A team of residents will weigh in on county government priorities before Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson proposes the 2025 budget.
Gwinnett County department directors and elected officials presented their 2025 business plans to a Citizens Budget Review Team on August 26. Later on, the Review Team will be recommending funding priorities from the viewpoint of residents.
Returning team members David Cuffie, Michael Park and Ronald S. Skeete will again lend their expertise. Cuffie is CEO of Total Vision Consulting LLC and director of church ministries for Berean Christian Church Gwinnett. Park assists clients with commercial insurance and risk management needs and is a graduate of Leadership Gwinnett and a strong advocate for Atlanta’s AAPI community. Skeete is an experienced nonprofit executive who has helped transform communities while also serving as a member of 100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta, where he volunteers to coordinate programs that serve youth across Cobb, Gwinnett and Fulton counties.
New to the review team is Denise Rumbaugh, a member of the Gwinnett County Zoning Board. Rumbaugh’s service to the community has involved advocating for students in Gwinnett County Public Schools, where she serves on the Disciplinary Action Committee.
The Chairwoman’s proposed 2025 budget will be available to the public and news media when presented to board members in November. Per County ordinance, the Board of Commissioners must adopt the annual budget during its first meeting in January.
Empty nesting is major milestone for parents
Just recently, a major lifetime milestone has come and gone for some families. New high school graduates started college, meaning that many parents returned home to an empty nest.
Georgia Gwinnett College’s David Ludden, Psychology Department chair, says that empty nesters may experience many emotions. “I think for most parents, the experience of sending their children to college is bittersweet. They spend so much time raising their children that part of their identity is being their son or daughter’s parents and having them at home. It’s natural to feel sad when they leave. This is a shift in family life for both the parents and the children.”
Ludden adds that parents should view this milestone in a different light. “It’s not the situation that parents should focus on. It’s how to interpret it. In this case, parents have done a good job raising their children so that they are ready to leave the nest and become self-sufficient adults,” he said.
Becoming an empty nester is also an opportunity. “With children out of the house, parents now have time to refocus their energies on themselves,” Ludden says. “It’s the chance to reinvigorate the marriage now that parents have more time to spend together, whether it’s as simple as taking the time to really talk with each other or planning a date night.”
With extra time, Ludden suggested that parents should rediscover themselves as individuals and as a couple. “Parents should explore their interests and become involved in hobbies or activities they enjoy. They should also pay more attention to their own health, like exercise. It may also include reaching out to a therapist if feelings of emptiness or sadness persist.”
As parents adjust to life in an empty nest, another family dynamic evolves. “Parents need to understand that their children are now adults and that the relationship between parents and children changes,” Ludden feels. “It becomes more of an equal relationship. For example, when our son left for school, we would reach out if we were planning to be in town and ask him if he was available to meet for lunch.”
Gwinnett Tech has highest enrollment in 40-year history
Gwinnett Technical College has recorded the highest enrollment numbers in its 40-year history. More than 11,000 students across the region are flocking to Gwinnett Tech’s dynamic educational programs and career opportunities.
The 2024 Fall semester saw a staggering 20 percent increase in enrollment compared to last year, and this does not include the upcoming fall mini-mester (term C) figures expected in November. This follows a similar 18 percent surge in the past spring semester.
Dr. D. Glen Cannon, president of Gwinnett Tech, credits this phenomenal growth to several key factors. That includes more transfers from traditional four year colleges; programs in high-demand careers with full tuition coverage by HOPE; new campus facilities; affordability and quick entry into the job market; and strong industry partnerships.
Gwinnett Tech now offers over 140 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs, continually expanding to meet evolving job market demands. Recently, the College introduced 20 new certificates in fields such as information technology, cosmetology/barbering, automotive technology, electrical vehicle technology, film, healthcare, and welding.
Snellville author has new book out about learning
Buchanan
Award winning Snellville author Marlene Ratledge Buchanan has a new book out. It’s called Tips, Tricks and Techniques, a Self-directed Approach to Learning. It is available from Amazon and other sources for $11.24 and consists of 68 pages.
The Buchanan’s son was deprived of oxygen at birth and was Developmentally Delayed, with numerous other disabilities. He was the impetus of all her research to find the best things to help him. This small book contains volumes of information to help parents and their children navigate learning and the world.
Ms. Buchanan is the Georgia Independent Author of the Year winner for 2024.
Garbage pick-up rate going up in Norcross
Beginning September 1, 2024, garbage rates will go up in Norcross. The rate will be increased by 4.8 percent for residential and commercial waste pick-up. The adjustment will be visible to residents on annual tax bills, while commercial charges will be updated on monthly statements. This change aligns with the 4.8 percent annual increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Water, Sewer and Trash Services, as outlined in the City of Norcross’ contract with its provider, Waste Management.
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