GOING UP: A massive new Vietnamese Catholic church can be seen from Interstate 85 at Beaver Ruin Road. It will be known as the Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, named for 117 martyrs who died in Vietnam to preserve their faith. The congregation is expected to hold its dedication on Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Feast Day – November 24, 2019. Father Francis Tuan Q. Tran is the church pastor. See more in detail about this church in Elliott Brack’s Perspective below.
TODAY’S FOCUS: The Cherokee Rose Civic Association Dates Back to 2011
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Massive Vietnamese Catholic Church Rising on Beaver Ruin at Interstate 85
ANOTHER VIEW: Twists and Turns Continue To Delay Completing Brexit Deal
SPOTLIGHT: Agrisel USA Inc.
FEEDBACK: Federal Government Changing the Name of Social Security Payments
UPCOMING: Peachtree Corners Lands National Headquarters for 66,700 Sq.Ft. Building
NOTABLE: Lilburn Woman’s Club Names Winners of Spring into Art Competition
RECOMMENDED: Frederick Douglass, prophet of freedom by David W. Blight
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Forces Come Together To Make First Masters Tournament a Success
MYSTERY PHOTO: Indoor Scene Is Today’s Mystery and Asks for Your Identification
LAGNIAPPE: Perhaps Here’s One Reason for All That Pollen
CALENDAR: Earth Day will be Saturday, April 13 a Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
The Cherokee Rose Civic Association dates back to 2011
By Annie Rogers
PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. | Gwinnett County has many organizations which enrich the county with their activities. Today let me tell you of one of them.
Rogers
The Cherokee Rose Civic Association, formed in 2011, is a group of women dedicated to supporting charity and nonprofits in our community. It meets at the Robert D. Fowler YMCA in Peachtree Corners, on the third Tuesday of each month from September through May.
One of our annual projects is a bake sale, the proceeds from which are contributed to the YMCA’s scholarship fund for children to attend summer camp.
The club supports several other activities, including Wellspring Living, the Norcross Co-Operative Ministry and The International Women’s House. Let me tell you what they do.
Wellspring Living is an organization which offers support for girls and women who have been victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Their purpose is to provide comprehensive trauma informed care, including therapy, individualized education, life skills, and career readiness.
We have recently finished a project obtaining personal safety alarms to donate to Wellspring Living’s Women’s Residential Program, which creates a safe place for healing and hope. A representative from Wellspring Living will attend our April 16 meeting at 1 p.m. to speak about the successes of their programs and receive our donation of these personal safety alarms, along with basic safety tips cards.
Another group we support is the Norcross Cooperative Ministry, which is dedicated to providing emergency assistance to families in crisis including food, clothing, and limited financial assistance. They also provide assistance with completing resumes and clothing needed for job interviews at Job Fairs held at the Norcross Cooperative Ministry location. Our contributions made to the Norcross Co-Operative Ministry several times a year include food, personal hygiene items and monetary donations, as well as toys and gift cards at Christmas.
The International Women’s House is a shelter for battered immigrant and refugee women and their children who have survived domestic violence. The International Women’s House provides Support Services which include Legal Advocacy, Immigration Assistance, Child Care, Transitional Housing, Job Training/Placement, Mental/Physical Assessment, English as a Second Language Classes and Parenting Skills Training.
Many of these immigrant and refugee women have to leave without any personal items whenever they have an opportunity to escape their abusive situation. Our members collect toiletries and other essentials, along with purses, for “First Night” bags needed upon arrival at the shelter.
The Books For Heroes Foundation, begun by George Scott in 2003, sends books to our military troops stationed in other countries. Our members contribute books and monetary donations, along with postage and mailing boxes needed for this project.
In 2018 we were also able to help a local Boy Scout earn his Eagle Scout rank by collecting books and funds, as well as hygiene and snack items, in support of the Books For Heroes Foundation. Some members also contributed to this project by sorting and packing books for shipping. We also support the St. Jude’s Children’s Ranch in Boulder City, Nev.
The Cherokee Rose Civic Association has a monthly book club which meets at 45 South Cafe’ in downtown Norcross. This next meeting is April 13 at 11 a.m. The current book being read is Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan Henry.
The Cherokee Rose Civic Association is open to members from this area. Those interested should make contact any member or me at abr2006@bellsouth.net. The only qualifications for joining is a desire to develop new friendship, and willingness to participate in supporting our community.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Massive Vietnamese Catholic Church rising on Beaver Ruin at I-85
Inside the new church.
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
APRIL 9, 2019 | You may have seen the massive superstructure of the Vietnamese Catholic church that is steadily rising on Beaver Ruin Road at Interstate 85. It is expected to be dedicated on November 24. The new church features a 30-foot vaulted ceiling. will seat 1,120 in the main sanctuary and will cost more than $14 million.
It will be known as the Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church of the Archdiocese of Atlanta to serve the community of Vietnamese American Roman Catholics who live, celebrate and proclaim the Catholic faith and preserve Vietnamese cultural traditions. The new church seeks to capture the spirit of its patron saints—the 117 Holy Martyrs of Vietnam. These martyrs died over the centuries in Vietnam to preserve the Catholic faith. The 117 were canonized by Pope John Paul II in the 1980s. The congregation was formed in the early 1990s in Tucker. Today it has a membership of 1,500 families.
Father Francis Tuan Q. Tran with C.C. Nguyen, who is co-chairman of the Parish Council.
The goal of the building program is to appeal to different generations within the community—the first generation elders and second generation youth. It also seeks to blend Eastern and Western styles, and provide an inspiring religious worship experience.
Key features of the building include large gothic arch windows down both sides and on the ends of the two transepts. It will have a large two level tower over the altar open to the roof, with windows on its four sides that allow additional natural light to flood the area below. The narthex (the lobby between the main entrance and the nave) will feature a Baptismal Font in the center. Other internal features include a chapel, seating 150, located in the apse of the building; a spacious bride’s room, two confessionals, a Vestry, Sacristy and other public spaces. Altogether, the floor space totals 24,400 square feet.
The firm designing the building is The Sizemore Group of Atlanta. The general contractor is Van Winkle Construction Inc., with Alex Wood and David Towles as project engineers.
Members of the church form what will be the outline of the church.
William J. de St. Aubin, the lead designer, says the biggest challenge was “creating a building that was obviously Vietnamese from a team of American architects. Yet we are a blend of many cultures, particularly in Gwinnett. What better example than the Holy Vietnamese Martyrs Church who moved into a car dealership and defeated a transfer station zoning next door. They hold an annual festival celebrating their community, which attracts 30,000 people in a single weekend.”
In the design of the church, one element is the curved turned-up corner and flat-sloped roof, found in traditional Vietnamese architecture. The turned-up elements are to lift a person’s spirits upward and speak to the Asian heritage letting visitors joyfully celebrate their heritage.
Tower rising
The joyful expression of worship and community set by the church pastor, the Rev. Francis Tuan Q. Tran, greets visitors upon arrival in the way of a smiling roof form. He is assisted by parochial vicars Rev. Dominique Cong Tan Nguyen and Rev. John Tuan Anh Nguyen Pham.
Dennis Kelly, senior project manager for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, says: “This is one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever been associated with over my 20 years in this capacity and many projects. But this one is special, as are its people. They are unique and a joy to work with. If every church had parishioners as dedicated and committed to their faith like the ones at Holy Vietnamese Martyrs, this would be a better world.”
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Twists and turns continue to delay completing Brexit deal
Darryl McDonald, UK Correspondent
LONDON, England | The 29 March deadline has passed and we are still in the EU!
My last report ended with a historical defeat in Parliament for the proposed deal by 240 votes. So what happened next? The PM went back to the EU and asked for an extension to the deadline until April 12 or possibly a much longer one.
She also raised the main sticking point of the Irish border issue and tried to get further clarification or a possible time limit on it so the EU could not indefinitely keep the UK in the EU. The EU agreed in the new date but would not amend the existing Deal and only offered some verbal concessions on the backstop but nothing concrete.
The PM had meetings and debates in Parliament and called another vote, which sadly was defeated again by 149 this time. The Speaker of the House then stated that the same Deal could not be put forward again for another vote unless it showed significant changes.
In frustration, Parliament passed a motion against the Government to take control of Brexit and won! So the House agreed to have a series of eight “Indicative votes,” basically further more appealing options to be considered for Brexit each to be voted on separately. However all eight failed to get a majority so they tried a further four which also failed; even Parliament could not agree a way forward!
Unfortunately these votes did not arrive at a consensus, since too many members and factions had their own views on how Brexit should be done, so now even Parliament could not find an acceptable way forward! Due to the impasse, the PM brought her Deal back to The House by dropping the second stage for negotiating the trade deals, thus getting around the Speakers earlier edict, for a third vote, which once again it failed, but by only by 54 votes. The PM is now having cross party meetings with the opposition Labour Party, which will inevitably lead to a compromised softer Brexit, much to the infuriation of the hard Brexiteers in her party.
It is now obvious that even the new date of April 12 for Brexit will not be achieved. Neither the UK or EU are looking to exit on a no deal basis which will cause immediate problems, although some hard Brexiteers consider it to be the best option in the long term.
The PM has asked for a further extension until May 30 even though the EU has offered a longer period. The problem with the latter is that there are EU elections on May 23 and if the UK goes past this date without a deal they will have to put forward MPs for their Election. If they don’t, it will cause a constitutional issue for the EU on future voting if an existing member does not have any representation, any new legislation could be null and void on principle.
I was hoping that this would be my penultimate report before a final Deal is done but it looks like it’s going to run for a bit longer with a few more twists and turns!
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Agrisel USA Inc.
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today we present a new underwriter. Established in 1998, Agrisel USA Inc. of Suwanee is growing a better world. The company specializes in providing high quality, cost efficient generic and proprietary turf, ornamental, nursery, aquatic, agricultural specialty and poultry chemical products throughout the United States, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean. Agrisel USA has become the leader in formulating and distributing value-added products to small-to-medium size resellers and dealers. The company recognizes the growth potential with this often-neglected selling segment and has developed specialized programs for volume purchases, unique packaging needs, private labeling opportunities, and preferred cost positioning on many generic and specialty market products.
- Visit this supporter’s web site at www.agrisel.com.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here..
Federal government changing the name of Social Security payments
Editor, the Forum:
It’s interesting that the government can never get enough of our money. The government is now referring to our Social Security checks as a “Federal Benefit Payment.”
This is not a benefit. It is our money, paid out of our earned income! Not only did we all contribute to Social Security but our employers did too ! It totaled 15 percent of our income before taxes. If you averaged $30K per year over your working life, that’s close to $180,000 invested in Social Security.
If you calculate the future value of your monthly investment in Social Security ($375/month, including both you and your employers contributions) at a meager 1 percent interest rate compounded monthly, after 40 years of working, you’d have more than $1.3+ million saved.
This is your personal investment. Upon retirement, if you took out only three percent per year, you’d receive $39,318 per year, or $3,277 per month.
That’s almost three times more than today’s average Social Security benefit of $1,230 per month, according to the Social Security Administration. And your retirement fund would last more than 33 years (until you’re 98 if you retire at age 65)! I can only imagine how much better most average-income people could live in retirement if our government had just invested our money in low-risk interest-earning accounts.
Instead, the folks in Washington pulled off a bigger “Ponzi scheme” than Bernie Madoff ever did. They took our money and used it elsewhere.
They “forgot” that it was our money they were taking. They didn’t have a referendum to ask us if we wanted to lend the money to them … and they didn’t pay interest on the debt they assumed.
Recently they’ve told us that the money won’t support us for very much longer. But is it our fault they misused our investments? And now, to add insult to injury, they’re calling it a “benefit,” as if we never worked to earn every penny of it. This is stealing!
Let’s take a stand. We have earned our right to Social Security and Medicare. Demand that our legislators bring some sense into our government. Find a way to keep Social Security and Medicare going for the sake of the 92 percent of our population who need it. Then call it what it is: our “Earned Retirement Income.”
— Bobbi Cromlish, Stone Mountain
Dear Bobbi: Good work. Say, that was sly, slipping in Medicare at the end. We hear that more and more conservatives are recognizing that Medicare is a good thing, while others are still trying to repeal it. –eeb
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
Peachtree Corners lands headquarters for 66,700 square-foot building
ASHRAE will occupy this building
One of the nation’s top leaders in developing standards and guidelines for indoor-environment-control technology announced it is relocating its world headquarters to Peachtree Corners. It will move 120+ employees to newly-renovated space by October, 2020.
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) announced it had purchased a three-story building at 180 Technology Parkway and will begin renovations to convert the 66,700 square-foot space into a modern high-performance facility. The nonprofit business has budgeted $15.7 million to retrofit the 1970s-era building.
The company expects the new, renovated facility to become a showcase for the latest HVAC&R equipment and technology, providing a destination venue for industry visitors to experience state-of-the-art technology. The renovated world headquarters building will provide a technologically updated, cutting edge work space for ASHRAE members, staff and the public.
ASHRAE was formed as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers by the merger in 1959 of American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE) founded in 1894 and The American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASRE) founded in 1904. It is currently located at 1791 Tullie Circle Northeast, Atlanta.
Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason says: “We are pleased a company of ASHRAE’s distinction has selected Peachtree Corners as the site of its headquarters. Technology Park is a natural fit for a business whose work mirrors the city’s efforts in sustainability and green living.”
ASHRAE selected Technology Park in part because of the city’s work in renovating the 500-acre development into an innovation hub which includes multi-use trails, pocket parks, nearby millennial housing and other amenities. ASHRAE’s new headquarters overlooks a 15-acre lake which features a walking trail that surrounds the lake and connects with other points throughout Technology Park.
ASHRAE President Sheila J. Hayter says: “We believe that renovating existing buildings represents the single best opportunity for making a significant impact on sustainability, resiliency and energy efficiency. We want our new world headquarters to be an example of all that we stand for as a society and all that our industry has to offer.”
The renovation project for ASHRAE’s new headquarters includes: upgrading the existing building to operate at a higher sustainability level – anticipating net-zero operation to reduce energy consumption; and to be a model for reducing the carbon and environmental impacts of business operations in a cost-effective and replicable way.
Wealth management firm MassMutual moving 150 to Peachtree Corners
Wealth management firm MassMutual Perimeter, a Fortune 500 company, has relocated its Perimeter headquarters to the city of Peachtree Corners, bringing 110 employees to its new offices. MassMutual celebrated the opening of its new location at 3720 DaVinci Court, Suite 150, on March 28.
Jeffrey Bulvin, general agent of the company, said Peachtree Corners was the obvious choice when the business decided to move after outgrowing its former location. “Peachtree Corners was closer to where its advisers lived, served clients and spent their free time.”
Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason says: “Our focus on economic development has established our city as a regional job hub in the metro area. Private investment and job growth continue; our efforts are paying dividends as we continue seeing small and large companies relocating or establishing new businesses in Peachtree Corners.”
MassMutual Perimeter’s Peachtree Corners offices include nearly 80 financial service professionals, speaking all dialects of English, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) Gujarati, Hindi, Spanish and Betise. Contact MassMutual at its new offices at 404-255-0118.
Kudzu Art Zone spotlights 7 artists in two and three dimensions
Kudzu Art Zone is presenting the third of its group shows in a new series at the popular art center in Norcross. This new exhibit features the work of the chosen artists – Angelika Domschke, Jeannie Fortin, Kenneth Greene, Larry Hall, Carol Knight, Sara Levy, and Catherine Lindenau and includes both two and three-dimensional works of art.
The spotlight 3 art opening reception is April 13 from 7 until 9 p.m. featuring food and live music by Van Allan, who is known for his touching country music interpretations and beautiful baritone voice.
This current exhibit at Kudzu Art Zone in downtown Norcross at 116 Carlyle Street can be seen Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A goal of Kudzu Art Zone is to provide art appreciation, education and opportunity to the community with art classes and workshops, exhibits and a children’s summer class. In addition to a well-lighted gallery and workspace, there are eight individual artists’ studios where you may see artists at work. For more information call 7760-840-9844 or go to kudzuartzone.org.
Lilburn Woman’s Club names winners of Spring into Art competition
Winning art from Lilburn Woman’s Club Spring Into Art competition
Winners have been announced for the annual Lilburn Woman’s Club Spring into Art competition. This is for kindergarten through fifth grade students in the Lilburn area. This year 11 schools participated.
Best in Show first place went to Leah Ermias of the fifth grade at Arcado Elementary School. She gave permission to have her piece framed and it is now on display in the children’s area of the Lilburn Library until the end of the school year.
Second place was awarded to Owen Harris fifth Grade at Providence Christian School and Best third place went to Olivia Swanegan fourth grade at St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School.
Professional artists, Jennifer Cardinelli, Joel Williams, Jean Baldwin and Jan Watford, from the Lilburn Art Alliance, served as judges.
Fair is chief of staff at Peach State Federal Credit Union
Fair
John Fair is the chief of staff at Peach State Federal Credit Union of Lawrenceville. He is the former president of Southeast Federal Credit Union of Cornelia. Southeast and Peach State Credit Union merged on December 1, 2017. Fair is a retired Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant with 22 years of service. Marshall Boutwell, president of Peach State Federal Credit Union, says: ““The combination of our seasoned team with John’s more than 18 years of experience in credit union leadership has strengthened our entire staff and helped us efficiently meet our goals for growth.” The merger of the two credit unions formed a member-owned cooperative that now serves more than 60,000 members and employs 207 full and part-time employees.
Frederick Douglass, prophet of freedom, by David W. Blight
This 769 page book is an exhaustive report on the life of Frederick Douglass, from his childhood in Maryland (1818- 1895.) Born as a slave, he taught himself to read, later found his key weapon was oratory in preaching his gospel of freedom for all, and becoming most famous through his extensive speaking circuits in the north and Midwest. He also published newspapers and wrote three versions of his autobiography. He eventually was perhaps the most widely-known black man in the United States and Europe, and was highly respected. He had a large family, which continually drained his finances, yet he endured and prospered. The book was difficult to read because the author never left out any move Douglass made, going into great detail about his speeches. There is no doubt that this a monumental work which will be referred to through the ages.—eeb
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
Forces come together to make first Masters Tournament a success
The Augusta National Golf Club dates back to 1931, the height of the Great Depression, when two men joined resources to create the club. One of the club’s founders was the outstanding amateur and Atlanta native Bobby Jones, winner of 13 major championships between 1923 and 1930. After winning the Grand Slam in 1930 (all four major titles: U.S. Open, U.S. Amateur, British Open, British Amateur), the 28 year old announced his retirement from competitive golf. During the next several years he was involved in several carefully selected golf projects, one of which was the Augusta National.
Less prominent than Jones but no less important to the success of the club and tournament was New York financier Clifford Roberts, who had befriended Jones in the mid-1920s. Whereas Jones brought the venture credibility and publicity, Roberts brought it business acumen. In the midst of the depression, Roberts skillfully sold the concept of a national golf club to a handful of investors and raised the capital necessary to purchase land and begin construction of the course. The famous golf course architect Alister Mackenzie worked with Jones on designing the Augusta National course. Mackenzie, designer of such world-renowned layouts as Cypress Point in northern California, complemented Jones because they agreed on many fundamentals of golf course architecture.
They discovered Fruitland (Berckmans Nursery), the abandoned 365-acre plant nursery near Augusta, where, among other things, peaches were grown by Prosper Berckmans. Because of the depressed economy, the land, originally a plantation, was available at bottom-dollar price. Jones decided that it was the ideal location for a golf course. While Roberts handled the finances, Jones and Mackenzie oversaw the construction of the course, which began in 1931 and was completed in 1932.
Within months of its completion Roberts and Jones discussed the possibility of hosting a major tournament, such as the U.S. Open; however, scheduling conflicts and climate—Augusta was too hot to host the U.S. Open, traditionally held in the summer—ultimately prohibited that idea. Yet Roberts remained determined; if they could not hold a national open, then why not stage an annual invitational event hosted by the legendary Bobby Jones?
To make the event even more viable, Roberts proposed that Jones enter the tournament, coming out of retirement for a week each year to compete against his old opponents and friends. At first Jones resisted the idea of competing, but Roberts convinced him that the excitement surrounding his participation might make the difference between the survival and failure of the tournament. Jones very much wanted the tournament and club to succeed, so he agreed to play.
Roberts had been correct. The first Augusta National Invitation Tournament was held in the spring of 1934; it was won by Horton Smith (Jones finished in 13th place) and was an instant success. The following year Gene Sarazen scored a double eagle two on the par five 15th hole in the final round to force a play-off with Craig Wood, whom Sarazen defeated the next day to win the tournament. In 1939 the tournament officially changed its name to the Masters.
The natural beauty of the course’s 18 holes—each adorned with the plant from which it gets its name—and the fact that the golf calendar did not already include a major event during those months, made spring the ideal time for the Masters. Moreover, early April was the best time to catch the nation’s sportswriters as they returned north from baseball’s spring training in Florida. A few days in Augusta provided them a respite from their travels and from the national pastime. In sum, the schedule, the weather, the environment, the competition, the business leadership of Clifford Roberts, and the presence of Bobby Jones all combined to make the Masters a success from the beginning.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia online, go to http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Indoor scene is today’s mystery and asks your identification
Since recent Mystery Photos have been difficult, perhaps this one will be a little easier for our readers. Tell us where this is, and the significance of this view. Send your idea to elliott@brack.net and be sure to include your hometown.
Last week only Allan Peel of San Antonio, Tex. recognized the mystery. He wrote: “This mystery photo is of the new Cancer Survivors Park, located along the Greenville (S.C.) Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail, between Falls Park and Cleveland Park in downtown Greenville. The park, while not fully completed yet, had its grand opening on June 1, 2018.
“”Cancer Survivors’ Parks are a series of parks funded by the Bloch Foundation throughout the United States and Canada. Currently there are more than 25 such parks, and more continue to be added. These parks are not only dedicated to those who have survived the disease, but also those who are battling it, and the survivors left behind by those lost to cancer.
The metal structure visible in the mystery photo is part of the Celebration of Life Pavilion. The Cancer Survivors Park Alliance is planning to install canvas underneath the metal frame, and they hope to illuminate the canvas year round with different colors representing different types of cancer. The metal sculpture sits atop the Survivorship Education Center (which is not visible in the photo). The Survivorship Center is utilized for programs and activities to help people learn more about screening, detection and treatment, as well as how to live beyond cancer.”
Pollen manufacturer?
Have you been feeling the impact of the high pollen count in our area? No doubt it’s because of all the pollen and the relatively dry weather of recent days. Look at this photograph from Chuck Paul of Norcross…..and figure how much pollen this particular bush puts out. While you’re at it, an additional question today asks what kind of prolific bush is this? Send us your answers.
Mike Foltynewicz will make second rehab tart with Gwinnett Stripers on April 9 in a game against the Durham Bulls. The 2018 National League All-Star made his first rehab start with the Stripers on April 4 vs. Norfolk, working 5.0 no-hit innings in Gwinnett’s 3-1 opening night win. He walked two and struck out two in a 56-pitch, 34-strike outing. Tickets for Tuesday’s game are on sale now at the Coolray Field Ticket Office and online at GoStripers.com/tickets. Purchase in advance for $2 off the day-of-game price.
Doing business with the county: The Gwinnett County Purchasing Division will host the 13th Annual Supplier Networking Event on Thursday, April 11, at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. Potential vendors may drop in between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a,m. Attendees will meet buyers and contracting officers from the Purchasing Division and other metro Atlanta agencies and take advantage of networking opportunities designed to create relationships. For more information about the event and to register, go to this link.
Hazardous Waste Workshop will be April 11 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Lilburn City Hall. Put on by the Gwinnett Department of Water Resources, this free workshop will allow attendees to learn how to identify, manager and dispose of household hazardous materials in their home. Attendees may also qualify for a five percent credit on their Stormwater Utility Fee.
Bird Walk of the Southern Wings Bird Club on Saturday, April 13, meeting at 8:45 a.m. at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth. Led by Master Birder Chris O’Neal, who enjoys wildlife photography and exploring new parks and rails to watch birds. Bring your binoculars, camera, water, snacks and sunscreen. More details: 770 845 3631 or 678 334 1173.
Annual Plant Sale: the Norcross Garden Club and Community Market are teaming up to share space during the garden club’s annual plant sale on Friday and Saturday, April 12-13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 33 College Street. For over 20 years, the Norcross Garden Club has offered fabulous plants for sale each year in April. Members and their friends continue to provide great pass-along plants that are native to the Atlanta area. In addition, the club procures an assortment of annual and perennial flowering plants from a local nursery and receives donations of garden-related items. Also, a variety of vendors for the market will offer local food choices, herbs, and fresh from the garden greens.
Easter Egg Hunt at Lilburn City Park will be Saturday, April 13, starting at 10 a.m. Children, up to age 12, will be divided into age groups to take turns collecting eggs in the park. The event includes a petting zoo, inflatable and an Easter Bunny photo opportunity.
Earth Day: Volunteer at Gwinnett County’s annual Earth Day event on Saturday, April 13 at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, located at 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway in Lawrenceville from 9 a.m. until noon. Residents are invited to recycle paper, paint, electronics and tires. Volunteers ages 14 and up are needed to unload vehicles, direct traffic, break down boxes, distribute recycling information and support other Earth Day activities. The event is rain or shine. Interested volunteers should register at www.VolunteerGwinnett.net. For more information, contact Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful at 770-822-5187 or email gwinnettcb@gwinnettcb.org.
Snellville Historical Society will meet Sunday, April 14 at 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room of the City Hall. Speakers will be Ron Davis and Jimmy Clower, descendants of the James Sawyer family, one of the founders of Snellville.
Photo Exhibit of Australia and New Zealand by Roving Photographer Frank Sharp is now on display through April 30 at the Tucker Library, 5234 LaVista Road. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This library is closed on Sunday.
GwinnettForum is provided to you at no charge every Tuesday and Friday.
Meet our team
- Editor and publisher: Elliott Brack, 770-840-1003
- Managing editor: Betsy Brack
- Roving photographer: Frank Sharp
- Contributing columnist: Jack Bernard
- Contributing columnist: Debra Houston
- Contributing columnist: George Wilson
More
- Location: We are located in Suite 225, 40 Technology Park, Peachtree Corners, Ga. 30092.
- Work with us: If you would like to serve as an underwriter, click here to learn more.
Subscriptions to GwinnettForum are free.
- Click to subscribe.
- Unsubscribe. We hope you’ll keep receiving the great news and information from GwinnettForum, but if you need to unsubscribe, go to this page and unsubscribe in the appropriate box.
© 2019, Gwinnett Forum.com. Gwinnett Forum is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA.
Follow Us