Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus has partnered with the Gwinnett County Public Library on a reading program that is easy and fun for kids to participate in. It gives them the opportunity to earn a free ticket to The Greatest Show On Earth (with the purchase of one adult ticket).
Children are encouraged to visit their nearest Gwinnett library branch to pick up a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Reward Club Card with program specifics. Once the child has read five or more books, the child and their parent/guardian can take the Reward Club Card to the venue box office of their choice to redeem for performances at the State Farm Arena and Gas South Arena in mid February.
The voucher can be redeemed between February 14 and 23. Box office hours are available on State Farm Arena and Gas South Arena’s websites and on the back of the Reward Card. Please review the Reward Card for comprehensive program details and restrictions.
5 inducted into Preservation Hall of Fame
From left are Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Ronald D. Dunnigan, Brandon Hembree, Betty and Charles Warbington, Historic Preservation Co-Chair Donna Bowlick and Elliott Brack.
Gwinnett County honored five individuals and organizations for their contributions to preserving and protecting Gwinnett’s history during the 2024 Preservation Hall of Fame ceremony on December 15 at the Historic Courthouse.
The award ceremony highlighted the County’s ongoing commitment to celebrating its cultural and historic resources. Inductees were recognized for their work in areas such as historic restoration and preservation, contributing historical artifacts, documenting oral histories and publishing written records of Gwinnett’s history.
The honorees are:
- Betty and Charles Warbington, who dedicated countless hours to preserving two of Gwinnett County’s earliest historic sites: the Fort Daniel site and the Elisha Winn property, both predating the county’s founding on December 15, 1818.
- Brandon Hembree, who played a pivotal role in establishing the Sugar Hill Historic Preservation Society and the Sugar Hill History Museum, ensuring the rich history of Sugar Hill and the surrounding area is archived and accessible for future generations. He is mayor of the city.
- Elliott Brack, a journalist in Gwinnett County since 1974, who has chronicled the county’s evolution in his columns and stories, preserving its history through the power of storytelling.
- Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, which has continually educated and supported Gwinnett’s residents with a history spanning over a century. Its ministries foster knowledge and community engagement across generations.
- The Suwanee Creek Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, which led the preservation of the Island Ford Baptist Church Cemetery, memorializing forgotten enslaved individuals and ensuring their vital place in Gwinnett’s history is acknowledged.
Ann Bender, chairwoman of the Gwinnett Historical Restoration and Preservation Board, says: “Every two years, the Historical Restoration and Preservation board reaches out to the community to identify individuals, groups, businesses, community leaders and professionals who have contributed to the preservation of Gwinnett County history.” A five-member advisory group sorts through and scores all the nomination letters to select the winners.
Each honoree’s name will be commemorated with markers on a stone monument on the Preservation Lawn at the Isaac Adair House and the Lawrenceville Female Seminary.
Braselton’s hospital delivers 10,000th baby
The 10,000th baby has been delivered at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) in Braselton. Scarlett Star Martin arrived on October 24 at 5:23 p.m., weighing 7 pounds and 9 ounces, and she’s the second child born to Taylor and Jared Martin of Flowery Branch.
Tappie Hurdelbrink, a certified nurse midwife with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group OB/GYN in Braselton, delivered Scarlett.
Since the first baby was born on September 12, 2016, NGMC Braselton has been a cornerstone for maternal and neonatal care, equipped with advanced technology and a compassionate team. The hospital’s comprehensive care for expecting mothers includes prenatal education, specialized care for high-risk pregnancies and a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Hawkins heads to stateside EAGLE Institute
Hawkins
Logan Hawkins has been chosen to represent Gwinnett Technical College at the statewide EAGLE (Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education) Leadership Institute in March 2025. The Leadership Institute recognizes and honors students with superior achievement in adult education classes and programs. Hawkins, a resident of Sandy Springs, first came to Gwinnett Tech after a significant life event. He enrolled in Gwinnett Tech’s Take Ten+ program and earned his high school equivalency (HSE) and welding certification. EAGLE is the first statewide program in the nation to recognize and reward excellence among students enrolled in adult education programs. The student recognition program is designed to increase awareness of educational opportunities in local communities and foster greater involvement in lifelong learning pursuits.
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