Say hello to Dhiren Rhinehart. Dhiren is a permanent resident at Our Neighbor, a residence for people with physical and developmental challenges to become independent and contributing members of the community. He works at the Next Chapter Bookstore on the Gainesville Square where “organization and accuracy are of utmost importance,” he says.  When he isn’t busy at the bookstore, Dhiren loves swimming, playing basketball, tennis and bocce ball – just to name a few! Additionally, he’s been involved in Special Olympics for 10 years now. He occupies his free time volunteering at the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia. Dhiren is a comic book fanatic, and has collected nearly 100 of them.
We’d like to thank Dhiren for taking time to answer a few questions about himself and his life here in Hall County.
 
Question: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
Answer: “After graduating from high school, I moved in with my aunt and uncle and they took me to VocRehab. I took a workkeys assessments test and realized my strengths laid in organization, and so Next Chapter bookstore was a perfect fit. I also needed a permanent residence and Our Neighbor was the perfect place.”
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Hall County, and what do you love there?
A: “For an indulgent option, El Sombrero. I get the beef and cheese nachos. For something a little healthier, I like Subway. I like all of their subs and salads.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Hall County?
A: “Almost four years”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Hall County?
A: “Chris Bandera, he’s the Special Olympics coach and also heads the Bible study group that I’m in. He has a great sense of humor, and always lends a listening ear.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: “Las Vegas to meet Rick Harrison from Pawn Stars”
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “’Space Jam’ because Michael Jordan’s in it and I love the game of basketball.”
Q: What advice would you give to a crowd of people?
A: “If you are ever anxious or nervous, memorizing scripture always helps. Let God guide you every step of the way…Don’t ever call yourself an expert because there’s always something new to learn.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “To do a Polar Bear Plunge that would benefit Special Olympics. I’d also like to be able to do a handstand for 30 seconds under water.”
Q: What is your favorite music?
A: “Taylor Swift, Disney music and country”
Q: What local business is your favorite?
A: “The Next Chapter Bookstore, where I work. And, Area 52 Comics and Games.”
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? Where in Hall County would you have lunch?
A: “Adam West, he is the voice of Batman. I’d take him wherever he picked.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about Hall County?
A: “I love how close everything is and how I can walk most places. The accessibility is awesome.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?
A: “Continuing to reside at Our Neighbor and helping it expand and grow stronger”
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: “If I could, I’d trade my legs for fins any day. I love the ocean.”
Q: What words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word “home?”
A: “Where the heart is.”
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.