April / May 2023 Peachtree Corners Magazine

IN THIS ISSUE

18 50

Wesleyan Artist Market Celebrates Its Silver Jubilee in 2023

32

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDUCATION

for Dinner? COVER STORY FOOD ART & ENTERTAINMENT OFFICIAL CITY PAGES

What’s FIRST UP Local Events 10 Earth Day Events 17 BUSINESS Northside Executive Shares Plans for Growth 24 PCBA Awards $500 to Furkids at March Networking Event 28 Business Organizations and Events 30 KNOWLEDGE Local Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Offers Scholarship 32 Norcross High School Foundation’s Annual Gala Set for April 21 38 BUSINESS Safe Ways to Share the Street (and The Curiosity Lab Criterium Bike Race) 42 Consulting Firm Focuses on Procurement Cost Optimization 46

60 34 65

Peachtree Corners Launches Second Phase of Connect Peachtree Corners 48 BELIEVE Faithful Events for the Holy Season 54 DOING GOOD The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County Holds Fundraiser Luncheon 56

PEACHTREECORNERS

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR & PUBLISHER RICO FIGLIOLINI

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

ARLINDA SMITH BROADY

EDITOR EMERITUS KATHY DEAN

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT RITA FIGLIOLINI

ADVERTISING

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

JULIE DAVIS

julie@livinginpeachtreecorners.com

THE TEAM & CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE

RICO FIGLIOLINI

Publisher & Executive Editor

Rico Figliolini is a creative director and social media strategist, three-time magazine publisher and podcast host. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York and is a political junky, sci-fi and anime fan, and avid reader and movie binger.

RITA FIGLIOLINI

Editorial Consultant

Rita Figliolini has lived in PTC for 23 years with her husband and life partner, Rico Figliolini. Proud mom of 3 — Jason, Kinsey and Jack. Former Managing Editor of the original Inside Gwinnett, she’s now Advisor to PTC Magazine. Telling stories is in our blood!

JULIE DAVIS

Account Executive

Julie Davis is an accomplished sales rep with over 20 years of experience in the telecom industry. When not working or spending time with friends and family, Julie can be found melting glass, as she is an avid fused glass artist.

HARRY J. PINKNEY, JR

Graphic Designer

Harry J. Pinkney, Jr is an accomplished Graphic Designer with over 25 years of experience. A Philadelphia native who now calls Atlanta his home. He enjoys his dog, Chloeé, working out, movies, and running his own freelance graphic/ web design business.

ARLINDA SMITH BROADY

Contributing Editor

Arlinda Smith Broady is of the Boomerang

Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after ancestors moved North. With 30 years of journalism experience, she’s worked in tiny newsrooms to major metropolitans. She brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread news.

KATHY DEAN

Editor Emeritus

Kathy Dean has been a writer and editor for over 20 years. Some of the publications she has contributed to are Atlanta Senior Life, Atlanta INtown, Transatlantic Journal and The Guide to Coweta and Fayette Counties.

PATRIZIA WINSPER

Writer

Patrizia hails from Toronto, Canada where she earned an Honors B.A. in French and Italian Studies at York University, and a B.Ed. at the University of Toronto. This trilingual former French teacher has called Georgia home since 1998. Catch her reporting about our vibrant city on the Peachtree Corners Network.

GEORGE HUNTER

Photographer

George Hunter is an IT professional from Alaska by way of Texas. His primary hobby is photography, covering a wide range of subjects from pets to cosplay, sports to fashion. Volunteering and fostering dogs brings him much joy. George, his wife Lila and their rescued dogs have made their home in west Gwinnett for almost 20 years.

instagram.com/peachtreecornerslife facebook.com/peachtreecornerslife twitter.com/peachtreecrnrs www.pinterest.com/ PeachtreeCornersMagazine

PEACHTREECORNERS

PUBLISHED BY MIGHTY ROCKETS LLC.

P. O. BOX 923207

Peachtree Corners, GA 30010 678-438-5310 editor@livinginpeachtreecorners.com

Peachtree Corners Magazine is published six times a year by Mighty Rockets LLC. Opinions expressed by the contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publishers, editors or Peachtree Corners Magazine. The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement it seems unfit for publication or does not fit in our guidelines.

April/May 2023 issue

Volume 5 Number 26

©2023 Peachtree Corners Magazine

The editors welcome submissions, event listings, achievements and photography. Please direct them to editor@livinginpeachtreecorners.com.

This publication is independently and privately owned, and managedby Mighty Rockets LLC

ISADORA PENNINGTON

Writer/Photographer

Isadora Pennington is a writer, photographer, and designer living in Avondale Estates, GA. She has worked in print for the past decade and has been published in the Atlanta INtown, Oz Magazine, Atlanta Senior Life, and the Reporter Newspapers.

RICHARD PHILLIPS

Photographer

Richard Phillips, an avid photographer since high school, is now a professional photographer. He specializes in casual or formal portraits, engagement photos, and small weddings as he photographs our most beautiful world. rlphillipsphotography.com

TRACEY RICE

Photographer

After a long career in global marketing for Fortune 500 companies like The Coca-Cola Company and Texas Instruments, Tracey earned a degree in Commercial Photography and now owns her own photography business. She specializes in portraits, events and real estate photography. She is the President of the Peachtree Corners Photography Club.

APRIL

22: Shredding and Recycle Event at City Hall 8:30am-12pm

MAY

6: Flicks on the Green - Spirit Untamed

13: Night Music - The Geek Squad

20: Sports on the Screen

27: Smr. Concert Series - Who’s Bad (Michael Jackson Experience) 29: Memorial Day Ceremony

JULY

1: Flicks on the Green - Back to the Future

8: Night Music - All the Locals

15: Summer Kids Festival 2-5pm 22: Sports on the Screen

29: Smr. Concert Series - Ray Howard Band (Earth Wind & Fire Tribute)

OCTOBER

7: Flicks on the Green - Hocus Pocus

14: Night Music - Chuck Martin & The Line-Up (Country Music)

21: 3rd Annual PTC Decathlon

21: Sports on the Screen

28: Smr. Concert SeriesNashville Yacht Club Band

TIMES

Flicks on the Green: 7pm Night Music: 7pm Summer Concert Series: 7pm

AUGUST

5: Flicks on the Green - Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

12: Night Music - Uptown Funk (Tribute to Bruno Mars)

12: Light Up the Corners Run

19: Sports on the Screen

26: Smr. Concert Series - Face 2 Face (Billy Joel & Elton John Trib.)

NOVEMBER

4: Sports on the Screen

11: Veterans Day Ceremony

18: Sports on the Screen

25: Sports on the Screen

30: Holiday Glow 6-8pm

JUNE

3: Flicks on the Green - Soul

10: Night Music - Her Majesty’s Request (British Rock & Pop Experience)

17: Sports on the Screen

24: Smr. Concert SeriesLetterbomb (Tribute to Green Day)

SEPTEMBER

2: Flicks on the Green - Coco

9: Night Music - The Foozer Experience (Weezer & Foo Fighters)

16: Bark at the Park 11am-2pm

22-24: Peachtree Corner Festival

30: Smr. Concert Series - Swamp River Revival (Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute)

DECEMBER

2: Sports on the Screen

9: Sports on the Screen

Yoga on the Green (by Sunny Street Yoga): Tues 8am (May-Sep) CrossFit (by PPG CrossFit): Thurs 8am (May-Sep)

Cornhole ATL League: Wed 6:30pm (Jan-Oct)

FIRST UP

Seoul of the South Food Tour Ticket Sales

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

exploregwinnett.org/seoulofthesouth

Tickets: $69 per person

Explore Gwinnett’s Seoul of the South Food Tour tickets are available for the 2023 season. Tickets sell quickly, so don’t wait. Dates are set for May 20, June 24, July 8, August 12 and September 16. The tour runs for four hours. Tickets include food at four local Korean restaurants and bakeries; transportation is provided.

April

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m.

Rossie Brundage Park

350 Autry St., Norcross norcrossga.net

Admission: free

The Easter Bunny is hopping to downtown Norcross to hide his eggs in Rossie Brundage Park. Residents should bring Easter baskets to celebrate the renewal of spring. Children will have the opportunity to visit with the Easter Bunny and parents are encouraged to take photos.

Egg-stra Special Needs

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, April 8, 1 p.m. Rossie Brundage Park

350 Autry St., Norcross norcrossga.net

Admission: free; RSVP encouraged Children with special needs and their families are invited to this Easter Egg Hunt designed for them and held in a safe, inclusive environment. The event will be wheelchair accessible and sensory-friendly with consideration for the visually and hearing impaired.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Second Thursday: Cars & Car Safety

Thursday, April 13, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

Southeastern Railroad Museum

3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth train-museum.org

Tickets: $17 for one adult and one child with train ride, $13 without train ride

On the second Thursday of every month, parents and their children, aged 2 to 4 years, are invited for a morning preschool interactive program.

Peachtree Corners Photography Club Group Meet Up

Thursday, April 13, 6:45-8:15 p.m.

Atlanta Tech Park

107 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners pcphotoclub.org

Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at Atlanta Tech Park and/or online.

Photographers of all skill levels are welcomed at 6:15 p.m. for social time.

Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence Gala

Friday, April 21, 6:30-10 p.m.

Atlanta Tech Park

107 Technology Pkwy, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 770-448-3674, norcrosshighfoundation.org

Tickets: $125

The NHS Foundation for Excellence raises funds to support Norcross High School. Its annual gala includes a reception, live auction and Hall of Fame Induction. This year’s Hall of Fame honorees are longtime community and NHS supporters Carrie and Jed DeLong, NHS Counselor Dr. Phyllis Alexandra Gerard and NHS director of bands Lee Newman.

Spring Nature Photography Boat Tour

Saturday, April 22, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Lake Lanier

5850 Charleston Park Rd., Cumming pcphotoclub.org

Admission: $75 per person for current PCPC members

Peachtree Corners Photography

Club members are invited to a sixhour guided tour of Lake Lanier. There will be opportunities to snap photos of landscapes, waterscapes, fish, birds and relics of the lake from the 1950s.

Curiosity Lab Criterium Bike Race

Wednesday, April 26, 3-10 p.m. City Hall

310 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners

Admission: free.

Professional cyclists will descend on Technology Parkway as part of “Speed Week” and participate in a six-race series of races within the living laboratory environment of Curiosity Lab. The whole family will enjoy the racing, food trucks and exhibits featuring new cycling and safety technologies. Little ones should bring their bikes for the kids’ races at 5:45 p.m. (age categories of 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8).

25th Annual Wesleyan Artist Market

April 28-29

Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Wesleyan School

5404 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners artistmarket.wesleyanschool.org

Admission: free

The work of more than 80 professional artists will be showcased, including fine art paintings, ceramics, pottery, photography and jewelry. Select Wesleyan student artists will also display their pieces. The artist market is a fundraiser for Wesleyan’s fine arts initiatives.

Theatre

Once Upon a Mattress

April 14-16

Greater Atlanta Christian School

King’s Gate Theatre

1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross greateratlantachristian.org

The Princess and the Pea is the basis for this musical comedy.

The Sponge

Bob Musical

April 20-23

Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Valor Christian Academy

4755 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta cytatlanta.org

Tickets: $20

Based on the animated se ries, this show celebrates the power of optimism.

Important Dates

APRIL

Ramadan | March 23-April 21

Palm Sunday | April 2

Passover | April 5-13

Good Friday | April 7

Easter Sunday | April 9

Tax Day | April 18

Earth Day | April 22

Arbor Day | April 28

MAY

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

SpongeBob and all his friends face annihilation of their undersea world. Just when all hope seems lost, an unexpected hero rises up. The musical is presented by CYT

The Addams Family

April 27-29

Thursday-Friday, 6 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m.

Paul Duke STEM High School

5850 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross pauldukestem.org

Paul Duke Players Presents

wesleyanschool.org

The music of Rodgers and Hammerstein bring the story of the von Trapp family to life.

School House Rock

Live! Jr.

April 28-29, 6 p.m. Duluth Wildcat Theatre

3737 Brock Rd., Duluth duluththeatre.weebly.com

Based on the popular 1970s cartoons, this fast-paced musical teaches lessons with catchy tunes. The show is presented by the 9th Grade Advanced Theatre.

Heritage Month

Older Americans Month

Teacher Appreciation Day | May 2

Star Wars Day | May 4

Cinco de Mayo | May 5

Mother’s Day | May 14

Memorial Day | May 29

JUNE

Pride Month

Norcross High School

5300 Spalding Dr., Norcross nhs-drama.com

The Norcross High School Players present The Addams Family, a musical comedy based on the characters created by Charles Addams.

The Sound of Music

April 27-29

Wesleyan School Powell Theatre

5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners

Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m.

Lionheart Theatre

10 College St., Norcross lionhearttheatre.org

Tickets: $18, $16 for seniors and students

Jeffrey, a gay actor/waiter in New York, has reconciled himself to celibacy. Then his friends introduce him to the man of his dreams, who happens to be HIV-positive.

After completing an externship with Peachtree Corners back in the fall of 2022, Abbey joined our team knowing that we want to build up our passion about patient care with additional caring Veterinarians. She will be Accepting New Clients starting June 2023.

Dr. Parsons' is a graduate of the University of Georgia Veterinary School. Her passion is being able to help her community and interact with owners! She feels strongly that pets are members of the family and if she can help maintain those relationships, she feels like she has done the job. She loves spending time with her yellow lab mix Kali and her two cats Tito & Kronk, which she spoils rotten (as they should be).

Town Green Calendar

5140 Town Center Boulevard, Peachtree Corners

peachtreecornersga.gov

Scan QR for Calendar ►

Yoga on the Green

Every Tuesday, 8-9 a.m. through September

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and June 6

Admission: free

Taught by instructors from Sunny Street Yoga, this is a yoga class for beginners to experienced yogis. Students are asked to bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two, and a mat if you have one — and wear comfortable clothes.

CrossFit at the Green

Every Tuesday, 8-9 a.m. through September

May 4, 11, 18, 24 and June 1

Admission: free

Everyone is invited, regardless of age or fitness level, to join Terrance Fox with CrossFit PPG for a strength and conditioning workout every Thursday, May through September. Students should bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two, and a mat if possible; plan to wear workout attire and good shoes.

Flicks on the Green

First Saturday of each month through October. Movies begin at 7 p.m.

Admission: free Flicks on the Green is a movie series featuring iconic movies. Bring a blanket and stretch out on the lawn to experience movies under the stars. Grab food from your favorite Town Green restaurants and picnic. Low profile lawn chairs are also allowed.

May 6 — Spirit Untamed

The computer-animated adventure film by DreamWorks follows a young girl who bonds with a wild mustang. The movie will start after the Kentucky Derby.

June 3 — Soul

A computer-animated comedy-drama by Disney and Pixar, Soul centers on a jazz pianist who dies before his big break and tries to reunite his body and soul.

Night Music

Second Saturday of each month through September. 7-9 p.m.

Admission: free

Night Music features live, local bands at the Town Green.

May 13 — The Geek Squad is a party band that can range from a three-person trio to a massive nine-piece band.

Sports on the Screen

May 20 — Atlanta United v Chicago Fire

8:30 p.m.

Admission: free

Tailgate with fellow fans. Sports fans are encouraged to bring their own coolers or purchase food and drink from one of the many restaurants in the Town Center.

Summer Concert Series

Last Saturday of each month through September. 7-9 p.m.

Admission: free.

Enjoy warm weather and hot musical acts.

May 27 — Who’s Bad, a Michael Jackson Experience, performs an authentic tribute to Michael Jackson’s musical legacy.

Memorial Day Ceremony

May 29

The Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument Association hosts a memorial event in honor of veterans.

Peachtree Corners Library Branch Calendar Highlights

5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-978-5154 | gwinnettpl.org

Make a Simple Bird Feeder

Thursday, April 6, 3-4 p.m. Children will learn about some of the native birds of Georgia and create a simple bird feeder to attract them.

Container Gardening for Seniors

Tuesday, April 18, 1-2 p.m. Get all the info about the best practices to start and maintain a container garden.

Recycled Engineering: Paper Tower

Sunday, April 23, 2-3 p.m. Kids and tweens will use their engineering, problem solving and math skills to design a paper tower that holds weight.

Digital Graduation Invitation Cards Using Canva

Tuesday, May 2, 4-5 p.m.

Tweens, teens and adults learn how to save money by creating graduation invitation cards using Canva.

Teen Sewing: Bookmarks

Wednesday, May 3, 5-6 p.m. Learn to sew with a simple bookmark project. Register online.

Create Your Own Book

Monday, May 8, 6-7 p.m.

Celebrate Children’s Book Week by constructing a book and writing an original short story. All ages are invited, from kids to seniors.

Dorm Room Cooking

Thursday, May 11, 4-5 p.m. Teens and adults are welcome to get tips and tricks on how to make snacks in a dorm room.

Sadako and the Paper Cranes

DIY Tea Blending

Monday, April 24, 6-7 p.m.

Learn how to create a personalized tea blend and sample different teas while learning about stress awareness. Kids, teens, adults and seniors are all welcome.

Sewing Basics

Saturday, April 29, 2-3 p.m.

Not sure how to use a sewing machine? This is the program for teens and adults to find out. Register online.

Saturday, May 13, 3-4 p.m. Hear the story of Sadako, a Japanese girl injured in the Hiroshima bombing, and her message of peace. Children are invited to make a paper crane to continue her legacy.

Exploring Social Media with Seniors

Tuesday, May 16, 1-2 p.m. Using a self-paced tutorial from the Computer Skills Center of the digital resource Learning Express, seniors will get tips and tricks to help them connect comfortably on social media.

5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners theforumpeachtree.com/events

Scan QR for more information ►

GWINNETT COUNTY PARKS

Bi-lingual Storytime

Fridays, April 7 and May 5 10:30-11:15 a.m.

OneStop Norcross

5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross 678-225-5400

Admission: free

There will be bilingual fun with an epic story and sing-along. Children 8 and under will experience stories in both English and Spanish.

Glow in the Dark Dodgeball

Friday, April 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Lucky Shoals Park

4651 Britt Road, Norcross 678-277-0860

Forum Fit

Wednesdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3

6-7 p.m.

Admission: free

This weekly fitness session combines strength conditioning, cardio and mindfulness, leaving participants feeling balanced and empowered. Earn a loyalty stamp for every completed class.

Thursday Night Live

Every Thursday, 6-8 p.m.

Admission: free

The Forum brings in favorite local musicians, April through October. Everyone is invited to kick back and groove to the smooth sounds. Check online for the latest musical lineup.

April 6 and May 18 — Hughes Taylor, hughestaylormusic.com

April 13 and May 4 — East & Ward, dougeasterly.com

April 20 and May 25 — Jacob Harshman, facebook.com/jhpband/

April 27 — The Human DJ, thehumandj.org

▼May 11 — Chris Cauley, facebook.com/chriscauleymusic/

Admission: $8 per child, ages 11-16

Ready, set, glow with a luminous round of dodgeball. Teams of four to six players will start with round robin, followed by single game elimination. Light refreshments will be served.

Songs and Rhymes

Saturdays, April 8 and May 13 10:30-11:15 a.m.

OneStop Norcross

5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross 678-225-5400

Admission: free

Americans Month.

April Fools Bingo Trivia

Thursday, April 13, 1-2 p.m.

OneStop Norcross

5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross 678-225-5400

Admission: $5 per Gwinnett resident, $10 per non-resident It’s a game where the prizes are real, but the trivia may not be in this fact-or-fiction spin on bingo. Adults aged 50 and up are invited to play.

Elevate Family Life

Thursdays, April 13, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25; June 1 6-8 p.m.

OneStop Norcross

5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross 678-225-5400

Admission: free; preregistration required by March 30

Elevate prepares couples to form, improve and sustain healthy relationships. Each workshop engages couples, ages 18 and up, in fun activities that teach stress, conflict and relationship management skills. Long-term committed couples to the program will receive up to $350 in Amazon E-gift cards.

Mindful and Healthy Families

June 1 — Taylor Harlow, taylorharlowmusic.com

Little Peaches

Tuesdays, April 25 and May 30, 6-7 p.m.

Admission: free

Children enjoy an ultimate playdate with kid-friendly crafts, games and entertainment on the last Tuesday of the month.

The theme for April 25 is Spring Fling; May 30’s theme is Party Animals.

Children ages 8 and under enjoy an enriching experience through music, games and oral literature, presented in English and Spanish.

Bingo for Seniors

Thursdays, April 13 and May 11 12-2 p.m.

Lucky Shoals Park Recreation Center

4651 Britt Road, Norcross 678-277-0860

Admission: $5 per Gwinnett resident, $10 per non-resident

Adults aged 50 and up are welcome to enjoy a game of bingo on the patio. April’s theme is “Spring into Bingo,” and May is “Senior Spotlight Bingo” in honor of Older

Fridays, April 14 and May 12 10:30-11:15 a.m.

OneStop Norcross

5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross 678-225-5400

Admission: free

Designed for families with young children, this program focuses on mindfulness activities to include breathwork, meditation, self-care practices, as well as health education on relevant parenting and child topics to promote healthy family lifestyles. Ages 3 and up are welcome.

Continued from page

Garden Party Luncheon

Friday, April 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center

4758 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Norcross 678-277-0920

Admission: $12 per person

Celebrate National Gardening Day! Adults ages 50 and up are invited to plant a mini-garden to take home, play giant sized classic games and enjoy a hidden courtyard garden with light refreshments and mocktails.

Wind Down with Art!

Friday, April 28, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

OneStop Norcross

5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross 678-225-5400

Admission: $15 per Gwinnett resident, $30 per non-resident Adults ages 30 and up are welcome to wind down after work and get creative. Bring a friend or make new friends while exploring the creative process using a variety of art media. Supplies and light refreshments are included. Participants are welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. No previous art experience is required.

Swim 1922 — Swim Safely

Saturday, April 29, 1-4 p.m. West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center 4488 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.,

Norcross

Admission is free, for ages 9 and up. 678-407-8801

Admission: free

It’s a fact that 70% of African American children and 60% of Hispanic children in the U.S. do not know how to swim. Through the partnership with USA Swimming, Sigma Gamma Rho’s Swim 1922 campaign provides opportunities for youths and adults within the African American community to learn water safety and swimming.

Walk the Talk — Mental Health Awareness

Saturday, May 13, 8-9 a.m.

Pinckneyville Park

4758 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Norcross Live Healthy Gwinnett, 770-822-3197

Admission: free

Take a walk with knowledgeable health professionals at an enjoyable, easy pace. Walks are held on park trails, last about an hour and are open to all ages. Experts will discuss diverse health and wellness topics while helping you build and maintain physical activity. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.

Family Field Day

Saturday, May 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Lucky Shoals Park Recreation Center

4651 Britt Road, Norcross 678-277-0860

Admission: $5

Bring the family out for a family field day and enjoy games of tug-ofwar, kickball and more.

Kids to Parks Day

Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Jones Bridge Park

4901 E. Jones Bridge Rd., Peachtree Corners 678-277-0920

Best Friend Park

6224 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross 678-277-0222

Admission: free

Art on the Chattahoochee

Saturday, April 29, 12-4 p.m.

Jones Bridge Park

4901 E. Jones Bridge Rd., Peachtree Corners 678-277-0920 |

Admission: free

Shop for unique arts and crafts while enjoying live entertainment, a chalk-art competition (open to all ages) and food trucks.

Cross-Culture Street Fest

Saturday, May 6, 5-9 p.m.

Best Friend Park

6224 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross 678-277-0222 | Admission: free

Bring the family to celebrate an evening of international experiences including food, vendors and performances.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AT ONE HEART CHURCH

VBS 2023 is all about Twists & Turns™, a fantastical celebration of games of all kinds. Kids will play their way through VBS in fun locations such as the Bible Study Game Room, Wild Card Crafts, Multi-player Missions, and Skip Ahead Snacks! But more importantly, they’ll see Jesus through the eyes of one of His closest friends and discover that trusting Jesus as Savior and following Him changes the game entirely! Following Jesus changes everything!

Register before April 15 and get a free T-shirt. To register use the QR code or go to https://oneheartchurch.org/ministries/family/kidsevents/

When: Monday, June 5th - Friday, June 9th

Where: One Heart Church, 706 N. Peachtree Street, Norcross, GA 30071 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Who: Pre-K- 5th Grade

Yielded Ministries BBQ Fundraiser at PCBC [Peachtree Corners Baptist Church]

Drive-thru behind the church, follow the signs. St. Louis ribs, chopped pork, smoked chicken, and Brunswick stew.

Menu and prices at yieldedministries.org

Earth Day Events 2023

cling Days each year, one in Spring and one in Fall. Watch the Norcross Events page at norcrossga.net for details such as the locations and times of various activities, along with what items are accepted.

City of Peachtree

Corners Recycling Day

Saturday, April 22, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

City Hall

Container Gardening for Seniors

Tuesday, April 18, 1-2 p.m.

Gwinnett County Public Library

Peachtree Corners Branch

5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners 30092 gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154

Admission: free

Get all the necessary info about the best practices to start and maintain a container garden.

Earth Day Seed Bomb

Wednesday, April 19, 4-5 p.m.

Gwinnett County Public Library

Lawrenceville Branch

1001 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154

Admission: free

Kids celebrate Earth Day by learning about the importance of wildflower seed planting and making their own wildflower seed bombs.

Neighborhood Cleanup & Recycling Day

Saturday, April 22, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Norcross Public Works

345 Lively Ave., Norcross

Admission: free

The City of Norcross hosts two Neighborhood Cleanup and Recy-

May 11, Thursday, 11 a to 2 pm

May 12, Friday, 11 am to 5 pm

Earth Day Bash!

Saturday, April 22, 10-11:30 a.m.

Bethesda Park

Earth Day at the Mill

Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Freeman’s Mill Park

1401 Alcovy Rd., Lawrenceville GwinnettParks.com, 770-904-3500

Admission: free

225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville

GwinnettParks.com, 678-277-0179

Admission: $4 per Gwinnett resident, $5.50 per non-resident

310 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners Peachtreecornersga.gov/Calendar

Admission: free

Peachtree Corners residents only are invited to bring their residential waste for recycling. ProShred will offer shredding, up to five boxes per household, and eWaste will be on hand for electronics recycling. The event is free, but there are some restrictions and charges for specific items. For more info, contact Katherine Francesconi at kfrancesconi@ peachtreecornersga.gov or 678-6911200.

Earth Day Recycling & Celebration

Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Coolray Field

2500 Buford Dr., Lawrenceville GwinnettCB.org, gwinnettcb@gwinnettcb.org, 770-822-5187

Admission: free

Hosted by Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and Gwinnett County Solid Waste, this Earth Day event invites residents to recycle electronics, lates and oil-based paints, tires, clothing and sneakers. Paper will also be accepted for shredding. There are some restrictions, so check details first. Festivities include a Touch-A-Truck and refreshments.

Bring the whole family to celebrate the planet Earth and explore the importance of water at Gwinnett’s Historic Gristmill. Visitors will enjoy stories, science investigations and create a small take-home craft after touring the historic building.

Earth Day

Mushroom Hike

Saturday, April 22, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center

2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford GwinnettParks.com, 770-904-3500

Admission: free

All ages are welcome to join Same Landes, a member of the Mushroom Club of Georgia and North American Mycological Association, to learn more about fascinating fungi, an essential part of a healthy ecosystem. This hike will be an engaging and educational walk along some of the trails located on the EHC campus, followed by a discussion.

Earth Day Old and New Growth

Saturday, April 22, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Little Mulberry Park

3855 Fence Rd., Auburn GwinnettParks.com, 678-277-0850

Admission: free

This special celebration invites all ages to the Observation Meadow as the Park gets added to the Old Growth Forest Network. There’s also a volunteer work session, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., to plant pollinators. To volunteer, sign up at VolunteerGwinnett.net.

Kids ages 4 to 10 will celebrate Earth Day at the large pavilion. A parent / caregiver is included in the children’s registration cost

Climate Intervention Workshop

Saturday, April 22, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Gwinnett County Public Library

Norcross Branch

5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154

Admission: free; registration required

Join Climate Ambassadors from Climate Interactive to learn about MIT’s En-ROADS and explore solutions with this dynamic, interactive tool. During the workshop, participants will be able to visualize the impact of different climate solutions in real-time, using the En-ROADS Climate Solutions Simulator, a user-friendly climate model. En-ROADS will be used to explore the impacts of cross-sector solutions, from carbon pricing and energy efficiency to innovations in new technology.

Homeschool Hangout: Upcycled Planters

Tuesday, April 25, 12-1 p.m.

Gwinnett County Public Library

Norcross Branch

5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154

Admission: free

Kids celebrate Earth Day and World Penguin Day by making a penguin-themed planter.

Wesleyan Artist Market Celebrates Its Silver Jubilee in 2023

This spring ushers in the 25th annual Wesleyan Artist Market (WAM), our favorite local fine art, jewelry and fine wares show. It’s set for Friday, April 28, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners.

Enjoy scrumptious beverages and snacks while taking in the talents of 85 professional artists from all over the Southeast and 19 student artists. This two-day event is open to the public; parking and admission are free.

Engage with artists as you hunt for works that you’ll treasure for years to come. “Come to the Table,” Wesleyan’s hardcover cookbook with over 200 recipes, will be available for purchase. Proceeds help fund Wesleyan’s fine arts programs.

This year, your support will facilitate the purchase of a new truck for the marching band, the refurbishing of a Steinway piano, new chorus risers and upgraded lighting in Powell Theater.

From casual customers to avid collectors, WAM always delights. To preview participating artists, visit artistmarket.wesleyanschool. org. Cheers to 25 years, WAM!

SPOTLIGHT ON THREE ARTISTS

Wendy King — Poppy and Jewel

Inspirational jewelry that cuts the mustard

When Wendy King received a spherical, vintage charm containing a single mustard seed from her husband’s grandmother long ago, she had no idea it would be the catalyst for starting her own inspirational jewelry line one day, nor that it would have such a profound and far-reaching impact on others.

In the 1950s and 60s, it was apparently customary to gift such charms, alluding to the parable of the mustard seed. Some were set in brooches, many hung on necklaces.

King found it was very effective to wear the sentimental trinket she had received as a reminder to walk in faith every day. She elected to sport the bauble on a stylish new bracelet and realized that women today would be more likely to benefit from continuing this tradition if the cherished charms of yesteryear with real mustard seeds inside were set in more contemporary, fashion-forward jewelry pieces.

“A lot of the religious jewelry has a similar look. I wanted to elevate it, put a different spin on it,” King said.

By Patrizia Winsper

She thought she could breathe new life into these vintage charms by using them to create contemporary jewelry pieces. “I went to

Debbie Mason in her garden. The photo was shot in July 2021 for our feature article “ Stay Positive, Debbie Mason’s Journey with a Daunting Diagnosis.”

Photo by Tracey Rice

antique stores, but it was like finding a needle in a haystack, especially to find them in good shape. That’s when I realized I’d have to make the charms myself too,” she added.

Today, her Poppy and Jewel pieces are made with natural gemstone beads like white lace agate, amazonite, aquamarine, pearl, tiger’s eye, labradorite, hematite and river stone and her perfected bezels with metal finishes in silver, polished gold or antique brass. Each one contains a solitary, immortalized, goldish-brown mustard seed suspended in the center of a clear resin-filled charm.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase; just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King

It’s a powerful visual, to see how physically tiny a mustard seed really is. King painstakingly creates lovely earrings, necklaces and bracelets — vessels that spark the might of faith when worn.

Her jewelry line speaks with the promise that if you believe it, everything will work out for the best. Each distinctive piece comes with a card explaining the parable that inspired it.

Faith can move mountains — pass it on

Jesus says in Matthew 17:20, “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

It’s a message that transcends all faiths and provides comfort whether you’re religious or not. We all go through low points when digging deep to find the strength to triumph is vital.

Even the smallest amount of faith in an all-powerful God, or an ever-just universe, results in great things. Sometimes life’s tests may seem insurmountable: divorce, job loss, infertility, illness.

That’s when you must believe in your heart, without a doubt, that God or the universe is bigger than those

mountains. It’s hard to do in our we-have-to-see-it-now-to-believeit society. Enter Poppy and Jewel.

Cue “You Gotta Have Faith” (George Michael, 1987).

King has enjoyed witnessing the organic growth of the one-woman enterprise she started in 2016 named after her maternal grandparents who planted the seeds of faith in her. The ripple effect of customers sharing her pieces is special.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people tell me they hear stories that grip their hearts and give their bracelets away to comfort someone in need. Then I get an email, “Well, I gave another one off my wrist. I need to restock.” That’s what it’s for. You hear somebody going through a rough patch and you pass it on,” King smiled.

The evolution of an artisan

A bachelor’s degree in government administration didn’t exactly allow King a creative outlet. Nor did her 12-year stint as a fitness instructor at Country Club of the South. She founded Poppy and Jewel when her kids were still in school, and she was able to ramp production up or down as needed. “Now that they’re grown, I can devote so much more to it,” King said.

Producing her pretty, handcrafted pieces took plenty of trial and error. “The first time I worked with the resin, I poured it, set the seed in and wondered why it was gooey. It took years of making charms that I can’t use. Those little boogers float around,” she laughed.

Lately, King has been working with a company to replicate the vintage charm that started it all for her. They are three samples into tweaking a spherical bauble with a metal band around it that should be available in a few months.

Behind the scenes

Removing air bubbles in the resin, stringing smaller beads one by one with a needle and thread, perfectly positioning the seeds — it’s tedious work.

If the resin mixture isn’t spot on and perfectly timed, it doesn’t cure correctly. It’s all part of learning what works. “I’m very methodical now. I follow the same steps every time. I don’t want any mishaps,” King explained.

This jewelry line is a true labor of love for King who has since finetuned her two-step resin pouring process. Still, every phase of a

successful batch of charms has to be completed within a certain window. She purchases the bezels (the empty metal part), mixes the resin with hardener, pours it and positions the itty-bitty mustard seed in the center while wearing glasses and a magnifying glass.

King patiently allows it to cure, but she must also check on them at exactly the right time to be able to redirect any seeds that may have drifted. Once that stage has cured properly, a second round of resin is poured.

King prefers to work on small batches of about 100 charms at a time. “When inspiration hits, I’ll go to my studio down the hall and work while those juices are flowing and I’m in that creative mindset, whether it’s crack of dawn:30 or late at night,” she said.

Shop Poppy and Jewel

Shop King’s handcrafted jewelry in person at WAM, The Red Hound in Norcross and Alpharetta, Under the Palm Tree in Dunwoody, and Josephine’s Antiques in Roswell. Electronically, visit her website, poppyandjewel.com, or Instagram account, @poppy_and_jewel.

Customizations include requests for particular colors, smaller or larger sizes. Some people bring their own beads or a broken necklace to be used. If you find a vintage charm after rifling through your family’s jewelry boxes, you can have it added to Poppy and Jewel bijouterie.

“If it brings a sense of joy or hope to somebody, if I touch one person’s life, then I’ll keep doing what I’m doing,” King declared. ■

If it brings a sense of joy or hope to somebody, if I touch one person’s life, then I’ll keep doing what I’m doing.

Wendy King

Shane Miller — Artist

Stumble into art

Maryland native Shane Miller did just that, and he’s been swimming since 2016. Miller transferred to Nashville in 2013. He always knew he’d do something creative full time, but he didn’t realize it would be painting until a chance encounter at an art crawl with Paul Polycarpou, then CEO of Nashville Arts Magazine, changed his instrument from guitar to paintbrush.

Miller had already hung up his physical therapist hat after six years in the field to pursue music. His father introduced him to guitar early. He took lessons at age 10 and was giving them by 15.

Strumming for a living wasn’t much of a stretch. For most, it would be a giant stretch. For musical Miller, easy peasy.

Touring on weekends with an independent artist, his year in the life of a professional musician allowed more time for painting. Eventually, the music volume decreased as the painting volume amplified.

A natural knack

“I had a watercolor tutor in high school. Before that, I’d draw on the back of my worksheets in elementary school. I have a natural knack for it,” Miller stated.

Miller clearly paid attention in watercolor class where he learned the fundamentals of color theory and composition. Through college and thereafter, he painted in his spare time.

After trying different styles, he settled on creating what most resonated with him: abstract, atmospheric landscapes influenced by tonalism like those one might recall from a reverie or a distant memory, using oils on canvas.

Miller took Polycarpou up on his open-door policy for local artists. The executive was open to critiquing artists’ work and had offered to introduce Miller to a gallery in town when he believed him to be ready.

True to his word, Polycarpou provided direction and in a short time, Miller signed with the Rymer Gallery. Others ensued.

Needless to say, the painter isn’t

missing his regimented physical therapy days. He considers his flexible schedule a dream. “I’m happy with my career. It was an interesting road getting here,” he said.

The sway of social media

Curating a cohesive Instagram story and posting regularly paid off for the promising artist. The platform revealed a market for his work. Miller was both astonished and assured by people’s readiness to buy paintings online.

“I’ve shipped work all over the world: the UK, Australia, Japan, the Philippines, Germany — all through the power of the internet,” Miller said.

Studio space

Miller works out of his Germantown studio with soaring ceilings, a massive north-facing window and skylight in an old flour mill that’s been converted into a business collective north of downtown Nashville.

A believer in being disciplined,

he reports to his atelier daily, inspired or not, “You have to be consistent with showing up. Diving in allows creativity to start flowing.”

The painter’s process

Miller finds inspiration in his travels. He doesn’t work from reference photos; he finds them restrictive. Surprisingly, he doesn’t aim to depict any particular panorama. He paints from his imagination.

More interested in expressing himself and capturing feelings, he seeks to take viewers on a spiritual voyage. “Painting is a subconscious process for me, like meditation,” he explained.

Miller paints bodies of water because, besides being visually interesting, they create lines leading the eye into the composition. It evokes turning a chapter, especially flowing rivers.

His monochromatic, non-specific landscapes act as a bridge to tap into emotions. He’s pleased when people feel like they’ve been to “that place” in any of his paintings.

A prolific painter, his preference is to juggle about six pieces at once. “I paint skies on different days than the foreground, working in batches. I’ll mix a certain color and carry it throughout multiple paintings so I’m not wasting paint. It’s a nice way to streamline things and jump around through different pieces,” Miller said.

Stepping away frequently when working on multiples allows him to avoid tunnel vision, “I can always reassess the direction.”

Most paintings are varnished once he’s done. He likes the subtle finish of satin varnish mixed with cold wax for a less reflective sheen.

Mystery blooms

“Recently I’ve been painting abstract florals. There aren’t many rules when painting florals,” Miller stated. One gets the impression he wouldn’t follow any if there were. He enjoys using brighter colors than he would in his landscapes.

“I don’t know one flower from the next. I just paint whatever

shape looks great and my wife will say, “That looks like a lily.” For Miller, it’s about creating a composition that feels right.

A left-brained creative?

Miller has a penchant for numbers and organization. “I have systems to keep track of everything,” he said. His paintings have an identifier that correlates to a spreadsheet and an internal tracking system. He can trace any piece, whether it’s at the studio, at a gallery or sold.

Miller dove into the accounting cycle and relishes keeping up with his books. Documenting his endeavors makes him feel accomplished.

A logbook holds records of the colors and dates of every layer of every painting — all steps taken to achieve the end result. These come in handy when clients request something similar to one of his older works.

“Painting is a very subtle thing, especially working in layers. It could be hard to recall every step,” Miller explained.

Commissions

At shows like WAM, you might not find exactly what you’re looking for, but if you like his style, Miller can create a unique piece for you. One can request a painting reminiscent of a location — the Carolinas, a marsh, the coast or mountains — and any desired

elements for the piece.

Miller then gets to work. A 20% deposit gets the ball rolling. Within a month, one can expect to see photos and videos of a piece for final approval.

Shop Shane Miller Art

Meet Miller and see his work at WAM. So that buyers can purchase with confidence, he is responsive to inquiries from his website, shaneartistry.com or through Instagram @shane. artistry.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” — Pablo Picasso

Miller espouses Picasso’s sentiment. He feels painting or any creative outlet is an escape from the mundane and rejuvenates the spirit. ■

You have to be consistent with showing up. Diving in allows creativity to start flowing.

Shane Miller

Jennifer Keim – JKEIM Fine Art and Lifestyle Design

Becoming JKEIM

Atlanta artist Jennifer Keim switches between oils, pastels and mixed media to best capture her subjects’ personalities. She’s been fostering her artistic talent since fourth grade at the behest of the late Jill Chancey Philips, a summer camp instructor at the Columbus Museum who noticed she had something special.

Keim studied under Philips until earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drawing and painting at Auburn University. Philips owned the gallery and studio where Keim spent her young adult summers learning the business side of being a professional artist.

She credits her mentor for em-

phasizing grit and form. “It’s so important understanding technique before you can evolve your style. You have to understand dimensions, perspectives and shading to bring a subject onto the page,” she said.

Keim worked in advertising for practical reasons until a successful solo art show convinced her she could do art full-time. She felt “suffocated” behind the computer, so in 2007 she left graphic design for a career as a painter.

Art therapy

An unfinished space in her home is Keim’s special place. Nails dot the walls where pieces have come and gone. Paint and resin splashes

adorn the studio floor. Her beautiful work surrounds her on all sides.

Seeing how color and shadowing can bring the beauty of a subject up off the page has always intrigued Keim for whom painting is a creative outlet. “It feels good. If I’m a little cranky, my husband says, ‘You might need to go to the studio for a bit.’”

Off to the Races

The jockeys and detailed horses of the pastel-on-wood Off to the Races series feature clean lines and vibrant colors. Keim captures the energy of the horse races. “My favorite part is doing the kickup,” she said.

Fun fact: Mud can splatter up to 20 feet behind a galloping horse. Starting with a pencil drawing

is key as the nonporous wood allows for only one or two strokes of pastel. After 20 years of working with high gloss resin, Keim is still surprised by the chemical reaction that occurs when it’s poured over pastels on raw wood. It enriches the woodgrain, melts the pastels heightening the colors and creates an almost 3D effect.

The family is warned before a resin session begins with “Do not enter; mommy is pouring.” Then it’s literally off to the races. It takes two to three minutes to precisely mix the concoction of resin and hardener and another 15 minutes to pour the epoxy before it gets too sticky.

explains. “I have to feel like they’re blinking at me before I can move on.”

Fly Guys

“My Fly Guys collection started from my husband’s grandfather’s fly box in the studio. I was up late one night and started tinkering around with it. Creative moments,” Keim said.

Textiles

Whose Booze? It’s what Keim likes to call her set of four hand painted linen cocktail napkins with

is how Keim describes her workday. There are textiles drying on tables and on the floor, scarves on mannequins. It’s a carefully timed game of drying stations in anticipation of the next color. Snuck in between is a layer being added to an animal piece.

She prefers coastal and mountain pieces in oils with visible palette knife blade marks. “I like to work with oil on linen or canvas with a venetian red backing. I was trained to emulate the masters,” she said.

Keim keeps a supply of canvases painted with a venetian red basecoat in all sizes at the ready, in case there’s something she wishes to paint immediately.

Commissions

Keim completes commissions of all sorts. Even her textiles can be personalized. Pinpointing what the client is interested in comes first. Next, learning what the space is like.

She’s been known to bring an assortment of works to homes to see what size works best with the ceiling height and the environment. A 50% deposit gets a commission underway.

The best part

Keim wants her work to incite nostalgia, cheer and joy. For her, the best part about being an artist is having people connect to a piece she was inspired to create.

“You’re getting a little piece of me in every one of my original works,” she said. “When all those happy moments combine, that really is magical for me.”

See you at WAM’s 25th!

Keim releases air bubbles with a torch and walks away for three days, hoping no bugs land on the curing resin. The finished pieces, with their glossy sheen and beveled edges, do not require a frame.

Generation Wild collection

An African safari in 2009 left Keim forever enchanted by the way of the wild — how the animals communicate, the smells, the circle of life. “It makes your heart beat in a different way. I still get chill bumps from it,” she said.

Capturing animals is all in the eyes in Keim’s view. “Start with the eyes. If you don’t get them right, you might as well start over,” she

a hemstitch, each in a different color for easy glassware identification. They’ll be available at WAM for the first time this year.

Keim also makes tea towels, scarves that double as cover-ups and more. The painted fabrics are durable and washable.

Shop JKEIM

Find Keim’s artwork and textiles at WAM, Marguerite’s in Brookhaven, B.D. Jeffries in Atlanta or visit her website, jkeim.com.

A day in the life

“I jump around like a ping-pong ball, which keeps me in the groove”

I’m positive you’ll enjoy meeting these gifted artists at WAM. The show is the springtime indulgence we’ve all come to expect. Exhibitors are looking forward to meeting you and sharing their zeal for art with you.

Thanks for one exquisitely imaginative quarter of a century, WAM! ■

Jennifer Keim

Northside Executive Shares Plans for Growth

Northside Duluth COO Jay Dennard encouraged residents to utilize new facilities, treatments offered.

Medical care in Gwinnett County has gone through many changes – especially in the last decade. It now offers new facilities and new options for different types of treatment.

Jay Dennard, chief operating officer for Northside Hospital

By Arlinda Smith Broady

Duluth campus, as well as the vice president of physician services for Northside Gwinnett and Duluth, shared information about the hospital systems growth at the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber’s March First Friday Breakfast.

Healthcare grows with the population

The origins of hospitals in Gwinnett County started with the tragic death of 6-year-old Olin Burnette in 1941. Access to major medical services was two hours away in Atlanta — it took that long to get there before the interstate was completed.

The tragedy convinced county leaders and generous donors that better healthcare options

were needed closer to home. They came together and in 1944, the Joan Glancy Hospital — named in honor of a donor’s deceased child — opened on 24 acres in Duluth.

Since then, Gwinnett Medical Center, as it was later renamed, evolved to become one of the best hospitals in the area, said Dennard. It took about six years to bring the deal to fruition, but in August 2019, Gwinnett Medical Center merged with the Northside Hospital System.

“We had struggled out here because of the demographics change, and managed care was moving folks away from the hospital,” said Dennard. “When we announced that we needed a partner, which was not unusual for any hospital system, none of the managed care

companies would renegotiate with us. So for four years, we never received any additional revenue off any billing that we had; however, costs continue to climb.”

The county grew and Northside realized it needed to have a presence here, Dennard added. The fact that Gwinnett County was able to obtain an open heart program in 2012 also made the merger more attractive.

“We were the only system in the country with a population of our size that did not have an open heart program,” said Dennard.

Northside Hospital was the first non-academic health system recognized in the Southeast by the National Cancer Institute, a center of excellence that made an appealing partner as well. With the deal,

Left, Jay Dennard (center) at the recent Southwest Gwinnett Chamber presentation.

Below, Northside Hospital Gwinnett tower project (rendering) Opposite page, attendess at the Chamber event.

What’s Next?

Northside Hospital made a commitment of investing $1.4 billion in the community.

“A lot of that is in bricks and mortar,” said Dennard. “But it’s also around expansion of key services with key staff.”

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Northside Hospital is building more of the new tower at its Gwinnett campus in a move that will make the Lawrenceville site the largest campus in the Northside Hospital system in 2025. Officials from Northside recently announced that the Georgia Department of Community Health gave them permission to add seven more stories — for a total of 17 — onto the construction that is gearing up for the new inpatient tower being built at the Gwinnett campus.

“We’re going to be close to 1000 beds at the Lawrenceville campus,” said Dennard. “We’re debating with our friends at Grady if we’ll have the most beds at one physical address within the region.”

Urgent care beyond emergency rooms

Earlier this year, Northside Hospital and Urgent Care Group opened a new Health Choice Urgent Care Center in Duluth, and they plan to open a Lawrenceville location this month.

Health Choice offers convenient, same-day care for patients with immediate medical needs, including X-ray imaging, COVID-19 testing, occupational health and illness and injury care, according to a news release.

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With the addition of the Duluth and Lawrenceville centers, the partnership now operates nine Health Choice Urgent Care centers serving the greater Atlanta communities — Braselton, Chamblee, Duluth, Grayson, Hamilton Mill, Lawrenceville, Roswell, Snellville and Sugar Hill — including six centers in Gwinnett County.

Health Choice Urgent Care Duluth is located at 4215 Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth, less than one

mile from the Northside Hospital Duluth Emergency Room. Health Choice Urgent Care Lawrenceville is located at 665 Duluth Highway in Lawrenceville. It is in the GMC Health Park, one mile from the Northside Hospital Gwinnett Emergency Room.

“We are looking at continuing to grow, and one of my responsibilities is working with a real estate company to develop not only medical office buildings, but also other sites for the system,” said Dennard. He hinted that much more is on the horizon — including Peachtree Corners. That’s why recruiting is a crucial part of future growth, he explained.

“We have a huge focus around bringing the brightest and the best to this community to care for all of you. We have a strong partnership across the whole state with the universities …and when it comes to public schools, we want to really strengthen that relationship,” he said. “We want them to stay close to home …in this great community that we have.” ■

About

Northside Gwinnet and Northside Duluth

125,000 people seen in the emergency department in Lawrenceville.

45,000 people seen in the Duluth emergency department.

100 beds in the Lawrenceville emergency department, which is a level two trauma center.

$4 million new parking deck is being built in Lawrenceville.

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ANN BARHAM ABarham@tworld.com

KARL BARHAM KBarham@tworld.com

PCBA Awards $500 to Furkids at March Networking Event

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) March Business After Hours Event was action packed with opportunities for business networking at Anderby Brewing. Everyone enjoyed new cocktails and specialty beers while enjoying dinner from Latin Fresh as well as axe throwing from Moving Target ATL NE.

The PCBA also presented a check of $500 to Furkids in support of their efforts to care for animals while helping to find their forever homes.

“The PCBA is proud to donate a

check for $500 to Samantha Shelton, CEO of Furkids in support of their efforts to rescue homeless animals, provide them with the best medical care and nurturing environment while working to find them a forever home,” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA President.

“Our Outreach Committee and Board are impressed with Furkids’ commitment to provide care and restoration for these special animals at their no kill shelters. With the PCBA’s continuous commitment to supporting our community in a meaningful way, we are excited to

be a small part of their efforts,” she added.

Headquartered in Georgia, Furkids is a nonprofit charitable organization that operates the largest cagefree, no-kill shelter in the Southeast for rescued cats, and Sadie’s Place, a no-kill shelter for dogs. Furkids also operates one of the only facilities in the Southeast dedicated to the care of FIV positive cats.

Furkids has rescued and altered more than 55,000 animals since its founding in 2002. Approximately 1,000 animals are in the Furkids program today, in the Furkids shelters, 10 PetSmart and Petco adoption centers, and more than 400 foster homes in the Atlanta area.

Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and the annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at monthly events so members can learn more about these organizations. ■

By PCM Staff Photos by Richard Phillips

Left to right, Monte McDowell PCBA Outreach; Donna Linden PCBA Board; Allison Reinert PCBA Board; Samantha Shelton Furkids; Lisa Proctor PCBA Board: Audrey Boyce PCBA Outreach, Matt Bettis PCBA Outreach

Pictures of members and guests attending the networking meeting.

Business Organizations and Events

Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

107 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 southwestgwinnettchamber.com

SWGC Coffee Connections

Thursdays, April 20, 27 and May 11, 18 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Free admission for SWGC members and visitors.

Meet up with local business professionals over coffee. Meetings are normally held in the large meeting space behind the SWGC office at Atlanta Tech Park.

The April 20 meeting is a Spotlight on Autism Acceptance Month with Ventures ATL. On May 18, Gwinnett County Commissioner Kirkland Carden will be the Special Guest.

SWGC First Friday Breakfast

April 14 and May 5, 7:30-9 a.m.

Hilton Atlanta Northeast

5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners

On April 14, Chief Magistrate Judge Kristina Blum will be the guest speaker. The May 5 breakfast will feature 2023 Georgia Legislative News.

Peachtree Corners Business Association

4989 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners 678-969-3385 | peachtreecornersba.com

PCBA Lunch Club

Thursdays, April 20 and May 4

11:30-1:30 a.m. Check online for locations.

Open to PCBA members and their guests. Online registration is required.

Meet up with PCBA members for an enjoyable way to network and save 15% off your lunch check.

PCBA Connecting Over Coffee Morning Meetup

Tuesdays, April 11 and May 9 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill 5215 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Free admission for PCBA members and their guests. Register online as space is limited.

Meet with other PCBA and business professionals over coffee in a positive atmosphere on the second Tuesday of the month. Business cards will be shared with all attendees.

PCBA Business After Hours / Speaker Series

Thursdays, April 27 and May 18 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Hilton Atlanta Northwest

5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Event registration is $35. Advanced registration is $25 for members and $30 for guests. Registration includes appetizers and drinks.

On April 27, the key note speaker is Stan Hall, CEO of Gwinnett Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Atlanta Tech Park

107 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 404-797-1221 | atlantatechpark.com

Atlanta Tech Meet Up

Tuesdays, April 4, May 2 and June 6 6-8 p.m.

The monthly meet up, sponsored by Resolvit, is held on the first Tuesday of every month in the Atlanta Tech Park Café. It’s a great opportunity for anyone to network and join a good group of people discussing anything related to technology.

IEEE Meet Up

Wednesday, April 12 and Tuesday, May 2 5:30 p.m.

There’ll be networking, exhibits, food and fun for tech professionals. Go to corporate-awards.ieee.org to register and find out more.

AITP Meet Ups

Thursdays, April 20 and May 18 6-8 p.m.

This is an opportunity to network with IT professionals in the Atlanta area. The meet ups are held the third Thursday of every month. Register and learn more at aitpatlanta.org.

SMTA Expo

Wednesday, April 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) holds this all-day event with free technical sessions, lunch and the chance to network with leading suppliers in the industry.

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Norcross High School Students’ Art to be Featured at Dogwood Festival

The Atlanta High School Art Exhibition has become a staple of the annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park. Every year, talented high school students from across Atlanta come together to showcase their skills and creativity in an event that celebrates the power of the arts.

The exhibition takes place over the course of three days during the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. One of the largest art festivals in the Southeast, the Dogwood Festival will run April 14-16 this year.

This year, 14 Norcross High School (NHS) students in grades 9-12 have works selected from among hundreds of submissions from high school students across the state of Georgia — Gisela Rojas Medina (11), Beila Rivas (12), Luptia Ortiz (12), Journey Pierre (12), Eva Rios (9), Harlet Martinez Castro (11), Fatima Huerta Rodriguez (11), Madonna Phan (11), Katelynn Pallotto (12), Dani Olaechea (11), Katherine Martin (12), Elena Garson Padoan (12), Grace Peagler (12) and Le’Anah Smith (12).

The students have the opportunity to display their artwork in a professional setting, connect with other artists and potentially win awards for their work.

The exhibition showcases the best in high school art and is highly competitive. The artwork on display includes drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and jewelry pieces. Not only does the event showcase the students’ artwork, it also brings students together to create a community of young artists in the city.

Students explored a range of different art media and themes. Gisela Rojas Medina focused on creating work from photographs of herself as a child. She then printed them using cyanotypes and hung each faded photo to create a mobile reminiscent of childhood memories.

“This piece was inspired by my own faded and distorted memories,” Medina said.

The Atlanta High School Art Exhibition is free and open to the public. A Satellite Show will be held

April 2-30 at the Limelight Gallery at Binders, 3330 Piedmont Road in Atlanta. ■

Scan the QR for more about the Atlanta High School Art Exhibition

Local Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Offers Scholarship

By Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

The Georgia Pearls of Service (GPOS), the philanthropic arm of the Psi Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., is now accepting applications for the 2023 Ora B. Douglass Scholarship.

Both entities provide service to Peachtree Corners and surrounding areas.

Since its inception, Psi Omega Omega Chapter and Georgia Pearls of Service have left an indelible impact on the community. Activities include supporting the underserved, women’s healthcare and wellness, building an economic legacy, Historically Black Colleges and Universities and mentoring students in the college admission process, as well as continued service to Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, Robert D. Fowler YMCA, Peachtree

Corners Festival and Christmas in the Corners.

This scholarship was established in honor of the president of GPOS Ora Barber Douglass, a true visionary and trailblazer who has made extraordinary contributions to the community and its youth.

GPOS has provided financial support to deserving high school seniors though the scholarship since 2015. The scholarship has created a perpetual legacy of service

that contributes to the next generation’s aspirations and goals.

All high school seniors in the metropolitan Atlanta area are eligible, provided they have been accepted into a college or university for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Download the 2023 Ora B. Douglass Scholarship information flyer and application at georgiapearlsofservice.org for more details. Applications are due by April 15, 2023. ■

MAY 15 – AUG. 15

A summer of fun including Storytimes in area parks and splash pads, camp inspired crafts and programs, a week of magic shows, and much more!

Log how much you read and win prizes!

Learn More: gwinnettpl.org

Artists & Creatives

Peachtree Corners is perhaps best known for its technology and scientific minds, but it’s a proven fact that science and art go hand-in-hand. So it should come as no surprise that Peachtree Corners is also bursting at the seams with creative people who produce art at all levels, across all art forms and in every medium.

From the visual arts to the performing arts, you will find painters, dancers, actors, musicians, and yes, even photographers, who are brand new to their craft — and others for whom it has been a lifelong quest for creative expression. Enjoy these photos taken by the members of the Peachtree Corners Photography Club, who are artists themselves, taking photos of other artists in Peachtree Corners!

The monthly meetings of the Club are open to everyone, from beginners to pros. For more information about the Club, go to their website at pcphotoclub.org. ■

Scan QR

to find out more about the club.

Building a Chalk Highway - Richard Phillips

The Eye of the a Photo Creator - Eric Richter David Williams portrait of the groove - Brian Walton

ARTIST33 - Rafael Garcia

Jamming - Tracey Rice

Peake Fish Play Fun - Joseph Peake

Jim Worthington

Out Of Control Silhouette - Paul Peterson

Out Of Control With Patrick Boudreaux - Paul Peterson

Atmosphere In A Can - Tracey Rice

Top row from left, Debra at the Guitar Room - Brian Walton

Middle row from left, CMC Art - Jim Worthington

Bottom row from left, Flag Team Dancer -

Top row, Art Studio. kids. adults - Anna Niziol; Jones Bridge of Yore - Tracey Rice

Middle row, Painting Miss Kitty - Tracey Rice; U2 Tribute Band - Paul Peterson

Bottom row, ARTIST33 - Rafael Garcia; Tennis Racquet - Anna Niziol

Shooting Goose - Jim Worthington

Norcross High School Foundation’s Annual Gala Set for April 21

The 22-year-old nonprofit continues its commitment to student excellence.

ing all classes, which increased to 13% of students passing all classes by finals in May.

The foundation raised $129,862 last school year, and since its inception has raised more than $2.6 million for Norcross High School (NHS). Close to half of that money – about $60,000 – was spent on classroom needs.

Every faculty member at NHS is asked to submit a list of things they need and want the foundation to raise money for.

The Norcross High School Foundation was started in 2001 by a group of parents who really wanted to make a difference in the community. As one of the longest running foundations in the county, the original goal of the grassroots organization was to make sure children have a good place to be after school. The founders realized that it would take money to make that happen and went about raising funds to enhance the education experience.

Today, the foundation has taken that mission further by working with teachers, coaches, advisors and volunteers. Although it may be confused with a booster organization, it doesn’t focus on a single

sport or extracurricular activities. And it’s not in competition with the Parent Teacher Student Association – it actually tries to work in concert with that organization for student success.

“Our mission, our vision, is that every student across high school will be prepared to excel in college, career and life. We ensure the success of students at Norcross High School by building community support and by raising funds to gain excellence in academics, arts and athletics,” said Tiffany Elner, co-president of the foundation.

“Not every student engages in athletics, not every student engages in art, so at a minimum by impacting academics, we are reaching every single student and that really was the goal was to take community resources from parents to bring in sponsorships and the business community,” she added.

With that mission in mind, the Norcross High School Foundation will host its annual gala on April 21 at Atlanta Tech Park.

By Arlinda Smith Broady

The foundation wants its resources to impact all of the students, added Erin Griffin, also co-president of the foundation. With approximately 2700 students at the school, every dollar is needed.

“In the past, we had them on the wall like bricks, so they’ve just historically been called “wish bricks,” said Elner. “So basically, when someone purchases a brick at the gala, they’re funding this wish list item that whatever faculty member has submitted.”

There are items in every area of academics, arts and athletics. The requests also include counseling, fine arts and visual arts.

“With every single faculty member of the school involved, the giving touches every single classroom, every single activity, every sport that you can imagine,” Elner added.

Foundation funds at work

Last year the funds went to directly support 160 faculty-led endeavors. One example is gains for the After School Matters (ASM) program where students receive extra help in academics. These students now have a newly dedicated lab space in the Gwinnett Online Campus Lab at NHS.

After returning to a 100% in person program, ASM served 86 students. Each one of the 14 seniors enrolled in ASM were on track to graduate in May or June (after attending summer school).

In March 2022, 41% of the ASM students were failing three or more classes, but by May, that number decreased to 27%. In March, 6% of students were pass-

Foundation bricks also funded the purchase of graphic design software and hardware tools for NHS graphic design students to create logos and marketing campaigns for hypothetical and real-world assignments.

NHS graphic design students and their teacher met with foundation board members to create new social media logos using the tools purchased by gala bricks for the Foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign. The students’ work is featured on the Foundation website and in Foundation social media posts.

Other wish bricks provided entry fees for students to participate in clubs and competitions in academic areas like math, Mock Trial and National Honor Society. Students in the arts program benefited from brick purchases for home improvement materials to build drama sets, sheet music and practice tracks for chorus students, as well as specialized materials for fine arts.

In athletics, bricks provided scholarships for students to participate in cross country and track, swimming and wrestling and provided training equipment for every sport at NHS.

This year, the foundation is looking to update the electronic sign in front of the school.

“The matrix sign in front of the school is very old …and we can’t really get messages out to the community,” said Elner. “You can only get two short lines of text on it. You can’t really convey a lot of information as people are driving by.”

In addition to the Wish Bricks, the gala will have auction items such as a beach vacation and golfing experience. There will be smaller ticket items as well. ■

Feature continued on page 41

James and Loretta Newman, parents of NHS graduates, purchasing Wish Bricks at last year’s gala. Loretta is the current NHS PTSA president.

Hall of Fame

Another highlight of the Norcross High School Foundation gala is recognizing the contributions from individuals at the school and in the community towards student success.

“We are grateful for these people because our high school is a family in itself,” said Tiffany Elner. “Even after their children graduate, we have people who still come to games and give back to the school in so many ways.”

Many would say that you don’t see that type of dedication every day. “Norcross High School is such a special place that I think you do find people like that every day,” said Elner.

of Peachtree Corners as a member of the zoning board of appeals and has served as president of their neighborhood HOA.

Carry and Jed DeLong are longtime supporters of NHS and the community. Although all three of their children have graduated, they are still active with the foundation and help every year.

Carrie and Jed DeLong

Atlanta natives Jed and Carrie DeLong (pictued above) have lived in Peachtree Corners for 22 years. They consider themselves proud graduates of local public schools and their youngest daughter, Remi, graduated from Norcross High School (NHS) in 2021.

The DeLongs feel strongly about supporting educators and investing in future generations. They began serving at Cornerstone Christian Academy in 2008 and served on the capital campaign committee and the parent teacher fellowship executive board.

They joined the board of NHS Foundation for Excellence in 2017 where Jed served on the investment committee and Carrie served as co-president. The couple have supported many facets of Norcross High life including cheerleading, football, baseball, soccer and are especially proud of the creation of the sensory room for the special education department.

In addition to supporting NHS, Jed has volunteered with the City

Dr. Phyllis Alexandra Gerard

Dr. Phyllis Gerard (pictured above) was born 60 years ago on the small island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She is the youngest of four children and proud of her Afro-Caribbean Latin American heritage. Dr. Gerard made her way to Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.

There she met her lifetime mentor, Dr. Richard L. Hayes, a motivating force and staunch supporter as she pursued her bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in community counseling. Dr. Gerard found employment in a counseling position at a schoolbased medical clinic in Chicago. Richard T. Crane High School, located on the west side of Chicago, taught her critical lessons about serving students with a myriad of needs.

Dr. Gerard pursued a Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Georgia. Dr. Hayes served as her major professor and influenced her desire to pursue a career in education. In 1998, while being interviewed by Dr. Francis Davis on the UGA campus, she was offered a position in a high school setting in Gwinnett County.

During the interview at the old Norcross School building on Beaver Ruin Road, high school principal Judy Rogers asked Dr. Gerard to commit to remaining at Norcross for five years. She agreed, and the rest is history.

Dr. Gerard has now served at NHS for 25 years in the counseling department and contends that this group of colleagues are by far the best group she has had worked with. She admits it is often difficult, but the work is incredibly rewarding. She calls her kids her “babies” or her “peoples” and delights in making them smile.

Dr. Gerard’s daily task is to help students make better choices as they weather their own personal storms while identifying future paths that will lead to successful educational and/or career choices.

Elner had high praise for Dr. Gerard and her dedication. “She is just an incredible counselor at our school, but she’s so much more than that,” said Elner. “She has such a heart for our students in her community and she has been so devoted to it. …People who aren’t even enrolled yet, who are just interested, she treats them like they are family because of how she sees them.”

at the Georgia State Honor Bands of Distinction in 2013, 64th Annual UGA January Music Festival in 2014, the 2015, 2018, and 2020 Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert festival, the 2018 and 2020 Yamaha National Concert Festival, and the 2021 and 2022 Georgia Music Educators In- Service Conference.

Newman has served in multiple leadership roles, including NHS Fine Arts Department Chair, Gwinnett County High School Band Co Lead Teacher, District 13 Band Chair and District 13 Chair. He was also named the Norcross High School Teacher of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year.

“He has impacted so many students,” said Elner. “It’s just neat to think that his children have grown up in the community and now he has one of his children as a student. …He does such a good job of engaging every single student in his program.” ■

Lee Newman (pictured above) has served as the director of bands at Norcross High School since 2011. His duties include directing the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Blue Devil Marching Band, brass studies and leadership as well as teaching International Baccalaureate music classes.

During his time at Norcross, Newman has continued a proud tradition of excellence. His ensembles have been invited to perform

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

NHS Foundation for Excellence Gala

Atlanta Tech Park, 107 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners

Friday, April 21

Tickets: $125

■ Hall of Fall Induction

Ceremony: 6:30 p.m.

■ Gala Reception: 7-10 p.m.

■ Live Auction: 8 p.m. Scan

Lee Newman

Safe Ways to Share the Street

Curiosity Lab is increasing its involvement in roadway safety by partnering with companies creating technology to keep cyclists unharmed.

said Johnson.

An example is the technology that allows cars to detect objects. If you’re backing up and something gets in the way, the car will beep to let you know there is an object in the way. However, if an object is outside of the range of the detection technology and is coming from a direction in which you don’t have detection, the automobile won’t know it, because its own technology isn’t picking it up.

Companies are working to make technology that will push messages to the automobile so that it knows there is a vulnerable road user in the vicinity and where it is.

“That message is called a BSM, a basic safety message,” said Johnson. “It can come up on the dashboard of the car, notifying the driver of that VRU.”

Continued on page 44

Whether you’re a cyclist or a motorist — or both — few people disagree that there needs to be a way for both modes of transportation to safely share the road. Technology incubator Curiosity Lab and the City of Peachtree Corners have partnered with several organizations seeking ways to make that happen.

Research and development does not have to be dry and boring. Sometimes it can be a fun as a bike ride. That’s why the City reached out to a professional cycling race coordinator to bring a leg of a wellknown event to Peachtree Corners.

“We’ve enjoyed seeing Curiosity Lab continue to generate unique opportunities for the city,” said City Manager Brian Johnson. “And an opportunity kind of fell into our

By Arlinda Smith Broady

lap, through Curiosity Lab’s partnerships and interactions, for us to have a professional cycling race here in Peachtree Corners.”

There are generally three types of cycling races — indoors in a velodrome (think Olympics), a road race

that starts at one point and ends at another (like the Tour de France) and a criterium, a closed race on city streets on a course that loops over the same space over and over for a period of time. That is what’s coming to Peachtree Corners.

The Curiosity Lab Criterium will take place Wednesday, April 26 from 3 to 10 p.m. at Peachtree Corners City Hall. With Curiosity Lab being a 5-G enabled, 500-acre living laboratory ecosystem designed as a proving ground for mobility and smart city emerging technologies, it’s the perfect location to test out safety features for road users who aren’t in automobiles.

Safe travels for everyone on the road

The acronym VRU stands for vulnerable road user — all the users of public right-of-way or roads that are not in automobiles and, as a result, are less protected. Pedestrians, cyclists, people on e-scooters, mopeds or motorcycles fall under that definition.

“There is a movement within the transportation industry to represent VRUs with technology to help automobiles or the drivers of automobiles …to make them more aware of the vulnerable road users,”

Top and above, Spoke is making strides in changing road safety and bike and motorcycle connectivity with C-V2X technology.

The Curiosity Lab Criterium Bike Race information and map is a page away. ►

Continued from page 43

That technology is being deployed by a company called Spoke, which aims to transform road safety and rider connectivity by delivering a connected IoT ecosystem for vulnerable road users. Spoke has teamed up with various companies, such as car manufacturer Audi, Qualcomm as chipset manufacturer and BMC Bike, a Swiss bike manufacturer.

“All of those companies have a partnership in which they’re deploying this technology, and now they have a good location to deploy it for the first time on public streets,” said Johnson.

Now for the fun stuff

Besides the opportunity to put this new technology in real-world situations, sponsoring a criterium is a great way to bring a new group of people to the area and remind residents about the gem they have

in their backyard.

The Curiosity Lab Criterium is part of Speed Week, a premier week-long event on the U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit that draws cyclists from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world and national champions.

In 2022, the professional men’s and women’s event drew cyclists from 36 states and 19 countries.

USA Cycling manages a criterium series throughout the entire country. The race calendar generally starts in the Southeast because the weather tends to be warmer than most of country earlier in the year. As former city manager of Anniston, Alabama, Johnson witnessed first-hand how the circuit works.

Amateurs, kids and spectators welcome

“When I was there, we were the very first race on the circuit,” said

Johnson. “So I have some experience in managing — not directly, as there is a race director that actually runs the event — but by being the city manager of a city that had it.

“Back in the day, I used to race in them. As an amateur, you can race in them,” he added.

The daylong event begins with preliminary races for children, and then progresses with different categories for amateurs.

The criterium is more fan-friendly than a road race. Spectators can set up in one area and see riders go by several times. “This a very cool way to watch professional cyclists, especially when married up with things that make it unique for the family, like food trucks and vendors,” said Johnson.

The play-by-play announcer for the event will be Francisco “Frankie” Andreu, who was Lance Armstrong’s first roommate back when they were racing in the Tour

de France. There will be bike manufacturers and displays of lots of cool new technology.

“It’ll be kind of like a mini festival,” said Johnson. “What this does is it gets the community a pretty unique, cool event that we wouldn’t have had, had it not dropped in our path.” ■

Scan QR to find out more about the Curiosity Lab Criterium Race 2023

Map created exclusively for Peachtree Corners Magazine. Designed by Harry Pinkney

Consulting Firm Focuses on Procurement Cost Optimization

Insight Sourcing Group celebrates 20 years of serving clients and preserving history.

Unless they are part of a company looking to trim operating costs, most people probably don’t quite know what a business focused on strategic sourcing, cost optimization and procurement operational transformation does. That’s what Insight Sourcing Group has done for more than 20 years from its

By Arlinda Smith Broady

headquarters in Peachtree Corners.

“We go into companies and look at what they spend money on other than payroll, and we determine ways to take out the cost, often through supplier negotiations,” said Tom Beaty, Insight Sourcing Group founder and CEO.

“We have a couple of different businesses, but the main one is a consulting firm, and we’re the largest consulting firm of this kind of specialized procurement,” he explained. “Strategic sourcing is that process where we get bids from suppliers and negotiate and establish contracts for customers. …We did over 1,000 projects last year.”

Among the company’s clients are major corporations like Genuine Parts, Meta (formerly Facebook), Under Armour, Freddie Mac and Cox Media. Besides being the biggest company of its kind, Insight Sourcing Group is one of the best. It has garnered numerous accolades since its founding.

“We have … tons of customers and almost all of them would be name brands like lululemon and large manufacturers,” Beaty said. “Normally a big part of their revenue goes back out the doors to vendors — something they haven’t focused on in the past. When you’re growing a lot, it’s something you may neglect and then that growth is a little harder.”

Above, left, Tom Beatty, Brian Houpt and Brent Eiland, taken at ISG’s 20th anniversary party at The Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island in South Carolina

Above, company group shot at the 2021 Holiday Party at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta

Insight Sourcing Group announced 20% firmwide growth in 2022, with 84 new team members added, of whom 23 joined as part of an acquisition. The team drove more than $1.2 billion in contracted savings for the 243 clients served firmwide over the course of the year, completing 1,199 procurement and sourcing projects in 2022, according to information provided by the company.

Insight Sourcing Group has registered growth every year since its founding in 2002, resulting in recognition by Consulting Magazine, which included the firm as No. 24 on its list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies for 2022. Other notable awards for

the year include Insight Sourcing Group’s seventh consecutive year on Forbes’s list of America’s Best Management Consulting Firms and its 15th consecutive year on Atlanta Business Chronicle’s list of Best Places to Work in Atlanta.

Good for environment, good for diversity

Perhaps the cherry on top is the Insight Energy initiative that delivers customized energy and sustainability solutions to reduce costs, manage risk and improve competitive position. It realized an $8 billion client energy spend under management for 245 energy and sustainability clients and an impressive 94% client retention

rate.

The year also marked Insight Sourcing Group’s public commitment to a goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030.

“Through our energy management business …we go into companies and …help them actively manage gas and electricity, and then we have a green sustainability practice. We go in and we help convert carbon energy spend to green spend,” Beaty said. “A lot of our clients have [Environmental Social and Governance] goals that relate to green energy.”

Besides helping its clients become more ecologically friendly, Insight helps them work with more women-based and minority-based vendors. The company recently helped a large private equity firm that owns many other companies achieve $2 billion in diverse spending. And Insight was the engine that made the accomplishment possible.

In 2022, the firm’s supplier diversity practice achieved an $18 billion spend prioritized for diversity impact, supported 78 corporate supplier diversity programs and increased each client’s supplier diversity investment by an average of 2.4 times.

Giving back through history

With all those major achievements that enhance businesses, Insight also works hard to give back to the community. Perhaps its greatest philanthropic achievement is the project that records oral history of combat veterans called the Witness to War Foundation.

A year before launching Insight Sourcing Group, Beaty discovered a group of 150 veterans called the Atlanta World War II Roundtable who met monthly to share their

war experiences.

Growing up with a fascination for WWII, and later for combat in general, Beaty couldn’t believe that all this rich history wasn’t being preserved. He bought a video camera and launched the Witness to War Foundation in his spare time, despite having no video or audio expertise.

“In 2001, I started interviewing combat veterans …to capture their stories to preserve them for the history as well as for their families and for them,” said Beaty, who is not a veteran himself. “We have a website with over 1,000 war stories on it now.”

The footage will eventually be part of a collection in the Library of Congress. The organization also supplies footage for documentaries and museums as well as other projects. It’s the largest oral history preservation organization of its kind in this country, attending about 20 different military unit reunions a year.

“We’ve done over 3000 interviews, including Senator Bob Dole,” said Beaty. “But we mainly focus on everyday heroes, and we’ve done a bunch of Peachtree Corners veterans.”

Insight was also a major contributor the Peachtree Corners Veterans Memorial in Town Center. It sponsored one of the six statues in the structure.

“There’s a proverb ...that says, “When an old person dies, a library burns.” Losing the stories of veterans is kind of the same thing,” said Beaty. “That’s why this is so important.”

Learn more about Insight Sourcing Group at insightsourcing.com. ■

I started interviewing combat veterans …to capture their stories to preserve them for the history as well as for their families and for them. We have a website with over 1,000 war stories on it now.

Tom Beaty

Peachtree Corners Launches Second Phase of Connect Peachtree Corners

In January 2023, the City of Peachtree Corners announced its partnership with Fusus through their Connect Peachtree Corners residential Camera Registry program.

In March, the City announced that it is expanding the partnership through the offerings of the FususCORE Camera Integration Program.

“As a city government, we take the issue of public safety very seriously. There are not many things more important,” said City Manager Brian Johnson. “This partnership and programs will allow us to support law enforcement with a new technology tool and will lead to increased public safety throughout the City.”

Fusus provides enhanced public safety services to local businesses and residents. A nationally recognized public safety technology provider, Fusus has operated out of its headquarters in Peachtree Corners since 2019.

Why and where to register

For businesses, Fusus enables greater workplace safety for staff and customers. The platform improves law enforcement’s ability to investigate a crime when it does happen, as well as rapidly respond in case of emergencies.

Security cameras are a crime deterrent. Sharing camera feeds with law enforcement creates a force multiplier. Knowing where a business’ cameras are located via FususREGISTRY, or having the ability to access their cameras on alert via FususCORE, reduces investigative time and increases public safety.

In an active shooter situation,

seconds count. Fusus virtual and physical panic buttons allow a business’ staff to quickly trigger an alert to law enforcement. Camera integration enables responding officers and 911 centers to look inside buildings and gain a rapid awareness of the situation. Fusus is inexpensive and easy to set up. Their FususCORE device simply plugs into a business’ network; within seconds it discovers and connects to all the cameras. The software easily networks multiple buildings.

Businesses that integrate with a FususCORE set their own preferences and remain in control of their camera systems. Businesses can choose to share camera feeds on a real time or case-by-case basis.

The system keeps cameras private yet allows businesses to share them directly with law enforcement, at their discretion, when an emergency arises. At no time will any third-party, outside of Fusus and local law enforcement, have access to any camera feeds integrated into the system. For more information, visit connectpeachtreecorners.org/camera-integration.

Scan QR for more information.

Paul Duke STEM Students Star in Amy Ray’s Newest Music Video

Two Peachtree Corners teenagers have gotten their first taste of fame with an appearance in a music video. Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls recently debuted a new song “Subway” alongside a corresponding music video that features Paul Duke STEM High

Written and photographed

By Isadora Pennington

School students Iris Rubin and Sarah Jane Von Hagen.

The video, which was shot in part here in Atlanta, features Von Hagen as a young Amy Ray on the cusp of self-discovery in New York City, with Rubin playing her girlfriend.

The shoot went from concept to execution rather quickly last fall. The father of Aleia, one of their classmates, was responsible for casting for Amy Ray’s music video. Aleia approached Von Hagen and Rubin, noting that Von Hagen bears a striking resemblance to a young Amy Ray, and asked if they wanted to act in the video.

Their response was an enthusiastic yes, and the two began researching and planning for the shoot right away.

“I remember I called Iris, we were both so excited,” said Von Hagen. “Iris was like ‘oh my goodness, you need to learn how to walk and act like her.’ I had never done anything like that before. That night I sat down in a living room with my mom, and we watched old Indigo Girls music videos and newer Amy Ray videos. We also went to Goodwill and thrifted some really grungy shirts. I already dress more masculine, but I leaned into it a lot more when I was playing Amy Ray.” The two-day shoot in December involved one day of on-location filming in Little 5 Points which was the area that looked the most like New York City, plus one day filming in the studio in front of a green screen.

Opposite page, Iris Rubin and Sarah Jane Von Hagen recently shot at Town Center’; Hagen and Rubin with Amy Ray (center)

Above, a selfie that the girls took the day they did their green screen work at the Sabotage studio. Pictured along with Hagen (back) and Rubin (front) are Aleia Lansing (the director Scott’s daughter) and Abigail Donkor (intern at Sabotage.)

Aleia and Abigail both attend Paul Duke STEM High School. Right middle picture and bottom are scenes from the music video.

I remember I called Iris, we were both so excited. Iris was like ‘oh my goodness, you need to learn how to walk and act like her.’

Sarah Jane Von Hagen

A love of theatre

This experience was quite a departure from the norm for Von Hagen who had little previous experience with acting, while Rubin was able to lean on their lifelong love for theater and acting experience in the role of Ray’s love interest.

Paul Duke STEM High School, where Von Hagen is a senior and Rubin is a junior, has a burgeoning theater department that offered Von Hagen her first real foray into acting during last year’s inaugural Improv Olympics. Rubin, who is only 16, is the president of the Paul Duke Thespian Society and has held a number of roles including Lilith in “She Kills Monsters,” Karen in “The Children’s Hour,” student director for “Valentines,” and Alice in “The Addams Family.”

“Theater couldn’t escape me if it tried,” said Rubin, who has been act-

ing since they were around 5 years old. “I love Paul Duke Theater. It’s everything. It’s where I spend all of my free time.”

The theater program is new, as is the school which opened back in 2018. For Rubin, theater is more than just a passion, it’s also home. They call themself the ‘theater mom’ and takes a maternal role with them.

“You really need compassion because people in theater tend to be Queer and neurodivergent,” Rubin continued. “You also need to be driven because our rehearsals are long. We have 11 hour days in the second week of rehearsals.”

One of the most unique elements to the Paul Duke STEM High School theater department is the way they are able to integrate STEM projects with theater productions. Under the leadership of theater teacher Alissa Zimmett, they work with the electronics, engineering and mechatronics classes to help develop creations like robotic monsters that enhance the theater performances.

“Combining STEM into theater has been so cool,” said Rubin. “The

engineering and mechatronics departments have helped us so much.”

Given their deep and lifelong passion for theater, it’s no surprise that Rubin was ready to get involved and help Von Hagen in any way possible when it was time to prepare for the Amy Ray music video. The two used to date and are now good friends, which served to cement their on-screen chemistry in the music video.

Indigo connections

For Von Hagen and Rubin, the music of Amy Ray with the Indigo Girls was a backdrop to their youth, thanks to their mothers. In fact, Von Hagen’ mother Jill Von Hagen attended the same high school as the Indigo Girls, which was called Shamrock High School at the time and is now Druid Hills Middle School in Decatur. Though they were not in the same classes she did attend the school at the same time as Emily Sailers’ younger sister Carrie.

“I have loved their music ever since,” said Jill. She has always been drawn to their harmonies and melodies and has sought out concerts to attend since she was a teenager herself.

“For my daughter to get the opportunity to play a young Amy Ray in her new ‘Subway’ video was incredibly exciting for me. I was giddy throughout the whole process... from the initial planning meeting with the director, Scott Lansing, to helping Sarah Jane piece together her wardrobe, and finally, getting to observe the filming itself.”

It was a special treat when the girls and their mothers went to the Indigo Girls concert with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the end of December in 2022. They were

able to go backstage and meet Amy Ray, who instantly recognized Von Hagen as the young woman who had played her in the music video. They got a photo together and shared a hug, which was a distinct highlight for all involved.

“While listening to Amy’s music in high school, at the same age my daughter is now, I never would have thought that one day we would have this amazing experience together,” Jill said.

Back to real life

After the surreal series of events that led to this moment, life has more or less returned to normal for the teens. Rubin, who will be entering their senior year this fall, is back to focusing on her classes and the theater. After high school Rubin hopes to pursue psychology, particularly as it relates to incarcerated individuals.

Von Hagen will be attending Agnes Scott University this fall and is interested in working with children who have special needs, though she admits that the music video gave her a taste of acting that she found to be inspiring.

Von Hagen also highlighted the connection that she feels to Amy Ray based on being Queer.

“We all have this understanding of having to discover that part of yourself on your own,” said Von Hagen. “There’s not that much media about how Queer people fall in love, so getting to play that part was sort of full circle. It was really important to me. In this way, I get to be a character that younger Queer people get to look up to.”

“It was a wonderful opportunity,” said Von Hagen. “It just kind of fell in my lap. I was really lucky.” ■

Theater couldn’t escape me if it tried. I love Paul Duke Theater. It’s everything. It’s where I spend all of my free time.

Iris Rubin

Sarah Jane Von Hagen at Town Center for our photo shoot.

Faithful Events for the Holy Season

Spring brings renewed life, and the season is strongly reflected in the faith community. Easter, Passover and Ramadan will be celebrated over the upcoming weeks.

Here is a list of some of the services and special events planned in and around the Peachtree Corners community.

The Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett

6251 Smithpoint Dr., Ste. B, Peachtree Corners chabadofgwinnett.org, 678-595-0196

Passover Seder: Wednesday, April 5, 6:30 p.m.

The traditional Seder will be led by Rabbi Yossi Lerman with a catered dinner. Guests must RSVP on website.

Christ Church Episcopal

400 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Norcross cnorcross.org, 770-477-1166

Good Friday, April 7: Christ Church Players & Choir present

The Passion According to St. Matthew, 7 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 9:

• Easter service, 8 a.m.

• Breakfast, 9 a.m.

• Easter service with music, 10:30 a.m.

• Easter Egg Hunt, 11:30 a.m.-12 noon

• Easter service in Spanish, 1 p.m.

Congregation

Beth Shalom

5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody bethshalom.net, 770-399-5300

Passover Services:

Thursday and Friday, April 6 and 7, 9:30 a.m.-12 noon

Concluding Passover Services:

Wednesday and Thursday, April 12 and 13, 9:30 a.m.-12 noon

Generations Norcross Church

706 N. Peachtree St., Norcross generationsnorcross.com, 770-810-5332

Easter Sunday Service: April 9, 10:30 a.m.

Guests are invited to a cookout afterward.

The building is in the back of the One Heart Church parking lot; follow signs to the building.

Mary Our Queen Catholic Church

6260 The Corners Parkway, Peachtree Corners maryourqueen.com, 770-416-0002

Holy Week Mass:

Wednesday, April 5, 12 noon

Tenebrae Liturgy:

Wednesday, April 5, 7 p.m.

Mass of the Lord’s Supper:

Thursday, April 6, 7 p.m.

Good Friday, April 7:

Maundy Thursday Service: April 6, 7 p.m.

Good Friday Service: April 7, 7 p.m.

Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m.

Easter Sunday, April 9:

• Sunrise service, 6:45 a.m.

• Outdoor worship, 8:45 a.m.

• Indoor service, 10 a.m.

Norcross Presbyterian Church

89 Jones St., Norcross norcrosspresbyterian.org, 770448-7744

Easter Service: April 9, 11 a.m.

The church will hold an Easter breakfast before Sunday worship. The service will be live streamed on YouTube.

One Heart Church

706 N. Peachtree St., Norcross oneheartchurch.org, 678-533-1900

Good Friday Service, includes worship and communion: April 7, 7 p.m.

Easter Sunday service: April 9, 10 a.m.

The church will host a kids’ egg hunt after Easter service.

Peachtree Corners Baptist Church

4480 Peachtree Corners Cir., Peachtree Corners pcbchurch.org, 770-582-2441

Holy Week Services:

• Maundy Thursday, April 6, 7 p.m.

• Good Friday, April 7, 12 noon

• Saturday, April 8, 5 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 9:

• Sunrise Service, 7 a.m. near the outdoor chapel

• Easter Worship, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the Main Sanctuary

• KidsQuest children’s worship, 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Childcare (infant through Pre-K) is available at all services except the Sunrise service. Sunrise service attendees are requested to bring blankets or chairs for seating.

Simpsonwood UMC

4500 Jones Bridge Cir., Peachtree Corners

simpsonwoodumc.org, 770-441-2181

Easter Sunday, April 9:

• Table Service in the Sanctuary, 9 a.m.

• Traditional Service in the Sanctuary, 10:55 a.m.

• Modern Service in FLC Building C, 11:10 a.m.

Unity Atlanta Church

3597 Parkway Ln., Peachtree Corners

unityatl.org, 770-441-0585

New Thought Good Friday Service: April 7 at 12 noon

Easter Sunday, April 9:

• Sunrise Service, 7 a.m.

Christ

the King Lutheran Church

5575 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners ctklutheran.org, 770-449-1211

Maundy Thursday Service: April 6, 7 p.m.

Good Friday, April 7:

• Stations of the Cross, 11 a.m.

• Evening Service, 7 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 9:

• Traditional Liturgy in the Sanctuary, 9 a.m.

• Easter Breakfast in Fellowship Hall, 10 a.m.

• Casual Contemporary in the Sanctuary, 11:15 a.m.

• Stations of the Cross and Divine Mercy Chaplet, 12 noon and 7 p.m.

• The Passion of Our Lord and Veneration of the Cross, a gospel reading of the Passion, 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Saturday, April 8:

• Polish Easter Basket

Blessing, 10 a.m.

• Children’s Egg Hunt, 1 p.m.

• Vigil Mass, 8 p.m.

Easter Sunday Mass: April 9, 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Mount Carmel United Methodist Church

5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Norcross mtcarmel-umc.org, 770-449-4498

Easter service: April 9, 9:30 a.m. Childcare is provided; children’s service is offered for kindergarten through 5th grade.

Peachtree Corners Presbyterian Church

5918 Spalding Dr., Norcross pcarpchurch.org, 770-263-7005

Easter Week Services: Monday, April 3 through Friday, April 7, 12 noon

Additional Maundy Thursday Service: April 6, 7 p.m.

Easter Service: 10:45 a.m.

Perimeter Church

9500 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek perimeter.org, 678-405-2000

• Easter Service, 11 a.m. Easter service will be live streamed. Childcare for ages 4 and younger is available.

Coffee House: Friday, April 14, 7-9:30 p.m.

A celebration of spring and creativity with live musical performances in the Fellowship Hall; artists will show and tell of their work.

Victory Church — Norcross Campus

5095 Brook Hollow Pkwy., Norcross

victoryatl.com, 678-327-6760

Good Friday service: April 7, 7 p.m. Saturday service: April 8, 4 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 9: 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

All services are available online.

The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County Hosts Fundraiser Luncheon

Executive producers of the hit TV series “The Chosen” discuss the inspiration behind retelling the life of Jesus Christ.

Everyone knows that the Salvation Army is one of the largest non-profits in the world, with its main mission to offer life-sustaining services to families who need an extra hand. Among its charitable

By Arlinda Smith Broady

services are arranging emergency housing, rent and utility assistance; providing groceries; and disaster response.

But the giving comes at a price. That’s why its various divisions hold fundraising events.

Last month, the Salvation Army of Gwinnett County hosted its 9th Annual Doing the Most Good Luncheon at the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Atlanta in Norcross. This year marks 158 years that the Salvation Army has been serving the needs of humanity, and 36 years in Gwinnett County.

As its major fundraiser, the luncheon supports year-round

services such as housing, utilities, groceries and emergency disaster services to local families in Gwinnett County. In addition, local youth are served all year long through a free year-round School for Performing Arts, a summer camp and by providing school supplies to those who need them.

“The Doing the Most Good Luncheon is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Captain Paul Ryerson, corps officer of The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County. “The funds raised through this event each year allow us to serve as a resource for the community and bring hope to our neighbors in

need.”

In 2022, The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County provided 60,843 pounds of food to 1,018 households and 2,717 nights of shelter; 267 households received rent /

mortgage and utility assistance. Additionally, 566 families and 1,464 children received gifts at Christmas through the Angel Tree program, according to data shared during the luncheon.

Opposite page, Captain Paul Ryerson, commanding officer of the Salvation Army of Gwinnett County, thanks guests, donators and staff for supporting the mission of the Salvation Army.

Above, MPO Martin Duston-Young of the Gwinnett County Police Department sings the national anthem before the Doing the Most Good luncheon gets underway.

Left top, Master of Ceremonies Scott Slade (left) discusses the series, “The Chosen” with producers Chad Gundersen (center) and Chris Jeun.

Left bottom, Auctioneer Wayne Ellison encourages high bids for live auction items such as a behind-the-scenes experience on the set of “The Chosen,” a Florida getaway, a private suite at a Gwinnett Stipers game and a golf package at Sugarloaf Country Club.

“The Chosen” connection to Salvation Army

The afternoon included a discussion about the TV series “The Chosen” with Chad Gundersen and Chris Juen, the show’s executive producers, as well a live and silent auction and a seated lunch. One of the top items in the live auction was an opportunity to visit the show’s location, a Salvation Army camp in Texas that turned out to the be the perfect spot for filming.

“The Chosen” is the first-ever multi-season series about the life of Jesus Christ. The creators shared that it would have a total of seven seasons, with the fourth season beginning production in

the spring. The free show is streaming on Angel Studios’ platforms with tens of millions of viewers.

Season 1 was the No. 1 highest crowd-funded entertainment project of all-time, raising $10 million from over 19,000 people. It raised over $40 million in production costs for Seasons 2 and 3 via the fan-supported model.

To date, “The Chosen” has been translated into 50 languages and offers viewers a new perspective of the life of Jesus. The story it tells dovetails perfectly with the mission and message of the Salvation Army.

“I have the privilege of putting this uniform on every single day, overseeing the operations of the local response here in our beautiful county. Our mission is simple — to be the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs, in His name without discrimination,” said Ryerson.

He thanked the attendees and contributors for believing in the Salvation Army’s mission, and thanked the staff and volunteers for keeping it alive.

“Reaching these milestones doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when an organization stays focused on its purpose and that happens when a community captures the vision and pours themselves into the cause,” said Ryerson.

“We are in the business of giving,” he added. “The hope that we offer is not only for the physical needs of the body, but it’s also for the needs of the soul.” ■

What’s for Dinner?

New-style butcher shop aims to help make family mealtime a fun bonding experience.

With his business just past the six-monthold milestone, Jared McFadden hopes the concept of sharing good food that’s locally sourced will resonate with Peachtree Corners residents.

Union Brothers Meat Market opened in September 2022 and

along with his staff and family, McFadden is looking to bring a new culinary experience to the area. The philosophy behind the butcher shop stems from getting away from the divisiveness that’s been driving people apart.

“The goal to bring people together. And we think food is a great

By Arlinda Smith Broady Photos by George Hunter

vehicle to do that,” McFadden said. “The goal isn’t to change people’s opinion, but I feel like, if you understand where somebody is coming from, I think it just makes you more aware, more sensitive, and could hopefully bring unity.

“So that’s where the name ‘Union Brothers’ came from — a way to hopefully unify people, family,

friends, whatever, together around an amazing meal,” he explained.

When you think about it, sharing food is a great equalizer, he added, because everybody is around a table with no hierarchy.

“It’s just great food and a great bottle of wine and being able to share fellowship together,” said McFadden.

Chris Baker, butcher apprentice, Jared McFadden, owner, Carey Wise, general manager and lead butcher.

The ‘make it better’ guarantee

Even though his background isn’t in culinary arts or food management, McFadden believes his experience in Human Resources (HR) is a natural foundation.

“I’m in the people business,” he said. “So if you come to the shop, one of the first things we say is, ‘I want you to have an amazing

customer experience.’”

The store is set up to make shopping and choosing the components of a meal convenient. Even though there is an entire wall of spices, rubs and flavorings, there is always someone who can help suggest the right cut of meat for each occasion — and include everything that should go with it.

“We have a ‘make it better’ guarantee — not even just to make it right, but to make it better,” said McFadden. “We want people to have a better experience through our shop.”

To ensure the experience lives up to the shop’s guarantee, McFadden surrounds himself with people who know the meat industry well.

Pictured across the spread are interior shots of the business and products featured from meats to produce and wine.

Left, Abby and Jared McFadden, owners, with their daughters

“Our lead butcher, Carey Wise, has 25-plus years of experience. Chris Baker [the butcher apprentice] also has a ton of experience as well,” McFadden said. “I handle the customer experience side, and I have folks who really understand the meat side of the business.”

McFadden, father of three girls and member of Perimeter Baptist Church, said, “I’ve always been very passionate about community. That’s why …I ended up back in Gwinnett County.”

Well before the pandemic hit, he’d had the idea of combining his “foodie” passion with his people-pleasing persona. “I love going to different shops in the city and wanted to bring something a little different to Peachtree Corners,” he said. “There are some great shops around here who do similar things, but I wanted to have a little bit of a different twist.”

Bonding over meals

One example of his innovations is Union Brothers concept of providing all the ingredients for an amazing family meal. It’s an idea that came to him during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We just spent [time making] a lot of meals at home. Then we began to think of trying to cook something different,” he said. “One of the downfalls of our culture over the last 40 years is getting away from the family dinner, … microwaving something and then everybody sits around the TV.”

McFadden is adamant about getting family time back. It is important to not just eat together. He said that preparing meals together is one of the most satisfying bonding experiences.

In addition to locally sourced meats, Union Brothers carries produce, charcuterie, desserts, seasonings, wines and cooking utensils from nearby and/or small businesses. “As much as we can, we try to work with vendors who were either from Georgia or minority business owners,” he said.

With all the great foods and items the shop offers, McFadden doesn’t want customers to feel intimidated by high-quality products. A weekly newsletter offers cooking tips and advice on meal planning and wine pairings.

This summer he plans to add cooking demonstrations, he said.

“Mealtime should be enjoyable, and we want customers to know that now you have someone who can help you make the most of it,” said McFadden. “We even give out our phone number so you can text us with questions.” ■

The Best of Peachtree Corners, a Readers’ Choice Award is back for our June / July issue, which means our survey is on and ends April 26. Over 2,000 people have taken the survey as of press time.

Check our website, or scan the QR code to follow us on social media, where we’ll be sharing more information about the survey.

For print and digital advertising opportunities email advertising@livinginpeachtreecorners.com

“YES, IT’S BACK.”

“FOUND ANY NEW FAVORITES?”

Fusus: Fighting Crime with Business Camera Registration/Integration

Residents in Peachtree Corners have been connecting their home security cameras to the FUSUS network for several months now. The FUSUS network has proven its worth by aiding in the apprehension of murder suspects and other criminals who have committed crimes in Peachtree Corners, and other cities, particularly Minneapolis and Atlanta. Now, we are encouraging our local businesses to get connected as well.

of adding all of its cameras to the Fusus network. Security cameras are a crime deterrent, period. Sharing your camera feeds with law enforcement amplifies the power of your security investment. It is also inexpensive and easy to set up. The FususCORE device simply plugs into your network, and within seconds it discovers and connects to all your cameras. The software easily networks multiple buildings to create a unified overview of all your lo-

Fusus is a nationally recognized public safety technology provider that has operated out of its headquarters in—you guessed it–Peachtree Corners since 2019. Its platform links cameras together and sends the feed to the West Precinct where officers can see situations in real time.

Officers can see vehicles leaving a crime scene, or they can see the situations they are walking into. If a business elects to fully participate to allow real-time capability, police can follow the movements of suspects using cameras as the crimes are occurring. This method helped investigators track down the suspects in the recent homicide at QuikTrip. Investigators used some of the city’s cameras to track the suspect vehicle to Atlanta. From there, they used Atlanta’s cameras. And now there are two people in jail awaiting trial. The city is currently in the process

cations.

There are different levels of participation, and of course, it’s optional. Businesses can participate in the camera registration program, or they can take it one step further by sharing external cameras with law enforcement. By just registering a device, businesses can allow law enforcement access only after a crime has been committed. Or they can allow police to view the cameras at any time to track down suspects while a crime is in progress. Either way, it is a great way to keep our community safe.

To receive more information, visit connectpeachtreecorners.org/camera-integration/.

Stay safe, Mike Mason, Mayor

Gwinnett County’s newest and largest city, Peachtree Corners, was founded July 1, 2012 and is located along the Chattahoochee River in the southwest corner of the county. The city is home to over 45,000 residents and 3,000 businesses.

Mike Mason, Mayor

Temporary Closures of Portions of the Peachtree Corners Town Center Parking Deck Through

Summer

Beginning March 21, 2023, portions of the parking deck located in the Peachtree Corners Town Center will be closed to perform maintenance, repairs and area improvements.

These closures will affect the entrances immediately in front of Lazy Dog Restaurant, the entrance entering the lower deck closest to the CineBistro parking lot, and the southern ramp section in the area of the electric vehicle charging stations.

During the closures, from March 21 to March 23, all entry into the deck must be done through the lower deck entrances across from CineBistro. The entrance nearest the traffic circle fountain will be temporarily closed to facilitate materials delivery for the project.

Following delivery, this entrance will be reopened for the duration of the project. Additionally, the ramp providing access to the upper level of the deck will remain open throughout the project.

During this time, the vehicle charging stations will also be inaccessible.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Peachtree Corners City Council Recognizes Gcpd Officers

During their February 28th Council Meeting, the City of Peachtree Corners recognized three Gwinnett County Police Department Officers.

City Manager Brian Johnson issued the following Proclamation.

A DECLARATION OF THE CITY OF PEACHTREE CORNERS, GEORGIA RECOGNIZING OFFICERS DILLON BURK, ALEKSANDAR PANAYOTOV, AND AMBER BROWN

WHEREAS, On Nov. 8, 2022 West Precinct officers were dispatched to a burglary at the SS Food Mart and Vape. A video was obtained showing four suspects smashing the front door.

WHEREAS, Detectives were contacted by Officer Burk, who recog-

nized one of the suspects in the video as a juvenile he had previously been arrested on a shoplifting call alongside an adult.

WHEREAS, On November 12, Officer Burk and Officer Panayotov performed a traffic stop on a car with plates that did not match the vehicle. The driver was the adult female previously arrested for shoplifting with the juvenile. There was a book bag in the car that the officers recalled seeing in the burglary video. The female was taken to headquarters and interviewed by Officer Burk and Officer Brown. During the interview, the suspect disclosed her involvement in the burglary, as well as the location of the stolen goods, which were at the juvenile’s home.

WHEREAS, A search warrant was obtained and stolen items were found. The female suspect was charged with burglary and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DECLARED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Peachtree Corners that these officers be recognized for

their good police work, for without it, the suspects would have likely continued victimizing businesses in Peachtree Corners.

SO DECLARED on this the day of 28th day of February 2023.

The City Designated As City Of Civility By Georgia Municipal Association

The City of Peachtree Corners has been designated as a City of Civility by the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). The City adopted a civility resolution as part of GMA’s new Embrace Civility program during the February 28, 2023, Council Meeting.

Peachtree Corners is just the 23rd city out of 537 in Georgia to earn this designation.

GMA, in partnership with the Association’s nonprofit organization, Georgia City Solutions, created the Embrace Civility program to equip Georgia’s cities with resources to create more civility in their meetings and among their residents and meeting attendees. Civil behavior and speech are critically important to a healthy, functional, and respectful society. For public service to be effective, there must be an atmosphere of respect and tolerance and a commitment to a healthy public exchange of diverse ideas and viewpoints.

According to GMA, Civility is more than just politeness. It is about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialogue about differences, lis-

City Receives 6th Straight Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from GFOA

tening past one’s preconceptions and teaching others to do the same. Civility is the hard work of staying present even with those with whom we have a deep-rooted and fierce disagreement.

“Having seen first-hand the civility of the interactions among our council members and with our residents, I was pleased to introduce the resolution to earn us the designation as a Georgia City of Civility,” said Peachtree Corners City Councilman Eric Christ.

In a 2019 poll conducted by Weber Shandwick, Civility in America, 2019, 93 percent of Americans believe that incivility is a problem, with 68 percent identifying incivility as a major problem.

To become a City of Civility, city councils are required to adopt a Civility Resolution and pledge to engage in civil behavior with each other as well as with residents and meeting attendees. Cities also have a civility pledge that can be published or recited at meetings. Learn more about the Embrace Civility program at www.gacities.com/civility.

Residential Emergency Egress

It’s always important to understand the why. So why is residential egress such an important factor in plan review and inspections? If we as building plan examiners and inspectors do our job, it assures you and your family can exit a dangerous situation no matter your location in the home when an emergency arises.

There are several locations in the home that require windows or doors to be available and of a particular size.

Basements, habitable attics, and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency escape opening by today’s code. The

minimum opening size for an emergency escape opening is 5 sq. ft. at grade, and 5.7 sq. ft. for the second floor and above. So, at this size we are usually talking about windows, your bedroom must have at least one window that fits this minimum size in each bedroom, and a window seal height of no more than 44 inches measured from the floor to the bottom of the opening.

This is also true of your basement, each bedroom in the basement is required to have at least one escape opening directly from the bedroom to the outside that allows you to move away from the

Continued on page 68

For the sixth year in a row, the City of Peachtree Corners has been esteemed with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This award was presented by the Georgia Finance Officers Association for the City’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget submission.

The award represents a significant achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as a:

• policy document

• financial plan

• operations guide

• communications device Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

“We are honored to once again receive this award as it reflects the

City’s commitment to going above and beyond with our budget document,” said Cory Salley, City Finance Director. “I appreciate the support from the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager, and every member of the City staff. Without their support, this award would not be possible.”

When a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is granted to an entity, a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation is also presented to the individual(s) or department designated as being primarily responsible for having achieved the award.

There are over 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA’s website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

Continued from page 67

structure.

So, what if the basement is completely underground? Even so, an escape opening is still required without going upstairs. The use of window wells is a common practice. This utilizes the same window dimensions with a well of not less than 9 sq. ft. with a horizontal projection and a width not less than 36 inches. If the well has a depth greater than 44 inches it must be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps, to bring you to the outside of the structure.

Of course, a door can be used in the same manner as a window, it is confined to the same minimum area limitations as a window opening, and if in a basement it must be a side-hinged door or a sliding door. So if you have submitted residential plans in the past or you submit them in the future be aware that this will be the first thing we look for, because in an emergency your safety is the most important issue for an inspector.

Leaks Can Run, but They Can’t Hide

Are you ready to chase down leaks? Household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide.

The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Common types of leaks found in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. These types of leaks are often easy to fix, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings. Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills.

To check for leaks in your home, you first need to determine whether you’re wasting water and then identify the source of the leak. Here are some tips for finding leaks:

• Take a look at your water usage during a colder month, such as January or February. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there are serious leaks.

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.

• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)

• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

• Use our checklist to keep track of your search for leaks: Detect and Chase Down Leaks at Home Checklist

• WaterSense partners have guides and videos that you might find helpful in finding and fixing leaks.

Scan the QR code or visit WaterSense at www.epa.gov/watersense

Jae Choi pictured left and G.Gavin pictured right