mexicanisimo. This local group doesn’t just play music – they put on a show that will have you singing along at the top of your lungs.

Of course, what really sets this restaurant apart is the way they celebrate birthdays.

“We’re big on birthdays here,” Carlos laughed. “We want to make it a true celebration.”

And what a celebration it is. You will be treated with the sight of staff members in

luchador masks as they begin to dance and sing. But it is not just a show for you to watch. You get to dance, too, and become part of the fun. They even offer you a complimentary drink or dessert to make your night one to remember. To comply with social distancing guidelines, the restaurant is not currently doing the entire birthday celebration routine. But Carlos promises that if you want to celebrate later in the year when the festivities can really get under way, it will be worth the wait.

If you want to experience the food and fun but are not quite ready to dine in at a restaurant, you should consider heading to the Agavero Cantina Parkside, located on Main Street in Lilburn. Nicknamed the Taco Bus by local patrons, this location is set up like a permanent food truck, offering a limited menu of some of the same delicious foods as its dine-in counterparts. You can sit outside and enjoy the weather while an Agavero team member brings you your order. When you have finished your meal, you might consider signing up for the cornhole league, co-sponsored by the Agavero Cantina and CornholeATL, for a chance to earn a trophy for your cornhole skills.

Continued on page 12

Celebrating 20+ Years Years Of Making Smiles Blossom!

“Where Smiles Blossom” Janice J. Wilmot DMD • MS • PC Call Now To Schedule For Summer!

• FREE EXAM

Includes a digital panoramic x-ray and photographs. A $190 value

• • FLEXIBLE FINANCING BOARD CERTIFIED

Our Town Gwinnett

• •

•

MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED & FILED BRACES FOR CHILDREN & ADULTS CDC GUIDELINES INFECTION CONTROL FOLLOWED

O RRTTH HO D DO O N T IIC SSPP E C I A ALLIISSTT

Gwinnett Orthodontics 956 Killian Hill Rd. Suite D Lilburn, GA 30047

770-921-2233 jjwilmot-ortho.com

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

PAGE 5

Our Town Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine

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

Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultZ.com Photography Gena Ford Photography

Electrical is a company built by electricians TRUSTED Ovation and run by electricians. We understand business and in personalized service. Our commitment to ELECTRICAL believe our customers allows us to provide them with superior EXPERTS service while educating them on what is being done.

• Service Upgrades • Low Voltage/CCTV • Maintenance Work • Warranty Work • Remodel/New Construction

Commercial/Residential Licensed and Insured CALL US NOW AT

770.558.9586 ovationelectrical.com services@ovationelectrical.com PAGE 6

• Exterior Lighting

— 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 2020 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Stay Connected!

OurTownGwinnett.com

OurTownGwinnettOnline.com

Distribution Coordinator DeeDee Chapman

@OurTownGwinnett

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

@OurTownGwinnett

Contributing Writers Bill Crane Rodrigo Cruz Taryn Haber Michelle L. Sutter

@OurTownGwinnett

Join our VIP Forums: www.facebook.com/groups/ OurTownGwinnettCommunityForum/ www.facebook.com/groups/ BusinessOwnersandCommunityLeaders/ Radio: www.MarketingMattersShow.com TV: www.CommunityConnectionsTV.com

IN THIS ISSUE 5 On the Cover: Food, Fun, and a Fantastic Atmosphere: the Agavero Cantina 7 8 9 9 10 11 13 14 15 17 18 19 20

Awaits!

From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion High School Students Organize Peaceful Protest in Gwinnett Leadership Lessons: Are Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back from Greatness?

Meet Cindy P. Gilbert (a.k.a. Sister Knowitall) Recalculating Life’s GPS One on One with Hi-Hope Service Center No Place for Hate Postcards – Travel the World and Never Leave Home!

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful Celebrates 40 years Crane’s Corner: My Waking Moment Chaplain’s Corner: Killing Giants, Anymore?

Killing Coronavirus with Kindness: Meet Susan Kliesen Making a Difference: Up Front & in the Margins

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

Our Town Gwinnett

From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion

1988

Eddie’s Automotive Service

https://www.eddiesautomotiveservice.com

@RyanSauers

5440 Webb Pkwy.

Lilburn, GA

770-381-7574

By Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanTSauers

We are in unprecedented times. Despite this, I hope everyone is having a great summer. We must make the best of any situation.

Enjoy this time and spend it, as best as you can, with the people you enjoy the most. No matter what we are facing we will overcome it together. And time keeps a rolling (thanks Johnny Cash) no matter what life puts in front of us. If we are lucky, we might live healthy into our 90’s. Again, if we are so fortunate.

In work I was recently doing for my doctorate in leadership, we were asked to pick a song that resonated with us the most. I chose Kenny Chesney’s Don’t Blink. It encompasses all the things I am trying to articulate in this column. If you have never heard it before, I encourage you to check it out.

I also encourage each of you to Keep Pushing Forward (KPF) no matter what you are facing. Always try to inspire others to make our community the best it can be. I encourage you to find the good in people and to try and make others laugh and smile. I challenge you to take the high road in dealing with others. Let’s face it. Some people just like to “push our buttons” online or in person and can be difficult to deal with. However, true leadership means we take the high road and make such situations better. We operate with integrity. It is difficult at times, but I promise you will be glad you did.

I wish you a safe and blessed July. Stay cool and enjoy each moment no matter what our world throws your way. As Kenny Chesney says in Don’t Blink: “Cause when your hourglass runs out of sand... you can’t flip it over and start again... take every breath God gives you for what it’s worth.”

We have some great things happening on our end, so stay tuned for our news and growth plans. If you missed it, please review page 6 and see all the ways to connect with us, forums to join and more.

Have a blessed month, Our Town Gwinnett community. And as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!

American Heritage Animal Hospital

32

2020

yrs.

t.1988

Es

Have a Safe

&

Buster

Max

s e i ’ d d EAutomotive

Service Eddie’s Automotive Service

Ourp r e embht Dro m e R Nig to drop off d , ou nee When y ar after hours c r n u e o y e we op or befor

5440 Webb Pkwy., Lilburn, GA 30047 https://www.eddiesautomotiveservice.com

5440 Webb Pkwy.

Lilburn, GA 30047

1/2 price well pet exam for new clients 3475 Stone Mountain Hwy Snellville, GA 30078

770-972-7026

Our Town Gwinnett

Board 5 nights get the 6th night FREE!

Where pets are treated like family!

770-381-7574

Ck Washer Fluid

Inspect Brakes

Ck Wipers

Change Oil & Filter

Ck P/S Fluid

(Up to 5 quarts conventional oil most vehicles)

Ck Differential

Rotate Tires

Ck Trans Fluid

Lube Suspension

Ck Belts

Test Cooling System

Ck Hoses

Test Battery

Ck Brake Fluid Ck Air Filter

.,

Test Coolant Ck Tire Pressure

https://www.eddiesautomotiveservice.com

$ most vehicles

Service Special

** Expires Expires 07/15/2020 08/31/2020

770-381-7574 Up to 5 Quarts Conventional Oil Not Valid with any other offer or discount Eddie’s Automotive Service 5440 Webb Pkwy.

Lilburn, GA 30047 770-381-7574

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

PAGE 7

A Different Paint Experience!

Call us today for your free consultation!

Nathan McMichael Owner

Exterior Painting Carpentry Interior Painting Gutter Installation Commercial Painting Concrete Floor Finishes We Finance!

JULY

COUPON

$5 OFF $ DECEMBER COUPON

By Emily Rubin Everyone knows that our youth are our future. They will be the ones to make change in the world and make it a better place for their children. One strong example of the youth making change can be found here in Gwinnett. Parkview High School students Raven Toney and Cathy Martiato and Brookwood High School student Aja Thomas organized a peaceful protest in Lilburn City Park on June 5th to demonstrate against police brutality following George Floyd’s murder.

The protest began with touching speeches and spoken word poetry by the teens and other volunteers. To keep everyone safe, masks were mandatory for participation, and social distancing was strongly suggested.

“We really tried to keep it as safe as possible with the pandemic,” Cathy said. “Obviously when we got to City Hall, we tried our best to social distance. But our main concern was to make sure everyone was safe.” When protestors arrived at City Hall, volunteers and organizers continued with speeches. The crowd collectively took a knee for a 9-minute moment of silence to match the minutes Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s neck.

Another speech followed in which protestors began to yell out the names of countless other Black Americans killed by police. Tears were shed, and it was obvious that a large part of the community came together to mourn and demand change. “We expected maybe Continued on page 10

#EquipToThrive

5 OFF

Purchase of $25 Purchase of $25 or more.

(678) 314-6068

or more.

One Coupon per table.

One Coupon per table.

Cannot be combined Cannot be combined with other offers. with other offers Expires Expires 7/31/20 12/31/19

68

VALID VALID AT AT AGAVERO PARKSIDE ONLY AGAVERO PARKSIDE ONLY

JANUARY AUGUST COUPON

COUPON

DECEMBER COUPON

$5 OFF

Street Lilburn at City Park 66 Main Street Purchase of $25 12–8PM • Fri & Sat 12–9PM • Sunday 12–8PM at City Lilburn Park or more.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 12-9 • ClosedperMonday One Coupon table.

PAGE 8

High School Students Organize Peaceful Protest in Gwinnett

Cannot be combined with other offers Expires 12/31/19

OFF $$55 OFF Purchase of $25 or more.

Purchase $25 One Coupon perof table.

Cannot be combined or more. with other offers

In today's world, it can be difficult to help our children fully become who God has created them to be.

Providence Christian Academy comes alongside you to provide innovative programs and attentive staff that will help equip them for life's challenges.

providencechristianacademy.org

One Coupon per table.

Expires 1/31/20 Cannot be combined VALID AT with PARKSIDE other offers.

AGAVERO ONLY Expires 8/31/20

VALID AT AGAVERO PARKSIDE ONLY

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049 VALID AT AGAVERO PARKSIDE ONLY

2019

Come and discover how we can help your family move from surviving to thriving.

Our Town Gwinnett

Leadership Lessons: Are Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back from Greatness?

Meet Cindy P. Gilbert (a.k.a. Sister Knowitall)

By Traci Sanders

By Beth Volpert Johansen

What did the language sound like in your home growing up? Did you hear phrases like, “We can’t afford that,” or “We’re just not those type of people”? The verbiage we grew up listening to shapes the decisions we make throughout our lives and shapes us into the people we become.

Negative language that focuses on lack and less than, rather than optimism and abundance, causes us to take less risks, not trust as often, and not open our hearts as deeply to others. It disempowers us in our relationships, careers, and even in our health. We create what are called limiting beliefs.

But how do we overcome these negative scripts that have been playing out in our heads since childhood? The first thing we can do is ask ourselves: Is this a true statement?

Can I disprove it? Next, we need to replace the negative scripts with more empowering ones that we can work toward proving true. Our minds will not allow us to be wrong. What we tell ourselves must come true! It’s how our brains are wired.

One other way we can change our limiting beliefs is by changing our environment. We must take a hard look at who we’re spending the majority of our time with and ask ourselves: “How do I feel when I’m with this person? Do I feel better or worse after spending time with him or her?”

Limiting beliefs can manifest in various ways and show up in the form of excuses, bad habits, complaining, worry, and even something as simple as procrastination. There are two types of limiting beliefs: destination and directive. Destination beliefs are similar to conclusions that you form based on your life experiences. An example would be: “I’ll always be broke because I’ve always been broke, and my family has always been broke.” Directive beliefs are like road signs that pop up to lead you to confirm your destination belief, such as not having money to pay a certain bill one month. Your mind could follow a pattern such as this: “Oh man, I don’t have the money to pay this bill this month. I never seem to have enough money because I don’t make enough money at my job. I can’t get a better job because I don’t have the skills. I’m always broke and I’m always going to be broke.”

This process can happen very quickly and snowball into horrible, self-defeating thoughts that keep us from greatness in our lives. Unless we are armed with information and tools to combat these thoughts, we will always gravitate toward them because they are familiar to us (also known as our comfort zones).

Here are three action steps to get you started on your path to overcoming limiting beliefs: Realize and recognize that these thoughts didn’t appear overnight and they won’t be easy to overcome. Being aware is the best way to be prepared. Watch for the directive beliefs to pop up along the way and prepare yourself with some truth statements that will help you make that switch in your brain toward a more positive and empowering outcome.

Fill your mind with encouraging and empowering material every day – podcasts, books, videos, sermons, etc. Also, surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you every time. These may or may not be the people who knew you in your childhood because those people tend to only see you as who you used to be, not who you have the potential to become.

Limiting beliefs can be overcome with the right mindset, tools, and environment. The power is yours!

Cindy Pitts Gilbert has spent over twenty years researching, working with, and learning from all types of natural health and wellness practitioners. Now she is sharing that wealth of knowledge to help others detox their homes and bodies through various resources. Her podcast entitled Dear Sister Knowitall features a series of informative conversations with experts in the field of natural, holistic, and alternative health and wellness to provide listeners with solid research to demystify and simplify health-related topics, specifically the process of removing toxins from the body, home, and mind.

Cindy’s journey to eliminating toxins in her own life began when she developed a severe allergic reaction to bleach, which led to thyroid issues and spiraled into numerous other health conditions. Clean eating and natural detoxing became a passion for Cindy, who wanted to learn everything possible and to share that knowledge with others to empower them in their health. She became so dedicated to this cause that her family said to her one day, “Why don’t you stop trying to ‘fix’ us and go write a book about it?” Cindy took that advice and created a blog instead. Her blog is filled with articles, videos, and product recommendations for those who wish to take the self-education route.

There are several resources on Cindy’s website where people can learn more about detoxing their lives. Detox 120 helps people get rid of their “stinkin’ thinkin’,” as Cindy puts it.

Her resources include a personalized detox plan, webinars, a replacement grocery shopping list, access to her private Facebook group, and more. She even offers a complimentary conContinued on page 14

Calling for 2021/22 Junior & Senior Guys & Gals to be Model Ambassadors n express your personality junior/senior photo sessions n special destination photo locals n receive perks and merch n receive special discounts

We need you! Vote in the runoffs August 11th.

Elect Jasper Watkins III Commissioner District 3 Gwinnett County

(Auburn, Braselton, Centerville, Dacula, Grayson, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Loganville, Mountain Park & Snellville)

Decisive, Determined, Dependable Military Decorated Registered Pharmacist & Licensed Nuclear Pharmacist Gwinnett Rotary & Chamber of Commerce VFW Post 5255 & American Legion Post 232 Medical Reserve Corps GEM I’m Jasper Watkins III, a decorated military veteran, civic leader, and a 14-year resident of Gwinnett County. I’m in the Democratic runoff for District 3 Commissioner and our campaign continues to gain momentum every day. I need your support to win on August 11th. I’m committed and excited to become the next County Commissioner of District 3, Gwinnett County.

Throughout my 25 years of military service and 15 years of private sector experience, I have devoted my life’s work to serving my community and defending our nation’s principals. My goal is to unite us with a progressive platform that raises income and restores economic security for the middle class, creates good-paying jobs, builds a clean energy economy, protects our voting rights, provides accessible mass transit, and removes barriers to opportunity for every resident in Gwinnett County. Moreover, I will address our concerns about the safety of our neighborhoods, housing that is affordable, fiscal accountability, and inclusion.

In less than two years, Gwinnett County will have more than 1.5 million residents!

More Info & Apply at genafordphotography.com; click on “Senior Ambassador App” Our Town Gwinnett

Now is the time to decide to protect our future quality of life by creating an upward cycle of prosperity for the 21st Century.

Committee to Elect Jasper Watkins III 1911 Grayson Highway, Ste.8-233, Grayson, GA 30017 770.609.5548 www.watkins3for3.com

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

PAGE 9

Recalculating Life’s GPS

Peaceful Protest

By Michelle L. Sutter

fifty people,” Raven said. “I don’t know if anyone actually counted, but it was at least 300 people.”

Even though the expected turnout was small, the young women had prepared for a much larger group. Aja collected donation money for Cathy to purchase medical supplies and first aid kits. Excess supplies were donated to the Lilburn Co-op and other similar non-profit organizations.

When Raven had the idea to organize the protest, she reached out to Representative Jasmine Clark who provided her with contact information for others who wanted to help.

Raven then contacted Lilburn Police Chief Bruce Hedley to confirm the plans and make sure no police officers would interfere with the protest. She referenced the Atlanta protests and the police with riot gear, rubber bullets, and tear gas. Raven knew people wanted to protest, but Atlanta was not safe enough for them. By clearing her plans with the police chief and ensuring no cops would taunt the Lilburn protestors, she created a safe option for peaceful protestors.

“It’s way easier to keep everybody safe if we make the protest peaceful than if we just say, ‘Oh, we’re going to go out and vandalize’,” Aja said. “Plus, that is not our goal; we wanted everybody to hear us out. The main thing was keeping everyone safe, and it’s way easier to do that when everyone is peaceful.”

The protest was not just a way to demand change; it was a meaningful experience for the young women. Raven’s grandmother organized and protested in the Civil Rights Movement, and now she is doing the same.

“This means so much to me,” Cathy said. “I’ve been struggling with a lot of racial issues since I was little, not only that but I also struggle with social anxiety, so speaking was a very hard thing for me, but it felt really good to speak. Looking out into the crowd I could see everyone was there for one reason, and it was to support.”

Change does not happen overnight. Police brutality and racism will not disappear in a short span of time either. Raven, Cathy, and Aja say they can see themselves organizing more protests in the future, perhaps even in areas outside of Lilburn where others have not yet organized protests. The young women encourage other youth looking to get involved in activism to talk to others, to ask advice, to not be afraid, and to take the opportunity to make a change. They want others to make their ideas into a reality, no matter how young they are.

As I reflect back on the first six months of 2020, it brings me back to a story I authored a few years back recounting my 2012 diagnosis with a rare genetic disease, a disease without a cure. At that time, I came to realize that for so long my life’s journey had been eerily similar to that of a GPS system – recalculating my route, even when not asked. I was always very diligent in charting my course, making lists, setting goals, doing everything I could to be on time, in time, and making the most of my time. However, when I least expected it, Life’s GPS sent me down a very scary road.

Most would agree that the last six months have been a pretty wild and scary ride. So here I sit once again, finding Life’s GPS recalculating, putting me on a new path filled with personal heartache and continued discovery – a pandemic life lesson of sorts. In reflection, I have learned from COVID-19 that there are two-sides of the COVID coin. First, the bad side.

It took the life of my most cherished mentor and friend, Wayne Drye, the CEO and founder of World Insurance Assocation, Inc. here in Atlanta. This disease is ruthless. It is real. It is not to be messed with.

Now for the other side of the coin. His unexpected loss taught me to stop and remember to slow down and appreciate every day you have on this earth. For each of us, our days are numbered. How many we have left only God knows. For me, back in 2012 after meeting with a genetic counselor, I learned my days were likely far less than many around me. When presented with this information, you have a choice: feel sorry for yourself, or take every day you have and embrace it, as it honestly could be your last.

Continued on page 12

Continued from page 8

It’s time for a COVID-19

financial check-up!

Call 770.931.1414 to schedule a no-cost telephone or virtual consultation regarding your retirement and investment accounts or small business concerns.

Roger S. Green, MSFS, CFP®

Special No-Cost ZOOM Class - Medicare Supplement Seminar If you are 65 or older, on Medicare, or enrolling in Medicare for the first time, the Medicare Supplement Plan options can be confusing and the wrong decisions costly. This session will help you analyze the many Medicare combinations available to narrow your choices and find the best options for your situation. Updates to Medicare 2020 will also be discussed, to prepare you for the open enrollment period that begins in October. We are partnering with a local firm that assists in making these decisions on Wednesday, August 26 1:00-3:00pm via Zoom.

Registration is being coordinated through our office.

Simply call 770.931.1414 to sign up.

Over 30 years of experience.

Guidance offered for any stage of life.

Get help with personal finances and business finances.

No-cost, no-obligation telephone consultation.

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.

PAGE 10

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

Our Town Gwinnett

One on One with Hi-Hope Service Center

Residential • Commercial

By Taryn Haber Gwinnett County has forever changed, thanks to one mother, driven to provide the best for her child. Nell Moses, along with the parents of five other developmentally disabled children, helped open Hi-Hope Service Center in 1960. Hi-Hope was one of the first organizations in Georgia to teach children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). They faced several obstacles in the early days, including discrimination from the community and a severe lack of funding. Their first fundraiser was a spaghetti dinner to raise money for their volunteer teachers to subsidize their cost of travel to the school. After being hosted for the first ten years in a variety of Lawrenceville locations, including the property of their first paid teacher, Vinie Lowry, construction of a “special needs school” was finally completed in 1970. At a time when many people with I/DD were institutionalized and forgotten about, Hi-Hope helped pioneer the idea that they could be contributing members of their communities.

In the 1970s, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandated that all students receive a public school education, making the school obsolete. Hi-Hope switched their attention from children to adults. Today, Hi-Hope Service Center helps adults with I/ DD rise to their full potential through a variety of programs and resources that they might otherwise never have access to. Hi-Hope CEO, Susan Boland Butts, spoke on the genuine need for Hi-Hope and centers like it. “These individuals,” she said, “would be isolated and devalued, and they would not have the opportunity to have a real life and even a meaningful life.” She came to work for Hi-Hope in 2008 after eighteen years of working for other nonprofits. With Hi-Hope, she found a purpose worth dedicating her life to. “I came for the job, but I stayed for the people.” According to Boland Butts, once you make connections with people, it’s hard to let them go.

Hi-Hope uses three primary programs to support everyone they connect with: the Day Program, Employment Program, and the Residential Program. The Day Program, the largest of all three, is based out of the main Lawrenceville campus, running Monday through Friday.

The individuals spend time volunteering, attending community events, and participating in small group learning activities. There is a focus on life-long learning and developing skills and tools to support them in all aspects of life.

An important function of the Day Program is the Communication Program. More than half of the 150 people that Hi-Hope supports have communication issues to varying degrees.

Some are entirely nonverbal; others have limited vocabulary or difficulty being understood.

Through conducting functional communication reviews, Hi-Hope can determine what level of support each person needs. The program uses tools that range from low tech, such as a communications wallet with pictures that the users can point to indicate basic needs/wants, all the way to higher tech tools like tablets that give a voice to people with I/DD who might never have one otherwise.

One unique individual at Hi-Hope uses an even more advanced tool. Kristen Dille, a lovely young woman who has no use of most of her body beyond her eyes, now has access to an eye-gaze tracking device that helps her use a computer to give her a voice to the outside world. By tracking her eye movement to an iPad of images, she can communicate with the world, including saying “I love you” to her father for the first time in twenty-eight years. This incredible achievement, facilitated by Hi-Hope Service Center, was described

by Boland Butts: “We can’t help people live a full life if they can’t communicate how they want to spend that life.”

The Employment Program is another way that Hi-Hope helps its participants to choose how they want to spend their lives. Job Developers find employers that are open to hiring individuals with I/DD. Job Coaches help participants understand what they want to do, provide job training, and follow-up with employers after placement to see if additional training is needed. Hi-Hope also provides pre-employment training in high schools for students aged fourteen through eighteen. This training program stretches across Gwinnett and four surrounding counties, preparing students coming out of high school to immediately find a job in the competitive marketplace.

The Residential program consists of five group homes within Gwinnett County with four residents each. Each of these group homes is staffed 24/7, 365 days a year. The residents are Continued on page 19

Our Town Gwinnett

Recurring Cleaning One Time Cleaning Move In/Move Out Office Cleaning

sparkleshinecleaningservices.com (678) 509-3738

NOW ENROLLING!!!

Park Bridge Academy is a Full-Service Private Preschool for children ages 6 weeks through Pre-K & After School Programs.

Quality Rated • 2 Star Excellent Curriculum- (Georgia •Early Learning and Development

Standards ) Music and Movement Bus Drop-off & pick up to & from Local Schools Meals Provided Summer Camp CAPS excepted

• •

• • •

1688 Lawrenceville Highway (Entrance is on Davis Mill Court)

770-559-4206

Call Today for More Information! info@pbacademy.com

Visit us at www.pbacademy.com and Park Bridge Academy

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

PAGE 11

Agavero Cantina Continued from page 5

Recalculating Life’s GPS Continued from page 10

While the Taco Bus does not do the big birthday celebrations at this location, Carlos and the Agavero team encourage everyone to make a day out of their meal, and bring soccer balls, lawn chairs, and other fun outdoor equipment to enjoy the park around them. This slower paced, more casual atmosphere is perfect for families and people who want a quick bite to eat before challenging their neighbor to a race across the green.

More than anything, when you come to any Agavero Cantina location, you can expect to enjoy yourself. A large part of that is due to how much the owners enjoy their jobs, and love forming relationships with their customers.

“I’ve worked at a Mexican restaurant my whole life,” said Carlos. “People come here to relax and enjoy themselves, and I love being part of that. It’s like a party every day here.”

If you want to join the party, the Agavero Cantina is ready and waiting for you in three different locations. Hop in the car and get ready for one of the most fun meals of your life.

More information at www.luchadorgroup.com.

Wayne’s passing reminded me of this. He had us all convinced he was going to live to 100! Then all of a sudden he was gone – it was like he vanished. I was left thinking if only I had one more day, one more dose of his daily encouragement, just one more phone call asking me how my day was going. Or, just one more time with him asking me, “Has anyone told you today how awesome you are?” Just one more day!

I have been a list maker my entire life. A day doesn’t go by that I don’t have my to-do list by my side. So in honor of Wayne (a fellow listmaker), I share a list I wrote years ago with some 2020 updates.

• Make random acts of kindness an essential part of your every day • Pay for that person’s drink behind you at Starbucks. It might just make his/her day!

• Send a card to a friend “just because,” not because Hallmark told you to • Text someone you lost contact with and let that person know you are thinking of him or her • Give twelve-second hugs (unfortunately this is on pause for this year)!

• Look people in the eye, give them a 2020 fist bump, say “Good Morning,” and wish them well • Be true to your word (one of Wayne’s greatest traits) • And, most importantly, make an impactful difference in the world around you When I write it down, I see how it easy it is!

We all have six months left to a year like none other. Our 2020 Vision can still be achieved.

Let’s get to work and make it happen. It is never too late to make a difference.

This story is dedicated to Wayne Monroe Drye Read about his wonderful life which was so eloquently captured in his obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sandy-springs-ga/wayne-drye-9176109

KAISER PERMANENTE KAISER PERMANENTE MEDICARE HEALTHPLANS PLANS MEDICARE HEALTH You don’t have to wait to switch

You don’t have to wait to switch

To the ONLY MEDICARE HEALTH PLAN To the ONLY MEDICARE HEALTH PLAN rated 5 out of 5 stars in Georgia in 2020* rated 5 out of 5 stars in Georgia in 2020*

Get great care and great value with Kaiser Permanente Get greatSenior care and great value with Kaiser Permanente Advantage (HMO).

Find out how our distinctive services work together give you more control and Senior Advantage (HMO).

Find to out how our distinctive convenience — to wellcontrol and thrive. services work together to help give you youlive more and Have questions about Medicare or a Kaiser convenience — to help you live well and thrive.

Permanente Medicare health plan? Just give me, Have questions about Medicare or a Kaiser Permanente your local Kaiser Permanente Medicare specialist, Medicareahealth plan? Just give me, your local Kaiser call for more information.

Carry Out Random Acts of Kindness

Gwinnett’s premier event destination for 23 years!

Permanente Medicare specialist, a call for more information.

LaJoi Thompkins LaJoi Thompkins Kaiser Permanente Medicare

Kaiser specialist Permanente Medicare specialist

470-606-6263 470-606-6263 (TTY (TTY 711)711)

mykpagent.org/lajoit mykpagent.org/lajoit

*Every year, evaluates plans based on on a 5-star *EveryMedicare year, Medicare evaluates plans based a 5-star rating system. rating system.

Kaiser Permanente is an HMO a Medicare Kaiser Permanente is an HMO plan plan with with a Medicare contract.

Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends contract.

Enrollment in Kaiser Permanente depends on contract You renewal. mustinreside in the Permanente Kaiser contractonrenewal. mustYou reside the Kaiser Weddings & receptions, holiday Permanente Medicare plan service in which Medicare health plan servicehealth area in which youarea enroll.

Kaiser parties, anniversary celebrations, you enroll.

Kaiser Plan of Georgia, Inc., Foundation Health Plan Foundation of Georgia,Health Inc., Nine Piedmont sweet 16 parties, corporate events Center, Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, Center,Nine 3495Piedmont Piedmont Road3495 NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. and more!

GA 30305.

(770) 972-6540 • www.vecoma1.com 492024364_C 04/20 H1170_020_09_M H1170_020_09_M 492024364_C 04/20 PAGE 12 Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

Our Town Gwinnett

No Place for Hate

By Bill Crane

FLEX HOURS.

My paternal grandmother, Mary L. Crane, imbued in me at a young age an attitude towards life which has always served me well. If you start each day willing to learn something new, you probably will.

Several years ago, I learned about a national school education program, offered at no-cost in elementary, middle, and some high schools, assembled and presented by the AntiDefamation League, called No Place to Hate. The ADL offers everything from a need’s assessment and the creation/signing of a resolution of respect to One World of Difference anti-bias and bullying training. More than 1,600 schools across the nation have completed or are in the process of making themselves No Place to Hate.

And long before we entered the deep divisions and racial tensions our nation is currently experiencing, I think we all might have benefitted from observing or taking this course. As a Southerner and native Georgian, I have long been frustrated by how many other parts of the country, as well as numerous primary news outlets, view the South as a bastion of racism, racial prejudice, and bigotry. Though those weaknesses of character and characters certainly do exist here, I have found in my travels that our reality far exceeds that reputation. We simply need to do more walking the walk, as well as talking the talk, to get us to a better place, reputationally, as well as more importantly in reality.

The Georgia House of Representatives, led by House Speaker David Ralston, took a significant and “learning” step in the right direction when passing a new Hate Crimes bill for the state of Georgia during the 2019 legislative session. The bill’s passage was narrow, and it has largely sat in the State Senate’s “Inbox” since. In recent days, the State Senate and Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan passed their own version of such a bill, with quite a few variations, some to the good – others not so much. Georgia previously had a not particularly well-written Hate Crimes statute, earlier challenged, and overturned by the courts, roughly fourteen years ago, and the state remains one of four in the nation without any form of hate crime statute or penalties.

We are currently in a moment of reckoning, and hopefully for many, also a moment of Continued on page 16

FLASHY

COMPANY CAR. School Bus Drivers Wanted.

Untitled-1 1

7/2/20 10:42 AM

We are doing our best to keep children and staff Healthy and Happy.

Continuing to serve Brookwood, Camp Creek, Craig, Gwin Oaks, Knight and R.D. Head Elementary Schools. Serving our community since 2005.

Ages 6 weeks to 4 years old.

We implement age appropriate Creative Curriculum in all classes.

See our website for details.

Register Your Children Today!

Be sure to mention you saw this ad in Our Town Magazine!

FIVE FORKS ACADEMY

(770) 982-2000

www.fiveforksacademy.com Our Town Gwinnett

3079 Five Forks Trickum Road Lilburn, GA 30047

AJW Enterprises Inc. DBA Five Forks Academy

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

PAGE 13

Meet Cindy P. Gilbert Continued from page 9

Postcards – Travel the World and Never Leave Home!

sultation. “Most people have no idea how many toxins they are being exposed to on a daily basis,” Cindy states.

Cindy represents two products that help people detox their bodies and homes. One is focused on providing the proper daily nutrition, and the other provides options for medicinal use, as well as over-the-counter cleaning and personal health maintenance. Cindy also shares how to build a Tower Garden, a vertical, aeroponic growing system first developed by NASA and Disney for Epcot Center. Tower Gardens use only water and minerals and allow you to grow up to twenty vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers in less than three square feet – indoors or outdoors.

Whether you’re able to catch Cindy’s podcasts, attend one of her live classes, or simply read one of her blog articles, you’re sure to be educated on some affordable, sustainable ways to live your best life possible.

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

By Beth Volpert Johansen

1

1

Full Service Dental Care Including: Cosmetic Dentistry, Root Canals, Implants, Tooth Replacement, Bridges, Crowns, Dentures, Sedation, and Zoom Whitening

Call Today 678-248-5143 For an Appointment No Insurance? No Problem!

Quality Dentistry is now more affordable with our In-House Dental Assistance Savings Plan.

n No Yearly Minimums n No Deductibles n No Claim Forms n No Waiting Periods Call Us For Details TODAY!!

Dr. Gerald Rausch

Dr. Candace Rausch

New Patient Welcome Package!

ONLY $99 (Reg. $269) • Oral Exam • Consultation • Necessary X-rays • Healthy Mouth Cleaning (In the absence of gum disease.)

Valid for new patients only. Does not include any periodontal gum disease treatment. Cannot be combined with any other offers or insurance. Insurance will be billed customary fees. Must present this coupon at the time of appointment. Tranferable. Please share with your family and friends. Offer expires 07/31/20.

Dr. Ray Cornay

Dr. Elizabeth Kaplan

Drs. Gerald and Candace Rausch P.C.

PAGE 14

Rd

Serving Lilburn and Stone Mountain for over 25 years

ridge

w w w.s t on em ou n t a i n d e n t i s t p ra c t i c e. c om

Rockb

1172 Rockbridge Road Stone Mountain, GA 30087

Dear Friend – How many introductions have begun with those and similar words?

Plenty it seems. For Gwinnett resident, Leeann Hill, such greetings are what she finds attached to postcards she pulls from her mailbox almost daily. “I feel such an anticipation at the mailbox every day,” says Leeann. “I look for a postcard tucked in the middle of all these ads. It completely changes my attitude just going to the mailbox!”

Leeann actively takes part in a global initiative called Postcrossing. The goal is to allow anyone to send and receive postcards from all over the world. For each postcard sent, the sender receives a postcard from somewhere in the world! The idea of receiving “real mail” is exciting and lots of fun. Each postcard is like a little surprise.

In the current world pandemic situation, citizens are more aware of the fact that ours is certainly a global society. Getting to personally know the people of different countries gives “Postcrossers” a feeling of community. Because of the postcard exchange, those who live in different countries are not just statistics, they are people. “Sending postcards is a way to remind ourselves that we are all connected,” says Leeann. “We are all part of the human experience.”

Most of the messages that Leeann receives are all about the homes, cultures, and lives of the writers. The only recent change is that many of the cards in her mailbox have a short note acknowledging the fact that humans worldwide are self-isolating and are often accompanied by best wishes and prayers for the health of Leeann’s family and friends.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the postcards is that they are somewhat reminiscent of times gone by. Many of the cards are quite intricate, representing the lives and communities of the sender. Additionally, most cards come with an array of very interesting stamps.

“I get some cards with really cool stamps,” says Leeann. “The different denominations run right across the top of the cards. Sometimes I get cards with a branded official country Postcrossing stamp.” The postcards really are a work of art displaying the personalities of each sender and offering a glimpse into the postal practices of countries around the world.

Recently, Leeann opened her mailbox to find a postcard from a country she didn’t have marked off on her wall map or tucked into her scrapbook. “I was so excited to get a card from Austria!” she says. “I had never had one from there before.” In addition to adding new locations to her map, Leeann finds learning about exotic places she has never heard of very exciting. “I had never heard of the Åland Islands. Every time I get a card from somewhere new to me, I locate it on Google Maps and then go to the Postcrossing site to record my receipt.” When she records each card’s location, she leaves a note for the sender thanking them for broadening her world.

“Postcrossing pushes me outside in that you can be somewhere else via the Internet,” says Continued on page 17

Choice Educational Academy n Non-Traditional Program n One On One Instruction n Graduate Early n One Day A Week n Turn In And Receive Work- Allows You To Work A Job n Accredited n Hope Scholarship n Dual Enrollment/Credit recovery

1350 Scenic Hwy • Snellville, GA 30078 (At the Shoppes @ Webb Gin- behind Bonefish grill)

678-808-4299

e-mail for information: nancyg@ceaschool.com

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

Our Town Gwinnett

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful Celebrates 40 years

“Make Last Call Your First Call”

By Beth Volpert Johansen At a time when the world is busy scrubbing, cleaning, and using unprecedented numbers of disposable items, Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful (GC&B) is set to celebrate forty years of reducing, reusing, and recycling. While the current circumstances more than call for reducing contaminated surfaces by using disposable items, the reality is there is significant reduction of car pollution since people are staying home. What a paradox. Each action has an RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PEST CONTROL equal and opposite reaction.

Gwinnett County is, as per usual, ahead of the curve on many things. Among them are the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center, The Gwinnett Heritage Center, and Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful. All these entities serve to improve the environment and educate the community about the importance of living the healthiest lives possible.

The forward thinking began in early 1979 when the Lawrenceville Junior Women’s Save on existing water!

Club identified growing community concerns about illegal dumping and littering. In 1980, Eliminate Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful was created to educate and most importantly, engage the Our proven Hydretain fire ants from your public in the effort to improve our community’s environment and quality of life. Led by the program reduces lawn and prevent first executive director, Tine Liegerot, GC&B began what would become a legacy of volunoutdooor watering up teerism, corporate sponsorship, and county support.

50% while improving newtocolonies from Along with the identification of illegal dumping and littering came the realization that the health of your lawn. establishing with new jobs were bringing more people to the county, meaning more people, more litter.

Watch for harmful our insects proven Fire Ant Interestingly, those same people predicted to add to the problem served to help solve it. on ornamental “On a positive note, the more people who came to Gwinnett, the more development foltrees and shrubs.

Control treatment. lowed,” says former GC&B director, Connie Wiggins. “So much of the dumping was done down long dirt roads, those dirt roads started to see new housing, schools, and commercial Flea andCare Tick Lawn •• Lawn Care development which cut down on the illegal dumping.” treatment to provide •• Tree Shrub Care Plant&Health Care One of the most impactful accomplishments for GC&B came during Wiggins’ tenure •• Core Aeration season-long control as director. “When I came on, we put into place a public-private partnership that brought Core Aeration together the county government and various industry partners that built the Recycling Bank • Seeding throughout • Seeding of Gwinnett,” says Wiggins. “That facility provided a way to conveniently recycle many • Fire Ant Control your lawn. items that had previously ended up in landfills.” The reduction in waste going to landfills • Fire Ant Control • Water Management was just one of the many benefits to the center. Education became an enormous issue for both Water management •• Same-Day Free students and adults. “People were surprised when we began to speak publicly about the bigSame-Day Free Estimates Estimates ger issue of the environment,” says Wiggins. “It raised questions of who is responsible and • Same-Day Free Lawn Care Lawn care why we should care about the effects of pollution and waste on the environment. It caused Estimates $25.00 First Custom fertilizationand and weed programs Custom fertilization weedcontrol control programs people to start thinking about the issues.”

Lawn Treatment $25.00 first lawn While the idea of education for children is a given, the education of the population was Plant health Health Care Plant care an entirely different thought process. For Wiggins, the subject of litter was brought home treatment $25.00 first lawn Fertilization, disease and insect control First Plant New customersHealth only up to Care Fertilization, disease and insect control to her as she attended a luncheon at a beautifully appointed home in Atlanta. The gracious treatment 6,000 sq. ft. when you agree and impeccably dressed hostess had asked the attendees to bring a “sack lunch.” During the Locally Owned and Operated $10 OFF New onlyprogram. up to to ourcustomers 7-8 treatment luncheon, unbeknownst to the attendees, a camera had been set up. “The hostess asked us Locally Smaller company,and bigger service 6,000 sq.with ft. when agree owned operated Not valid any you other to our 8 treatment program. to throw our lunch trash on her gorgeous wood floors,” recalls Wiggins. “Her point was that discount offer.

Smaller company, bigger service Pre-pay Not valid withdiscount any other we need to treat the outside world the same as we do our homes. It was a very uncomfortdiscount offer. able thing to experience, but it brought home the need to address litter on an adult as well as a student level.”

Following in Connie Wiggin’s footsteps is the dynamic and creative current GC&B No contract to sign Director, Schelly Marlatt. To her, fell the task of keeping up with the rapidly growing and You call, we come vastly diverse Gwinnett, maintaining programs, and developing relevant community outPre-pay discount reach to build a governing board that represents the interests and needs of Gwinnett County.

“We will host our 14th annual Governor’s Environmental Address and celebrate our 40th Service guaranteed Anniversary/Birthday celebration on Friday, October 23rd at the Infinite Energy Center in No contract to sign We strive to come exceed the evening,” says Marlatt. “We are working hard to put together a meaningful evening You call, we that encompasses many aspects of how GC&B has and continues to ‘Connect People and your expectations Resources for a Sustainable Gwinnett.’” The event will be the one and only fundraiser for Service guaranteed the year, and they are currently seeking sponsorships.

We strive to exceed The message of connecting people and resources is timeless. Historically, GC&B has your expectations always worked hard to connect people who can get things done. Public and private partnerships have taken the Gwinnett County entity into the next level of ideas and ingenuity.

Supporting that drive to keep Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful depends upon community partners like Primerica Foundation that has provided grant funds to develop a new, interactive, multilingual website to bring their message to the community.

404 903-2673 lastcallpestservices.com

JULY JULY

SIMPLY GREEN Lawn Care PLUS

770-923-0387

Your Lawn. Our Passion.

Continued on page 21

Our Town Gwinnett

simplygreenlawncare.com

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

PAGE 15

No Place for Hate Continued from page 13 awakening and learning. A hate crime statute will not solve all judicial or racial inequities in Georgia, but it will be a significant step in the right direction. All too often in legislative bodies, when differing points of view are significant, the “perfect” becomes the enemy of the good. Though the Georgia General Assembly is in the waning days of the remainder of their biennial legislative session (requiring any new bill to start all over again in 2021), finding common ground on such a delicate issue remains a heavy lift.

But we hope if those 236 lawmakers have learned ANYTHING in recent days and weeks – assuming they have been paying attention to happenings in our state Capitol and elsewhere around the nation – doing NOTHING is not an option, and the typical response of appointing a task force or blue-ribbon commission will be far from enough.

Ralston is a lifelong conservative, who leads a GOP caucus with a somewhat narrow majority. Many within likely would find murder to be murder or assault to be assault and might not subscribe any additional import or sentencing to the particulars of the motivation of an assailant. Even getting to this point was no simple task. Ending or removing hate never

really is. The State Senate should pass the House bill, which will not require reconsideration, and then amend the statute later.* My mother also taught me another rule very applicable to this situation, and it applies to the benefit of everyone: Simply treat everyone, as you would prefer to be treated, or the treatment you would seek or hope for a friend or family member. My mother constantly repeated this Golden Rule first learned in Sunday school and later reinforced, believe it or not, during my days in a college fraternity. Though I am far from perfect in my track record on this, it is a daily status that I attempt to reach and maintain. And when you are operating on that gold standard, you also soon realize that there really is no place for hate. Give it a try. What have you got to lose? * The Georgia General Assembly passed an amended version of the Hate Crimes bill referenced in this column on June 23, 2020. The bill was then remanded to the desk of Governor Brian Kemp for signature. New laws in Georgia typically take effect on July 1 of the next fiscal year. The Governor has three weeks to sign or not sign legislation passed by both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly.

Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the full-service communications consulting firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com

“My birth plan doesn’t matter.”

—Don’t believe that for a second! (or your third)

If your first birth experience did not go the way you planned, it’s time to find an option that’s right for you. Women often choose to deliver their second or third babies with us, because our approach is different — and we involve YOU in the decisions for the best birth possible.

Visit MyFemaleDoctor.com and download our guide to Why Midwifery Matters.

Decatur Office 315 Winn Way Decatur, GA 30030 404.299.9724

Why Midwifery Matters

Gwinnett Office 449 Pleasant Hill Rd, Suite 200 Lilburn, GA 30047 770.923.5033

PAGE 16 Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049 19-AGOB-0423 Our Town Blue - Plan Doesnt Matter 10x7.5306 - JUL.indd 1

Our Town5/26/20 Gwinnett 3:37 PM

Crane’s Corner: My Waking Moment

By Bill Crane I am a middle-aged white male, proudly born and raised a son of the South, though not always proud of things we Southerners have done, or the way we have treated others.

But I would never describe myself as “woke.” Even now I am not entirely sure what that term means. But I can tell you the experience, circumstances, and the year that I woke up, and finally came to realize the challenges almost all AfricanAmericans likely experience in their lives, that I am likely never to experience in mine.

It was 2015, and through a friend, I received a call from someone I had met briefly once before, Lisa Cupid, a Cobb County Commissioner. As our conversation began, her voice was trembling, she was still clearly in shock and had suffered recent trauma.

I cannot do her story justice, but I will try. Lisa Cupid was a young mother of two, living with her husband in southwest Cobb County, near the Six Flags Amusement Park.

Commissioner Cupid had been elected District 4 Commissioner in 2012, the first black female on the Cobb County Commission, and at the time, its lone Democrat. In 2012, she also completed her law degree studies at Georgia State University but had not yet taken the State bar examination. She remained determined to pass the bar.

Fortunately, Cupid found a friend and campaign supporter who owned a hotel several miles from her home, with a comfortable lobby, Wi-Fi, and coffee readily available for latenight studying. For several nights a week, often until early morning, Cupid studied in that lobby. After a long night of study, she trudged out with her law books to her car for the short drive home.

Another vehicle pulled out almost immediately behind her, following closely and copying her every turn and signal. As she grew closer to home, she became increasingly concerned that the vehicle aggressively tailing her had some intention to do her harm. So, she purposely chose to turn into the wrong subdivision and see if she could lose the tail. She called 911, shared her situation, her fear, and the fact that she was a Cobb County Commissioner, as she tried to rapidly turn around in a cul-de-sac, leaving behind the car following her, as she raced back out of the subdivision. Finally, the car stopped following her and broke away.

Cupid would soon learn that her pursuer was an undercover Cobb County Police Officer driving an unmarked car. Later, Cupid was told the officer was working the hotel and surrounding area looking into a series of automobile break-ins. Fortunately, Cupid was not beaten, nor killed by the errant officer. She was simply terrorized for the crime of leaving a hotel lobby late at night, while being a black woman.

I assisted the Commissioner during these trying days and weeks, as well as through the passage of her bar examination. I strangely got calls, some from peers and others who lived in Cobb County, each from a white male, each chastising me.

“You live in DeKalb County, why are you even involved in this?” “You might be doing your own business harm by sticking your nose into this matter.” “I thought you had more sense than to wade into something like this…”

These calls were a nuisance, but my life was not altered, and I was not suffering daily slings and arrows as Cupid was, nor being isolated on the commission, nor spoken ill of publicly. And yet, she persisted.

Cupid is now a candidate for Cobb Commission Chair, has no primary opposition, and will face either current Chair Mike Boyce or one of his GOP primary opponents in November.

She recently led the Cobb Commission in the unanimous adoption of a resolution condemning racism in all its forms. Though there is still a long way to go, she has also made inroads with reforming policing in Cobb.

Though I no longer make public endorsements, if I lived in Cobb County, there is no ques-

CELEBRATE We have so much to celebrate!

• Our Freedoms • Good Business • Health • Our Diversity • Family • Our Intolerance of Social Injustice & Any Compromise of Rights.

Continued on page 22

Postcards Continued from page 14 Leeann. “Getting involved in this allows me to be a part of a bigger stage. Just today, I had cards from Taiwan and Singapore. They all had something positive to say. That makes it lots of fun!”

Recently, Postcrossing is facilitating mail to and from China again. The site closely monitors postal service and offers suggestions for getting involved during the global health crisis.

The Postcrossing blog indicates that they have had lots of people who are self-isolated around the world for whom a Postcrossing postcard was a bright spot in a lonely world. The site says, “Whatever your situation might be, sending and receiving postcards seems to bring people a small measure of comfort in these troubled times and we are thankful for that.”

More information at Postcrossing.com.

Our Town Gwinnett

Great Agents • Superior Service www.smokeriseagents.com

High Tech - High Touch, Service Worthy of Recommendation PalmerHouse Properties 404.876.4901

Smoke Rise Agents Team 770.573.9715

What is Your Home Worth? go to www.real-estate-prices.com

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

PAGE 17

Chaplain’s Corner: Killing Giants, Anyone?

Our Town GWINNETT

By Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the story of David and the giant Goliath.

This is one of the most common stories that Christians use to motivate one another when we are facing challenges. I must admit that I personally used this story to encourage my older son during his first season playing football. I even used it to persuade a young man from my church to ask a girl out when that girl was totally out of his league. David and Goliath is a story of bravery, courage, and boldness. But more importantly, it is a story that challenges us how to act when facing a giant.

The past couple of months have been a vivid reminder that in this country we have been facing a giant for nearly 400 years. This giant is called racism. I strongly believe the time is now for not only the church, but those who value human life, to stand up against this giant and bring him down. If racism is a giant, we need to consider the following in order to kill it: 1. You cannot fight what you do not face. We need to recognize that this giant is among us, and that we need to listen to those who are being oppressed, to those who are mourning, and to those who are in despair because of racial tensions.

2. You cannot slay what you do not see. We need to walk side by side with those who are being persecuted, oppressed, and afraid for their lives.

3. You cannot defeat what you do not define. We need to call out by name the systematic evil and sins that are taking place in society.

Continued on page 22

READ ONLINE!

1. Open Your Phone’s Camera 2. Hover over QR Code 3. Click the Link that Drops Down

Spa Stinny MASSAGE

FREE

Aromatherapy Add on with any service.

Expires 08/15/20

15% off Customized One Hour Facial Treatment — with a light Peel.

Expires 08/15/20

15% off 90 Minute CBD Massage Expires 08/15/20

Cool Sculpting on any ONE area for ONLY

40000

$

Expires 08/15/20

1630 Scenic Hwy., Ste. Y • Snellville, GA 30078 678.400.6711 • www.SpaStinny.com PAGE 18

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

Our Town Gwinnett

Killing Coronavirus with Kindness: Meet Susan Kliesen

By Traci Sanders The current pandemic has produced a great deal of panic, chaos, and fear in many people, but it has also inspired many others to reach out and help their neighbors where they can, give their time and resources to support others, and bring joy and comfort to those who are struggling. Private citizens are not the only ones who have been affected.

Local business owners have suffered great losses. Some have become creative in how they are now serving their customers. Others have not been as fortunate and will not be able to recover from this economic disaster.

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

Every person who replied to Kliesen’s email, Facebook post, or Instagram post stating how he or she was spreading kindness during these tough times had his or her name entered into a digital name wheel. Winners were selected in a Facebook LIVE video at 4:00 p.m. each day on Kliesen’s personal Facebook page. The gift cards were to such locally owned small businesses as Sam’s on Main, Johnny’s Pizza, and local beauty salons. The response was nothing short of astounding! In fact, even some of the local businesses started paying Continued on page 21

Hi-Hope Service Center

Continued from page 11

taken to and from medical appointments, work, or personal activities. These homes face a significant issue, however, when it comes to funding.

The primary funding stream for the entirety of Hi-Hope is Medicaid. The State sets the amount they receive, and it is generally only enough to provide the basic services. Hi-Hope is committed to supporting individuals who have higher support needs. To do this requires dollars beyond Medicaid’s basic rate. In the Residential Program, individuals pay for their room and board through their Social Security disability benefits. Most times, this money falls short.

Hi-Hope relies heavily on fundraising to provide quality services above and beyond the basics. For example, the Communication Program relies entirely on private funding. With a campus hosting two primary buildings, five group homes, and a fleet of vehicles, the cost of maintenance is high. Fundraising helps them keep all their doors open and support many families in the community. Without that support, many working parents would need to quit their jobs to provide full-time care of their adult children, resulting in economic hardship.

In the State of Georgia, there are over 6,000 people with I/DD who are on waiting lists for services that places like Hi-Hope provide. They have been found eligible, but State Medicaid programs have limited funds, and the waiting list can be years long. Over 10% of that 6,000 are in Gwinnett County. In addition to the sheer number of people waiting, the population is living longer. When individuals with I/DD were institutionalized regularly and separated from the community, they were only expected to live until their 40’s. Because of advances in healthcare and the benefits of life in their communities, individuals are living into their 70s and 80s. With longer lives, aging residents need more specialized care.

With these issues in mind, Hi-Hope has plans. They hope to develop several more group homes over the next five to ten years. They are growing their Day Program to support more people so that more families can work and contribute to the long term support of their adult children. Growing the Employment Program, allows more individuals to experience the joy of meaningful work. As a business, Hi-Hope wants to operate at a scale so as to be sustainable over the long term.

For now, however, Hi-Hope was proud to celebrate an important milestone. They celebrated their 60th anniversary in Gwinnett. They look forward to many future years of serving the community and growing in the future.

More information at www.hihopecenter.org/pastabilities

We Offer

Live-Streaming of Memorial Services

Wages & Sons has always implemented the latest technologies for the convenience of families we serve.

We have made live-streaming and recording of memorial services available to all families via closed-circuit private link.

Learn More at WagesandSons.com

Owned by the Wages Family

Stone Mountain (678) 500-8717

Our Town Gwinnett

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

©LeapTieTM

Lawrenceville (678) 500-8007

PAGE 19

Making a Difference: Up Front & in the Margins

need the basic necessities that come from our retail food establishments.

While Deseree was busy filling orders and adjusting to a “new normal,” Jessica was learning new online platforms, reaching out to her clients via phone, and carrying out services to mental health patients that she would normally see in person. She credits an early mandate that provided a waiver for face-to-face contact requirements. “It kept our clients and ourselves from coming into contact with the virus, but the reality is many of our clients do not comprehend why we can’t come see them at their houses,” explains Jessica. “Trying to interact with young children on a video call isn’t the best judge of how they are progressing. It is hard to see things like body language and the environment in which they are living.” Finding a way to do the best by her clients has been foremost in Jessica’s thoughts and she is looking forward to the day she can proceed with her work in person.

Also located in Lilburn is Tina Camden who works for Stand Up For Kids, a non-profit dedicated to the support of homeless and at-risk kids. Tina started as a volunteer, and the students captured her heart. Working with a chapter at Parkview High School, Tina’s role is to help match students 1:1 with a local mentor. “We work with the academic counselors and the social worker to identify students who might benefit from the program and go from there,” explains Camden. “With 1:1 support, we can personalize the program to best meet the needs of each student.”

Homeless students can live anywhere – a friend’s couch, a car with their family, a hotel – any place identified by the McKinney-Vento Act. “This pandemic forced us to change our delivery model in a hurry,” says Camden. “We recognized a huge and immediate need for technology.” Given that students have access to computers at school, sheltering-in-place brought forth the very real problem of homeless students or those living below the poverty level not having access to technology. While the world was going on around them and adjusting to online meetings, these students were marginalized in their access to basic needs.

“We have been able to deliver donated and refurbished technology to some of our students who need it, but this is an issue that will not change, especially if we are forced to remain in place,” says Camden. “These students want, very much, to succeed.”

To that end, Tina Camden tells the story of a senior who pays her own rent and wanted Continued on page 22

By Beth Volpert Johansen Defining the basis of what constitutes a crisis is often determined for the general populace by an authority such as local, state, and federal governments. While generally accepted as a truth, the COVID-19 pandemic is a true crisis. For some though, the unrecognized front line workers and behind the scenes providers, have seen the pandemic through a different lens.

When Our Town Gwinnett Owner Ryan Sauers places questions and topics for discussion on social media, he gets any number of responses. Some turn to debate, some provide guidance and support, and others become stories. His request for something out of the mainstream brought the Our Town Magazine Community Forum many suggestions. From the responses emerged the idea that, while physical health, police/fire services, and education often made front page news, there were a certain number of people providing and serving in other essential capacities.

Lilburn resident Jessica Ward and her daughter Deseree Desrosiers have been spending a great deal of “quality mom-daughter” time since shelter-in-place guidelines were first established. For Jessica, a mental health worker contracted to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, it meant moving to an online platform – much like teachers. But for her daughter, the direction for her retail job at Kroger was a little less clear.

“We went from about thirty orders a day on the Click-List to more than 100,” says Deseree. “People were frustrated, everything suddenly seemed impersonal, and we had to figure out how to do our jobs and stay safe.” Eventually, things did smooth out, but one thing became more than clear. Deseree and her co-workers were very essential. After all, people

More than More 50 years th compassionate compa care. cost living keeps up. up. the the cost ofofliving keepsgoing going

Ad Value Print AdValue – US &Print Canada

It's simplethis to ca It's simple to customize

the cost of living keeps going up.

1. Click "Chang 1. Click "Change Document N The cost of your funeral doesn't have to. of the page The of your have doesn’t to. of the page and update to Since 1968, w Thecostcost offuneral your doesn't funeral have to. abbreviated

abbreviated publication na

helping Snell 2. Ensure you'v We offer more than peace of mind.

2. Ensure you've selected the We offer more than peace of mind. sp We offer more than peace of mind.

Pre-plan nowwill andbeyour cost will be Pre-plan now and your cost Double-click 3. Double-click US or lockedcost in. will be Pre-plan nowin.and your locked in.3.“Select locked below Layer below Layers, to access th

4. In theselect pop-o 4. In the pop-out box,

5. Click "Previe Ask us our Veterans discount Ask u 5. about Click "Preview" to review y

ETERNAL HILLS GARDENS ETERNAL HILLS FUNERAL HOME & MEMORY CREMATION ETERNAL HILLS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION ETERNAL HILLS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SNELLVILLE ETERNAL HILLS MEMORY GARDENS ETERNAL HILLS MEMORY GARDENS

eternal hills memory gardens 770-972-3155 spacer

spacer

SNELLVILLE

SNELLVILLE

770-972-3155 SNELLVILLE

spacer

770-972-3260

downloading downloading or saving.

ETERNAL HILLS ETER

MEMORY GARDENS FUNERAL H 6.to Click "Finish 6. Click "Finish" generate a SNELLVILLE S Then, click “ Then,770-972-3260 click “Download" and 77 “Moderate" for“Moderate" a print-read

770-972-3155

Ask about our Veterans Discount PAGE 20

Gregory Williams, General Manager

Gregory Williams, General Manager

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

spacer

OR, “Sa OR, click “Save" toclick continu Your ad will Your ad will in My D Sabrina appear Blackston, Location Manager

Our Town Gwinnett

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful Continued from page 15 Additionally, GC&B has partnered with the World Wildlife Fund and Gwinnett County Public Schools on a project to continue championing the fight against hunger and reduction of food waste. The Project is aptly named, Food Waste Warriors 2.0. “We are also evolving and launching a new and rebranded Green Schools Platform,” explains Marlatt. “Instituting a supporting ‘green school’ web-based organization and platform with tools will enable continued expansion of problem-based learning including that of wasted food issues and audits as an integral component of Gwinnett’s Green Schools Program.” Providing a scalable and repeatable program will enable other schools, hospitals, and other institutions to replicate the efforts in the fight against hunger while reducing food waste and waste in general.

Projects like these and support from a variety of corporate, governmental, non-profit, and private sources has allowed Marlatt and her team to dream big and be innovative in response to the growing needs of the Gwinnett community. “We are proud to have been recognized as Best of Gwinnett for the second consecutive year,” she says. “We could not be successful without the collaboration and partnerships from many organizations: Gwinnett County and all of their departments, the Board of Commissioners, Primerica Foundation, GCPS, Bank of America, and Keep America Beautiful, just to name a few.

“Gwinnett is so much more than our shared playground, workplace, and community,” Marlatt continues. “It is our combined responsibility, and for Gwinnett to continue to serve as a desirable destination for businesses, travel, and tourism, and a growing number of families, we need to work together to keep her clean, beautiful, and thriving.”

In order to accomplish those goals, GC&B relies on the ongoing support from local environmental stewards to support many volunteer opportunities throughout the community all year long. Whether volunteering as an individual or as a group through the workplace, civic organization, church, or school, participation is vital to the continued success of GC&B’s actions. “This support impacts our ability to transform public places into beautiful spaces, conserve natural resources and improve our watersheds – each serving as a powerful outlet for people who are passionate about the environment. Each year, we partner with more than 100,000 volunteers and 100 community partners to protect health, landscape, habitats, streams, and water quality,” Marlatt says.

“As we celebrate our 40th birthday this year,” Marlatt adds, “we continue to look at ways that we can serve the community in the best possible way. Gwinnett is a growing, changing, and ever-evolving community, and GC&B will grow, change, and evolve along with our citizens. We want to be the preferred resource for sustainability solutions because we’re not just stewards of the environment; we’re stewards of the community. GC&B looks forward to having a hand in a long-standing tradition of bringing people together to do great things and solve problems. Connecting People and Resources for a Sustainable Gwinnett is our passion and we will continue to serve the county we love.”

Reaching out to the global community that calls Gwinnett home takes forward-thinking initiative. Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful has come a long way since they waged a war on illegal dumping and litter. Education has been the strongest method for bringing the consequences of unfettered waste into the spotlight. While trash isn’t exactly a glamorous topic, GC&B has managed to capture the attention of a whole host of community stakeholders and convinced them to commit to a sustained and renewable effort to keep Gwinnett County Clean and Beautiful.

More information at www.gwinnettcb.org

678-469-1599 | scottpressurewash@gmail.com

Bringing Comfort to America, One Home at a Time Call Us Today 678-503-7224

Meet Susan Kliesen Continued from page 19 it forward by sponsoring the program with gift cards to other local businesses. Some even started sharing the process on their own Facebook pages.

The best part is that the kindness spread and created a movement throughout the community. Local citizens started calling in to sponsor the program with more gift cards, and some of the winners turned around and paid it forward by donating gift cards for future winners.

What started as a five-day event has blossomed into an entire movement of kindness and concern for the fellow man. Therefore, the wheel keeps spinning. It does not take place every day, but it is still going on for now.

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

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

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

Our Town Gwinnett

FREE 1-Inch Filters with $150 in repairs

6 Months

AMERICAN COMFORT HEATING AND COOLING (678) 503-7224 With this coupon. Can be combined with other coupons.

Not valid with prior services. Expires 7/31/20.

Go to americancomfortac.com for more coupons.

FREE

Diagnostic

with $150 in repairs

AMERICAN COMFORT HEATING AND COOLING (678) 503-7224

With this coupon. Can be combined with other coupons.

Not valid with prior services. Expires 7/31/20.

Go to americancomfortac.com for more coupons.

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

PAGE 21

BEST BEST BEST BEST

Up Front and in the Margins Continued from page 20

My Waking Moment Continued from page 17

tion who I would be voting for. As important as the recent marches and protests were for the opportunity to pick up her hard-earned cap and gown from Parkview. She called “Ms. thousands, electing people who understand the way things are, as well as the need for more Tina” and asked her for a ride. “She wanted that meaningful moment of celebrating her than subtle change, is what will make the difference between a series of dramatic events, and graduation,” says Camden. “This is a kid who had graduated with honors, been accepted into a movement. Choose wisely, and VOTE. Georgia State University, and is on the waitlist for Georgia Tech. She deserved her moment.”

Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the full-service And Sara got her moment. Faced with no way to have her senior pictures done, Camden and communications consulting firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com her daughter, Iris, spent an afternoon creating a photo shoot for Sara to share with her family who lives in Pakistan. “My daughter is great with photography,” says Camden. “We went to Stone Mountain since Sara had never been there and took great pictures and made lots of Continued from page 18 lovely memories for that child.”

When it comes to When it comes to finding the perfect roof For as much as the COVID-19 pandemic has been covered in a negative light, one thing 4. You cannot change what you do not challenge. We need to challenge the authorities to for your your home we have a HUGEroof selection home we is for certain. There are many people out there who shine. Whether it is providing services When it comes to finding the perfect adhere to higher standards.

When for it comes to roof finding the perfect in mental health, essential goods, or helping to bridge the gaps in homelessness, there are of brands and colo approach may but we need toadoHUGE something.

Do something. ofperfect, brands and colors to choose from, soPlease. for your This home we have a be HUGE selection for not your home we have selection outstanding people serving on the front lines and filling in the margins.

Rodrigo Cruz is the Lead Pastor of The Nett Church.

More information at www.thenwe can make house look Allmake your More information at www.StandUpForKids.org of brands and colors choose from, soyour ofto brands and colors to choose from,perfect. sowe can ettchurch.com.

COMPANY FOR COMPANY FOR COMPANY FOR COMPANY FORChaplain’s Corner

ROOFING ROOFING ROOFING ROOFING AROUND! AROUND! AROUND! AROUND!

ofbest our roofs come ofmake our roofs of the we can make your house perfect.

All with we canlook your come house lookone perfect.

All in the in warranties inwith the one industry and wewarranties use of our roofs come with one of the best of our roofs come of the best above standard ro above roofing materials. warranties in the industry and we useindustry warranties in standard the and we use above standard roofing materials. above standard roofing materials.

When it comes to finding the perfect roof for your home we have a HUGE selection of brands and colors to choose from, so we can Certified Professionals Certified Professionals make your house look perfect. All Perimeter Cares pays off When it a comes to your home you need a it comes to your home you need Certified Professionals of our roofs come with oneCertified of the When Professionals unpaid lunch debt for best warranties in the industry andcompany that is fully insured and company that is fully insured and certified certified When it comes to your home you need a home you need elementary school students.

When it comes to your a we use above standard roofing We have paid off over 60 before you let anyone put your hard earned before you let anyone hard earned company that is fully insured and company that iscertified fully insuredput andyour certified materials. schools and plan to take care home at we risk. Here at Perimeter Roofing of we all elementary schools in home athard risk.earned Here atyour Perimeter Roofing before you let anyone put your before you let anyone put hard earned Certified Professionals the state of Georgia. have experts have the experts and trained roofing techs that and trained roofing techs that home at risk.

Here atyou Perimeter Roofing we When it comes to your home home at risk.

Here at Perimeter Roofing wethe perimetercares.org need a company that is fully insured have years of experience in the roofing busihave years of experience in thetechs roofing busihave the experts and trained roofing techs that roofing have the experts and trained that and certified before you let anyone ness. ness.

We are fully insured to work on We anyare sizefully insured to work on any size years of experience in the roofing busiof experience in the roofing busiput have your hard earned homehave at risk.years Here at Perimeter we have project project noon matter how big oron small. ness.

We areRoofing fully insured toare work any size ness.

We fully insured to work any sizeno matter how big or small. the experts and trained roofing project noyears matter how bigno or matter small. how big or small. project techs that have of experience in the roofing business. We are fully Roof Repair and ReplacementRoof Repair and Replacement insured to work on any size project Perimeter Roofing is Metro Atlanta’s Roofing Perimeter Roofing is Metro Atlanta’s Roofing Roof Repair and Replacement no matter how big or small.Roof Repair and Replacement

expert.

Weyou have the professionals to help you expert.

We have the professionals to help Perimeter Roofing Perimeter is Metro Atlanta’s Roofing Roofing is Metro Atlanta’s Roofing insurance

Full Roof Replacement withinsurance repairs, replacements or even with replacements ortoeven expert.

We have the professionals help you expert.

Werepairs, haveto the professionals help you Perimeter Roofing is Metro Atlanta’s claims for storm damaged roofs.

Roofing We replacements have the claims for storm damaged roofs. withexpert. repairs, or even insurance with repairs, replacements or even insurance professionals to help you with claims for storm damaged roofs. claims for storm damaged roofs. replacements or even insurance claims for storm damaged roofs.

With crews all over, With crews all over, With crewsWith all we over, crews all over, we are able to service are able to service we are ablewe to ALL service are able to service ALL of Georgia. of Georgia.

ALL of Georgia.

ALL of Georgia.

Georgia Roofing Contractors Association Certified We hold a GA Roofing License from GA Roofing Contractors, as well as multiple certs from manufacturers.

Some of which less than 3% hold!

678-948-ROOF (7663)

PAGE 22

facebook.com/perimeterr facebook.com/perimeterroofingllc perimeterroofing_ga perimeterroofing_ga facebook.com/perimeterroofingllc facebook.com/perimeterroofingllc www.perimeterroofing.com facebook.com/perimeterroofingllc perimeterroofing_ga perimeterroofing_ga perimeterroofing_ga

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

Our Town Gwinnett

EVENTS ON THE SNELLVILLE TOWNE GREEN

Keystone Sponsors: Walton Gas and ER Snell Contractors, Inc.

July 25 • 6-9 p.m.

Aug. 7 • 4-8 p.m.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

The Ray Howard Band

Earth, Wind and Fire Tribute Band

The Patty Wagon • Hole in the Wall Gyro Chef Mediterranean • Uptown Food Truck DJ Lee will provide hours of South of Philly • Grubbin Out Love at Wurst Sight • On the Roll Maine Lobster entertainment!

Frozen Sweets • Kona Ice

Food, Beer and Wine available on site!

We will have procedures in place to follow CDC COVID-19 recommendations. We encourage all attendees to wear a mask. www.SnellvilleEvents.com

WE ARE HERE for YOU! We are taking new measures to ensure the safety of our patients, associates and their families while providing the hands-on care that you need.

At BenchMark, our licensed physical therapists use manual therapy, a hands-on technique that’s proven to get better outcomes.

Our 99% patient satisfaction rate speaks for itself. Choose better outcomes.

Choose BenchMark.

Call your local BenchMark today to set up an evaluation.

BUFORD I-85 2815 Buford Dr, Ste 102 (770) 271-4413

LAWRENCEVILLE 455 Philip Blvd, Ste 160 (678) 985-0238

LILBURN – BEAVER RUIN 4145 Lawrenceville Hwy NW, Ste 8 (678) 691-7163

GRAYSON 2065 Grayson Hwy, Ste B (678) 376-0213

LILBURN 1227 Rockbridge Rd, Ste 402 (770) 925-9210

SNELLVILLE 2050 Scenic Hwy N, Ste A (678) 344-7197 SNELLVILLE CENTERVILLE HWY 124 3641 Centerville Hwy, Ste 400 (470) 365-2135

Our Town Gwinnett

benchmarkpt.com

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

PAGE 23

When does your child’s future start?

Children can learn so much from their own experiences and curiosity. Our Balanced Learning® approach sparks these lightbulb moments, helping children to develop creative and resilient minds.

Infants – Private Kindergarten and After School Enrolling now.

Primrose School of Five Forks 3030 River Drive SW, Lawrenceville, GA 30044 770.985.0028 PrimroseFiveForks.com Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools® and Balanced Learning® are registered trademarks of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. ©2020 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved.