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

MAY 2021 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Grayson Dacula Loganville Lawrenceville Hamilton Mill

Up Close with Rescue My Time Cleaners, see story on page 5.

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Scan to Read Digital Edition6

Community Stars: First Year Teachers During a Pandemic Hometown Brag: Catching Up with Shekinah Phillips Hope for the Homeless: The Story of Family Promise One on One: Winter Guard at Grayson High School

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May ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

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On the Cover: Cleaning Services to the Rescue

By Kristen Eleveld When most people retire, they’re ready to settle down and enjoy life at a more leisurely, stressfree pace. But one local husband and wife team has gone in a different direction. They used their retirement as an opportunity to launch a whole new business.

Glen Eddins and Lisa Siciliano both worked in different industries as professionals. He at a moving business, and she at AT&T. But when they both retired, they realized they had a different vision for the next phase of their life: they wanted to start a cleaning service.

While they did not have professional experience in the cleaning service business themselves, Lisa’s mother, brother, and sister have all worked in the industry for years, which made it a natural next step for Lisa and Glen. Four years ago, they opened Rescue My Time Cleaning Service, headquartered in Dacula in Gwinnett County.

Named Best of Gwinnett for three years running, Rescue My Time Cleaning Service has quickly made a name for itself both in its industry and the community. In fact, serving the community is a vital part of Rescue My Time Cleaning Service’s mission, which is why they participate in the Cleaning for a Reason charity, which offers free cleaning services to people undergoing cancer treatment or dealing with related complications. Glen and Lisa are one of 1,200 cleaning companies to donate their time and services to these patients in need and were named as a Top 100 Participant in recognition for their generosity and dedication.

“Giving back to the community is very important to us,” said Lisa. “We want our clients to know we care about them.”

This client-first attitude is also reflected in what motivates Glen and Lisa to come to work each day.

“I love working with customers and helping them build a relationship with our staff,” said Lisa.

“We treat our staff like rock stars, and we work hard to make sure our customers only receive quality services.”

As for Glen, he focuses mainly on the numbers side of the operation and has enjoyed this new endeavor more than any other career.

“Starting this business was the best decision we ever made,” said Glen. “I love working with Lisa, and I love that we can do our job from anywhere in the world.”

A quick scroll through the Rescue My Time Cleaning Service website will show you just how important this business – and giving clients the cleaning solutions, they need – is to Glen and Lisa.

They offer different levels of service to suit each customer’s individual preferences and strive for consistency by sending the same staff member to a client’s house as often as possible. This allows each cleaning to be perfectly tailored for the best results.

Glen and Lisa may not have had a professional background in cleaning services, but it’s obvious that they have a head for business and a heart for their community. This dynamic duo has quickly risen to the top of their field in just a few short years. The business is insured and bonded, and all employees undergo a background check before being hired, which means that you can rest assured that this company is the real deal and will treat your home with the care it deserves.

More information at www.rescuemytimecleaningservice.com or call 678-587-5279.

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Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com

Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com Cover Photographer Aleen Karakashian Photography Distribution Coordinator

Wendy Head

Feature Writers K. Coats Kristen Eleveld

Ron Lambros Amy Ney Emily Rubin Traci Sanders

Beth Volpert Johansen

Contributing Writers Bill Crane Terie Hansen Tanisha Turner Pam Walker

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

Entire contents copyright 2021 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

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IN THIS ISSUE

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On the Cover: Cleaning Services to the Rescue From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks One Man’s Opinion: Sharing Means MORE Than Caring Doggos and Their People – In the Park Good Night! Achieve Healthy Sleep Travel Tales: Westward Ho! Learning Lessons: Nurturing Good Character Traits in Preschoolers Community Member Spotlight: Meet Aleen Karakashian Pet Perch: Are You Nurturing Your Dog’s Fear?

Suwanee SculpTour – Enjoying Art and the Great Outdoors Community Stars: First Year Teachers During a Pandemic Hometown Brag: Catching Up with Shekinah Phillips Hope for the Homeless: The Story of Family Promise One on One: Winter Guard at Grayson High School

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May ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks

Free Estimates • Residential/Commercial

By Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanSauers

Veteran Electric Bobby Albritton

@RyanTSauers

How are you? I hope and pray each of you is safe and well. I sure look forward to this summer and some semblance of normal.

I can feel it starting to happen and man does “somewhat normal” feel good. I hope you are looking forward to reconnecting with people or things you have missed this past 14 months. Yes, over a year. WOW. As a student of human behavior, I predict this quarantine and social distance time will impact us for years to come. In fact, it will likely take years to understand this period we have all lived through. For now, I want us to focus on three “P” words to reflect on as we move forward.

First, is Purpose. What is your purpose? Have you had a chance to think about it and your legacy in this world? For me it is about helping people in as many ways as I can. I have been reminded that none of us will live forever, and thus how we conduct ourselves and treat others is of utmost importance. We should try and hear God’s voice and remind ourselves that we are not fully in control of any situation.

Second, is Passion. Americans are tough and resilient. We can take a punch or two. I have seen passionate business owners, non-profits, government leaders, and more “pivot, pivot, and repivot” over the past 14 months. The resilience has been amazing to watch. I have had the great opportunity during this time to connect with so many people in my life I had not talked to in a while.

I view this period as a great “reset” and treat. The passion and energy from most everyone have been incredible. Simply said, I think we all realize just how much we miss and need each other.

Zoom is a super tool – but human beings are created in God’s image and meant to have relationships with each other (and in the flesh).

Third, is Perseverance. Let us face it, as this past year plus went on, we all came to realize this was not some extended vacation. Many things we took for granted have/were taken away. We have been/were separated from dear friends and family for longer than ever. We have gotten used to working from home. Simply said, things have been strange, yet we have persevered. Together! I am so proud of our community and of people picking each other up and helping each other out.

As you know, it is not normal for most of us to wear masks and physically distance ourselves from each other. Long term passion and perseverance make up a powerful theory known as GRIT that I am using as the conceptual framework of my doctoral dissertation in leadership. Stay GRITTY my friends!

If we learned anything during this period, it was that slowing down a bit was nice. We have been and are all in this together. We must remain positive, patient, passionate, and purposeful. We have been persevering together and will come through the finish line side by side. Just remember, one step at a time, one punch at a time, and one round at a time. You are an excellent community and inspire me each day. Keep the faith. We shall prevail. Thank you, as always for your support and continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN.

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May ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

One Man’s Opinion: Sharing Means MORE Than Caring

By Bill Crane With all the challenges we face as a nation, I find myself often debating with others the merits of foreign assistance, aid, and US foreign policy. As I try to explain and remind folks, it is not really unlike your own business and social networks. Nations support and do favors for the countries and neighbors who support and assist them.

But as it relates to a global pandemic, sharing information and other resources means more than caring. When the novel coronavirus of COVID-19 was first being identified, China did share the genome data of the COVID-19 as early as January of 2020 with the United States and other global health organizations. That early access to genetic coding of the virus allowed researchers across the globe to get a jump start on vaccines as well as anti-viral treatments.

Giving credit where due, President Donald Trump’s Operation Warp Speed anticipated that several global pharmaceutical giants might be successful with different versions of vaccines emerging from multiple expedited Clinical Trials. But at that time, there was little way to know which vaccine might be most effective, which would emerge first from Clinical Trials, or which would clear the regulatory hurdles of even Emergency level approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And with three vaccines now in use across the nation – two-stage vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, and a one-dose vaccine from Johnson & Johnson – at least two more are awaiting final FDA approval in the wings. The federal government pre-ordered and purchased nearly 900 million of the final approved doses. This is, of course, enough doses (depending on which vaccine) to inoculate most of our nation, twice.

Why the over-supply, particularly given ongoing vaccine hesitancy among millions? As of midApril, approximately 28% of eligible Americans (more than 100 million) have been vaccinated. By mid-May, the White House is forecasting that vaccines will be available for inoculation by EVERY American age 16 and over who are willing or wanting to be vaccinated. Where demand may currently exceed supply in urban areas and under-served populations and communities, there are also areas of the United States at present where vaccine supply is in abundance, and the takers are few.

COVAX is a plan for vaccine distribution across the developing world with 92 member nations. During this pandemic, nearly 38-million vaccine doses have been administered in more than 102 nations via COVAX. That is the good news. The bad news is that these nations have a combined population of well over one billion.

Vaccine shortages are also not solely the province of poor and under-developed parts of the globe. To our north, Canada has no domestic production facilities for manufacturing the vaccines needed. With a population closing on 40 million, predominantly clustered along and within 100 miles of the US/Canadian border, Canada is finding the global market in short supply. And despite Canada’s vaunted single-payer health care system, a shortage of all vaccines is impacting almost every province. British Columbia and Montreal are becoming hot spots for a Brazilian variant of

COVID-19, which some of the vaccines have already been found to be less effective at limiting transmission of that mutation.

The Center for Disease Control has issued a US travel advisory against travel to all Canadian provinces. COVID-19 variants in Canada will soon become a US problem, whether we like it or not. As troubles have been festering on our southern border, particularly with the arrival of record numbers of unescorted children, virus infection rates are also spiking there. Mexico received several million doses of the Astra Zeneca vaccine from the US, a vaccine still awaiting FDA approval. It also received a return promise of additional assistance with the crowds gathering at our Mexican government border. Good neighbors help good neighbors.

To reach herd immunity here in the United States, we will need higher rates of vaccination. To corral this virus and its variants, we need to do more to stop the spread to host bodies across the globe. And THAT will mean sharing vaccine supplies. As Mom always used to say to me as a child, “sharing means caring,” in this instance, it also means LEADING. Though this virus’s origin remains a subject for debate, China clearly led the world into this. Let’s be the United States of America we all aspire for us to be, and help lead the world OUT of this darkest day and night.

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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Doggos and Their People – In the Park

By Beth Volpert Johansen Anyone who has had a dog (cat, snake, or any other “pet”) might wonder who is the actual boss in the relationship.

When it comes to Dog Parks, the topic is certainly up for debate among doggos and their humans. Trust me – it’s a thing! There are even doggie parks and spas located in mixed-use living throughout the county, like the new Southlawn in Lawrenceville where each afternoon a contingent gathers to discuss the day’s events and commune with canines.

Beyond neighborhoods with dog park areas are the community parks here in Gwinnett. Closed for a while in early 2020 – like everything else pandemically affected – Gwinnett’s dog parks have enjoyed a healthy bit of use for those who want to “shed” some of the pressures created by working at home, schooling at home, and all the other “at home” related activities. Truth? Watching dogs run and play with others of their species is just plain comical and relaxing.

Teacher and Gwinnett resident Stacy Jurick and her family love to hang out with their rescues, Tucker and Roxy, at Alexander Park. “It’s a great place to decompress and see that the rest of the world still exists,” says Stacy. “With the added normal daily life pressures that the pandemic has produced, getting outside with our family’s dogs helps keep me balanced. It’s impossible to stay stressed when you are out there watching all the dogs play. Our dogs start whining before we even turn on Continued on page 11

May ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

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Good Night! Achieve Healthy Sleep

Travel Tales: Westward Ho!

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff

By Pam Walker

According to a recent survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), 85% of US adults do not get the recommended seven hours or more of sleep every night. After a challenging and stressful year, 2021 provides Americans with the opportunity to refocus on the importance of making healthy sleep a priority.

“Our survey findings show a worrying trend of national sleep deprivation,” said AASM president Dr. Kannan Ramar.

“Insufficient sleep contributes to the risk for several of today’s public health epidemics, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. As such, it is critical that we incorporate healthy sleep habits and routines into our daily lives to be our best.”

Why should we make healthy sleep an important goal? The recommended adult sleep of at least seven hours promotes optimal health and well-being. The survey also revealed that slightly more than one-third (34%) of Americans said they sleep for seven or more hours only two nights – or fewer – each week, in line with findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Regularly sleeping less than seven hours per day is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and frequent mental distress. Resolve to make 365 days of healthy sleep your goal for the next year by keeping in mind its extensive benefits: • Sleep makes you healthier – Without good sleep, both mental and physical health suffer greatly, putting Americans at an increased risk of chronic disease.

• Sleep makes you happier – Sleep has a positive effect on mood and overall sense of well-being and can improve relationships with others.

• Sleep makes you smarter – Getting the right amount of sleep is conducive to learning, memory recall, creativity, and cognitive function.

Believe it or not, there used to be a hotel by that name out West. It is not there today, but it seems that the West is one of the most popular destinations for a getaway from the pandemic. There are so many bookings to the Grand Teton/Yellowstone Park area that it is a good idea to enlist the help of a good guide to make these trips exceptional.

Driving yourself during this busy year can be frustrating.

Teton Science School/Wildlife Expeditions in Jackson, Wyoming is actually a center for education for all types of wildlife learning and outdoorsmanship. They offer classes to all ages of students, for short and long weeks the entire year long. They even do touring on the side to help support the school.

In March, the first grizzly bears peek out of their winter dens in both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. It must be great for them to catch a whiff of fresh meat after not eating for four months. Moose are a lot more visible and come out of the tree and shrub cover and into the open. Elk herds that have been there all winter are now having babies and growing their numbers. There is a great deal more wildlife this year as so many people have “hibernated” in their homes due to COVID. Summer brings a new type of wildlife, especially this year. So many people are visiting the parks that the traffic is already a problem. A trip that would take a tourist in a rental car 5 hours can now prove frustrating as the drive is much longer. As people ogle these animals, you can be stopped for hours. These drives can be much more enjoyable if you have a knowledgeable guide or teacher from the school who knows where to go and when.

If you plan to do the Westward Ho expedition this year, be careful and make sure you stay safe. Learn about the bears and the abundance of wildlife. Our National Parks are a true wonder. Be glad we have them and the knowledgeable folks that know how to keep you safe.

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

Continued on page 13

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May ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

Learning Lessons: Nurturing Good Character Traits in Preschoolers

By Tanisha Turner Every parent wants his or her child to develop character traits such as compassion, generosity, and kindness, but how do you get from point A to point B? Are preschoolers capable of learning and understanding these traits? And if so, how can parents and caregivers support their development?

According to the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, the early years of a child’s life lay the foundation for a wide range of important developmental outcomes, like self-confidence, mental health, and the motivation to learn. The earlier these softer skills are fostered in young children, the more likely they are to be successful in school and later in life. And while it may seem like your child is too young to grasp these concepts, the foundational behaviors needed to develop empathy and other social-emotional skills that make us good people are actually nurtured in the first years of life.

Oftentimes the best way to teach young children about these intangible skills and traits is to provide hands-on learning opportunities and to reinforce the concepts in a variety of ways. Primrose Schools suggests the following tips for parents and caregivers to use at home: • Build an understanding of different traits. Even at a young age, children begin to build their understanding of traits like generosity, respect, and gratitude. Read books with your child such as I Can Share by Karen Katz (ages 2-5) and When I Care About Others by Cornelia Maude Spelman (ages 4-7) and take the opportunity to discuss the positive traits that the characters possess. Ask questions and help your child apply the concepts in the book to real-life experiences.

• Introduce important life skills. Even very young children can begin to learn about essential life skills, such as manners, safety, and caring for the environment. Letting children take care of their very own plant will promote responsibility while also teaching the importance of caring for the world around them. Modeling these life skills is also a great way to introduce them, especially for younger children.

• Make time for hands-on learning. Children get most excited about giving back when they are able to experience it firsthand.

Introduce your child to helping those in need by starting small in your community. Whether it’s collecting coats for a clothing drive or making cards for the local nursing home, it’s rewarding to see your child begin to understand the huge impact a simple project can have.

Young children learn through repetition and observation. One of the best ways for you to nurture positive character traits is to lead by example and consistently model what it means to be a good person.

Sooner than later, your child will start imitating you and be on his or her way to becoming a kind, caring individual.

Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.

PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com

Doggos and Their People – In the Park Continued from page 9 Old Snellville Road.” Tucker and Roxy act like they are ecstatic to be there, especially Tucker, who is known to bound around to everyone. Roxy, who is more timid than Tucker, likes to pick out one other dog and play with that puppy pal the whole time she visits. “You get to where you see the same dogs and the same people,” Stacy says, “so it lets you get to know the regulars that come. I love that!”

Some of Gwinnett’s dog parks include: Alexander Park, Graves Park, Harbins Park, Lenora Park, McDaniel Farm Park, Pinckneyville Park, Rabbit Hill Park, Ronald Reagan Park, and Settles Bridge Park. For a full listing, visit GwinnettCounty.com where the latest guidelines can be found regarding toys, water, and the number of people allowed at one time because of COVID-19.

Another cool bit of fun can be had by knowing ahead of time just where your pup is welcome.

Many of the new breweries in Gwinnett allow dogs, as well as some restaurants. Checking a site like BringFido.com can give you a good idea of where you and your fur-baby can hang out.

Finding ways to enjoy being around other people during the COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly a challenge. Taking advantage of good-weather days in the great outdoors is one way to lift the spirits of humans and beasts alike.

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PAGE 11

Community Member Spotlight: Meet Aleen Karakashian

By Emily Rubin If you’ve picked up a copy of Our Town Gwinnett Magazine before, you’ve probably seen a perfect picture on the front cover.

That gorgeous picture was likely taken by Our Town’s photographer Aleen Karakashian, who loves offering headshots for business owners and other shots that are used alongside articles in the magazine.

“I am honored to be a part of Our Town Gwinnett,” Aleen said. “It’s been such a wonderful partnership. It’s been such a great opportunity to meet wonderful local businesses and business owners.”

Outside of Our Town, Aleen runs her own photography business and helps her realtor husband with real estate photos. Her company, Aleen Karakashian Photography, specializes in motherhood, family, and children photography.

“I love photographing families, especially when I get to meet moms and hear their motherhood stories and how they care for their children,” Aleen said.

“Motherhood looks different for each family. Photographing different families is like an in-person experience where cultures, motherhood, and thoughts meet.”

Aleen loves featuring mothers in her photos because she knows how hard it is for them to be in pictures with their children. She says mothers usually take the pictures, or they just do not want to be in them.

“I end up wanting to focus on the moms being in the pictures with their children or their families, in general, to keep those memories alive,” Aleen said.

Some of Aleen’s favorite experiences are when families take her advice about what to wear and how to prepare for a session. She feels it is a positive experience when they come with coordinated outfits that pop out against the background of the location, and snacks for the kids.

“I like those experiences because then they’re really relaxed,” Aleen said. “And they don’t worry about what they’re wearing or how they look. They’re just enjoying that time with their family.”

Aleen’s fascination with photography began when her parents gifted her with a very small pink

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By Terie Hansen When someone we know gets frightened of something, our first impulse as humans is to comfort him or her. We might say, “Everything will be okay,” or “Don’t worry about it.” We might put our arm around this person, give him or her a hug, or hold his or her hand, all in an effort to make him or her feel better. We can use reason and logic with a human (well, with most).

When a dog is fearful of something (people, other dogs, an object, etc.) what is your first impulse? To do what you know, right? That is because we are human!

Funny thing, though, the dog IS NOT HUMAN! So, when you stroke, pat, hug, kiss, and talk in soothing tones to your dog when he is in a frightened state of mind what he hears is, “I like you being frightened,” and “Keep on feeling that way.” You are nurturing the very behavior you don’t want. Clearly this is not your intention. So how do you help to relieve his fears?

That which he is afraid of, he needs more of.

With some things your dog is afraid of, such as fear of an object in his environment, you can help him on your own. Common things are vacuum cleaners, trashcans, bicycles, cars, different floor surfaces, and the sound of things like power tools. You’ll probably need a professional trainer to help you with things like separation anxiety, fear-based aggression towards people or dogs, and other serious cases.

A slow gradual desensitization program is best for most things. Have your dog be near that which he is frightened of and don’t allow him to flee (by using a leash), but rather walk him back and forth past the object until he walks by like it’s not there. You empower him to learn that nothing bad happened! Socializing and exposing your dog to any and all things in his environment makes for a happy, well-adjusted dog that you can take anywhere. Now isn’t that what having a dog is all about?

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Barbie camera when she was younger. She eventually got a regular film camera, but her professional interest in photography really kicked off when her father took note of her talent.

“The professional part started when my father invested in a professional camera for me since he saw my gift,” Aleen said. “That’s when I started taking some more lessons and practicing.”

Aleen started thinking of her photography as a business rather than just a hobby when her daughter was born. She has run her photography business for about five years now.

She and her husband moved to Lilburn from Jordan about eight years ago. Because they have no relatives in Georgia, Aleen and her husband have chosen to make their local church their family.

“We have chosen to keep Lilburn as our family and our community because that’s all we have,” Aleen said.

Her husband, Wadie Hashweh, is a realtor in Gwinnett, and her two children were born in Gwinnett. Aleen says her children love Lilburn, and the area has become their world.

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Good Night! Achieve Healthy Sleep Continued from page 10 Despite evidence showing the importance of adequate sleep, it often can take a back seat to other behaviors we find important. According to the survey, a vast majority (68%) of US adults lose sleep due to drinking alcohol past bedtime. Americans also report staying up past their bedtime to bingewatch a TV show or stream a video series (88%), read a book (66%), watch a sporting event (58%), and play video games (50%).

With a change in daily routines, the COVID-19 pandemic is also disrupting sleep for Americans.

One in five Americans (22%) are sleeping worse due to the pandemic, and 19% are getting less nightly sleep. “Despite the fact that many Americans are no longer commuting to and from work,” Ramar added, “it is paramount to establish and maintain morning and bedtime rituals, such as getting up and going to bed at regular times to achieve adequate sleep.”

What are some tips for healthy sleep?

• Obtain adequate sleep – Set a bedtime that allows you to get enough sleep, so you wake up feeling refreshed and alert. Identify an appropriate bedtime for your age and lifestyle using the AASM bedtime calculator.

• Establish a bedtime and waketime routine – Consider developing a nightly routine that evokes calm and relaxation, which may include reading, journaling, or meditating. Even for those working remotely, allow ample time to wake, reflect, and prepare for the day ahead.

• Ensure the bedroom is a space for sleep – Limit noise and distractions by making your bedroom quiet, dark, and a little bit cool, and only use the bed for sleeping, not watching TV or reading.

• Set boundaries for blue light exposure – Consider setting a technology curfew by turning off your TV and other electronic devices thirty minutes to an hour before bedtime. Silence your notifications and charge your devices away from your bed so you are not tempted to look at social media or news alerts.

• Limit alcohol, caffeine, and large meals before bed – Avoid consuming caffeine after lunch and avoid alcohol near bedtime, as both can disrupt sleep. If hungry after dinner, keep snacks small, sugar-free, and easily digestible to not disrupt sleep.

More information at SleepEducation.org (BPT)

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May ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

Suwanee SculpTour – Enjoying Art and the Great Outdoors

By Beth Volpert Johansen What to do, what to do? Mom! I’m bored! Oh, what the pandemic has done to our activity levels!

Lament no more, friends. There is hope. In fact, there is something absolutely amazing, interactive, outdoors, and, if I do say so myself, COOL as all get-out! Now that you have indulged me in an idiom – make the kids look it up; it is an SAT word – we can proceed to the good stuff. Art! The City of Suwanee hosts a fantastic outdoor art exhibit. You can meander on foot through a carefully curated collection of sculptures located in and around Suwanee’s Town Center. Kids will get a kick out of downloading a fully printable Parker’s Passport to guide you on your way. The passport is also available inside City Hall.

Once you have your passport, the self-guided SculptTour will include works with enticing titles such as Nucleus, Metaphysica, Kinetic Flower Sculpture, and Apollo’s Scorn. Hint: Bring some colored pencils along to make your own drawings of the sculptures on the tour.

And, just to make your kids laugh, which is a cherished sound, a detailed map for the Art Driving Tour found at Suwanee.com is titled, “I Arted In The Car.” Brilliant!

And if the title isn’t making them laugh, showing them the accompanying picture with the cartoon car exhaust “arting” should at least garner a giggle.

The sculpture tour and various other artistic endeavors have been a part of a broader long-range plan for several years. The City of Suwanee considers public art “a key component of a vibrant community” and essential to the idea of “placemaking.” The experience of public art began long ago, but COVID-19 caused everyone to pivot around all things pandemic. “In this time of the pandemic, we have to respond to more than the daily governmental services,” says Assistant City Manager Denise Brinson. “We also have to provide for the human factor.”

Providing for the human factor meant taking an already popular project and rebranding the idea of being outdoors, in public, and safely. “COVID scars not only lungs,” says Denise, “it is a strange time now, and we have to believe we are moving toward hope and normal.” She says that the city wants to provide as many opportunities for the community to come together with family and friends, be safe, and experience the beauty of the outdoors and the public art exhibits. “I have to point out that our restaurants offer the ability to buy beer, wine, and mixed drinks to enjoy while walking around enjoying what the city has to offer,” Denise adds.

With its carefully planned growth, the City of Suwanee has included a public-private partnership with local developments. “We ask new developments to include art as a part of their planning,” says Denise. The private installations have added to the public art initiative, with more than a dozen works of art on public display just waiting to be discovered all around town.

In addition to the wandering SculpTour, Suwanee has also partnered with the Suwanee Arts Association as host for a welcome center. “Look for the blue awning,” says Denise. “The center is a great place to buy gifts and smaller works of art.” Inside, patrons will find a bright art-filled space that also features art classes and workshops. The partnership allows for a variety of exhibits that showcase local artists and their works. “There are visual arts, textiles, handmade wraps, woodworking, pottery, and wall pieces on display and for sale.”

While some festivals and other large-scale events are still on hold, Suwanee is open for business in a safe and socially distanced manner. “Knock on wood, we will be able to return to those types of events soon,” says Denise. “In the meantime, we are still holding (5K) runs that meet the guidelines for social distancing that keep participants safe.” She adds, “Part of the attraction for holding these races here in Suwanee is the outdoor sculpture aspect. The sculptures, and now our murals, provide so much for people to explore.”

Continued on page 17

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PAGE 15

Community Stars: First Year Teachers During a Pandemic

By K. Coats

When I look back on my first year as a teacher, I get a kind of sheepish embarrassment. I think about the struggles I had as well as the successes.

I think about fights I should have picked and the ones I shouldn’t have.

I think about all the things I’d have done differently. What I don’t think about are COVID-19 CDC protocols.

For all that went right and all that didn’t, my first year of teaching didn’t require face masks, sanitizing, social distancing, video lessons, synchronous and asynchronous learning balance, and elevated risks of getting sick outside of your typical flu and cold season. The idea of being a first-year teacher for the 2020-2021 school year leaves me clutching my little educator pearls. And I tell you what, the first-year teachers for this school year will be like no others our profession has seen. Every teacher has that one year that almost breaks them. It’s the measure to which any other difficult year is held against. In all likelihood, and I pray I’m right, this year’s rookies will be getting “that year” out of the way from the start. And while it has had its challenges, first-year teachers are coming to the fourth quarter of their school year with an admirable resiliency.

Two Gwinnett County teachers offered insight on their first year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

One the one hand, it included the typical challenges. One fifth grade teacher said, “As a first-year teacher, I have had to learn the curriculum, find ways to manage classroom behavior, and juggle the many roles and responsibilities that a teacher must face.” A seventh grade first-year teacher seconded these typical challenges, summing it up as “navigating a new career.”

But with the pandemic come a new host of issues. The seventh-grade teacher said, “With the concurrent model, we have in-person students in the classroom and digital students on Zoom at the same time. Giving each group of students the same amount of attention is really hard. If I am up helping in-person students, then I feel that I am neglecting the digital students.” And as much as we like to think of laptops in the classroom as an asset, teachers are finding they come with their own setbacks.

“In-Person students use laptops to do their classwork due to COVID protocols,” the seventh-grade teacher explained, “and it is incredibly challenging to keep students on task. We can’t look at every single screen all the time. Students will click back into a window when you are nearby, but then at the end of class, they don’t have any work done.”

The fifth-grade teacher added, “The biggest unexpected challenge is how much parents, administration, and the community want for this year to be normal without having any understanding of how difficult ‘normal’ is during a pandemic. Things like shared read alouds on the rug, working with partners on an art project, eating lunch in the cafeteria, or simply playing with friends on the playground at recess are no longer allowed. Therefore, teachers have had to become innovators and find ways to teach students in-person and digitally while meeting the constantly changing safety guidelines.” Comments on social media platforms and reactions to restrictions from the community have also taken a toll. “We’ve done this, the best we can,” she continued, “with very little support or understanding from the community and those in high levels of authority.”

But just as the challenges are harder, this year’s rewards are all the sweeter. The seventh-grade

teacher said, “I realized that a particular student struggled so hard with reading, that he had stopped trying. One day something changed, and he started to try. I took him and another student out into the hallway to do a small group the other day, and he was able to read out loud on his own. He is still self-conscious about his abilities, but it was such an honor that he felt comfortable enough to read in front of me.” Those personal connections mean everything. The fifth-grade teacher admits to feeling the same way about her class as a whole.

“The connection I have made with my students has been my biggest reward,” she said. “I never realized how attached you can become to children you have never met. I’m not sure who will cry more at their 5th grade graduation – them or me!” But there are a couple of specific moments that come to mind as well. “I am most proud of all the little moments,” she said. “Like the time a student, who struggles in math, aced a math test for the first time in her life. Or when a particularly shy boy who spent half of the year never speaking, raised his hand for the first time.” And it’s those feelings and experiences that help to ensure their first year isn’t also their last.

One thing that hasn’t changed for this strange year is the community in which these new teachers find themselves. “One thing that I have quickly learned about being a teacher is that when you become a teacher, you are joining a community of educators that are, in many ways, a large extended family,” the fifth-grade teacher recalled. “This community of teachers has supported me every step of the way. Without those veteran teachers, I would have never survived my first month.” The seventh-grade teacher noticed how the pandemic helped level the playing field in some areas when it came to rookie and veteran. “One of the strange blessings of this year is that veteran teachers and new person teachers were dealing with a lot of the same issues,” she explained. “None of us have taught concurrently during a pandemic before! New teachers like myself are already familiar with the digital learning platforms from college, so we were able to help out veterans, while veterans have always been very generous with lessons from previous years and classroom management tips.” So, it’s nice to be new and still know you’re contributing help, and not just on the receiving end.

Looking ahead, both teachers have high hopes for their second-year experience. Some wishes are specific. “I hope to meet some of my digital students who I never got to meet when they return as 8th graders next year, and I am incredibly excited to teach only face to face,” the seventh-grade teacher said. Other wishes are more general. “Personally, I hope to continue to grow as an educator and find ways to improve my craft and reach my students,” the fifth-grade teacher explained. “In general, I hope to see many greatly needed changes in education where the needs of the child are always considered and decisions are made by those with actual experience in a classroom.”

And both teachers expressed gratitude to their support networks throughout the year. “Thank you to the community of educators who have gone over and beyond to help a first-year teacher all the while trying not to sink this year themselves,” the fifth-grade teacher said. And the seventh-grade teacher chimed in, “I heard a lot of teachers this year who felt unsupported and alone during this school year. I am deeply grateful that I have a supportive admin.”

Thank you to all our teachers this year, rookie and veteran alike. We appreciate all you have done to try and help our students navigate these trying times. And for the rookies, especially, we hope that this year will truly be unlike any other in your new career.

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Hometown Brag: Catching Up with Shekinah Phillips

By K. Coats If you were lucky enough to attend the South Gwinnett High School (SGHS) graduation for the class of 2011, then you heard a solo by Miss Shekinah Phillips. As her gorgeous voice rang throughout the Infinite Energy Center arena singing Jennifer Hudson’s I am Changing, you also heard one proud papa yell, “That’s my daughter!” And that honestly captures everything you need to know about the Phillips family. They do not know how to do anything by halves, be it praising God, loving people, or lifting others up. The Phillips family will capture your heart, and as the eldest daughter, Shekinah is a perfect example of everything her family embodies.

Leaving South Gwinnett High School in 2011, Shekinah went on to Agnes Scott. From there, she left the Greater Atlanta area far behind when she pursued a medical degree at the American University of Antigua. And it was in Antigua when Shekinah’s plans took a major turn. She says, “I decided to pursue research instead of a medical degree in order to work towards finding cures rather than treating.”

Her goals eventually brought her to the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she is working on her PhD in Neuroscience. As a Graduate Research Trainee, Shekinah explains, “I currently study how drugs of abuse affect brain function. This entails me performing research in animal models to detect how certain drugs affect brain pathology and how it can be used to create new therapeutic agents for individuals that consume these drugs.” Her goals go even further, though, and Shekinah plans on leading her own charge before all is said and done. “My future plans and aspirations,” she says, “are to one day have my own research institute that makes groundbreaking discoveries in a manner that combines research and medicine and impacts the community to promote effective therapy and wellness.”

But being a leader is something Shekinah has been doing long before her graduate school days.

When she was a student at SGHS, she served on the Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, Beta Club, NHS, 2015 Homecoming Court, and Chorus. When she thinks about her time as a student there, she particularly remembers her favorite teacher, Coach Derrick Burchette. She admits, “Even though history was not my favorite subject, he taught it in a way that was exciting and allowed me to appreciate the subject matter.” And in regards to Snellville, “My fondest memories of growing up in Snellville consisted of my friends and I attending the Gwinnett County Fair and going to the movies, bowling and Stevie B’s with friends,” she recalls.

One would think that being a Graduate Research Trainee and earning a PhD in Neuroscience would be enough to fill anyone’s schedule, but Shekinah still finds time to do what she does best – lift and empower others. “I serve as a volunteer for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs,” she says, “which strives to increase the number of low-income students in high-poverty, middle and high school, who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.” She also serves as the vice president of the Neuroscience Roadmap Scholars Program.

This program is an “effort to enhance engagement of underrepresented graduate trainees in the neuroscience workforce by providing a day-to-day educational and training environment,” she explains.

And just when you think that’s all, Shekinah also helps out as a Científico Latino Graduate Mentor to “help prepare underrepresented students apply to STEM PhD programs.”

Her other passion project can be found online: a non-profit organization called Girl, You Can Do It Too. “For most of my life, it was challenging to find people in my surroundings that were on career paths that spoke to where I wanted to go in life,” Shekinah says. “So, I’ve created this organization as a space where young women will access a network of scientists and other professionals from different backgrounds to receive mentorship and to help them discover their potential.” In the spirit of empowerment, she states, “Our goal is to create a bridge between the possible and impossible where, at the core, there is a certain conviction that solidifies that, whatever race, socioeconomic status, or creed, they can achieve their dreams.”

For her achievements, Shekinah says, “I just want to honor God, my parents, and my sisters, Zoe and Melody, for leading and guiding me every step of the way. I am forever grateful and honored that God chose my parents to guard me, cover me, and be present through all of the ups and downs.

They are my special gifts, and I love them forever.”

Admittedly, we all expected big things from Shekinah Phillips when she left South Gwinnett. To see her true potential, one only has to look at the meaning of her name. “It is Hebrew,” she says, “and means the glory of God, dwelling, and the majestic presence or manifestation of God which has descended to ‘dwell’ among men.” And Shekinah spreads that presence to others as much as she is able by working tirelessly to help improve the lives of those near and far, old and young, well or sick.

Thank you, (future) Dr. Phillips for all that you have done and all that you will do. Thank you for raising up those around you in love, faith, and the belief that anyone can be the best version of themselves at any time. You certainly show us how it’s done.

Shekinah Phillips is the founder of Girl, You Can Do It Too. More information at https://girlyoucandoittoo.wixsite.com/website.

May ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

Suwanee SculpTour Continued from page 15 Even if your day and your drive is long, remember to look to your right when you are stopped by the light or a train on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road at Buford Highway. What will you see? Goats.

Sometimes they are decorated for the season, but mostly they hang out in their herd waiting to be seen by passersby. They don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon as they have grazed their way into the hearts of the locals as well as the city’s permanent sculpture collection.

These days, what is important is often very much about people, community, and place. The City of Suwanee encourages people to come out and enjoy all that the city has to offer. Plus, if you are having a hard time getting the kids – or your significant other – to leave the screen for a couple of hours, tell them you just “arted,” and see how fast they jump up.

Humor and visual arts are two things that combat a sense of defeat as we enter another month of COVID-19 caution. Having the opportunity to see and experience those things in a safe setting is nearly priceless. “One thing about public art is that it is for everybody,” says Denise. “It doesn’t matter what your history, family, or current situation. You can come and enjoy what the city has to offer.”

More information at www.Suwanee.com

Become an Advertising Partner: Email Info@OurTownGwinnett.com or Call 678-825-2049

PAGE 17

Hope for the Homeless: The Story of Family Promise

By Kristen Eleveld Did you know that 2.5 million children are homeless in the United States? That averages out to about one in every 30 children – or, through another lens, at least one child in each average school classroom. Gwinnett County ranks third in Georgia for the highest homeless population, including nearly 2,000 Gwinnett County students. We can all agree that these statistics are heartbreaking, but we may not know how to go about changing them for the better. Luckily, there is one local organization that is dedicated to ending homelessness for families in need: Family Promise of Gwinnett County.

Led by Executive Director Carol Love, the Family Promise organization doesn’t just offer beds – they offer solutions to homelessness through education, opportunities, and potential for growth.

“We’re here to offer a hand up,” said Love, who has served as the executive director since 2019. “We provide parenting classes, budget management, job search assistance – everything a family needs to get back on their feet.”

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which left many jobless and seeking help, Love and her staff are even more determined to help the homeless families of Gwinnett find their way to a better quality of life.

Before 2020, families found shelter through Family Promise by way of local churches. Each participating church prepared a room or specific area that would allow a family to stay for one week. At the end of the week, the family would move to a new church, and continue this process for up to 90 days. But while many of the COVID-19 restrictions made this part of the program impossible to continue, the Family Promise team did what they do best and looked for a new answer.

This answer came in the form of a local house, now called Promise Haven. Thanks to their partnerships with many companies in Gwinnett who have generously donated their time and resources – like Ordner Construction, Metro Waterproofing, Rocklyn Homes, BCA Architects, and countless

PAGE 18

others – this home will now serve as the new housing for people in the Family Promise program.

The goal is to open Promise Haven in August, and Love and the Family Promise team are looking forward to serving more people through the use of this renovated home. They are especially motivated to help the thousands of local children who often suffer the most from the fallout that homelessness can bring.

“Children are the innocent victims of homelessness,” said Love. “But they aren’t the faces you usually see, because they are often hidden.”

Thanks to the Family Promise program, more children and their families have the chance to get back on their feet by following the steps that the organization offers. The initial stay for each family is 30 days, in which they are given specific goals to accomplish. After that time, the Family Promise team assesses the progress towards the goals and determines if the family will be staying for an additional 30 days, which will also bring new goals for them to achieve. This process goes on for up to 90 days, and each family receives counseling and opportunities for job searches, budget management, and affordable housing while participating in the program.

Once they graduate, the relationship doesn’t end. Each family can choose to stay connected for as long as they want. In fact, the Family Promise board secretary was one of the first children to be helped by the Family Promise organization, which she credits as having a significant impact on her life.

While the Family Promise model shifted with COVID-19, local churches are ready to keep doing their part to help by volunteering their time and resources at Promise Haven on a rotating basis throughout the year once the home is open to families. This means that many families have the chance to form relationships with some of the volunteers who are working with them during their stay.

“The people who come to us want to get back on their feet,” said Love. “They want to do the work, and we want to help.”

If you are interested in volunteering for Family Promise, or know someone who may benefit from their program, it’s easy to get in touch. Find them online or on social media, or just give them a call. You can be part of their mission to end homelessness, one family at a time.

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May ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

One on One: Winter Guard at Grayson High School

By Beth Volpert Johansen What do you do after marching band season is over? Join the Indoor Winter Guard!

The band programs at Grayson High School (GHS) are growing. This year, under the new leadership of Band Director Jonathan Ancell, the idea of founding a Winter Guard seemed to be the most logical step in providing more performance opportunities to band members. “The Winter Guard is something new that we decided to start this year,” says Ancell. “This gives the Fall Color Guard students another outlet of performance and more opportunities to grow continuously through the year to master their craft.”

As an official Southern Association for Performance Arts (SAPA) Winter Guard, Grayson took the task of organizing and preparing for competition very seriously. Under the professional eye of Alexandria Davies, Director of Color Guard, the group grew to include Fall Color Guard students as well as several members of the marching band. “We started the group in Novice class this year due to it being our very first year in the activity,” explains Ancell. The group performed at three different shows throughout the year: Etowah High School (2nd Place), Kell High School (1st Place), and River Ridge High School (1st Place).

“Along with placing first at River Ridge High School,” adds Ancell, “we were promoted to the next class up (Scholastic Regional A) due to the advanced skill level of the group.”

“When it comes to the physicality and the stamina responsibilities of performing, we set up our rehearsals around what the needs are for the show,” says Davies. “I’ve comprised a book of warmups that cover everything from movement technique, stamina, consistency, engagement, performance, cleanliness, equipment technique, and strength just to name a few. We train these aspects every time we meet and are continuously building until we walk out of the performance gym at SAPA Championships.”

As with any successful school program, parent involvement is key. Such is the case with the GHS Winter Guard. Parent liaison Donna Ledford didn’t know about Winter Guard when Ancell brought the idea to her attention. “He explained that it was essentially Color Guard (flags, rifles, sabers) indoors without the Marching Band,” says Ledford. “In terms of personal growth, I cannot stress enough the importance that Winter Guard and other athletics being able to continue in safe ways amid the pandemic has had on the mental health of the students. Winter Guard provided a connection

to something larger than a single person.”

Other students who observed the weekly practices held in the cafeteria/commons area of the high school could see for themselves how hard the members practiced which brought about even more interest in the program. “The members bonded over this new experience and strong lasting connections were built which have been critical for students during this pandemic,” Ledford adds.

Preparing for competition includes training in the use of flag, rifle, and saber props in addition to learning dance skills. In true teamwork fashion, the group can only be as good as the strength of the whole.

That hard work paid off in the team being promoted to a higher class just the week before the SAPA Championships held in Buford, Georgia.

“On the day of the SAPA championships we encouraged the members to just have fun,” says Ledford. “Since they were just promoted, we had no expectation of placing in the championships. We just sent them out to enjoy themselves.”

Not only did the team members enjoy themselves watching other Indoor Winter Guards perform, their own performance won them a coveted place. “We closed our season on March 27th at Buford High School for SAPA Championships,” says Ancell. “Grayson High School’s Winter Guard was in round 1 of 3 for Scholastic Regional A and placed 2nd in our round.” To say that the entire team, parents, and staff were proud would be an understatement.

GHS sophomore Payton Ledford found Winter Guard to be a unique experience as it was more focused on dance and choreography than the traditional marching band Color Guard. “The show was more theatrical, making it more entertaining to those watching,” says Payton. “The audience was able to see the details in the choreography and flag/weapon work as well as the emotions throughout the show.”

Payton’s excitement over the success of their inaugural season is apparent leaving no doubt about the next season – one for which Alexandria Davies is already planning. “It was exciting to be part of the very first Winter Guard at Grayson and we learned a lot because it was so different,” says Payton.

“We were so excited and proud that we placed 1st or 2nd in every competition, and 2nd overall in the championships this first year. We think we started a good foundation for Winter Guard to continue to grow and improve.”

“The work that these members have put in throughout this season is amazing,” says Ancell. “The consistent craving for knowledge about their craft shows true dedication to the art. I am excited to see this group flourish even more in the coming years. Go Rams!”

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May ’21 Our Town Gwinnett

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