JULY 2020 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville
Up Close with Creekside Dentistry, see story on page 5.
10 11 21 22
One on One with Grayson High Lacrosse Coach Gio Shakespeare in the Park: The Bard Strikes Back Community Spotlight: Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary Making a Difference: LETTUM EAT with Chef Hank
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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.
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On the Cover: The Dental Practice Your Family Needs: Welcome to Creekside Dentistry By Kristen Eleveld Choosing your dentist may seem like a daunting task, especially if you are new to the area and need a place that can serve your whole family’s needs. You want an office with dentists who are experienced and committed to your care, and with staff members who go out of their way to make you feel like family. For those in the Loganville area, you can find all this and more at Creekside Dentistry. Originally opened nearly fifteen years ago by Dr. Victor Koehler, this dental practice has made a name for itself as an asset to the Loganville community. Now owned by Drs. Beau Upshaw and Stewart Helton, the office has continued to serve patients and treat their community like family. Dr. Upshaw and Dr. Helton, both Gwinnett residents and graduates of the Medical College of Georgia, worked at the practice for years before deciding to buy it themselves. The transition went off without so much as a hiccup, thanks to the amazing support staff and the detailed records that keep the practice going each day. Both dentists also credit their success to their clients who have continued to support the practice and trust Creekside for their dental care. With a motto of “Everything we do is about you” driving everything they do, the team at Creekside Dentistry has taken extra steps to ensure that each client has what he or she needs for optimal dental health. The practice boasts only the latest and greatest in medical technology, allowing each patient to be served with speed and efficiency. In fact, they have gained such a reputation for successfully incorporating technology into their practice that Creekside often has patients referred to them from other practices. Their patient-first philosophy extends beyond their medical technology capabilities. The team places a high priority on making sure clients know that they are valued. “We never double-book patients,” Dr. Helton said. “Your appointment time is reserved especially for you. You won’t wait long in the waiting room, and we want to make sure you are never rushed so we can address all of your concerns.” You do not have to look far to see that all the patients at Creekside Dentistry are given the
highest priority. The sterling reviews on their website and social media platforms speak for themselves. Both Dr. Upshaw and Dr. Helton feel strongly that cultivating a relationship with Continued on page 11
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Yappy 4th of July!
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Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
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Distribution Coordinator DeeDee Chapman Feature Writers K. Coats Kristen Eleveld Ron Lambros Amy Ney Emily Rubin Traci Sanders Beth Volpert Johansen Contributing Writers Bill Crane Rodrigo Cruz Ron Lambros Michelle L. Sutter Tanisha Turner Darrell Watson
— An EndResultZ Media & Communications firm EndResultZ.com Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett /Walton area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyright 2020 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.
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IN THIS ISSUE 5 On the Cover: The Dental Practice Your Family Needs: Welcome to Creekside Dentistry 7 From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion 8 Learning Lessons: Simple Summer Activities that Help Children Learn 8 Insurance Matters with Darrell Watson Service When You Need Us! 9 Finding Peace Under Pressure 9 Community Member Spotlight: Meet Jasper Watkins III Locally Owned & Operated 10 One on One with Grayson High Lacrosse Coach Gio Broken Spring Replacement with 11 Shakespeare in the Park: Episode 2 – The Bard Strikes Back Lifetime Warranty on the Springs $20 Off 13 Recalculating Life’s GPS Garage Door Repair or New Installation 13 Promoting Locally with Gwinnett 360 with this Opener Repair or New Installation 14 No Place for Hate Coupon! Cable and Roller Replacement 16 Youth in the City of Sugar Hill Quiet Your Loud and Squeaky Door 17 Getting to Know Jared Eakins Same Day Repair Service 19 Leadership Lessons: Are Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back from Greatness? Certified, Experienced Technicians 19 Chaplain’s Corner: Killing Giants, Anyone? 15+ Years of Experience 20 Making a Difference: Up Front & in the Margins 21 Community Spotlight: Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary We treat our customers exactly how we want to be treated! 22 LETTUM EAT with Chef Hank PAGE 6 Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049 Our Town Gwinnett
From the Publisher: One Man’s Opinion By Ryan T. Sauers
@RyanSauers @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!
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We need you! Vote in the runoffs August 11th.
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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!
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
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Learning Lessons: Simple Summer Activities that Help Children Learn By Tanisha Turner Summer is a time to slow down, spend time outdoors, and have some fun! While this change of pace is an opportunity for families to get more rest and relaxation, it’s important that children still engage in activities that encourage learning. Fortunately, the summer season provides plenty of ways for children to explore nature and discover science, so “finding learning opportunities” does not have to be another addition to your to-do list. The outdoors provides the perfect setting for young children to experience physics, chemistry, and biology in ways that they can relate to and understand. Swinging, sliding, and swimming are great examples of activities that your little one is likely already doing that also introduce her to the fascinating world of science. • Swinging: Swinging back and forth on a swing set allows children to experience the effects of motion and gravity. Children realize that as the swing comes to a stop, they must push off the ground to set the swing back in motion. • Sliding: Slides allow children to experience the effects of gravity and friction. Children realize they can slow down by pressing on the soles of their shoes, or go faster by lifting their feet. • Swimming: Children experiment with the scientific principle of buoyancy while learning to swim, asking questions like, “Why do I float sometimes and other times I sink?” It’s not necessary for you to explain the science behind each activity. The experiences alone build a foundation for learning and help children grasp scientific principles later in life. But, to build on your child’s learning and to encourage his natural curiosity, consider explaining the science in a hands-on way by setting up simple experiments. For example, if your child asks what she needs to do to float, try this interactive game to Continued on page 14
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There are several coverages on your auto policy. Five of the most common are: A – Bodily Injury Liability Limits, which is the amount of money your insurer will pay toward an injured person’s medical expenses when you are at fault. C – Medical coverage, which pays toward your injuries incurred in an auto accident whether you are at fault or not. D – Comprehensive coverage, which pays when your car has been damaged by something hitting it such as a rock hitting the windshield or a deer running into the side of your car. G – Collision coverage, which pays when you hit something and it causes damage to your vehicle, such as backing into a tree or a brick mailbox (OUCH!). This article will discuss a portion of your auto policy, Uninsured motorist coverage or “U” coverage, which is insurance for you. In the state of Georgia, the minimum Bodily Injury Liability Limits are 25/50/25, which is nowhere near enough! Though this is a state requirement, 13% of drivers in the US have no auto insurance. If someone hits you and you are injured, an insurance company is obligated to pay up to the maximum of the at-fault party’s Bodily Liability Limits. Let’s say that you have injuries which incur a medical cost of $50,000 and the at-fault party has $25,000 worth of insurance. The insurance company is only obligated to pay $25,000 toward your medical expenses. If the at-fault party has no auto insurance, there is no insurance company there to pay anything on behalf of the at-fault party. Therefore, every auto owner needs to have Uninsured Motorist Coverage, which ensures that if you are hurt in an accident and the at-fault party either has no insurance or is underinsured, your insurance company will pay up to the limits of your Uninsured Motorist Coverage on your behalf. Though a bit more expensive, an even better coverage is “UE” or Enhanced Uninsured Motorist Coverage. UE coverage builds coverage on top of or in addition to the Bodily Injury Liability Limits of the at-fault party. So if your injuries cost $50,000 and the at-fault party has state minimum limits, 25/50/25, their insurer will pay $25,000 toward your medical bills, and then your insurance company will pay the other $25,000 out of your UE coverage. If you are confused about the right kind of coverage you need, let me encourage you to call your agent, or you can call me and I will assist you in any way I can. More information at Rup3prepared.com
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Finding Peace Under Pressure
Community Member Spotlight: Meet Jasper Watkins III
By Rev. Ron Lambros When I was a kid, I loved the circus. I loved seeing the lion tamers and the trapeze artists, and I am still trying to figure out how they got twelve full-grown clowns into that one ittybitty car. But of all the thrills that made the circus so fascinating to me, watching the jugglers had to be right at the top of the list. How anyone could balance all those objects without dropping one was just mind-boggling. Honestly, juggling has been a challenge to me for years. I am talking about my struggle to maintain balance and peace in my life, juggling all the many responsibilities I have going on, and staying calm, cool, and collected, when the world and everything around me is in chaos. The pressure is real. We are all being pulled in a million different directions. We’re all trying to achieve a stress-free life, avoid burnout, manage our time and our money efficiently, deal with daily frustrations and interruptions, allow enough time for our marriage, family, AND our career, make good decisions, deal with change, and give God the time we need to cultivate a maturing spiritual life. And sooner or later, we hit a wall. We realize we are just surviving, not thriving. So, what is the answer? Is there a magic formula for finding the peace we so desperately want, all while living under the constant weight caused by the tremendous pressures in our life? Well, I believe there is, and it is found in one word: priorities. It is really a quite simple process. To find balance in our life, we must determine what our true priorities are, and then give our main focus, time, and energy to those things we firmly establish as most important, leaving our remaining time and attention to all the rest. It did not take long for me to come up with my three priorities in a specific order. These three define the most important things in my life: 1) My relationship with God; 2) My relationship with my wife, my family, and my marriage; and 3) My ministry and everything else after that. These are sacred to me, and I do my very best to never waiver or compromise their order of importance, or the time I spend on each one. The Number One priority of my life and yours should always be Your Relationship with God. This is not up for debate or question because if you fail here, everything else in your life will tumble like dominos and fail as well. You cannot be a successful spouse, father or mother, sibling, employee – anything – if your relationship with God is not what it is supposed to be. What do I mean by having a relationship with God? Well, it is no different than any other relationship you might have in your life. Look at your relationship with your husband or wife. When you first met and began to date, what were your priorities? Well, spending as much time with each other as possible must be at the top of the list. You wanted to learn everything you could about each other and just wanted to be together. It is not that different in your relationship with God. You want to learn everything you can about Him and want to spend time with Him as well. How do we do this? First, PRAY. I personally believe that the single greatest way you get to know the heart, mind, and perfect will of God for your life is through intentional, dedicated times of prayer. Prayer is simply an open, honest conversation with God where you express your deepest appreciation, praise, needs, and desires, pouring your heart out to Him just as you would Continued on page 12
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By Beth Volpert Johansen For retired military pharmacist Jasper Watkins III, MSA, RPH, NP, LSSBB, having knowledge is a gift, not a power, and one that he willingly shares. The impressive string of letters that follows his signature – each one earned and representative of hard work and dedication to the health and wellbeing of our nation – is made more significant because of his commitment to serve. A self-admitted army brat, Watkins is as comfortable trotting the globe as he is hanging out at home in Grayson. And knowing how to hang out at home is a new skill that has come in very handy during the early months of 2020. “I specialize in pharmacy supplies and helping legislature-funded entities get the supplies they need,” he says. In other words, Watkins speaks “government contract language” and interprets it for the rest of us. Watkins has taken his experiences as a pharmacist in the Medical Services Corps and put it to good use helping federal, state, and local governments move the supplies they need during a disaster. And while a pandemic is a relatively new disaster on American soil, the country has seen its fair share of hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods over the years to warrant already having a detailed plan applicable to pandemic on the books. “It is basic cause-andeffect,” explains Watkins. “If you don’t have a plan, if you are not prepared for ‘what if,’ if you are not ready on a clear day, you will not be ready in a disaster.” Keeping his business strong and healthy comes with some sacrifice. A Disabled American Veteran, Watkins has found his interests and support efforts to be centered here in Gwinnett County as a member of several organizations like Rotary International and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. For many years during Jasper’s military career, his wife, Felicia, stayed local, but was involved in her own work. “My wife started as a writer/producer and now works with as a disaster management professional,” says Watkins with just a hint of pride. “These days, I am at home and she is deployed; but that is okay because we both love Continued on page 15
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One on One with Grayson High Lacrosse Coach Gio By Beth Volpert Johansen
678-469-1599 | scottpressurewash@gmail.com
PAGE 10
In a time of turmoil, certain people rise above the noise, or, in the case of quarantine, the silence. It takes a special person to listen to that silence and discern what is being said. One such person, with a positive grasp on the usefulness of social media and the good old-fashioned phone call is Coach Gio De La Pena of Grayson High School (GHS). During a time when his lacrosse players should have been shining, the fields were empty, the workouts suspended, games canceled, and the joy of celebrating seniors was cut short. But Coach Gio carried on in his own way. And people noticed. Taking to social media, the coach did not know how many people he might reach on any given day or with any given message. He just played out his daily life. Words for his fellow teachers, his students, his players, his coaching colleagues, and his family became a sort of quarantine diary easily observable by the neighbors. It was not hard to watch the father of four divide his time carefully between teaching students and teaching his own children. While his “littles” are still little, the household routine changed on a dime when school came home for dad and the oldest two. Fully crediting his wife Jenna for her beauty and brains, Coach Gio worked side-by-side with her to make the best of the same situation that faced everyone. “We have been fortunate that throughout quarantine we still had a job, an income, and we were able to take that and make the best out of a unique, unforeseen situation,” says Jenna. “We wanted to show our gratitude for those things by staying positive and being an example to our children on how to adapt to difficult situations.” “Quarantine definitely altered our daily routine,” explains Coach Gio. “We chose to use it as a learning experience as a couple to work better together, and as a family we worked towards maintaining a sense of normalcy within the new normal. We had a blast preparing our home garden as our stay at home science experiment for example. We wanted our kids to have a positive outlook from this experience, and we were fortunate enough to have the opportunities to make that happen.” Living in a community of one’s own choosing has made a huge difference in how Coach Gio and Jenna have kept all the plates spinning in their lives during the COVID-19 quarantine. “Jenna and I are big believers in open communication and making sure we are on the same page and schedule,” he says. “That has been our lifeline through quarantine and throughout our marriage. COVID-19, in a way, streamlined this process because we could plan all of our responsibilities on just time, not location.” He adds, “Our home life has been changed in that we had to create the extra-curricular learning opportunities for our kids at home. We worked on big projects as a family like our family garden, sensory bins for our youngest ones, working on gymnastics, workout routines, and walking the neighborhood all together. That has been our focus, enjoying activities as a family”. When asked why he and Jenna chose Grayson, Coach Gio explains the many reasons GHS and the community are important to his family. “We chose to move to Grayson in 2013 for many reasons,” he says. “We wanted to have a home in a community where our kids went to great schools, where we felt at home with our neighbors, and where we could eventually work within our community at Grayson High School. I was fortunate enough to receive that opportunity from Coach DeBerry and Dr. Pugh in 2018. Grayson as a community has been an amazing place to live, and there is something about the community’s willingness to support our young people and extra-curricular programs that makes it an exceptional place to be.” While teaching, coaching, and parenting took a swift curve, Coach Gio’s source of support did not. Posts and discussions nearly always include something like: “I was just talking with Jenna about that” or “The kiddos and I would be lost without your love for us, your awesome sense of humor, and your amazing mix of brains & beauty.” Aside from each statement are the photos – pictures that very clearly show a strong dad, husband, sibling, son, educator, and coach smiling a great big joyful smile. In one such post, Coach Gio wrote: “This quarantine has led to a lot of reflecting and learning, but as a coach what’s struck me the most is how much there is to cherish in each of the young lives that I get to know in this profession. I will always regret not having as much time this season as I wanted with these young men. However, part of that reflecting and learning has helped me see that these guys will take this as a true opportunity to hit the ground running. I cannot wait to see how successful they are bound to become, to witness them change the world. I love each one of them as my own, and I am already prouder of them than they could understand. Class of 2020, thank you for your dedication to Grayson Lacrosse, Grayson High School, to your families, but most of all to each other. Can’t wait to see you all again. Love, Coach Gio” Continued on page 22
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Creekside Dentistry Continued from page 5
Shakespeare in the Park: Episode 2 – The Bard Strikes Back By K. Coats Last July for three magical evenings Grayson Park was invaded by fairies and sprites from the 1980s. A “Cyndi Lauper” Titania and “Michael Jackson” Oberon graced the stage as the first Grayson Shakespeare in the Park debuted William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Director Drew Kenyon and his staff and cast delighted locals in the ampavilion before the final farewell where they were assured it was all a dream. Despite all the odds, Drew and his troupe are back with another fun production – a 1940’s themed Taming of the Shrew! Originally set in Italy, the play tells the story of a violent and non-conforming “shrew,” Katherina, and the persistent suitor Petruchio who attempts to tame her. In converting the play into a more modern setting, Drew felt the 1940s was an appropriate parallel. “During the 1940s,” he explained, “while men were off serving in WWII, the women of the world were left behind to make sure that society still ebbed and flowed. Because of this, many women during this time were getting their first real taste of societal freedom that was outside their realm of ‘normal.’ A milestone was hit for the world in the way that women’s statuses were viewed within a community, both nationally and globally.” And so, Rosie the Riveter will guide us through a Battle of the Sexes right here in Grayson Park. When asked about his choice of play, Drew described his approach. “Nationally, as well as globally,” he said, “we’ve been working on the issue of sexism for decades and still haven’t come full circle with solutions. With that in mind, I decided to use a subtle ‘mirror to society’ tactic, which is one of the reasons Shakespeare wrote this piece to begin with.” But the topic and decade were not the only challenges the Shakespeare in the Park troupe faced this summer. “COVID-19 was, of course, something that we were going to have to deal with,” Drew reflected. “For a portion of the year, just like everyone else, we were waiting to see how it was going to play out. Because we are in conjunction with the city, we were having to wait for the go/no go from them. Once we got approval, it was off to the races!” And he wasted no time in getting word out about the auditions. While many from last year’s cast have returned, there are some new faces as well, and the participants are pushing themselves above and beyond to give this performance their all. Playing the lead role of Katherina is T’Shauna Henry. For her, this experience was about overcoming fears. “I participated in the first one we did last year for A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” she said, “and I used to be highly fearsome of Shakespeare because of how hard and sometimes intimidating the work and language is. However, I made it a goal for myself to become involved in a Shakespearean play, so delving and being a part of that eased the fear.” Shakir Grell headlines as Petruchio, but be on the lookout for a host of other fun characters as Shakespeare throws love triangles, disguises, food, and smashed instruments at us for a thoroughly entertaining show. As with any production, it is a group effort. In addition to Drew leading as director, the production owes a great debt to many: Rob Kenyon – Sound Engineer, Stacy Kenyon – Costumer, Alex Horn – Set Construction, Kristie Horn – Development Director, Courtney Cook – Assistant Director, Tyler Kenyon – Assistant Director and Dramaturg, Abbie Johnson – Stage Manager, Ty’Mariya Moss – Assistant Stage Manager, Gracie Oney-Hansen – Social Media Liaison, and all the cast who braved the Georgia heat, rain, and face masks to bring Shakespeare to the humble hamlet of Grayson. “Last year’s production was definitely a learning curve,” Drew said. “It all happened so quickly, and I am extremely grateful to the Grayson City Mayor, Allison Wilkerson, and the rest of the city staff for making this dream a reality! Without their support, we would not be able to make this happen.” So, a special thanks goes to Mayor Wilkerson and the City of Grayson for ensuring “All the World’s a Stage,” especially here in Grayson. Come on out and see The Taming of the Shrew at the Grayson Park Ampavilion July 24 – 26 at 6:30 p.m. Social distancing will be implemented, so bring a camp chair and a smile! More information on Facebook at Grayson Shakespeare in the Park or on Instagram at @graysonshakesinthepark.
Our Town Gwinnett
their patients is one of the most important things they can do. “I take a lot of pride in caring for my patients,” said Dr. Upshaw. ”Giving my patients the care they need brings me a lot of joy.” This joy extends beyond the dental office for both dentists, along with their entire staff. Creekside Dentistry has become a sponsor for several sports teams at the local schools, along with a few community-centered events like Groovin’ on the Green and the Loganville Wing Fling. They also volunteer for FISH MD in Monroe, where they offer dental services to the local community. At the end of the day, their job is about one thing: the people they care for, from their youngest patients to their oldest. “We have a lot of families who bring their kids to see us,” said Dr. Helton. “It’s really amazing to watch a child who was my patient grow up and start their own career.” Dr. Upshaw also noted that their care for people does not just mean patients – the entire office staff is like a family of its own. “We have very little staff turnover here,” he said. “Most of our hygienists have been with us for years.” If this sounds like the right dental practice for you and your family, give them a call at 770466-0474 to make an appointment. You can also request an appointment online. Creekside Dentistry is the only stop you need for all your dental care. More information at www.creeksidedentistry.net
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Finding Peace Under Pressure Continued from page 9 your closest friend, and then taking time to listen to all He wants to say back to you as well. You will be surprised by what God wants to say to you if you take the time to listen. Then, another way to get to know God better and grow your relationship with Him is to Read His Word…The Bible. The Bible is God’s handbook, the instruction guide, for your life. You will be hard pressed not to find the answer to a single question or problem you may be facing in this book. Read it often and ask God to show you what He wants you to learn when you do. Ask Him to open your eyes, your mind, and your heart to receive all He is trying to say to you and show you. You will be amazed how much you will learn about God by reading His Word. When facing tough or difficult decisions, you might also consider Seeking Godly Counsel from someone mature in the faith or who has faced similar situations in his or her life. Or Get an Accountability Partner to help you stay focused and on-track in your relationship with God. Make sure that person can be objective, truthful, open, and honest with you! Another thing is to Become Active in a Bible-believing Church. You would be amazed
by what the strength and support of a godly body of believers can do for you when you face the pressures of life. You will find you are not alone, and you will also have a ready-made platform of worship and praise each week, along with a growing relationship with God through the messages you hear. What am I saying? I am saying that prioritizing your relationship with God above everything and anyone else is paramount for finding peace and balance in your life. After establishing that priority, you will find that everything other aspect of your life will fall into place. More information at rlambros@ronlambrosministries.org.
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Our Town5/28/20 Gwinnett 5:26 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 African-Americans 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 Continued on page 18
Promoting Locally with Gwinnett 360 By K. Coats Each year, the cry of “buy local” seems to be getting louder and louder. It’s even become a major selling point with many products and companies boasting “locally owned, locally made,” and it seems Gwinnett County has local entrepreneurs in spades. But how on earth does one find them? Wouldn’t it be lovely if there was a central place one could go to find local businesses and services: restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, musicians, crafters, etc? Atee and Dylan Thomas certainly thought so as they were stumped one night two years ago when looking for local restaurant selections. She remembers, “My husband and I were looking for a local place to eat one night. I was looking for a platform for locally owned businesses in Gwinnett, and I couldn’t find one.” With that in mind, the idea of Gwinnett 360 was born. Gwinnett 360 is an online platform, available on Facebook, Instagram, and MAXMIX Media via YouTube. It is a central place for people to look and see featured local businesses around Gwinnett County. Creators Atee and Dylan moved to Gwinnett from Virginia about twelve years ago and are now based in Lawrenceville. They run Gwinnett 360 together along with Max Smith – aka Max Mix (video & editor), Xavier Thomas (interviewer), and Tyler Smith (behind the scenes). Since its first post two years ago, this platform has gone on to feature about 65 businesses with a variety of services such as restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, musician/song writers, dog camps, and gyms. Atee claims that some of the more unique businesses Gwinnett 360 has featured “…would definitely have to be Joe Garage Games and More and Quest Quilts. You can’t find comics or quilts just anywhere anymore!!” For Gwinnett 360, the biggest reward comes from a desire “to give back to the community and all the local business owners are trying so hard to keep their establishments open.” But this commitment is also felt first-hand. “We are not a big company or corporation,” Atee explains. “We are locally owned and family run. We are no Continued on page 19
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Learning Lessons Continued from page 8
No Place for Hate
help teach her why some objects sink and others float: 1. Help your child fill a bucket with water and gather miscellaneous items that will not be harmed if they get wet. 2. Ask your child to predict if items will float or sink and ask for the reasoning behind each prediction. 3. Allow your child to place the items in the water, one at a time. As each item is tested, let her change her prediction -- it shows she is thinking critically and refining her thoughts based on evidence. Listen to her observations each time. 4. After your child has tested each item, ask her how the items that float or sink are similar to one another. Finding ways to play with science this summer doesn’t have to be complicated. Just follow your child and listen to her questions. Science is everywhere! Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com
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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 Anti-Defamation 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 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
*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 Permanente Medicare plan service in which Medicare health plan servicehealth area in which youarea enroll. Kaiser you enroll. Kaiser Plan of Georgia, Inc., Foundation Health Plan Foundation of Georgia,Health Inc., Nine Piedmont Center, Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, Center,Nine 3495Piedmont Piedmont Road3495 NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. GA 30305. 492024364_C 04/20 H1170_020_09_M H1170_020_09_M 492024364_C 04/20 PAGE 14 Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049
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Jasper Watkins III Continued from page 9 to serve.” Continually keeping himself relevant and useful is of utmost importance to Watkins as he takes his commitment to service up to a new level – as a candidate for the Gwinnett County Commissioner for District 3. “I’m running for commissioner of Gwinnett County District 3 because our district deserves bold leadership to discuss and put forth the measures to improve and, in some cases, fix the immediate issues facing our region,” says Watkins. “As a former Executive Army Officer (Lt. Col.), I have incorporated a holistic approach to management, which is paramount to making the change that will serve everyone in District 3.” His approach to management is supportive of his 3T platform: Transportation, Transformation, and Transparency. “We live in a vibrant community with a lot to offer and a lot to give.” With the current pandemic affecting every aspect of the lives of his neighbors, both locally and globally, Watkins has made the application of his experience to the current situation a daily part of his considerations as he works to move supplies from where they are ware-
housed to where they are most needed. “I think about the businesses here in Gwinnett, how they are connected globally, and if they are really prepared for what could happen in any disaster,” says Watkins. “I want businesses to ask themselves if they could manage if there was a disaster and how long could they function without money.” Having his finger on the pulse of Gwinnett through his volunteer efforts and memberships, Watkins is constantly rethinking what it is that he could provide as the Gwinnett County Commissioner for District 3. “My Vision,” he explains, “would be to leverage private/federal/local government funds, to allow community leaders and actual property owners to determine an area’s economic growth and lasting vitality. At the same time, it is ensuring that our cities’ vibrant Towne Center concepts merge multigenerational and multicultural values that set the standard for improved quality of life, balanced growth, and prosperity for all.” As a resident of the county and former soldier, Jasper Watkins III has set a good example in the use of his knowledge for his own children, his cohorts, and the community at large. The message is simple: Serve.
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Youth in the City of Sugar Hill By Beth Volpert Johansen Activity abounds in the beautifully appointed downtown area of the city of Sugar Hill. Every day and long into the evening, residents take advantage of the sports complex and entertainment options. Amid the hustle and bustle of an ordinary night is a glow from the upper floors of city hall where the crescent-shaped city council chamber is populated by the student members of the Sugar Hill Youth Council, working hard to consider all of the items placed before them by their Youth Council Advisor, Mike Sullivan. “I really can’t say enough about these young civil servants,” says Mike Sullivan. “To put it in perspective, we are asking them to read the same things the city council reads and then prepare themselves to discuss some of the very same issues.” To say Sullivan is proud of these students would be an understatement. He beams like a parent, but tempers that pride with the guidance that has prepared the Youth Council members to speak well, research and defend a point, and answer interview questions like the
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young professionals that they are. Their purpose, according to the City of Sugar Hill website, is “to provide an opportunity for the youth of Sugar Hill to acquire a greater knowledge of, and appreciation for, the American political system through active participation in local government.” In addition to actively participating in the governance of the City, the members of the Youth Council have all had the opportunity to take part in the 2020 Georgia Municipal Association’s annual event, Cities United Summit. It was there that the council was able to directly interact with legislators on several issues facing today’s youth. “Having the opportunity to talk with people like Senator Renee Unterman had a material impact on our work to help reduce the use of vaping among teens,” says Sugar Hill Youth Council Mayor Khushi Mehta. “Vaping is too popular and easily hidden compared to traditional smoking. We are working collaboratively to research ideas on how best to convey the message on the dangers of vaping among teens.” Mayor Pro Tem Lexi Ducote agrees that access to state legislators is crucial to supporting their message. “Going into the Summit was intimidating at first,” says Lexi. “After we had the opportunity to meet them and interact, I began to see them more as people just like me instead of a job title.” The training the Youth Council receives includes training in the art of public speaking, which is necessary for improving leadership and communication skills. Each of the young members has a different reason for having sought a position on the Sugar Hill Youth Council. Interest in government, law, politics, and business are among the main reasons the students from North Gwinnett, Lanier, and Gwinnett School of Math, Science, and Technology high schools were first attracted to serving on the council. But each member expressed that the council has impacted their point of view on service, volunteerism, entrepreneurism, education, and the realities of how government really works. “I have learned, through research, that I don’t believe there is such a thing as an unbiased news report,” says Secretary Daniel Park. “I want my generation to be educated and not form opinions from headlines. It is something I talk about with my friends, and I hope the message comes through.” Daniel has found that his honesty about the topic has spurred some interesting and politically relevant conversations among his peers. “If you speak up, you have an influence over your friend group, and everyone begins to talk about their opinions,” he says. “They start to want to know more.” The desire to know more is what drives Milen Patel to seek new experiences that will help develop his long-range plans. “I want to become an attorney,” says Milen. “Right now, as a Youth Council member, I have the opportunity to make an impact on my community. The experiences will help me with my future plans.” Future plans are clearly on the minds of the dynamic and extremely capable students. It is not only an honor to earn a place in the Council Chamber, but it is also a commitment of time and talent that will help prepare them for life beyond high school. Youth Council members are chosen from applications and serve in a highly competitive and selective volunteer capacity. Volunteerism is chief among the opportunities offered by the city. Led by Council Member Bhaumi Shah, the high school Youth Ambassadors of Sugar Hill focus on service to the community through event support. “My role here has allowed me access to places like the Georgia Municipal Summit where we are able to talk with mayors and politicians,” says Bhaumi. “Whenever people see us, they get so excited for us as future influencers.” Bhaumi, like the other council members, credits her family for the love and support required to allow her to serve on the council. “My mom tells me to take all the opportunities I can get because when she grew up, these opportunities did not exist.” Council Member Harshika Mehta is wise beyond her years. Already considering the legacy that the Sugar Hill Youth Council will leave, Harshika wants to share exactly what it means to be a young person in a city like Sugar Hill. “I moved here about five months ago,” says Harshika. “We are privileged to live here where so much work goes on behind the scenes to make Sugar Hill a wonderful place for our citizens. I want people to know that.” Discovering the idea that local government is the perfect place to start an education about law and policies is something Avery Tam values about his service on the council. “This is an environment where we can focus on local government and make a difference,” says Avery. “Small events – where we reach out to other youth – spark a community of people who want to initiate change for the future.” Bailey Coleman, the youngest member of the Youth Council, was skeptical at first as to exactly what her role might bring to the governance of the city. “I used to go to the events with my family and friends where I had fun, but never really considered what was involved,” says Bailey. “Now, I have a strong connection to the city and what it takes to be a part of the city council that makes the decisions affecting Sugar Hill.” Her own changed perspective has created a desire to help citizens understand how hard the Youth Council works to consider
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Getting to Know Jared Eakins By Kristen Eleveld
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This SERVING GWINNETT, HALL, WALTON, BARROW & NORTH FULTON COUNTIES initial service is offered for free, with no future obligations or promises required. Many people feel intimidated or reluctant to come into a financial services office, especially if they do not feel knowledgeable about their options. But Jared’s top priority is educating clients so they can begin to take charge of their own financial futures. “I am passionate about education,” he said. “It’s my job to make sure you stay informed, and to help you learn what you need to know. You will leave our meeting knowing more than you did when you came in.” Along with education, Jared is also passionate about giving back to his community. He WE ARE THE MOST HIGHLY RATED IN NORTH GEORGIA: ARE THE MOST HIGHLY RATED NORTH GEORGIA: WEWE ARE MOST HIGHLY RATED IN NORTH GEORGIA: has served as a board member for Snellville Tourism and Trade for the last year, where he WE WE ARE MOST HIGHLY RATED ININ NORTH GEORGIA: ARETHE THE MOST HIGHLY RATED IN NORTH GEORGIA: WE THE ARE THE MOST HIGHLY RATED IN NORTH has been working with other local business owners to create a community that both residents CARPET CLEANING FABRICGEORGIA: PROTECTION and visitors will be proud of. 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Whether you are trying to save money for your child’s FACEBOOK.COM/TRUMANSTEEMERSCARPETCLEANING FACEBOOK.COM/TRUMANSTEEMERSCARPETCLEANING education, or just need someone to point you in the right direction for your investments, the FACEBOOK.COM/TRUMANSTEEMERSCARPETCLEANING FACEBOOK.COM/TRUMANSTEEMERSCARPETCLEANING FACEBOOK.COM/TRUMANSTEEMERSCARPETCLEANING first and last stop you need to make is to see Jared in downtown Snellville. More information at www.edwardjones.com.
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My Waking Moment Continued from page 13
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 that the vehicle aggressively tailing her had some intention to do her harm. So, she purposely slings and arrows as Cupid was, nor being isolated on the commission, nor spoken ill of chose to turn into the wrong subdivision and see if she could lose the tail. She called 911, publicly. And yet, she persisted. shared her situation, her fear, and the fact that she was a Cobb County Commissioner, as she Cupid is now a candidate for Cobb Commission Chair, has no primary opposition, and will tried to rapidly turn around in a cul-de-sac, leaving behind the car following her, as she raced face either current Chair Mike Boyce or one of his GOP primary opponents in November. back out of the subdivision. Finally, the car stopped following her and broke away. She recently led the Cobb Commission in the unanimous adoption of a resolution conCupid would soon learn that her pursuer was an undercover Cobb County Police Officer demning racism in all its forms. Though there is still a long way to go, she has also made driving an unmarked car. Later, Cupid was told the officer was working the hotel and surinroads with reforming policing in Cobb. rounding area looking into a series of automobile break-ins. Fortunately, Cupid was not Though I no longer make public endorsements, if I lived in Cobb County, there is no quesbeaten, nor killed by the errant officer. She was simply terrorized for the crime of leaving a tion who I would be voting for. As itimportant recent marches andWhen protests for to itwere comes When comesastothefinding the perfect roof hotel lobby late at night, while being a black woman. thousands, electing people who understand the way things are, as well as the need for more for your home we your home we between have aa series HUGE selection I assisted the Commissioner during these trying days and weeks, as well as throughWhen the itthan comes to finding the perfect roof When it comes todifference finding the perfect subtle change, is whatfor will make the ofroof dramatic events, and passage of her bar examination. I strangely got calls, some from peers and others who lived of brands ofand brands and colors to choose from, so and colo Choose VOTE. for youra movement. home we have a HUGE selection forwisely, your home we have a HUGE selection in Cobb County, each from a white male, each chastising me. Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the full-service we can make house look perfect. Allmake your “You live in DeKalb County, why are you even involved in this?” “You might be doing of brands and colors choose from, soyour ofto brands and colors to choose from, sowe can communications consulting firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
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Leadership Lessons: Are Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back from Greatness?
Chaplain’s Corner: Killing Giants, Anyone?
By Traci Sanders
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. 4. You cannot change what you do not challenge. We need to challenge the authorities to adhere to higher standards. This approach may not be perfect, but we need to do something. Do something. Please. Rodrigo Cruz is the Lead Pastor of The Nett Church. More information at www.thenettchurch.com.
Dreaming Up the Ideal Retirement Is Your Job. Helping You Get There Is Ours.
Gwinnett 360 Continued from page 13
Our Town Gwinnett
To learn more about why Edward Jones makes sense for you, call or visit my office today. Jared R Eakins
Jared REakins Eakins Advisor Financial Jared R IRT-1848E-A IRT-1848E-A
different than all the other Gwinnett County business owners. We started with a vision and passion.” So they are as much invested locally as the businesses they promote. For the long-term plan, Atee would love to see Gwinnett 360 become the go-to spot for all locally owned businesses in Gwinnett County. “Gwinnett is a great place to live with awesome people who live here,” she says. “These local businesses are our friends, family, and neighbors.” We can all agree that when our local businesses do well, then the community thrives. It’s a good thing that Gwinnett County possesses so many wonderful and talented local services because Gwinnett 360 will never run out of businesses to feature. We wish Atee, Dylan, and all of the crew at Gwinnett 360 the best as they give back to their community and help promote the local businesses and services in our own backyard. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for our community! More information at “Gwinnett 360” on Facebook and Instagram or MAXMIX Media on YouTube.
IRT-1848E-A
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!
By Rev. Dr. Rodrigo Cruz
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Making a Difference: Up Front & in the Margins 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 a 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 Gwinnett 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
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 adjustContinued on page 21
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Community Spotlight: Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary By Kristen Eleveld If you’re from the Gwinnett area, odds are high you have heard of the Yellow River Gaming Ranch in Lilburn. The Game Ranch closed a few years ago, much to the disappointment of many of its regular visitors. But thanks to Katy and Jonathan Ordway, the Yellow River facility is back – and it’s even better than before. Renamed the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, Katy and Jonathan have made it their goal to provide care for animals in need. “When we first talked about doing this, I wanted to make sure there was a real need for a wildlife sanctuary,” said Katy. “We learned that there was a huge need for a place that could not only give a home to non-releasable animals, but also for some education about the animals we help.” The organization does not work for profit. Rather, the Ordways have a dream of making the sanctuary self-sustaining so that profits from ticket sales and their gift shop can go directly to purchasing anything the animals need – food, medicine, veterinary care, and everything in between. One of the biggest draws that brings the crowds to the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary is their bear exhibit. Everyone is excited to see the new bear habitat, which Katy describes as “Disney-esque,” thanks to the efforts of Johan Marais, a local sculptor who specializes in creating cave environments for animals. The bears also receive state-of-the-art treatment for medical issues, and have become celebrities in their own right as visitors flock to see them and their amazing new habitat. While the Ordways had a lot of experience owning and running a business, Katy was not sure if running the wildlife sanctuary was the right fit at first. They wanted only the best for the animals – so they started bringing in the experts. Their first stop was to see Clint Murphy at Bear Hollow in Athens, which is another facility that takes in non-releasable animals that need a place to call home. Murphy now works with the Ordways to advise them on the best care for their animals. Katy and Jonathan also looked for zookeepers who had both the experience and knowledge to aid them in their mission to give these animals the right diet and environment. Two of their keepers came from the San Francisco Zoo, while another had experience at the Memphis Zoo. Perhaps the most important members of their staff are Katy and Jonathan’s five children, who help out around the sanctuary with different tasks. “It’s been neat as a family. We really are making a difference,” said Katy. “Whether it’s a sick animal that comes home for the kids to take care of, or dividing greens for the animals
Up Front & in the Margins Continued from page 20 ing 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 the opportunity to pick up her hard-earned cap and gown from Parkview. She called “Ms. Tina” and asked her for a ride. “She wanted that meaningful moment of celebrating her graduation,” says Camden. “This is a kid who had graduated with honors, been accepted into Georgia State University, and is on the waitlist for Georgia Tech. She deserved her moment.” And Sara got her moment. Faced with no way to have her senior pictures done, Camden and 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 lovely memories for that child.” For as much as the COVID-19 pandemic has been covered in a negative light, one thing is for certain. There are many people out there who shine. Whether it is providing services in mental health, essential goods, or helping to bridge the gaps in homelessness, there are outstanding people serving on the front lines and filling in the margins. More information at www.StandUpForKids.org
Our Town Gwinnett
to eat, or selling tickets, the kids are able to help out a lot.” Other people in the community have also stepped up to offer their time as volunteers, serving in whatever capacity they are needed. They may be weighing food, working in the gift shop, or even greeting and guiding visitors. But the volunteers have never been in short supply. “The community has been awesome,” Katy said. “We have volunteers that are here every day we are open. To know other people care about the animals gives you hope for the next generation.” If you are interested in visiting or volunteering for the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, you just need to head to their website where you will find all the details waiting for you. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, the sanctuary is observing social distancing guidelines, and is currently only open Thursday through Sunday, as well as limiting the number of visitors allowed in at one time. “We want to make this place self-sustained so the bears and other animals are never in danger again,” Katy said. “If an animal moves here, it has a home for life.” More information at yellowriverwildlifesanctuary.com
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LETTUM EAT with Chef Hank By Traci Sanders Homelessness and hunger have been an ongoing issue for many years; however, the recent pandemic has increased the instances of food insecurity tremendously due to people losing their jobs and children being home from school full time. Of course, there are food banks and church ministries in place that offer temporary or occasional assistance, but one organization is stepping up to the plate to address hunger in a whole new way. Chef Hank has lived in the Snellville area for over two decades. After years of working in and outside the community, he was blessed with what he called the opportunity of a lifetime and has for two years served as the Executive Chef/ Food and Beverage Director at First Baptist Church of Snellville. Hank recognized the opportunity he had to serve the community by utilizing the abundant food service provisions the church had, combined with the fact that his heart kept telling him that God had a much bigger plan for him: to create a mobile food service called LETTUM EAT that provides free meals to food insecure individuals and families in local communities. Officially founded in November 2019, LETTUM EAT truly took off during the COVID19 pandemic. After more than a year of serving restaurant-quality meals to families at an affordable cost through the church’s Wednesday night Meal Ministry, along with the sudden stoppage of societal functions due to coronavirus, Hank shared, “I heard God clearly say ‘NOW is the time!’ I had always intended to serve the homeless, both the visible and invisible population of extended-stay motel families, which is growing every day due to the unprecedented soar in the unemployment rate.” The program was developed with the support of Hank’s long-time friend and business partner, Chef Jose Aguilar, who currently wears the various hats of Production Chef, Treasurer, and Hank’s personal confidante. Hank stated he “couldn’t do this without Jose. It’s awesome having people in life that won’t let you fail. Jose often saves me from myself.” Thanks to partnerships with local churches like Annistown Road Church and Zoar United Methodist Church, in addition to the free access to the kitchen at Hank’s home church, the two friends have multiple locations to prepare the meals in professional kitchens, maintaining health and safety regulations. The organization has developed the infrastructure to expand and mass produce meals to serve in surrounding areas. Hank aspires his program to be like other successful community organizations such as the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry, which happened to derive from the First Baptist Church of Snellville and is led by Laura Drake, a huge supporter of Hank’s work.
Coach Gio Continued from page 10 He adds, “Teaching during quarantine was a unique experience and a time for me as a professional to learn. I am truly fortunate that the US History team of teachers I work with are rock stars at their job and we put together a simple yet effective routine for our students on a weekly basis. On a personal level, this experience helped me deeply appreciate the amazing experience we get as teachers to build relationships with students. Our weekly Zoom calls for class very often turned into catch up sessions on each of our new normals, and it made me miss my students even more. Digital learning was definitely a challenge, but one that I am grateful for.” Coach Gio not only says what he feels, but he also lifts players up for the world to see and for students to understand their worth in his eyes. As a former player of a variety of sports, Gio De La Pena is keenly aware of the hard work it takes for players to secure a varsity spot on any sports team. Knowing that only a few are eligible for sports scholarship money, Coach Gio pushes his players to make the grade. “Coaching during quarantine was probably the one area that affected me negatively for a bit,” he explains. “I completely put myself in the shoes of my players, especially the seniors, and felt their pain of not being able to finish out their season. I know that in the grand scheme of things it is just lacrosse, but it has been my players’ outlet for a long time. There was not much that I could do for them except reach out with words of encouragement and love through it all.” Like many educators, Coach Gio is as optimistic as possible. Looking toward the future is the positive choice and Coach Gio is a positive role model. “Moving forward, I want my students and players to have as many opportunities as possible to be successful,” he says. “One of the positives from COVID-19 has been the opting-out of standardized tests and colleges and universities bypassing SAT/ACT scores for admissions. I want them to take full advantage of this and focus on getting the grades they should be getting to make sure they get into the college, trade school, or profession of their choice.” Learning the lessons presented to everyone during the past several months is something not lost on Coach Gio and his family. Cherishing loved ones and focusing on the person he wants to be are high on the list of those lessons. “As for my own kids,” he states, “I want
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LETTUM EAT focuses on hot, dinner-style meals that include a vegetable, starch, and protein. Chicken, steak, and pasta with meat sauce are just a few offered entrees. “Imagine a restaurant that gives away great food instead of selling it to you,” Hank explained, “and then they brought it to you. Or the ice cream truck pulling into a neighborhood or extended-stay motel parking lot, only it is a food truck delivering free, delicious meals.” The program will soon be implementing a new line of microwaveable hot meals for drive-through pick up service that will allow an increase in production. Some meals are sponsored by the host organizations, and through donations and grants. “We’ve been blessed with so many supporters donating money and resources,” Hank stated. “We’ve had great support at the county level from Solicitor General Brian Whiteside and County Commissioner Marlene Fosque.” LETTUM EAT was also awarded a $10,000 grant through the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services – which got them through four weeks of LETTUM EAT Gwinnett where they served close to ten thousand meals throughout the county – and a $7,500 donation from Scott Pryor Law to help purchase the organization’s first food delivery truck. Both cooperatives in Lawrenceville and Grayson offered tremendous support as well. “None of this would be possible without the love and support of Pastor Brian Boyles and my family at First Baptist Church of Snellville,” Hank added. LETTUM EAT does its best to offer consistent, unlimited service. If they run out of food during one run, they make sure to bring extra the next time, attempting to serve as many families per car as possible. The program has a minimum of 200 meals at every distribution, adding, “It costs less than ten dollars to feed a family of five.” There is no cost to participants; however, donations are accepted. There is also no formal application process in place. Hank shared that they rely on their partners and host locations to access the need in the area, which is reevaluated over a four-week period. “There are so many gracious individuals and organizations that offer food relief on occasions and holidays” Hank stated. “But people are hungry every day. We are structured to exist as a fully functioning service operating seven days a week.” The organization cannot accomplish this alone. They are always welcoming private donations, use of more church kitchen facilities, and volunteers willing to deliver the food to local areas. A big part of LETTUM EAT’S mission is to ensure that local citizens receive quality meals for free, served with compassion and empathy. As Chef Hank put it, “Think about this… what if you were hungry?” More information at https://lettumeat.com/ them to take the many lessons we had during quarantine and apply them in their everyday routines once we get back to normal life. Jenna and I have had an amazing opportunity to discuss the many social issues with our kids, and to try and exemplify being open-minded, good listeners, and even better friends.” Like most educators, Coach Gio will have to grapple with the changes brought about by pandemic. The answers as to “how” schooling will commence are still not obvious, but the need to educate and coach students will remain. “COVID-19 has definitely taught me to not take any relationship or time spent with someone for granted,” he says. “As a teacher, my goal every day is for kids to leave my classroom with some form of positive reinforcement. I think that this experience taught me to be even more sensitive to that. As a coach, I want to create a stronger sense of community and love within my program where my athletes feel it is okay to make a mistake, okay to ask questions, all to get better at their craft. And as a parent and husband, I want to be as present as ever to help in any way I can.” If you know of a person who has a great and positive outlook despite COVID-19, let us know at info@OurTownGwinnett.com
Youth in the City of Sugar Hill Continued from page 16 all sides of the issues. “Now that I am involved in the government, I can see the other sides.” Maturity and perspective are strong with these teens. Their speaking abilities rival that of many adults. While they are still young, they command the respect of the Sugar Hill City Council and that of their mentor, Mike Sullivan. He addresses Khushi as “Mayor” when speaking to her, and offers the same respect to each member as they occupy the very same seats used by Sugar Hill Mayor and Council. “This Youth Council is considering some of the same issues as our City Council,” says Sullivan. “They work hard to make sure they understand the issues before presenting their suggestions. And that is why I am here – because they take the time and are committed.” The Sugar Hill Youth Council meets weekly on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. All meetings are held in the Council Chambers at Sugar Hill City Hall.
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