JULY 2023: (BLUE) Our Town Gwinnett Monthly Magazine for Gwinnett/NE Dekalb

On the Cover: Find Your Community with The NETT Church

By Kristen Eleveld

“Nations Experiencing Transformation Together” is the goal and mission for a local Gwinnett County church whose culturally and socioeconomically diverse membership is making new strides in including people from literally all over the globe. Calling themselves The NETT Church, they have felt a calling to create a space where anyone from anywhere is not only welcome to worship, but can find a true church home. Led by Pastor Rodrigo Cruz, The NETT Church has become a staple in the Gwinnett community for worshippers from all cultural backgrounds who are seeking a biblical community.

“I have always pictured heaven as everyone worshipping and rejoicing together,” said Pastor Cruz. “If it will look that way in heaven, why shouldn’t the church look like that here on earth?”

With this mission in mind, The NETT Church represents one of the most diverse churches in the most diverse county in the southeastern part of the United States. In addition to the commitment to include as many people as possible, The NETT church also works hard to serve those who may be experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and any number of difficulties.

“We want to start breaking the cycles of poverty that we see around us,” said Pastor Cruz. “We are looking at the big picture holistically to see how we can better the society we live in.”

For Cruz, his family, and the rest of the team at The NETT Church, their goals of diversity inclusion are multifaceted. One of the most motivating factors is the church’s desire to see God in every place around the world, not just those who hail from Gwinnett.

“We want to fully value each other’s cultures,” said Pastor Cruz. “By getting to know so many different kinds of people, we get an unlimited glimpse of God.”

The NETT Church backs up its beliefs by putting actions behind words. The last Sunday of every month is dedicated as Mission Sunday. Instead of meeting to worship at one of the church campuses, worshippers go out into the community to meet new people and find ways they can help those in need. Even when it’s not Mission Sunday, you can often find someone from The NETT Church working to meet a physical need or even just to strike up a conversation with someone who needs a friend. Whatever they are doing, they are committed to ensuring that everyone knows they are each valued by God – and subsequently by the church – in the same way.

With four campuses spread out between Norcross, Lilburn, and Lawrenceville, The NETT Church doesn’t focus their resources on acquiring the latest technology or the newest items. Instead, they use every inch of each campus to serve those around them. Their resources are spent on projects like turning church buildings into shelters, summer camps for kids and youth with special needs, and food banks – anything to serve their community. And if the church wants to take on a task that may exceed their knowledge or skills, they are always willing to partner with other businesses and services to get the job done.

“We are here to reclaim the task of caring for widows and orphans

Continued on page 20

Our Town

Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine

— An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com

Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett/NE DeKalb area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers.

Entire contents copyright 2023 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Publisher/Owner

Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

Ryan@EndResultz.com

Creative Director

Elsie Olson

Cover Photography

Emil Powella

Photography

Distribution Coordinator

Feature Writers

Victoria R. Crosby

Tana Poncsak

Traci Sanders

Beth Volpert Johansen

Elsie@EndResultz.com Editor

Catherine L. Osornio

Editor@EndResultz.com

Wendy Head

Cover Story

Feature Writer

Kristen Eleveld

Jane Bishop

Bill Crane

Terie Hansen

Pam Walker

Contributing Writers IN

5 On the Cover: Find Your Community with The NETT Church

7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s

8 One Man’s Opinion: BET On Tyler Perry

9

Ryan’s Remarks

By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanSauers

@RyanTSauers

Wow, can you believe it? We are in July. Time moves fast, so let us enjoy every day and moment. With summer in full swing, we are thrilled to bring you the July 2023 edition of Our Town Gwinnett Magazine. July is a month of warmth, sunshine, and boundless possibilities. It’s a time when we celebrate our local spirit, embrace the season’s joys, and create unforgettable memories with friends and family.

In these pages, we’ve curated a collection of inspiring stories highlighting the incredible individuals, businesses, and initiatives that make our community shine. From the dedicated volunteers making a difference to the innovative entrepreneurs pushing boundaries, we are surrounded by a tapestry of remarkable people who remind us of the strength and resilience within our community.

As we dive into the heart of summer, let’s embrace this season. So, leap and try something new, whether it’s exploring a hidden gem in our community, embarking on a thrilling outdoor adventure, or indulging in the mouthwatering flavors of our local eateries. Let’s savor every moment and create memories that will warm our hearts long after summer fades.

This month, I encourage you to connect with your neighbors, support local businesses, and engage in acts of kindness that uplift those around us. Small gestures can have a significant impact, and by working together, we can build an even more robust, more vibrant community.

Continued on page 9

One Man’s Opinion: BET On Tyler Perry

By Bill Crane

The motion picture and television production industries domestically are temporarily stalled by a Writer’s strike. Though much of the industry now is distributed across many right-to-work states like Georgia, the related artistic and production unions are honoring the strike, refusing to cross picket lines and placing an indefinite pause on millions in shows by major and minor studios alike.

Paramount Global, formerly Viacom and now part of the CBS Entertainment Group, began shopping around B.E.T. Media Group for sale more than a year ago. Despite owning, airing, and streaming a good bit of prestige programming, including the lucrative and always spawning sequels and prequels, Star Trek franchise, Paramount, of late, has also been hemorrhaging red ink. B.E.T. Media includes Black Entertainment Television, BET Plus (streaming version of the network), and VH-1. One of B.E.T.’s most prolific content providers and partners and largest producer for BET Plus is film mogul, producer, actor, writer, and director, Tyler Perry.

Moving to Atlanta in 1990, Perry used his $12,000.00 in life savings (at 22) to stage a musical production, which was admittedly less than a modest success. But Perry persisted, rewriting and retooling that play and launching other shows across what was then referred to as “The Chitlin Theater” circuit, performed live primarily before urban and minority audiences. By 2005, Forbes reported that various Tyler Perry stage shows and productions had generated $100 million in ticket sales, another $30 million in videos of those shows, and an estimated $20 million in merchandising. Perry produced an estimated 300 live shows annually, with an average weekly aggregate attendance of 35,000.

By 2005/2006, Perry was able to use those ticket sales to finance his first motion picture, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, which included the introduction to mass audiences of Perry-world staple character, Mabel “Madea” Simmons, a colorful, protective, and memorable aging

black woman, as well as coincidentally a lifelong resident of Atlanta, played by Perry. A long list of Madea comedies would follow, and I am admittedly a fan.

Perry could have stopped there and been a very wealthy man, but instead, he branched out into television production, first with Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, which ran for eight seasons on TBS, from 2006-2011.

In 2011, Forbes magazine noted that Perry was the highest-paid man in the entertainment industry, yet he was still aiming higher. In 2015, he acquired 330 acres of the former Fort McPherson U.S. Army Military Base, straddling East Point and the southernmost tip of the City of Atlanta. What has become Tyler Perry Studios now includes twelve sound stages, a White House replica stage, and dozens of structures remaining from Fort Mac dating back to the late 1800s.

Perry Studios was also the home production facility for the blockbuster Black Panther in 2018. Perry entered into long-term agreements with Viacom and later BET Plus for new programs and content production during 2017 and 2019. Lionsgate Films has been co-producing and distributing Perry’s films, and in 2022 it announced the construction and development of a $200-million studio and production facility in Douglas County, Georgia. Perry also made Douglas County his home, building a spectacular $100-million compound there. In 2021, Forbes magazine estimated Perry’s net worth to be in excess of $1 billion.

It now appears Perry has won a bidding war of sorts to acquire the entire B.E.T. Entertainment Group. Perry’s work for the BET Plus streaming service helped generate the bulk of BET revenue growth and three million paying subscribers. However, B.E.T. and VH-1 are currently based in New York City, where production, talent, and certainly housing costs are among the highest in the nation.

I’m betting that once the deal closes, Tyler Perry might look to add the title “developer” to his resume, much as the Trilith Studios (formerly Pinewood Studios) in nearby Fayetteville have become a fast-growing live, work, and play community. Whether within the existing Tyler Perry Studios campus, perhaps at the new Lionsgate facilities, or even closer to Perry’s residential compound, Perrywood has a nice ring to it. The capital needed, given current interest rates, to build out such a complex might be best found in the IPO market. To date, Tyler Perry owns everything that he has created, but if he decides to share that ownership in the form of stock in his latest expansion and combined enterprise, I will be betting on Tyler Perry. Makes a nice home for the new HQ of B.E.T., too.

Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com

Exercise Matters: Interested But Intimidated

By Joining

a Gym?

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

You know staying active is important, especially as you age, so you’re considering signing up for a local gym. The problem is that a gym can be intimidating! If you’ve put off joining a gym for this reason, here’s what you need to know to feel comfortable and confident.

Exercise and healthy aging

Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle at every age, but it is particularly important for seniors. Why? Sharlyn Green, a national trainer with SilverSneakers, says it goes beyond physical wellness.

“Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, boost your memory and decrease the risk for some diseases such as Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” she said. “It can help you stay independent and able to keep doing the things you enjoy. It’s time to bust the misconception that gyms are only for younger people and fitness enthusiasts. Gyms are for everyone, no matter their age or abilities.”

To help everyone feel comfortable and confident as a new gym member, Green recommends these steps.

Step 1: Get a tour. Have someone who works for the gym show you where everything is. Don’t expect to understand immediately what it all does or how to use it. You’re simply establishing baseline knowledge to build your experience from there. Remember, don’t be afraid to ask questions during or after your tour. Employees at a good gym will take an inclusive approach and be happy to help you by clarifying information or guiding you appropriately.

Step 2: Request a training program. People new to gyms typically get the best results from a personalized program created by a trainer. Print out the program for reference and to record what you do: which machines, how much weight, how many times you lift, etc.

Step 3: Know the exercises in your program. It’s important to know where the equipment you need is and how to use it. Work with a trainer if you have questions. This person can guide you on proper techniques, so you get the most out of your workouts and prevent accidents. Understanding the equipment and gym etiquette is important for your safety and others. For example, you don’t want to unintentionally walk into someone’s workout space and cause them to trip, fall, or drop heavy weights.

Step 4: Learn how to adjust machines. Understanding the purpose of a machine is the first step, then you need to know how to adjust it to fit your needs. Depending on your height, weight, fitness level, and goals, you may need to adjust certain machines every time you use them. When in doubt, ask. It’s better to pause and use a machine correctly than go forward and risk hurting yourself or others. A trainer or gym employee can help you, so don’t be shy.

Step 5: Know how much weight or resistance to use. A good trainer will guide you in finding the appropriate weight or resistance for each exercise and share that information in your program. Use this as a foundation and adjust as needed, keeping in mind that as you progress, you’ll likely make changes to continue your health journey.

Again, if something isn’t clear, ask. It’s always better to start easier and

adjust up rather than start too difficult and risk hurting yourself.

“The machines and different spaces at the gym can be a great asset for seniors who want to focus on their well-being,” said Green. “Remember to create a well-rounded workout routine that includes stretching, strength training, and cardio to help improve flexibility, muscle mass, heart health, and much more.”

SilverSneakers offers a broad range of physical activity, mental enrichment, and social engagement opportunities in 2023. Members can go to thousands of fitness locations nationwide, plus take group exercise classes designed for seniors and led by supportive instructors. (BPT)

More information at SilverSneakers.com

Ryan’s Remarks Continued from

page 7

Remember, each day is a new chapter waiting to be written. Let’s embrace the opportunities that come our way and dare to dream big. Whether pursuing a personal passion, nurturing a talent, or simply finding joy in the little things, let this summer be a season of growth, fulfillment, and positivity.

Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community and allowing us to share the stories that inspire, inform, and bring us closer together. Your support fuels our passion, and we are committed to delivering a magazine that reflects the heart and soul of our local community. I wish each of you a July filled with laughter, sunshine, and endless possibilities. Let’s make this summer our best one yet!

Here is to a great July 2023. And as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

Travel Tales: Summer Vacation Now!

By Pam Walker

“Where shall we go?” Lastminute vacation? That is the question that many families are asking, knowing that the world is full of people traveling right now. This means long lines at airports, crowded parks and highways, and crowded beaches.

What better way to start planning than with a travel professional? These folks know where to send you that are not as crowded nor as pricy as places you find on the internet. Whether here in the US or worldwide, they can help plan a super vacation with only a little effort on your behalf.

This summer, our National Parks are full and some require timed entries. There is an excellent website, www.nps.gov, in case you want to check some of these out. Again, rely on a travel professional to locate places to stay nearby your favorite park.

A word about those websites that offer homes away from home: what could be worse than booking a rental home on the beach, loading the car with kids, suitcases, toys, and the family pet, and then arriving at the rental location to find someone else in the home? Or worse, the place you rented is a dump! It happens.

If you fly, give yourself plenty of time at the airports before your flights. Nothing could be worse than arriving one hour ahead of time to see those vast lines at the check-in counter and the TSA checkpoint. Get to the airport at least two hours in advance of your flight if not more. Now too, with weather delays daily, be sure and book connections with at least one hour or more between your flights. Always check the website of your carrier as well to make sure that you won’t be left behind.

If you are planning an extensive overseas vacation, start early. If you haven’t done so, again your travel professional can help. There are so many websites offering last-minute “deals” these days, but it is better to have a professional help plan your trip rather than take chances on the internet!

So have a wonderful summer vacation. Have fun, and enjoy being with family and friends before school starts again!

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

Shakespeare in the Park Presents Twelfth Night Summer 2023

By Tana Poncsak

If left up to the Kenyon family, residents of Grayson will all know William Shakespeare and his works. Since 2019, the Kenyon family has brought Shakespeare in the Park to Grayson and this year is no exception. The next performance will be Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, held July 21-23 at the Grayson City Park amphitheater.

Tyler Kenyon and his family have been a theater family for longer than he’s been alive, and from the time his brother Drew came up with the idea to bring Shakespeare to the park, the family was all in. Whether it was performing, directing, or costumes or lighting, in the beginning it was all done in-house, and by that Tyler means quite literally – his parents’ house.

“We all have different things we do, and every once in a while one of us will hop on stage,” he says. “But for the most part, all the backstage work is done entirely by the family.”

But why Shakespeare? With all the “thee(s)” and “thou(s),” it’s easy to think of Shakespeare’s work as highbrow, and perhaps, even irrelevant to today’s audiences. But Tyler says, quite the contrary. And that’s the beauty of bringing Shakespeare to the Park.

“In the ninth grade, most everyone reads Romeo and Juliet,” he explains. “That may be the most exposure some will ever get to Shakespeare in their entire life. That’s one of the reasons we wanted to bring it back – to reintroduce people to the stories they already know and love.”

Tyler points out that Shakespeare is completely relevant in today’s world. His case in point being that the majority of movies are modern day adaptations of Shakespeare’s work. For example, The Lion King is just a version of Hamlet 10 Things I Hate About You is a version of The Taming of the Shrew Westside Story is Romeo and Juliet

“And even the show we’re doing this year, Twelfth Night, was made into a movie, She’s the Man, and they don’t even bother to change the names in the movie,” Tyler adds. “They are the stories without all the funny language, but still the stories we all know and love.”

In addition to the family’s theater background, education runs strong in the Kenyon household. Tyler is a teacher at Lanier High School in Buford. His mother is a longtime teacher at Grayson High School. His brothers are either teaching or in school earning a degree to teach. And his father was in public safety but has a history in performing. Along with being entertaining, if someone learns a thing or two while performing or watching the play in the audience, then the Kenyon family has

Tyler says when they hear someone say, “If it weren’t for this performance, I would’ve never seen a Shakespeare play,” or “That was the first time I understood what Shakespeare was saying,” or “I understood the joke or the story,” they are happy. This is why they love bringing

SMOKE RISE BAPTIST CHURCH, TUCKER GA

Continued on page 22

Fall classes start August 8!

Fall Classes start August 7, 2023

Register online now.

Spaces are limited – register online now!

MUSIC

MUSIC

ART

ART

Musikgarten (ages 1-5)

West African Drumming

Visual Arts (all school ages)

Music Makers Keyboard (ages 6-9)

Individual music instruction (all ages)

Piano, voice, violin, drums, guitar

Art Classes (adults)

Young child paint / crafts Arts & Crafts – young teens -adult

THEATRE

Individual music instruction (all ages) piano, organ, voice, violin, ute, drums and guitar

Young Drama (grades 1-3)

DANCE

DANCE

Pre-ballet / Tap (ages 3-4)

Fall classes (ages 3 - adult)

THEATRE

JR Drama (grades 4-8)

Teen Drama

Act One Drama (ages 4-5)

Summer Drama (grades 1-12)

Tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical, Tap for Adults

Tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical (ages 5 and up)

Theater Dance Fusion (preteens and teens)

Tap for adults (ages 15 and up)

Theater Dance Fusion (ages 12+)

CLASS DETAILS AND REGISTRATION: www.smokerisebaptist.org/ar ts | 678-533-0562

CLASS DETAILS AND REGISTRATION:

| 678-533-0562

Drama Productions: Phantom of the Opera, Aug 24-26 / Finding Nemo, JR, Sept 22-24

SRAA Holiday Showcase - Saturday, December 10 at 1pm - Free to the public!

Lettum Eat!: Providing Food for the Gwinnett Community

By Kristen Eleveld

You may be surprised to learn that many people are facing food insecurity right here in Gwinnett County. Some community members have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic; others are struggling to find ways to feed their family. No one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from or choose between paying the light bill or feeding their family, which is why one organization in the Gwinnett area is working hard to feed those who are in need.

Meet Chef Hank, a professional chef in Snellville who has run the gamut of experience in the food service industry in his career of over three decades. Several years after running multiple restaurants and owning his own in the Snellville Community, Chef Hank realized that he could help people who were in need all around him – and he literally took his show on the road.

“I’ve always been strong on community involvement,” says Chef Hank, who has started nonprofit initiatives from youth athletics to after school culinary arts programs throughout the years. “I believe in utilizing my God-given abilities to help others. If I was a mechanic, I would be teaching others to repair cars or fixing up cars for those who couldn’t afford to have it done themselves.”

In 2018, Chef Hank had the opportunity to work at a local church as the executive chef, where he saw a greater opportunity to attract families in the community and inspire them to come and dine as a family. It was then that he realized the outreach potential and the impact that could be made if these efforts were refocused outward and shared with communities all over. The idea for Lettum Eat! was born.

The name itself comes from a phrase that Chef Hank and his coworkers would often say when working in a restaurant kitchen to let a server know that a meal was ready. They would plate the food and call out “Lettum eat!” to signify that the food was ready to give to the customer. Chef Hank decided that phrase was the perfect name to define the intent for the ministry. Mobile food provisions prepared with care and served with compassion to those in need would be the statement of purpose and foundation for the goal he wanted.

The response after launch in late 2019 was immediate. The need was great in not only Chef Hank’s own Snellville community, but all over the Metro Atlanta area.

For nearly four years, Lettum Eat! has operated as a nonprofit 501(c)3. The organization has served over 200,000 meals, and continues to be dedicated to finding those in need and mobilizing the resources necessary to ensure that anyone who is hungry gets to eat. By leveraging partnerships with organizations like the Atlanta Community Food Bank, Gwinnett County Government, and the Gwinnett County Public Library, Chef Hank has successfully built a well-known mechanism of community service. And they aren’t done yet – not even close.

Over the last couple of years, Lettum Eat!, Inc. has added to their fleet and now has a brand new fully equipped food truck, two delivery vehicles, a refrigerated box truck, a refrigerated trailer, a 20-foot competition barbeque smoker and grill, and, most recently, has added a second food truck. In its final phase of development, the organization has purchased three modular classroom trailers that are currently undergoing renovations to be converted into modular production kitchens, or MPKs. These MPKs will serve as free meal-producing hubs for people in areas throughout the county or wherever there is a need.

The MPKs will feature free meal delivery via common platforms like UberEats and Grubhub, as well as pickup and carryout options.

While the primary purpose of the MPKs is to produce meals, Chef Hank is excited about using them in other ways. He envisions the MPKs as being the centerpiece for local market events in order to bring help to struggling communities while also supporting and promoting local small businesses and local farmers in the area. In the meantime, Lettum Eat! will continue their two platforms of service with Chef-Prepared Frozen Meals that are distributed weekly by the Gwinnett County Public Library at multiple branches and the organization’s Food Truck Feeding Tours initiative, where they serve sandwiches to children after school, hot meals at extended stay motels, and unsheltered individuals with Trinity Table at Trinity United Methodist Church in Atlanta on many Sundays.

For Chef Hank, the mission is simple: make good food, get the food where it needs to go, serve it with compassion and dignity to eliminate the hopelessness that is often associated with need, and love on the peo-

Continued on page 22

TO DO AT The Sheridan at Eastside

With a daily schedule that can include fitness, educational programs, hobby groups and plenty of chances to socialize with other fascinating residents, your life will be an adventure of your own design.

See for yourself when you attend an upcoming event:

Luau at The Sheridan

Wednesday, July 19 | Noon

Discover more about our resort-style lifestyle when you join us for an afternoon of summer activities, from water Zumba and snow cones to a special outdoor performance.

Backyard BBQ & Tour

Wednesday, August 16 | Noon – 2 p.m.

We’re heating up the grill, and you’re invited to join us by the pool! We’ll have burgers, hot dogs and tours of our beautiful community.

Resource & Health Fair

Wednesday, September 13 10 a.m. – noon

Your health is important! Stop in to get great information and resources that will help you be your best self.

We look forward to welcoming you!

RSVP to 678-841-0030

THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING

Catching Up with Gwinnett County Native Lilly Hart

By Tana Poncsak

Lilly Hart played basketball growing up and throughout her school years. She even went on to play basketball while attending Birmingham Southern College. But as she was shooting hoops, there was another talent brewing in the Gwinnett County native and Parkview High School graduate – music.

Lilly started taking piano lessons at a young age. Later, she picked up a guitar, inspired by both her mother’s musical talent and her maternal grandfather’s musical talent and a pitch-perfect ear that she inherited. The girl who was once a star athlete at center court is now making a name for herself as a singer-songwriter in the music industry. And thanks to some help along the journey, she seems to be well on her way.

Having time on her hands during the recent pandemic, Lilly found herself looking to make some music. She set up a makeshift studio in her bedroom and started writing songs. And, as it turns out, they are good songs. The kind of songs that people want to listen to.

“I knew I had a musical background,” Lilly said. “I didn’t really know I could write like that. But I had all the time in the world, so I just wrote.”

She produced the music with a MIDI keyboard, a laptop, headphones, and a microphone, and then recorded some vocals.

“It wasn’t super professional or anything,” she added. “But it worked.”

Through the support of various people along the way including her family, a series of fortunate events, and the right people listening to her recordings, Lilly signed her first record deal about a year ago with Mick Music in Nashville.

But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Lilly said getting her music out for people to hear hasn’t always been easy.

“From the time when I started writing to when I was actually able to figure out how to record and mix it, it took like a five-month span of trial and error,” she said.

And then finding ways to get her music to the right ears was another challenge.

“Again, it was a bunch of trial and error with how to figure out how to market myself and how to figure out who to trust when there are so many scams.”

Lilly also knows how fortunate she’s been. In April she had the opportunity to open for St. Paul and the Broken Bones at the Lyric Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama, and sing in front of about 750 people. It was during that performance she caught a glimpse of what could be in her future.

“It was the biggest gig I’ve had so far, and it was awesome,” Lilly said.

So for now, she’s put down the basketball and opted for a guitar while making some other pivotal changes in her life for the sake of a future in the music industry. After a busy summer, Lilly plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University in the fall to pursue music academically and where she’s closer to Nashville, so she can continue to pursue music professionally as well.

At her current age of 20, Lilly already realizes that wherever her musical journey takes her, she will always create music.

“I want this journey to take me as far as it’ll take me,” she said. “Obviously I want to be an artist. That’s the goal. But overall, I want to be a songwriter, so I can still be in the industry, even if it’s just writing for other artists.”

Continued on page 21

“I was like this is what I want to do.”

Chess for Champs

By Traci Sanders

When Chris and Megan Suli formed Chess for Champs in 2021 – to offer socializing experiences and constructive activities for youth – they had no idea what it would become in such a short time.

Chris has played chess since childhood, having learned from his father and grandfather. However, he took a more serious interest in the game as a young adult and began playing in local chess clubs and competing against online players. His highest Elo rating so far is 2000, and he won second place in his division at his most recent tournament. Chris decided to study under Championship Chess instructors around the greater Atlanta area, and began teaching the game locally.

As a teacher at Lilburn Elementary School, Chris’ wife Megan became interested in the sport when she saw how well the chess students performed in Chris’ classes and how much fun they were having. Megan now attends every class to assist coaches and students. She even won a grant from Resurgens Charitable Foundation (and United Way funding) to build an all-inclusive playground for Lilburn Elementary School students and the local community to enjoy.

Chris and Megan have reached over thirty families thus far. They usually see around fifteen kids on a weekend, and they host a free chess club on the first and second Tuesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Stone Creek Pizza.

“It’s a very family-friendly environment,” Megan shared, “and we typically have at least fifteen people per night, since we are one of the only active chess clubs near the metro Atlanta area.”

Classes are offered on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Citizen Exchange for one-and-a-half-hour sessions from Coach Chris and another experienced mentor, Coach Jack. Snacks and prizes are provided, and students can enjoy playing at the park or inside.

“We’ve really watched these kids grow,” Megan said, “not only in chess, but socially as well, especially those for whom social skills do not

come naturally.”

Saturday class is from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and is open to ages seven and older, novice to intermediate skill level. Students can pay per class attended. No membership fees are in place.

Chess for Champs has been partnered with Salon Nine Seven from the beginning, which is where Sunday classes are held in the event of bad weather. Recently, they partnered with Citizen Exchange, The Nett Church at Berkmar, and Mosaic Minds Art Academy to offer more options for chess classes to the Lilburn community. Chris and Megan are in conversation with Lilburn Choice Preparatory Academy to offer yet another location soon.

Summer Chess and Art Camp is another program Chris and Megan offer. The camps are held at Music on Main Street, and students are taught tactics, strategies, and the basics of chess from Coach Chris and Coach Jack.

Megan teaches arts and crafts based on students’ interest levels, and draws inspiration for these activities from being an oil artist. Of course, there is always time allotted for socializing and free play.

“We have quite a few students with special needs,” Megan said, “whether they are on the spectrum or have sensory issues, and they flourish in our class because of our patient coaches and opportunities for free expression in play.”

Chris manages a disease called Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), which involves the peripheral nerves that control muscles and can cause pro-

Continued on page 20

Sidelined…A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop

I wonder if anyone is experiencing being sidelined at this point in the year. The beginning of 2023 had a somewhat rocky start, and perhaps some expectations, plans, and ideas have not quite evolved as envisioned. Life and/or business circumstances may have created some unexpected delays and derailments. Being sidelined shifts you out of your regular routine and activities. What was once comfortable becomes new, different, and unfamiliar. While this territory can be unnerving, there are ways to get back on track.

The first step toward navigating “sidelined” is to permit yourself to create a no-judgment zone. Often when we are sidelined, unhelpful thoughts enter our minds such as “I have no gifts,” “I have no skills,” “I am not useful,” “Why bother?” etc. It is certainly hard to be confident or vulnerable in this state. Being out of your norm can definitely

Rugby ATL and Best Friends Animal Society Team Up for Kitten Season

By Tana Poncsak

What’s cuter than a bunch of kittens? Perhaps a bunch of kittens with players from the Rugby ATL team.

On April 20th, players on the Rugby ATL team had some fun with kittens from Atlanta’s Best Friends Animal Society during a photoshoot at the Rugby ATL headquarters in Marietta. The photo opportunity is to bring awareness to “Kitten Season” – a time period that typically runs from April to November when female cats tend to have multiple pregnancies leading to an overcrowding of kittens in area animal shelters.

Rugby ATL members were happy to join the kittens for some fun photos with a goal to bring awareness to the need for the adoption and fostering of kittens.

Jordan Brown from Australia, who plays lock position for Rugby ATL, took part in the promotional photoshoot. He said the team members who participated in the event all had a great time.

“There are several animal lovers on the team, myself included,” Jordan said, adding that as an animal lover, it’s hard not to have a great time when you’re around animals.

Jordan described some of the kittens as energetic and even rowdy, while some were timid and relaxed.

“It’s amazing to see how animals have vastly different personalities, just like people,” he said.

Ultimately, Jordan and his teammates hope the campaign brings awareness to the great work that Best Friends Animal Society does in metro Atlanta.

“Everyone at Rugby ATL is passionate about supporting the community,” he said, “and it’s been an honor to help support this cause. I look forward to supporting them more in the future.”

Rugby ATL formally incorporated as a Major League Rugby team in 2019, and is one of thirteen Major League Rugby teams throughout the United States and Canada with sixteen games in a season. Home games are played at the Silverbacks Park.

More information at https://rugbyatl.rugby/our-story/, and https://network.bestfriends.org/who-we-are/our-purpose.

throw you for a loop; however, it’s important to stand on your self-leadership. Allow yourself to breathe, assess the situation, and rest in the fact that whatever it is, you can handle it. Reserve all judgment and remove whatever you are hiding behind. Permit yourself to consider the benefits of being sidelined.

Be willing to acknowledge this is not permanent and does have advantages. Take time to evaluate what led you to this point and what you can glean and apply to “get back in the game.” It may take time, but you can choose to continue to tend your mindset and refresh your skills. Remember what makes your heart sing and create your own music again. Ask yourself, “How can I do this while on the sidelines? What can I do to bring myself back to where I want to be?” It will also help to lift your physical posture. Being physically slumped often affects emotions, so stand tall and reinforce your stability. Why? Because your gifts and skills are still there.

Athletes, at times, get injured or replaced and have to sit on the sidelines. Does this indicate they are no longer good at what they do? Have their skills magically gone away because they are on the sidelines? The answer is a profound no! Their goal is to do whatever it takes to be prepared when they are sent back into the game. So, stay sharp, be encouraged, and remain connected to the support systems that keep you going. Remember: even on the sidelines, people are cheering you on!

More information at www.janebishoplive.com.

Community Member Spotlight: Meet

Sharmele West-Smith

By Tana Poncsak

Sharmele West-Smith, also fondly known as Smiley, has been a licensed hair stylist since she was seventeen years old. With her first salon in Providence, Rhode Island, Sharmele has also owned salons in Florida and Georgia. Her latest venture is a hair clinic located in Tucker. And while the clinic is all about helping people improve their appearance, the journey to open the clinic was all heart.

Sharmele lost her mother, Juanita West, in June 2013 to colon cancer, but not before Juanita helped her daughter find a way to help others. And now Sharmele, along with her siblings and her grandchildren, are honoring Juanita for the kind and loving person she was.

Growing up in her parents’ house, Sharmele remembers it as a place where everyone was welcome.

“We never had an empty house,” Sharmele recalls. “We always had people staying with us.”

Her father, James West, was a prominent Bostonian, and Juanita was a nurse.

After all the kids were grown and on their own, Juanita visited the Atlanta area and decided she liked the vibe. So in 1998, Juanita, along with one of her five sisters, loaded a truck and left Boston headed south to Atlanta, where Juanita continued to work as a nurse helping cancer patients.

Sharmele wasn’t far behind. In 2006, Sharmele moved from her home in Florida to join her mother in the Atlanta area and opened her first hair salon in Georgia. This was also around the time when Sharmele first noticed that hair loss was becoming an issue for many.

“I was getting more and more black women coming in, looking for black stylists to help them figure it out,” she said.

In fact, Juanita started to have her own hair loss issues around this time. Sharmele noticed that Juanita was losing not only her hair, but also her self-esteem and her confidence.

With the encouragement from her mother, Sharmele researched hair loss and started to learn more about what she could do to help. After the research, classes, and shopping the competition, Sharmele realized she could make a real difference and even offer her help at a better price.

It wasn’t until after Juanita’s colon cancer diagnosis in 2011 that Sharmele decided to change the format and the name of her salon and rebrand it into a hair clinic. Unfortunately, Juanita never saw the plan

come to fruition. When Juanita was diagnosed, she was given twenty-three months to live. She passed away twenty-two months later.

It took Sharmele some time to work through her grief, find the right location, and get the hair clinic up and running. Finally, about four years after Juanita’s death, Sharmele opened Smiley’s Hair Clinic. And with her family’s help and the help of others, the hair clinic is thriving. The staff of five are confidently helping people with hair loss from age-related conditions to genetics, to stress, to cancer treatment, and more. Sharmele says they focus on the scalp and finding the right treatment.

Her clients come from near and far, including those who live in the area, those who drive a few hundred miles, and those who board a plane for their visit.

“It’s very private,” Sharmele said of her consultations. “People can be very emotional about hair loss.” She stressed that’s it’s important to have an in-depth consultation to pinpoint the right technique and solution for each client.

And what would her mother, Juanita, think about the clinic?

“She was my biggest cheerleader,” Sharmele said. “She was so amazing, and if she was alive, she would be sitting at the front desk. Trust me, she’d love to greet the people. She loved to hug on people, and she loved to make people feel good about themselves. That’s what I think she would love the most about this – that it makes people feel good about themselves again.”

In Juanita’s honor, Sharmele and the family started the Smile 4 New Life Colon Cancer Foundation. While during her illness, Juanita showed no outward signs of being sick before or after her diagnosis. Had the family been more aware of the signs and symptoms of colon cancer, and with some changes in lifestyle and eating habits, perhaps the ending to Continued on page 22

Glorious Gibbs Gardens

By Victoria R. Crosby

I first visited Gibbs Gardens last autumn when the leaves on the trees were beginning to turn to shades of red and gold, and the flowers were at their peak of blooming. I visited again in spring when thousands of bulbs were in bloom.

Gibbs Gardens, founded by Jim Gibbs, began in 1980 as a private family estate on 300 acres of property. It took thirty years to create this magical place, which is now open to the public and was increased to 376 acres of landscaped garden beds, with spring fed ponds, streams, and waterfalls.

In the welcome brochure guests receive, Gibbs wrote, “With this magnificent scenery as my canvas, I’ve been committed to achieving a balance between natural and man-made elements to create a harmony and nature throughout Gibbs Gardens. I hope you enjoy visiting the gardens as much as I have enjoyed developing them.”

Gibbs’ bestselling book on how he created the gardens is available at the gift shop, which also has many lovely garden-related items. Unfortunately, they don’t have a garden shop, but you can order daffodils via the internet.

There are twenty-one garden venues, with five feature gardens. In the spring there are millions of daffodils in bloom on fifty acres from March to April. Some are early bloomers, others later, so you will always find some daffodils blooming during those months. There are also large beds of tulips which bloom in the spring.

Throughout the garden there are wonderful statues of children play-

ing and interacting with animals; children sitting on the back of a large tortoise, a boy chasing geese, a girl with a butterfly, a boy playing the flute, and a boy on a bench reading a book.

The Inspiration Garden features over seven acres of Encore and Native Azaleas, Knock Out Roses, and dwarf conifers. The daylilies bloom in June and July. There are benches and gazebos if you are tired or just want to take in the surrounding beauty of the gardens.

A favorite part of the garden is the replica of Monet’s bridge and waterlily garden, which feature one hundred and forty varieties of waterlilies that bloom from late spring until the autumn.

There is also a Japanese garden with statues of Buddha and other Asian statuary, and over one thousand Japanese Maple trees. People have placed pennies on the statues of Buddha for good luck and into some of the ponds.

There is a wildflower meadow, and butterfly gardens, crepe myrtles, flowering cherry trees, a rose arbor, and over one thousand hydrangeas. The Manor House has seven terrace levels of gardens.

The Arbor Café serves sandwiches, wraps, coffee, and soft drinks. There are tables and chairs to sit and eat. No outside food or drinks, except water, are allowed.

Gibbs Gardens is about an hour from Atlanta and is a popular destination for outings with garden clubs and other groups. The gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from March until early December. Annual membership gives unlimited visits per year. I have been twice and still haven’t seen everything, so membership is the best value.

More information at www.gibsgardens.com, or call 770-893-1880.

and anyone who needs our help,” said Pastor Rodrigo. “When we all work together, we do better together.”

If this church sounds like the kind of place you have been looking for, rest assured you are welcome. With a more traditional service at 9:30 a.m. on the Lawrenceville campus, a more modern service at 11:00 a.m. on the Lilburn campus, or another one geared towards young adults at 5:00 p.m. on the Norcross campus, you can choose the atmosphere that suits you best and join The NETT for worship any time. Bring your whole family or come on your own. Whatever your circumstances, you are certain to find a faith-centered community waiting for you.

“We are here to stand in the gap for each other,” said Pastor Cruz. “More than anything, we are so thankful, because none of us are perfect, but we can share a perfect Savior.”

More information at thenettchurch.com or 770-923-1403

gressive loss of function and sensation in the hands, arms, legs, and feet. This disease has allowed Chris to identify with and practice patience and compassion with the students who have special needs.

“He’s so good with the kids and makes them feel relaxed and excited to learn,” Megan shared.

Now that Chris and Megan have made their passion into an LLC, they plan to continue mentoring new coaches or hiring experienced ones to grow and offer locations anywhere students don’t have the opportunity to learn the game of chess.

“I love how kids learn from their mistakes, learn to think ahead and analyze, learn patience, and learn good sportsmanship,” Megan stated. “These are all good life skills.”

More information at https://www.facebook.com/klumz.rex, or Instagram #ChessforChamps

Pet Perch: Exercise? Or Over Excitement?

By Terie Hansen

While there is no doubt that dogs need exercise, many dog owners turn to running and racing around in a yard or a park as the only form of exercise their dog gets. The problem is that if the only interactions you have with your dog are of high excitement, that is what you are patterning – a dog whose mind doesn’t know how to settle down; a dog that is always looking for the next high-energy engagement activity; a dog that typically demands attention from you on a pretty consistent basis.

On the other hand, training burns a ton of energy, both physical and mental, and has many positive side effects such as creating a calm, relaxed state of mind. Your dog learns to focus. Your dog is learning valuable commands. Your dog has your undivided attention, so it is less likely to demand your attention at other times during the day. Your dog views you as the leader, which can significantly reduce and/or eliminate anxiety, stress, fear, and other negative states of mind and behaviors. All of which, in the long run, equal a well-trained dog!

Moreover, if you’re going to spend time with your dog, what is the difference if you spend fifteen to twenty minutes throwing a ball versus fifteen to twenty minutes training? Time is time, right? Simply doing sit drills burns both mental energy (because your dog needs to focus) and physical energy (because your dog is doing squats) and will tire your dog out. Down drills are push-ups for your dog. Recalls (coming when called) has your dog running back and forth, but in a controlled manner. Kennel drills also include push-ups because you will teach your dog to enter their kennel and lie down. Even duration commands such as Down and Place burn a tremendous amount of mental energy as your dog practices impulse control while holding those commands.

All drills are done with a leash until your dog consistently follow commands without engaging the leash. You can even use their food (not treats) as a reward. Doing these simple drills will burn tons of energy and sharpen your dog’s obedience skills. In a couple of weeks, you will be rewarded with a much calmer, better behaved dog.

I am not saying don’t play with your dog. I am saying, even if you did 50-50, or better yet, one out of every four interactions with your dog, you played and the other three you trained. The outcome would be a tremendous difference in your dog’s overall behavior, equaling an amazing difference in your relationship with your dog.

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

Lilly Hart

Continued from page 15

Songs have a way of transporting listeners to a different time and a different place.

“I just remember connecting songs to different points in my life,” Lilly said. “So when I hear a song now, I’m like, ‘Oh, that song reminds me of this time.’”

Lilly said that when people listen to her songs, it’s not about what the lyrics mean to her, but what the lyrics mean to the listener so that the listener creates his or her own connection with the song. She stressed that good lyrics make a song personal and that’s what keeps people listening. Her musical influences include genres such as alternative and R&B, and her current favorite song is Always by Canadian R&B artist Daniel Caesar.

Lilly Hart has a unique musical style all her own. Her debut EP, Overrated:Complicated dropped on June 16th, and look for her new song, Summertime Feels, to follow. You can find Lilly Hart on all the popular social media platforms.

More information at https://lillyhartmusic.com/.

Shakespeare in the Park to the community. Tyler says it’s hearing about these “aha moments” that’s most rewarding.

Over the years, the Kenyon family has learned a thing or two about putting on a performance like this. And as with most things, there’s been a learning curve, especially when it comes to sets.

“Massive sets are a pain to move in the 90-degree Georgia summer heat,” Tyler says. “And microphones have also been added so performers can be heard over the other sounds around the park.”

And then there’s just being prepared for anything, including inclement weather and wildlife.

“It seems like every year there’s something new and totally unexpected,” Tyler explains. “We’ve had kids and squirrels and birds and other things run and fly across the stage in the middle our shows. So really we’ve learned to be prepared for absolutely anything.”

The number of participants needed each year depends on the show.

Sharmele West-Smith

Continued from page 18

Sharmele’s mother’s story could have been different.

Now armed with more education, awareness, and with the knowledge that colon cancer is the third most common cancer for men and women in the United States according to cancer.net, the family hopes to bring awareness and help others in their fight against the disease.

The foundation holds an annual fundraiser in March, which also coincides with Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Past events have garnered modest attendance, but they hope to ramp up next year’s event by promoting it earlier. The annual event includes a 5K walk with proceeds going directly to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

More information at www.smile4newlifefoundation.org. or www. smileyshairclinic.com.

This year they’ll need about twenty people, which includes performers and backstage help. And the city, including the mayor, are always very helpful and generous with the production needs.

“And then the audience,” Tyler adds. “It’s more fun to put on a show when people are around to watch. The beautiful thing about performing in the park is that the majority of the audience is already in the park that day. They see the show and wander over. It’s nice to have people supporting the events and to give back to the community with free theater.”

Bring your chairs, blankets, a picnic, and the family to the park July 21st through 23rd.

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

Lettum

Eat!

ple they serve.

Continued from page 13

“I understand what it’s like to have a family and struggle in silence,” Chef Hank says. “I’ve been in the co-op lines for food. To be a mom or a dad and trying to take care of your family when you’re struggling is hard. We want to be able to offer dignity to people who are trying to get help. We make an effort to serve differently; we try to replace that negative emotion with hope.”

With the first MPK launching this summer and the food trucks continuing to make their rounds, Chef Hank is hopeful that he can help more and more people elevate above the struggles of food insecurity in the near future. And if you want to help, there are several ways you can support this ever-expanding dream of love and service to the community grow even larger. Just check out lettumeat.com for information on how you can be part of the Lettum Eat! community.

“It doesn’t matter who does it, as long as it gets done,” says Chef Hank. “Lettum Eat! will be here whether we are feeding five people or five thousand people.”

More information at https://lettumeat.com/, info@lettumeat.com

Golf Talk: A Serene Escape from the Noisy World

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, finding moments of tranquility and respite has become increasingly important. Amid the hustle and bustle, there exists a game that offers a peaceful escape – one that allows us to disconnect from the noise and find solace amidst nature’s beauty. That game is golf. Let’s explore how playing golf provides a much-needed distraction from the cacophony of our daily lives.

1. The Serenity of Nature: One of the most enchanting aspects of golf is its setting. Golf courses are often nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, with lush greens, shimmering ponds, and majestic trees. As you step onto the fairway, the world’s noise gradually fades away, replaced by the gentle whispers of the wind and the symphony of birdsong. The tranquil surroundings envelop you, providing a sanctuary to escape the clamor and to find peace.

2, Focus and Concentration: Playing golf requires mental acuity and concentration. The intricate combination of strategy, technique, and precision demands your complete attention. As you navigate each hole, the game’s complexities command your focus, allowing you to momentarily detach from the noise and distractions surrounding us in our everyday lives. In these moments of immersion, the world’s clamor fades into the background, leaving only you and the challenge at hand.

3. Mindful Reflection: Golf provides a space for contemplation and self-reflection. Between shots, as you stroll along the fairway or stand at the tee, there is a sense of quiet introspection. These moments of solitude invite you to reflect on life, your goals, and your choices. It is a chance to find clarity and perspective in a world of noise and confusion.

4. Camaraderie and Connection: While golf can be a personal journey, it is also a sport that encourages camaraderie and connection. Sharing

a round of golf with friends or fellow enthusiasts allows you to forge deeper relationships and build lasting memories. Engaging in lighthearted banter, celebrating each other’s victories, and offering support during setbacks create bonds that transcend the game. The camaraderie found on the course provides a welcome respite from the isolation and noise of our modern world.

5. Physical and Mental Well-being: Beyond its meditative qualities, golf offers physical and mental benefits. The rhythmic swings, gentle walks, and fresh air invigorate the body and promote well-being. The game’s challenges and triumphs provide a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety, allowing you to return to the noise of the world with a clearer, more balanced mindset.

In a world inundated with noise and distractions, golf is a tranquil oasis – a sanctuary where we can find respite from the clamor of daily life. Through its serene settings, mindful focus, and opportunities for connection, golf offers a much-needed distraction that renews our spirit and nourishes our well-being. So, grab your clubs, step onto the course, and immerse yourself in the peaceful world of golf, even if just for a few hours.

Embrace the game, which can become a great sanctuary, providing a temporary escape from the noise and a rejuvenating journey into the beauty of nature and self. So no matter what your age, we wish you happy golfing!