MARCH 2021 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine
Our Town GWINNETT
Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker
Up Close with City of Lilburn, see story on page 5
8 9 15 23
Community Member Spotlight: Meet Soccer Player Stella Allen Meet Kent Suter: Helping Special-Needs Families Insure Their Future Community Business Spotlight: Meet Amy Barker with Citizen Exchange Snellville Performing Arts: Steals Show at International Junior Theater Festival
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Mar ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
On the Cover: Old Town Lilburn: Bringing Back the Small Town Feel in a Big Way By Kristen Eleveld Many people are searching for a place in the suburbs that allows their family to grow and play while also offering a variety of retail and entertainment options. While this might sound like a tall order, there is a city that fits this bill, and it’s right in your own backyard. The town of Lilburn in Gwinnett County has been undergoing steady growth for the last few years. Now, thanks to a stellar leadership team with a solid vision, the town of Lilburn is making great strides forward – while still offering the comforts of the past. Led by Mayor Tim Dunn, City Manager Bill Johnsa, Assistant City Manager Jenny Simpkins, and Community Development Administrator & Public Information Officer Brian Burchik, Lilburn – specifically Old Town Lilburn which still holds fast to its roots in the town’s beginnings – is attracting the attention of many people both in and out of the county. “The downtown area is really starting to develop into something amazing,” said Brian, who grew up in Lilburn and knows the city well. “We are seeing a lot of new rooftops along with a lot of retail development.” This increased development is part of the city’s drive to give its citizens the best of both worlds – the ability to enjoy great food and have a quality shopping experience while still feeling like a close-knit community. “We are attracting a generation of citizens who will have new ideas for our future vision,” said Mayor Dunn. “The leadership in Lilburn is focused on enhancing the livability of the community through quality residential development and amenities for leisure time, such as restaurants.” While the city has experienced the same struggles as the rest of the world during the COVID19 crisis, Lilburn has continued to evolve in new ways that are helping the community grow closer. Many public spaces, like the library, city hall, public park, and greenway (which make up the limits of Old Town Lilburn) are now completed and available for those who want to enjoy them. “It’s truly a walkable small-town neighborhood,” Brian said. “You can walk from your house to the park, or to your child’s music lessons, or to outdoor concerts.”
This combination of big city options and small-town community has enabled the city to move forward with many of its events and activities for 2021, while still safely adhering to all recommendations and laws for COVID-19. Looking to the future, the leadership team plans to work more on developing their commercial and destination appeal to give their citizens even more options as they work, live, and play in the downtown area. Continued on page 10
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IN THIS ISSUE 5 7 8 8 9 9 10 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 21 21 22 23
On the Cover: Old Town Lilburn: Bringing Back the Small Town Feel in a Big Way From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks Clothes Story Exhibit Opens with Historic Fashion Show Community Member Spotlight: Meet Soccer Player Stella Allen Meet Kent Suter: Helping Special-Needs Families Insure Their Future Digital Tools Can Help Kids Learn Safe Money Habits Gwinnett Partnership Spotlight: Creation of Police Citizens Advisory Board Live Music: Keeping us Mentally Fit Amid the Pandemic Universal Joint Feeds Our Heroes During the Pandemic M. W. McKinley’s Debut Novel Please Stay for Me Community Business Spotlight: Meet Amy Barker with Citizen Exchange Up Close with Mellow Mushroom in Snellville Inside Look with Emily: Life on Campus During the Pandemic Ruff and Tough: How Camp Bow Wow is Persevering through a Pandemic Connext Media: Focused on the Bigger Picture One Man’s Opinion: Don’t Do It! One Man’s Opinion: A Moment with Hammerin’ Hank Pet Perch: The Single Biggest Mistake You May Be Making See What’s on the Menu at the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry Snellville Performing Arts: Steals Show at International Junior Theater Festival
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From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks
1988 Eddie’s Automotive Service 2021 5440 Webb Pkwy. Lilburn, GA
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Here I am writing this column for March 2021, and I want you to consider a few things that began occurring over a year ago. February 25, 2020: CDC Says COVID-19 Is Heading Toward Pandemic Status; March 6, 2020: 21 Passengers on California Cruise Ship Test Positive; March 11, 2020: WHO Scan Now to learn more.6 Declares COVID-19 a Pandemic; March 13, 2020: President Declares COVID-19 a National Emergency (https://www.ajmc. com/view/a-timeline-of-covid19-developments-in-2020) Wow. Okay, I will stop there. It is hard for me, and I am sure for you, to see that these events were twelve months ago. This time will be etched into our minds forever. For example, I first heard the term “pivot” in early March 2020 from a friend of mine. I have since heard it many hundreds of times. We have all gone through a traumatic time in some manner. Human beings are made to be “social,” so being “physically distanced” has made for a tough road even if you have had no issue with COVID-19. It is tough, strange, weird, etc. to have so many things we took for granted changed/taken away over the past year. I want you to know that we are making progress. We are getting there. We have done it together. One day, one week, one month… and now one year at a time. Now, let me tell you something. Maybe I cannot give you a smile without a mask on, a handshake, or a hug yet, but I can tell you this: You, my friend, are a unique and special person. I may not know you directly, but your feedback and encouragement to me are much appreciated. Your support helps me remain optimistic in writing these columns and on radio, TV, video, and podcast shows. Iron sharpens iron. Let me encourage us all to consider the time we are living in. It is tough. Unprecedented. Lonely. Frustrating. Confusing. Overwhelming. Unknown, and much more. Quite frankly, there are no real words that are good enough to encompass or describe 2020/2021 so far. However, I can see the finish line, and, man, I want to be there bad. I know you do, too. Again, when we are limited in how we can do certain things, such as smiling at someone with a mask off or being able to go out for long periods, stress is created. We might turn to social media to interact and express ourselves more than in the past. There is nothing wrong with these tools, and I use most of them. However, social media can be toxic, and for me, there is no place for that. These excellent communication tools can create great division and can seemingly push our buttons and/or push us over the edge. If what we post divides people, puts people down, or is not encouraging in nature, maybe we should think twice Continued on page 8
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Ryan’s Remarks Continued from page 7
Clothes Story Exhibit Opens with Historic Fashion Show
before posting. Right? I hope we can give each other the benefit of the doubt, love more, listen better, judge less, care more, smile, and be patient. We all need to be loved and told it is all going to be okay. IT WILL. This, too, SHALL pass. Trust me, I do not profess to have mastered all these things, and I work on them each day. Someone I was interviewing recently said it best: BE KIND. Despite all we are still facing, we will get there. But we must continue to do so together. We must remain UNITED and not become UNTIED. Finally, we must be extra careful if we are posting when we are sad, hungry, angry, lonely, tired, frustrated, confused, bitter, overwhelmed, etc. So, to all my family, friends, colleagues, and this community, you are the best. We can do this, we are doing this, we will do this – and we will prevail together! Keep Pushing Forward. Your support and partnership mean more than I can ever tell you. I wish all of you the best, and thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!
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Daring fashion shows are not limited to the runways of Paris. Historically speaking, the ladies of Norcross have been as haute couture as those sashaying about London, Paris, and Milan for as many years as the city has been in existence (1870). “We have found,” says Norcross’ Downtown District Manager Cate Kitchen, “even though Norcross was considered a ‘resort’ town on the outskirts of Atlanta, the ladies who lived there took their fashions seriously.” The historic fashion show that marks the opening of Clothes Story: An Exhibition will be narrated by Curator Kenneth Green. Two showings at 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. will take place on Friday, March 26th. “When Kenneth is talking to you about the clothing, you can tell the history of it is in his heart and soul,” explains Cate. “Models will wear some of the fashions to show how the clothing looks in movement. It is a different experience than looking at them in a display.” Norcross’ website describes the event as “…a family-friendly exhibition experience that celebrates women in their homes and communities. These stories showcase their resiliency, strength, fortitude and power as trailblazers and leaders. Highlighting women between the years of 1880-1950, the narrative is supported by the clothing that they wore (https://www. norcrossga.net/924/Culture ).” Adding to the historical aspect of the clothing itself will be the event facility. Historian Gene Ramsay is familiar with the building known as The Rectory where the exhibit and evening events will be held. “In the late 1800s this property was owned by Willian Anderson Greer, who had a shop in Norcross that manufactured wood products such as shingles and furniture,” explains Ramsay. “Dr. W. P. Walker purchased the house in the spring of 1908. It was eventually acquired by the Methodist Church (when their sanctuary was next door), but [sold] after the Methodists moved to a larger facility on Beaver Ruin Road in the 1960s. The city bought the property about 15 years ago, and the building has been called The Rectory in recent years, pointing back to a time when it served as part of a Catholic church and the clergy used the building.” “The exhibit, supported by a grant to the city, will provide patrons with an enjoyable evening,” says Cate. “We will have hors d’oeuvres along with champagne and wine available. It will be a great place to begin a night out on the town here in Norcross where we hope people will stay for dinner at one of our restaurants that are well within walking distance of The Rectory.” The city plans to incorporate the exhibit into the 2021 Tour of Homes in December. “This will be a neat way to close out the tour,” says Cate. RSVP at 678-421-2048/2049
Community Member Spotlight: Meet Soccer Player Stella Allen By Emily Rubin
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Stella Allen started playing soccer at just three years of age. She grew up with a ball at her feet and always played soccer in her yard. Her dad’s passion for the sport is what originally drew her to soccer, but she also loves the team aspect of it. She loves the feeling of the team coming together to celebrate after scoring a goal. “It’s not an individual sport; everyone has to contribute to the win,” Stella said. “I never thought I would make so many friends from just one sport that I grew up playing.” Stella is a junior at Brookwood High School and plays attacking midfielder for the school team as well as club team Elite Clubs National League, the highest level for girls’ soccer. She has nine goals and three assists so far this season. In her seasons before the pandemic, Stella had 40 goals and 15 assists. Regionally ranked in the South Atlantic region, Stella has finished in first or second place in club seasons every year, and has also been to nationals in California every year. Top Drawer ranked Stella as a three-star athlete, and she recently made the Super Six list for Continued on page 10
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Meet Kent Suter: Helping Special-Needs Families Insure Their Future
Digital Tools Can Help Kids Learn Safe Money Habits
By Traci Sanders
The earlier kids start learning basic financial skills, the better their financial health will be in the long run. When it comes to teaching kids about money, caregivers are asking for help. According to a Chase survey, 32% of parents in the US with children ages 8 to 14 are uncomfortable speaking about finances with their own children, and 46% are looking for additional resources to help encourage good financial habits. Traditionally, kids learn about money from shopping with adults and having related conversations. While discussions are an important part of learning about finances, online shopping has changed how kids experience spending. “Families are juggling so many more responsibilities today than ever before,” said Anastasia Morgan-Gans, a Chase executive focused on family financial health, “so it’s understandably more complicated to find opportunities to teach financial wellness to children or to find hands-on purchasing moments to talk about the value of money.” Fortunately, new tools are helping meet the changing needs of parents and their children. For example, the free Chase First Banking account is designed to help families develop healthy financial habits by putting parents in control and giving kids and teens the freedom to learn how to earn, spend, and save money. Through the Chase Mobile® app, parents can assign chores and provide allowance, set amounts and locations of where kids can spend money using a debit card, and help children reach savings goals. Kids interact with the app on their end, too, checking off assigned chores when completed and seeing when their allowance is paid. They can also see how much they can spend and where, as well as look at their savings goals. This type of digital tool makes financial literacy discussions easier and brings family money management into the digital age, engaging kids in meaningful ways. In addition to adoptContinued on page 13
Kent Suter grew up in Lilburn and served as a youth pastor for fifteen years. He and his wife Brook met in college and began growing a family soon after graduating, and they now have four children under the age of thirteen. After realizing the costs of raising a family, along with a deep desire to follow God’s lead, Kent decided to step away from being a youth pastor and step into a new vocational role in financial services. One morning in 2019, a good friend called and invited him to lunch to discuss a possible business opportunity. Kent was surprised at how intrigued he was about his friend’s life insurance business. He’d never pictured himself in that field, even though his father was an Allstate agent for thirty years. However, after a few months of prayer and processing everything his friend had shared, Kent decided to go for it. He passed his exam in January of 2020 and joined Johnson Financial Group in Norcross. Not long after this, a special-needs lawyer mentioned to Kent how families of special-needs kids were grossly underinsured. A new passion was ignited within him, especially since he is a parent to a five-year-old child with Down Syndrome. Kent decided he wanted to help those families understand and afford adequate life insurance. He knew firsthand how expensive the journey of caring for a child with special needs can be. There are costs for health insurance, medical visits and equipment (if necessary), medication, therapy, and other resources parents might have to secure to give their child the highest quality of life. These costs can be so draining on a family’s budget that it can seem too expensive to afford life insurance. “Some parents may not even be thinking about needing life insurance, or perhaps the morbidity of the subject is too much to even consider,” Kent added. Kent began to look deeper into the relativity of life insurance coverage for these families. “It’s not just the child’s possible death and funeral costs that must be considered,” Kent said. “It’s insurance that will help cover the high costs for a guardian to continue the level of needed care for the child with special needs if something happens to their parents.” Although Kent takes great pride in helping every family find affordable and adequate disability, life, and long-term-care coverage, he has a special place in his heart for helping those with unique situations – those families who may not even know what type or how much insurance they need, or even why they need it. He takes great honor in being an advocate for these families through his services at Johnson Financial Group. Continued on page 17
Mar ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
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PAGE 9
Meet Stella Allen Continued from page 8 Gwinnett Prep Sports. “It’s a huge honor, and I was really excited because normally juniors don’t get that,” Stella said. On top of that, Stella is a positive athlete nominee. She also made state, region, and county team for high school soccer. Stella’s favorite game memory is an Elite Eight for high school soccer game. Her team was down 1-0 with five minutes left in the game. It was a home game, and Stella remembers many people were watching. “All of a sudden thirty people come in and start cheering us on,” Stella said. “I remember getting the ball and crossing it into my friend Sydney Farr, and she scores with like five minutes to go.” The score was 1-1 and the game went into overtime. With two minutes left, Stella passed the ball to another teammate who scored again. “We won the game, and it was so cool because everyone was there and everyone came onto the field and was jumping with us,” Stella said. “I would never forget that. It was just so much fun.” The experience showed her how amazing it is to play for her community and how Brookwood is a family. Outside of soccer, Stella is a member of Brookwood High School’s Beta Club. She also enjoys volunteering in the Crews Middle School PE class whenever she can. She says she loves working with the kids. Stella tries to keep a structured schedule to balance online school, homework, soccer, volunteering, and working out. Sometimes she tries to get a workout in during her lunch period so she has time to do her homework after practice. “I try to get everything done during the day so I have my night to do whatever I want,” Stella said. In the future, she plans on playing college soccer. She has a goal of playing in a Division 1 program.
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Gwinnett Partnership Spotlight: Creation of Police Citizens Advisory Board By Our Town Gwinnett Staff To strengthen relationships between the Gwinnett County Police Department and the community, the Board of Commissioners recently approved the creation of a Citizens Advisory Board to offer input on issues like transparency, use of force, training, and dealing with complaints. The eleven-member board, made up of representatives from various groups around the county, will provide advice to the police department, the county administrator, and the Board of Commissioners. The Citizens Advisory Board will assist the department using a collaborative problem-solving process that supports both the community and the police department’s desire to enhance public safety. The board will offer feedback on reforms to improve community-oriented policing practices, transparency, professionalism, accountability, community inclusion, fairness, effectiveness, and public trust while considering national standards, best practices, current and emerging research, and community expectations. “The Citizens Advisory Board will support the Board of Commissioner’s vision of a vibrantly connected community where all stakeholders feel informed, engaged, and heard,” said Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson. “Establishing the Citizens Advisory Board will help build an open and positive relationship between the public and law enforcement. It builds mutual understanding and trust.” District 4 Commissioner Marlene Fosque said the Citizens Advisory Board fulfills a promise she made with community leaders to improve police connections and engagements. “The board will empower people and help them to be more knowledgeable about law enforcement,” she said. “Hopefully, it will open some eyes and enlighten our community even more. The dialogue that stems from a citizen’s advisory board can broaden how people perceive things. Both parties may very well end up saying, ‘I never knew that’ or ‘I never thought of it that way before.’” The board will be made up of appointees from each member of the Board of Commissioners, a Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy graduate, and a member each from the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Gwinnett Bar Association Criminal Defense Section, the Gwinnett Tech Student Government Association, View Point Health, and Gwinnett cities within the Police Services District. Members will serve staggered two-year terms. The Gwinnett police has a good relationship with the community and the department wants to build on that. Hearing from the diverse members on the board will help the department better understand the dynamics in the community. More information at https://www.gwinnettcounty.com/
City of Lilburn Continued from page 5 “It is our time to shine,” said City Manager Bill Johnsa. “We have new housing, restaurants, the addition of public amenities, and additional recreational opportunities. We are experiencing unprecedented growth yet maintaining the small-town charm!” At the end of the day, it’s all about teamwork – not only the teamwork between the community and its leaders, but the partnership found within the leaders themselves. All four members have one goal: to help Lilburn become the best version of itself. This means they don’t care who gets credited for a great idea, as long as it will help the city evolve into something great. “For over a decade, the elected and appointed leaders of Lilburn have remained laser-focused on their priorities of top-notch public safety, downtown development, and fiscal responsibility, to list a few,” said Assistant City Manager Jenny Simpkins. “This dedication over time has produced outstanding outcomes.” Indeed, it’s easy to see just how outstanding this small town has become. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Old Town Lilburn is always ready and waiting to receive new guests into its community. If you are looking for a close community that celebrates diversity and offers everything you need for your family, then your search is over when you reach the city of Lilburn. More information at www.cityoflilburn.com
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Live Music: Keeping us Mentally Fit Amid the Pandemic By Beth Volpert-Johansen When it comes to supporting live music, there are some notable folks in and around Gwinnett County. Many local restaurants, breweries, and municipalities provide a range of genres to meet listening preferences. However, when it comes to the indoor concert, things almost came to a grinding halt with the litany of COVID-safety measures stemming from such sources as the CDC to so-and-so’s grandmama. Navigating the appropriate way to keep a business churning in the safest way possible is a true challenge. Rising to that challenge here in Gwinnett – and with its “brother” venues in Avondale and Gainesville – is the popular 37 Main in downtown Buford. Nestled in the shadows of the historic tanneries that helped build Buford, 37 Main has proven that entrepreneurship is still breathing here in the Gwinnett area. While the idea of live music inside might seem contraindicated during a pandemic, the owners of 37 Main have worked hard to keep their staff on board as well as support performers and fans. “We are committed to providing the safest live music experience possible,” says co-owner Joe White. “Everyone at 37 Main feels live music is a part of our fabric as human beings. We are social creatures, and once you take that interaction away, you open yourself up to other destructive things.” Adding to their commitment to providing a safe music venue is their live-streaming option. “Our live streaming network was built for those who were not yet comfortable with going to shows in person. We truly believe music saves souls, which is why we will continue to deliver live music in a safe and sound atmosphere.” What would a live music venue be without patrons and performers? Not much to be sure. However, there are patrons and performers bringing it to the stage every
week. That is where we meet up with super-fit, super-fan, Shari Friedman. “As a personal trainer, I know what it has taken to keep myself, and my clients on track during this pandemic,” says Shari. “Music has absolutely saved my sanity.” Shari is often found at various live music venues about town, but if her favorite bands are playing at 37 Main, she is sure to be there – in a mask and posting about it. “I take my personal health very seriously,” says Shari. “That doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy and support local, live music. I just have to do it safely.” Shari describes a moment when she suddenly determined that her social media presence was a place she could “put herself out there” and “be real” with her audience. For years, Shari has been creating and posting interviews with various bands performing in the area. “I decided I could do that with a mask and stay safe,” says Shari. Bringing the stories of the performers to the greater digital audience has helped support the idea that the song remains the same, but the performance has had to adapt. Even though she had been keeping herself fit in her home gym and her clients fit via Zoom and other platforms, Shari felt as if the human aspect – that part of music performances with human interaction – was missing from her life. Pretty soon she found others who were just as committed to supporting the performers and venues as she. “What makes 37 Main a great venue is that the brothers, John, David, and Joe, have dedicated themselves to bringing a great customer experience while overcoming the challenges to keeping it safe,” says Shari. “I am doing my part as a one-woman social media influencer to connect with those who just love live music – and want to stay safe.” For those who feel like Shari when it comes to live music, there are several venues open for limited ticket sales – about 25% of the normal house capacity. “We all want the bands to play!” says Shari. “Emotionally, mentally, we all need the arts to help us maintain our mental health during this pandemic in addition to paying attention to our physical health.”
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Universal Joint Feeds Our Heroes During the Pandemic
Digital Tools Continued from page 9
By Traci Sanders
ing useful tools, it is important to have ongoing conversations about finances. Morgan-Gans suggests starting with some rules for a family contract when it comes to having access to an account: • I will spend responsibly and discuss what acceptable purchases are with my parent • I will make a savings goal, discuss it with my parent, and work toward it • I will not use my debit card on websites or at stores my parent does not approve of • I will always keep my card in a safe place and discuss the best place to keep it with my parent • I will not share my PIN number or account number with anyone • I will not post pictures of my card or app on social media or share them with my friends • I will never go to an ATM alone and will only use ATMs inside a bank “These tools can help guide parents, so they have the confidence to teach kids about bank accounts and spending,” says Morgan Gans. “It’s like an account with training wheels.” It is never too early to begin learning about safe money habits. (BPT)
Many small businesses were rocked to the core when COVID-19 hit. Some shut down immediately. Others hung on for a few months but eventually closed their doors. Some businesses not only survived but found a way to even turn a profit, by choosing to think outside the box. And some even went a step further and found ways to pay it forward. Such was the case for Universal Joint owner, Bruce Kennedy, who decided he wasn’t ready to give up on his dream so quickly. In the beginning of the pandemic, Bruce closed the dining room and transformed the outside area of the building into a sidewalk market and food station. Universal Joint essentially offered three menus: the usual ready-to-eat food off the regular menu to-go; prepared Market Meals such as lasagna, chili, and meatloaf (with side dishes included) to take home and reheat for dinner throughout the week; and the option to purchase a few essentials when picking up to-go food or Market Meals, such as mayonnaise, milk, toilet paper, and high-quality produce all at affordable prices, and without having to brave the grocery stores. Bruce’s heart was troubled by all the loss and devastation all around him. He wanted to do more for his fellow citizens but wasn’t sure how. The answer came from a most unexpected source. One day, Bruce received a call from a young student from Decatur who had formed a small program called the Meal Train, where she was going around asking businesses to donate food or funds to help her create and deliver meals to nearby hospitals. Though Bruce wasn’t able to help with it at the time, the idea intrigued him, ultimately inspiring him to tweak it a bit and incorporate it into his restaurant process. He knew that many healthcare workers were feeling the biggest effect of the virus, not only through direct contact with affected patients, but becoming exhausted by the long and stressful hours, many times missing meals to care for their patients. They were the true heroes of the community, as far as he was concerned. He contacted Northside Hospital to find out how he could help. Many of the frontline workers there are loyal customers of Universal Joint, and Bruce felt it was right to return the support. That conversation led Bruce to create Feed Our Heroes Project. For nearly four months, the cook at Universal Joint came in early every day to prepare fresh Continued on page 20
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PAGE 13
never knew my maternal grandmother, so when Meme started babysitting me as a toddler, I adopted her as my own!” In addition to those family connections, more humorous elements also worked their way in such as a real-life based twenty-one-pound cat. It would be easy to think the novel itself was started by real life events, but McKinley’s writing inspiration has less conventional origins. Like Mary Shelley or JK Rowling, her novel came as a flash. “Most of my story ideas come from a single scene flashing through my mind,” she explains. “For this novel, it was the prologue where young Avery hears a boy playing violin at Lincoln Center. Since I couldn’t get that scene out of my head, I had to write it down and the rest of
M. W. McKinley’s Debut Novel Please Stay for Me By K. Coats Being a young adult is tough. You’re not really a child anymore, but you’re nowhere near being an adult yet. You’re stuck somewhere between Happy Meals and Happy Hour. It’s always been a strange age, but one thing that today’s young adults and tweens have more of than previous ones are novels specifically geared towards them. Young Adult (YA) novels are a literary genre that are really having a heyday. Just a look at the newer layout inside the local Barnes and Noble reveals that emphasis as the YA section has gone from lonely side-aisle to feature focus near the center of the store. Young Adults are a fun group to write for, and now they can count another novel among their ranks. M. W. McKinley recently released her debut novel, the first in The Brotherhood Series, entitled Please Stay for Me. It’s the story of a student photographer, Avery, studying abroad in Oxford and meeting musician Liam. But while one might mistake this for a simple teen romance, McKinley cautions, “Please Stay for Me is more than just a teen romance. My favorite thing about this story is how the characters find family outside of the so-called nuclear family. Readers get to see glimpses of the main characters’ past and how those experiences make them perfect for each other. Other than romance, the themes in this novel are family, friendship, grief, forgiveness, and pursuing one’s dreams.” That’s a lot to pack into a single novel. Good thing the second novel, Please Fall for Me, is slated for release in late 2021 or early 2022. “This novel is told from a dual point of view,” McKinley says. “Avery is a recent high school graduate who’s embarking on her first overseas adventure to study-abroad in Oxford, England. She’s more comfortable viewing the world behind the lens of her camera. Liam is a talented violinist and the lead-singer of a British indie-rock band, Brotherhood.” Much like how her characters’ interests stay center stage, McKinley knows all too well how it feels to have one’s hobby take over. The novel itself is evidence of that. “I’ve been writing fiction for the past ten years,” she says. “It began as a hobby before eventually turning into something I wanted to share with others.” McKinley has shared more than just her characters with us. Much of her book was inspired by personal experiences. “Some of Avery’s childhood memories come straight from my own life” she states. “My own emotions from losing a parent definitely influenced Avery’s character.” But it isn’t just about parents. “This novel became an ode to grandparents as well,” she adds. “Meme’s character is based on my grandmother who’s not related to me by blood. I
the story followed.” But the scene that started it isn’t the only favorite moment. One of her favorite scenes, without spoilers, takes place in a hospital. “The scene where Avery’s in the hospital with her mom is particularly poignant to me,” she says, “not only because it shows her feelings about her mom’s illness, but it also shows what the relationship with her dad used to look like.” And it’s scenes like this where McKinley’s real message to her young readers emerges. She says, “I hope readers connect with Avery and Liam as they come to terms with their pasts, make decisions about their futures, all while falling for each other.” But in addition, McKinley also hopes “my novel shows that people can create their own families, regardless of DNA, by surrounding themselves with positive people who genuinely care for them.” This is particularly important to her young adult audience as their peers can often be their biggest asset as well as their biggest stressor. “I really enjoy writing young adult characters,” she says, “because they’re just starting to think about their places in the world, but no one expects them to have it all figured out yet.” McKinley credits her major writing influence to an atmosphere of books. “Reading still has the most significant influence on my writing,” she explains. “Reading other peoples’ stories encouraged me to create my own. Growing up, my mom always had a book checked out from the library (and still does). The go-to gift for my dad was the latest historical non-fiction book, and on Sundays you could always find my stepmom curled up somewhere with a crime novel.” The ever-present book meant that reading was second nature. Her family “created an environment where reading was just as important as our Tuesday movie nights.” And it seems a natural Continued on page 16
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Meet Amy Barker with Citizen Exchange By Traci Sanders People were impacted in different ways by the pandemic in 2020. Some lost their jobs and businesses or a portion of their income. Others thrived by finding creative ways to pivot. Such is the case for Amy Barker, who founded Citizen Exchange, a public art market situated in Old Town Lilburn. Having traveled the world and experienced some of the most inspirational and breathtaking works of art, Amy wanted to liven up her community and add culture. At first, she considered opening a coffee shop, but that didn’t feel right. When she saw the space that is now Citizen Exchange, she knew right away it was the one. “It’s like it was calling to me,” she said. “My brother is the creative director for a video production company in Atlanta called Motion Family and a professional photographer. We are an art-loving family, so an art market concept made sense.” Thus, Citizen Exchange was born in November 2020. Amy’s mission with Citizen Exchange is to bring hope to her community, especially during a time when the world seems so divided and uninspired. “Amidst all the chaos and loss, people are still finding ways to create and thrive,” she explained. This mission was inspired by a famous painter named Gerhard Richter, who stated, “Art is the highest form of hope.” Local citizens share this sentiment and have come together to create “Art is for Everyone,” a fund to help artists receive commission for their works by pairing local patrons with pieces that suit them perfectly. “We want to bring beautiful art to everyone, even if they can’t afford it. Every piece of art deserves a proper home.” Citizen Exchange is always looking for new pieces and accepts a wide variety of art creations from paintings and pottery to textiles, jewelry, and even recycled pieces. “We are more about
the story behind the artist, in addition to the created pieces of art,” Amy said. “We accept pieces from artists in Snellville and all over Atlanta, and even internationally, not just Lilburn. Farmers in the Philippines also have a special place in my heart.” Amy has a Review Team in place to review the artwork prior to accepting them into the collective. She meets with artists who wish to have their works displayed in the gallery and shares their work with the Review Team to ensure they are in alignment with the tone and mission. Although all pieces are listed online, the gallery pieces are rotated to offer fair exposure to all artists. When asked how she finds new customers for a startup company such as this, especially in the middle of a pandemic, Amy shared that the gallery receives a decent amount of foot traffic, much of which comes from word-of-mouth referrals and their social media presence. “We really don’t have anything to compare our success to because we opened during a pandemic,” she said. “So, we don’t know if we’re doing well or not. I guess that could be considered a blessing or a curse.” If you live in the Lilburn or surrounding communities, or will be passing through in the near future, be sure to stop by the Citizen Exchange gallery. You might find a piece of art that speaks to you. More information at https://www.citizenexchange.biz/.
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Up Close: Mellow Mushroom in Snellville By Beth Volpert Johansen Pizza holds nearly endless possibilities: crusts, toppings, cheeses, sauces, thick, or thin, New York, Chicago, Snellville. Yes, Snellville. Traditions are built around pizza, and there is hardly a spot in Gwinnett that has been producing pizza longer than the Mellow Mushroom in Snellville. Ask ANY South Gwinnett graduate about pizza and they will tell you that memories have been made eating pizza in the square building formerly known as Ken’s. That same building got mellow in 1999 when Mellow Mushroom started serving up a whole different and tasty pizza. The tradition of memorable pizza at the Mellow Mushroom restaurant is apparent in the vintage, family (and pup) friendly vibe. Painted in fun colors and decorated with the Art of Mellow, patrons can relax, be mellow, order a favorite sip and delicious menu item, and just be. The giant wall mural that evolves from a mere mushroom gives the decor a playful touch. Add in a spacious patio (great for socially-distanced dining) that is shaded by a black awning with string lights, and you have the perfect place to enjoy time with family and friends over a cheesy hot pizza. “The thing that really makes this restaurant special is the customers,” says Partner/General Manager Greg Merkle. “After more than twenty years, they are family.” Greg is incredibly grateful for the loyal customer base that kept right on ordering pizza during the pandemic while he and Owner Barbara Rosselle figured out how to manage the new business model. “Getting the texting service and signs coordinated gave us some growing pains,” he says, “but after the first month, it ran very smoothly. No matter what, I couldn’t let this business fail. We had to get creative just like any other business.” Remaining true to the mellow vibes was hard for staff and leadership, but once the curbside service’s new rhythm was in full swing, things began to run smoothly. Greg and Barbara’s latest Continued on page 18
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PAGE 15
Inside Look with Emily: Life on Campus During the Pandemic By Emily Rubin
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A few months ago, I wrote about my experience attending the first semester of my junior year of college in an online format. This semester, my school decided to open the campus back up for more than just lab classes and dance classes. Almost every course in my major was offered in both in-person and online formats. I chose to sign up for four in-person classes and one online class. Much as the last semester seemed different from my past semesters at school, this semester seems different and is in no way back to normal. In order to keep social distancing measures in place, in-person classes are split into smaller groups that attend on alternate days. This means that even though I have a Tuesday/Thursday class, I only go to campus on one of those days. For three of my classes, I only participate in one lecture a week. We meet on campus for one class, and then we complete homework assignments on our own time. My interviewing class is scheduled for Monday/Wednesday/Friday, but we only meet on Mondays. The class is small enough for us to space out in the classroom and meet once a week. When I go to campus on Mondays, I see the largest number of classmates, which is about twenty-four other students. On Wednesdays, I attend my smallest class, which is supposed to have five students in my group. On the first day of that class, only my professor and I showed up. On my second day of that class, three of us showed up. Another class that I attend on Thursdays has ten students in my group. My professor gives us a repeat of the lesson he gave the other half of the class two days before. All three of those courses are structured for each student to attend class once a week in order to social distance and minimize possible exposure to COVID-19. When we go to class, we have to sit in the seat we chose on our first day for contact tracing in case another student or the professor contracts COVID-19. My other in-person class is structured in much the same way. There are two groups of ten students who attend in-person classes on either Tuesday or Thursday. The group that does not meet in-person has to log in to an online video session during class to hear the professor’s lecture. Just like every semester, there are fifteen minutes between class times. This tight time is a slight problem for me because I attend one class on-campus on Thursdays, and fifteen minutes after that class ends, I have to be logged in online for my next lecture. My apartment isn’t far from campus, but I can never be sure that I’ll make it back in time to log in. Since it’s so early in the semester, I haven’t quite figured out how to manage that. I could sit in my car for an hour and fifteen minutes or go to the library on campus. I’d rather not use the library because every student who attends online must participate vocally during the class, and I don’t want to Continued on page 22
M.W.McKinley’s Debut Novel Continued from page 14
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progression from reading the stories of others to writing one’s own. Her mother had the honor of being the first to read Please Stay for Me. McKinley says, “She encouraged me to keep writing even when I doubted myself. I couldn’t have self-published this novel without the support of my family and friends, especially my husband.” So, if you’re in the mood for violins, photography, indie-rock bands, Oxford, Juilliard, family, and love, Please Stay for Me might be just the book for you. Here is an excerpt: “My focus shifts back to Liam as he stands up while the other violinists remain seated. The violin is nestled between his sharp jawline and shoulder. When the conductor signals him, he raises his bow and slowly slides it against the strings. His fingers move quickly one by one creating sounds so beautiful the man next to me finally puts his phone down. “As I watch his fingers continue to move, I think about touching the calluses on his fingertips and how he brushed hair away from my face yesterday. I could feel those calluses as his fingers accidentally touched my cheek. Or maybe it wasn’t an accident. All I know is a touch so brief never affected me that way with anyone else. “Liam is captivating as he seems to get lost in the music. He sways back and forth slightly as the song’s tempo increases. Maybe lost is the wrong word. Because I hope, instead, he’s found, every performance, over and over again. I still don’t really know him, but I want that kind of happiness for him.” More information at https://www.facebook.com/mwmckinleywrites or https://mmckinleywrites.wixsite.com/author/books.
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Mar ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
Ruff and Tough: How Camp Bow Wow is Persevering through a Pandemic By Kristen Eleveld If you are in the Gwinnett area, you’ve probably heard of the amazing work that Camp Bow Wow is doing in Lawrenceville and beyond. This doggy day camp, which has been the recipient of multiple awards for its excellent care and willingness to go above and beyond for its customers, has quickly risen through the ranks to become the number one place to keep your dog safe and happy during the day. During a typical year, you can certainly find the team at Camp Bow Wow in their Lawrenceville location, doing what they do best and offering top-notch services to dogs in the community. But you can also find them out and about in Gwinnett, helping dogs through programs like the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation. This charity is designed to help those furry friends who are sick or injured and are in desperate need of medical care. Thanks to the efforts of the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, hundreds of dogs have been saved. Learn more about these paw-some pups at www.bowwowbuddies.com. Of course, the events of 2020 affected industries across the board, and Camp Bow Wow was no exception. While they were not able to host many of the wonderful celebrations they are known for, they did have the opportunity to celebrate their fifth anniversary as a member of the Gwinnett community. While the celebrations are always fun, Camp Bow Wow Lawrenceville has had a different focus this year: taking care of the pets of healthcare workers. “Our mission this year is to help those in the healthcare industry,” said Kathy Stone, who owns the camp. “We know they are working long hours, and we can help by caring for their dogs.” Camp Bow Wow has extended their usual camp hours. They are now open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. This timetable was designed to accommodate the schedule of many healthcare workers at Northside Gwinnett, which is just down the road from the camp. Healthcare workers can also join a special VIP program that gives them a discount on the services offered by Camp Bow Wow so they can ensure that their furry canine friends get what they need while their human is hard at work. Along with providing these extra perks for healthcare workers, Camp Bow Wow Lawrenceville is also working to educate the community by sponsoring a podcast that covers many important topics for dog owners and potential dog owners. “The focus of the podcast in on dogs, but it can be helpful for any pet owner,” said Kathy. “We are covering a lot of subjects that will be helpful in choosing, raising, and caring for your dog.” To date, the podcast has talked about what to consider when choosing to add a dog to your family, best practices for grooming, and an interview with a representative from the Humane Society to help people navigate the steps of pet adoption. Moving forward, they plan to cover important info you need for traveling with a dog, understanding the differences between breeds, and many other useful topics that will help every dog owner feel confident in the care they give their pup. The podcast, titled All About Dog, is available on nearly every major podcast streaming service. As always, Camp Bow Wow stands ready to serve the community through its high standard of pet care and flexible hours and services. If you are interested in seeing if your dog is a good fit for the camp, and vice versa, just give them a call at (770) 995-3500 to schedule a visit. This trial interview is free of charge, and the camp’s highest priority is to determine if your dog will feel safe and happy as a camper during their stay. Don’t miss the chance to let your favorite furry pal experience the best doggy day camp in Gwinnett County. More information at www.campbowwow.com/lawrenceville-ga.
Meet Kent Suter Continued from page 9 “I want to be a ‘red hat’ for these families of special-needs kids,” he said. “I want them to see I’m on their side and know that I understand what they’re going through. I want them to know they can trust me to guide them through the emotional and often-confusing process of choosing the right insurance that will best protect their family, and hopefully ease some of the financial burden to allow them to simply enjoy the precious gift that God has given them in their child.” More information at https://www.jfgatl.com/team/kent-suter
Mar ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
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Mellow Mushroom Continued from page 15
Connext Media: Focused on the Bigger Picture
challenge to remaining mellow is the gradual reopening of the common dining areas. “People are still leery about being in public, but they are also ready to be a part of the community again,” says Greg. “We are working to make sure our inside dining and outdoor patio options fit what our customers want.” To that end, reopening the doors has presented new challenges. Staff has to be increased, traditionally fresh beer options have to be ordered and maintained for taste, and delivery orders have to keep pace with a change in business. Even though 2021 has brought a new set of challenges to all restaurants, Greg and Barbara are committed to providing the freshest, most mellow experience to their customer base. The building itself carries with it a long-standing history of customer service and steaming hot, cheesy delights. COVID-19 isn’t going to change that. “I grew up watching Cheers,” says Greg. “At the end of the day, I want this place to be just like that – a community where I know everybody, and they know us.” More information at www.mellowmushroom.com/location/ga-snellville-2000-main-ste-30078/
By Ron Lambros
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billrhodesbakery.com 770-979-2253 2335 Scenic Hwy S, Snellville, GA 30078 @billrhodesbakery PAGE 18
Jonathan Hillyard stepped out of his video production studio on Railroad Avenue in Old Town Lilburn and smiled. Life had come full-circle and he had come home again. “I’m a Hopkins Elementary and Lilburn Middle School grad!” he said. “Some of my favorite memories as a kid were playing baseball and football at Lilburn Lions’ Club Park, and now, getting the opportunity to watch my kids play on the playground there is amazing!” Moving from the Lilburn community in the 8th grade, Hillyard ultimately pursued a career in video production. Graduating from the University of South Carolina in 2007, he spent the first ten years of his career in sports production, working for the Atlanta Braves, the University of Virginia, and his alma mater, USC. That was just the motivation he needed that ultimately led him to establish Connext Media, LLC, in 2017. “We are a full-service media company located in Lilburn,” Hillyard explained, “servicing metro Atlanta and beyond. Our goal is to use digital media storytelling to support the Atlanta community, its people, places, and businesses. We specialize in audio/video production, photography, 3D Tours, and aerial photo/video, and we recently constructed a multimedia studio here in Lilburn that can serve as a photo/video or podcast production facility. “I started the business with the long-term goal of building a two-sided company,” he continued. “One side focused on hired production work for clients, and the other side being a digital media outlet focused on connecting the local community through high-level storytelling. “At heart, we are community builders. We are looking to help build a better community by serving people in all walks of life in our city. From the mom and pop shop on the corner, to the city’s most established brands, we believe that creative and powerful storytelling can connect them with their customers and their neighborhoods. For that reason, we are built to serve everyone with various offerings, encompassing several different forms of digital media. We handle projects as small as photography for real estate listings, to as large as brand films for multi-million-dollar corporations in the area.” So, why Lilburn? Why locate in a small bedroom community of Atlanta? Why not New York or Los Angeles, the bedrock of Hollywood and video production? “I grew up in Lilburn, so I have always had an affinity for the community,” Hillyard said. “But when our business was looking for a place to expand, there was something about the Old Town community that resonated with me. The family atmosphere in the park, the character of the neighborhood, and the opportunity for growth were all things that made me excited to open our office here. Once we opened, my wife and I decided quickly it was a place we wanted to invest in as a family. Now, eighteen months later, we live less than a mile from the office, we belong to a church plant here in Lilburn, and our kids go to school in the area.” Connext Media recently produced a wonderful promotional video on Old Town Lilburn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IESGuJ9uLs4) that masterfully showcases everything that Jonathan Hillyard loves about Lilburn. “I really enjoy the diversity of our community,” he said. “On any given night with our kids at the City park, we share a playground with families from all over the world. In my opinion, that has created a culture here in Lilburn that is extremely unique and rich. “When we moved our business here in 2019, we wanted to make it a point to invest in the community. We decided we were going to donate one brand film per year to a business or organization in the Lilburn area. When I heard the city’s vision of what Old Town Lilburn could be, I knew our first pro-bono project had to be telling that story.” Hillyard went on, “We worked closely with representatives from the city to paint the full picture of what Old Town is and what it can be, and I hope we struck a chord with folks that have lived here for thirty years, and folks who just moved in. “Our goal was to help the city attract the best restaurants, shops, and developers around, and to fuel some civic pride in the community at the same time. Time will tell if we accomplished those goals, but it was a very rewarding project to get to work alongside some of my neighbors to tell the story.” It’s obvious that Connext Media isn’t your everyday video production company. It has a heart for the community and the clients it serves, with Jonathan Hillyard as its biggest ambassador. “I hope our family and our business can be a unifying force in our community,” he added. “I have met so many people in the last few years who are willing to contribute and invest in the community if they are just presented an opportunity. I pray our family and Connext Media can tell stories that shed light on those opportunities.” More information at www.connextatl.com.
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One Man’s Opinion: Don’t Do It! By Bill Crane There is, of course, a tendency for an individual or political party that is in a position of power to want to try and hang on to that power. What may be more important to remember, as we live in a democratic republic, is that the real power is in the hands of voters and our citizenry – if they make USE of that power. After losing Congress to the GOP during the mid-term election of 1994, Democratic President Bill Clinton reached out to new Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) to craft several pieces of more centrist legislation including Welfare/Workfare reform, which resulted in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and other programs that Clinton had not championed earlier in his first term. He would be re-elected in 1996 by a wider margin than his first victory. During the same time frame in Georgia, the House Congressional Caucus had shifted majority to Republican (including Gingrich). Then Governors Zell Miller and his successor Roy Barnes both noted the shift to the GOP, first in the metro Atlanta suburbs and next into Miller’s home country of the North Georgia mountains. Barnes would be a powerful one-term governor, but changing the state flag and political conflicts with Georgia educators, along with shifts in demographics and voting trends, would result in an upset victory by then state senator, Sonny Perdue, who was elected in 2002 as Georgia’s first Republican governor since Reconstruction. In a last-gasp attempt at hanging on to power, Georgia Democrats had used the 2001 reapportionment of congressional and legislative districts to draw maps more favorable to Democratic incumbents. But the new maps did not do the trick. Losers in 2002 would include then House Speaker Thomas B. Murphy, the longest-serving Democratic State House Speaker in the nation, as well as members of Congress and the Georgia General Assembly. It would be Georgia’s State Senate, following Perdue’s election, that would be the first to flip to GOP majority. That red tide would continue, consistently spreading until about 2016. Those same metro Atlanta suburbs, particularly women voters, began to recoil from some of the expanded GOP’s social agenda. In a state without required party registration, independents, swing voters,
Libertarians, and a lot of formerly Republican women, began to take a look at Democratic Party candidates up and down the ticket. This brings us to today. Former State Representative Stacey Abrams effectively weaponized the issue of voter suppression as a rallying cry and then has demonstrated in now three election cycles its attraction to a broad coalition of Democratic voters. This was despite GOP Governor Perdue, signing into law advance voting, no-excuse absentee voting, motor voter automatic registration, and the Republican secretary of state creating and expanding online registration, absentee ballot drop boxes, and a host of changes that expanded voter participation. And now a combination of terrified GOP incumbents, a surging Democratic vote in the suburbs, and the majority of advance and absentee ballots has those who believe the 2020 contest was stolen trying to prescribe DOWN voter access and methods of voting among those likely to be Democrats. A raft of legislation has been proposed, ranging from removing the drop boxes and all but ending no-excuse absentee voting to shortening the time frame for early voting. And some supporters of the current governor have started a self-styled PAC called Stop Stacey, ahead of any announced campaign for governor or another office. If you think Stacey Abrams was effective in touting the evils of Georgia voter suppression previously, just sit back and watch when she is handed ammunition and a club by the fading GOP – actually engaging in suppression. Additional security and virtual or voter ID in the absentee ballot application process is warranted and has broad support. Adding a four-digit identifier, such as the last four of a driver’s license or Social Security number to the cast ballot, is a relatively simple modification, identifying the actual voters on the front and back end of that process. GOP leaders, principally House Speaker David Ralston and Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, view more heavy-handed changes as ill-advised. If they are joined by like-minded caucus members who remember that a path to victory comes in broadening bases, not in narrowing them, the Georgia Republican Party may extend its reign. But when others listen to that little Red Devil on their shoulder whispering conspiracy theories and suggesting closing doors and shutting down access is the way to go, I have only three words: Don’t do it. Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the full-service communications firm CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
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that Feed Our Heroes Project had come to a halt, his restaurants continued to gain momentum through offering curbside meals and eventually transitioning to socially distanced dine-in services. deli sandwiches for these frontline workers. All health and safety measures were taken. The bar In the second week of January 2021, Bruce received a call from the hospital stating that doubled as a food-prep counter and was sanitized with bleach, then plastic wrap was placed on they needed his service again. In one week, Bruce and his helpers prepared and delivered 350 top for an extra layer of protection. The cook also wore a mask and gloves during preparation. sandwiches to the hospital! Because this is a labor of love, Bruce relies on donations from his Condiment packets and chip bags were sanitized, and each sandwich was wrapped in butcher customers, local citizens, and local businesses to keep the project going. Universal Joint has paper and cut in half, then wrapped a second time for freshness. Each sandwich was placed in a personally covered the cost of over 500 sandwiches as well because Bruce believes this is a sealed brown paper bag and was labeled with a T, H, or R to signify turkey, ham, or roast beef. worthy mission. The Lawrenceville United Methodist Church created a video presentation This made it easier for healthcare workers to identify which sandwich they wanted and allowed about the project and released it to the congregation in hopes of collecting more donations. them to eat half and then come back for the rest later, with freshness intact. Members of the church also contributed hand-written notes of encouragement to include in the Bruce drove to the hospital to deliver the sandwiches. Upon arrival, he called the administrameal packages. When it comes to When it comes to finding the perfect roof tor to let her know he was on the premises. Hospital staff, cloaked in masks and gloves, met Bruce hopes to continue offering this much-needed service to frontline workers at Northside for your your home we have a HUGEroof selection home we him outside to retrieve the sandwiches. Universal Joint donated over 4,000 sandwiches toWhen the Hospital, andto other hospitalsfor ascomes well if the become available. it comes finding the perfect roof When it tofunds finding the perfect hospital in a span of nine months. Donations to Feed Our Heroes Project are welcomed through Venmo @Ujlawrenceville and colo of brands of home brands and colors to choose from, so and for your home we have a HUGE selection for your we have a HUGE selection In July 2020, the COVID-19 numbers had decreased, so the need for the sandwich service PayPal.me/ujheroes. we can make house look Allmake your wasn’t as high and remained that way for several months. Even though Bruce was saddened of brands and colors choose from, soyour ofto brands and colors to choose from,perfect. sowe can
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One Man’s Opinion: A Moment with Hammerin’ Hank By Bill Crane My younger brother Brian was gifted with more athletic prowess than I was. I ran cross country and track, and played soccer up through high school, but I never demonstrated any real talent for baseball, basketball, or football. Perhaps that contributed to Dad never really wanting to spend time at many sporting events. But on each of those rare occasions that we did go, those memories are tattooed on my brain. When I was ten, Dad took my brother and me to a Braves Bat Game Day. I’m not sure if the MLB franchises still practice this easy marketing ploy, but at the end of each game, on your way out of the stadium, there were barrels of free Louisville Slugger baseball bats, each autographed by favored and more famous players. Brian selected a bat sporting the signature of Rico Carty. I was fortunate to draw my slugger signed by already legendary homerun king, Hammerin’ Hank Aaron. I would meet Mr. Aaron a few years later at a Braves publicity event during the Ted Turner ownership years, and again when he transitioned to baseball executive and entrepreneur in Atlanta’s Olympic era and since. Decades have passed, and that Hank Aaron bat morphed into a family heirloom and later homestead protector, to be most often brandished for checking out things that go bump in the night versus any batting practice. More recently, life and circumstances would grant me a moment with the Hammer. As COVID-19 ravages the globe, miraculous vaccines now offer a way to slow if not eventually curtail the spread of this killer virus. It was into these waters strode Hammerin’ Hank. On January 5, 2021, the Morehouse Healthcare Clinic at the Morehouse School of Medicine was the site of vaccinations for several Civil Rights legends and African American giants of their day and field, each over the age of 75, who rolled up their sleeves and took their shot – in part to demonstrate its safety and efficacy to the broader population, and particularly aimed at skeptical communities of black and brown. Interviewed a few days after his first inoculation, the longtime Atlanta Braves Hall of Famer said, “I’m 80-something – there’s not much I can do to help.” Aaron arrived on a scooter, alongside Civil Rights legend and former Atlanta mayor and U.N. ambassador, Andrew Young. It was a day of giants, including the founding dean of the Morehouse School of Medicine, Dr. Louis Sullivan, and his wife, who also received the vaccine along with other prominent pastors and leaders of the movement that day. I was able to have a brief chat with The Hammer, and I mentioned that I had brought along a special keepsake that I wanted to show him, as well as ask a small favor. Aaron smiled and readily agreed, and I presented that Louisville Slugger, and a Sharpie marker. He gave the fifty-year-old bat a spin, and ran his hand down along the grain, and across his earlier etched-in signature, and then, he signed it again. I now am the proud owner of a twin-signed Hammerin’ Hank Aaron Louisville Slugger, with signatures fifty years and a few inches apart. I could not know that Hank’s time left leading by example, as he was again doing that day, was short. His final Tweet to his fans later that same day said, “I was proud to get the COVID-19 vac-
cine earlier today at the Morehouse School of Medicine. I hope you do the same.” Two and a half weeks later, Mrs. Aaron would find that her husband had peacefully passed in his sleep on January 22nd at the age of 86. The Fulton County Medical Examiner ruled his death from natural causes, and there were no COVID-19 symptoms. We have twin grandsons now in my family, the Mighty Mites, just over four months old. They know nothing yet of baseball, bats, or great American heroes, but the wall of their bedroom is going to sport a twin-signature bat of America’s home run king – and I can’t quite wait ‘til they are old enough to attend their first Braves game. We may take along the bat, which seems a fitting way to continue to honor and remember that moment with Hammerin’ Hank. Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the full-service communications firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
Pet Perch: The Single Biggest Mistake You May Be Making By Terie Hansen This may come as a surprise to many dog owners, but allowing your dog to meet other dogs or people while on leash may be the single biggest mistake you ever make. It can result in a multitude of negative outcomes and behaviors. Repeated on leash greetings can take an otherwise relaxed, happy, social dog and turn it into a nervous insecure dog or an over stimulated excessively excited dog. When dogs are in an uncomfortable situation, they can get into flight or fight mode. In social interactions, where your dog is not on a leash, they can move away (flight) if they feel stressed, nervous, fearful, or anxious. That would be an excellent choice on the dog’s part. However, when they are leashed, they no longer have that option, and they know it. That leaves them looking for alternate ways to deal with the situation. One option may be to fight. This may not have happened yet, but with repeated exposure to stressful on leash interactions your dog may one day choose the fight option. In their mind, you are not advocating for them. In fact, YOU are placing them in the stressful situation in the first place. At the very least you can end up with a leash reactive dog (one that barks, growls, lunges at other dogs or people while on leash). REACTIVITY is the way that many dogs choose to deal with stressful situations. Reactivity can be mild or pretty scary. How do you let dogs interact and who with? You place them off-leash in an enclosed area (house/yard) with happy, social dogs that you know. Also, doggy daycare is a great choice. It is a social environment that is structured and supervised by trained professionals. Next time you think it’s a good idea to let your dog meet another dog on leash, put yourself in their place. Would you like to be repeatedly placed in situations where you couldn’t get away if you wanted/needed to? Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www. gooddogcoaching.com
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See What’s on the Menu at the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry By Kristen Eleveld This past year has been rough on a lot of people. Many families are finding it hard to put food on their tables every night. But one local ministry is working to feed those people and to remind them that they are loved. Meet the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry, a Co-Op that has made a mission out of helping everyone in their community meet basic needs, like having enough to eat. Led by Executive Director Laura Drake, this ministry has seen it all – and even the events of 2020 couldn’t stop this team from serving their neighbors. “When the pandemic hit, the Lord had already put a team in place that would weather the storm,” said Laura. “Through teamwork and perseverance, the Co-Op staff oversaw the distribution of 1,141,000 pounds of food and $350,000 in financial assistance in 2020.” The Co-Op is fortunate to be surrounded by a community that cares, that has offered sup-
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port, and that continues to spread awareness of the Co-Op’s services and needs. These efforts made it possible to meet the needs of the underserved, and the team at Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry is thankful to be part of a neighborhood that believes in showing compassion to others. A large factor in the success of the Co-Op is due to the team’s passion for helping people – not just to put food on their tables, but to realize their value to the community as a whole. “A friend of mine once said that he thinks we’re all called to something,” Laura said. “I felt the Lord calling me to let people know that they have so much worth – more than they could ever imagine.” It is this commitment to encouraging the people they serve that motivated the Co-Op team to continue serving through the coronavirus pandemic that has affected thousands of local families since March. While the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry typically serves around 150 families a week, that number has doubled over the last several months as more people turned to the Co-Op for assistance with meeting essential needs. Usually, the families would go inside the Co-Op to pick out their food and speak with a team member to learn what other services and opportunities were available to them. For the last several months, in an effort to comply with social distancing guidelines, the Co-Op has been serving people by loading food and other supplies directly into their cars – a system the Co-Op team created in just three days. Laura estimates that they have loaded food in about 15,000 cars, and the demand is not slowing down. But for the staff and volunteers at the cooperative, this is not an obstacle to overcome, but another chance to love their community. “We want people to know that this is about more than just putting food on their tables,” said Laura. “If they come to us for help, we are able to take the burden of food expenses off them, which hopefully allows them to use that money for other needs.” Much of the Co-Op’s success during the pandemic is also due to the incredible response of the Gwinnett community and the state of Georgia as a whole. Gwinnett County Parks and Rec employees have made dozens of runs to the food bank, ensuring that the Co-Op always has food to distribute to the people who are counting on them. Georgia deployed its National Guard to offer assistance with loading the food into cars as well as with keeping the entire process organized and supplies updated. While the Co-Op has received a lot of help and donations, they are always in need of additional supplies to meet the increasing demand of the community. They can’t currently accept more volunteers due to CDC guidelines, but they are accepting all types of food and many toiletry items as well. “As we look ahead to all of 2021, we anticipate the need will remain high for our services,” Laura said. “We commit to continuing to stand in the gap on behalf of those who are struggling.” More information at https://www.segwinnettcoop.org/
Life on Campus During the Pandemic Continued from page 16 disturb anyone using the library to study. Along with that challenge, being on campus again means being at risk. There are more people walking around the buildings now, and many of them are not wearing their masks correctly. Even though signs posted outside say to wear masks at all times on campus, many people take them off when not in the buildings. Last semester, our student center was overcrowded, and no one had masks on when sitting down at a table, even after they had finished eating. I passed through a few times when I went to get textbooks during the first few classes, and somehow that problem worsened. I’m glad to be back on campus, and I enjoy meeting my professors in person and getting out of my apartment every day, but I fear it might not last long unless people get their acts together. My professors warned us to be prepared to switch to online-only at any time, and that might happen if students don’t start wearing their masks at all times. Every classmate and professor I’ve talked to has mentioned being happier this semester because they can return to campus and get some form of social interaction. I feel less stressed, but I know at any moment we could revert to online. Nothing about this school year has been predictable, and I can only hope my fellow students will try their hardest to keep us on campus for the rest of the semester.
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Mar ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
Snellville Performing Arts: Steals Show at International Junior Theater Festival By Traci Sanders The International Junior Theater Festival (JTF) was held the second weekend of January, with students from award-winning, nonprofit Snellville Performing Arts (SPA) representing Snellville and Greater Gwinnett. This event is a three-day festival that typically draws 10,000 to 15,000 students, directors, choreographers, Broadway professionals, and other representing agents to Atlanta from all over the world. Due to COVID-19, the event was virtual this year to keep all the students, judges, and crew safe. SPA showcased a piece from their 2020 fall musical, Matilda, Jr., to compete for the prestigious Freddie Gershon Awards. Owner and executive director of SPA, Stephanie McDonald, shared that while the awards are quite exciting, this event embodies so much more than just competition. “The festival is about community, about artistry, about friendship, and about sharing our passion with other people who love what we love,” she said. “After this crazy year with canceled shows, hybrid rehearsals, performing in masks, and everything else that has changed what we do, the most important things have remained – our passion for what we do and our love for each other. JTF is an opportunity every year for us to fully immerse ourselves in the world of the performing arts and take in every single joyous moment.” In mid-January, the students attended talkbacks, discussions, and performances from Kristen Chenoweth (Wicked, The Descendants), Tim Federle (Tuck Everlasting, DHSMTMTS), the cast of Disney’s High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen), Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple, Sister Act), Taylor Iman Jones (Groundhog Day, Head Over Heels, Hamilton), Joey Contreras (Broadway Dreams Foundation), Kikau Alvero (VCU Arts, Virginia Rep Theatre), Krystina Alabado (Mean Girls the Musical), Isaac Powell (West Side Story), Brittney Mack (Six), Ryan McCartan (Heathers, Frozen, Wicked), and more. Stephanie also shared that the opportunities don’t end with merely meeting celebrities. The student performers (and staff) get the chance to learn from them directly! iTheatrics hosted several workshops that included choreography with Brittney Mack (Six) and vocals with Rob Rokicki (The Lightning Thief). The students learned a combo from Hamilton with Brian Watson and Jennifer Locke, as well. The directors checked in with iTheatrics team members
like Tim McDonald, Lindsay Lupi, Marty Johnson, Jiana Odland, Shay Rodgers, and Derek Bowley. They learned more about programs like Vocal Techniques for Young Performers, Inspiring Excellence in Students, and Building Your Theatrical Community. “There is no other place our student performers could have access to these stars and be so immersed in everything Broadway. On top of all these opportunities, of course, is the ultimate culmination of the weekend: the Freddie G Awards,” Stephanie added. The student performers at SPA were recognized through individual awards and an overall festival award. Kailyn Hildebrand (Bruce) and Addy Underwood (Eric) were recognized as a part of the Festival Kick-off Performance. Julianna Pillsbury (Matilda) and Reagan Kelley (Mrs. Wormwood) won Playbill Trivia as a part of Team Andrew Lloyd Webber. Tsumari Patterson (Trunchbull) won the Junior Theater Festival Freddie G All Festival Individual Performance Award. And finally, along with their directors Stephanie McDonald and Alyssa Paduano, Snellville Performing Arts won the Junior Theater Festival 2021 Freddie G All Festival Award for Excellence in Acting. In addition to these achievements, SPA was also just awarded “Best in Gwinnett” for the second year in a row in the Performing Arts Schools, Studios, and Instructors category. “We are so incredibly proud of every single one of our student performers and directors and are thrilled to receive recognition for their talent and efforts,” Stephanie said. “We’re excited to show all of Gwinnett that there’s no question that ‘Everybody’s Somebody at Snellville Performing Arts!’” More information at https://www.snellvilleperformingarts.com/.
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Mar ’21 Our Town Gwinnett
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