MAY 2022 Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
Our Town
Up Close with LaVida Massage of Grayson, see story on page 5.
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On the Cover:
Find Relaxation and Care with LaVida Massage of Grayson By Kristen Eleveld Many people think of massage as a luxury – a wonderful luxury, but a luxury all the same. But what you might not know is that the right massage therapist cannot only give you the relaxation you crave from a massage, but he or she can also help you find your way to better health. Places like LaVida Massage of Grayson are showing their clients just how important the right massage can be. While this location has only been open since October of 2021, owner TiAnn Walker has seen a steady stream of business that rivals even the most established businesses in the area. This is largely due to the fact that TiAnn and her team have worked hard to ensure that every client gets the care and results they need. “People come here to get relief from physical issues, to get some stress management, or even just to relax,” said TiAnn, who took early retirement from nearly two decades of public service to open her business. “I always reassure people that this will be a great experience and they will feel better in more ways than they expected.” For TiAnn, even coming to work is relaxing. The center’s calming aesthetics and soothing interior offer an immediate sense of calm to everyone who walks through the doors. And because this LaVida Massage location is so convenient to both the Loganville and Grayson areas, the staff gets to see a lot of their own community enjoy their services. “Seeing guests leave with smiles on their faces is always great,” said TiAnn. “Giving people that joy is very fulfilling. There is nothing out here quite like this.”
TiAnn and her team are committed to helping all clients and future clients understand that a massage is a great way to manage injuries, stress, or even just to treat yourself for a day. In fact, before a client’s first massage, they are asked to fill out information on what they hope to get out of the experience, including whether they are suffering from injury or stress. Then every guest sits down with a massage therapist before a session to have a conversation about one’s needs and how the massage therapist can help. This process not only allows the client to Continued on page 16
Dr. John Simmons and Dr. Robert French combine a blend of experience, wisdom and advanced knowledge to affordably serve their patients with healthy, beautiful smiles. Our experienced team provides 5 star service, personalized care, and an extraordinary commitment to your health and well-being. Please join our family by scheduling a new patient visit today!
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H e a lt H y • B e a u t i f u l • i n s p i r e d May 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
John W. Simmons IV, DMD Robert J. French, DDS
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770-985-2437 • SmilesBySimmons.com PAGE 5
Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine
— An EndResultz Media Company EndResultz.com
Our Town Gwinnett is published and direct mailed to select homes in the Gwinnett/Walton area. Opinions expressed by the writers and staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town Gwinnett reserves the right to edit and/or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town Gwinnett is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyright 2022 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.
Feature Writers K. Coats
Publisher/Owner Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com
Photography Aleen Karakashian Photography
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Beth Volpert Johansen
Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com
Cover Story Feature Writer Kristen Eleveld
Barbara Bailey, PhD Bill Crane Tanisha Turner Pam Walker
Tana Poncsak Traci Sanders
Contributing Writers
IN THIS ISSUE
5 On the Cover: Find Relaxation and Care with LaVida Massage of Grayson 7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks 9 Learning Lessons: Simple Activities to Teach Preschoolers about Weather 10 One on One with Angela Duncan 10 Conflict Corner: How’s It Working for You Now? 11 One Man’s Opinion: Refunding the Police 13 Hometown Brag: Drew Kenyon, GHS Class of 2013 14 Bring Your Ideas to Life with FASTSIGNS of Snellville 15 Cabinet of Curiosities – A New Take on an Old Tradition 17 Chef Hank Reid Wins the Inaugural 2022 Standard Bearer Award 18 Want to Go Somewhere? Maybe it’s Time for a Staycation 20 Travel Tales: Cruising the Canals of Holland (The Netherlands) 21 Protocol Films – Entertaining Gwinnett One Film at a Time 22 Home Matters: Lighting Helps Transform a Home
Stay Connected! OurTownGwinnett.com
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From the Publisher:
Ryan’s Remarks By Ryan T. Sauers @RyanSauers
@RyanTSauers
Hello there, Our Town Community Friends. I hope you are doing great. It seems that life all around us is slowly moving back to normal. I could not be more excited. In this column, I wanted to do something different. Let us focus on three “P” words to reflect on as we move forward in 2022. First, 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 two years. The resilience has been amazing to watch. Moreover, I have had the great opportunity during this time to reconnect or connect at a deeper level with so many people in my life. I view the past two years as the “great reset,” and it has helped us all remember more of what really matters in life. And, that we are human beings and not human doings. Second, 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 peace and remind ourselves that we are never fully in control of any situation. So, we must control the things we can control. Third, is Perseverance. Let us face it – the past two years have been tough to navigate due to constant change. But most everyone I know has persevered, learned, grown, and have come to see life in new ways. I am so proud of our community and of people picking each other up and helping each other out. Long term passion and perseverance make up a powerful theory known as GRIT. We all need more grit, so let us focus on making it happen. So, in the month of May and as we head toward the summer, let us remain positive, patient, passionate, and purposeful. You are an excellent community. Thank you, as always, for your support and for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN.
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Learning Lessons: Simple Activities to Teach Preschoolers about Weather By Tanisha Turner If you have a preschooler in your family, chances are you’ve been asked about the weather. Why does it rain? What is thunder? Why does it get cold in the winter and hot in the summer? It’s easy to offer children the simplest explanation possible when it comes to these questions, but the concept of weather is a perfect topic to explore with little ones and lends itself to lots of family fun! Children learn best when they can see, touch, smell, hear, and even taste something. Weather is full of sensory experiences for children to explore, like the feeling of rain on their skin, the sound of wind in the trees, or the changing colors and textures of leaves in fall. Because of this, it is easier to create meaningful learning experiences around weather for your child. Following are some ideas to take learning about weather to the next level for your little scientist. At Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway, each day begins with students peeking out the window to observe the weather, then they discuss what they see with their teachers. Make this a daily ritual at your home. Ask your child questions to encourage observation. Is it sunny or raining? Is it foggy or clear? If it’s windy, talk about how you’ll need a coat before going outdoors; or if it’s sunny, point out that your child might need a hat. By learning how the weather relates to them, children begin to understand it better.
Read all about it. Books can help open your child’s eyes to many different aspects of weather, especially if you live in an area of the country that doesn’t regularly experience certain weather conditions, like snow, or doesn’t have distinct changes in the weather each season. Try Clifford and the Big Storm by Norman Bidwell, Mouse’s First Snow by Lauren Thompson, Like a Windy Day by Frank Asch & Devin Asch, or Little Cloud by Eric Carle. Make it fun. Do a weather-related art activity together, like creating a tornado in a bottle (get instructions on the internet) or making a rainy-day picture using cotton balls for clouds, small paper cut-outs for rain drops, and aluminum foil for lightning and puddles. Have your child make up a rainy-day story to go along with the picture. Teach weather safety. As you explore weather with your child, take the opportunity to explain the importance of safety. Ask questions like, “What do we do in a thunderstorm?” or “How can we be careful around ice?” and explain the proper safety measures to help young children be more prepared for potentially dangerous weather situations. Find more tips, games, and resources for teaching preschoolers about safety visit at www. primroseschools.com/blog/topic/safety/ The next time your little one asks about the weather, use one of these easy-to-do ideas to make the most of her curiosity and take her learning to the next level. You’re sure to rediscover the magic of weather and have lots of fun together along the way! Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway. More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com
I am Angela Duncan,
Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge. As a wife, mom, veteran, and community advocate, I have the passion, drive, and wisdom to issue fair and even-handed decisions. As your Superior Court Judge, you can count on me to be accessible, approachable, and honorable.
Vote on May 24, 2022 Early voting starts May 2, 2022
Angela Duncan
Gwinnett County Superior Court Judge
(678) 321-7056 Angela@Duncan4Gwinnett.com Duncan4Gwinnett.com May 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
PAGE 9
One on One with Angela Duncan By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
Our Town Gwinnett sat down with Judge Angela Duncan of the Gwinnett County Superior Court who is running for re-election. Our Town Gwinnett (OTG): Please tell our readers a little about yourself. What do you want our readers to know about you? Who were your mentors and role models? Angela Duncan (AD): I would like everyone to know that I love what I do. I get up each day looking forward to going to work. It is my passion, honor and, privilege to serve the citizens of my county. My father practiced law for forty-six years. He instilled in me a strong work ethic as I worked with him for the first few years of my legal career as a litigator, as did my mother. Both of them are and were my heroes. I have been working since I was fifteen years old, and my goal is and has always been to accomplish any mission assigned and to help others. I grew up just outside of Washington, D.C., surrounded by American history. We went to the Smithsonian, Washington Monument, and memorials every year. I have a deep love for my country. I served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1987 to 1995. It instilled in me a discipline to produce and to serve others. My other heroes would be Judge Melodie Conner and Judge Debra Turner (Senior Judges now). I practiced law for nineteen years before
Continued on page 22
ARTZIE…COMING SOON w w w. A r t z i e F u n . c o m Welcome to Artzie, the first of it’s kind in the Depot District of downtown Lawrenceville, GA. My name is Alecia Walker and I am the excited and proud owner of Artzie. I am a Wife, a Mom, a Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Teacher and Friend. Those I have shared my journey with know that at heart I am also a Social Worker, a Hippie, Traveler, Beach Lover, a Giver, Gypsy Soul and Art Enthusiast. I look forward to this new adventure, meeting each of you and finding your new love during your ARTZIE journey.
Conflict Corner: How’s It Working for You Now? By Barbara Bailey, PhD
Workplace conflict did not manifest with the increasingly remote world of work. Put one person in a room and conflict exists. Put two or more people together and the potential for conflict grows with each person’s arrival. Has your workplace shifted back to a non-remote site? Or, are you earning your living now with a remote structure? Either way, postCOVID, it won’t be “business as usual.” Not only did our external lives change, but for many (perhaps, for the first time), internal lives shifted and what fit someone before the pandemic and its forced changes do not fit them now. Some people will be so glad to be back in a scheduled routine and away from their home base that they will overlook the challenges that come through the shift away from remote and will bring the stress to work. Others will find that remote work fits their needs better, yet to keep the job, they must return to the physical (non-remote) workplace. That shift could lead to conflict at work, up to and including their resignation. Where are you in this world of work turned upside down and sideways? Were you close to retirement and here it came? Did you just enter a new job and then, poof, you’re sent home with everyone else to get the job done? Or, are you one of the unsung heroes of our society who worked throughout and found it more challenging because of the circumstances that we all had to face with a world affected by a rampant, uncontrolled event and its lingering aftermath? In any conflict, when our values and beliefs about something differ from others, the differences show up in our attitudes, behaviors, and Continued on page 20
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One Man’s Opinion: Refunding the Police
Class of 2022
By Bill Crane
Many political scientists and sociologists view the shifting sands of public opinion as cyclic. In more recent years, exacerbated by social media, as well as legacy media outlets landing often on only one side of a hotly contested topic, I view public opinion swings as much more like a pendulum. Hot exchanges on Twitter, Facebook, and the like, aided and abetted by many media outlets playing to their own biases or viewing base, presenting opinion as news and fact, can lead to broad shifts in public sentiment and reaction in a compressed time frame. Following the 2020 summer of racial justice protests, a movement to “reimagine” and/or defund public safety and police departments – largely by moving those fiscal resources elsewhere –gained serious momentum. New York City, under then Mayor Bill de Blasio, reduced public safety and police budgets in excess of $1 billion for the coming fiscal year. Seattle considered closings its jail, and made significant police budget cuts including a $10K reduction in the chief of police’s pay. Even law and order bastions like the great state of Texas were not immune, as the capital city of Austin reduced its police department budget by a full third. Minneapolis, the city where George Floyd lost his life at the hands and chokehold of a police officer, reduced police funding by 50 percent, and began moves to abolish their police department, with plans to transfer those responsibilities to the office of Sheriff. But as the pandemic deepened, along with the associated shutdowns, job loss, and economic anxiety, violent crime rates began to surge in almost every major American city, as well as in suburban and rural areas that in decades past seldom experienced such movement in crime rates. After more than three decades of declining rates of homicide and other violent crimes, and in part spurred by gang violence (a part of the underground economy that took no downtime during the pandemic), city after city and state after state began to see crime rates surge at or beyond 35 to 50 year highs. Perhaps not surprisingly, in his spring State of the Union address, President Joe Biden called loudly and directly for funding the police. Though it was not unanimous, a healthy majority of the audience in the US House chamber, including Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, gave Biden’s call a standing ovation. Biden urged an increase in police pay and an increase in officer accountability and training; but let’s make police better, not batter
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You’re invited to join us for an upcoming event – part of our Lifelong Learning Series, where we continue to discover and expand in entertaining and powerful ways.
MEET THE AUTHOR SERIES JAMES W. COFER, JR. Thursday, May 12 | 11 a.m.
Interested in discovering more about our beautiful hometown? James W. Cofer, Jr., author of 200 Years of Snellville History, will entertain and education you.
MARLENE RATLEDGE BUCHANAN Thursday, June 9 | 11 a.m.
Author Marlene Ratledge Buchanan joins us again for a chat on finding the humor in life.
We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP to 678-841-0030
For the safety and well-being of all residents and guests, all recommended safety precautions will be taken. Please call to inquire about our safety measures for these events.
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Hometown Brag: Drew Kenyon, GHS Class of 2013 By K. Coats
Sometimes we fumble around in life, trying to figure out what suits us. We try different things – often with varying degrees of success. Much of our youth is devoted to searching for what brings us joy and gives us purpose. Well, we obviously aren’t Grayson High School alumnus, Drew Kenyon. If we were, we would have known the answer to that from very early on. For Drew, everything begins with a prologue and ends with a bow. The stage is home, and all are welcome. In fact, Drew liked the stage so much that he decided to make it his life’s purpose to share it with others. Throughout his time as a student at Grayson, Drew focused his activities on the theatre. He says, “I mostly participated in Grayson High School theatre. Basically all of my extracurricular time was devoted to that department with shows.” Drew credits his time there as having a huge impact. “Michelle Morea, my freshman theatre teacher, truly changed the course of my life,” he adds. But she wasn’t the only one. Drews also states, “My absolute favorite teacher I ever had was Dr. Christopher Blair, my freshman English teacher.” It would be Dr. Blair who covered such works as Romeo and Juliet and Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler with Drew and his classmates that freshman year. Drew would graduate from Grayson High School in 2013 and go on to earn a BA in Theatre from Anderson University in 2019. Despite all of his roles and productions, Drew says, “Graduating college is probably my greatest achievement. I spent a little more time in college, but making the decision to go back and finish was the best decision I ever made. I went to college for theatre, but if I’m being honest, I didn’t really know what I was going to do with a degree in that major. Teaching has always been in my family, with my mom teaching at [Grayson] high school since it opened, so I tried to shoot down that avenue and ended up loving it!” Drew now resides in Greenville, South Carolina and is a theatre teacher at High Point Academy. But just because he controls the rehearsal schedule doesn’t mean he’s slowing down anytime soon. “I mostly teach 6th to 8th grade, but I will be taking on high school as well in this upcoming school year,” he says. “I absolutely love my job and my kids, and I cannot wait to continue in this career!” And if that weren’t enough to occupy his time, Drew says, “I also work and participate in many different theaters within the upstate of South Carolina, which I consider a job, due to the hours it takes up in my life.” And one would think relocating to another state would be enough to limit his travels, but Drew puts a lot of miles in between Greenville and his hometown, Grayson, thanks to his other passion project, being the founder and executive artistic director of Grayson Shakespeare in the Park. All of this goes back to one overriding motive – sharing Shakespeare with others, and Drew isn’t done yet. He explains, “For myself, I want to try and join a Master’s program in Shakespearean history and literature and teach as a college professor. I believe that teaching general theatre is a passion of mine, but more specifically, Shakespearean Studies is truly my calling.” Drew adds, “I literally could not have accomplished anything I have in my younger adult life if it were not for the support of my family and fiancée Kelly.” In fact, you can find the whole Kenyon family helping alongside the other troupe members twice a year for Grayson Shakespeare in the Park. So from all of us at Our Town, thank you, Drew, for sharing your Continued on page 19
May 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
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Bring Your Ideas to Life with FASTSIGNS of Snellville By Kristen Eleveld
A good sign can make all the difference – especially if you have experts who can help you design it to be exactly what you need. And, lucky for Gwinnett citizens, those experts are right here in Snellville, at your local FASTSIGNS store. Almost ten years ago, Edward and Kareen MacFarlane decided to take a chance on opening their own FASTSIGNS franchise after learning about the company’s amazing culture and incredible opportunities for excellent customer service. Now, Edward and Kareen are not just in the sign business – they are in the people business, and they can help you with all of your visual marketing needs.
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“We don’t just do banners and yard signs. We can do anything!” said Edward, who has many years of experience in customer service. “We offer graphic design services, printed collateral, and all types of signs from vehicle magnets to vehicle wraps.” Those items are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the services that FASTSIGNS of Snellville provides. Everything from menu boards to directional signs to electrical signs is an option when you talk with Edward, Kareen, or their team. While FASTSIGNS of Snellville has been in business for nine years, the growth they’ve experienced far exceeds even their considerable tenure in the signage industry. Just three years ago, the company had to move to a bigger building to accommodate their growing services and client base. Now, the MacFarlane’s company has a conference room for client meetings, a large showroom, an expanded design area, sales and production offices, and a much larger production area that includes a flatbed printer, a router/finishing machine, and a vehicle bay for applying vehicle graphics indoors. Essentially, they have it all – and they want to use it to help their community. “We have continued to reinvest back into the company and community to bring everyone the best products and services available,” said Kareen, whose background in graphic design has made her a natural fit for this industry. “It has been a true blessing that in our first nine years we have been able to grow the business substantially.” Community is important to the MacFarlanes. In fact, it’s their main priority. Everything they do is in the name of giving the best of their expertise back to their own neighborhood. “It’s all about the relationship for us,” said Edward of their customer service philosophy. “You may walk in as a customer, but you will leave feeling like family.” If you need someone to help you bring your visual aids to life, you have found the right group. Edward and Kareen will not only make your vision a reality, but they will do it with a style and professionalism that only devoted experts can offer. “We really do love what we do,” said Kareen. “If you have an idea and are unsure how to bring it to life, give us a call. We will make it happen for you!” More information at www.fastsigns.com/621
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Cabinet of Curiosities – A New Take on an Old Tradition By K. Coats
For centuries members of the upper class would have something called a Cabinet of Curiosities on display in their homes. It could range from an entire room all the way down to a smaller display case. In these “cabinets” would be items from far and wide – mostly artifacts that were hard-to-find in the natural world. Remember those old bug collections kids used to make in elementary school? The curiosities would be like that, but much more encompassing. One could see unique shells, skulls, stuffed birds, rocks, feathers, and anything else deemed “curious.” I learned about these through a podcast by Aaron Mahnke that was appropriately titled Cabinet of Curiosities. The idea of a cabinet filled with neat items fascinated me, especially as my children began exploring the world around them. We already had a small collection of neat “things,” but it was mostly limited to a cardboard box stuffed in a corner. So I did something decidedly unpopular, especially here in the South. I sold my China set that had no emotional value to me or my mother, and I kept the China cabinet my father-in-law had given us. He had long replaced the glass with plexiglass because of his children, and I’ll always consider him one of the smartest people in the room for that move. But I digress. I purchased bottles and jars of varying shapes and sizes, as well as some vintage-looking labels, and the kids and I got to work. We put robin egg shells in a short, squat bottle, our collection of blue jay feathers in a wide, flat bottle, and our prized bird’s nest in a large jar with a wide mouth. We looked up and identified as best we could with our Audubon Society Field Guide to the Southeastern States and made the labels as accurately as possible. The result has been one of the best hobbies my kids and I could have asked for. The cabinet collection has grown to include both common and unique bugs, a nest made from horse hair, animal skulls, shells, unique stones, snake skins, and even a random bird leg. And before you clutch your pearls at the idea of bringing home random “specimens,” rest assured this mama has two very firm, unbreakable rules. Rule 1: Whatever it is must already have gone on to its Reward; no deaths involved in this cabinet. Rule 2: Whatever it is must NOT require preserving on my end for it to last. I will not be dealing with – liquids. Nope. But our Cabinet of Curiosities has also had a couple of unintended consequences. The biggest change we’ve discovered is that it’s changed
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how we observe the world around us. The kids will actively look for new things when we’re outside. They’ll slow down and notice more of nature’s details. That’s a wonderful aspect even when they don’t actually find anything. And they get so excited when they DO find something. I remember them coming from an afternoon at Stone Mountain with my husband, and they ran inside so excited that they’d found deer vertebrae. Keep in mind they were probably nine and seven years old at this point. To see them excited about this “treasure” felt great – if a little non-traditional. The other unintended consequence is that the cabinet was contagious. Friends heard about it and started keeping an eye out as well. The nest made of horse hair? That was a gift found by a friend who owns a horse boarding farm. As were the fox skulls. The snake skin was saved and specifically preserved to make my daughter happy. One Continued on page 23
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LaVida Massage of Grayson Continued from page 5 feel more comfortable, but also gives the therapist the information needed to make sure this massage and others moving forward are therapeutic and meet the goals of the client. Of course, one massage is always great. But getting multiple massages is even better, especially if you are working through a chronic injury or stress level. In fact, LaVida Massage has a membership program that is specifically designed to allow returning clients to get monthly (or more) massages at a discounted rate. Family members can even share a membership, meaning that each guest has the opportunity to get a top-rate massage at a price that meets the budget. You can even pause your membership if you plan to be out of town over the summer, so you don’t miss out on the massages and other options that membership offers you.
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Looking ahead, TiAnn and the team at LaVida Massage are excited for their ongoing promo, which encourages people to give the gift of massage. For every $100 you buy in gift cards, you get another $25 gift card for free. This promo will run through Father’s Day, which means you can check one gift off your list. LaVida Massage of Grayson is also excited to offer facials to its guests as early as the end of this year. This added service can help you focus on keeping yourself well and cared for. “It’s so important to us that our guests have full body wellness,” said TiAnn. “Massage is essential to our holistic health, and we are here to help you make it happen.” If you are ready to sign up for your first (or second or third) massage, it’s easy. Just go online or give LaVida Massage a call and they will take it from there. Happy relaxing! More information at lavidamassagegraysonga.com or call (770) 559-9441.
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Chef Hank Reid Wins the Inaugural 2022 Standard Bearer Award By Tana Poncsak
Life can be full of surprises – both good and bad. Chef Hank Reid of Lettum Eat! Inc. got a good surprise when he was invited to Gwinnett’s State of the County Address held on March 3, 2022, at 12 Stone Church in Buford and was recognized as one of the three inaugural 2022 Standard Bearer Award recipients. “I got emotional,” Chef Hank said. “I teared up and had to sit back and catch my breath. It hit me. It just blew me away.” Originally from Griffin, Georgia, an area known for great high school football, Chef Hank was known for his talents on the gridiron. He left to go to college in Atlanta where he got his first taste of feeding a crowd by cooking for his fellow classmates and selling steak dinners out of his dorm room on the weekends. Like many young people, he was trying to figure out what he wanted to do and narrowed it down to two things: “culinary school, because people would always need to eat, or cosmetology school, because people were always going to want to look good.” Culinary school won, and Chef Hank went on to work in a number of restaurants, many in the Atlanta area, working his way up to general manager and executive chef level positions. Chef Hank is a man on a mission. With more than thirty years in the restaurant industry, his biggest kitchen yet may be feeding the people of Gwinnett County through his nonprofit Lettum Eat! Inc. On the surface Lettum Eat! Inc. may appear to be a much larger operation than it is, serving over 200,000 meals since the start of the pandemic. The operation has been run by four employees and a few dedicated volunteers. And he’s had Divine intervention and a lot of support along the way that led him to where he is today. “What God started showing me,” Chef Hank said, “was all the experiences I’ve had for all these years in the restaurant industry, now they were finally starting to manifest themselves into a mission based ministry of service, which is where our mission statement – ‘Mobile food provisions prepared with care and served with compassion to those in need’ – comes from. Because I have a passionate heart for people and cared about the work environments I was responsible for cultivating, I wanted people to have a great work experience. This was God showing me the path to creating an environment of love and producing something people would care about. And at the same time, I can do God’s work feeding those in need by mobilizing and taking it to where it’s needed. Then He told me to give it away.”
And Chef Hank did. Lettum Eat! Inc. was officially formed in September 2019, months before the Global Pandemic hit the U.S. The first event was held in spring 2020 right when it started. Coming up with the name Lettum Eat! was a no brainer. It started as a pushback when the servers would ask the back of the house kitchen staff where their orders were or when the servers were slow to pick up waiting meals. Chef Hank and his crew would satisfy their end of the deal and shout, “LETTUM EAT!” Either way Lettum Eat became the mantra, and it was only fitting that Chef Hank used it for the name of his newest mission. Since being recognized by the county, Chef Hank has also been recognized at the State Capitol where he was recognized by Senator Nikki Merritt with a Proclamation and Citizens Award, something he could share with his family, including his parents. “When I got the call about the state award, I immediately called my parents,” Chef said. “Getting to the point where I could share that with them was awesome.” Since he hung up his football jersey years ago, he told his father, “I Continued on page 23
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Want to Go Somewhere? Maybe it’s Time for a Staycation By Tana Poncsak
After the last couple of years, perhaps we’re all more than ready to do some traveling again. But if gas prices or the lingering pandemic have you staying closer to home, perhaps it’s time for a staycation – a vacation in your own city. Oftentimes a vacation is more about doing something fun and different and spending time as a family. So, whether you’re thinking about relaxing and reading by the neighborhood pool, taking a few days to work on a project, or spending time in your city playing tourist, it may be the perfect time for a staycation. And if you’re looking for things to do during your staycation, here are a few ideas in the Atlanta and surrounding area you may want to consider. Experience Atlanta 1. Thirsty? Quench your thirst at the World of Coca-Cola 2. Thinking of the ocean? Visit the Georgia Aquarium 3. Take a stroll through Centennial Olympic Park 4. Go back in history as you visit the Margaret Mitchell House and Atlanta History Center 5. Get inspired with a walk through the High Museum of Art 6. Hear some beautiful music at Atlanta Symphony Hall 7. See a show and take a tour of the Fox Theatre 8. Wake your inner child at the Center for Puppetry Arts 9. Curb your curiosity at the Fernbank Science Center and Fernbank Museum 10. Shop, eat, and play at the Ponce City Market 11. Tour the Atlanta BeltLine
12. Visit beyond the grave at Atlanta’s historic Oakland Cemetery 13. Pack a picnic and head to Piedmont Park 14. Stop and smell the flowers at Atlanta Botanical Gardens Other ideas for surrounding areas: 1. Grab a tube and Shoot the Hooch 2. Get your thrills at Six flags Over Georgia 3. Climb Stone Mountain 4. Get wet at White Water 5. Visit one of Atlanta’s many brewery’s 6. Longing for Napa? Visit a local vineyard and go wine tasting 7. Need some pampering? Book some time at one of the many area spas 8. Looking for something quaint with a European vibe? Stroll through Helen, Georgia. 9. If you’re looking for beauty in nature and some exercise, visit the Appalachian Mountains 10. Want some fun in the sun? Seek the islands: Margaritaville at Lanier Islands 11. If night life and live music is your thing, visit one of the area concert venue 12. To get your thrills and chills, take a Ghost Tour – Atlanta, Roswell, Decatur, Marietta 13. They don’t call Atlanta little Hollywood for nothing. Check out Continued on page 22
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One Man’s Opinion Continued from page 11 them. Nearing two years since the death of George Floyd, a broad awareness remains in place that holding police and peace officers accountable is a major part of the new metrics for effective policing. Training must be enhanced in at least three key areas: de-escalation of conflict, understanding and respecting boundaries, and the appropriate use of force. And the proof of that was seen in the 2021 elections, which included the election of a centrist, former police captain, Greg Adams, as mayor of New York City, running on a largely law and order platform. Adams and the New York City Council have already restored nearly $200 million in public safety funding in the Big Apple, including $100 million for a new state-of-the-art precinct in southeast Queens. In Seattle, voters sent packing a mayor and most council members proposing closing the jail and making massive public safety spending cuts. Minneapolis voters rejected a referendum to shut down their police department and move all law enforcement responsibilities over to their Office of Sheriff. The pendulum is swinging back the other way. Raises are happening for both law enforcement base salaries as well as lateral transfer pay between agencies. Increased training funding AND accountability
were part of the C.A.R.E.S. Act, as well as the American Rescue Act during this pandemic. The creation of non-violent crime and mental health response units, for dealing with the mentally ill, homeless, and severely addicted – which had also fallen on the hands of law enforcement who are often not equipped with the tools to best handle that population – is another fast-developing trend in urban areas across America. There are still many Progressives and others who would prefer to see the “carceral state” and police departments disbanded and turned over to civilian control. But as I said at the outset about American public opinion, right or wrong, that perspective and viewpoint seem very much now to be held by a shrinking and while vocal, much less amplified minority. Refund your police, defend your police – and remember how long they have been defending you and yours. Bill Crane owns the full-service communications firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com
Drew Kenyon Continued from page 13 passion with your hometown and establishing one of the best parts of each summer and fall. We wish you luck with your school and community productions and look forward to seeing all you accomplish. Break a leg, sir. More information at www.graysonshakes.org.
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Travel Tales: Cruising the Canals of Holland (The Netherlands) By Pam Walker
Covid was waning and the travel bug was really getting to me. With friends in Amsterdam that own a hotel, there was no better way to get away from the winter blues than to escape to Holland. Flying was – well – not so pleasant. But after a while, I forgot the loathsome face mask on the seven plus hours of flight and in the crowded airports. The Amsterdam airport is huge! So a car service was the perfect solution to get to my friend’s hotel. The lovely Legend Le Grand is only a few blocks away from Dam Square, the center of everything. Mask wearing in Amsterdam was not entirely necessary, and walking the canals with spring flowers and people everywhere was a wonderful escape from what the masked world was going through. A few days in Amsterdam, visits to Delft with its blue pottery and
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to Maastricht to see windmills, and just enjoying the spring weather were enough. Amsterdam, called the Venice of the North, is a great jumping off place for river cruises and boat trips. You can reach every part of Holland on the water. What better way to see the countryside in spring than to cruise to Rotterdam, a wonderful modern city, and on to other towns such as Haarlem, Utrecht, or The Hague where so many international political meetings are held. Remember the little Dutch boy who put his finger in a hole in a dike to save his city? There are similar dikes everywhere, just like the one he put his finger in. What is remarkably interesting too is that almost all the farms that you pass have these dikes around their fields to keep the water out! What a difference from our drought ridden fields of the American West. Everything is so green – everywhere! And those beautiful willow trees that so love drinking up water, are also everywhere, with branches hanging and dancing in the wind. Here, too, every April the famed tulips bloom. A visit to the Keukenhof Gardens is a must as well as seeing the famed Floriade Flower exhibition also held in spring. If you love flowers, and river cruising, you will love the Netherlands. Springtime or any time, to cruise the canals of this little country is well worth the effort! Pam Walker is a Travel Advisor with Virtuoso. More information at pam@walkeradventures.com or www.walkeradventures.com
Conflict Corner Continued from page 10 performance. Is this you – believing that the keyboard and the screen provide masks of safety, where you can express yourself more freely with a little less attention to how you are received? Or, now that employees work together remotely or experience the return to a non-remote workplace, do you find yourself a bit more passive-aggressive in tone and action than you might have been? Most importantly, how are you handling the non-work aspects of your life in light of “all this” – Doctors Stewart Helton & Beau Upshaw the same, or struggling so they won’t be the same? The approach to positive conflict management starts with the understanding that conflict cannot be resolved or fixed. It can be managed, either effectively or ineffectively, and its starts with each of us doing our part. How are you handling the issue of conflict in your life? Perhaps it’s time to ask the question, “How’s it working for you now?” Barbara Bailey, PhD serves as owner and CEO of Biz Productions, Inc. More information at baileyba@mindspring.com.
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Protocol Films – Entertaining Gwinnett One Film at a Time By Traci Sanders
Richard and Hattie Diaz met in a local theater show a few years ago. They married soon after and founded Protocol Films in August 2020. The couple has been entertaining Gwinnett and surrounding communities ever since. As CEO and co-founder, Richard serves as the imagination for the company. His film, Orange Sky, was nominated for three awards and won two awards through the Southern Horror Film Festival. He loves to encourage creativity in others. Co-founder and president Hattie is the brain of the company. Her short film, SEEN, was featured in the Summer of the South Film Festival. Both Richard and Hattie are experienced writers, directors, and actors. Protocol Films was “created for the creative,” as it boasts on its website. Richard and Hattie’s goal is to not only produce high-quality short films, feature films, dramas, comedies, and parodies, but also professional commercials and audition tapes for fellow actors. The website provides self-taping services that are self-guided but also offers coaching to those who need a bit of assistance or insight. At the moment, their films are shot only in Georgia locations, as the couple resides in Gwinnett County. However, they are willing to travel for projects. Richard and Hattie are proud to offer high-quality films to their community and are always open to ways of giving back. The couple donated their time and equipment to shoot a promotional video for American Immersion Theater, Atlanta Troupe, to help them expand their cause of donating clothes for local homeless citizens. I asked Hattie where she and Richard draw inspiration for their films, and she replied, “It’s a mixture of personal experiences and creativity. Since Covid pretty much cancelled Halloween for many kids, we created a short film to show that kids could still go trick-or-treating during Covid and stay safe by following CDC guidelines. It also showed that the community is always able to help each other and support other families, even in small ways.” When asked what they would consider their worst and best films so far, Hattie laughed and said, “We did a short film called Big Little Book of Thanks that was written, filmed, and edited within a twentyfour-hour time period. My husband said it was the worst one he has ever done and wishes it could’ve been better. Our best film, in my opinion, would be SEEN. I wrote the script, but my husband and I worked together to create this short film about suicide awareness. We’re really proud of it.” Some of Hattie’s celebrity heroes are Jennifer Aniston, Ryan Reynolds, and Sandra Bullock. Richard’s celebrity influences are J.J. Abrams, Steven Spielberg, and Robert Zemeckis. However, Hattie mentioned that her entire family is full of real-life heroes who have been supporting her journey since she was two. Her brother, Ian, filmed their latest piece, Kidnapped, set to release this year. The film was Hattie’s concept, but a friend of Hattie’s, Micaela Dee, wrote the script. Hattie’s mother, Candy Cole, has been a constant support in her career. Richard’s son, Indiana, is a recently established YouTuber who streams himself playing video games, and who has been acting since the age of six. Richard and Hattie share a love of everything film-related and truly enjoy telling stories through their work. “Everyone has a story to tell,” Hattie said, “whether they come from astounding dreams or breathtaking life experiences. Stories are what keep this world a magical place
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Continued on page 22
May 2022 Our Town Gwinnett
PAGE 21
Home Matters: Lighting Helps Transform a Home By Our Town Gwinnet Staff
Your home reflects who you are and is where you should feel your best. When designing spaces, it’s important to select pieces that evoke your personality and add interest to your surroundings. One of the biggest opportunities to define a room is through lighting, which adds touches of fashion and function. Lighting helps pull a room aesthetic together, much like how a special accessory such as a necklace or tie elevates an outfit. Selecting lighting should be done thoughtfully, with each option complementing – not competing – with the surroundings. Lighting is meant to enhance the other elements of the room and to add a distinguished finishing touch. If you’re considering updating your lighting, it’s important to take time to determine what you like and how that can be integrated into spaces. Every room tells a story, and the goal is for the lighting to be an extension of that tale. To get started, ask yourself some questions: * Do you like the warmth of traditional design? * Do you lean toward clean lines of contemporary, modern forms? * Do you prefer a transitional, more eclectic approach to design? * Is there a period of time with design that is particularly appealing to you? * Is there a destination or place in the world that inspires your style preferences? Eye-catching lighting that complements the space is a top design trend, especially as people are spending more time at home. Kohler® Lighting is continuously evolving offerings to meet the myriad design preferences homeowners have. Three new collections demonstrate how different designs can meet these varying styles. If you like lush, vintage design: Do you adore designs kissed with opulence and grandeur, similar to styles in the Golden Age of Hollywood throughout the 1920s to the 1940s? This decor reflected the lavish style of the film industry, embracing opulence and grandeur in designs that made a lasting impression.
Angela Duncan Continued from page 10 taking the bench full time, often appearing before these two judges who served this community so well for so many years. In addition to my trial practice, I served as a part time judge for seventeen years at various levels of court ranging from Municipal Court in several local cities to Magistrate Court. I was selected to serve as a full-time Magistrate in Gwinnett County in 2016, sitting by designation in Superior Court. I served in this capacity for four years, prior to being appointed by the governor in 2019 for my current Superior Court Division 11 position, so I am experienced in and well prepared for hearing cases in Superior Court. OTG: What are your favorite things to do? AD: My favorite things to do are to cook, run 5k’s, spend time with my family and my German Shepherds. We have two of them. I also love to work in my yard. OTG: What role does community play in your life? AD: Community is very important. I learned long ago that when someone asks, you say yes if you are able. I believe it is important to be there for your neighbor and your friends. As a leader in the community,
The Tresdoux™ lighting collection captures the magic of this classic era and transforms it into a modern collection. The signature look features a mixture of materials and textures, pairing delicate matte ribbed-glass shades with scalloped metal details. From sconces and bath bars to chandeliers, the fixtures feel sumptuous and rich, while never overpowering the space. It’s the ideal marriage of boldness and refinement. If you like modern style and clean lines: Look for lighting options with distinct forms for striking elegance. For example, the Kraga™ collection offers a variety of lighting options that are a creative take on mid-century modern designs with a sophisticated twist. Each eye-catching fixture is artistically crafted utilizing curved, linear metal pieces that fit in modern and traditional spaces. This collection of lighting is sculptural, with an elegance that is bold, yet understated. Devoid of unnecessary decorative elements, these lights rely instead on the purity of pared down form and hand-selected materials. Crafted from smooth, cast metal frames fitted with glowing, castglass, creamy white globes, each Kraga™ lighting design is an expressive work of art, with its own unique personality and individual flair. If you like traditional, equestrian design: If refined elegance that takes cues from nature appeals to you, look for lighting that offers a creative approach to traditional English country decor. You may be interested in the Terret™ Collection that is inspired by British equestrian design, updated through a palette of organic materials to individualize each piece. Designs draw from early English country decor, where owners would bring the beauty of their pastoral surroundings into their interiors, blending leathers and textiles, their varied textures and tailored forms, with the rustic beauty of wrought iron, weathered wood, and glassworks. The Terret™ lighting collection reflects those ideals, evoking a gentle pastoral era, bringing the equestrian style to a contemporary audience. Your home is your sanctuary. It’s where you work, play, and relax, and where you can feel like yourself. Lighting enhances the personality of your home and makes it as individual as you are. (BPT) I am responsible for setting an example. OTG: How do you give back to your community? AD: I am a volunteer at both the Veteran’s Resource Center and at the Seeking the Right Amendable Path, or “STRAP,” program for disadvantaged youth. I also volunteer to speak at local schools. OTG:What things are you most excited about in the future? AD: I am excited about watching my two sons grow into their own. We are new empty nesters, and I could not be prouder of how well our sons are succeeding. I am excited about this election. While I have been actively involved in my community, this election has encouraged me to engage even more, and I have gotten to meet many people and hear their questions and concerns about our legal system. More information at https://duncan4gwinnett.com/
Staycation Continued from page 18
TV film location tours 14. Have the need for speed? Visit Atlanta Motor Speedway 15. Sports fans can catch a baseball game – Go Atlanta Braves and Go Gwinnett Stripers If shopping is your thing, many small towns have downtown areas and historic districts for shopping and exploring. And you can always Continued from page 21 plan a series of outings with disc golf, go kart racing, putt-putt golf, escape rooms, trivia night, I-FLY Indoor Skydiving, and more. Check full of new adventures.” local listings for venues near you and times of operation. Enjoy your More information at https://www.protocolfilmsamerica.com/. staycation! PAGE 22 Become an Advertising Partner: Info@OurTown Gwinnett.com or 678-825-2049
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Cabinet of Curiosities Continued from page 13
Chef Hank Reid Continued from page 17
of my students brought me a peacock feather from his farm to add to the cabinet because he’d heard about it in class. People started looking at the smaller things around them as well. No more passing by neat natural objects and ignoring them. People were proud to contribute – as proud as my kids were when they discovered an object on their own. And we have found the Cabinet of Curiosities to be the object of much cooler discussions than the old China set ever produced. The cabinet has a central place in our living room, and it’s by far one of our most prized possessions. If you’re considering doing this with your kids or grandkids, here are some tips and suggestions. 1. Rule 1: All specimens must already be dead. This is non-negotiable. 2. Rule 2: Nothing can go into the cabinet that requires preserving – no liquids. Ever. 3. Make the display something permanent in a room, not a box you can put aside and forget. Use an old cabinet or invest in one from a second-hand store. The overall look adds to the feeling of pride and creates some fantastic conversations. 4. Maybe follow my father-in-law’s example and replace the glass with plexiglass. He’s the real MVP of this whole operation. 5. When you buy bottles, keep the size of the bottle mouth in mind because specimens will need to fit through that opening. Buy lots of differing heights to create a neat visual effect. 6. Neat labels can be found in the scrapbooking section of the craft store. The ones with adhesive already on them are highly suggested. Or you can hang tags off the top of the bottle with string. 7. Keep purchased objects to a minimum. The stories behind finding them are most of the fun. Have fun, and as the weather becomes nicer, always remember to keep an eye out for something cool!
couldn’t get you to the Superbowl, but I got you to the State Capitol.” His wife, Rachael, and his five grown children (two boys and triplet girls) are also a big support for Chef Hank. Three of his children help him with the day-to-day operations of the business. As with most nonprofits, consistent funding is his biggest challenge. But he’s looking ahead and hoping to grow and to be sustainable. His vision includes a farm to help people learn to grow their own food and offer emergency shelter to help people during their time of need. “We never think we do enough,” he said. “And more work can always be done.” And while Chef Hank is out there supporting the residents of the county providing food, he is quick to say the support has gone both ways. He’s developed partnerships with different services in the county, and he’s experienced tremendous support from the county in general. “The work of helping people with food insecurity shouldn’t be done alone,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who does it as long as it gets done. If I can help them, help others, that’s my purpose.” In her presentation at the State of the County Address, Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson said the recipients of the Standard Bearer Awards “are examples of the Gwinnett Standard – and always strive to do better for those around them.” And perhaps that’s what makes Chef Hank so deserving of the recognition. “They put me on stage and gave me an award,” Chef Hank said. “I was so incredibly grateful and thankful to God. I pray about what I do every day. It was awesome to be in that environment and to receive that honor. It was humbling – a good surprise.” More information at https://lettumeat.com/.
At BenchMark, your journey is our journey, and we’re committed to getting you back to your best. That’s why our licensed physical therapists use manual therapy, a hands-on technique that’s proven to get better outcomes so you can start moving and feeling better faster. BUFORD I-85 • 2815 Buford Dr, Ste 102 • (770) 271-4413 GRAYSON • 2065 Grayson Hwy, Ste B • (678) 376-0213 LAWRENCEVILLE • 4825 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Ste C • (678) 985-0238 LILBURN • 1227 Rockbridge Rd, Ste 402 • (770) 925-9210 LILBURN – BEAVER RUIN • 4145 Lawrenceville Hwy NW, Ste 8 • (678) 691-7163 SNELLVILLE • 2050 Scenic Hwy N, Ste A • (678) 344-7197 SNELLVILLE CENTERVILLE HWY 124 • 3641 Centerville Hwy, Ste 400 • (470) 365-2135
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