JUNE 2022 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
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Up Close with The Kitchen at Summit Chase, see story on page 5.
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On the Cover:
Find Your Community at Summit Chase By Kristen Eleveld Many of those in the Snellville community will recognize the name Summit Chase, which has been part of the Snellville neighborhood for nearly fifty years. But while the Summit Chase so many grew up with was an amazing place to visit, there have been some changes that everyone in the area can enjoy. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or a great way to spend your day outdoors, Summit Chase has a little something for everyone. “We’re reinventing ourselves,” said Don Britt, who has owned Summit Chase alongside his family for decades. “We have something new and different that’s available to everyone in the community.” Don and the team are especially excited about The Kitchen at Summit Chase, which is a farm-to-table restaurant designed to give people a great meal filled with only the freshest foods. One of the best parts about The Kitchen is that its doors are open to all. No membership is required to enjoy a meal at The Kitchen or at The Pub right next door. Naturally, a farm-to-table model has given Don and the team the opportunity to connect with and order from many local farms. They even plan to visit some local farmer’s markets to ensure that every ingredient on their table is fresh and homegrown from a trusted source. “Since our food is locally sourced, eating here means supporting family businesses,” said Don. “We opened the restaurant in March, and it’s been really fun to get to know the local farmers and talk to them every time they come to drop off more food.” Because The Kitchen at Summit Chase is so committed to only
serving the freshest food available, they have created a unique and delicious menu that will be unlike any other restaurant experience you’ve had. Chef Alex, who is the mastermind behind these savory meals, has worked hard to create an atmosphere that encourages you to try new foods while getting to know some of your neighbors. Continued on page 18
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Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
— An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com
Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett/Walton area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyright 2022 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.
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Cover Story Feature Writer Kristen Eleveld
Feature Writers K. Coats Victoria R. Crosby Tana Poncsak Traci Sanders
Beth Volpert Johansen Contributing Writers Bill Crane Tanisha Turner Pam Walker
IN THIS ISSUE 5 7 8 8 9 10 10
11 13 14 15 17 21 22 23
On the Cover: Find Your Community at Summit Chase From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks One on One with Erica Dove One Man’s Opinion: “ConGRADuation” Day Travel Tales: Greece on my Mind Gwinnett Celebrates the Queen’s Jubilee Learning Lessons: Keeping Promises are a Step Toward Integrity for Children Hometown Brag: Maisha Lucas, SGHS Class of 2015 Making a Difference: Ukraine Refugees Welcomed Dr. Boone Benton: Named 1st Runner Up for School Counselor of the Year From the Ashes, a Debut Novel by Sara McGee Find the Best Care with Sacred Private Home Care Getting to Know: Nicholas Black, SGHS Class of 2009 Coach Smart and the GCPS Sports Hall of Fame Gwinnett Tech Instructor Jeff White: Winner of 2022 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence
Stay Connected! OurTownGwinnett.com
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From the Publisher:
Ryan’s Remarks By Ryan T. Sauers @RyanSauers
@RyanTSauers
So how are you Our Town community? Are you enjoying the warm weather and summer fun? I must say it I so nice after over two years of “stops and starts” and changing rules to be back operating full throttle. We have all lived through an unprecedented time that we will try to explain to future generations. Wow, do I ever love being able to be back at sporting events, concerts, and gatherings – and with no masks. I challenge you to Keep Pushing Forward (KPF) no matter what you are facing and no matter your age. Simply said, age is just a number. Consider the pandemic as the “great human reset,” which allowed us to remember what truly matters. So go for your dreams. Life is short. There is no “do over.” There are people who tell me “One day” I will do this, or “someday” I will do that. This is crazy talk to me. For what are you waiting? The clock is ticking for ALL of us. So, I encourage you to Make It Happen. As I have said before, if you want something bad enough you will find a way – and if you don’t, you will find an excuse. I hope you work to find the best in people and to try and make others laugh and smile. Let us love more and hate less. Let us actively listen to get to know a person and build a relationship before judging them. Do we really know the person’s story? Or do we just know what we “think” it is? Living in an authentic way is what I call “walking the talk” and it is what we all need and want to be around. If we seek to operate with the utmost in ethics and integrity, although difficult at times, you will be glad you did. I wish you a safe and blessed June 2022. Yes, we are nearly halfway (hard to believe) thru 2022. Stay cool and enjoy each moment no matter what life throws your way. As Kenny Chesney says in his classic song Don’t Blink, “Cause when your hourglass runs out of sand... you can’t flip it over and start again... take every breath God gives you for what it’s worth.” We have some great things happening and are in growth mode, so stay tuned. Have a blessed month, Our Town community. And as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!
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One on One with Erica Dove
One Man’s Opinion: “ConGRADuation” Day
Our Town Gwinnett (OTG): Please tell our readers a little about yourself. What do you want our readers to know about you? Who were your mentors and role models? Erica Dove (ED): I am Erica Dove – Hard worker, Attorney, Judge, Entrepreneur, community servant, dog mom, and candidate for Gwinnett State Court Judge! Native of Washington, D.C., and a Georgia resident since 1980. I have been a resident of Gwinnett County since 1981. I attended Howard University for both Undergrad and Law School. I began my career at King & Spalding, LLP in 2002. Later I served as a prosecutor in Gwinnett State Court for ten years, serving on the DUI Accountability Court team, and helping to pilot the Mental Health Diversion program. I also served as prosecutor in several municipal courts, including Norcross, Suwanee, Lilburn, and others. In 2015, I established The Law Office of Erica K Dove, LLC, handling various types of matters. My mother has been my biggest role model. She has always set the standard, been the example; then she expects the best from me. OTG: What are your favorite things to do? ED: Traveling wherever there is clear blue water, yard work, and hanging with my pup, Bentley. OTG: What role does community play in your life? ED: Community is very important and plays a huge role in my life. Family, friends, neighbors, and even the legal community all, in some
Graduation Days are among those most memorable milestones and touchstones of life. They are often seen more as an end to one phase, while I have always chosen to view the ceremony as well as the Pomp and Circumstance as an entrance into life’s next phase. These ceremonies now start as early as kindergarten, continuing through elementary, middle school, and high school – as well as later for many college and post-graduate degrees. This plethora of caps and gowns do tend to blend over time, and the sheer number I feel tends to water down the impact and the significance of those later and more significant school finishes and degrees. For many families, this graduation season will celebrate many firsts: first family member to graduate from college, from medical school; the first scholar to become immediately employed following the graduation ceremony, etc. Each of those capstone events is worthy of commemoration and salutation, as well as multi-selfie taking and sharing on social media. Higher education is increasingly over-priced, and much of your college and post-graduate experience is as much about socialization, developing people skills, and critical thinking as it is about the subject matter or your specific area of focus and study. Without argument, there are some degrees, and certainly academic institutions, where the bar is set higher, and the academic rigors are greater. But this chat is not about that.
Continued on page 15
Continued on page 20
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
By Bill Crane
Photos of the Month:
Grayson Farmacy Grand Opening
Photo Credit: Gwinnett Event Photography
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Travel Tales: Greece on my Mind By Pam Walker
It has been years since I first visited the cradle of civilization. With the pandemic improving, I accepted wholeheartedly when a friend asked me to visit her in Greece. Not only would I be able to check out hotels in Athens, Crete, and Santorini, but also Mykonos. Many things have changed over the twenty-seven months of the pandemic. Many hotels had closed, while others had renovated. Some companies used this time to rebuild or build new hotels in superb locations. I needed that for my business now that everyone wanted to travel again. The old has become new, and it is always good for travel professionals to update their knowledge. In 2021, I had visited Madrid and Amsterdam and Brussels; but this was 2022 and now it was time to get back out there. What I found is that many people in the world are also getting out there, too. Instead of the small crowds of 2021, I was finding tremendous crowds from all over the world. Everyone kept saying they didn’t know how they would keep up when the cruise ships started coming again in the summer. Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators were in total panic mode. The crowds that I was seeing at the Acropolis and the Plaka in Athens were just a smattering of what was coming. European friends told me that it was not only in Greece, but also in France, the UK, Spain, and Germany. Planes are full, hotels are at capacity, and tour companies are singing a happy song. Europe is open and functioning. Although you need a mask in public buildings, elsewhere it is not required. The only negative was the Antigen Test that one must have to return home. Hopefully by the time you read this, that heinous rule will have been suspended. It is not needed anywhere else, so why the USA? My Greek travels were amazing. The famed old Grande Bretagne in Athens is still the old Grand Dame and the pandemic allowed time to freshen up everything. There is no doubt that the rooftop restaurant with views of the Acropolis at night is a winner. In Crete, there is a lot to do, and my favorite was Daios Cove, with a Michelin star restaurant and stunning rooms with plunge pools all overlooking the water. Oia in Santorini wins hands down. Here the Canaves group has created a wonderful new hotel called Epitome, which is just that – a stunning place to watch the sunset on the Caldera. In Mykonos there is the new Kalesma, which also has amazing rooms with plunge pools and views of both sunset and sunrise. There is so much to see and do, and I did not have enough time to Continued on page 20
June 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
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Gwinnett Celebrates the Queen’s Jubilee By Victoria R. Crosby
Queen Elizabeth II, the monarch of Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and fifty-four countries of the Commonwealth, celebrated her 96th birthday on April 21st. That birthday should not be confused with her “official” birthday in June that is celebrated then as the weather in England is better in June than April – although not always! It seems somewhat ironic that Americans fought for their independence from King George lll, but today they all seem to adore the Queen, who is celebrating seventy years on the throne. She is the longest living reigning monarch in the world, and was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records following the death of the King of Thailand at age 88 in October 2016. As someone who grew up in England, I have become more interested in the Royal Family since living in the United States. Just like many Americans whose ancestors came from other countries, we enjoy both our American citizenship and heritage of origin. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor wasn’t born to be queen. She was born a princess, the eldest daughter of Prince Albert, the Duke of York, second son of King George V. Prince Albert became King George VI when his brother the Prince of Wales, briefly King Edward VIII, abdicated after only three hundred and twenty-five days on the throne, to marry a twice-divorced American woman. At eleven years old Princess Elizabeth then became next in line for the throne. King George died at the age of fifty-two when she was twenty-five years old, and she became the queen at his death.
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Her coronation was the following year on June 2, 1953. At that time she was married to Prince Philip and had two young children, Prince Charles and Princess Anne. On April 23, 2022, which was also St. George’s Day, the patron saint of England (the one who slayed the dragon), and William Shakespeare’s birthday, crowds of Brits and anglophiles filled the streets of Historic Norcross to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The Fish and Chip truck had a long line of people waiting to purchase their favorite British treat, and people were asked to come dressed as their favorite Brit, such as The Queen or members of the Royal Family, James Bond, Austin Powers, Harry Potter, Adele, or one of the Beatles. Some people did, but most wore T shirts with the British flag, or pictures of the Queen, and many ladies wore hats or fascinators. I was dolled up in my British flag sweater with a necklace of flags and earrings made from old English coins. The British-style afternoon tea, a charity event to benefit Mountbatten House, a home for the elderly, was hosted by the Oglethorpe Chapter of DBE (Daughters of the British Empire) a National Organization of women of British birth or heritage. I am now a member of the Runnymede Chapter in Georgia, and a former DBE President in New York State. Held at The Rectory at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., the tea very quickly sold out, and the Jubilee memorabilia at A Taste of Britain was selling like the proverbial hot cakes! The ceremonies began with a bagpiper, who marched up and down through the crowds. One little girl watching him was defying the suggested attire, wearing a dress of stars and stripes! Historic Norcross Business Association (HNBA) representatives, Annie Hall and Gary Boothroyd, were giving away jester hats with the Continued on page 19
Learning Lessons: Keeping Promises are a Step Toward Integrity for Children By Tanisha Turner
Integrity is widely considered a positive attribute in adults, but how do we nurture it in children? Webster defines integrity as “the quality of being honest and fair.” These are certainly essential character traits for success in school, work, and life that can be developed in children starting at a young age by modeling. “Children under the age of 3 may not always comprehend an abstract concept like integrity, but by modeling consistent trustful behavior, we help them build the foundation for later understanding,” says Gloria Julius, Ed.D., vice president of education and professional development at Primrose Schools. Primrose Schools takes modeling integrity to the next level by engaging children in lessons and activities focused on keeping promises. By encouraging children to keep their promises, a pattern of behavior forms that leads to reliability and personal integrity. Dr. Julius offers the following at-home tips to help your children learn the importance of keeping their commitments: • Set a good example. Demonstrate to your children that you keep Continued on page 18
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Hometown Brag: Maisha Lucas, SGHS Class of 2015 By K. Coats
When we think about animals, our pets might be the first to come to mind: cats, dogs, bunnies, hamsters. From there, we could extend it into wildlife and include deer, birds, and fish. For most, the last type of creature to make its way into our consciousness would be a bug. We take them for granted and mostly consider them with annoyance, actively avoiding them. But for 2015 SGHS grad Maisha Lucas, bugs are a priority. In fact, thanks to a trip to Costa Rica her junior year of college, she decided to specialize in insect conservation. Maisha’s journey really took off in her AP Environmental Science class with Ms. Leslie Bevan. She says, “This class helped me choose the career path of species conservation research.” While at SGHS, Maisha was also active as a competition cheerleader for Future Extreme and cheered for the football team for a semester. But her activities went beyond cheering, including carrying a large responsibility in an academic elective class. “I was an editor for the literary magazine with Mrs. Keren Brown,” she recalls. After graduating from SGHS, Maisha attended UGA where she graduated in 2019 with a degree in ecology and a minor in entomology. “I have always been interested in pursuing a career in the natural sciences,” she says, “but I wasn’t sure of the specific field until I studied abroad in Costa Rica my junior year of college.” While on that trip, Maisha made a huge decision based on some tiny, bug-sized factors.
She recalls, “There, I decided to specialize in insect conservation after learning about the ways in which humans contribute to the species decline in insects. I was amazed by the diversity of insects in the tropics, and I wanted future generations to be able to have the same experience as I did.” So Maisha found her direction. “And, the best way to do that is to contribute to insect conservation research,” she explains. “After college, I decided to specifically study insect conservation in agricultural landscapes, as current pest control practices are a large contributor to species loss in insects.” So the trip to Costa Rica was much more formative than anyone could have foreseen. But her journey would eventually take Maisha much farther north. “I am a Postgraduate Associate for the Jetz Lab Center for Biodiversity and Global Change in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department at Yale University,” she states. “There, I am responsible for compiling taxonomic and species trait data for Map of Life and the Half Earth project.” And it is here that she achieved one of her proudest, and coolest, accomplishments. Maisha helped to write the etymology for a new species of ant: Strumigenys collinsae. She remembers, “Dr. Douglas Booher and I decided to name the species after the first Black Female Entomologist and civil rights activist, Margaret S. Collins.” Dr. Collins, the namesake of Maisha’s ant, was born in 1922 and was a child prodigy from West Virginia. She would eventually become the international expert on termites, and most of what we know about them comes from her research. She passed away in 1996. Maisha Lucas spends her free time doing what she loves – foraging and practicing insect identification. She does this within her own neighborhood and helps collect local data as a result. “I then post my findings on iNaturalist to participate in citizen science,” she explains. The phone app iNaturalist is a community generated database updated by ordinary folks who help scientists with data and geographic info and trends. It also has a section where you can finally ask people to identify an unknown bug and get a better answer than “squish it!” It’s Continued on page 19
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You’re invited to join us for an upcoming event – part of our Lifelong Learning Series, where we continue to discover and expand in entertaining and powerful ways.
MEET THE AUTHOR SERIES MARLENE RATLEDGE BUCHANAN Thursday, June 9 | 11 a.m.
Author Marlene Ratledge Buchanan joins us for a chat on finding the humor in life.
DONNA BARRON
Thursday, July 7 | 11 a.m. Meet Donna Barron, author of The Man Who Carved Stone Mountain, which is a biography of her father – the man who completed the carving on Stone Mountain in 1972.
LYNN HESSE
Thursday, August 11 | 11 a.m. Retired detective and novelist Lynn Hesse joins us for a riveting discussion about her newest heist novel, The Forty Knots Burn.
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Making a Difference: Ukraine Refugees Welcomed By Beth Volpert Johansen
Some of the most heartfelt and poignant stories begin with a simple social media posting. When a globally relevant story lands right in the middle of Gwinnett County, people pay attention. When tensions are high internationally, and the entire world can see the horrors of war played out in real-time in Ukraine, people wonder how they can help. Moreover, suddenly, the living, breathing refugees arrive right in Gwinnett County. For Laura Drake, Director of the SE Gwinnett Co-op, a phone call changed everything. She posted on Facebook a plea for help. And, as her faithful-self expected, God answered her. Speaking of a beautiful baby girl who visited the Co-op with her family, Laura wrote: She has no idea, but God knows. She will not remember this day, and I will never forget it. My new friend Googled “I need help with food.” The Co-op popped up and she called. Because we serve an All Knowing, Mighty God, and because the Co-op is undergirded by His God Army, we welcomed our new friends yesterday and heard their stories, held their babies, and shared a meal. That first meal? Chick-Fil-A, provided by the Scenic Highway – Snellville Store. “They loved it!” says Laura. “Thank you, Tom and Gene, for your generosity with this meal of love.” It all began with the faith of a small Russian-speaking church congregation located in Lilburn. The families who are from Ukraine, Russia, and Moldova felt a strong call to help. Accessing their building fund, they worked to bring forty-five Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees to the United States. The process of registering for the status is overwhelming, but the family-to-family outreach has prepared them for the challenge. Outreach options began to materialize as Laura reached out to her friends Denise Smith and Stephanie Marbut from Peace of Thread. “God already had our friends Denise and Stepanie in place from Peace of Thread when they became my new friends last year when we lived this same story with precious souls fleeing from Afghanistan,” says Laura. “They are experts in helping refugees. Thank you, God.” Peace of Thread was established to provide a way for newly arrived women – primarily mothers – to provide for their families and maintain their dignity during an incredibly stressful time. The women are taught to sew beautiful boutique-quality bags and accessories. With every piece purchased, you are investing in the future of our artisans and their families. “Laura is such a dear friend, she called with this immediate need and invited me to meet the women of the church at a Chick-Fil-A lunch,” says Denise, Founder and CEO of Peace of Thread. “It was so beautiful to be able to hug and love on these faithful women. I cried along with everyone.” The meeting began the wheels churning for Denise and Laura. “We will be training five women at a time,” she says. “They all want to learn to sew so they can work from home.” Laura adds, “While these families work through the process, we committed ourselves to this church to help to fill the gap and supply their needs, allowing them to care for these families. Again, I must stress that I strongly believe we are called to this moment by God. These families came with two bags. They left everything behind.” Continued on page 16
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Dr. Boone Benton: Named 1st Runner Up for School Counselor of the Year By Traci Sanders
Dr. Boone Benton from Brookwood High School was recently named 1st Runner Up for Counselor of the Year by Dr. Chon Hester, the current president of the Georgia School Counselor Association. Benton is celebrating fifteen years as a high school counselor in Gwinnett County – five years at Berkmar High School and ten years at Brookwood High School. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia (UGA) and a couple of master’s degrees – one in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology at Biola University, and another in Community Counseling from Georgia State University. “I’m a proud Blue Hose from Presbyterian College,” Benton remarked.
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When asked what inspired him to enter into the school counseling field, Benton replied, “My wife Coralie is amazing, and I’m a better man for listening to her when she suggested I investigate school counseling when we moved to Georgia. I was seeking a counseling position with more structure during the day. My previous work had been with group homes where I was on call 24/7, which meant I was away from my own young children quite often. School counseling has been a discovered passion. I love working with high school students.” For Dr. Benton the best part of his job is encouraging and empowering a student to achieve a goal beyond what he or she thought was attainable, which could be as immediate as improving in a rigorous class, or as long-term as getting into a college they didn’t think was possible. “I love sharing those ‘Aha!’ moments when a student walks away feeling more confident and motivated,” Benton said. Another “best part” is working with Brookwood’s Peer Leadership program inside the school as well as throughout the county. “Gwinnett County is nationally known for their leadership programs at all educational levels,” Benton explained. Of course, no job is perfect. Benton stated that the worst part of his job is when he has to tell a student that they’re not able to graduate on time. “This is sometimes a shock,” he said, “and being the bearer of this sad news, for students and parents, can be challenging, especially when the parent wants to blame the school and not hold their child responsible.” He added, “I wish parents and students understood that school counseling is multifaceted. We do many things. The American School Counselor Association outlines three aspects of a counselor’s work: Social/Emotional, Academic, and Career. School counselors cover all these facets with students in a variety of excellent ways. Therefore, if we don’t respond to you right away, be patient. Every school counselor I know loves working with their students to motivate, encourage, and challenge them. School counselors need parents and students to partner together with their school to help them succeed. School counselors are an important person in your child’s ‘village,’ but parents have the most power and influence. Know your child’s grades and what they choose Continued on page 19
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From the Ashes, a Debut Novel by Sara McGee By her super proud former teacher, K. Coats
Writing to decompress is a common activity. People have journals and blogs aplenty these days. But for local author Sara McGee, it became a way of survival and healing. In her debut novel, From the Ashes, McGee explores the dynamics of breaking the cycle of domestic violence through her character Jordan Collins. Jordan struggles against her abusive ex-boyfriend while also fighting her own personal demons of alcoholism and suicide only to learn the relationship has resulted in a pregnancy. As she journeys through the loneliness and terror of domestic abuse and learns to navigate her new role as an expectant mother, Jordan shows all of us a resilience that can only be forged through fire. And from the ashes, she gains a strength that changes all those around her. Sara McGee graduated from South Gwinnett High School in 2009. Her teachers remember her wry humor fondly. She would go on to Gwinnett Tech where she focused on English and Business Management. And even though her debut novel is this year, McGee has been writing for most of her life. “I wrote my very first book a little over ten years ago,” she explains. “I never thought to publish it. The publishing industry was so different back then. For now it’ll just sit on my laptop.” But now that she’s gotten started, McGee has big plans to keep up the momentum. “Well, I have five more books outlined,” she says, “so I plan to publish two more novels this year and hope I can keep the pace of at least three novels a year.” But the role her writing will play has to change when it comes to long-term plans. “With my debut series, I never set out to make a living off of it,” she explains. “I wrote them to help fellow domestic violence victims know that they’re not alone, but also so that their families and friends can better understand the situation they’d found themselves in.” She then adds, “The rest of my books need to pay some bills, though.” For her first publication, McGee dug deep into her own personal experiences. “From the Ashes is mostly based on my past experiences,” she remembers. “Last year, I was once again entering into a depressive episode triggered by a trauma anniversary. I found that writing everything down rather than bottling it all up was for the best.” But she did more than write it down. In her struggles, McGee decided to reach out to others through her writing. And while it was difficult having to
One on One with Erica Dove Continued from page 8 way, are the people who protect and support me in one way or another. OTG: How do you give back to your community? ED: Professionally, I serve in the capacity of Associate Municipal Court Judge in Lilburn and Chamblee. I also serve as a defense attorney on the Indigent Defense list, and as an advocate for clients with Special Needs, Mental Health issues, and Veterans. Personally, I serve as an active member and volunteer in several non-profit and civic organizations. I also serve as a board member with the STRAP Mentor Program where I have been actively involved for over ten years. OTG: What things are you most excited about in the future? ED: It is exciting to see what GOD has in store for me next. I’m excited about serving in the capacity of a State Court Judge! More information at www.EricaDove.com
Continued on page 19
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Ukraine Refugees Welcomed Continued from page 13 Because the SE Co-op is located in Grayson, the activity immediately caught the attention of the city government and community. “I wish I had the words to describe what it was like assisting in delivering supplies and meeting approximately twenty Ukrainian refugees – several of them children – and learning what they went through to get here,” says Amanda Leftwich, City of Grayson Community Development Director. “My heart is both full and broken at the same time. I do know this – Grayson, Georgia is the most giving city there is.” That giving spirit caught on with an initiative to provide the children with the happier things that help make a childhood joy-filled. “The first time we were there,” says Mayor Allison Wilkerson, “we noticed that they didn’t have any toys. Obviously, when you can only bring two bags with you, toys are not high on the priority list. So, we have taken on this
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mission! Through some amazing help, we have purchased five bikes and helmets and five dolls.” The families have 18 children between the ages of 2 months to 7 years. Those who wish to help, please donate through Grayson’s City Hall. Between the Lilburn Russian House of Prayer, SE Gwinnett Co-op, Peace of Thread, and the Grayson and Gwinnett Communities, there is hope for these refugees. These humans, fellow faithful humans who have their families together, but lack the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter, will emerge from this huge change with the help provided. “The biggest challenge will be housing,” says Denise. “All housing has jumped in price along with inflation, and it is difficult.” Keeping newly arrived refugees in close proximity with one another increases their ability to become a part of their new home because, like all people, they have support from people who share their experience. More information at https://www.segwinnettcoop.org or www. Peaceofthread.com/donate (select Ukraine Refugees).
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Find the Best Care with Sacred Private Home Care By Kristen Eleveld
Shae Sankofa has always felt drawn to help people. Even as a child, she found herself gravitating toward friends and family members who needed some additional care, especially those who struggled with daily tasks as they got older. Now, Shae has put her passion to work in Gwinnett through Sacred Private Home Care, a business designed to give the extra care needed to loved ones in your life. We’ve all been there – an aging relative can no longer stay home alone safely, or an unexpected twisted ankle causes us to be bedridden for a few days. Sacred Private Home Care can help with all of that, meaning the stress of worrying over who will look after you or your loved ones is no longer your burden to bear. Officially licensed in 2013, Sacred Private Home Care utilizes a thorough system of establishing needs and getting to know clients that allows them to offer customized care to every client they serve. Whether it’s post-surgery care for six weeks or end-of-life care for six months, Sacred Private Home Care has a team of people ready to help. “I’ve seen the toll that extra care can take on a family,” said Shae. “I wanted to find a way to help.” The process is detailed but easy to navigate. First, Shae or one of her team members will speak with you over the phone to assess what will be needed through the home care service. After that, someone from Sacred Private Home Care will come to your home to determine how they can best meet your needs and decide which of their qualified team members will be a good fit for you. This is done at no cost or obligation to any potential client. Shae just wants people to know they have options. After the home visit, you and your loved one will attend a meetand-greet that will introduce you to the caregiver assigned to you and your family. This is your opportunity to get to know the caregiver, ask
questions, and voice any concerns. Likewise, the caregiver wants to get to know you and your family and learn how they can help you through this time. If you feel that the caregiver is a good match for your needs, services will be set up in your home as soon as possible. “People without family nearby often need help but don’t have anyone to rely on,” said Shae. “We’re here to help you and we will treat you like family.” Indeed, these values are evident in Shae’s business as she works to give every client a positive, helpful experience. Her staff has a very low turnover rate because Shae looks for people who love to help others as much as she does. And while they maintain a personal touch, everything at Sacred Private Home Care is run with the top-notch efficiency of a large corporation. Clients couldn’t be happier. The majority of Shae’s new business comes from referrals from clients who can’t say enough good things about the help she has given them. “Every one of our clients gets treated with dignity, respect, and as if you were our own family,” said Shae. “This isn’t just a business; it’s what we love to do.” If you or someone you know needs in-home care, you have found your solution with Sacred Private Home Care. Old or young; long-term or short-term; medication management or dressing assistance – Sacred Private Home Care truly does it all. Give them a call today at (678) 829-7750 to learn how they can help you thrive at home. More information at www.sphcllc.com
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Summit Chase Continued from page 5
Learning Lessons Continued from page 10
The Kitchen has also spent some time adding a little extra fun into the mix, especially over at The Pub. The middle of the week is a lot more exciting thanks to themed evenings like Whiskey Wednesday and Wined Down Thursday. Summit Chase also hosts a variety of classes, like how to make a charcuterie board, and plans to host a special wine dinner in the summer. You can even be part of a cornhole league on Tuesday nights while you enjoy the tasty treats that Alex and the staff have prepared. Be sure to register at Peach State Cornhole to be part of the cornhole league! Of course, the weekends are another great time to stop by The Pub, thanks to the live music playing every Friday night. And nothing makes a date night better than delicious food combined with beautiful scenery and an atmosphere designed to make you feel right at home, which you will find at both The Kitchen and The Pub every weekend. Though membership is not required, there are still some membership perks available. Things like swim and tennis are still popular among local members – though Don says pickleball is quickly overtaking everything else when it comes to participation. Another popular use of the Summit Chase grounds is for weddings and other special events. With gorgeous scenery and a new lawn, your wedding or party will have the perfect blend of a lovely view and amenities to make the experience unforgettable. At the end of the day, Don and the team at Summit Chase just want the community to know they are there for a delicious, enjoyable, and community-based experience. “I love working here because every day you get to meet new people and see new things,” said Don. “We hope that everyone can come out and visit us this summer!” More information at www.thekitchenatsummitchase.com or call 770) 979-9000
your word. When your children ask you to do something that you may not be able to do, respond with “we’ll see” or “maybe” rather than making an empty promise. By following through on the promises you make, your children will learn to do the same. • Set expectations and stick to them. It may be that your children must clean up their toys when they are finished playing, or that they must feed the family pet every morning. This will help them develop a sense of responsibility to fulfill their commitments. Set simple goals so that they will be successful. • Recognize when promises are kept. Make it a point to notice and recognize when your children and those around you follow through on a promise (“I know Grandma is so happy that we came to visit her last Sunday, just like we promised.” Or, “Look at your clean room! I’m glad I can count on you to do what you say.”). This will help your children learn the concept of keeping promises and why it is so important. Dr. Julius also recommends finding opportunities to discuss the importance of keeping commitments with children. Many children’s books include the theme of keeping promises. Below are titles she recommends reading with your little ones to start them thinking and talking about commitment – an important first step to developing integrity. Let’s Be Helpful by P.K. Hallinan (Ages 0-3) Richard Scarry’s Busiest People Ever by Richard Scarry (Ages 0-3) The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown (Ages 0-4) How do Dinosaurs Clean their Rooms? by Jane Yolen (Ages 2+ Tadpole’s Promise by Jeanne Willis (Ages 3+) I Promise I’ll Find You by Heather Ward (Ages 4-8) Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com.
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Debut Novel by Sara McGee Continued from page 15 revisit her trauma, McGee focused on her goal – letting other domestic violence victims know they weren’t alone. She explains, “My hope is that my book will help anyone in the same or escalating situation leave. It never gets better. The ‘sorrys’ aren’t sincere, and situations like that don’t have an end.” She adds, “Most domestic violence victims don’t leave until it’s scarier to stay than it is to leave, especially when you don’t have a strong support system. When you’re in the middle of it, it’s hard to see that it’s already more dangerous to stay because a part of you still believes the person you love is still there.” And in her writing, it’s clear that it could only have been written by someone who has lived that reality. McGee hits chords in her story that echo many other victims’ experiences. She understands and connects that back to her own growth in a way that is both sympathetic yet resilient. “It’s hard to comprehend that the person you love didn’t actually love you back; it’s just something no one wants to face,” she says. And in that experience, McGee touches a nerve that many find all too relatable. But putting so much of oneself in one’s writing can be daunting, especially when it comes to such heavy topics. In fact, the task almost got the best of McGee. She remembers, “The month I was set to publish, I almost didn’t. I almost pulled the whole book. I was feeling very vulnerable as I never told anyone what I had been through, and I was scared of what people would say or think.” But in the end, she showed us why she is so wonderful and did the bravest move yet – she published. “I read it one last time and sent the final version to be published and didn’t think about it again.” And the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. With her friends supporting her as she wrote, McGee was able to craft a tale that portrays an all-too-common circumstance and shows readers the strength needed to change. She particularly wanted to recognize her friend Alyssa Karney. She says Karney is “…basically my little sister. She has been there for the book, and for me, since day one! She was the first person I told I was writing a book and has been my most loyal beta reader ever since!” And all the support has certainly paid off. The staff at Our Town wish Sara McGee the best in her journey both personally and as a writer. Thank you for sharing your gifts through your writing as you help those around you heal and break their own cycles. Sara McGee’s novel, From the Ashes, can be found on Amazon. com and Kindle Unlimited. More information on Facebook at Sara McGee and on Instagram at @saramcgee
Maisha Lucas Continued from page 11 definitely worth a download! But Maisha isn’t all about bugs 100% of the time. She also likes “to visit the beach and search for crab/clam shells to preserve.” With all this, it’s easy to forget Maisha is still in school. But she has big plans and, once again, a big geographic shift. “This fall, I will be attending the University of Hawai’i to receive my masters in Entomology,” she says. “I will be researching integrated pest management practices in agricultural landscapes. After graduate school, I would like to work for the USDA and assist in insect pest diagnostics and IPM research and outreach.” So Maisha will be giving back to her global community in the best way possible and ensuring our smallest friends get the support they need in order to support us in return. Thank you, Maisha, for all your work – large and small. From all of us at Our Town, please accept our sincerest wishes for success in all your endeavors. You make us proud! More information at mol.org.
Queen’s Jubilee Continued from page 10 Union flag, and Edie Riehm of HNBA won a prize basket of British goodies from A Taste of Britain, as did second grade teacher, Heather Brennan, who won first prize dressed as Queen Elizabeth, with her matching pink dress, hat, shoes, and handbag, along with pearls, white gloves, and a majestic wave. There was a street party featuring music by The Return, a Beatles Tribute Band, and Atlanta Steel Pan and Island Music, representing the Commonwealth countries. Someone dressed as Ginger Spice of the Spice Girls, won second prize, and 3rd prize was Harry Potter. The event was sponsored by the British American Business Network.
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Dr. Boone Benton Continued from page 14 to do in their free time.” In the last several years, Dr. Benton has seen phones and video games steal away more academic success. “Parents and students collaborating on electronic usage could help prevent these disappointments,” he said. Benton has been married for twenty-two years and has three children. His oldest daughter, Taylor, hopes to major in Animal Science at UGA. His son, a senior at Brookwood High School, is headed to Princeton in the fall. And his youngest, age 10, loves all things horses, anime, and video games, but is not fond of math. Benton’s family has been an integral part of his success, and they shared in this celebration. “My family was very excited for me,” he said “We went to UGA’s convention center for the reception and were treated well. It was a memorable day.” In closing, Benton requested a shout out for his twin sister, Christy Kramer, who has been in education much longer than he and teaches art at Austin Elementary in Dekalb County. “We’ve both had a good year,” Benton shared. “She received Regional Employee of the year (Region 1), and was just announced the District winner!” More information at https://www.gcpsk12.org/BrookwoodHS. June 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
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One Man’s Opinion Continued from page 8 Your college years are a time for personal exploration, experimentation, and hopefully the broadening of your mind. Even in the most controlled and private college campus environment, you have hopefully been exposed to others who don’t think or look like you do, whose life experiences and formed opinions come through a different lens and perspective. You have come to both note and appreciate these differences as the world today, particularly in urban areas, is much more a tapestry than a pile of clean, pressed linens. All the marvels of electronic communication, and the internet replacing libraries as the ultimate study and research tool, as well as the seeming shift from actual conversation to virtual communication via text, Snapchat, Instagram, Pinterest, and other social media platforms, have both made the world smaller, AND at times increased the distance between actual people. I truly can’t understand the often-witnessed scene of a group of students – of all gender, races, and cultures – seated together at a meal, or sharing an event or gathering, EACH fixated on their phone screen, taking a selfie or engaged in conversation with someone else NOT actually present. I’m not suggesting never using your phone in public again, but I would ask you to consider, with friends, family, your prospective employers, and clients/customers ahead of you, the person WITH and in front of you should be MORE important than the person texting,
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sharing a Meme, or wanting to chat. Yes, emergencies occur and those take priority, but try and remember how you felt the last time you were having a deeply personal conversation, or even flirting with someone new to you, and they suddenly turned to or answered their phone and spent quite some time in that interaction, putting you in effect on hold. I bet you didn’t like it. PEOPLE and their feelings matter more than an instant response to a text or another social media platform. The loudest voices are often among the most opinionated and hostile. As an example, though Facebook allows me to keep in touch and keep tabs on an old friend, acquaintance, or former classmate, it is by NO MEANS even remotely close to simply picking up the phone and calling that same person, or better yet, planning time for a shared meal or a visit. Yes, some of you are geniuses, and employers will chase you down. I was fortunate to have several jobs offers awaiting me at a decent salary right out of college. I took one, but it really wasn’t my desired or chosen profession. That opportunity, which involved a LOT of pursuit time on my part, required a massive pay cut, relocation, and at least a year of dues paying as I learned the ins and outs of broadcasting. Nearing four decades after my last graduation ceremony, I still look incredibly fondly back on my college days, but it is the life and career experiences and particularly the occasional losses which followed that taught me the greatest lessons. Welcome to the real world, and Adulting, and all the good and the bad that comes with that. You have arrived on the first day of the rest of your life. Spend them wisely and ConGRADulations! Crane owns the full-service communications firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
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Getting to Know: Nicholas Black, SGHS Class of 2009 By K. Coats
Over the years, many similes have been crafted to convey the ups and downs of life. Life is like a football game. Life is like a chess match. Life is like – you guessed it – a box of chocolates. But South Gwinnett High School (SGHS) grad Nicholas Black may have one of the most unique comparisons. For him, Life is like an arcade. “The way I see it, life is like an arcade,” he explains. “Some of us are given more tokens than others, and some are naturally better at playing different games. Some games require more tokens and some take less. You play with what you got and earn more tokens along the way.” But it goes beyond tokens. According to Black, “Like it or not, we’re all playing for a high score, either to beat someone else’s or our own. Yet at some point, every arcade has its closing time. The lights turn off and each machine gets unplugged. Our high scores are forgotten; we give back all of our tokens. If we’re lucky, we get to leave a little cheat sheet showing the next person how to play the game; then we’re politely asked to leave.” It can seem strange to see life, in all its complexities, simmered down to an afternoon at the arcade, but Nicholas Black finds it puts everything into perspective. He says, “But the one thing we get to take with us are the memories of how much fun we had playing the different games and the friends we made along the way. So find a game you’re naturally good at, focus on playing the game to the best of your abilities, surround yourself with other players that encourage you to be better, and don’t forget to try other games. You’ll win some and you’ll lose some. But at the end of the day, enjoy the time spent hanging out at the arcade because in the end you can’t take your high scores or your tokens with you. Just remember to have fun!” And if anyone has lived by his own gospel, it would be Nicholas Black. While he has gone on to do big things, they are a far cry from the big things he had envisioned when he graduated in that spring of 2009. He can laugh about it now when he looks back. “Well, if you asked me during graduation,” he remembers, “I was going to be a millionaire by 23. Ohhh boy. Did that one sting when I closed in on it.” Black’s first stop after graduation was Georgia Gwinnett College, but then an unexpected twist came up in his “arcade game” of life, and he took a risk. He dropped out because of an offer for a government job in tech. “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I never looked back,” he says. And he would like to take a moment to give a nod to his mother, “…because when I came home saying I was dropping out of college to pursue my dreams,” he explains, “I could only imagine what was going through her mind.” That job offer would eventually lead Black to his current position as founder of The Credit Captain Academy. “I get to teach Financial Literacy topics using E-Learning coursework I developed,” he explains. “Most of the day to day revolves around answering students’ questions and various marketing activities (Content Writing, Course Updates, Filming, etc.).” When asked about his proudest accomplishment, Black says, “I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to do so much in such a short span of time. But if I had to pinpoint just one thing, I’d say it was receiving a city proclamation from the city of Atlanta, recognizing November 1st as Millennials Chamber of Commerce day. Looking back on it, my co-founder Raeha Kim and I started with nothing and no idea what we were doing; but we had a vision and a strong work ethic. So yeah, I’d say I’m really proud of that.” In addition to helping people recover and/or maintain credit, Black
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June 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
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Coach Smart and the GCPS Sports Hall of Fame By Beth Volpert Johansen As the world begins to settle into a new normal following the disruptions of COVID-19, those who make it their mission in life to support students in a variety of ways outside of the classroom have begun to reassemble the pieces of their programs from their hiatus. One very important piece of any supportive program revolves around the funding needed to keep academic initiatives strong. The Gwinnett County Public School Foundation’s annual fundraiser banquet for the Gwinnett County Sports Hall of Fame has featured speakers over the years who are known to draw a crowd. The last keynote speaker to deliver a message of support for students gave his speech at the 2019 banquet. The twist in this story? It was Coach Nick Saban who took to the stage that year. It would be the last banquet before COVID-19 left stages across the world empty, and charitable funding took a hit harder than any decent SEC defensive player could deliver. It was tough. When it became apparent that the CDC guidance would allow larger gatherings, Aaron C. Lupuloff, Senior Executive Director of the Foundation Fund, took action. His plan for the event began formulating just about thirty seconds after The Georgia Bulldogs secured the coveted and prestigious NATTY. As the National Championship Coach who unseated Coach Saban, Coach Kirby Smart seemed to be the perfect fit as the first post-COVID speaker. “I drafted a letter and worked at crafting the right words that would bring Coach Smart to Gwinnett County,” says Lupuloff. “In the letter, I outlined how he could bring down the house again with encouraging words to our 2022 Hall of Fame recipients.” Aaron Lupuloff’s words hit Coach Smart between the numbers. Gwinnett received the NATTYwinning coach on their turf at the Gas South Center on the evening of April 12th. By securing one of the most influential speakers of the year, the community responded to the fundraiser with excitement. Attendees joined
Keynote Sponsor ROOTS, and the Foundation’s three major sponsors Primerica, Stratix Corp, and 5th 3rd Bank for a night of long-overdue celebration. Coach Smart joined a long list of crowd-drawing keynote speakers that included Bobby Cox, Dan Quinn, Vince Dooley, and Dan Reeves. Fox 5’s Buck Lanford, a former Gwinnett County Public School basketball player, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Former Gwinnett, University of Georgia, and NFL football player and commentator, Matt Stinchcomb hosted a question-and-answer session with Coach Smart at the 2022 event. “In a county that has long been characterized by excellence, it was only fitting to have a championship winning coach of Kirby Smart’s caliber there to address the crowd,” remarked Stinchcomb. Comments and topics ran the gamut, but one theme remained strong in Smart’s interviews. “It’s Gwinnett County,” said Coach Smart. “We want to recognize the Hall of Famers and give back to the community.” Gwinnett is a big producer of student athletes for The University of Georgia. The April 12th event celebrated the first ten classes inducted between 2010 and 2019. The banquet featured bright banners with the exceptionally diverse and celebrated inductees. The banners created an appropriate backdrop for the night’s events that included a video montage of past interviews. Impassioned stories told by each inductee outlined the story of a diverse school system that works through coaches, teachers, administration, and staff to ensure that they provide resources and assistance to improve the educational future of ALL students. Senior Executive Director Aaron Lupuloff says, “The Hall of Fame fundraiser plays a major part in extending and enhancing academics in Gwinnett. We knew the timing was perfect to get Kirby to speak!” Turns out, Lupuloff was right. It was a perfect night to celebrate an emergence from a two-year hiatus with much joy, good food, excellent company, and a champion of a speaker. Also, a special thanks to the leadership of Dr. Calvin Watts for supporting the foundation and the Gwinnett Sports Hall of Fame. More information at www.gcps-foundation.org
Nicholas Black Continued from page 21 hopes to branch out in the future. He explains, “I’d really like to do a pilot program with two or three high schools teaching students about trading stocks.” It was a course he wished had been offered in his own high school days, so leave it to Nicholas Black to be the ultimate problem-solver and create his own course. During his SGHS days, Black was already testing out his skills at both technology and founding organizations. He helped to found the Computer Club (aka Club Logic), and was also active in the school Chess Club. And when asked about any teachers or staff who had made an impression, Black says it was more of a “type.” “The teachers that I found to be the best were the ones that allowed me to think outside the box,” he explains, “made lessons fun, or taught things from a new perspective: Mrs. Bonaby, Mrs. Rainwater, Ms. Baade, Ms. Gascott, Ms. Dacus, Ms. Ingram, Mrs. Coats, Mr. Gibson, Principal Hunter, Mrs. PAGE 22
Howell, and Dr. Burney, to name a few. You could tell that all of these teachers really cared, even if we as students didn’t at the time. They knew what was on the other side of graduation, and they did everything they could to prepare us.” And never one to miss a message, Black also mentions a valuable lesson from one of his substitutes. “He was a cool guy,” he remembers, “and he taught me that it’s okay to question things, always search for answers if you want to know something, and to keep an open mind.” Well, Nicholas, thank you for using your experiences to help build up those around you – in addition to their credit scores. We at Our Town wish you luck as you continue to build your platform and support those who need it most. More information at CreditCaptainAcademy.com.
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Gwinnett Tech Instructor Jeff White: Winner of 2022 Rick Perkins Award for Excellence By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) named Gwinnett Technical College (GTC) physics instructor Jeff White the winner of the Rick Perkins Award for Excellence in Technical Instruction at the State Leadership Conference. “This is a tremendous honor,” said White. “I am grateful to Gwinnett Tech and TSCG for everything they do to support our students and communities. I look forward to representing Gwinnett Tech and the technical education system throughout the upcoming year.” In its 31st year, the Rick Perkins Award highlights excellence in technical instruction and recognizes the most outstanding instructors at the twenty-two TCSG colleges. As the award winner, White will make public appearances as a representative for technical education next year, including meeting with the governor and addressing the Georgia General Assembly. Gwinnett Technical College President Dr. D. Glen Cannon said, “What a great and well-deserved honor. Jeff exemplifies the expertise, passion, and professionalism of all our faculty at GTC and across the system. He could teach anywhere, but we are so thankful he chose to be a part of the GTC family. He comes to class every day with a single focus to educate students not just for success in the classroom but pre-
pared to succeed in life. He will represent the TCSG faculty with that same passion over the coming year.” “I have always loved working with others and helping them develop their talents inside,” stated White. “Seeing their eyes light up as they have that moment of enlightenment is incredibly satisfying. Every student comes into my class with hope for a better future and dreams of a better life. They trust me to help them make those dreams come true and ensure their life story has a happy ending. Their hard work and dedication to their dreams is my inspiration.” White taught in the Gwinnett County Public Schools system for thirty-four years before coming to Gwinnett Technical College as a full-time physics instructor. He led various science classes during those years, was the science department chair for thirteen years, coached football, baseball, and soccer, and sponsored several student clubs. White holds a Master of Science in Physics from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Science in Science Education from the University of Georgia. He also earned his Specialist Degree from the University of Georgia in School Leadership and his Gifted Endorsement. White was born and raised in Atlanta and lives in Flowery Branch, Georgia. He and his wife enjoy camping, traveling, and spending time with their four children and six grandchildren. As the 2022 Rick Perkins award winner, Jeffrey White received a crystal award and a check for $2,500. More information at www.GwinnettTech.edu
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