Peachtree Corners Magazine - April / May 2022

INSIDE: WESLEYAN ARTIST MARKET - APRIL 29-30

OFFICIAL CITY NEWS ►

PEACHTREE CORNERS APRIL/MAY 2022 ISSUE 20 ■ LIVINGINPEACHTREECORNERS.COM

MAILED TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD IN THE CITY

Faces of Peachtree Corners Plus: Faces of Real Estate SUMMER CAMPS STEM AND SCIENCE CAMPS P40

THE FORUM HAS NEW OWNERS P32

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April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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IN THIS ISSUE COVER STORY

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52

Faces of Peachtree Corners

The 24th Annual Wesleyan Artist Market – Up Close and Personal!

SUMMER CAMPS

SPECIAL FEATURE

Flowers 40 STEM CAMPS 42 Birds, and Gardens Photo Spread

FIRST UP

SPORTS & RECREATION

Local events, Earth Day and high school theatre 10

Norcross Volleyball Standout Looks Back on Winning Season

64

COVER STORY

Pickleball Exploding in Peachtree Corners

66

Faces of Peachtree Corners

18

COMMUNITY

Faces of Real Estate

28

City of Peachtree Corners Communications Director Louis Svehla 70

BUSINESS North American Properties Invests in Downtown Peachtree Corners

NOURISH A Passion for Latin

72

SUMMER CAMPS

In the Business of Happy

74

Building Branches of Success with STEM, Science Summer Camps 40

ABOUT THE COVER

32

BUSINESS

58

Simpsonwood United Methodist Defines ‘Joyful Noise’ Though Many Genres

Southwest Gwinnett 10th Anniversary photos 46 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The 24th Annual Wesleyan Artist Market — Up Close and Personal! 52 BELIEVE Faith and Renewal Blossoming in Peachtree Corners this Spring 62

Olga and Kiko owners of Kiko’s Tacos & More Photo by George Hunter Location: Atlanta Tech Park

OFFICIAL CITY PAGES

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PEACHTREE CORNERS The official city news and updates

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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PEACHTREECORNERS EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR & PUBLISHER

RICO FIGLIOLINI CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

ARLINDA SMITH BROADY EDITOR EMERITUS

KATHY DEAN EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

RITA FIGLIOLINI

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

JULIE DAVIS julie@livinginpeachtreecorners.com

THE TEAM & CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE RICO FIGLIOLINI

ARLINDA SMITH BROADY

Rico Figliolini is a creative director and social media strategist, three-time magazine publisher and podcast host. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York and is a political junky, sci-fi and anime fan, and avid reader and movie binger.

Arlinda Smith Broady is of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after ancestors moved North. With 30 years of journalism experience, she’s worked in tiny newsrooms to major metropolitans.

She brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread news.

Publisher & Executive Editor

RITA FIGLIOLINI

KATHY DEAN

Rita Figliolini has lived in PTC for 23 years with her husband and life partner, Rico Figliolini. Proud mom of 3 — Jason, Kinsey and Jack. Former Managing Editor of the original Inside Gwinnett, she’s now Advisor to PTC Magazine. Telling stories is in our blood!

Kathy Dean has been a writer and editor for over 20 years. Some of the publications she has contributed to are Atlanta Senior Life, Atlanta INtown, Transatlantic Journal and The Guide to Coweta and Fayette Counties.

Editorial Consultant

KELSEY ASHER

Julie Davis is an accomplished sales rep with over 20 years of experience in the telecom industry. When not working or spending time with friends and family, Julie can be found melting glass, as she is an avid fused glass artist.

Kelsey Asher currently works at Life University as an Integrated Content Creator. She previously served as Contributing Editor for Peachtree Corners Magazine for two years. She is a proud graduate of the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Communications. She has held a variety of marketing leadership roles in several industries.

HARRY J. PINKNEY, JR

PUBLISHED BY MIGHTY ROCKETS LLC. Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 678-358-7858 editor@livinginpeachtreecorners.com Peachtree Corners Magazine is published six times a year by Mighty Rockets LLC. Opinions expressed by the contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publishers, editors or Peachtree Corners Magazine.

The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.

Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement it seems unfit for publication or does not fit in our guidelines.

April/May 2022 issue Volume 4 Number 20 ©2022 Peachtree Corners Magazine The editors welcome submissions, event listings, achievements and photography. Please direct them to editor@livinginpeachtreecorners.com.

This publication is independently and privately owned, and managedby Mighty Rockets LLC

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Writer

PATRIZIA WINSPER

Graphic Designer

Writer

ELLEN BERMAN

GEORGE HUNTER

Ellen Berman is a professional content writer and long-time, broadly published journalist.

She is an Atlanta, Georgia native currently living in Peachtree Corners and enjoying freelance writing from home.

George Hunter is an IT professional from Alaska by way of Texas. His primary hobby is photography, covering a wide range of subjects from pets to cosplay, sports to fashion. Volunteering and fostering dogs brings him much joy. George, his wife Lila and their rescued dogs have made their home in west Gwinnett for almost 20 years.

Harry J. Pinkney, Jr is an accomplished Graphic Designer with over 25 years of experience. A Philadelphia native who now calls Atlanta his home. He enjoys his dog, Chloeé, working out, movies, and running his own freelance graphic/ web design business.

PEACHTREECORNERS

Editor Emeritus

JULIE DAVIS

Account Executive

instagram.com/peachtreecornerslife facebook.com/peachtreecornerslife twitter.com/peachtreecrnrs www.pinterest.com/ PeachtreeCornersMagazine

Contributing Editor

Writer

Patrizia hails from Toronto, Canada where she earned an Honors B.A. in French and Italian Studies at York University, and a B.Ed. at the University of Toronto. This trilingual former French teacher has called Georgia home since 1998. Catch her reporting about our vibrant city on the Peachtree Corners Network.

Photographer

KAREN HUPPERTZ

ISADORA PENNINGTON

Karen Huppertz is a freelance journalist with the AJC, content writer and volunteer with the International Dyslexia Association. When not posting gardening images or writing to meet a deadline, she is advocating for individuals struggling to learn to read.

Isadora Pennington is a writer, photographer, and designer living in Avondale Estates, GA. She has worked in print for the past decade and has been published in the Atlanta INtown, Oz Magazine, Atlanta Senior Life, and the Reporter Newspapers.

Writer

Writer/Photographer

IVY CLARKE

TRACEY RICE

Ivy Clarke is a writer, editor and artist currently studying English literature, creative writing and art at Mercer University. She also writes and edits for The Mercer Cluster, The Dulcimer, Macon Magazine and Mercer University Press.

After a long career in global marketing for Fortune 500 companies like The Coca-Cola Company and Texas Instruments, Tracey earned a degree in Commercial Photography and now owns her own photography business. She specializes in portraits, events and real estate photography. She is the President of the Peachtree Corners Photography Club.

Writer

Photographer

RICHARD PHILLIPS

NATHAN DEEN

Richard Phillips, an avid photographer since high school, is now a professional photographer. He specializes in casual or formal portraits, engagement photos, and small weddings as he photographs our most beautiful world. rlphillipsphotography.com

Nathan Deen is a freelance journalist and content marketer, author and aspiring screenwriter. Nathan has written for Savannah Morning News, The Brunswick News and the Bayonet and Saber.

Photographer

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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PODCASTS

Check our website and social media for our “Curb Appeal Giveaway” with over $700 in prizes and gift cards.

line Radio

Weekly On

Show

Peachtree Corners Life A podcast that explores Peachtree Corners’ community, people and businesses, hosted by Rico Figliolini

Capitalist Sage A twice a month business podcast, streamed on www.facebook.com/ thecapitalistsage, hosted by Karl Barham and Rico Figliolini thecapitalistsage.com Prime Lunchtime with The City Manager A monthly podcast about the city, development, issues and news with guest City Manager Brian Johnson, hosted by Rico Figliolini

EVERY PODCAST is Simulcast Live streamed on facebook.com/peachtreecornerslife and our YouTube Channel

Podcasts are available on the website livinginpeachtreecorners. com, and on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcast, SoundCloud and YouTube

The best way to keep informed is follow us on social media.

Rico Figliolini

Instagram

Facebook

Podcast Host

Karl Barham

Co-Host of the Capitalist Sage

Brian Johnson

Monthly guest on Prime Lunchtime with the City Manager

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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FIRST UP

Events, Programs & Fun Things to Do

Peachtree Corners Photography Club Group Meet Up

Wesleyan Artist Market Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30.

Thursday, April 14. 6:45-8:15 p.m.

Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Atlanta Tech Park 107 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 pcphotoclub.org Free meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at Atlanta Tech Park and/or online. April’s topic “Become More Creative and Have Fun with Photography” will be presented by Elaine Bullard. Everyone is invited to arrive at 6:15 p.m. for fellowship and social time.

Tune Union Saturday, April 16, 12 noon-3 p.m.

My Secret Garden 3420 Woodhill Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092 facebook.com/tuneunion Tune Union is a powerful acoustic guitar and vocal duo that travels the country sharing their special sound with music-loving audiences. They cover a variety of genres and artists, including Simon & Garfunkel, Adele, Chris Stapleton, Sam Cooke, Miranda Lambert, Bruno Mars and ABBA.

Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence Gala Friday, April 29. 6:30-10 p.m.

Atlanta Tech Park 107 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 norcrosshighfoundation.org/gala The NHS Foundation for Excellence Gala is an annual fundraiser that funds and supports NHS programs. This year’s gala features food from Chef David and beverages from Peachtree Growler. The 2022 honorees include Jeff Holcombe, Tracy O’Leary and Corey Richardson.

Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-448-7640, wesleyanschool. org/arts/artist-market A treasured tradition, the Wesleyan Artist Market showcases the works of about 75 professional artists from all over the Southeast. The entire community is welcome to browse and discover beautiful artworks that range in price from $5 to several thousand dollars.

Winter’s Chapel UMC Preschool Community Fun Fest Saturday, April 30. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Winters Chapel UMC 5105 Winter’s Chapel Road, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-396-4550, winterschapel.org Help support the preschool at Winter’s Chapel UMC while having sharing fun with the family. Enjoy the games, raffles, kid dance floor, bouncy castle and more. Vendors and food trucks, including a snow cone truck, will also be on site.

Healthy Kids Day Saturday, April 30.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA

Vacation Bible School at One Heart Church

June 6-10 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

This is a free event for kids ages Pre-K to 5th Grade VBS 2022 is headed to SPARK Studios! Kids Pre-K to 5th grade will get their creative juices flowing and awaken their imagination as they learn, like King David, to use their talents to bring glory to God. They will discover that their creativity is a gift from the infinitely creative Creator who designed them for His glory.

God’s creativity didn’t stop in Genesis! If you register your child before April 15th they will receive a free SPARK Studios T-shirt. to register visit oneheartchurch.org/ ministries/family/kidssummer/ For questions contact Kassie Davis at kassie@oneheartchurch.org

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

5600 W. Jones Bridge Road, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-246-9622, ymcaatlanta.org For 30 years, Healthy Kids Day has celebrated kids’ mental and physical health, while teaching healthy habits for kids and families, encouraging active play and inspiring a lifetime love of physical activity. Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA will host fun games and activities to keep kids moving and learning. ■

Important Dates April 1 2-May 2 3-9 10 15 15-23 17 18 22 25

April Fools’ Day Ramadan National Library Week April 3-9 Palm Sunday Good Friday Passover Easter Tax Day Earth Day Arbor Day

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May 5 8 16 30

Cinco De Mayo Mother’s Day Barbecue Day Memorial Day

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APRIL

MAY

JUNE

23: Shredding and Recycle Event at City Hall 9am-12pm

7: Flicks on the Green - Racing Stripes 14: Night Music - CBDB 21: Sports on the Screen 28: Summer Concert Series - Spin Doctors 30: Memorial Day Ceremony

4: Flicks on the Green - Black Panther 11: Night Music - Blair Crimmins & the Hookers 18: Kids Event 2pm-5pm 25: Summer Concert Series Brotherhood (Doobie Brothers Tribute)

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

1-3: Peachtree Corners Festival 2: Flicks on the Green - Big Hero Six 9: Night Music - Sailing to Denver 16: Bark at the Park 23: Sports on the Screen 30: Summer Concert Series Everclear

6: Flicks on the Green Megamind 13: Night Music - Wildflowers (Tom Petty Tribute) 13: Light Up the Corners Run 20: Sports on the Screen 27: Summer Concert Series Stayin Alive (Bee Gees Tribute)

3: Flicks on the Green - Captain America 10: Night Music - The Artisanals 17: Sports on the Screen 24: Summer Concert Series Vertical Horizon

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

1: Flicks on the Green - Lego Batman Movie 8: Night Music 10th Anniversary Concert - Marcy Playground 15: Sports on the Screen 22: Summer Concert Series - The Purple Xperience (Prince Tribute) 29: 2nd Annual PTC Decathlon 29: Sports on the Screen

5: Sports on the Screen 11: Veterans Day Ceremony 12: Sports on the Screen 19: Sports on the Screen 26: Sports on the Screen

1: Holiday Glow 6pm-8pm 3: Sports on the Screen 10: Sports on the Screen

TIMES Flicks on the Green: 7pm Night Music: 7pm Summer Concert Series: 7pm

Yoga on the Green (by Sun Dragon Yoga): Tues 8am (May-Sep) CrossFit (by PPG CrossFit): Thurs 10am (May-Sep) Cornhole ATL League: Wed 6:30pm (Jan-Oct)

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Earth Day Events For the Beauty of the Earth Art Show Continues through April 26.

Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse 185 West Crogan Street, Lawrenceville 770-822-5450 Debby Ollinger has been an Atlanta area artist since the 1970s. This collection of her work was inspired by the beauty of nature, but she is often motivated by the whimsy, humor and charm of everyday objects.

Gardening 101

April 13-June 23 678-277-0287, LiveHealthyGwinnett.com All ages are invited to join Harvest Gwinnett for a free workshop and volunteer day to discover best gardening practices.

Vines Park Community Garden, 3500 Oak Grove Road, Loganville 30052 — April 13, 9-11 a.m.

Lenora Park Community Garden, 3195 Lee Road, Snellville 30039 — April 16, 9 a.m.-12 noon Graves Park Community Garden, 1500 Graves Road, Norcross 30093 — May 14, 9-11 a.m.

Lawrenceville Community Garden, 225 Benson Street, Lawrenceville 30046 — May 19, 9 a.m.-12 noon West Gwinnett Park Community Garden, 4488 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkeley Lake 30071 — May 21, 9 a.m.-12 noon E.E. Robinson Park Community Garden, 885 Level Creek Road, Sugar Hill 30518 — June 2, 5-7 p.m.

Dacula Park Community Garden, 205 Dacula Road, Dacula 30019 — June 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Peachtree Ridge Park Community Garden, 3170 Suwanee Creek Road, Suwanee 30024 — June 23, 5-7 p.m.

Gwinnett County UGA Extension Office April 14-June 23 750 South Perry Street, Suite 400, Lawrenceville 30046

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Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center

678-377-4010 extension.uga.edu/county-offices/ gwinnett/events-and-classes.html The Gwinnett County University of Georgia Extension Office offers free virtual classes to help with health and gardening. Registration at least one day prior to the session is necessary to get info to join.

Contact Timothy Daly at tdaly@uga. edu for gardening classes and Ines Beltran at inesb@uga.edu for health classes.

Vegetable Gardening — April 14, 12 noon-1 p.m.

Inflammation — April 21, 12 noon1 p.m.

Home Garden Herbs — April 25, 6-7 p.m.

Common Landscape Pests — May 11, 6-7 p.m.

4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Berkeley Lake 30096 678-277-0920 | gwinnettcounty.com

Resale Market Saturday, April 16. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Best Friend Park, 6224 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Norcross 30052 678-277-0222 Spring cleaning gives everyone a chance to empty out cluttered closets and attics. To sell items, the cost is $5 without a table, $8 with a table; call the park to reserve your spot.

Admission is free for shoppers.

Meal Portions — May 19, 12 noon1 p.m.

Plant Propagation — May 23, 6-7 p.m.

Vegetable Garden Pests — June 13, 6-7 p.m.

E-Cycle Earth Day Event

Gwinnett County and North Fulton County residents are invited to invited to reduce, reuse and recycle outdated technologies at Rocket IT’s annual e-cycle event in honor of Earth Day. Stop by the Suwanee headquarters to drop off unwanted electronics.

Paper Shredding, Electronics Recycling Event

Saturday, April 23. 9 a.m.-12 noon, or until the trucks are full Peachtree Corners City Hall 310 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 peachtreecornersga.gov Residents of Peachtree Corners ONLY are invited to recycle electronics and shred unwanted documents at this free event. This is only for residential waste, no offices or businesses. Residents are limited to five medium-size boxes of paper materials. Please visit peachtreecornersga.gov and click on the calendar date for details on acceptable electronics and shredding guidelines. ■

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Art on the Chattahoochee Saturday, April 30. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jones Bridge Park, 4901 East Jones Bridge Road, Peachtree Corners 30092 678-277-0920 Bring the family to the free Art on the Chattahoochee. You’ll find arts and crafts, live entertainment, food trucks and even a Dino-Arts contest.

Little Explorers: Explore Dinosaurs!

Air Quality — June 23, 12 noon-1 p.m.

Rocket IT Sunday, April 22, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

3360 Martin Farm Road, Suwanee 30024 770-441-2520

$4 per child for residents, $7 for non-residents. Register in advance by phone or online.

Saturday, May 7.

9 a.m.-12 noon

Underwater Egg Hunt Saturday, April 16.

9-9:45 a.m.; 10-10:45 a.m.; 11-11:45 a.m.

Bogan Park Aquatic Center, 2723 North Bogan Road, Buford 30519 678-277-0853 Enjoy this fun for all ages event by bringing a water-friendly basket to hunt for eggs under the water.

Then dry off for snacks, crafts and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Cost is $15 per person. Register by April 14 at GwinnettParks.com.

Jr. Create Thursday, April 28. 10-11:30 a.m.

Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Berkeley Lake 30096 678-277-0920 Children aged 2-7 years will explore their creative side with monthly events geared for their little hands.

All supplies are provided. Cost is

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Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Berkeley Lake 30096 678-277-0920 Discover dinosaurs living in your local parks. Stop by the pop-up booth to learn all about these amazing reptiles. There’ll be fossils, fun facts and dino stories. Free for all ages.

Kids Fishing Day Saturday, June 4. Starts at 9 a.m.

Jones Bridge Park, 4901 East Jones Bridge Road, Peachtree Corners 30092 678-277-0920 Reel in some fun at this free event! All ages are welcome to enjoy fishing, food and more. Bring a rod or borrow one from the parks department.

No fishing license is necessary; the event is catch and release only. ■ peachtreecornerslife

www.evremodelinginc.com

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Peachtree Corners Library Branch Calendar Highlights 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-978-5154 | gwinnettpl.org

I Saw the Sign Teen Contest

Week 3: Puzzling & Getting Active

Calling all teen artists! The Peachtree Corners Teen sign needs an update. Submit an original sketch with info on materials and dimensions of the proposed design. A winner will be chosen by the Teen Advisory Council and work with the staff to bring the design to life.

Pickleball in the Parking Lot — Saturday, April 23. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Relieve Your Stress Month Throughout April, the library offers activities for adults, teens and children on how to manage stress. Pick up a punch card and get a punch when you participate in each activity.

A prize is given for attending the most programs.

Ongoing — Puzzle games (sudoku, crosswords, etc.)

Ongoing — Solve the Budget problem

Preschool Story Time

ABC 123 Kindergarten Here We Come

Week 2: Comforts

Upcycling Poetry

&

Medicare 101

Money Management: Understanding Money and Credit — Wednesday, April 27. 6-7 p.m.

Ongoing — Gratitude Prompts

Garage Door Repair

Adults are invited to meet and discuss “The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes.

Seniors and adults are encouraged to attend and learn from insurance expert Frank Stinger as he covers Medicare parts, enrollment periods and supplement and advantage plans.

Children ages 4-5 enjoy activities that help to prepare them for kindergarten.

Ongoing — Coloring Pages

Tuesday, April 12. 1-2 p.m.

Money Magic: Games for Kids — Tuesday, April 26. 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Learn to Breathe — Saturday, April 9. 11 a.m.-12noon

Pet Adoption Fair — Saturday, April 16. 12 noon-2:30 p.m.

A Novel Idea: A Book Club for Adults

Tuesday, April 12. 6-7 p.m.

Thursdays, April 7 and May 5.

10:30-11:30 a.m.

Comforting Grilled Cheese — Tuesday, April 12. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Kids and teens get free homework help after school.

Week 4: Money Matters

Week 1: Journaling and Breathing

Tea Blending for Stress Relief — Monday, April 11. 4-5 p.m.

Mondays, 4-5 p.m. TuesdaysThursdays, 4-6 p.m.

Saturday, April 9. 11 a.m.-12 noon Tweens blend collage art and creative writing to create personal poetry.

Homework Help Mondays-Thursdays, April 11-14, 18-21, 25-28 and May 2-5, 9-12.

Thursdays, April 14, 21, 28 and May 12, 19, 26. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Stories and activities for preschoolers help them develop literacy skills.

April stories focus on Spring (April 14), Earth Day (April 21) and financial literacy (April 28). In May, the stories center on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May 12) and Spring (May 19 and 26).

Crochet Mood Blanket

Spanish Bingo Loteria Thursday, May 5. 3-4 p.m.

Children, tweens and adults will celebrate Cinco de Mayo by playing Loteria, a game similar to Bingo.

What’s This College Thing? A Q&A about College Sunday, May 15. 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Teens about to enter college can get answers to their questions during a roundtable discussion with college graduates.

Solar Oven S’mores Saturday, May 28. 12 noon-1 p.m.

Kids and tweens will use pizza boxes to build solar ovens and cook delicious s’mores as they learn how solar power is used for cooking.

Intro to 3D Printing with Prusa Printers Sunday, May 29, 2-3 p.m.

This introduction is for teens, tweens and adults who want to learn 3D printing basics — and how to use The Learning Lab’s printers for personal projects. An overview of the PrusaSlicer software and a demonstration of the Prusa i3 MK3S+ printer is included. ■

Saturday, April 23. 1-2:30 p.m.

Teens learn the basics of crochet with a simple stitch and mood ring color chart. Limited to five participants; registration is required.

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JUNE 6TH - 24TH ••• AGES 8 - 14 Improv, musical theatre, acting, puppetry, stunt work, and more! For schedule and registration info visit:

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• Onsite Rehab • Exercise Classes • Walking Club • Beautiful Courtyards • Chapel • Bistro • Movie Theatre

• Putting Green • Game Room • Library • Beauty Salon • Playground for grandchildren to explore • Pet Friendly!!

Residents who refer a friend or family member, both get $1,000

Call for more information or to schedule a tour 470-235-5300 Evan Aronson: Evan.Aronson@OSLCares.com 3681 Burnette Road • Suwanee, GA 30024 Corner of McGinnis Ferry & Buford Hwy • OaksSeniorLiving.com

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Arts Events

One of the world’s most popular musical comedies, Grease features Rydell High’s senior class of 1959 — the duck-tailed, hot-rodding Burger Palace Boys and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking Pink Ladies in bobby sox and pedal pushers. Rock along with the NHS Drama thespians.

Lionheart Theatre 10 College Street Norcross 30071 404-919-4022, lionhearttheatre.org

Paul Duke STEM High School

A Bad Year for Tomatoes

5850 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross 30071 | pauldukestem.org

Alice in Wonderland

May 6-22. Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m.

Saturday, May 14. 2:00, 4:30, 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 15. 2 p.m.

Tickets are $18 for adults; $16 for seniors, students and military.

A Bad Year for Tomatoes is a hilarious play that deals with the funny misfortunes of a famous television actress who seeks to “get away from it all” in a small New England town.

Tickets are $18 for adults; $14 for students and children.

Visit adc.booktix. com for details and tickets.

Lionheart Summer Drama Camps June 6-24. 12-3:30 p.m.

Lionheart Theatre offers three week-long camps, Monday through Friday, for kids ages 8 to 14. Visit lionhearttheatre.org for schedules, costs, registration and additional details.

CYT Atlanta 3000 Old Alabama Road, Suite 119, Alpharetta 30022 cytatlanta.org | Standard ticket price is $20.

Suessical Thursday-Saturday, April 28-30.

Thursday and Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6 p.m.

Valor Christian Academy, 4755 Kimball Bridge Road, Alpharetta 30005 Seussical is a magical musical extravaganza that’s fun for the whole family. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community emerge triumphant.

Le Misérables High School Edition

The Atlanta Dance Company presents a beautiful ballet performance of Alice in Wonderland. Discover a magical land with Alice as she meets the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts. This bright and colorful ballet is perfect for all ages. There is an optional add-on character and craft event after the matinees. For group pricing, email maress.barrett@gmail.com.

Wesleyan School Powell Theatre 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-448-7640, wesleyanschool.org wesleyanschool.org/arts/drama

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Thursday-Saturday, April 28-30 Thursday, 4:30 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday, May 5-7.

Thursday and Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 5 p.m.

Peachtree Corners Baptist Church, 4480 Peachtree Corners Circle, Peachtree Corners 30092 The world’s longest running musical, Les Misérables is a modern classic based on Victor Hugo’s novel and featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time. In nineteenth-century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment and is pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways.

Norcross High School 5300 Spalding Drive, Norcross 30092 | nhs-drama.com

Grease May 5-7. 7 p.m.

May 8. 2 p.m.

Wesleyan’s Middle School presents a musical fantasy that’s fun for the whole family. The play is based on the 1968 film that centers around the Potts children and a magical car that their inventive father lovingly restores.

Duluth Wildcat Theatre 3737 Brock Road, Duluth 30096 770-476-5206, duluththeatre.weebly.com

Animal Farm Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30.

George Orwell’s fable tells the story of a revolution and its aftermath. After driving out the farmer, the animals of Manor Farm run it themselves — what could go wrong?

Please watch duluththeatre.weebly.com for details. ■

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students.

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Upcoming Events!

April 17 Easter Brunch Buffet April 20 Spring Wine Tasting May 8 Mother's Day Brunch Buffet

Please visit our website for more information.

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COVER STORY

Faces of Peachtree Corners

Outstanding individuals who help keep our city interesting and thriving

F

aces are generally how we recognize people we know. In Peachtree Corners, the diversity of people who inspire and make the community a great place to live are perhaps our greatest asset. So, for this edition, Peachtree Corners Magazine is highlighting a few faces who make us shine.

When I see your face There’s not a thing that I would change ‘Cause you’re amazing Just the way you are — “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars

Kiko and Olga Kiko and his wife Olga were high school sweethearts in Monterey, Mexico before getting married and coming to the U.S.in the mid-1980s. By that time, the now owners of Kiko’s Tacos & More, 3435 Medlock Bridge Road, were seeking additional degrees in English to support their careers as elementary school teachers back in Mexico.

“Bilingual teachers in Mexico were making a lot of money,” said Kiko.

But life took a turn. The opportunity to become U.S. citizens presented itself and they began working with Kiko’s sister at her Mexican street food restaurant in Norcross, El Grille. In 1986, the couple opened Los Arcos on Jimmy Carter Boulevard, which relocated in 1995 to Peachtree Parkway, long before Peachtree Corners was a city.

In April 2012, the couple allowed their lease to expire. They closed Los Arcos and reopened around the corner as Kiko’s Tacos & More.

Their customers moved with them.

On any busy Friday night, one or more of the couple’s four grown children may be found greeting customers or waiting tables. This family business caters to the families in and around Peachtree Corners. “We belong to the community,” said Olga.

The couple takes great joy in watching kids who first came to the restaurant with their parents now returning with their own families for their first taco.

“I love walking out of the kitchen and hearing laughter,” said Kiko. Olga agreed, “When the restaurant is full, seeing people enjoying each other, making friends with each other makes me happy.”

Like all small business owners, the couple’s biggest challenge has always been juggling the demands of a growing family with the business. Often one would be at a football game while the other covered the restaurant.

Olga shared that one thing people probably don’t know about them is their real names. Olga, known to most as “Kiko’s wife,” is Olga Cazares-Alanis. Kiko is in fact a nickname for the restaurant’s namesake. But Higinio Alanis Delgado is delighted to be Kiko to everyone seeking a family-friendly night of Mexican food in Peachtree Corners. ■

Written and compiled by Arlinda Smith Broady and Karen Huppertz

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Jacob and Katie Moebes

Tiffany Broussard Anderson Several readers nominated Tiffany Broussard Anderson “for all the wonderful work she does with the kids in her classroom.”

The educator and pre-K coach has won the respect and admiration of parents across the area.

Regarding an afterschool program at the YMCA her son attended when he was small, Deanna Riley said, “She is one of the only teachers/caregivers that I even remember. My son is now 18½; he was in elementary then.”

“She stood out because she was so very sweet and kind to the children, Riley added. “She kept it fun and interesting for the children. They all seemed to love her. My son didn’t exactly have great luck with teachers in school, but Ms. Tiffany made an impact on him as well as myself.

“I do not know all the things she has accomplished since then, but I know she has continued to work with children over the years. She has never lost focus of the children and she is making a difference in so many lives. She is the kind of woman who is changing the world for the better through the children (and parents) she interacts with. She is like an angel sent from above to bring light and love into this world. She should definitely be awarded for all of her efforts, dedication and commitment to helping the children. She is amazing!”

And there’s this from Daniela Palacios: “She is the best teacher. She taught my daughter six years ago and now she is the teacher of my son. I have never met a person like her who loves her job, love kids. She is so passionate about what she does.” ■

Jacob and Katie Moebes are seniors at Norcross High School. Both of them are an active part of the community and school.

Jacob is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society, and he has received a Congressional Award silver medal. He takes part in the Gwinnett Youth Honors Orchestra and Metro Youth Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

A member of the Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Team for four years, Jacob also played four years for the Brookwood/Norcross Ice Hockey Team, serving in the 2020-21 season as assistant captain and in the 2021-22 season as the captain.

He was involved in an Eagle Scout project building book cubbies for the “Mommy and Me” Literacy Program, a part of Friends of Refugees. Jacob has logged over 200 service hours with a variety of organizations including Honduras Outreach International (HOI) and Thornwell Children’s Home.

He plans to attend the University of Georgia where he will pursue majors in sports management and music.

Katie Moebes, also a Congressional Award silver medal recipient, is a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and National English Honor Society. She serves as President of the Random Acts of Kindness Club and the Women Empowering Women Club at NHS, plays percussion and is a member of the Wind Symphony.

A four-year varsity cross country runner, Katie also has played soccer for four years and varsity lacrosse for one year.

She worked on a Girl Scout Gold Award project of creating and leading the Women Empowering Women Club at NHS. Katie has over 250 service hours, volunteering with a variety of organizations — including HOI and Thornwell Children’s Home — and as a poll worker and assistant coach for the Pinckneyville Middle School Girls Soccer Team.

Katie’s future plans include attending the University of Georgia to pursue a double major in political science and international affairs. ■

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Chris Lindenau Leadership is about trust and mutual respect, according to Christopher “Chris” Lindenau, Chief Executive Officer of Fusus. They are qualities he attributes to his five years as a military officer in the Navy. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, Lindenau served as a military officer, navy diver and supply corps officer while serving on the USS George Washington, as well as various locations overseas. He later obtained his MBA at Georgia Tech.

“The military taught me a lot about leadership,” Lindenau shared. “It taught me that the way to motivate people is not through rank; it really is building trust and mutual respect. I think when you’re young and a 22-yearold out of college, that some kid from the streets of Detroit is not going to listen to you just because you’re an officer, but you’ve got to earn that respect. The way you do that is lead from the front, so a lot of what I learned in the military has been kind of a corollary for what I do here in the business world.”

As CEO of Fusus (Latin for fusion), Lindenau is helping chart a course for his company, which specializes in helping law enforcement agencies provide more effective public safety. “We take all these disparate license plate readers, video surveillance, 911 dispatch, gunshot detection systems, burglar alarm and fire alarm systems and unify their technologies to make them accessible,” he explained.

When not working, Lindenau can be found coaching his son’s lacrosse team. He and his family like living in Peachtree Corners because of the fun lifestyle and tight knit friendships.

He also finds it easier to attract young professionals to join the Fusus team of about 75 employees because of the city’s mission to become a major part of the area’s Silicon Orchard. Lindenau believes current and future employees can find the work/life balance they’re seeking in Peachtree Corners. ■

Lacy Gilbert Lacy Gilbert, Wesleyan School Athletic Director, has worked in Peachtree Corners for 25 years, lived in the area for 15 years and has played a significant role in shaping the city’s largest independent school, Wesleyan School. While her role as the school’s athletic director is not typically held by women, she coached the Wesleyan Varsity Girls Soccer Team to its first state championship in 2017.

Originally from the metro Atlanta area, Gilbert first lived in Peachtree Corners back when it wasn’t a city and Neely Farm was still an actual farm. She began working at Wesleyan 25 years ago as a middle school physical education and high school health teacher. Gilbert has also worked in athletics administration, first serving for nine years as assistant athletic director and then taking the helm of the department in 2020 as the athletic director.

In the early years of the school, Gilbert was part of the faculty team that launched one of the school’s flagship service programs — domestic and international mission trips. Since Wesleyan’s first mission trip to Honduras in 2000, she has led over 20 mission trips with Wesleyan chaperoning hundreds of students to destinations that include the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Peru, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, South Africa, Jamaica, New Orleans, Bulgaria, Tanzania, France, Ukraine and Romania.

“The missions program is an integral part of the Wesleyan high school experience,” said Chris Cleveland, head of Wesleyan School. “These trips are a foundational part of our students’ time at Wesleyan, and this program would not exist were it not for the investment of faculty members like Lacy Gilbert.”

Wesleyan’s athletic program has experienced growth and success that make it another hallmark of the Wesleyan experience. Over 80% of Wesleyan high school students participate in at least one sport each school year and the program has won 65 state team championships and 134 individual state championships. It has also won the GHSA Director’s Cup, an honor is presented to the top overall athletic program in each classification, ten times. ■

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Taffeta Connery Although Taffeta Connery doesn’t have any biological children, she’s a mother many times over as the principal at Simpson Elementary School. “I just think the good Lord knew what part of my future was. And he just blessed me with 1,000 students to take care of,” she said.

Connery became the school’s principal one month before schools went virtual. Although Gwinnett County Schools had systems in place for distance learning, it was a challenge for everyone to do it every day. And not every student opted for at-home instruction.

A lot of the teachers taught concurrently, which is basically having a dual schedule. “They would still do a mini lesson or virtual lesson with the camera pod in their classrooms and then have the students go into breakout groups while the teacher continued to do guided lessons in person in class,” Connery explained.

When asked about the end results, she smiled. “We were building that plane as we were flying it,” she said. “But it ended very well. It was new for veteran teachers, it was new for beginning teachers — and we just basically went with the flow.”

Just as any parent would, Connery looks for ways to enrich the lives of her students. After more than a year of distance learning, she worked hard with her staff to make sure this school year was as rewarding and purposeful as the learning experience had been before the pandemic.

“I like to bring passion and excitement into everything that I do,” she noted.

During Black History Month, the school celebrated in special ways.

“Every year we try to add on a little bit more to the celebratory events that have happened with African Americans. Last year, we were in the midst of a pandemic, so we did a lot of awesome things virtually,” Connery said.

In addition to speakers and essays, students dressed up as favorite heroes and historical figures. There were Black History Month facts during the morning announcements, field trips, art displays and a virtual wax museum.

As a resident of Peachtree Corners, Connery is at home with the community. “I’ve been living in Peachtree Corners since 2012, and I love being here in the community. I like to call it friendly, my bubble, because I love to work, play and enjoy the wonderful town center,” she said. “At any time you can find me at The Forum, having dinner with friends or family, and I always see our students in the community.”

At the end of the day, however, Connery said her success is due to her incredible staff — administrators, teachers, classified clerical and managerial staff as well as custodial and food service staff. “We’re all part of a team at Simpson Elementary School. That’s the only way to be successful.” ■

Jean Yu During the pandemic, Jean Yu, a junior at Gwinnett School of Math, Science and Technology, began a community project to serve seniors isolated due to COVID regulations at assisted living and other senior homes. She wanted to help keep them connected and practicing stress-reducing activities.

Yu started her project in 2020 and spent close to 200 hours bringing the project to life — and it is still continuing and supporting the community today. She led weekly mindfulness sessions over Zoom to more than 50 senior living communities. One of the most popular was her Nature and SoundBased Mindfulness live interactive Zoom class.

Another way Yu serves is by sharing her musical talent. She has performed concerts during holidays such as the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Thanksgiving. She performed a winter concert and a holiday concert through her YouTube channel and Zoom.

She even took requests and played songs like “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain.”

She even made dozens of handmade cards for senior living residents.

A bright and caring member of Girl Scouts and an active community volunteer, Yu received the Gold Award, the organization’s highest honor that is earned by only 6% of Girl Scouts. ■

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Lauren O’Connor A teacher at Paul Duke STEM High School, Lauren O’Connor helped form the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) chapter’s installment in 2018. Since then, the school has doubled its number of members and competitors.

“We began our first year with 20 students and through the pandemic we were able to continue growing, even when we had students learning online,” O’Connor said. “This year we have over 60 members and more than half of them were competitors this year. We had 21 placements at the regional level, 15 placements at the state level and we are taking 12 competitors to the international conference for competition in late April. We had so many placements at the regional level that we placed third in the district.”

DECA’s mission is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. O’Connor explained that in these competitions, business professionals judge students either through role play of a problem in the marketing industry or through a paper and presentation based on marketing ideas.

In addition to sponsoring a Career and Technical Student Organization, O’Connor also advises the school store for Paul Duke STEM and advises the yearbook. “The school store is a learning lab for my third-year marketing students to see the principles of marketing come to life. Students act as employees and managers operating the store and preparing the deposits,” she said.

The yearbook is also one of her passions. “I have been an adviser for 14 years and enjoy memorializing the school year with a student staff,” O’Connor said. “My staff gets to design the book from a blank piece of paper and fill it with images and stories of the faculty, staff and students.”

In 2018, the year Paul Duke STEM opened its doors, she was named the inaugural Teacher of the Year. “I believe my peers chose me for my work in helping to build the school culture and form its traditions, something I insisted [Principal] Dr. Wetherington allow me to do when I joined the staff.”

In July 2021, O’Connor was named the Georgia Marketing Educator of the year. She does a great deal of work helping support teachers across the district and state. “I hold two lead teacher roles with Gwinnett County and support teachers with curriculum and instruction for the upper-level marketing courses and using the school store point-of-sale,” she said.

Recently, she was named one of Gwinnett’s Shine Teachers of the Year. “I shine because I help students bring out the best in themselves every day,” O’Connor explained. “I help them discover who they are and what they are capable of.” ■

Philip Peavy As an adviser of Career & Technology Student Organizations (CTSOs) at Paul Duke STEM High School, Philip Peavy advises several organizations.

“Our student and teacher awards and recognitions extend beyond our city limits across the county, state and nation. Through the pandemic, we have worked harder than ever to help our students express the best of who THEY are as we were presented with many challenges,” Peavy said. “Our clubs extend what kids are thinking and learning about in the classroom and add critical thinking, problem solving and 21st century skills. To say we are passionate about our subjects, clubs and students would be an understatement.”

He has been the founding Technology Student Association advisor at Paul Duke STEM since the school’s founding year in 2018. Each year the chapter numbers have increased, as well as the success, Peavy reported, “to this year having 17 events at the State Leadership Conference place in the top 10 with seven of those events being in the top three. We came away from two student events with the first-place finish, and they will be continuing their success at nationals this summer.”

Peavy is also the CyberPatriot advisor at the school and has grown the club from six members to over 50 active members. “This year we had eight teams, with one team placing second in the State round for the Silver Level that went on to compete nationally where they placed 10th in the nation in the Silver Level — and was also the top team in Georgia,” he said.

In addition, Peavy has been named the Gwinnett County Public Schools High School Teacher of the Year for 2021 and the National Educator Recipient for the National Center for Women in Technology in 2021 for increasing exposure and opportunities for young women and underrepresented students in computer science. ■

Lily Owenby Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) eleventh grader Lily Owenby has gained resilience in many ways over the past two years, cultivating a healthier mentality and mindset. As a competitive student and volleyball player at GAC, she has learned that self-talk and attitude are the most significant contributors to success in all areas of her life.

Owenby has been an athlete for many years and started playing volleyball in the 5th grade. Her current team role at GAC is the libero, which requires her to be the “voice” of the back row. Her keen eye must locate open spots on the court for the hitters and talk through seams during serve-receive. Connecting with the action and her teammates requires both focus and positivity.

A shiny Volleyball State Championship Trophy is a friendly reminder. Much of Owenby’s grit gained on the court has transferred to her schoolwork and personal life. When the country shut down in March 2020, she found that virtual school made it challenging to grasp complicated concepts fully. Having the confidence to share her needs led her to take advantage of help sessions and one-on-one meetings with her teachers.

She learned that she could overcome any difficulties if she remained communicative and optimistic.

“Willingness to dig deep and develop in every aspect of my life: academically, socially, spiritually and mentally, has helped me gain resilience during these COVID years,” Owenby said. ■

Tim Shaw Tim Shaw is the managing partner for J.R.’s Log House Restaurant, a local business known for its community spirit. “J.R.’s has been a neighborhood favorite for more than 30 years, and we believe they have some of the best biscuits in Atlanta,” wrote one nominator. “J.R.’s supports so much in our community. I know they serve meals at various churches in the area and do so much they never talk about.”

Shaw is married to Wendy and has four children and three granddaughters. Recently, he and his wife have become empty nesters and enjoy traveling together when time allows.

As a member of Perimeter Church, Shaw is active in Men’s Discipleship. In the past two years, he has been a community coach and helped with the Duluth High School baseball team.

In 1983, Shaw opened J.R.’s Log House as an employee with J.R. himself — Jerry Romano. “In the 39 years of doing business, we have had thousands of employees,” he shared. “Over the years, we have been the place where many have had their first job. Watching young people grow in ability, maturity and confidence always brings me great pleasure.”

He said that sometimes past employees make him feel old by coming to visit and bringing their children. “Right now, I have an employee working for me whose mom and dad I worked with the year we first opened J.R.’s!”

Shaw is thankful to have been part of the Peachtree Corners community for nearly 40 years. “My goal each day as a business owner remains the same — to provide a great dining experience and a place for fellowship for our customers, whether you’re eating in the restaurant or we’re catering at your home or business,” he said. “I’m especially grateful for the support our community has shown J.R.’s the past two years and that so many of you continue to let us serve you.”

“Lastly, I am proud of the people I work with every day,” Shaw continued. “Of the 40 employees, more than half have worked for me for more than 15 years, some as many as 25. I appreciate that and, as a customer, I know you do as well!” ■

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Wendy Willis

Georgia Thomas

Wendy Willis has been an active member of the Peachtree Corners/ Gwinnett community, since 1995. She is a wife and mother of two adult daughters and has made notable contributions to the Southwest Gwinnett area.

Her positive energy, vibrant enthusiasm and commitment to service in her community is evident. Willis currently serves on the Executive Board of the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries Board of Directors, Sugarloaf Rotary Club Board of Directors, Community Advisory Team for Paul Duke STEM High School and University of Tennessee Women in Philanthropy. She is a member of the Peachtree Corners Business Association, volunteers as a student mentor in Gwinnett County Public Schools, Junior Achievement and is a champion in childhood hunger relief serving with several organizations.

Willis’ past service includes time on the Board of Directors for Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence and PTA service at Simpson Elementary, Pinckneyville Middle and Norcross High Schools.

She was instrumental in the creation and execution of a summer-long lunch program “Smart Lunch Smart Kid” for six years, in partnership with Action Ministries, a program that focuses on feeding at-risk children who might not eat lunch because they are not in school.

The program engaged hundreds of community volunteers who gave time and resources to assemble and serve food to approximately 100 children a day, create enrichment and recreational activities for them and build relationships with the kids and their families.

Willis was also part of the two largest single food donations (25,000+ canned goods) and volunteer servers to-date for the Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries before the pandemic. Both projects took place while she was working as Director of Missions & Connections at Simpsonwood United Methodist Church, a position she held for six years, after working part-time at Perimeter Church in Community Outreach while she was raising her children.

Willis has left another lasting impression on our city. After Peachtree Corners’ formation, she served on the design team to create the city’s logo. ■

Georgia Thomas, a 12th grader at Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC), caught the acting bug in fourth grade. However, no amount of preparation could have readied her for performing in a facemask, being physically distanced from other actors or auditioning via Zoom. Yet she ascribes those challenges to better crafting her skills.

As the pandemic emerged, New York’s Broadway canceled their shows and the rest of the country followed suit, causing many performers to lose passion or drop out.

However, Thomas seized the opportunity to hone her skills with online lessons and masterclasses. Over time she became proficient in Zoom shows, self-taped auditions and performing in an online space.

Thomas quickly adjusted her techniques to sing through a facemask and express with only the top portion of her face.

“I was in a one-act version of “The Misanthrope” [at GAC] that was performed socially distanced, which was a great exercise in acting with other people while not having any physical contact or closeness with them,” she said.

Her determination to cultivate innovative ways of acting led to a plethora of roles. She performed as Katherine Plumber in “Newsies” and Katherine Blake in “Freaky Friday” in late 2021. Thomas also played Mama Noah in “Children of Eden” and Crystal in “Little Shop of Horrors.” In 2022, she earned the lead in “Anastasia” with GAC’s theatre program and Fantine in “Les Misérables” with Christian Youth Theater (CYT) Atlanta.

In addition to these roles, Thomas also competed in the 2021 Georgia National Association of Teachers of Singing (GA-NATS) Competition and was awarded first place in the Upper High School Musical Theatre division. She represented the state of Georgia at the Southeastern Region Competition at Florida State University. ■

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James “Jim” Blum

Kristina Hammer Blum

Attorney James “Jim” Blum is a partner with the Peachtree Corners based Blum & Campbell. His practice specializes in real estate and construction litigation, tax, title and other property matters, as well as things that he admits could be boring to many. He and his partner, Jody Campbell, counter that potential boredom by emphasizing personal relationships and communication with their clients.

Jim Blum, his wife, Kristina Hammer Blum, and their two children moved to Peachtree Corners in 2005. He was here to support the area becoming its own city, and for those first six years after the city incorporated, Jim volunteered on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Recently he was asked to join the Planning Commission. Both positions work with the city staff to review zoning and permit requests before making recommendations to the mayor and city council on what actions might be appropriate.

“The toughest part about the planning commission is knowing what the future will hold, and nobody knows that,” Jim stated. “Everybody wants development, everybody wants the newest and greatest hotels and mixed-use developments, and everybody wants such a cool place to live, but that comes at a price.”

For him, the challenge is finding a way to balance the interests of all citizens while helping to ensure the city grows and prospers.

When not working or volunteering with the city, Jim and his wife enjoy scuba diving – recently with great white sharks — and camping with friends. He is also a member of the home brewing PC Mashers Club.

The couple is very proud to have raised their children in Gwinnett public schools. “Our kids were able to walk to both elementary and middle school,” Jim said.

Having put down roots here, both professionally and personally, he added, “There is no way in the world I’m leaving Peachtree Corners.” ■

If Peachtree Corners had a cheerleading squad, Kristina Hammer Blum and her husband, Jim Blum (also featured) would most likely be co-captains.

Kristina currently serves as Gwinnett County’s Chief Magistrate Judge. Her court handles everything from arrest and search warrants to civil claims and protective orders related to domestic abuse.

“My court is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Kristina. “Public safety is a big component. But more than that we also are the guardians of everyone’s due process rights. During COVID, we were the ones trying to get people out of jail. We were the ones making sure people were in jail based on the requisite finding of probable cause.”

Kristina, and those she works with, found extra time during the pandemic to “reimagine” how they might serve the community better.

Working with the HomeFirst Gwinnett initiative and Project Reset 2.0, an emergency rental assistance program, her court was able to decrease eviction filings by 40%.

This model for “holistic justice” worked to keep people in affordable housing. “I choose to believe we see good people on their worst days,” noted Kristina. Helping people navigate through these tough situations is forefront in her mind.

Perhaps because she often sees people at their most challenged, Kristina has taken the Latin phrase “carpe diem” to heart and looks at every day as a gift.

Her long list of activities includes skiing, CrossFit, camping — or, as she calls it, glamping — mountain biking, scuba diving and guitar playing with a local band, “Honey & Oates.”

Having her children remain in the same public schools from elementary through high school has been important. “It’s a big deal for me because I grew up in the military and lived a little bit of everywhere,” Kristina said.

“I went to five different schools in five different states in five different years and I, well, I fell in love with Gwinnett County and Peachtree Corners.” ■

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Rebecca McGlothlin

Zachary Schlueter A senior at Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC), Zachary Schlueter has volunteered at a variety of organizations with his mother, Mikki Schlueter, over the past four years. Serving others had always been a part of the Schlueter family’s values and activities, but the pandemic quickly altered when and where they could serve.

“Volunteering during the pandemic showed me how important serving others is, Schlueter said. “Everything slowed down out of caution [during the initial phases of the pandemic] but many places were even more desperate for help than ever before. Volunteering with my mom taught me about the non-stop needs of many organizations — no matter what was happening in the world.”

He and his mother founded the Young Men’s Service League, a four-year program for mothers and their sons in high school, which is a great conduit for getting service hours while also branching out and trying something new together.

The “Men’s Club” at Sunrise Senior Center quickly became a hit with the residents, and a way for them to share their life stories with the young men. But once the pandemic hit, volunteering in person ceased, so they searched for alternative opportunities. Sending in food, games and various supplies helped during the early months, but Schlueter and his mom preferred the hands-on experiences.

As the pandemic restrictions lightened, a need at Veterans Walk presented itself, so they went to work scrubbing the monuments and marble benches, picking up trash and polishing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. They also found the opportunity to serve lunch on Sundays at Seven Bridges to Recovery’s “The Garden”. ■

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Rebecca McGlothlin provides cardio tennis in Peachtree Corners to people of all ages and skill levels. She also captains multiple tennis teams here and volunteers her time to help the needy. In addition, she organizes free fun runs for New Years and Thanksgiving and tirelessly fundraises every month to help the Jones Bridge Swim and Tennis Club.

Since retiring from the corporate world, McGlothlin has stayed busy teaching, volunteering, fundraising, traveling and being a wonderful person, wrote the person who nominated her, adding that she is the ultimate role model, selfless and trying to ensure everyone has a good time.

“I retired almost eight years ago. Since I really liked tennis and like being active, I got certified to teach cardio tennis,” McGlothlin said. “I have a blast teaching four to five classes a week. It keeps me active, and I’ve developed some close friendships in the tennis world.”

She said she plays ALTA and USTA, but when USTA over-55 started sending the team to far away matches, “I created a fun league on Wednesdays. We play yearround. We are just a bunch of ladies who love playing tennis and we love the no-pressure, fun tennis and enjoy each other.”

McGlothlin has a walking group that walks three miles Monday through Friday and often farther on Saturdays. “And I’ve also started a drop-in pickleball league. Since I really like tennis, I run a fundraiser for our club one time a month,” she said. “We have a tournament called triples. It is a signature cardio tennis game; you play three on a side, one at the net and two at the baseline and rotate every point.”

Low pressure balls are used for safety, as well as cardio. “The points last longer with these balls so you can burn some serious calories while having a blast,” she added.

The running/walking group has regular events such as an annual half marathon/10K on Thanksgiving Day, a Christmas light run and a New Year’s Day resolution run. Some of these things having been going for 20 years,” McGlothlin said, noting “I have been very blessed with good health and try to be thankful for it every single day.” ■

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Hannah Creedon A senior at Duluth High School, Hannah Creedon is a native of Peachtree Corners. She is a well-rounded, naturally curious teenager who makes the most out of every day and every experience.

Creedon has devoted herself to giving 100% in every activity she decides to pursue. Whether she is participating in local school or church programs, volunteering her time, participating in internships or working to earn some extra cash, she approaches each activity with a cando attitude and a smile.

Some of her activities, in addition to her classes, include: president of Student Council, Gwinnett Student Leadership Team, Governor’s Honors Program, Gwinnett County Public Schools Superintendent Student Advisory Committee, treasurer of Theatre and International Thespian Society Troup 5160, National Honor Society, BETA Club, Interact Club, secretary of the Young Democrats Club, school orchestra, track and field team and the volleyball team.

In the fall of 2021, Creedon interned with the City of Peachtree Corners and she is part of Growing Leaders for Spring 2022. ■

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Rachel Todebush

Jeremy Evan Pruett

A junior at Greater Atlanta Christian School GAC), Rachel Todebush serves as the junior athlete representative for the State to the USA Swimming Association.

USA Swimming is the national governing body for competitive swimming in the United States and is charged with selecting the Olympic team as well as the organization and operation of swimming within the country.

Todebush represents the state of Georgia within USA Swimming and serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Georgia Swimming. Winning a statewide election for this position, she will serve a two-year term. Todebush became the Athlete Rep in 2021 and works hard to preserve in her own swimming as well as to enhance the sport of swimming for those around the state.

“Georgia Swimming will increase opportunity, recognition and growth in competitive swimming.

We believe that swimming provides life-changing experiences for young people,” she said.

Todebush swims with the Peachtree Corners North Manor (PCNM) Waverunners for summer swim league and has been a Waverunner for over 12 years. She has volunteered as an intern on the team, and she has spent countless hours teaching swimming to Peachtree Corners youth.

Outside of the pool, Todebush has organized food drives with Georgia Swimming and the PCNM Waverunners to support local food banks. She has also supported Swim Across America, USA Swimming’s foundation for Cancer Awareness and Fundraising.

Todebush is a member of the President’s Honor Roll at GAC, and a member of the National Honor Society, Tri Beta (a science service club), and Phi Mu (the math honor society).

A member of Senior Girl Scout Troop 4488, Todebush has been a Girl Scout for 11 years.

She received the Girl Scout Silver Award and represented Peachtree Corners as one of only 11 girls from across the country — and the only one from Georgia — to participate in the San Juan Islands Girl Scout Destination.

Todebush is a member of Mary Our Queen (MOQ) Catholic Church where she participates in youth group and volunteers her time at the MOQ food pantry. She is looking forward to pursuing a career in biomedical engineering and competing as a collegiate swimmer. ■

Jeremy Evan Pruett, 14, is in the 8th grade at Pinckneyville Middle School. To say that he is versatile and accomplished is an understatement. He fully believes that if he can think it, he can “be it or do it.” — and his activities support that belief.

Not only is Pruett an A-B gifted student at his school, but he is also a member of the school’s News Crew and a musician in the school’s Symphonic Winds advanced band, where he plays euphonium.

He has excelled on the neighborhood swim team, the Jones Bridge River Station Rapid Barracudas, for eight years and was awarded Barracuda of the Year last summer. Pruett was awarded the Iron Eagle award for 2019-20 and consistently earns high points during meets. As a beloved junior assistant coach, he helps the youngest Barracudas during the summer.

He is an active member of Simpsonwood United Methodist Church and participates in the youth group. At the time of this writing, Pruett is the only teenage video camera operator on the technical support crew.

Another role he plays is an essential assistant in his mother’s home craft business, Chili P Designs. Pruett established the company’s website, does research on financial and logistical software options, tests new equipment and provides IT support. In his family home, he installed a theater system, lighting and smart home system throughout the house. He even performs small electrical and plumbing work when needed.

It’s apparent that Pruett is a well-rounded, intelligent young man with principles. He understands commitment and focuses on doing a job well. With a servant’s heart, he donates his time and many skills to his family, his home and his community. ■

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Faces of Real Estate Professionals and teams that help our city thrive

W at heart.

ith a hot real estate market, you want an agent who not only knows the area but is invested in it. Peachtree Corners Magazine looks at some locals who are the best in the business and have the interests of the community

Another member of the team, Laura Hayes Reich, is an associate broker and licensed broker who has been serving families since 2004. She has 17-plus years’ experience as a real estate agent and has been voted “Best Realtor under 40.” She’s also a member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the Atlanta Board of Realtors and The National Association of Realtors.

Hayes Reich is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and a Certified Pricing Strategy Advisor. She graduated from the University of Georgia and is a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority as well as The Charity Guild of Johns Creek.

The Terri Hayes Team sponsors many local organizations through fundraisers for schools, football, baseball, basketball, golf and tennis.

“The 30-plus years of proven experience gives us the power to provide you the highest quality of service that will absolutely make the difference,” Reich said. ■

Kelly Kim Laura and Terri Hayes

The Terri Hayes Team The Terri Hayes Team loves helping buyers and sellers and has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted and fastest growing independent real estate companies in North Atlanta.

“We are so proud to be ranked No. 1 in our profession with a Five-Star rating from our former clients. Having a team of exceptional Realtors standing beside you and protecting your best interests is what sets The Terri Hayes Team apart,” said Terri Hayes, managing broker and owner of Executive Home Sales.

“Whether you are a buyer or seller, you can trust and rely on us to help you in every step of the process. When it comes to real estate, our goal is to get you the most value and fastest result when selling, or negotiate the best deal for you when buying,” she added.

Hayes is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. A graduate of North Carolina State University and former homebuilder, she has been a licensed broker since 1980 and has handled more than $1 billion real estate sales in Atlanta. Formerly, Hayes was the #1 Agent at Metro Brokers GMAC, a $1.5 billion company.

Her many roles include founder and owner of Executive Home Sales Inc. since 1995. Hayes is also a member of Graduate Realtor Institute, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, The Atlanta Board of Realtors and The National Association of Realtors, as well as the Charity Guild of Johns Creek.

Written and compiled by Arlinda Smith Broady

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Kelly Kim is a team lead with Ansley Real Estate.

She was born in Seoul Korea and her parents immigrated to the U.S. in 1977. Since then, she’s lived in Georgia.

Kim attended Stone Mountain Christian School and Boston University.

She began her career in real estate in January 2013. “I have a passion and motivation to drive to the top and be the best at what I do,” Kim said. “I have closed more than 500 homes since I started, and I have done a lot of new constructions as well as resale homes.”

During the pandemic in 2020, Kim started the Kelly Kim Team, which now has nine licensed agents, including herself.

“We have multi-language speaking agents, including Chinese, Japanese, Hindu, Korean and Vietnamese — and, of course, English as well,” she said. “We’re a global team.”

Kim has been a top producer since 2014, and she is recognized as a reputable top producing agent in the real estate industry. In 2021, Kelly Kim Team was a No. 1 Team for volume and units companywide. The team closed 185 units.

When not providing top level service, Kim loves to travel, work in the garden and decorate houses. “I believe I was born to be a real estate agent,” she said. “I love what I do, and I am great at it. I’m bilingual; I speak Korean and English fluently. I also have great experience with remodeling houses.” ■

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The Nancy Minor Team For over 30 years, The Nancy Minor Team has had the honor of helping thousands of families buy and sell their Peachtree Corners homes. It has been a wild ride over the years, with markets where sellers saw their equity plummet and markets where they saw them soar.

The team sells all over metro Atlanta, but its heart is in Peachtree Corners. “Our core belief is to do the right thing, and do not just say it, live it,” Nancy Minor said. “We believe in giving back to the community.

It is wonderful to help so many of our local charities and to be affiliated with the Y.”

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Minor is proud to have worked with like-minded agents who are strong, caring people. Every past member made the team better, and the agents on the team today are among the best: Ed Mitchell, MJ Westbrook, MaryAnne Burke and Fehmida Anwar.

After more than three decades as the team leader, Minor felt a change would be great for the team and for their clients. Minor asked team member Laurie Rogers to join her as her business partner.

Rogers had been an outstanding agent. With eight years of experience, she shares the same values and core beliefs. She is a strong leader and together, their business is soaring. Rogers lives in Peachtree Corners and has been involved for years with the community.

Other members of the team include Becky Paterni, the office manager, who has been the rock and ensures that clients have a successful experience. Nancy’s daughter-in-law, Rhea Minor, is a virtual assistant and in charge of finance and implementation.

The team has consistently been tops in production. Minor and Rogers are proud of their real estate growth, but they both feel the need to give back as a way of showing gratitude for a career that has allowed them to be involved in their city.

The Nancy Minor Team sponsors local schools, Norcross Coop, Fowler YMCA, Merry Market, Peachtree Festival, Norcross Festival, Veteran’s Monument and Norcross basketball and football. Nancy Minor is past chairman of the Fowler YMCA and recipient of the Y Volunteer of the Year Award. The team is also the winner of the Star award from United Peachtree Corners Civic Association (UPCCA).

The business success that The Nancy Minor Team has enjoyed would not be possible without her family’s support. Minor’s husband Sid has been a technology leader and was the reason The Team was among the first to have a website with photos.

Her two boys had to put up with pizza every night and did not even know their mom could cook. They never complained because they knew their mama was doing important work helping people with their biggest investment.

Minor said that it is exciting to be part of a city that is thriving — and a city that people want to call home. ■

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The Richards Team The Richards team is comprised of two generations of successful Realtors — Marsha, Ned and Johnny Richards — with Keller Williams Realty Chattahoochee North, located in The Forum. They have over 35 years of experience and are well-regarded for their knowledge and expertise with residential buyers and sellers, especially in the Peachtree Corners area.

The Richards Team holds several distinctions, including Certified Luxury Home Market-ing Specialist, Certified Residential Specialist and Active Residential and Multi-Family Investors.

Other notable achievements are a Phoenix Award, Active Life Member in the Million Dollar Club and a role in the KW Agent Leadership Council.

Marsha and Ned, both graduates of Georgia State University, have been residents of Peachtree Corners for 30-plus years and raised their three children here. Their son Johnny graduated from Stamford before joining his parents on their career path.

The Richards have been supporters of Wesleyan School and Norcross High School, and enjoyed many years of ALTA tennis, Rotary Club and coaching various youth activities. They are also members of Peachtree Corners Baptist Church and the Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA. ■

Alan Kaplan

Hattie Cooper Best

Recognized as a top producing Realtor with Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, Alan Kaplan takes pride in being highly knowledgeable of local market trends. He maintains a Global Real Estate Network to assist clients relocating nationally and abroad.

The son of a military officer, he moved frequently in his younger years. Kaplan has over 30 years of professional experience, including serving as a Special Agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for 12 years, where he led several high-profile investigations, and enjoyed assignments with the FBI, Secret Service and U.S. State Department.

Kaplan is very passionate about serving others. He is actively involved in our schools and serves in a variety of organizations and boards, including as the Chairman of the City’s Planning Commission and past Chairman of Gwinnett County’s SPLOST Allocation Committee.

The proud father of two middle school boys, Kaplan coaches them in their professional TV and film careers. His wife Zhenia is from Kiev, Ukraine and the couple has been married for 21 years. They met in Belarus and have made Peachtree Corners their home for the last 20 years.

The Kaplans love their Catahoula leopard dogs, who make their family complete. ■

Hattie Cooper Best is a Sports and Entertainment Realtor® with Keller Williams Chattahoochee North at The Forum. She’s a native of Stamford, Connecticut, a graduate of Howard University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Georgia State alumna with an Executive master’s degree in Business Administration. She has lived in Peachtree Corners since 2020 with her son Jordan Green, an 8th grade student/athlete at The Wesleyan School.

A former software engineer, Cooper Best defines her approach to real estate as strategic, tech savvy and customer centered. She has a love for community service and is on a mission to teach families how to build generational wealth through real estate ownership and investment. In her spare time, she enjoys attending live music events, indulging in the city’s best Sunday brunches (with mimosas, of course) and spending time with family and friends. ■

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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BUSINESS

North American Properties Invests in Downtown Peachtree Corners

little second-generation love and needs some renewed focus. And it’s just rare you find something of such great quality with such great potential.”

With an average household income of $102,564, according to City of Peachtree Corners statics, and State Route 141, a major thoroughfare carrying commuters from as far north as Forsyth County through the city into Buckhead, the town of about 45,000 has quite an appeal. Perry, himself, takes that route from his home in Johns Creek to his offices in Midtown.

Although it lies on the Gwinnett County side of the Chattahoochee River, Peachtree Corners has the potential to rival Roswell and Alpharetta for affluence and quality of life.

Proven track record

A

s anyone who’s taken on a fixer-upper project can attest, you must have vision turn the worn-out into the worthwhile.

Whether it’s an old sports car sitting under a tarp in the garage, a rundown farmhouse or an aging retail center that’s lost some of its luster, the artistry is looking beyond the rusted-out floorboards or rickety front porch and

picturing what it could be.

A decades-old structure could become a space where people can live in amenity-laden accommodations, work in technology-forward office space and be entertained by the trendiest venues — all within a few miles’ radius.

That’s why many in Peachtree Corners are excited about the prospect of North American Property’s (NAP) purchase earli-

By Arlinda Smith Broady

Feature image

by Singh Vipul

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

er this month of The Forum at Peachtree Parkway. For an undisclosed amount, it partnered with Nuveen Real Estate, another industry giant, to revitalize the 22-year-old site.

“To have an opportunity to get something like The Forum to own and be able to invest in a community like Peachtree Corners is important,” said Tim Perry, NAP managing partner. “By far the best thing was that the community just loves the asset, and it just needs a

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That’s where the genius of NAP comes into play. It has already proven it can spin straw into gold, so to speak, when it comes to multi-use development. The rejuvenation of Atlantic Station in Midtown and Avenue Tim Perry East Cobb in Marietta, as well as starting from the ground up with Avalon in Alpharetta, are testaments to the expertise it has honed over the years.

Now The Forum stands to become the next shining example.

To make that transformation, NAP won’t just slap on a few Continued on page 34 peachtreecornerslife

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April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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coats of paint and add some new fixtures. This is no house flipping endeavor. The first step to success, said Perry, is to realize what the residents want.

Take Avalon and Avenue East Cobb, which aren’t far from each other. Similarities include established, but still growing, communities and strong attachments to the reworked properties by the locals.

A retailer who wants to move into the metro Atlanta market can make a big impact and only needs to work with one company.

They can obtain leases at three high-end developments that are far enough apart to avoid redundancy, but close enough to manage.

“It’s one call for a tenant to say, ‘Hey, I want to come into North Atlanta.’ Alright, we got we got three spots for you right now.

And they’re far enough apart that they could conceivably be in all three,” Perry explained.

After all, in the metro Atlanta area, a 30-minute drive is almost like being in another state.

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

But the naysayers who worry that brick-and-mortar retail is dead haven’t done their homework. “Retail constantly reinvents itself,” Perry said. “If you’re a student of history, you can look at the local Main Street retail that evolved into the category of big boxes, like Walmart and Target and then the separation of service needs … it continually changes and reinvents itself. And it’s reinventing itself again.”

A recent report by the Data & Services arm of financial services titan Mastercard revealed that to remain relevant, physical retail must strategically evolve in the face of changing shopper preferences and new technologies. That means innovations in customer experience and a symbiotic relationship between physical and digital stores as a singular retail enterprise.

The report added that “many often see increases in e-commerce business after opening physical stores in a particular geography. On the flip side, a strong peachtreecornerslife

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We’re looking at how we can make The Forum and the area around it a global community for Peachtree Corners.

Tim Perry

online presence can drive traffic in-store, as customers seek to try before they buy.”

According to Perry, “the new reinvention started with the experience and the injection of the experience and relationship that you have to have between the landlord and the tenant. So, on one end, that relationship is very transactional. And the guest experience, ‘I want to park close; I want to be able to go in and get whatever it is’ — whether that’s getting your nails done or your hair done or buying hardware or buying groceries — they want to be able to go and do that. That’s a transactional nature.”

The successful reinvention, however, goes beyond that.

“But the relationship side of it, or as we call it, the experiential side, is the other sort of end of the barbell. ‘I want to go there.

I’m going to stroll, I’m going to have an experience, I’m going to socialize,’” Perry said. “Ultimately, we as humans are social beings.”

For example, you may come to buy a shirt, but then you will meet friends for dinner.

“While there, you really have to have that great experience,” he continued. “And the relationship starting between the tenant and the landlord is no longer landscaping and sweeping and lighting. It’s now ‘How can we have events that bring the community to the property and support those tenants?’ So, we don’t just do a yoga class, we do that yoga class in conjunction

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with Lululemon. Maybe we’re pulling that tenant out, and we may do a ‘Taste of The Forum’ type of event, where we’re getting the restaurants to come out and really put on display.”

NAP has a group called “Better Together” that works on improving the experience collectively.

“And it has some very tangible focuses, like environmental safety, physical safety, and security — all that kind of stuff,” Perry said.

“But also has a very subjective approach as well, which is, ‘How do we just become happier, and how do we invest from our side in the community?’”

‘Skin in the game’ The group is focused on community interaction because NAP doesn’t just parachute into a community, make its money and leave. It becomes a part of the community.

“We hosted over 600 community-driven events across our portfolio in 2021 and raised more than $154,000 for philanthropic partners in the markets we

serve,” Perry said. In serving the community, the company has to demonstrate to the city that its plans jive with the vision for the area.

To grow this wonderful live, work, play open-air experiential center — don’t call it a mall! — taxpayer dollars are going to used to create sewers and streets and hire more police and garbage collectors, and all the other things that come with expansion.

NAP has met with Peachtree Corners officials and indicated that it will seek a change in conditions and rezone property on or near The Forum for residential use.

“Right now, we’re early in the process of development for what will be a holistic property,” said Brian Johnson, Peachtree Corners City Manager. “We’re looking at how we can make The Forum and the area around it a global community for Peachtree Corners.”

To create a robust downtown, the Town Center and The Forum are two halves that need to be connected, Johnson said.

This concept isn’t unique to Peachtree Corners. It’s the “it” thing right now. Where in the past, all the commerce would be in one part of town and the residential in another part, the latest trend is to combine those — whether it’s in a macrocosm like the city of Atlanta, or more of a microcosm like the central business district in Peachtree Corners.

The city sees the project as a win for everyone.

“North American Properties looks at The Forum and the surrounding area and sees opportunities to enhance the downtown feel and expand the activities.

And they have ownership, they have skin in the game,” Johnson said. “It’s good to hear them refer to The Forum in a proprietary manner. In our talks we take into account the city’s master plan for development.”

The end result is an improved downtown with the potential for growth to spin off in other areas.

With Town Center just a few years old, this project came at the right time, added Johnson. “We’ll

work out the capacity for parking, power, water, sewer — all the details —because that’s our job,” he said. “The details marry up and both sides are sure to support each other.”

Perry couldn’t agree more.

“The big, big goal at the end is we want to leave a lasting difference so that if one day — anytime in the future — North American Properties is no longer an owner, the property is establishing a strong relationship through some cause with the community that it will live on, and that we are truly passing something back to our guests,” he said.

“To do that we’ve got to revamp the brand, which is step one. We’ve got to solidify a vision for all of Peachtree Corners.

And then we’ve got to go and get tenants that you all want and restaurants and users that align with that vision to come in and join us and join you,” Perry said.

“There’s an alignment with their brand and the qualities and values of the community. That’s the big part of it.” ■

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New EV Charging Concept Unveiled in Technology Park Siemens, a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport and healthcare, recently unveiled a new sustainable EV charging concept designed for electrifying fleets and high demand charging applications at scale. The new VersiCharge XL concept was created to electrify new or existing parking lots and building structures quickly and efficiently by using a modular, scalable design.

Made in partnership with Nexii Building Solutions using their proprietary, sustainable building material with low carbon footprint, the structure resembles a modern-day fueling station. It was developed in late 2021, and then installed in only three days at Siemens’ R&D hub eMobility and North American Headquarters for Electric Products.

Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux, among those on hand for the ceremony, was excited for the possibilities. “As more and more consumers choose to go electric, we must ensure that our communities have the infrastructure to accommodate electric vehicles,” she said. “When I ran for Congress, I made a commitment to FutureFit our suburbs, and Siemens EV charging technology helps to deliver cost-effective electric charging in our community. With 2030 only eight years away, it is critical we get to work building a network capable of supporting our climate goals and millions of new electric vehicles.”

Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason agreed. “We are proud that Siemens is part of Peachtree Corners’ Technology Park and continues to lead the way in the development of innovative electrical and eMobility technologies,” said Mason. “It is these types of successful partnerships between Siemens and Nexii that will continue to lead our area, country and the world in the design and deployment of sustainable, environmentally friendly eMobility solutions and the development of a successful nationwide EV network.”

As the industry’s first EV charging system to house all necessary electrical infrastructure components that power EV chargers in an aboveground, enclosed and low carbon structure, the design requires minimal disruption to existing parking lots by eliminating costly, time-consuming, and substantial civics works and reduces on-site construction waste and environmental impact.

“With the ever-increasing demand for EV infrastructure across the United States and beyond, we recognize a real need for fast deployment, scalability, easy upkeep and reliability,” said John DeBoer, Head of Siemens eMobility, North America.

With its scaling and versatile capabilities, the VersiCharge XL concept is designed to be installed to charge large numbers of electric vehicles using either level-2 or level-3 EV chargers in outdoor environments ranging from small office building parking lots to last mile logistic hubs, and up to a stadium parking lot.

“Construction and transportation are two of the biggest sources of carbon emissions driving climate change today,” said Stephen Sidwell, co-founder and CEO of Nexii. “We’re excited to unveil this initial eV Charger prototype and look forward to even more innovations we can make working together.”

Recently, the company announced it is expanding its U.S. manufacturing operations to support EV infrastructure in America, producing one million EV chargers by 2025. ■

Mayor Mason Speaks at Global Smart Technology Summit Peachtree Corners’ reputation as a ‘city of the future’ isn’t only known locally. Technology experts around the world are aware of the cutting-edge innovation taking place here. Considering that fact, Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason was invited as a virtual presenter during the Mayors’ Summit and Panel Discussion, part of the 2022 Smart City Summit and Expo being held in Taipei, Taiwan.

As mayor of one of the world’s premier smart cities, Mayor Mason was among the 21 city leaders invited to present at this year’s event. In addition to the presenters, the subsequent panel discussion included leaders from approximately 30 countries around the world, according to a news release.

Every year, the Smart City Mayors’ Summit gathers city mayors and high-profile municipal delegates from across the globe to share and exchange insights on the latest governmental strategies and trends in smart cities. The Summit is not just one of the biggest highlights in the Smart City Summit and Expo, but the world’s largest networking platform among smart city governments. ■

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Scan this QR Code to watch the Mayor’s Summit Video

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Scan this QR Code to find out more about the Smart City Summit & Expo

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April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Peachtree Corners City Council Recognizes 10th Anniversary of Southwest Gwinnett Chamber

pion the southwest Gwinnett area as a preferred place for supporting economic opportunity, embracing diverse talent, and generating a robust quality of life; and WHEREAS, over the past ten years, the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber has implemented its vision and made a difference in our community by bringing businesses together, fostering a spirit of cooperation, and engaging in civic activities.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Peachtree Corners that the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce is hereby congratulated on its tenth anniversary and commended for its decade of success in our community.

SO PROCLAIMED AND EFFECTIVE, this 22nd day of March, 2022. ■

Israeli Consul General Visits Peachtree Corners’ Curiosity Lab

Councilman and Past SWGC Chair Weare Gratwick and SWGC Director Beth Coffey

On March 24, Mayor Pro Tempore Weare Gratwick and City Councilman Joe Sawyer attended the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Southwest Gwinnet Chamber of Commerce.

During the event, Gratwick presented a copy of the Proclamation that was entered into the official Peachtree Corners record during the Council’s regular meeting held on March 22. In addition to serving as a current board member of the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber, Gratwick is a past Chairman of the organization.

“The 10th Anniversary Celebration was a chance to not only reflect back on the Chamber’s accomplishments but also look to future and how we can continue to support businesses, schools and nonprofits,” said Gratwick. “It was rewarding to see so many folks come together Left to right, Past SWGC Chair Dave Jones, CEO of IMG, and celebrate Councilman Joe Sawyer, Councilman and Past SWGC Chair what so many Weare Gratwick, SWGC Chairwoman Margie Asef, SWGC have had a hand Member and Event Emcee Phillip Williams, CEO of P&P Business Solutions in building.”

“There is such a synergy between the vibrant cities of Peachtree Corners, Norcross and Berkeley Lake,” said SWGC Chairwoman Margie Asef. “The businesses, organizations, schools, and communities all benefit from the unified support of our local, regional and worldwide reach.”

The proclamation presented by the City Council read as follows: A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF PEACHTREE CORNERS, GEORGIA RECOGNIZING THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOUTHWEST GWINNETT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WHEREAS, the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce was established on March 19, 2012 to support, equip, and engage businesses in Peachtree Corners, Berkeley Lake, and Norcross; and WHEREAS, the Southwest Gwinnett’s Chamber vision is to cham-

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Peachtree Corners — one of the nation’s first smart city environments powered by real-world connected infrastructure and 5G — recently hosted a visit by Anat Sultan-Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the southeastern United States.

The Israeli Consulate, located in Atlanta, has worked closely with the City of Peachtree Corners and its Curiosity Lab to provide a launching pad for Israeli tech and mobility firms to expand into the United States and across North America. Israel was the first international country to focus attention on this leading smart city, closely followed

by France, Taiwan, Canada, Mexico and other regions flocking to the technology hotspot.

“I was thoroughly impressed with my visit to Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners. It’s no surprise that some of the brightest Israeli technology developers and startups have been gravitating to Peachtree Corners at the heart of what’s being called ‘Silicon Orchard’ — where opportunities to collaborate with some of the world’s most prominent telecommunications, mobility and overall technology companies are unmatched,” said Sultan-Dadon in a press release.

Peachtree Corners and Curiosity Lab have hosted numerous Israel-born technology startups, also helping to create critical new partnerships and opportunities to expand.

“For decades, Technology Park has been home to several international companies responsible for revolutionary technological developments with massive global impact, and we are proud to continue fostering the same pioneering spirit with our Israeli partners. I was honored to host Consul General Sultan-Dadon and Deputy Consul General Alex Gandler to give them a first-hand look at the amazing work being done by all of our international companies,” said Peachtree Corners City Manager Brian Johnson. ■

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SUMMER CAMPS

Building Branches of Success with STEM, Science Summer Camps

have that features rockets and space travel.

Week three combines rockets and robotics to design mobile launching platforms with robot recovery vehicles to retrieve spent rockets. Students create video presentations about their designs for rockets and robotics throughout the camp duration to share on the last day.

Spanish Language Immersion Camp June 20-July 1 and July 5-16.

Boarding and Day Camp options are available.

S

ummer Camp has become more than just s’mores and sleeping bags. Kids today have expansive options for all kinds of enriching experiences to fill their summers with wonder and learning in a fun environment. With current health considerations, changes in camp schedules may occur, so please contact camps directly for the most up-to-date information.

Wesleyan School Summer Camp

Previous issue: Summer Day and Away Camps Next issue: Sports and Arts Camps

Brandon Hall School STEM Summer Camps Brandon Hall School offers many creative, educational experiences for students to plug into this summer. Visit brandonhall. org for the full list.

Rockets and Robotics STEAM Camp June 6-24 and July 5-22. This is a three-week long camp with a boarding or day camp option.

By Kelsey Asher

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Peachtree Corners Magazine

Led by program creator and Brandon Hall School Forensics/ Robotics teacher Greg Morris, this camp will cover several topics that align with the national science standards and contains

several hands-on activities.

Rocket week is week one of the camp schedule. During this portion, students learn technical details of rocket building and design multiple rockets that will be launched at the end of the week. The week includes a visit to the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Week two focuses on robotics.

Students will learn how to design, build and code competition robots for the VEX robotics league.

Students will work hands-on with state-of-the-art technology to develop a robot that can accomplish simple to very difficult tasks. This camp will challenge young engineers to problem solve and find alternative options to overcome design flaws. This week includes a visit to the TELLUS science museum to see examples of mechanical innovation exhibits and a planetarium movie they

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Summer is a great time to improve Spanish speaking skills!

This Spanish Language Immersion Camp welcomes students from around the world and allows students to live and learn Spanish in an experiential program. This program is a certificate-based, individualized curriculum and follows ACTFL standards. Students will be fully immersed in Spanish speaking, reading, writing and listening to help them hone their skills both inside and outside of the classroom.

Students will balance academic classroom study with daily cultural and educational experiences around the Atlanta area. Spanish Language Immersion is an intensive program, which helps students refine their communication skills and prepares them for future success. This camp accommodates students at all levels of Spanish-speaking.

Wesleyan School STEM Summer Camps For more information, visit wesleyanschool.org/programs/summer-camps. peachtreecornerslife

June 13-17 XTreme STEAM: Minecraft Edition: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for Rising K to Rising 4th STEM—Engineering Design: 9 a.m.-12 noon. for Rising 5th to Rising 8th

Aviation Focused STEM Summer Camp

June 27-July 1 Minecraft Camp: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. for Rising 5th to Rising 8th July 11-15 Minecraft & Lego Robotics: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for Rising 5th to Rising 8th STEM—Biomedical Science: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for Rising 5th to Rising 8th

Greater Atlanta Christian School Spartan STEM Summer Camps 2022 camps will run from June 7 to July 30, with seven weeklong sessions available. Visit greateratlantachristian.org/ summer-camp/summer-camp for detailed information.

Chess Camp June 6-10 and June 20-24.

9 a.m.-12 noon.

For 1st to 5th graders.

Chess Camp has a fun, friendly spirit and it’s a great way to keep the brain sharp during the summer while having a real blast! Chess Camp is a super-fun, high-energy chess experience in which kids ages 5 to 12 celebrate a new chess tactic each day.

Physical Science Boot Camp July 18-22, 9 a.m.-12 noon.

For 8th graders.

Continued on page 49

June 13-17, with a free Young Eagles flight on Saturday, June 18.

7th to 12th grade students may apply.

For more information, please visit eaa690.org/summer-camp. Contact Gay Roberts, Camp Registrar and Administrative Coordinator at summercamp@eaa690.org with any questions.

This unique program is held

by EAA 690, a chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association located at Briscoe Field in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Topics include Aircraft Construction Methods, Principles of Aeronautics, R/C Modeling, Helicopter Flight, Ground and Flight Instruction and possible visits to select facilities located at Briscoe Field.

The EAA Summer Camps were initiated in 2012 by Dr. Debi Huffman, an instructor at Fernbank Science Center and member of EAA Chapter 690. That first year was for ages 12 and 13, who would come to be known as Alpha Group. The second year the Chapter added Bravo Group for ages 14 and 15. The third year the Chapter added Charlie Group for ages 16 to 18. In the initial year of Charlie, there were only three campers — all girls. They were quickly dubbed “Charlie’s Angels.”

In all groups, the camp emphasizes STEM, aviation-oriented, hands-on activities. Activities planned for the Alpha Group are model aviation, building a sheet metal toolbox, introduction to composite construction for aviation, use of drones and an opportunity to fly a small drone through a competition course, and introduction to electronics.

Activities planned for the Bravo Group are advanced model aviation, introduction to airfoils and a chance to try their own design in a wind tunnel, use a simulator to fly a flight plan, build a sheet metal aileron section, use of drones and the opportunity to fly a small drone through a competition course, and introduction to welding.

The Charlie Group will be immersed in ground school education and flight training (three to four hours, depending on weather). On Friday afternoon, all groups will participate in a NASA/Mars activity by building a “Mars robot rover” and then “exploring Mars” terrain. ■

Photos by John Slemp

July 18-22 L.E.G.O. Adventures: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for Rising K to Rising 4th Brushing Up on Academics: 9 a.m.-12 noon grade specific review for Rising Pre1st to Rising 5th Study Skills Boot Camp: 9 a.m.-12 noon for Rising 6th to Rising 8th

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Birds, Flowers, and Gar

Signs of Spring are everywhere in Peachtree Corners, and we welcome the sight! You don’t have to look very far to see flowers springing up, tree buds bursting with tender growth, colorful birds making their new homes, and evidence of eager gardeners. The vibrant energy of Springtime “Birds, Flowers, and Gardens” has been expertly captured by members of the Peachtree Corners Photography Club in this beautiful place we call home. The monthly meetings of the Club are open to everyone from beginners to pros. For more information about the Club, go to their website at https//pcphotoclub.org.

Scan QR to find out more about the club.

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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rdens

Top row (artist, picture name) Jurgen Kohler, no title Anna Niziol, Blue Moon Brian Walton, This Color Suits You Well David Schilling, Peony Ants 01 Alfonso Caycedo, Buttonbush Flower and Bee

Middle row, Jim Worthington, Moth Meal Tracey Rice, Happy Spring!

Vipul Singh, Mama and Baby Bullfrog Richard Phillips, Spring Flower Cluster Jim Skurski, Flower

Bottom row, Rafael Garcia, Slurp!

Eric Richter, White Star Magnolia David Dunagan, Cedar Waxwing

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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Top, Vipul Singh, Spring Song Tracey Rice, Backyard Garden Richard Phillips, Early Fig Buds Jim Skurski, Flower

Second row, Brian Walton, Sunflower Rafael Garcia, Bath!

Eric Richter, Singing for a Mate David Dunagan, SummerTanager

Third row, Alfonso Caycedo, Azalea with Swalllowtail Butterfly Jim Worthington, And Another Thing Anna Niziol, Pond Garden David Schilling, Spring

Fourth row, Jurgen Kohler

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Southwest Gwinnett 10th Anniversary

Barry Adams, Weare Gratwick, Joe Sawyer, Margie Asef

The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 10th Anniversary on March 24 at The Brunswick Norcross. Amid a backdrop of live entertainment, superb food and drink, area Legislators and Mayors presented proclamations and resolutions to further distinguish the milestone.

Mayor Pro Tem Weare Gratwick and City Councilman Joe Sawyer lauded the accomplishments of the Chamber as they presented the Peachtree Corners Proclamation to Chairwoman Margie Asef.

The SWGC was founded in March 2012 and promotes southwest Gwinnett County as the preferred place to do business, create networking opportunities and participate in volunteerism with local nonprofits and schools.

“The SWGC has provided a more cohesive synergy and collaboration for our three cities, which benefits our businesses, schools and communities,” said Gratwick.

Above, Charles Hawk, Beth Moore, Beth Coffey, Margie Asef, Weare Gratwick, Lois Salter, Craig Newton, Betsy Pickren, L.C. Johnson, Jill Morris, Wendy Willis, Bill Brown, William Corbin, Matt Myers, Terri Hoye, Chuck Paul, John Nevins, Chris Moder, Carlos Alvarez, Joe Sawyer, JT Wu, Barry Adams, Louis Svehla, Karl Barham, Bucky Johnson, Frank Kellert

L.C. Johnson, Weare Gratwick, Craig Newton, Margie Asef

Pedro Marin, Beth Moore, Margie Asef

Above, left, Phillip Williams, Margie Asef Above, right, Matt Myers, Craig Newton, Margie Asef Left, Weare Gratwick, Barry Adams, Dave Jones, Lois Salter, Margie Asef, Phillip Williams

Photography by Tracey Rice

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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Top row, Mark Klafter Scott Hilton, Beth Coffey, Olivia Mah Second row, Mary West, Bucky Johnson Bill Brown, Jill Swenson Charles Hawk, Betsy Pickren

Third row, Lori Mullee, Lisa Campbell-Free, Patty Thumann, Dee Brown Larry Benator, Margie Asef, Frank Kellert, Phillip Williams

Fourth Row (below) Michele Duncan, L.C. Johnson, Cliff Bramble Beth Coffey, Margie Asef, Paula Fine Fifth row, Michele Duncan, Matthew Yarbrough, Angela Duncan Charles Hawk, William Corbin Olivia Mah, JT Wu

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! WESLEYAN

SUMMER CAMPS

Scan to learn more!

Full and Half-day Camps for Ages 4-14 Open to the Entire Community!

WWW.WESLEYANSCHOOL.ORG/SUMMERCAMPS 48 Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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SUMMER STEM CAMPS DIRECTORY CONTINUED Continued from page 41 Science Preview June 13-16, 9 a.m.-12 noon.

For 5th to 7th graders.

Pre-Algebra Preview June 20-24, 9 a.m.-12 noon.

For 7th and 8th graders.

Algebra 1 Preview July 25-29, 9 a.m.-12 noon.

For 7th to 9th graders.

This course is designed to give students a preview of topics they will study in Algebra 1. Students will build a foundation in solving multi-step equations, number operations, exponents, inequalities, graphing linear functions, algebraic problem-solving techniques and more.

Honors Pre-Calculus Preview Camp July 25-29, 1-4 p.m.

For 9th to 12th graders.

This course is designed for students advancing to Honors Pre-Calculus from College Prep Algebra 2. It will spend time covering the necessary topics that were absent from the college prep curriculum but were present in the Honors Algebra 2 curriculum.

iD Tech

camps for kids and teens. For the computer curious kid on your life, this is a great way to nurture their growth this summer. The closest in-person camp option to Peachtree Corners are the programs held at Emory University.

Below is a sample of the camps offered.

Super Coder: Coding and Engineering with JavaScript Ages 7-9, Beginner to Advanced challenge level.

Coding and hardware collide in this versatile, dynamic course.

As your student hones their visual programming skills, they’ll also be able to see and tweak their code in JavaScript. In addition to unlocking knowledge and unleashing their inner engineer, the student will bring home a micro:bit device so they can continue to make fun projects and explore the world of science and engineering.

Video Production: Start Your Own YouTube Channel Ages 10-12, Beginner to Advanced challenge level.

Establish a brand and become a YouTube star! From vlogs to tutorials to short films, your child will have the tools to create dynamic video content.

Online iD Tech Summer Camps Much of the course and camps offered on campus are also offered in an online format.

Visit idtech. com/ group-lessons to learn more.

iD Tech—On-Campus Camps and Online Options

Robert D. Fowler YMCA STEM Day Camp

Seven weeks of camps, May 30-July 29.

Many camp types are available; visit tinyurl.com/emoryucamps for the full list.

In 1999, the family behind iD Tech pioneered the very first tech

June 6-10, June 27-July 1, July 1115 and July 18-22. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For 5- to 12-year-olds, membership required.

More information at ymcaatlanta.org/program-locations/summer-camp/norcross.php.

Decatur and Sandy Springs

Where kids and tweens form lifelong friendships, create memories, overcome fears, and develop a love of Judaism.

inthecitycamps.org

Take Flight

with Aviation Summer Camp

Open to youth ages 12-18. A one-of-a-kind experience with an introduction to all things aviation with hands-on projects and experiences. Aviation Summer Camp’s professional pilots, engineers and educators provide a rewarding experience for any youth interested in aviation. Camp Dates: June 13-17.

STEM Oriented

Gay Roberts: SummerCamp@eaa690.org • 770-630-8567 • EAA690.org

Tuesdays & Thursdays • May thru August • Sign-up Online!

The Forum at 5135 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

(770) 817-8118 | www.PeterbrookeAtlanta.com April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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STEM Camp is designed for children to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math skills through fun games and projects. Afternoon traditional camp add-on is available.

Club SciKidz at Notre Dame Academy in Duluth Three weeks starting June 6, June 13 and June 20.

For the complete camp list and

spells and all things magical, come join us for the time of your life. Search for Horcruxes throughout the week, team up for a Harry Potter Trivia Game, design a broom and play the wizarding sport of Quidditch.

Emergency Vet June 20 week at Notre Dame Academy. Grades 5 to 8.

Campers will learn all about the exciting field of Veterinary Medicine from practitioners working in the field. Kids get involved with hands-on experiments, work with a CPR Dog and learn how to properly use a syringe and suturing techniques for a real emergency.

▲Camp Invention: Explore at Berkley Lake Elementary School More information can be found at tinyurl.com/campinventberkleylake For inquisitive kids entering grades K to 6, Camp Invention is a confidence-boosting STEM summer camp where kids build creative inventions and lasting friendships. Led by certified local educators, the camp offers new and exciting hands-on activities every year..

▼Kids 4 Coding at Paul Duke STEM High School Weekly in-person: June 6-July 1; weekly virtual: June 6-August 5.

Get more information at Kids4Coding.com or call 800-484-2664.

Now in its ninth year, attendees will learn Scratch, Roblox, Minecraft, robotics, Ai & AR, autonomous cars, mobile apps, web development, game development, design, Python, JavaScript, Java and more. ■

information, visit atlanta.clubscikidz.com/camp-locations/#location-189.

Unleash your kid’s inner scientist with curated, age-appropriate programming. Club SciKidz will be setting up shop at Notre Dame Academy. Check out a couple of highlighted camps below.

Wizarding World June 6 week at Notre Dame Academy. Grades 3 to 5.

What is science if not muggle magic? Let your imagination run wild! From hippogriffs, dragons, house elves, basilisk and owls, to sorting hats, dementors, potions,

YOUR STUDENT’S COLLEGE JOURNEY College? Careers? They’ll be here for your kids before you know it.

Summer Academy at UGA offers specialty camps to support your teen or pre-teen’s passions and boost their skills.

REGISTER TODAY! ugasummer.com

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Recognized nationally as a strong career and college builder Camps offered in over 30 fun interest areas Established in 2001, Summer Academy has been providing summer fun for over two decades This summer is the time to start making your student’s career and college dreams a reality.

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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BECOME A LIFEGUARD FREE training

available!*

Ages 5 - 12

Competitive pay | Flexible hours Team environment | Ages 15+

Primrose School of Peachtree Corners

770.409.8732

PrimrosePeachtreeCorners.com

Spalding Drive

Peachtree Corners Cir.

For more information: 770.237.5652 Lifeguard@GwinnettCounty.com

Primrose Hill Court

Apply at GwinnettCountyJobs.com

Holcomb Bridge Road

*If you apply to become a lifeguard with us.

Active Play. Enriching Experiences.

True Relationships.

June 6 - July 29 | Explore our offerings and register now at gac.growcamps.org From day camp to specialty camps, GAC offers something for every camper from the age of 4 to 18. Extended hours 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The 24th Annual Wesleyan Artist Market – Up Close and Personal!

S

pringtime in Peachtree Corners and surrounding neighborhoods is synonymous with a visit to the Wesleyan Artist Market (WAM).

What better way to find treasures for our spaces than in person, discovering pieces that speak to us while connecting with the artists who share the vision behind their work?

After COVID cancelled 2020 and then going virtual in 2021, WAM is thrilled to be back on campus this year. The market runs Friday, April 29, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission and parking are free for this family-friendly event.

Browse an array of acrylics, oils, mixed media, watercolors, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, glass and more while enjoying gourmet coffee and treats, all available for purchase.

Participating artists undergo a rigorous selection process, so WAM brings you the best. This year, 80 professionals were selected out of over 100 applicants. Also featured will be the works of 14 talented students.

Prices range from a few dollars to thousands of dollars. There is truly something for everyone. A percentage of every sale goes to support the Wesleyan School fine arts program.

To preview participating artists and for more information, visit artistmarket.wesleyanschool. org.

By Patrizia Winsper

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Spotlight on Three Artists Elizabeth Ables

Left, Elizabeth Ables Above, Elizabeth Ables makes pottery at Spruill Center for the Arts in Dunwoody.

Art imitates life Stand by your mania to make Nashville native Elizabeth Ables had classmates with star parents like Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Rony Millsap and Ray Stevens. As a teenager she caught Amy Grant performances at local bookstores before moving to Atlanta. Peachtree Corners has been her home for 28 years.

With a Communications and Sociology degree from Vanderbilt and an Education degree from Brenau, Ables has taught at Wesleyan for 15 years. She considers herself more of a creator than an artist, having dabbled in many

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

different media over the years, from fiber arts, fashion design (particularly children’s heirloom clothing) and quilting to painting with watercolors and acrylics.

Ables developed an affinity for ceramics while guiding students through the toil and joy of turning globs of clarified dirt into something serviceable. “I’ve always been drawn to beautiful, functional art. I used to entertain a lot and wanted unique pieces, so I started creating my own. It feeds your soul when you create something that didn’t exist before,” Ables said.

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A sense of peace and tranquility emanate from her work. Ables finds inspiration in nature, gravitating towards layering glazes in blends of blues and greens — colors that evoke the ocean. She never tires of experimenting to get just the right blue, having long admired the striking hue of Martha Stewart’s Araucana chicken eggs, as well as robin egg blue.

Even her textures are inspired by the natural world. When creating surfaces on her vessels, Ables replicates tree bark and other things found in the environment.

A full-time teacher and busy mother, Ables creates her pottery at Spruill Center for the Arts peachtreecornerslife

where she also takes weekly classes, squeezing in workshops whenever she can. At Spruill, a community of artists support and uplift one another.

“I do what inspires me at the moment,” Ables explained. “On a cold winter night, I made a cable knit cardigan sweater-type surface on a vase. It looked like a slouchy sweater because that’s how I was feeling when I made it — I wanted something warm and cozy.”

Led by what inspires her, she leans into her feelings and allows art to become an escape. “I create things that I want to see, that make me happy,” Ables said.

The science behind the art Making pottery requires equal parts patience and skill. An understanding of the chemical processes taking place in the kiln is fundamental. Still, one never knows exactly what color patterns will emerge. A multitude of factors can impact the final look of a piece.

Glaze mixing recipes abound in the world of ceramics. The same glaze blend can produce a turquoise, red or golden hue depending on the weather, the speed at which the piece is transferred from the kiln to a container filled with combustible material and heat variations within.

“When it’s hot outside, it doesn’t cool off as quickly whereas in the winter, it cools off very quickly, giving it a shock,” Ables said. Dealing with glazes is very scientific. “You’re mixing chemical compounds and minerals — magnesium, iron oxide. [One must think:] What’s going to happen when they’re heated to 2000°F?” A glaze can be pink in its liquid form as it’s being painted onto a bowl and come out of the kiln royal blue — that’s what happens when it gets fired. One can imagine the look of disbelief on students’ faces when Ables explains this dramatic change in color will occur because the glazes undergo a chemical process. “You have to trust me,” she tells them.

Playing with fire Ables explores different techniques. Raku is a Japanese firing process consisting of removing pottery from the kiln when it’s red hot at 1800°F and placing it into containers with combustible materials. When the materials ignite, the containers are closed, producing an intense reduction atmosphere (the oxygen is removed) which impacts the colors and finishes in glazes and clay bodies. “That’s how you get the brown and blackness. It can also

bring out color depending upon the glazes used,” Ables said.

Horsehair can be applied to the surface of pieces when they are removed from the kiln to create markings. “The carbon in the hair sizzles and makes black streaks.

It’s a totally organic process. You never know exactly what you’re going to get,” Ables explained. The same can be done with feathers and sawdust.

The Obvara firing process, which originated in Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages, involves a bisqued pot being heated to 1650°F and removed from the heat. The pot is then dipped into a fermented yeast mixture before being dunked in water to rapidly cool the piece.

What’s your clay body type?

Ables generally uses standard white clay in the classroom because it’s not too messy, but there are many different options available to ceramicists. Speckled clay bodies have a natural textural component — they look like sand.

Ables likes to create a water-colored interior and use a clear glaze on the outside of her vessels made with this clay, highlighting its earthy beauty.

“Spruill stocks eight different clay bodies. I’ve purchased some from Davens Ceramic Center in Chamblee. My favorites are the gray speck, the chocolate brown and raku clay which is less likely to shatter. Lizella red clay is mined in Georgia,” she said.

Creating custom colored clay is also an option, albeit very time-consuming. By kneading powders into white porcelain clay, Ables made 10 clay body colors.

Embrace the imperfections Shocking clay bodies inevitably comes with a 10% fail rate, sure to disappoint artists who put so much time and love into their work. Still, Ables turns kiln accidents into a learning opportunity for youngsters.

“As in life, sometimes things happen,” she said. “We have to learn to fail and move on. We get the chance to make it again. The fear of failure and risk is crippling.

I share with them times I’ve failed with breakage or cracks.”

“We’re not perfect and God created us just the way we are. If you want perfect, go get something that’s commercially created, where they have a form and crank out thousands of them. Make something that’s more personal, that has your fingerprints on it, your uniqueness. That’s what makes it art,” Ables smiled.

Top, Raku fired vessels using horsehair to make black designs.

WAM A longtime participating artist, Ables has seen the market grow into an incredible showcase for artistic endeavors. Having former students exhibit is especially rewarding.

“The opportunity to be back together this year is exciting. Being surrounded by so much creative beauty, it’s like a springtime party that gets you enthusiastic about life,” Ables exclaimed. ■

Middle row, A raku fired cross.

The glaze on the outside shrinks at a different rate than the clay body creating “cracks” which get stained by the fire.

A dish made with the Obvara firing technique.

Last row, Bowl made with speckled clay.

A dish made with custom colored clay bodies.

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Kristie Onorato

A heart for art Kristie Onorato has enjoyed painting for as long as she can remember, but she kept it on the backburner for several seasons of life. Originally from Cleveland, Atlanta has been her home for 20 years. Her move to Peachtree Corners four years ago came with the added perk of a four-minute commute to work.

Onorato has been teaching art since 1992. She’s been at Wesleyan for 11 years. Despite being a busy single mom to two teenage daughters, she’s been able to devote more meaningful time to her artwork over the last six years.

An undergraduate degree in Art Education from Ohio State emphasized Art History, Criticism and Aesthetics. To refine her artistic skills, Onorato took evening classes at the Cleveland Institute of Art and local studios. Visiting museums and ateliers in Europe provided further enrichment.

Onorato holds a master’s degree in Administration with a Visual Arts focus from Parsons School of Design in New York.

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Her formation and experience enhance her lessons. She gifted her paintings to friends and family for many years before she ever considered selling her work.

So many styles, so little time As many artists do, Onorato has gone through phases over the years, working in pastels, watercolor, ink and oils. She works mostly with acrylics on canvas now because they dry faster and don’t emit fumes. Experiments with mixed media combine printmaking, her own torn-up artwork collages, glass, broken pottery, sand and different inks, “just to see what can happen.”

Onorato is keen to try new ideas and is continually developing. While some have fully formed a personal style, Onorato can’t imagine committing to any one approach. “I like to play and have fun,” she explained.

The sky is limitless Inspired from above by both her faith and natural wonders like a breathtaking sky after a

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

storm, she said that sunsets, flowers and people are among her favorite subjects. “How I paint them changes. My work continues to evolve. I won’t get stuck in my ways, but will gladly revisit and tweak old pieces endlessly.”

Impassioned by interior design, ideas that catch her eye in magazines, while visiting showhouses or browsing online are integrated in her works.

A self-professed lifelong peachtreecornerslife

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Top left, Kristie Onorato – Wesleyan Art Teacher and Painter.

RIght, Springtime bunny Above, White flowers Opposite page: Top four, The Seascape Series by Kristie Onorato will be available at The Wesleyan Artist Market.

Bottom left, at an artist’s retreat at Donna Downey’s studio outside Charlotte Right, Encaustic on board peachtreecornerslife

learner and educator, Onorato is grounded in her spirituality. “My faith in God informs everything I do. Everyone is created in God’s image, so we’re all creators of some sort. Whether I’m creating images on a canvas, an environment in my home or classroom, or a meal for my family, being in touch with my creativity feeds my soul. Nurturing our creative gifts is a way to show gratitude for them,” she said.

Onorato produces groups of similar paintings, or series.

Squirting paint directly on the canvas and using palette knives, she creates pieces that vary in size from small, to 16x20 inches, to 3-foot by 3-foot squares. “It’s fun doing big,” she said.

Floating frames are her preference for the smaller ones. Larger paintings are on deep canvases that don’t necessarily require framing.

Liquitex, Golden and Atelier Free Flow are some of her favorite paints. “I like to try different looks — it’s more about the effect you can get than the brand,” Onorato explained. She sources canvases conveniently from Dick Blick, though she had them shipped from wherever she could find them online during pandemic shutdowns.

Time flies in the art studio A light-filled room with easyto-clean floors on the main level of her home is where Onorato paints for hours as the rest of the world seemingly melts away. The home studio allows her to come and go freely. “I set aside days to paint. Once I’m on a roll, I don’t like to stop,” she said. “Everything else tends to fall apart because I’m so into it.”

Completed paintings are stored in her spacious classroom so they’re readily transferable to the WAM.

WAM Onorato works on commissions and participates in Wesleyan’s annual Artist Market. “I enjoy meeting artists from all over,” she said. “It’s exciting to learn about their artwork and the different shows they attend. I get to see friends and former students. It’s like being part of a big celebration or hosting a party.” ■ April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Jennifer Barnard

imenting. I challenge myself to stay fresh,” Barnard said.

Artists and their materials are travel partners According to Barnard, there’s an interplay between painter and materials. Sometimes the materials tell you what they want to be. Barnard uses archival quality products so her pieces will last.

Oils are her first choice, but she switches between acrylics, mixed media, watercolors and pastels, pushing herself in different directions.

“Oils are buttery — fun to mix and layer. You can push and move them,” Barnard said. “Pastels are home — drawing was my first love. Mixed media is fun — I use unexpected elements like stucco finish, limewash, charcoals, layers of acrylic and move them around, spraying with water. A piece emerges from this flow of dance and discovery.”

The subject of her paintbrush is the deep truth that connects us Drawn to beauty, Barnard finds companionship with God in nature. Her spirituality sprang from an inner quiet. Whether painting people, animals, flowers or landscapes, she listens to her subjects tapping into their unutterable

If you could say it in words, there’d be no reason to paint – Edward Hopper Jennifer Barnard was born in Charleston, West Virginia, grew up in Decatur, Alabama and has lived in Georgia for 36 years.

Her three sons attended Wesleyan. She has since moved from Peachtree Corners to a farm in Cherokee county.

Drawing is how Barnard has always processed the world. As a child, her profound silence worried her mother. “I was born an observer, always watching. I didn’t talk,” Barnard shared.

When she was 13, her grandfather passed away. “I didn’t have words to express my emotions, but I remember drawing his face.

It made me feel close to him,” Barnard recounted.

Except for an art class in middle school, Barnard didn’t take lessons. Nor did art figure into her college prep track. Yet she gravitated towards sketching, advancing on her own. “If it’s there, it never goes away,” Barnard declared of her innate talent.

Her professional trajectory

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led to a master’s degree in Teaching the Hearing Impaired. After several years she also taught as a substitute at Wesleyan. When her boys were more independent, about 15 years ago, Barnard announced, “It’s my turn now,” to her spouse. She loved being a mother but was ready to nurture her talents.

As the boys got older, time increased. Now an empty nester, she can paint all day.

Today, her husband is her biggest fan. Barnard credits him with being supportive and occasionally allowing her to steal away with one of her paintings hanging in his office to sell it at an art show.

Every artist was first an amateur – Ralph Waldo Emerson Carving out time to take classes in watercolor, pastels, colored pencils, color theory, portraiture, oils, and mixed media, as well as to paint, Barnard built her own curriculum. “I took 10 master level faux finishing classes which introduced me to materials like Venetian plaster, AquaStone and

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

limewash,” Barnard said.

Barnard studied at Spruill Center of Arts in Dunwoody, Scottsdale Arts School in Arizona, Quinlan in Gainesville, The Booth Museum in Cartersville and sundry artists’ workshops.

“I seek those whose work I admire in magazines and, lately, on Instagram. Art is something you can never learn enough about. I’m continually growing and experpeachtreecornerslife

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Top, Artist Jennifer Bernard Above, Big Bertha 36x40 oil on wrapped canvas

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essence. Barnard considers it her job to express this emotional connection as purely as possible.

A family history of breeding horses and her fondness for them make barns a special theme for her. She paints them with oils in a more traditional “modern impressionist” style. The subjects of her mixed media pieces, drippier and more abstract, tend to be figures — ballerinas, females, angels.

Barnard feels grateful to share her art. “What’s genuine in me connects to what is genuine in others. That deep truth is what makes community. It’s so important in this day and time to find what is genuine within ourselves,” Barnard said.

Plein-air painting renews my ‘art spirit’ – Bonnie Paruch “I love painting en plein air.

On location at Lake Lanier, in my backyard, on the coast, wherever.

I’ll find places and either paint or do a study that later becomes a piece,” she said “Paintings can be a combination of what I see in my mind and what’s in front of me. A quilt barn road goes through Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. A map shows all these barns with quilts painted on their sides. I started driving to those and photographing them on road

trips,” Barnard continued. “Some, I’ll stay and paint on the spot.”

Art is born of the observation and investigation of nature – Cicero Ever on the lookout to capture beauty, Barnard has been known to drive to a location, open the

back of her car and start painting.

The backwaters of her hometown brim with lily pads and attract migrating birds. She was lured there last year, stopping on a road in the middle of the water to render the scene “Last month I went to Jekyll Island to paint with a friend for three days,” Barnard said.

During COVID, with shows canceled, Barnard took some online classes. She found color study helpful. “You take one color of paint, mix it with others, making a chart of each color,” she said. Barnard completed eight such pages with 30 color squares on each.

Now when in the field, she reaches for those charts to find the exact colors she’s studying and makes note of them. Back in the studio, she refers to her notes to paint with greater accuracy.

“The colors in a photograph are never the same as what you see outside,” Barnard explained.

second floor of her home.

“I’ll have four paintings going at the same time on different easels around my studio. Oils take long to dry so I do those in the morning. Then I flip to progress some mixed media pieces because they dry faster,” she said. “I can go for four hours straight, moving from one painting to another.”

east,” she said. “I love being able to explain what my inspiration was and tell people where I painted each piece.”

She finds the kind people at Wesleyan and the yummy snacks are part of what make the show fun. ■

When you always make your meaning perfectly plain you end up boring people – Edgar Degas The gap between what she sees and how the observer views her work is invaluable to Barnard.

Rather than “explain” too much, she allows onlookers to finish it with their imaginations. “The artist’s unique insight gives art its

vitality and an energy that unites people,” she remarked.

Multiple works in progress A barn loft under construction will soon be the site of Barnard’s art studio. The space will allow gathering with other artists to paint and hold classes. Currently, she paints in a bonus room on the

Left, Calm and Present 24x30

WAM Barnard has showcased her work at the Wesleyan Artist Market since 2008. “It’s a great place to find art. When they first started, an art company would come in.

Now it’s a regional show. People come from all over the South-

Top row from left, Reach for it 24x30 mixed-media on wrapped canvas; Hummer’s Hover 6x8 oil on board Above, Morning Marsh 30x30 oil on wrapped canvas

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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BELIEVE

Simpsonwood United Methodist Defines ‘Joyful Noise’ Through Many Genres The church’s new director of music blends gospel, classical, jazz, show tunes and even “Baby Shark” into its worship experience

positively accepted. His experience at Simpsonwood is totally different.

“Our young co-pastors, husband and wife Rev. David and Rev. Susan Allen Grady, are kind, thoughtful and very progressive and open-minded people. I have great respect and admiration for them. This church also has a strong history of being mission-based and supporting worthy causes, and I like it when good intentions become good works,” Francis said.

Opening the boundaries of music

A

combination of passion, serendipity and an appreciation for the power of music to uplift the spirit brought David Francis

to Simpsonwood United Methodist Church (UMC). The church had been without a Director of Music since the pandemic’s early days. Francis assumed the role in November 2021 with a key goal of revitalizing the choir.

With a star-struck, half-century career encompassing producing, composing, recording and

By Ellen Berman

Photos by Tracey Rice

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

performing, along with his vast network of musical contacts (he is artistic producer of the Roswell Music Club and Alpharetta Music Club), he is steadily uplifting the entire music program at Simpsonwood and aiming toward a whole new realm of artistry.

Interestingly, Francis’ career has come full circle. He last brought music to a church while in his twenties. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, he accompanied services for a very conservative, working-class Baptist church, but as an openly gay person, he wasn’t peachtreecornerslife

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Good works — in terms of music — are now materializing at Simpsonwood in abundance.

Francis intends to broaden musical boundaries by exposing congregants to selections that come from religious, classical, theatrical, gospel and other genres. And he encourages participation by both amateur and professional musicians of all ages from the broader community.

At the Easter morning service, worshipers will be treated to eight string players, an oboist and percussionists — two from the Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners — accompanying the choir performing “Gabriel’s Oboe” and “On Earth As It Is In Heaven” from the film “The Mission,” as well as “And The Glory of the Lord” from Handel’s “Messiah.”

Plans are in the works for a late summer theatrical production of “Carnival of the Animals” by SaintSaens. It will feature instrumentalists and actors from the church,

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the Atlanta Youth Symphony and the community. Kids will enjoy renditions of songs from Disney film favorites to the ever-popular “Baby Shark.”

Simpsonwood UMC is already gaining ground as a center for musical performance. On March 5, Simpsonwood hosted a piano competition for approximately 250 piano students. Taking advantage of its fine audio system and three quality grand pianos, the church hosted a two piano/four hand piano recital and will soon host a recital of young clarinet students.

Bringing joy through music The excitement and energy that Francis is infusing into SImpsonwood’s music program says as much about his musical prowess as it does about his effervescent personality. And it is not going unnoticed.

Lindsey and John Evans are two of the choir’s newest members. They both sang in their high school choruses but had no inter-

est in participating in the choir, although they joined Simpsonwood in 2011. Lindsey’s musical affinity (she dreamed of being a star on Broadway) resonated with Francis’ own musical fervor.

Opposite page, David Francis Above, Francis conducting choir rehearsal

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Bird’s eye view of Francis playing the piano in the sanctuary, photographed using a drone.

“I’ve listened to a couple of his CDs, and it blows my mind that I even know this person. Yet, his strong purpose in building the choir here is not to have some sort of accolade; he just wants to bring joy to people through music,” said Lindsey.

“And there is no condemnation if you don’t hit the right note. It’s all very positive,” she continued. “It goes back to his whole basis for doing what he does, to bring joy and to have fun. Even if you only sang a little 30 years ago, you are welcome to give the choir a shot.”

Lindsey Evans appreciates the positive impact of Simpsonwood’s musical focus. “The congregation is becoming more invested in the music program, even if they don’t sing,” she said. “People are staying after the service to hear David play before they leave. They just stand around in the sanctuary listening.

It’s mesmerizing to watch him play.

He plays the piano like no one I’ve ever seen. It’s intense. You just see and feel all of his emotions when he plays.”

Drawing in the community Prior to the start of Sunday worship, Francis has instituted something he refers to as euphonious (pleasing to the ear) contemplation. It involves 15 minutes of music that differs week to week and is designed to appeal to a variety of tastes. Invited to per-

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form so far have been several piano students, a flute player and an opera singer.

“It’s easy to get caught up into just the people who are already here, the church’s mission projects, and forget about the community,” Lindsey said. “David wants to draw people in from the community and let them experience Simpsonwood in some way, even if they don’t join the church.”

Simpsonwood offers two distinctly different Sunday worship services. The main sanctuary features the talented choir focusing on more traditional hymns, while in the gym, a modern service takes a contemporary approach supported with a five-piece band.

Simpsonwood’s co-pastors, the Gradys, are thrilled to have Francis as a “teammate.”

“The number of people participating in our sanctuary service is more than double what it was prior to Francis’ arrival. He has brought such energy and joy and enthusiasm to our worshipers,” said the Rev. Dave Grady. “He’s taking his long experience and has begun to weave in everything from 20th century music to classical music, and a little bit of Broadway.

“In my 20 years of ministry I’ve never had a choir director who will help out someone who wants to sing a song by writing a new arrangement to accentuate their individual voice,” Rev. Dave Grady

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

added. “Anyone who wants to offer musical gifts can bring something to the table for the glory of God.” Plans include initiating a youth choir and expanding the adult choir to 50 participants.

“It’s always good to find opportunities for people working in artistic endeavors. And churches can pick up the slack when schools reduce music and arts programs,” said Francis.

Offering a welcoming space He aims to connect with music directors in local schools to see if they have ensembles that would like to perform in a non-judgmental, non-threatening environment, potentially transforming Simpsonwood into a safe and welcoming space for young people to nurture their skill and appreciation for music.

Relevance is another focus of Simpsonwood’s musical program.

A recent Sunday service featured a piece for two pianos/four hands with Maurice Ravel’s “The Fairy Garden,” dedicated to the people and children of Ukraine.

“It’s very calming and impressionistic and ends with a glissando (sliding up and down on all the notes on the keyboard), which is so celebratory,” Francis said. “It’s like walking the path of the Ukrainians with the hope that they will reach that glissando without more pain and loss.” peachtreecornerslife

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Choir member Lori Perozzi has been in and out of the choir for the past 30 years. She grew up in a gospel singing family and has sung professionally. Locals may know her from gigs with the Mark Tucker Trio, a jazz ensemble at 45 South Café in Norcross. Tucker also plays in the contemporary service’s band.

“David has brought an excitement and music to our church that I haven’t experienced since I joined in 1988. He’s not afraid of doing anything music-wise and he is a blast to work with and so much fun,” Perozzi said. “He’s a very inspiring person both musically and personally. Plus, he’s a good recruiter.”

As in many churches, the high-quality music program at Simpsonwood is essential in binding worshipers together.

“Whether you can sing or not, when you have the congregation stand up and sing together there is unity. And for me, it’s a personal thing because my faith is expressed through music,” said Perozzi.

Francis concurs. “To me, music is the foundation of any religious service and always has been,” he said. “I feel it must be diverse, and come from different genres, and must be performed to the best of anyone’s ability. And it’s always better when it’s also entertaining.” ■

Sunday services info Table Service at 8:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary is a short service with full communion.

Traditional Worship is at 10:55 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

Contemporary Worship with Kids Church is at 11:10 a.m. in the Family Life Center gym.

The church also streams its Sunday worship service at 11:10 a.m. on the SUMC YouTube channel: simpsonwoodumc.org/sunday-worship-livestream Simpsonwood United Methodist Church is at 4500 Jones Bridge Circle in Peachtree Corners.

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Mary Our Queen is located at 6260 The Corners Parkway, just a minute away from ALDI. Come and visit.

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Celebrate

Quarter page advertisement Times New Roman and Impact typefaces

with Visit

ccnorcross.org for a full list of

Palm Sunday, Holy Week, & Easter Services.

Christ Church Episcopal 400 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Norcross, GA 30071

ALL ARE WELCOME HERE! April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Faith and Renewal Blossoming in Peachtree Corners this Spring

By Kelsey Asher

April showers bring May flowers.

But faith and spiritual well-being are also blooming across the many vibrant faith centers that serve the Peachtree Corners community.

Here’s a heads up of the seasonal happenings that you and your family can join. Have a happy and blessed Spring!

Christ the King Lutheran Church 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 | ctklutheran.org

Landmark Church 3737 Holcomb Bridge Road, Norcross 30092 | landmarkchurch.org

Maundy Thursday Service: April 14, 7 p.m.

Easter Service: April 17, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Previous services can be viewed at watch.landmarkchurch.org.

Easter Egg Hunt: April 16, 10 a.m.-12 noon

Peachtree Corners Baptist Church 4480 Peachtree Corners Circle, Peachtree Corners 30092 | pcbchurch.org Outdoor Sunrise Service: April 17, 7 a.m. Bring a lawn chair.

Good Friday Service: April 15, 7-8 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Easter Services at CtK: April 17. On Sunday, traditional service will be held in the Sanctuary 9-10 a.m. and virtually by livestream at ctklutheran.org/live. Worship Contemporary follows 11:15 a.m.-12 noon in the same location, with the virtual option available at the same link. ATM Worship will be held at 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the same time and place with a virtual option.

Norcross Presbyterian Church 89 Jones Street, Norcross 30071 | norcrosspresbyterian.org Easter Service: April 17, 11 a.m.-12 noon. In addition to in-person services, the service will be streamed live on Facebook at facebook.com/ norcrosspres. Afterwards, the video will be available on YouTube at tinyurl.com/norcrosspresyoutube.

Worship Service: April 17, 9:30 a.m.

Collide for Kids and preschool activities.

Mary Our Queen Catholic Church 6260 The Corners Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 | maryourqueen.com Easter Services: April 17, 8:30 a.m., Sanctuary. The 11 a.m. service is also in the sanctuary and has a livestream option available at maryourqueen.com/live-stream-masses/.

The evening service is at 5 p.m. in the same on-site location.

Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church 5100 South Old Peachtree Road, Norcross 30092 | mtcarmel-umc.org/home Preschool Easter Egg Hunt: April 14

R isen He is

Come Celebrate Easter

with

CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH

9:00 AM Traditional 10:00 AM Easter Breakfast 11:15 AM Contemporary

770-449-1211 | ctklutheran.org 5575 Peachtree Parkway Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■

Good Friday Worship: April 15, 7-8 p.m.

Easter Services: April 17. Sunrise Service, 6:45 a.m. Indoor Worship, 10 a.m. Children/youth Sunday School, 10:15 a.m.

Perimeter Church 9500 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek 30097 | perimeter.org Egg Hunt at Perimeter: April 16, 11 a.m. On the lawn, by Highway 141.

Refugee Coffee, Waffle House, Chick-fil-A and Varsity will be onsite for food purchase. Treat trucks will also be available. Bring chairs, blankets and lawn toys to enjoy through the day.

Holy Week Services Palm Sunday: April 10, 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. in the Main Sanctuary and online at perimeter.org/pages/ worship/live-streaming/. Childcare for infants to 5 years old is available in KidsRock. Kids in kindergarten to 5th grade can attend KidsQuest children’s worship.

Maundy Thursday: April 14, 7 p.m. in the Main Sanctuary and online at perimeter.org/pages/worship/ live-streaming/. Communion will be celebrated during this service.

Childcare for infants to 5 years old is available in KidsRock.

Good Friday: April 15, 12 noon in the Main Sanctuary and online at perimeter.org/pages/worship/live-streaming/. Childcare for infants to 5 years old is available in KidsRock.

Easter Sunday: April 17, 7 a.m. Sunrise Service, located outdoors. Bring a blanket or chair. The main services will be held in the main sanctuary and online at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Virtual viewing is available at perimeter.org/pages/worship/live-streaming/. Childcare for infants to 5 years old is available at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in KidsRock. KidsQuest children’s worship is available at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. No registration is required.

Easter Services: April 16 and 17 at Norcross location and online. April 16 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. April 17 at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Watch online at the church site, at the Watch tab.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners 30092 | unityatl.org Easter Block Party: April 9, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Register at unityatl. org/events/easter-block-party.

There will be free food, $1 hot dogs, a cornhole contest, games, a DJ, line dancing, an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids and more. Bring a lawn chair.

Registration required by April 2. The rain date is April 16.

Easter Sunday: April 17. Sunrise Service at 7 a.m. (in person only) A continental breakfast will be served following the service. Easter Celebration Service at 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m. in person and on livestream at unityatl. org/live-stream/. A continental breakfast is available at 10 a.m.

The Father’s House 6060 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092 | thefathershouseatl.org Easter Service: April 17, 11 a.m.

Simpsonwood UMC 4500 Jones Bridge Circle NW, Peachtree Corners 30092 | simpsonwoodumc.org Easter Services: April 17. Table Service in the Sanctuary at 8:45 a.m.

Traditional Service in the Sanctuary at 10:55 a.m. Modern Service in FLC Building C at 11:10 a.m.

Congregation Beth Shalom 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody 30360 | bethshalom.net Passover Charoset and Connections: April 10, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Recipes, Relationships and Recollections.

Register by April 6 at bethshalom. net/event/charoset-taste-off-.html.

Chabad Enrichment Center 6251 Smithpoint Drive # B, Peachtree Corners 30092 | chabadofgwinnett.org Services: Friday evening at 6 p.m.

Shabbat (Saturday) morning at 9:30 am. ■

Victory Church (Norcross) 5905 Brook Hollow Parkway, Norcross 30071 | victoryatl.com

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Director: Jenn Jordan Music Director: Meg Foster Choreographer: Mackenzie Messick

Powell Theater Thursday, April 28th @ 4:30pm Friday, April 29th @ 7pm saturday, april 30th @ 2pm music and lyrics by: Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman Music by special arangement with sony/atv publishing Adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams Based on the MGM Motion picture licensed script adapted by ray roderick Is presented through special arrangement with music theatre international (MTI).

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April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

63

SPORTS & RECREATION

Norcross Volleyball Standout Looks Back on Winning Season Athletics are just one facet of Maya Ballerstedt, a young woman whose passion for art, leadership may lead to a global future

M

By Nathan Deen

64

aya Ballerstedt is a senior volleyball player at Norcross High who helped lead the Lady Blue Devils to a Region 7-7A title and a playoff appearance. Maya took time to talk with Peachtree Corners Magazine about how the Lady Blue Devils turned around a 3-10 start to the season with an 11-match winning streak. Maya also spoke about her love for art and what she’s doing to

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

promote artists who are people of color.

and I think we finally met our potential by the end of the season.

How long have you been playing volleyball and how did you get into it?

I have been playing for five to six years, but I started Norcross volleyball my freshman year. I tried out for my middle school team, and I didn’t make it, but I tried out again in eighth grade and I made the team — and I’ve loved volleyball ever since.

You turned it around with an 11-match winning streak.

It was awesome. So much fun.

Just being a part of that team was a great experience.

Your senior season was pretty up and down, but you made it to the first round of the playoffs. What did you learn from this season?

We had a really great season, in my opinion. It started out rough. It was really hard and difficult, much more than any season in the past, but the entire team worked so hard, and we realized our potential.

I think we ended up becoming a really good team. It’s sad that we got out so early, but we had a lot of potential.

We had a lot of players on Varsity who had been there for three years and were starters, and we also had a few freshmen who were really good, so it was a different team dynamic than other teams that I had been a part of in the past. We know how we can improve, and we like a challenge.

You guys started the season 3-10.

How did you endure that?

We were losing a lot for a while.

We knew that this team had a lot of potential at the beginning. Every day we just worked really hard,

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peachtreecornerslife

What role would you say you played for your team this year?

I think as a senior, I stepped into more of a leadership role.

When I was a freshman, I was very shy and intimidated by the seniors.

But this year, we all cooperated with each other. I think because I stepped up into my role, I felt like I could help younger players.

Even off the court, I like to think of myself as a mentor.

You had 128 kills on the season.

What do you think contributed to that?

I think I became more aware of what I wanted to do and intentional with my play and my goals on and off the court.

What emotions were you feeling when you lost the playoff game knowing it would be your last game?

Even though we lost, it was a really great game, but I was crying after. It’s hard knowing that’s the last time you’re going to be playing competitive volleyball, especially because I’m not playing in college.

Have you played any other sports?

I played tennis my freshman year. I’ve been playing tennis my

peachtreecornerslife

Opposite page, Maya Ballerstedt (center) with team mates Left, Lady Blue Devils

The weather will be colder, but I’ll get a warm jacket.

entire life. I picked up volleyball after tennis. I love tennis, but I like playing volleyball competitively. I love that it’s a team sport and it’s really dependent on your mindset.

If you have a bad mindset that day, your team can’t win. I just liked having a team that I was with all the time and I had to depend on.

What are the memories you’re going to take away from your senior season?

I think just winning region, that

was awesome. At the end of the game, our team had a big dogpile, and it was so fun.

What are your college plans?

I’m going to the University of Pennsylvania and I’m going to be studying philosophy, politics and economics. I’ve always wanted to go to a school in a city with students who are driven but also very social and outgoing. It’ll definitely be a change. I’ll be away from home, so I am nervous about that.

What career field(s) are you interested in?

I was thinking maybe something to do with nonprofits. I’m really interested in something global.

curriculum for elementary schools with artists who are people of color so kids can better relate to those artists.

I love painting. Right now, my IB theme is seeing how people perceive nature depending on their culture and where they’re from.

You have any favorite shows or movies?

I like The Good Place. I like TV shows more.

What are your favorite foods?

I love sushi. It’s one of my favorite things. I love getting sushi with my friends. And mac n’ cheese.

What’s something that most people don’t know about you?

I’m very creative and I love to try new things and be adventurous.

When you’re not playing volleyball, what do you like to do?

I love art. I think art is really important. I’m in [International Baccalaureate (IB)] Art. I’m completing my gold award right now for Girl Scouts and I’m creating art

What advice would you have for a young volleyball player?

Don’t give up. Try new things and if you think something feels awkward at first or it doesn’t feel natural, just keep on working at it and know that with hard work you will get results. ■

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@PeachtreeCornersSwimRacquet April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

65

Pickleball Growth Exploding in Peachtree Corners The relatively new sport has more players than courts to accommodate them

P

By Nathan Deen

Photos by George Hunter

66

at Foley remembers when the popularity of tennis exploded into its golden era in the 1970s.

That’s when the 65-year-old Peachtree Corners resident picked up the game, and he continued to play it for decades to come. But as Foley has gotten older, the physical demands of tennis haven’t changed.

“I played tennis for a long time, and as we age, the tennis court

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

seems to get bigger and bigger,” he said.

Now Foley is seeing the surge of another sport — pickleball. It’s like tennis but doesn’t require players to cover as much turf. In 2019, National Public Radio named pickleball the fastest growing sport in America, and according to news outlet Axios, participation in the sport increased by 21.3% between 2019 and 2020. There are an estimated 4.2 million Americans who play the sport at least once per year.

“I had seen something in the news about it,” Foley said. “I had never played it. I really enjoyed it.

It’s a very social game.”

Foley is a member of the Pickleball Flex League, which was started last year by Ace Tennis Academy owner Jeff Weaver and is designed to introduce new players to the sport.

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peachtreecornerslife

Weaver has owned and operated Ace Tennis Academy since 1994 and developed it into one of the top tennis development programs in Atlanta, producing the winners of more than 35 national titles. But with the rapid growth of pickleball and no pickleball courts near Peachtree Corners to play on, he decided it was time to expand Ace Tennis Academy beyond tennis.

“It was time to introduce pickleball because pickleball is growing so much,” Weaver said. “There’s a want and a need for tennis players to play pickleball, but there’s also a want and a need for our members who don’t play tennis. We’re introducing pickleball and engaging more membership.”

A sport is born The Pickleball Flex League allows members to play matches on their schedules. It’s a doubles-only peachtreecornerslife

®

DON’T LET YOUR ELBOW PAIN INTERFERE WITH YOUR GAME

Opposite page, left, Dennis Wilton Below, from left, Peter Scourtis, John Ray, Dennis Wilton, Chuck Morgan

league, which means players must find a partner of the same gender to form a team, and the league is divided into different divisions based on experience.

Each team communicates with other teams to schedule when and where the match will take place.

Teams can designate any suitable court they choose to be their home court, where they will play three of their six matches for the season.

“We set up a flexible league because most people don’t have permanent courts,” Weaver said.

“They have tennis courts with lines on it and they have to share time with tennis players. The flexible league allows them to schedule on their own time.”

Weaver said he first gauged community interest by hosting a meet-and-greet at its Field’s Club location in the Riverfield neigh-

borhood off East Jones Bridge Road. The event drew a crowd of about 100 people. Now the league is beginning its third season.

“We tripled in size from our first season to our second season,” he said. “We’re projected to probably double that or triple that this coming season.”

Foley, who has played in the league since the first season, said he not only noticed the growth in the second season, which took place last fall, but also the difference in competition. “Everybody that we played was better in the second season, and we didn’t play any of the same people,” he said.

Weaver said what the Pickleball Flex League currently offers is just the beginning. Ace Tennis Academy is in the process of converting two of its eight tennis courts at its Amberfield location, behind The Forum, into six fulltime pickleball courts. When that happens, those courts will play full-time host to league matches, he said, and he plans to hire a fulltime pickleball coach to the Ace Tennis Academy staff.

“Once we have permanent courts built, we will start providing a full-time pickleball instructor with those and start programming for our members. And then it’ll just blow up,” Weaver predicted. “Our goal is to build the pickleball membership to be as high as the tennis membership here.”

League membership costs $70 per player, and Weaver said he plans to expand the league from doubles to mixed doubles (a male and female on each team) and singles for its upcoming summer season. He’s also considered the possibility of forming a club team that would compete against other clubs from around Atlanta.

Need for public courts But Weaver also acknowledges

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67

that an effort to establish permanent public pickleball courts would be beneficial to Peachtree Corners. “We’re also wanting to help the city and people in the area to lobby to have courts built in Peachtree Corners,” he said.

“That would be a big plus for the pickleball community. You don’t have to be a member of the club to play.”

The city isn’t alone in having a lack of permanent courts despite growing interest in the sport.

Walter Putnam, a certified pickleball instructor in Duluth, said he has taught more than 800 people to play the sport in the past three years. “I haven’t had one person hand me their paddle back and say ‘Hey, this is not for me,’” Putnam said. “Everyone

Left, Walter Putnam Above, pickleball players

seems to like it. I spend about an hour and half to introduce them, and it only takes three lessons before they’re ready to go and play open matches.”

The question is, where can they go to play those matches?

Putnam is an ambassador for USA Pickleball, which means he travels through metro Atlanta raising awareness of the sport, establishing pickleball programs and lobbying to have public courts built.

Putnam said he has been working with Gwinnett County for two years trying to get more public courts built. He said the county has a 10-year plan to build 40 courts scattered through-

68

out the area, but Putnam said ideally there needs to be one or two facilities that host 20 courts each. “We need a lot more than three or four here or three or four there,” he said. “We need a facility with something like 22 dedicated courts.

“This is an explosive market for pickleball. I’ve been predicting it for several years. It’s a slow process, but I would like to see something dramatic happen in Gwinnett County.” ■

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Local Pickleball Competitions There are two Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tournaments scheduled this May in Peachtree Corners. Amateurs are invited to register and join in the fun.

The PPA Atlanta Open runs Thursday through Sunday, May 18 to 22. Players must be at least 10 years old. The cost is $70, and registration closes on Monday, May 9.

The Junior PPA Atlanta Georgia Open, for players at least 7 years of age, is slated for Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21. The cost is $65, and registration closes Thursday, May 19. Junior PPA welcomes players of all ages and abilities, even those entering their first tournament. Players will be broken out by age and ability.

Both opens will be held at Lifetime Fitness Peachtree Corners, 6350 Courtside Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092. Visit ppatour.com and pickleballtournaments.com to find out more. ■

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69

COMMUNITY

City of Peachtree Corners Communications Director Louis Svehla

A multi-tasker by nature, this Augusta native finds this job, this area a perfect fit

T

o be able to handle the job of communications director for a bustling city like Peachtree Corners, you have to possess a particular set

By Arlinda Smith Broady

70

of skills: ■ Articulate complicated governmental jargon and procedures into everyday language for the masses, ■ Oversee website, social media, internal and external communications and a host of other things – kind of a jack of all trades, ■ Maintain a professional composure in all situations — especially emergencies…

And you must make it look effortless.

Louis Svehla’s circuitous route to the position prepared him for that and more.

Born in Augusta, he didn’t

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

remain there for long. When he was six months old, his father, a military man, was assigned duties overseas. So, the first ten years of his life were spent in Europe.

“My dad was Army. He was an electronics and communications equipment specialist in the military,” Svehla said. “I was almost 11 when we moved back to Augusta. I did all my middle school and high school there. My dad retired there with the military. And then I went to college at Georgia College in Milledgeville. Oh, which is now Georgia College and State University.”

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peachtreecornerslife

Above, Louis Svehla with his son, mother, and fiance and her son.

Svehla said he has four passions: people, information, education and kids. He wasn’t necessarily looking for a career that would encompass them all, but thought law be a good choice considering his “gift of gab” and public speaking skills.

“That was in the mid to late 90s and the market was getting flooded with lawyers. And I decided

that wasn’t a good career path. So, I moved into communications,” he said.

A major in mass communications had him thinking about a career in advertising or public relations. “I wrote for the Union Recorder, just a couple of stories, kind of freelance,” Svehla said. “For my major, you had to work in the newspaper and the television station to do all your practicums. And kind of toward the end, I realized I didn’t want to be the person that was asking the questions. So, I didn’t want to go the pure journalism route.”

teaching job with the school system there.

“I worked for the Pitt County school system for two years. I started out as a distance learning teaching assistant, working with their new distance learning program,” he said.

The next year he taught 11thgrade English and the school yearbook class. Svehla continued some of the distance learning classes and coached the high school golf team.

He also helped a little bit with the high school newspaper.

California dreaming Right out of college, he moved to Los Angeles and worked for a company called Sky Radio Network. It produced the inflight audio talk channels for all the airlines. Svehla did an internship there as he was graduating, and the company offered him a job.

“I was responsible initially for doing some of the creative and design work and some basic scheduling,” he said. Although it was a sales-based position, he hadn’t really worked in a sales capacity.

He wrote a lot of sponsored content and eventually found himself writing scripts and recording interviews.

“I was the producer of the Yahoo Sports channel on Delta and American Airlines,” he said.

“There was all this cool technology on planes where people don’t even have headsets. That was fun.

I really got to cut my teeth on how to use my creativity, my Q&A, my ability to connect with people and to conduct interviews and stuff like that,” Svehla said.

In March 2001, he decided that the West Coast wasn’t really for him. “I liked the cities, but I was more of an East Coast guy. And I decided, at that point, I wanted to try my hand at education,” he said.

Svehla left California and moved back to Augusta. He was still freelancing for Sky Radio but working remotely — even before it became the big thing that it is now.

And then September 11 happened. The airline industry took a big hit and that job went away.

“You can’t sell airline [radio] time when there’s nothing able to fly and with everything that was going on at that time,” he said.

Each one, teach one Svehla got a line on a television reporter job in Greenville, North Carolina which morphed into a

One of my passions is coaching and mentoring. I have been coaching since I was 19 years old. Even in college, I was coaching an intramural girls’ softball team. When I lived out in California, I got involved with Big Brothers, Big Sisters and got to do some coaching out there as well.

Louis Svehla “It was great. I loved it. I still try and bring kids into anything that I do,” he said. “One of my passions is coaching and mentoring. I have been coaching since I was 19 years old. Even in college, I was coaching an intramural girls’ softball team.

When I lived out in California, I got involved with Big Brothers, Big Sisters and got to do some coaching out there as well.”

Svehla figured he’d found his calling and that teaching was going to be his profession. But he soon realized he was better suited for the mentoring and coaching role than the teaching.

“It takes a special type of person to do that. And unfortunately, that wasn’t one of the special skills that I had. So, I moved back to Augusta and got a job with a medical device company as their director of marketing,” he said.

It was 2004 and Svehla stayed with the company until 2008.

“I did everything from writing instruction manuals to advertising

and PR, to running all of the trade shows and tradeshow design and filling the salespeople’s toolkits with what they needed to go and meet with physicians and stuff like that,” he said.

But he ultimately realized he wasn’t doing what inspired him. “I felt like I was doing too much on the sales side and not as much for the community side,” he said. “I think a lot of that came from my father being military, and myself always having a dedication to something or a cause that’s bigger than me.”

In 2008, Svehla landed a job as public information officer for the Augusta-Richmond County school system. That lasted for four years. At the time there were 60 schools, about 33,000 students and more than 5,000 employees. He was the one person tasked with working as a liaison to the media, parents and community stakeholders. He would appear at schools explaining journalism and mass communications. And he also had to work with the school’s police department.

Along the way, Svehla married a woman whose family lived in Florida. After their son was born in 2011, she really wanted to be closer to family, so the family moved.

On the road again Svehla took a job with the Walton County government in the Florida panhandle. One of its attractions, Santa Rosa beach, is a popular vacation destination for those in the metro Atlanta area.

He was the director of communications for almost 10 years for the county government. “I really enjoyed that was a smaller community,” he said.

Like the job in Augusta, he did pretty much everything involving communications. “I was in charge of public communications, media communications, nonprofit and business communications. I even managed a project that had nothing to do with my job,” Svehla said. “But I was an assistant project manager for the development of a new sports complex, and I was lead project manager for the development and construction of a local skate park. I even dabbled in some IT stuff. I was the one that brought live streaming and video meetings to that county to be able to really increase public involvement.” a divorce in 2015, Svehla gained full custody of his son, and although they remained in Florida, his son has the same wanderlust

bug. They’ve traveled extensively.

In the U.S., they’ve been as far west as Texas, as far north as Baltimore and pretty much everywhere in the Southeast.

“We took a two-week trip to the UK in 2019 and loved it,” he said.

A perfect fit Like the old saying goes: ‘How you gonna keep them down on the farm after they’ve seen Paris?’

His son craved the excitement of a larger metropolitan area, and Svehla’s parents, though divorced, both lived in metro Atlanta, so the Peachtree Corners position was the perfect fit.

“I don’t like to sit still. I have a servant’s heart, so it is important to me to work with the community, to make sure the community knows me. And more importantly, to make sure that the community knows that they can reach out to me,” Svehla said.

He readily hands out his cell phone number and encourages people to reach out. Svehla serves on several boards, has partnered with schools and tries to insert himself into every area that he can.

“I want to continue to try and grow outreach to the community, I believe partnering with local school systems, businesses, nonprofits, any groups that I can, is crucially important to building a solid community,” he said.

And the area has his son’s approval. He is excited about the museums and theater, as well as all the other community and cultural activities — and every kind of college and professional sports.

His son plays basketball and football, but Svehla has stayed away from coaching. “I’ve found being a single dad… that sometimes it’s easier to let someone else coach him… because he can get tired of hearing my voice all the time,” he chuckled.

Svehla is engaged to a woman he met in Florida who has a fiveyear-old son. With his mom and a combined home that includes five dogs, he has a great family and has found a spot doing what he loves in a community that feels like home.

“I hope the community can see that I’m dedicated. That’s what I have always tried to be,” Svehla said. “I’m very personal. I tell people all the time, ‘My passion is people. I am a people person.’ I like to be creative. I like trying to find new ideas and new ways to do things. I would say that those are probably my biggest strengths.” ■

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

71

NOURISH

A Passion for Latin: Peachtree Corners’ Newest Latin American Restaurant

From left, Jay and Ofelia, David Aaron and Juanita

I

t was a sunny and warm spring day when I pulled up to Latin Fresh on South Old Peachtree Road. Pops of color alluded to the tropical vibe I was about to encounter in this charming and innovative restaurant.

Latin Fresh, open only since January 24, 2022, is a restaurant unlike any other in the area. Offering traditional dishes that hail from

Story and photos by Isadora Pennington

72

Latin American countries such as Brazil, Peru, Columbia and Venezuela, the menu is fresh, bold and creative.

For many Southerners, Latin American food might be synonymous with burritos, tacos and other Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes.

That’s something that the family behind Latin Fresh wants to change.

“I realized there were a lot of Mexican restaurants,” said David Aaron who co-owns the restaurant with his fiancé Juanita and his parents Jay and Ofelia. Aaron, who recently moved to Peachtree Corners from Columbia, hopes to provide a menu that not only speaks to his personal passion for Latin cuisine but also offers an opportunity for locals to expand their palates.

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

A variety of flavors and experiences “No Latin American country is exactly the same; we are all full of colors, cultures, music, traditions, dialects, all across Latin America.

Latin America is composed of Central America, the Caribbean, South America and every single country is completely different,” Aaron explained.

Fortunate enough to travel extensively, Aaron has been able to see firsthand the variety of cuisines in the 33 countries that comprise Latin America. “The food in Columbia on the east side is completely different to that on the west, the south or the north side,” he said. “It’s completely different, and that’s just one country.”

Aaron, a chef who has been

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peachtreecornerslife

working in the restaurant industry for 21 years, has cooked in settings that range from cafeterias to Michelin Star restaurants. He grew up in Miami with his parents and a large, vibrant family.

Aaron’s father Jay was a pilot and when he retired, he opened a restaurant. He used his cooking skills to raise money for foundations he cared about as well as feeding his large family from his home kitchen.

“We had something like 70 first cousins, my mother has 15 siblings,” said Aaron. “We always had people coming to the house and my father was always cooking, trying different things, always homey foods and done from scratch. If he wanted a tomato sauce, he would cut the tomato and make it himself.”

Beyond his father’s obvious love

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for cooking, Aaron noted the financial element to making food from scratch. If you’re buying ingredients, as opposed to prepared goods, you can often stretch your dollar to create larger batches of food which is essential when you’re cooking for dozens of people on a given day.

“I have never been to cooking school, never ever, just learned from my mom,” explained Jay Aaron, David’s father. “When I came here, I was 20 years old. I never cooked in my house, but when my mom came

Spain, London, Canada — and her ability to speak five languages has offered her a unique perspective, and it was with careful consideration that she chose this area.

Considering it to be family-friendly and inviting, they saw the area was also ripe for a dynamic Latin restaurant concept.

“I think what’s special about it is it’s family,” Juanita explained. “It’s what Latin America is all about; we are all about having our fami-

a laugh.

Whether you prefer an empanada, a bowl or a wrap, you can craft a unique and delectable dish with flavors you may have never experienced before. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are there to walk you through all the different options, explaining the ingredients and origins of all the menu items to find a dish you’re sure to love.

“It’s very homey flavors to us, which we know is probably not homey to our customers,” said

here and saw that I was cooking, she couldn’t believe it. I like it. I really enjoy it, it’s really important that I enjoy whatever I do.”

ly together. David and his parents, you can’t get closer to family than that. His sister lives 40 minutes away and having that support of being able to ask questions — they know the area — that was super important to us.”

Aaron’s parents relocated from Miami to be closer to their family and grandkids here and are deeply involved in the venture.

Juanita. “We want people to be able to come here and taste things and feel at home like when we went into our mom’s kitchens growing up. Having that, not only in the food but also the service, to have people who can approach you like family, like a friend, to be able to ask questions.”

Describing such a varied menu can be tough, but Aaron considers it a kind of Latin American soul food. “It’s food that warms the heart.”

In fact, the very design and aesthetics of the restaurant have been chosen to evoke a familiar feeling, like that of walking into a Latin friend’s house. Along one wall, a large mural was painted by a Colombian artist who the team flew in. The opposite wall is covered with wooden planks in colors that

The road to Peachtree Corners At the onset of the pandemic, David Aaron was working in Miami and his catering business took a huge hit due to canceled events and ongoing shutdowns. As a result, he relocated to Columbia where he took a more hands-on approach in one the restaurants owned by his restaurant group.

While this restaurant in Columbia was incredibly successful, he and his fiancé Juanita Mesa decided they wanted to find somewhere in the States to settle down. Juanita’s background in hospitality — which led her to live in Australia, South Africa,

The feel and flavors of home “The idea behind Latin Fresh is that everything is fresh, everything is cooked from scratch,” said Aaron. Customers are able to choose a base, a protein, a side and a couple of sauces. “In Latin America you drench everything in sauces,” Aaron explained with

were carefully chosen to be light, bright and joyous.

Family owned and operated, they hope that Latin Fresh is approachable, cozy and comfortable, both for local Latin neighbors and those unfamiliar with Latin American cuisine.

A fresh, family concept Another key tenet of the Latin Fresh concept is sustainability. All of the restaurant’s furniture was refurbished, and they source their food and juices locally and from independent farmers whenever possible. Even their plates, forks and cups are all ethically made from compostable materials.

“Fresh is the concept; we don’t use canned products, preservatives or GMOs. We are big on that,” said Aaron. “I’m a big vegan activist; I think it’s the future of food. All our bases and sides are vegan, and then we have three vegan protein options.”

A family affair, it is not uncommon to see Aaron’s father working in the kitchen, his mother ensuring everything is just right on the line, Juanita manning the phones and answering questions. “To serve people is my favorite,” said Aaron’s mother Ofelia.

If you’re fortunate enough to meet the family, you’ll find they are friendly and approachable, ready to offer unique insight to their one-ofa-kind menu.

During my visit I was fortunate enough to be able to sample several dishes, and I have to say that they were each incredibly unique, flavorful and delicious. Every ingredient, though vastly different in origin and preparation, was so thoughtfully prepared it seemed as though they were destined to be paired with one another.

The drinks, made from tropical fruits — many of which I had never tried before — were delightful. I found myself cycling through the offerings, sampling sauces and going back for seconds of every dish.

Thoroughly stuffed and feeling the love, I headed home with several boxes of delectable Latin soul food.

What an experience.

Peachtree Corners is truly lucky to have Latin Fresh in the neighborhood.

For more information visit latinfreshgroup.com ■

April/May 2022 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

73

In the Business of Happy The air itself carries the alluring aroma of chocolate and stepping inside feels a bit like stepping back in time. Being in the shop reminded me of my childhood; the magic of being surrounded by treats is intoxicating.

“It’s a wonderland,” said Head Chocolatier Geoffrey Wilson, who has grown up around chocolate and developed a deep love and understanding for the art of making chocolate.

A personal history of chocolate and happiness Wilson’s affection for the craft can be traced back to when he was about 10 years old. He described his mother as an overachiever, and one manifestation of that was the assortment of extravagant treats she made for her children’s birthdays, Boy Scout meetings and school parties. A mother to nine, the act of making confectionary goodies became a

Geoffrey Wilson

L

ocated in a corner shop located in The Forum, Peterbrooke Chocolatier has been a staple of Peachtree Corners since 2008.

The shop, lit by large windows, features shelf after shelf of chocolate goodies, popcorn, truffles, candies and a large gelato case.

When I visited, the store was decorated for Easter with pastel colors, bunnies and giant decorative eggs everywhere you look.

Founded by Phyllis Geiger in 1983 in Jacksonville, Florida, the company lives by the motto that chocolate should be fun.

And here, surrounded by candies lining the aisles of Peterbrooke Chocolatier, fun is abundant.

family pastime with Wilson and his youngest four brothers.

While making chocolate remained a hobby in Wilson’s life, his career led him to hold a variety of roles, including working in customer service for AirTran as well as an Episcopal church position where he was in charge of making large meals for the congregation.

He enjoyed the flexibility to improvise when making these large meals and finding ways to make them more enjoyable to the diners. “Normally church food is kind of boring and bland, so we would kind of spice things up a

Story and photos by Isadora Pennington

74

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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opportunities for artistic expression. Since he began working at Peterbrooke 12 years ago, Wilson has been able to flex those creative muscles in both the act of crafting chocolate goodies as well as the intricate decorations he installs for major holidays. “I create new designs and have fun with it,” he said.

Year-round sweets and events

little,” said Wilson. “It made everybody happy.”

Making people happy is a theme of Wilson’s life, and it’s evident when talking to him about his work at Peterbrooke. “That is very important, probably too im-

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portant sometimes. Other people’s happiness supersedes my own,” he said wryly.

An artist at heart, Wilson is the type to always have crafts ready for when he entertains family at holidays. He is constantly seeking

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Products like hand-dipped strawberries, molded figures and even corporate gifts made in the shape of company logos keep the dedicated staff at Peterbrooke busy year-round. Their busiest season runs from October through late December, when they prepare a plethora of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas treats.

“We shipped just over 1,000 packages last November and December, so that’s the busiest because it’s the longest period of time. Valentine’s is the craziest of all of them. We fill the store up with hearts and cherubs,” Wilson explained.

“We shipped over 800 pounds of chocolate dipped strawberries this year. Easter and then Mother’s Day are pretty big for us, too.

Easter is the most chocolate of all the holidays,” he said, gesturing at the shelves behind him. “It’s a lot of chocolate bunnies.”

The store also offers summer camps, field trips, adult nights out, team building and private parties.

For the camps, Wilson typically conceptualizes a theme and builds projects and tasks around that topic.

The theme of last year’s summer camp was Minecraft. Kids were able to come into the shop and craft tasty treats such as krispie creepers, golden apples, and enderman graham crackers.

Wilson infuses the workshops with lessons about chocolate and confectionery, finding fun ways to pepper that information throughout the day in the form of trivia. “I teach them the history of chocolate and where chocolate comes from. I do a Girl Scout class on the economics of an Oreo,” he said with a chuckle, describing how large-scale manufacturers differ from independent local makers. He’s passionate about his knowledge and enjoys sharing it with others.

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Keeping connected through chocolate Wilson truly thrives when working with kids and has developed long lasting relationships with many of the families who frequent the shop. “With the summer camps, I see pictures of some of these kids from 12 years ago and now they are getting married and graduating college. I still know their parents and they come in and I get to hear about what they are doing,” he shared, adding that some of the kids who attended camps there end up coming back to work for him later on.

“I’ve had some really incredible people who have worked with me, and they have gone on to get master’s degrees, travel and experience the world.”

Working in a chocolate shop is — no surprise — a great way to connect with kids and families.

Many locals love their special events, such as the upcoming 12th annual Easter Egg Hunt taking place on April 9. Sponsored by the Forum and Peterbrooke, they close the alley just outside the shop and eggs are hidden on the street and sidewalks for eager children to find.

Visitors can also try their hand at creating goodies, such as the hour-long session where they are able to make a chocolate bunny, an Oreo bunny with marshmallow ears, dip marshmallow Peeps in chocolate — and whatever they make they get to take home.

After my interview I decided to try a few sweets. You know, for science. Choosing just one treat is nearly impossible when faced with so many options. I finally settled on a few goodies: chocolate covered graham crackers and hot cocoa bombs, plus goodies for my daughter’s Easter basket, including a classic chocolate bunny and sugar cookies in the shape of carrots. The chocolate is such high quality it positively melts in your mouth.

This sweet little shop in The Forum is truly a gem, and sure to please every chocolate-lover in your life.

For more information visit peterbrookeatlanta.com ■

peachtreecornerslife

Get Connected The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce is a more than a place to network...it’s a place to belong! The SWGC is a catalyst for businesses, organizations, and cities to work together, network, and positively impact our communities.

Choose an upcoming opportunity where you can learn more about what it’s like to be part of the SWGC! Join Us for breakfast, networking and guest speaker

April 1 Dr. Randy Ross, CEO Remarkable

Best-Selling Author, Chief People Officer

PODCASTS

messenger of practical wisdom and needed hope for leaders!

e Radio Show

May 6 Scott Deviney, President/CEO

Peachtree Corners Life A weekly podcast that explores Peachtree Corners’ community, people and businesses, hosted

by Rico Figliolini

Chicken Salad Chick

Weekly Onlin

Capitalist Sage A twice a month business podcast, streamed on www.facebook.com/ thecapitalistsage, hosted by Karl Barham and Rico Figliolini thecapitalistsage.com

Prime Lunchtime with Brian Johnson A monthly podcast about the city, development, issues and news with guest City Manager Brian Johnson, hosted by Rico Figliolini

EVERY PODCAST IS FACEBOOK LIVE STREAMED facebook.com/ peachtreecornerslife We Simulcast Live to Facebook and YouTube Podcasts are available on the website livinginpeachtreecorners.com, and on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcast, SoundCloud and YouTube

focused on Spreading Joy, Enriching Lives, and Serving Others

EACH FRIDAY at 8:30 am (Except First Fridays)

Members & non-members are invited—businesses, non-profits, and community leaders—for networking over FREE coffee!

Interested in membership?

For details and registration requirements for these events and more, visit our website:

www.southwestgwinnettchamber.com

Brian Johnson

Monthly guest on Prime Lunchtime with the City Manager

Karl Barham

Co-Host of the Capitalist Sage

Rico Figliolini Podcast Host

Peachtree Corners Magazine

77

Where to Eat

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Place an online order by scanning our QR code

To advertise in this section please contact Julie Davis at julie@livinginpeachtreecorners.com

78

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Evan Hanson isn’t just the name behind Evan’s Urban Market, she’s the passion and the artistry of the business. Ever since she was a young girl, Hanson has loved to bake brownies from scratch and watch her family and friends devour them with delight. That’s when she decided to become a baker.

After graduating from Georgia Southern in 1992, life took Hanson in other business directions and her baking career was pushed off to the side — but the dream never died. Around 2013, she began making pastries for a Peachtree Corners restaurant and used her creativity to try new ideas. Eventually, “Sweet Heaven from Evan” came to be.

Now, with the opening of Evan’s Urban Market, customers can experience a wider variety of her culinary genius.

There’s a hot breakfast every morning (except Mondays), fresh sandwiches, beautiful salads, delicious cakes and cookies, as well as pre-packaged meals in the cooler — in case you’d like to heat up a hot meal for lunch at work or serve your family a casserole for dinner.

A coffee bar in the back keeps a fresh pot of Joe ready for customers throughout the day. The market also features a variety of products from artists and small businesses throughout the South. Evan’s Urban Market is true to the community and an asset to Peachtree Corners.

For more information visit evansmarket.com ■ peachtreecornerslife

peachtreecornerslife

peachtreecornerslife

INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS

From the Mayor’s Desk

Happy 10th Anniversary Peachtree Corners It is with great pride that Debbie and I wish a Happy 10th Anniversary to the City of Peachtree Corners. From the Paul Duke era and the creation of Tech Park Atlanta to the creation of the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association (UPCCA) and the 2012 vote for incorporation, it has been the evolution of a community into a city.

Since we achieved cityhood, we have had many successes. With the Town Center and Town Green, we have created a space where we can come together and make memories. With Curiosity Lab, we have created a space for thought, innovation, and creation, reigniting the unique technology-based growth of the Paul Duke era. With the growth and maturing of the city, we have created a broader, more inclusive, sense of community.

We’ve planned numerous events to come together and celebrate this year and we’ll be releasing the details about those events and celebrations later but for now, I would like to announce our main celebration event.

On Friday, July 1st, we will begin the celebration with a special 11th Annual Peachtree Corners Festival. That evening there will be a concert to kick off the celebration weekend! Prior to the concert, there will be birthday goodies made available to those who stop by the birthday tent. The event will be held through July 3rd at the Peachtree Corners Town Green and on Peachtree Corners Circle and will also include arts and crafts, live music, car show, great food, and free parking. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Please mark your calendar for this event and join us for a year of celebration!

Stay safe, Mike Mason, Mayor

Be sure to visit the city’s new YouTube Channel Peachtree Corners Network at Youtube.com/peachtreecornersnetwork

Mike Mason, Mayor

Gwinnett County’s newest and largest city, Peachtree Corners, was founded July 1, 2012 and is located along the Chattahoochee River in the southwest corner of the county. The city is home to over 45,000 residents and 3,000 businesses.

Peachtree Corners City Hall 310 Technology Parkway Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 Telephone: 678-691-1200

April/May 2022 ■ Inside Peachtree Corners

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INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS Applied Information and T-Mobile Deploy 5G-Powered Traffic Signals and Smart Infrastructure App For Residents in Peachtree Corners ■ Select traffic signals in the nation’s premier smart city environment use T-Mobile’s 5G network and TravelSafely smartphone app to warn drivers of red light running in multiple languages; “Get Ready for Green” alert signals light changes ■ Citizens, city employees and visitors can download the app to receive messages from smart infrastructure – actively contributing to advanced development of connected vehicle and infrastructure ap-

tions from 5G-connected traffic signals. Cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology isn’t just a concept here, it’s a reality that all people can experience just by downloading an app on their smartphones. This is truly the city street of the future, reminding us again of how important it will be for key elements of a city to communicate with each other to elevate safety and improve the daily lives of residents.” – Brian Johnson, city manager of Peachtree Corners This technology enables two-

plications at Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners

way communication on T-Mobile’s largest and fastest nationwide 5G network between the traffic signal and devices such as smartphones, tablets and vehicles equipped with onboard-units. The TravelSafely smartphone app provides audible warnings about potential red light running and alerts to get ready for green. Communications from the vehicle to the traffic signal can enable normal calls for a green light or green light preemption – or even priority in special cases, such as public safety.

In addition to English, the app provides the warnings and alerts in Spanish, Korean, Hindi, Simplified Chinese, French and German – depending on the phone settings of the user.

“The evolution from 4G to 5G

Peachtree Corners – one of the nation’s first smart city environments powered by real-world connected infrastructure and 5G – today announced that T-Mobile, Applied Information and Temple, Inc. are introducing 5G-connected vehicle technology that enables traffic signals to communicate with any vehicle on the road via a revolutionary mobile app.

“As another strong reflection of Peachtree Corners’ leadership as an innovative smart city in the United States, we’re excited to offer smart connected infrastructure relevant to our citizens, city employees and visitors by enabling any vehicle to receive communica-

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Inside Peachtree Corners ■ April/May 2022 ■ peachtreecornersga.gov

brings revolutionary advances in the performance of connected vehicle applications. This powerful collaboration enables the industry to accelerate the pace of change for the better and make for safer travel for all.” – President of Applied Information and Executive Director of the iATL, Bryan Mulligan As further reflection of the city street of the future coming to life, four autonomous shuttles operated by mobility-as-a-service leader, Beep Inc., integrate Applied Information’s C-V2X technology into their fleet for safe and precise navigation, as well as real-world data collection. Multi-modal interoperability at intersections, as well as testing signal prioritization for the autonomous shuttle fleet, are just a few examples of critical situations. As transit operations and the need to safely test autonomous platforms while efficiently moving people around cities continues to grow, these real-world applications and tests help drive society forward.

“We have the experience of safely testing autonomous platforms in real-world use cases within the first smart city environment in the United States.

Completing the vehicle-to-infrastructure equation with communication between drivers, pedestrians, roadside units, traffic signals, buildings and other city-owned infrastructure is critical for both driven and driverless vehicles. Advanced C-V2X technology on our platforms elevates each vehicle’s awareness of its surroundings and is invaluable as we develop more unique technologies to further elevate safety and advance the AV industry.” – Joe Moye, CEO of Beep Data collected from this deployment will help roadway operators and traffic technology developers better understand the performance of the 5G network to deliver safety messages to drivers and directly to equipped vehicles.

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“The future of 5G technology is being realized with each innovation, in large part due to strong partnerships such as ours with Peachtree Corners at the Curiosity Lab. This step forward in safety technology is an integral moment in our pursuit of more connected and more autonomous vehicles. With our unmatched 5G coverage, and the exciting work at Curiosity Lab, we look forward to a future of smarter vehicles and, importantly, safer roads.”— Dave Bezzant, Vice President, T-Mobile for Government The collaboration is part of a partnership between the Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners and the Infrastructure Automotive Technology Laboratory (iATL) to accelerate the development and deployment of connected vehicle safety applications and transportation infrastructure technologies.

The two organizations, along with development partners such as T-Mobile, will share assets and facilities on projects involving automakers and technology innovators to develop and rapidly mainstream new safety systems for mobility. The partners will also promote the region as a hub for connected vehicle innovation and work to attract future development and early deployment to the area.

For more information or to schedule a briefing with city government officials or T-Mobile/iATL executives, contact Peachtree@GoDRIVEN360.com.

5G coverage not available in some areas. Some uses may require certain plan or feature; see T-Mobile. com. Fastest: Based on median, overall combined 5G speeds according to analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 5G download speeds for Q4 2021. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

PtreeCorners

INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS City of Peachtree Corners Receives 5th Straight Distinguished Budget Presentation Award From GFOA For the fifth year in a row, the City of Peachtree Corners has been esteemed with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This award was presented by the Georgia Finance Officers Association for the City’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget submission.

The award represents a significant achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as: • a policy document • a financial plan • an operations guide • a communications device

Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.

“We are honored to receive this award as it reflects the City’s commitment to go above and beyond with our budget document,” said Cory Salley, City Finance Director. “I appreciate the support from Mayor and Council, the City Manager, and every member of the City staff. Without their support this award would not be possible.”

When a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is granted to an entity, a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation is also presented to the individual(s) or department designated as being primarily responsible for having achieved the award. This has been presented to the Finance Department.

There are over 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program.

The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA’s website.

Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.

Deck Building Tips from the Building Department the methods shown on the plans

ting/Forms & Permits/Building

to tie the deck into the house cre-

Guides. These Building Guides

ate any problems?

are also available in the licens-

These are just a few of the things your local building depart-

ing and permitting lobby at City Hall.

ment will review. Remember, these recommendations are in your best interest. Nobody wants to build a deck that is substandard and will need to be torn down or repaired in the near future. Another positive way to look at this plan review is as a consultation. You can look at the permit fee as a consultation Springtime is a good time for

you and your family are safe.

building, repairing, or replacing a

What kinds of things will a

deck. The first and most import-

building department look for in a

ant of our deck-building tips is to

deck structure?

always check first to find out if the

■

es: Are the footings deep enough

the city’s Building Department to

and large enough to support the

inquire.

proposed deck? And will they stay

deck yourself or having a contrac-

■

Part of your deck building permit fee includes a few inspections:

Post Sizes: Are the pro-

posed post supports large enough

with some great benefits to ensure

to support the structure and the

a quality deck is built. Your local

intended loads?

■

Beam and Joist sizes and

review your plan for any possi-

spans: Will the joist and beam sizes

ble structural or safety problems.

span the distance safely shown on

During plan review they will give

the plans?

you deck building tips to ensure

Inspections

put during winter frosts?

tor do it, pulling a permit comes

building department officials will

deck possible.

Footing depths and siz-

work requires a permit. Please call

Whether you are building the

fee for helping you build the best

■

House Attachment: Will

■

Footing inspection

■

Framing inspection

■

Final inspection

Typically, the inspector will check the footing depths before you pour them and inspect framing after everything is complete.

Always use your city inspectors as a source of information.

More information on decks can be found on the Peachtree Corners website under Building & Permit-

Be sure to visit the city’s new YouTube Channel Peachtree Corners Network at Youtube.com/peachtreecornersnetwork

Please join the community on May 30th at 11:15 AM at the Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument to recognize Memorial Day. Every year, Memorial Day gives us a chance to pause and honor the courage and patriotism of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

There will be seating for 150 people, and the ceremony will last approximately 45 minutes.

For information about the Veterans Monument, please visit our website www.ptcvets. net

April/May 2022 ■ Inside Peachtree Corners

81

INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS Environmentally Friendly Lawn and Garden Care

Keeping your grass, plants, and garden healthy all season long can require constant attention, but it doesn’t have to require the constant use of chemicals. Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides leads to water pollution through the stormwater drainage system and groundwater infiltration. When it rains, stormwater runoff flows from lawns into stormwater drainage inlets, picking up pollutants (such as fertilizers and pesticides), transports them directly to our streams, killing fish and impairing our water sources.

Stormwater Friendly Lawn and Garden Tips: 1) Fertilizer. An organic alternative is compost. Compost

is a free form of fertilizer and contains the many nutrients needed for your garden.

2) Pesticides. Identify the pest and research your options.

Many insects are harmless and play an important role in maintaining a healthy lawn or garden ecosystem.

If there is a problem, however, identify the exact pest you have. Do your research, as there are many non-chemical alternatives to controlling pests.

3) Dispose of yard debris properly. Grass clippings, landscape trimmings, leaves, etc should be put in the trash or compost area because they can clog stormwater systems, prevent water from entering the drainage system, cause localized flooding and property

damage. Not only can the improper of disposal cause flooding, but it can also impair our water resources. Lawn clippings blown into the street find their way to a storm drain, where they begin to decay, releasing nutrients that encourage algae blooms and therefore, depletes oxygen content in water and suffocates aquatic life.

4) Set mower height to 3 inches or higher: taller grass slows the rate of runoff and will produce a deeper and denser root system.

Denser roots will absorb more water, reducing lawn runoff and preventing erosion.

5) Fertilizers for lawn- do you need it? If so- what, where, when, and how much? Many lawns do not need fertilizer. But if your lawn is thin or has bare spots and requires fertilizer, please implement the following: ■ Test your soil or consult a local professional: Soil tests can reveal that lawns may be suffering from micronutrient deficiency and a chemical fertilizer may not alleviate the problem. Identifying these needs will reduce unnecessary applications, create a healthier lawn faster, and reduce long-term costs.

■ Maximize the slow-release nitrogen in your fertilizer: Slow-release nitrogen limits nutrient run-

off and exportation. This should be applied in the Spring, opposed to the Fall, to provide a steady source of nutrients throughout the growing season.

■ Apply less than 1 pound per 1000 square feet per application: Some instructions refer to pounds per season, not to be confused with application- as there are multiple applications per season.

■ Start with low amounts or fewer applications: Your lawn may achieve its ideal coverage and growth with reduced rates, saving time and money.

■ Apply only during the growing season and check the weather: Wait until the grass begins growing in March to fertilize and avoid fertilizing after October. Fertilizing during a lawn’s dormant season increases the risk of running off into streams or leaching into your water table because root systems are less active. Additionally, do not fertilize directly before a rain event, because most will wash off in stormwater runoff.

■ Do not fertilize or use pesticides with 15 to 20 feet of a stream, use riparian-specific herbicides if necessary: Keeping this distance will help keep chemicals out of the stream.

How to Obtain a Building Permit If you are planning a building or remodeling project in the City of Peachtree Corners, chances are you will need to apply for a building permit. Applications for building permits are required to be submitted for installations regulated by the Georgia State Minimum Building Codes if any owner or authorized agent intends to: ■ construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure ■ erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system The Building staff reviews building plans and inspects all residential and commercial structures built or remodeled within the City. Permits issued include, but are not limited to, the following: ■ buildings and accessory structures ■ decks/porches ■ pools/spas ■ demolition ■ interior finishes ■ remodeling and addi-

82

tions • • HVAC, trade • quired

retaining walls Electrical, Plumbing, roofing, or other specialty any additional permits re-

Depending on your type of project, you or your contractor will need to submit the appropriate applications and forms to obtain a building permit.

You will be able to submit electronically using ePlan Solutions.

You will find the link on our building website.

These may include, but are not limited to, the following: Building Permits (residential and commercial) ■ Building Permit Application (pools and retaining walls have separate applications and requirements) ■ If not submitted electronically through ePlan, 2 sets of site plans and architectural drawings (drawn to scale) submitted to the permit counter

Inside Peachtree Corners ■ April/May 2022 ■ peachtreecornersga.gov

■ State of Georgia Contractors license and business license ■ Trade affidavits with required license *All commercial projects require a design professional stamped drawing and a Gwinnett Fire stamp of approval on all plans PRIOR to submission. Food service establishments also require a Health stamp of approval from Gwinnett Environmental Health.

Trade Permits (such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc.)

■ Tra de Permit Application ■ Business License ■ State of Georgia Trade Contractors License (not required for Limited-Service Specialty Contractors) A homeowner may act as a general contractor for their own property by submitting a Homeowner Affidavit in person, with proof of residency (you must live in the home as a full-time resident).

Building permit fees vary according to the type and size of con-

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peachtreecornersga

struction. General building permit fees are usually based on the valuation of the project, but always in accordance with the adopted schedule of fees located on our website.

Building permits are required

by City ordinance. Work without a permit may be subject to removal or other costly remedies. In addition, permits help protect property values and homeowners’ insurance policies may not pay for damages caused by work done without a permit. Lastly, when it comes time to sell your home, listing associations require owners to disclose any home improvements or repairs and whether permits were obtained. Many financial institutions will not finance a purchase without proof of a final inspection.

For a more detailed list of submittal requirements and access to our forms, please visit our website at https://www.peachtreecornersga.gov/government/community-development/building-permitting. Building permits are accepted Monday - Friday 9am to 4pm at City Hall, 310 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092.

PtreeCorners

FROM ROUTINE CARE TO COMPLEX PROCEDURES OUR EXPERT TEAM IS HERE FOR YOUR HEART

At Northside Hospital Heart Institute, you’re at the heart of everything we do. Our team of 75 board-certified physicians are focused on providing you exceptional care above all else.

With the support of the Northside network, including the latest technology and the leading facilities, our experts are ready to treat any cardiac condition. From preventative care and blood pressure management all the way to advanced surgeries—we provide Excellence at Heart.

Find a provider near you with over 50 locations across Metro Atlanta. Visit northside.com/excellence for more.

EXCELLENCE AT HEART ■ Peachtree ■ Inside Peachtree April/May April/May 2022 2022 Corners Magazine Corners

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24TH ANNUAL

April 29-30, 2022

Julian Tablada I Watercolor

Kendall Boggs I Acrylic

Wendy King I Jewelry

Misty Kimbrough I Ceramics

Jacqueline Radford I Oil

Bringing Art and Community Together Please join us for the 24th Annual Wesleyan Artist Market, which features fine art, jewelry, and fine wares from over 75 professional artists from across the region.

Friday, April 29, 2022: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Saturday, April 30, 2022: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Held at Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners, the Market is open to the public with free parking and admission.

Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive Peachtree Corners, GA

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Welcome to Waterside.

A gated, master-planned, age-in-place community situated along the shores of the Chattahoochee.

Waterside is a community where aging in place is not only possible, but desirable.

With multiple housing options for a range of life stages and an abundance of both passive and active amenities that take full advantage of the stunning river vistas, Waterside is poised to become a destination, age in place community where

PHASE I: Townhomes From $500s

residents can enjoy a high quality, low-maintenance lifestyle.

The location sits within one mile of the shopping, dining

Single Family From $600s

and entertainment venues at The Forum and the new Town

Condos Coming Soon

Center at Peachtree Corners.

The residential neighborhoods will include low maintenance single-family homes, townhomes and condos. A future phase of the community is planned to include independent living, assisted living and memory care facilities for owners 55 and older.

Amenities • Clubhouse with fitness center and kitchen • Multiple large lawn spaces for community gatherings • Resort-style pool • Large riverfront pavilion with decks and fire pit overlooking the river • Groomed walking trails along the river frontage and throughout the community • Gated entrance and private roads approved for golf cart access • 0.75 Miles of river frontage.

Join Our VIP List!

470.514.6999 WatersidePeachtreeCorners.com

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Kelly Kim T H E K E L LY K I M T E A M

c. 678.464.4929 | KellyKim@ansleyre.com

Ansley Real Estate

400 Buford Hwy - STE 1106 Suwanee, GA 30024 Next door to Bottles & Bones

404.480.4663 B U C K H E A D | I N TO W N | E A S T C O B B | M A R I E T TA | N O R T H | S U WA N E E A N S L E YAT L A N TA . C O M Equal Housing Opportunity.

Luxury senior living designed by you.

Bungalows | Cottages | Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care Village Park Alpharetta

12300 Morris Road Alpharetta, GA 30005

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Village Park Peachtree Corners

Village Park Milton

5701 Spalding Drive Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

555 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA 30009

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ April/May 2022 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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