5/18: Firm helps bakery; Our endorsements (again); Bagheri retires

GwinnettForum  |  Number 18.14 |  May 18, 2018

GOAT YOGA: After the successful introduction of Goat Yoga in the Suwanee Park on April 29 Suwanee is hosting a final, follow-up session this Sunday, May 20. At 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. there is Family Goat Yoga, then a 6 p.m. session for 21 and over. Proceeds from goat yoga go to support Suwanee’s public art program.

TODAY’S FOCUS: Local Firm Finds Ways To Assist Special Kneads and Treats Bakery

EEB PERSPECTIVE: Here Are Our Endorsements (Again) for the Tuesday Primary

ANOTHER VIEW: Carolyn Bagheri Retiring After 30 Years with the Gwinnett Citizen

SPOTLIGHT: Heaven & Associates, P.C.

FEEDBACK: Three Comments on Recent Thoughts about Korea

McLEMORE’S WORLD: Slipping?

UPCOMING: Pennsylvania Flooring Company Expands Footprint to Include Gwinnett

NOTABLE: Animal Shelter Offers Free Adoptions This Month To Veterans, Others

RECOMMENDED: The Miss Julia series by Ann B. Ross

GEORGIA TIDBIT: Georgia Roadsides Change To See More Modern Structures

MYSTERY PHOTO: Clues Jump Out at You in Today’s Mystery Photo

LAGNIAPPE: Progress at Hartsfield Jackson Airport as North Terminal Canopy Rises

CALENDAR: Two Memorial Day Ceremonies in the Offering

Local firm finds ways to assist Special Kneads and Treats bakery

Michael Kohler, Matthew Holtkamp and Tempa Kohler

By Gordon McMahan

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga.  |  In early 2017, local business owners Suzanne and Matthew Holtkamp of Holtkamp Heating and Air became aware of Special Kneads and Treats, a local bakery near downtown Lawrenceville that gives meaningful employment to adults with special needs.  Michael and Tempa Kohler are the bakery owners.

Since learning of this phenomenal non-profit retail bakery that also gives free birthday cakes to foster kids, senior citizens and others throughout our community, the Holtkamps have been dedicated to raising awareness about this important business in the community.  They came up with several creative ways to drive foot traffic into the store.

First, they mailed $10 vouchers to all of their Comfort Club HVAC maintenance members for free baked goods. Then they added a $10 voucher to their playbill advertisement at Aurora Theatre, giving each patron the opportunity to enjoy the bakery’s tasty treats at no cost. They also purchased hundreds of cupcakes for sponsor night previews of shows, helping sponsors and their guests gain exposure to Special Kneads.

This year they added a $10 voucher to the free gallery admission ticket they sponsor at the Hudgens Center for Art and Learning. Plus they made a heartwarming video and shared it on social media where it got 50k+ views.

The Holtkamp family’s theme with local non-profits like Special Kneads is “Connecting our Community.” They bring their HVAC customers and patrons of other community partners together to support each other, and urge other local businesses to do the same.

Special Kneads currently employees 16 adults with special needs, but they have a whopping waiting list of over 150 who would appreciate meaningful employment. Every dollar through the door will give another deserving special needs adult a chance to earn what may be the first paycheck in their life.

If you’re a local business, the Holtkamps ask you to consider how you might be able to support the bakery.

• Do you have customer events or meetings that could use a dozen (or more) cupcakes?
• Would cupcakes, cakes, cookies, etc. make a great client “thank you” gift?
• Could you send vouchers to your customers?
• Could you make a donation to this non-profit or do a company fundraiser?
• Could you reward your employees with vouchers?

Matthew Holtkamp says: “However you can help, we appreciate you embracing this remarkable local business in Gwinnett. Every little bit helps to bring employment to these wonderful adults with special needs who desire to work and deserve a chance to contribute to the community in a safe, loving and Godly place.”

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

Here are our endorsements (again) for the Tuesday primary

By Elliott Brack
Editor and publisher, GwinnettForum

MAY 18, 2018  |  Earlier this month, we presented our recommendations for the May 22 primary. With the election within the next week, we reprint these recommendations for our readers.

Federal candidates

For Congress, 4^th District: no recommendations.

For Congress, 7^th District:

Republicans: We endorse the challenger, Shane Hazel, a Cumming businessman.

Democrats: Steve Reilly, an attorney in Lawrenceville, gets our endorsement among the six all well-qualified candidates.

For Congress, 10^th District:

Republicans: Watkinsville businessman Joe Hunt is our choice to replace the ineffective Jody Hice. Mr. Hunt has a well thought-out approach to government which his fellow Republicans can appreciate.

Democrats: Chalis Montgomery of Bethlehem has the passion to do a good job in Washington, and is our choice for this office.

Statewide candidates

For Lieutenant Governor:

Republicans: Gwinnett’s own David Shafer gets our endorsement for this No. 2 post in Georgia. Now after serving 16 years in the Senate, hopefully next term as presiding officer of the Senate, he has the background to step into the job, and make major changes in insuring the Senate is not only more effective, but fairer to all Senators.

Democrats: No endorsement. Triana Arnold James offers for this position. She has owned an accounting and auditing firm, after 20 years in the U.S. Army in legal support.

For Secretary of State:

Republicans: In a field of four strong candidates, our own Buzz Brockway is our choice for this office. Mr. Brockway has served admirably since 2011 as a state representative, looking out for his district, and we handily endorse him.

Democrats: Former Congressman John Barrow of Athens brings years of insight to this race and is our choice for this important office. He knows government well, having also been for 14 years a Clarke County commissioner. Mr. Barrow we feel will to bring more efficiency to this area of government.

For Insurance Commissioner:

Republicans: The president of the Georgia Underwriters Association, Jim Beck of Carrollton, is our choice as the GOP nominee. He sees this office as “in a mess” and that it is being operated he feels in violation of state law. He says he will work with zest in making this office more responsible to the people.

Democrats: Cindy Zedlin of Atlanta sees this office at a crossroads, and particularly sees citizens not being treated fairly in the office. A long advocate of people being more informed about insurance, she has the skills needed to make this office more responsible to its people.

For Superintendent of Schools:

Republicans: We endorse the current office holder, Richard Woods, of Tifton, for this position.

Democrats: There is one man in this race who shows great understanding of the field. He is Otha E. Thornton Jr. of Richmond Hill. He is retired as an Army lieutenant colonel and is making his first political race. He is a former president of the national Parent Teachers Association. He speaks with a great insight of how public schools should work, and gets our endorsement.

For Public Service Commission, District 3:

Democrats: A person already involved in energy efficiency, John Noel of Atlanta, is our choice of the three candidates in this race. He has previously served one term in the legislature. He wants to bring accountability to the PSC, feeling right now it is only accountable to the entities it regulates. He also criticizes the PSC for not listening to its own staff when making decisions. He should bring both intelligence, insight and energy to this position, and gets our endorsement.

For Public Service Commission, District 5:

Republicans: The recently Nathan Deal appointee, Tricia Pridemore, is our choice in this race. She looks on this position as being crucial in Georgia’s future economic development, as energy is such an important element in determining which firms and how many companies will come to our state.

Democrats: Two people seek this post, and our choice is Dawn Randolph of Stockbridge. She runs to “put the public back on the PSC.” She feels utility bills are too high, and is particularly critical of recent Plant Vogtle decisions of the PSC.

For Labor Commissioner:  No endorsements in the primary.

Georgia legislative candidates

FOR STATE SENATE

Senate District 5:

Democrats:This race will be decided in the primary, since there is no Republican candidate for this position. Incumbent Curt Thompson has served many years in this office, but our choice is Sheikh Rahman, a Muslim small businessman from Lawrenceville.  He says the district is one of the lowest performing in the county, and wants to see more participation by the people of the district, and wants to serve the area more efficiently.

Senate District 40:

Democrats: A former six year state representative who left to raise children, Sally Harrell of near Tucker brings a good understanding of how politics works, and looks forward to being in the legislature again. She is passionate about improving both education and health care and will be a strong advocate for these issues in the Senate.

Senate District 41:

Democrats: A long-term serving Senator, and current Democratic leader in the Senate, Steve Henson gets our endorsement. He’s done a good job. Keep him in office.

FOR HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House District 81: 

Democrats: We endorse incumbent attorney Scott Holcomb for this office, a veteran of eight years in the House.  His past sterling record shows he has earned another term in this slot. A clear-thinker, he brings experience and careful thinking to this office.

House District 94:

Democrats: Lithonia’s Dean Heard making a political race for the first time, is our pick to be in this post. He will champion small businesses in the office. He is disappointed with what he sees in the incumbent in this office, and promises change to benefit the people.

House District 97: There are eight candidates to replace Rep. Brooks Coleman for this position, and all we have talked to are well qualified to serve.

Republicans: We choose to go with Scott LeCraw of Suwanee for this position. A real estate broker for years in Gwinnett, he knows the county well, and can easily reflect the views of his constituents in the House.  He promises to maintain the right climate to get the job done with particular attention to education and small businesses.

Democrats: Two people seek this position. We endorse Aisha Yaqoob, though the youngest candidate in the race, she is someone who knows her way around the Capitol as a lobbyist for advancing Asian-American concerns. A Muslim, born in this country and a University of Georgia graduate, she will bring intelligence and a different  background to the Legislature.

House District 99: no endorsement.

House District 102:

Republicans: A longtime Gwinnett Planning and Zoning Board member, Paula Hastings of Lawrenceville, will show a new approach in the Legislature. She has as a tag line: “I’m just a mother and want to make a difference.”  Her experience in local government will serve her well in the Georgia House.

Democrats: no endorsement.

House District 105:

Republicans: no endorsement.

House District 107:

Democrats: A native of New Orleans, Shelly Hutchinson now lives in Snellville, and operates social empowerment center. Feeling underrepresented by the current office holder, she got in the race, and hopes to move the issue on Medicaid expansion in Georgia. She looks to work with the current county commission and school board in moving their agenda forward in the legislature.

Local Gwinnett County races

County Commission, District 2:

Democrats: Two minority candidates are running for this post. Our choice is Ben Ku of near Lucky Shoals Park, a native American, and a Georgia Tech graduate. He owns a consulting and software company. He feels the southern part has been neglected and that the current board does not reflect the diversity of Gwinnett.

County Commission, District 4: A retiree from Aetna, Marlene Fosque of Lawrenceville, is our choice for this nomination. She now consults with two non-profits. After living here since 2002, she feels that she is well prepared to make this race now, having previously worked locally in the Obama campaign.

Board of Education, District 2:

Republicans: Our choice in this race is Steve Knudsen of Sugar Hill, an officer of a firm that plans family retreats. Recognizing that Gwinnett educates one in 10 Georgia students, he feels as Gwinnett goes, so will Georgia in education. He appreciates the Gwinnett school system, deliberately deciding to remain in Gwinnett so that his four children could be educated here. He has good insights, and should serve us well.

Democrats: Once Donald May, retired as a risk finance vice president of the Trust Company, he found he was going to Kroger just to see people. That led him to a new job in retirement as an auditor at the Southern Company today. Now living in Suwanee, he is our choice, with his extensive background, for this position. He feels Gwinnett has a good school system, but could stand some tweaking, particularly on graduation rates. He wants to start with a more intensive reading program when entering the system.

Board of Education, District 4:

Republicans: A Lilburn resident, Chuck Studebaker, wins our endorsement in this race. He always wanted to serve, remembering that both his grandfather and mother had served in Ohio as elected officials when he was growing up. Employed as a management consultant in the auto industry, he recognizes the challenges the Gwinnett board has in the coming years. He also recognizes that teachers do not make enough money, and hopes to improve on that.

Democrats: Our choice is Everton “EJ” Blair Jr., a native of Atlanta, who is a graduate of Shiloh High,  Harvard and holds a master’s from Stanford in policy organization and leadership. A former math teacher in Atlanta, he is now an educational consultant for a national program. Blair is 25, and wants to represent the voices of students on the board., though not overlooking any demographic. He also wants to see that all teachers have the management pieces to do a good job.

Non-partisan judicial candidates

For Judge, Court of Appeals: no endorsement.

For Superior Court (Davis seat): There are five attorneys seeking this position. Our choice is Tracey Mason, a mediator from Grayson who comes from a family long associated with leadership of the county. (Her father was a state representative.) She especially sees the job as looking after the interest of children in custody cases, while recognizing this is only one part of the job. This comes from her work in family law and in mediation. She has the experience and background to be a fine judge, and we endorse her candidacy.

For Superior Court (Turner seat): Our choice for this judgeship is Wayne Person, a Loganville resident whose specialty is criminal law. He will bring a different background as a minority to the Gwinnett bench. He has an extensive background that speaks well to his candidacy. He suggests the addition of a Behavior Court, to help people convicted of smaller crimes to become more productive citizens.

For State Court: (Iannazzone seat): Two well-qualified people seek this seat. Our choice is Ronda Colvin Leary of Snellville, who practices both criminal and civil law, and is a former prosecutor.  She has been active in many areas of the county, and has a perspective that will serve her well on the bench. She feels judges should be aware of what is going on in the community and be more adept in addressing sentencing of criminals.

From those nominated in the primary, we will select those to endorse in the General Election in the fall. 

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

Bagheri retiring after 30 years with the Gwinnett Citizen

By Auveed Cawthon

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga.  |  Carolyn Bagheri has been a media icon in the Gwinnett community for three decades. In 1988, with her daughter (that’s me) she founded The Snellville Citizen. She enthusiastically invited me to slide in alongside her serving as co-publisher and co-editor to embrace the entrepreneurial venture.

Bagheri

The monthly newspaper launched with a distribution of just 5,000 covering the South Gwinnett area. Today, we distribute more than 60,000 copies countywide as the Gwinnett Citizen, which offers an online platform.

Bagheri has been an innovative force through the years helping the publication move from the cut-and-paste stage to the electronic age. Bagheri shares: “It’s been amazing to watch this industry grow and change through the years. I remember when we bought our first computers in the mid 1990s. We’ve gone from ledgers to an online accounting system, from home delivery to direct mail – from tear sheets to new aggregators, from online news to tweets. It’s a whole different world from whence we started, the way of doing business has changed.”

Even with the modernization of the trade, Bagheri has always stayed true to the core mission – to share community news of Gwinnett. The Citizen has always worked to be a community newspaper in every sense of the word. I can tell you:  “Mom has always had a gift of being able to capture the stories behind the stories. She sought out real stories about real people that were making a real difference in our community.” Bagheri was known to be masterful at penning articles about unsung heroes that were otherwise overlooked by mainstream media and connecting people.

As the Gwinnett Citizen makes plans for its 30^th anniversary this fall, Bagheri felt the time had come for her to retire and make way for the next generation. She says, “It’s been a great journey, and I’m looking forward to having more time to enjoy other passions. My husband retired 18 years ago and has patiently waited for me to join him. We’re looking forward to traveling more, writing some new stories of our own, and devoting more time to another passion of mine, genealogy.”

As for me (Auveed), I have been blessed to work so closely with my Mom for all of these years. Her shoes are going to be big shoes to fill, but she deserves this and I am happy for her. We would not be where we are today without her dedication, insight, leadership, and passion. Though she won’t be coming into the office every day, her spirit will be embedded on every page. I have no doubt she will continue to push us to new heights and cheer us on every step of the way.

The Gwinnett Citizen is looking forward to officially commemorating Carolyn’s retirement later in the year as part of its 30^th anniversary celebration.

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

Heaven & Associates, P.C.

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Three comments on recent thoughts about Korea

Editor, the Forum:

Regarding your commentary on the upcoming negotiations with North Korea’s leader:  It is the very essence of “the art of the deal” that both sides will be celebrating that they got what they wanted. Trump can get a “win” while North Korea and the rest of the world benefits with prosperity and peace, respectively. However, with North Korea threatening to cancel the talks, it may be too soon to be declaring winners.

— Monte Nichols, Peachtree Corners

Editor, the Forum:

The whole missile  mess was a precursor to President  Trump “saving the world.”  No one would have pushed the button.  It’s all about saving North Korea from becoming another Cuba.

— A. Mark Smith Sr., Eatonton

Editor, the Forum:

Well done piece on Korea! North Korea has been playing us like a violin for decades. I suspect they will take our aid, dismantle, zip and then restart their nuke program when it suits them (i.e. when they can get more money from us).

— Jack Bernard, Peachtree City

Send us your thoughts:  We encourage you to send us your letters and thoughts on issues raised in GwinnettForum.  Please limit comments to 300 words.  We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length.  Send feedback and letters to: elliott@brack.net

Slipping?

• For more of Bill McLemore’s cartoons, see his page on Facebook.
• Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net

Pennsylvania flooring company expands footprint to include Gwinnett

The Gwinnett Office of Economic Development and Gwinnett officials celebrated the opening of Stanley Stephens Co. with a ribbon cutting last week. The commercial flooring distributor opened a new distribution location at 1770 Corporate Drive in Norcross, off Shackelford Road.

Stanley Stevens is new to Gwinnett, but the family-owned business has been in operation for more than 40 years, with eight distribution centers along the eastern seaboard.

Patrick Whaley, regional sales manager for Stanley Stephens Company, says: “We chose Gwinnett County because it’s central to the bulk of our customers. While we’ve been in the metro Atlanta area for four years, we are expanding our operations in Gwinnett because of its prime location, which gives our company an opportunity to grow and expand in this area.”  The company is headquartered in Bristol, Pa.

Animal shelter offers free adoptions this month to veterans, others

As part of the Gwinnett’s animal shelter’s Make May Magnificent Month, Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement is offering free vaccinated and spayed or neutered dogs or cats to veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders and nurses and doctors. The general public pays only $20 fee. With proper ID, veterans and others can take home a new loved one at no charge.

Dogs and cats up for adoption at the shelter have been examined by Animal Welfare staff veterinarians and have been vaccinated, and neutered or spayed, so they are ready to go home on the day of adoption.  Shelter fees are typically $90 for a dog. Cat adoptions are $30.

Please keep in mind that adopting an animal is a decision that should include responsible planning for space, permission if renting and follow-up veterinarian care from a local clinic. Animals are forever family members that require love, attention, exercise and stimulation and can live 10 years or longer depending on age and breed. Please consider this upon planning to adopt.

The shelter is open for adoptions Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Home of Hope at children’s shelter is recipient of Sonesta gift

Sonesta Gwinnett Place Atlanta has presented Home of Hope with a $5,000 donation on behalf of Sonesta International Hotels Corporation Leadership Conference.

Home of Hope at the Gwinnet Children’s Shelter is a nonprofit organization and a residential care facility that provides services for homeless children from the ages of 0-17, along with their young mothers. The organization’s goal is not simply to be a place of refuge, but to be the next step towards independence – taking guests from homeless, to hopeful, to a home of their own.

Brett DeLoach, general manager of Sonesta Gwinnett Place Atlanta, says;  “We are humbled to be able to give back to Home of Hope, especially as the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter celebrates 30 years of being a vital support system for children here in our community. Each year we become more and more involved with local charities and events, and we are looking forward to making an even bigger footprint this year.”

The Miss Julia series by Ann B. Ross

Reviewed by Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill |  With summer just around the bend, many of you may be looking for a beach read to while away those long, warm evenings. If you prefer something light and not very taxing, I recommend the ‘Miss Julia’ series by Ann B. Ross. This series of 19 little novels feature a feisty, Southern, retirement-aged woman called (Miss Julia) who finds herself in all kinds of predicaments. The series begins with Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind. In this book, Miss Julia’s husband has just died and she learns that he had, not only a mistress, but also an illegitimate son who turns up on her doorstep. After that, it’s one crazy thing after another. The books are easy, entertaining and filled with humor, sarcasm and good ol’ Southern charm. Plus they are well written. (The author has a PhD from the University of North Carolina.) Try the audio versions. They’re my favorite.

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.  Send to:  elliott@brack.net

Georgia roadsides change to see more modern structures

(Continued from previous edition)

Truett Cathy began the now famous red-and-white Chick-fil-A restaurants in 1946 with the Dwarf Grill in Hapeville; in 1967 he opened the first Chick-fil-A in the Greenbriar Shopping Center in Atlanta.

Old gas station.

In 1955 Joe Rogers and Tom Forkner opened the first Waffle House restaurant in Avondale Estates. Considered a southern institution by many, more than 1,800 freestanding yellow-and-black Waffle Houses are now found in 25 states.

Once prolific in cities across the state, the drive-in movie theater in Georgia is now a rare relic reminiscent of mid-twentieth-century entertainment. These roadside artifacts are easily recognized by their large signage (often neon), marquee, office and refreshment building, parking area, and mammoth screens on which the movies are shown. The Atlanta Starlight Six Drive-In, the Blue Ridge Swan Drive-In, the Jesup Drive-In Theatre, and the Tiger Drive-in Theatre are several that have remained in operation.

In 2001 the Woodall Estate in Elbert County opened the Highway 17 Theatre, a drive-in assembled on the estate grounds with equipment salvaged from 37 older drive-ins previously owned and operated in the surrounding area by the Woodall family.

Originally built on the edge of downtowns, automobile showrooms have since the 1950s been built on major roads or “strips” heading out of town. Both the early showrooms, such as the 1920s Vidalia Chevrolet dealership, whose brick rectangular building mimics the other commercial block buildings in town, and the later ones, such as the 1960s Marietta Big Dodge Dome with its 360-degree showroom, are identified by their large windows and open interior spaces. An outstanding 1930s showroom is the Atlanta Freeman Ford Building. Designed by architect G. Lloyd Preacher, this art deco style building has been converted into loft apartments that retain the elaborate cornice detailing and evidence of the car ramps on the interior.

More specialized roadside structures include the north Georgia painted “See Rock City” barns; the Big Peanut in Ashburn, the home of the world’s largest peanut-processing plant; and the Plains Smiling Peanut in Plains, the hometown of U.S. president and peanut farmer Jimmy Carter.

While gasoline alleys and family-owned tourist courts and gas stations have been replaced by ubiquitous travel centers, strip malls, and chain restaurants, these new roadside constructions continue the tradition of catering to the automobile traveler in Georgia with a constant upgrading to newer, more homogeneous, and more modern buildings. Over time these newer structures create a less distinctive but still eye-catching roadside environment.

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

Clues jump out at you in today’s Mystery Photo

Today’s Mystery Photo isn’t anywhere around here, you can tell from the architecture and the setting. But it might not be where you at first think it is. Take a guess, and send to elliott@brack.net, and include your hometown when you write.

Only two people solved the recent mystery, a local photo: Susan McBrayer of Sugar Hill and George Graf of Palmyra, Va. The photo came from Jerry Colley of Alpharetta, who often sends in great mysteries.

Graf had the answer: “The Southeastern Railway Museum tells the story of railway transportation. Visitors can see classic steam locomotives, historic buses, tractors, fire engines, 90 different railroad cars, and many other historic items. The Museum even offers rides on a real caboose. Educational programs have been tailored for several different age groups and allow them to explore the history and technology behind rail transportation. Examples of activities include working with maps to study geography and trade, conducting an experiment on the physics of steam power, and making a train-themed craft.”

But how did he go about solving the mystery: He says: “It was difficult. I looked at all the Georgia and Gwinnett fire station houses for a horse drawn steam fire engine.  No dice on a metal fire station.  Checked fire station museums next (I think Charleston has two).  Nothing doing there either.  Then I remembered Roanoke, Virginia has a big transportation museum.  So I searched on transportation museums in Georgia.  One of the images showed a vehicle, but in the background I could see the metal wall matching your photo and with a little more digging in that location, found your fire engine and much more.”

Progress at Hartsfield Jackson Airport as North Terminal canopy rises

If you haven’t been to the Atlanta Airport lately, you will be amazed as the airport constructs a canopy or “bubble” for passenger protection. Roving Photographer Frank Sharp was there recently, sending in this photo report. Present work is going on at the north side of the terminal, making entering the terminal from the parking decks somewhat difficult. Frank suggests parking on the south side for the present. Frank feels the new structure will be an “artistic masterpiece.”

Living for tomorrow: Cancer Prevention: Join Family and Consumer Science Agent Ines Beltran to learn about recommended breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings.  Also learn nutritional and physical activity guidelines for cancer prevention, healthy recipes, and resources to receive free cancer screenings in your community! Hosted by Gwinnett County Public Library, the program will take place Saturday, May 19 at 2 p.m. at the  Lawrenceville Branch Library, 1001 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville.  Registration is requested, but not required. RSVP to rachel.warner@gwinnettcounty.com. For more information, visit www.gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154.

Free Photography Workshop at the Gwinnett County Collins Hill library, 455 Camp Perrin Road in Lawrenceville, on May 19, at 2 p.m. Join the Georgia Nature Photographers Association for this informal talk and Q&A photography workshop.  There will be information about cameras, editing software, and tips for getting better photographs with the equipment you already have.

Ribbon Cutting and Open House at Eastside Medical Center in Snellville for the new state-of-the-art electrophysiology lab. This will be Wednesday, May 23, from 4 to 7 p.m. The new unit combines advanced imaging capability with a fully functioning operating suite. Ribbon cutting at 4:30, followed by tours of the new lab.

Open House of the Gwinnett County Human Relations Commission on Wednesday, May 23. Stop in between 6 to 9 p.m. and be welcomed by commission members, learn about the commission’s mission and the progress of the 2018 work plans. The event will be held at Tacos and Tequilas Mexican Grill, 3480 Financial Center Way, Buford.

Fourth Annual Fast Track 5K will be Saturday, May 26 at the Southeastern Railway Museum. The race will start at 8:30 am near Downtown Duluth’s Town Green. Proceeds of the race will benefit the education and equipment restoration and conservation programs of the Museum. The event is co-sponsored by the City of Duluth.

(NEW) Memorial Day Celebration in Duluth will be marked on Saturday, May 26 at 6 p.m. on the Town Green. The event will feature the Duluth ROTC with the presentation of colors; the pledge of allegiance led by Cub Scout Pack 420; and song performances by Lucy-Blair Owen. Guest Speaker will be Brigadier General Reginald G. A. Neal of Ludowici, who is presently director of the Joint Staff, Georgia National Guard. The City of Duluth places veteran flags and markers throughout Duluth City limits every year to honor our fellow men and woman who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. For more information, visit www.duluthga.net/events.

(NEW) Memorial Day at the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial will be Monday, May 28, at 1 p.m. The ceremony is at the north parking lot of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville.  The keynote speaker will be Navy Capt. Baron V. Reinhold, commanding officer/professor of Naval Science and Navy ROTC Atlanta Region.

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• Editor and publisher:  Elliott Brack, 770-840-1003
• Managing editor: Betsy Brack
• Roving photographer: Frank Sharp
• Contributing cartoonist: Bill McLemore
• Contributing columnist: Jack Bernard
• Contributing columnist: Debra Houston
• Contributing columnist: George Wilson

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