GwinnettForum | Number 25.06 | Jan. 21, 2025
AIMING AT ELIMINATING BOOK DESERTS, the Lilburn Woman’s Club (LWC) is sponsoring the Gwinnett County Public School Bookmobile Program, providing over 8,000 students across eight Lilburn elementary schools with access to free brand-new, age-appropriate books. Geraldine Palis, left, is the Media Specialist at Knight Elementary. Kathy Mattox, at right, is the Lilburn Woman’s Club president. For more details, see Another View below.
TODAY’S FOCUS: Gwinnett may opt out of state-mandated exemption
EEB PERSPECTIVE: One of our society’s biggest problems: Uncivil behavior
SPOTLIGHT: Mingledorff’s
ANOTHER VIEW: Lilburn Woman’s Club aims at eliminating book deserts
FEEDBACK: Another area provides county-wide microtransit
UPCOMING: PGA Tour returns to Sugarloaf for five more years
NOTABLE: Gray Media to broadcast 30 Stripers home games
RECOMMENDED: The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
OBITUARY: Richard Smith “Dick” Myrick
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Brownson was governor of Georgia in critical period
MYSTERY PHOTO: Try to figure out why this dog is looking up
CALENDAR: Celebrate Lunar New Year in Duluth on Jan. 21
Gwinnett may opt out of state-mandated exemption
Special report to GwinnettForum
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | Gwinnett County announced Friday that it is considering opting out of the new Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption introduced in House Bill 581 and will hold three public hearings for residents to share feedback.
The county has an existing Value Offset Exemption that protects homeowners from tax increases because of increased property market values. Compared to the new Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption, the VOE protects against inflation and keeps county government taxes lower for homeowners.
Three public hearings will be held at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium for residents to learn more and share comments:
- Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 6:30 p.m.;
- Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 2:30 p.m.; and
- Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m.
Since 2001, Gwinnett County government’s existing VOE has automatically been applied when a homestead exemption is granted to a Gwinnett County homeowner. The VOE freezes the assessed property value at the base year valuation.
With Gwinnett County government’s existing VOE, the homeowner’s county government taxes are based on the frozen base year valuation, even as property values continue to rise. This is why most property tax increases seen by Gwinnett homeowners in recent years have been due to increases in school and city taxes, which have risen as property market values have increased.
Unlike the existing county government VOE, the base value of the home is adjusted annually for inflation under the new Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption, making it subject to increases.
The benefit of the existing Gwinnett VOE can be seen in the savings that homeowners receive.
The first example is a property in the city of Suwanee with a market value of $420,300 in 2021 that grew to $746,500 by 2024. The homeowner’s county tax stayed at $1,254.71 all four years based on the 2013 base assessed value, which was frozen by the VOE when the homeowner was granted a homestead exemption. The VOE saved this homeowner $5,691.11 over four years.
In another example of a home in unincorporated Auburn, the property’s fair market value increased from $225,500 in 2021 to $407,500 by the 2024 tax year. The homeowner’s county taxes remained stable at $1,066.83 each year based on the frozen base assessed value from 2017. The VOE saved the homeowner $3,116.76 in County taxes over four years.
Cities and schools will host their own public hearings if they intend to opt out of the new Statewide Adjusted Base Year Homestead Exemption.
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One of our society’s biggest problems: Uncivil behavior
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
JAN. 21, 2025 | At so many turns in American society today, you see ample evidence of uncivil behavior. You may see it in the grocery store, or on the roadway, in schools, yes, in almost every segment of our nation.
What are we talking about?
Google defines uncivil behavior in a society where “Uncivil behavior is rude, discourteous, and disrespectful, and it can cause distress to others. It can include verbal abuse, nonverbal abuse, and sexual harassment.” People exhibiting such behavior could simply be called “boors.” A more normal term might be “jerks.” You probably know or have heard of some.
Our nation was not always that way. Back in the day when civil behavior was more commonplace, Google defines that as “a way of interacting with others that is respectful, courteous, and considerate. It can help maintain positive social interactions and prevent bullying.”
No doubt each of us can easily point out those few among us who continually disappoint mankind by displaying constant uncivil behavior. When you know someone this way, your automatic response is not to have anything to do with them. After all, it’s obvious they were not brought up correctly.
Perhaps their parents were also jerks, or at least, didn’t raise them right. We also question if children brought up this way ever set foot inside a church. If they did, churchly considerations didn’t find much that stuck to them.
What are some of the ways you see uncivil behavior? We found several lists. Among them:
- Positioning oneself over others.
- Displaying a lack of regard for others.
- Addressing others in an unprofessional, disrespectful way-for example, talking down, using degrading remarks or tone of voice.
- Ignoring others (in person, telephone calls, emails, etc.); Paying little or no attention to others’ opinions.
One professional defined such activity as “…low-intensity deviant behavior with ambiguous intent to harm the target, in violation of workplace norms for mutual respect.”
Recognize some forms of uncivil behavior. That would include talking down to others; paying little attention to others’ opinions, and displaying a lack of regard for them.
Let’s turn it around and talk about the ways people who are kind and understanding behave in society. Here is one list of civil behavior we can cheer on for all of us:
- Being respectful: Treating others with dignity and respect, even if you don’t agree with them.
- Being considerate: Being aware of others’ feelings, concerns, and wishes.
- Being open: Listening actively and being open to others’ ideas.
- Being cooperative: Interacting with others in a cooperative way, rather than a confrontational one .
- Being honest: Communicating honestly and directly, and saying what you mean.
- Being polite: Using manners and courtesy, and speaking in a positive tone of voice.
- Being aware: Reading the room and knowing when to disengage from heated or awkward discussions.
You may have thought of several people who have popped into your mind as being among those you do not care for because they act in uncivil ways. For sure: they care not one dime what you think about them. When you run across such ill-mannered and discourteous people, stay away from them, have little to do with them. It’ll make you a better person not to associate with them.
Or if such a person is where you have to interact with them, such as a bad boss, limit the time you spend with them. Be respectful, but stay away as much as you can.
Some people are just downright difficult, often in many ways. Treat all with respect, but show your good upbringing by being civil to everyone.
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Mingledorff’s
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today’s featured sponsor is Mingledorff’s, an air conditioning distributor of the Carrier Air Conditioning Company. Mingledorff’s corporate office is located at 6675 Jones Mill Court in Norcross Ga. and is proud to be a sponsor of the Gwinnett Forum. With 40 locations in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and South Carolina, Mingledorff’s is the convenient local source with a complete line for the quality heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration parts and supplies you need to service and install HVAC/R equipment. Product lines include Carrier, Bryant, Payne, Totaline and Bard.
- For all of your HVAC needs, and information on the products Mingledorff’s sells, visit www.mingledorffs.com and www.carrier.com.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
Lilburn Woman’s Club aims at eliminating book deserts
By Brenda Dana
LILBURN, Ga. | The Lilburn Woman’s Club (LWC) is announcing its latest literacy initiative aimed at eliminating book deserts in Lilburn. By sponsoring the Gwinnett County Public School Bookmobile Program, the Lilburn club will provide over 8,000 students across eight Lilburn elementary schools with access to free brand-new, age-appropriate books, ensuring that no child is left without the tools to foster a love for reading. The Lilburn Woman’s Club is a member of the Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs.
The schools in the bookmobile program include Lilburn, Arcado, Hopkins, R.D. Head, Minor, Mountain Park, Camp Creek and Knight elementary schools. The program began this year on January 15, 2025.
Addressing book deserts
A book desert refers to areas where access to quality books is severely limited. In Gwinnett County, many children lack even a single book at home, which significantly hinders literacy development. Studies show that children with access to books at home are 5.5 times more likely to read above their age level compared to peers who have fewer than 10 books. Alarmingly, many students cannot afford books at school fairs, further exacerbating the issue.
Why it matters
Providing personal books to children profoundly impacts their literacy and development. Research highlights that book ownership is tied to greater reading enjoyment and improved outcomes. Children who own books are six times more likely to read above their expected level. The urgency of this initiative is heightened by Georgia’s literacy ranking, which stands at 45th in the nation. LWC is taking action to address this challenge in the Lilburn area of Gwinnett County, one of the state’s largest and most diverse counties.
LWC’s literacy project
The Book Mobile will visit the eight elementary schools in Lilburn, providing students with books at no cost. Organized by reading level, children can select titles that match their skills and interests. Unlike traditional book fairs, which often require payment, this initiative ensures equitable access for all students without cost.
A legacy of literacy
This initiative builds on the LWC’s longstanding commitment to literacy, including its successful Dictionary Project, which annually provides dictionaries to all third graders in Lilburn public schools.
For more information about this initiative or to support the Lilburn Woman’s Club, visit
www.lilburnwomansclub.org, or contact Kathy Mattox, the current LWC president, at info@lilburnwomansclub.org.
The inspiration of the Georgia Federation of Women’s Club comes from St. Francis of Assisi, “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
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Another area provides county-wide microtransit
Editor, the Forum:
Microtransit service has been in operation up here in McHenry County, Ill., since 2012.
Up here, we have “McRide,” a microtransit service. This call-a-ride service is for residents to ANY location in the county as well as a couple of medical centers and attractions just outside the county lines. It is not restricted to different zones within the county and does give priority to seniors and disabled riders.
Recently this government added “McConnect,” which is basically a Uber-type subsidy for seniors and disabled riders as well, so they don’t have to wait on the ride- shared vans of McRide.
Gwinnett is making a big mistake by creating zones within the county for the microtransit service, limiting who can use the service and where it will take you.
I suppose it will mean another “million dollar transit study” will correct that in the future.
– Dan Mackaben, Crystal Lake, Ill.
Dear Dan: Thanks for this comparison. For the record, McHenry County, Ill. and Gwinnett County, Ga. are both large counties. McHenry consists of 603 square miles, compared to 437 for Gwinnett. –eeb
Following Nathalie on TV led to many more cooking shows
Editor, the Forum:
So sorry to hear about Nathalie Dupree’s passing on January 14. I formerly watched her on the Georgia Public Television station, which led me to watch all the cooking shows on Saturday to this day.
The last time I saw her on television was the show called “How She Rolls.” Nathalie and Callie were making Southern biscuits together. It reminded me of my two Southern grandmothers and their down home cooking. Honest and clean and delicious. Heaven just got more heavenly with the down-home cooking of Nathalie Dupree there.
– Sara Rawlins, Lawrenceville
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.
PGA Tour returns to Sugarloaf for five more years
Mitsubishi Electric US and PGA TOUR Champions are announcing a five-year partnership extension, with both the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, Hawaii and the Mitsubishi Electric Classic presented by Vensure in Duluth continuing through 2030.
PGA Tour Champions President Miller Brady says: “We are proud to continue building upon our wonderful partnership with Mitsubishi Electric, which dates more than 15 years. The success of both tournaments is a testament to the shared values and vision between our organizations.”
He adds: “Everyone involved in our Tour looks forward to starting the season at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai each year. In addition, the Mitsubishi Electric Classic at TPC Sugarloaf in Gwinnett County has proven to be a premier event on our schedule, showcasing top-tier competition and community engagement. We are incredibly grateful for the fantastic relationship that we have had with Mitsubishi Electric and look forward to an even brighter future together.”
Mitsubishi Electric has served as the title sponsor of the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai since 2009 and as title sponsor of the Mitsubishi Electric Classic presented by Vensure since 2016.
The PGA Tour Champions will return to Duluth, for the Mitsubishi Electric Classic at Sugarloaf Country Club on April 21-27. Stephen Ames won the Mitsubishi Electric Classic each of the past two seasons and now looks forward to joining Padraig Harrington and Steve Stricker as recent Champions Tour players to successfully win an event in three consecutive seasons.
Malcolm X’s daughter shares “hope” with GGC students
Hope. That’s the thrust of the message that Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz brought to Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) students during a keynote speech on Friday. Her remarks to nearly 400 GGC students were the centerpiece of a day to honor and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“I want them to understand that they have both the power and responsibility to continue this work in their own communities,” she said. “Each generation must do more than stand on the shoulders of those who came before; they must chart their own course toward justice. As the saying goes, ‘if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.’ This work isn’t just about surviving – it’s about thriving and doing so, together.”
As the daughter of the late Malcolm X, she also shared personal stories about the interactions of the two families during a Q&A session after her speech.
Suwanee Arts Center winter exhibit is now open
The Suwanee Arts Center is now open with its Winter Exhibit 2025. The center is located near the city hall at 3930 Charleston Market Street.
This event is free to the public! Come explore breathtaking flat and 3D artworks. The exhibit runs until March 4, 2025.
The center is also having two Bob Ross painting classes coming up, Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, these classes are a fun way to channel your inner artist.
Gray Media to broadcast 30 Stripers home games
Following the successful launch of a 13-game broadcast schedule in 2024, the Gwinnett Stripers have announced a continuation and expansion of their partnership with Gray Media to air select home games on Peachtree Sports Network (PSN) during the 2025 season.
The Stripers, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, will air 30 home games live on PSN beginning with the Home Opener on Tuesday, April 1. Calling the action once again is Dave Lezotte, entering his fifth season as the lead play-by-play “voice of the Stripers.” He’ll be joined by Logan Bourandas, in his first season as Gwinnett’s assistant broadcaster.
Peachtree Sports Network is available in Atlanta free over the air on WPCH 17.2, as well as Comcast, Spectrum, and streaming on YouTube TV and Fubo. Peachtree Sports Network is also carried free over the air on Gray-owned stations in Albany (WGCW 36.4), Augusta (WGAT 17.3), Columbus (WCTA 47.3), Macon (WPGA 50.1), and Savannah (WPHJ 19.3), Georgia.
The Nickel Boys, by Colson Whitehead
From Shyla Nambiar, Norcross: Colson Whitehead, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, won his second Pulitzer for The Nickel Boys, a novel based on the true story of the notorious Dozier School, a boys’ reformatory in Florida. This Dickensian school, only shuttered in 2011, subjected its residents to physical and sexual abuse. The story centers on two black teenagers confined in the racially segregated Nickel Academy, scholarly Elwood and streetwise Turner. Their harrowing experiences illuminate the brutal, prison-like atmosphere of the school, the corrupt adults who ran it punitively, and the suffering that the trapped boys face, as well as the friendship that forms between the two. Whitehead interweaves the story of Elwood’s past imprisonment at Nickel’s with his current circumstances in New York City and how he redeems his life. The story ends with a surprising twist. A movie based on the book was released in December 2024.
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Richard Smith “Dick” Myrick
Richard “Dick” Smith Myrick, 91, of Milton, died on January 10, 2025.
Myrick
A native of Columbus, Ga., son of Richard Joiner Myrick and Ruby Arminda Smith Myrick, Dick came to Atlanta in 1951 to attend Georgia Tech, where he graduated in 1955 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He married his high school sweetheart, Patsy Layfield in 1955, and they settled in Atlanta, where they had three children, Dick Jr., Leigh Ann, and Mary Lynn. After Patsy’s death in 1961, Dick met and married Winifred Boggs in 1963 and they had Martha Erwin in 1966. Dick and Wini celebrated their 61st Anniversary this last August.
Dick had a 50-year career in commercial real estate, founding The Myrick Company in 1968. He was an early leader in the development of Peachtree Corners, developing The Corners Office Park, and assembling the first phase of Spalding Triangle. Committed to his adopted city, he participated in the leadership of civil and educational organizations including vice chair and Board member of the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and chair and board member of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. He was a former chair of the State YMCA of Georgia (now the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement) and a life member of the board. He also served as Georgia’s first Youth Governor of the State YMCA, earning him the Service to Youth Award in 2010 on the 60th Anniversary of his service.
Dick and Wini were active members of Northwest Presbyterian Church and Dick served in a variety of capacities including chair of the Building Committee, Sunday School teacher, deacon, and later an elder. Dick remained a member of Northwest until his death, and Wini along with several of their children and grandchildren are members of the Northwest community. Dick is also a life member of the board of the Alliance Theatre and served on the board and as a mentor to the leadership of The Jacob’s Ladder Group.
When Bulloch Hall, the Roswell historic childhood home of Theodore Roosevelt’s mother, was slated for demolition in 1971, Dick stepped in to purchase it. He and Wini restored it as a house museum that opened in 1972. While no longer a museum, Bulloch Hall remains an important historic site in Roswell. At the same time as the Bulloch Hall purchase, he also bought and redeveloped the Roswell Square stores. During the renovation of the old bank, he found a collection of confederate currency and bonds in a small space above the vault. His donation of these findings to the Atlanta History Center was instrumental in the acquisition of a collection of Sherman’s field orders from 1862.
Dick was well known for his real estate “deals,” the most meaningful being the purchase of land in Fulton and Cherokee County fondly referred to simply as “The Farm.” The farm became a family retreat and eventually Dick and Wini’s full-time home. It remains a special place to the family and to all who have been welcomed there over the 55+ years that it has been in the Myrick family.
Dick’s legacy is his sense of humor, his faithfulness, his optimism, and his perseverance in the face of any adversity. He is survived by his wife, Wini; his four children, Dick Jr., Ann, Lynn and Martha; their spouses, Julia Myrick, Paul Moye, Edward Dudley, and Donald Varney; grandchildren, Richard Smith Myrick III, Ansley Myrick Thomas, Brian Moye, Sarah Moye Brown, Gordon Dudley, Mary Lamar Dudley, Samuel Dudley, Margaret Dudley, Winifred Maya Bentley, Sojourn Bentley, Jonathan Varney and Julia Varney. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Mary Beth Myrick, Richard Smith Myrick IV, Delaney Thomas, Lawton Thomas, Ruby Thomas, Wini Thomas, Nora Kate Brown, Benjamin Brown, Owen Brown, Mackenzie Brown, Thomas Moye, and Anderson Varney; and by many nieces and nephews.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for Dick’s life will be held at Northwest Presbyterian Church, 4300 Northside Dr., Atlanta, on January 25, 2025, at 1 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Jacob’s Ladder Group in Roswell or Northwest Presbyterian Church in Atlanta or the nonprofit of your choice.
Brownson was governor of Georgia in critical period
Nathan Brownson was governor of Georgia for the last few months of the critical year of 1781, when Georgia was attempting to reestablish its government after the British were driven out of Augusta during the American Revolution (1775-83). He was the first physician to serve as governor of Georgia.
Brownson was born in Woodbury, Conn., in 1742, to Abigail and Timothy Brownson. After he graduated from Yale University, in 1761, Brownson studied to become a physician and went on to practice medicine in Connecticut. He appears to have married three times: first, in 1769, to Elizabeth Lewis; then to Elizabeth Dunham (or Donnom) in 1774; and finally to Elizabeth McLean in 1776. There were two children from his marriage to McLean.
In 1774 Brownson moved from Connecticut to Riceboro, Ga., just south of Midway, in Liberty County. He quickly became a leader of the resistance to British tyranny. Brownson was one of the representatives from St. John’s Parish to the second full Provincial Congress, which met in Savannah in July 1775. On October 9, 1776, Georgians chose him as a delegate to the Continental Congress and reelected him to a second term on June 7, 1777.
The Georgia patriots were deeply divided. Economic status, family ties, politics, religion, geography, and the tensions generated by the defeats on the battlefield and British occupation of Georgia all contributed to the rise of two factions, one radical and one conservative, among the Georgia patriots during the Revolutionary War.
After the British were driven out of Augusta in June 1781, however, the future of Georgia as an independent and free state depended on bringing these two warring factions together to reconstitute the state’s government. To lead them in this effort, the people of Georgia turned to Brownson, the physician and statesman, in the hope that he could begin the process of healing the wounds caused by the strife between the radical and conservative factions. On August 17, 1781, Brownson was unanimously elected speaker of the assembly, which then elected him governor.
Governor Brownson immediately set out to secure Georgia “against the machinations of Public and Private Enemies” and to take measures designed to restore peace, tranquility, and prosperity to the state. During his brief term of office the government of Georgia implemented measures to encourage the return of citizens who had fled the state because of the hardships of the war, and it passed legislation designed to obtain food and clothing for those whose farms and businesses were ruined by the war. The state also had to provide a defense against the continued threat of British troops and bands of armed Tories. On January 2, 1782, John Martin was elected to succeed Brownson as governor of Georgia.
Brownson’s career in public service continued after his term as governor. In June 1782 he was appointed deputy purveyor for southern hospitals. In the 1780s he served as a representative in the Georgia House of Assembly. He was a member of the Georgia convention that ratified the U.S. Constitution in 1788. In 1789 he served in the convention that rewrote Georgia’s constitution. He became the first president of the new Georgia senate and served in that office from 1790 to 1791. He joined with Abraham Baldwin, another Yale graduate, in working for the creation of a state-supported institution of higher education, which would become known as the University of Georgia.
On October 18, 1796, Nathan Brownson died at his home in Riceboro.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Try to figure out why this dog is looking up
Today’s mystery photo is obviously in a big city, but not Atlanta. There’s quite a story behind this photo. See if you can find out about it. Send your thoughts to ebrack2@gmail.com when you determine it, and be sure to list your hometown.
The last mystery was quickly solved by Paula Cosentino of Duluth, recognizing the smallest police station in the world in Carrabelle, Fla., close to the “big bend” in the Panhandle. The photo (unedited in this issue) came from Scott Zanardo of Lawrenceville.
Lots of readers had seen this site. Among those responding were Charles Anderson, Hartwell; Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.; Cindy Joy Evans, Duluth; Ruth Lachman Paul, Norcross; George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; Chuck Cimarik, Peachtree Corners; Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill; David Will, Lilburn; Virginia Klaer, Duluth; and Allan Peel of San Antonio, Tex.
Peel wrote: “The “Smallest Police Station in the World” is located on U.S. Highway 98 in Carrabelle, a small town along Florida’s Panhandle, approximately 45 miles southwest of Tallahassee. This rather unique implementation of a “police station” has gained attention over time, becoming a popular tourist attraction as it has been featured on a number of television shows, including in the 2019 horror movie Tate’s Hell.
“In 1953, the local phone company bolted a call box to the wall of a nearby building to allow the Carrabelle police to answer calls while patrolling the community. But it was not long before that phone would get vandalized or residents would use the phone to make unauthorized, long-distance phone calls. Attempts to move the call box to a different building did not resolve the issue. Then Johnnie Mirabella (1925–1995), who, at the time, was the lone Carrabelle employee of St. Joseph Telephone and Telegraph Company, noticed that the police officers would get drenched while making phone calls during rains. So, when the telephone company decided to replace an old, worn out phone booth with a new one, Mirabella decided to solve both problems at once by putting the call box in the old booth and calling it ‘The World’s Smallest Police Station.’ It was installed on March 10, 1963, to replace the original booth, which is now on display across the street in the Carrabelle Chamber of Commerce.”
- 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!) Click here to send an email and please mark it as a photo submission. Thanks.
Celebrate Lunar New Year in Duluth on Jan. 21
Celebrate Lunar New Year (and the year of the snake) at the Duluth Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library on January 21 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Learn about this traditional East and Southeast Asian festival (also known as the Spring Festival) and create festive art that you can take home with you for good luck. free to attend. Supplies will be provided. Perfect for ages 6-11.
Lionheart Theatre of Norcross will present the Vidalia Theatre Company in Winter Yield, a collection of short plays set in an elevator, on January 21-26 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 3 p.m. The theatre is at 10 College Street in Norcross.
Postpartum Health Awareness will be presented at the Snellville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on January 22 at 7 p.m. Are you a new or expecting parent? Gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate the joys and challenges of postpartum care, newborn care, and child safety.
Author Talk with Jennifer Moorman, best selling author, will be January 24 at noon at the Lawrenceville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Moorman will discuss her newest book, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds. Books will be available for sale and signing.
Happy New Year from Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra. Start the new year with the upcoming concert, featuring Conductor Henry Cheng and Renowned Pianist David Fung! The concert will be held in honor of heroes in our community and aims to recognize first responders, healthcare workers, and everyday heroes. The concert will be January 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mount Pisgah Church in Johns Creek.
Learn Yoga: Join yoga instructor, Carly Brown, as she guides you through gentle movements, stretches, and breathing that will offer you the space to connect with your body, release tension, calm your nerves, and practice self-care. This will be held on January 26 at noon at the Lilburn Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library.
Prospective Foster Parent Information Session is scheduled for January 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Five Forks Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Learn how to become a foster parent in Gwinnett County.
Historian, author and public servant Michael L. Thurmond will address the Gwinnett Historical Society at its meeting on January 27, starting with a gathering at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be at the Gwinnett Environmental Center, 2020 Clean Water Drive in Buford. Thurmond, who is chief executive officer of DeKalb County, will speak about his latest book, James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia: A Founder’s Journey from Slave Trader to Abolitionist, published by the University of Georgia Press. Since Black History Month is approaching, the meeting is co-sponsored by Gwinnett County Government.
Health Literacy Fair: Gwinnett Coalition along with 20+ health-related partners are holding a bilingual Health Literacy Fair for adults on January 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Our Lady of the Americas Church, 4603 Lawrenceville Highway, Lilburn. There will be workshops, a food demonstration, vaccines, hygiene kits, a mental health panel discussion, health screenings, and door prizes.” Those wanting to participate must register beforehand at bit.ly/2025HealthLiteracyFair.
Author Talk with Clint Smith: Join history author Clint Smith as he discusses his book The Georgia Air National Guard. Books will be available for sale and signing. This will take place at the Buford Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on January 31 at noon.
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