Southwest Gwinnett Magazine - November / December 2022 by southwestgwinnett magazine

Lionheart Theatre

A Guide to Holiday Fun and Faith ■ Duluth HS Thespians

southwestgwinnett enjoy life PEACHTREE CORNERS, DULUTH, NORCROSS & BERKELEY LAKE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 |

19 Under 19 AND UP & COMING TEENS

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage PAID Monroe, GA Permit #15

ARE YOUR KIDS STILL NOT

CATCHING ON? Why pay for a tutor when we’ve got them for free? gwinnettpl.org

Explore familiar comforts with new adventures. Village Park Milton (470) 509-4557 555 Wills Road Alpharetta, Ga 30009

Village Park Peachtree Corners (770) 416-0502 5701 Spalding Drive Peachtree Corners, Ga 30092

Village Park Alpharetta (678) 740-3499 12300 Morris Road Alpharetta, Ga 30005

Bungalows · Cottages · Independent Living · Assisted Living · Memory Care

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GIVE YOUR CHILD THE GIFT OF AN EXCELLENT EDUCATION.

ISSUE FOUR | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022

southwestgwinnett CURATING STORIES AND NEWS FROM PEACHTREE CORNERS,

DULUTH, BERKELEY LAKE & NORCROSS

THE EDITORIAL & CREATIVE TEAM Rico Figliolini

Kathy Dean

Publisher, Editorial & Creative Director and Founder

Editorial Consultant and Copy Editor

CONTRIBUTORS Arlinda Smith Broady

Patrizia Winsper

Karen Huppertz

George Hunter

Richard Phillips

Glenn Boylan

Writer

Photographer

Writer/Photographer

Photographer

Writer

Kelsey Asher Writer

ADVERTISING Susan Lesesne

Julie Davis

Account Executive

The editors welcome story suggestions, submissions, event listings, achievements and photography. Please direct them to editor@southwestgwinnettmagazine.com. Might Rockets LLC is the publisher of Southwest Gwinnett Magazine, Peachtree Corners Magazine and producer of a family of podcasts. P. O. Box 923207 Peachtree Corners, GA 30010 678-438-5310

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Advertising and corporate sponsorship inquiries can be directed to rico@mightyrockets.com

Southwest Gwinnett Magazine is published six times a year by Mighty Rockets LLC. Opinions expressed by the contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publishers, editors or Southwest Gwinnett Magazine. The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. The Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement it seems unfit for publication or does not fit in our guidelines. Copyright ©2022 Mighty Rockets LLC with all rights reserved.

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Contents

8 20 30 34 37 39 40 42 44 48

Events

Calendar of events

A Guide to Holiday Fun and Faith Celebrations

NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2022

Winter Break Camp Fun!

19 UNDER 19

Nineteen students are featured in our annual spotlight.

Consulate General of Japan Tours ICAG Local dual immersion school readies students for a diverse international community.

They Do It for the Children

The Assistance League of Atlanta supports local children with various programs.

NCM Raises over $300K for Local Families in Need GCPL Hosts Second Annual Photo Exhibit Party with a Purpose

Peachtree Corners chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority hosts New Year’s Eve gala.

Stone Cold Fun

Atlanta Curling Club invites those curious about the ice sport to give it a try.

22 Years and Roaring

Lionheart Theatre is one of the area’s oldest and most loved community institutions.

High School Actors Learn About Life on the Stage About the Cover In the spirit of celebrating and encouraging the early potential of our youth, we want to highlight 19 Under 19 young adults and their unique gifts, achievements and dreams.

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Events, concerts and theatre

November

November 8 and December 6 Patriotic Party

November 10 and 17 Native Cinema Showcase

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

5:30-7 p.m. Gwinnett County Public Library — Norcross Branch 5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross Admission: free

5-8 p.m.

Admission: $10, Gwinnett residents; $18, non-residents While their parents vote, kids aged 5-8 will have fun with games and activities. Go to GwinnettParks.com to find out more.

View selected titles in Native cinema with focuses on Native people boldly asserting themselves through language, healing, building community and a continued relationship with the land. The series is aimed at teens and tweens. The last program will be dedicated to discussing the films viewed. Find out more at the gwinnettpl. org calendar.

Lionheart Theatre 10 College St., Norcross Tickets: $18, adults; $16, seniors and students About the show: An Arthur Miller play, A View from the Bridge centers on Brooklyn longshoreman Eddie Carbone as he welcomes his immigrant cousins to America. When one of them falls for Eddie’s young niece, an unspeakable secret is exposed. For tickets and details, go to lionhearttheatre.org or call 404-919-4022.

November 12 Sports on the Screen — Alabama vs. Mississippi All day Town GreenZ 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners Admission: free Bring a cooler and some friends to enjoy the game on the big screen. For more info, go to the peachtreecornersga.gov calendar.

November 12 Norcross Holiday Open House 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

November 4-20 A View from the Bridge Two shows per night, 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Peachtree Corners residents are encouraged to honor military veterans. Find out more at the peachtreecornersga.gov calendar.

Downtown Norcross / Lillian Webb Park 5 College St., Norcross Admission: free

November 10 Partnership Gwinnett: State of Technology Summit 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Atlanta Tech Park 107 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners 30092 Admission: $80 Hosted by the Gwinnett Chamber, the summit is an opportunity to learn about trends and best practices in the technology sector and hear from industry leaders. Get details at atlantatechpark. com, or by calling 470-482-1800.

November 11 Veterans Day Ceremony 10-10:30 a.m. Veterans Park 160 Norcross Tucker Rd., Norcross

‘Tis the season for shopping. Check everyone off your gift list at the annual Merchant Open House. The downtown shops of Norcross will be decked and ready with door prizes, special surprises, sales, new merchandise and refreshments. Go to the norcrossga.net calendar for additional info, including merchant specials.

November 14 and 28 Songs and Rhymes 10:30-11:30 a.m. One Stop Norcross 5030 Georgia Belle Ct., Norcross Admission: $2 for Gwinnett residents; $4 for non-residents Bring the kids aged 8 and under for an enriching experience with music, games and literature. The event is presented in English and Spanish. The calendar at GwinnettParks.com has more.

Admission: free

The people of Norcross show support for veterans of the military. For more, go to norcrossga. net and check out the calendar.

January 2023 New Year’s Day | January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day | January 16

Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners

November 11 Veterans Day Ceremony 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Admission: free

November 17-19 Tarzan Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Christian Youth Theater (CYT) / Valor Christian Academy 4755 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta Tickets: $20 per person for advanced tickets, $25 at the door About the show: Based on Disney’s animated musical and Edgar Rice Burrough’s “Tarzan of

PRESENTS

Saturdays through December 10

Sports on the Screen Friday November 11

Veterans Day Ceremony

Thursday December 1

Peachtree Corners Town Green

Holiday Glow

5140 Town Center Blvd. www.peachtreecornersga.gov (678) 691-1200

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the Apes,” the show follows an infant boy who is washed up on the shores of West Africa and raised by gorillas. He struggles to navigate the jungle when his human instincts clash with his animal upbringing. More info is at cytatlanta.org.

November 18 Tree Lighting at the Forum 6-9 p.m. The Forum 5185 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners Forum Drive, in front of the fountain Admission: free, no ticket required Ring in the holidays with festive entertainment, family-friendly activities, an official lighting of the Forum tree and the arrival of Santa Claus. Activities like face painting and crafts run 6-8 p.m. Performances include carolers, a live DJ and band from 6-9 p.m. The tree lighting ceremony starts at 8 p.m. Find details at theforumonpeachtree. com.

November 19 Sports on the Screen — UGA vs. Kentucky All day Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners Admission: free Cheer and celebrate your team at Town Green. Visit the calendar at the peachtreecornersga.gov for more.

November 19 Santa Arrives at the Train Museum 11 a.m-4 p.m. Southeastern Railway Museum 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth Admission: free with museum admission, adults, $18; seniors (65+), $15; kids ages 2-12, $12 Festivities start at 11 a.m. and Santa arrives at 1 p.m. Santa will be available for photos 1:45-3:30 p.m. The Festival of Trees opens at the museum the same day. Advance tickets are strongly recommended. For additional info, visit train-museum.org or call 770-476-2013.

November 26 Sports on the Screen — UGA vs. Georgia Tech All day Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners Admission: free Fill your car with friends and head over to enjoy the game on Town Green’s big screen. For details, go to the peachtreecornersga.gov calendar.

November 26 Eddie Owens Presents: Christmas Back Home with Scott Thompson Red Clay Music Foundry 3116 Main St., Duluth

November 18 Luis R. Conriquez 8 p.m. 2075 Market St., Duluth

December December 1 and December 15 Cookies & Milk with Santa 4-4:45 p.m. and 5-5:45 p.m. The Forum 5185 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners Admission: $12 per child Enjoy a special treat with everyone’s favorite jolly man. Further info is at theforumonpeachtree. com.

December 1 Holiday Glow 6 p.m. Town Green 5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners Admission: free The holiday season kicks off with a concert, Menorah, tree lighting and holiday themed lights. Click on the calendar at peachtreecornersga.gov to learn more.

December 2 Imagine That! 10-11:30 a.m. Best Friend Park Gym 6224 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross 770-822-7371, B2Anywhere.com Admission: free This is a literacy-based program for ages 2-5. Kids will hear the book “Pete the Cat: Construction Destruction” by James Dean. Then they’ll let their imaginations and knowledge free through hands-on STEAM activities. Preregistration is required. Find more info at GwinnettParks.com.

December 2, 9, 16 and 23 Storytime with Santa 4-4:45 p.m. and 5-5:45 p.m.

8 p.m.

The Forum 5185 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners

Tickets: $25

Admission: $12 per child

About the band: From blues to reggae and from jazz to rock, Scott Thompson will add a delightful twist to classic holiday tunes and perform original songs. More info and tickets can be found at eddieowenspresents.com.

Every Friday in December before Christmas, Santa will share a story. Go to theforumonpeachtree.com to find details.

Tickets: $80 About the performer: Latin singer, songwriter and recording artist Luis R. Conriquez hails from Sonora, Mexico. Adults only, 18 and older, are allowed in the Atlanta Coliseum. Visit atlantacoliseum.com for more info and a link to purchase tickets.

December 2 Sparkle! Celebration and Tree Lighting 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thrasher Park 93 Park Dr., Norcross Admission: free

The City of Norcross will once again be honored to have Norcross resident Steven Howington, who has Down Syndrome, officially light the Christmas tree. There’s more info at the norcrossga.net calendar.

December 2 First Friday Concert: Holiday Edition 7-9 p.m. Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center 10 College St., Norcross Admission: free, but RSVP required About the show: The sounds of the season will ring through the evening. Note that seating is limited and is done on a first come, first served basis. Visit the norcrossga.net calendar to get details, including the band.

December 2 Nawal Al Zoghbi 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Atlanta Coliseum 2075 Market St., Duluth Tickets: $50 and up About the performer: Lebanese pop singer Nawal Al Zoghbi became a star in the 1990s and embraces newer trends in Arabic music. The Atlanta Coliseum only admits adults, 18 and older. For tickets and more info, call 281-779-8833 or visit lulu17.live. More at atlantacoliseum.com.

December 2-3 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 6 p.m. Duluth Wildcat Theatre 3737 Brock Rd., Duluth About the show: This musical adaptation of the beloved Christmas TV special is filled with holiday hits like “Holly Jolly Christmas.” Go to duluththeatre.weebly.com for additional info and tickets.

December 3 Sports on the Screen — SEC Championship All day Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners Admission: free Friends and football are an unbeatable combination, and Town Green is the perfect place to bring them together. Find additional info on the peachtreecornersga.gov calendar.

December 3 Deck the Hall 2-7 p.m. Downtown Duluth 3167 Main Street, Duluth Admission: free Downtown Duluth kicks off the holiday season with live entertainment, crafts for kids, a real snow playground and snow slide, photo ops with Santa, holiday light installations and a traditional tree lighting. Learn more at duluthga.

December 3 Nativity Ballet 6 pm. Greater Atlanta Christian School King’s Gate Theatre 1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross The story of the nativity will be featured by GAC School of Ballet. Check online for details and tickets. Visit greateratlantachristian.org to find out more.

December 3 Eddie Owens Presents: The Hot Toddies

December 2-4 Historic Norcross Christmas Village All day

Admission: free Hosted by the Historic Norcross Business Association, the Christmas Village invites families to enjoy old-fashioned fun on Saturday, December 3. Throughout the weekend, the streets will be a merry sight with costumed characters, street vendors, face-painters, a live animal petting zoo and holiday specials at your favorite local businesses. Go to the norcrossga.net calendar to find additional info.

Tickets: $22-$47 This season, Gwinnett Ballet Theatre celebrates 41 years of sharing the Nutcracker with Gwinnett County. About the show: This beautiful story ballet is complete with entrancing dancing, stunning sets and colorful costumes. Magic abounds as Herr Drosselmeyer presents young Clara with a toy Nutcracker, setting imaginations ablaze when the toy come to life, accompanying Clara on a journey to the Land of Sweets. Info and tickets are available at gassouthdistrict.com.

December 8 and December 22 Christmas Crafts with Santa 4-4:45 p.m. and 5-5:45 p.m.

Red Clay Music Foundry 3116 Main St., Duluth

Downtown Norcross / Lillian Webb Park 5 College St., Norcross

Gas South Arena 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth

The Forum 5185 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners Admission: $12 per child Santa is on hand to help kids as they create. Click on the Events page at theforumonpeachtree. com for more.

December 8 Christmas at GAC: Lessons & Carols 7 p.m. Greater Atlanta Christian School King’s Gate Theatre 1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross The High School presents their Christmas program to celebrate the season. Click on greateratlantachristian.org for more information.

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

8 p.m.

Lionheart Theatre 10 College St., Norcross

Tickets: $30

Tickets: $18, adults; $16, seniors and students

About the band: The Hot Toddies are the perfect swinging and crooning Christmas group for holiday merriment. Their renditions of holiday classics range from toe tappers that swing to sweet ballads. Click on eddieowenspresents. com for details and tickets.

About the show: Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine is kept in prison for raising an army against her husband, King Henry II, but is let out for the holidays. The Plantagenet family’s story is full of sibling rivalry, adultery and dungeons as they compete with one another to inherit a kingdom. Visit lionhearttheatre.org, or call 404-919-4022, for details and tickets.

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

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December 9 Candy Canes and Cocoa

December 10 Sports on the Screen — Army vs. Navy

7-9 p.m.

All day

Shorty Howell Park 2750 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth Explore a Lighted Candy Cane trail around the pond, complete with fun games and crafts. Then warm up with delicious cocoa and end the night with a family photo to go. There’s more info at GwinnettParks.com.

Peachtree Corners Photography Club to Host Exhibition

Town Green 5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners Admission: free Tailgate with fellow fans. Load up a cooler and head to Town Green to cheer and celebrate. Go to the peachtreecornersga.gov calendar for more info.

December 10 Breakfast with Santa 8:30-9:15 a.m. and 9:30-10:15 a.m. The Forum 5185 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners Admission: $15 per child Start the day with Jolly St. Nick and enjoy breakfast with him. For more, visit the Events page at theforumonpeachtree.com.

December 10 Duluth Middle School Orchestra Concert

Up to five images can be submitted for the exhibition. The fee is $5 per image for non-members and $3 per image for members of the Peachtree Corners Photography Club. The fee helps cover the costs for printing, judges, etc. In January, the Peachtree Corners Photography Club will present a Jurors’ Talk at the Exhibition Opening. In February, an Artists’ Talk Open House will be held at the library. More info is scan the QR Code

pcphotoclub.org

1-2 p.m. Gwinnett County Public Library — Peachtree Corners Branch 5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners Admission: free Learn about holiday traditions and customs within the community. Adults are invited to share their favorite holiday recipes and take home a new one to try. Check out the gwinnettpl.org calendar for more.

December 17 Holiday Gift Away 6:30-8:30 p.m. Lucky Shoals Park 4651 Britt Road, Norcross Admission: free for ages 5-17

Admission: free Everyone is invited to enjoy the Duluth Middle School Orchestra as it plays music that spans the classics to holiday favorites. Click on the gwinnettpl.org calendar for details.

December 20-21 A Christmas Carol

Gwinnett County Public Library — Duluth Branch 3180 Main St., Duluth

The theme of the exhibition is “Light Is Hope.” Select images will be chosen by outside judges, then printed and displayed in the Gwinnett County Public Library’s Peachtree Corners Branch beginning in January 2023.

December 17 Holiday Recipe Swap

Drive through Lucky Shoals Lane taking in the holiday lights and attractions. Donate a non-perishable food item and the kids will receive a gift from the Good Neighbor Teen Club Elves. All items will be donated to a local food bank. Interested volunteers should visit VolunteerGwinnett.net. Click on the calendar at GwinnettParks.com for more info.

2-3 p.m.

The Peachtree Corners Photography Club will host its first photography exhibition in 2023. A call for entries is underway now through November 20, and it is open to people of all ages.

Games, crafts, contests, a hot chocolate/popcorn bar and a unique ‘snow’ ball fight make this an annual must-do event. Be extra festive and wear your favorite holiday pajamas. Get details at the GwinnettParks.com calendar.

December 14 Shall We Dance? at Duluth 6:30-7:30 p.m. Gwinnett County Public Library — Duluth Branch 3180 Main St., Duluth Admission: free Professional ballroom instructors from “Dancing Like a Star” perform and show participants several basic moves so they can learn and enjoy dancing. There will be separate sessions for children and for adults simultaneously, so it promises to be a great time for the whole family. There’s more on the gwinnettpl.org calendar.

December 16 Family Snow Day 6-8 p.m. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center 4758 S. Old Peachtree, Norcross Admission: $6 per person Here’s a fun winter event for the whole family.

6 p.m. Gas South Arena 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth Tickets: $77-$93 About the show: A live theater performance of the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is presented by STORYBOOK Theater. A Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the Angels of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. The show features music that will move and stimulate the soul. Find more info and purchase tickets at gassouthdistrict.com.

December 22 Cookies & Cocoa with Santa Little ones get a chance to tell Santa their last few wishes for Christmas. Arts and crafts are available for the kids, while supplies last, and children can bring letters to Santa to take back to the North Pole. A professional photographer will be on site and pictures will be available for free download the week after the event, or you can take your own photos. Details will be added, so watch the duluthga.net calendar.

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A Guide to Holiday Fun a By Kathy Dean The end of the year is full of celebration, but the holidays are also a time for reflection and giving back. Southwest Gwinnett area churches, city and county governments, community organizations and businesses have set up a variety of events that provide opportunities to connect with the season and each other.

Giving thanks and giving back The month of November is about remembrance and thankfulness. Part of that is showing gratitude to the men and women who’ve served in the U.S. armed forces. On Nov. 11, there will be two local ceremonies to honor military veterans. One is at Veterans Park in Norcross from 10-10:30 a.m., and the other is at Town Green in Peachtree Corners from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. See the calendars at norcrossga.net and peachtreecornersga.gov for details. Oakland Cemetery, in downtown Atlanta, has a special tour, Veterans of Oakland, scheduled for 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Nov. 11. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $6 for children (5-18) and seniors (65+). Go to oaklandcemetery.com for more info and tickets. The Georgia Veterans Day Parade and Observance Ceremony will take place Nov. 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at The Battery Atlanta, beside Truist Park in Atlanta. Additional info is at georgiaveteransday.org/parade. Drop in at Duluth First United Methodist Church’s “Bundle Up for Buffalo” Bake & Craft Sale on Nov. 13, 9:30-11 a.m. and 121:30 p.m. Delicious baked goods and homemade crafts will be available for sale, and proceeds go to Seneca Street UMC in Buffalo, N.Y. to help keep the heat on through the winter. Learn more at duluthumc.org. One Heart Church in Norcross will provide fried turkeys for a Fall Family Turkey Fry on Nov. 13, 5-7 p.m. Admission is free, but families should plan to bring a side dish or dessert and RSVP by Nov. 9 to kassie@oneheartchurch. org. Additional info and more events are at oneheartchurch.org.

Here’s a fun way to get together with friends and give back to others. On Nov. 19, Gwinnett County hosts It’s the Thought that Counts at Shorty Howell Park in Duluth. Individuals, families and groups are invited to help assemble baskets for families in need. The GwinnettParks.com calendar has details. Enjoy the holiday lights and make a food donation. During the Holiday Gift Away on Dec. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m., everyone is invited to drive through Lucky Shoals Lane in Norcross to take in the festive lights and attractions. Donate a non-perishable food item for a local food bank, and the kids will receive a gift from the Good Neighbor Teen Club Elves. Admission is free for ages 5-17. Interested volunteers should visit VolunteerGwinnett.net. The calendar at GwinnettParks.com has more info.

Holiday traditions From a recreation of Bethlehem to hot cocoa and snowball fights, Southwest Gwinnett is home to all the traditional trappings of the holidays. The annual Norcross Holiday Open House on Nov. 12 gives shoppers the opportunity to find gifts for everyone on their list. Downtown shops will be decorated and ready with door prizes, sales, new merchandise and refreshments. The norcrossga.net calendar has additional info, including merchant specials. From Dec. 2 though Dec. 4, Historic Norcross Christmas Village streets will be filled with costumed characters, street vendors, face-painters, a petting zoo and holiday specials. It’s old-fashioned fun for the whole family. The norcrossga.net calendar has more info. What better way is there to warm up than Candy Canes and Cocoa? On Dec. 9, 7-9 p.m., Shorty Howell Park in Duluth will have games, crafts and a lighted Candy Cane trail around the pond. The evening is topped off with delicious cocoa and a family photo to go. For further info, visit GwinnettParks.com.

This year’s annual Walk Through Bethlehem, presented by Simpsonwood UMC, runs Dec. 9-11 at Simpsonwood Park in Peachtree Corners. It’s a free magical, candle-lit experience that immerses families in the village of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. In addition to the nativity scene, there are shops, live animals and characters that include shepherds, wise men, angels and Roman guards. Please bring canned food donations for Neighborhood Cooperative Ministry. Details are at simpsonwoodumc.org. Mark your calendar for the Family Snow Day on the evening of Dec. 16 at Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center in Norcross. It’s a fun winter event for the whole family, with games, contests, a hot chocolate/popcorn bar and a unique ‘snow’ ball fight. Admission is $6 per person, and everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite holiday pajamas. Go to the GwinnettParks.com calendar for more info. The Gwinnett County Public Library will host a free Holiday Recipe Swap at the Peachtree Corners Branch on Dec. 17. Adults should plan to share their favorite holiday recipes and pick a new one to take home and try. The gwinnettpl.org has additional info.

Historic Norcross Christmas Village

and Faith Celebrations Downtown Duluth kicks off the holiday season with its free Deck the Hall on Dec. 3, 2-7 p.m. In addition to holiday light installations and a traditional tree lighting, there will be live entertainment and a real snow playground and snow slide. Santa will be on hand for photos, too. Find out more by visiting duluthga. net/community/deckthehall.php.

Little ones get a last chance to tell Santa their Christmas wishes on Dec. 22 at Cookies & Cocoa with Santa. Arts and crafts will be available, and children can bring letters to Santa to take back to the North Pole. A photographer will be there, or you can snap your own. Final details are coming, so watch the duluthga.net calendar for more.

Perimeter Church in Johns Creek will hold its second annual Winterfest and Tree Lighting on Dec. 4, 2-7 p.m. Go to perimeter.org to get details. In partnership with Chabad of Gwinnett, The Forum in Peachtree Corners hosts a free Hannukah CelebraWalk through Bethlehem tion on Dec. 18. The evePhoto by Brian L. Morgan ning features a Menorah lighting ceremony, family-friendly activities and live entertainment. Find out more at theforumpeachtree.com.

Turn on the lights!

It’ll brighten your mood to see those holiday lights blazing. Check out the many events to light up Menorahs and Christmas trees that kick-off the festive season. The Forum in Peachtree Corners will have Christmas action starting with a Tree Lighting event on Nov. 18, that includes carolers and a live DJ, face painting and crafts. Admission is free and details are on the Events page at theforumonpeachtree.com. Peachtree Corners Town Green will shimmer during the Holiday Glow on Dec. 1, starting at 6 p.m. The free holiday event kicks off with a concert, holiday decorations and the lightings of a Menorah and Christmas. Watch for updates on the calendar at peachtreecornersga. gov. On Dec. 2, the City of Norcross holds its free Sparkle! Celebration and Tree Lighting, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at Thrasher Park. The city is once again honored to have Norcross resident Steven Howington on hand to light the Christmas tree. Find more at the norcrossga.net calendar.

Jolly St. Nick

What would any winter wonderland be without Santa Claus? The big man in red will be making appearances all season long. Southeastern Railway Museum has scheduled some special events. On Nov. 13, there’ll be Holiday Decorating from 1-5 p.m. Then Santa Arrives at the Train Museum on Nov. 19, the same day that the Festival of Trees opens at the museum. Plan to get advance tickets at train-museum.org. Santa will be in town for some special events at The Forum in Peachtree Corners. On Dec. 1 and Dec. 15, children are invited to enjoy a special treat at Cookies & Milk with Santa. Every Friday in December, Santa will share a tale at Storytime with Santa. Kids get a chance to be creative with Santa’s help at Christmas Crafts with Santa, on Dec. 8 and Dec. 22. These events require tickets, $12 per child + 1 adult. Also at The Forum, on Dec. 10, Pancakes with Santa is the perfect way to start the day, enjoying breakfast with Jolly St. Nick. Tickets are $15 per child + 1 adult. Get further information at Experiences with Santa on the Events page at theforumonpeachtree.com.

Holiday shows and special presentations There’s jingling music in the air and traditional tales to be told. Get into the spirit by attending a holiday concert, ballet or show. Eddie Owens Presents: Christmas Back Home with Scott Thompson at the Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth on Nov. 26. Scott Thompson performs original songs and adds a delightful twist to classic holiday tunes. For info and tickets, visit eddieowenspresents. com.

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On Dec. 8, Greater Atlanta Christian High School students take to the stage at the King’s Gate Theatre in Norcross for their Christmas program, Christmas at GAC: Lessons & Carols. There are details at greateratlantachristian.org.

Eddie Owens Presents: The Hot Toddies

The Lion in Winter centers around the Plantagenet family’s story as they compete with one another to inherit a kingdom. Looking for a holiday connection? Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, kept in prison for raising an army against her husband the king, is let out for the holidays. The show runs Dec. 8-19 at Lionheart Theatre in Norcross. Tickets and details can be found at lionhearttheatre.org.

On Dec. 2, the sounds of the season will ring through the evening air during the First Friday Concert: Holiday Edition at the Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center. Admission is free, but an RSVP is required. The norcrossga.net calendar is the place to find details.

Have a “Holly Jolly Christmas” with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, presented Dec. 2-3, at the Duluth Wildcat Theatre. This is a musical adaptation of the beloved Christmas TV special. Go to duluththeatre.weebly.com for tickets and more information.

Greater Atlanta Christian School King’s Gate Theatre in Norcross presents the GAC School of Ballet’s performance of Nativity Ballet on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. For tickets and more info, visit greateratlantachristian.org. ▲Duluth’s Red Clay Music Foundry will be swinging with the music of Eddie Owens Presents: The Hot Toddies on Dec. 3. The group is known for its renditions of holiday classics that range from toe tappers to sweet ballads. Find tickets, info and more holiday events at eddieowenspresents.com. ◄A Christmas classic, The Nutcracker is a magical ballet that brings together dance and imagination when Clara accompanies her toy nutcracker, come to life, to the Land of Sweets. The Gwinnett Ballet Theatre will perform the show Dec. 3-18 at Gas South Arena in Duluth. For tickets and additional info, click on gassouthdistrict.com.

The Duluth Middle School Orchestra Concert will showcase everything from classics to holiday favorites during this free musical event. Plan to attend at the Duluth Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library on Dec. 10. If you want more info, go to the gwinnettpl.org calendar. On Dec. 14, the Gwinnett County Public Library brings professional ballroom instructors from “Dancing Like a Star” to the Duluth Branch during the free Shall We Dance? event. They’ll perform and teach participants some basic moves; separate sessions will be held for children and adults simultaneously. Go to the gwinnettpl.org calendar for all the info. The Father’s House Church in Peachtree Corners welcomes everyone to enjoy the spirit of the season at Christmas: Then, Now and Forever!, a free celebration that includes songs, dances, poetry and live music. The presentation will be held Dec. 17 and 18. Go to thefathershouseatl.org to learn more. A Christmas Carol will be presented at Gas South Arena in Duluth Dec. 20-21. The live theater performance of the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the three ghosts that visit him is presented by STORYBOOK Theater. The show features music that will move and stimulate the soul. Details and tickets are at gassouthdistrict.com. ■

Come Celebrate The

NOVEMBER 4 - 20

of the season

With Us!

FRIDAY & SATURDAY AT 7:30 PM

Directed by Darci Rose Wells UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

4500 Jones Bridge Cir NW, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 (770) 441-2181 | simpsonwoodumc.org

SUNDAY AT 2 PM

TWO FANTASTIC CLASSICS!

THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL PASSION

WILL FILL UP FAST! Register Today!

Saturday, December 3 at 6 p.m. | Family Life Center (Bldg. C) Enjoy brilliant vocalists and musicians in this stunning concert based on the fable by Hans Christian Andersen. Concert is FREE, but a RSVP is required. Scan QR code to register.

DECEMBER 8 - 18

WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM

THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY AT 7:30 PM

By James Goldman Directed by Brandi Kilgore

Friday, December 9 & Saturday, December 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, December 11 from 6 to 8 p.m.

SUNDAY AT 2 PM TICKETS $18/16 SENIORS/STUDENTS

Simpsonwood Park, 4511 Jones Bridge Circle NW, Peachtree Corners

404.919.4022 LIONHEARTTHEATRE.ORG

An extraordinary one-of-a-kind, stroll-through village and nativity scene featuring live animals and actors that recreates the atmosphere of Bethlehem as it might have been the night Jesus was born.

10 College Street Norcross, GA 30071

COFFEE HOUSE CHRISTMAS

Friday, December 16 at 7 p.m. | Family Life Center (Bldg. C) Join us for a relaxed evening to gather with friends and family to enjoy coffee, desserts and, of course, live Christmas music! Please reserve your spot by scanning QR code.

SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS

Sunday, December 18 at 10:55 a.m. | Sanctuary

Grand Opening

A worship service in the tradition of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols that tells the story of Christmas with short Bible readings and Advent and Christmas carols, including guest musicians.

Saturday, November 12 • 12:00 noon

Board/Card Games

Small Bites

"LONGEST NIGHT" SERVICE

Karaoke & more...

Wednesday, December 21 at 7 p.m. | Sanctuary A worship experience to offer comfort for those who are grieving as Christmas approaches.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Saturday, December 24 Children's Service at 3 p.m. | Family Life Center (Bldg. C) Candelight Communion Services at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Sanctuary We Are Also

For more information about these and other events, please scan QR code, visit simpsonwoodumc.org or call (770) 441-2181.

NOW

Hiring

470 N. CLAYTON STREET | LAWRENCEVILLE, GA

www.The-Play-Parlor.com

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Winter Break Camp Fun! A collection of cold weather camps for kids The kids will be home over winter break yet again, which is wonderful. However, most parents don’t want their kids to spend the whole time in front of an iPad or a computer screen. Winter break camps are a great alternative, keeping kids happy and active. Below is a list of a few area winter camps in the area that are worth checking out. United Futbol Academy Norcross 2023 Winter Ball Mastery Camp UFA Norcross Academy coaches invite all players born from 2009 to 2016 to sign up for their Winter Ball Mastery Camp. This camp is a must for any player who relishes taking on defenders 1v1, twisting and turning to create scoring opportunities and wants to develop the confidence to be able to perform skillfully in games. The camp is designed to develop: ■

Ball mastery and foot speed,

■

1v1 moves to beat players,

■ Stop\Start moves to create space to pass, shoot and dribble, and ■ Turns and disguise to speed away from defenders. Location: Summerour 321 Price Pl., Norcross

Middle

School,

Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 and 26 Time: 5-6:30 p.m. Cost and deadline: $160 for all eight sessions. The deadline to register is December 31. Get more info at norcross.unitedfa.org/norcross-camps.

YMCA Winter Break Day Camps

23, Session 2: Dec. 27-30

Spend school holidays at the Robert D. Fowler YMCA in Norcross. Y Holiday Camp is for ages 5 to 12. It offers a variety of activities for your child while they’re out of school for holiday break. Activities include arts and crafts, swimming in the heated pool, cooperative games, sports and team-building activities.

Cost: Varies by camp, but Chattahoochee Nature Center members get a discount. Get more details, including pricing, at chattnaturecenter.org/education/camp/seasonal.

The Y offers a safe place for your child to have some fun, stay active and connect with new and old friends. Campers should bring at least two snacks, lunch, a refillable water bottle and swimwear. Participation requires a signed copy of the waiver and authorization. Location: Robert D. Fowler YMCA, 5600 W. Jones Bridge Rd., Peachtree Corners Dates: Dec. 19-23, Dec. 26-30 and Jan. 2-4. Campers are signed up for each day individually. YMCA membership is required. Time: Camp is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though early drop-off is available beginning at 7 a.m., and after-care is available until 6:30 p.m. at no extra charge. Cost: Facility Metro Member Price is $40 per day. Standard Metro Member Price is $50 per day. Visit ymcaatlanta.org/ymca-locations/norcross for additional info. ▼Camp Kingfisher Looking for a place to send your kids during school breaks? Look no further than Chattachoochee Nature Center! Camp Kingfisher offers an outdoor camp experience filled with hiking adventures, animal encounters and outdoor play on a 127-acre riverside campus. Campers learn about nature and start to understand the precious ecosystem of the Chattahoochee watershed with hands-on science education.

▲Publix Apron’s Cooking School Juniors 3-day Winter Camp Camp will teach kids ages 11 and 12 years old about fast food and how to make everyone’s favorites at home. It’s sure to taste better than anything found at fast-food joints! The camp menu includes: Day 1 — Burger Joint: Big Daddy Bacon Double Cheeseburger, Cuban-Style Crunch Burger, Tillamook Tater Tots, Caramel-Chocolate Macchiato Milkshakes Day 2 — Winter Chicken Dinner (or Lunch): Chicken Tender Crunch Wrap, Key Lime Pie Milkshake, Katsu Chicken Sandwich, Waffle Cut Sweet Potato Fries with Banana Ketchup

The camp is open to current Kindergarten-1st grade students (Broad Winged Hawk group), current 2nd grade-3rd grade students (Cooper’s Hawk group) and current 4th-6th grade students (Red Tailed Hawk group).

Day 3 — Taco, Taco, Taco: Restaurant-style Queso Dip, Queso Birria-style Tacos, Blackened Mahi Tacos with Wasabi Slaw, Horchata

Location: Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Rd. Roswell

Cost $135

Dates: Session 1: Dec. 19-

Location: Publix Aprons Cooking School, Alpharetta Commons, 4305 State Bridge Rd., Alpharetta Dates: Dec. 26-28 Time: 2-4:30 p.m. There’s more at apronscookingschool.publix. com. You can select locations and dates to find more classes and camps.

More from Where That Came From

Winter Safari Camp There are some fun camp experiences planned at Zoo Atlanta. Lights On! featuring the lanterns of IllumiNights, Dec. 19-23. Campers spend the week exploring animal adaptations in these largerthan-life creations as well as the real things. They will also create a glowing design to take home with them at the end of the week.

Photos by Bruce Johnson

Let it Glow!, Dec. 26-30. From arachnids to mammals, fish and fireflies, campers will have a blast exploring how wild animals glow. Why and how do these amazing phenomena occur and why can’t we always see it? Campers will learn to create their very own glowing critter. Wild Winter, Feb. 20-24. Campers explore the Zoo and learn about animals that are adapted to live in cold weather. They’ll gain a new appreciation for animal adaptations as they take part in hands-on science experiments that highlight colder climates.

Diwali celebration and fireworks at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Atlanta [Photo Gallery]

Location: Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave, Atlanta Dates: Dec. 19-23, Dec. 26-30 and Feb. 20-24 Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Extended care is available for $15/ day from 8-8:30 a.m. and 4:30-5 p.m. Must be purchased for the whole camp session; cannot be purchased for individual days.

members.

Cost: $375 per session non-members, $300 for

To find out more, click on exploregeorgia.org and search for Winter Safari Camp.

Atlanta’s Harry Potter The Exhibition [Photo Gallery]

Children’s Theatre Winter Drama Camp At Lionheart Theatre, something is fishy about the circus! The elephants are loose, the ropes are greased and an acrobat has fallen. Detective Alfredo is here to solve the mystery, but he is afraid of clowns. Through a hilarious mystery, campers aged 8 to 17 years old will meet some quirky characters and enjoy being pulled into the wacky and wonderful world of the circus in this camp. Instructor Marla Krohn will lead them through the adventure. Location: Lionheart Theatre, Dates: December 26-30 Time: 12-3:30 p.m. Cost: $175 Learn more about it at lionhearttheatre.org/ childrens-theatre.■

Netherworld Opened til November 12th [Photo Gallery]

Southwest Gwinnett Magazine | southwestgwinnettmagazine.com

19 Under 19

Nineteen students students are featured in our annual spotlight Words by Kelsey Asher Photography provided by schools, parents and nominators In the spirit of celebrating and encouraging the early potential of our youth, we want to highlight 19 Under 19 young adults and their unique gifts, achievements and dreams. We invited members of the community to nominate young people (under 19 years old) who show a strong spirit and determination in their chosen fields — the sciences, academics, the arts, and sports — and have proven to be good citizens. Here are the selections along with a list of Up and Coming students.

Alexander Glover

Ashley Kwarteng

12th Grade

Alexander is an incredible young man with an extremely bright future. He’s a Wesleyan School student who is not only dedicated to his studies but also has started two successful businesses. He established a business filming promotional videos for real estate agents who want to showcase their properties online. In the summer months, he operates a pressure-washing company. Alexander uses the proceeds from his business ventures to put extravagant holiday light shows at his home each year — truly a must-see in Peachtree Corners.

the Scott Hilton for House campaign.

Alexander is passionate about public service and is a graduate of Heritage Foundation’s Young Leaders Program where he engaged in public policy debates and international affairs. He currently serves as Director of Constituent Outreach for

Alexander sets his eyes toward the future as he begins his college application process and hopes to make a career for himself in politics or law. Yet as he seeks professional success, his faith remains his foremost pride and concern. “First and foremost, I am a servant of Jesus Christ,” said Alexander. “This is the most important part of my life. I seek to extend God’s love to those around me in everything I do.”

As a student at Norcross High School, Ashley has distinguished herself as a leader in many roles around her school. She is a school representative for the Gwinnett Student Leadership Team (GSLT), President of the Norcross Student Leadership Team and a decorated Student Council Member who has served as a past Class President and Executive Events planner, not to mention her work on the African American Leadership Roundtable, her charity work or her athleticism with Varsity Lacrosse. She is a busy lady inside and outside of school, volunteering for animal shelters and for her church’s Vacation Bible School. “Being disciplined is everything. My success can primarily be attributed to the fact that I prioritize getting important things done before I relax,” Ashley said. “Another facet of discipline includes being able to motivate and push yourself to go far. Your success should be for yourself and not to impress anyone else.” Ashley has some exciting dreams for the future, including a desire to visit her mother’s home village in Ghana, as well as finding a pathway to one day give back to other first-generation African-American young people like herself by creating initiatives that educate them and their families on the ins and outs of the U.S educational system.

Ashwath Tirunellay 12th Grade

Brandon Lee 12th Grade

Brandon is a Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) student with a long list of compelling and meaningful extracurricular involvement. He is a member of the Student Medics Nonprofit Organization, which promotes shadowing and involvement of high school students within medical settings in a community where such involvement is lacking. He is also co-president of the Beta Club. Recently, he organized the Grandparents Day event, leading fellow Beta Club members in manning their selected stations. Brandon volunteers with the Atlanta Youth Orchestra, leading sectionals and the first violin section. As a member of the Tri-M Music Honors Society, he helps bring music to the GAC campus during chapel and in the mornings before school. He traveled with the Casas por Cristo Mission Trip, where students cleaned up the entire Casas por Cristo campus, built furniture for their new building, helped set up the garage sale and packed hundreds of crates to be used for over a year in various Latin American countries for those in need of housing.

Ashwath is a Duluth High School senior heading towards graduation pretty soon. He is an award-winning member of the Duluth Mock Trial Team and a member of the National Honor Society, as well as the Science Olympiad Team. Ashwath also serves as a school representative. “I hold myself in a very serious manner, and so many people just see that version of me. But I also have a fun-loving and witty side that many people do not get to see,” he said. Ever the well-rounded student, Ashwath is the Duluth High School Thespian Troupe President. He led the enthusiastic troupe to being honored as a Georgia Thespian Gold Level Honor Troupe this year. He has directed many shows at Duluth, including the recent play “Our Place,” which is the competition piece.

As if that weren’t enough, Brandon is also a tutor with GAC and Do Dream Tutors. He is involved with peer tutoring all levels of mathematics and chemistry for GAC students and middle school refugee students. His personal goals include expanding the idea of Student Medics to be far-reaching, providing students all over the country with opportunities to get involved in the medical sphere before they enter college. He also hopes to further promote classical music in our modern society. On a grander scale, Brandon dreams to become a recognized doctor who will positively impact many people throughout his career.

Danielle Kelly College Freshman

A Wesleyan School graduate and now a freshman at Georgia Tech, Danielle has accomplished many great achievements in her young life. Most notably, she came up with the idea for a non-profit organization called the Let’s Do Better Movement. Her idea was based on the simple belief that when it comes to these difficult and important subjects, we all can do better. Instead of focusing on flaws of others (real or perceived), she wondered why young adults couldn’t look at their own behaviors and figure out what they personally can do better to help others. Danielle envisioned setting up chapters of the Let’s Do Better Movement at high schools and on college campuses to teach her peers, those she calls the next generation of leaders, on how to address the subjects of social justice and equality using the simple tools of Love and Education. She and her sister Emily pitched the idea to Wesleyan’s headmaster, one thing led to another, and law firm Alston & Bird came to be so enamored with the concept that they agreed to do all the legal work associated with establishing a non-profit on a pro-bono basis.

“Although I could write for days about his commitment, dedication and talent in Theatre, Ashwath’s goal is to enter the field of healthcare policy,” noted Brandy Carter, Ashwath’s teacher and nominator.

Today the Let’s Do Better Movement is a fully operating non-profit organization in three states: Georgia, Delaware and California. Danielle is the youngest member of the Board of Directors, leading and participating in discussions with adult business leaders, attorneys and professors.

Ashwath realizes healthcare policy is all about the legislation and systems that encapsulate healthcare. His dream job is to one day become the Surgeon General, the Head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or a major leader in the Department of Health and Human Services.

Danielle currently studies at Georgia Tech’s School of Business. She has not yet decided on a specific major, but she is instead taking in everything to see what suit her best.

“I want to continue traveling around the world. Iceland and the Pyramids are currently at the top of my bucket list,” said Ashwath.

Learn more about the mission of the Let’s Do Better Movement at hashtagletsdobetter.com.

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Fran Procaccini Graduated

Henry Sapough

College Freshman Henry, an alum of Norcross High School (NHS), is currently in his first year at Georgia Tech. He earned an International Baccalaureate diploma while at Norcross, excelling not only in his academics but also as a student athlete competing in three sports: Tennis, the Swim and Dive Team, and Water Polo. Additionally, Henry marched for four years with the Blue Devil Marching band, serving as section leader his junior and senior years. He played in various Norcross concert bands and starred as Danny Zucko in the NHS spring rendition of Grease. He was a proud member of Troop 525 and has been given the honor of Eagle Scout. Henry also made time to volunteer regularly at Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries throughout high school. During the summers, Henry coaches the Peachtree Corners Waverunners, a summer league team that swims at Peachtree Corners Swim and Racquet. “Henry loves nothing more than seeing his young swimmers make it across the pool for the first time and seeing his older swimmers break a team record,” said Jessica Sapough, Henry’s mom. Henry is currently majoring in mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech, and is learning to balance fun and studies in a college setting. Henry plays baritone in the Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Marching Band, swims on the club swim team, practices with the water polo team and is on a couple of co-rec teams. “I am enthusiastic, and I keep myself and those around me motivated by showing confidence in both my abilities and theirs so that others can see that they have similar abilities,” Henry said. “Throughout my life, I have been taught by those around me that through any situation, thick and thin, hard work will help me achieve the outcome I want.” Fran has accomplished much as a young person, enough to make adults jealous. She recently graduated from Blessed Trinity with a 4.0 equivalent GPA while lettering in four sports — Soccer, Flag Football, Swimming and Track Relay Team. She is a decorated student-athlete, placing as a semi-finalist in Soccer, a quarterfinalist and MVP for Flag Football and placing third at State Finals in 4x200m relays for the Track Relay team to become part of the current school record holding team. To stay motivated, Fran has some tricks up her sleeve. She said she likes “…having things to do. I like having a sense of accomplishment to keep me motivated, even though it requires time, energy and effort. I love the grind! Sometimes you have to hate doing something so much you like it.” This girl is destined to go to great heights in her lifetime. In fact, she obtained her private pilot’s license over the summer. Her dream is to one day become a commercial airline pilot. Fran is currently traveling with her dad, Michael Procaccini, during her gap semester to expand her horizons with European travel, and she will begin her college studies soon after. She has expressed a desire to be able to say she has “friends from all over.”

Holden Thomas 12th grade

As the son of an educator, it makes sense that Holden takes his school career at Norcross High School seriously. He is gifted academically, with a 4.0 GPA and as a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist to boot, but he makes time for enriching extracurriculars as well. Holden is the concertmaster for the Norcross High School Orchestra, 2021 section leader for the Gwinnett County Youth Symphony and a three-year member of Gwinnett County Honors and Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestras. He works with middle school orchestra students and leads high school tutoring workshops for students requiring help with standardized tests. “He is friendly and accepting to all and will be one of those people who change the world for the better,” said Benjamin Rezaeinia, Holden’s teacher and nominator. Holden also loves the freedom of flying and will complete his flight training to receive his pilot’s license in early 2023. Lastly, he has been a participant of the mock trial program. Conversational in French and Spanish, Holden mentioned his affinity for travel, so hopefully he will utilize those language skills in the near future. “Whether domestic or international, I love the chance to visit different places, meet different people and have different experiences,” he said. After college, Holden hopes to harness his passion and knowledge of technology and the law to help connect people with needed legal resources.

Jose Miguel Hernandez Nunez

Joshua Farley 12th Grade

Kyra Andrews 12th Grade

Paul Duke STEM High School student and Eagle Scout Joshua Farley claims to have a deep enjoyment of making things, which is a good thing since he appears to be a rather adept and creative maker. He earned his Eagle Scout when he was 13, building a shelving unit for FurKids rescue to organize and store extra dog crates. At age 17, he was the Troop 525 Senior Patrol Leader, in charge of over 60 scouts, ages 12 to 17, on weekly meetings and monthly campouts. Joshua has been involved in multiple school clubs over the course of his high school career, including the rock-climbing club, intramural basketball, the Norcross Water Polo Team, Drone club and Cyber Patriots. He took blacksmithing classes and now has his own forge at home. Outside of school, Joshua runs the lights and sound for “Collide,” the children’s service at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church each Sunday. He also became an Amateur Radio Operator, earning his HAM radio license, and he is a member of the North Fulton Amateur Radio Club. He recently built his own antenna.

12th Grade Jose Miguel Hernandez Nunez, known as Miguel to his friends, serves as an example of perseverance to his peers. Miguel is a senior at Paul Duke STEM High School, setting his sights on hopefully getting into Georgia Tech and then continuing his education with a Master’s in Computer Science. Miguel has come a long way since first emigrating to the United States from El Salvador in the eighth grade. He found his way in his new home while learning the English language at the same time.

Joshua works part-time at Chick-Fil-A and is participating in a work-study program at Paul Duke that has him working at a metal fabrication shop. Ever one to blaze a new trail, Joshua’s dreams for the future sound particularly fun and meaningful. “After graduating from high school, I am interested in pursuing a career around welding. I am not sure yet if that includes trade school or college. I am even looking at what it takes to become a commercial/saturation diver, which involves underwater welding,” said Joshua.

Kyra is a Norcross High School student who always seems to be in motion. Kyra is an exceptional cross-country and track runner. She attended the Governor’s Honor program over the summer for her interest and skill in music, as she plays the flute and is a band leader. She is an AP/IB student with a GPA over 4.0. Kyra is also a member of the Student Council and a leader in the community and in her school. “What really helps me to stay disciplined when it gets difficult is my loved ones,” Kyra said. “I’m extremely grateful to have such a supportive group of family and friends who have encouraged me on both the easy days and the hard, and they have really become a driving force in creating a positive place for comfort, vulnerability and growth.”

Yet Miguel didn’t let those challenges hold him back from success. He used Python code to remix a song for an Amazon competition and placed in the top 10 for the state of Georgia. Since then, Miguel has helped captain a team of Spanish-speaking students for CyberPatriot competitions, placed ninth in a TSA competition and doubled up in math for one school year so that he could take AP Calculus.

No big surprise, she has absolutely no plans to slow things down any time soon. “Over the next couple of years, I plan to attend college and continue studying towards a career in healthcare or medical research,” Kyra added. “I have always been interested in medicine and wellness, and I can’t see myself working in any other area.

Miguel also gives back to the community by spending his free time volunteering at the Norcross Library and his school’s technology department. “The best advice that I could give to other kids is that even when things get difficult and when they fall or fail in something, instead of giving up they should continue their race for their life,” said Miguel.

“Additionally, now that I’ve finished a distance of 50 kilometers, my next goal in running is to complete a 50-mile ultra!” she said.

Southwest Gwinnett Magazine | southwestgwinnettmagazine.com

Maya Ballerstedt

Recently Graduated Senior Maya has a creative, artistic mind and developed her talents and determination while attending Norcross High School (NHS). She recently completed her Gold Award project for Girl Scouts, which centered around promoting diversity in K-5 art education.

Mary Margaret Woods 12th grade

As a Wesleyan School student, Mary Margaret keeps active in her school and in the community. She spends her summers coaching young children in swimming. Mary Margaret also serves in a variety of capacities on campus at Wesleyan, including the Let’s Do Better Movement and Chapel band. She is a member of Wesleyan’s Varsity Swim Team and the Lacrosse team, and she received the Service Award by the middle school faculty in the 8th grade.

Rawa Esrawee 12th grade

Rawa is a busy Duluth High School student who is active in a number of student organizations. She has held executive offices in the Muslim Student Association, GirlUP! Club and Future Health Professionals (HOSA). She is also an active member of the Student Council and the National Honors Society. In addition, Rama was chosen to be a part of a selective group of high school students in the U.S. that comprise the Gwinnett Stu-

In the research phase of the project, Maya learned from speaking with 10 elementary art teachers that there is a lack of diversity in their art curriculums, despite an increasingly diverse student body. In hopes of working to begin to address this issue, Maya developed K-5 art education lessons focusing on people of color, which teachers can incorporate into their current curriculum. Her age-appropriate lessons include backgrounds of the artists, samples of their work, fun creative activities, discussion questions and more. Currently, more than 150 students have completed lessons with six elementary teachers using or planning to use the lessons. The National Art Honor Society at Norcross is now running the program for Maya. Maya noted that she is incredibly grateful for the support of her advisor Michelle Hudson-Honda and her IB Art teacher, Ms. Colleen Nikoupour. In addition to her Gold Award, Maya won the AJC Cup award for NHS, was selected as a Gwinnett Student Leadership Team (GSLT) representative, played four years of Varsity Volleyball and received her IB Diploma, along with other graduation honors. dent Leadership Team (GSLT). Rama also has worked closely with an organization called CareerBump that helps low-income, first-generation women grow in their career skills.

Proud to come from “a legacy of strong women,” Mary Margaret is inspired by her grandmother Rosemary because her grandmother earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Mathematics while also raising a family. Rosemary also battled cancer on three separate occasions, exemplifying the courage and determination that Mary Margaret hopes to carry into her own life story.

Rama has recently founded a new organization that directly impacts the Gwinnett community called Leasion. In her own words, “Leasion is an organization that provides underrepresented and underprivileged groups with vital leadership lessons at no cost.”

Faith is a major part of Mary Margaret’s story and identity, as well.

“I have enjoyed watching Rama grow into the wonderful, capable and promising young woman that she is today,” said Kelly Lamelas, Rama’s teacher and nominator. “Rama is someone that I believe embodies the spirit of all Gwinnett County has to offer.”

“Every Sunday I sing at the 5 p.m. Teen Mass. I love it because I have established a firm community within my church, and I get to use my gift of singing to worship the Lord,” Mary Margaret said. “I also lead bi-weekly small groups as a Core Leader at my church to help 9th and 10th graders in their confirmation process. I love it because I not only help them in their faith, but it also helps me solidify my journey.”

Rama admitted that staying motivated is difficult, “but I find that keeping my end goals in mind helps me to focus on my purpose and effectively fulfill my responsibilities,” she said.

As Mary Margaret looks at what might come next after high school, she knows she has her community cheering her on.

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Reagan Maxwell 11th grade

Reagan is an active 11th grader at the Wesleyan School who maintains over a 4.0 GPA, taking several AP and Honors courses. Whether it be academics, school activities or the arts, Reagan leads by example and takes pride in always pouring her heart and soul into her commitments. When it comes to the arts, Reagan dances over 20 hours a week of classical and contemporary ballet with Terminus Ballet School’s Professional Training Program. Because she has trained for over 12 years, she has been able to dance at Boston Ballet and the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam. These local and international opportunities allowed Reagan to dance with a diverse company of dancers which fueled her passion to serve children by introducing ballet to them and showing them another way to express themselves. In her spare time, she is a Varsity Basketball Cheerleader and a Governor’s Honors Program nominee in Chemistry. “Within the next 12-18 months, I want to make my local community even better by launching an after school introductory ballet class targeted to elementary school kids so that they can experience the joy of dance,” said Reagan. “While I see this program starting locally, I can see it expanding throughout all of Gwinnett County and maybe even throughout Georgia! My longer-term goals include pursuing an engineering degree and then going into medicine so that I can help others,” she said.

Rida Hoque 12th grade

Rida’s four years at Norcross High School have been busy, that’s for sure. Inside the school, she holds several leadership positions, including President of Future Business Leaders of America (where she is a three-time regional contest winner), President of the Muslim Student Association and Vice President of Health Occupations Services Association, a club designed for students interested in future careers in the healthcare profession. She is also a Varsity Lacrosse team member. Outside of school, Rida serves her local community as Regional Chair for Muslim Youth of North America, Camp Committee Director (for kids 12 to 19) for Muslim Youth of North America and a Youth Ambassador for the Georgia Muslim Voter Project. She assists in canvassing for the Georgia Muslim Voter Project, as well as serving as an organizer and teacher at her Mosque’s Sunday School. Finally, she is a member of ICNA RELIEF and volunteers in the Feed the Hungry Program. Rida is getting a jumpstart on her career and is currently working as a Hospice Provider and a certified Nursing Assistant.

Sha’Kwan McKnight 12th grade

As a student athlete at Norcross High School, Sha’Kwan knows the importance of discipline. “I am the oldest of three, therefore my whole life I’ve had someone watching me. I want my little siblings to grow and excel at their talents just as I have. Therefore, I always have to be an example for them and make my mother proud,” said Sha’Kwan. He is ranked Top 5 in Georgia at his position in football. He is also a two-time region champ in wrestling, not to mention an excellent student. Sha’Kwan has received several offers to play football in college at institutions like Morehouse and Reinhardt. He gives back to his community by volunteering in several organizations, like the Peachtree Elementary Reading Program. He has pushed himself to take on other challenges, such as working as a camera assistant in a movie, as a graphic designer and even getting a children’s book published. Sha’Kwan has exciting future plans, “to major in Graphics and Digital Media, earning a degree in only four years.” But even as his dreams of gridiron glory and collegiate studies grow, he keeps his eye on what is most important. “I am very family oriented,” Sha’Kwan said. “I believe that your support system is a huge part in determining your future. My family is very important to me, and always will be.”

Will Tucker 12th grade

Will Tucker is well-known throughout the halls of Wesleyan School. He is a member of Wesleyan’s Varsity Football team and Varsity Baseball team. Additionally, he is involved in the Young Men’s Service League and plays travel baseball. But there is more to Will than sports. He also loves reading, alternating between fictional and non-fictional works as the mood strikes him. Will has some simple advice for his peers to help them succeed. “I would tell other kids to be present in the current moment. There are so many things going on in life, and if you let yourself, you will get overwhelmed. However, you should find importance in the present moment, and brick by brick, you will achieve your goals,” said Will.

19 UNDER 19 UP AND COMING Ava Mei McMahon, Norcross High School, 11th Grade “Ava Mei is a wonderful student and human being. She is a hard worker and is always willing to help her classmates. Additionally, she participates in service projects like roadside cleanup, making gift baskets for fire-fighters and librarians, volunteers for the Special Olympics and helps the Random Acts of Kindness club with making shoeboxes for the homeless.” — Maria Pena, Ava Mei’s teacher

The future looks bright for Will, and we wish him the best of luck.

Brooklyn Jennings, Pinckneyville Middle School, 6th Grade

“I plan to go to college and pursue a degree in Accounting,” he said. “After college, I want to become a successful businessman who stays active in the community.”

“Brooklyn is an outstanding athlete. I have had the opportunity to get to know her through softball. She plays both Middle School and travel softball. She has received numerous awards from playing softball She is also an author who wrote a book, “Girls Can Play Sports, Too.” She is one of the sweetest, most polite and smart girls I have had the opportunity to meet.”

Sophia Nguyen 12th grade

— Melissa Crosby, Brooklyn’s friend through softball

Sophia is a service-minded student at Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC), lending her time and talents to the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation, Books for Africa and Feed My Starving Children, as well as tutoring ESL students at Corners Outreach and GAC’s Peer Tutoring Program as an English tutor for Middle and High School students.

Dylan (Lumi) Christensen, Norcross High School, 12th Grade “Lumi is very interested in mathematics. He works with our math team, was instrumental in restarting our Mu Alpha Theta Club and tutored students after school on the math portion of the SAT.”

She is intrigued by the intricacies of language and knows a good portion of a number of languages, including English, Spanish, German and even a little Welsh. She enjoys learning about other cultures through their native tongues.

— Elizabeth Frisbee, Lumi’s math teacher Dylan Lenze, Paul Duke STEM High School, 12th Grade “Dylan is an awesome well-rounded student, and Dylan is a player partner for the U.S. Special Olympics Unified team. It’s an inclusion team that is comprised of players and partners from all over the country. Dylan made the U.S. men’s team and is the only partner that will be representing Georgia on that team in Detroit at the World Unified Games, along with three other players.”

Sophia, in fact, has many varied interests, including a deep love for history and the arts, and “a genuine concern for political science and international law.” In the near future, she hopes “to bolster the school’s literary magazine so that others can share similar writing passions.” On a personal note, Sophia is trying her hand at game design and hopes to fully finish a game this year.

— Jonathon Wetherington, Principal of Paul Duke STEM HS

“As I am, likewise, passionate in the visual arts, the construction of the characters in the game is both through words (dialogue, personalities, worldbuilding) and through designing (clothes, physical build, etc.),” said Sophia.

Continued on page 28

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Continued from page 27 Frank Hammock, Paul Duke STEM High School, 12th Grade “Frank is an all-around great student. He is polite, kind, mature, respectful and bright. It is uncommon for someone of his age to already have that combination of attitudes. He has a number of sports hobbies, and has generously donated his time to school. I am unsure of his future plans, but as his teacher I am excited to see where he lands. I am sure Frank will be asset to any school or organization to which he becomes affiliated.” — Dr. Teresita Edwards, Frank’s teacher Gabriella Chimbanda, Norcross High School, 11th Grade “Besides being a hard worker, Gabriella is kind, responsible and conscientious. She volunteers at her church to support families who cannot afford Christmas presents for their children, as well as volunteers for a BBQ for the ministry Yielded Men. She is an athlete and is going to accomplish wonderful things in life. — Maria Pena, Gabriella’s teacher Hannah Fears, Wesleyan School, 12th Grade “Hannah is an excellent student and very involved in her community. She was awarded the Academic Excellence for Sophomore Girls award in 10th grade. She plays on Wesleyan’s Varsity Soccer team and Varsity Cross Country team. She serves as a member of Students Advocating for Life Without Substance Abuse (SALSA) and serves on the prom committee. Hannah is also a member of National Charity League, where she was elected parliamentarian.”

Mia Ortiz, Norcross High School, 11th Grade “Mia is a wonderful, hard-working, caring student who is always willing to help. She was selected and represents Norcross High school in the Gwinnett Student leadership team. She is one of the executive officers for the National English Honor Society. She was the 1st Sergeant in Junior Leadership Corps. Her goal is to make her passion come true with her independent success!” — Maria Pena, Mia’s teacher

Rachel Todebush, Greater Atlanta Christian School, 12th Grade “Rachel Todebush is an outstanding scholar, excels at swimming and has worked hard to improve the community and the experience for future swimmers in Georgia and around the country. Rachel is a also very active member of the community, a competitive swimmer and a Girl Scout who has earned both the Silver and the Gold award. Learn more about Rachel in our Faces of 2022 profile.” — Patricia Todebush, Rachel’s mom

Meg Portman, Norcross High School, Recently Graduated Senior

Rafael Garcia Ramos, Norcross High School, 11th Grade

“For Meg’s Girl Scout Gold Award project, she built an outdoor classroom complete with five benches, a little library, four plant boxes and a raised plant bed for the students of Peachtree Elementary School that they can enjoy for years to come. She focused largely on the unmet needs of kindergartners…and the little library was also stocked with books. In addition to Meg’s decade-long involvement with Girl Scouts, she played Lacrosse at Norcross High School and performed viola and bass in the school orchestra.” — Leslie Gilliam, Girl Scouts employee Nyla Reaze, Norcross High School, 10th Grade “Nyla excels in art, specifically drawing and digital art. Her ELA teacher nominated her for the ambassador program for 7th grade but was unable to attend due to COVID. She is a member of the DECA club and enrolled in the 3DE program at Norcross. Nyla is enrolled in Honors classes as well.” — Hannah Sprenger, Nyla’s teacher

“Besides being an amazing student and allaround human being, Rafael also helps elementary students with their reading and comprehension skills. He has volunteered with Light Up the Corners. He is in marching band and is an officer for the National English Honor Society. Rafael’s goal is to be in the medical field, specifically a Nurse Practitioner.” — Maria Pena, Rafael’s teacher Tiana Reid, Peachtree Ridge High School, 10th Grade “Tiana started as a member of our Teen Advisory Council (TAC). She was very eager to join the group and worked hard on all assigned projects. She then started volunteering with our Math and Reading Clubs. She has been an invaluable help with our Kindergarten through 2nd grade students. She is very patient and works diligently to help each student. She is always punctual and takes working with the children very seriously. She is very hard-working and is focused on completing any task she is given.” — Volunteer Supervisor for the Gwinnett Public Library — Duluth Branch

— Jennifer Copeland, Administrator at Wesleyan School

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Consulate General of Japan Tours ICAG

Local dual immersion school readies students for a diverse international community. Words by Arlinda Smith Broady Photography by George Hunter

founding. She has four children, ages 11 through 18, who are current or former students of Japanese/English dual language immersion schools. “We’re excited to show you why we think this school is such a special place,” she said. “You might think that the primary purpose of a dual language immersion program is to educate children in another language. And of course, you know, that’s true.” “But having witnessed it firsthand, over the many years, I think the real value, above and beyond language acquisition, is really the different perspective and the sense of empathy that kids gain from being in a school like ICAG,” Cork said. The student body is comprised of both native and non-native Japanese speakers. Although the primary language of most non-native Japanese speakers is English, there are some kids whose native language is something else. This may seem daunting for a child to take on, but Cork explained that, from day one, the children are made to feel comfortable. When they’re in a class where they understand the language, they may see some of their other classmates struggling, so they help them. “And then they themselves experience those same struggles when they go into a class where they can’t speak the language. And then they have their fellow classmates help them out,” Cork explained. “So if you watch the kids, what you’re really going to notice is, first of all, the sense of empathy that they develop, but also the real desire to help each other out, help each other understand things.” Cork shared that her 18-year-old son is currently going through the college application process. In his application essay, he focused on what it was like to attend a Japanese/English dual language immersion program.

Photo opposite page, left to right: Mamoru Fukunaga, Deputy Consul General Japanese Consulate Representative Mesha Mainor Matthew Wagner ICAGeorgia Board Jessica Cork, ICAGeorgia Board (Front row) Representative Rhonda Burnough (Back row) Sandy Riordan, GA-Japan Caucus Leader tour organizer Representative Teri Anulewicz - Caucus Leader Alice Stouder, SCSC Leader Advisor Felecia Tucker-Jones, Principal (front row) Robert Johnson, ICAGeorgia Board Chair (back row) Weare Gratwick, Peachtree Corners City Councilman & Mayor Pro Tem Hiroyuki Akiyama, Chief Executive Director, JETRO (front row) At top of page, students prepare for and perform a traditional Japanese dance for the visitors.

ith more than 600 Japan-based businesses operating in the state and employing more than 40,000 residents, it’s important for Georgia to keep ties open to the country with the third largest world economy. In early October, the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta visited a hidden gem in the Peachtree Corners community — The International Charter Academy of Georgia (ICAG), a dual language immersion school based on Japanese language and culture. The purpose of the visit was to tour the facility and to hear about the school. The consulate general conducts these tours throughout the state to stay informed about education programs that involve Japan.

Immersed in languages and empathy Jessica Cork, a secretary on the school’s governing board, has been a part of ICAG since its

He wrote extensively about how, being enrolled in a math class that was taught according to the Japanese curriculum in the Japanese language, and then the American curriculum in English, has given him tools that will make him a better engineer. He said it taught him really to think outside of the box and to look at problems from different perspectives. “He actually struggled a lot at first with understanding an English math curriculum when he went into middle school because he was familiar with the Japanese curriculum,” said Cork. “So even though, in my son’s case, he hasn’t really studied Japanese after leaving elementary school, I think those skills that he gained through the experience are the ones that are going to be the most important for his future.”

ICAG fills a need and sets a tone of peace Since the Carter Administration in the 1970s, Japan has invested billions in the Peach State and its influence continues to grow. Shortly after that, Seigakuin Atlanta International School (SAINTS) opened its doors in metro Atlanta as a US/Japan joint educational endeavor.

Southwest Gwinnett Magazine | southwestgwinnettmagazine.com

Above, students in session, singing and wearing traditional Japanese clothing. Center left, Principal Felecia Tucker-Jones. Bottom right, 3rd grade teacher Norika Harada

The number of accredited Japanese private schools outside of Japan once totaled as many as 17, but now are in the single digits. The next year, ICAG came online as a state-funded charter school. But because it’s not part of a county school district, it’s not eligible for county taxes. The bulk of ICGA’s budget comes from state funding with a small amount from federal funds. Any deficit must be filled with charitable donations. The school is beginning its fifth year. It is now a Georgia accredited school with approximately 200 elementary age students in grades Kindergarten through five. “Our goal is to expand over the next few years with a middle school,” said Principal Felecia Tucker-Jones. “The mission of our school here is to broaden the horizons of students in Georgia to a diverse international community so that they become global citizens to promote peace around the world.” With the emphasis on Japanese language, the school culture sets the tone for world peace.

“As you see our students perform this morning and tour the beautiful campus, I hope that you have a chance to witness this firsthand,” said Tucker-Jones. “Our school focuses on the uniqueness of the individual child and develops an educational plan for them to be successful.” She noted that research indicates that music and math integrated early in a child’s curriculum will enhance the overall academic performance. “Right here in ICA Georgia, we teach math daily using the Japanese model, and the Georgia math curriculum.”

Find out more International Charter Academy of Georgia 3705 Engineering Dr., Peachtree Corners For additional information, visit internationalcharteracademy.org, call 770-604-0007 or email info@internationalcharteracademy.org. internationalcharteracademy.org

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Tucker-Jones added that, in order for the uniqueness of charter schools such as ICAG to be successful, it looks for ways to support the academic programs. She implored the state and local officials who also attended the event to become ambassadors of the program and help secure more funding. “This will help build the capacity of our teachers, technology and leadership in order to compete in a global society,” she said. “Please remember that you make decisions that directly affect the funding and support of state charter schools.” During a lunch of traditional Japanese fare, students sang in Japanese and English and performed traditional Japanese dance. The tour showed how every aspect of the learning day was truly a dual immersion. Even gym class involved learning in Japanese.■

In 2004, the school evolved to a two-way immersion program with both Japanese and English as its core. It was among a handful of similar schools in the state to have such a program, and it was considered a pioneer in the field. The private school model wasn’t sustainable with fewer Japanese natives enrolling in the program, however, and SAINTS was forced to close in 2018.

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They Do It for the Children

The Assistance League of Atlanta supports local children with various programs. Words by Karen Huppertz Photography by George Hunter

ome charities tug at your heart. The little-known, women-led Assistance League of Atlanta (ALA), based in Peachtree Corners, will do just that once you know a little more about them.

Through eight different programs, ALA volunteers address the needs of low-income children lacking proper school clothing, displaced families living in shelters, cars or nearby motels, as well as indi-

gent new mothers, children traumatized by life’s cruelest situations, patients recovering from devastating injuries and promising students who lack the resources to pursue higher education.

Comforting and feeding children Bears for Children provides new, child-safe cuddly teddy bears to comfort frightened children

during crisis situations and hospital stays. According to city liaison and special projects volunteer Jim Gaffey, “We make sure first responders and children’s hospitals have enough bears to give to a child who is coming into one of those situations from some form of trauma — either an accident, a stay at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta or in fact a fire, drug raid or an abusive situation.” During the most recent fiscal year ending May 31, 2022, ALA comforted 1,920 traumatized children through area hospitals and emergency services with teddy bears.

Left, Marnie Kelleher, Carol Gaffey, Gena Spears, Sarah Gaut, Adi Berrigan, Joanie Guthrie, Lynn Kuhn Below from left to right: L-R Jean Kimmelle, Janice Smith, City Councilmember Weare Gratwick, Karen Potmesil, Lynn Soylemez, Lynn Farrell Jim Gaffey, Master of Ceremonies President Janis Miller and Weare Gratwick and City of Peachtree Corners Proclamation Ken Johnson and Marie Morgan

ALA works closely with three school systems: Fulton County Public Schools, Dekalb County Public Schools and Atlanta Public Schools. ALA volunteers coordinate with social workers within the schools to help address the needs of students and families who are struggling. Through Backpack Buddies, ALA provides food for students who might otherwise lack meals over the weekend. Children who have been identified at risk take home a backpack full of healthy meals and snacks from school on Friday so they can return to the classroom on Monday fed and ready to learn.

During the 2021-2022 school year, Assistance League provided 50 bags of food each week to Dresden Elementary in DeKalb County. The program continues to grow each year.

From food assistance to clothing One of the programs ALA is most proud of is Operation School Bell. From ALA’s Philanthropic Center at 6264 Crooked Creek Road in Peachtree Corners, volunteers led by Bette Swilley and

Brenda McDonald package individual boxes of clothing for children who might not otherwise have what they need to attend school. By carefully coordinating with school social workers, a child will receive exactly what they need for one week of school in the correct size. If a child’s school requires a uniform, ALA purchases the shirts and pants they need, plus extra clothing to wear outside the classroom. A typical box might include two pairs of pants, t-shirts, jeans, a collared shirt and nice pants, four short sleeve polo shirts, a six-pack of underwear and six-pack of socks, jacket, hat, gloves, shoes and

Southwest Gwinnett Magazine | southwestgwinnettmagazine.com

Left, down, Patrick Sallarulo aka Frank Sinatra Bob and Karen Potmesil Above, Members dining little jacket or sweater because their classmates will see that they’re wearing the same clothes every day.” The situations range in severity. “We have all kinds of situations that are extremely sad, “said McDonald. “We had children who were evicted and had their clothes stolen off of their front yard,” lamented Swilley. “Their clothes were put on the street. They came home from school and all they had was what was on their backs.”

An organization with a long history ALA is one of 120 chapters of the Assistance League, which was officially founded in 1935. But the nonprofit dates back to the mid-1890s where it took root in southern California.

a hygiene kit. If the child is homeless, they will receive additional clothing. The numbers are staggering. Last year, Operation School Bell provided a week’s worth of clothing to about 5,000 children. But through their painstaking partnership with the school systems, a total of 13,000 students a year receive some kind of support. Some students just need a winter coat, a school uniform shirt or shoes. According to Swilley and McDonald, 30% of the children ALA assists each year are from homeless families. “There is an expression we’ve picked up from the social workers… Zipper Kids,” said Gaffey. “The Zipper Kid does not want to take off their

It expanded after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake to help the thousands who lost everything, all led by two women, Anne Banning and Ada Edwards Laughlin. They are credited with helping establish the nonprofit model used by many organizations today. A small group of women in the Atlanta area learned about the organization and its mission to help people in need in 1982. In 1987, the small, but determined group became the 74th chapter of the National Assistance League. ALA’s approximately 260 volunteers, most of whom are retired or semi-retired, celebrated their 40th anniversary recently with a Roaring ‘20s-style Speakeasy event at the Philanthropic Center in Peachtree Corners. Entertainment and food were donated. The organization remains dominated by women, but as Gaffey notes, there are about 10 men

who do the heavy lifting and make some of the deliveries. Swilley and McDonald have been volunteering with ALA for around 11 years, bringing their backgrounds in education and technology to the organization. They keep meticulous records, not only of how many children are being helped and what they’ve received, but of the vendors who work hand-in-hand with the organization to provide clothing at wholesale prices. “When I retired from teaching in ’09, I thought I would become a substitute and drive to Gwinnett and substitute teach,” said McDonald. “Several women in my neighborhood were members of the Assistance League and once I saw what they did, I realized that was a way I could serve children.” Swilley notes that, as a retiree, “…I don’t sit at home real well. For me, I think volunteers always look for a purpose and nothing — nothing — touched my heart like serving children.” They give credit back to one of ALA’s founding members, Lucy Smith, who frequently used a quote attributed to Muhammad Ali to inspire, “The service you do for others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” ■

How to help ALA funds their programs with donations, grants and proceeds generated through their Attic Treasures Thrift Shop at 3534 Broad St. in Chamblee. Volunteers, monetary gifts and donations to the thrift shop are always needed. Get details at assistanceleague.org/atlanta/. Or reach out to ALA Board President Janis Miller at president@assistanceleagueatl.org or 770-458-2038.

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NCM Raises over $300K for Local Families in Need

Fabulous trips, experiences, food and wine packages and more helped to encourage donors to dig deep. Words by Arlinda Smith Broady Photography by Richard Philips they’re going to feed their family that week,” said Elizabeth Gross, NCM Board President. “And in other cases, we’re meeting with them on an ongoing basis trying to move them to a position of financial stability. But we would not be able to do any of this without the support of the community and those who are willing to make a difference in the lives of those in need in our area,” she continued.

Plans to grow with the community

Auctioneer Dean Crownover doing his thing at NCM’s fundraiser held at Atlanta Tech Park. t’s not often that giving away thousands of dollars elicits laughter and good-natured ribbing by a man in a gold-colored dinner jacket. But that’s exactly how the evening transpired Sept. 29 as the Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries (NCM) hosted its Celebration 2022 at Atlanta Tech Park in Peachtree Corners.

With more 300 friends of the nonprofit in attendance, NCM far exceeded its fundraising goal of $60,000. The event brought in $318,481, according to the final tally. “Every day, our NCM staff and volunteers meet one-on-one with anywhere from 20 families to, some days, 60 families. In some cases, we’re helping them just figure out where they’re going to have lodging that night or how

Gross added that over the next 20 years, Gwinnett County is expected to double in size. The county is at about one million people right now; as it reaches the two-million-person mark, the needs will double as well. The NCM board has been working hard to build a solid foundation that will endure through the growth. To get ready, the nonprofit purchased a building that was three times the size of its old building. “We raised funds to pay off the mortgage and

Southwest Gwinnett Magazine | southwestgwinnettmagazine.com

Top left, clockwise, NCM Board Chair, Elizabeth Gross Ryan Jones Development Director Celebration 2022 Coordinator Sherri Boucher with The Smith’s Tandem Bank Table guests including Weare Gratwick, Board Member and Wendy Willis, Board Member

ilies putting the pieces back together in their lives after COVID-19 assistance programs ended. Many local families continue to struggle to meet basic needs and the climate is magnified by high rent costs.

created a half-million-dollar reserve fund for expansion,” added Gross to thunderous applause.

five years, we will be transitioning our for-profit tenants …to like-minded nonprofits who also serve our clients with complementary services.”

Besides that, NCM has added staff — a Comptroller and a Director of Community Development.

This move will yield more of a one-stop shopping experience for clients, she said, adding that NCM started the transition this year with the addition of Hope Atlanta to the campus. NCM provides temporary housing in extended stay lodging while Hope Atlanta finds more permanent housing like apartments.

“As we look to the next year, …our key focuses are going to be: one, offering healthier food options for our clients,” Gross said. “We’ll do that through the addition of significant refrigerated and freezer storage. She noted that NCM is also going to expand their services, as well as their footprint. “We’re going to do that in two key ways. First, we’re going to triple the size of our clothes closet. This is a project which is already underway. We expect to be in this new, larger space just after Christmas,” she said. At the same time, Gross announced that NCM will offer a new service. “We’re calling it our ‘Starting Over Ministry.’ This really targets families who have either been evicted or they may have experienced a fire and lost their possessions. Now they’re going back into permanent housing, but they don’t have a lot.” In addition to clothing and food, NCM will start collecting household items in the first quarter of 2023. “And then, thirdly, we’re going to continue the process of converting our NCM building into a nonprofit campus,” Gross said. “Over the next

Serving Gwinnett residents in need “Unfortunately, we serve an area where 45% of the children are growing up below the poverty line and 11,000 kids are facing chronic hunger,” said Ryan Jones, Director of Community Development at NCM. “We start with compassion and relief,” he continued. “We will be the safety net when a family is in crisis. This is where they come when they have the unexpected things in life — the unexpected illness, the unexpected job loss, the changing family dynamic.” The data and the stories of personal tragedy and triumph resonated with the audience. The organization’s theme for the fundraiser, “Operation Save a Family,” came about as an initiative to support the increased number of fam-

Fundraising guru Dean Crownover probably put in a few miles on his Fitbit as he traversed the event space urging patrons to dig deep. But the crowd didn’t really need the push. The fabulous items to bid on — such as Bold Catering and Design’s Chef’s Party for 30 at its exclusive Studio 887 in West Midtown Atlanta, or a seven-day beach vacation in Miramar, Florida in a resort condo that sleeps six, or a private chef coming to your house to prepare a gourmet four-course meal for 10 people — were incentive enough. “We are grateful for the abundant support from our community — the financial generosity, our hard-working Board of Directors, dedicated staff and incredible volunteers,” noted Jones. “As NCM navigates this journey to help those in crisis right in our own backyard, having such a large pool of committed support makes a huge difference.” For more information about Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, including its mission, ways to financially support the organization and volunteer opportunities, go to ourncm.org. ■

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GCPL Hosts Second Annual Photo Exhibit The theme of ‘Jumping Through Time’ pulls together an intriguing collection of images.

Top left, Parallel Journey Through Time by Jahid Apu from Bangladesh, Top right, The Bending Arc by Jenny Rose who lived in Snellville. Bottom left, Motherhood by Jessica Alvarez of Duluth. (Photos courtesy of Gwinnett Public Library) landscapes and altered timelines to explore the concept of time and how we interpret it.” The call for entries was open from late July to mid-August, and during that time the library nearly doubled its total entries from what it received last year.

By Arlinda Smith Broady The public library solely as a repository for books and other reading materials has long been a thing of the past. As communities become more diverse and as curiosity and creativity whet the appetite for new and different forms of expression, many public libraries build into their focus displaying art and artifacts, both for their patrons’ enjoyment and to help boost the careers of local artists. Some even buy art or commission artists to create permanent installations for the library. The Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL) system is no exception. “Last year was our inaugural exhibition for the Gwinnett County Public Library’s Photo Annual and we were so excited to repeat it for this year,” said Noelle Rose, the Learning Lab specialist who spearheaded the event. “This year’s theme, ‘Jumping Through Time,’ aims to show how we use fictional and literal narratives, emotional

“In total, we ended up with nearly 1000 photos from around the world,” said Rose. This year’s juror is Coco Conroy, the director of Jackson Fine Art, a gallery in Atlanta that specializes in 20th-century and contemporary photography. Since 2014, Conroy has been with the gallery, where she advises Atlanta clients and focuses on local collaborations. Jackson Fine Art has collaborated with many public institutions, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The High Museum of Art.

“With curational assistance from Coco, we were able to narrow our images down to just 37 powerful photos that tell wildly imaginative, yet similar, stories,” said Rose. GCPL’s 2022 Photo Annual Exhibition has been set up at the Duluth branch, where the public has a chance to view the photos. An October event featured the photographers answering patrons’ questions and learning from Conroy about her curational choices and interpretations of the photos themselves. It’s not too late to take in the beauty and wonder. The exhibition will be up until November 28. For anyone unable to make it to the library, there is a virtual exhibition accessible through GCPL’s website by clicking on the Photo Annual banner on the homepage. ■

Resources for photographers at GCPL The Gwinnett County Public Library offers Learning Labs with many free resources to help photographers, including DSLR and mirrorless digital cameras, iMac stations with Creative Suite and studio lights. Access to the Learning Labs is free with a library card. Out-of-county patrons can purchase a full access library card for $40 a year. Learning Lab Specialists are also on staff to help. Book-a-Librarian or book an appointment to use the labs at gwinnettpl.org/learninglabs. If you have a question, send an email to learninglabs@gmail.com.

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Party With a Purpose

Peachtree Corners chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority hosts New Year’s Eve gala. Words by Arlinda Smith Broady

ow often do you get to have a good time while doing something good for the community? No matter what your answer, the Psi Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and its philanthropic arm, Georgia Pearls of Service Foundation (GPOS), hope you want to do it again — or for the first time. The Peachtree Corners-based sorority is hosting its fourth signature fundraising event called “A Kaptivating Affair.” The New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball is designed to “unmask the face of homelessness and childhood hunger” in the area. The event is scheduled for 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners, 475 Technology Parkway NW.

Shortly after the city of Peachtree Corners was formed, the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority petitioned to charter a chapter there. Two years after the process began, it became one of two AKA chapters in Gwinnett County. The women chose Peachtree Corners because it’s at the point where Gwinnett, Fulton and DeKalb counties come together, and they can expand their reach across county lines.

Strong community presence In its eight years of existence, the sorority has been active in the community. “We’ve been in the Christmas parade and inaugural parade,” said President Ora Douglass. “Any type of activities that they have, like the festival, we are a part of that.”

Left, Psi Omega Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority 2019 NYE Masquerade Ball Fundraiser to support youth scholarships. Above, chapter members acknowledge breast cancer awareness month at Belk in the Forum Douglass said that kind of visibility is important because “we do a lot of community service there. We work closely with the YMCA. I presently sit on the board of the YMCA and that has afforded us to do community service for children that are hungry and/or homeless.” As much as the chapter does, they know that there is always more to do. That’s why, in 2018, they hosted the first New Year’s Eve gala. “This will be our fourth ball that we have had in Peachtree Corners,” said Douglass. “We are just now coming off of the pandemic and it’s important that we’re getting out here to see what impact the pandemic has had on child-

hood hunger and homelessness.” The sorority will be partnering with Peachtree Corners Elementary School to provide food for those children who are less fortunate. “We’re very, very proud to be in Peachtree Corners because there is a perception that income levels are high when you see the price of houses in Peachtree Corners,” said Douglass. “But there are pockets of need in the area — and we can’t ignore them.”

Caring for children, families, students and even a road In its quest to spread good works throughout the community, the AKA chapter has done a wide variety of things. “We’ve adopted Peachtree Corners Circle all the way from down where the barbecue place is by 141, all the way to Peachtree Parkway,” said Douglass. “That’s 1.6 miles of roadway that we clean up, and we’ve done that for the eight years that we have been in existence.” Douglass added that the stretch of road covers an area with apartments whose tenants often struggle to make ends meet. “We find those people in need and try to help

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them by whatever means we can, and that’s what we use our funds for.” That’s one of the reasons for the Dec. 31 gala. Douglass said the fundraiser allows GPOS to give back to the community. “Although the pandemic has profoundly affected our community, GPOS has continued its service focus. This year, with support from the community, GPOS has awarded a total of $3,000 to the Robert D. Fowler YMCA, Norcross High School Foundation of Excellence, Peachtree Elementary School and Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter,” she said. “These organizations demonstrate excellence and the highest standards of integrity and civic and social responsibility.”

the scholarships or any of the other help. “About half of those scholarships do go to young men,” said Douglass. “It’s based on need. It doesn’t matter if they are female or male. We are out here to serve everyone, all mankind. It doesn’t matter if you’re Black, White, Asian, Latino. Our service isn’t based on gender or race or anything besides helping people.” ■

Plan to attend A Kaptivating Affair is an elegant evening that includes live music, a traditional New Year’s Eve meal, casino tables and a champagne toast at the stroke of midnight. Saturday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

Throughout the years, GPOS has also awarded $22,500 to 17 students to further their education.

Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners 475 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners

“We gave our first scholarship to a young man who is now the president of a major organization,” said Douglass. “And that was eight years ago.”

Find details and tickets by searching for the event on Eventbrite.com or via QR code.

Admission: $85

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The chapter wants to give more scholarships so that more children can succeed. Once the new women’s shelter is online, that will be another area of need that the sorority aims to aid. Even though AKA is made up of women, predominately of African American heritage, there are no restrictions on who can qualify for

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Stone Cold Fun Atlanta Curling Club invites those curious about the ice sport to give it a try.

f your only acquaintance with the sport of curling is an episode of “The Simpsons” that aired during the 2010 Winter Olympics, it may be time to “brush up” on your knowledge.

In the episode titled “Boy Meets Curl,” Homer and Marge Simpson form a mixed curling team with Principal Seymour Skinner and his mother Agnes. While the animated hijinks were all about laughs, the basic premise wasn’t far off real life. For example, you don’t have to be young or athletically built to engage in the sport. While the exact origins of curling are unclear, it is widely believed to be one of the oldest team sports in the world. According to the World Curling Federation, references as far back as 1540 describe the contests of throwing of large stones across the ice. But the organization claims that what may have started as an enjoyable pastime of throwing stones over ice during a harsh Northern European winter has evolved into a popular modern sport with its own world championships, which attract fans and large television audiences.

Curling close to home Thanks to modern technology, even a climate like metro Atlanta’s, where ice is more likely to be found in cocktails than on lakes or ponds, curling aficionados can indulge in the activity. Emma Ragauskas, the immediate past president of the Atlanta Curling Club, said she kind of discovered curling by accident. “In 2018 I had moved to Atlanta from Athens and was trying to find something to fill my time,” she said. “I saw curling on some television show because that was the year the U.S. won the Olympic gold medal.” She said it sounded interesting, so she did a Google search to see if Atlanta had curling fa-

Words by Arlinda Smith Broady Photography by George Hunter cilities and found the Atlanta Curling Club online. She didn’t want to try it alone and arrived to ask for a refund. Within the first 15 minutes, however, she was hooked. “I was laughing and having the most fun I had had in years. So yeah, that was super great,” she said. “Four years later, I’m on the board and volunteering probably more than I should. I’ve made so many really great friends and gotten to travel to a bunch of different places and just really enjoyed the sport.” The club was founded in 2010. Within the metro area, there are probably a few hundred curlers, if you lump everyone together, said Ragauskas. After moving around a bit, the club settled in Duluth, which is pretty centrally located for most of the participants. “We’re off of the Interstate 85 corridor, right off Satellite Boulevard at the Atlanta IceForum,” she said. Just last year, the club reached out to the Peachtree Corners community since it’s so close to the current location — less than half an hour.

At one of the many festivals, several club members set up a presentation to expose a bunch of kids to the sport. They ended up connecting with parents and other adults as well. The club partnered with Anderby Brewing for a few social events and found several folks who wanted to give it a try.

Cold, but not too cold

Try it, you’ll like it

Most Saturdays, they haul out the 42-pound pieces of granite and take to the ice. Where does one keep those heavy stones? one may wonder.

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff was invited to hang out during a beginners’ lesson and one of the first questions instructor Jeff Williams asked was, “Who’s slipped on parking lot ice?”

“We store those throughout the year in an industrial restaurant refrigerator,” said Ragauskas. “Of course, they have to stay cold. …To be

He explained that the playing floor was nothing like that.

Lessons in pushing the rocks, sweeping the ice and keeping score round out the fun. For anyone who’d rather be spectators, there are bleachers and even a restaurant and bar with a full view of the action. “Explaining it doesn’t do it justice,” said Ragauskas. “The way to really appreciate it is to come and experience it.” ■

Opposite page, Jeff Williams (right) gives instructions to team members. This page, forground, Christina and Bobby Singleton work with their 40-pound granite rocks, also known as stones. playable, so that they don’t melt the ice, they need to be roughly around 35 to 40 degrees.” She explained that they can’t be too cold, either. If they’re frozen solid, they won’t glide on the ice. “They’re just gonna get frost all over them. And they’re not really useful when they’re frosted over,” Ragauskas said. Depending on how many participants show up on a given night, there can be more than 100 stones on the ice. Each lane of play is called a sheet, and there are about 16 rocks per sheet. Before the rocks are hauled onto the ice, however, the floor is covered with a mist of water. Using a device called a peddling can — which is like a backpack filled with water — the floor is prepared to provide traction for the blocks of granite.

“When you walk, you’re not walking on straight, plain ice,” said Ragauskas. “So, it’s not so slippery that you’ll fall a lot, and it also allows the rocks to curl.” Ragauskas explained that moving the rocks down the sheet is like a car hydroplaning. The traction can be compared to driving a car on a street during a downpour. Although most of the participants in the beginners’ class were adults in their 30s or older, some with back or knee issues, nobody found it too taxing to play until the end of the twohour session. “The wonderful thing about curling is it’s super adaptable,” said Ragauskas. “You don’t even have to be able to get down in that lunge position. You can do what’s called stick curling. That’s the same thing that you’d see like the Paralympics, like the wheelchair curlers.”

Atlanta Curling Club Atlanta IceForum 2300 Satellite Blvd., Duluth atlantacurlingclub.com atlantacurlingclub.com/learn-to-curl/

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Lionheart Theatre, 22 Years and Roaring Oldest established community theatre in Gwinnett County

Words and photography by Patrizia Winsper

ere’s the church. Here’s the steeple. Open the doors and see Lionheart Theatre.

On a crisp October evening at the Rectory, a distinct, early 1900s era house on a hill with spires enhancing the downtown Norcross skyline alongside the old steepled church built in 1877 that now houses gallery space for the arts and Lionheart Theatre respectively, one can easily be transported to another time when the area was a popular destination for Atlantans escaping the city by train to stay at the Brunswick Hotel (demolished in 1951). Polly Anne Lively, with her old southern charm and drawl (portrayed by actress Linda DeMaris) shines a light from her handheld lantern into the 1800s and 1900s, allowing onlookers — the audience — to witness the

Left, Polly Anne Lively, portrayed by actress Linda DeMaris, the first guide on the Lawless Spirits walking tour in Norcross. October, 2022. Opposite page top down, Actors, Joe McLaughlin and Phyllis H. Giller, in Lionheart’s 2022 production of, “On Golden Pond.” Photo courtesy of Nancy B. Caldwell. Founder Tanya Gilmer, third from left, ready to go Christmas caroling with Lionheart actors during the holiday open house in Old Norcross. Photo courtesy of Nancy Caldwell. Far right, Set Designer Tanya Moore with an Egytian sarcophogus built and decorated for the 2020 production of “The Man Who Came to Dinner” Photo courtesy of Tanya Moore.

Photographer Nancy Caldwell, Gilmer’s former mother-in-law, takes all of their headshots and scene pictures. “It’s a family affair,” Gilmer chuckled. Joe McLaughlin, prosecutor at Gwinnett State Court, believes theatre to be a vital part of the community. He’s been in over 40 plays in 20 years at Lionheart and other theatres. He and his wife, Debbie met in the drama department at UGA and reconnected with acting as a way to have something to enjoy together once their children had outgrown being chaperoned to an exhaustive list of activities. reenactment of true crimes and tragedies that befell some unfortunate souls who once inhabited Norcross and surrounding regions. Lawless Spirits, co-sponsored by the city of Norcross, is a superb combination of history and the arts; it is valued live entertainment for many, as evidenced by the fact that all eight walking tours were sold out before rehearsals had concluded. A shoot-out in the street, a knife fight, a love triangle murder-suicide, a bride’s calamity and untimely end are among the true stories uncovered by historian Gene Ramsey at the behest of Tanya Gilmer, thespian, founder, director, producer, seamstress and the heart of Lionheart Theatre. From intriguing little articles dredged-up from the past to live, on-location theatre, Gilmer enlisted some playwright friends to come up with scripts, allowing actors in period costumes to bring eerie, centuries old stories back to life during the ghostliest month of the year, October. “We do two tours a night, Thursday through Sunday, but I’m thinking next year, this has gotten so popular, we may have to run it two weekends,” Gilmer said. “Since the city sponsors this, the actors get paid, which is a rarity.”

It’s all out of love How did Lionheart come to be the oldest community theatre in Gwinnett County? The stage has sparked excitement in Gilmer since her high school days in Connecticut. It became a second full-time job once she began helping with the Christmas nativity at Norcross Presbyterian Church. They learned of her degree in communication arts and theatre from Georgia Southern College (now the University of Georgia Southern) and the Norcross Presbyterian Players troupe she had started out of her church in 1996 progressed from performing short skits to full plays, and then touring. Gilmer had detected a need in the community for more drama — pun fully intended. They incorporated into Lionheart Theatre in 2000 with a built-in crew of people who were just as impassioned as she was. “In those days I had to direct and be in shows. We didn’t have a huge pool of people who wanted to audition. I still have some people from church who have been with me the whole time. No one gets paid a salary at Lionheart. Everybody is a volunteer; it’s all out of love,” Gilmer beamed.

Debbie played Mrs. Ray in Lawless Spirits. Joe tended the bar in the Rectory. He’s adjusted over the years to being overlooked for the love-interest roles he once played, like Bert Jefferson in “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” and being deemed a better fit for more mature characters like that of Dr. Bradley. “I’ve had a great time with it. Now I call it looking for parts for old farts,” he jested. Award-winning Set Designer Tanya Moore had a “paying career” in IT for 33 years. She’s volunteered building and decorating sets for 22 plays over the past seven years, joining the Board in 2019. Her favorite sets entail research to accurately represent period-specific decor and props. “After so many years of working with my brain, it’s a real treat working with my hands to create concrete, if terribly temporary, things. This is the lowest paying and most satisfying work I have ever done,” Moore shared. The reaction of actors and directors who get to “live” on the sets she’s created tickle her. When asked about her process she said, “I start by reading the script for the basics: location, time period, economic status, number and placement of windows, doors, stairs. I then meet with the Director to get their vision,” she said.

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“Then, back to the script for furniture and props needed and how they’ll be used. Need a coffee table strong enough to dance on? A trapdoor for an actor to “disappear”? …Last, I attend as many rehearsals as possible to hone the design and react to the actors’ needs.”

The show must go on

Left down from Lawless Spirits 2022

When the city purchased the chapel on the hill, they invited Gilmer to consider it as a location for her playhouse. She replied, “I don’t even need to come see it. Let me have it!”

Valarie Taylor portraying Fortune Teller, Aunt Caroline Zoe Robbins (Edna) and Julia Kneeland (Edna’s mother, Mrs Sheffield) Cat Rondeau (Lillie Pierce) and Allen Stone (James Pierce) Top from left, James Finocchio (Sergeant Bob Waggoner) Lindsey Schuiteman (Susie) in the sad tale of an unfortunate bride in Lawless Spirits. Above, Cinderelliemae 2022 Photo Courtesy of Nancy B. Caldwell

Before its current location at 10 College Street NW, where they’ve been for the past 12 years, Gilmer and her team performed wherever they could. For two years they sat 40 people in the tiny gallery next to the Iron Horse Tavern.

It took some work and creativity to turn the 19th century church into a theatre with a maximum seating capacity of 80 while simultaneously performing. The HVAC closet was converted into a box office. Risers were installed, 10-foot-long pews were replaced with comfortable chairs. The city stepped in to build a stage. Two for-

mer pastors’ offices were made accessible; they now serve as dressing rooms. “We just wanted a roof! A permanent home builds your audience,” Gilmer said.

Patronage pays Proceeds from ticket sales pay for the next show, the rent, classroom and rehearsal space, stipends for directors, tech people and sometimes actors, royalties paid to publishers for the use of each play, climate-controlled storage facilities for costumes, sets, props, furniture, walls and stairs. If Aunt Caroline (portrayed by Valarie Taylor in Lawless Spirits) were reading your fortune as she famously did at the Brunswick Hotel in the 1900s, she’d tell you it’s time to go to a show! You can’t beat the price: $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and students, $14 for parties of 10 or more, $120 for a Flex Pass — 10 tickets to use however you choose. And dessert is included! Have Lionheart add you to their quarterly e-blast newsletter. Norcross residents can keep an eye out for upcoming shows in the city’s newsletter and on their utility bills.

Lionheart’s sweet tooth A dessert theatre? Indeed! Continuing a tradition stemming from their early performances at church dinners, Lionheart has always served dessert. Be treated to cake or pie, coffee and water. Donations are accepted for beer and wine. Regulars look forward to this sweet tradition and Gilmer is happy to oblige them. “The other night a man came in with his wife and asked, ‘What’s for dessert?’ The minute the lights came on for intermission he said, ‘PIE!’”

Family friendly thespians For the most part, community theatre actors are individuals coming back to it after having been involved in high school or college, after they’ve had careers, kids and retired. Or, they have day jobs, and this hobby works for them. Gilmer is adamant about directors keeping rehearsal schedules that are not too disruptive to family life for the talent — three nights a week for three months, as opposed to every night. Daily rehearsals are required only during the final two weeks with sound, lights and costumes. All volunteers are welcome on Lionheart’s stage, including those who’ve never acted before. Auditions are posted on their website: lionhearttheatre.org.

Acting classes Instructors Marla Krohn, educator, and Krista McGhee, musical theatre performer, have both volunteered in Lionheart shows. Children aged 8 to 16 can get a taste of the stage by taking Lionheart acting classes or participating in camps. There’s a holiday musical theatre camp coming up the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Parents can sign their children up on the website. The theatre’s Summer Camp in June is two to three weeks long, with a variety of classes offered throughout the day. “We encourage kids to audition. One of our summer camp participants caught the bug and wanted to do more. He’s on Broadway now, with ‘A Raisin in the Sun,’” Gilmer said.

Top left, Actors Steven Bryon, Valarie Taylor (Aunt Caroline) and Darby Boyce. Top right, Zoe Robbins (Edna) and Bob Winstead (Charles) struggle with an impossible love triangle.

Some upcoming events November 4-20: “A View from the Bridge” by Arthur Miller. The ultimate betrayal — it’s not a comedy. December 8-18: “The Lion in Winter” by James Goldman. Spend the Christmas of 1183 in a castle with a royally dysfunctional family. January 13-22, 2023: Ten-Minute Community Theatre Play Festival. OnStage Atlanta, Merely Players Presents, Live Arts Theatre and Main Street Theatre join Lionheart in showcasing all-new 10-minute comedic plays written by local playwrights. March 3-19, 2023: “Deli” by local playwright Diane Dexter. A world premiere, it’s never been staged before. Chains are killing a family-owned business. Is it time to hold on to the past, adapt to the present or bag it?

What the Dickens? The next opportunity to see Lionheart Theatre actors meandering around the streets of Norcross will be in December. They’ll be dressed in Dickensian costumes, Christmas caroling around town, while city retailers host their holiday open house. Don’t miss the magic! ■

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High School Actors Learn About Life on the Stage Words by Glenn Boylan Photography courtesy of the Duluth High School Thespian Troupe

uluth High School Thespian Troupe #5160 has been selected as a Gold Level Honor Troupe by Georgia Thespians. This award recognizes “those troupes that do tremendous work in their school and community and achieve a high level of excellence, both on and off stage.” This was the fifth year the Duluth Troupe has been honored by Georgia Thespians, and four of those awards were Gold Level.

The fall has been a busy time for Theatre Director Brandy Carter and her students. In addition to putting together the Honor Troupe application, they’ve been rehearsing “Our Place,” which is their entry for the upcoming Georgia High School Association One Act Play competition. I had the opportunity to discuss the program with Ms. Carter and four of the Thespian Troupe student officers: Ashwath Tirunellayi, President and the director of Our Place; Sierra McCorkle, Secretary and technical director for the play; Shelby Kemp, Community Chair who plays the role of Anne in Our Place; and Alexis Field, the Troupe’s Historian.

Above, left to right, Brandy Carter, Duluth High School Theatre Director, and Dana Weed, a guest adjudicator, provide feedback to the cast during rehearsal Ashwath Tirunellayi, Duluth Thespian Troupe President and Director of Our Place, addresses the cast at rehearsal The cast of Our Place during rehearsal JJ Williams and Taylor Satterwhite in the poignant second scene in Our Place

Community service and support The Duluth Troupe has a strong resume for the community service criteria for the award. It’s something they’ve been doing for years, long before they ever applied for Honor Troupe status. “One of our former students has a brother with mental disabilities and she pioneered the program,” Ms. Carter told me. The tradition of community outreach has continued every year since. The DHS Thespians volunteer to work with adults with mental disabilities. “A few days per month, we play theater games with the villagers who live there,” Shelby said. “We’re a bridge back to the theater for them.” In addition, this year the Duluth team will be partnering with families with autism, offering them free tickets to shows, the Girl Scouts and the high school’s Care Team to wrap and deliver Christmas presents to families in the Duluth cluster.

The troupe’s winter play this year is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and students dressed as the play’s costumed characters will be delivering the presents. Another part of the award evaluation is to be supportive of other theater groups in the state. “We want to support the state more,” Sierra said. Shelby added, “It can be a competitive environment, but we can also really be supportive of each other.”

As the Troupe’s Historian, Alexis was very involved in putting the portfolio together. “It was pretty difficult,” she said. “It’s very involved. None of us had ever been officers before so we kind of went into it blindly. Ms. Carter helped out a lot and, in the end, we got it all together.” When I asked if they were already preparing for next year’s application, Alexis immediately replied, “Absolutely! We’re already collecting photos that need to go into the application.”

The play’s the thing Of course, what thespians really want to do is act. Duluth’s Troupe provides ample opportunities to do that. They performed “Our Place” in the high school’s auditorium earlier in October in preparation for the upcoming competition later in the month. Due to the date of the competition, putting “Our Place” together was different than how things are normally done. Ms. Carter made a point of saying that her students did the vast majority of the work for the show.

Most of Duluth’s school plays are in-class productions. The class is usually pretty large — about 50 people — and eventually the complete cast and crew for a production end up being about 70 people. ““Our Place” was a much smaller cast,” Ashwath said. “About 15 actors and 35 people all together. It was an intimate environment. We got to know people much better than we do in usual shows, but it made it more difficult. Sometimes you get to know people so well that friction happens.”

Putting the application together is never an easy process. It’s a compilation of all the work the troupe did in the previous school year.

Everyone plays a part The students gave me some insight about what their responsibilities were for the show. “As the Director,” Ashwath said, “my main job is to create the overall vision of the show. What is the message we want to send? How do we take what the playwright has given us and make it our own?” His job also included planning out the blocking for the show — the movement of the actors on stage — and helping the actors with characterization. For that Ashwath used theater games and exercises to get the actors in the mindset of what it’s like to be a different person on stage. Sierra’s job as Technical Director is closely related. “I take his vision and use the lighting and the sound and the costume and the props to tell it. I’ve worked with Ashwath since 6th grade, so I can understand what he’s saying.” For this show, she paid special attention to the music that was played between scene changes. “Those 10 to 15 seconds really set the mood,” Sierra said.

Shelby explained that her job as an actor starts even before the audition. “One of the first things you’re supposed to do is read the script multiple times,” she said. “Know the characters. “Once you get your part, you do a cast readthrough and get the feel of the show. It’s on you from that point to make sure your lines are memorized and that you are building your character actively,” Shelby added. “We are constantly changing our characters and working to make sure we have the energy we need in our scene, using our own personal relationships to build our character.”

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Life lessons from the stage But the best aspect of Carter’s theater program is that what her students are learning will be applicable to almost all aspects of their lives after high school. “I have to be able to give them opportunities,” she said. “Opportunities to show their leadership skills. And I treat it professionally because I want them to treat everything professionally.” Part of her professionalism is to be very honest with her students. “I teach them to know themselves,” Carter said. “Stanislavski said the first rule of acting is to know thyself. We spend a lot of time talking about that. How you see yourself may not be the same as someone else sees you.” Carter also strives to see where her students’ skills are. She puts them in positions to take advantage of their strengths, but also helps them find ways — and reasons — to improve their weaknesses. “What I have found over the years is that some students are not confident in math, but they really like building things. I get them on set crews, and they start reading tape measures. They realize they need to figure out an angle to make a cut on the miter saw. They’re doing math! “There are students who say they have problems with reading comprehension and yet they sit down with a script, and they analyze the character and the scene,” Carter continued. “It’s a lot of fun giving them a hands-on experience with math, or language arts or history.” Her current officers can already see the benefits.

Top row from left, Witt Glaser, Asha Bowen, Shelby Kemp, and Joel De Lima deal with dates gone wrong in the first scene of Our Place Meredith Lampert and JJ Williams settle their relationship status during the fourth scene of Our Place Left, Maddie Bernardo, Emily Spring, Haley Binford, and Joel DeLima portray a family in the third scene of Our Place Bottom left, Piper Lawson and Witt Glaser in the touching fifth scene in Our Place

Ashwath wants to go into medicine. “For me,” he said, “theater, especially acting, taught me a lot about empathy — kind of that bedside manner. What does it mean to really feel what someone else is feeling?” Sierra says she’s learning real life skills. “I’m in the shop painting a wall, and then hanging something on a set and then trying to figure out if the Aux cord is working on the sound board. I get to deal with so many different kinds of people, it’s incredible. Somehow, I have to get along with all of them. I love it.” Shelby sees a more direct relationship to her future. “I want to go into the world of theater when I graduate. It’s something I’ve been dreaming of. This helps me prepare for that, and it really does help with life skills. “There are a lot of things I know I wouldn’t be as good at without theater. It helps me with my social skills, being able to stay focused and trying new things,” Shelby said.

Don’t miss it Carter and her troupe will be performing “Our Place” in the GHSA One Act Play competition, starting with the regionals at Lawrenceville’s Aurora Theater. Their musical adaptation of the animated classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will be performed at Duluth High School December 2nd and 3rd. ■

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