GwinnettForum | Number 23.20 | March 12, 2024
A REALISTIC VIEW of a boat under repair could be most anywhere along the seaboard. This watercolor comes from Julian Tablada and is featured at the Norcross Gallery and Studios currently. For more details of this new exhibit, see Upcoming below.
TODAY’S FOCUS: Freeing Georgia’s children from anxiety
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Total of 53 local candidates seeking public office
SPOTLIGHT: PCOM Georgia
FEEDBACK: Surprised at realistic view of Electoral College
UPCOMING: Aurora’s Greener Pastures opening is March 21
NOTABLE: State of the County: where opportunity thrives
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Emanuel was state leader, once acting governor
MYSTERY PHOTO: Check out this snow-capped mountain puzzle
LAGNIAPPE: Johnson marks 25 years with B&G Club
CALENDAR: Duluth Business Association meets Tuesday night
Freeing Georgia’s children from anxiety
Editor’s note: the author has over 30 years of international leadership experience, including work with the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Institute and founding the Apartheid Museum. An Ashoka Fellow, she is dedicated to children, education, and Social Emotional Learning, and leads the “Freeing Freddie the Dream Weaver” book series, inspiring individuals.—eeb
By Kim Normand Dobrin,
Co-Founder and CEO, Free the Mind Co
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | What does it mean to have dreams? Dreams represent potential, opportunity, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Every child holds the ability to dream big, achieve and evolve. However, anxiety and fear can restrict their potential and limit their opportunities.
Dobrin
Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety among children was a growing concern. Since March 2020, this issue has escalated to alarming proportions, with one in four children grappling with anxiety disorders. This statistic is not merely a number; it profoundly affects a child’s behavior and performance, both at school and at home, ultimately dampening their dreams.
Tragically, the rate of depression and suicide among teenagers has surged by nearly 40 percent in recent years. This is why our focus is on elementary age children – to sow the seeds early, equipping them with the skills and tools to navigate life’s challenges. Parents, teachers, and caregivers are all working hard to confront this mounting crisis, but they need additional support and resources. Together, we can ensure that every child finds encouragement and inspiration to keep dreaming.
Free the Mind Co developed an innovative online program based on the storybook, “Freeing Freddie: The Dreamweaver” to help children overcome their fears and access their dreams by understanding and normalizing their emotions, building self-awareness, and developing positive relationships.
We’ve designed this program to be adaptable across three distinct settings: schools, group homes, and foster parents’ homes. “Freeing Freddie” equips parents, caregivers, and educators with a structured approach and practical tools, ensuring that more children receive the help they need.
We are proud to partner with Amerigroup, who sponsored the program’s implementation in two Lawrenceville schools. Through this collaboration, we have trained over 200 teachers, impacting more than 3,500 children in these two locations alone. Amerigroup’s support enables us to extend our reach to children in group homes and with foster parents, ensuring that some of our most vulnerable youth have the resources for improved emotional understanding and positive relationship development.
With more than 1.6 million children enrolled in schools across Georgia, we are committed to providing teachers, parents, and caregivers with the tools to help children combat anxiety and build their self-confidence. Our approach centers on instilling self-awareness, resiliency, and curiosity in children through a literacy-based digital program, and it works!
One school that recently integrated into the “Freeing Freddie” program witnessed a remarkable decrease in behavioral incidents among participating students by upwards of 60 percent. Additionally, absenteeism declined significantly as students looked forward to school, eager to participate in the program that brings both fun and enjoyment. In fact, Fridays are now celebrated as “Freddie Fridays.”
Our goal is to reach every child in Georgia, providing them with life-changing skills and tools to bring happiness and joy into their lives. By nurturing their dreams, we not only empower them to thrive, but also help them to find lasting joy.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
Total of 53 local candidates seeking public office
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
MARCH 12, 2024 | A reminder: Today is the 2024 presidential primary date. Be sure to vote!
Gwinnett candidates have made a decision to run for political office and recently paid their qualifying fees. So now we have the list of neighbors you’ll be voting on in the May 21 primary.
Perhaps the biggest story isn’t who qualified, but the fact that the once-dominant Republican Party doesn’t seem as strong with new candidates than might have been expected. Recent strong showing throughout the county for Democratic candidates may have affected this.
For some offices, there are plenty of candidates.
The race for the three seats on the county commission has nine candidates seeking three posts. Seeking the post of chair, now held by Nicole Love-Hendricksen on the Democratic ticket is Donna McLeod, who earlier was a member of the Statehouse from Gwinnett. The Republican candidates for chair include John Subic and Justic Nwaigwe.
Current District 1, Commissioner Democrat Kirkland Carden faces Republican Tim Le for this seat. Neither candidate drew primary opposition.
For District 3, Commissioner Jasper Watkins has opposition from Marqus A. Cote for the Democratic nomination, with the winner facing Republican Bobby Howard in the General Election.
For sheriff, currently held by Democrat Keybo Taylor, there are five Democrats running and three Republicans seeking the sheriff’s office. Besides Taylor, the others seeking the Democratic nomination include Curtis Clemons, Shurron B. Green, Joseph Mark and Brian Whiteside. Previously Whiteside served one term as the solicitor of the State Court of Gwinnett, but was defeated when seeking re-election in 2020. The Republican candidates for sheriff include Baron Reinhold, Mike Baker and Oladipupu Soyomokum.
The clerk of Superior Court, Democrat Triana Person Garner, drew no opposition from either party, and will remain in office.
There will be three candidates for the office of Tax Commissioner. They include two Democrats, the current commissioner Denise Mitchell, who will be opposed by Philip Bonton III. For the Republicans, Arefeen Chowdhury is their candidate for this position.
Three Democrats seek to become the Gwinnett District Attorney. They include the current DA, Patsy Austin-Gatson, who is drawing opposition from Andrea Alabi, and Daryl E. Manns.
Nonpartisan races
Contested races are underway in the nonpartisan court system. Four of the present Superior Court judges do not have opposition. Two judges are not seeking re-election, Ronnie Batchelor and Karen Beyers.
Facing each other for the Batchelor seat will be Kimberly Gallant and Rodney S. Harris. For the Beyers post, there are three candidates, which means there could be a runoff for this seat. The candidates are Thassanee Gutter-Parker, Regina Matthews and Tuwanda Rush Williams.
There are five state court judgeships up this year. Four of the state court judges have drawn no opposition. They are Emily Jones Brantley, Carla Brown, Veronica Cope and Jalette Long Smith. The only state court judge drawing opposition is Shawn Bratton, opposed by Ramona T. Sakhanokho.
Also drawing no opposition were Probate Judge Chris Ballar and the chief Magistrate Court Judge Krista Hammer Blum.
School board races
The School Board races drew the most candidates. Look at the non-partisan race for three school board seats. There are 11 candidates wanting to guide our educational system.
For District 1, now held by Karen Mulzac Watkins, she will face opposition from Leroy Ranel Jr. and Rachel Stone.
For District 3, now held by the retiring Mary Kay Murphy, five candidates are in the running. They include Steve Gasper, Domonique Cooper, Yanin Cortes, Anthony Mulkey and Shawn V. White.
In District 5, now held by Tarance Johnson-Morgan, she will have opposition from Patrina King and Jacquelyn Evenbezer-Gold.
Both the elections for the judgeships and the school board will be decided in the May 21 primary.
Coming Friday: Legislative candidates.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
PCOM Georgia
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Established in 2005, PCOM Georgia is a private, not-for-profit, accredited institute of higher education dedicated to the healthcare professions. The Suwanee, Ga., campus is affiliated with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, a premier osteopathic medical school with a storied history. Doctoral degrees in Pharmacy (PharmD), Physical Therapy (DPT) and Osteopathic Medicine (DO) are offered at PCOM Georgia. Graduate degrees at the master’s level can be earned in Biomedical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science and Physician Assistant (PA) Studies. Emphasizing a “whole person approach to care,” PCOM Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the wider community. To learn more about how PCOM Georgia is shaping the future of health, visit www.pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500.
Surprised at realistic view of electoral college
Editor, the Forum:
What I had expected was a somewhat leftist view on the “faults”of the Electoral College; instead, I see a much more realistic opinion.
If everyone who reads Jack Bernard’s diatribes against “anything Trump” and his disdain of conservative values, there would be no room for freedom of opinion, and the often ‘Pravda operation’ of the parrot media would further bring us closer to a one-party government.
If we did not have the Ukraine War, the Hamas invasion, sudden high inflation, millions of unidentified virtually freely walking across unprotected borders, and accompanying increasing crime; incidents that take innocents like the recent Athens UGA murder. I have to love Bernard’s wholesale “unethical” accusation; a denial of the damage this president’s Administration has caused, degradation of respect, over the world, and his weaknesses have allowed the current World state of affairs.
– Ron Baker, Stone Mountain
Dear Ron: With the economy zooming along beautifully, with inflation dropping, and the stock market nearing all-time highs, must be that the current Administration is doing something right. And who is causing the lack of movement on the border front: the inept and leaderless Republican majority in the House. Cover all bases with your thoughts.–eeb
DJT meets all criteria for NPD
Editor, the Forum:
Interesting use of words to describe those with NPD (narcissistic personality disorder). When I first looked into the subject, I Googled it and received a link to the Mayo Clinic’s list of symptoms which track those in SPECIAL ME. I recognized several as definitely exhibited by DJT. His niece, Mary, a clinical psychologist with a PhD, says he meets all of them, plus others from additional mental disorders. And this is the person the MAGA cult wants to return to the White House! It’s a scary time for our country.
– John Titus, Peachtree Corners
Tongue-in-check idea about Texas leaving the Union
Editor, the Forum:
Texas secessionists are becoming more fervent than ever. But experts say it would mess up its thriving economy.
I favor Texas leaving the union. That would allow the United States to start withdrawing all military installations, space-related activities and anything else funded by our government, which would increase unemployment. Then Texas could deal with their border problem.
– Raleigh Perry, Buford
- 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, and include your hometown. The views of letters are the opinion of the contributor. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Send feedback and letters to: elliott@brack.net.
Aurora’s Greener Pastures opening is March 21
The penultimate production in Aurora Theatre’s record-breaking Season 28 is the hilarious Lori Fischer comedy, Greener Pastures. This play will be presented from March 21 to April 14. In this story, lauded as a mix between The Golden Girls and The Odd Couple, 48-year-old Dorothy is mistakenly allowed to take up residence at Greener Pastures Retirement Center. She gladly accepts this loophole, taking her away from her humiliating job as a singing sandwich on a children’s show, much to the chagrin of her new retirement home roommate Maxine. Chaos and hilarity ensue as Dorothy, Maxine, and the retired residents seek to find happiness and solace in the place they call home.
Producing Artistic Director Ann-Carol Pence says: “I love being able to call playwright Lori Fischer a friend. She’s smart, southern, successful…and a woman. I love Lori’s style of writing so much, we produced her musical Barbara’s Blue Kitchen as a virtual stage production in 2020.”
Greener Pastures is relatable as the topics of housing and communities for 55+ and the post-pandemic drive for more career satisfaction are on the forefront of the collective conscience. Aurora Theatre’s production stars Gina Rickicki as Dorothy and Ellen McQueen as Maxine. The play is directed by Weird Sisters Theatre Project co-founder Tiffany Porter.
This production is proudly sponsored by Park Place by Highlands, a brand-new 55+ rental community in the heart of Downtown Lawrenceville. The play features the scenic design of award-winning duo Moriah and Isabel Curley-Clay, the costume design of Alisha Lawrence, and lighting design of Aurora Theatre’s Head of Lighting, Isaac Burrier.
Regular show times are as follows: Thursdays through Saturday at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. There is a special matinee performance at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27. Tickets start at $28 and may be purchased online at my.lvilleartscenter.com or by calling the Box Office at 678-226-6222.
Outcomes of capstone study to be in Norcross on March 27
Norcross High School (NHS) seniors in the 3DE program will present their Senior Capstone Projects on Community Education and Engagement Solutions specific to the City of Norcross. This will be on March 27 at 10 a. m. at the Community and Cultural Arts Center at 10 College Street.
The 3DE program at NHS is a work-based learning program for high school students. In the students’ senior year, they must complete a capstone project with a partnering organization. On the heels of the Comprehensive Plan update, the focus of the two teams’ projects is providing solutions to improve communication and community engagement with residents.
Norcross Gallery new exhibit continues through April 6
“Leap into Art” is the latest exhibition at the Norcross Gallery and Studios and is the selected works of artist members. The show runs through Saturday, April 6. It was juried by Charles Young Walls, a graduate of the National Academy of Design and the Art Students League, and member of Oil Painters of America and the American Impressionist Society.
Notable paintings and drawings include Inn for Repairs, an appealing watercolor by Julian Tablada. He says it came from a wonderful experience on a sailing trip to Gloucester aboard the Schooner Adventurer for the 2022 Gloucester Schooner Festival with materials, equipment, and all types of wooden boats strewn everywhere, creating a little world one finds only in artisan shops, much like an artist’s studio.
A heart-warming graphite drawing by Kathryn Heller shows the rescue and healing of a wren called Sheltering Arms. It is a narrative portrait of a fellow artist who startled a hawk, causing it to drop its prey (wren) in front of her. She cared for the wren and then set it free. This happened to her twice at Norcross Gallery! She has also saved many other birds in different locations.
Joyce English painted her acrylic Self Portrait looking into a mirror in her studio simplifying the face and background to create an almost abstract design, making viewers want to know more about this mysterious figure.
The Norcross Artist of the Month is Melanie Sheldon whose brilliant watercolor paintings are on display at 45 South Café and Coffee Shop through March 29. There will be an artists’ reception on Wednesday, March 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. Stop in to see her work and try one of the café’s exceptional treats.
Norcross Gallery and Studios is located at 116 Carlyle Street in downtown Norcross and offers many classes and workshops in addition to new exhibits of members’ work and a student show in May.
State of the County: Where opportunity thrives
Hendrickson
Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson recently gave her fourth State of the County address. She emphasized: “As Gwinnett continues to grow, one thing remains constant: We are a county where people and businesses can live authentically and grow purposely. We are a community where opportunity thrives.”
Hendrickson reflected on her journey with the County and recognized the efforts of many to make Gwinnett a benchmark community. With investments in public safety, human services, infrastructure and quality of life that make Gwinnett a desirable destination for families and businesses, she said the county has ensured the strength of its fundamentals and never wavered in its commitment to outstanding service delivery.
Here are several takeaways:
- Mobility is key to Gwinnett’s success: Gwinnett is making generational investments in roads, bridges and sidewalks – connecting people and communities and creating economic mobility. Ridership on the County’s new microtransit service was tenfold the expectations during launch week, with nearly 8,000 Ride Gwinnett app downloads since that time. In addition, the expansion of local routes has made Ride Gwinnett accessible to more than 50 percent of residents.
- Housing is a basic human right: “If we want to be intentional about creating a thriving business climate, then we must continue to address housing affordability,” said Hendrickson. “For many job seekers, their interest in a company often rests solely on their ability to afford to live in the community where they work.”
- Investing in youth is a priority: She asserted that investing in youth cannot be just an act of generosity and that it will take deliberate action to ensure opportunity grows here. “Every high school graduate should have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Whatever their desire, it is incumbent upon us to help them discover alternative pathways to succeed in today’s competitive world,” she said. “We will build a brave and bold new future together today.”
In closing her speech, Chairwoman Hendrickson issued an aspirational call to action reminding everyone in attendance that Gwinnett’s doorway to opportunity is open – and that it’s up to residents and stakeholders to take the first step.
- To read the State of the County address in full, click here.
New Suwanee communicator
Bonnie Simmons is the new communications and marketing manager in Suwanee. She previously served as the marketing director for Visit Milledgeville, Ga.
She grew up in Snellville, spent her entire childhood there, graduating from South Gwinnett High, and now has returned to live in Suwanee. She is a graduate of Georgia State College and University in Milledgeville, where she met her husband, Joe. They have daughters, ages 6 and 10.
Editor’s note: We are out. Please send your recommendations.
- An invitation: what books, restaurants, movies or web sites have you enjoyed recently? Send us your recent selection, along with a short paragraph (150 words) as to why you liked this, plus what you plan to visit or read next. Send to: elliott@brack.net
Emanuel was state leader, once acting governor
David Emanuel was a leader in the Revolutionary War (1775-83), a state legislator, and an acting governor. Because so few records remain of his life, he is one of Georgia’s least-known governors. Emanuel County, in the wiregrass region, is named for him.
Emanuel was born circa 1744 in Pennsylvania, the third of eight children. His father, David Emanuel Sr., was a planter. His mother’s name is unknown. As an adult, he was described as “a fine-looking man, amiable, of good judgment and inflexible integrity.” Around 1765 the family moved from Maryland, Pennsylvania, or Virginia to Georgia, settling in St. George’s Parish (later Burke County). Land records show that he acquired property and probably engaged in farming. He acquired additional land when his father died in 1768.
Emanuel married Ann Lewis, a resident of Burke County, and they were the parents of at least six children. One of his daughters married Benjamin Whitaker, speaker of the House in Georgia’s House of Representatives. His sister, Ruth Emanuel, was named justice of the peace in Burke County in 1774.
Beginning in 1775 he joined the Revolutionary cause, probably as a member of the Burke County militia, serving as a soldier and scout under his brother-in-law, General John Twiggs. In 1781 he was captured by the British near McBean Creek but managed to escape. In addition to military service, Emanuel was a member of the executive council from Burke County, and he served in 1781-82 as a county magistrate.
Beginning in 1783 Emanuel served in the state legislature almost continuously until his death. He was a member of the standing committee on petitions, a delegate to the state constitutional conventions in 1789 and 1795, and the president of the state senate three times. In addition, he served as an assistant justice of the state superior court from 1786 to 1788.
When news of the Yazoo land fraud broke in 1795, Emanuel was appointed as a member of a commission to investigate the fraud cases. After Governor James Jackson resigned in 1801 to take a seat in the U.S. Senate, Emanuel, as president of the state senate, became acting governor. He served in the post from March to November 1801, when he was succeeded by Josiah Tattnall.
Emanuel died at his home in Burke County on February 19, 1808, at age 65.
Beginning in the early 1900s and continuing through subsequent decades, some historians reported that Emanuel was the first Jew elected to public office in the South and the first Jewish governor of any U.S. state. Further research has largely debunked that claim, and most historians today do not recognize Emanuel as Jewish.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Check out this snow-capped mountain puzzle
Today’s Mystery Photo may puzzle you. We’ll tell you in advance that it is not Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mount Shasta or Brasstown Bald. You may have to search a lot for this one. Send your ideas to elliott@brack.net, and include your hometown.
George Graf of Palmyra, Va. told us of the recent mystery: “It’s the Oak Ridge Playhouse, Jackson Square, Manhattan Project National Historical Park, Oak Ridge, Tenn. The Oak Ridge Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the Southeastern United States. The playhouse originally opened in 1943 as the Little Theatre of Oak Ridge to entertain Manhattan Project workers in the secret city. In 1957, the playhouse was moved to its current location in Jackson Square.
“The playhouse includes a 315-seat auditorium, dressing rooms, rehearsal space, costume workshop, and office space. The Oak Ridge Playhouse was designated the official Tennessee state community theater in 2017. At the onset of the Manhattan Project, architects and administrators knew that if they wanted workers to stay in these newly-built secret communities they would have to include shopping and entertainment districts with the same amenities found in other communities throughout the United States. Oak Ridge, the largest and most populous planned community of the Manhattan Project, provided housing, transportation, shopping, and entertainment for its workers and their families. Jackson Square was the first of several Oak Ridge developments where Manhattan Project workers and their families found respite from their top-secret way of life.”
The photograph came from Susan McBrayer of Sugar Hill. The only other reader to pinpoint the photo was Allan Peel of San Antonio, Tex., who pointed out: “The original Center Theater showed films and hosted live shows and was first opened on August 31, 1943, featuring the movie “In Which We Serve”, a 1942 British patriotic war film directed by Noël Coward and David Lean.”
- SHARE A MYSTERY PHOTO: If you have a photo that you believe will stump readers, send it along (but make sure to tell us what it is because it may stump us too!) Send to: elliott@brack.net and mark it as a photo submission. Thanks.
Johnson marks 25 years with B&G Club
Marking 25 years serving you with the Lawrenceville Boys and Girls Club is Executive Director Rory Johnson, second from left. From left is Metro Atlanta B&G Club President David Jernigan, Lawrenceville Mayor David Still; and Lawrenceville B&G Alumni Karissa Jackson. Jernigan says: “For 25 years, Rory has been a steadfast advocate for our mission, fostering a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. This anniversary celebration is a testament to his remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication.”
Duluth Business Association meets Tuesday night
Nutrition for a Healthy Life Series will be presented on March 12 at 11 a.m. at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Learn about healthy lifestyle changes and healthy recipes to cook. This program will have Korean translation available.
Duluth Business Association will meet Tuesday, March 12, at 6 p.m. at Postnet, 2615 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, in Duluth. RSVP to duluthbusiness@gmail.com for an evening of engaging conversations and potential partnerships.
How well versed are you on Robert’s Rules of Order? Would you like to know more? Leadership Institute, trainers of conservatives in the country, is hosting a special training on parliamentary procedure. Register HERE for this training, which will be held March 14 from 6-9 p.m. at the Gainesville Civic Center. Their first training, held in Cartersville, was a resounding success. All attendees must be registered.
Grand Opening at Corners Outreach will be Thursday, March 14 at 2:30 p.m. at 1854 Shackleford Road, Norcross, Ga. 30093. After the ribbon-cutting guests can embark on guided tours of the center’s programs. Established in 2012, Corners Academy offers free summer enrichment programs and educational support to over 1,050 students across 22 schools in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties. Launched in 2018, Corners Industries provides stable employment opportunities to parents of Corners students, with a focus on leveraging existing skill sets such as lawncare and sewing.
Women in Business networking reception will be Thursday, March 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center atrium, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. Enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres and opportunities to network. To register, visit GwinnettCounty.com/WomeninBusiness. Space is limited.
The 19th annual VALOR Public Safety Awards will be awarded on Thursday, March 14, at 9 a.m. at the Gas South Center. This event honors the bravery and selflessness of first responders, recognizing their unwavering dedication to safeguarding Gwinnett citizens. To register, visit GwinnettChamber.org/VALOR.
Kick off St. Patrick’s weekend festivities in Braselton on March 15. On Friday night, you can use the trolley hopping to dining and nightlife spots downtown and along the trolley route. On Saturday, catch the Paddy’s Day PathFest decorated golf cart parade shenanigans and play the PathQuest challenge. You just may be the lucky winner. Cap off the weekend at Chateau Elan’s authentic Irish pub for their annual Irish Festival.
Two authors will be at Liberty Books on the Historic Square in Lawrenceville on March 16. From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Judy Highum, children’s book author of Gwinnett, will be reading her book, Parker P. Possum: a Lesson in Gratefulness. Then from 4 to 7:30 p.m., Dr. Andrew T. Knight of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., who wrote Transformational Truth: A Biblical Apologetic, will be present.
Inviting Leprechauns and Lilburchauns to participate in the Lilburn’s annual Lilburchuan Parade on Saturday March 16. This walking parade will take place inside Lilburn City Park. All are welcome to join in the fun! Meet in front of the band shell in Lilburn City Park at noon dressed in your most festive St. Patrick’s Day attire. The parade around the field, led by a Leprechaun Stilt Walker and Bagpipe player, kicks off the event, which includes walkers, pets, bicycles, wagons, and strollers. After the parade we will crown the best leprechaun look-alikes, also known as our “Lilburchauns”!Prizes will be awarded for Mr. Lilburchaun, Ms. Lilburchaun, Lad and Lassie Lilburchauns, best dressed pet, and best decorated rider.
March 16 is the next concert by the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra and Chorale. It will be the largest JSCO concert ever, with 65 musicians, four soloists and the Chorale joining forces bringing the music of Beethoven. This will be at the Johns Creek Methodist Church at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, click here.
Dusik
Lilburn Town Hall meeting will be March 18 at 7 p.m. Special guest will be Police Chief Chris Dusik. The meeting will be in the Preston room of City Hall, 340 Main Street.
Understanding Medicare is the topic at the Lawrenceville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on March 19 at 11 a.m. Get unbiased guidance from a Certified Medicare Counselor about costs and coverage, comparing options, and enrolling in plans.
Economic Outlook forecast will be Thursday, March 21 at the John C. Maxwell Leadership Center, 2580 Sugarloaf Circle in Duluth, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Speaker will be Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute Director Alfie Meek.
Preview Days at Georgia Gwinnett College will be Saturday, March 23. The events will take place from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on GGC’s campus. Prospective students will hear from members of the Grizzly family about programs of study, admissions, financial aid, student housing and more. Participants will be able to tour GGC’s campus and talk to student ambassadors about their experiences at GGC. The party-like atmosphere will include food, music and fun giveaways. GGC team members will host selected breakout sessions in Spanish. Organizers said GGC application fees will be waived in March. About 82 percent of GGC students qualify for financial aid.
Lionheart Theatre Company in Norcross will present Chaos Theory’s Improve Comedy on Saturday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of spontaneous laughter, geared towards ages 16 and older. Tickets are $12. To buy tickets, visit liohearttheatre.org.
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