Peachtree Corners Magazine - December / January 2023

Chefs Jae Choi and G. Garvin (who has many accolades to his name, including hosting his own TV shows on the Food Network, Cookbook author, and a James Beard award nominee), as we open our newest location in the Peachtree Corners area of Atlanta. This is our second location with our first; Yakitori Jinbei located in Smyrna, GA.

is Geoff Wilson the general manager of Peterbrooke Chocolatier at The Forum. Photography by George Hunter.

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 Figli olini. 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 tele com 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

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.

December/January 2023 issue Volume 4 Number 24

©2022 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

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.

KELSEY ASHER

Website Content

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.

Kelsey Asher currently works at Life University as an Integrated Content Creator. She previously served as Contributing Editor for Peachtree Corners Magazine for two years. She is a proud graduate of the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Communications. She has held a variety of marketing leadership roles in several industries.

The Merry Market

December 5-13

Peachtree Corners Baptist Church (drop-off point)

4480 Peachtree Corners Cir., Peachtree Corners merrymarket.org

Donations appreciated.

Presented by Neighborhood Cooperative Ministry, the Merry Market pro vides Christmas for families that cannot afford to give their children with Christmas gifts. The market will supply new Christmas gifts to families, warm clothes to children and teenagers and the opportunity for families to come together and help others.

Sports on the Screen — Army vs. Navy

Saturday, December 10, all day Town Green

5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersga.gov Admission is free.

Tailgate with fellow fans. Load up a cooler and head to Town Green to cheer and celebrate.

Freight and Passenger Trains

Thursday, December 8, 10:30-11:45 a.m.

Southeastern Railway Museum 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth train-museum.org, 770-476-2013

Tickets range $4 for a train ride only, without admission to the pro gram, to $17 for one adult and one child for train ride and program admission.

On the second Thursday of every month, the museum hosts a morning pre-school program for children aged 2 to 4 years old. Parents and children to participate together in activities related to the vehicle of the month. The interactive, educational programs include a game, story/song, activity, crafts and the opportunity to explore one of the many trains on site.

Peachtree Corners Photography Club Group Meet Up

Peachtree Corners Photography Club Group Meet Up

Thursdays, December 8, January 12 and February 9, 6:45-8:15 p.m.

Thursdays, December 8, January 12 and February 9, 6:45-8:15 p.m.

Atlanta Tech Park

Atlanta Tech Park

107 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners 30092 pcphotoclub.org

107 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners 30092 pcphotoclub.org

The December speaker is Sharon Fuente, and the topic is “Ideas for Great Holiday Family Pho tos.” Meetings are held the sec ond 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.

The December speaker is Sharon Fuente, and the topic is “Ideas for Great Holiday Family Photos.” Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at Atlanta Tech Park and/or online. Photogra phers of all skill levels are wel comed at 6:15 p.m. for social time.

Winter Holiday Market

Saturday, December 17, 12-5 p.m. Kettlerock Brewing

6025 Peachtree Pkwy., Ste. 1, Peachtree Corners kettlerockkbrewing.com

There will be treats for all at Ket tlerock Brewing’s holiday market — arts and crafts vendors, live music and food trucks for holiday shoppers. Some limited release holiday beer selections will also be available.

Fall/Winter Theatre

full of sibling rivalry, adultery and dungeons as they compete with one another to inherit a kingdom.

Hello, Dolly!

February 1-4

Wesleyan School Powell Theatre 5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Cor ners 30092 wesleyanschool.org, 770-448-7640

This musical follows matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi as she tries to find a match for miserly “half a millionaire” Horace Vandergelder.

Storm Bugs

Saturday, February 4, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Lionheart Theatre

10 College St., Norcross lionhearttheatre.org, 404-919-4022

All tickets are $5 for all ages.

Author and educator Andrea Zoppo, known as Ms. Ladybug, presents a fun-filled time teaching about our pollinator friends and what happens to them and other crawlies during a storm.

5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners theforumpeachtree.com Scan QR for more information ►

The Nutcracker

December 3-18 Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.

Gas South Arena 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth gassouthdistrict.com, 770-626-2464 Tickets are $22-$47.

This season, Gwinnett Ballet The atre celebrates 41 years of sharing the Nutcracker with Gwinnett County. ballet is complete with entrancing dancing, stunning sets and colorful costumes. Magic abounds as Herr Drosselmeyer presents young Clara with a toy Nutcracker that accompanies Clara on a journey to the Land of Sweets.

Christmas at GAC:

Lessons & Carols Thursday, December 8, 7-9 p.m.

Greater Atlanta Christian School King’s Gate Theatre 1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross greateratlantachristian.org, 770243-2000

The High School presents their Christmas program to celebrate the season.

The Lion in Winter December 8-19 Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.

Lionheart Theatre 10 College St., Norcross lionhearttheatre.org, 404-919-4022

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and students.

Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine is kept in prison for raising an army against her husband, King Henry II, but is let out for the holidays. The Plantagenet family’s story is

Cookies & Milk with Santa Thursday, December 15 4-4:45 p.m. and 5-5:45 p.m. Admission is $12 per child. Enjoy a special treat with every one’s favorite jolly man.

Storytime with Santa Fridays, December 9, 16 and 23 4-4:45 p.m. and 5-5:45 p.m. Admission is $12 per child. Every Friday in December before Christmas, Santa will share a story.

Christmas Crafts with Santa Thursdays, December 8 and December 22 4-4:45 p.m. and 5-5:45 p.m. Admission is $12 per child. Santa is on hand to help kids as they create.

Academy of Ballet/Peachtree Corners

“The Children’s Nutcracker”

St. Pius X Catholic High School, 2674 Johnson Road Atlanta Perfect for little ones. Tickets are $20-$27 buy.tututix.com/academy-ballet

The Academy’s version is only 1 hour and 15 minutes in length. There are candy cane soldiers with the hilarious and sweet Mouse Queen. Mother Ginger and her Polichinelles are always one of the audience’s favorites. The land of snow is magical. This holiday classic is for the entire family.

Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 10 8:30-9:15 a.m. and 9:30-10:15 a.m. Admission is $15 per child. Start the day with Jolly St. Nick and enjoy breakfast with him.

Menorah Lighting at the Forum

Sunday, December 18, 4-6 p.m. Forum Drive, in front of the fountain

Admission is free; no ticket is required.

Presented in partnership with Chabad of Gwinnett, The Forum kicks off a Hannukah cel-ebration with a Menorah lighting ceremony, family friendly activities and live entertainment.

December 17th, 11 am & 2 pm December 18th, 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm

@academy_ballet @aobpc

Scan the QR code to purchase tickets online.

Peachtree Corners Library Branch Calendar Highlights

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

Evening Edition Appy Hour: Library Digital Resources

Thursday, December 8, 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy a mocktail and check out the library’s new digital resourc es Kanopy and Fregal, as well as PressReader, right on your tablet or smartphone.

Recycled Engineering: Ski Lift

Sunday, December 11, 2 p.m. Use your engineering, problem solving and math skills to design a ski lift chair. Supplies are limited.

Photo Retouching and Restoration

Wednesday, December 14, 4 p.m. Learn how to digitize, restore and preserve old photos.

Holiday Recipe Swap

Saturday, December 17, 1 p.m.

Learn about holiday traditions and customs within the community. Adults are invited to share their favorite holiday recipes and take home a new one to try. Admission is free.

Don’t Break the Chain

Tuesday, January 3, 6 p.m.

Start the new year by building new habits. Learn about the mo tivational technique called “Don’t break the Chain.”

Green Screen Location Shoot: Student Film Fest

Saturday, January 7, 2 p.m.

Explore techniques for shooting a whole film in front of a green screen.

MLK Day Trivia Challenge

Tuesday, January 17, 4 p.m.

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. and to learn about the Civil Rights Movement.

Intro to 3D Printing

Wednesday, January 18, 5 p.m.

Discover the basics of 3D printing and how to use the Learning Lab’s printers for personal projects.

Technology in the Garden

Thursday, January 26, 6:30 p.m.

Technology is changing the way we garden. Find out about apps and 3D printing for your garden.

Lunar New Year Celebration

Saturday, January 28, 1 p.m.

Take part in a celebration to honor of Chinese New Year 2023: The Year of the Rabbit.

Create a Puzzle for National Puzzle Day

Sunday, January 29, 3 p.m.

Celebrate National Puzzle Day by creating a puzzle.

Pasta Cooking Class

Thursday, February 2, 6:30 p.m. Learn to make pasta with sauce from some ingredients from the Tower Garden.

Candy Heart Coding

Thursday, February 9, 4 p.m.

Find out about Black computer scientists with a fun candy exper iment.

GWINNETT COUNTY PARKS

gwinnettcounty.com

Wind Down with Art

Friday, December 9, 6-9 p.m.

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

Admission is $20 per person; registration is required.

Everyone aged 50+ is invited to bring a friend or make new friends as they explore the creative pro cess using a variety of art media. Supplies and light refreshments are included. No art experience is required.

A Beary Merry Day

Saturday, December 10, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

OneStop Norcross 5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross

Admission is $2 per child for Gwin nett residents, $6 for non-residents; parent or guardian admission is free. Registration is required.

Ages 12 and under are welcome to adopt a teddy bear and listen to a holiday story. Parent participation is required. OneStop Norcross is collecting non-perishable foods, new toys, clothes, diapers and/or toiletries for those in need.

Family Snow Day

Friday, December 16, 6-8 p.m.

Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center

4758 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Norcross

Admission is $6 per person.

A fun winter event for the whole family, Family Snow Day features games, crafts, contests, a hot choc olate/popcorn bar and a unique ‘snow’ ball fight. Be extra festive and wear your favorite holiday pajamas.

Paint and Pop

Saturday, December 17, 12-1:30 p.m.

OneStop Norcross

5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross

Admission is $12 for Gwinnett residents, $24 for non-resi dents.

Kids aged 1113 can create their own

masterpieces while enjoying soda pop and laughs. All materials are provided.

Holiday Gift Away

Saturday, December 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Lucky Shoals Park 4651 Britt Road, Norcross

Admission is free for ages 5-17 Drive through Lucky Shoals Lane taking in the holiday lights and at tractions. Donate a non-perishable food item and the kids will receive a gift from the Good Neighbor Teen Club Elves. All items will be donat ed to a local food bank. Interested volunteers should visit VolunteerG winnett.net.

Winter Woodland Walk

Wednesday, December 28, 10-11:30 a.m.

Simpsonwood Park

4511 Jones Bridge Cir., Peachtree Corners 678-277-0902

Admission is free.

All ages are welcome to take a stroll with an educator, see trees through a new lens and learn how Georgia’s native trees adapt to winter. Call for more info.

Septic Tanks

Thursday, January 12, 6-7 p.m. OneStop Norcross

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

Admission is free.

Adults, 18+, will learn how septic systems work and get tips on keep ing them working to save money. There will also be an explanation of how the systems protect our water resources.

Georgia State Park Events in December

Events at State Parks within 50 miles of Gwinnett County, that include trail runs, coffee with a Rang er, archery classes, holi day elf hikes, night sky observations, museum movie nights, and more.

Wesleyan School Family Open House

Interested parents of students in kindergarten to 12th grade are encouraged to bring their children to the open house, as it is designed with students and their families. Guests are welcome to attend the head of school’s address, tour the campus with student ambassadors, visit athletic practices, talk to teachers and coaches and expe rience performances by student ensembles.

Saturday, January 7, 1 p.m.

Wesleyan School

5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners wesleyanschool.org, 770-448-7640

Admission is free; registration is required.

Scan the QR Code for more information

Pet Boarding Tips for the Holidays

The holiday season means travel for many of us as we gather with family and friends. Sometimes that means our furry family members need someone else to care for them while we fly, drive or entertain a houseful of guests.

Q: How early should pet parents reserve boarding time?

A: Do it immediate ly! Normally, two to three weeks in advance will secure a spot for the holi days. For non-peak times, reservations should be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Q: What vaccines should pets have before boarding?

A: Vaccines for DHLPP, Bordetella, Rabies and K-9 flu are required. Note that first-time guests will need to sign a 30-day wavier for K-9 flu. We ask that boarders have all the proof of vaccines sent to us before check-in for a faster drop-off.

Q: Are there any special events for pets during the holidays?

A: We offer a holiday meal with a special photo that will be sent to our pet parents. Also watch for in-store seasonal events like Ugly Sweater Day and Photos with the Grinch.

Q: What are the best times to drop off pets at PetSuites?

A: We suggest dropping off pets in the mid-morning or afternoon. Please be aware that we’ll need 10 to 15 minutes to ask questions and get important information about your pet.

Q:

A: We offer a “first day free” to allow pet parents to see how their pet does before leaving them for longer boarding times. They also are welcome to bring their pet’s favorite treats, toys and bed to make them feel at home.

Q: What else should boarders should know about?

A: All pets are taken on three potty walks for no extra charge. We offer playtimes in group and individual settings, depending on the pet’s comfort level and whether or not they’ve been spayed / neutered. We also send photo updates to pet parents, for an additional charge, so they can see how their pets are doing.

■

Arianna Green, Resort Manager at PetSuites Norcross, shared some important info and tips on boarding pets this time of year.

What can be done to prepare pets for boarding and reduce separation anxiety?

Guide to Atlanta Holiday

There are lots of holiday events and shows hap pening in and around Peachtree Corners this year. If you’re looking for even more seasonal celebrations, here is a sampling of some festive things to do around Atlanta.

Family Fun

The Roof at Ponce City Market has become a winter wonderland. Now through January 8, visitors can purchase tickets to get on

Food Hall. Find out more at ponce citymarket.com.

Atlanta’s largest ice rink is at At lantic Station. Skate the Station is open now through Jan. 16. It’s ready for action, weather permit ting, on weekdays, 4-10 p.m.; Satur days, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Sundays, 12-8 p.m.

The free Celebration at the Station is a light and snow show happening now through Jan. 3, every hour from 5 to 9 p.m. Go to the Events page at atlanticstation. com to find more.

Skaters can also glide along at Avalon on Ice on the Plaza in Avalon, now through Jan. 16. General admission is $18 for adults and $14 for children aged 9 and under. Tickets and more info are on the website, experienceava lon.com.

Reservations are open for select days now through Dec. 24 for Tea with Santa at The St. Regis Atlanta. The afternoon treat includes sweets and a visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and a mischie vous elf.

to 3 p.m. The Wren’s Nest’s iconic front porch and interior rooms will be festooned with period-inspired decorations. Tickets run $14 to $18 and can be purchased through wrensnest.org.

Winter Wonderland: Celebrations & Traditions Around the World is back at Fernbank for its 13th year as a special exhibit, now through Jan. 6. It spans two floors of the museum and show cases different decorated trees and displays that recognize various

in Virginia Highland on Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. and Atlantic Station on Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. There’s another at Decatur Square on Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. Find more events at atlantajew ishconnector.com/organization/ chabad-intown-atlanta.

Ponce City Market joins with Chabad Intown to present a traditional Menorah Lighting ceremony to celebrate the Festival of Lights on Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. at The Yard. There will be music, live en tertainment and refreshments. Get

the 3,500-square-foot ice rink and Skate the Sky.

Private, heated Sky Igloos are located alongside the skating rink and at 9 Mile Station. They can be reserved for all-age and 21+ parties of one to six. For skating and igloo details and reservations, click on poncecityroof.com.

The Yard at Ponce City Market is the place to go on Saturday, Dec. 17. Santa will be there ready to pose with guests during Selfie Saturdays with Santa, 12-4 p.m. If the weather is frightful, Santa will be on the second floor of Central

Polar Express at the Best Ad dress is a Christmas Day brunch with live music, entertainment, delectable food and an open bar. Prepaid reservations are available for parties of 1 to 15. Visit explore tock.com/stregisatl for info and to make reservations for both events.

Lights and Decorations

The much-loved Garden Lights, Holiday Nights brings back fa vorite features and adds a few new twists at Atlanta Botanical Garden, now through Jan. 14. Most dates sell out quickly, so visit the website for tickets soon.

Holiday songs will fill the air with Carols in the Garden when the Tinseltones visit on Dec. 10 and 17, 10:45 and 11:45 a.m. Keep up with all the events at atlantabg.org.

By Kathy Dean

The historic home of author Joel Chandler Harris in Atlanta’s West End will host special Home for the Holidays tours on Dec. 17, 11 a.m.

celebrations, events and cultural traditions from around the world. Learn more at FernbankMuseum. org.

This year, World of Illumination brings Reindeer Road, a largerthan-life holiday light event, to the parking area of Six Flags White Water in Marietta. The spectacular drive-through light show runs now through Jan. 1, nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. Pricing starts at $39.99 per vehicle. For details and tickets, visit worldofillumination.com.

Menorah Lightings

On the first night of Hanukkah, Dec. 18, Avalon and Chabad of North Fulton will hold the Meno rah Lighting at Avalon on Boulevard East, 5-6 p.m. Guests will also enjoy some special goodies. Visit experienceavalon.com for details. Chabad Intown has scheduled free events featuring Menorah Lightings at North Highland Park

details at poncecitymarket.com. Everyone is invited to celebrate Hanukkah at Light Up the JCC on Dec. 20, 5-5:30 p.m., in the courtyard at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta in Dunwoody. There’ll be a menorah lighting, Hanukkah songs, perfor mances and free hot chocolate and doughnuts. Go to atlantajcc.org for more info.

Seasonal Shows

A Christmas Carol will be staged by the Alliance Theatre for the 34th time. The Alliance production features new costumes, live music and puppetry. The play runs through Dec. 24 on the theatre’s Coca-Cola Stage. Tickets, show times, cast list and more is available at alliancetheatre.org/ christmas.

Two Nutcracker shows will grace the stage at Fox Theatre this December. Hip Hop Nutcracker, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m., is a

Holiday Fun

contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky’s music. Tickets start at $49. The more traditional Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet features puppets, acrobatics and stars of the Ukraine ballet. There’ll be two showings on Dec. 23, 3 and 7 p.m.; tickets start at $34. Visit foxtheatre.org for tickets and details.

The cast at Dad’s Garage has rehearsed the traditional Scrooge play, but Invasion: Christmas Carol brings a surprise guest to disrupt everything. Past invaders include Young Frankenstein and The Harlem Globetrotters. The show runs Dec. 2-30. Go to dadsga rage.com/ixc for info and tickets.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Rein deer, based on the classic holiday TV show, is recreated at the Center for Puppetry Arts now through Dec. 31. Tickets include the show, admission to the Worlds of Pup petry Museum and a Create-a-Pup pet workshop. Go to puppet.org to find out more.

The Shakespeare Tavern Play house transports its audience to Scrooge’s London counting house for Dicken’s classic A Christmas Carol, presented Dec. 3-23. Food and drink are available 75 min utes before every show. For info on special performances and to get tickets, click on shakespeare tavern.com.

See something different this season at State Farm Arena. Holiday Hoopsgiving, Dec. 10-

18, is a Thanksgiving basketball showcase that features five college neutral-court games, and Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland, a show with acrobats, aerialists and hijinks, will be at the arena on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.

The WWE Holiday Tour Super show, Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m., features fan-favorite smackdown super stars. Show info and tickets are at statefarmarena.com.

Holiday Concerts and Music

On Dec. 18, Christmas on Claire mont: Keyboards and Choir will be presented at First Baptist Church Decatur at 6 p.m. It fea tures four grand pianos and or gan, a festival chorus of 100 local singers and special guest soloists and conductors. The concert is free to attend with an opportunity to support Ukraine. Find details at christmasonclairemont.com.

Spend Christmas with the ASO for a musical evening filled with holiday carols, hymns and more. It’ll be presented Dec. 15, 16 and 18. On Dec. 17 at 8 p.m., the voices of Celtic Woman: A Christmas Symphony will ring through Sympho ny Hall with arrangements from the Irish all-female group’s holiday album “The Magic of Christmas.”

The ASO and Chamber Chorus perform Handel’s Messiah (Part I) on Dec. 22, 8 p.m. at Atlanta Sym phony Hall. If you prefer to watch it at home, an ASO performance of Handel’s Messiah will be aired on Georgia Public Broadcasting on Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Get info on these and more concerts at aso.org.

On Dec. 18 at 4 p.m., A Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols will be presented at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta. The choral service is the church’s most pop ular. Admission is free. Find out more at cathedralatl.org/worship/ music/concerts.

Holiday concerts at State Farm Arena include IHeartRadio Power 96.1’s Jingle Ball 2022, a star-stud ded musical event on Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m., and the V-103 Winterfest 2022 on Dec. 16, 8 p.m., with Grammy-award winner Maxwell as headliner. Get details and tickets at statefarmarena.com.

New Year’s Celebrations

The annual Noon Year’s Eve Celebration on the Roof will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 31 at Ponce City Market. Skyline Park will host an all-ages celebration centered around a countdown to noon. All-access tickets of $25

Famer Francine Reed and Sandy Springs native Joe Gransden and his 16-piece band.

The Swing in the New Afterparty moves to the Studio Theatre for dancing, light bites, desserts and a toast at midnight. Afterparty tickets are $55 and sold separately from the concert. Purchase tickets

include admission and gameplay; ages 3 and under are free. Go to poncecitymarket.com to pre-order tickets and learn more.

Another family-friendly cele bration will be held at Avalon on Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., to ring in the new year at Noon Year’s Eve. The daytime event includes a DJ, face painting, complimentary snacks and plenty of photo ops. Admis sion is $15 each for kids and adults, ages 2 and under are free. Find all the info at experienceavalon.com.

Ring in 2023 at the New Year’s Eve Swingin’ Party at the Byer’s Theatre in the City of Sandy Springs on Dec. 31, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $40 to enjoy the music of Georgia Music Hall of

through sandyspringsga.gov/events.

On Dec. 31, Georgia Aquarium will host an adults-only New Year’s Celebration, starting at 8:30 p.m.

Attendees enjoy after-hours access to the main galleries, cocktails and food, live entertainment and a midnight champagne toast. Gen eral admission tickets are $125; VIP tickets are $195. All proceeds benefit the aquarium’s research and conser vation efforts.

After a three-year hiatus, the an nual Peach Drop returns to Underground Atlanta on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. The festivities are free to the public typically draw crowds of 65,000 to 100,000. Watch the website undergroundatl.com to keep in formed. ■

Faces of Peachtree Corners

We’re

highlighting people we thought you should know that make our city a better place.

This year’s Faces of Peachtree Corners highlights the stu dents, entrepreneurs, influencers, creators, everyday people, and leaders that have exceeded in their studies or areas of specialty as well as proven to be good community citizens.

We’re celebrating those that we feel express the best of who we are.

Nominations were sent in from teachers, counselors, administra tors, parents, colleagues, commu nity leaders, neighbors, and orga nizations.

Geoff Wilson

If Peachtree Corners had its own Candy Man, Geoff would probably be the perfect fit.

“Truthfully, I’ve been making chocolate almost my whole life,” said the general manager of Peterbrooke Chocolatier at The Forum. “I’m the sixth of eight kids, and my mom was an overachiever. So, she did classroom mom, PTA president and all those things.

“You know, there wasn’t a Walmart or big box stores where you could just go buy a bunch of stuff. So, she learned how to make chocolate and she taught all my siblings how to do it. We would make it for gifts for teachers and our friends,” he said.

But Geoff took the long way to making chocolate professionally. “I worked for the Episcopal Church and did a few other things. Twelve years ago, Peterbrooke came into my world, and I’ve been here ever since,” he said.

He is currently the senior warden at Christ Church Episcopal in Norcross, a member of the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber and a member of the Peachtree Corners Business Association. Besides chocolate, Geoff is passionate about his Lego collection.

Geoff enjoys the fact that he’s able to make a difference in the community and put smiles on faces. “Over the years, we’ve built a lot of relationships,” he said. “We do summer camps and birthday parties. Now some of these kids are getting married and having children of their own. People come into the shop …and I’m always here and they know I’m always good for a talk.”

Though Peachtree Corners is the largest city in Gwinnett County, it has maintained its small-town feel, and that’s just how Geoff likes it.

“Being part of the community is an honor,” he said. “I go to the Peachtree Corners Festival, and I run into a bunch of people I know, like the mayor and his wife, who know me by my first name. It’s that feeling of small town that’s …kind of made my place here.” ■

By Arlinda Smith Broady

Photo by George Hunter

Dr. Mohamed Eid

Although he’s not a Georgia native, Dr. Mo hamed has grown accustomed to the temperate Southern weather. He was born and raised in Canada, growing up in Edmonton, Alberta.

“There is no, no chance we’re moving back,” he said. “Especially after I took my wife to Canada with the kids over Christmas last year. It was a little too cold for her liking.”

After attending the University of Alberta, he completed his Doctorate at the Illinois College of Optometry in 2003. He also followed up with a pri mary care/ocular disease residency at the Illinois Eye Institute.

Dr. Mohamed settled in Atlanta in 2007 and now lives in Dunwoody with his wife Lina and their two young children.

About five years ago, Dr. Mohamed took over Peachtree Corners Eye Clinic. “The practice has been here for close to 30 years, so it was pretty well established,” he said.

One of the first things Dr. Mohamed did in his new space was reach out to local schools and offer free eye exams and glasses to children in need. “I told them, if you have anyone who needs glasses, needs an eye exam, but can’t afford it, …please send them our way,” he said.

The program primarily serves Simpson, Norcross and Peachtree elementary schools, Pinckneyville Middle and even some students at Norcross High School. Dr. Mohamed recalled one student who had some developmental delay issues and had trouble verbalizing that she had vision problems.

“She was in kindergarten or first grade, and she ended up needing a really high prescription,” he said. “Those kids are the ones you feel the most for because they’re falling through the cracks of the system. …It really feels good to make a difference in their lives.”

It’s that commitment to community and warm, professional atmosphere that makes his practice so popular. With a small staff, the goal is to make everyone feel comfortable and at ease.

“The biggest compliment for us is when our cli ents share their experience with a friend or family member,” said Dr. Mohamed. ■

Terri Hoye

“I have known Terri for a long time,” said Margie Asef, chair of the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber (SWGC), who nominat ed her.

Terri was a pastor at First United Meth odist Church, which is right around the cor ner from Greater Atlanta Christian School where Margie is director of Community Relations. “Now she is the director of The Alliance and is continuing to do the work she’s done for so long,” Margie said.

Terri has been an active part of the Nor cross-Peachtree Corners communities for over 31 years. She served 29 years on staff at Norcross First United Methodist Church and two years as the Norcross–Peachtree Corners City Flourishing Catalyst for Unite. According to The Alliance’s website, Terri brings a deep understanding of the community, as well as the passion and commitment to help each member of the community have the opportunity to be able to thrive in all areas of their lives.

Margie said that there is no one with a heart wider, higher and deeper than Terri’s. “It doesn’t matter if it’s three in the morning or the middle of dinner, if she finds out that there is somebody that …needs something, she’s going to be on the phone and she’s going to use her connections to get what they need,” said Margie. “She’s a connector, and she knows all the resources in Gwinnett County.”

Margie also pointed out that Terri helped create a non-profit roundtable within the SWG where all of the area nonprofits could gather and share what their challenges are and make sure that none of organi zations bump into each other with fundraising and other endeavors.

Margie explained that Terri naturally cares about people and radiates positivity and good vibes, “…and she’s a good hugger.” ■

BiLan Liao

Artist BiLan is also the author of the book “Diary of the Dragon’s Daugh ter” and a filmmaker whose “An Artist’s Journey from China to America” has been shown at film festivals around the world. She painted and sculpted four series of artworks titled: “Painting as a Window into Chinese History,” “Coming into Tibet,” “Women Suf fering in the War” and “My Life in America.”

Her most recent series is “Coming into Tibet,” shot from the perspective of a contemporary Chi nese artist coming to America and the freedoms she experienced. The series allowed BiLan to tell the

the “new” China, including the Cultural Revolution.

of

BiLan’s career as a successful artist started as a child. She learned to speak English and about American customs during the 18 years she lived in the U.S. Her two academic degrees are in painting and contempo rary art design, and she also studied art history.

For a time, she lived in Italy where she taught in a school of design for five years and then moved to Kentucky to lead a program before retiring from teaching. BiLan has shown her art at museums and galleries, and she has lectured nationally and internationally. ■

story

her journey from

Dr. Eid with wife Lina, daughter Naya (8) and son Hassan (7)

Terri Hoye (center) with her daughters.

Isabel “Izzy” Rickaby

A senior at Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC), Izzy said that sports have been a part of her life for as long as she can recall. “I’ve played varsity soccer for four years, varsity swim and dive for three years and varsity cross country for two years,” she said. “My primary sport, soccer, has been prevalent throughout my life and is some thing I love.”

The rigorous nature of these sports allowed her to develop skills like organization, communication and discipline. She said she applies those attri butes to other aspects of her life, such as school and work.

She’s a GAC Beta club officer, a group that acts as the official hosts for the school’s Grandparent’s Day, the Special Olympics and Operation Christ mas Child. “As a Beta club officer, leading others and instructing peers when running these events has given me leadership skills that apply to my everyday life,” Izzy said.

Outside of school and sports, Izzy maintains multiple jobs. She works at Chick-fil-a as a team member and at Pinky’s Shaved Ice during the summer. There, she drives the trailer to different locations to serve customers at events.

“One of the benefits of working at Pinky’s is that they donate a portion of the profits to a char ity of the host’s choice,” she added.

That’s not all. Izzy also has a small clientele of people around her neighborhood who hire her to walk their dogs when they’re out of town or need help. “It feels great to be able to not only provide for myself, but also serve others to fulfill their needs,” she said. ■

Kristin Causey

Kristin is the manager of the Peachtree Corners Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. She has worked in public service for over 12 years, dedicating herself to making resources freely available to all members of the community who want to expand their education or career prospects, or just pursue their creative interests.

She arrived in Peachtree Corners in 2020, after working in libraries in Mississippi and Iowa. She has brought a welcome rejuvena tion to the branch. Kristin and her team have worked to increase programs and events for all ages. Kids and caregivers can enjoy weekly story times, homework help sessions and STEM activities. Programs for teens and adults include writers’ groups, cosplay events and topics of local interest like boating safety.

Kristin looks for ways to connect the diverse backgrounds and interests of the peo ple in Peachtree Corners. She has partnered with many groups, from the Curiosity Lab and Ser Familia to the Girl Scouts, to provide meaningful experiences for residents.

Since Kristin has been at the Peachtree Corners branch, the library has expanded its services to include reservable study rooms, a Learning Lab (makerspace) and, most recent ly, passport service.

She is a wonderful local asset and ensures that the library continuously offers high quality services and resources for Peachtree Corners residents.. ■

Gordon Ely-Kelso

Georgia Bulldogs football fans may recognize Gordon from his days on the Athens gridiron. “It was quite a ride. It’s kind of funny to think back how long it’s been. The early 2000s don’t seem like that long ago, but it was 17-plus years ago,” he said.

“I’ve played in three SEC championships. We went to two Sugar Bowls. …Being from Athens, it has kind of meant a lot to play for the home crowd,” Gordon added.

After a year trying out for the NFL, Gordon decided it was time to pursue other goals. “I was in some training camps with the Falcons, the Buffalo Bills and …the New York Giants, but I never even played a preseason game,” he said. “And then, honestly, I just needed a job and there are more opportunities in Atlanta.”

He started applying for jobs in Atlanta and landed on his current career path. Gordon is the territory sales manager for Eagle Rock Distrib uting Company. He mainly works with bars and restaurants in Gwinnett County, supplying beer, wine, spirits, waters, energy drinks, etc.

“It’s an interesting opportunity to meet so many small business owners,” he said. “I have a personal relationship with pretty much 90% of the restau rants in Gwinnett.”

Even though the company headquarters are in Norcross, Gordon was a little reluctant to move to suburbia. His wife is originally from Peachtree Corners, and she convinced him to check it out. Now with six-year-old twin daughters and a fouryear-old son, Gordon said it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made.

He and his wife are active in the community with the local tennis team, and he’s been on the homeowner’s association (HOA) board for about a year.

“The sense of community in our neighborhood is fantastic. We’ve got so many friends that help us look after our kids; we look after their kids and community is so welcoming and friendly,” Gordon said, adding that there are about 30 kids on his block alone.

“Seeing people who you know everywhere is kind of nice,” he noted. “It’s the biggest city in Gwinnett, but it doesn’t feel that way. All the neighborhoods are pretty close together and we’ve gotten to know many people and have made many great friendships.” ■

Dr. Eileen Flook

With three chiropractic offices in Gwinnett Coun ty — one in Peachtree Corners — Dr. Eileen gives time and energy to the community when she can. In business with her husband and a family friend, their practice just celebrated a 15-year anniversary.

Dr. Eileen credits the success to professional ser vice and caring relationships with clients and staff. “We believe in building relationships over the years with people in the community,” she said. “I always tell my staff that, when working with clients, act like it’s somebody in your family we’re servicing.”

Nominated by Karl Barham, Dr. Eileen is a fellow Cornerstone Christian Academy parent of Karl’s. “What I thought was charming is that she’s been teaching her kids how to be entrepreneurial, so I see them building little businesses,” he said. “I think one of them is making jewelry bracelets and other things.”

Dr. Eileen said her daughters aren’t into sports and they came up with their businesses on their own. “They’re learning the value of teamwork and learning how to communicate with one another …and now we’re selling their bracelets our office,” she said.

The girls were in a wedding and asked the bride if she has any gifts for her bridesmaids. That one text message ended up being the start of their bracelet business. “We’re just trying to teach the girls that you have to be proactive and solution oriented …and that communication is everything,” Dr. Eileen said. ■

Tracy O’Leary

Tracy and her husband Pat have enjoyed living in Peachtree Corners for 28 years. With their three children (Michael, 30, Colin, 28 and Maggie, 22), they celebrated over 20 years of “first days” in the Norcross Cluster schools. Living in a community that has given so much to her family, Tracy has been passionate about giving back.

A practicing certified public accountant (CPA) for over 30 years, Tracy received her BBA in accounting from the University of Georgia and a Master of Tax ation from Georgia State University. Since 1985, she has worked, both full and part-time, as a tax consul tant in public accounting and private industry.

Tracy began as a volunteer at Simpson Elemen tary School in the Media Center, and she served in various positions on the PTA board including treasurer, VP and chair for the Simpson Singers 5th grade production. She followed her children to Pinckneyville Middle School and remained active in executive and committee positions on the par ent-teacher association (PTSA).

When her youngest started at Norcross High School (NHS), Tracy realized that the need for parent volunteers at the high school level was much greater than in the lower schools. She made it her goal to give as much as possible in the areas where she was needed most.

She joined the board of the Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence (NHSFE) in 2014, and took the role of treasurer for three years, then served as co-president, liaison to the After School Matters pro gram and advisor to the treasurer. Tracy also completes the annual audit and required tax filings, as well as participating on the NHSFE board.

Tracy served four years as Norcross PTSA membership chair and four years as president and treasurer of the PHD Running Club (the NHS cross country and track and field booster club). She uses her exper tise as a CPA to complete audits for a number of Norcross Cluster groups, including Simpson PTA, Pinck neyville PTSA, Norcross HS PTSA, Paul Duke Stem PTSA, NHSFE and booster clubs for soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, orchestra, baseball, swim and dive, and XC/track and field.

Other groups in the community have also benefitted from Tracy’s giving spirit. She served for four years as volunteer chair for the Fields Club Swim Team and then served six years as co-council. Since 1997, Tracy has been an active volunteer at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church and St. Brigid Catholic Church, teaching religion classes, mentoring youth and co-chairing the parishes’ Christmas service projects.

For the past seven years, Tracy has also given her time and talents as treasurer for the Peachtree Cor ners Community Bible Study group. ■

Krista Creel

Krista is probably known by many in the com munity as the wife of Colin Creel, headmaster at Cornerstone Christian Academy. Even though most of her volunteering is at the school, she’s active in other areas as well — a children’s teach er at Community Bible School, a Sunday school teacher at Perimeter Church, a board member at the Fields Club Summer League Swim Team and a Cub Scouts leader.

At Cornerstone, she’s been the co-chair of the biennial gala for the last decade, and she started a ‘Moms in Prayer’ ministry at the school.

Krista grew up in Atlanta and has lived in Peachtree Corners since getting married in 2005. Since she graduated from the University of Geor gia (UGA), she has worked as an interior designer in both the commercial and residential sectors.

She was nominated by friend, neighbor and fel low Cornerstone parent Karl Barham, who point ed out that, besides being such a busy person, Krista is very present in many things.

“She has so many talents and so many skills, and she gives freely of those, as well as her limited time,” Karl said.

Krista said that, despite her many hats, “the joy of my life is my role of wife and mother to my three children.” ■

Krista with her daughter Chloe

Meg and Jeff Foster

Meg and Jeff serve as Wesleyan School’s director of fine arts and band direc tor, respectively. The couple selflessly serve both their school and local commu nity, spreading the love of music where they go.

Jeff joined the faculty of Wesleyan School in 1998. A year later, he formed the Wesleyan Marching Wolves and still directs the marching band today. This year’s band is made up of just over 60 stu dents in grades 7-12, and the group regular ly competes against march ing bands two and three times their size.

This fall, the band was rec ognized in the 5A division of the Branch Classic at Flowery Branch High School and was invited to compete at Bands of America at Jacksonville State University. In his 25 years at Wesley an, Jeff has directed hundreds of students and is an adored faculty member by current students and Wesleyan alumni alike.

Meg came to Wesleyan in 2002. As the director of fine arts, she oversees the kindergarten through 12th grade curricular and extracurricular aspects of fine arts at Wesleyan. Meg directs the middle school chorus classes and serves as musical director for Wesleyan’s middle school musical each spring.

This spring, 38 middle schoolers will present The Sound of Music with a live orchestra, all under Meg’s direction. In addition to her school responsibilities, Meg volunteers at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church with the Kids Praise program. She inspires children of all ages to share their gift of song, challenging them to try new things and that often includes singing and dancing on stage.

Meg is a tireless cheerleader for the students she leads, and the caliber of performances she directs speak to how much her students trust and love her.

Meg and Jeff have two daughters, Audrey and Eva. ■

Bishop Garland and Eileen Hunt

LC Johnson

LC has brought a world of experience to the county he calls home. After 20-plus years learning how to manage goods, services and, most importantly, people, LC retired an Air Force Master Sergeant. Following his military service, LC entered his next tour of duty — in education. Applying the principles of good management learned in the military, LC gained notoriety as a no-non sense educational leader. He earned his doctorate in Manage ment while turning troubled schools around by engaging the sur rounding communities to take ownership in the offerings and outcomes of the student body.

Showing no signs of slowing down, LC recently accepted a position on the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s 1818 Club Finance Committee. He has also recently been awarded both the Paul Duke Lifetime Achievement Award and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Rho Kappa Lambda Chap ter 2018 Diversity Social Action Award.

With the second edition of his memoir, “Still A Soldier,” in the prepara tion stages, LC has become a sought-after speaker. Copies of his books are now being used to encourage members of the Gwinnett County School System’s Community Based Mentoring Program. ■

Bishop Garland, an Atlanta native, is a proven strategic leader with a dynamic ministry background and extensive experience in leadership, management and pastoral care.

He received a Bachelor of Arts from Howard University in 1980 and Juris Doctor degree from Howard University Law School in 1983. Bishop Garland then served as a judicial law clerk and staff attorney with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

In 1993, he founded the Raleigh International Church, an influential ministry with the mission of reconciliation in Raleigh, N.C. As senior pastor, Bishop Garland grew the church from the ground up. At the time of his departure in 2000, the church was thriving with well over 500 active members attending

Bishop Garland moved from Raleigh back to his hometown of Atlanta, Ga. to serve as executive pastor of the Fa ther’s House. He also acted as chief operating officer of the church, while providing leadership development and training to staff and members.

His executive leadership spans some 28 years, with the Fellowship of International Churches, Wellington Boone Ministries and New Generation Campus Ministries. Bishop Garland has served in many state and national leadership roles.

In 2004, he was appointed to the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles by Governor Sonny Purdue and served as chairman of the Parole Board in 2006. In 2010, Bishop Garland was commissioner of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. In 2011, he served as president of Prison Fellowship.

In March 2015, Bishop Wellington Boone installed Bishop Garland as Senior Pastor of the Father’s House. Each week, Bishop Garland demonstrates his pastor’s heart through his passionate preaching and vibrant leadership.

Pastor Eileen’s more than 30 years of ministry experience began on a college campus with the organization that she started, New Generations Campus Ministries. She also founded Network of Politically Active Christian Wom en and is, at present, the co-pastor at The Father’s House Church.

Pastor Eileen is committed to seeing others grow in Christ and fulfill their purposes in God. She is married to Bishop Garland and has three grown children — Garland Jr., Christa and Jeremy. Her family also includes daughters-in-law Melissa and Ky and five grandchil dren. ■

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Joshua Stephens

Joshua serves as director of Policy and Government Affairs for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. In this role, he works on policy and leg islative-related initiatives and serves as the primary point of contact between the Georgia Department of Economic Development and other state executive agencies, as well as the legislative branches of both the state and federal govern ment.

He works alongside the commissioner’s office and various other divisions within the department on issues related to policy legislative matters. Joshua serves as a point of contact for the legislative branch, but also helps the agency connect — internally, inter-governmentally or externally — with companies, cities, counties and the business community.

Joshua works directly with businesses in a sales, marketing and business development capacity for the state. He helps bring new businesses to Georgia, and he also works with film companies, the Georgia Council for the Arts and tourism organizations, just to name a few.

Working with the global commerce division on projects in Gwinnett. County, Joshua has helped facilitate relationships with Peachtree Corners and foreign countries, especially those looking to do business with Curiosity Lab. More re cent projects include city LED technology, autonomous vehicle technology and all the things going on around electric mobility.

On the personal side, Joshua moved to Peachtree Corners about seven months ago with his wife, who was expecting their now seven-month-old daughter. They also have a two-year-old son.

Kerry Lee

The green spaces, open areas, community togetherness and all-around neighborly vibe attracted the family here, he says. “We really kind of fell in love with the area and it just took us a little time to find the right house and right opportunity,” Joshua said. “Having a young growing family, we …wanted somewhere we could call home that had walkability and the quality of life we were looking for.”

The family can often be seen on Saturday mornings making use of the new playground near the Forum. ■

Abbie Alf

Kerry is the co-artistic director of the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company, a Peachtree Cor ners-based organization. An Atlanta native, her mother emigrated from China and founded the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company in 1991.

“I grew up with it pretty much for my whole life,” Kerry said in an interview with DanceAt lanta. “For me and for many of our dancers, it’s one of the few ways that we can connect with our Chinese heritage here in the U.S., and especially in the South.”

She added that Chinese dance is also a way for Chi nese Americans to learn their heritage and share it with others. “That’s something that’s very important to us … so we typically will do a pro duction every 18 months in a theater, such as Gas South Theater,” Kerry said.

Kerry’s dance experience is as diverse as her background. “Because I grew up in Atlanta and I am American born Chi nese, I also have an extensive dance background outside of Chinese dance, like in ballet schools such as Atlanta Bal let, performing professionally in modern/contemporary companies in New York and here in Atlanta with glo,” she explained.

As a choreographer, Kerry said she really likes to explore the Chinese American experi ence, “because I feel like usually Chinese dance in China is about being in China and I can relate to it in some ways. But then, at the same time, being Chinese American, I don’t feel like it represents my experience.”

Therefore, one of Kerry’s choreographic interests is to share the Chinese American experi ence, especially of being in the South, and “finding an authentic way of doing that by meld ing Chinese dance with other art forms,” she said. “My goal is to honor our Chinese heritage while asserting our Americanness at the same time.” ■

Abbie started Abbie Bakes as a student at University of Georgia (UGA). While growing up, she loved baking pies, muffins and, of course, cookies.

After months of experimenting with different candies and ingredients, Abbie followed her grandmother’s advice in the summer of 2019 and handcrafted her own cookie recipe. She has been baking cookies ever since.

Abbie bakes each cookie with love and perfection. She delivers her cookies to local customers and ships them to those further away.

After years of hard work and growing her customer base, she won the UGA Idea Accelerator program in November of 2021. She is looking to expand her business even further. “I want to make everyone’s cookie dreams come true!” she said. ■

Roy Levi

Roy was born and raised in Israel and moved to the U.S. in 2005. “I used to work for the Israeli Department of State,” he said. “That’s how I arrived in Atlanta.”

Once his term of service ended, he wanted to stay in this area. Roy operat ed a frozen yogurt franchise called Yogli Mogli in Dunwoody.

“I graduated from Georgia State with a business administration degree. At the same time, my contract ended with the Israeli Department of State so I was looking into exploring the business world and having my own busi ness,” he said.

The business lasted nearly a decade and Roy said it was more fun than work. “Serving people, especially young kids, and seeing smiling faces all the time. For me, was like selling a happy world, you know?” he said.

But Roy wanted to spread his wings with bigger opportunities. He sold the business right before the pandemic caused similar businesses to shut down temporarily. He pursued a Chick-fil-A franchise, but before the pro cess really got going, he found himself at Intuition Robotics.

The transition wasn’t difficult, Roy said. Intuition is an Israeli-based com pany and he’s pretty much a bridge to both countries. And his experience with the yogurt shop helped him hone his customer-service skills.

“My role is mainly boots on the ground and making sure that …our cus tomers are happy and that they get the product on time. And if they need any help, we are here to help with whatever is needed,” Roy explained. “We

Akinwande Oshodi

Akinwande is relatively new to Peachtree Corners, but he’s made an impact. He is the founder of The Avery Group, a professional services and consulting firm that caters to government and commercial orga nizations. His com pany works with clients to provide solutions in the areas of financial management and optimization, information technology, train ing and program management. Nominated by Karl Barham, Akinwande’s dedication to community stood out. “He has his own business, …his wife is an attorney …and they have two young kids. When they were below school age, …he served in the military,” said Karl.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Akinwande immigrated to Newark, New Jersey where it was instilled in him that the measure of a man was his ability and determination to succeed. He joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17 to serve his country. Throughout his military career, he garnered multiple accolades for his contributions to Operation Iraq Freedom and Operation Enduring Free dom.

Akinwande is a graduate of National Contract Management Association’s (NCMA) Contract Management Leadership Development Program and has been the Treasurer of NCMA’s Atlanta chapter for the past two years. He is deeply committed to his community by promoting leadership and mentorship opportunities for African American youths. To this end, Akin wande is an active member of the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington DC, sits on the board of INROADS Alumni network and serves on the finance committee for Brookhaven Innovation Academy.

As a collegiate athlete and lifetime basketball enthusiast, Akinwande believes in leveraging athletics and mentorship to encourage accountabili ty, teamwork and leadership skills among youth. In his free time, he enjoys crushing the competition at family game night with his wife, Jarell, and their two young children, Avery and Jalen. ■

Roy (right) with wife Tina (left), a real estate closing attorney, born and raised in the U.S. with a South Korean heritage, and children Daniel (10) and Lia (6).

support them with setting up their device and anything else.”

Being in Peachtree Corners allows Roy to connect with his homeland and enjoy an incredible quality of life with his wife, two children and in-laws. ■

Weare Gratwick

Margie Asef, chair of the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber (SWGC), nominat ed Weare because she said his face is one that can be seen in person all over Peachtree Corners. “I always tease him, asking him, ‘How many name tags have you worn today?’” she said.

Weare is Mayor Pro Tem and a Peachtree Corners City Council member, past chair of the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber, market president at Tandem Bank, Chair-Elect of the Steering Committee for Leadership Gwinnett, a board member of Neighborhood Cooperative Ministry and a member of the Peachtree Corners Rotary Club.

With all those responsibilities, Weare makes it look easy, Margie said. “I know he used to do a ton at Norcross High School and he’s also an avid base ball fan. He loves the Braves, and he goes just about anywhere to see them,” she said. “I don’t know how he has time for what he does. …I don’t know when the man sleeps, honestly.”

Weare’s dedication and commitment to Peachtree Corners is admirable, Margie said adding that he does it all with enthusiasm. “He’s an asset to the community.” ■

From left to right, son-in-law, Jack Fraser, daughters Lydia and Sarah Ann, wife Amber and Weare Gratwick.

The French-American Chamber of Commerce Heads into its Second Year in Peachtree Corners

The FACC boosts trade and investment between France and the Southeast

Leaving behind airport-like security measures that allowed one-person-at-atime access to the French Consulate building in Buckhead a year ago, The French-American Chamber of Commerce — Atlanta Southeast (FACC) planted its roots in the heart of Silicone Orchard. It has become a part of the innova

tion ecosystem of Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners and has much to celebrate.

How have things gone since they heralded their repositioning to a smart city with real-world connect ed infrastructure and 5G, using robot-delivered ribbon and scissors during their Peachtree Corners inauguration? I weighed-in with Katherine Lafourcade, Executive Director of the FACC since January 2021, to discuss how the well-timed relocation has played out to date.

Serendipity at its finest

this French government-backed accreditation in 2021. It’s now one of 12 American cities that aid French tech startups looking to branch into the United States and American tech companies looking to cross the Atlantic and branch into France.

The La French Tech presence in Curiosity Lab, along with the FACC, solidifies Silicone Orchard as a start up hub — a desirable destination for international tech companies and investors.

Above,

By Patrizia Winsper

It was perfect synergy — the strategic move to a vibrant tech en vironment in combination with the official launch of the La French Tech Atlanta community. Atlanta received

Curiosity Lab enables startups to prove out new technologies in a re al-world setting with infrastructure that includes cellular vehicle-to-ev erything (C-V2X) technology, auton omous vehicles, drones, robotics and solar roadways.

Above left Keynote speakers (left to right): SVP of Product and Digital Accounts at OVHcloud US, Pascal Jaillon, CEO of Pertinent Health, Bruno Jactel, CEO of sunday, Christine de Wendel, and Exotec VP of Operations, Stanis las Normand. Photo by La French Tech Atlanta.

Congratulations Hypercell Technologies and Bruno Jactel for winning the 2022 Crystal Pitch Competition from La French Tech Atlanta and the French American Chamber of Commerce Atlanta. Photo courtesy of La French Tech Atlanta.

Lafourcade deems the move ad vantageous. “The space at Curiosity Lab is amazing,” she said. “There’s always something new and differ ent happening. It’s always evolving. It’s fun to be in that environment. They’re digging holes, moving walls, there are drones, robots — kind of everything. What a great thing to be able to offer access to all of that as a chamber of commerce.”

With a terrific team of people and fluid connections to the wider com munity around Atlanta, the FACC intends to remain at Curiosity Lab for the long haul.

presently thriving. Being in a milieu that attracts the interest of French technology companies looking to expand facilitates partnerships as the Chamber has much to offer.

“We work closely with the French Consulate, the Metro Atlanta Cham ber,” Lafourcade said. “We have really great connections with the city and the mayor’s office of international affairs. We’re in the heart of a bus tling community. Our location really helps that role.”

Representative Kelsey Neely con firms that the innovation center was an excellent option for the FACC headquarters, especially partnered with La French Tech and OVHcloud US, their alternative cloud provider.

“We have such a great internation al presence. The Curiosity Lab can act as a launch pad for these start ups expanding in the United States, and potentially beyond,” Neely said.

She recollected the first French startup to join Curiosity Lab through the FACC and the La French Tech program, Urban }Canopee. “They make structures that are placed in

Top row, some of the presenters from Strapt Vending, Rebillia Platform ADAXIS and Videtics. Photos courtesy of La French Tech Atlanta.

Bottom row, Katherine Lafourquade, Executive Director of the French American Chamber of Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Katherine Lafourquade.

Kelsey Neely PR and Strategy Representative at Curiosity Lab in Peachtree Corners. Photo courtesy of Kelsey Neely. President of La French Tech Atlanta, Sebastien Lafon. Photo by Patrizia Winsper.

“Onward and upward! Curiosity Lab generates interest and piques people’s curiosity. It’s an easy sell. Peachtree Corners is unique. It’s pretty special,” Lafourcade beamed.

PTC — The host with the most

The city has embraced the FACC, offering support every step of the way. “Peachtree Corners has been an amazing partner. They help by sponsoring events. I joke that they’re ‘the Yes People,’ but they really are! They help in any way they can. I think they’ve been instrumental in the chamber doing as well as it is now,” Lafourcade said.

French American chambers exist solely through their membership and events. There are no subsidies or funding coming in from elsewhere.

After having been hit hard by the COVID outbreak, the FACC is

A hub of innovation, open-mindedness and an entrepreneurial spirit

While the FACC has a special focus on France, the collaboration and development expand to other European countries. In turn, the cosmopolitan nature of Atlanta and surrounding areas astonishes Lafourcade, who moved here from Switzerland.

“I’m a bit amazed at the number of people here who weren’t born here. People have come for work or other reasons, and everybody is thriving. I think that is due in part to local people, southern hospitality and warmth. There’s a welcome for everybody. It doesn’t matter where you’re from. The attitude is, ‘the doors are open. We’ll help you on your journey,’” she surmised.

Curiosity Lab PR and Strategy

urban environments to help bring greenery back to the space, keep the air cleaner and fight climate change,” Neely explained. “We actually have one deployed in the city of Peachtree Corners Town Center.”

You may have seen the ‘corolle’ there; it’s a modular, vegetation-cov ered installment intended to cool down concrete city expanses by “greening them up.”

At the first ever Crystal Pitch Competition this past October, part of the France-Atlanta event series that has been running for 13 years, five startups presented their exciting entrepreneurial undertakings. Neely Neely witnessed some startups pres ent their exciting entrepreneurial undertakings. She shared a look of intense satisfaction.

“You can see through [this] event, Atlanta is growing as a technology

hub,” Neely said. “It’s being recog nized across the country now as having a healthy startup ecosystem. We’re really happy to be a part of that.”

The Crystal Pitch StartUp competition

The October 24th France-Atlanta Evening in Tech was held at Georgia Tech and sponsored by Morgan Stanley, Peachtree Corners, OVH cloud US, Orbiss Inc. and Georgia Tech. Valuable startup pointers and insights were shared by seasoned entrepreneurs and keynote speakers Christine de Wendel, CEO of sun day; Bruno Jactel, CEO of Pertinent Health, who later pivoted and also pitched his startup Hypercell; Pascal Jaillon, SVP of Product and Digital Accounts at OVHcloud US; and Stanislas Normand, Exotec VP of Operations.

The Shark Tank-type competi tion ensued, highlighting Atlanta’s growing La French Tech commu nity aimed at expanding local and France-based startups in Atlanta, the Southeast and in Europe. The atmo sphere was exhilarating; it was “on” between five startup companies.

Entrepreneurs had a limited time to pitch their ideas to a panel of judg es in the hopes of winning prizes like $120,000 in OVHcloud US credits, a year of desk space at Curiosity Lab, tax and accounting support from Orbiss Inc., two tickets to the

France-Atlanta Gala (the signature business event of the FACC) and men toring by La French Tech and French Trade advisors.

The competing startups

Covering their inventive solutions, future plans and the global impact their businesses will have, the start ups presented in the following order:

■ Strapt Vending — Recognizing a change in consumer purchasing, Founder and CEO Carly Simenauer developed dispensers as vehicles for consumers to sample products in a controlled way using a QR code. The premise is that users are more engaged after they’ve been able to try a product for free. A rapid authentica tion process to obtain the free sam ples allows companies to follow-up with and funnel consumers via email afterwards. Intended for feminine hy giene and personal products, Strapt helps companies bring new products to market.

■ Rebillia Platform — Co-Found er and CEO Snir Avidan presented flexible subscription management software that puts today’s consum er in control. Apparently, allowing customers to create their own sub scription plans was a real hit. There are four million end users of this system, it forms the backbone of several famous brands and it has all been through word of mouth. They’re proud to have spent $0 on marketing.

■ Videtics — Videtics offers intelligent video analytics software, AI for the sake of mankind – think a surveillance revolution, of sorts — for security, to track shopping habits in a mall or to address congestion and mo bility shifts in cities. Deep Learning Engineers Alan Farbach, co-counder and CEO, and Pierre-Alexis Le Bor gne, co-founder and head of research, pitched their simple business model. A license per camera costs 500 € annually and the software can be integrated so clients may keep what they’ve already installed. They hope to experiment in Peachtree Corners, testing the accuracy of their algo rithms.

■ Hypercell Technologies — Bru no Jactel, CEO and co-founder, deliv ered the winning pitch of the night with a solution to help prevent future pandemics by implementing rapid diagnostic monitoring and control of viruses in the food chain, specifically in animal reservoirs. Due to recent events, the appeal of mitigating the spread of infectious diseases to reduce cost and shield the human

population is easy to appreciate.

■ ADAXIS — Based in Bayonne, France, this company aims to stream line the additive manufacturing industry by reducing human inter vention. They’ve created a software platform capable of transforming any robot into a flexible 3D printer and have shown promising traction with over 30 customers in Europe, America and Asia.

Vive la réussite!

When I inquired about the crite ria for participation in the Crystal Pitch competition, Sébastien Lafon, President of La French Tech Atlanta replied, “It was really for U.S. startups with the ambition to launch their businesses in Europe, using France as a platform. For French startups, it was to see how they are thinking about their business plan to expand into the United States. No series A, B, C or D. We just want to create those relationships between French and American startups!”

Lafon views Peachtree Corners as an invigorating place for the opening of La French Tech Atlanta. “You can see how Curiosity Lab continues to generate interest. We had several companies today that are interested in partnering with Curiosity Lab for the Smart City concept. We are incredibly fortunate and thankful to partner with Curiosity Lab,” he said.

On the heels of their first anniver sary at Curiosity Lab, Lafon declared, “We are happy we had an event like this. Twenty-two startups applied for the competition. This event generat ed so much interest, we’ll see about maybe having it twice a year.”

More La French Tech social events that foster French-American startup relationships can be expected.

As for the FACC, all signs point to Lafourcade having every reason to be confident in her snowball-effect vision of the future: increasing mem bers and interest, creating additional connections and helping even more businesses. It’s a plan that seems destined to materialize, in large part, because they are now headquartered in Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Cor ners.

As if our fair city wasn’t alluring enough, the French connection gives Peachtree Corners an additional dose of je ne sais quoi, wouldn’t you agree?

■

Business Organizations and Events

Peachtree Corners Business Association

Pms

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

PCBA Business After Hours Year End Celebration

Thursday, December 8

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Registration is $35. Registration is required as space is limited. The evening of celebration includes a variety of beverages and foods as well as the op-portunity to do some business networking.

PCBA Connecting Over Coffee Morning Meetup

Tuesday, December 13, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

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

Free admission for PCBA members and their guests. Please register online since space is lim-ited.

Connect over coffee with other PCBA members and business profession als in a positive atmosphere on the second Tuesday of the month. Business cards will be shared with all at-tendees.

Rotary Club of Peachtree Corners

Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center 10 College Street, Norcross 30071 peachtreecornersrotary.org

SWGC and Alliance of Norcross-Peachtree Corners Hold Food Drive to Help Feed Kids

Club Holiday Banquet

Thursday, December 15, 6-9 p.m.

Members enjoy a holiday celebration.

Rotary Club Meetings

Mondays, December 19, January 9 and 30, and February 6 12-1 p.m.

Special guests speak at some meetings. On Dec. 19, District Governor Gerry Taylor will be the guest of honor.

Career Exploration Night

Wednesday, January 18, 6-9 p.m.

Business professionals help high school students explore potential career paths.

Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

107 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 southwestgwinnettchamber.com

SWGC Coffee Connections

Friday, December 9 and 16 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Free admission for SWGC members and visitors.

Meet up with local business professionals to enjoy coffee or tea and con versation to ex-pand professional relationships. Meetings are held in the large meeting space behind the SWGC office at Atlanta Tech Park.

The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce (SWGC) has completed a local food drive to help area students who experience food insecurity. In many cases, the only meal of the day the children are sure to receive is the one that’s provided at school.

These students face hunger while school is closed during the Thanksgiv ing and Winter breaks.

SWGC’s Executive Director Beth Coffey joined forces with Terri Hoye, director of the Alliance of Norcross-Peachtree Corners (Alliance NPC), to collect food and dona tions and fill boxes with food items.

Before the school breaks, volunteers will deliver 365 food boxes to students at Bea ver Ridge Elementary, Give West, Norcross Elementary, North Metro Academy, Paul Duke STEM High, Peachtree Elementary, Pinckneyville Middle, Simpson Elementary, Stripling Elementary and Summerour Middle schools.

Find out more at thealliancenpc.org/volunteer-opportunities or scan the QR code. ■

In July of this year, a newly constructed, state-of-the-art “Blue Horizon” UPS Store opened on Peachtree Parkway. It focuses on providing the Peachtree Corners community with excellent customer service, according to owner Ray Paracha.

“We specialize in shipping, printing, graphic designing and providing many other services,” he said.

Paracha explained that while living in Peachtree Corners for the last 10 years, he al ways felt that there was a need for a UPS Store in the area. About four years ago, he and Deed ee Javed, head of operations, started to pursue the UPS franchise “…and also started looking for an appropriate location right on 141.”

Once the pandemic waned, they found a loca tion on Peachtree Parkway next to Ingles and decided to move forward with the business.

“We have been overwhelmed with the amaz ing response and gracious accolades we have received from our customers and everyone in the community,” Paracha said. “We are extreme ly delighted to be a part of Peachtree Corners and serving our neighbors.”

The UPS Store is located at 5075 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 107, in Peachtree Corners. Find out more a theupsstore.com, and click My Store, or call them directly at 678-580-1459.

Simpson Elementary Cuts Ribbon on New Track

Students now have facilities suitable for exercising the body as well as the mind.

By Arlinda Smith Broady

For something to be important and special, it doesn’t necessarily have to be huge. That’s what Simpson Elementary students, staff and Peachtree Corners officials realized on Nov. 7 with the ribbon cutting of the school’s new track.

“Today is a joyous occasion be cause we’re here to celebrate the renovation of our school’s play ground,” said Simpson Elementary Principal Dr. Taffeta Connery.

The four-month long project took a lot of effort. In addition to trimming the overgrowth of trees beyond the fence surrounding the track and a playground area, numerous potholes needed to be filled. The playground was leveled with truckloads of dirt, gravel and rubber, and the actual track had rubber striping added.

What was once a potential hazard and mini wetland has been transformed into an inviting recreational space for students

and staff to exercise. For safety reasons, the track isn’t open to the public.

“Not only is it attractive, but it’s also safe and enjoyable for all of you to run around and play,” said Dr. Connery.

Principal Dr. Taffeta Connery with Simpson Elementary students

Sometimes It’s The Small

Especially at this time of year, we can be con sumed by the busyness in our lives and fulfilling the expectations of others. As we rush around, we can miss the beauty all around us in Peachtree Corners. As you take a moment to slow down and look closely at the small things in our environment, you will see amazing things that inspire and delight. So pause. Breathe deeply. Observe. And take pho tos of the small things you see!

Enjoy these photos taken by the members of the Peachtree Corners Photography Club as they share their detailed view of our world. The monthly meetings of the Club are open to everyone, from begin ners to pros. For more information about the Club, go to their website at pcphotoclub.org.

Scan QR to find out more about the club.

Top row, left to right: Junco, David Dunagan

Decoration Pumpkins, Anna Niziol Snow 013, Rafael Garcia

Joro Spyder in Web, Alfonso Caycedo

Middle row: Traveling Santas waiting for the Trains, Eric Richter

October Pollination, Brian Walton

Milkweed Ready to Fly in PTC

Background, Marcia Brandes

No name, James Skurski

Mushroom, David Schilling

Bottom row: Monarch caterpillar, Vipul Singh

Angel Musicians, Tracey Rice

Jumping Spider, Jurgen Kohler

Leaf Hopper, Jurgen Kohler

Small Things.

Above row, top down: Alone in the woods, Jody Bradham Full Woof, Jody Pollack

Late Summer 2013, David Schilling

Right row, top down:

A Beautiful Demise, Philip Hart No name, Michael Holbrook Wish List, Jody Bradham

With a Gwinnett County Public Library card you have free access to sewing machines, 3-D printers, Cricut®, video and podcast studios, Glowforge® and more. We also offer programs to help get you started.

Top row, left to right:

Dragonfly, Vipul Singh Cold and wet, no sweat, Tracey Rice

Row two, left to right: Turkey dinner in the dollhouse, Eric Richter

Tiny polinator, Jurgen Kohler Sweetgum tree pod, Alfonso Caycedo

Row three, left to right:

Vibrant fall colors, Anna Niziol Not so itsy bitsy, Jody Pollack Allium seeds, Marcia Brandes

Top down: leaf images top down, Warmth Autumn Jones Bridge Orange Photos by Philip Hart

Bottom row: Potential, Rafael Garcia Holiday Pound Cake, Tracey Rice

Previously, the Simpson Super stars had to meet for Kilometer Club at the nearby YMCA. The renovated space now allows for a closer option right on school grounds.

Great schools, great communities

City representatives Coun cilmembers Lori Christopher, Phil Sadd and Mayor Pro Tem Weare Gratwick, along with City Manager Brian Johnson, were presented with an award of recognition and appreciation by Dr. Connery.

The officials received a beau tiful bouquet of flowers and an abundance of thank you cards from the kindergarten class of the school before officially declar ing the track open for walking, running and just enjoying the outdoors.

The kindergarteners gathered for the ceremony applauded the efforts of the city as Dr. Connery presented Peachtree Corners with a plaque and flowers as tokens of appreciation.

“We always say that great schools build great communities, and in turn, great communities build great schools,” said Dr. Con nery. “This Community Service Award is with our deepest appre ciation for the City of Peachtree Corners.”

The students presented the thank you cards they’d made to city officials before everyone took a victory lap to break in the new

track. The weather was a little warm for early November, but ev eryone agreed that it was perfect for a mid-morning stroll.

Simpson Elementary PTA Co-Presidents Mary Catherine Jennings and Dana Zamuel were also present to celebrate the school’s new addition. They both agreed that exercising the body is just as important as exercising the mind — especially with ener getic elementary students.

The teachers are just as excited about the improvements as the children. Prior to the renovations, that area had such poor drainage that it often couldn’t be used for recess, nature walks or other school functions. ■

It may be cold outside, but registration for our summer camps is just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to plan for the Summer Academy at UGA’s specialty STEAM summer camps.

SAUGA has been providing teens and pre-teens with an encouraging summer learning environment for over two decades.

Students explore without limits, choosing from over 30 interest areas.

Registration for the 2023 season of Summer Academy at UGA opens in January. Don’t miss the opportunity to give your child a summer they will never forget!

Top picture, students with, L to R, Mayor Pro Tem Weare Gratwick, Councilmember Lori Christopher, Dr. Taffeta Connery and City Manager Brian Johnson. Above from left, the new track and ribbon cutting.

Ten Years of Scholarship Winners

Students that Benefited through the Peachtree Corners Business Association Program

Recently, the Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) reviewed its Community Outreach Program results over the past 10 years. The or ganization decided to follow up with its 15 scholarship winners to find out “where are they now.”

When the PCBA started its scholarship program, it could fund only one scholarship per year. Through the generosity and support of the group’s members and sponsors, it has been able to award two scholarships a year since 2017.

Jenna McEachen

Jenna McEachen was the PCBA’s first scholarship winner. She re ceived her International Baccalau reate Diploma from Norcross High School in 2014. Jenna attended Birmingham-Southern College and graduated in 2018 with a degree in Psychology and Business.

She enjoyed working several in ternships during her college years, including local business, NanoL umens and an international in ternship as a programing intern in London, England. She has worked for AT&T for the last 4+ years and is now a Lead Technical Project

Manager in the Atlanta area.

Jenna loves building relation ships and transforming complex and overwhelming concepts into streamlined and effective com munications. She won the AT&T Business Sales Diamond Club Award in 2020 for her outstanding accomplishments.

Elizabeth Waid

Elizabeth Waid graduated in the Norcross High School Class of 2015 with the International Baccalau reate program. In addition to the PCBA scholarship, she was the recipient of the Fulbright Schol arship, Richter Scholarship and Sanders Scholarship.

She attended Wake Forest Uni versity in Winston-Salem, N.C. and graduated with a BA in Economics and German with a minor in global Trade and Commerce studies.

Elizabeth had the opportunity

to work as an English Teaching Assistant for eight months at the Austrian Ministry of Education, Science and Research in Imst, Austria. Upon completion of her work in Austria, Elizabeth joined EY as a Business Consultant.

Elizabeth now lives in Charlotte, N.C. and is a Theology Teacher at Charlotte Catholic High School.

Corning Optical Communications in the BRiTE commercial Rotation al Program where she is rotating through functions of engineering, market development, product line management and sales.

Morgan is looking forward to continuing to incorporate engi neering principles within business strategies and developing her professional skill set in whatever direction her career takes her. She has learned the value of nurturing relationships and pouring back into her hometown of Peachtree Corners, even as her career leads her to new opportunities and new communities.

Eliza Antonowich

Eliza Antonowich graduated in the Class of 2016 with the Interna tional Baccalaureate program from Norcross High School. She gradu ated from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. in 2020, majoring in Global Health and Environment.

She also studied International Global Studies and a program in Swahili, Public Health and Envi ronment. In addition to English, Eliza has a professional working knowledge of Spanish and Swahili.

Eliza is a U.S. Army Cadet since 2013 and is an active Army Officer Candidate with the St. Louis Gate way Battalion. Eliza is currently a Research Assistant in the Pre-Ex posure Prophylaxis for HIV (PrEP) Program with the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Morgan Keller

Morgan Keller graduated from Wesleyan High School with the Class of 2017. Morgan used her scholarship dollars to graduate from Georgia Institute of Technol ogy with a BS in Materials Science and Engineering in May 2022. Morgan is currently working for

Sarah Lashley graduated from Norcross High School in 2017. She attended the University of Geor gia and graduated in 2021 with a degree in Elementary Education. Sarah is currently working as the Marketing Manager at 3DE by Junior Achievement.

Sarah is excited about this role as it allows her the opportunity to pair her background in education with her passion for non-profit marketing. 3DE by Junior Achieve ment re-engineers high school education to be more relevant, experiential and authentically con nected to the complexities of the real world through joint ventures between public school systems and the business community.

Sarah recently moved back to Peachtree Corners with her hus band. She is looking forward to becoming well versed in non-profit marketing, knowledgeable in content design and involved in the local Peachtree Corners communi ty while building her family.

Sarah Lashley (Gries)

Abigail (Abbie) Alf

Abbie Alf graduated from Nor cross High School in 2018. She attended the University of Georgia and graduated in May of this year with a BFA in Interior Design and a certificate in Entrepreneurship. Abbie was able to use her schol arship towards purchasing her books and have a greater college experience.

Abbie is currently pursuing her dreams of running her own baking business, Abbie Bakes. She is focusing on growing in the Atlanta area and across the United States. In the next three to five years, Abbie sees establishing a storefront in the Atlanta area and having a stronger presence across the country.

She is excited to see what is to come and appreciates the ability to grow during her years at UGA.

of 2018. He currently attends Colo rado College and plans to graduate in May 2023. He is planning to pur sue a PhD in Chemistry or attend medical school.

Ian is a research assistant in the Fahrenkrug Lab working on low cost, accessible and open-source sensors to detect PFAS chemicals in drinking water. PFAS chemicals are toxic at one part per trillion and are currently extremely costly to detect. This process would enable at-site detection of specific PFAS compounds at appropriate ranges by untrained users.

Over the next three to five years, Ian sees himself in graduate school or doing work in environmental chemistry. He has learned that he absolutely loves chemistry and wants to do something with it in the future.

Ian

Connor Creedon

Connor Creedon graduated from Duluth High School in 2019. He is currently using his scholarship to attend Piedmont University, double majoring in Sports Communica tions and Mass Communications, with a minor in General Business. Connor is set to graduate in Spring 2023.

In the next three to five years, Connor sees himself working in the media in one form or another, most likely in sports. He hopes to cover collegiate and professional sports in journalism, video production, radio production, etc.

From his experience in college, Connor has learned that hard work is required to get anywhere in life, especially academically. Pushing himself to get better in areas where he may not be as strong has helped him get to where he is today, and he is proud of his hard work.

Vishva Natarajan

Vishva Natarajan graduated in the Class of 2019 and is currently attending Georgia Institute of Technology for a BS in Biology/ Biological Sciences. He is expected to graduate in 2023.

In addition to receiving faculty honors and being on the Dean’s List, Vishva has also received the President’s Undergraduate Re search Award (PURA) and the John H. Ridley Award. He is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish

Vishva has participated in several internships and programs including Georgia Tech Bioinfor matics Research Assistance and Pfizer NGS Bioinformatics Intern ship. He is currently a Research Assistant at Georgia Tech studying computational proteomics.

Through his passion for ana lyzing high-throughput biological data, Vishva is leveraging the latest tools and technologies to do so.

Feben Simeneh

Feben Simeneh is a graduate of the Norcross High School Class of 2020. As Feben pursues her current college studies, she is able to enhance her passion for seeing lives change. She is committed to programs that would further develop her view of the world.

Feben is currently studying International Relations and Biomedical engi neering. Her goal is to become a UN peacekeeper and help resolve disputes between countries and create leadership environments through public servitude.

She also would like to help the healthcare industry increase the quality and volume of medical services throughout hospitals in both rural and urban districts.

The PCBA will award two $1,000 scholarships April through May 2023. The 2022-2023 application will be avail able for completion January 1, 2023. The full application, essay and transcripts must be received no later than March 8, 2023. Questions regarding the scholarship program may be directed to scholarship@peachtreecornersba.com.

Ian Paul Huelsbeck

Huelsbeck graduated from Norcross High School in the Class

Katherine Graddy

Katherine Graddy graduated from Wesleyan High School in 2021. Currently, she is pursuing her college studies. One of the key takeaways from Katherine’s schol arship essay was the importance of leaving roots in a world where she can travel and connect with more people than ever before.

Katherine wants to look back on life beyond the pandemic and know the faces and names of peo ple in her community. She wants to take moments with lasting impact where her life becomes woven into the stories of the places she goes and the people she meets.

Maria Cook

Maria Cook is a graduate of Wesleyan High School with the Class of 2020. She is only the second person in her biological family to ever go to college.

She felt her most impactful service at Wesleyan was when she was able to join the Omicron Service Society. She has volunteered at La Amistad, Corners Outreach and Next Generation.

Maria aspires to be a social worker and to continue to help children in need upon the completion of her college studies.

Katheryn Antonowich

Katheryn An tonowich graduated from Paul Duke STEM High School in 2021 and began college at Miami University in Ox ford, Ohio. that fall. She is currently a sophomore in col lege with a major in Geography and Sus tainable Develop ment, a co-major in Sustainability and a minor in History.

As a member of the varsity swim and dive team at Miami, Katheryn practices for 20 hours a week and often travels for competitions. She plans to graduate from Miami Uni versity in 2025, by which time she will have completed her bachelor’s degree as well as her master’s degree in Environmental Science.

This summer, Katheryn hopes to study abroad in Luxembourg to ex plore more paths for her major and learn how to make a difference within her field. Following college, she hopes to work for an international organi zation or non-profit that combats climate issues and the negative impacts that humans have had on the Earth.

She feels that receiving the PCBA scholarship has allowed her to make the most out of her future, pursue her passions at college and expand her academic experience.

Rachel Lee

Rachel Lee, a recent graduate from the Class of 2022 at Norcross High School, is attending Emory University. Rachel is majoring in Human Health and Economics and minoring in Nutrition. In the next few years, she sees herself pursuing a Public Health degree with a concentration in Nutrition and possibly researching with an Emory professor.

Her time at Emory has only covered three months, but she has learned the importance of continu ing to connect with friends from her past. Being at a place where people all over the world come to study, she finds it fascinating how people’s different upbringings shape their knowledge.

Rachel has had the opportunity to attend college while continuing her volunteer work in Peachtree Corners. She has learned three powerful lessons: “lead by example, serve your community and culti

vate inclusivity.” With Peachtree Corner roots at the core, she hopes to demonstrate each of these core lessons.

Sarah Lim

Sarah Lim is a recent graduate of the Wesleyan High School Class of 2022. She is currently attending Emory University and has used her scholarship to flourish during her first year of college.

She plans to graduate Emory in 2026 and is studying Pre-Law. Sarah is involved in an all-girls+ a cappella group called “the Gather ing” at Emory and a conversation club on campus, Table Talk. She is the community service chair of her residence hall and has found a wonderful community with Bread Coffeehouse Ministry.

Sarah sees herself discovering her passions and exploring various interests during college. She hopes to study abroad and gain practical experience with advocacy, service and education work. She has learned that her supportive com munity and network of valuable mentors and friends are a main reason she has found success and joy during this chapter of her life. ■

A History of Simpsonwood UMC

In a clearing in the woods of Georgia stands a church known as Simpsonwood United Methodist Church (UMC). Over the past 40 years, the city around it has grown and so has the church — from a humble trailer to an interactive campus where young and old do the Lord’s work.

A glorious gift

The church’s history began in 1971 with a generous gift of land, bestowed by a local Christian benefactor. In 1910, Anna Louise Simpson, “Miss Ludie” to her many students, began her teaching career in the Atlanta and Gwinnett County School systems. Her career had spanned 35 years and she retired at age 70.

Originally the family farm, the land is a beautiful tract of some 277 prime acres located on the Chattahoochee River. Miss Ludie attended a small circuit church in nearby Mount Carmel, serviced by both Presbyterian and Methodist circuit ministers. She happened to join the church during one of the Presbyterian “alternate” Sundays. Still, she remained close to both denominations.

In 1971 at the age of 84, Miss Lud ie shared her vision that her land be kept intact so all people could enjoy God’s beautiful creation. The land was first offered to the Presbyterian Church. However, the Presbyterians preferred to estab lish churches in more populated areas other than the small, rural community which later became known as Peachtree Corners.

Miss Ludie then approached Bishop John O. Smith, who asked Dr. Candler Budd to visit with her and discuss the offer. Within 24 hours, Dr. Budd assured her that the United Methodist Church wanted the land and would faith fully honor her conditions, includ ing the construction and mainte nance of a small chapel dedicated to the memory of her mother,

In 1973, the North Georgia Annu al Conference took the first steps to develop the land into a retreat and conference center. Many years later, the retreat center was sold and is now maintained as a park by Gwinnett County.

Miss Ludie passed away on April 29, 1975, without seeing the devel opment of the beautiful confer ence center that bears her name. She is buried with her mother in the Mount Carmel United Method ist Church cemetery in Norcross.

Faith and vision

By 1981, Simpsonwood UMC’s first minister, Dr. George R. Freeman, Jr., the son of a Meth odist minister, was approached to develop a new congregation near the property. At the time, George was the Associate Pastor of the East Point First Methodist Church in East Point.

George initially approached Jim Cowart, the developer of Peachtree Station, the first upscale subdivision in Peachtree Corners. Jim had allocated land to develop

Top, The Chanel Choir and church interior

Above left to right, Founding Pastor, Rev. George Freeman with founding member Carolyn Barr

neighborhood churches at the intersection of Peachtree Corners Circle and West Jones Bridge Road, the current locations of the Peachtree Corners Baptist Church and the Fowler YMCA.

Elizabeth Jane Sanders Simpson

Faith Meshida, violinist at service

An 11-acre tract of land on the corner of the Simpsonwood prop erty and across Jones Bridge Circle was designated for the construc tion of the new church. The Con ference New Church Development Committee allocated $150,000 for the church construction. Most of the money would be used to exca vate and develop the sloping, rocky lot into a usable foundation.

In those days, metal buildings were typically erected to begin the development of a church. Once a congregation was formed and the new church had adequate financ ing, a permanent sanctuary would be constructed.

George strongly felt that given the potential upscale develop ment of Peachtree Corners, people would be more inclined to notice the new church if a more appro priate wooden building could be constructed and painted to compli ment the natural surroundings.

George approached a builder of modular and manufactured homes in Gainesville to price plans and specifications for the new building. He requested a large open area, unobstructed by center supports, that would seat at least 200 people, with two offices in the back and a

large, double-door entranceway. George also wanted taller, narrow windows and exterior siding con structed of wood and painted to match the natural surroundings.

Constructed at a cost of $35,000, the completed building was de livered and set up. Financing for the cost of the project was ob tained through the Conference Ten-Dollar Club, a large group of Methodist members who donated the sum of $10 twice each year for the future construction of new churches.

With the “trailer” completed, Simpsonwood UMC had its offi cial beginning on Sunday, March 14, 1982, followed by the Service of Constitution on May 30, 1982. Thirty-seven charter members of the first congregation made their oral petition for Charter.

A covered dish dinner at the picnic pavilion celebrated the new Christian fellowship. Simpson wood UMC was on its way!

Solid and continued growth

The congregation grew in size, laying a solid foundation while building for the future. Phase One of the master plan called for a magnificent 15,000-square-foot

building that was to become the new sanctuary.

On February 10, 1985, the con gregation triumphantly walked across Jones Bridge Circle for the groundbreaking ceremony of its permanent church home.

The new sanctuary was com pleted in time for the church’s first service on Sunday, August 24, 1986, followed by the consecration service three weeks later on Sep tember 14, 1986.

The “trailer,” as the temporary building came to be known, was transported across the street and located behind the Sanctuary, where it served the church’s Chris tian Youth Ministries for many years.

Years later, the congregation held its collective breath as the old trailer was moved a third time to its present location on the east side of the sanctuary and in back of the parking lot.

Through the years, Simpson wood UMC has continued to grow in size and in membership, creating the need for additional space. In the spring of 1995, the church launched its “Standing on the Threshold” campaign to raise funding for the construction of an education building.

It was finished and dedicated on December 14, 1997. The building currently houses church staff and contains a library, classrooms and the Simpsonwood UMC preschool.

The new millennium brought continued growth, along with the realization that additional space would be required as the congrega tion grew. In 2004, the concept of a family life center was born.

A building committee was ap pointed, and in 2005, the “Building in Faith” campaign was launched. The church’s initial financial goals were met in September of that year and construction of the Howard Family Life Center was completed in the fall of 2007.

Many more blessings to count

Simpsonwood UMC has been blessed over the years. Under the

leadership of its present and past ministerial staff, the church has grown from a handful of charter members in 1982 to a congregation of over 1,600 members today.

Beginning with Founding Minister George R. Freeman, Jr., the church grew from a concept.

George served the church from his appointment in June 1981 until June 1988. That month, Dr. Robert Brown continued the Simpson wood ministry, serving its congre gation until June 1990.

At that time, the conference ap pointed Dr. Laurence McCullough, Jr. as the church’s third pastor. Through his 20 years of leadership, the church greatly expanded its membership, facilities and pro grams to include local, national and international missions.

In June 2005, Simpsonwood UMC was blessed again by the appointment of The Reverend Keith Lawder as Associate Pastor. A member of the congregation since February 1989, Keith became Student Pastor in June 2002 while completing Seminary.

Simpsonwood UMC’s future is bright. In 2021, a husband-and-wife team was appointed as co-senior pastors. Susan and Dave Allen Grady are the current pastors and have a long-range vision for the church’s continued growth and mission.

The church continues to hon or its long-standing mission: “To Know Christ and Make Him Known.” Within 40 years, Simp sonwood UMC has moved from a simple trailer to a magnificent sanctuary and surrounding cam pus that serves a growing, faithful congregation.

■

Above, left, Guppies Choir 40th Anniversary dinner in the Henry and Barbara Howard Family Life Center

Highlighted Faith Events & Services

Walk Through Bethlehem

December 9-11 Friday and Saturday, 7-9 p.m.; Sunday, 6-8 p.m.

bethshalom.net, 770-399-5300

Admission is free. Registration requested.

Bring the family to celebrate Hanuk kah with relay races, dreidel games, spin art, doughnuts and gelt.

AWalk Through Bethlemen

bethshalom.net, 770-399-5300, Admission is free. RSVP required. Adults are welcome to enjoy games and get lit. Latkes, vodka and some games will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring more games and menorahs.

Christmas: Then, Now and Forever!

Saturday and Sunday, December 17-18

Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday,

during Christmas Service

is back! December 10, 11 & 12, 2021

The Father’s House Church 6060 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners thefathershouseatl.org, 770-840-0888

The biggest and best Christmas event is back and better than ever

Join Simpsonwood UMC as they create a Bethlehem village experience for the entire family

Admission is free. Experience the joy of the season with a celebration that includes a variety showcase of songs, dances, poetry and live music. Special prizes will be given out during the event.

“A Light unto the World”

Saturday, December 24, 4:45-6 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners

UnityAtl.org, 770-441-0585

Admission is free; in-person and live-stream.

The traditional Christmas Eve candle lighting service is led by Rev. Jennifer Sacks, Senior Minister. Christmas music and a Christmas Readers Theater will be presented in the service. The evening ends with a candle lighting throughout the sanctuary.

https://unityatl.org/events/christ mas-eve-candle-lighting-service-alight-unto-the-world/

“Star Bright”

Christmas Day Service

Church invites everyone to expe rience the village of Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. Families can stroll through the candlelit outdoor nativity scene, stopping in shops and encountering shepherds, wise men, angels, Roman guards and live animals. Visitors are asked to bring canned food donations for Neigh borhood Cooperative Ministry.

Behold the Lamb of God Ballet

Sunday, December 11, 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Perimeter Church 9500 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek perimeterballet.com Admission is free.

Perimeter Ballet presents this true story of Christmas with two show ings of this family-friendly event. The show features dance, drama, visual art and the music of Andrew Peterson.

Beth Shalom Hanukkah Party

Sunday, December 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

5303 Winters Chapel Rd., Dunwoody

simpsonwoodumc.org

Perimeter Church 9500 Medlock Bridge Rd., Johns Creek Tickets are $15 per person. perimeter.org

Award-winning artists Laura Story, Matt Papa and Sandra McCracken host an inspirational concert that retells the great news of Christmas through Scripture and carols.

Advent Lessons and Carols

Friday, December 16, 7 p.m.

Mary Our Queen Catholic Church 6260 The Corners Pkwy., Peachtree Corners maryourqueen.com, 770-416-0002

Admission is free.

Scripture passages recount the fall of mankind, the promise of the Messiah and the anticipation of the Nativity of Christ. Each lesson is followed by a choral piece, soloist or congregation carol that reflects the Scripture’s message.

Latke, Vodka and Game Night

Saturday, December 17, 7-9 p.m.

5303 Winters Chapel Rd., Dunwoody

Encore Christmas Luncheon

Sunday, December 18, 12:15 p.m. 4480 Peachtree Corners Cir., Peachtree Corners pcbchurch.org, 770-448-1313

Tickets are $15 per person; RSVP requested by Dec. 10.

Adults ages 55+ are invited to a luncheon in the Student Worship Center. Bring a friend and celebrate the season with a delicious meal and entertainment with the PCBC friends and family.

A Winter Solstice Experience

Wednesday, December 21, 7-8 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners

UnityAtl.org, 770-441-0585 Donations are encouraged; in-person and live-stream.

Enjoy a healing sound bath to wel come in the longest night of the year and the turning of the wheel of the seasons. Bring comfortable clothes, a pillow and blanket to drift into the healing sounds of crystal bowls, gongs and more with sound healer Jennifer Blaha.

Sunday, December 25, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners

UnityAtl.org, 770-441-0585

Admission is free; in-person only.

The casual morning service is led by Rev. Jennifer Sacks. It features cookies, cocoa, Christmas carols and story based on the book, “Star Bright; A Christmas Story.”

New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl Ceremony

Sunday, January 1, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners

UnityAtl.org, 770-441-0585

Admission is free for in-person and live-stream attendance.

Rev. Jennifer Sacks leads the cere mony.

White Stone Ceremony

Sunday, January 8, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners

UnityAtl.org, 770-441-0585

Admission is free for in-person and live-stream attendance.

Ceremony is led by Rev. Jennifer Sacks.

w w w . e v r e m o d e l i n g i n c . c o m

Peachtree Corners Officials See Continued Smart Growth in City’s Future

A crystal ball isn’t needed for City Councilmembers and the City Manager to predict good things in store for 2023 and beyond.

Peachtree Corners has seen a lot of changes in 2022 and has a lot more on the horizon. Peachtree Corners Magazine had a conversation with City Manager Brian Johnson about what has had a considerable impact on the city this past year and what he sees as significant factors for its future.

If you think of the city as a corporation, Johnson is the CEO, with the City Council as the board of direc tors. Although council sets policy, it’s his job to advise council as to the financial condition and future needs of the city.

Subsequently, he makes recommenda tions to the City Council con cerning affairs of the city, and he facilitates the work of City Council in developing and implementing policy. Johnson is also responsible for assisting in developing long term goals for the city and strate gies to implement those goals.

established businesses, start-ups and government entities to further its goals of remaining prosperous without increasing the tax burden on residents.

“That’s a huge plus for our city,” said Johnson. “We have one of the healthiest and most vibrant busi ness communities in the area.”

The smart growth built into the city’s master plan allows for more residential and commercial properties to come online, but only when and where it makes sense to the existing footprint and where the city wants to be in the next few decades.

Retail, mixed-use growth

Left, The Forum Boulevard during tree lighting and festivities.

Right, Intuitive Robotics had a mobile demonstration truck at the Peachtree Corners Festival this past summer.

breathe new life into it.

“[It will be] downtown Peachtree Corners, all of it, and you see that in our branding,” North American Properties (NAP) Co-Managing Partner Tim Perry said when the company unveiled the name. What was once The Forum at Peachtree Parkway, became The Forum at Peachtree Corners.

By Arlinda Smith Broady

Looking back at Peachtree Corners’ economic development success, one must look at the city’s fundamentals. As the largest city in Gwinnett County, it assesses no city property tax. It currently uses effective partnerships with

This year saw the re branding of The Forum. New owners North American Properties had a vision to take an aging facility and

Perry explained that 20 years ago, there was no city of Peachtree Corners. Now that the municipality exists, North American wants The Forum to be the de facto downtown, the

Brian Johnson

Tim Perry

gathering spot, the place where neighbors come together.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about experiences,” Perry said.

The typical resident may grab breakfast or coffee in the morning, a business lunch in the afternoon and drinks and/or dinner in the evening with friends. They may be part of a cornhole league or bring the kids to the playground and grab dessert before bedtime.

With zoning changes, the area will see an increase in residen tial offerings. That doesn’t just apply to The Forum, but to the Town Center across the street as well. The residential component is being included to support the restaurants and retail located at The Forum.

After what may have been the longest City Council meeting in Peachtree Corners history, North American Properties received approval in August to add apart ments and a boutique hotel to the area adjacent to The Forum, and to add apartments across the street in the area at Town Center. When the projects are complete, NAP will have invested over $450 million in revitalizing that area of Peachtree Corners.

City officials have touted the redevelopment as a major boost to

the area where Peachtree Park way, Peachtree Corners Circle and Medlock Bridge Road intersect each other.

“I would say I’m excited about the vision that North American Properties has,” Mayor Pro Tem Weare Gratwick told Gwinnett Daily News. “I love the concept of sort of a downtown that’s got your density. I like looking at this area as a triangle. You’ve got both sides of the road and the [Peachtree Corners] bridge connects it, not only from a pub lic safety standpoint, but also from an economic development standpoint. I think that will pay dividends once this is done.”

Bringing new businesses

With business incubators At lanta Tech Park and Curiosity Lab attracting established and newly formed companies to the area, the growth will expand concentrically with a need for support services, said Johnson.

“Just like an auto plant needs support vendors who make car seats or windows or engine parts, companies like Siemens need smaller support businesses,” he said.

In March, international tech nology powerhouse Siemens

City Councilmembers Weigh In

Peachtree Corners Magazine asked elected officials about their assessment of past developments in Peachtree Corners and their visions for the future. They pretty much all agreed about what had the biggest impact on the city so far, but their statements about what they see ahead are quite diverse.

Question: What do you think made the biggest impact this year in Peachtree City’s economic growth and development?

Weare Gratwick: There are two events that have made a large impact in 2022. First, Intui tive Surgical, which was announced prior to 2022 but has swung into

high gear this year as their expan sion is well underway. Most recent ly, the Intuitive Surgical project was awarded the Large Communi ty Deal of the Year by the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) — a big deal. The second is the North American Properties acquisition of The Forum, where their improvements have begun and are already evident.

Lori Christopher: Intuitive Surgi cal’s decision to choose Peachtree Corners for the headquar ters, North American Properties decision to acquire the Forum and Curiosity Lab’s impact on auton omous development and innova tion.

announced a $100 million capital program aimed at advancing the decarbonization goals of small- to medium-sized enterprises. This infusion of capital will help small

available to keep pace with our na tion and economy’s climate goals.”

Johnson said this type of corpo rate “paying it forward” benefits everyone with more job oppor tunities, a more diverse economy and a wealth of suppliers for the larger company. “This is the way it’s supposed to work,” he noted. “Success begets more success.”

and medium businesses in the U.S. jumpstart their decarbonization efforts.

“Small and medium sized en terprises are the backbone of our economy, yet they may not have access to the same capital as our country’s largest corporations when it comes to making sustain ability improvements,” said Anthony Casciano, CEO of Sie mens Financial Services, in a press release. “We are launching this loan program to ensure essential resources for these companies are

Similarly, Intuitive Surgical announced in Au gust 2021 that it will spend more than $500 million to expand its Peachtree Corners campus. A major player in the robotic sur gery systems industry, the company is expanding its decade-old Peachtree Corners

location to 750,000 square feet of manufacturing and engineering operations, training facilities for surgeons and hospital care teams, and administrative offices.

When the project is complete in 2024, the company expects to have grown its 180 local jobs to 1,200.

And, as Johnson noted earlier, any major manufacturer will need the support of smaller businesses.

“And Peachtree Corners is the per fect place for that,” he said. ■

Eric Christ: I think the purchase of The Forum by North American Properties would be this year’s most sig nificant economic develop ment initia tive. Having a new owner for the largest retail center in the city will be critical to reinvigorating the economic heart of our downtown area. North America’s long-term commitment to The Forum and, by extension, to the Town Center, will position Peachtree Corners to avoid the fate of other areas hamstrung by a dying retail center like Gwinnett Place Mall or North DeKalb Mall.

Alex Wright: Biggest impact — landing of the Intuitive Surgical expan sion ($600 million investment and 1,500 new jobs). This was the largest economic development win in Gwinnett County history.

Question: What do you envision moving Peachtree Corners forward in the coming year and beyond in terms of economic growth and development?

Weare Gratwick: These two events will have momentum over the next 5-plus years as they are implemented. We want to continue to support our businesses near The Forum and Town Center, and

Anthony Casciano

in Tech Park as well, as we contin ue to seek redevelopment projects that can enhance the southern end of our community. Our Rede velopment Authority, made up of Peachtree Corners citizens, has been working hard towards that endeavor.

Lori Christopher: I envision Peachtree Corners in the coming year and beyond to continue to lead the way in innovation that benefits not only our community, but also the world with our strate gic partnerships, our community leadership and remarkable city team. This collaboration provides jobs and economic growth for our area.

Eric Christ: Looking ahead to 2023, I think the city’s focus should be on the Holcomb Bridge Road/Jim my Carter Boulevard Corridor. Spe cifically, what actions can the City Council or our Redevelopment Authority take to promote redevel opment in those areas of the city?

I believe we can take some lessons from the Atlanta BeltLine initia tive and identify opportunities to amenitize that corridor with trails, playgrounds, public gath ering areas, bike lanes, sidewalks, street furniture (benches, trash cans), improved lighting, security cameras, wayfinding signage, etc.

By creating a sense of connection, we can increase economic activity, reduce crime and spur the redevel opment of the aging residential, commercial and retail properties along that corridor.

Alex Wright: Moving forward — continued expansion of Curiosity Lab. This will include expanding not just the campus, but also the routes that the AV shuttles will be moving along with the ultimate goal of connecting Tech Park with the Town Center/Forum (aka Downtown Peachtree Corners). Our biggest hinderance to making this happen continues to be the Georgia DOT, but we are making progress. ■

We hear that Intuitive is hiring. So Peachtree Corners Magazine created this QR code so you can find your career path today. Check them out.

Community Comes Together to Address Public Safety

City and county officials point out ways they are working to increase residents’ safety.

Technology extends the long arm of the law

As a main branch of Silicon Orchard, Peachtree Corners is looking to technology to help make the most of the manpower it has. License plate reader cameras have been online for a while now and have assisted police with street takeovers, stolen vehicles and other crimes.

In the spring, an effort among several Gwinnett County agencies thwarted a large takeover which resulted in 88 arrests. Responding to the intersection of Peachtree Corners Circle and Spalding Drive on May 1, officers blocked 26 vehi cles. Gwinnett County Police and officers from nearby Norcross and Lilburn, as well as off-duty officers from surrounding areas, were on hand to lend assistance.

When the smoke cleared, 68 adults and 20 juveniles were taken into custody. The cars were im pounded, and five handguns were

Some unfortunate in cidents this year have Peachtree Corners residents, government of ficials, visitors, business owners and other stakeholders won dering what needs to be done to decrease crime and keep people safe.

Several people are asking if it’s time for Peachtree Corners to fol low the example of nearby cities such as Dunwoody and Johns Creek and create its own police force. Currently, police services for the city are outsourced to Gwin nett County Police.

In reaction, City Councilman Eric Christ presented facts to residents through his newsletter

and asked for their input about improving safety measures in the city.

“In my opinion, public safety is the most important responsibility of any elected official and particu larly for local government officials. I’ve been focusing on this issue and want to sure with you some of my findings and next steps,” Christ wrote.

Contrary to popular opinion, crime isn’t at its highest level right now, according to data provided by Gwinnett County Police.

“Prior to the pandemic, we were averaging about 100 serious crime incidents per month in Peachtree Corners. Since July 2020, that has dropped to 60 incidents on average. There was a rise in 2021 to about 75 per month but it returned to that 60 average rate by mid-2022,” Christ wrote.

By Arlinda Smith Broady

And although the homicide at the QT on Peachtree Industry and the one near Norcross High were perceived as part of a trend, there hadn’t been a murder in Peachtree Corners since May 2021.

The data Christ obtained from

police show that the total murders since 2017 is 14, with none in 2018 and highs of four each in 2019 and 2021. Of course, one violent death is one too many. Although police forces across the country are all dealing with the same staffing and resource issues, citizens don’t want to hear excuses.

Above, an intersection takeover that occured in Peachtree Corners.

Top, Peachtree Corners based company Fūsus is solving some of problems in crime response and detection with some amaz ing technology.

Bernard Watson

found. Nobody was hurt, but a piz za delivery driver who got caught in the middle of the madness had his car’s windows broken.

The combination of technolo gy and good policing is further enhanced with a system to allow police to access businesses’ securi ty cameras to catch wrong doers in real time. Cameras at The Forum, Town Center and other major commercial areas are allowing Gwinnett Police to keep up with potential criminal activity.

Soon, private citizens will have the opportunity to register their security cameras with police to access video after the fact to help solve crimes. In that sense, it really does take a village to keep us all safe.

Schools take safety seriously

The school district also embrac es the concept of one for all and all for one in its approach to safety.

“It is unfortunate that a young man lost his life in a senseless example of violence,” said Bernard Watson, a spokesman for Gwinnett County Public Schools. “Our superintendent, Dr. Watts, has been very clear about this, from the very beginning. School districts around the country, not just ours, are seeing an uptick in violence and fights and weapons being brought into school.”

After the year and half of vir tual learning that many students experienced during the pandemic, it’s not too surprising that social interaction has taken a negative turn.

“When we don’t have that connection with one another, when we’re separated, we have problems. And we’re seeing the effects of the pandemic in our students,” said Watson. “It’s also very clear that these problems are starting in the community and they’re spilling into our schools.”

That’s why GCPS actively works with Gwinnett Police and the other local municipal law enforcement agencies to keep student safety at the forefront. Budget allocations for more mental health professionals and social workers in schools will also help turn the tide.

School officials and law en forcement rely on everyone to make it work. Gwinnett Schools has a hotline that allows anyone to alert officials about mischief or out-and-out mayhem in the works. Of course, the public never knows about the incidents that don’t happen, but officials don’t mind that.

“Although these acts of vio lence and these threats have been disruptive, …it’s also been positive that we’ve been alerted to these threats …by students and people in the community,” said Watson. “They’re our best resource when it comes to pre venting incidents of violence in our schools.”

He added that students, families and the community are strongly encouraged to say something if they see something. “Typically, we have to respond after these events happen, but what we’re seeing is more and more students, parents and com munity members are reporting these things to us before they happen, which is allowing us to deal with them,” he continued. “But we still need more help. We need additional help from the community.”

City officials agree. With the county expected to double in population in the next 20 years, every security measure is con stantly being evaluated.

In his newsletter, Christ pointed out that the city has been looking at ways to incen tivize police officers to live in Peachtree Corners with rent subsidies. He also is talking to legislators about ways to keep guns out of the hands of crimi nals.

Like all elected officials he’s also asking constituents for their opinions. ■

Typically, we have to respond after these events hap pen, but what we’re seeing is more and more students, parents and community members are reporting these things to us before they happen, which is allowing us to deal with them.

Old Classic Has New Twist

Beard Papa’s cream puffs gives the traditional pastry new life with international flavors.

If you polled most Americans, they’d probably admit that they’ve never had a cream puff the way it was intended to be eaten — freshly made with quality ingredients. The dessert shop Beard Papas is ready to save

the day.

Originally founded in Osaka, Japan in 1999, Beard Papa’s started as a small bakery and quickly grew to more than 400 locations in 15 countries and territories, according to a press release. It soon gained global recognition for its light and airy cream puffs.

The Peachtree Corners fran chise, located at the Town Center, provides the perfect bite when you crave a little something sweet that won’t set your teeth on edge.

Co-owner Esteban Tan let his

By Arlinda Smith Broady

Photos by George Hunter

love of the desserts and his desire to spread his entrepreneurial wings send him looking for a way to become a part of the Beard Papa’s international family.

International background for global brand

The road to owning his own des sert spot winds a little for Tan. He’s originally from Taiwan, but his parents moved to Argentina when he was small. He met his nowwife at a sort of Chinese language school. Even after both families left for the U.S., the two stayed in touch.

“Her family moved from Argen tina to Los Angeles and my family

came here to Atlanta. So, because of that we were dating long dis tance. I would travel to LA …to see her while we were in high school and college,” he said.

Besides courting his future bride, Tan took in the cool fran chises that didn’t exist back east — bubble tea places and one of his favorites, Beard Papa’s.

“There were all these different stores that we’d never seen around here. And they all tasted awesome,” said Tan.

It was a friend’s desire to get the Beard Papa’s treats back home in metro Atlanta that prompted Tan to look into starting his own small business. He was on a trip

to LA with his new wife and some friends when one woman remi nisced about the amazing cream puffs she’d had in China as a child. She said Beard Papa’s were just as good as the pastries of her child hood.

“I’m an accountant. I’ve been do ing accounting ever since I started working,” said Tan. “But I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I always wanted to be able to be my own boss and run a business.”

When he discovered that the commitments of money, time and experience weren’t more than he could handle, his dream became a reality.

“I’m like, ‘why can’t we have a

Beard Papa’s store here?’ It’s some thing different. …It’s not another donut shop or another cupcake store,” said Tan.

If you make cream puffs, will they come?

He contacted Beard Papa’s home office with the help and backing of two good friends from church. Since Atlanta is a hot market and Peachtree Corners has an attrac tive demographic, the franchise came on board in 2019.

Despite the fact that Beard Papa’s sells a low price-point item that not everyone has heard of, business is going great. So great, in fact, that Tan and his partners are

opening another location in Dulu th at the end of this year, or early next year.

“It’s near the Costco on Steve Reynolds and Satellite Boulevard,” said Tan. “With so much foot traffic at Costco, we’ve got to be able to lure in customers for our cream puffs.”

The international nature of the corridor has made both store loca tions perfect, Tan said. The cream puff, or choux pastry, is a French invention, but it has gained a lot of popularity in the last few decades among Asian markets.

Beard Papa’s adds non-tradition al flavors, such as matcha, that one probably wouldn’t find in a typical

French patisserie.

What has helped his business is the support he has received from the City of Peachtree Corners, Town Center Mall and other local entities that make this area a business-friendly place. “The new playground, the activities and other factors make this the perfect place to run a business,” said Tan.

Even though he’s opening an other spot soon, Tan said he will let those grow before he looks into other endeavors. ■

Where to Eat

Chopt Brings Creativity to the Salad Bowl

“We love to create,” said Chopt co-founder Colin McCabe. “Mexican Goddess, Sweet & Smoky Chipotle Vinaigrette, Chi michurri Ranch, Sesame Ginger — these are just a few of the dress ing flavors that will turn your salad into some thing special. We encourage people to come up with their own creations, topped off with one-of-akind dressings.”

Chopt was founded in New York City in 2001 by McCabe and his best friend Tony Shure. The brand has expanded to over 80 restaurants in New York, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Penn sylvania, Connecticut, Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina.

On the day before each location opens, Chopt holds a “Chopt Gives Day” and gives that day’s proceeds to a local nonprofit partner. For the Peachtree Corners location, Chopt partnered with HOPE Atlanta to support their mission to help Georgians struggling with housing and food insecurity.

“Donations raised by the community through Chopt Gives Day will fur ther our fight to combat hunger, and we are so thankful to be partnering with them for their Peachtree Corners opening,” said HOPE Atlanta’s Chief Development Officer, Liz Liston ■

Chopt Creative Salad Company opened its fifth Georgia location at The Forum Peachtree Corners in October. The fast-casual salad restaurant features an interior dining room that seats 45, a spacious patio that seats 40 and a pick-up shelf for take-out and delivery orders.

From Broadcaster to Real Estate Agent to HGTV Spot

Peachtree Corners’ Tonia Luster overcame tough obstacles to fulfill a dream.

If you’d have told Tonia Luster while she was in her 20s that she’d appear in a nationally viewed TV show, she’d probably believe the predic tion, but she’d have no idea that her time to shine would involve real estate. Through a circuitous journey that included an on-air radio career, Luster was recent ly featured on the HGTV series “House Hunters.”

As a licensed real estate agent based in Peachtree Corners,

Luster helps her clients upsize, downsize, move into metro Atlan ta or even find their first home. That was the case with her HGTV client.

The episode is called “From Homelessness to Queen of Her Castle” and follows an Atlanta woman who overcame major hurdles, including homelessness. The single mom and her daughter are ready to buy a home, but she doesn’t want to compromise on what she wants. Given the area’s hot real estate market, finding the right place proves to be a chal lenge.

the process as buyers search for a home.

Luster’s episode originally aired Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022, but is avail able on-demand through stream ing services.

Believe in yourself

Luster always had big ambi tions. While she was growing up in a tiny east Texas town, her mother always pointed out that Luster’s dreams where bigger than her res idence. The family later moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area to get closer to fulfilling those dreams.

In college, her instructors cau tioned her about reaching for something so far out of her grasp.

“They’d tell me to get something that I could fall back on,” she said. “It happened so many times, but I wanted to believe in myself, not in their discouragement.”

By Arlinda Smith Broady

“House Hunters” takes viewers behind the scenes as individuals, couples and families learn what to look for and decide whether or not a home is meant for them. Focusing on the emotional expe rience of finding and purchasing a new home, each episode shows

As a kid, Luster would see young Black performers like Michael Jackson and his sister Janet and realize that she, too, could end up on TV.

“I didn’t want to do [the singing and dancing] but I wanted to be on television and radio, or both,” Luster said.

Through her own determina tion, Luster landed an interview with the local Fox TV affiliate and got the internship. She used that opportunity to get a paid gig at a local radio station — all before she completed her sophomore year.

“That was the wheel that started everything,” said Luster. “There

Above, Tonia Luster, left, with the homeowner and her friend.

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were so many people telling me not to hope for the best; these days we’d call them haters. My mom called them Dream Dashers and told me not to let those people de tour me. …My mom would always say to me, ‘If you want it, you can do anything. Put your mind to it.’”

her time between the two markets for a while, she was ready to pull up stakes and make the Peach State her permanent home.

Obstacles slow progress, but don’t stop the dream

Soon after moving to Georgia, Luster’s husband’s job fell through. To make matters worse, she began having problems with her voice.

needles going into your vocal cords and your throat and you have to be awake,” she said.

Despite the pain, the operation worked.

“I can’t explain how good it was to have my voice back!” Luster exclaimed.

ing. Luster eventually decided to branch out on her own and start her own real estate office.

Texas-Georgia connection

Dallas/Fort Worth was the fifth largest media market in the country, and Luster’s detractors warned her that, even with her foot already in the door, she’d have to go to a much smaller market to launch a radio career.

Luster stayed in Dallas and supplemented her income with apartment management. Some of her coworkers questioned why she was hosting her own gospel radio show and working at an apart ment complex.

“There was just something about it that I enjoyed — the commission checks,” she said.

Luster soon saw that the people making the real money were the leasing agents. And that made her realize that Realtors were the biggest winners. They worked with clients buying and selling properties.

In the meantime, Luster’s hus band took a job in metro Atlanta. Although she had been splitting

“I started going to specialist and it got so bad that I had to take myself off the air,” said Luster. “We had a little savings, but not enough to support us.”

She went back to what she knew — real estate. And she relied on God to see her through.

Her husband took a lower-level job and met someone who intro duced her to another specialist. This one diagnosed her with a con dition called spasmodic dysphonia and recommended surgery.

The more common name for the disorder is “shaky voice.” Spas modic dysphonia affects the voice muscles in the larynx, or voice box. When a person speaks, air from the lungs is pushed between two elastic structures — called vocal folds — causing them to vibrate and produce a voice. In spasmodic dysphonia, the muscles inside the vocal folds spasm and interfere with vocal fold vibrations.

“The procedure hurt like heck, because we’re dealing with long

Although she was significantly better, she wasn’t back to 100%. Her radio career was pretty much over. The spasms still come and go to this day, though they aren’t often detected in everyday speech.

Radio, however, magnifies every thing – especially that kind of dis order. While there are treatments that work in many cases, there is currently no cure. Scientists haven’t discovered why spasmodic dysphonia occurs. Many believe that it could be hereditary.

Another direction

With radio off the table, Luster hadn’t given up on her dream of being on TV. She already knew real estate. She worked to become even better at it and obtained her Georgia real estate license.

“I did a lot of working in the mul tifamily residential area and I also work with Realtors helping them to find …an apartment or tempo rary living,” said Luster.

She kept up with her sources in Texas and helped two players for the Dallas Mavericks find hous

“And from there, I haven’t looked back,” she said. It was right before the pandemic and her timing couldn’t have been better. People were looking to move from small urban spaces to single family homes in places like Peachtree Corners.

To the world, Luster is a confi dent businesswoman, but inside was scared that she wouldn’t succeed. It was her mother’s strength and support that helped her through. Then the unthinkable happened. Her mother died during COVID.

“I was starting to see the fruits of my labor, but my number one support wasn’t there to share it,” Luster said.

Don’t stop dreaming

Through referrals and word-ofmouth, HGTV became interested in Luster for an edition of “House Hunters.” She was so right for the job that she was told at the audi tion that she’d gotten the job.

What aired on “House Hunters” was a made-for-TV version of how Luster handles clients. It was 100% who she is. The same advice and tough love she gives to her client on the TV episode is the same kind of treatment and advice she gives everyone.

Luster said she keeps up with trends and counsels her clients based on that knowledge. But there’s one piece of advice she never compromises on.

“I always tell clients, whatever you do, no matter how badly you want it, never waive your home in spection,” said Luster. “What looks good on the outside isn’t necessar ily good on the inside. So, you can be going in with a dream and end up with a nightmare.”

With any luck, this first experi ence with HGTV won’t be Luster’s last. “I can see myself on a show where I work with a contractor that’s building and I’m the realtor for the show,” she said.

Luster admits that her own TV show is a big dream, but she doesn’t know how to do it any other way.

“I don’t ask God for small things. I always ask God for things that are big because just knowing where I came from, pushing myself and praying and meditating con stantly, [I know] I’m looking for more great things in my life.” ■

Town Hall Hosted By Peachtree Corners Councilman Phil Sadd

On Wednesday, November 2, Peachtree Corners Councilman Phil Sadd held a town hall meeting at the Winters Chapel United Methodist Church that was attended by a group of approximately 75 resi dents.

As part of the presentation, Sadd invited Gwin nett County Police Department’s Major Edward Re strepo and Dunwoody Councilman Tom Lambert to be part of his panel.

The presentation included information regarding the following topics:

■ The Forum current state/future vision

■ Key Construction Project Updates

■ Spalding Drive Widening

■ Winters Chapel / Spalding Drive

■ River Exchange / Holcomb Bridge

■ New Town Farms neighborhood

■ Winters Chapel intersection at Dunwoody Club Drive – Councilman Lambert

■ Multi-use trail update

■ Peachtree Corners Town Center update

■ Curiosity Lab Innovation Center update

■ What is on the Nov 8 ballot

■ Peachtree Corners Crime Prevention Initia tives - GCPD Major Restrepo

The audience had the opportunity to ask ques tions of each panelist, including the Major who gave them greater insight into how the use of technology has enabled the Police to quickly apprehend crimi nals and prevent future crimes.

According to feedback from one of the attendees, Major Restrepo’s explanation of how law enforce ment works to contain and control crime in our area was not only helpful but very encouraging. They said they went home feeling not only more secure and less concerned about crime control in our area but in the entire county.

Councilman Sadd began holding these town hall meetings in 2013 and believes that they are an im portant part of representing the city’s residents.

“I believe that it is very important to meet with constituents and residents to provide them with information regarding the city,” said Sadd. “These types of events not only allow me to provide our res idents with information and answer questions but allow me to hear directly from them about their con cerns, appreciation, and what they expect from the city in the future.”

In addition to the audience, there were several local leaders and elected officials that attended the town hall.

■ Georgia House Representative Beth Moore

■ Peachtree Corners Councilman Eric Christ

■ Peachtree Corners Councilman Joe Sawyer

■ Board of Education District 3 Representative Mary Kay Murphy

■ Georgia State House Candidate Scott Hilton

■ Georgia State House Candidate Ruwa Romman

■ Georgia State Senate Candidate Austin McDonald

■ Peachtree Corners DDA Representative Tim Le

■ Peachtree Corners Planning Commission Member Alan Kaplan

■ Peachtree Corners Zoning Board of Appeals Member Marcia Brandes

■ Winters Chapel United Methodist Pastor Steve Ring

■ Being an election year, Sadd spoke about the importance of voting. At the completion of the program, sample ballots were made avail able to those in the audience.

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.

Peachtree Corners

City Hall 310 Technology Parkway Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 Telephone: 678-691-1200

Be sure to visit the city’s new YouTube Channel Peachtree Corners Network at Youtube.com/peachtreecornersnetwork

Intuitive Project in PTC Wins Deal of the Year Award from GEDA

At the Georgia Economic Development Awards banquet held on November 14th at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Con ference Center, Partnership Gwinnett, in concert with the City of Peachtree Corners, was awarded the Large Communi ty Deal of the Year Award for the Intuitive Surgical Project.

The Deal of the Year Awards recognizes outstand ing achievement in the loca tion or expansion of new busi nesses in the state of Georgia that meet community eco nomic development goals and involve significant community program support.

Intuitive, a global technolo gy leader in minimally invasive care and a pioneer of robot ic-assisted surgery, previously announced their expansion at 5655 Spalding Drive in the City of Peachtree Corners would include over $500 million in capital investment and at least 1,200 new jobs.

“We appreciate that Intui tive recognized our city, along with our unique assets such

as Curiosity Lab, as a desirable location for their company to in novate and grow,” said Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason. “This expansion, which will cre ate new jobs and provide excel lent career opportunities for our

talented and diverse workforce, will benefit our community and local economy for years to come.”

We are proud to have been rec ognized by GEDA with this award honoring the expansion of Intu itive Surgical in Peachtree Cor

ners.

We look forward to the con tinued success of this project and the economic development bene fits it will bring to the City.

IEEE Smart Cities Honors Peachtree Corners With 2022 Jury Award, Highlighting International Leadership

Peachtree Corners has been honored by IEEE Smart Cities as a finalist with its Jury Award following the IEEE International Smart Cit ies Contest 2022. The organi zation brings together IEEE’s broad array of technical soci eties and organizations to ad vance the state of the art for smart city technologies and to set the global standard. IEEE formally presented this year’s winners at its flagship Inter national Smart Cities Con ference (ISC2) 2022 in Paphos, Cyprus on September 27. A link to the official awards can be found here: https://smart cities.ieee.org/ieee-smart-cit ies-contest-2022/results.

“The City of Peachtree Corners being honored by IEEE with its Jury Award is a reinforcement of our inter national position as one of the most unique smart city environments in the world. With economic development having been the focus from the beginning, we’ve created a model for better collabora tion between public leaders and the top technology de velopers around the globe to advance the smart city concept in the United States. Our ultimate objective is to improve society and the dai ly lives and safety of our cit izens, and we are proud to be recognized for our smart city

efforts while not losing sight of our responsibili ty toward our citizens.” –

Peachtree Corners City Manager Brian Johnson

The IEEE considered many aspects of the proj ect, “City Street of the Future: The Smart City Blueprint for the U.S. is at the Heart of Silicon Or chard,” before selecting it. Peachtree Corners was recognized for its unique approach to city govern ment and the proactive integration of technology into its short and longterm planning. This in addition to the strategic vision, economic develop ment factors, real-world

problems solved, impact on var ious federal government agen cies or regulators, the city’s alignment with United Nations Sustainability Goals, and bene fits for citizens to the architec ture of technologies deployed were all considered during the evaluation.

“We’re honored that IEEE Smart Cities, which includes members across global power, energy, communications, infor mation technology, government, and academia, reaffirmed our vision and recognized some of the world firsts. From the first cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) system deployed in a U.S. city, the first IoT Central Control Room that aggregates data from sensors across city-owned smart infrastructure, one of the first cities in the country to deploy 5G in 2019, to strides in sustain able mobility with a 5G-powered autonomous shuttle fleet and the first teleoperated e-scooters in America, we’ve helped innova tion grow here. Companies from across the globe are attracted to our welcoming community, our tech-forward government structure, and real-world condi tions that can’t be replicated in a closed lab.” – Peachtree Corners Assistant City Manager/Chief Technology Officer Brandon Branham

As an incubator, the Curiosi ty Lab acts as a community for these companies and technology developers to network and col laborate on projects that may not have been possible before. Some of the most prominent innova tors and partner institutions are actively engaged in the city including T-Mobile, Cisco, Bosch, Qualcomm, Delta Airlines, Geor gia Institute of Technology, and many more. Peachtree Corners is also a hotspot for internation al technology companies of all sizes to launch into the North American market, from Europe to Asia and the Middle East.

Peachtree Corners Announces A Unique Partnership With Love To Ride To Reward City Residents For Bike Riding

Choose PTC was launched in May 2022. Driven by economic impact, powered by data, and customized by the city, Colu has developed a convenient and modern take on driving local spending back into the commu nity. The app’s customizability makes it easy for cities to focus on their unique goals.

As part of its mission to help the city achieve its goals, the City of Peachtree Corners, in part nership with Colu Technologies, has announced a new partner ship with bike riding platform Love to Ride, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while supporting local businesses in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. The app – Choose PTC, powered by Colu, utilizes proven concepts of gamification and behavioral eco nomics to transform the city’s strategic goals into measurable actions.

The way it works is simple: Riders can earn PTC points on Choose PTC when they choose to ride a bike for transportation (one PTC point is worth one dol lar). The goal is to incentivize lo cals and visitors to opt for bikes instead of traditional transporta tion methods (and get rewarded for doing so). The Choose PTC app can be easily downloaded on the App Store or Google Play.

Riders who ride at least 5 miles and log them on their Love to Ride profile will receive 5 PTC points (equivalent to $5) to spend locally. Once 5 miles are logged, Love to Ride will email riders a unique promo code to copy and paste into the Choose PTC app to add 5 PTC points to their account.

Riders who go the extra mile and log at least 6 rides for transporta tion on Love to Ride will earn 20 PTC points (equivalent to $20). See below for ways to redeem in just three easy steps.

It’s that easy! Aside from the cycling incentives, shoppers can earn generous rewards at restaurants, retail stores, cafés, gyms, yoga studios, salons, and other outlets where they can be redeemed as cash credits toward future purchases. Any Peachtree Corners based small or indepen dent business with a storefront that accepts debit and/or credit cards is welcome to apply as a redeeming business. PTC points redeemed by businesses are re imbursed on a monthly basis.

“We are thrilled about this partnership with Love to Ride since it greatly aligns with our mission by encouraging citi zens to take actions that benefit their city. When we encourage people to cycle, we promote sus tainability and healthy living. But even more so, when people redeem their earned points at local businesses we are driving a hyper-local economy.” - Ortal Tevel, CEO of Colu.

“At Love to Ride we’re always interested in finding ways to encourage and support more people to ride bikes, more often, and for transportation. Colu and the City of Peachtree Cor ners are doing some really inter esting work with resident en gagement, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve when we work together.” - Thomas Stokell, CEO of Love to Ride.

If you’re exploring new ways to help your local economy grow, you can learn more about Colu and its partners (includ ing Love to Ride and the City of Peachtree Corners) at colu.com.

e decision to move on to a new chapter in life can be a di cult one, because it’s not just when- it’s where.

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A future phase of the community is planned to include independent living, assisted living and memory care facilities for owners 55 and older.