9/2: Duluth Fall Festival; Alligators here?; 12×12 Xtravaganza

HERE’S WHAT Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park looks like at night, thanks to a field trip that Roving Photographer Frank Sharp took with his Fayetteville photo club recently. With Atlanta skyscrapers and the giant Ferris wheel in the background, kids splash in the foreground. Frank shot this photograph with his new pocket Canon S100 in HDR mode.

TODAY’S FOCUS: Founder Looks Back on 34 Years of Duluth Fall Festival

EEB PERSPECTIVE: Watch Out: Live Alligators Could Be Roaming Waters in Gwinnett

ANOTHER VIEW: Kudzu Art Zone’s Sixth Annual 12×12 Xtravaganza Opens September 16

SPOTLIGHT: Gwinnett County Public Library

UPCOMING: Lawrenceville Seeks Input on Changing Name of Street toward College

NOTABLE: Gwinnett Library To Present Three Workshops for September

RECOMMENDED: Before the Fall by Noah Hawley

GEORGIA TIDBIT: Georgia Miners Head West After California Gold Discovery

TODAY’S QUOTE: One Hero At Least Admits to Some Befuddlement

MYSTERY PHOTO: One Hint: You Can Be Sure This Photo Is Not in Downtown Atlanta

LAGNIAPPE: Perform Your Own Musical Concert on Outdoor Piano in P-Corners

CALENDAR: Rescheduled Splash Park Opening in Sugar Hill Is Today (Friday)

Founder looks back on 34 years of Duluth Fall Festival

(Editor’s Note: Since its inception, Duluth’s Fall Festival has been a major project of Kathryn Willis, one of its founders. Here she remembers key events in its 34 year history. –eeb)

By Kathryn Willis  |  The year 2016 marks the 34th anniversary of the Duluth Fall Festival. It’s coming September 24-25 this year.

Let’s look back over those years. The first festival was in October of 1983, in the rain, and it produced only $300 in proceeds.  However, despite this inauspicious beginning, the decision was made to make it an annual event, and have all future proceeds go to improving Downtown Duluth.

Willis

Almost every year something distinctive and monumental has been added to the Festival.  In 1984 the first newspaper tabloid came out. In 1985 the first Festival t-shirts were provided by Tom Martin of Citizens Bank of Gwinnett.  In 1988 the Silent Auction was added, with the much needed Clean-up Committee not coming until 1990.

Until 1993 there was a traditional street dance. Now we have great, free Saturday night concerts on the Town Green.  In 1996 Taylor Park was purchased by the Festival and given to the city.  1997 was a banner year as the Festival expanded to two days, and the Sponsor Committee was added.  In 2000 a website was launched, www.duluthfallfestival.org.  The Town Green and the Festival Center were introduced at the 2001 festival, and this was our proudest moment.  The Festival plus the city working together had changed Downtown Duluth forever.

Since then, the Festival has paid for a landscaped brick courtyard, an entrance into Taylor Park that includes a permanent sponsor board, and the Eastern Continental Divide Monument.  It has also made improvements to the Festival Center, and has given $100,000 to the Red Clay Music Foundry, and much more.   The current project, along with the city, is Parsons Alley, our new beautiful plaza area outside Dreamland BBQ. This will serve as the entrance to that entire block of new restaurants.  In all, since it started, the Festival has contributed over $2.5 million to Downtown Duluth, And surely we can’t forget the many thousands of man hours!

In 2016, our committees have grown from the original four (Parade, Arts and Crafts, Food, and Entertainment) to over 50 committees.  The volunteers went from a handful to almost 400!

Our only limit is space since the number of Arts and Crafts and Food Booths cannot grow much more. They now number about 375. Our Duluth Fall Festival has consistently been chosen “Best Festival in Gwinnett” and the area, since last year it was named by the Southeast Festival Association as best in the whole Southeast.

However, all of this is only the beginning of what Duluth Fall Festival has meant to Duluth.  It is made up of a group of people whose common bond is love of Duluth.  They all agree that the money made, the areas that have been beautified, and even Taylor Park and the Duluth Festival Center themselves are just the beginning of the difference the Festival has made to Duluth.  It has given new people and natives a chance to get to know each other, to work together toward the same goal, thus becoming close friends.

In the process, they all grow to love Duluth even more, and regardless of where they were born, to look on Duluth, Georgia as their home!

• More:  Duluth Fall Festival

Watch out: Live alligators could be roaming waters in Gwinnett

Photo credit: Georgia Nature Photographers Association.

By Elliott Brack, editor and publisher  |  It was on a Wednesday about 5:30 p.m. back about 1967, when putting together the front page of the weekly Wayne County Press in Jesup. A phone call from the county health director, Dr. Dan Glover, was urgent.

“We’ve got a real problem we just realized, and we want you to put this story on the front page for tomorrow’s newspaper,” he pleaded with me. (That would consist of tearing up what we had laid out previously on the front page, just near the deadline time, not a good time for re-doing this page. I was skeptical.)

So I asked: “What’s so important to cause this?”

“We caught a rabid raccoon north of the Satilla River.”

“That’s all?” I asked.

“Well, yes,” the doctor replied, “But that’s important. You see this means that the rabies in raccoons is moving north.  People need to know that, since they or their children could come into contact with a raccoon that’s rabid, and that would be horrible for both the child, the family and the community.”

After further convincing, yep, we tore up the front page so that the community would know about this new problem immediately, instead of having to wait a week until the next edition.

Today rabid raccoons are often reported in North Georgia. Nine cases of confirmed rabies have been reported in South Hall County this year. Anyone living in an area where you see an animal acting abnormally, should contact Gwinnett County Animal Services. Animal owners are encouraged to vaccinate their domesticated pets for rabies.

So, since 1967, the rabid raccoon population has constantly moved northward to perhaps all of Georgia.

These thoughts came to mind when hearing recent reports of alligators in and around Atlanta waterways. People are being warned about the presence of the ‘gators. These animals should be avoided. Parents need to emphasize that their children know of the dangers of even smaller alligators.

While alligators in South Georgia are not uncommon, the North Georgia area is not their natural habitat.  But, we wondered, like the rabid raccoon, are alligators migrating northward more?  They have been sighted in the Chattahoochee River in Cobb County, in Cumming, and more than 10 times in South Hall and Lake Lanier, with another one this week. If they are in the river in Cobb, and in Lake Lanier, remember Gwinnett is between these two points. It’s reasonable that they could also be in the Gwinnett portion of the river. Not only that, but once here for the summer, the alligators can bury themselves in mud for the winter, much like hibernation, and could spend the year-round here.

Jenifer Hancock Wisniewski of the Department of Natural Resources tells me that while some alligators may migrate here, it’s a far more reasonable position that people have brought small alligators to our area. They keep them as a…..well, not pet, but as a freak, that they may even feed. But soon people tire of them, since alligators grow, and they may then let them free to roam.

That, of course, is being irresponsible. But we can see that happening.

If you hear of an alligator in your neighborhood, call the Gwinnett Department of Animal Welfare and Enforcement, but that’s not easy. You have to listen to a 1:15 minute array of possible places to be transferred. Then when it stops, the message says “Press 7.” Guess what happens then: “No one is available to take care of your call.”  All I wanted was to talk to a Gwinnett animal control officer!

So, best to call directly to the police, of which Animal Control is a part: 770 513-5000.

If you see an alligator, by all means, let Animal Control know!

• Have a comment?  Send to:  elliott@brack.net

Kudzu Art Zone’s 6^th  annual 12×12 Xtravaganza opens Sept. 16

By Lucy Brady |  On September 16, Kudzu Art Zone will open silent auction bidding on works of art for its sixth annual fundraiser, the 12×12 Xtravaganza.

Brady

Each year Kudzu Art Zone members create special works on canvases measuring 12 inches by 12 inches for the event. The kick-off reception will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on September 16 at the Kudzu Art Zone gallery and art center at 116 Carlyle Street in Norcross. Bidding will close on Friday, October 14 at 4 p.m. Kudzu Art Zone, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving Georgia artists and promoting the visual arts.

The sixth annual 12×12 Xtravaganza will feature over eighty unique artworks in a variety of styles and media. The opening bid price for all artwork is $50. Each year the event attracts increased patronage, with many loyal art collectors who attend the event annually. The Kudzu Art Zone gallery and art center is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The 12×12 Xtravaganza is timed to occur during the Norcross Art Splash, on October 1-2 this year. The Art Splash festival in downtown Historic Norcross features folk art, ceramics, paintings, photography, mixed media, fiber art, metalwork, and jewelry.

Cathy Crock, of Peachtree Corners, Kudzu Art Zone’s president, says: “Kudzu Art Zone’s 12×12 Xtravaganza is always an exciting event. Member artists volunteer their time and talent to create original works of art to be sold by silent auction. The opening reception of the 12×12 Xtravaganza always draws a large crowd. Members of the public can look forward to fabulous art, good food and great music on September 16.”

Anne Labaire, of Duluth, is a Kudzu Art Zone member and local artist (she designed the artwork that appears on much of the signage in Historic Norcross). Ms. Labaire has participated in the 12×12 Xtravagazna since its inception and her 12×12 artworks draw much attention from the public.

“Each year I create at least two pieces for the 12×12 Xtravaganza,” says Ms. Labaire. “One is usually a whimsical take on an animal. This year I’ve imagined a unique, somewhat abstracted fish that is queen of the koi pond. My second piece is a version of a traditional quilt pattern created with circles of double-sided mono printed watercolor paper. When the quilt painting came together I was amazed at the effect. The process was so fun and the result so rewarding. Hopefully someone will love them both!” says Ms. Labaire.

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Lawrenceville seeks input on changing name of street toward college

The City of Lawrenceville is seeking the public’s input regarding the Georgia Gwinnett College name change request of city road, “Collins Industrial Way,” to “Grizzly Crossing.”

Chuck Warbington, city manager, says:  “Members of our Georgia Gwinnett College community have requested the name change of ‘Collins Industrial Way.’ We hold the opinion of our businesses and residents in high regard and we would like to make this decision as a community.”

City leaders will invite public comments on this topic during the regular Council meeting on Wednesday, September 7 at 7p.m. Public input can also be submitted via email at info@lawrencevillega.org before the Council meeting on September 7.

Gwinnett Symphony Concert aims at tribute to victims of 9/11

The Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will present “America: A Tribute to the Patriots of 9/11” on Sunday, Sept. 11. The concert begins at 2 p.m. in the Infinite Energy Theater followed by a gala at 4 p.m. in the adjacent Lake Gallery. Part of this event will be a special performance by the Gwinnett Symphony Jazz Orchestra.

Proceeds from the program and gala will benefit three non-profit organizations: Care for Cops, Georgia Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and Operation Homefront.  The concert and gala entertainment will feature ensembles and artists including the Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra, Gwinnett Symphony Chorus, Gwinnett Symphony Wind Orchestra, and Gwinnett Symphony Jazz Orchestra.

Concert only tickets are $15 each; and concert plus gala tickets are $50 each. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit GwinnettSymphony.org.

Lawrenceville to celebrate Hooper Renwick School on Sept. 10

The City of Lawrenceville invites alumni, family, friends and community members to a celebration of the historic Hooper Renwick School on September 10 from 4 until 8 p.m. at the former Hooper Renwick School, located at 56 Neal Boulevard Lawrenceville.

The school opened in 1871 solely for African-American students and was formerly known as the Rocky Knob School. Hooper Renwick School was the only public school in Gwinnett County that African-American students could attend. With the onset of social integration, the final graduating class of the Hooper Renwick School was in 1968.  Over the next 30 years, the building served as housing for various Gwinnett County school departments.

Ms. Rubye Neal – a Hooper Renwick School alumnae – is organizing this event with support from the City of Lawrenceville. She says: “We have coordinated a program that will serve to honor the Hooper Renwick legacy,” says Neal. “Guests will have the opportunity to see the building and grounds, learn about the school’s history and then we will eat, dance, and celebrate.”

• The cost to attend the celebration is $45 per person and payment should be sent to Hooper-Renwick (1871-1968) P.O. Box 464584, Lawrenceville, Ga. 30042. Attendees should indicate their t-shirt size with payment. For more information, contact Rubye Neal, at 770-277-5123.

Restaurants readying for 1^st “Taste of Snellville” on Sept. 17

Get your taste buds ready.  Snellville eateries will feature their favorite dishes   and offer succulent food for the tasting at the city’s first “Taste of Snellville,” coming on September 17.

Come experience the diverse tastes of the city’s many cultures as area chefs prepare their favorite foods for the event which takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. on the Towne Green.

While the event is free, to taste food samples and take part in other activities, visitors must buy tickets at the information booth. When visitors purchase tickets, they can also pick up a card that will have each restaurant name on it that can be stamped once they visit each restaurant. The card also enters patrons for door prizes to be awarded at the end of the event.

Food is just part of this new event, as the Jazz Fusion Kings will take the stage from 4 to 5 p.m. and the Metro Jazz Club will perform from 5-8 p.m.

• There will be art vendors along with other vendors that will be set up. There will also be inflatables and the Trackless Train for children. For more information visit www.snellvilletourism.com

Gwinnett library to present 3 workshops for September

Three distinctive workshops are being planned by the Gwinnett County Public Library during September.

On September 20 at the Five Forks branch of the library, Butch Reiser, with over 25 years of All Pro Interviews, is offering a free interview coaching workshop. The event will be at 6 p.m. Reiser has interviewed thousands of people and watched them make major mistakes – and lose the job to someone else.

On September 22 at the Peachtree Corners branch of the library, there will be a genealogy workshop at 11 a.m. Join genealogical researcher, Selma Blackmon, as she helps you trace your roots. Learn how to get started in this hobby and explore free genealogy databases, and our premium databases, including the Library Edition of Ancestry.com.

On September 29 at 6:30 p.m. , there will be a fall gardening workshop at the Five Forks branch library. This free fall gardening workshop is taught by Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, Timothy Daly. The fall months are the best time of the year to plant trees, shrubs, and several other types of plants.  The weather is cooler which will give the plants a greater chance of surviving and thriving in the home landscape.

• For more information, call 770-978-5154 or visit www.gwinnettpl.org.

Gwinnett Tech names four new members of board of directors

The Gwinnett Technical College announces the addition of four new members of its board of directors. They include Steve Nadeau of Gwinnett Medical Center; Russell Smith of RTS Associates, LLC; Elizabeth Van Tassell, WestRock; and Kent Davies, retired vice president of World Financial Group.

Nadeau

Nadeau came to Gwinnett in 1988 as vice president, Human Resources for Gwinnett Medical Center. He has gained responsibilities as the hospital system has grown and currently serves as the senior vice president and chief human resources officer.

Smith

Smith’s telecom career began as a BellSouth co-op while attending Georgia Institute of Technology as a President’s Scholar. His industry knowledge developed through the 1990’s as Russell had a number of engineering, software development and managerial positions for several telecom companies.

Van Tassell

VanTassell  is a progressive leader and functional HR business partner with 13 years manufacturing and logistics experience. She is a designated professional in Human Resources, certified professional in the Society of Human Resources Management, strategic business partner, change agent, and employee champion.

Davies

Davies, a licensed Life, Accident & Health Agent and Securities Registered Representative, recently retired after a successful career with World Financial Group. As Vice President of World Financial Group, he worked with large financial service sales forces in both the USA & Canada.

1818 Club to open dining room at night as public restaurant

The 1818 Club, located in the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce building on Sugarloaf Parkway, announces an upcoming renovation to its main dining area. Bringing in elements of an upscale supper club, the Norsan Restaurant Group will take over the management of all food and beverage service for the facility.

Pat McDonough, Board President of the 1818 Club, states that working closely with the Board of Directors for the 1818 Club, Norsan’s culinary team will also cater breakfast and lunch with an expanded menu featuring classic dishes and new flavors.

The 1818 Club, founded in 1999, named for the year that Gwinnett County received its charter, will retain its private membership status. Only members will have access to the club for personal dining, while hosting events for the community. After 5 p.m. the main dining room will begin opening to the public under the name “Frankie’s – The Steakhouse.” Frankie’s will offer dining service seven nights a week.

Leadership Gwinnett names Pourchier, Park to board

Pouchier

Park

Leadership Gwinnett announces the addition of two new board members. They are Andrew Pourchier, partner at Rhodes, Young, Black & Duncan, a Gwinnett tax planning, business accounting and audit firm,  and Michael Park, Principal Consultant for Group IBI, an international team of business advisors that specializes in helping foreign businesses penetrate Asian markets. Andrew and Michael join the current Leadership Gwinnett Foundation Board of Directors, T. Michael Tennant, Chairman, Renee Byrd-Lewis, Tammy Shumate, Carole Boyce, Demetrius Jordan, Dan King, J. Michael Levengood, Shenila Hill-Rodriguez and June S. Sweat

Before the Fall

A novel by Noah Hawley

“This is a stunning book. A man, an artist, develops a casual, but innocent, relationship with a married woman while living on Martha’s Vineyard. The woman is married to a very wealthy man, and offers the artist a ride on their private plane back to New York so that he can meet some business appointments. Eighteen minutes into the flight the plane crashes in the ocean. Everyone dies except the artist and the wealthy couple’s four year-old son. Before the Fall is far more than a really good story. The author peels back the fact that what we often call destiny or fate is simply coincidence and the confluence of circumstances. Chance is often just chance. The artist repeatedly asks himself why he survived and the others died. Hawley deals with many complex and often unanswerable questions with great skill.”

— Reviewed by From Tim Anderson, Fitzgerald

An invitation: what books, restaurants, movies or web sites have you enjoyed recently? Send us your recent selection, along with a short paragraph (100 words) as to why you liked this, plus what you plan to visit or read next. –eeb

Georgia miners head west after California gold discovery

(Continued from previous edition)

From the beginning of the gold rush, trade in the gold region suffered from a limited circulation of currency. Merchants insisted on immediate payment in cash or gold, and it was the merchants who determined the gold’s worth. What the miners needed was a local mint where they could have their gold assayed and exchanged for gold coins. Congress soon authorized the establishment of a federal Branch Mint at Dahlonega, and in 1838 the new mint went into operation. It coined more than $100,000 worth of gold in its first year, and by the time it closed in 1861, it had produced almost 1.5 million gold coins with a face value of more than $6 million.

Just as the mint began production and the last of the Cherokees were removed, the reason for both began to disappear: the gold was playing out. By the early 1840s it was becoming difficult for miners to make a living washing the placer deposits, and hard-rock gold veins were becoming harder to mine. The heyday of the gold rush was over. In 1849 word of the great California gold strikes reached the miners of Georgia, and they began preparing to go west.

Dr. Matthew Stephenson, assayer at the Dahlonega Mint, called for a meeting at the town square to discuss the move. Mounting the courthouse steps to address a crowd of about 200 miners, Stephenson chastised them for allowing their heads to be turned by fantasies of gold in California. Waving his hand toward Findley Ridge, just south of Dahlonega, Stephenson shouted, “Why go to California? In that ridge lies more gold than man ever dreamt of. There’s millions in it.” Despite Stephenson’s admonitions, the miners left for California in droves.

There was sporadic interest in mining Georgia gold on a commercial scale throughout the 20th century, and the spirit of gold fever is still strong in the region. Expressions of that spirit are visible all across north Georgia: the old Lumpkin County Courthouse, built in 1836, today houses the Dahlonega Gold Museum; 13 ounces of gold covers the steeple of North Georgia College’s Price Memorial Hall; 43 ounces of gold covers the dome of Georgia’s state capitol. And that spirit is recaptured every October during the Gold Rush Days Festival, when would-be prospectors reliving the old gold-mining days pour into Dahlonega.

• To view the Georgia Encyclopedia online, go to http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org

One hint:  You can be sure this isn’t in downtown Atlanta

 For sure, this photograph isn’t in downtown Atlanta, since Atlanta doesn’t have a big fleet of street cars any more. Can you figure out where this photograph was taken. If so, send in your thoughts to elliott@brack.net and be sure to include your hometown.

The reliable George Graf of Palmyra, Va., quickly identified the most recent Mystery, as that of Province House, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Yep, it’s one of my favorite places, and I took this photograph while on this great island last year.

George tells us: Charlottetown is named for Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744–1818) the wife of King George III.  Queen Charlotte was a patroness of the arts and an amateur botanist, who helped expand Kew Gardens. George III and Charlotte had 15 children.  She was Queen of Great Britain and Ireland from her marriage in 1761 until the union of the two kingdoms in 1801, after which she was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland until her death in 1818.  Both Charlottesville Va. (my residence for many years) and Charlotte N.C.  (Mecklenburg County) were also named in her honor.”

Bob Foreman of Grayson also identified the photo, as did Ruthie Lachman Paul of Norcross. She adds: “The master builder and informal Architect was Isaac Smith who applied the principle of neoclassical style that was firmly in British Georgian Architecture with symmetrical facades, each with its own four columned portico. The work was completed by 1847.”

One entrant was certain the photo was Macon, Ga. city hall. While this handsome building resembles the Charlottetown structure, the Macon setting is much more open and majestic than the Charlottetown Province House, which is crowded on a square in the city.

Perform your own musical concert on outdoor piano in P-Corners

Come play an uniquely hand-painted outdoor piano, now in position outside the main entrance to Belk at the Forum on Peachtree Parkway. It will be at this location through September 18. Atlanta-based Pianos for Peace, which is a nonprofit that provides arts to underserved communities in Atlanta, is placing almost 30 innovatively decorated pianos all over metro Atlanta for people to engage, play, hold pop-up concerts and more over the next two weeks. Each piano has been designed and hand-painted by several local and international artists. After the pianos are on display for two weeks, they will be donated to area schools, nursing homes, community centers and other organizations to help further arts education and to help patients in their healing process.

(NEW) Re-scheduled Splash Park opening in Sugar Hill: This is now rescheduled for today (Friday) September 2 at 6 p.m. behind the city hall. The celebration will include food trucks, music and of course, lots of water.

(NEW) Ribbon Cutting at new J.B. Williams Park in Mountain Park, Tuesday, September 6 at 3:45 p.m. This is in partnership with Mountain Park Athletic Association for a new 25-acre park including the development of a lighted baseball/softball field with central plaza and restroom and concession building, picnic pavilion, playground area, a dog park area, skate complex, and .75-mile paved, multi-purpose trail.

(NEW) Grief counselor Alan Wolfelt will speak at the Gwinnett Medical Center Resource Center, 664 Duluth Highway in Lawrenceville, on September 8 at 7 p.m. The event is also co-sponsored by Wages and Sons Funeral Homes and Crematories and Gwinnett Medical Center. During the event, Wolfelt will help guests explore questions relevant to grief and mourning. To register to attend the program, go towagesandsons.com/event. (RSVPs are highly encouraged.)

National Park Paintings by Artist Lucy Brady are the subject of an exhibit in September. It is entitled “One Hundred Years of Wonder,” and features art produced by Brady over several years. A reception is scheduled September 8 beginning at 6 p.m.

(NEW) Craft Market at Hudgens Center for the Arts in Duluth on Saturday, September 10, between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Throughout the day, experience great food and a variety of crafts, including free make n’ take projects. The market offers the opportunity for makers to be able to sell their goods and for buyers to purchase unique goods directly from their creators. The event is partnering with the Indie Craft Experience to host Made: Handcrafted Market, which is on view through September 24.

(NEW) Meet master violin makers from Cremona, Italy Giorgio Grisales and Stefano Trabucchi at the North Gwinnett Art Gallery in Suwanee on Saturday and Sunday, September 10-11 at 4 p.m. Professional musicians from the Atlanta Symphony will compare the differences in sound from one instrument to another. There is no entry fee, but seats are limited. For more information, click here.

(NEW) 5K and Fun Run is set for September 10, hosted by the Snellville Police Explorers Post 805. This “Super Mario Kart” registration will start at 6 a.m. at the Snellville First Baptist Church. For more information, visit www.post805.org.

(NEW) Made: Handcrafted Market will be on Saturday, September 10 at the Hudgens Center for the Arts in Duluth from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Over 75 vendors and food trucks will participate. For more information, visit www.ice-atlanta.com.

16^th Annual British Car Fayre will be on Saturday, September 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Norcross. No cost to attend. Over 400 British automobiles and motorcycles will be on display.  Free parking and a shuttle service will be provided. More info:www.atlantabritishcarfayre.com.

Remembrance Ceremony at the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial, Sunday, September 11, at 8:30 a.m. at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. This is a remembrance of the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 bombing. The ceremony will be put on by the Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The speaker will be 1st Lieutenant James M. Boatfield (U.S. Army Reserves). The Gwinnett Fire Department Bagpipers will provide the music.

Restoring Hope Partner’s meeting and breakfast, Thursday, September 15 at 7:30 a.m. at the Norcross First United Methodist Church, 2500 Beaver Ruin Road. Restoring Hope is the campaign to engage, encourage and empower the Norcross Community Ministry. Those wanting to attend should RSVP by August 22 to kyra@norcrossco-op.org or call 770 263-0013.

(NEW) Gateway International Food and Music Festival will be on September 17 from 4-8 p.m. at Lillian Webb Park in Norcross. Held in conjunction with Welcoming America’s Welcoming Week, this event will showcase the region’s best multicultural talent and highlight the rich cultural contributions of Gwinnett’s diverse communities. For more information, visit aplacetoimagine.com.

 30^th Annual Japan Fest will take place September 17-18 at the Infinite Energy Center , 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. JapanFest Weekend will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Saturday) and10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 404-842-0736 or visit japanfest.org.

Open House at Byrd and Flanigan Funeral Service in Lawrenceville on Sunday, September 18, from 1 until 5 p.m. The new funeral home is located at 288 Hurricane Shoals Road Northeast.

Library Temporarily Closing: Gwinnett County Public Library’s Suwanee Branch will be closed on Thursday, September 22 for the removal of the help desk. The branch will resume normal business hours on Friday, September 23. Book drops will remain open.

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