EARLY SUMMER Edition 2026: (GREEN) Our Town Gwinnett/Walton Magazine

2026 EARLY SUMMER EDITION Gwinnett/Walton Community & Family Magazine

Our Town GWINNETT

Grayson | Dacula | Lawrenceville | Snellville | Loganville

Up Close with Bertin Enterprises, Inc. see story on page 5.

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2026 Early Summer Edition Our Town Gwinnett

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On the Cover:

Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence and Integrity with Bertin Enterprises

By Kristen Eleveld They say that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. And for local business owner George Bertin, that ideal has always rung true.

What began as a part-time opportunity has now evolved into a four-decade legacy of service, leadership, and innovation, right here in Gwinnett.

After being laid off, George Bertin relocated to Atlanta in pursuit of new opportunities. To support his family during the transition, he accepted part-time work cleaning offices. At the time, it was just a way to bring in some extra income.

George had no idea that he was starting a business that would last for generations.

“I was always influenced by my father’s entrepreneurial spirit,” said George, who hails from St. Lucia. “I watched him lead a successful tourism on the island.”

That entrepreneurial spirit quickly became George’s own vision, driving him to create a reliable, high-quality facility maintenance and janitorial services business to serve the people of Gwinnett.

Over the past forty years, Bertin Enterprises has grown steadily while maintaining its commitment to excellence and long-term client relationships.

The company has provided reliable, high-quality facility maintenance and janitorial services across Gwinnett County and surrounding areas, proudly managing accounts that have endured for more than two decades.

“It’s about building relationships,” said George, speaking of what has made this business such a success. “From the beginning, our approach has been grounded in trust, consistency, and personalized service.”

It’s easy to see why relationships are so important to Bertin Enterprises. This company is truly a family affair. Terence Bertin, George’s son, now leads the organization as president. Under his direction, Bertin Enterprises has integrated AI-driven innovations and process improvements that enhance both operational efficiency and employee experience.

“Terence’s leadership reflects a forward-thinking approach that merges technology with the timeless values that define the Bertin brand—integrity, respect, and a commitment to people,” said George.

This commitment extends beyond client relationships to the company’s internal culture. Many of Bertin Enterprises’ employees have served for over thirty years, a reflection of the company’s emphasis on mutual respect, professional growth, and long-term partnership.

As Bertin Enterprises celebrates forty years of success, it continues to embody the values upon

2026 Early Summer Edition Our Town Gwinnett

which it was founded—excellence, innovation, and relationships that endure.

If you are interested in finding out how you or your business can benefit from Bertin Enterprises’ commitment to excellence, the process is easy.

Just head to their website to find out how George, Terence, and their incredible team can make a difference for your maintenance and janitorial needs.

More information at 678-225-0660 https://www.bertinenterprises.com/

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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 2026 by Our Town Gwinnett. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without written permission from the publisher.

Publisher/Owner Dr. Ryan T. Sauers Ryan@EndResultz.com

Cover Photography Emil Powella Photography

Creative Director Elsie Olson Elsie@EndResultz.com

Distribution Coordinator Rob Rome

Editor Catherine L. Osornio Editor@EndResultz.com

Cover Story Feature Writer Kristen Eleveld

Feature Writers Jenna Cooper Victoria R. Crosby Tana Poncsak Traci Sanders

Contributing Writers

IN THIS ISSUE

Jane Bishop Dr. Jenny Reesman Tanisha Turner Pam Walker

5 On the Cover: Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence and Integrity with Bertin Enterprises 7 From the Publisher: Ryan’s Remarks 7 Pet Perch: Please Don’t Say Sorry 9 Impact: A Word for Your Day 9 Learning Lessons: Summer Activities that Help Children Learn 11 Road Trip? Keep These Tips in Mind 12 Three Ways to Look and Feel Your Best This Summer 13 Travel Tales: Summer Adventures – Maybe!

13 Up Close with the Snellville Book Festival 14 Getting to Know Emil Powella

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From the Publisher:

Ryan’s Remarks

By Dr. Ryan T. Sauers

@RyanTSauers

@RyanTSauers

In a world where uncertainties abound, and noise and chaos often drown out the authentic voices, it is crucial to pause, reflect, and recognize the values at the heart of genuine relationships and ultimate success. This means working hard to build the indispensable virtues of honesty, authenticity, integrity, and trust. We should not HATE, but indeed we should HAIT. Honesty, the unwavering beacon of truth, is essential in building meaningful relationships. When we embrace openness, we create an atmosphere of transparency where open communication can flourish. Honest conversations build trust and enable us to navigate conflicts with empathy and understanding. By valuing honesty, we foster an environment that encourages growth and fosters resilience, laying the groundwork for success.

Authenticity, the art of being genuine to oneself, is a powerful force that attracts like-minded individuals and paves the way for impactful connections. When we have the courage to embrace our authenticity, we inspire others to do the same, leading to a harmonious community where everyone’s unique strengths can shine. Embracing our true selves fosters an environment of acceptance and inclusivity where diversity of thought and

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Pet Perch: Please Don’t Say Sorry

By Dr. Jenny Reesman, DVM We all stand around a gray faced frail body lying on the table. She is petting his head, gingerly, but with firm reassurance that she is still there. He is looking over her shoulder, red eyes trying not to cry. I move slowly, giving way for the emotions and time to process each step. Then I hear those words.

“I’m so sorry,” she mutters as tears fall on his muzzle. “I’m so, so sorry, sweet boy.”

When I hear those words as we are saying goodbye to a cherished friend, I am often taken back. I find myself wondering, why are you sorry?

I have been in practice long enough now that I have known many of the people who walk through the door for a decade or longer. I have been in the room on the first visit with a new friend, or the last visit with an old friend. We talk about our kids, families, travels, and lives. I hear stories about how their pets are part of their family. I know how much these pets are loved.

So, when I stand in a room with a person, a couple, or a family that have dearly loved this sweet friend, and I have been privileged to hear about so many of the stories over the years, I wonder why you are sorry? You have spent time throwing the ball, hiking in the woods, meandering through the neighborhood, and cuddling on the couch. You are letting go, even though it hurts, because you love them enough to let them go when it is time. You have given them this wonderful life over all these years.

I understand how it hurts, having let go of my own cherished pets over the years that have been a part of my family. I understand the pain; how hard it is to make the decision. I understand the questions: Is it the right time?

Is it too soon? Did I wait too long? Knowing that allowing a cherished pet to cross the rainbow bridge, even when it hurts, is a final gift. This gift is given with tears, hugs, gentle pats, and often laughs at memories and stories of times gone by. It is a decision made with so much love and courage, so please don’t be sorry.

Dr. Jenny Reesman is owner of Brookwood Animal Hospital. More information at https://brookwoodanimal.com/

2026 Early Summer Edition Our Town Gwinnett

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Impact: A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop What if the smallest moment of your day is the one that changes someone else’s? We often think of impact as something big, visible, and measurable, an award, a milestone, a breakthrough moment. Impact is happening all the time. It’s in the tone of your voice in a meeting. It’s in the pause before you respond. It’s in the way you choose to show up when no one is watching. Impact is a strong effect or influence on someone or something.

It’s interesting that impact is powerful yet not always obvious. Consider Cori Close, head coach of UCLA women’s basketball for fifteen years. She hasn’t built her program by copying someone else’s blueprint or trying to coach like the loudest voice in the room. Her impact comes from alignment, which comes from her values, her authenticity, and her belief in developing the whole person, not just the athletic statistics. The impact of her influence runs deep as players grow not only in skill, but in confidence, accountability, and leadership. The impact of her style has not always been obvious. Recently, however it was as the UCLA team became the 2026 Women’s Basketball Champions!

That’s impact.

Impact can be immediate, a word of encouragement that shifts someone’s mindset in the moment. And it can be lasting; belief you help shape that stays with someone long after the interaction is over. Often, we underestimate the

value of both. We discount the small moments because they feel ordinary, and we overlook the lasting ones because we don’t always see the outcome.

The value of making an impact is not to be underestimated. The reality is, we are making an impact with each connection, each decision, each daily practice. The question is not if you are making an impact but what kind. So how do we become more aware?

Start by paying attention. Awareness creates choice.

Notice the ripple effects of your words and actions. After a conversation, ask yourself: Did I leave that person better, clearer, or more supported? At the end of the day, reflect: Did my choices align with who I say I am?

When you realize your impact is not aligned with your core values, that’s an invitation to intentionally shift. Stop, pause, and think. Then adjust or shift your tone, your approach, your next step.

Impact requires presence. Consider moving through your day with a quiet awareness that everything you do carries influence. Small doesn’t mean insignificant. Subtle doesn’t mean unimportant. Because the most meaningful impact is not always the one you can measure, but it is always the one that matters.

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

Learning Lessons: Summer Activities that Help Children Learn

By Tanisha Turner Summer is a time to slow down, spend time outdoors, and have some fun! While this change of pace is an opportunity for families to get more rest and relaxation, it’s important that children still engage in activities that encourage learning.

Fortunately, the summer season provides plenty of ways for children to explore nature and discover science, so “finding learning opportunities” does not have to be another addition to your to-do list. The outdoors provides the perfect setting for young children to experience physics, chemistry, and biology in ways that they can relate to and understand.

Swinging, sliding, and swimming are great examples of activities that your little one is likely already doing that also introduce her to the fascinating world of science.

• Swinging: Swinging back and forth on a swing set allows children to experience the effects of motion and gravity. Children realize that as the swing comes to a stop, they must push off the ground to set the swing back in motion.

• Sliding: Slides allow children to experience the effects of gravity and friction. Children realize they can slow down by pressing on the soles of their shoes, or go faster by lifting their feet.

• Swimming: Children experiment with the scientific principle of buoyancy while learning to swim, asking questions like, “Why do I float sometimes and other times I sink?”

It’s not necessary for you to explain the science behind each activity. The experiences alone build a foundation for learning and help children grasp scientific principles later in life. But, to build on your child’s learning and encourage his natural curiosity, consider explaining the science in a hands-on way by setting up simple experiments.

For example, if your child asks what she needs to do to float, try this interactive game to help teach her why some objects sink and others float:

Continued on page 14

2026 Early Summer Edition Our Town Gwinnett

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Ryan’s Remarks Continued from page 7 experience can thrive.

Integrity serves as the bedrock upon which strong relationships are built.

It embodies the essence of being true to oneself and others, fostering an environment of mutual respect and reliability. When we act with integrity, we demonstrate our commitment to our values and principles, even when faced with challenges or temptations. This unwavering dedication inspires trust in others, forming a solid foundation for lasting connections.

Trust, the delicate thread that weaves our relationships together, is success’s lifeblood. Trusting relationships are built on integrity, honesty, and authenticity. When we trust one another, we can collaborate more effectively, embrace vulnerability, and achieve greater heights. Trust empowers us to take risks, knowing we have a support network that believes in us and our aspirations.

In a world often marked by skepticism and cynicism, it is vital to remember that the HAIT words hold immense power. They are not mere buzzwords, but guiding principles that can transform lives and communities. By

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embodying these virtues, we can foster deeper connections, nurture genuine relationships, and create a ripple effect that resonates far beyond our immediate circles.

When we cultivate such values, we create a positive and nurturing ecosystem where success becomes inevitable. Let us strive to exemplify these values not only in our personal lives, but also in our professional endeavors.

Let us lift each other, celebrate each other’s victories, and champion the power of these virtues in all our interactions.

Remember, every action we take, no matter how small, has the potential to make a difference. Let us create a world where success is not measured solely by material gain, but by the positive impact we make on the lives of those around us. Together, let us forge a community that stands tall on the pillars of these critical ideas in this article.

These are some thoughts I wanted to share with our fantastic community.

Thank you for supporting us and all the small business partners who make a difference in our lives daily. They all operate in a manner built on trust.

Finally, and as always, thank you for continuing with me on the journey of my town, your town, OUR TOWN!

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Road Trip? Keep These Tips in Mind

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff Whether you’re day-tripping with family, taking a week-long vacation with pals, or doing a cross-country solo drive, summer road trips can be long and exhausting. The good news? There are plenty of ways to improve the experience.

Great Snacks: Road trip snacks are non-negotiable! They make car rides of any length brighter, keep drivers and passengers happy, and fuel them for the miles ahead. It’s best to have a mix of snack options that are easy to eat in the car or at roadside stops. Carrot sticks, pretzels, and nuts make great savory choices.

For an easy, on-the-go, fruity, and juicy snack, try Black Forest Gummy Bears and Gummy Worms. Now juicier, Black Forest Gummy Bears and Gummy Worms are made in six delicious fruit flavors, making them a great

2026 Early Summer Edition Our Town Gwinnett

road trip snack. Crafted with care, they are made with real fruit juice and colors and flavors from real sources.

Refreshing Breaks: Having a great time shouldn’t come at the expense of your or your traveling companions’ comfort. Beyond typical bathroom breaks and pit stops, consider visiting points of interest along the route.

Ideally, these detours shouldn’t add too much additional mileage to your odometer or time on the road, but instead, be designed to break up the trip into manageable chunks. From a natural landmark to a beautiful view, the experiences will emotionally and physically rejuvenate your party for the next leg of the journey.

Games and Music: Entertainment can help the miles pass more quickly.

If you’re driving alone, prep a great playlist or download some audiobooks or podcasts before the trip so you aren’t distracted by flipping through your device while driving. Try giving each hour of the journey a different theme – such as songs of a specific genre, from a particular decade, or by letting passengers take turns being the DJ. You can also pass the time by playing classic road trip games like “I Spy” and “Twenty Questions.” You can keep passengers in the backseat occupied, particularly little ones, by supplying them with portable versions of their favorite board games.

Sustainable Tweaks: It’s easy to reduce your impact on the environment on road trips, and doing so will make you and your travel companions feel better and more energized about your journey! Try turning off the AC and feeling the fresh breeze from open windows to reduce fuel use. Regarding hydration, please bring your own reusable water bottles and refill them at rest station water fountains.

You can also select snacks wisely. For example, Black Forest Gummy Bears and Gummy Worms are now available in store drop-off recycle-ready packaging. Help protect the planet by participating in the Store Drop-Off program, conveniently located at retail stores along your route.

So, have a great trip this summer everyone. With delicious snacks, fun games, and detours, a road trip doesn’t just have to be a means to an end; it can also be a relaxing and fun part of your vacation. (StatePoint)

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Three Ways to Look and Feel Your Best This Summer

By Our Town Gwinnett Staff The hottest days of the year can create several seasonal beauty challenges. Here’s a head-to-toe guide to looking and feeling your best in summer: Hair: Dry heat and humidity can cause hair problems, such as drying and frizzing. Whether you’re hitting the beach or pool or just enjoying the warm weather, giving your hair the care it deserves to stay hydrated and frizzfree is essential.

When enjoying the sun, try protective hairstyles such as buns, braids, and ponytails. These will reduce frizz while preventing damage from wind and humidity. One bonus benefit of these dos is that getting your tresses off your

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neck will also help keep you nice and cool.

Remember that just like drinking water hydrates your body, using the right shampoo and conditioner can replenish and protect dehydrated strands. Your shampoo and conditioner should clean well, replenish, smooth, and condition to fight frizz and lock in the right balance of moisture.

Skin: Unfortunately, summer activities and fashion choices can be associated with many skincare woes. After swim sessions, take a quick shower to rinse off chlorine and prevent sensitivity and dryness. Whether you go for a run or play pickleball, don’t sit around in your workout clothes afterward. Showering after sweat sessions of all kinds can help keep your skin clear of blemishes.

You may also be shaving more frequently in summer.

Prevent razor burn with exfoliation and by using aftercare products that soothe skin. Finally, when it comes to

Continued on page 14

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Travel Tales: Summer Adventures – Maybe!

By Pam Walker Wow….can you believe it? Summer is almost here! This year has flown by so far! Have you made your vacation plans by now? I hope so!

Europe is filling up more than ever this summer, and if you are planning a last-minute trip to Italy – good luck.

It is full! There have been horrendous pictures on the internet of crowds around the Trevi Fountain in Rome and St. Marks Square in Venice. Hotels, both large and small, are charging outrageous prices, too.

Other places in the world are busy as well. It is a magical year for Scandinavia.

Everyone wants to go to Norway. My friend Jan, who owns a tourism company in Oslo, says he has never been busier.

Africa and South America, both continents in the Southern Hemisphere where in our summer it is their winter, have also been slammed. Safari space is very limited, and in Patagonia in southern Argentina and Chile, hotels are full.

Asia, too, is experiencing unprecedented tourism, and Japanese tour companies have stopped taking tour requests through October. All in all this year’s travel boom is alive and well. So again, if you have not made your plans yet, contact your travel advisor as soon as possible to get to where you want to go.

Don’t forget the USA. You won’t find space in Orlando as the home of the Mouse is always on everyone’s list to visit. Plus, Orlando is building new attractions and theme parks every year. There are six major parks there now, and two new ones are being built as I write this.

Don’t forget our national parks! We have some homegrown beauties across

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2026 Early Summer Edition Our Town Gwinnett

Up Close with the Snellville Book Festival

By Victoria R. Crosby The second annual Book Festival was held at Grace Church in Snellville with over eighty authors proudly displaying and signing their books.

It was my first time attending a book fair as a vendor. It was fascinating to see the many genres of books, adults, young adults, children’s books, fiction, and non-fiction. Many had a fantasy theme with plenty of dragons displayed on their tables.

The Book Festival was the brainchild of Mary Treadwell who decided to create a forum for independent authors to promote their books. Mary has been a voracious reader since she was a child and became involved with authors when her friend wrote her first book. Mary soon began assisting authors in

Continued on page 14

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Getting to Know Emil Powella

Learning Lessons Continued from page 9

By Kristen Eleveld

1. Help your child fill a bucket with water and gather miscellaneous items that will not be harmed if they get wet.

2. Ask your child to predict if the items will float or sink, and ask for the reasoning behind each prediction.

3. Allow your child to place the items in the water, one at a time. As each item is tested, let her change her prediction—it shows she is thinking critically and refining her thoughts based on evidence. Listen to her observations each time.

4. After your child has tested each item, ask her how the items that float or sink are similar to one another.

Finding ways to play with science this summer doesn’t have to be complicated. Just follow your child and listen to her questions – science is everywhere!

Tanisha Turner is Owner of Primrose School at Sugarloaf Parkway.

More information at www.PrimroseSugarloafParkway.com or call 770513-0066.

For some, the chance to retire is a chance to rest. For others, they might wonder what they are going to do with all of their time. But for Our Town’s photographer, Emil Powella, retirement was another opportunity to stay busy, learn a new skill, and create a new career.

Hailing from Lilburn, Emil is more than active in his community.

At 73, he began serving on the city council, which he has continued to do for the last six years. With an extensive background in retail marketing, Emil offers a smart and needed perspective to ensure that the city of Lilburn continues to meet the needs of its community.

So how did this marketer-turned-photographer wind up in a totally new career? The answer is simple: he wanted something to do.

“Marketing is what I did—but not who I was,” said Emil, who was offered the chance to retire at the age of 59. After working for a little longer as a consultant, Emil decided to look for another way to enjoy his post-retirement life.

With a desire to maintain some flexibility to be with his family, Emil did not set out to start a business. Instead, he decided to learn photography, and quickly found that not only did he love it, but he had a talent for it, too.

“I am just having a ball. This is so much fun,” said Emil. “And while I am relatively new to the industry, I have been able to spend so much time researching photography that I have been able to accumulate the equivalent of twenty years of experience.”

As Emil puts it, once he’s in, he’s in. That’s why, seven years into becoming a photographer, Email has become the unofficial photographer of the city of Lilburn. You might find him at city-sponsored events, or maybe around town as he looks for opportunities to capture moments to share with the community.

But don’t be fooled. Emil may live in Lilburn, but he has traveled to all sorts of places to photograph events. If you were at the rodeo in Shady Dale, Georgia, you probably saw Emil there, too, taking photos to commemorate the exciting—and often hair-raising—rodeo competitions.

One reason that Emil is so sought after for photography needs is that he is one of the friendliest people in Gwinnett County, and forms new friendships wherever he goes.

“I am a terminal extrovert,” said Emil. “I have to be where the people are!”

Emil feels strongly that many people put their entire identity into their work, and when retirement comes, they may feel a little lost. He encourages people to separate who they are from what they do—and find a way to make retirement an exciting adventure.

“If you are only who your company says you are, then when you retire, you become nothing,” said Emil.

In fact, he even has a photography presentation, titled “You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks,” that he designed to motivate people to find something to do during their retirement years.

At the end of the day, Emil has the same priorities he always had: following Jesus and enjoying the time with his wife, his daughters, their husbands, and four grandkids.

“I am a follower of Jesus and that hasn’t changed,” said Emil. “I’m just going to go out and live and do what God leads me to do.”

Travel Tales Continued from page 13 the USA. Go to their website (nps.gov) before you travel as tickets to enter the parks are now required at quite a few of them.

One final word – always remember to be patient and kind when you travel.

Travel is the best way to share worldwide peace, and we learn so much from each other when we travel to new places. Enjoy your summer travels!

Pam Walker is a Virtuoso travel advisor. More information at pam@ walkeradventures.com

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Snellville Book Festival Continued from page 13 publishing, editing, and promoting, and even assisted a friend who opened a bookstore for independent authors. Mary hosted book signings and launches and was involved in the annual writers’ conference. In the fall of 2022, Mary was asked to head up the Georgia Independent Author of the Year Awards and the Georgia Independent Author Association.

Before her involvement with authors, Mary Treadwell had two successful careers as a social worker and a 911 Communication officer.

I had the opportunity to chat with several of the authors, and it was a great learning experience for me. The authors had creative displays on their tables, and bookmarks and business cards with their information was available for people to take.

Shelby Hailstone Law writes young adult fantasy fiction. Her series, The Scaleshifter Saga, is about two young people who are forcibly turned into dragons to be used as weapons of war. She also writes fantasy fiction without dragons. Her display was most eye catching.

Martha Ratledge Buchanan is an author, columnist, motivational speaker, storyteller, and humorist. She is a member of many literary organizations including the Southern Writers Association, which she encouraged me to join.

Her books include several genres.

Lori B. Duff has written a novella titled Broken Things, and her business card says she’s a writer, speaker, and recovering lawyer!

Mike Nemeth has written many novels, including a prequel and sequel to one of them.

Christina Petrides writes for adults and children and has also published a collection of poetry. She translated the book Grounded in Love by Maria A. Shelyakhovskaya from Russian.

Delatria Sam writes for adults and children. Her topics include health and wellness. She has a background in clinical research, including oncology.

Delatria’s seven-year-old daughter has recently published a book with her own illustrations titled Foxy’s Book of Friendship and Kindness.

Onjel Bercher writes Young Adult Christian Fantasy.

One of the more unusual books was how to prepare for the aftermath of a loved one’s death, titled The Plan written by Valisha J. All these authors have been showcasing their books at book fairs and festivals. Mary Treawell makes it easy and affordable for new writers, as well as more established authors, to promote their work.

More information at www.snellvillebookfestival.com

Look and Feel Your Best This Summer Continued from page 12 your long-term beauty and wellness, it’s essential to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF. Doing so is not only good for you, but it can also help prevent the appearance of aging.

Nails: If you’ll be wearing sandals regularly this summer, you’ll want to treat your feet to pedicures so they look their best. Start any at-home pedicure session by soaking your feet in a bath prepared with Epsom salt or essential oils. Dry your feet, and then gently use a pumice stone to remove dried skin and calluses. After clipping and shaping your nails, consider painting them with clear nail polish for a finished look, or go bold with a bright summer color.

With a few tweaks to your beauty regimen, you can wholly embrace the summer while looking and feeling your best. I hope everyone is having a great summer and that these tips prove helpful to you. (StatePoint).

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2026 Early Summer Edition Our Town Gwinnett

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