JULY 2021: (GREEN) Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Monthly Magazine by Our Town Gwinnett Magazine

JULY 2021 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville Hamilton Mill

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To Infinity & Beyond: John Brackett Brings Space into Education Community Spotlight: Farmacy – Grayson’s New Front Porch Gimme Shelter: Gimme Good Music, Food, Fun, and Fellowship Where Are They Now? Dan Cook, BHS, Class of 1997

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On the Cover: Adding a Personal Touch with The Vinyl Peach By Kristen Eleveld A few years ago, Katie Bollinger welcomed her son into the world. And then she did what so many moms do – she looked for some adorable outfits to dress him in for holidays and special occasions. But while she was sometimes able to find what she needed, she found that the effort involved and the money spent trying to get personalized clothes was more than Katie wanted to spend. And since she was no stranger to creativity, she decided to take the plunge and start personalizing items herself. Once Katie found the Cricut machine she needed and set up a Facebook page dedicated to her products, she was ready to offer her services to anyone who needed them. While the Facebook page did steady business, it was a blogger in 2019 who really helped get Katie’s shop the exposure it needed to show everyone why her products were so great. Now, three years after her business began, Katie stays busy, both professionally and at home as she continues to raise her son. She has even expanded to an Etsy page, which has become the most popular way for customers to order from her. “I love being able to work from home,” said Katie, whose mother has been helping her at home so Katie can have a few hours to focus on her work each day. “Being able to stay home with my son and make my own schedule is amazing.” Katie’s creativity speaks for itself. She has maintained a steady stream of business, offering everything from customized drink koozies to themed t-shirts to personalized coffee cups. And while she is a one-woman operation, that doesn’t mean she works on a small scale. The Vinyl Peach is able to work with large events like weddings to provide a personal feel to every wedding favor or wedding party gift. And since Katie is working on each of these products herself, customers experience top-notch service as they work with Katie to make their order perfect for their needs. “It’s so nice to be able to make things for my own family and for other people,” said Katie. “Working from home can be challenging, but it gives me the flexibility I need.” When it comes to flexibility, Katie might have the corner on that market. There is very little she can’t do to add personalization or customization to the products she offers. And if you’re not sure whether she can help you get what you need, the answer is as easy as asking Katie herself. “I try to have everything a client needs ready in the Etsy order form,” Katie said. “But if

someone has a question, I encourage them to reach out! You never know if I can help you until you ask.” If it sounds like The Vinyl Peach is everything you’ve been waiting for, go view some of the products for yourself. You can find them on the Facebook page or over on Etsy – you will be able to get in touch with Katie at either place. Happy shopping! More info at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheVinylPeach

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On the Cover: Adding a Personal Touch with The Vinyl Peach From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks Learning Lessons: Selecting the Best Child Care Option for Your Family To Infinity & Beyond: John Brackett Brings Space into Education Community Spotlight: Farmacy – Grayson’s New Front Porch Gimme Shelter: Gimme Good Music, Food, Fun, and Fellowship If God is So Good, Why Do Bad Things Happen? Where Are They Now? Dan Cook: Brookwood High Class of 1997 Fleur De Lish – Baking from Cajun Country – OoooWhee! Working Hard Today: Creating Leaders for Tomorrow Travel Tales: Europe is Open. Let’s Go! One Man’s Opinion: The Evolving Story of Arlington House Catching Up with Simply Green Lawn Care Pet Perch: Does Your Dog Bark Too Much? Health Matters: Meet Cricket White Shawn Mullins – Backstage at the Red Clay Theater Getting to Know: Beth Volpert Johansen Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049 Jul ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

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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.

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From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks

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By Ryan T. Sauers

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Veteran Electric

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I hope everyone is off to a great summer. Man, I love the daylight hours being longer, warm weather, and time with my family as school is out. Moreover, I enjoy seeing everyone back together again (in person) and behaving the way human beings are supposed to. If I never hear the word “Covid” again, I will be a happy man. With that said, the more I catch up with people, the more common themes I observe. So many people are worn down/beaten up by our fast-moving world. They got used to a slower pace of life, working from home, etc. over the past sixteen months or so. Things never really slowed down a lot for me, but I know they did for so many. I am seeing people struggling to transition back to “pre- Covid” living. In some ways, we are “addicted to the technology” we have, and some face a difficult time (I know I do) putting it all away. This is a real issue. We are inundated with more information than we can ever consume. I force myself each night to finally shut it down and give my brain a rest. So, I think we need to take what we learned in the pandemic and apply it to post-pandemic living. Remember the quiet of a year ago and what we thought about or did during those times. Recalling this will make us better people and leaders in 2021 and beyond. You see, for many, assuming they have enough money to live their life, they simply want more time. They want more time to do what they really want to do in life. They want to spend more time with their family and friends and want the “never-ending” clock to slow down. I write this column each month, and it amazes me (every single time for so many years) how fast time goes. Our Town Gwinnett Magazine aims to provide you a well-deserved break from our constantly connected and impersonal world. We provide positive family and community news (and a 20-minute break from your screen and all the noise) about super people, events, groups, and organizations. On a personal note, I work hard to balance my time and the many things I do each week. However, I have room to improve as well. We are all human and have limits. My goal is to focus on putting first things first and last things last and hope you will do the same. In our media offerings you see the same positive themes, whether it is in our print version, online edition, digital channels, social media outlets, community forums, podcasts, award competition, and more. Please enjoy your precious time. Always remember none of us can get time back, buy it, save it, make it go faster, or slow it down. Time is a PRESENT and the PRESENT. And, the present is all any of us are guaranteed. So, I encourage you to Keep Pushing Forward (KPF) no matter what you face in life. Please inspire others with a kind word instead of a negative slight. Oh yeah, and SMILE again because you can with no mask! Always look for the best in others and seek to make their day special. All of this helps make our community the best it can be. I wish you a wonderful holiday and safe July. Until next time and as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!

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Jul ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

Learning Lessons: Selecting the Best Child Care Option for Your Family By Tanisha Turner

Selecting childcare is an agonizing decision for most parents. We know from research that the experiences children have in their first five years of life are critical to their intellectual, creative, physical, and social-emotional development. If that’s not enough pressure, the search for childcare often starts months before your baby is even born. Getting childcare recommendations from friends, family, coworkers, and your pediatrician is the natural place to begin your search. Their experiences will give you a good starting point. However, keep in mind that what they want for their child may not be the same as what you want for yours. Once you have a list of options, go through the following steps to help narrow it down: • Visit each provider’s website to learn more about what they offer. • Once you have developed a short list of top choices, call for more information. • If you like what you hear over the phone, schedule a tour. There is no factor more important to your decision than your impression when you visit a preschool or provider. Many parents can tell if a school is right for their family based on how they and their child are greeted, how the children attending are interacting, and how their questions are answered by the teacher or school director. Even if you have a strong gut feeling, there are a few key questions you will want to ask either over the phone or as you tour the provider. The whole experience of searching for childcare can be overwhelming, so it is a good idea to write down your questions ahead of time or keep a running list in your phone to ensure you do not forget to ask something that is important to you. Following are five topics that are important to ask about when evaluating your childcare options: • Early Learning Approach: You may be seeking an unstructured, play-based environment for your child; a more structured approach with guidance from teachers; or a balance of both. Know what you are looking for and ask the school or provider how the approach translates into the daily activities and classroom experiences. Continued on page 22

Community Spotlight: Farmacy – Grayson’s New Front Porch By Beth Volpert Johansen

The wordplay involved in naming Grayson resident Blake Hawkin’s newest venture, Farmacy, brings together two major components: farm fresh and community gathering. No stranger to starting a successful Grayson business, Blake is ready to bring something new and innovative to town. After several years with Hail Mary Pub, a Grayson favorite, Blake was ready for something different. “Farmacy allows me to stay in the food industry without having to do the cooking,” says Blake. “I still love to cook, but this way, I get to be the official recipe taster of all the wonderful locally sourced products – something I enjoy way too much!” Mayor Allison Wilkerson is thrilled with the idea of having another quality, communityoriented business in town. “Blake has a talent for bringing people together,” says Wilkerson. “His ability to provide a nice place to gather has been evident in all of his ventures in Grayson.” Continued on page 11

To Infinity & Beyond: John Brackett Brings Space into Education By Kristen Eleveld

When John Brackett was a little boy, he was fascinated with all things related to outer space. Since the NASA shuttle program began when he was ten years old, he grew up experiencing the excitement of manned missions and seeing the wonders that our solar system held. Now, as a parent himself, his love for exploring worlds beyond our own is still going strong, and he is spreading that joy to the community around him through NASA’s Solar System Ambassador (SSA) program. This program, which is designed to give more people an opportunity to learn about the International Space Station and other exciting endeavors related to space flight and the information learned from our explorations over the last several decades, focuses on making NASA more accessible to communities around the world. Brackett was uniquely qualified for this SSA program, which is made up of volunteers with backgrounds in science, education, and engineering. He has spent much of his professional life analyzing imagery and data for various missions into space, like probes and weather satellites. Most recently, he analyzed imagery sent back by Juno, the space probe currently orbiting the planet Jupiter, for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. These skills made Brackett a perfect candidate for becoming a Solar System Ambassador. It’s not easy to make it into the SSA program. One has to endure a lengthy application process and go through interviews and tests to ensure that he or she has the knowledge and skills required to educate the community about the programs under NASA’s direction. For Brackett, the appeal was in the opportunity to begin the education process young, as his own daughter became interested in Brackett’s job and skills. Continued on page 16

Jul ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

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Gimme Shelter: Gimme Good Music, Food, Fun, and Fellowship By Beth Volpert Johansen

The role of the Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-Op, located in Grayson, has grown from the simple pantries of The Community of Grace Church to the Co-op’s current home in the industrial park located directly behind Fire Station #8. Designed and managed by the professional staff led by Director Laura Drake, the Co-op is able to intake food and other items, and to process and distribute with a learned efficiency. “The Co-op is blessed with qualified and compassionate staff members who serve the community with excellence,” says Laura. “This past year has tested the endurance and commitment of our Co-op staff who have persevered and served with creativity and responsiveness. I am so thankful for this group of ladies.” The building that houses the Co-op has a warehouse, office space, reception, and other areas expected for such an operation, but the love and outreach extend far beyond the building itself. “We operate with an army of volunteers who give of themselves for the benefit of their neighbors,” explains Laura. “Our volunteers make up the heartbeat of the Co-op. If you visit the ministry, you would be hard pressed to know who is a staff member and who is a volunteer.” Food drives, often spearheaded by students at the local schools, sports teams, churches, and even the local cities themselves, cannot fill the needs seen by the Co-op alone. Each year in June, The City of Grayson, with the help of many local sponsoring businesses, hosts an outdoor concert at the Ampavilion in the park. “It would be an understatement to say that we cannot do this without our generous sponsors,” says Mayor Allison Wilkerson. “They, along with this incredible community, make this happen each year.” This year’s concert featured the Southern Rock sounds of Drivin’ N’ Cryin’, which drew a sold-out crowd. “Pretty much anyone who has ever met me knows I am rarely at a loss for words,” says Allison. “But this year, after this pandemic, the quarantine, the losses so many had endured – and the insecurity of income and food experienced by so many – just walking out onto the stage and seeing the smiling faces, hearing the laughter and joy of being with our com-

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munity again rendered me speechless and a bit teary.” Throughout the concert, Laura Drake smiled and talked to as many people as possible as she moved through the crowd. She was even spotted dancing in front of the stage with friends – her signature and ever-present smile lighting up the night. “The 2021 Gimme Shelter Benefit Concert felt like redemption in so many ways,” proclaims Laura. “With life starting to settle down, there was electricity in the air. A feeling of relief and victory. After so much struggle and hardship felt during the darkest days of the pandemic, it was nice to experience an evening together as a community.” Additionally, the band added to both the celebratory atmosphere and the fundraising by donating a portion of ticket sales to the Co-op. “Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ was fabulous and really energized the crowd!” says Laura. Planning a large-scale event cannot be done alone, and the City of Grayson has been lucky enough to secure the talents of Amanda Leftwich to serve in the events category. As Community Development Director, Amanda has learned exactly what it takes to plan and execute all that is necessary to host events big and small for the City and surrounding community. “In Grayson we believe our community surpasses its city limits,” says Amanda. “We are committed to welcoming everyone. This commitment makes Grayson ‘home’ to so many – whether they live or work here. We want people to want to come to our city to live and enjoy life.” Keeping all the ducks in a row before any City of Grayson Event depends significantly on the people who support those in the spotlight. Gratitude for the entire staff at the City and the entire staff and near army of volunteers at the Co-op is something both Mayor Wilkerson and Director Laura Drake keep in mind each time an event draws to a close. “We could not do any of this without a dedicated staff who keeps the whole community in mind,” says Mayor Wilkerson. “And, I know for a fact Laura Drake is one of the strongest gratitude attitude warriors this world has ever met.” Gratitude was one of the themes of the evening. Being grateful for friends showed in the reservation plaques on the tables. Most tables of 8 started with the words: “Friends of…”. The whole evening played out much like a long-anticipated reunion with hugs, smiles, laughter, photo ops, dining, and dancing all under the stars. However, most important was the money raised by the event. Ticket sales, food and beverage Continued on page 22

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If God is So Good, Why Do Bad Things Happen? By Rev. Ron Lambros

I have been asked hundreds, maybe thousands of questions over four decades of ministry. It doesn’t matter the age, race, religion, or economic status of the questioner. The same questions are asked time and time again. But the one question that always rates in the top three is, “If God is so good, why do bad things happen?” I’ve been asked that question by the parents of a child who was taken far too soon; by the spouse whose mate abandoned him or her and the children, breaking their vows and their heart; by the victim of a crime or natural disaster who could not even speak, but whose eyes said it all; and by the faithful mate who lovingly watched as his or her loved one slipped away, either in death or with dementia. The world is full of hurting people who desperately want to believe in a good God, but find it hard when they see nothing but bad, evil, and sorrow. But while I don’t have the answer, the Bible does. First of all, bad things happen because: We make our own decisions. Every one of us is a free moral agent. God made us that way and we are free to choose and to make decisions in every area of our life. However, in our choices, we often leave God out of the picture. We are then faced with the consequences of each of those choices, both good and bad. I have personally found that if you put God first, every other decision you make will be correct and good for your life. When you put something or someone else before God, bad things will happen. And when they do, DON’T BLAME GOD! The only thing He allowed was for you to make the choice; now you must live with the results of that choice. Secondly, we need to understand that: Man, not God, chose evil over good. God can’t choose evil; it isn’t in His nature to be anything but good. But Man can, and Man often does. The good and bad things that happen in our life are dependent on who wins the battle. Will it be good or evil? It’s the age-old law of sowing and reaping. You reap what you sow. It might not be immediate, but you will ultimately pay the consequences when you choose evil over good. So, when you wonder why a good God can allow so much bad, remember, Man, not God, made the choice of evil over good. Thirdly, we need to realize that: If God did away with everything bad, we’d be included. We would be eliminated right along with everything else because, by our very nature, we’re sinful and bad. The Bible tells us

that there’s “none righteous, no not one!” So instead of asking God to simply get rid of all the evil and bad in the world – the hate, the violence, the crime, the hurt, the viciousness, the abuse – why not pray instead that your life will be used by God for good? One day, God will destroy all the evil and bad in the world. And then He’ll set up a good and perfect Kingdom, where there’ll be no more tears – no more pain, no more heartache, nothing but God’s goodness and perfection. But until that day comes, we are forced to live our life in a world that is full of evil and bad. When you realize that, you’ll better understand why so much bad happens, even to godly people. Fourth, be aware that: Satan, not God, is the source of all that’s bad and evil in the world. God is Holy and Righteous and, therefore, can’t cause evil. God can allow it, but He’s not the source of it. All evil is caused by sin, and Satan is the source of all sin. Sin was never a part of God’s plan. God created a perfect world for His perfect people. But because of sin, God is now forced to be a God of Judgment where He will one day judge Satan and all his sin. Finally, we need to be encouraged and know that: God can turn the bad into good. Romans 8:28 tells us, “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” So, when bad things happen, if you’re a Christian, you can know that God can work it out to actually benefit your life, no matter how bad it might seem at the time. But it’s critically important to always remember that while He allows it, He doesn’t cause it. I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this: God loved each of us so much that He gave His only Son Jesus to die for you, and whoever believes in Jesus Christ and what He did on the cross, they won’t die but, instead, have everlasting life. Eternal good came from the horrific bad Jesus suffered on the cross, and will come into your life as well as you trust God to make the difference! Listen to Living Lite Today with Ron Lambros at https://pod.co/living-lite-today-with-ronlambros.

Farmacy – Grayson’s New Front Porch Continued from page 9 The concept for Farmacy formed itself in Blake’s brain over the course of a few years. “I have had this super-strategic plan in my back pocket for about five years,” says Blake. Blake’s carefully considered plans include joining the Georgia Grown Program as well as continuously seeking the best in local produce, meats, and a variety of other goods. “It is very important to support our Georgia Farmers, especially in light of the pandemic,” says Blake. “Farmers all over have been hit badly.” One good thing that has emerged from quarantine has been the rediscovery of the home kitchen. While many people had already made a habit of cooking from home, quarantine has pushed many more to learn or relearn to cook. “People are looking for the freshest, healthiest ingredients they can find for cooking at home,” says Blake. “We will be able to provide the ingredients as well as tips and demonstrations from our growers.” Farmacy will source from as close to Grayson as possible, but will rely on their relationship with the Georgia Grown program to fill any needs. The final piece of Blake’s “back pocket plan” was finding the perfect location. “When the old bank building became available, I just knew,” says Blake. “We are intentionally working to keep the ambiance of a building that brought people to town many years ago,” says Blake. “It is historic and harkens back to a time when things were a little slower, and when people did come to town, they stayed a bit to learn the news of the day and enjoy each other’s company – that is what we are seeking to do here at Farmacy.” The current stained-glass windows will throw light on a simply repurposed space designed to draw in neighbors from the community. “We will have a front-porch feeling with an outside gathering space where patrons of the other establishments will want to wander around with their tasty beverages to meet and greet.” The pandemic might have sent people home, but now as they are beginning to emerge, Farmacy is ready to provide the perfect place to find the company of man and beast alike (Blake has a heart for dogs, but that is another story entirely). Look for Farmacy to open in mid-summer – a great time to enjoy the bounty our local soil will yield.

Jul ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

Introducing

Dr. Priya Arcot-Joshi, D.O.

Dr. Priya Arcot-Joshi is a board certified family practice and obesity medicine physician. She helps patients prevent, understand and manage acute and chronic illness. Her focus is to empower patients by giving them tools to stay healthy and recover from illness.

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Where Are They Now? Dan Cook: Brookwood High Class of 1997 By K. Coats

Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna is, without question, breath-taking. There is a grandeur about it that quickly reminds us of our humble place in this world. And for 1997 Brookwood graduate Dan Cook, it was a place where his life was to take a very different direction. However, the pieces for that direction had been laid long before that trip to Europe. While Europe has its fair share of art, for Dan Cook, that was a study he had long avoided. “I was always interested in art growing up,” he says, “but never really felt like I had the ‘knack’ that others seemed to possess inherently, and I was frequently discouraged by how talented others seemed. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I even took my first 2D Art course.” And it was Mr. Parker with his Technical Drafting course who finally gave Dan the confidence with design he would eventually need in his career. “Technical Drafting taught me something that I wish someone had told me much earlier in my life,” Dan explains. “Drawing is a skill like any other and can be learned; it just takes practice. What I always believed until that time was a God-given gift to artists typically just came from practice and learning from those willing to teach.” While art may have taken a while to warm up to, there was another field where Dan felt he had an advantage. The late 90s was an exciting time to be a student as traditional learning blended with newer technology. Computers in the classroom and private homes slowly began to be the norm. “I grew up in a family with a father who got on board with computers long before they were everyday household items and sort of felt that a future in computer programming was likely,” Dan recalls. “That said, that meant that I was interested in computers and computer gaming which also brought me into electives in high school related to programming and the like.” But as natural a fit as computers were, it took some time at Georgia Tech for Dan to learn how he truly felt. “After getting most of my initial coursework done,” he says, “I decided on Computer Science as my major and stuck with that for over a year – and hated it.” And it was

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here that the family was able to take a well-timed trip to Europe. “I was 19 and didn’t really know what the heck I was doing,” Dan says, “but when we flew into Zurich, I went to a gift shop, bought a pencil and a sketchbook, and decided that in addition to the photographs I was planning on taking, I’d also take some time to sketch. I hadn’t picked up a pencil to draw in two years, so the sketches were awful. But a week into the vacation, we were in Vienna, and I sat down in a beautiful cathedral called Saint Stephen’s in the heart of the city.” Little did Dan know that this would be a pivotal moment for him. “My family went off on a tour,” he continues, “and I just sat down in a pew and looked around in awe for a while. Eventually I pulled out my sketchbook and began to draw the altar and sculptures framed by the massive columns of the nave. It wasn’t a particularly good sketch, but before I knew it, I heard people murmuring behind me and the snap of cameras clicking. Curious, I turned around and saw several groups of tourists snapping photos – not of the beautiful church I was attempting to draw, but of me – and my sketch.” And before Dan ever took a class on the subject of architecture, his work was internationally acclaimed – sort of. “A couple spoke in German, another in Italian, and in Japanese,” he recalls, “but all said essentially the same thing as they nodded and looked at my sketch – ‘beautiful.’” And at that moment, computer science didn’t stand a chance. “When I returned from Europe,” Dan explains, “I headed back to campus at Georgia Tech and immediately swapped majors to Architecture. There were times in undergrad that I again questioned my career choice, but there were enough professors at Georgia Tech that encouraged traditional and classical architecture (shout out to Betty Dowling and Lane Duncan) that I really haven’t looked back since.” Dan would get his graduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and is currently working with Atlanta-based Pak Heydt and Associates. The title “architect” can cover a vast swath of expectations, so Dan broke down his responsibilities a little more. “I primarily work on renovations and additions to historic homes in the Atlanta area, including homes originally designed by Neel Reid, Phillip Shutze, and James Means,” he says. “New homes – usually in a classical, vernacular, or traditional design – are also designed and executed by our firm where we will design a home to the specifications, requirements, and inspirations brought by a family and coordinate every last detail so that it is built as-designed to last generations.” But Dan lends his experience to areas closer to home as well – in fact, his own neighborhood. “I sit on the Historic Preservation Committee for the City of Stone Mountain,” he says. “I’m the only architect on the committee, so I do my best to guide those that come before us to maintain the historic fabric of the city.” And the city of Stone Mountain is lucky to have him, to be sure. And it’s the legacy of buildings that motivates Dan in his future plans. “Having worked on so many dream homes for so many families,” he admits, “I’d like to design a home for my own family. While most of my work focuses on high-end residential, a couple of years ago, I did form my own LLC to do side work when I find that I have the time. In the past year, that time has evaporated due to focus on my job, the pandemic, and my little toddler running around the house. I’ll be celebrating my 7th anniversary this year with my lovely wife, Whitney, who is a pharmacist specializing in infectious diseases at Piedmont Rockdale, and my wonderful son Harrison will be turning three this December.” Despite his full plate, Dan still looks to the future and the mark he’d like to make. “I feel like, as an architect, I’d like to leave behind a legacy of built work that people use, admire, and cherish long after I’m gone, whether they know my name or not.” As an architect, parts of our community now stand out to Dan that he may have overlooked when he was younger. “Years after leaving my hometown,” he says, “I discovered many historic buildings that I am quite fond of: the Wynne-Russell House in Lilburn, the Historic Courthouse in downtown Lawrenceville, and a more recent construction, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, also in Lilburn. Built according to Hindu architectural techniques and scripture, it’s the largest temple of its kind outside of India. It’s truly impressive and a real gem for the community.” He adds that the tours are definitely worth taking once they are offered again. To see examples of Dan’s work, he says, “Simply search for Eisenhower Memorial and Daniel Cook and you’ll find my design.” This is the design he won an award for in Washington D.C. For professional work examples, you can find them in the renovation and additions to Wheeler High School in Marietta when he worked with a previous firm. “For Pak Heydt & Associates, our homes often grace the pages of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Veranda, Southern Living, and other magazines focusing on residential architecture,” he adds. “A great spread of images can be found for the 2017 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Showhouse, which was a renovation and major addition to an original historic home by the architect James Means.” The Our Town Gwinnett staff would like to wish Dan Cook and his family the best as he leaves his mark on our community through his architecture. Thank you for showing us that houses have character and homes are a legacy. More information at https://atlantahomesmag.com/article/history-in-the-making/ or http:// www.academyofclassicaldesign.org/news/?p=328.

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Jul ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

Fleur De Lish – Baking from Cajun Country – OoooWhee! By Beth Volpert Johansen

Bakeries, baked goods, baking, icing, filling, cake, cookies, macarons, and more invite memories of celebrations and better days. Even as the current pandemic took her restaurant job, Fleur De Lish Sweets owner Dana Clement looked straight at her future and claimed she would rise above and make the best of the situation for her family. Now, as the owner of this fastgrowing bakery, Dana says, with her signature Cajun accent, “We don’t sugarcoat nothin’ but the cookies!” And she hasn’t let herself sugarcoat the truth about how hard it would be to start a business in 2020. One of the perks of the role as feature writer is that you are lucky enough to get a taste test of those delicacies of which you write. And boy did I! The macrons (macaroons) are as light as air and melt on the tongue with the perfect mix of almond and confection giving way to sounds not normally heard when crunching down on pre-packaged goods. These bite-sized drops are heaven-sent by way of a sassy earth-angel from the Bayou. Like many cooks and bakers, Dana learned the language of food from an early age. Schooled by watching and admiring the hands of her grandmother, Dana became intrigued by the delicacies of the kitchen. “I grew up in a Cajun house with a humble grandmother who taught me how to make her tried and true Southern recipes like banana pudding, sweet potato pie, and meringues,” says Dana. “Boy! I knew better than to open that oven when she had meringues in. She said it would ruin them, and she was right!” Dana gets a dreamy look when reminiscing about her childhood in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. Her most secret recipes were developed as she learned to cook and bake by her grandmother’s side. “The tea cookies and divinity…Oh! My grandmother could make those just melt away in your mouth,” Dana says. “You have to be for real! She would tell me, ‘Come in the kitchen. Mama gonna cook something for you.’” The lessons certainly paid off. As soon as Mr. Johansen and I tasted the samples Dana left for us, we felt compelled to share the delights. English teachers at Berkmar High School fairly swooned over the macrons and mini cupcakes, remarking on the delicate, airy nature of the cake and the light frosting of the cupcakes. The real praise was for the macrons. “I have never had anything like this before,” says one teacher. “They absolutely melt in your mouth!” says another.

Aside from the talent that Dana credits to her Maker, this baker has a huge heart and big plans. Determined to leave a COVID world in her wake as she looks to the future, Dana has been studying business models and parsing together what a post-Covid business should include. “It isn’t like it was before; mostly hard work,” remarks Dana. “It takes study right now to make sure that I build a sustainable business for a long future.” A very important part of Dana’s future plans involves the idea that every child should have a special birthday cake. In an emotionally wavering voice, Dana says, “They should have a cake that will make them remember that day. They need to know you are happy that they are here on earth, no matter the situation.” As far as the future of her family and business, Dana’s attitude is much the same. “Don’t sell anyone or anything short,” says Dana. “You have to be authentic – use real butter and cream – and then, whatevah! It is all worth the calories. I make it so.” Dana adds with enthusiasm, “I could not do this without this Cajun Spirit I got in me. That and being a good Christian grounded in faith and trust in God. He made me to be my authentic self.” Dana’s authentic self comes out of her without apology to wrap up and embrace those around her while providing food for the body and soul. More information at https://www.facebook.com/Fleurdelissweets/

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To Infinity and Beyond Continued from page 9 “My daughter told me that learning about space was for boys,” said Brackett. “I showed her photos of two women who were on the International Space Station at the time, and her mind was blown.” Showing kids that they can have a future in the aerospace industry has become a passion of Brackett’s, and he now spends much of his time as an SSA talking to kids in classrooms about what NASA and other private and public entities are doing to expand their knowledge of the world beyond Earth. Brackett’s presentations are always interactive, with a combination of videos, visual aids, and a time for him to answer any questions the kids may have. He has also partnered with the Space for Art Foundation, founded by astronaut Nicole Stott. Through this program, kids can submit drawings that will be transferred onto a spacesuit that will be flown into outer space, brought back to the museum, and displayed for people to visit at locations across the country. While the COVID-19 pandemic changed the format of Brackett’s presentations, he was still able to share with classrooms and others across the Gwinnett area through video presentations,

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as well as materials he was able to send to classrooms and other places to ensure that everyone was able to continue the learning process. It seems impossible that Brackett would have any free time at all, but he managed to make time to write a book for young readers about what astronauts have to do to train and get ready to go into space. His book, Mission Go, is available on Amazon and has been a popular choice for young readers who want an introduction into what it means to go into outer space. “Working with kids is one of my favorite things,” said Brackett, who was given an honorary title of Lieutenant Colonel by former governor Nathan Deal for his work with the Juno probe. “Seeing their reaction when they realize a space station is floating one hundred fifty miles above them is really cool,” he said. Brackett plans to continue serving as a Solar System Ambassador and hopes to be back in person for his presentations soon. In the meantime, he has compiled an impressive list of resources and educational tools on his personal website, jmbrackett.com. “It’s my job to make NASA exciting,” said Brackett. Indeed, he is certainly accomplishing his goal of encouraging everyone around him to literally shoot for the stars. More information at www.solarsystem.nasa.gov/solar-system-ambassadors

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Working Hard Today: Creating Leaders for Tomorrow By Kristen Eleveld

When you think of school, the first things that come to mind are probably academics, school spirit, or maybe even your favorite school sport. But for several Gwinnett County middle schools, the focus goes beyond the basics. They want to focus on helping students be the best version of themselves through the Junior Leadership Corps. The Junior Leadership Corps, or JLC, is all about giving students the tools and resources they need to find their stride in leadership and academic and personal success. Students are encouraged to become leaders among their peers and within their community as they learn what it means to define success for themselves. For Dr. Frank Jones, the coordinator for this and other programs through the Gwinnett Instructional Support Center (ISC), the JLC was an answer to one of his academic passions: teaching skills and providing education that will serve students long after they have graduated high school. “It’s been quite a learning experience for me,” said Dr. Jones, who was a middle school teacher for over twelve years before taking on his role at the ISC. “These students aren’t just given assignments to complete – they are becoming leaders in their own school.” With the emphasis on leadership, academic success, and personal success, it’s easy to see why this program has been successful for ten different middle schools in the area. While each school has a unique approach to tailoring the program to their student body, the example of leadership is what unifies these programs throughout the county. The team at Trickum Middle School in Lilburn is especially excited about developing their program to an even higher level as they close out their first year with the JLC. Both Dr. Jones and Trickum Principal Ryan Queen attribute the success of their Junior Leadership Program to Sergeant First Class Veronica Ingram, U.S. Army (ret.) who created the JLC program at Trickum entirely on her own. “I told Sergeant Ingram what I hoped to accomplish with the Junior Leadership Corps pro-

gram, and she jumped right in and started working,” said Queen. “She’s done a tremendous job.” Sergeant Ingram was previously serving as a teacher at a military school in California. While the new environment in Gwinnett was very different from the one she came from, she didn’t miss a beat when it came to creating a program that would help students understand what it truly means to lead. Each JLC program has a proud tradition of community service and leaving their neighborhoods better than they found them. While the COVID-19 pandemic certainly changed many plans, the JLC members did not stop working to achieve their goal of helping their communities. “The students are the ones who come up with the ideas for community service and celebrations,” said Dr. Jones. “The JLC unit at Lilburn Middle School designed and coordinated the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration for the entire school.” The Junior Leadership Corps has also been present at parades in Lawrenceville and Atlanta as well as coordinated donations to local food banks. Community service is part of the idea of good citizenship, which is something JLC likes to encourage in its members. “These kids are leaders around the school, not just in their classrooms,” said Dr. Jones. “We want to them to realize they can be the ones who stand up and meet a need for someone else.” Continued on page 22

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Travel Tales: Europe is Open. Let’s Go! By Pam Walker

While the news of Europe’s gradual reopening to American travelers is causing excitement, the lack of unity and clarity on the rules has translated into headaches for those who are anxious to start planning. We know so far that the welcome mat is being extended most enthusiastically to vaccinated travelers. That said, testing is still required in some countries, even with proof of vaccination. Moreover, a Covid test is still required of any traveler entering or re-entering the United States. While travel is booming in the USA and hotel rooms are hard to reserve wherever you want to go in the continental US, Europe’s hotels are begging for customers. It is summer, which is usually the “high season” in Europe with high prices and high airfares. But not this year. While prices are not as low as they are in the winter months, there are still bargains to be had. European countries are begging you to come and visit. Below is a list of countries that are currently open to US visitors, as well as some major destinations that we expect to open soon. Furthermore, as the regulations are shifting, it bears repeating that we all should stay abreast of the rules by visiting the CDC website, Reopen Europe and individual US embassy and tourist office websites. Call your trusted Travel Advisor as they have all the up-to-date information. Open/Opening Countries: Albania, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany and several more. So, get out there and get going again. Enjoy Europe! Pam Walker is a Virtuoso Travel Advisor. More information at pam@walkeradventures.com

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One Man’s Opinion: The Evolving Story of Arlington House By Bill Crane

On a rolling hillside overlooking the Potomac River – with the great Mall of Monuments, the US Capitol, and even the White House in the distance – lie more than 1,100 acres of some of the most hallowed and consecrated grounds in these United States: Arlington National Cemetery. Buried here are the remains of war veterans as far back as the Revolutionary War, including tribute to the unknown veteran in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Some of the most desired and few remaining veteran burial plots in our nation also contain at least one controversy – the Arlington House, a memorial to Robert E. Lee, Commanding General of the Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War. The National Park Service maintains Arlington House in honor of Lee for his work in supporting the Armistice agreement at Appomattox and his ongoing later public support for peace and reunification of the Union. Arlington House reopens this month for public tours and visits, after seven years of planning and a $12.5-million restoration. Sitting atop a hill in the near center of Arlington National Cemetery, the building’s massive 5-foot-wide columns are visible from many points in the Federal District across the Potomac nearby. This latest restoration focused on recovering the stories of many of those who lived there, not only the Custis and Lee families and their descendants, but also of the many enslaved who built, maintained, served, and even became a part of the Lee family. Formerly known as the Custis-Lee Mansion, Arlington House was once a working plantation built by George Washington Custis, the step-grandson of General George Washington, and his wife, Martha Custis. Custis constructed Arlington as an intended monument to George Washington to house his papers and artifacts. The only Custis daughter to survive into adulthood was Mary Anna Randolph Custis. A distant cousin, Lieutenant Robert E. Lee, and frequent visitor to Arlington, married Mary Custis there in 1831, two years after his West Point graduation. George Washington Custis lived a long life for those times, dying at age 76 in 1857. He left Arlington to his daughter Martha and the manor house and plantation, with several hundred enslaved. This would make Rober E. Lee a slave-owner for the first time, just four years before the outbreak of the Civil War. In April 1861, Virginia seceded from the Union, and Lee resigned his commission in the US Army. Lee reported for duty to the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, which he would later lead. On May 14, Mary Custis, now running the plantation on her own, learned from a cousin in Washington who worked for Union General Winfield Scott that Arlington would soon be seized due to its strategic location and its easy reach by long gun cannon to the US Capitol. Union troops seized Arlington without firing a shot on May 24, 1861. General Lee would never return to Arlington. Mrs. Lee returned only once. In 1874, nearly a decade after the Confederate surrender, Lee’s oldest son, George Washington Custis Lee, filed suit in Virginia against the US government for the illegal seizure of Arlington, by then a National Cemetery. The court battle would continue until 1882, nearly twice as long as the Civil War, with the US Supreme Court deciding in favor of the Lee family’s claim and

awarding Custis Lee the sum of $150,000 in compensation ($4,166,250 in 2020 currency) for the roughly 1,100 acres now maintained by the US Department of the Army. The National Park Service manages Arlington House and twenty-eight surrounding acres. The scars of our Civil War may never fully heal, as so many feel the ongoing need to pick and pull at the scabs. Towards the end of that war, Lee would argue with the Confederate Congress and President Jefferson Davis to free and arm the enslaved to join Confederate forces fighting back superior and overwhelming Union forces. This correspondence is well documented. Lee did not win that argument any more than he won the war. But when you tell the story honestly and completely, you may never cease to be amazed at what you will find in turning each old page. One thing about war that has not changed since Lee’s day is that the soldier on the battlefield does not decide what the war is about, what causes are right versus wrong, or how historians may later view those choices. I am hopeful that those overseeing planned museum exhibits and updates to Georgia’s Stone Mountain Park are paying attention to the happenings at Arlington House. Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com

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Simply Green never sprays flowers that are currently in bloom, and they focus on specific breeding sites in your yard to ensure that they cut off the mosquito problem at its source. Any way you look at it, the team at Simply Green is the best of the best, and they are ready to serve you year-round. Visit them on Facebook, head to their website, or give them a call. No matter how you reach out to them, you are sure to speak to a real person who can help you right away. “It’s a great place to work,” said Mary of the team atmosphere. “We all love it here.” Finding a team of experts that loves what they do and is excited about helping each customer they speak with is the perfect combination to give you a healthy, happy yard. Don’t wait any longer. Reach out today to learn what Simply Green can do for you! More information at www.simplygreenlawncare.com or call (770) 923-0387

Pet Perch: Does Your Dog Bark Too Much? Catching Up with Simply Green Lawn Care By Kristen Eleveld

The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, the pollen count is climbing – it all adds up to spring in Georgia! And since you will be out enjoying your yard anyway, it might be time to ask yourself an important question: is your yard as healthy as it can be? If you’re not sure or don’t know how to tell, we have great news. There is a local company in Lilburn that can keep your lawn healthy all year long. Those local to Gwinnett may have already heard of this incredible company that is quickly rising to the top of its industry, but you may not realize just how valuable the services are at Simply Green Lawn Care. “Healthy lawn and healthy landscapes – that’s what we’re all about,” said Mary Thompson, who is the Sales Manager at Simply Green. “We want to provide you with solutions that can help.” While the company focuses on the health of your yard, it does so while keeping customer service as its first priority. Simply Green has a long history of putting its clients and community above everything else. They have continued to collaborate with Parkview High School, donating their services to keep the ballfields at the high school healthy and ready for teams to use them any time they’re needed. This year, Simply Green had the chance to become even more involved with the community it has served for years. They were able to donate their time and services to a local Lilburn Co-op, giving those in need expert lawn care. They also adopted a section of Five Forks Trickum Road and are committed to keeping the road clean and maintained. “We want to serve the community we live in,” said Mary. Beyond the dedication to their customers and community, Simply Green is also excited to offer a new service this year: mosquito control. Anyone who has lived in Gwinnett for even one summer has likely dealt with these unpleasant pests, and the team at Simply Green has a plan in place to make your mosquito troubles go away. Much like their regular lawn program, they offer mosquito control through multiple treatments during the year. And, as with everything they do, Simply Green’s mosquito control program is tailored to ensure that your yard will remain healthy, and so will any kids or pets in the area. For instance,

By Terie Hansen

Just because your dog can bark, does not mean they should. Barking is a natural form of communication for dogs. It is your job to teach your dog what’s appropriate behavior and what isn’t, and that includes barking. When dogs live in a pack (without human intervention, stray or feral) they rarely bark. They may be surrounded by things happening, sights, sounds, etc., but they are calm and quiet. They may bark to alert their pack if an intruder is approaching, and they sense a threat but that is about it. So why then do so many dog owners struggle with dogs that bark incessantly? Mostly, because the dog hasn’t been taught not to. Dogs learn by cause and effect. When they try a behavior, and it works for them they will use it again. A puppy who whines/barks while in its crate and is then let out learns that whining/barking worked. If owners don’t share clear and consistent leadership signals and interactions with their dog, then the dog may assume the leadership role and bark to alert to whatever it deems to be a threat such as another dog, person, squirrel, sounds, etc. So how do you teach your dog NOT to bark at inappropriate times? Simple – by correcting the behavior. When your dog barks at something inappropriate, calmly say “no” and follow with a correction. When your dog barks at something appropriate (person stepping on your property), calmly say “Enough” (your dog does not yet know what this means). Then, when your dog barks again (because it will), calmly say “no” and follow with a correction. In doing so your dog can bark when you deem it okay but learn to stop when you say “enough.” A correction is simply something your dog doesn’t like, and doesn’t like enough to stop the behavior, not just in the moment but going forward (after a few corrections). Just because your dog can bark, doesn’t mean it should. It’s up to you to teach it when it is appropriate (or not) to bark. Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www. gooddogcoaching.com

Your Best Smile Starts Here Doctors Stewart Helton & Beau Upshaw

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you to feel good about your visit. We place your concerns and needs above { We want } our own and focus everything on your well-being, happiness and comfort. PAGE 20

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Jul ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

Health Matters: Meet Cricket White By Peter Stoddard

Cricket White has been a chiropractic patient for forty years, having sought treatment to maintain general wellness. In 2017 she faced breast cancer and had a mastectomy. Following that, she lost almost all use of her arm due to axillary webbing syndrome which sometimes occurs after lymph nodes are removed. Cricket did a lot of research on her own and visited a chiropractor, who also researched the condition. The doctor left the practice, and Cricket began seeing Dr. Powell at Dr. Chris’ Natural Remedies in Snellville. Dr. Powell took the combined research and did more on his own. He began massage therapy that combined muscular and chiropractic applications that resulted in a healing breakthrough. After just a few sessions Cricket was symptom free. The treatment far exceeded Cricket’s expectations. “None of the other chiropractors I have seen through the years would have taken the time to research this condition. Dr. Powell did and quickly administered the precise treatment needed. The results speak for themselves.” Cricket continues to see Dr. Powell regularly for routine adjustments to maintain wellness and also takes supplements offered at the practice for post cancer and post-menopausal benefit. She continues to be amazed and impressed that he always responds with exactly the therapy she needs. More information at https://www.drchrisnaturalremedies.com/

Shawn Mullins – Backstage at the Red Clay Theater By Beth Volpert Johansen

“Four Sundays in May” – that’s what Eddie of Eddie Owen Presents called his hybrid project with Atlanta-based singer-songwriter, Shawn Mullins. On Sunday nights in May, Shawn Mullins took the stage armed with only his guitars, a mic, and his vast collection of stories. The limited audience in attendance created an intimate setting for those watching the online concert. In a word, the experience was soulful. As longtime fans, my eldest son and I were treated to what felt like an evening in Shawn Mullins’ own living room. Banked by a couple of lamps, an antique side table, his guitars, and wearing his signature hat, Shawn spun tales that had inspired his storytellingstyle songs. Signature songs like “Lullabye” that promise everything is gonna be alright and “Shimmer” that turned up on the Dawson’s Creek soundtrack are readily recognizable from radio play. “Beautiful Wreck” gives a nod to the love you can’t quite shake no matter how wrecked they are. More from his 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor added to the savory delights voiced by a master storyteller. The night happened to coincide with Mother’s Day which is the reason I was in the audience with my son. While we both love Shawn Mullins’ music overall, each of us has our favorites. “Getting to hear Shawn sing ‘Twin Rocks’ – one of my favorite songs – shows his mastery as a storyteller,” says Drew Serrero. “He brought the story to life which was one of the highlights of the evening.” As a storyteller, Shawn Mullins has covered a variety of songs; but his rendition of “House of the Rising Sun” always captures the attention of his audience. “That song is covered by everybody and his brother – including me,” says Drew. “His unique version of the song is not like anything else you will ever hear.” Hearing the backstory of “Catoosa County” brought the pain of war to life for me. The lyrics are masterful and include, “If I could I would place a hundred billion dollar bounty/On the hate that makes a war that digs the graves at Catoosa County.” The whole song is heart-rending and is applicable to the result of hate in general. It seemed, at least to me, that Shawn’s voice took on more gravel as he sang it. As a nod to those who inspired his music as a young musician, Shawn drew out a terrific story of how a rock legend almost always has a gentler side. This was the case with Alice Cooper of “School’s Out (for summer)” fame. Shawn began with a couple of notes and the heads in the Continued on page 22

Jul ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

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PAGE 21

Getting to Know: Beth Volpert Johansen By Emily Rubin

Beth Volpert Johansen has been interested in storytelling for as long as she can remember. Her parents were natural storytellers, and reading books was huge in her family. “Words always came easy to me,” Beth said. “I have the first story I ever wrote in first grade taped to the wall in my office.” Beth uses the moniker, “Freelance Beth” and says she has been interviewing Gwinnett since 1991, so it’s no surprise she has many connections to the community. She has lived in Grayson since 1978 and knows quite a few people to reach out to when working on a story. “I appreciate all of the relationships that have naturally developed over the years here in Gwinnett County,” Beth said. She started writing for publications as early as 1991 and then founded her own paper, The Grayson Gazette, in 2001. The newspaper originally started as a newsletter while she was working in real estate with her parents, Earl and Marianne Volpert. The paper eventually moved to other ownership, but Beth continued writing pieces for it. In 2007 when the real estate market tanked, Beth began her second venture into teaching. After that, she decided to take a break and stay home with her kids. She coached a hockey team, a soccer team, and was a dedicated band mom. “It turns out they’re much easier to raise when they’re little than when they start getting into things like band and swim team and soccer and hockey,” she said. For six years, Beth experienced new ways of storytelling through her job at NightGlass Media Group. She learned to tell stories through writing scripts, shooting and editing video, and producing. Beth has written for several other local publications and is even a ghostwriter. One experience ghostwriting ended in her co-writing a book called “Still a Soldier” with local civic leader, LC Johnson. A 9th grade English teacher at Berkmar High School, Beth is using the summer break to work on her own books. She says she is living her best life by both teaching and writing. “That’s something that will hopefully break for me this summer,” Beth said. “That’s my big goal.” Beth has been with Our Town Gwinnett for about six years and likes to stick to stories that profile people in the community. Her favorite part about the magazine is the positivity, inclusion, and neighborliness. “For the most part it’s positive,” she said. “It keeps everything happy and joyful and in the past year and a half we need happy and joyful.” Beth loves the publisher/writer relationship at Our Town Gwinnett. She also loves the commitment to positivity, even when something negative may come up. “It doesn’t do you any good to be negative about anything or dig up dirt because eventually you might want to have something positive come out of a relationship you have worked to maintain,” she said. Beth says she could not do what she does without the love and support of her family. Together, she and her husband, Eric, have five mostly “grown and flown” children. Not ones to sit around in an empty nest, Beth and Eric spend free time traveling as he plays keyboards for the Pink Floyd Tribute band, Interstellar Echoes, which performs throughout the southeast. Additionally, her oldest son has also begun to tour with his band, Movers, out of Athens, so there will be even more tune-filled travel in the future. Traveling and working aside, Beth is happiest when she has a house full of kids swarming her kitchen and staging whiffle ball games in the back yard. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t surrounded by kids, either my own and their friends or my students,” she said. “It is where my heart is.”

Learning Lessons Continued from page 9 • Learning Environment: Observe the children at the preschool or provider – how they are playing and learning, how the teachers interact with them, and the atmosphere of the classroom. Do the teachers create a loving, secure environment for the children to learn, and do they seem to genuinely care for the children? Also ask to see the daily schedule. If there are different classrooms for various age levels, ask to see the rooms your child will grow into so you can get a full picture of the experience. You may also want to ask how the school helps extend what the children learn in the classroom at home. • Parent Communication: Being away from your child is difficult. Ask about the tools and processes the provider uses to keep parents informed each day. Do they send you a daily overview of the activities your child participates in? Do you know what your child ate for meals

PAGE 22

Gimme Shelter Continued from page 10 sales, sponsorships, and a good old-fashioned passing the hat resulted in a generous sum at the end of the evening. “I could have never imagined the depth of generosity shown to the Co-op that evening,” Laura says. “Jamey and Coral Whitaker of Chelsea Gardens led the effort as the main sponsor and challenged the crowd to give from their hearts. They are truly special people. Moonshiners of Grayson ended the evening strong, offering a $10,000 gift to the Co-op.” Laura adds, “All in all, the event raised $25,000 that will be used to care for local families that are struggling. And beyond that, I cannot put a price on the encouragement and sincere love that we at the Co-op feel from our community. I often say we are blessed to be on the frontlines, but we are only a small part of the awesome effort it takes to run the Co-op. It takes a community to serve a community.” While the money will go a long way toward helping those experiencing food insecurities for any number of reasons, the love and sense of community were priceless bonuses felt all evening. The year will go along with Laura and her staff and volunteers continuing to do their work each week to serve the community. The SE Gwinnett Co-op maintains a strong presence on Facebook for those who would like to follow throughout the year. However, beyond the funds raised is also the awareness. Laura tells children who want to know why they are doing a food collection that they should look around their classroom and see how “normal” each child looks, but keep in mind that easily one child to their left or right might be hungry. Food insecurity is a reality in our community and one that, at least once a year, we can all agree on is worth coming together in order to put something back into the place we call home.

Creating Leaders for Tomorrow Continued from page 17 Beyond the regular participation in community service, the JLC program at Trickum has also competed in several events that test their physical fitness and drill movement skills. Even though the program is brand new to the school, the Trickum JLC team came home with multiple trophies and first-place awards. While the JLC program is not available at every school, Gwinnett County hopes to offer it to more students in the coming years. If your middle school student is interested in participating, they should talk to their teacher or school administration “I look forward to watching this program grow,” said Queen. “We are seeing these kids do so much for their community.”

Shawn Mullins Continued from page 21 audience began to nod in recognition of Cooper’s “I Never Cry.” I was especially happy that the night didn’t pass us by without hearing such a remarkable tribute. Of playing cover songs, Shawn says, “I don’t typically do covers unless I have really listened to it and the music had some influence in my life.” As the music rocked the audience gently between heartbreakers and hard hearts, Shawn reminded those in-person and online fans that the music is only good if it can be shared and heard. Playing at The Red Clay Theater is a little like coming home for Shawn. “One of the highlights of my career has been to play at Eddie’s place,” says Shawn, who began his career playing in places like Trackside and any bar around Little Five Points that would take him. “Me and Eddie go back a long way with the music scene here in Atlanta.” His stories alone are complete proof of the long-term friendship that had both Shawn and Eddie putting their heads together (six feet apart) to bring live music back to the audiences. “A live audience is a celebration in itself,” says Shawn. “I really couldn’t wait to get back in here. It keeps my tools sharp.” Celebrating the audience and what we all hope is the end of quarantine, at a time when live music is beginning to take baby steps back towards the stage, Eddie Owen is more than ready to provide the space. “I am ready to go-go-GO!,” he says with a big smile and genuine enthusiasm. “As things are allowed to open back up, people will find that performers are more than ready to bring back the joy that only music can provide.” and snacks? Do they send you pictures throughout the day? Good parent communication will help give you peace of mind even on the toughest days. • Safety: Ask about the safety precautions the school or provider has in place (locks, placement of dangerous materials, etc.), as well as whether it has an emergency plan for various situations. You will also want to know how they will communicate with you in the event of an emergency. • Accountability: Many childcare providers are accredited, but not all are held accountable for meeting certain standards on a regular basis. If quality is a big must-have for you, ask how the school or provider measures continuous improvement and whether a third-party holds it accountable. Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com.

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PAGE 23

Freedom Starts with Our Own Bodies Swimmer’s ear Poison ivy rash Summer colds Food Poisoning Asthma

As you contemplate the independence that we celebrate this month, consider the freedom of being pain free. In health there is freedom. Health is the first of all liberities. Henri Frederic Amiel

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Investment Advisor Representative offering securities & advisory services through Cetera Advisors LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, Broker/Dealer, member FINRA, SIPC. Green Financial, Gwinnett Tech & Cetera Advisors are not affiliated. Awards are not to be considered a guarantee of future results, nor as an endorsement by any client. Best of Gwinnett winners are chosen via voting and editors’ input, & opinions are vetted with the use of other available information. Pinnacle award rankings are based on growth, revenue, community service, & other criteria. Barron’s: based on total assets (AUM), revenue, & other factors. Since 1997 office located at 3700 Crestwood Pkwy Ste 140, Duluth, GA 30096.