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.
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.
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