Now that students are back in school, some new subjects may be difficult or confusing. Don’t wait to consider some tutoring to get them up to speed.
At Gwinnett County Public Library we offer a range of tutoring services for FREE. Students can meet with a library staff member at the branch or online.
We also offer all sorts of tutoring with our partner, Tutor.com.
Learn more at gwinnettlibrary.org
Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive
WHY WESLEYAN? Scan to learn more!
EXPLORE WESLEYAN AT WWW.WESLEYANSCHOOL.ORG/ADMISSIONS
Duluth Farmers & Artisan Market
2-5 p.m.
Through November
Downtown Duluth
duluthga.net
Admission: free
Shop local vendors at the Duluth Farmers Market. The market features vendors who bring in-season, local produce, baked goods and other locally made food products.
8-9 a.m.
Town Green
5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersga.gov
Admission: free
This class runs through September and is taught by instructors from Sunny Street Yoga for beginners to experienced yogis. Students are asked to bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two and a mat — and wear comfortable clothes.
6-7 p.m.
The Forum, under the clock tower
5185 Peachtree Pkwy.,
Peachtree Corners
theforumpeachtree.com/events
Admission: free
The weekly fitness session combines strength conditioning, cardio and mindfulness, leaving participants feeling balanced and empowered. Earn a loyalty stamp for every completed class.
8-9 a.m.
Town Green 5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersga.gov
Admission: free
Everyone is invited, regardless of age or fitness level, to join Terrance Fox with CrossFit PPG for a strength and conditioning workout every Thursday through September. Students should bring water, a small towel or two, and a mat if possible.
Every Friday Yielded Men
7-8 a.m.
Moe’s Original Barbecue
5005 Peachtree Pkwy., Ste. 810, Peachtree Corners yieldedmen.org
Admission: free
Yielded Men (YM) is a weekly safe, small discussion group focused on building relationships and encouraging men in their walk with God. Each week the group addresses a specific issue that most men face in life. All are welcome.
September 7
Lotería Cards
4 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Peachtree Corners Branch
5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Learn about Loteria, a Mexican bingo game. Kids, ages 6-11, will make their own lotería cards.
September 8-24
atlantabritishcarfayre.com
Admission: free
Celebrate all things British with nearly 400 autos and motorcycles on display. Downtown Norcross businesses and vendors will also offer British-themed food, beverages and products.
September 9
Family Paint Party
1-3:30 p.m.
OneStop Norcross 5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross GwinnettParks.com, 678-225-5400
Admission: $18 per Gwinnett resident, $36 per non-resident
Gather the family – all ages – and express your creativity together. Bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages or enjoy those provided. All supplies are provided
September 9
Night Music — The Foozer Experience
7-9 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Green 5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners
peachtreecornersga.gov
Thursday Senior Bridge Club
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Pinckneyville Park
4758 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Norcross GwinnettParks.com, 678-277-0920
Admission: free
The club meets every Thursday for ages 50 and up. Please call for availability.
6-8 p.m.
The Forum, near the fountain 5185 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners
theforumpeachtree.com/events
Admission: free
On Thursday evenings, April through October, The Forum brings in favorite local musicians. Everyone is invited to relax and groove to the smooth sounds.
Musical lineup:
September 7, Blue Talk; September 14 and October 12, East & Ward; September 21, Hughes Taylor; September 28, The Human DJ; October 5, Jason Gardner Trio; October 19, Taylor Harlow; October 26, The Bourbon Brothers.
The Nerd
Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.
Lionheart Theatre
10 College St., Norcross lionhearttheatre.org, 404-919-4022
Tickets: $18; students and seniors, $16 This comedy features Willum Cubbert, who owes a debt to fellow ex-GI Rick Steadman for saving his life in Vietnam. Willum is delighted when Rick shows up at his apartment on 34th birthday party, but his delight fades as it becomes apparent that Rick is a hopeless “nerd.”
September 8, 22 and
October 13, 27
Stories and Music
10:30-11:15 a.m.
OneStop Norcross
5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross GwinnettParks.com, 678-225-5400
Admission: free
Tales come to life for children aged 6 and under as they sing and move while discovering the excitement of storytelling. Parent participation is required.
September 9
Atlanta British Car Fayre
10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Downtown Historic Norcross
Admission: free
Performed by El Scorcho & February Stars, The Foozer Experience delivers anthem after anthem from two giants of the Alternative Rock era — Weezer and Foo Fighters.
September 11 9/11 Remembrance
Ceremony
8:15-9 a.m.
Betty Mauldin Park
1-63 Lawrenceville St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
The ceremony to honor the lives lost and heroes who responded begins with a moving message of tribute, followed by traditional bagpipe music. At 8:45 a.m., a solemn ringing of the bell will signal the moment the first tower was hit.
September 11
Movie Mondays — Tyson’s Run
1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center
10 College St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
About the movie: The 2022 drama is
SEPTEMBER
2: Flicks on the Green - Coco
9: Night Music - The Foozer Experience (Weezer & Foo Fighters)
16: Bark at the Park 11am-2pm
22-24: Peachtree Corner Festival
30: Smr. Concert Series - Swamp River Revival (Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute)
DECEMBER
2: Sports on the Screen
9: Sports on the Screen
OCTOBER
6: Flicks on the Green - Sci-Fi Film
6-8: Atlanta Sci-Fi Film Festival
14: Night Music - Chuck Martin & The Line-Up (Country Music)
21: 3rd Annual PTC Decathlon
21: Sports on the Screen
28: Smr. Concert SeriesNashville Yacht Club Band
NOVEMBER
4: Sports on the Screen
11: Veterans Day Ceremony
18: Sports on the Screen
25: Sports on the Screen
30: Holiday Glow 5:30-8pm
TIMES
Flicks on the Green: 7pm Night Music: 7pm Summer Concert Series: 7pm
Yoga on the Green (by Sunny Street Yoga): Tues 8am (May-Sep)
CrossFit (by PPG CrossFit): Thurs 8am (May-Sep)
Cornhole ATL League: Wed 6:30pm (Jan-Oct)
about an autistic boy with little athletic experience who decides to compete in a running marathon.
September 12
Homemade Tortillas
6:30 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Peachtree Corners Branch
5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corner
gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning how to make homemade tortillas.
September 14
Norcross Connect — National Living Creatively Day
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Norcross Branch
5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Socialize with members of the community while learning about National Living Creatively Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, Mexican artists and their influence on culture. Participants will create a pastel portrait of Frida Kahlo. For ages 19 and up.
September 14 and October 12
Peachtree Corners Photography Club Group Meet Up
6:45-8:15 p.m.
Atlanta Tech Park
107 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners pcphotoclub.org
Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at Atlanta Tech Park
and/or online. Photographers of all skill levels are welcomed. Arrive at 6:15 p.m. for social time.
September 16
Bark in the Park
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Green
5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersga.gov
Admission: free
The event includes local vendors that cater to pooches and pet parents. Watch as pups chase after giant bubbles, roll around in a ball pit and test their agility skills.
September 16
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
2-6 p.m.
Summerour Middle School parking lot 321 Price Pl., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
Celebrate the rich cultures and traditions of Hispanic countries with traditional music, dances, foods and activities. There will be cultural exhibits and activities for all ages highlighting the history and traditions of different Hispanic countries.
September 16
Harvest Fest Food Festival
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center 4651 Britt Rd., Norcross GwinnettParks.com, 678-277-0860
Admission: free
Join in for the first annual Harvest Fest Food Festival for all ages. There will be live entertainment, great food, lawn games and more!
September 16
UGA v South Carolina
Time TBD
Peachtree Corners Town Green
5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners
peachtreecornersga.gov
Admission: free
Tailgate and cheer on your favorite teams. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own coolers or purchase food and drink from one of Town Center’s many restaurants.
September 17-23
Restaurant Week
12-9 p.m.
The Forum
5185 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners
theforumonpeachtree.com
Taste culinary excellence during a week that features delicious dining at the Forum.
September 20
Duluth Cemetery Tour
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Duluth Branch
3180 Main S., Duluth gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Everyone aged 19 and up is welcome to this guided and narrated tour of the Duluth Church cemetery by Charles Summerour. Participants will learn about significant contributors to the development of the City of Duluth.
September 22-24
12th Annual Peachtree Corners Festival
Friday, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 12-5 p.m.
5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners
peachtreecornersfestival.com
Admission: free
The festival will be filled with arts and crafts, good fair food, live music and two classic car shows, so there’s something for everyone. Kids will enjoy slides, clowns, face painting and more.
September 23
Duluth Fall Festival
Concert — Platinum
6:30 p.m. for opening act; 8 p.m. for main act
Duluth Festival Center
3142 Hill St., Duluth
duluthfallfestival.org
Admission: free
The 2023 Duluth Fall Festival t-shirt design will be revealed at the concert. About the band: Platinum is a high-energy dance band that keeps the fun going all night long. The evening kicks off with the music of Wade Hudson and Barry Richman.
September 25
Movie Mondays — 80 for Brady
1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center 10 College St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
About the movie: A 2023 sports comedy, 80 for Brady follows four lifelong friends who travel to see the New England Patriots play in the 2017 Superbowl.
September 26
Nature Nerds — Monarch Migration
12-1 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Norcross Branch 5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross
Wesleyan School flag football and cheer clinics are back this fall! These Saturday clinics are an opportunity to learn fundamentals in a fun, safe, and encouraging environment. These clinics are open to the public, regardless of where a student attends school.
Clinics begin Saturday, September 9. Learn more and register by scanning the QR code.
gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Students 6-11 years old will join others across the globe to create symbolic monarch butterflies to send to Mexico. The annual migration of millions of monarchs across North America is among the world’s most spectacular natural events.
September 26
Little Peaches
4-6 p.m.
The Forum
5185 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners
theforumonpeachtree.com
Admission: free
It’s a playdate for the young ones with kid-friendly crafts, games and entertainment. The September theme is “Outta this World.” Check the website for dates as they’re added.
September 28
Mid-Autumn Festival
4:30-6 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Duluth Branch
3180 Main S., Duluth
gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Falling on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is a unique Asian cultural experience. Families gather to sample autumn harvests, light lanterns and admire what’s believed to be the fullest moon of the year.
September 30-October 1
Duluth Fall Festival
Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Downtown Duluth duluthfallfestival.org
Admission: free
Celebrate autumn with a festival that has something for everyone. A parade starts on Saturday at 10 a.m. Runners in the Duluth Donut Dash 5K Race will race through the streets of Duluth on Sunday, starting at 8 a.m. Music, festival food vendors and booths filled with arts and crafts help round out the weekend of fun.
September 30
Historic Trolley Tour
10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center (boarding)
10 College St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Tickets: available starting Sept. 1
Local historian Gene Ramsay hosts a historical tour into Norcross’ past. Participants will hear unique stories while sampling the fare of downtown merchants.
September 30
Summer Concert Series
— Swamp River Revival / Hu$hmoney
7-9 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Green
5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersga.gov
Admission: free
Swamp River Revival is a tribute band that celebrates the spirit of John Fogerty’s work, especially with Creedence Clearwater Revival. Peachtree Corners’ own band, Hu$hmoney, opens the show with rockin’ classics that span over the decades.
September 30
Jazz in the Alley — Saxophonist Lord Yancyy
7:30-9:30 p.m.
Betty Maudlin Park
of soul, R&B and beach music that will make you want to find your dancing shoes.
October 6-8
Atlanta Sci-Fi Film Festival
7-9 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Green / CMX | CineBistro
5140 / 5180 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners
atlantascififilmfestival.com
Admission: free with registration
Events at the Festival include family-friendly films and live music performances, a 48-Hour Sci-Tech Film Challenge where filmmakers race against time to craft short films and an exclusive advance screening of National Geographic’s documentary film “The Space Race.” There will also be screenings of 2021 film festival winners and panel discussions.
Oct. 6-8, 13-14, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 15, 2 p.m. lionhearttheatre.org, 404-919-4022
Tickets: $18; students and seniors, $16 Get into the Halloween spirit with this collection of chilling short plays. This spooky collection returns with new scares and laughs.
October 7
2-3 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Duluth Branch
3180 Main S., Duluth
gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Bring the whole family to join in celebrating the contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Explore Hispanic culture through traditional food and games and craft.
October 7-8
Norcross Art Splash Festival
Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Downtown Norcross
45 S. Peachtree St., Norcross splashfestivals.com/events-festivals/ norcross-art-splash
Admission: free
Eighty artists from across the U.S. will showcase their folk art, ceramics, paintings, photography, mixed media, fiber art, metalwork and jewelry. The interactive Kidz Zone, in the Crossing Steakhouse parking lot, features face painting, sand art and inflatable rides. Plenty of festival food and drink will be available, too.
1-63 Lawrenceville St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
About the musician: A talented and accomplished saxophonist, Lord Yancyy has opened for scores of music giants, including Stevie Wonder, Alex Bugnon, Average White Band, Temptations, Neville Brothers, Jean Luc Ponty, George Benson and Four Tops.
October 6
First Friday Concert — Grains of Sand
7-9 p.m.
Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center 10 College St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free; RSVP required at About the band: Grains of Sand is a seven-member band with a three-piece horn section followed by lead and backup vocalist. Their music is a blend
October 6-15
Bewitching 2023
Lionheart Theatre 10 College St., Norcross
October 14
Neighborhood Cleanup & Recycling Day
8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Norcross Public Works
345 Lively Ave., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
Norcross Public Works makes it easy to recycle by accepting single-stream recyclables, glass bottles and jugs, electronics, and scrap metal. Visit the event page for details including a list of acceptable items.
October 14
Robotics: EV Maze Run
2-3 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Peachtree Corners Branch
5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154
Admission: free; registration required, opens Sept. 14
Kids 9-14 years old will learn the basics of coding for a robot by using blockbased code and an already built LEGO EV3 robot.
October 14
Night Music — Chuck Martin & the Line-Up / Leah Belle Faser
7-9 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Green
5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersga.gov
Admission: free
Chuck Martin & the Line-Up is a high-energy country rock band that plays hits from the 90s to today. Leah Belle Fraser opens the show with an authentic musical style grounded in a sound seasoned with county, pop, rock and folk influences.
October 20
Spooktacular Skate Party
7-9 p.m.
Pinckneyville Park
4758 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Norcross GwinnettParks.com, 678-277-0920
https://bit.ly/PVPSpooktacular
Admission: $5 per Gwinnett resident; $9 per non-resident
Bring skates — and a bag to hold candy — and enjoy some spooky fun with Gwinnett Parks and the Peachtree Booster Club. There’ll be a DJ, crafts, games, costume contests and more. It’s all for kids aged 5 to 17, but parents and guardians are welcome.
October 21
Pedal Norcross
3-6 p.m.
Downtown Norcross / Lillian Webb Park
5 College St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
Cyclists will explore Historic Norcross on a 2.5 mile group ride led by Sustainable Norcross. Start the day with a preride yoga class at Lillian Webb Park, followed by a bike recycling station where you can donate or exchange old bikes, helmets and accessories. There will be a raffle with the chance to win an E-BIKE. The day features surprises and giveaways including snacks and refreshments.
October 21
Cosplay Runway
5-8 p.m. Shorty Howell Park
peachtreecornersga.gov
Admission: free
Stop by the Town Green to visit with friends as you root for your team.
October 23
Movie Mondays — Guardians of the Galaxy
Vol. 3
1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center
10 College St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
About the movie: Based on the Marvel Comics superhero team, the 2023 film centers on Rocket’s story.
October 28
Deutsche Klassic German Car Show
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Downtown Norcross
87 Thrasher St., Norcross deutsche-klassic.com
Tickets: TBD, check online
More than 250 classic German automobiles will be on display, including BMWs, Audis, Porsches, Mercedes Benzes, Volkswagens and Opels. Visitors will also indulge in traditional German cuisine and beer while listening to a lively polka band.
October 28
Trick or Treating at The Forum
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Forum
5185 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners
theforumonpeachtree.com
Admission: free
Young children are invited to dress up, visit the stores and collect treats.
October 28
K-Pop Dance with Georgia Tech’s Seoulstice
2-3 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Duluth Branch
3180 Main S., Duluth gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154
Admission: free
2750 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth gwinnettcounty.com, 678-277-0900 https://bit.ly/CosplayRunwayOct21
Admission: $11 per Gwinnett resident; $18 per non-resident
All ages of heroes, villains and storybook characters are invited to strut their stuff on the cosplay runway at this pizza dance party.
October 21
Fall Glow Festival
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Lucky Shoals Park 4651 Britt Rd., Norcross gwinnettcounty.com, 770-417-2210
https://bit.ly/LSPFallGlow
Admission: $10
Children ages 5-18 should dress in their favorite costumes and bring bags for a fun evening of trunk or treat, hayrides and flow games. Parents or guardians must accompany children but are free to attend.
October 21
Sports on the Screen — Alabama v Tennessee
Time TBD
Peachtree Corners Town Green
5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners
October 25
Green Screen Ghosts
5-6 p.m.
Gwinnett County Public Library — Peachtree Corners Branch
5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org, 770-978-5154
Admission: free; space is limited
Students aged 12-18 will learn to shoot green screen video. There will be a demonstration on how to best set up the lights and camera for recording as well as editing practice.
October 27
Howl on the Green
6-10 p.m.
Duluth Town Green
3142 Hill St., Duluth Duluthga.net
Everyone is invited to bring kids, friends and furry pets for a night of fun, sweet treats, great food and entertainment. It all turns into fright at dark as fire dancers make their way through the crowds and mystical creatures emerge, while aerialists hang from the Festival Center Stage and dancing iconic characters light up the night.
All ages are invited to watch a live K-pop performance by Georgia Tech’s dance group, Seoulstice — and then to show their own cool K-pop dance moves.
October 28
Summer Concert Series — Nashville Yacht Club Band
7-9 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Green 5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersga.gov
Admission: free
The eight-piece tribute band, also known as NYC, features the pop and R&B sounds of the 1970s and 80s.
October 29
Howl-o-ween
7-9 p.m.
McDaniel Farm Park 3020 McDaniel Rd., Duluth gwinnettcounty.com, 678-277-0907
https://bit.ly/GroupHikesInGwinnett
Admission: free
Get in the Halloween spirit on this festive night celebrating wolves and coyotes. Make wolf prints on rocks, practice wolf calls on a short hike and enjoy story time and s’mores around a campfire. All ages are welcome.
116 Carlyle St., Norcross norcrossgalleryandstudios.org, 770-840-9844
Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m.
Moderators: Lynda Ellis, lyndaellis@gmail.com; Anne Hall, annehallstudio@yahoo.com
Daytime Open Studio
Thursdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $5 members, $10 nonmembers
Moderator: Anne Labaire, labaireart@gmail.com
Evening Open Studio
Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m.
Cost: $5 members, $10 non-members
Moderator: Patty Grewe-Mullins, pgrewemullins@gmail.com
Classes
Contact instructors for supply list.
Beginning to Intermediate Drawing
Mondays, September 11, 18, 25 and
October 2 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Instructor Lucy Brady, lucyart2@ yahoo.com
FREE Presentation of Alla Prima Still Life Class
Wednesday, September 20 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Instructors Anne and Larry Hall, annehallstudio@yahoo.com
Alla Prima Still Life Class
Wednesdays, September 27 and October 4, 11, 18
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Instructors Anne and Larry Hall, annehallstudio@yahoo.com
Beginning Watercolor
Mondays, October 16, 23, 30 and November 6
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Instructor Lucy Brady, lucyart2@yahoo.com
Beginning Painting in Oil
Mondays, October 16, 23, 30 and November 6 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Instructor Patty Grewe-Mullins, pgrewemullins@gmail.com
Abstraction in Acrylics
Fridays, October 20, 27 and
September 9, 8 p.m.
3116 Main St., Duluth eddieowenpresents.com
Stand Up Comedy at the Clay! Hosted by Yoshee
September 1; 8 p.m.
A first-generation Nigerian immigrant, Yoshee stepped away from his successful marketing career at age 30 to pursue improv and become a stand-up comedian.
R&B Inc.
September 2, 8 p.m.
The members of the 9-piece R&B/soul band, based in Atlanta, are seasoned professionals who have entertained audiences over five decades.
September 8, 8 p.m.
Formed in Dublin Ireland, I Draw Slow is an award-winning five-piece band led by siblings and songwriters Dave and Louise Holden. They have released four critically acclaimed albums.
Award-winning singer-songwriter Edie Carey was a featured vocalist on the 2020 Grammy-Winning ensemble “All the Ladies.” Her 11th album “The Veil” was released in June 2022.
Songwriters in the Round: Andrew Hyra, Nick Leet and Matthew Kahler
September 10, 8 p.m.
Singer/performer Andrew Hyra has played on Atlanta stages since he appeared with his band at Eddie’s Attic in 1992. Nick Leet has been called a “welloiled rock n’ roll machine.” With his off-the-cuff style, Matthew Kahler has been part of Atlanta’s indie music scene since the 90s.
September 15, 8 p.m.
Amelia White is a first-rate songwriter who has helped define the core folk-rock sound of Americana. She’s a folk/pop fixture appearing here with friends.
November 3, 10 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Instructor Chitra Ramanathan, chitra.fineart@gmail.com
Contact instructors for supply list. Working With Gelli Plates
Saturday, September 9 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Instructor Anne Labaire, labaireart@gmail.com
Acrylic Grounds and Mediums
Saturday, September 23 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Instructor Micah Goguen, micahgoguenart@gmail.com All materials will be provided.
September 16, 8 p.m.
Based out of Atlanta, Chi-Town Transit Authority is an 8-piece Chicago tribute band dedicated to reproducing the “Chicago” concert experience.
Mid Autumn Chinese Festival
September 24, 4 p.m.
Doors open for audience members at 3 p.m. The show, a celebration for the Chinese festival of Mid Autumn, starts at 4 p.m.
Bob Malone
October 13, 8 p.m.
Called a “keyboard wizard” by The New Yorker, Bob Malone has amassed a loyal international fan-base through 25 years of touring and nine critically acclaimed album releases.
October 14, 8 p.m.
America’s premier Pink Floyd Tribute band, Interstellar Echoes pride themselves on accurately reproducing the legendary catalog of Pink Floyd.
October 20, 8 p.m.
Ben Wade and his band deliver the
Plein Air Workshop
Friday-Sunday, October 6-8 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Instructor Kathy Collins, mkcollinsart@yahoo.com
FREE Portrait Drawing for Painting Demonstration
Saturday, November 4 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Instructor: Anne Emerson Hall, annehallstudio@yahoo.com
Portrait Drawing for Painting Workshop
Saturday, November 11 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Instructor: Anne Emerson Hall, annehallstudio@yahoo.com
energy and sound of the E Street Band with every performance, covering iconic hits of Born to Run, Born in the USA and beyond.
Levi Lowrey
October 21, 8 p.m.
Singer/songwriter Levi Lowrey is a co-writer of the Zac Brown Band hits “Colder Weather” and “The Wind.” Ted Torres Martin as: ELVIS the Show October 28, 8 p.m.
World champion artist Ted Torres Martin, the premier Elvis sound-alike in the world, performs Elvis’ greatest hits and more.
Harvest Moon
November 4, 8 p.m.
The group pays tribute to the legendary careers and music of Neil Young and the band Crosby, Still, Nash & Young.
Scan the QR code to find more great shows and events
Fast casual burger restaurant and bar LR Burger is scheduled to opened in Downtown Duluth by at the end of August. Located next to Truck & Tap Duluth on Main St., LR Burger’s two-story dining area and bar give patrons a stunning look over Duluth Town Green while they enjoy smash burgers, hot dogs, shakes, salads,
cocktails and adult slushies.
LR Burger Duluth is the sixth restaurant opened by Ben Bailey and Chris Collin, the co-founders of Local Restaurant Group. The duo also owns Local Republic in Lawrenceville and another LR Burger in Monroe.
In a recent Facebook post, the crew behind LR Burger shared their excitement: “We are so so SO dang excited to be sharing LR Burger Duluth with everyone. We’re opening Thursday 8/24 at 11am. We can’t wait to see you!”
Photos by Bruce Johnson
n Saturday: SEPT. 23 Festival Concert
n Saturday: SEPT. 30 Festival Parade
n Opening Ceremony with Grand Marshal and dignitaries
n Sunday: OCT. 1 Donut Dash 5K Race
n Over 180 Arts & Craft Vendors
n Over 25–30 Delicious Food Booths
n FREE Shuttle Buses
Photos by Bruce Johnson
amateur sports capital of the country and, ultimately, to have the NCAA relocate from Kansas City to Indianapolis.”
The success in that city prompted others, like Atlanta, to follow suit. “We compete for sporting events to come to our communities to drive economic impact visibility, and now, it’s seemingly more so social impact legacies, things that are left behind that are beneficial to the communities once the event is over,” said Corso. “While we are competitive, we’re also collaborative. Some events are not suitable for the region that we’re focused on, which is downtown, where the larger facilities like Mercedes-Benz Stadium aren’t the best fit for every event.”
That’s where Corso reaches out to people like Hall to host smaller events or those that are conducive to the facilities that Gas South controls.
“There is some cross-promotion between our two groups. We’re very, extremely focused on one thing: recruiting and hosting,” Corso clarified. “Our focus is recruiting from the outside in. And then once we get the event, hopefully, to come into our community, we get involved in the planning phase and the execution of that event.”
The thoughts of sports in metro Atlanta often conjure up images of the Braves, the Falcons, the championship college football series or the annual PGA Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club. But those in Gwinnett County know that the area has much more to offer.
To share insights into the upcoming season, the Southwest Gwinnett County Chamber (SWGC) invited Stan Hall, chief executive officer of the Gwinnett Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council, to its First Friday Speakers Series.
Although both men are involved in similar organizations that often dovetail with each oth-
er, the object of those organizations is to bring events to the area, whether it’s in Atlanta or Gwinnett County, for economic growth.
The Atlanta Sports Council, formed in 1985, focuses on the growth of sports in the entire metro area. “There have been and continue to be some really cool big events in Metro Atlanta based on Corso making those connections and sending business to the local facilities,” said Hall.
The initial purpose of the Atlanta Sports Council was to pursue the 1996 Olympic Games. “At the time, there weren’t any sports conditions or councils in the country, other than Indianapolis,” Corso explained. “Indianapolis was the first. Eli Lilly privately funded it to become the
One of the big differences is that Hall controls the facilities he recruits for. “We’re looking to provide events to facilities that we control, whereas Dan is looking to bring events to facilities that are local,” said Hall. “The [Gwinnett] Stripers ...are an example of the relationship we have with Major League Baseball. We control the facility that they play in and they provide the product that takes place in there.”
Some of the major events in Gwinnett County — from NCAA events in the arena to Southeastern Conference events in the arena — were brought in by Corso and his team because they weren’t best suited to downtown Atlanta.
“We do play off each other. Some people that approached us about events are, quite honestly, just too big for the facilities we have here,” said Hall. “Once we’ve determined that they need 80,000 seats, I’ll pick up the phone and call [Corso].”
Sometimes the size of the venue isn’t the most compelling factor. Often, the availability of hotel rooms for the duration of the event can make or break a deal. “If you have availability on the day within the venue, then you must ask, ‘Are the hotels available?’ because you can’t have any size without hotels,” Corso commented.
There are often so many conventions and other events that have nothing to do with sports taking place in downtown Atlanta that hotel rooms fill up quickly.
“So, you’ve got this great sports event lead that you said, ‘Well, what’s the time period?’ and even though the event is a couple of days, they need 10 days of load in and parties and things,” said Corso. “It’s a 10-plus day event and sometimes you have to pass on those because the hotels aren’t available because of the convention business.”
Big events like the Super Bowl, the World Cup and the college football playoff national championship mean a budget of anywhere from $13 million or $17 million to as much as $50 billion for a host budget. Invisible costs such as police support, signage and additional workers can add up quickly.
The sports councils don’t use taxpayer dollars and rely on sponsorships to bring in reve-
nue-generating draws. But events of that magnitude can bring in a return of at least 10 times for metro area businesses.
FIFA, the organizing body of worldwide soccer events, values its events and is particular about host cities. Without a doubt, the World Cup is the biggest sporting event and it’s going to increase from the 32 teams that participated in Qatar last year to 48 teams. In 2026, it’s going from an early estimation of 80 matches to 104 matches.
“If you do the math, it goes up by about two matches per city. So, when we were expecting five to six matches over 40 days, [metro Atlanta] could have anywhere from eight to nine matches over a 40-day period,” said Corso.
Although it may be obvious to local businesses to sponsor teams such as the Stripers, there are numerous opportunities at major sporting events for smaller businesses as well.
“Whether you’re a sports fan or not, I’m telling you, there’s a huge population that follows sports. And as you see the major events, that sponsorship is getting longer and longer and longer,” Corso explained. “The hospitality benefits that come with [sporting events] offer a lot of client development.”
He mentioned that visibility through marketing channels and activations that sponsors are allowed to do for sporting events is growing. “Companies are always looking for an ROI [return on investment] on what they’re giving and, of course, the assets are getting bigger because the cost of hosting these events is getting bigger,” Corso said. “But there will be seats at the table for just about everyone for the College Football Playoffs in 2025.”
For more information on the Atlanta Sports Council, visit metroatlantachamber.com/ atlanta-sports-council. Learn about Explore Gwinnett at exploregwinnett.org. ##
n 3D/4D Ultrasound
n SneakPeek® Clinical Early-Gender DNA Test
n Childbirth Education Course
n Infant & Child CPR Class
n Record baby’s heartbeat into a “Heartbeat Animal”
n Rent hospital grade breast pumps
Words by Arlinda Smith Broady
Photos by George Hunter
Celebrating the vibrant future of Atlanta’s startup landscape, Dell for Startups, a division of Dell Technologies, brought together community leaders, city officials, startups and investors for the inaugural Atlanta Startup Innovation Summit in Peachtree Corners at Atlanta Tech Park. Over two days, Aug. 16 and 17, Dell for Startups recognized Atlanta’s thriving startup ecosystem by convening the most innovative entrepreneurs for a pitch competition and industry leaders for a series of leadership and tech panels covering AI, smart cities, how to build a strong startup ecosystem and more.
The summit offered a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to network, learn and compete in a pitch competition with a substantial prize. Two startups were awarded a total of $15,000 in Dell Rewards.
With heavy-hitter community partners such as Atlanta Tech Park (the venue host), Atlanta Tech Village, Curiosity Labs, Georgia
Tech’s ATDC, Russel Innovation Center of Entrepreneurship (RICE) and TechAlpharetta, the two days gave participants the opportunity to engage in panel discussions with industry leaders on topics such as Smart City developments and structuring startups in its early stages.
The summit wasn’t just about learning from the best; according to organizers, it was about engaging with them as well. Attendees had the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs, pitch startup ideas and receive valuable feedback and insights.
■ Brandon Branham, assistant city manager and chief technology officer for the city of Peachtree Corners, who leads the City of Peachtree Corners’ groundbreaking smart city and Internet of Things (IoT) programs;
■ Aaron Luque, founder and CEO of Envirospark, who has made it a mission to increase the availability of EV charging infrastructure across the country; and
■ Scott Evans, senior project manager of Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, who is part of the voice of business that provides leadership, information and solutions to foster a strong economic environment and a superior quality of life in Forsyth County.
To start the discussion, Rumley asked a question that should have been quite simple but meant different things to different people in the world of technology.
To kick off the event, a panel discussion of industry innovators and government leaders discussed the evolution of leading-edge technologies and how they open a wide range of possibilities in urban management. They also discussed the adoption of new technologies and how they are at the heart of implementing many initiatives to address critical concerns throughout the world.
Moderated by Dan Rumley, OEM Americas Business Development Manager for Dell Technologies, the panel included:
■ Eric Hornsby, CEO of Smartpoint.io, who, after a 20-year journey in technology and digital signage, is leveraging a vast IP portfolio and many decades of success in both the military and commercial spaces;
“’Smart city’ is a term that has been thrown around probably for a good solid six or seven years. What does it do? What is a smart city?” he asked the panel.
The answers encompassed the use of technology to implement efficiency, operational improvements to better serve residents in a community and how you do that, and did not simply focus on the smart technology itself.
Another answer was government centered. “It’s kind of an integration between a lot of different moving parts in different sectors to create an efficient, overall whole. So, for me specifically, it’s a lot of things related to the grid utilities and the intentional use of power controlling power to limit demand,” said Branham.
Everyone agreed that a vital component is connectivity. They likened a smart city to a data center. The connectivity infrastructure supports a company that takes in data and learns from the environment. It is then able to improve upon that and use what was learned yesterday to produce greater outcomes for tomorrow.
For more information, go to dell.com/en-us/ lp/dell-for-startups. ##
The old United Tool building in Duluth is getting a much-needed facelift. COhatch , a company that develops shared work and social spaces, has begun construction on its first location in the Atlanta area.
Construction on COhatch Duluth began in April 2023 and the company aims to open the location in early 2024.
The COhatch team is restoring the 40 yearold building, which previously housed a tool rental, sales and service company. Before that, it was the site for a gas station.
The site will be a nearly 11,000-square-foot work and social space. Development will feature private offices, coworking areas, meeting rooms and event space for members and
the community. It also will include a 3,000-squarefoot outdoor gathering place and 1,500-squarefoot annex building with event space.
Every COhatch location offers scholarships to local nonprofits and startups. The company also works with members and partners in each community to put on workshops, events and speaker series to provide members with opportunities to learn, network and grow their businesses. To learn more visit facebook.com/COhatchCommunity. ##
107 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 atlantatechpark.com, 404-797-1221
Atlanta Tech Meet Up
Tuesdays, September 5, October 3 and November 7, 6-8 p.m.
Sponsored by Resolvit, the monthly meet-up is held on the first Tuesday of every month in the Atlanta Tech Park Café. Everyone is invited to network and join a good group of people discussing anything related to technology.
Gwinnett Women’s Chamber Presents: Tech Talks
Fridays, September 15 and October 20, 12-2 p.m.
The group meets every third Friday of the month. Visit gwinnettwomenschamber.com for updates.
AITP Meet-up
Thursday, September 21 6-8 p.m.
Register at aitpatlanta.org.
Every third Thursday of the month, everyone is invited to network with a group of IT professionals in the Atlanta area. Learn more and register at aitpatlanta.org.
Office in Atlanta Tech Park 107 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners
southwestgwinnettchamber.com, 470-482-1899
First Friday Breakfast
Fridays, September 8 and October 6 7:30-9 a.m.
vision: One Great Region.
SWGC Coffee Connections
Thursdays, September 14, 21 and 28
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Free admission for SWGC members and visitors.
Meet up with local business professionals over coffee. Meetings are normally held in the large meeting space behind the SWGC office at Atlanta Tech Park.
4989 Peachtree Pkwy., Ste. 215, Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersba.com, 678-969-3385
PCBA Lunch Club
Thursdays, September 7 and October 19
11:30-1:30 a.m.
Marlow’s Tavern, Peachtree Corners Town Center
Open to PCBA members and their guests. Online registration is required. Meet up with PCBA members for an enjoyable way to network and save 15% off your lunch check.
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Hilton Atlanta Northeast Event registration is $35. Advanced registration is $25 for members and $30 for guests. Registration includes appetizers and drinks.
The Crossing Steakhouse 40 South Peachtree St., Norcross peachtreecornersrotary.org, 770-330-7477
Club Meetings
Mondays, Septem ber 11 and 25; and October 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 12-1 p.m.
Speakers include Bud Rogers of Sweet Grace on Sept. 11 and Carol Smith of No Longer Bound on Sept. 25.
District Peace and Unity Event
Tuesday, September 19, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 1818 Club
6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth
This annual event celebrates peace and unity.
Thursday, September 21, 5:30-8 p.m.
The Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) presents an opportunity to network with a group of IT professionals in the Atlanta area. Register at aitpatlanta.org.
Wednesdays, September 27 and October 25 5-6:30 p.m.
Drop in at the Café to enjoy wine, beer, food and networking at this free monthly event.
Tuesday, October 17 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Partnership Gwinnett, in association with InnovATL Week, presents their annual Tech Summit.
Atlanta Northeast Hilton
5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners
Admission: $28 for members, $35 for non-members; registration required On Sept. 8, former host of WSB Radio’s Atlanta Morning News Scott Slade 35 years will provide a behind the scenes look at his career and challenge us to help ensure suburban news breaks through.
On Oct. 6, Anna Roach, Executive Director & CEO of the Atlanta Regional Commission, will talk about the agency’s new
Coffee Morning Meetup
Tuesdays, September 12 and October 10
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, 5215 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners
Free admission for PCBA members and their guests. Register online as space is limited.
Meet with other PCBA and business professionals over coffee in a positive atmosphere on the second Tuesday of the month. Business cards will be shared with all attendees.
Thursdays, September 28 and October 26
duluthbusiness.org
Meetings held the second Tuesday of every month.
Meeting locations will be announced monthly.
Monthly meetings
Tuesdays, September 12 and October 10, 6-7:30 p.m.
ing thousands of glowing runners is a thrill from start to finish, and we’re honored to support our friends at the YMCA year after year,” said Charlotte Hinton, The Forum marketing manager.
Since its inception, Light Up The Corners has raised more than $400,000 for the Fowler Family YMCA. To learn more, go to lightupthecorners.com. ##
Call it luck or divine intervention, but some force in the universe was determined that the 10th annual Light Up The Corners event was going to take place as planned. About an hour before start time, the deluge that threatened the area with heavy rains and strong winds on Saturday, Aug. 12, began to subside.
By the planned 8 p.m. start, the sun had peeked through the clouds and fun and festivities were in full swing.
Guests from all across metro Atlanta gathered at The Forum at Peachtree Corners for the fourmile glow run and one kilometer twilight trot benefitting the Fowler Family YMCA. The evening raised over $60,000 for the local community center, according to organizers.
“This event has taken on a life of its own,” said Light Up The Corners race organizer Amy Massey in a press release. “The run is less about competition and more about friends, neighbors
and families coming together to participate in a healthy, family-friendly fun way to ‘glow for the good’ of the community.”
Despite the weather threat, this year’s event attracted a record number of participants, sponsors and volunteers with more than 1,400 registered runners and hundreds of spectators cheering along the racecourse. Even if the physical activities weren’t your thing, there were plenty of other attractions to keep one occupied.
The festivities included activities for the whole family, a live DJ, roaming entertainment — one of the dancers was a dead ringer for Katy Perry — face painting, neon manicures, special prizes and awards for the runners. Light bites, beverages and giveaways were provided by The Forum retailers and restaurants, along with local schools, churches and businesses across the Peachtree Corners and metro Atlanta area.
“Light Up The Corners has become a truly beloved tradition not only for The Forum, but the entire Peachtree Corners community. Witness-
NORCROSS
September 14 - October 31 | Norcross Gallery & Studios & The Rectory, (Rectory By Appointment Only)
September 14 - October 25 | 45 South Cafe
HISPANIC
September 16 | 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Summerour Middle School Parking Lot
* PLUS, CHALK ART SPONSORED BY EXPLORE GWINNETT
DOWNTOWN YARN BOMBING
October 5 - 8 | Downtown Norcross
DINNER AND A SHOW
October 6 - 8 | Downtown Norcross Businesses & Lionheart Theatre
LIONHEART’S ‘BEWITCHING’ SHOW
October 6 - 15 | Lionheart Theatre
NORCROSS ART SPLASH FESTIVAL
October 7 & 8 | Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. & Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Downtown Norcross
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
November 4 | 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. | Thrasher Park
SCAN HERE FOR MORE DETAILS:
Those who advocate for those in need find it necessary to reach out to the community for assistance. While numerous nonprofits receive generous grants and other forms of financial support, the majority host at least one major event a year to keep the lights on and the aid flowing. Rainbow Village is no exception.
The 2023 “We Are Family” benefit gala is set for a 6 p.m. start on Saturday, October 7 at Atlanta Athletic Club. This annual event supports and celebrates Rainbow Village as it works to transform the lives of families experiencing homelessness, one family at a time.
The black-tie optional affair includes a champagne reception, a seated dinner with complimentary wine, silent and live auctions, a famed wine wall and a raffle.
Besides the entertainment, guests will also hear an emotional account from a Rainbow
Village graduate, detailing the impact the organization had on her life and the lives of her children.
The work at Rainbow Village is crucial because every day there are families with children who find themselves in unsafe environments with no place to turn, no one to turn to and no place to call home. Through the provision of transitional housing and transformational programming, Rainbow Village is endeavoring to change that.
According to its literature, the nonprofit utilizes a model that takes different goals and starting points into consideration. This allows residents to see their progress and build confidence in their individual journey towards economic self-sufficiency.
“Our gala is a night filled with great food, lots of laughter and the occasional tear as we are reminded of the ‘why’ that has brought us all together,” said Melanie Conner, CEO of Rainbow Village, in a press release.
“With housing prices at historically high levels, affordable housing is harder than ever to come by. Homelessness is at crisis levels in many communities, including our own,” she continued. “By arming families with the tools,
they need to not only survive but thrive beyond our village, our organization, along with the individuals and partners that support us, is paving the way for them to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency.”
As it has for the past few years, Rainbow Village is hoping to raise at least half a million dollars to further its mission. Even the pandemic couldn’t keep local wallets shut. The nonprofit has met and exceeded its fundraising goals for the last few years.
Nobody wants this to be the year that it isn’t successful. Last year, 2022, saw a total of $501,970 raised and in 2021, $500,030 was raised.
While every dollar is precious, major sponsors such as Northside Hospital are leading the charge. The medical provider is the presenting sponsor.
Both ticketed and non-ticketed sponsorships for the event are always welcome. All sponsorships can be purchased online through the Rainbow Village website at RainbowVillage. org. ##
The Peachtree Corners Festival is no doubt one of the greatest traditions in the city of Peachtree Corners because of its continual improvement and growth year after year. Filled with music, food, arts and crafts — and much more — the family-friendly festival continues to be a symbol and trademark of our community’s excellence.
Located in and around the Town Center, the Peachtree Corners Festival will be hosted on September 22 through 24, with times on Friday, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 to 5:00 p.m.
As the festival celebrates its 12th year of continuation, Peachtree Corners Festival brings something new to the table this year. With the recent passing of long-time Peachtree Corners resident, First Lady of Peachtree Corners and Peachtree Corners Festival Vice President Debbie Mason, the festival plans to commemorate Mason this year and the legacy she not only left with the festival but with the community.
Dave Huffman, Peachtree Corners Festival President, has been heavily involved in the festival for over a decade and worked closely with Mason for many years. To bring light to the lasting impact Mason left on the city of Peachtree Corners, the organizing committee of the festival has many plans in store for the upcoming weekend.
Huffman shared that the professed theme of this year’s festival is “Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Debbie Mason.”
“Normally we don’t have a theme to our festival, but this year is special,” said Huffman. “In addition to all of her many activities and
contributions to our community, Debbie was a co-founder of the festival and its Vice-President until her death from cancer earlier this year.”
Within the festival, to celebrate Mason’s legacy during the festival kickoff, there will be a tribute to Mason in the opening speech, the festival t-shirts will have Mason mentioned on them, and on the festival booths, there will be mention of Mason, too.
Even before the festival, Peachtree Corners Festival worked to install the Debbie Mason Drama Scholarship at Norcross High School (NHS) to celebrate Mason’s love for the NHS drama department.
Aside from these meaningful attributions, the Peachtree Corners Festival has many other
plans in store to make this year special.
Foremost, with the festival set to take place in the middle of September rather than mid-summer, the cooled weather will surely create an enjoyable setting for the festival. Huffman and his team also have worked to improve the festival and its dynamics for this year’s event.
“Each year we try to improve a little bit on the previous year,” said Huffman. “I know people — organizers like myself — will always say, ‘Oh this is going to be the greatest festival we’ve ever had.’ But when we do a process like that, that’s actually true because each festival, we try to improve on it a little bit, take our lessons learned.”
“We’ve got more arts and crafts booths than we’ve ever had, and the music is always a plus,” Huffman
continued. “We’re one of the few festivals in this area that pays our bands. So, we do get, I think, a higher quality of band. Our car show is always fun, and I think that’s something that makes our festival stand out, I believe, from some of the other ones in the area.”
Scan the QR Code to make a contribution to the festival to honor Debbie’s memory
luxury cars, ensuring an impressive line-up of classic cars.
Make sure to come out and see the collection of vintage and collectible cars that be showcased on Sunday afternoon. The cars on display aren’t merely vehicles. Rather, they are pieces of art with eccentric history and aesthetic upkeep, making them quite a sight.
This year, the Arts & Crafts Row will be jam-packed with local artisans and businesses offering more unique products and crafts than ever before. Bring your family and friends to check out the one-of-a-kind goods for sale. There surely will be something for everyone.
Becky Lyon, Entertainment Coordinator, and Huffman have worked to create three nights full of unforgettable entertainment.
On Friday night, two show-stopping bands will take the stage. At 7:30 p.m., a Peter Frampton tribute band, Tommy Lee Thompson and the Network will get the evening off to a rocking start.
Following the opening, headliner Back N Black, an AC/DC tribute band, will start around 8:30 p.m. Performing top AC/DC hits such as “Highway to Hell,” “Thunderstruck” and “You Shook Me All Night,” the band will keep the energy high on the Town Green all night.
The musical lineups for Saturday and Sunday are still being firmed up at press time, but Huffman did share some of the bands that are scheduled to appear. The list includes Bulletproof, Casual Cadenza, The New Bridge Band and Sonic Alley.
The Whiskey Angels will also hit the stage, making their first-time appearance at the Peachtree Corners Festival.
Got a hot rod to show off? On both Saturday, September 23, and Sunday, September 24, Peachtree Corners Festival will be hosting both a Classic Car Show and an exhibition by Georgia’s Concours d’Elegance.
During the Classic Car Show, Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., anyone who wishes to participate can enter their car or bike with a $15 registration fee. Make sure to bring your vehicles and cameras as this is surely an event all car show lovers will not want to miss.
Judges will scope out the fierce competition during the show and two top-class trophies will be given out to the top car and top bike entered.
And the fun doesn’t end on Saturday.
On Sunday, from 12 to 4 p.m., Georgia’s Concours d’Elegance will host an exhibition with cars on display. Admission is free to view many rare and luxurious vehicles. This invitation-only event will showcase
Peachtree Corners
Rock My Zen: Started back in 2013, these Reiki-infused bracelets, necklaces, pendants and earrings have been made with crystal combinations to help with stress, anxiety and depression relief, negative energy protection, love and abundance. Rock My Zen was born out of a love for crystals and their properties. Visit the website at rockmyzen.com.
◄Seatree Studio: These handcrafted ornaments are both beautiful and eco-friendly. Through Seatree Studio, what once was an ordinary can is turned into a vibrant and whimsical ornament. All ornaments are hand-painted to perfection and take on curious shapes of nature. View the collection at seatree.studio.
▼Akayati Craft: Founded over 20 years ago in Ghana by brothers Joseph and Kwesi Akayati, Akayati Craft brings Ghana tradition to the U.S. with their famous Bolga baskets and other authentic African crafts. Purchasing products from Akayati Craft helps pay for educational fees for children and keeps this cultural craft alive. Check out akayaticraft. com to see their crafts.
Alchemy Deodorant: Support a local Duluth-based natural deodorant small business this year by stopping by Alchemy Deodorant. This small business has an emphasis on being a plastic-free, vegan and budget-friendly business, while still having exclusive and powerful scents to offer. Visit the shop at alchemydeodorant.com.
Almash Pieces: If you are looking for fashionable yet life-enriching pieces of jewelry, Almash Pieces is surely a place to visit. Offering distinctive bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings, this small business crafts its pieces with love and good energy. Check out the shop at almashpieces.com.
◄Emmerse: Want relaxation in a jar? Visit Emmerse’s stand this year to enjoy artisan-crafted products such as candles, bar soaps, body butters and lip balms. Any of Emmerse’s products are sure to create the perfect spa night. Find more at getemmersed.com.
Melty Way Studio: This local small business crafts exceptional and mystical candles which take on many different shapes. Melty Way Studio crafts candles in shapes such as succulents, teddy bears, desserts and so much more. Visit etsy.com/Shop/Firstbreathshop for more information.
◄My Little World: Based out of Duluth, My Little World Plant & Flowers is a family-owned business that sells live plants, colorful flowers and allows customers to create their own terrariums. Explore the shop at mylittleworldplantsflowers.com.
Looking for a little bit of everything to taste? This year, the Peachtree Corners Festival will have five food trucks and 12 food booths and carts, allowing visitors to enjoy many different cuisines and tastes all in one place.
►Peace Love Soul: Founder Joy turned puzzles into a gateway for peace in 2021 among turmoil. Peace Love Soul is a puzzle shop that strives to illustrate and convey diversity, culture and unity by celebrating women artists of color. To view more, visit piecelovesoul. com.
▼Rainy Day Studio: Allie Benoit is the artist who creates the pieces at Rainy Day Studio. Benoit crafts ceramic home décor, dinnerware, drinkware and sculptures, among other things. The art Benoit creates helps soothe her soul and bring light into darkness. Check out rainydaystudiollc.com for more details.
Rhapsody Handcrafted: Based right around the corner in Norcross, Rhapsody Handcrafted is a small business that centers its crafts around music and travel. Rhapsody Handcrafted sells earrings, car fresheners, aromatic candles and much more. Visit rhapsodyhandcrafted.com for more information.
Want to lend a helping hand for this year’s festival? Volunteering to help run the Peachtree Corners Festival is a great way to get some service hours completed, give back to your local community or even spend an afternoon.
The Peachtree Corners Festival is always run by amazing volunteers and the festival needs volunteers this year. With so many different opportunities to volunteer at the event, there will be no problem finding a way to have a great time while also giving back.
Volunteers must either be aged 18 or older or have parental permission to serve. Additionally, all volunteers will receive t-shirts to celebrate the event. Sign up to volunteer at peachtreecornersfestival.com.
Just among the food trucks, there is something for everyone, whether it be sweet, like Kona Ice, or savory, such as Chew on Chuan, a Latino-Asian fusion food truck. Visit their Facebook page at chewonchuan.
Additionally, among other options, PONKO Chicken will be present with their award-winning Japanese-American chicken. View their food selections at ponkochicken.com.
However, the flavor-filled fun does not stop with the food trucks. On the savory side, anyone can experience remarkable BBQ at the Moe’s Original BBQ food booth which will offer pork, chicken sandwiches and delicious bowls. View their website at moesoriginalbbq.com.
If BBQ isn’t your desire, check out some incredible Greek bites at Gyro Chef Mediterranean. This food booth will serve authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine along with their specialty gyros. Check out their selection on their Instagram @ gyrochefatlanta.
However, if savory is not up your alley, there are plenty of sweet treats on offer at the Peachtree Corners Festival. Look out for Jeremiah’s Italian Ice in its distinctive booth, where you can grab a tasty and authentic treat of Italian ice. Visit their website at jeremiahsice.com.
Last, but surely not least, for a nostalgic and sugary indulgence, stop by Yummi Kotton, a food booth with a rare take on cotton candy. Yummi Kotton serves distinctively flavored cotton candy, such as blue raspberry and birthday cake, among their selections. Make sure to learn more at yummikotton.com.
Sponsors continue to be the driving force behind making Peachtree Corners Festival happen year after year. There are not enough words to express the gratitude the festival and community feels toward those who continue to support the Peachtree Corners Festival.
This year’s sponsors can be found under the Sponsor tab of peachtreecornersfestival.com. Clicking a sponsor’s logo will redirect you to their website for more information.
The City of Peachtree Corners is the 2023 Title sponsor, and Peachtree Corners Magazine continues to be a silver sponsor.
Scan the QR code for the festival website.
Words by Terri L. Iriajen Panorama photo by George Hunter
US News and World Report’s travel division named the Duluth Fall Festival as one of the “top 24 Fall Festivals in the nation.”
This year’s 40th anniversary will not disappoint.
“The Duluth Fall Festival is a community event which includes something for everyone. It’s hard to believe that it is celebrating 40 years. It’s more than a festival or a weekend. It’s an opportunity to give back to our community. It’s an opportunity to make friends and get to know a variety of people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Beth Hoffman, 2023 Duluth Fall Festival Co-chair. She is the 2023 Duluth Fall Festival Co-chair, along with her husband, Herb Hoffman.
“Come be a part of the Duluth Fall Festival family. You won’t regret it,” Beth Hoffman added. It’s all happening Sept. 30-Oct. 1 in Downtown Duluth. Rewind to the festival’s inception in 1962 — a five-week spring celebration.
“Since the very first festival in 1983, the success of the Duluth Fall Festival has been the combination of amazing volunteers, unique arts and crafts, delicious food, great entertainment and activities and the wonderful relationship with the City of Duluth. Having the festival in our downtown area makes it even better!” said Kay Montgomery, Duluth Fall Festival President.
Now, fast forward to today, when the festival celebrates its 40th anniversary.
“The Duluth Fall Festival is a much-anticipated annual tradition which is dedicated to improving life in our community. We are grateful for the support and enthusiasm for creating a memorable, “can’t miss” event each year!” said Margy McLynn Executive Director, Duluth Co-op.
This year’s festival will be exciting. It features the Donut Dash, a grand parade, an inspiring community worship service and non-stop entertainment.
“Picture 300+ arts and crafts, a food court, a Kidz Korner with inflatables and kid-related vendors, a petting zoo by Lozano Farms and a can’t-miss football game on the jumbo screen behind Thrive. The Donut Dash, a 5K road race through Downtown Duluth on Sunday, Octo-
ber 1st, is a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race,” explained Hoffman.
“Only once a year can you see Sunshine, our festival mascot, roaming the festival grounds and interacting with guests,” she added. “Duluth Depot, where you can buy DFF souvenirs, has raffles for great prizes. This year we will have a memorabilia tent so that guests can look back at all the amazing history of the Duluth Fall Festival and the City of Duluth.”
But wait, there’s more! The sheer scale of this event demands meticulous planning, a yearlong undertaking.
The secret behind planning this festival is the incredible dedication of over 300 volunteers who breathe life into this event, making it the largest volunteer-run festival in Gwinnett, a true badge of honor among other accolades. As Hoffman commented, “It’s even more so when you realize that it has been a collaboration between the Duluth Fall Festival volunteers and the City of Duluth for all these years.
Past chairpeople and guests celebrating 40 years of unique festival t-shirts.It is hard to imagine all the work, meetings and compromises that happened to allow this amazing event to occur. Most people don’t realize that the festival is put on strictly by volunteers and has been for the last 40 years.”
Volunteers, festivalgoers and sponsors, fueled by their love for their city, are united by their pride in their city and they always give back. Over the years, more than $3 million in festival donations have been poured into enhancing and beautifying the charming streets of downtown Duluth.
Duluth Fall Festival official volunteer picture.
“The festival is the best way to meet people in Duluth. Most of my friends in Duluth, I met through volunteering for the Fall Festival,” stated Steve Lynn, 2022 Duluth Fall Festival Co-Chair.
The parade on September 30 is the official start of the Duluth Fall Festival, and begins at 10 a.m.
The parade includes local school bands and classic cars. The Grand Marshal this year is Monica Kaufman Pearson and the Honorary Grand Marshal is Brooks Coleman Participating local dignitaries are State Representative Matt Reeves, Mayor Nancy Harris and the Duluth City Councilmembers Kirkland Carden and Mary Kay Murphy, to name a few.
Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical, Suzanna’s Kitchen and Payne-Corley House.
Brooks Coleman, Duluth Fall Festival’s Honorary Grand Marshal, is an educator of the first rank, receiving his Ph.D. in 1978. He served as principal of two Duluth schools, moving up to second in command of the entire Gwinnett County School System. Coleman Middle School, the first Gwinnett County STEAM School was named for him.
7:40 a.m. Early birds will get to warm up with their fellow racers, Zumba-style! Beginning at 8 a.m., racers will walk or run through the streets of downtown Duluth, finishing at the Duluth Festival Center.
Registration will be available through the morning of the race, but will steadily increase in price after Sept. 12, so early registration is encouraged. Register at duluthdonutdash5k. org for $30. After Sept. 12, the registration fee is $35. On the morning of the race, the registration fee is $45.
Packets should be picked up Thursday, Sept. 28, 4-7 p.m. at the Duluth Fall Festival Center or on the morning of the race.
With over 3000 participants, it is the largest parade in Gwinnett County and the most exciting.
“Duluth Fall Festival brings more college students home for the weekend than any other event the entire year,” noted Kathryn Parsons Willis, founder of Duluth Fall Festival.
Montgomery commented, “It’s wonderful how kids come home from college and families plan reunions for the festival weekend. It’s a great tradition.”
Spectators can join the parade on Main Street, near Coleman Middle School. From there, it will march south through the streets of downtown Duluth.
After the parade, everyone will head over to the Duluth Festival Center for the opening ceremony. There, sponsors will be recognized for their great contributions to the festival.
The festival will honor the local dignitaries and recognize its Emerald, Platinum, Cornerstone, Special Area and Keystone sponsors.
Keystone sponsors include The Piedmont Bank, Northside Hospital, 104.7 The Fish, Cornerstone Sponsors, Tiger Tails Animal Hospital, AGCO, 95.5 WSB, Special Area Sponsors J.O. King, Rexall Grill, String & Story, Casteel
Just as he was the Voice of the Wildcats, Coleman has long been the Voice of the Festival. For many years, he was the announcer and spokesperson for almost every event, including the festival parade. Not only did he do a great job, but he took the time along the way to train others to carry on his traditions. Brooks was the elected State Representative of Georgia District 97 from 1992 to 2018, doing much for Duluth, Gwinnett County and Georgia. He served in leading positions in organizations such as Rotary, the Lions Club, the Jaycees, Duluth First Baptist Church and, of course, the Duluth Fall Festival.
Get set to Donut Dash! On October 1, this year’s 5K road race will take off at 8 a.m. Check-in will occur on the Duluth Town Green 7 a.m.-
Upon completing the race, runners will be greeted with a delicious donut and steaming cup of coffee — provided by race sponsor, Dunkin’ Donuts — and a commemorative long-sleeved t-shirt.
Proceeds from the race will be given to Wellroot Family Services (wellroot.org), which assists children in foster care and families living in transitional housing and works to break cycles of trauma in young lives.
“The Duluth Fall Festival is a fun and festive event, but it is so much more. The festival has donated funding to Rainbow Village that helps us help our families reach their goals and thrive. This festival is a blessing in so many ways,” said Rev. Melanie Conner, CEO Rainbow Village.
Make plans to join Worship on the Town Green on Sunday morning for a community worship service beginning at 10 a.m. at the Duluth Town Green. This service will be led by staff, musicians and members of Duluth First United Methodist Church. All are welcome to partake in this peaceful activity.
Monica Kaufman Pearson Brooks Coleman 2022 DashBe prepared to dance all night Saturday, Sept. 23, starting at 6:30 p.m. The opening act, Wade & Barry, will entertain with songs ranging from rock, folk, R&B and country. Vis it Facebook Wade Hudson and Barry Richman, for more information.
Following at 8 p.m. is Atlanta. Platinum is a super-high-energy interactive dance and DJ combo that can play absolutely anything! Platinum per forms favorite hits, ranging from jazz to hip-hop and everything in between: stan dard, Motown, 80s rock, timeless classics and current chart-toppers. Visit Platinum Band Atlanta for details.
Between acts is the annual T-shirt unveiling of the 2023 40th Anniversary Duluth Fall Festival volunteer t-shirt. Until that time, the color has remained highly classified. “Festival co-chairs get to choose the color for the volunteer shirt,” Hoffman said. “It’s a wonderful perk of being a festival chair.”
Get ready for nonstop, high-energy entertainment unfolding across two stages. More than 20 acts will grace the two stages with an explosive mix of music and dance.
The Festival Center Stage hosts bands and dance acts, while the Parsons Alley Stage hosts smaller bands and acoustic music in an intimate setting. Throughout the festival, you may encounter street performers, such as puppeteers or the festival scarecrow mascot.
Main Center Stage has a full weekend lineup planned, with acts scheduled from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Adding to the excitement of this event, the Maggie Clement
Band is scheduled to make a special stage appearance. From headbanging rock anthems to breathless ballads, Maggie and her band’s versatile repertoire promises to take the audience on an unforgettable adventure. To find out more, visit maggieclement.com
Over 180+ arts and crafts vendors will
■ Josie’s Backyard: Marsha Younce loves animals! So much so that she developed the recipe for and bakes from scratch all natural dog treats using fruits and vegetables. Visit josiesbackyard.com.
■ Barrel Warrior: Allen Harrell makes fascinating wood home decor items made from wine and whiskey barrels procured from Bardstown, Kentucky. Visit facebook.com/ BarrelWarrior.
■ Gemstones by Nora: Nora Testor, a European trained silversmith, uses classic techniques to cultivate handcrafted jewelry out of 925 Sterling Silver and natural gemstones. Visit facebook.com/noras.colorpalette/.
■ Atlanta Vintage Travel: Thomas Burns created some of the coolest new illustrations of Atlanta landmarks and College Game Day programs covers. Find a favorite! Visit AtlantaVintageTravel.com.
■ Hellsbells: Check out Ray Musslewhite and his creative way of making wind chimes repurposed from old fire extinguishers and oxygen tanks. Visit Facebook.com/profile. php?id=100076397356783.
■ Kazumi Garden: Live plant enthusiasts should stop by Edgardo Manosalva’s booth where the kokedama technique of soil and moss balls support live plants. Visit KazumiGarden. com.
Bring family and friends to the Duluth Fall Festival and get a taste of food from all over the world.
ple of extra goodies, including J & K Lemonade and Daddy
O’s Ice Cream. Don’t forget to look around the downtown food options for festival fun and afterthe-event enjoyment.
The food court offers two places with tables to enjoy your choices. Here’s a look at some of the 2023 selection of sweets and treats:
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Festival Food Chair Mell Robinson has been chairing the festival food for over 12 years and has been involved with the festival since 1988. Robinson’s focus is getting everyone to enjoy the friendly vendors with skills for creating exciting tastes in the food court.
The food court is in the lower parking lot, parallel to the train tracks. It is handicapped accessible and has a great view of trains moving through Duluth.
This year features sweets and food from all over the world and timeless festival favorites, most of which return year after year.
■ Atlas Arel LLC / Real Gyros — lamb beef, Greek salad and cheesecake
■ B & D Catering — turkey legs
■ Bonz & Gristle’s — fried fish and Cajun turkey wings
■ Egg Roll Boyz — all types of egg rolls
■ Island Noodles — Hawaiian yakisoba stir-fry
■ Jalapeno Corndog Concession
■ Kona Ice Trucks
■ Old West Soda
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■ Pico’s Hot Dogs
■ AW Shucks— roasted corn in the husk and boiled peanuts
Find the official schedule of events, sponsors and more information about the mission of the 40th Anniversary Duluth Fall Festival at duluthfallfestival.org or scan the QR Code below.
770-766-9855 atlantapeachtree@tworld.com
For something special, stop by the information booth for vendor locations. Some snacks and cool treats are located near City Hall, including Hobie Hop Kettle Corn and Dippin’ Dots.
In front of the Maple Street Biscuit restaurant are a cou-
orcross Art Splash Festival, an event bursting with personality, will once again fill the downtown streets of Historic Norcross with color and fun on Saturday, October 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, October 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The shops and restaurants of Norcross will be the backdrop for the festival, which celebrates its 20th year. Artists from near and far will showcase their creations, including paintings, clay, jewelry, woodwork, metal, mixed media, folk art, photography and glass. The talented artisans anticipate the support of shoppers, as they offer an array of items to sell.
Georgia Grown members will present their goods and customers can expect to find some real treats.
Explore Gwinnett will kick off their monthlong Artober at the Norcross Art Splash Festival. It’s a county-wide celebration aimed at increasing participation in arts and culture.
As part of their sponsorship, organizers are bringing in talented artist Jodi Ohl from Aberdeen, North Carolina during the weekend. Her live performance of making magic happen on canvases is a must-see show.
NAs a best-selling author, award-winning mixed-media artist and creative instructor, Ohl travels around the country teaching her unique techniques to other artisans and art educators. Her pieces feature distinctive textures and bold color combinations, and usually embody whimsical or abstract motifs that are often motivational.
There will be something for everyone. An array of fun food trucks will serve up festival cuisine. Live strolling musicians will serenade festivalgoers with lively tunes. And the popular Kidz Zone will have inflatables and craft surprises for youngsters and the young at heart.
Of course, Norcross Art Splash Festival will showcase Chairs for Charity, an exhibit of decorated chairs (and other goodies) from local students selling their special creations to raise money for their schools.
For more information on sponsorship, volunteering and parking, visit SplashFestivals.com. ##
he 2023 Atlanta Sci-Fi Film Festival (ASCIFFF), presented by The City of Peachtree Corners, has announced its highly anticipated return and lineup of events. This cinematic adventure will take place at CMX CinèBistro from October 6 to 8, setting the stage for an epic three-day journey in the heart of Peachtree Corners Town Center.
While enjoying the festival’s lineup in CMX CineBistro, and live entertainment on the Town Green’s outdoor stage, attendees can explore Peachtree Corners Town Center, the city’s downtown area with more than 15 restaurants and a variety of shops.
“We are thrilled to launch the return of the Atlanta Sci-fi Film Festival in Peachtree Corners Town Center,” said festival founder and director Amanda Ray. “It’s the perfect location for our festival, offering a unique compact venue layout allowing attendees to navigate the festival easily and quickly on foot, minimizing the need for transportation. It’s a diverse, vibrant, innovative town, and as the nation’s #1 Smart City, it complements the festival’s futuristic and technology themes. It’s a great partnership with the City of Peachtree Corners and we can’t wait to welcome the community, sci-fi enthusiasts, filmmakers and industry professionals to this exciting event!”
The festival showcases an array of established and emerging visionary artists from diverse backgrounds. This year’s festival will feature the best sci-fi films created by Georgia’s very own talented filmmakers as well as artists from all over the world. Sci-fi creatives will go head-to-head competing for cash and prizes in the following categories: General Live Action, Animated Sci-fi and Afrofuturism.
There will be several fun and interesting programs held at the festival.
48-Hour Sci-Tech Film Challenge: Sit front and center as the festival unveils the finalists from its first 48-Hour Sci-Tech Film Challenge, where filmmakers, armed with just 48 hours, race against time to craft short films the weekend of August 25 to 27. In a thrilling twist, artificial intelligence remains off-limits, unleashing the raw power of human ingenuity. Sponsored by OVHcloud, a Global Cloud Infrastructure Provider, this unique 48-hour film competition allows filmmakers to integrate current and new innovative technology as a required element into an original short sci-fi film and compete for $5,000 in cash and title
of “Best 48-Hour Sci-Tech Film of the Year”! To participate in the Challenge, visit atlantascififilmfestival.com/48-hr-sci-tech.
The Space Race: This year’s feature program is an exclusive advance screening of National Geographic’s captivating documentary, “The Space Race.” This inspiring film explores the experiences of the first Black astronauts combining decades of archive film and interviews in a reflective illumination on the burden of breaking barriers. The film was directed by Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, Lisa Cortés and produced by Keero Birla. It stars Guion Bluford, Ed Dwight Jr., Charles Bolden and Leland Melvin.
Encore Screenings of 2021 Winners: As a result of remaining COVID concerns, films from the 2021 festival were virtual. Due to overwhelming demand, there will be an encore presentation of the 2021 winning films: “Heartland” by Jahmil Eady; “The Gazer” by Spencer Drees and Eleni Rivera; and “Kaiju Decode” by Tetsuya Yamada.
Panel Discussion — The World of Movie Poster Design: Panelists include Brian Farris with Gravillis Inc, Blake Armstrong and Mary Cox with BLT Communications. As three of the most talented art directors in the industry, they will lead an in-depth discussion on movie poster design. They will share their process of creating eye-catching key artwork, discuss how technology is having an impact on the industry and give tips on how indie filmmakers can create stunning key artwork for their films.
Panel Discussion — A.I. – A Tool for Us, or Instead of Us!: An interesting and necessary discussion on the future impact of A.I. is currently taking place, not just in the film industry, but the entire arts and entertainment industry. Panelists will include Darion D’Anjou, Film Writer, Director and VFX Artist; and Keith Kaseman, designer, advanced production strategist and architectural educator.
Outdoor Components: Taking place on the Town Green outdoor stage will be a combination of family-friendly films and live music performances.
The Atlanta Sci-Fi Film Festival, presented by the Multicultural Sci-Fi Organization (MSCFO), provides screens for the finest independent science fiction films locally and inter-
nationally, increases cultural diversity in the genre and inspires the local sci-fi community by cultivating engaging art. Creating independent sci-fi films is becoming easier with today’s rapid-paced technological development. ASCIFFF nurtures new talent and supports concepts that are not often presented in mainstream media or studio films. The festival was founded in 2015 with the goal of fostering rich science-fiction storytelling and challenging perceptions of the intersection between technology and art. The 2023 Atlanta Sci-fi Film Festival is presented by The City of Peachtree Corners and with the support of partners CMX
Through screenings, valuable panel discussions and networking opportunities, the Atlanta Sci-fi Film Festival seeks to propel the future of science fiction filmmaking.
To stay updated on the latest news and announcements regarding the Atlanta Sci-fi Film Festival, follow their website, ASCIFFF.com, or follow them on their social media channels on Facebook @ASCIFFF and Instagram @atlantasci_fifilmfestival.
FLAG FOOTBALL for kindergarten – 6th grade.
CHEER for kindergarten – 5th grade.
Explore Gwinnett has organized its Artober program for several years, and the City of Norcross has always held its Art Splash event at the same time to dovetail the two. Taking place the first weekend in October, Art Splash historically kicks off the Artober lineup.
The city has decided to work in partnership with Explore Gwinnett and grow Artober in Norcross. The decision was based on feedback from the community through comments to staff and city officials as well as surveys and public input outreach, such as the city’s comprehensive plan, Buford Highway Master Plan and, more recently, constructing the Norcross Master Arts & Culture Plan.
The Norcross Public Arts Commission
(NPAC) is also a partner.
“We know the community is interested in the arts, specifically in things they can engage with, that they can feel a part of — a culture of art, from little activations, simple and temporary, to events, to actual large-scale permanent public art installations. Artober is all about that celebration of creativity, culture and expression,” said Nicole Newsom, a spokesperson for the City of Norcross.
This year, the celebration begins in mid-September to coordinate with Hispanic Heritage Month. The city’s Hispanic and Latino residents comprise 47% of the population, so it’s important to show the area’s diversity.
“By community, it means the whole community — not just downtown, not just one demographic,” said Newsom. “Norcross is widely diverse, with so many vibrant cultures making up what
Norcross is as a community. Historically, there has been a divide in the city, echoed by the physical divider of Buford Highway. There is talk of the ‘two sides of Norcross,’ and finding ways to bridge this gap is something that is always top of mind for the city.”
The addition of Dia de los Muertos in November 2021 and Hispanic Heritage Celebration in September 2022 to the events calendar was one example of the city seeking to celebrate its diverse cultural community.
Hispanic Heritage events will kick off in the parking lot of Summerour Middle School, on “the other side” of Buford Highway.
“It’s an exciting step in the right direction … we’re trying to do more to ensure equal access to events, arts, green spaces and all city amenities for the entirety of our community,” said
Newsom. “This being the first year, we won’t meet every aspect of the city’s full vision, but there are many ideas to explore and there is every hope to grow each year into that vision — one of celebrating art and culture in a variety of ways throughout the entirety of Norcross.”
The celebration includes a variety of events and exhibits.
Norcross Life Through the Lens: Sept. 14 through Oct. 3, the city will provide ArtMaps to aid viewers looking for pictures. The entire community was invited to submit photos from the Fourth of July holiday that portrayed life in Norcross. While the best went through a juried selection for one of the bigger exhibits, every photo submitted will be displayed.
Hispanic Heritage: September 16, 2-6 p.m. at Summerour Middle School parking lot. The community is welcomed to embrace a vibrant fiesta of Hispanic art, culture, music and fla-
vals may put out.
Dia de los Muertos: Nov. 4, 5-9 p.m. at Thrasher Park. Join the community for another vibrant celebration. There will be dancing, live entertainment, delicious Mexican food and a parade.
Together with the Norcross Public Arts Commission, Norcross Gallery & Studios presents “Norcross — Life through the Lens,” or “Norcross — La vida a través del lente.”
The city invited everyone who was in Norcross during the July 4th holiday to take pictures on their cameras or cell phones. Attendees were encouraged to capture the fireworks at Thrasher Park, barbecues, fun times with family and friends or anything picturesque in the City of Norcross.
“Our project is really ambitious — we want ev-
missions. We had hoped to see more like 1,000 images to share in exhibitions this fall, but the weather was bad and this was our first attempt.”
The diverse jury, composed of professional photographers Tracey Rice, H. Gay Allen and Pablo Andres Rodriquez, selected the top photos for exhibition in the gallery and the winners of hundreds of dollars in prizes. The winners, along with other honorable mentions, will be displayed at three locations:
■ Norcross Gallery & Studios (116 Carlyle St., Norcross),
■ Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center (10 College St., Norcross)
■ Cafe 45 South (45 S. Peachtree St., Norcross).
Every photo will be displayed throughout the city during Artober, from Sept. 14 to Oct. 31. The city will provide ArtMaps to aid viewers looking for pictures.
Sponsors for the project include the NPAC, the City of Norcross, Keller Williams agent April MacManus, Cafe45 South and private donors.
The Gwinnett Creativity Fund (GCF) provided crucial support with a 2023 Project Grant totaling $3,000. Now in its fourth year, the GCF provides financial support to arts and cultural organizations that boost Gwinnett County’s economic development and further the community’s diverse cultural scene through funding from Gwinnett County, according to a press release.
vors. (norcrossga.net/2082/Hispanic-Heritage-Celebration)
Norcross Art Splash Festival: Oct. 7-8. It’s the Hallmark Arts Festival in the city. As the Art Splash Festival ends each day around 5-6 p.m., downtown businesses offer specials and Lionheart Theatre presents the show “Bewitching” so festival attendees can enjoy “Dinner and a Show” each night.
Yarn-bomb Downtown Norcross: As early as Thursday, Oct. 5, residents can put up knitted and crocheted pieces throughout downtown public spaces. City crews will take the items down at the festival’s end with an Art Splash clean-up. Suggested places for yarn bombing are the three picnic tables in front of the railroad, especially the umbrella poles, park benches, light poles, etc. The only restrictions are to avoid utility poles and anything Splash Festi-
eryone in the 6.17 square miles in the City of Norcross to go out, take pictures during the 4th of July holiday weekend and submit them free of charge to our website,” said gallery director Anne Hall, adding that the gallery mailed 8,000 postcards — half English, half Spanish — and put posters in 140 locations in Norcross and Peachtree Corners, as well as sending out a press release.
“We will display the photos of people celebrating friends, family, fireworks and fun all through the city during the month of Artober,” she said. “The gallery received about 75 sub-
Members of the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, the Peachtree Corners Photography Club and the Latino Lions Club of Norcross also provided valuable input.
They all came together to give the community an opportunity to celebrate art, diversity and fun in Norcross.
Scan the QR Code to find out more about ARTOBER at Explore Gwinnett
In a world that often whirls at a frantic pace, Clint Bussey has crafted a musical oasis of friendship and camaraderie in the heart of Duluth. “The goal was to create a way for people to get together, have a place to come to make music, to meet new friends, to eat, to drink. Just hang out without any cost and without any intention to make money,” Bussey explains.
That is how Bussey describes Pot Rock, his combination potluck lunch and open mic get togethers at WP Jones Park in Duluth.
Bussey started Pot Rock last spring. He’d been thinking about creating this type of event for quite a while before that. “I was
trying to set something up where you can play music and not have any overhead costs,” he said.
Pot Rock is open to anyone. You can bring an instrument and play and sing. Or not. You can bring fruit or pizza or desserts for the potluck. Or not.
Bussey just wants people to come, have fun, relax and hang out.
The July Pot Rock was a perfect example of how he wants the event to go. Everyone dug into the pizza, the hummus dip, the cookies and the sparkling water.
While the food was being enjoyed, there was a wide-ranging discussion covering enlightenment, the meaning of life and the best portable guitar amp.
Then Bussey and his friends, Jordan and Tori , took turns playing guitar and singing.
The kids went to the playground. Everyone continued enjoying the music and food. There was no schedule. No agenda. No rules. And that’s just how Bussey likes it. “I’m always going to want to play music,” he said, “but if it ended up that all we wanted to do is talk, that’d be fine too.”
It’s understandable that Bussey wants to play music. It’s been a big part of his life since he started playing the piano at age four. “My mom had a piano and I just started picking out sitcom theme songs,” he said, “like The Wonder Years.”
Eventually his parents started him in piano lessons, and being a quintessential kid, he then decided he didn’t want to play piano anymore. But his love for music didn’t go away and Bussey started playing guitar
when he was 13.
The switch from keyboard to fret board wasn’t easy. But he stuck with it and is now an excellent guitar player, songwriter, performer and guitar instructor.
Pot Rock is informal and so far, has had small crowds — 12 people is the largest gathering so far — but Bussey loves playing there. He’s demonstrated a wide range of guitar styles while taking his turn playing at Pot Rock.
He’s got a nice catalog of cover songs that are familiar to everyone, but during Pot Rock he also performs original songs that he’s written.
Bussey started writing songs as a teenager, and estimates he’s written more than 120. There’s no set method for him to write. Sometimes he starts with a chord progression that he likes and then adds the lyrics. Sometimes he starts with the lyrics and finds the melody in them.
What’s most important to him is that his songs are genuine to him. “I try to go to a place where nobody’s around and it’s nice and quiet. I want to really hear what’s going on inside of my internal dialogue. What am I really feeling?”
The title of his song “Alien” may make it sound unusual, but it’s a beautiful song with a message that resonates with everyone who hears it. “Forest of Distractions” is another Bussey-written original that he delivers powerfully at the park.
Having Pot Rock be a place for people to play and listen for free is important to Bussey because he’s been on the play-for-pay side of the music world.
He’s been in two bands, Before the Solstice and Opposing Suns , which played around Atlanta, including the Hard Rock Cafe. He loves being onstage and performing, but paying gigs seems to be harder to come by since COVID. “I used to play at a tavern,” he said.
Opposite page from left: Clint Bussey and Tori Bussey’s friend Jordan played and sang Pot Rock
From left, Interesting conversations are a part of every Pot Rock Impromptu collaborations happen every month
“They had a good open mic. They’d done it for 20 years, but they told me they don’t do open mics anymore because people are more into darts now.”
He still wants to play for people, so Bussey is busking more often. Busking is playing for people in public and relying on their tips for money. He’s had a lot of success in the Athens area.
“I used to busk a lot,” he said. “I stopped because I felt like everybody viewed it as panhandling. I thought maybe I shouldn’t do that, so I waited through COVID and started trying to get gigs and I couldn’t.”
Bussey has a cousin who is a musician who had more success busking after he purchased a portable amp. With some persistent encouragement from his girlfriend, Jessica Dotson , Bussey got his own amp for busking and the results have been great. Maybe the amp makes a difference because people can hear Bussey’s music more clearly. Maybe the amp projects a more professional appearance. But whatever the reason, performances are much more financially rewarding. “I was doing good to make $20, $30 a day back in the day,” Bussey said, “and now I’ll make anywhere from $60 to $100 literally in two hours.”
Bussey also put his years of experience to work by offering guitar lessons through Atlanta Affordable Guitar Lessons (atlaffordableguitarlessons.com) where he tailors his lessons to each student.
“I’ll ask them what genre they want to play. If it’s jazz, we’ll learn jazz. If they want to just be a person that plays chords and sings campfire songs, I teach him basic chords. If they really want to go forward with music theory, I’ll teach him as much as I know,” he said. “I just try to keep it kind of fun.”
Bussey brings that same attitude of flexibility and fun to Pot Rock.
Everyone is welcome to come. Everyone is welcome to perform. It doesn’t matter what instrument you play or how well you play it, you’ll find a receptive and supportive audience at WP Jones Park every month.
Even though it’s a potluck lunch, there’s no requirement to bring food. There’s usually more than enough.
Pot Rock takes place on the second Saturday of every month (weather permitting) at WP Jones Park on Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth. People usually start arriving at 1 p.m.
You can hear some of Bussey’s music on his YouTube channel @clintbussey. ##
Words by Glenn Boylan
Computers and technology have become an integral part of nearly every aspect of our lives. So, it’s no surprise that there’s an emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in schools today.
However, amidst this technological wave, there is still a place for, and real-world benefits from, art in education. Anna Fallon sees those benefits every day as an art teacher at Susan Stripling Elementary School in Norcross.
In addition to helping her students make, understand and appreciate art, Fallon uses art to help them develop skills like problem-solving, collaboration, confidence and how to process information.
Top row from left, Anna Fallon shows the globe where students marked countries they felt connected to with paint combining art and geography during International Night
Above, Fallon tries to make her projects environmentally friendly. These flowers are made from coffee filters and plastic lids from the cafeteria
Second row from left, Students marked countries they felt connected to.
Below, The zines the students created incorporated history and mathematics into an art lesson
Fallon says a key to all of that is that “art gives students a safe space to make mistakes, to be wrong and to experiment and push themselves,” and “that’s a muscle that they don’t have much of a chance to exercise.”
Fallon graduated in 2009. Finding a job was tough. She worked where and when she could, including retail and restaurant jobs.
While she was working as a receptionist, an art teacher job opened. A friend of hers encouraged her to go for an interview.
The job was at a private school in Hapeville. Recalling her visit, Fallon said, “I walked around, and I had this overwhelming sense of, ‘Oh no, I love it here.’”
The ‘Oh no’ part came from the fact that she knew she was going to have to make a lot of changes in her life to take the job.
“I had just gotten comfortable living with friends in a townhouse,” she said, “kind of feeling like a grown-up at 28, and I fell in love with this little Catholic school.”
While at that school, Fallon received permission from the Archdiocese to use an Instagram account to share the art of her students.
“I’ve always been a documentarian of my work,” Fallon said. “Instagram is the one that my age group likes to use. Since it’s public, parents and students can look at it.”
Someone else was looking at it too. Dr. Molly McAuliffe, the principal at Stripling Elementary, remembered Fallon from when she was on staff at Camp Mikell in Toccoa and Fallon was a camper.
One day, McAuliffe reached out to Fallon with some news: the art teacher at Stripling was moving. McAuliffe asked if Fallon was looking for a new job.
“I said, ‘No, not really,’” Fallon recalled. “I really liked my school. I was making the most money I’ve ever made and had a great rhythm going. But I knew she loved her school, and I agreed to do just a little tour.”
And then that same feeling hit her — “Oh, no, I love it here.”
Fallon sees many benefits from art for her students, way beyond being able to draw a nice picture.
“Something that we lost during COVID was problem-solving,” Fallon explained, “because the students had been home, and they hadn’t had to do any sort of independent thinking. They didn’t have to work through problems.”
She tries to challenge them in class while still providing a safe space for them to experiment and know that it’s OK to make a mistake.
Fallon’s class is also a place for her students to collaborate and ask for opinions. She explains to her students that artists frequently collaborate with each other. It’s considered a compliment and that’s how artists improve. Her classroom gallery walks are specifically designed for the students to appreciate and learn from each other’s art.
Fallon said another important lesson is that “there are different ways to do the same thing. It’s the process, not the product.”
Understanding that there are different methods is one of the ways Fallon likes to spark creativity in her students.
“That creative spark is something you can develop,” she said. “It is a way of thinking. I see that spark when a student takes what I’ve given them and can make it their own without the fear of being wrong or incorrect.”
Fallon also teaches art history and theory as best she can to elementary school students. In a class she taught about African American artists, she obviously covered art-related subjects like the Harlem Renaissance, but it also presented an opportunity to talk about the history of why many the artists’ families had moved to the North.
Fallon had her students create zines (a small booklet made by folding a sheet of paper) about each artist. One of the things she wanted them to incorporate in their zines was how old the artists were by calculating it from their birth and death years.
One student didn’t make the prettiest pictures’ he just used one color for every drawing. But, Fallon said, “He could tell me how old they were very quickly just from seeing the birth and death years.” That student’s excursion into art highlighted and developed his math skills. Another big benefit that extends far beyond art is learning how to process the vast amounts of information available today on just about every subject.
“It’s so great to be learning art now because there’s so much you can access online to learn,” Fallon said. “You can learn in many directions. So, one of my goals is to teach the students how
to hone in on what information is going to be the most useful to them.”
There are many delightful stories of how Fallon has seen these benefits play out with her students, but maybe her favorite is the student who made comic books.
This student joined her fourth-grade class at the Catholic school in the middle of the year. He was shy. Combined with the fact that the other students had been together for many years, he was keeping quiet. Fallon said he barely spoke in class.
But at home, this student was drawing comic books — legit comic books — full-size and several pages long. One day he brought a comic into Fallon’s art class, and she shared it with the class. They absolutely loved it.
“When he brought in a new one,” Fallon said, “I would have to devote 25 minutes of a 45-minute class to read through it. It wasn’t really how well he drew it. It was the fact that he could take a funny idea and put it in a drawing. That was the extra step that everyone just loved.”
Art gave this student a comfortable way of expressing himself. “That,” Fallon said, “is probably how he will express himself throughout his whole life.”
That once-shy fourth grader graduated from eighth grade this year, and it’s Fallon’s understanding that the entire class is still very close.
Teachers work extremely hard daily to make school a wonderful experience for their students, but they don’t do it alone.
Fallon appreciates the direction Dr. McAuliffe provides as Stripling’s principal. “She is enthusiastic when she meets the students,” Fallon said. “She’s a patient listener and she’s really respectful of our time and our needs.”
Fellow teachers provide support in school and camaraderie outside of it. And Fallon was emphatic in pointing out tha “an art teacher’s best friend is a good custodian.” She credits John Maddox at Stripling for keeping her classroom ready for learning, no matter how much paint and glue was spilled.
Of course, the students are the other members of the education team. Fallon is always focused on making their experience as good as it can be. Frequently, the students return the favor.
“The best part about my job,” Fallon said, “is that no matter what mood I’m in when I walk into the classroom, there’s always a kid there to give me a gigantic hug. On days I arrive in the worst grumpy mood, a student will come up to me and tell me, ‘I love you and I love your art class.’”
It’s hard work, but Fallon is right where she wants to be.
“These kids come in so ready to trust you and to love you,” she said, “and they come so ready for you to make their day that it’s really hard to not do that.” ##
The outdoors has always been a big part of Sarah Lydon’s life. Her father took the family hiking and camping. She even lived on a farm for a while. Although the responsibilities of being a mom and having a career keep her inside a little more than she’d like, Lydon has recently returned to the outdoors through kayaking.
“We were in the water as I was growing up in Florida and in Maine,” Lydon said. “My dad used to take us canoeing when we were little kids. He has countless stories about how he told me not to do something and I’d end up floating down the river in my life jacket.”
They were living in Georgia when they went on a Paddle Georgia trip. Paddle Georgia is an annual week-long trip organized by the Georgia River Network to raise awareness for Georgia’s waterways. The large groups — as many as 300 paddlers down the river all at the same time — camp and kayak down the river together.
“It was a really neat experience,” Lydon said, “and as a family we did it for about 10 years. That first one was 125 miles down the Chattahoochee, which was pretty amazing.”
Top row from left, As many as 300 paddlers have been on the Paddle Georgia trip.
Here is just a part of the Lydons’ kayaking equipment. Lydon says Parrish Mill and Pond is “like you’re winding through a river of trees.”
Above, Lydon and her daughter Lizzie love to kayak together.
Opposite page, from left, Being out in nature is one of Lydon’s favorite aspects of kayaking.
Lydon loves to share her travels with family and friends. That’s her father on the far left side of the photo.
Lydon and her family stopped kayaking for a couple of years, but she got back into it about two years ago. And Lydon’s now kayaking all over Georgia.
She’s been on the Chattahoochee River just below the dam, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Roswell and the Etowah, the Broad, the Savannah and the Flint Rivers as well.
She’s also enjoyed Parrish Mill and Pond at George L. Smith State Park in Twin City near Statesboro. “It’s almost like you’re winding through a river of trees,” she said. “All of it is just trees growing out of the water.”
Lydon explained how she can kayak through a river of trees without getting lost.
“Like hiking paths have different colors,” she said, “on the lake they have different color paths you can choose that will help you wind your way through the trees. There are different hand signals and paddle signals as far as how you can communicate with your group if everything’s OK or if you’re going to go river right or river left.”
She usually is floating with someone who’s been down the river several times and knows it well. Other information resources are also available. Joe Cook of the Georgia River Network has written some excellent books about the state’s rivers.
Knowing what the water conditions are like before you get in is important too. Although whitewater kayakers might like to go down right after a big rainstorm, Lydon prefers calmer conditions, so she’ll check the current river flow through various websites.
Of course, too little flow can be a problem too.
Lydon remembers a trip on the Flint River where she and her father “would literally just manhandle our way through the rocks. We would be so sore by the end of the day because we didn’t want to get out and walk. Sometimes you get stubborn.”
Even though she considers herself a minimalist by kayaking standards, about her equipment Lydon says, “We have a lot. You’ll find
that kayakers collect kayaks. Once you start buying them you apparently can’t stop.”
In addition to their regular kayaks, she and her family have a whitewater canoe, a whitewater sit-in kayak and a field and stream (fishing) kayak. They have the appropriate paddles and oars and, of course, helmets and personal flotation devices (PFD) for safety.
It turns out that the use of PFDs in calm waters can be a contentious topic among kayakers. Everyone agrees that they must be worn in rough water, but Lydon says, “There is a huge debate among kayakers because some lake paddlers tend to not want to wear a PFD all the time in calm water. But others are like, ‘You never know what’s going to happen.’ That can become a heated discussion within the kayaking world. They get very passionate.”
It didn’t take long for Lydon to decide what has been her favorite kayaking outing so far.
“I think my favorite has been the Etowah, up around Rome, Georgia. It was an easy river, but it was quick moving. It was really pretty.”
Last year on the Etowah, Lydon and group experienced going through an abandoned mining tunnel — thanks in large part to her daughter Lizzie, who was seven years old at that time.
“Every time I go on one of these Paddle Georgia trips,” she said, “I meet somebody that I really click with. I had met an agricultural scientist and we really hit it off. When we went to the Etowah, she was pointing out different animals and plants. It really was kind of educational.”
At one point on the river, they came upon the mining tunnel.
“We had decided we would go around it, like sane people would,” Lydon recalled. “But while we were sitting in front of it, we could see all the way through it. My daughter was in my lap — she kayaks with me all the time — and she said ‘No, Mom, let’s do it.’ I got talked into it by my seven-year-old. It was literally three minutes of pitch dark.
“I was just paddling as fast as I could. My paddles were scraping the walls of the tunnel. When we got out and looked back, you could see how jagged the walls were. But it was fun.”
Lydon is looking to expand outside of Georgia for some upcoming trips.
She’s planning to go to Burgess Falls State Park in Tennessee soon. “You can literally paddle right up to the waterfall,” Lydon explained. And she wants to do some paddling in the swamps of Florida.
“I want to go down to the Okefenokee Swamp,” she told me. “You can get an outfitter down there to take you around and actually camp in the swamp. I definitely want to experience that.”
On the subject of alligators, Lydon said, “I do want to do that in a canoe because I think I would be better off with higher edges. Not as close to the water.”
Lydon gets lots of benefits from kayaking. Being outdoors. Family time. Community. Experiencing nature has always been important to her. “I’ve always been rather outdoorsy. Coming back the last couple of years… it’s been a stress relief. Now it’s becoming a way of life.” It also gives her a fresh perspective.
“We are part of this big, wide world and as we go through our days, we forget how much space is out there that we can experience in nature,” she said.
Lydon started enjoying the outdoors as a child with her father. Kayaking allows her to continue to do just that. And Lizzie has added a third generation to the fun.
“She enjoys it,” Lydon said. “She’s fearless. She just turned eight and I just bought her her own kayak.”
Another positive about the sport is the community that forms around it.
“I think Paddle Georgia and Kayak Georgia really bring people together. The sharing culture that seems to be there is just really amazing.”
“River people are really nice,” Lydon said. “Maybe it’s all the endorphins.”
You can read more about Paddle Georgia at the Georgia River Network website (garivers.org) and about Kayak Georgia on their Facebook page. ##
The Joneses didn’t feel that there was a nurturing village, even though the children attended a well-respected, highly acclaimed private school. With friends and relatives spread throughout the country, they began to investigate other areas, looking to the South in particular.
“Every time we went down South and saw our relatives, it was a different experience. It was a relaxed, reverent grace …People weren’t just being polite. You almost felt like every time you visited, you were home,” said Tony.
They looked at Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida and Texas. But a cousin who lives in metro Atlanta encouraged them to give the Peach State a try. After visiting the Lawrenceville / Norcross area, the Joneses realized they had found the perfect place.
“I think this is going to be a nice space,” Marilyn told her husband.
s their child’s first teacher, parents try to find ways to help their kids reach their fullest academic potential. Tony and Marilyn Jones have searched for the best atmosphere conducive to that. They believe that Southwest Gwinnett County is that place.
They’d been living in San Francisco with their two children, Meredith and Nicholas. In seeking enrollment for a summer camp, they found out the two had genius potential.
“It was by accident that our children were tested. A summer program we tried to get them into in Northern California required an IQ test
Ato participate. Both of our kids scored very well and were accepted by Mensa in 2019,” said Tony. Meanwhile, the parents had become a little frustrated with the lack of diversity and the shift in demographics where they lived. Although the numbers of mixed-race individuals and those of American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander ancestry were rapidly growing, the numbers of African Americans fell by more than 13% in the last few decades.
“We wondered what it would be like raising kids there. What would they experience?” said Tony. “When COVID hit, we had two kids in school, and we started to see some things in the schools and how other parents and teachers behaved. It was nice but still distant.”
The family studied communities and prioritized schools, safety and diversity. What sealed the deal was the school search. Greater Atlantic Christian School (GAC) checked all the boxes: a Christian faith-based education and much more diversity in the staff and student body than they’d seen at any other private school.
“As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:26, ‘If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.’ We make a lasting commitment to keep learning about inequity and to improve ourselves and our school to live out the love of Christ more fully for all people,” wrote GAC President Dr. Scott Harsh in a letter explaining diversity and inclusion at the school. “Our goal is to make meaningful progress now and for the future of our children.”
“They kind of covered all the bases,” said Tony. “My kids
had a chance to visit, and they fell in love with it too and that’s what locked us in.”
With Tony’s career as a construction manager and Marilyn’s as a doctor, it wasn’t difficult for them to find jobs here.
Once the Joneses found their footing at GAC, they looked for ways to take the kids’ instruction to the next level.
“We didn’t want them to just accelerate or skip classes. We wondered how it would look to give them advanced classes and let them stay in a real school,” said Tony.
The Jones family is taking advantage of online courses at Ethos School to develop crucial learning skills. All classes and teachers maintain the same high-quality academics and faith-infused curriculum as the GAC community, according to GAC.
More than 600 students from across the globe are currently enrolled in Ethos School. They collaborate and learn with peers from other cultures, further preparing them for the global workforce. They gain the flexibility to add classes, deepen areas of study, and pursue extracurriculars, according to the school website.
“So, we kind of start building our own hybrid,” said Tony. “We’re almost building a micro-school approach.”
The program began at the school in 2017, and during COVID, it proved invaluable for continuing GAC’s learning standards.
“We have realized at GAC that online learning is effective for many students. Sometimes, students who engage in online learning can outperform the traditional faceto-face student,” said Dr. Josh
Thomason, Vice President of Finance at GAC and Executive Director of the Ethos School, in a school magazine article explaining new online programs.
“Parents seek flexible learning opportunities for their children to prepare them for college and new, ever-changing work environments. Being a school obsessed with finding a better way, GAC has introduced new, innovative ways to incorporate technology into the academic world,” Dr. Thomason continued.
As a fifth grader, Nicholas has just begun applying for scholarships based on his composite ACT (composite 23, math 27) and SAT score of 1280 (math 650 and verbal 630).
“We are on a journey to keep our son grounded and engaged. It is not for the faint of heart. But we made the move from San Francisco to Atlanta because of its diversity,” the parents wrote.
They were encouraged by the stories of other gifted students like Caleb Anderson from Marietta, who entered Georgia Tech at age 13 in 2015, and Stefan Stafford of Lithonia Springs, who attended Morehouse at age 14 in 2011.
“We are very proud of Nicholas’ accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. He is a hard worker, intrinsically motivated and well-respected by his teachers and peers. Our teachers work to cultivate a love for learning while challenging students beyond the curriculum, said Rhonda Helms, GAC Lower School principal. ##
