EDITOR’S NOTE
Playing in the snow! When the forecast called for snow on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, I got really excited. Finally, something fun! 2022 hasn’t been the easiest so far. We entered the new year right into another COVID-19 spike (thanks Omicron). This time, it really seemed like everyone was getting sick. For me, it was my mom and dad. My sisters. My friends, colleagues. Whew, the first few weeks of 2022 were heavy. But then, a chance of snow! It was so wonderful to see our communities with a fresh BY AMY WENK blanket of snow, even if it didn’t last too long. I especially loved seeing your snow pictures. Sandy Springs resident Rachel Poole sent in pictures of her three kids: Jordyn (14), Nathan (6), and Austin (2). It was Austin’s very first time playing in the snow! And, we were especially impressed that Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst was able to craft a full-sized snowman, complete with a city-branded umbrella. So here’s hoping the rest of 2022 is a bit more carefree, with more time for fun!
4 FEBRUARY 2022 | REPORTER NEWSPAPERS
CORRECTION In the January issue, the “20 under 20” feature used the wrong picture of Kira Berzack of The Weber School. Here’s her full story with the correct photo. We regret the error.
Kira Berzack
Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst and his snowman.
Rachel Poole’s three kids: Jordyn (14), Nathan (6), and Austin (2).
As a freshman in high school, Kira got involved with Friendship Circle and Gigi’s Playhouse where she organized and facilitated a variety of events for individuals with special needs. These two organizations strive to create friendship in the lives of individuals with special needs and those facing isolation while providing an opportunity to become a contributing member of the community. Through Kira’s commitment, she Kira Berzack of The Weber School. aims to promote an inclusive community that values all individuals regardless of the challenges they face. She also teaches a weekly music and dance therapy class for adolescents with Down Syndrome. Helping the underprivileged in her ancestral home of South Africa included donating clothes, cooking dinner for an all-girls shelter, and bringing dinner to homeless individuals while on family visits. She also volunteers at the Breman Jewish Home, helping serve meals, playing bingo, and reading to residents. “I’ve noticed that when you shift the focus from yourself to serving others, you are able to experience a more gratifying form of joy,” Kira said. “The experiences, love, relationships, and skills I have gained through my volunteering will stay with me forever and will continue to influence my actions.”
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