Headquartered in this building off Lakes Parkway in Lawrenceville, Peach State Federal Credit Union recently passed the $1 billion mark in its assets. The credit union was originally founded in 1961 as Gwinnett Teachers Credit Union. It has offices at 27 sites in Georgia and South Carolina. For more details, see Notable below.
EEB PERSPECTIVE: GwinnettForum’s endorsements for 2024 election
SPOTLIGHT: Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE Norcross
FEEDBACK: Every city needs a real deal like in Sugar Hill
UPCOMING: Two area banks merging, creating $2 billion in assets
NOTABLE: Peach Federal Credit Union reaches $1 billion in assets
RECOMMENDED: The Good Traitor, film on Amazon Prime
GEORGIA TIDBIT: State certified program combats illiteracy
MYSTERY PHOTO: Heavy traffic on a busy street: where is it?
CALENDAR: Norcross to unveil stair step mural on Saturday
GwinnettForum endorsements for 2024 election
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
OCT. 11, 2024 | Since early voting begins next week, today GwinnettForum issues its endorsements for the November election.
In addition to the candidates seeking office, Gwinnett will also vote on a 30 year transit proposition. We will discuss why we think this referendum should pass in coming issues.
Today we’ll concentrate on the candidates for the various offices. Over the past few months, we have spoken to many candidates. If a local candidate has refused to meet with us, we will not support that candidacy.
In the past, GwinnettForum has produced extensive information on the many candidates. This year, we’ll use another method, a simplification of an endorsement, and come straight to the point with our endorsements.
The presidential race
In our view, the United States is at one of its most critical political times, mainly because of the bullying, braying and bad leadership of Donald Trump. He is one to sow discord, dissention and disruption instead of working with others for the common good. He tells lies. He brags. His tactics are always questionable. He is not fit for the presidency, and may not be healthy enough to work that office.
Contrast that with the candidacy of Kamala Harris. She works with people, constantly has a positive viewpoint, brings new enthusiasm and has real plans, not concepts, to show the American people. She, at age 59, brings new life to this presidential campaign. We feel that she will win the presidency, the first woman to do so, with an overwhelming majority of votes, and perhaps as much as 300 electoral votes.
Why? There seems to be two major elements, both downplayed, that will carry her to victory, issues that have not been deeply covered by the major media.
The first is the abortion question. In vote-after-vote since Roe v Wade has been overturned, those backing abortion have come out on top, even in states where there were Republican majorities. We feel the American woman recognizes the importance of this issue, and will vote in great majority for Ms. Harris.
Harris. File photo.
The second issue concerns the Old Guard of the Republican Party. They have seen Donald Trump engineer a takeover of their party, moving it far from the days it was a responsible and often-successful Grand Old Party. They are still solid Republicans, but without a formidable leader. We feel these Old Party regulars will either not vote for anyone for president, or vote for Ms. Harris. Either way, it can help propel her to victory.
We recognize our country is greatly divided on this race. We recognize that many believe strongly in Donald Trump. We do not. But we will spare you further argument.
We proudly support and endorse Kamala Harris to become the 47th president – and first woman – in United States history.
Gwinnett congressional races
Gwinnett is now part of four congressional districts. It is currently represented by two Democrats and two Republicans. They are:
- District 4: Henry (Hank) Johnson Jr., a Democrat.
- District 9: Andrew Clyde, a Republican.
- District 11: Mike Collins, a Republican.
- District 12: David Scott, a Democrat.
While we feel there are people in both parties who can adequately represent Gwinnett in the 119th Congress, which begins on January 3, 2025. However, to move the new president’s programs forward quickly, we urge Gwinnett voters to support all four Democratic candidates for the new Congress, so that our choice of Kamala Harris can govern with a supportive House of Representatives.
Therefore, we endorse these four Democratic congressional candidates:
- District 4: Henry (Hank) Johnson Jr.
- District 9: Tambrei Cash.
- District 11: Alexandria (Lexy) Doherty.
- District 12: David Scott.
Gwinnett constitutional officers and commissioners
Two of the four Gwinnett constitutional officers have no opposition. They are the district attorney and clerk of Superior Court.
Mitchell
Taylor
In the race for sheriff, we have no decision to make, since Republican candidate Mike Baker would not meet with GwinnettForum. We, therefore, are pleased to support Sheriff Keybo Taylor for another term.
In the race for Gwinnett Tax Commissioner, we have watched the current Tax Commissioner, Denise Mitchell, perform her office in an admirable way. We then endorse her continuation in this office.
Six people seek three seats on the Gwinnett County Commission. We have met with all of them.
Hendrickson
For chairman: The current commission is working smoothly and moving the county forward in many ways. Viewing activities in other Metro counties, where we have seen many problems and incidents of disharmony, we are proud of the conduct and forward-thinking of the commission on most of its deliberations. We also have been pleased with the direction and demeanor of the commission led by its chairman. For all this, we endorse the candidacy of Nicole Love Hendrickson for another term as chairman.
Le
District 1: Gwinnett is lucky in this race, in that there are two outstanding candidates for this office. Either will serve well if elected. In a county as diverse as Gwinnett, we are pleased to see minorities serving in many capacities. This race is between current commissioner Kirkland Carden of Duluth, who is black, and Tim Le, of Peachtree Corners, a Vietnam businessman and immigrant. While Mr. Carden has served well, in the spirit of a more diverse county commission, we endorse the candidacy of Tim Le.
Watkins
District 3: This area of Gwinnett has been served for the last three years by retired Army Lt. Col. Jasper Watkins of Snellville. He is being opposed by Bobby Howard. We feel that Jasper Watkins can continue to serve the county with distinction and character, so therefore we endorse his candidacy.
For state Senate
There are nine state Senate districts in Gwinnett County, with two senators having no opposition. They are Tonya P. Anderson and Clint Dixon.
7: Islam Parkes
5: Rahman
District 5: Our choice for this position is veteran legislator Sen. Sheikh Rahman. He is the first Muslim and Asian-American legislator in state history, and has served since 2019.
District 7: Nabilah Islam Parkes is completing her first term with distinction. She is noted for her work in health care and voting rights. We endorse her candidacy.
40: Harrell
9: Merritt
District 9: Another first termer is Nikki Merritt, who has lived in Gwinnett for 22 years. She champions fairness and equity for all. We endorse her candidacy for election.
District 40: A long time veteran of the Statehouse, you can count on Sally Harrell to have her ideas put into practice. We endorse her candidacy.
District 46: We make no choice in this race.
55: Benefield
48: Ramaswami
District 48: It was refreshing to meet new candidate Ashwin Ramaswami, a graduate of Stanford with a law degree from Georgetown. He can serve well, and we endorse him over Shawn Still for this office.
District 55: Another first time candidate for the Senate is Mary Williams Benefield. An accountant, she feels our country is way off course and wants to return to more sane ways. We endorse the candidacy of Mary Williams Benefield.
For the Georgia House of Representatives
Gwinnett has 21 seats, in whole or part, in the Georgia House of Representatives. Ten candidates in the 21 races have no opposition and will be members of the upcoming session for 2025-26. These representatives are incumbents Doreen Carter, Karen Bennett, Dar’shun Kendrick, Marvin Lim, Gabe Okoye, Chuck Efstration, Shelly Hutchison, Dewey McClain and Bruce Williamson. A newcomer to the legislature will be former Norcross City Councilwoman Arlene Beckles, who won her primary race and has no General Election opponent.
Here are GwinnettForum’s endorsements for the remain House seats.
District 30: Neither candidate met with GwinnettForum. We make no endorsement.
97: Romman
48: Hilton
District 48: We are pleased to endorse Incumbent Scott Hilton of Peachtree Corners, a former banker and now a financial consultant. He has consistently pushed for good causes for the area.
District 88: Neither candidate met with GwinnettForum. We make no endorsement.
District 97: Ruwa Romman of Duluth served for the first time in the recent Legislature. She is astute, straight-thinking and is our choice to fill this seat. She seeks to do the right thing herself, rather than trying to convince some other person to do it.
103: Luchey
99: Reeves
District 99: We were impressed with the speed by which newcomer Matt Reeves, an attorney of Duluth, became a key person in getting items passed in the last session. He has become the legislator to go to and deserves re-election. We endorse his candidacy.
District 100: Neither candidate met with GwinnettForum. We make no endorsement.
District 103: One of the candidates in this race was one of the most impressive people we saw during this election cycle. He is Chris Luchey of Flowery Branch, a newcomer to politics, and a sports agent. He seeks to bring a bi-partisan approach to leadership, by working with people on both sides of the aisle.
107: Park
105: Mughal
District 105: Now completing his first term in the Legislature is Farooq Mughal of Dacula, who is in a public affairs company with clients around the state. Working across the aisle, he co-sponsored 10 bills signed by the governor last session. We endorse his candidacy.
District 107: Our choice in this race is veteran legislator Sam Park of Norcross, who has shown foresight and inclusiveness while a member of the House. As minority whip of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus, he fought bad legislation, such as efforts to loosen gun safety laws and undermine the right to vote. We heartily seek to get him re-elected.
108: Clark
District 108: Gwinnett is lucky here, having two good candidates seeking this office from the Lilburn area. Both could serve well. Jasmine Clark has served three terms in the House since 2018. Elvia Davila is seeking office for the first time. Ms. Davila wants better legislation to take on rogue district attorneys to deliver justice to families. Because of her bringing a scientific background to the House, and her solid service in the past, we endorse Jasmine Clark for this position.
District 110: Neither candidate met with GwinnettForum. We make no endorsement.
111: Jackson
District 111. We’ve talked with Scott Jackson of Loganville, a newcomer to politics, and like his approach to government. He stresses the need for a landscape of transparency in government, and works with people with disabilities. We are pleased to endorse his candidacy.
District 112: Neither candidate met with GwinnettForum. We make no endorsement.
We commend these candidates that we have endorsed to our readers.
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email.
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Norcross
Today’s sponsor is the Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE Norcross, ranked No. 1 in guest satisfaction amongst all Crowne Plaza hotels in North America! The Norcross hotel provides everything you need for a great stay, including modern guest rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and free parking. Enjoy a delicious meal at Eighteen70 Restaurant and Bar, take a dip in our outdoor pool or relax in the sauna or steam room. There are over 10,000 square feet of conference space available to rent for social or business events. Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE-Norcross is the perfect place to relax after a great day exploring the area or working. No matter what brings you to town, Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE-Norcross welcomes you! Book your reservation at the Crowne Plaza online at www.crowneplaza.com/norcrossga .
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
Every city needs a real deal like in Sugar Hill
Editor, the Forum:
This is a shout out to Amber Chambers for the online publishing of Real Deal Sugar Hill. In this blog she offers a detailed account of the actions of the Sugar Hill government. This hard-hitting email gives us a comprehensive inside view of the goings on of the Sugar Hill city government. Ms. Chambers shares her well-considered thoughts backed up with copies of official documents that gives the citizens of Sugar Hill insight into the decisions that affect our community.
Thank you, Amber Chambers.
– Alan Schneiberg, Sugar Hill
Dear Alan: Thanks for letting our readers know about this site. It is, indeed, a real deal of an insight for people who want to know more about Sugar Hill internal government. We like the statement of the site: “Local government watchdog in Sugar Hill, Ga. Annoying government officials every week since April 2019.” With the lack of local newspapers in Gwinnett, we wish every community had a site like this, with hard-hitting comment about what goes on within its City Hall. Congratulations, and thanks, Amber Chambers.–eeb
Medicaid expansion is key element in physician pay ills
Editor, the Forum:
I agree with Jeff Gorke that Medicaid expansion is not a cure for all physician ills. But it would be one key factor. I also agree that Medicaid is a poor payer. Medicare expansion for all, once supported by both Trump and Harris, is the long range solution.
– 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, 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: ebrack2@gmail.com.
Two area banks merging, creating $2 billion in assets
Two Atlanta area banks are merging to create a bank with more than $2 billion in assets.
Georgia Banking Company, Inc. (“GBC”), the parent company of Georgia Banking Company, and Primary Bancshares Corporation (“PBC”), the parent company of Georgia Primary Bank, jointly announced today the signing of a definitive agreement under which PBC will merge with and into GBC in a stock and cash transaction with an aggregate value of approximately $27 million. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025.
Georgia Primary Bank, based in Atlanta, has approximately $352 million in assets, $320 million in deposits, and $256 million in loans as of September 30, 2024. It operates two branches in Fulton and Forsyth Counties.
GBC’s merger with PBC will improve the combined bank’s scale and expand its footprint across metro Atlanta. As of September 30, 2024, the combined bank would have $2 billion in pro forma deposits – representing a top three deposit market share for banks headquartered in the Atlanta metropolitan area. This merger positions GBC to fill the void in the Atlanta market for a community bank in the $2-5 billion asset size range, while providing, a better experience for customers and greater value for its shareholders.
Coxon
Morgan
Bartow Morgan, Jr., chief executive officer of GBC, says: ” Our market presence will be strengthened with this strategic move which aligns with our vision of expanding our franchise to better serve the metro Atlanta community. This transaction provides us an excellent opportunity to broaden our footprint in a low-risk manner. Georgia Primary Bank is a high-quality institution with great relationships and a shared cultural focus on the customer.”
David Coxon, chief executive officer of PBC, says: “Partnering with GBC was not a difficult decision. We share the same values that are driven by our commitment to our customers and employees. The merger provides long-term growth potential for our shareholders and will enhance our ability to offer a broader range of solutions and present new business opportunities. We are excited about the combination’s substantial benefits to our community and stakeholders.”
PBC’s Chairman H. Boyd Pettit, III, and Director Mark A. Scheinfeld will also join the GBC Board of Directors. Completion of the merger is subject to normal and customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals and approval by the shareholders of PBC.
Jackson EMC Foundation awards $47,500 locally
The Jackson EMC Foundation board of directors awarded a total of $90,500 in grants for organizations during its recent meeting, including $47,500 to organizations serving Gwinnett County.
- $15,000 to the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Inc., to pay for eye surgeries for uninsured individuals in Clarke, Gwinnett, Hall and Jackson counties.
- $15,000 to J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA, Lawrenceville, to sponsor 250 youth in Gwinnett and Barrow counties for its Afterschool Program, Clubs, and More Program.
- $10,000 to ConnectAbility, Inc., Dahlonega, for its Sidekicks Community Events Program for children and adults with disabilities and their families in Banks, Barrow, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson and Lumpkin counties.
- $5,000 to the Burn Foundation of America, Inc. to provide patient and family services for burn victims throughout Jackson EMC’s service area.
- $2,500 to the Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth, to support its Special Needs and Disadvantaged Students Fund for its Educational Classroom Modules Program.
Jackson EMC Foundation grants are made possible by the 216,765 participating cooperative members who have their monthly electric bills rounded to the next dollar amount through the Operation Round Up program. Their “spare change” has funded 1,962 grants to organizations and 434 grants to individuals, putting more than $20.8 million back into local communities since the program began in 2005.
Peach Federal Credit Union reaches $1 billion in assets
Peach Federal Credit Union announced October 8 that it had reached $1 billion in assets. Peach State is one of eight credit unions in Georgia and one of seven in South Carolina to reach this milestone.
Boutwell
Peach State Federal Credit Union was originally founded in 1961 as Gwinnett Teachers Credit Union by a group of educators who shared a vision to provide the employees of Gwinnett County School system with a credit union. At the time, membership was open to all employees of Gwinnett County School System, there was no brick-and-mortar office or branch, and all files were stored in a cardboard box.
In the early days, the credit union only offered Savings Accounts. Its treasurer would drive a station wagon to all the schools and collect member’s deposits. A few years later, the credit union graduated from the cardboard box to a closet in the director’s office of Gwinnett County Vocational School.
In 1973 Peach State achieved two monumental firsts – operations in an office space inside the Hooper Renwick Service Center and hiring a full-time employee, Peggy Kilgroe, who is still employed at the credit union to this day. In the early days of operations, Kilgroe played an integral role in managing the credit union’s operations. In 1986, the credit union hired its first ever paid CEO. Over the course of eight years, the credit union’s main headquarters relocated, a second branch was added, and assets grew to over $12 million.
In 1994, Marshall Boutwell was appointed president and chief operating officer, when the credit union had assets of $14 million. In the years following, the credit union expanded services to different school systems, added Select Employee Groups, and opened branches across several Georgia counties. In 2012, the Board of Directors approved the name change to the credit union known today as Peach State Federal Credit Union.
Under Boutwell’s leadership over the last 30 years, the credit union has experienced significant transformations that have positively impacted Peach State’s members and local communities. From adding branch locations to expanding into rural and underserved areas, and adding new products, services, and digital enhancements, to now reaching $1 billion in assets.
Over 60 years ago, seven pioneers sat at a dining room table with a vision to form a credit union that would help employees of the Gwinnett County School System. Today, Peach State has magnified that vision into serving over 77,000+ members across Georgia and South Carolina with 29 branch locations.
The Good Traitor, film on Amazon Prime
On April 9, 1940, Germany invaded Denmark. Within hours, the Danish government began cooperating with the Nazi regime. That upset the Danish ambassador to Washington, who was disgusted with the capitulation of his government and refused to take orders from the Germany-controlled government of Denmark. Meanwhile, Danish ambassadors in other countries were accepting orders from the Nazis. The Washington ambassador devises a brilliant plan to work against Hitler’s Germany, help Great Britain obtain goods from the Americans, and control the northern Atlantic Ocean through Greenland. He also devises a way to fund other Danish embassies around the world, backed by Danish gold, which had been secretly shipped for safekeeping to New York. A drawback of the film was the actors who played Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill were both not well-cast. The FDR character also did not have his warmth and sharpness. This is a superb film well worth your time.—eeb
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State’s certified program combats illiteracy
Statistics on literacy in Georgia indicate that a third of adults in the state have difficulties with the English language, limiting both their employment opportunities and their quality of life. In 1990 the state launched the Certified Literate Community Program (CLCP) as a means to combat the problems of low literacy by shifting the focus for such efforts to the community level.
The Department of Technical and Adult Education (later the Technical College System of Georgia) placed the new program under the Office of Adult Literacy. The aim was to make literacy a community-wide effort to confront problems of funding and to reach adults needing literacy instruction.
By 2006, some 56 community collaboratives were organized under the program. Most of the collaboratives work within a single county, but some cover multiple counties; the Southwest Regional CLCP, for example, includes 14 counties. To qualify as a participant in the program, a community must set the goal of reducing its functional illiteracy rate by 50 percent within ten years. The specific numbers for each community are established in accordance with state guidelines. The Georgia Council on Adult Literacy, working with one full-time CLCP state director, approves applications for admission to the program. After ten years as a program participant, a CLCP organization that has reached its stated goal may apply for final certification as a Certified Literacy Program.
CLCP takes a local, bottom-up view of literacy problems, rather than conforming to rigid, state-set rules. Each one is a nonprofit collaborative that raises the visibility of literacy in its community and supports local organizations that provide specific literacy services. These services include preparing students for a high school equivalency, or General Educational Development, exam; working with non-English speakers to improve their language skills; and assisting native English speakers struggling with low literacy.
This flexible, community-based approach gives each of the CLCPs a unique organization and set of connections. All are governed by volunteer boards, which help to fund and promote literacy in the community. Most have one or more full- or part-time executives who seek literacy funding and supervise programs on a day-to-day basis. Many are physically housed in a state technical college located within the community, while others are headquartered at a chamber of commerce office. Some focus entirely on adult literacy; others view literacy as an educational continuum stretching from preschool activities to retirement.
Funding sources vary and include individual donations; fund-raisers such as spelling bees and charity auctions; grants from public schools and the local, state, and federal government; and corporate contributions. Annual budgets range from less than $10,000 to more than $1 million.
While the CLCP program alone will not eliminate the low literacy gap across the state, program participants have documented success in both annual numbers of people served and money raised in individual communities. In 1996, for instance, Warner Robins mayor Donald Walker was shocked to find that many sanitation workers could not read a set of instructions that changed routes and assignments. Private and public agencies in the community, galvanized by the challenge of low literacy in the workplace, formed the Houston County CLCP in 1998 to address the problem. By 2003 the organization had enrolled nearly 6,000 students in local literacy programs. That same year, the Houston County CLCP was named one of 12 Community Partnerships for Adult Learning by the U.S Department of Education in recognition of its effective collaborative practices.”
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Heavy traffic on a busy street: where is it?
Tall buildings, one with a clock, and heavy traffic. In what city was this photograph taken? Check it out and then send your answers to ebrack2@gmail.com, and include your home town.
The last Mystery Photo got lots of responses, since it’s a delightful spot and has quite a famous lighthouse.
Julie Duke of Norcross gave us this detail: “That is the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia. I was there this time last year, and found the granite it stands on a stunning reminder that we share this amazing vein along the eastern edge of our continent.” Julie included a drawing that she made of the lighthouse while visiting. The photograph came from Cathy Loew of Peachtree Corners, who was there recently on a family trip.
Duke’s drawing
George Graf of Palmyra, Va. gave this detail of the photograph: “A version of the Peggy’s Cove legend explains that the name originated from a book This is Peggy’s Cove, by local artist William deGarthe. He wrote a story of a schooner that was shipwrecked on Halibut Rock, just off the point on which the famous lighthouse sits. He describes the ship running aground, losing everything except for a young woman named Margaret. Margaret survived the wreck and stayed in the area, eventually marrying one of the local men. Before long, visitors began to refer to the area as ‘Peggy’s Cove.’ The artist has written three novels, a children’s book and a song about Peggy of the Cove. The name Peggy of course is short for Margaret.”
Among others getting this Mystery right were Mitzi Hull, Cumming; Kay Montgomery, Duluth; Molly Titus, Peachtree Corners; Ross Lenhart, Stone Mountain; Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill; Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.; Lucy Brady, Suwanee; Steve Ogilvie, Rehobeth, Ala.; and Alan Slutsky, Greensboro, Ga.
- 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: ebrack2@gmail.com and mark it as a photo submission. Thanks.
Norcross to unveil stair step mural on Saturday
New Mural: Join the Norcross Public Arts Commission for the unveiling of a new mural on the stair steps of Heritage Park. This event is Saturday, October 12 at 3 p.m. Enjoy a vibrant dance performance and be part of this colorful community moment. Bring your friends and family—let’s celebrate art together! Heritage Park located between the Norcross City Hall and Community Center. For more information, visit aplacetoimagine.com.
Norcross Clean-up and Recycling day is Saturday, October 12, from 8 a.m. until noon. The city will accept single-stream recyclables, such as glass items, scrap metal, bulk materials and electronics at Norcross Public Works, 345 Lively Street.
Lilburn Daze is scheduled for Lilburn City Park on October 12, starting at 9 a.m. and going until 5 p.m. This event is hosted by the Lilburn Woman’s Club, and co-sponsored by the City of Lilburn. Proceeds from the Daze support projects of the club, including scholarships, beautification and the arts. There will be arts and crafts, children’s activities, entertainment, music, food and fun.
Reading is FUNdamental will take place on October 12 at 11 a. m. at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Join Meridith Rose, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, to learn about the fundamentals of reading and ways to build your child’s speech, language, and emergent literacy skills while reading together. Children are encouraged to attend.
What’s On Your Ballot? will be presented on Wednesday, October 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Lilburn Branch of Gwinnett County Public library. New and seasoned voters will learn about what’s on their election ballot and will have an opportunity to have hands-on experience with a voting machine.
My child won’t go to school workshop will be Thursday, October 17 at 7 p.m. at the Norcross Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. School administrators and parents are struggling to respond to the chronic absenteeism crisis. Join Dyslexia Specialist, Katie Fowle, and International Parent Coach Sharoya Ham, as they discuss their new book, Help! My Kid Won’t Go To School!
Healthy Aging and Caregiving Fair will be presented at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on October 19 at 10 a.m. Join in for a family-friendly event with special speakers, health screenings, kid-friendly activities, and resources for caregivers.
Gwinnett Ballet Theatre presents Dracula, a ballet to die for, at the Gas South Theatre on Friday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, October 20 at 3 and 7 p.m. Sink your teeth into a thrilling vampire drama at the Gas South District theatre. Choreographed by Sara Elyse Sanford, this masterpiece features special effects, lavish costumes, and breathtaking scenery.
Liveable Communities: Discover how Gwinnett Planning and Development is working to create a more livable community at the Gwinnett County Block Party on Saturday, October 19 at Alexander Park in Lawrenceville! From 11:00am to 3:00pm, attendees can explore long-range and current planning booths, show off their art skills with a placemaking project, learn more about County services, and enjoy food, fall-themed kids’ activities, and more. Register today for this free event, and bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a day of fun, discovery, and community spirit!
Fifth Annual Aurora Theatre 0.5K Fun Run is scheduled for October 19. Check-in at 11 a.m. at the Lawrenceville Arts Center. The race begins at noon. Like no other, this annual 0.5k Fun Run is a quick jaunt (or leisurely saunter if you prefer) from the Arts Center Courtyard to Slow Pour Brewing Company. There will be face painting, pre-race games and prizes. Proceeds from this event benefit the Aurora Theatre.
Capture the essence of Norcross in a snap! Norcross Gallery and Studios is hosting the ‘Our Home Is Your Home’ Photo Competition through Sunday, October 20. Whether you’re an amateur or a pro, they want to see the world through your lens. The Gallery is accepting photos from smartphones as well as professional cameras. Submitted photos will be displayed in Norcross City Hall and Norcross Gallery and Studio. Top photos will receive prizes and ribbons. Participants are not required to live in Norcross, but the pictures must showcase the city.
Norcross State of the City address has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 6050 Peachtree Boulevard. Mayor Craig Newton will update those in attendance on current and future activities of the city.
Author talk and book signing is being planned for October 24 at 7 p.m. at the Norcross Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Join award-winning author Vanessa Riley as she discusses her newest mystery, Murder in Berkeley Square. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Chamberworks music: Gwinnett Symphony, chamber singers and youth orchestra will present a concert at the Norcross First Global Methodist Church, 2580 Beaver Ruin Road, on Sunday, October 27, at 5 p.m. Music featured will be Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland, suite for 13 instruments. For tickets, visit GwinnettSmphony.org.
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