County leadership has elevated Gwinnett Parks and Recreation to a stand-alone department in a move to better serve the community and meet the growing needs of Gwinnett’s award-winning parks system. As part of the transition, County Administrator Glenn Stephens appointed Chris Minor as director of the new Parks and Recreation Department and Lindsey Jorstad as director of the Community Services Department.
Minor
Minor, who joined the County in 2013, became the first Black leader of Parks and Recreation in 2021. Under his guidance, Gwinnett’s recreational programming and facilities have gained national recognition, including consecutive nominations for the prestigious National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in park and recreation management. Minor holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University and is a certified parks and recreation professional.
Jorstad
Jorstad will begin her role of Community Services Director beginning January 18, following the retirement of Tina Fleming, whose last day is January 17. Fleming concludes more than 27 years of public service, 24 of those spent with Gwinnett County, where she expanded the Health and Human Services and Parks and Recreation Divisions and launched impactful initiatives such as Live Healthy Gwinnett, Building Brains Anywhere and OneStop 4 Help to enhance residents’ quality of life.
Jorstad has been with the county since 2007 and began her career in aquatic center operations and as a lifeguard. Her approach to leadership has centered around the pro-active well-being of Gwinnett’s residents. While serving as the department’s deputy, Jorstad strengthened the department’s collaboration and engagement efforts with community partners, stakeholders and residents. She is a graduate of Georgia Southern University.
Aurora Theatre plans another “Phenomenon” gala
Aurora Theatre is preparing for ‘Phenomenon: A Night in Lawrence Vegas,” the premier celebration of the year, which will take place on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. This event will unveil the company’s 30th anniversary season and promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment and excitement.
The festivities kick off at 7 p.m. at the Lawrenceville Arts Center. Tickets are $150 and available now for purchase until the day of the event. Secure your spot by visiting auroratheatre.com/productions-and-programs/view/phenomenon-2025/ or calling 678-226-6222.
“Phenomenon”will be a Vegas-inspired extravaganza. Guests will enjoy an evening of gaming, performances, and indulgence and auction opportunities. Attendees can also enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and live performances throughout the evening. This cocktail-attire event blends the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas with the warmth of Aurora’s celebrated community.
Last year’s Phenomenon drew over 200 attendees and featured remarkable prizes. This year, attendees can expect even more dazzling prizes and surprises. More than just a benefit, Phenomenon is a celebration of the performing arts, philanthropy, and community spirit. All proceeds from the event support Aurora Theatre’s fundraising efforts to sustain its mission and programming. With a fundraising goal of $200,000, Phenomenon 2025 aims to set a new standard of success.
Lawrenceville has first community wellness dog
The Lawrenceville Police Department is introducing K9 Rowan, or “Ro,” the first and only Community Wellness Dog in Gwinnett County. This initiative highlights the department’s commitment to supporting the mental health of first responders while fostering stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Ro
K9 Rowan, a seven-month-old Goldendoodle, is a highly trained therapy dog whose primary role is to provide comfort, support, and emotional relief in times of stress or trauma. Whether assisting individuals in crisis, visiting schools and community events, or offering a calming presence at the police department, K9 Rowan will serve as a beacon of compassion and connection.
Chief John Mullin says: “We’re excited to introduce K9 Rowan as part of our dedicated mission of building a safer Lawrenceville through community engagement and professional police services. This program demonstrates our dedication to meeting the emotional and mental health needs of both our officers and our citizens.”
The Community Wellness Dog Program was made possible through partnerships with Tails of Hope and Coco’s Cupboard, Inc., both of Gay, Ga., whose support and collaboration helped bring this vision to life. Residents can expect to meet K9 Rowan at various community events, schools, and other public appearances.
“This initiative is not just about building relationships but also about fostering a sense of trust, understanding, and care within the community,” added Chief Mullin.
For more information about the Community Wellness Dog Program or upcoming appearances, contact K9 Rowan’s handler, Officer Quolettea Cole, at QCole@LawrencevillePD.com.
Chick-fil-A program awards $125,000 to “Good Sam”
Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett has been named the recipient of a $125,000 grant through the annual Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards program. This donation will help Good Samaritan Gwinnett expand access to care, improve health outcomes for uninsured individuals, and deliver affordable medical and dental services to underserved patients in metro Atlanta.
Good Samaritan Gwinnett is one of 56 True Inspiration Awards grant recipients in 2025 that are receiving a collective $6 million from Chick-fil-A, Inc. To be selected, an organization must work to address a pressing issue in their community that aligns with one of Chick-fil-A’s priorities: Caring for People, Caring for Others through Food, Caring for Our Communities and Caring for our Planet.
The True Inspiration Awards were established in 2015 to carry on Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy’s legacy of generosity and community service. In these past ten years, 357 grants ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, have been distributed to organizations located across the U.S. as well as Puerto Rico, Canada and the U.K.
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