Welcome to the OCT 2020 (BLUE) Our Town Gwinnett Monthly Magazine for Gwinnett/NE DeKalb.

OCTOBER 2020 Gwinnett/NE DeKalb Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Lawrenceville Snellville Lilburn Stone Mountain Tucker

Up Close with Mahon Family Medicine, see story on page 5 9 10 14 17

AsWeDream: Meet Mike and Jordan Ososki Making an Impact: Lawrenceville Response Center Librarian of the Year: Meet Cicely Lewis Peace of Thread: Purses with a Purpose

The Village Corner

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On the Cover: Keeping Your Health in Good Hands

By Kristen Eleveld Twenty years ago, Dr. Lan Ta Mahon, who is passionate about finding the right care for her patients, opened up an osteopathic medicine practice in Snellville. Surrounded by an incredible community and a fantastic staff, Mahon Family Medicine quickly made a name for itself as being a breath of fresh air in the city.

The entire team was incredibly saddened when Dr. Mahon passed away in October of 2019. But they continued to put their patients first, and the staff came together to keep meeting the needs of the people who relied on them for their health and well-being.

This year, the team at Mahon Family Medicine grew once again when Dr. Priya Arcot-Joshi joined the staff. With a friendly, approachable personality and extensive knowledge of osteopathic medicine and a master’s degree in nutrition, Dr. Arcot-Joshi has led the team through a challenging year as they work to give Snellville residents everything they need to stay healthy.

For Dr. Arcot-Joshi, going into the medical field was a dream she’d had since the age of five. After working as both a dental and medical assistant, she knew that becoming a doctor was the right path. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree in science and master’s degree in nutrition, she began her journey to become a well-rounded physician.

“I wanted to be able to connect with people,” said Dr. Arcot-Joshi, who holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree and is Board Eligible in Obesity Medicine. “I feel that my purpose is to help others learn how to live a healthy lifestyle.”

This purpose has driven Dr. Arcot-Joshi to work with the patients at Mahon Family Medicine through an approach that focuses on their entire wellbeing, instead of just covering or curing symptoms they experience. Dr. Arcot-Joshi feels that, while medicine can solve some health problems, it can also do more harm than good.

When you walk into Mahon Family Medicine, you will immediately be greeted and welcomed with enthusiasm and sincerity, growing all too rare in the medical field. It’s essential for Dr. Arcot-Joshi and her staff that their patients feel comfortable and are seen promptly. In a world where large hospital systems are taking over many smaller practices, the team at Mahon Family Medicine goes the extra mile to add a personal touch to every patient appointment.

“Every single member of our staff does their part in making the patient feel comfortable the second they walk in the door,” said Dr. Arcot-Joshi. “Patients become part of our family as we become part of their family.”

While the office did have to make some changes to accommodate the CDC requirements for COVID-19, Dr. ArcotJoshi and her staff have continued to see patients and provide top-notch care. Through social distancing practices and temperature checks at every appointment, each patient can still receive medical attention anytime they need it.

Celebrating 20+ Years Years Of Making Smiles Blossom!

Dr. Arcot-Joshi wants to ensure that every patient has what they need to begin their whole-body health journey.

I know that people are motivated in different ways,” Dr. Arcot-Joshi said. “My focus is to empower patients by giving them the tools to stay healthy and recover from illness.”

More information at www.mahonfamilymedicine.com.

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PAGE 5

Gwinnett’s premier event destination for 23 years!

Our Town Gwinnett/NE DeKalb 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 Photography

Aleen Karakashian Photography Distribution Coordinator

DeeDee Chapman

Weddings & receptions, holiday parties, anniversary celebrations, sweet 16 parties, corporate events and more!

(770) 972-6540 • www.vecoma1.com

Feature Writers K. Coats Kristen Eleveld

Ron Lambros Amy Ney Emily Rubin

Traci Sanders Beth Volpert Johansen

Introducing

Contributing Writers

Dr. Priya Arcot-Joshi, D.O.

We are excited and proud to introduce the new face of our practice, Dr. Priya Arcot!

Your Health is in Good Hands with our Family Mahon Family Medicine 1786 Oak Rd Suite B • Snellville, GA 30078 MahonFamilyMedicine@Gmail.com 770-925-2526 • 770-921-1770

PAGE 6

Bill Crane Aleen Karakashian Michelle L. Sutter

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

Entire contents copyright 2020 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 5 On the Cover: Keeping Your Health in Good Hands 7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks 9 What to Wear: Your Family Photo Session 9 AsWeDream: Meet Mike and Jordan Ososki 10 Making an Impact: Lawrenceville Response Center 11 Crane’s Corner: Roll Up Your Sleeve and Get Your Flu Shot 12 Civility Begins in Your House 13 Community Event Recap: BT Parker’s Golf & Tennis Challenge 14 Librarian of the Year: Meet Cicely Lewis 15 Accessing Care in a COVID World!

17 Peace of Thread: Purses with a Purpose 19 Back the Blue: Just Like You and Me 19 Getting to Know: Jared Eakins of Edward Jones Snellville 21 Gwinnett Salvation Army: Welcomes New Leadership 21 A Heart for Healing: Meet Nurse Regina Canty

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From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks

1988 Eddie’s Automotive Service 2020 https://www.eddiesautomotiveservice.com 5440 Webb Pkwy. Lilburn, GA

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We are in unprecedented times indeed. It seems like everything around us has changed and yet at the same time most days feel the same. School is different, jobs are different, masks are different, and in short, LIFE is different.

With that said, we are now in the final quarter of 2020. So, let us take a moment and reflect. Instead of saying we need to skip the year 2020, I ask that we consider what we have learned about ourselves and others this year. What are you thankful for (even if it is only one thing) in 2020? Our emotions and feelings are real. Thus, how we channel them is important for all of us.

We must make the best of any situation. Enjoy each day and make your precious time count. There are no guarantees in life. Zero! If we ever needed to be reminded that God is in control and we are not, 2020 has shown us that. We recently had the privilege of writing an article on a person who celebrated her 100th birthday and we will be doing another story on a person who hit this age as well. These are amazing lives. However, even 100 years go faster than you think. If you have not done so, listen to Kenny Chesney’s song Don’t Blink.

It encompasses all the things I am trying to articulate about our time.

We have said for years we “didn’t have enough time to do xyz.” Now we do. So, the question is what have we done with this time? Have we grown physically, socially, spiritually, mentally? I know I have, and hope you have too. And if not, it is never too late to start.

I encourage each of you to Keep Pushing Forward (KPF) no matter what you are facing right now. Always try to inspire others in our community. I encourage you to find the good in people and to try and make others laugh and smile (even if it is behind a mask). We all need it.

I challenge you to take the high road in dealing with others. Many people are at their Continued on page 11

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What to Wear: Your Family Photo Session

By Aleen Karakashian, Photographer What should we wear? This question is often asked during a consultation for a family photo session, and it is an important one. I do not want to see you in your day-to-day flip flops or shorts! In all seriousness, what I want you to see once done is the best version of yourself presented in those images. I do not want your outfits to match. I want them to blend.

I am a mother of two, and it takes me longer to find an outfit where I feel comfortable and beautiful. I know I am not the only one. So as you plan for your family photo session, I recommend starting with the mother’s outfit. Establish the primary color(s) found in her outfit, and build outfits for the rest of the family members to complement hers. Find contrasting colors or different shades of those primary colors for the rest of the family. If one outfit has a print or texture of some sort, try not to repeat that within the family unit but choose solid colors instead.

Be creative! If your top is harvest yellow, one of the kids can wear pants with that same color, and maybe a scarf of that same color for your teenage daughter.

A good idea is to spread the outfits on the floor, along with shoes, socks, belts, hair accessories, scarves, etc. If one color looks strikingly odd or your eyes go straight there, take it out and bring in a softer color. We want all eyes on you!

I recommend steering away from branded outfits. A large logo or text on clothes takes attention away from your face. Also, I recommend steering away from very dark colors and go with lighter, softer colors that will reflect light back into your face. Then, when you hang

up that beautiful artwork of your family, your eyes will go immediately to the faces, followed by the outfits and the surroundings.

Do you like how your outfits work altogether as a family? How about when it is just the parents together? Or one parent with the kids and then kids together? Hooray, you have done a great job visualizing all those variations! Plan to take time for hair, makeup, haircuts, and a clean shave.

I encourage you to take this opportunity and turn this night into a special family dinner. You’re already dressed up, and you deserve a good treat after all that work. The kids can get the outfits dirty after the photo session, and you get to make memories that last. These moments are precious! Let’s plan for your photo session together and showcase lasting memories of your family.

More information at www.aleenkarakashian.com

Providing Quality and Convenient Medical Care.

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AsWeDream: Meet Mike and Jordan Ososki

By Traci Sanders AsWeDream is a recent father-son production partnership that has been in the makings for decades.

From age seven, Mike Ososki was mesmerized by music from iconic bands and artists such as the Beatles, Steely Dan, and Stevie Wonder, as well as A.C. Jobim’s gentle, poignant, and bittersweet compositions. In 2002, Mike formed a band and named it AsWeDream. The group played some songs live, including vocals. Since 2009, many of those songs were (and still are) enjoyed as live instrumental acoustic guitar performances by Mike in the lobby of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. In 2010, it became Mike’s solo music moniker.

Mike’s son Jordan picked up the guitar at age thirteen when he saw Billie Joe Armstrong in Green Day’s Basket Case video on MTV. He later gravitated toward the drums and began playing in local bands. In 2017, Mike and Jordan formed a musical partnership, keeping the AsWeDream name.

Their company provides music that is intended mostly for synchronization use, which is put together with any visuals, regardless of media and industry. The most common uses are web, Continued on page 11

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Making an Impact: Lawrenceville Response Center

By Traci Sanders It all began as a vision from a prayer group in 2012 where local leaders gathered to pray for the city of Lawrenceville.

These concerned citizens knew there were important issues that needed to be addressed, but they weren’t sure how to go about doing that at the time.

Friendships developed throughout the group as years went by and, in May 2017, began being leveraged into partnerships for various missions.

Prior to COVID-19, a company called Impact46 was strengthening its summer internship initiative, The Summer of Impact, with its local education and business partners. However, when the virus came and closed down the schools, Impact46 shifted and redirected their efforts towards providing relief for Lawrenceville residents. After many conversations with community leaders, the Lawrenceville Response Center (LRC) was formed in March 2020.

It is comprised of several nonprofits that aid those affected by COVID-19 in three key areas: housing, employment, and nutrition.

Its partners are the Lawrenceville Housing Authority, Georgia Center for Opportunity, and The Lawrenceville Co-op. Knowing that families would need access to many resources to help stabilize their losses, the LRC partnered with these nonprofits to offer access to employment and nutrition while providing up to three months worth of rental assistance for those who had lost employment, wages, or hours as a result of COVID-19. Since the LRC expanded their virtual presence, they have provided rental assistance as well as employment and food for over 160 families by raising funds through a network of local churches, grants, and community donors. The city of Lawrenceville matched the funds thus providing $250,000 for rental assistance in Lawrenceville.

The LRC was certain to include the next generation into their model by hiring three summer interns, all of whom live within the city limits and graduated from local high schools. Jen Young, with the LRC, stated, “We believe that by going deeper, we will be able to go further.

Through our partnership model, we have been able to provide services that propel residents towards self-sufficiency instead of becoming dependent on social services and financial supContinued on page 14

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Crane’s Corner: Roll Up Your Sleeve and Get Your Flu Shot

By Bill Crane Just as certainly as we are experiencing hurricane season this fall, we will soon be experiencing another cold and flu season.

There are multiple strains of flu circulating the globe each year, and billions of flu vaccines are prepared, identifying, and selecting currently the most prominent and potentially damaging strains of the flu.

The Spanish Flu of 1918-1920 was an H1N1 strain of the virus. Globally, half a billion were infected and more than 20 million died. The flu itself is typically not the cause of death, with the virus compromising the immune system and at times causing various organs to fail. It is typically secondary infections – pneumonia, heart or respiratory failure – linked to other pre-existing conditions that rapidly accelerate the downward spiral of a body fighting to stave off multiple infections.

This year’s flu strains will arrive atop a global pandemic of a novel coronavirus (SARS virus cousin of the common cold) with symptoms that present like the flu. As these flu strains arrive, that achy body, fatigue, or low-grade fever might be symptoms of COVID19, or they might be the flu. And here is the real beauty: as these are two separate viruses, catching one makes you more susceptible to the other, and treating the two at the same time will be extremely difficult for physicians.

Most of the world is anxiously awaiting the tested and proven arrival of a vaccine for COVID19. And yet we have had flu vaccines for decades, with acceptance and injection of those vaccines seldom reaching higher than 60-70% of the population here in the United States. Getting a flu shot cannot give you the flu. In twenty plus years of annual flu shots, I had ONE episode of a sore arm near the injection site and minor body aches and fatigue that lasted a day or so. And in those same twenty plus years, while watching co-workers and occasionally family members succumb to varying degrees of fever, vomiting, and other flu systems, I have never gotten the flu.

This year, the Center for Disease Control’s best-recommended calendar window for vaccination is September and October, though the flu will be in circulation long after that. The vaccine takes just a few minutes to administer, and is covered by all forms of insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, as well as many non-insurance copayments and pharmaceutical discount programs. You can choose to get your flu shot through your primary care provider, at your preferred pharmacy, at some places of work (far fewer this year due to the pandemic), or at an increasing number of big-box retailers with onsite clinics or pharmacies.

Like mask-wearing, handwashing, and social distancing, a flu shot is a preventative measure that protects YOU, your family, and others you come in contact with. In my case, I went to a Publix grocery store to pick up a few items and I noticed a sign promoting a free flu shot and a $10-gift card for getting the vaccine. That was enough for my buggy and me to go check it out. I filled out a one-page form that took less than two minutes. It needed no long medical history, and I presented a driver’s license and insurance card. I was asked to go shop or run errands for 15-20 minutes while my vaccine dose was prepared and requisite paperwork was filed. I returned a few minutes early, rolled up my sleeve, felt the slight prick of a tiny needle, and was handed the documentation of which strains of flu are covered in the vaccine I received, along with a Publix $10-gift card.

I am a big believer in using carrots as well as sticks as an incentive for positive behavior, and I want to tip my hat and thank Publix for such a thoughtful and helpful boost to serve as a catalyst for a few thousand more shoppers to do the right and bright thing. I have heard, time and again, many express frustrations during this pandemic of a desire to “do something” to positively impact our situation, or to retake some element of control in one’s own or their family’s health care. This is one of those things.

The flu shot is recommended for EVERYONE age six months and up. Roll up your sleeve, make your appointment, or go shopping and tack on this errand. But either way, now is the time, and this really will make a difference. Go get your flu shots. STAT! Bill Crane is the senior political analyst with WSB Radio and TV and owns the full-service communications consulting firm, CSI Crane. More information at www.CSICrane.com

Ryan’s Remarks Continued from page 7 emotional maximum, so be a blessing to them and do not push them over the top. Let us all focus on the many things we have in common and not our differences.

Have a blessed October Our Town Gwinnett Community. And as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, Our Town!

Our Town Gwinnett

AsWeDream Continued from page 9 film, TV, and advertising. The recordings are available online, and “soundtrack” is only one potential use. No vocals are provided for these tracks yet, but Mike does plan to incorporate that aspect soon.

Jordan handles all the technical tasks including production, recording, mixing, and mastering for final release. All this is mostly done from the Digital Audio Workstation. As well as being an accomplished drummer, Jordan also produces all of the graphic art and chimes in on some of the guitar pieces for the tracks.

Mike focuses on creating most of the music through guitar performance and songwriting.

He also handles all the networking for the company, although father and son do work together for the marketing, business, and legal aspects. Both pursue other interests in addition to the AsWeDream musical stylings. AsWeDream LLC Recruiting is a headhunting company mostly run by Mike, who has twenty-five years of experience in engineering and manufacturing, which is a primary income source for the Ososki household.

More information at https://www.AsWeDream.com/

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PAGE 11

Civility Begins in Your House

Jasper Watkins III

mentator, and analyst of things political, I have lost count in recent months of how many times I am approached by a reader, listener, or viewer sharing their concerns about the great divide present in our nation. Invariably and with increasing frequency, at some point during these brief encounters my new acquaintance will offer, “And I can’t even speak to my children, husband, high school best friend (fill in the blank here) about the president or politics anymore.”

I hear you, and I understand where you are coming from. But if we can’t, as a nation, or even within your own circle and family, speak civilly with our relatives, friends, or our neighbors about the direction and leadership of our country, what hope can we EVER have that our elected leaders will get it together? In other words, if it is “okay” to write off a friendship of decades, or to not speak to a sibling or progeny or parent over differences of politics, then why isn’t it okay for a Supreme Court confirmation hearing to devolve into the spectacle the world recently witnessed?

Hate speech and screaming arguments laced with profanity and insults as the first volley among strangers seem to have become the conversation style point of today. And yet – and there are reams of research to back me up on this – once one side starts shouting during a dispute, the other side most typically stops listening.

All of humanity is composed primarily of saltwater, and regardless of visible differences of age, race and culture, we all have so very much in common. We all value freedom, safety, peaceful communities, and quality schools, and we take some pride in being Americans. I am forever dismayed about why we spend so much time focused on our differences versus our many commonalities. And yet, we can only control our own actions, and potentially influence small circles immediately around us. But do not forget, our children and others are paying attention and watching us.

Leadership by example is real, not just some trite cliche. I try to practice this every single day. As this fall election season moves into full swing, divides are getting wider, families and friendships are splitting. But seriously, those relationships should matter much more to you than how that person you care about votes. If/when the discourse becomes heated, take a step back and consider offering something like this: “I’m sorry, I know in recent years I’ve let my strong beliefs or opinions be shared too loudly. I have often tried to drown out or simply not listen to other points of view. That is wrong. I apologize. I don’t want to ruin our limited time together with talk of politics, but when these do come up again, I promise I will do everything I can to listen, to be respectful, and even when I disagree with you, to remember that our family/friendship is more important and trumps winning the argument itself every time (pun intended).”

Try it. What have you got to lose? And once we can all get enough of our own houses back in order, then it might be time to ask the folks at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and on Capitol Hill to get back with the program as well.

Civility begins at home. This pandemic and related semi-quarantine are giving us all more time to practice. Let us put all this unplanned “togetherness” to some additional good use.

More information at www.CSICrane.com

Commissioner District 3 Gwinnett County

Jim Jenkins | Steve Jenkins | Chris Dyal

By Bill Crane “If a man continually blusters, if he lacks civility, a big stick will not save him from trouble, and neither will speaking softly avail, if in back of the softness there does not lie strength, power...” President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919).

Teddy Roosevelt, or as he often preferred, T.R., is my favorite president by far. The former “boy governor of New York” became president in 1901, ascending from the vice-presidency after the 1900 assassination of President William H. McKinley. The Roosevelts – Teddy, and later F.D.R., Eleanor, and others – were not above hard-fought political contests and even occasional mud-slinging, but in the White House, as well as on the campaign trail and in public life, this split party family believed in the civility of the discourse. Our current president did not create the great divide in our nation, nor did he alone bring things to their current state of almost daily shootings in our major cities or most recently regular acts of violent protest to a level which some consider domestic terrorism.

Civility – teaching it, practicing it, and living it – begins at home. As a columnist, com-

Our Town GWINNETT

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1. Open Your Phone’s Camera 2. Hover over QR Code 3. Click the Link that Drops Down

This is it! We need you!

Vote early for November 3rd.

Elect

(Auburn, Braselton, Centerville, Dacula, Grayson, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Loganville, Mountain Park & Snellville) Decisive, Determined, Dependable Registered Pharmacist & Licensed Nuclear Pharmacist I’m Jasper Watkins III, a decorated military veteran, civic leader, and a 14-year resident of Gwinnett County. I need your support to win on November 3rd. I’m committed and excited to become the next County Commissioner of District 3, Gwinnett County. Throughout my 25 years of military service and 15 years of private sector experience, I have devoted my life’s work to serving my community and defending our nation’s principals. My goal is to unite us with a sensible platform that restores economic security for the middle class, invests in workforce development, creating good-paying jobs, building a clean energy economy, and removes barriers to business opportunities to jump-start our economy post-pandemic. Moreover, I will address our everyday concerns about the safety of our neighborhoods, protecting our voting rights, justice reform, transportation infrastructure investments, smart mixeduse development, fiscal accountability, and diversity with inclusivity.

In less than two years, Gwinnett County will have more than 1.5 million residents!

Now is the time to decide to protect our future quality of life by creating an upward cycle of prosperity for the 21st Century.

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PAGE 12

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Community Event Recap: BT Parker’s Golf & Tennis Challenge

By Traci Sanders Over one hundred people showed up to a picturesque Friday, September 4th at the Chateau Elan Resort for a golf and tennis challenge hosted by BT Parker, an attorney and servant leader in Gwinnett for over twenty-four years. Even with social distancing and masks in place, smiles were evident throughout the crowd as they gathered to raise money for a free Carnival Parker is later hosting at the Lawrenceville Boys & Girls Club. The festivities for the day were kicked off with Parker’s inaugural swing, when she hit a tee shot off the first hole.

The event was sponsored by dozens of corporations and small businesses. There were Continued on page 14

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Community Event Recap Continued from page 13

Librarian of the Year: Meet Cicely Lewis

competitions for all levels in the Putting Challenge, Golf, and Tennis. Of course, Parker had to have special awards for Best Dressed. Each category offered first place, second place, and third place prizes. Gift certificates to restaurants and local businesses, gift cards and baskets, a $5,000 wedding package, diamond tennis bracelets, and more were awarded to these winners and participants. Even three people who were not present won raffle items, as they purchased raffle tickets in advance online.

Attendance and participation fees ranged from $25 to $155 per person, depending on the category. The inspiration for this event came about when Parker realized, firsthand, how much the Boys & Girls Club of America does for foster children, as Parker’s foster daughter used to attend.

BT Parker is immensely grateful for all those who participated and offered their support, the beautiful weather everyone enjoyed, and the funds raised from that momentous event. She looks forward to hosting this event for years to come!

More information at http://www.btparkerforjudge.com/.

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Cicely Lewis was named Librarian of the Year for Meadowcreek High School earlier this year. In her twelve-year career at this school, this is her first time receiving this award.

However, in the past couple of years, Lewis has received several other awards including: 2019 National Council of Teachers of English, 2019 Lifelong Readers Award with Penguin Random House, 2019 Georgia Library Media Specialist of the Year, 2019 Library Journal Movers and Shakers, 2019 Promise of Gwinnett Teacher Recognition, 2019 YALSA Margaret A. Edwards Award for Best Literature Program for Teens, 2018 Atlanta Journal Constitution Celebrating Teachers Award (Top 10 Educator), and was the 2018 Power of Librarian Calendar Winner.

Lewis was also the 2018 Teen Read Week Grant Recipient.

To say that Lewis has a passion and heart for kids and literature is a gross understatement. She loves connecting with students through books to create lifelong readers. When I asked Lewis what her favorite book was growing up, she replied, “I don’t have one favorite book. My favorite author is Toni Morrison. I grew up reading and writing stories.” Lewis fell in love with Mildred Taylor’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry; The Babysitter’s Club books, and the Ramona Quimby series. “But the first books that truly empowered and awakened me,” she added, “were Richard Wright’s Black Boy and Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody.”

Lewis holds a bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, a master’s degree in English Education from Mississippi College, a Specialist in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Media Specialist Certification from Georgia Southern University. She also published a piece in Walter Dean Myers’s 145th Street Short Stories, and she contributes a bi-monthly column in the School Library Journal.

Despite all the degrees and accolades that she has acquired in her career, Lewis is driven by the desire to inspire a love of the written word. She encourages other librarians to positively impact their communities by seeking to provide representation for all students in their book collections and programming through her Read Woke program.

Congratulations to Cicely Lewis with Meadowcreek High School for the well-deserved award of Librarian of the Year.

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Accessing Care in a COVID World!

By Michelle L. Sutter Over the course of the last six months, if COVID has taught us anything it is that we need to adapt. Many have found themselves thrust into a remote work position or into the role of teacher for their children, and now, the family’s virtual healthcare advocate. As time and dollars are stretched, there are many options available to today’s healthcare consumer to assist in navigating these unchartered waters.

As technology has developed, so has people’s ability to overcome the traditional communication barriers of time and distance. The proliferation of virtual health care is a step forward in the health care industry that helps bridge the gap of time, distance, and affordability to reach patients in need of medical attention.

Virtual health care has quickly become more mainstream as the COVID-19 pandemic quickly evolves.

In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends leveraging virtual health care services to help mitigate the impact and spread of COVID-19. Virtual care is capable of reducing ER visits, conserving health care resources, and preventing the spread of the coronavirus by treating patients remotely.

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Peace of Thread: Purses with a Purpose

By Ron Lambros My grandmother used to quote, “A stitch in time saves nine,” but in the case of Peace of Thread, it may save many more!

Peace of Thread is a non-profit organization working in Clarkston with the purpose of employing women of vulnerable populations by providing them with a sustainable source of income, practice in English, and job skills. It is the passion and ministry of its founder and CEO, Denise Smith, who openly shares its mission with excitement and pride.

“We began over eight years ago with an invitation to come to Clarkston to help the refugee women in the city,” Smith says. “My husband and I had spent over six years in Lebanon, working with Iraqi refugees and Lebanese natives, so it was a natural fit.”

But the big question was how? How could she and her volunteers best work with a group of women who spoke very little English and were still getting acclimated to a new country and culture? The answer? Sewing!

Continued on page 18

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Peace of Thread Continued from page 17 “We are an all-women company,” she explains. “This provides the refugee women, all artisan threaders, a sense of peace and safety. The artisans get to work out of their home, so they get to be good wives and mothers to their family’s while being able to earn an income that helps to provide for them.”

She adds, “Each bag that is produced is handcrafted and one-of-a-kind – just like our artisan threaders – and serves as a statement piece for our customers to carry the stories of our artisans into the world. They get to be a part of our story. They get to help ‘sew peace’ into these artisan’s lives. Wearing Peace of Thread is a fashion-forward choice that intentionally gives purpose. Each bag is crafted with the finest materials, both inside and out. While the outside of each bag is stunning, the inside is even more beautiful. We teach the women that they were designed the same way.”

Peace of Thread currently has twelve artisans working with them, but when you factor in their families, the impact grows exponentially. But it is far more than just making quality bags for a living that the women benefit from. There are the friendships and bonds made with

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women of mixed cultures; there is the emotional support for many stressed by adapting to a new culture from impoverished or war-torn countries; and there is the sense of accomplishment that each woman feels by contributing her part to making a difference.

When asked what Denise Smith personally feels is her greatest accomplishment, she quickly replies, “It has to be their ceremony when they become American citizens. When I can speak English clearly to them and they understand, that is a great accomplishment because I have begun to empower them and teach them to think in a different language and in many ways.”

Smith adds, “We have made many mistakes as we have learned together. However, trust is earned, not just given. I would say my greatest challenge from the beginning has been the different languages. I was teaching them something that I did not know how to do, but through many trials and errors, and language barriers, we now have begun to trademark ourselves and our business with exceptional quality of their work. The women are truly artisans!”

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Back the Blue: Just Like You and Me

By Ron Lambros I was recently asked to serve as a volunteer chaplain with the Gwinnett County Police Department. As a group, we are made up of different ages, sexes, races, and religions, but we are united in purpose, which is to assist the responding officers by rendering comfort, support, and spiritual guidance to those individuals directly affected by each difficult and challenging scenario, and to personally support the officers as well.

Part of my training involved a ride-along with two officers based out of one of the precincts in Gwinnett County, one on a morning shift (5:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.) and the other on the evening shift (5:30 p.m. - 5:30 a.m.).

This would expose me to a typical shift for a police officer and all they normally face during that time.

Now, I have seen my share of C.O.P.S. and Live PD episodes, but, trust me, my ride-alongs were nothing like what you might see on television. Both shifts involved traffic stops and patrolling, accident investigations, domestic disputes, and a host of what I considered routine work. While we were never involved in a high-speed chase or a take-down of a wanted felon, we stayed busy enough to make the shift incredibly eye-opening and with the time passing all too quickly.

The pace of both shifts allowed me to really carry on a conversation with each police officer and get to know them – not chaplain to patrolman, but more like friend to friend. And I discovered something amazing with both men.

Both were passionate about, and loved, being a police officer. They both expressed the pride they have every time they put on their uniform and how honored they were to serve Gwinnett County. And while they loved their work, they actually had lives outside the department.

One talked about his girlfriend and the life they planned when their finances would allow, his hobbies, and the food he enjoyed. The other talked about his journey to becoming a police officer, and lovingly told me about his wife and children. He spoke of how they worried when daddy went to work, but how proud they were of him for his willingness to serve. These men had lives and were normal, human beings just like you and me. They had hopes and dreams, they had families and friends, and they both had a calling to serve.

When my training was done, I committed to pray for these men; in fact, I committed to pray for every man and woman in uniform every day, for their safety and wisdom, and I thanked Continued on page 22

Getting to Know: Jared Eakins of Edward Jones Snellville

By Kristen Eleveld You want to work on your finances, but you are not sure how to start. Or maybe you spent some time making investments years ago, but you are not sure if it is still the right plan for you or what steps to take next. What you need is an expert – and not just any expert. You need a professional who understands how to help you gain the financial freedom you have always hoped for. You need Jared Eakins and the team at Edward Jones in downtown Snellville.

The first Edward Jones team was established in 1922, nearly a hundred years ago. Technology, laws, and financial options have changed since then, but, as the saying goes, the more things change, the more they stay the same. This is demonstrated in the way Edward Jones conducts business with their clients.

“We have always been intentional in preserving the small business aspect of our firm,” said Jared, who owns the downtown Snellville branch. “You are always going to get a personal touch here.”

Jared sees an additional similarity to the way the business was run then and now – the people.

“People have always wanted someone to work alongside them,” said Jared. “Having the ability to call and speak to an actual person when you have a question is important to everyone.”

This need for a more personalized contact is what drives Jared and his team. Though Edward Jones has thousands of locations across the country, each office only has two to three people working inside it. That means that when you call a local branch, you will never speak to an automated phone service, you will always speak to a person. Whether you speak to one of the advisers on staff, or to the administrative assistant, you will hang up the phone with a plan in place to help you figure out your financial future.

Even if you do not think you need help with your finances, Jared still encourages you to call to see if the firm can assist you in any way. In these more uncertain times, you may have questions or fears about your investments and if they are still working for you in the appropriate way. Instead of panicking and selling all your investments, or pushing forward without reviewContinued on page 20

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PAGE 19

BEST BEST BEST BEST

Jared Eakins of Edward Jones Snellville Continued from page 19

ing your options, you should talk to Jared and his team to learn the ways your money could be Along with education, Jared is also passionate about giving back to his community. He has working even harder for you. served as a board member for Snellville Tourism and Trade for the last year, where he has been When you go in for your first appointment, you can expect a few things to happen. First, working with other local business owners to create a community that both residents and visitors Jared will look at your finances, and ask what your goals are. Then, he will take some time to will be proud of. Jared also volunteers for a literacy program at Britt Elementary School that is review what you have already set up for financial security, and make sure you are all on the designed to assist students who are struggling with reading, and he also helps at his local church same page when it comes to understanding your options. Finally, Jared will give you guidance and coaches a youth soccer league in Loganville. on your next steps, so you can take everything you learned and put it to use. This initial service Giving back is important to the entire Edward Jones team nationwide. They have participated is offered for free, with no future obligations or promises required. and fundraised for the Alzheimer’s Walk each year and have encouraged each branch to find Many people feel intimidated or reluctant to come into a financial services office, especially their own ways to give back as much as they can.

When it help comes When it comes to finding the perfect roof if they do not feel knowledgeable about their options. But Jared’s top priority is educating Jared is proud to be part of the Snellville community, and invites anyone who needs to to clients so they can begin to take charge of their own financial futures. take advantage of their expertise.

Whether you are trying to save money for your child’s educafor your home we your home we have a HUGEroof selection it comes to finding the perfect Whentofor it comes finding thefor perfect “I am passionate about education,” he said. “It’s my job to make sure you stay informed,When and tion, or just need someone point you into theroof right direction your investments, the first and of brands of brands and colors to choose from, so and colo to help you learn what you need to know. You will leave our meeting knowing more thanfor youyour lasthome stop youwe needhave to make is tohome see Jared in downtown Snellville. a HUGE selection for your we have a HUGE selection did when you came in.”

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Our Town Gwinnett

Gwinnett Salvation Army: Welcomes New Leadership

By Emily Rubin The Salvation Army in Gwinnett welcomed two new captains in midJune. Captains Paul and Analese Ryerson transferred to the Lawrenceville location from Texas where they had been commissioned officers for ten years. The couple has only been in Gwinnett for a short period of time, but they are enjoying the community so far.

“It’s been a pleasant experience,” Paul said. “People have been nothing but kind; they’ve been very welcoming.”

Because the captains moved amid a global pandemic, getting acquainted with the community has been somewhat difficult. They have good friends in the area already through the Salvation Army training college and territorial headquarters in Atlanta. To branch out more, Paul plans to join the Gwinnett Rotary Club.

Becoming acquainted with the community is extremely important to Paul and Analese because it allows them to assess the community’s needs. The Salvation Army helps those in need through rent and utility assistance, grocery assistance, emergency housing, and drug and rehabilitation centers. The current pandemic has brought more demand for these services.

“The financial requests that we saw coming in, just in the first fourteen days of April, is what we would normally assist in a given year,” Paul said of the demand he saw in Texas before transferring.

The Salvation Army had to change operations to accommodate those in need while safely practicing social distancing. Food distribution was moved outside in a drive thru format, and social work was done virtually as much as possible.

Along with the social work they do, the captains pastor the church at the Salvation Army together. Worship is now offered virtually on Sunday mornings and in the parking lot on Sunday evenings for the safety of the community.

Deemed an essential organization, the Salvation Army has worked throughout the pandemic to help those in need. Many people lost their jobs due to the shutdown of the economy, and those living paycheck-to-paycheck were left with no means of paying rent or feeding their families.

“Need doesn’t change just because people aren’t able to go out,” Analese said. “I think need has actually grown.”

Paul and Analese are proud of their staff for continuing to serve others amid the pandemic.

They are pleased with the outcome and response to their continuation of services and are still Continued on page 22

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Bringing Comfort to America, One Home at a Time

A Heart for Healing: Meet Nurse Regina Canty

By Traci Sanders

Regina Canty is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and a clinical nursing instructor at Gwinnett Technical College. She is also the chapter president for Gwinnett/Forsyth United Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to healthcare for the citizens of Georgia.

Canty started out in the medical field at Gwinnett Medical Hospital back in 1992 as Unit Secretary while she attended school to become a Registered Nurse.

She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in nursing, and finally a Master’s of Science as a Nurse Practitioner. Combined, she has over twenty-five years of nursing experience.

The COVID-19 situation brought about many changes to Canty’s job, as it did for many others in the medical field. Georgia is one of the few states that does not allow an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) to practice to the full extent of his or her education. Georgia’s healthcare system is also ranked as one of the lowest of all states. Canty stated, “APRNs are ready and willing to help with the shortage of providers, but we need the barriers removed. For example, in rural Georgia, it takes some patients more than forty-five minutes to reach their nearest care facility.”

The pandemic also required Canty to begin working from home for many of her shifts. She commutes to the clinic once or twice weekly, however, which she enjoys because she misses the face to face interaction with her patients. “I have healing hands and a heart that loves to help people,” Canty said. “I also have the knowledge to help people care for themselves and teach students how to become better nurses and leaders in the industry.” Canty’s clinical classes with her students were cancelled as well due to the quarantine, which she said makes her job difficult.

“Nursing is a hands-on profession,” she said. “There is no getting around it. We have to keep educating because the community needs nurses.”

Many of the nurses on Canty’s team experienced a healthy level of concern due to the pandemic, but none have mentioned leaving the profession. They have remained determined to do their jobs.

“COVID-19 is new,” Canty said. “I educate my patients to take care of their mental health first. I also practice safe social distancing and use a PPE recommended by the CDC.” She also recommends that citizens wear masks because it ensures the virus is contained in its own space.

Continued on page 22

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PAGE 21

Gwinnett Salvation Army Continued from page 21

Accessing Care in a COVID World! Continued from page 15

working on safely assisting those in need.

“We’re still figuring out what the next several months are going to look like,” Paul said. “We’re focusing on where to go from here – what does the Salvation Army look like three months from now, six months from now, one year from now – so that we can continue to do the most good in Gwinnett.”

More information at https://salvationarmygwinnett.org

burden on health care facilities and staff, while still providing individuals with the care they need. Virtual health care is an umbrella term that encompasses all ways health care providers remotely interact with patients whether by phone, email, or webchat.

Virtual health care includes technology-based communication that allows people to connect and communicate with a doctor or other health care professional without being in the same physical space. In some cases, telehealth can put you in contact with a doctor more quickly than calling your health care provider or local hospital.

Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, frontline health care workers have been flooded with phone calls from patients who are concerned about possible COVID-19 symptoms. As a result, many health systems are implementing self-triaging tools to help patients check their symptoms before being connected to a doctor or visiting a clinic.

Accessing Virtual Health Care is easy as 1-2-3?

Your 1st step is to contact your current health insurance provider to inquire about your telehealth options. In todays’ market almost all the major carriers are offering a telehealth solution for basic needs and care, in some cases at a $0 co-pay. In addition, you have access to COVID-19 and 24/7 Nurse Hotlines. If you haven’t already done so, may I recommend you register with your health insurance provider via their website. This will be your gateway to all the services they offer to you as an insured member.

In addition, telehealth expands beyond just your medical needs; it also provides for Mental Health services allowing children and adults alike to speak to mental health professionals over the phone or via tele-chat. Studies show that Mental Health issues have risen dramatically over the last six months. Help is just a phone call away!

As a mom of four I have used the services outlined in this article for years. My busy days often wouldn’t allow for three to four hours off in my day to drive to the doctor, sit, wait, be exposed to a host of germs, see the doctor, drive to the pharmacy, and return home. Sound familiar? Just recently my son woke up with pink eye, and within two hours we had a prescription in hand after speaking to the doctor via a telehealth call. The call was a $0 co-pay, we used GoodRx for a discount on the prescription, and off we went on our day. For added convenience some pharmacies are now offering home delivery for new prescriptions with carriers offering mail-order for long term maintenance drugs.

As you embark on your new role as the Family Healthcare Advocate, ask questions – lots of questions! You will be happy you did.

More information at msutter@wiaonline.com

A Heart for Healing Continued from page 21 Canty wishes people would simply respect her profession and understand that healthcare workers are dedicated to helping people and the community, but that it is a team effort. “The patient’s health is important,” she said, “but nurses’ health is important, too. Research has shown that the nursing profession is one of the hardest degrees to acquire. It makes sense because what other profession integrates science, mental health, spirituality, and love?”

More information at https://gcuaprn.enpnetwork.com/.

Back the Blue Continued from page 19

God for their willingness to put their life on the line for my safety and security.

Since my training, much has happened in our city. There have been riots and protests in this time. And I have watched our men and women in blue take incredibly harsh criticism, sometimes bordering on hatred, and be subjected to venomous verbal assaults and physical harm. I know they are not perfect and sometimes make mistakes. Goodness, don’t we all? And I know that there are rogue officers who choose to do things their way.

But I also know that they are the exception, rather than the rule, and it is my personal belief and experience that 99.99% of the men and women who serve our city as police officers are good, moral, decent human beings, doing their very best to do what they’ve sworn to do, all for a salary that is far less than they deserve, and at great personal sacrifice for their families.

I have become one of them. With every siren I hear, with every call-out made, my heart quickens just a bit, and I pray for those involved and for the police officers that will respond.

And I feel the pride they feel to be a part of the men and women that proudly serve our city, our county, our state, and our nation as police officers. We all should.

More information at ronlambrosministries.org.

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