Peachtree Corners Magazine - August/September 2019 by Peachtree Corners Magazine

SMART CITY EXPO ATLANTA 2019

INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS

PEACHTREE CORNERS AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 ISSUE 4

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MAILED TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD IN THE CITY!

LIGHTS, CAMERA

ACTION!

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA Preparing for Life Through Scouting

GWINNETT SWIM CHAMPS City Swim Teams Shine

SPACES: APARTMENT LIFE

A Guide to 20 Locations in the City

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD ECRWSS US Postage PAID Monroe, GA Permit #15

NOW ENTERING PEACHTREE CORNERS When it comes to first-rate health care, you shouldn’t feel limited. That’s why GMC is proud to announce the opening of our newest premier facility. Located in the heart of Peachtree Corners, this center offers convenient access to a variety of advanced health services—including primary care, corporate health, cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, OB/GYN, orthopedics, 3D mammography and digital X-ray.

At GMC, we’re putting industry-leading health care on the map.

Opening August 5, 2019

gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/ptc

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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August/September 2019 â&#x2013; Peachtree Corners Magazine

770-350-7373 Meredith Blinder

Atlanta natives professionally connecting families to homes for 30+ years

Kellie Frazier

Maria Licata

Maria Licata & Associates 770-861-1009 marialicata@remax.net

Associate Broker

1835 Lockeway Dr Suite 306 Alpharetta, GA 30004 678-549-9371 www.nloans.net Neighborhood Mortgage Inc, #16837 A GA residential mortgage licensee NMLS 138234

6340 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 200 Duluth, Georgia 30097 404-566-4535 www.basattorneys.com

PEACHTREECORNERS THE TEAM & CONTRIBUTORS RICO FIGLIOLINI

KATHY DEAN

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.

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.

Publisher & Executive Editor

Contributing Editor

PATRIZIA WINSPER

Editorial Consultant

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.

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!

ANNIE FOGLE

MEREDITH BLINDER

Annie Fogle is a junior at Norcross High School and copy editor for the school’s yearbook. Her interests include traveling, non-fiction books and spending time with friends and family. She would describe herself as a dog lover and Jeopardy enthusiast.

Meredith Blinder is a Realtor with RE/ MAX Around Atlanta and a native of Peachtree Corners. When she’s not serving her clients, Meredith enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and trying out all of our community’s great restaurants.

Writer

SOFIA MAGANA

JULIE DAVIS

Photographer

Account Executive

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.

Sofia Magana is a rising senior in the IB certificate program at Norcross High School. She is the founder and President of the HoPe chapter at NHS, a nonprofit whose mission is to increase the graduation rate among Hispanic students through leadership, education and community service. Sofia’s hobbies include soccer and photography.

CHARLENE ROMEO

ALAN KAPLAN

Account Executive

Alan Kaplan is a Realtor with Atlanta Fine Homes, Sotheby’s International Realty and a Peachtree Corners resident for 18 years. He is married with two young boys who are working actors and students at Peachtree Elementary School.

Charlene is very accomplished in advertising sales. She started her career selling newsprint and later sold television advertising for 20 plus years in the Atlanta market for all the cable networks. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends attending concerts, biking and playing racquetball.

EDITORIAL

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

KATHY DEAN

ADVERTISING

RICO FIGLIOLINI

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

JULIE DAVIS

EXECUTIVE EDITOR & PUBLISHER

RITA FIGLIOLINI

Writer

CONTENTS

RITA FIGLIOLINI

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

julie@livinginpeachtreecorners.com

CHARLENE ROMEO charlene@livinginpeachtreecorners.com

PUBLISHED BY MIGHTY ROCKETS LLC. 4305 River Stream Circle, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 678-358-7858 | editor@livinginpeachtreecorners.com Peachtree Corners Magazine is published four 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. August/September 2019 issue / Volume 1 Number 4 ©2019 Peachtree Corners Magazine The editors welcome submissions, event listings, achievements and photography. Please direct them to editor@livinginpeachtreecorners.com.

This publication is privately owned and operated.

10 12

EVENTS

FIRST UP

COVER - ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

LIGHTS!

Residents and Tytan Pictures Shine a Light on Peachtree Corners

CAMERA!

The Cameras Keep Rolling at Eagle Rock Studios

ACTION!

BUSINESS LIFE Smart City Expo Atlana—Putting Peachtree Corners on the Map

COMMUNITY Preparing for Life Through Scouting

NOURISH Anderby Brewing Opens in Tech Park

MOVE Peachtree Corners Swim Teams Shine at 2019 County Championships

KNOWLEDGE NHS Band Leader Finds a Home to Breed Success

SPACES Apartment Homes in the Peachtree Corners Area

COMMUNITY Light Up the Corners: A Fun Way to Help Families

Where the Action Is— Gwinnett’s Camera Ready Office

OFFICIAL CITY NEWS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Emily Hackett Talks about Her Music and Her Hometown

Inside Peachtree Corners

On the Cover On the Town Center during filming, left to right, Jim Stone, CEO, Producer and Director at Tytan Pictures; Rennie Curran, three-time all-American/ all SEC at University of Georgia; and Actor/Director Drew Waters. Photography by Duwan Justin / Tytan Pictures

August/September 2019 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

FIRST UP

Events, Programs & Fun Things to Do Jest A Second

2019 Light Up the Corners Glow Run

September 13-29

August 10, 6-11:30 p.m.

Lionheart Theatre Company 10 College Street, Norcross 30071

The Forum on Peachtree Parkway 5145 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092

678-938-8518 lionhearttheatre.org This Main Stage Production centers on the Goldman family and their not-out-of-the-closet-yet gay son. When he comes to a family party with his boyfriend dressed in drag, hilarity ensues before everyone comes together in love, honesty and acceptance.

runthecorners.com/light-up-thecorners It’s more than a glow run—it’s a flashing, blinking, glowing moving 4-mile party and fundraiser for the Why It Matters campaign at the Fowler YMCA.

Girl Scout Recruitment August 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Peachtree Elementary 5995 Crooked Creek Road, Peachtree Corners 30092 Lisa Grogin, lisa.grogin@tetratach. com or 770-662-0330 Open to all girls living in Peachtree Corners, whether attending public, private or home schools, who want to make the world a better place through a girl-led movement.

Canvas Mocktails

August 31, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center 4758 South Old Peachtree Road, Berkeley Lake 30071 678-277-0920 GwinnettParks.com Spend the morning out with your friends or special someone. Enjoy morning mocktails and light brunch refreshments while following along

T’ai Chi Classes for Senior Adults

Next 8-week session begins in September and runs through October Thursday mornings, 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Peachtree Corners Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall 5918 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-263-7005 pcarpchurch.org T’ai Chi is an effective exercise regimen that can improve balance, increase flexibility and relieve pain. The cost is $48 per person for the entire 8-week session. To try one class at no charge in August, call Ann at the church office, 770-2637005, or instructor Mr. Ernest Choi at 404-324-2004.

PCBA Island Castaways Charity Party August 22, 5:30-8 p.m.

Prototype Prime 147 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 470-550-1727 prototypeprime.com This is the 6th annual event to raise money in support of Health, Hunger and Education. Local charities include Paul Duke STEM High School “Digital Bridges”; Concussion Institute in conjunction with Partnership Against Domestic Violence; and Norcross Cooperative Ministries. Wear your favorite castaway island attire and take part in beach activities, raffle drawings and a silent auction while enjoying music, food and drinks.

with guided instruction to paint a canvas masterpiece. Ages 15 and up are welcome. Pre-register online by August 28 with code PVP31435.

Saturday Night Line Up August 31, 6-10 p.m.

Lilburn Activity Building 788 Hillcrest Road, Lilburn 30047 678-277-0875 GwinnettParks.com

Saturday, October 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Thrasher Park, 93 Park Drive, Norcross 30071 404-569-0157 TrickorTreatTrot.com Everyone is invited to come in their favorite family-friendly costume and participate in the 5K walk/run, fun run and festival, sponsored by Easterseals of North Georgia. Registration is required to run or walk. The family festival is open to the public, free to enter and each activity costs just $1.

PILATES “Be in control of your body. Not at it’s mercy.”

Country line dance night at The LAB! Bring a snack to share and dance the evening away. All ages welcome; ages 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent. Cost is $11 per person. Pre-register with code LAB31623 or pay at the door.

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Ninth Annual Trick or Treat Trot Family Fall Festival and Run/Walk

-Joseph Pilates

BODYMAXPILATES.COM 470-321-5511 5260 P’TREE INDUSTRIAL BLVD. PEACHTREE CORNERS

peachtreecornerslife

Town Green Calendar 5140 Town Center Boulevard, Peachtree Corners 30092 peachtreecornersga.gov

Cornhole and Corndogs

Bark in the Park

In preparation for Peachtree Corners new Cornhole League starting this fall, a free cornhole tournament, for ages 18 and older, will start at 5 p.m. Free play cornhole will be available for all ages throughout the event. The day is complete with music, ready-made corndogs and craft beer.

Treat your furry friend to a day on the Town Green! Pups and their owners can enjoy bacon bubbles, doggie ball pits and more during this free event.

Circus on the Green

September 28, 6-9 p.m.

August 24, 4-8 p.m.

August 31, 12-3 p.m.

The Imperial OPA Circus is bringing the excitement of the big top to the Town Green with unicycling, stilt walkers, acrobats, magicians and more. Kids can test their skills with hula hoops and juggling lessons. Free admission.

September 14, 12-4 p.m.

Celebrate Paul Duke with Games, Costume Contest and More You are formally invited to celebrate the man known as the grandfather of Peachtree Corners, Paul Duke, with live music, casino style games and more! Guests can expect to have a roaring good time while participating in the costume contest and dance concerts.

Ongoing events Yoga on the Green

Games on the Green

Whether you’re a beginner or have yoga experience, you’re invited by Sun Dragon Yoga (sundragonyoga. com) to attend a free class on the Town Green. Put on comfy clothes and bring water, a small towel and a mat, if you have one.

Residents are welcome to gather and play fun games like lawn bowling, ring toss and giant connect four.

Tuesdays through August 27, 8-9 a.m.

Fridays through August 30, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Please note that the Town Green public restrooms are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Flicks on the Green

First Saturdays through October, 7 p.m. August 3 — The Incredibles

September 7 — Honey, I Shrunk the Kids October 5 — Ghostbusters

Everyone is invited to bring a blanket or low-profile lawn chair and enjoy movies under the stars. Bring a picnic basket with food from a favorite Town Center restaurant or take advantage of popcorn and treats sold by vendors.

Live on the Green

Monthly through October, 7-9 p.m. August 17 — BJ Wilbanks Band ► September 21 — Highbeams

October 19 — Sawgrass Blues Band Up-and-coming musical artists perform as Peachtree Corners residents visit with friends and neighbors. Farm Burger sells their favorite foods and craft beers off their back patio.

Wesleyan School Announces Fall Middle School Play: Wagon Wheels a Rollin’ Wesleyan School announced the dates for “Wagon Wheels a Rollin’” this coming September. A story of a wagon train out west is sure to delight with action, drama, and some laughs along the way. The six-show run is scheduled as follows:

Thursday, September 26 at 4pm and 6:30pm Friday, September 27 at 4pm and 6:30pm Saturday, September 28 at 2pm and 4pm The shows are open to the public and tickets at $10. Each show is held in Wesleyan’s Lencke Blackbox Theater on campus. Tickets can be purchased at wesleyanschool.org/tickets. Wesleyan School is a Christian, independent K-12 college preparatory school located in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. At the start of the 2018-2019 school year, Wesleyan enrolled 1,177 students from throughout the metropolitan Atlanta area. To learn more about the school, visit wesleyanschool.org.

August/September 2019 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

Peachtree Corners Library Branch Calendar Highlights

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Books, Bites, Beverages and Bestselling Authors: Lynn Cullen and Patti Callahan Henry

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September 10, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Peachtree Corners City Hall, Community Room 310 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-978-5154 gwinnettpl.org

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Lynn Cullen is the author of “Mrs. Poe,” named an NPR 2013 Great Read. She’s written more than 15 award-winning children’s and adult books. Her newest novel is “The Sisters of Summit Avenue.” Patti Callahan Henry is a New York Times best-selling author of 15 novels, including the historical fiction, “Becoming Mrs. Lewis—The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis.” Her latest contemporary southern novel is “The Favorite Daughter.”

Kyle Mills

September 30, 7:30 p.m. Gwinnett County Public Library, Peachtree Corners Branch 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-978-5154 gwinnettpl.org Kyle Mills is fascinated with the dark side of politics and is well connected to the intelligence community. He has authored 13 books under his name; “Lethal Agent” is his current book.

CMY

Homework Help, Grades K-12

Starts August 12. Monday-Thursdays, 4-6 p.m., Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. Drop in to get help with language arts, math, science and other school subjects.

SAT Practice & Test Prep September 7, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Simulate the test with Learning Express.

National Voter Registration Day Drive September 24, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Get ready for the 2020 vote — check your status and register. Visit gwinnettpl.org for more events at the Peachtree Corners Library.

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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August/September 2019 â&#x2013; Peachtree Corners Magazine

COVER STORY

LIGHTS!

RESIDENTS AND TYTAN PICTURES SHINE A LIGHT ON PEACHTREE CORNERS

hen Peachtree Corners City Manager Brian Johnson wanted to publicize what was happening in the city, he knew where to turn. “I’d worked with Brian 10 or 11 years ago,” said Jim Stone, CEO, Producer and Director at Tytan Pictures, an award-winning production company based in Eatonton, Ga. “He came to me 2½ years ago, when my business had become more of a lifestyle marketing company producing short form content and feature films.” Johnson asked for Stone’s help with promoting the young city of Peachtree Corners and its vision. “Johns Creek and Alpharetta were doing a better job of attracting businesses and residents at that time,” Stone said. “They were much more visible.” Instead of bringing in a large team and a plan that would cost several millions of dollars, Stone wanted to take a different approach. “For a fraction of the money and people, we created unique content using a YouTube network with four programs.” The programs include: ■ The Corners, videos that run under 10 minutes and cover food, fashion and fun topics with a hip, edgy and energetic vibe for people from 13 to 50. ■ Peachtree Positive, 10-minute and less videos of insight and information on what’s new in Peachtree Corners, and, ■ Momentum, an interview format show that covers charities, compa-

Above, Drew Waters, left, and Rennie Curran on the set during filming. Actor/Director Drew Waters has recurring roles on NCIS LA and Agents of Shield; he’s also known for his role as Coach Wade on Friday Night Lights. Waters will be a guest star on Peachtree Corners Kids to talk about acting and modeling. He is also helping Trytan Pictures produce a film on Curiosity Lab that will be shown in Barcelona this November. Rennie Curran, three-time all-American/all SEC at University of Georgia, played for the Tennessee Titans before starting his mentoring career which focuses on athletes, business leaders and kids. Curran has authored several books and will be a recurring guest star on Peachtree Corners Kids. Photo by Jim Stone, Tytan Pictures

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

nies and organizations with videos that range from 5 to 30 minutes long, “but without the investigative ‘gotcha,’” Stone said. “We’re here to bring positive light.” He said that PCN focuses on delivering professional quality content. “We stay agile and appropriate. We don’t get political, and all our content is G- and PG-rated.”

Top opposite page, proposed creative from the Peachtree Corners Kids show Courtesy of Tytan Pictures Opposite right, Jim Stone Above, Karli Brown, from a recent Instagram post from Tytan Pictures

Stone also played a big part in the Veterans Monument on the city’s Town Green. Bob Ballagh, executive director of the non-profit Peachtree Corners Monument Association, brought him into the project to film the stories of local veterans. “Though I’m a civilian, I’ve done a lot of work with military special forces,” Stone said. “I knew they wanted the monument to be interactive, and they asked me if we could do something like that. We created the interactive aspect of the monument.”

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followers steadily. “We’re crushing things as far as growth now,” Stone said. “With #PeachtreeCorners and #PeachtreeCornersGA, we’ve pivoted on Instagram and we’re continuing to push it very hard. Now we’re leaning into LinkedIn.” Stone did make it clear that Alpharetta and Johns Creek still have larger numbers for their Instagram accounts, since those cities are more established. “The City of Peachtree Corners is working very hard, and it’s paying off. Curiosity Lab is the first of its kind, and it’s drawing big names in the commerce, transportation and communication businesses,” he said. “The world is watching.” Stone is motivating the residents of Peachtree Corners to make sure the world gets a close-up view of the good things that are happening

here. ■

Peachtree Corners Kids on the horizon

There’s a new project that Stone is working on for the PCN, too. “Peachtree Corners Kids will cover the community through the eyes of kids and teenagers. I’m very excited about it.” There is one person already cast for the show, according to Stone. “That is 15-year-old Karli Brown, a wonderful young actress who has been interning on the Tytan team and working with us in Peachtree Corners this summer.” There are plans to send out a casting call in Peachtree Corners soon to cast more kids for the show, he said.

Connecting through social media

As good a publicity tool as PCN is, Stone had just begun. He turned to social media, and specifically to Instagram. “None of the younger set watch

TV,” Stone said, “and, after all, attention is the new currency. Social media outlets, like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, have 50 times the viewers as CNN, FOX and NBC combined. Social media was obviously the way to go.” He shared some impressive numbers: it took radio 38 years to reach 50 million listeners; television reached the same number of viewers in 13 years. The internet got to that level in four years. Instagram hit the 50 million user mark in 19 months, and YouTube got there in just 10 months. Stone and his team began producing many of the Instagram posts and programs for #PeachtreeCorners

Tytan Pictures Assoc Producer Haylee Skye @haylee.skye reviews a workshop attendees’ composition during a Saturday class in Peachtree Corners.

and #PeachtreeCornersGA. But he wanted to get more activity on those accounts. “The City of Peachtree Corners only has two people whose duties include working on media and public relations for the city—Judy Putnam and Mike Powell—as opposed to the many full-timers at other nearby cities,” Stone explained. So Stone decided to take a different approach and came up with a ‘smart’ concept.

The people of Peachtree Corners tell their story

“I thought, let’s let the citizens be the spokespeople, and we’ll teach them to tell the story better,” he said. Residents were not just asked to upload photos and videos; they were offered the skills to do a good job at it. “This way, we’re energizing everyone!” When his business transitioned into becoming a full capacity production house, Stone spent a great deal of time and money learning cinemaphotography from the best in the business. He decided to share what he’d learned with Peachtree Corners residents at no charge through free photography and social media workshops. “We began offering seminars to teach people to how to film and photograph at a professional level,” Stone said. “Generally, we have 20 to 25 people a seminar. However, our women-only seminar was standing room only!” The gamble paid off big. Stone said that there’s a core of about 20 to 25 people who’ve been supplying a steady stream of photos and content to Instagram. And the accounts have been tripling and quadrupling their

Movies and TV series shot in Peachtree Corners More than 200 locations in and around Peachtree Corners and Gwinnett County have been used in films, TV shows, reality shows and commercials. Peachtree Corners film productions include: ■ Barely Lethal, 2015 film ■ Blind Trust, 2017 film ■ The Darkest Minds, 2018 film ■ Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, 2017 film ■ Dynasty, TV series ■ Game of Silence, TV series ■ Greenleaf, TV series ■ Halt and Catch Fire, TV series ■ Heart of Life, 2019 TV movie ■ Holidate, 2019 film ■

Lodge 49, TV series

■ Mother’s Day, 2016 film ■ The Neighborhood Watch, 2018 TV movie ■ Ozark, Netflix TV series ■ Sextupulets, 2019 film

August/September 2019 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

CAMERA! THE CAMERAS KEEP ROLLING AT EAGLE ROCK STUDIOS

Beth Talbert, Vice President of Studio Operations at Eagle Rock Studios Atlanta.

f the name Eagle Rock sounds familiar to you, there’s a good reason. “Eagle Rock Distributing Company is a family owned beer, wine and spirits distributor for the state of Georgia,” explained Beth Talbert, Vice President of Studio Operations at Eagle Rock Studios Atlanta. Some of the many brands they distribute are Anheuser-Busch, Yuengling, Nestea and V8. Talbert said that when the company outgrew their original facility in Stone Mountain, they purchased the former Kraft Foods warehouses in Norcross. With 470,000 square feet of warehouse space and the entertainment industry beginning to take off in Atlanta, the company thought it was a good idea to convert the space to soundstages and diversify their business. “They partnered with a local producer who designed the production facility in operation here now for the past four years,” she said. Because the space has been developed “by production for production,” Eagle Rock offers a state-of-the-art facility that includes four 30,000 square foot sound stages, three separate office hubs containing over 36,000 square feet, more than 150,000

square feet of flex space (for construction, set dressing, wardrobe, etc.), 40 loading docks and a covered breezeway to provide safe and convenient base camp parking for cast. “Thanks to our intelligent design and our proximity to midtown Atlanta, we have been at 100% capacity for the past two years, and we continue to field requests for stage space daily,” Talbert reported. As far as the benefits of filming in Georgia, Talbert explained, “Well, of course, the primary benefit is the 30% tax credits granted to every production with a budget of over $500,000. This program has boosted Georgia in recent years to become one of the world’s largest production centers. Thanks to this boom, we are now able to provide a robust infrastructure and experienced crews.” Originally from North Carolina, Talbert had been living in Los Angeles before moving to Georgia to take her current position at Eagle Rock. She said that she’s “made some wonderful friends here, both in and outside of the production community. I certainly hope our industry continues to thrive so I can be here for a long time!” ■

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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August/September 2019 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

ACTION!

WHERE THE ACTION IS — GWINNETT’S CAMERA READY OFFICE Lisa Anders, Executive Director of Explore Gwinnett Images Courtesy: Explore Gwinnett.

ore and more shows and movies are being filmed in and around Peachtree Corners, and it’s certainly not by chance. Drawing them here takes dedication and work. “There’s a growing awareness that Gwinnett is one of the best, most efficient and film-friendly counties to film in,” said Lisa Anders, Executive Director of Explore Gwinnett, the county’s tourism office. “Peachtree Corners’ accessibility to the studios, highways and Atlanta are key draws to it being a popular filming location.” Among the many hats that Anders wears is that of the Gwinnett County Camera Ready Liaison. She is the first point of contact for location managers and production teams looking for locations to film in Gwinnett County—and all the cities in the county. “We also run other aspects of the film office, as far as road closure facilitation, permits, location photography, advertising, etc.,” she explained. “We’re extremely film friendly throughout the county and cities,” Anders said, “and we have among the most reasonable permit fees in the metro Atlanta area. We also have a very proactive “Camera Ready” film office. Our response time to location managers is typically within 30 minutes, and we handle over 250 location requests annually.” Anders added that there’s excellent collaboration among all the parties that have to work together to make Gwinnett, or any part of Gwinnett, a viable

location, such as the “nimble and flexible” Gwinnett Department of Transportation, city and county police, Gwinnett County Fire Plan Review, who permit all locations and stages in the county, and knowledgeable and flexible city officials and department heads.

Gwinnett has what filmmakers want and need

She noted, “First and foremost, the statewide tax incentive is the draw for production companies.” As far as Gwinnett County’s popularity for filming, location and a variety of settings are key factors. “Gwinnett has a myriad of locations that can work for a wide swath of productions,” Anders said, pointing to examples that include million dollar homes, the Chattahoochee River, more than 40 parks, empty buildings, film-friendly schools and colleges, the Infinite Energy Center Arena, a half-closed shopping mall, city halls, police stations, rural areas and many roads. Technology Park has proven to be a popular filming and road usage location, as well as Jones Bridge Park in Peachtree Corners, she said. “Peachtree Corners and Norcross have great proximity to Atlanta, and we’re in the 30mile radius of almost all studios, which is typically required,” Anders explained, adding that Gwinnett is the home of two production studios—Eagle Rock Studios in Norcross, the largest TV production studios under one roof, as well as the expansive OFS campus, which is home to one of the largest green screens in

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

the world. “We’re also bordered by a number of other studios, including Third Rail Studios and Atlanta Filmworks.” Anders reported that the majority of active productions in the Atlanta area right now are Netflix productions, and the average TV crew is 120 plus, with hundreds of extras.

Productions add to the local economy

“These are local folks for whom it’s important to spend their money locally, and they’re spending major dollars in our cities and counties, with catering, crew, hotels, transportation and production needs like lumber, etc.,” she said. “It’s also bringing in a whole new industry. You’ll see a number of new, small businesses moving into Peachtree Corners— boutique film productions, small sound stages, video production, jib rentals and other industry peachtreecornerslife

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Top, In Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, the film crew took over a closed restaurant and dressed it as Corny’s for the movie. Jones Bridge Park was featured in a scene in Ozark where FBI agent Roy Petty and Russ Langmore became friends while fly-fishing at Jones Bridge Park.

vendors who want a piece of the pie that the $10-billion-dollar industry generates.” And it’s offering job opportunities for people in the area. The Georgia Film Academy—a state funded workforce development tool to quickly train and bring trained crew into the industry—is housed onsite at the OFS complex. “They’re training our local metro Atlanta residents every day to join the TV and film workforce through training, internships and hands-on work with real time film and TV productions.” ■ peachtreecornerslife

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BUSINESS LIFE

Smart City Expo Atlanta — Putting Peachtree Corners on the Map

Left, the Autonomous Vehicle (AV) test track rendering to be used at this year’s Smart City Expo Atlanta, courtesy of THE MODEL SHOP Below, a rendering of the entrance way of the test track.

What Makes a City “Smart?”

he advancement of technology coupled with rapid urbanization continues to press for local and state governments to create better solutions for urban development. Today’s metropolises are characterized by intelligent infrastructure, early-stage investments and open communication

By Patrizia Winsper

between residents and government. Smart cities leverage data to spur progress and inform better policies and processes. Can a city as relatively new and as small as Peachtree Corners be a smart city?

Does PTC Make the Grade?

City Manager Brian Johnson revealed how Peachtree Corners is uniquely positioned to have all the “smarts!” A lean operating budget, a perk of being a young city, allows for more “discretionary funds” with which the city is able to add value back to the community. The Corners Connect app, already up and running, can tell you the local weather, traffic, events, sales, and soon it will even

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

guide you to the nearest open parking spaces in Town Center and The Forum. Residents can pull up the app to report problems in real time, put in a service request and then track its status. “Providing services and communication in a more convenient way for citizens,” that makes us a smart city. If you choose to enable it, Peachtree Corners has the ability to geofence. That means the app knows your location once you cross into the corporate city limits and it can automatically send you helpful information. Internally, the city uses this to monitor and improve its delivery of services. This makes our city “smart” too, and I haven’t even peachtreecornerslife

peachtreecornerslife

mentioned the giant screen on the Town Green yet. The city can turn on the 22 feet wide by 12.5 feet tall NanoLumens video wall and accompanying audio system in three seconds, at the request of a resident, as we witnessed during the recent World Cup Soccer games, when one resident asking resulted in a multitude of our neighbors gathering on the Town Green with friends to watch and enjoy the big games on the big LED display. It’s a testament to Peachtree Corners’ investment in smart city infrastructure. Yet what gets Peachtree Corners a solid A+ is the impeachtreecornerslife

portant investment it has made in Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners. Johnson shared, “There are direct and indirect ways smart city technology is benefiting our residents. We look to stay at the cutting edge of smart city technology in a way that [is] both responsible and cost-effective… We haven’t borrowed any money to do it. We [don’t need] to implement city property taxes to do it, it’s within our budget. But it is providing a value add…that our residents are seeing now and will continue to see in the future.”

Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners

In keeping with its history to develop around technology, and the city’s slogan, “Innovative & Remarkable,” very soon, visitors and residents of Peachtree Corners may feel like they’re in an episode of the Jetsons as they find themselves driving alongside autonomous cars or otherwise novel vehicles on a 1.5 mile stretch of our roads in Technology Park. The vehicles are being tested by the ground-breaking Curiosity Lab — the first autonomous vehicle and smart city living laboratory and test track of its kind in the country, featuring “not just cutting edge, but bleeding edge technology,” as City Manager Brian Johnson describes it. This state-of-the-art testbed for smart city technologies is attracting movement to Peachtree Corners, which is precisely what city officials had envisioned. Johnson explained, “We’re deploying the Lab as a way to attract activity to Peachtree Corners. That activity is what’s going to keep Peachtree Corners a great community, a community that has a healthy retail/ restaurant climate, stable, high property values. It’s a place where people want to come work,

live, learn and play because we’re giving people reasons to come to Peachtree Corners.” The Curiosity Lab will draw businesses from across the country interested in testing the limits of their next generation mobility technology in a real-world, 5G and IoT environment, unlike traditional closed tracks where everything is level, predictable, controlled and confined to a parking lot-type setting. According to Betsy Plattenburg, Executive Director of Curiosity Lab, they’ve had interest from delivery and logistics companies seeking to test the delivery of food and packages in an automated fashion, using both the roadway and potentially, the sidewalk. She also mentioned talks with some interesting drone companies, adding: “Drones can use the infrastructure and are permitted to fly as long as they’re under 400 feet.” Most importantly, Plattenburg revealed, “We are just going to be making a public announcement next week that we are partnering with the Smart City Conference.” If Curiosity Lab was born to attract activity to the city of Peachtree Corners, one might say it has already met with great success in its infancy. We’ll soon see Fira de Barcelona — the world’s leading conference on smart cities and smart urban solutions — cross the pond and arrive on our shores for the first ever American edition of Smart City Expo World Congress, debuting in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center from September 11 to 13, 2019. So how does Peachtree Corners get the spotlight in the midst of an international conference of such magnitude? Johnson described a long-standing relationship between the Metro Atlanta Chamber and Fira de Barcelona. When Fira was looking to expand to regional conferences in Asia and North America, the Metro Atlanta Chamber welcomed the chance to make a pitch for Atlanta to host the inaugural smart cities conference in the U.S. Having spoken in Barcelona last year, as part of the U.S. delegation there, Johnson’s pride could not be mistaken, “Smart City Expo Atlanta has recognized

Peachtree Corners and the businesses that operate within our corporate limits, as being important to the greater metro Atlanta area and this conference.”

charter buses will return participants to the Georgia World Congress Center in time for the opening plenary of the Expo at 1 p.m.

Peachtree Corners to Kick Off Smart City Expo Atlanta

What to Look Out For

Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners has been named the official offsite demonstration location, in addition to having an important presence in the exhibition hall at the Congress Center. On the first day of the Expo: Wednesday, Sept. 11, 10-11:30 a.m., prior to the opening events at the Georgia World Congress Center, Expo attendees who purchased tickets to the Smart City Expo and signed up to attend the demo will have been bussed to Peachtree Corners City Hall on charter buses. There, they’ll witness live demonstrations of some avant-garde technology on our test track which allows for interaction with everyday vehicular and pedestrian traffic. A number of state dignitaries are expected to be present, as this event will coincide with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the inauguration and grand opening of Curiosity Lab. Afterwards,

The demo on September 11 should be something to behold. Plattenburg and her team put out a national casting call for companies who have “proven technology that is viewable,” in the interest of making the demo on the morning of the Smart City Expo more exciting. Plattenburg described the test track: “The outside lane will become the test lane. The inside lanes will be where human drivers drive. So, it’s almost like a regular road exists in the middle, and the testers will be on the outside. They’ll be separated by flexible bollards. The road will be painted dramatically differently on the outside lanes, and there will be excessive signage, digital and otherwise, letting you know that you’re entering a test environment. So that people driving, the human drivers, you’ll know that something is different. The test vehicles will be there.” “That should get people off their phones!” ■

Autonomous Vehicle Test Track Plans for Expo Progress is moving forward steadily on the Autonomous Vehicle (AV) test track, according to Alex Wright, Peachtree Corners City Councilman. “We’re driving hard toward having at least part of the track ready for demonstrations on September 11 as part of the Smart Cities Expo,” he said. Wright shared more insights, such as some of the demonstrations that participants are likely to see that day. Demos may include Chick-fil-A being delivered by drones, an unmanned semi-trailer truck driving to City Hall and an unmanned bus/trolley driving people along Technology Parkway. “We have confirmed attendance by the Lieutenant Governor and, hopefully, the Governor as well,” he added. There is also a possibility that Mercedes Benz will participate in the September 11 event. At this time, 5G capability is active in Technology Park for Sprint users, Wright reported. The Southern Company contract is nearing completion, he said, and they’ve already begun installing the light poles and cameras that will be used for their own internal Research & Development and as part of the AV track used by others. ■

August/September 2019 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

Redefining what it means for a city to be “smart” Atlanta hosts the first ever Smart City Expo in the United States When? Where?

From Wednesday, Sept. 11 to Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, Atlanta will host the first American edition of Smart City Expo World Congress at the Georgia World Congress Center, in partnership with Fira de Barcelona and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.

What?

Smart City Expo World Congress is globally recognized as the most important conference on smart cities, held annually in November, in Barcelona. Since its inception in 2011, local branches have sprung up on four continents, addressing the particular interests of those regions. The offshoot being transported to the United States for the first time is Smart City Expo Atlanta (SCATL).

Redefining Smart

Director of Communications — Smart City Expo Atlanta, John Griffin from DKC News, outlined

Atlanta’s vision for the Expo. “We are focused on redefining the term “smart” to ensure equity, prosperity, humanity, inclusion and justice are part of the implementation of blockchain, A.I., IoT, big data and automation. It’s important that we look at social and economic mobility in addition to scooters and self-driving cars, equitable infrastructure not just intelligent and connected infrastructure…and that we invest in human capital not just venture capital.” “The focus on cutting-edge technologies, smart city innovation and equity and inclusion di-

rectly align with our One Atlanta vision of affordability, resiliency and fairness,” said Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. (As cited by Brianne Fortuna, 2019).

Atlanta to Host for Three Years

The city of Atlanta embraces and exemplifies the summit’s agenda to encourage smart urban revolution. Griffin revealed that Atlanta has secured a three-year commitment to host the U.S. spin-off of this important conference. In response to what makes Atlanta a good choice for the U.S. edition of Smart City Expo, Griffin replied, “Atlanta is in the middle of a period of significant growth and investment. The city recently passed legislation to raise $2.5 billion for mass transit and infrastructure; the suburbs are the fastest growing in the U.S.; it has become a center for film and TV production due to the largest tax breaks in the country; it has a burgeoning startup and venture capital

culture, and recent expansions there by companies like Google and Salesforce are anchored by Fortune 500 stalwarts The Home Depot, UPS, Coca Cola and Delta Air Lines. Atlanta, and its mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, are thoughtfully approaching this growth through a lens of equity and inclusion and civic and social innovation, not just technological. To me, that is what makes Atlanta so “smart”.”

What to Expect

Imagine stimulating conversations and interactive activities with solution-minded mayors, top-level executives, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and leading corporations from across America, who share a desire

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

to create more equitable and inclusive cities. Experience three full days (or perhaps just one) of this expo’s inaugural expansion to the U.S. and learn what’s being done to create a better future for cities and their citizens worldwide. Each day of exploring technology, sustainability and innovation concludes with happy hour and a reception, allowing more time to create strategic new alliances and open more paths for collaboration. Griffin stated, “Attendees of Smart City Expo Atlanta will be able to engage with and hear from top government officials, industry leaders and the foremost members of academia on a wide range of subjects from Opportunity Zones and reimagining cities, to the power of predictive analytics to address natural disasters. They will also get to experience cutting edge demos and activations at a world class expo.” Referencing the offsite Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners

demo, Griffin affirmed, “On the first day of the conference, we are hosting a truly unique autonomous vehicle demonstration at Peachtree Corners where entrepreneurs will have an actual testbed and 5G connectivity to accelerate research on their innovations.” “We will welcome over 50 local and international companies by the time of the show,” declared Griffin. It is expected that SCATL will bring together over 2,500 participants and 200 speakers. To learn more about SCATL, visit smartcityexpoatlanta.com. ■ — Written by Patrizia Winsper

peachtreecornerslife

Exhibitors and sponsors participating in Smart City Expo Atlanta 2019 include: AT&T Atos Black and Veatch Cisco Deloitte Dentons LED Roadway Lighting ParkMobile Peachtree Corners ShotSpotter Soofa Southern Company Sprint Verizon

We are focused on redefining the term “smart” to ensure equity, prosperity, humanity, inclusion and justice are part of the implementation of blockchain, A.I., IoT, big data and automation. John Griffin Director of Communications — Smart City Expo Atlanta

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NanoLumens Outdoor LED Display Lights Up Peachtree Corners’ Town Green When Peachtree Corners began a complete redevelopment of its two-acre Town Green, city officials saw an opportunity to create a forward-thinking outdoor space that serves the entire community. The recently completed park features play structures and interactive water features for kids, a professional performance stage — and a 22-footwide by 12.5-foot-tall NanoLumens LED display. According to Brandon Branham, Assistant City Manager and Finance Director, the outdoor video display was a critical component of a complete plan designed to deliver a family-friendly community space that can host a variety of events for thousands of people. “The Peachtree Corners Town Green is a place where our entire community can come together to enjoy the outdoors, and a large LED digital display at the center of the green is critical to many of our planned events,” Branham said. “In

addition to the live concert stage, the NanoLumens display and accompanying audio system allow us to create a regular schedule of viewings that include movies, professional and collegiate sporting events and even live-streams of our concerts in real-time.” The city contracted Corus360, a local Peachtree Corners technology solutions provider, to install the video and audio systems throughout the Town Green, including the performance stage and NanoLumens LED display. To hear Corus360 Sales Executive Ben Howell tell it, residents were eagerly anticipating the Town Green and were excited for the years of planning to come to fruition. “It’s been a hot topic for a lot of my neighbors in the last 12 months, and for me, it’s pretty incredible to assist with a high-profile public project that I also get to benefit from as a local resident,” Howell said. “The most important discussions we had were about the dis-

The Ray and Curiosity Lab Partner to Further Transportation Innovation

The Ray and Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners are excited to announce a partnership to further transportation innovation in Georgia. The key purposes of this partnership include: the facilitation of emerging technology testing and demonstration between the two locations of The Ray’s 18mile interstate corridor in Troup County and the City of Peachtree Corners 1.5-mile autonomous vehicle test track; collaboration on external funding proposals; and

joint projects with academic and commercial entities working on the future of mobility. “It’s really such a natural fit,” said Harriet Langford, founder, and president of The Ray. “We’re a high-speed, public interstate in ex-urban Georgia, and Peachtree Corners’ smart city project is located within a 500-acre commercial park with slower speeds that encounter pedestrians, deliveries and other elements that we don’t have on The Ray. By working together, we can cover so much more ground.” Curiosity Lab will have a 5G enabled environment and more than 1G of dedicated fiber to facilitate testing for both early-stage

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

play’s size and pixel pitch, because we wanted it to be viewable from up close, as well as hundreds of feet away.” Each weekend, when the green gets the most traffic, the city is maximizing the display’s utility by showing promotions for other local events and offering advertising opportunities for local partners and businesses. Before a recent weekend concert, the display showed photos from the Town Green’s grand opening, which drew more than 4,000 people, in addition to restaurant promotions, and then played a live stream of the

concert. According to the city and installation partners, the NanoLumens display was chosen because it’s bright, viewable from any angle, doesn’t produce sun glare and is guaranteed to last for years, even under 24-hour-a-day operation. The manufacturer also offers the best warranty of any large display solution. “Peachtree Corners is innovating their public spaces and representing what a true 21st century community can look like,” said Arch Nelson, NanoLumens Regional Sales Director-Southeast. ■

startups and mature companies. According to Brian Johnson, City Manager of Peachtree Corners, “We have already had inquiries from companies wanting to test everything from drones, to deliv-

ery to cybersecurity. Our collaboration with The Ray presents a compelling opportunity to test similar technology in very different environments.” ■

Interest Growing in Test Track Construction on the Curiosity Lab test track is scheduled to be completed in late August or early September. According to City Councilman Alex Wright, the test track continues to garner strong domestic and international attention and “we anticipate a significant media event, and great exposure for Peachtree Corners, with the AV track launching while the Smart Cities Expo is in town.” Peachtree Corners has already signed a deal with Sprint as a partner on the track, and recently signed a partnership with Georgia Power as well. “They’ll be using the test track as their primary laboratory for testing IOT (internet of things) technology,” Wright said. He reported that the city has also been approached by both Ericsson (a large Swedish company) and Cisco; both companies are interested in partnerships. In addition, there are ongoing discussions about potential partnerships with Porsche, Mercedes Benz, the government of Israel and the government of Hungary. ■ peachtreecornerslife

peachtreecornerslife

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Wins Award Brad Kluesner of Edward Jones recently won the firm’s coveted Zeke McIntyre Pioneer Award, which recognizes new financial advisors who achieve high levels of success early in their careers with the financial services firm. He received the award at the Edward Jones Region 276 regional meeting in Jekyll Island, Ga. Kluesner was one of only 167 of the firm’s more than 18,000 financial advisors to receive the award, named after Edward Jones legend Zeke McIntyre, who opened the firm’s first branch office in 1957 in Mexico, Mo. ■

BUSINESS EVENTS PCBA’s Island Castaways Charity Party Join Gilligan, the Skipper and the Peachtree Corners Business Association for the Island Castaways Charity Party. The annual PCBA Charity Party will celebrate its 6th year with a Gilligan’s Island inspired theme while raising money to support three local non-profit groups.

Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce First Friday Breakfast

Friday, August 2 and September 6 7:30-9 a.m. On August 2, join Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce (SWGC) as it welcomes State Representative Beth Moore and hears an update from the Georgia State Capitol. On September 6, the presenter will be Dr. Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders. Admission is $40; early registration is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Hilton Atlanta Northeast, 5993 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Peachtree Corners 30092.

Launch Your Membership Marketing August 13, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Learn to use your chamber membership effectively to increase your business’ visibility and growth. This free class is held at the chamber location and is available on second and fourth Tuesdays by reservation.

Lunch & Learn: Is It Time to Hire a CFO? August 21, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

The experts at B2B CFO® provide insight to help you objectively evaluate where you’re at and where you’re going on your business journey. Cost of $10 includes lunch at SWGC. Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce 107 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 678-906-4078, southwestgwinnettchamber.com

Atlanta Tech Park

Improv for Professionals — Free Workshop August 29 and November 7, 6-8 p.m.

Learn how Applied Improv can be used to teach critical communication and team development skills through engaging, interactive and fun exercises. Register at BraveSpaceBiz.com. Atlanta Tech Park 107 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 404-797-1221, atlantatechpark.com

The party will take place August 22, 5:308 p.m. at Prototype Prime. The adults-only event will include business networking, an online silent auction, raffle drawings, annual Cornhole Tournament, DJ, food and drinks. The silent auction is now open, and anyone can participate; to bid, text “PCBA” to 88793. Please note that participants do not have to be present to win the silent auction or raffle. The event will raise funds to benefit education, health and community causes. Recipients include Paul Duke STEM High School’s “Digital Bridges” program, Concussion Institute and Partnership Against Domestic Violence and Norcross Cooperative Ministries. In addition to attending the party, there are several ways to participate. The PCBA is currently accepting sponsor applications; auction and raffle donations will be accepted through August 15. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to email membership@peachtreecornersba.com. To register and learn more, visit PeachtreeCornersBA.com. ■ —Allison Reinert

Peachtree Corners Business Association Connecting over Coffee

Tuesdays, August 13 and September 10 8:30-9:30 a.m. On the second Tuesday of every month, PCBA hosts a morning meet-up for PCBA members and business professionals to network in a positive atmosphere. No registration and no fee are required for PCBA members and their guests. Peachtree Corners Business Association 4989 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 678-969-3385; peachtreecornersba.com

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COMMUNITY

Preparing for Life Through Scouting “Scouting has a rich history in Peachtree Corners”

eachtree Corners can seem like a quilt of community organizations: robust Parent-Teacher Associations, a busy Y.M.C.A., active churches, sprawling sports leagues and plentiful civic groups. But the Boy Scouts of America’s programs have had some of the longest and most sustained reaches in the community, working with thousands of children, teenagers and their parents across the decades. Although many people have been drawn in by — and are most familiar with — the rituals of camping, cooking and knot-tying, scouting’s local champions say they see a more balanced program built around four aims: character development, physical fitness, leadership and citizenship training. Backed by parents, Peachtree Corners has emerged as a scouting powerhouse, attracting elementary school boys and ultimately turning out scores of Eagle Scouts whose projects dot and benefit the area’s parks and schools. “Peachtree Corners does a fabulous job of supporting scouting,” said Jenny Chapin, a longtime Peachtree Corners resident who is the mother of four Eagle Scouts and a commissioner for the Atlanta Area Council, a local governing body for scouting. “It has very strong adult leadership and participation, with either one or both parents involved. That’s a big help to strengthen the program and gives it a leg up.” One of those parents was John Cherry, who served as scoutmaster to Troop 525 for 14 years. He chose to be involved and stay involved in scouting over his

By Meredith Blinder

long tenure in Peachtree Corners because he saw the value of the kids being in the program and the impact on the community. “The youth that go through the scouting program gain a foundation for becoming solid citizens,” said Cherry, whose troop met at Simpsonwood United Methodist Church. Scouting has a rich history in Peachtree Corners, dating back to the first troop on Winters Chapel Road and including the robust development of the troop and two packs for younger boys at Simpsonwood. And, these days, there are newer groups at Wesleyan School. Although scouting’s national popularity has waned in recent years — there were nearly 2.1 million Cub and Boy Scouts across the country in 2017, down from more than 2.4 million in 2012 — many boys have remained engaged because of the year-round opportunities and variety of events. Scouting has also recently begun to allow girls to enroll. “BSA recognized that there were time constraints on families between working parents and kids activities, that inviting girls to be a part and stay involved could

encourage greater participation,” Chapin said. David Burns, committee chairman for Troop 525, remembered first encountering scouts during his time in the Army. “They were better shooters and more prepared, so when I started to have kids I wanted to get them involved,” he said.

Top

Scouts leading Scouts

On top of Baldie at Philmont Scout Ranch, on the ridge as part of a 100-mile hiking trip over 10 days!

Many leaders and scouts alike attribute the success of the program and the strong participation numbers to involved parents, but

continued on page 24

Front, left to right, Luke Chapin, Matthew Williamson, Leader Shahin Razavi, Adam Razavi, Ben Chapin, Christopher Johnson, Nolan Scourtis Back, left to right, Brooks Donaldson, Leader Rick Ulrich, Henry Dorking, Michael O’Reilly, Ben Ulrich, Leader Michael Johnson, Robbie Whaley, Will Mettler, Leader Rick Lopez, Leader Scott Donaldson. Above

Left to right, Leader Buzz Loew, Eddie Loew, Nate Brinkman, Ben Ulrich, Adam Razavi, Robert Lopez and Leader Rick Ulrich. Photos courtesy of Laura Razavi

August/September 2019 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

continued from page 23 also the numerous opportunities for scouts to assume leadership positions within their troops. “When that senior patrol leader raises his hand on Monday night to start the meeting and get the kids to quiet down, it’s a powerful moment,” said Scott Donaldson, who succeeded Cherry as scoutmaster. As scouts advance through the program’s ranks, they are required to take on leadership roles, oftentimes working with small groups of boys known as patrols that make up a troop. In other instances, boys take on responsibilities across the entire troop. “Our leaders put a lot of the responsibility on the older kids to lead the troop, but that makes

it more fun because we get to choose what we want to do,” said Nolan Scourtis, who earned the Eagle Scout rank in Troop 525. Chapin said scouting skills came in handy when her oldest son, Jed, studied abroad and lived in a house of students with a stipend instead of a meal plan. “He organized his house to make meals and made sure everyone participated in meal prep and cooking and clean up duties,” Chapin said. “He knew how to do that because of his role as a senior patrol leader.”

Eagle Scouts Nationwide, about 5% of scouts will earn the Eagle Scout rank. But Troop 525 has produced Eagle Scouts with striking consistency:

156 over its 35-year history, and more than 75 in the last decade. Although Eagle Scouts routinely add the accomplishment to their resumes, the projects they complete often affect the community long after the boys become adults. Many of the projects focus on construction — benches, gazebos, footbridges and the like — but others have involved efforts like child identification kits. Several scout leaders emphasized that the purpose of the projects are not necessarily about the content, but about learning management skills and how to lead others and adjust on the fly. They are also about learning from mistakes. “What they do is a tool that allows them to experience the

impact they can have, managing a big project from beginning to end,” Cherry said. Long before a Peachtree Corners scout begins planning what could be his Eagle Scout project, there are years of activities: campouts, lock-ins, aquatics on the lake, rafting, high adventure, summer camps, hiking, fundraising for Christmas gifts and putting together sanitation kits. “Our goal is for scouts to walk away with communication skills and survival skills. When camping or in life you don’t always have everything you need to be successful,” Burns said. “You have to get creative, think outside the box and ask questions of those around you instead of Googling it.” ■

An Eagle-Eyed Perspective

When four eagle scouts sat down to reflect on their scouting careers, the memories and sentiments were surprisingly consistent. High adventure trips were the cream of the crop. The leadership skills they gained and the relationships with scouts younger and older would take them far in their future studies and careers. Here, Adam Razavi, Chris Johnson, Nolan Scourtis and Rory Doran share their perspective in their own words. How did you get into scouting and stick with it? Chris: My grandparents were both scouts, my dad was an Eagle Scout and my mom was a Girl Scout so there was a lot of family tradition. Rory: It was a great way to hang out with friends and just have fun together. Adam: We all started as Cub Scouts in the same den and crossed over and all became Eagle Scouts. Nolan: I played baseball so I had a gap in my scouting career, but once I decided to focus and go for Eagle, I sat down and got everything in order. What’s your favorite scouting memory? High adventure camps were a unanimous consensus.

crew in the middle of nowhere for 11 days and hiking to the top of Baldy, one of the most iconic scouting locations. It’s really cool to look out. Rory: Philmont was the best. I kept the maps that my crew did. We hiked 84 miles, which was a minimum of 3 to 4 hours a day. Nolan: Sea Base (in Florida) was the other high adventure trip. We swam out to the floating docks on the island about 200 yards away and spent time fishing. I caught a 4-foot nurse shark! Chris: Sea Base was the only high adventure camp I got to go to. I enjoyed spending time on the island and connecting with the kids. There was a deer we called Steve that would come up to us. What did you enjoy most about scouting? Nolan: Friendships made through scouting and things we learned about life in general, and working with other people. Chris: We learned a lot of life skills from merit badges that you can take with you.

Adam: Philmont Scouting Camp and being with your

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

peachtreecornerslife

Front row: Christopher Johnson, Adam Razavi, Rory Doran, Max Oster, Michael O’Reilly. Back row: Cub scout leader Bryan Doran, Nolan Scourtis, Cub scout leader Stephan Oster. Photos courtesy of Laura Razavi How did your Eagle projects impact the community? Projects often focus on the needs of local schools and parks, according to several Scout leaders. Rory: I did my project at Simpsonwood Park. We cleared trails and built an informational kiosk in the meadow. Adam: We built shelves at Pinckneyville Middle School for the band to store its uniforms. Nolan: I wanted to leave a lasting impact on the baseball program at Norcross High, so we built seating at the baseball field to replace some benches that were old and rusty and a bit of a safety hazard. Chris: I built cornhole sets that are now at Shorty Howell Park. It was cool to know your creation was being used because I went to a graduation party there and the games were played. ■ peachtreecornerslife

peachtreecornerslife

NOURISH

Anderby Brewery Opens in Tech Park A dog-friendly brewery with event space in Peachtree Corners

n Saturday, July 27, Anderby Brewing opens its doors to the public. Its location at 110 Technology Parkway features a spacious taproom that opens out onto a patio with outdoor seating and a 75-inch flat screen TV. The beer menu pays homage to Georgia, and specifically Peachtree Corners. The owners, Michell and Preston Smelt, are brewing specialty beers for the opening. Among the offerings are the “Jay Bird Bitter” and “141 Lager,” as well as “Helen,” a Vienna lager. “We use the beer styles as a guide, but we’re going to have fun with it,” Preston said. “If people really like it, we’ll make it again. My goal is to make stuff that sounds good to us and hopefully, others will like it too.” Preston started making beer about seven years ago after his wife, Michell, purchased a Groupon for beer-making lessons and a kit. He learned how to brew and then started putting together different recipes, ultimately creating a pilot system with multiple propane tanks. The name, “Anderby,” stems from a small town in England where Preston traced his ancestry. “We have a 10-barrel system in our brewhouse, and all of our

beers will feature malts from Riverbend Malthouse in Ashville, N.C.,” Michell said. “To start, we’ll have six beers on tap, including a pale ale, a couple of IPAs, a blonde and a bitter.” Some of the up and coming offerings will include a Double Chocolate Oatmeal Milk Stout, a

►Nourish Briefs Taqueria Tsunami Opens in Peachtree Corners Taqueria Tsunami Peachtree Corners, located in Town Center, hosted its grand opening celebration on June 5. The Latin-Fusion restaurant features a rooftop bar overlooking the Town Center greenspace as well as a walkup window offering beer, wine,

sangria and cocktails from their signature menu. “This location could not be more of a perfect fit for our concept,” said owner Alexis Kinsey. “We’re very excited to open this restaurant in the Peachtree Corners community and entertainment district, with our back doors opening to the family friendly greenspace.” Taqueria Tsunami brings together the fresh flavors from south of the border and the Far East. The menu features 13

porter and a couple of lagers. “We can have up to 20 beers on tap at any given time,” Michell added. Anderby won’t sell food but will have snack offerings, and patrons are welcome to order food through services like Grubhub and Uber Eats. The brewhouse also houses approximately 1,000

square feet of event space with its own bar. One more thing — dogs are welcome. “We are avid animal lovers and Anderby will be dog friendly,” Michell said. Visit the Anderby Brewing website, anderbybrewing.com, for more information. ■

Photography by Sofia Magana

hand-crafted tacos as well as a variety of bowls, salads, quesadillas and appetizers. And there’s a medley of margaritas and mojitos, along with other signature cocktails and local craft beers on the drinks menu. Find out more at TaqueriaTsunami. com. ■

August/September 2019 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

Now Open in Town Center

Photography by Sofia Magana

What began in 1999 as a small bakery in Japan has become a world-wide cream puff sensation. Beard Papa’s has a well-earned reputation for fresh, flaky cream puffs in a variety of flavors, such as crème brulee and chocolate éclair. Watch for specials every month; August’s feature is Vanilla Ice Cream, and in September, it’s Green Tea Cream. See the full menu at beardpapa.com. ■

Revelator Coffee Company is a coffee roaster and café operator that prides itself on a strong philosophy and simple offerings. Since Revelator sources its coffee seasonally and chooses a variety of expressive coffees that showcase specific regions, it keeps its menu fluid. Go to revelatorcoffee. com to get the full story. ■

Black Walnut Cafe Appoints New General Manager

Bubble tea has gotten to be popular, and Gong cha is one of the most recognized brands around the world. It’s quality tea is sourced from fine Taiwanese tea estates and brewed fresh every four hours. The extensive menu includes Milk Foam Wintermelon, Passion Fruit Green Tea and Matcha Milk Drink with Red Bean. Ice smoothies and coffee drinks are also available. Find out more at gongchatea.com■ (Image from Gong cha social post)

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Shamecka Scott, bringing 15 years of food and beverage experience, has been announced as Black Walnut Cafe’s general manager at the Peachtree Corners location at 5242 Peachtree Parkway. Scott, a native of Hawkinsville, Ga., is excited to take on her role as general manager. Her ultimate goal is to consistently “wow” every guest who walks through the doors at Black Walnut Cafe. She’ll use her position to make every guest feel welcome and at home. “At Black Walnut Cafe, it’s your place and your pace,” Scott says. “If you’re looking for a quick bite, that’s fine, or if you want to stay all day, we would love to have you.” Black Walnut Cafe offers a diverse menu that features handcrafted sandwiches and salads, as well as savory dinner options such as Shrimp & Grits and Steak Orleans. Kids (age 12 and under) eat free on Wednesdays after 4 p.m. Go to blackwalnutcafe.com to find out more. ■

peachtreecornerslife

Watch for these restaurants, coming soon to Peachtree Corners Hoots is a sister concept of the well-known Hooters restaurant. It’s a bit different, though. It employs both men and women as servers, dresses them in more standard outfits and doesn’t offer table service. However, the menu is familiar, with chicken wings, buffalo shrimp, chicken sandwiches and a variety of sauces that include Hot, TMI, 911 and Daytona Beach. Of course, there’s draft and bottled beer, too. The only current location is in Cicero, Ill., but the franchise plans to open more soon, including one in Peachtree Corners. More at eathoots.com. Lazy Dog, the restaurant/bar with a small mountain town vibe, boasts a menu with the usual comfort foods — pizza, sandwiches and burgers — along with more creative fare — Heirloom Bean Salad, Spaghetti Squash and Beetballs and Black Bean Jackfruit Tostada. Specialty and locally crafted beers are also heavily featured. Visit lazydogrestaurants.com for details.

FREE KIDS BOWL

WITH PURCHASE OF ANY REGULAR ENTRÉE. VALID ANY DAY OF THE WEEK.

OOer available in-store only with purchase of any regular entrée. Premium items & additional toppings are an additional cost. Limit one per customer. Not applicable on digital orders. Must present coupon when ordering. No cash value. Not valid with any other coupon, promo or prior purchases. No copies or duplicates accepted. Expires Sept 30, 2019. Code: ValFreeKids

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Free Range Chicken - Mango - Orange Slices - Edamame - Surimi Salad - Wonton Crisps Hawaiian Classic - Sushi Rice *Applicable on kids bowl for child 10 & under. Dine in only. Child must be present. Additional ingredients are an extra cost. Promotion subject to change.

PEACHTREE CORNERS TOWN CENTER 5160 Town Center Blvd #520. Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 (678) 825-2489

It’s not hard to imagine what kind of food you’ll find at Uncle Jack’s Meat House. But the eatery is developed by Food Network celebrity Willie Degel and he’s added a few surprises, like Charred Spanish Octopus and Marinated Local Baby Beets. Of course, the American bar and grill will serve delicious steaks, chops and burgers. See what else is in store at unclejacksmeathouse.com. ■

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August/September 2019 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

The Area’s Preferred Dentist!

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Located above Trader Joe’s 5185 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 201, Building 1200, Peachtree Corners Gwinnett Dentist.com

Innovative Smiles At The Forum, P.C.

First Friday Breakfast features a notable speaker at our monthly breakfast. Upcoming dates and Speakers: August Beth Moore, State Representative, House District 95 September Dr. Tim Elmore, Growing Leaders October First Friday speaker: Rob Woodall, US Congress Representative, GA 7th District

ect n n co age g n e e a ce k a m eren diff

Our volunteers at Project Kids Eat helping to feed over 100 children this summer.

Connect Over Coffee

LUNCH & LEARN

is our weekly morning networking group at the Atlanta Bread company at 8:30 – 9:30 am every Friday except the First Friday of each month. Join us for a casual networking session with other business professionals from around the Southwest corner of Gwinnett County.

Is it time for you to hire a CFO? As entrepreneurs, we get caught up in the day-to-day activities of our business and often don’t get a chance to stand back and objectively evaluate where we are on the journey. Join us for lunch and learn when you might need to bring in a financial expert. August 21, 2019. 11:30 am – 1 pm Atlanta Tech Park

Looking for a place to eat? Just check your phone. No app to download. Just scan the QR code (or type SWGCga.life in your browser) to go right to the interactive list of local restaurants.

For details on these and other events contact Southwest Gwinnett Chamber www.southwestgwinnettchamber.com | 678-906-4078

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

peachtreecornerslife

Sports & Recreation

MOVE

Peachtree Corners Swim Teams Shine at 2019 County Championships

ne year after finishing third and two years after finishing second, the Spalding Corners swim team decisively claimed their first Gwinnett Swim League (GSL) Championship on Sunday July 14 at the McAuley Aquatic Center at Georgia Tech. The championship was the first by a Peachtree Corners area team in over a decade. Seeded third entering the Championship weekend, the Sharks pulled ahead in the final session on Sunday afternoon to earn their first title ahead of the Lansmoore Lasers from Suwanee. The Thunderbolts, Wild Timber and Chateau Elan rounded out the top five. “This meet was not only won because of the coaches,” said Spalding Corners Co-Coach Willie Hildebrand afterwards. “It was won because of our swimmers and our parents. Our swimmers did what they were set out to do and they swam their best, making their best times.” “We knew that it was going to be a very close meet between our team, the Thunderbolts and Lansmoore,” added Hildebrand. “All three coaches knew that it was going to be a dogfight from the first session to the last. We were seeded third place for the meet. So, we still had a bit of a hill to climb (to win the championship).” Spalding Corners finished ahead of 3 other local teams — Peachtree Station (8th place), Fields Club (14th Place), Peachtree Corners (16th Place) — to wrap up a very strong performance for all Peachtree Corners area summer swim teams. “This is the first time a team not from the Northern Division has won County in over 11 years,” noted Hildebrand. In all, over 2000 swimmers from 43 different teams across Gwinnett County competed over two days at the venue which hosted the 1996 Olympic Swimming & Diving competitions.

Left to right, (Head Coach Kailyn Dunn, Assistant Coach Lauren Powell, Assistant Coach Charlotte Whitmer, Assistant Coach Caroline Lantis, Assistant Coach Bailey Lesko and Head Coach Willie Hildebrand) Photo by Velvet Hildebrand

Above, 15-18 girls show off their tapering county practice attire. (Photo by Melia Lesko) Left, Spalding Corners Tream

“There was no particular standouts as to any age group or swimmers explaining how we won (the championship). It came down to every swimmer showing up, every parent bringing their kids and every coach doing a whole lot of work for the last two months,” said Spalding Corners Co-Coach Kailyn Dunn.

“We had many times where we were ranked first before county, but this is the first time we have ever actually had a relay finish first,” added Hildebrand. The 8-and-under boys’ relay team (Kolton Regina, Braxton Romeyn, Tony Martelli and Lawson Parton) won both the freestyle and medley relays. Savannah

Moss, also 8 and under, won the Girls’ 25 Freestyle event for Spalding Corners with a time of 16.60 seconds. Catie Choate (Fields Club) and Emma Livezey (Peachtree Station) finished first and second in the Girls 13/14-year-old

continued on page 30

August/September 2019 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

continued from page 29

W E S L E YA N

COMMUNITY

LEAGUES

age group. Choate swept three events (50-yard Freestyle, 50-yard Backstroke and 50-yard Butterfly) while Livezey won the 100-yard Freestyle, took 2nd place in the 50-yard Freestyle plus 3rd place in the 50-yard Backstroke. Berkeley Hills’ Ryan Qi won the overall Boys 7/8-year-old division, sweeping three individ-

ual events – 25-yard Backstroke, 25-yard Freestyle and 50-yard Freestyle. Peachtree Corners’ Tripp Wiggins took 3rd overall in the Boys U6 division with a pair of third place finishes in the 25Y Backstroke and Freestyle. ■ — Special to Peachtree Corners Magazine by Sonny Pieper, with Marilyn Whitmer

New Peachtree Corners Cornhole League Forming

This fall, the Town Green will be hosting cornhole leagues on Wednesday evenings beginning Sept. 4. The Fall 2019 season will continue through October 23. Organized by Cornhole ATL, the social leagues are a chance to make new friends and enjoy an entertaining sport. Consisting of two boards, eight bags and a whole lot of fun, cornhole allows you to engage your competitive and friendly side as you toss a few bags and brews with friends, old and new. Online registration is open for the new Peachtree Corners league and will end August 26. Please note that this is an adult league; you must be at least 21 years old to join. To register, visit cornholeatl.com, then select “Peachtree Corners” in the list of fall locations. For questions, contact Marjie Foley at info@cornholeatl.com or 912-509-0577. ■

O PPO RT U N IT IE S AVAIL AB L E F O R K - 6 TH GRAD E

FALL: Flag Football WINTER: Basketball

SPRING: Tennis

Learn more at WWW.WESLEYANSCHOOL.ORG/LEAGUES

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

peachtreecornerslife

Education & Experiences

KNOWLEDGE

NHS Band Leader Finds a Home to Breed Success

hat started as a response to an ad for a private trumpet instructor has turned into a career in music for Lee Newman, Band Director at Norcross High School (NHS). Lee began his career in music at Ebert County High school in 2003. “I had zero desire to be a band director while I was an undergrad at UGA. Then one day I answered an ad for a private trumpet instructor at a local high school. During that time, I realized how much people needed music,” Newman said. “At first, it was simply the joy of the students discovering music. I soon realized that I was not teaching music as much as I was teaching students through music.” Approximately 3,000 students have participated in the NHS Band since Newman began at the school in 2011, though the band program has been an integral part of NHS culture for over 30 years. It currently serves over 240 students with options that include color guard, chamber ensembles and marching band. The program has been consistently successful. This past year, the NHS band had 26 students place in the District 13 Honor Bands, 10 in the Georgia All State bands and orchestras, three in the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, two in the Metro Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble and five participated in the Gwinnett Youth Orchestra. Additionally, the NHS Wind Symphony was selected as one of the top concert bands in the country with their selection to the Music for All National Concert Festival in 2018. The main focus of the band program is to inspire and support music education experiences and enrich students’ lives. “Students have changed with the advent of technology. The students have more information available to them to learn and become better than previous generations,” Newman said. “At the same time, technology has created a generation of students that are isolated. They spend less time interacting with other people ‘live’ and in person. It’s more important now than ever to have activities such as band that have students working together to achieve a goal.” Newman reflected on how he personally changed throughout the years. “When I started teaching, everything was about achieving and checking off tasks. I was very concerned about ‘winning’ and the perception of my peers and the community concerning their definition of ‘success.’ Over the years though, I discovered that for me, personally, the most important thing was to make a positive impact on as many students as possible. Making sure the students feel that they are successful as individuals and as an ensemble is my goal.”

The Sky Is the Limit for these NHS Grads Dawn Andrews, class of 2014 Drum Major at Georgia Tech

Norcross’s Band program was a huge part of her high school experience, according to Dawn Andrews. “From marching band to jazz band to symphonic band to pit orchestra, I wanted to do it all. And I’m so glad I did!,” she said. “It gave me lifelong friends, unique experiences, and it kept me busy doing something that I love.” Dawn’s played piano, flute and piccolo, and she was a drum major at NHS. Her favorite memory is “conducting “We Are the Champions” in the Georgia Dome after our football team won the State Championships in 2012 — and we did it again in 2013!” She noted that band also gave her opportunities for leadership and taught her how to be a good representative; she believes that has carried forward into all the communities that she is a part of now. After graduating from Norcross in 2014, Dawn went on to major in Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech. “During my undergraduate years, I joined the band and was drum major from 2015 through 2018. Just like in high school, band became one of the most special parts of my life,” she said, “and I’m so grateful to the Georgia Tech Marching Band for all the friends, memories and opportunities that it gave me — more than I ever thought possible.” Dawn is currently working on her master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech. She’s planning to graduate in December and move to Los Angeles in 2020 to start a career with SpaceX as a Design Engineer. “Instead of conducting bands, I build rockets now,” Dawn said. “But most importantly, I’m still keeping myself busy doing something that I love!” ■

Parker Buntin, class of 2012 Drum Major at Georgia Tech

Parker Buntin just completed his Masters in Materials Science and Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology following an undergraduate degree in the same field at Georgia Tech. During his college and post graduate career, Parker worked in Texas, England and California and is about to move back to California to work at Virgin Orbit. Parker was actively involved in band throughout his time at both NHS and Georgia Tech. At Norcross, he played trumpet in the marching band, wind symphony, jazz band and brass ensemble. He continued playing trumpet at Georgia Tech in the orchestra, symphonic band, jazz band, new music ensemble and marching band. Parker was also drum major in 2011 at Norcross and from 2013 to 2016 at Georgia Tech. He said his favorite memories from the band were traveling, whether for district and all-state bands at Norcross, for football games at Georgia Tech or for any other opportunity to get out into the world with the band. Two particularly memorable trips were the Orange Bowl trip in December, 2014 and the Dublin, Ireland trip in 2016. According to Parker, his experiences in band at NHS and Georgia Tech left him with strong friendships and lasting memories, and he’s thankful for them. He hopes the students in the band community continue to work hard and enjoy their time in band, because the excellence of the program is something special that they will remember long after graduation. ■ Photos courtesy of Marilyn Whitmer

August/September 2019 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

Taylor Kay, class of 2012 During Taylor Kay’s time at Norcross High School, he participated in the NHS Wind Symphony, marching band, jazz band and the Gwinnett County Youth Symphony. After graduating from NHS, Taylor attended Georgia State where music earned him scholarships from the School of Music. He earned a spot in the GSU Marching Band where he performed in the 2012 Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. and the 2014 88th Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. Taylor also played in the GSU Wind Orchestra for two years.

In 2016, Taylor transferred to the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, N.D. where he now majors in Aeronautical Sciences — Commercial Aviation. He is currently a commercial pilot working on his Airline Transport Pilot ratings, and he’ll flight instruct for the University before moving on as a first officer for SkyWest Airlines. Ultimately, Taylor hopes to return home to Atlanta and fly for Delta Airlines. ■

Kate Tabeling, class of 2016 Drum Major at UGA

Throughout her years in band, Kate Tabeling has gone from a drum major in high school, a section leader in college to a drum major in college. Due to UGA’s football achievements, she has been able to travel cross country to march at the Rosebowl and play at the National Championship. “My past seven years in marching band have shaped who I am as a person and a leader,” Kate said. “I had to lead groups both large and small in rehearsals, teach students how to march, plan rehearsals, communicate with directors and students and so much more.” She added that each of the tasks taught her different ways to organize, communicate and inspire. “When leading the Redcoat Band next season, I’ll apply all that I’ve learned from my freshman year of high school and continue to grow during my final season. ■

Beavan Zulu, class of 2017 Drum Major at Georgia State, Conductor with Phantom Regiment

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for band,” Beavan Zulu said. “Through band, I learned many lessons on patience, team work and perseverance.” He said that band also helped to make him a leader. Without it, “I wouldn’t know how to manage my time or efficiently maximize the time I have to reap the greatest benefits. I wouldn’t know that for a group to follow a leader, the leader first has to make personal connections with those he’s leading. I wouldn’t know that leadership carries on even when off duty.” Beaven sums it up with, “I wouldn’t be half the leader or the person that I am today without the invaluable experiences I’ve acquired through band.” ■

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Cornerstone Christian Academy Teacher Appointed to SRC Physical education teacher Austin McDonald, of Cornerstone Christian Academy, was recently appointed by Governor Kemp to the Georgia State Rehabilitation Council. During his seven years as a teacher in public and private schools, he has provided encouragement and helped students overcome their barriers. The Georgia State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) is a federally mandated council composed of Georgia citizens from across the state to represent a broad range of individuals with disabilities and stakeholders. SRC collaborates with the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency to develop plans for services and make recommendations to assist individuals with disabilities achieve employment and independence. ■

Graduations held at International Charter Academy International Charter Academy of Georgia held its first Kindergarten and Fifth Grade Class graduations at the school campus on June 5. The theme of the celebration was “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” and light refreshments were served after the ceremony. ■

Paul Duke STEM High School Teacher Attends LiftOff Summer Institute Rebecca May, a computer science teacher at Paul Duke STEM High School, was selected to participate in the week-long LiftOff Summer Institute held in June at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Tex. LiftOff 2019’s theme is “The Legacy of Apollo!” The program is sponsored by NASA’s Texas Space Grant Consortium and selects teachers to conduct experiments, tour facilities and network with other educators while sharing innovative lesson plans and ideas. Chosen teachers have the rare opportunity to spend a week working with professional scientists and engineers at the cutting-edge of space exploration. ■ peachtreecornerslife

peachtreecornerslife

Precision Pain Relief Center Spine & Injury Center

Dr. Capoferri has served the Peachtree Corners area since 1982, helping thousands with accurate diagnosis, prognosis and treatments for auto accidents, sports injuries and slip and fall injuries. Spine and Injury Center utilizes the most high-tech proven equipment and methods to achieve the best outcomes in the most challenging cases. Dr. Capoferri has developed a team of dedicated specialists including neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons and pain management specialists that work together to accomplish better outcomes.

Call or go online today for your expert care: 770.448.4742 or drcapoferri.com “Spine pain management without dangerous opioids, Neurosurgery without the knife” 6316 Spalding Drive, Suite 1, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

Donald A. Capoferri, D.C., DAAMLP, BCN, FSBT ■ Fellowship trained in Spine Trauma ■ Fellowship trained in Spinal Biomechanics ■ Fellowship trained in Spinal Neuroradiology

OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS (at time of printing) PLATINUM Wesleyan School GOLD Peachtree Corners Magazine Zurn Plumbing Relationship Recovery Center The Piedmont Bank Gym Source Gwinnett Medical Center Christ The King Lutheran Church The Joint Chiropractic

Integrative Physical Therapy SILVER Nix Bryson & Assoc. CPAs Mojitos Bistro Pediatric Assoc. of North Atlanta Debbie Timm -Atlanta Fine Homes Peachtree Corners Business Assoc. Greater Atlanta Christian LeafFilter Grace 1720 Imagix Dental

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August/September 2019 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

SPACES

Real Estate & Home

Apartment Homes in the Peachtree Corners Area

There is no shortage of quality rental housing in Peachtree Corners. Offering a lock-and-leave lifestyle, apartments can be a good choice for people who prefer the convenience, flexibility and low maintenance that apartments often provide. 3500 The Vine

closets and lofty ceilings. Among the range of amenities are a jogging trail and two resort-inspired pools.

Corners at Holcomb Bridge Apartments

770-441-0151, 3500thevine.com

The Centre at Peachtree Corners

3680 Corners Mill Drive Peachtree Corners 30092

Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 3 bedrooms/2 baths.

3325 Holcomb Bridge Road Peachtree Corners 30092

770-449-0660 cornersatholcombbridge.com

Amenities include a pool, playground, pet friendly, barbecue picnic area and business center.

770-448-9748 centreatpeachtreecorners.com

Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 3 bedrooms/2.5 baths.

Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath apartments to 3 bedrooms/2.5 bath townhouses.

Amenities include a pool, playground, pet park, smoke free, sport court and picnic area.

Amenities include a pool, pet friendly, wi-fi café, lounge, clubhouse and fitness center.

The quality options at Corners at Holcomb Bridge are designed to make residents feel at home. Spacious floor plans include private balconies and patios, breakfast bars and eat-in kitchens.

3500 Peachtree Corners Circle Peachtree Corners 30092

The apartment homes have modern interiors and are conveniently located near I-85 and I-285. Resident privileges include access to a fitness center and clubhouse with a wi-fi café.

The Atlantic Medlock Bridge 2200 Montrose Parkway Peachtree Corners 30092 855-912-6552 medlockbridgeliving.com Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 2 bedrooms/2 baths. Amenities include pool with sun deck, playground, bark park, sports court and carwash. Newly renovated, The Atlantic Medlock Bridge apartment homes feature stainless steel appliances, plank flooring and fireplaces. Among the many amenities are a lighted tennis court and cybercafé.

The Centre at Peachtree Corners Apartments have 11 floor plans to choose from, and they come with a wide range of features. The apartment homes have been recently renovated and offer easy access to major roads and highways.

The Columns at Peachtree Corners 3400 Peachtree Corners Circle Peachtree Corners 30092 844-381-7035 www.columnsapartments.com/apartments/ga/norcross/concepts-21-thecorners/index.aspx?p=1

The Atlantic Peachtree Corners

Floor plans range from studio to 3 bedrooms/2 baths.

3383 Holcomb Bridge Road Peachtree Corners 30092

Amenities include a pool, playground, pet play area, nature trail, clubhouse and tennis court.

866-995-4229 atlanticpeachtreecorners.com Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 3 bedrooms/2.5 baths. Amenities include a pool, play area, dog park, sports court and herb garden.

Barrington Hills 3352 Chelsea Park Lane Peachtree Corners 30092

The Columns is located in a park-like setting that’s near public transportation. Among the many features are spacious floor plans with screened porches and sunrooms.

Corners at 1700 1700 Hunter Ridge Lane Peachtree Corners 30092 770-763-7039, cornersat1700.com

770-263-7239 liveatbarringtonhills.com

Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 3 bedrooms/2 baths.

Amenities include 2 pools, playground, pet friendly, 2 tennis courts and picnic area.

Amenities include 2 pools with waterfalls, playground, pet friendly and tennis court. A beautiful community, Barrington Hills boasts elite features like oversized

Peachtree Corners 30092

Country Club 3256 Medlock Bridge Road Peachtree Corners 30092

770-637-9520, fieldsatpeachtreecorners.com Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 3 bedrooms/2.5 baths. Amenities include a pool, playground, pet-friendly, tennis and volleyball courts and clubhouse.

Lakeside Retreat at Peachtree Corners 3600 Park Lake Lane Peachtree Corners 30092 770-691-5614 lakesideretreatapartments.com Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 2 bedroom/2 baths. Amenities include a pool, 2 playgrounds, pet-friendly, soccer and tennis courts and clubhouse.

Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 3 bedrooms/2 baths.

There are four distinct floor plans for the spacious apartments. Each home boasts elegance and function along with a list of top-quality features. The premier location offers easy access to everything in the metro Atlanta area.

Amenities include a pool, pet-friendly, fitness center and double tennis court.

Medlock Woods Apartments

770-406-6497 countryclubapthomes.com

The Fields Peachtree Corners Apartment Homes 6520 Hillandale Drive

5151 Beverly Glen Village Lane Peachtree Corners 30092 844-224-6363 medlockwoodsapts.com Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1

Echo Lakeside 510 Guthridge Court, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-417-8838, echolakeside.com Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 2 bedrooms/2 baths. Amenities include a pool, boat dock, dog park, cybercafé and hiking/ biking trail. The pet-friendly apartment homes at Echo Lakeside boast open kitchens with granite countertops and a stainless-steel appliance package. Private fenced-in yards are included with select units.

Residents of the classic, renovated apartments at Corners at 1700 enjoy private patios and balconies, plenty of closet space and wood floors. Outside, there’s lush, mature landscaping.

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

peachtreecornerslife

bath to 3 bedrooms/2 baths. Amenities include a pool, pet-friendly, fitness center, recreation court and clubhouse.

Park at Peachtree Corners Apartment Homes 3341 Peachtree Corners Circle Peachtree Corners 30092 833-832-0261 bhmanagement.com/communities/ park-at-peachtree-corners-apartments Floor plans range from studio to 2 bedroom/2 baths. Amenities include a pool, playground, bark park, gated community and business center. A carefree rental lifestyle awaits residents. There’s quick access to major transportation arteries, and a short back door route to the best shopping, dining and entertainment the area has to offer.

Park Trace Apartments 3450 Jones Mill Road Peachtree Corners 30092 470-880-5979 myparktraceapartments.com Floor plans range from studios to 3 bedrooms/2 baths. Amenities include a pool, dog park and fitness center.

The Reserve at Peachtree Corners

Rosemont Peachtree Corners

Be Cool

3655 Westchase Village LanePeachtree Corners 30092

Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 3 bedrooms/2 baths. Amenities include 2 pools, playground, dog park, soccer field and fitness center.

Veranda Estates Apartment Homes

770-696-4189

6516 Spalding Drive Peachtree Corners 30092

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770-869-2689 verandaestatesapts.com Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 3 bedrooms/2 baths. Amenities include a pool, playground fortress, pet friendly and tennis court. Residents can choose among newly renovated set on 20 acres of rolling, wooded reserve with a two-acre lake. Veranda Estates Apartment Homes offers the feel of a retreat with the convenience of a metro Atlanta location.

Veranda Knolls Apartment Homes 100 Ivey Park Lane Peachtree Corners 30092 770-830-4168, verandaknollsapts.com

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Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 3 bedrooms/2 baths. Amenities include a pool, sun deck, pet friendly, laundry center and clubhouse.

770-637-9371 reserveatpeachtreecorners.com

Floor plans at Veranda Knolls offer homes that feature private balconies and patios as well as walk-in closets. Residents take advantage of the swimming pool with sun deck and a fitness center.

Amenities include 7-acre fishing lake, playground, pet friendly and gated entrance.

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3495 Jones Mills Road Peachtree Corners 30092

Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 3 bedrooms/2 baths.

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Wynfield Trace 100 Wynfield Trace Peachtree Corners 30092

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770-263-6631 wynfieldtraceapartments.com Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 3 bedrooms/2 baths. Amenities include a pool, pet-friendly, fitness studio and picnic grilling areas.

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The distinctive apartment homes are set amid private, mature wooded areas and manicured landscaping. Designer touches include large eat-in kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces and faux wood plank flooring. ■

MrHandyman.com (770) 852-5453

Serving Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Peachtree Corners

August/September 2019 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

Senior Living The Mansions at Sandy Springs Senior Independent Living 7300 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092 678-684-6990, mansionsseniorliving.com Floor plans range from 1 bedroom/1 bath to 2 bedrooms/2 baths, with patios or balconies. Amenities include a private dining room, gated courtyards, pet-friendly and wellness center. In the independent living apartments, seniors receive chef-prepared meals several time a day, as well as regularly scheduled housekeeping. All utilities are included, and curated social activities are designed to suit every taste. Parc at Duluth 3315 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Duluth 30096 770-622-6880, parcatduluth.com Floor plans range from studios to 2 bedrooms/2 baths. Amenities include a heated lap pool, 24-hour concierge service and a fitness/ aerobics center. Active seniors get all the benefits of independent living in a gated community with full-restaurant dining and two full-time club directors. Services include weekly housekeeping and linen service and scheduled transportation. Village Park Peachtree Corners Senior Living 5701 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-416-0502, villageparkseniorliving.com Floor plans range from studio to 2 bedrooms/2 baths, some with balconies. Amenities include a café, pet-friendly, garden, walking paths and health spa. Seniors enjoy independent living in luxury apartment homes that feature fully appointed kitchens with stainless steel appliances. Two daily meals, weekly housekeeping and an Emergency Response System are included. ■

World-Class Marketing | World-Class Service We take great pride in using our expertise, resources and global connections to perfectly unite extraordinary homes with the extraordinary buyers who will cherish them as we do.

Passionate about serving our community. Passionate about serving you!

AL AN KAP L AN c. 404.909.6000 o. 770.442.7300 alankaplan@atlantafinehomes.com atlantafinehomes.com | sir.com

©MMXIX Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

New Phase of Townhomes Now Available in Peachtree Corners A new phase of townhomes at Terraces at Peachtree Corners are now selling, according to Taylor Morrison, a leading national homebuilder and developer. The homes are priced from the low $400,000s and feature spacious open floor plans with approximately 2,400 square feet of living space. Terraces at Peachtree Corners offers low-maintenance living behind a private, gated entrance. The townhomes include gourmet kitchens with granite countertops and owner’s suites with spa baths. All designs include Taylor Morrison’s high standards of construction quality and can be personalized. “The Terraces at Peachtree Corners offers a unique opportunity to own a home in the highly desirable Peachtree Corners area, in an intimate, chic setting at attractive prices,” said Shawn Cate, vice president of sales and marketing for Taylor Morrison’s Atlanta division. Future residents at Terraces at Peachtree Corners will have access to many amenities, including a sparkling pool with cabana, fire pit and a gathering area overlooking the central neighborhood lawn. The community also has direct access to the Peachtree Corners Multi-Use trail that connects residents with running and biking trails, recreation and parks, shops, restaurants and office parks. For more information, visit Terraces at Peachtree Corners or call 770-741-0218. ■

Peachtree Corners Multifamily Asset Trades Hands CBRE, a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company, has arranged the sale of a 308-unit multifamily property in Peachtree Corners. The Corners at 1700 traded from M Banks Realty, a Sage Equities subsidiary, to Bridge Investment Group. “Gwinnett County is a titan of economic development,” said Shea Campbell, an Executive Vice President with CBRE’s Southeast Multifamily group, who represented the seller. “Though just outside of the Gateway85 Community Improvement District, Corners 1700 reaps the benefits of the organization, which is poised to improve the surrounding area by raising property values and providing economic development incentives.” Atlanta’s multifamily market continues to rank among the top performing markets in the U.S. As one of the fastest-growing job and population growth markets, Atlanta draws multifamily investors nationally and internationally. The multifamily market is expected to continue to thrive as the city attracts more residents, corporations and entertainment. ■

peachtreecornerslife

COMMUNITY

Light Up the Corners: A Fun Way to Help Families By Annie Fogle

he Fowler YMCA has been a pillar of the Peachtree Corners community for the past 22 years, and a part of that longstanding relationship is the annual Light Up The Corners Fun Run. The race, which has been described by its organizers as a “glowing, flashing, blinking, shining nighttime running party and fundraiser,” is known for its decked out, neon outfits and high energy participants, but, in reality, the roots of the race run much deeper. Since its establishment in 1997, the Fowler YMCA has always been more than a fitness center. The organization works with the members of our community to provide assistance for financially challenged children and families, giving them the chance to participate in programs and services to help them be successful in school and life. By participating in the race, as an athlete, sponsor or volunteer, the citizens of Peachtree Corners are given the opportunity to support this cause and better the lives of fellow community members. The race starts in the Forum, located in the heart of Peachtree Cor-

Book Notes

Peachtree Corners Library Top Reads June /July 2019 TOP TEN CIRCULATING FICTION MYSTERY BOOKS CIRCULATED IN MAY AND JUNE 2019 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

The Fallen by David Baldacci Long Road to Mercy by David Baldacci Past Tense: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child Never Tell by Lisa Gardner The Woman in the Window (a novel) by A. J. Finn The Chef by James Patterson The Perfect Stranger: a novel by Miranda Megan The Reckoning by John Grisham Triple Jeopardy: a Daniel Pitt novel by Anne Perry An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks

ners, and gives runners an exceptional view of the city. For both events — The 4-Mile Run and Twilight Trot 1K — runners are encouraged to dress up in their brightest outfits, but the fun doesn’t stop there. After the race, there will be contests for the “glowiest” men, women, boys, girls and teams. Whether you consider yourself a fast runner, casual jogger or devoted walker, everyone is invited to be a part of the excitement. Sponsorships are an integral part of making the race successful. In the words of Amy Massey, this year’s race coordinator, “We couldn’t put on this cool PTC event without the generous support of our sponsors and the local business community.” She added that she hopes everyone takes the time to thank those who donated because their selfless contributions are also put toward critical funding for the YMCA’s programs. The 1k Twilight Trot will begin at 8 p.m., followed by the 4 Mile Glow Run at 8:30 p.m. And remember, this race welcomes runners of all ages to come and participate — strollers included! So pack up your family and join us for a night of lights, laughter and fun in Peachtree Corners. ■

TOP TEN NON-FICTION BOOKS CIRCULATED IN MAY AND JUNE 2019 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance Homebody: a Guide to Creating Spaces you Never Want to Leave by Joanna Gaines Courageous faith: My Story from a Life of Obedience by Charles F. Stanley Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris Things that Matter: Three Decades of Passions, Pastimes and Politics by Charles Krauthammer Whisky in a Teacup: What Growing up Taught Me About Life, Love, and Baking Biscuits by Reese Witherspoon Aristotle’s Way: How Ancient Wisdom Can Change Your Life by Edith Hall At the Southern Table with Paula Dean: 150 Classic Recipes to Share with Your Family and Friends by Paula Dean Cracking the GRE 2019: The Princeton Review Cravings: Recipes for all the Food You Want to Eat by Chrissy Teigen

August/September 2019 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Featured Ongoing Events at the Peachtree Corners Branch Gwinnett County Public Library Common Threads: Bi-Weekly Fiber Arts Meet-up Mondays, August 12 & 26 and September 9 & 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Teens and adults are welcome to bring their current project and connect with other fiber artists at a bi-weekly meet-up. Peachtree Corners Writers Group Thursdays, August 1 & 15, September 12 & 26, 6-7 p.m. Share your work, learn some new tricks or just talk about your writing during these bi-monthly meetings. ■

Summer Living at it’s Finest DRIVE SAFE GEORGIA Two Convenient Locations

NORCROSS HIGH SCHOOL & PEACHTREE CORNERS “YOUR ONE STOP DRIVING SHOP” – OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

DEFENSIVE DRIVING DUI - RISK REDUCTION COURSE LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING CLINICAL ASSESSMENTS COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS REGISTER AT

WWW.DRIVESAFEGA.COM 770-749-7799 DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE NORCROSS LOCATION NORCROSS HIGH SCHOOL 5300 Spalding Drive Norcross, GA 30092

DUI/ RISK REDUCTION COURSE PEACHTREE CORNERS LOCATION 3850 Holcomb Bridge Road Bldg. 100, Suite 110 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

At Christ the King, led by God’s Spirit, we encourage one another to grow in a life-shaping relationship with Jesus. Out of gratitude for what Christ has done for us, we Celebrate Faith, Choose Community, and Join the Mission, sharing our time, talent, and treasure.

Won’t you join us? 8:45 AM Traditional Worship 10 AM Faith Formation 11 AM Contemporary Worship 5575 Peachtree Parkway Peachtree Corners 30092

770-449-1211 ctklutheran.org

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Miss Peachtree Corners headed to the Miss Georgia Teen Pageant Briyana Kornegay, the current Miss Peachtree Corners USA, will compete in the Miss Georgia Teen Pageant 2020 this November in McDonough, Ga. The 16-year-old Norcross High School student works at Sky Zone Trampoline Park. She said that she is most proud of “staying an honor student throughout my whole academic career while I balanced working and the many challenges of my life.” Kornegay said she strongly supports women’s rights and hopes to eventually become an obstetrician-gynecologist. ■

GCPL and Vision to Learn Provide Eye Exams and Free Glasses for Students Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL) and Vision to Learn is providing free eye exams and eyeglasses to students in Gwinnett County this summer. Vision to Learn provides free eye screenings, eye exams and glasses for school-age youth living in low income communities in six states. The non-profit has served more than 80,000 youth at its mobile clinics. Vision to Learn estimates that 24,000 school-age youth need eye glasses in the metro Atlanta area. To address this problem, Gwinnett County Public Library will host five days of free eye screenings and exams this summer. Eye screenings and exams have been held throughout July at various branches including the Lilburn, Centerville, Lawrenceville, Norcross and Buford branches. On Friday, August 2, eye screening and exams will be provided 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Snellville Branch, 2740 Lenora Church Road, Snellville, Ga. 30078. Registration is required. Registration forms can be found on GCPL’s website, gwinnettpl.org. For more info, please call 770-978-5154. ■

peachtreecornerslife

INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS

From the Mayor’s Desk

Creating a Monument to Honor Our Veterans On Saturday, June 15, the city’s dedicated the new veterans’ monument and unveiled the sculptures that represent each of the branches of our Armed Forces. The monument, which is located on the Town Green at the new Town Center, also tells the stories of the countless

Army man! Who else would be able to take on this gargantuan project not realizing how hard it would be, yet get the job done. I knew just the right guy. We called Bob Ballagh, a retired U.S. Army colonel and long-time Peachtree Corners resident, who agreed to take the job. It would require organization, countless meetings, fundraisers, discovering ways to connect with veterans and a lot of outreach efforts to make it all happen. Under Bob’s direction, the Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument Association was formed. In the spring of 2015, he gathered like-minded men and women to serve as a board of directors and enlisted about two dozen volunteers to help get the project off the ground. After numerous discussions, it was decided the most fitting location for the monument would be to place it prominently on the Town Green at the Town Center.

citizens and community members who heeded the call to serve. The idea for a monument to recognize the men and women who have served or are serving our country began with a conversation with one of our councilmembers, Alex Wright. Like me, Alex served in the U.S. Navy. He called me to relay a story about a WWII veteran he had met at our YMCA just days before. After serving in WWII the veteran, now well into his 90s, went on to serve in the Korean War and in between wars swam for his country on the Olympics team in 1948. That meeting with the WWII vet brought up an important question. When this veteran passes away, his story will die with him. Alex asked, “How do we capture his story?” And with that question, we began to think about constructing a veterans’ monument to honor our veterans. Like any big initiative, there are some pretty big problems. We didn’t have any money, and we didn’t’ have any land but, we did have the technology to create a living monument. But how to begin such a large project – and more importantly – who could we ask to take on this monumental task? As Alex jokingly said during the flag-raising at the grand opening of the Town Center in April, “Who can we bamboozle into taking on this project?” Both of us agreed -- it had to be an

The monument features a 2,500 squarefoot plaza, a central pillar with an eagle atop the globe which represents the presence of the U.S. Armed Forces around the world, five sculptures to represent each of the branches, and one sculpture to honor the veterans of the National Guard, Federal Reserves and Merchant Marines. The bronze sculptures have been created by renowned artist Chad Fisher who graciously donated the sculptures. The monument includes an interactive component to identify and recognize the service of the veterans of our city, which is the “living monument” piece I mentioned earlier. We added this feature so that their stories will live on. The monument also features engraved stone benches and the plaza is lined with customized brick pavers honoring loved ones. It is our wish that this monument helps all our citizens, especially our children, know the stories of those who have served. Please visit the Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument the next time you are at the Town Center. It is located on the city’s new Town Green. Sincerely, 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 40,000 residents and 2,300 businesses.

Peachtree Corners City Hall 310 Technology Parkway Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 Telephone: 678-691-1200 June/ July 2019 ■ Inside Peachtree Corners

INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS For Everyone’s Enjoyment, Please Follow the Town Green Rules The Town Green is a gathering area designed for the community’s enjoyment. There are a few guidelines that must be followed to ensure a safe and fun time for everyone. Please read: 1. Town Center is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (No overnight camping is allowed.) 2. Leave things as you found them. (Pick up after yourself and anyone you brought with you. Return furniture from where you got it.) 3. Behave as if your mother is watching (because she could be… there are cameras everywhere.) 4. Don’t bring prohibited items: • Glass bottles and glass containers of any kind • Barbecue grills • Fireworks, sparklers, and candles

• Smoking, vaping, and all tobacco products • Illegal substances and drugs • Sound amplifiers • Only for ‘Last Saturday Of the Month’ concerts: No Pets (except service animals) and no coolers larger than 12 quarts (up to 18 can capacity). [Both pets and larger coolers are allowed at other times.] • Motorized vehicles including scooters and golf carts (unless used by individuals with mobility impairments or with permission from the City for special events) 5. Don’t stake or attach items to the ground or to fixtures. Items such as umbrellas, tents, and signs are not allowed. 6. Leave your mark on the world, but not on the Town Green: don’t use chalk, crayons, markers, etc. on any surface.

PEACHTREE CORNERS

Guests are expected to behave respectfully and in accordance with Town Green policy, and state and local laws. Any guest acting in a manner that is deemed unsafe may be subject to eviction. Contact Community Development Director, Diana Wheeler via email at dwheeler@ peachtreecornersga.gov or by telephone, 678691-1200 with any questions.

PEACHTREE CORNER

How to Keep Up with Upcoming Events Now that the Town Green is open, you may expect a slate of activities, concerts and other events to take place on the Town Green throughout the year. Events are posted on the City Calendar which is located on the City’s website, (www. peachtreecornersga.gov). To ensure you don’t miss out on any of the upcoming events, sign up to receive email reminders. It’s easy to subscribe. On the city’s website, click on the link at the top of the page labeled “ Notify Me!,” select eNotifications, then select the topics you are interested in. Email notices are sent out six days in advance of the event.

Labor Day Holiday Trash and Recycle Pickup Schedule This year Labor Day is observed on Monday, September 2, which means there will be no garbage and recycle pickup on this day. All pickup days for Labor Day Holiday week will be moved forward one day. If your pickup date is Monday, it will be moved to Tuesday, those who receive service on Tuesday will have a Wednesday pickup and so forth. Residents scheduled for Friday pickup will receive service on Saturday. This schedule change only applies to this week. For questions Contact Waste Management by email at southatlantic-cs@wm.com or by telephone: 404-794-6707.

Inside Peachtree Corners ■ June/ July 2019 ■ peachtreecornersga.gov

Complete 2020 Census Online When the 2020 Census Day arrives on April 1 of next year, U.S. residents, for the first time, will be able to complete their census questionnaire online. Residents can also complete the survey by phone or by mail. Be sure to report each person living in your household. For more information visit www.2020census.gov.

peachtreecornersga

PtreeCorners

INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS

City Receives Prestigious Help Our Environment - Take the Plastic-Free Challenge Financial Reporting Award Single-use plastics are everywhere, from the The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (CAFR) has been awarded to the city of Peachtree Corners’ Finance Department by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its 2018 comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). This is the second distinguished financial management award the city has received this year. In May, the Finance Department and its Finance Director was presented with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from GFOA. This award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff in meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. It was the second straight year the city received this award. By earning the budget award and the annual financial report award in the same reporting period, it propels the city into a category in which less than three percent (3%) of municipalities nationally can claim. These two awards highlight Peachtree Corners’ highest commitment to annual financial management. The CAFR achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. Its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement was also presented to Brandon Branham, the city’s Financial Director, as the team leader in preparing the CAFR. “It is an honor to receive the CAFR award,” said Brandon Branham, Finance Director for the city of Peachtree Corners. “The city’s Finance Department works diligently to ensure the financial records are clear, transparent and easily understood by everyone.” The CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to communicate its financial story and motivate potential users to read the CAFR. “Deciphering city financial reports can be a challenge so receiving this award is significant as it confirms the city’s efforts in ensuring the financial records are easy to comprehend,” said City Manager, Brian Johnson. The GFOA is a non-profit professional association servicing the needs of approximately 20,000 appointed and elected local, state, and provincial-level government officials and other finance practitioners.

water bottle on your desk, the plastic bags you use at the grocery store to the disposable eating utensils, plastic cups, lids and straws you use. But single-use plastics (SUP) are a hazard to the environment because most are not biodegradable which means they will take a long time to breakdown. Additionally, they leave behind harsh chemicals and particles. There are many ways to help reduce or eliminate the use of these types of plastics by using: ■ Cloth bags for your trips to the grocery store ■ Reusable water bottles ■ Reusable storage containers and utensils ■ Use a soda stream with reusable cups/personal bottle ■ Use your own reusable mug when you order coffee ■ When grocery shopping, look for ways to purchase items with little or no plastic materials/packaging such as loose fruits and veggies ■ Invest in bamboo toothbrushes or degradable materials ■ Purchase in bulk ■ When at the grocery store, attempt to purchase items with little to no plastic materials/packaging such as loose fruits and veggies ■ Invest in bamboo toothbrushes or degradable materials

Learn More There are a number of websites with additional information. Search “Reduce Use of SUP” for more.

Yard Waste and Bulk Pickup Guidelines Yard Waste

Service Information Yard waste pickup is offered on a subscription basis through Waste Management. Residents may place up to 10 bags, bundled limbs or the combination of the two at the curb for pickup. Service Schedule Weekly. Container Setout Instructions Places bags/limbs on the street by 6 a.m. on collection day. Set up New Residential Service Call Waste Management (404) 794-6707, Toll Free (888) 964-9730 or Email SouthAtlantic-CS@wm.com Service Instructions & Limitations Maximum of 10 bags, bundled limbs or the combination of the two. Acceptable and Non-Acceptable Materials Acceptable items include grass clippings, leaves, tree branches (broken into a manageable length), and brush. Non-acceptable items include dirt, stone, concrete, rock. No limbs larger than 4in. in diameter. Cut, bundled and tie limbs at 50 lbs. maximum weight and 4 foot maximum length.

Be sure to visit the city’s new YouTube Channel Peachtree Corners Network at Youtube.com/peachtreecornersnetwork

Report a Missed Pickup If bags and limbs were curbside by the specified time and were not collected, report a missed pickup via email, southatlantic-cs@ wm.com or by telephone, 404-794-6707.

Bulky Collection Service Guidelines Waste Management provides collection of bulk waste on a prescheduled , prepaid basis. Cost per bulk item is $25.00. Schedule a Bulky Item Pickup Call Waste Management (404) 794-6707, Toll Free (888) 964- 9730. Acceptable and Non-Acceptable Bulky Item Materials Acceptable items include furniture and large household trash. Non-acceptable items include tires, batteries, paints, oils, construction debris, chemicals of any kind, Freon, rock, sand, gravel, dirt, logs, carpet, hazardous or medical waste. For questions contact Waste Management by email at southatlantic-cs@wm.com or by telephone, 404-794-6707.

June/ July 2019 ■ Inside Peachtree Corners

INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS Lightning Safety Tips for Homeowners It’s that time of year again, the clash of cool air from the north with warm air from the gulf gives us the inevitable strong thunderstorms. These storms can cause untold damage to your home and electronics inside. The National Weather Service brochure “Georgia’s Underrated Killer – Facts and ways to keep you and your home safe” lists Georgia as the 8th highest state in terms of density of lightning strikes per square mile. In Georgia, over 1,500 fires per year are caused by lightning and some 2 million acres of forest are lost. A few lightning facts: Lightning is a powerful burst of electricity that occurs in all thunderstorms. On average, a single lightning bolt is hotter than the surface of the sun and can reach temperatures around 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. A lightning bolt has enough electricity to power a 100-watt light bulb for three months! One quarter of all lightning strikes are from the cloud to the ground. When lightning strikes the ground, it seeks out the shortest path to something with a positive charge, which might be a tree, building, house, or even you. What can you do to help reduce the chance of damage to your home or injury to you and your family? The Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) recommends protecting your valuable electronic equipment by using dependable Surge Protectors (not the $5 power strip) listed for lightning protection for both the power and cable/phone. The cost of point of use surge protectors will vary, but if you are interested in protecting your equipment, this is your best bet, or you can ask Georgia Power about their surge defender system that can be installed for a small monthly fee. This will help protect your appliances and electronics but will not stop the threat of fire from a direct strike.

To protect your property, it is recommended to install a Lightning Protection System (lightning rods on your roof). A good lightning protection system for the house can run $2,500.00 to over $4,000.00. How Lightning protection systems work: A home lightning protection system consists of air terminals, conductor cables, and ground rods. The air terminals, which are also referred to as lightning rods, serve as the strike receptor. They come in many shapes and sizes. The conductor cables are heavy braided copper or aluminum cables connected to the air terminals and run across the top, edges of the roof and down the side of the structure to the ground rods. They carry the lightning current from the air terminals to the ground rods. The ground rods are thick heavy rods buried deep to provide the lightning strike a safe place for the energy to discharge and dissipate without damaging your structure. The cables and ground rods are the most important components in the system accomplishing the main objective of diverting lightning current safely past a structure. This system should always be installed by a licensed electrician. Hopefully none of us will ever have to deal with the effect of a lightning strike, however it is best to be informed and prepared. Mark Mitchell, Building Official, mmitchell@peachtreecornersga.gov

Inside Peachtree Corners ■ June/ July 2019 ■ peachtreecornersga.gov

Councilmembers Phil Sadd and Weare Gratwick (2nd and 3rd) from left joined Gwinnett County Board of Directors Chairman Charlotte Nash (4th from right, Commissioner Ben Ku (3rd from right), Nick Masino, Senior VP. of Economic Development and Partnership Gwinnnett (back right) and local CarMax representatives in celebrating the grand opening of its new Customer Experience Center. The new offices are located at 5707 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092.

CarMax Opens Customer Center Bringing 300 New Jobs On Wednesday, June 19, city, county and state leaders celebrated the opening of CarMax’s first free-standing Customer Experience Center at its new Peachtree Corners offices. The center offers a new concept in purchasing a car. Customers have the option to purchase a vehicle on their terms, whether they want to buy a car completely from home, in-store, or both. The company employs 300 at the new Customer Experience Center who assist customers over the phone or online to help them find their ideal vehicle, navigate financing, and provide any assistance needed. “We are happy to welcome CarMax to our city,” said Weare Gratwick, Mayor Pro Tem. “Peachtree Corners is strategically located making it an ideal location for companies like CarMax. And as a regional job hub, our city offers businesses a strong pool of potential employees from which to draw.” The new CarMax center occupies 35,000 square feet of a three-story building located at 5707 Peachtree Parkway. CarMax has plans to expand its new Customer Experience Center concept nationwide. The Fortune 500 company has had an established presence in the Atlanta metro area for more than 20 years and currently employs approximately 2,000 Georgians. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

Free Photography and Video Classes for Residents The City is working with Tytan Pictures, an Emmy-award-winning company, to provide instruction on a variety of photography and video topics. The classes cover everything from camera basics, lighting techniques and landscape photography to tips for advanced photographers. Check the city calendar on the city’s website, www. peachtreecornersga.gov, for upcoming classes and information on how to register, location and times. The free classes are available only for those who live or work in the city.

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INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS

Traffic Alert for New Roundabout Construction on the new roundabout at the intersection of Medlock Bridge Road and Peachtree Corners Circle is moving along. Although the project is not completely finished, it is now functioning as a roundabout. Please use caution and watch for the directional signs as you navigate your way through this new circular intersection.

City Commemorates 7th Anniversary with Concert, Fireworks The City of Peachtree Corners officially celebrated its 7th anniversary on Monday, July 1. City leaders, residents and guests celebrated the city’s 7th anniversary two days early with an outdoor concert featuring Queen Nation and a fireworks show at its new Town Center. The mixed-use development officially opened April 27; the Town Center, has already hosted a number of outdoor concerts and other activities. Over 6,000 attended the concert and fireworks show on the Town Green. The city’s Town Center features numerous retail shops, 15 restaurants, a CineBistro dinner theater, and a 2+ acre Town Green. A gathering place for the community, the Town Green features plenty of open space for outdoor concerts, an elevated teak deck that overlooks the Green and children play structures. A number of restaurants feature dining that overlooks the Green, which also includes a 2,500 square-foot Veterans Monument. Site work has begun on 70+ townhomes on six acres adjacent to the Town Green. The 21-acre development is located at 5200 Town Center Boulevard. Thanks to prudent financial management, the city undertook this large-scale project with no additional cost to tax payers. The city will maintain its zero millage rate. Happy 7th anniversary Peachtree Corners.

Tech Park Business Accelerator Gearing Up for Cyber-FinTech Event As transactions move to the digital space, the need to securely process them becomes more important for business. A 2-day event will take place at Atlanta Tech Park in Peachtree Corners Sept. 18-19, bringing cyber security and financial technology firms together for panel discussions, networking, and product discovery. Advancements in cybersecurity and fintech technology play an ever-increasing role in consumer behavior. The ATL Cyber-Fin Global Innovation Challenge will mix the two industries and offer developers an opportunity to win cash prizes. “It is the only global event around Atlanta to offer an opportunity for enterprises and entrepreneurs to share ideas, learn about disruptors and discover all these industries have

to offer,” said Robin Bienfait, founder and CEO of Emnovate and Atlanta Tech Park. “Participating in this event will allow sponsors to see first-hand what new innovation is on the horizon as well as forge alliances with entrepreneurs developing in their space.” Speakers include: ■ Ed Pascua, IAM and Cybersecurity senior advisor Simeo Solutions ■ Jack Barsky, retired KGB spy and IT executive ■ Robin Bienfait, founder and CEO of Emnovate ■ Roop Singh, technology strategist for Intuit Factory. Atlanta Tech Park is located at 107 Technology Parkway. For more information visit ATL Cyber FinTech 2019 or call 470-482-1800.

Be sure to visit the city’s new YouTube Channel Peachtree Corners Network at Youtube.com/peachtreecornersnetwork

June/ July 2019 ■ Inside Peachtree Corners

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Emily Hackett Talks about Her Music and Her Hometown

“M

y dad was constantly playing music around the house,” Emily Hackett said, pushing her wavy hair back behind one ear, “and I just became completely enamored with it. He was that guy who brought his guitar everywhere, so live music was introduced to me at a very young age.” That love for music was strengthened through her involvement in the Norcross High School drama program. “Gina Perish, who everyone loves, was quite the character and became like a second mom to me,” Emily said. “She was the one that showed me what I was really capable of when it came to performing.” Emily also attributes her songwriting success to the collective efforts of her language arts teachers. “At the end of every year, I always left my language arts class having learned something about myself as a writer. Through developing my writing in class, I was able to take some of that skill home and enhance my songs.” Although she was certain of her direction after high school, the journey toward her dreams was not always simple. In fact, in her attempt to establish a professional music career, she often struggled with the concept of finding her own voice and individuality in her work. Looking back, she said that she wishes she knew not to “chase what’s cool” because being different and true to yourself is what makes people successful. She cited artists like Elton John and Billie Eilish, who turned away from the established norms of the industry to create something novel.

By Annie Fogle Photography by Sofia Magana

That individual spin can be heard in Emily’s unique, yet relatable, music. It’s her honest songwriting that not only connects to the hearts of the audience but also helps her move through the trials of her own life. For example, her song “Easy,” which focuses on a past relationship and the hurt that she caused someone, was “therapeutic for her” and gave her the opportunity to convey an important message to her fans. “First, if you’ve been there before, it’s okay. It’s not okay to treat someone that way, but it’s okay to talk about it. Because I think to talk about it, hopefully, will prevent people from wandering into the same mistakes,” she said. And even though Emily shared that it was a difficult song to release and to be honest with herself about, it was written so that other people could feel confident about coming to terms with themselves after a time like that. But a tough experience isn’t always what it takes to make a great song. In fact, Emily claimed her greatest inspirations have come from other artists. “Kacey

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ August/September 2019 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Musgraves, for example. Lately, she’s really just come into her own in a big way. And I’ve always been a fan of hers, especially as a writer, because her music lets you discover things about yourself.” Emily continued, saying that the artists she has collaborated with also have influenced the way she creates new music. “Even though my songwriting process is always different, Nashville is a really collaborative town, so you have to be able to write with other people and let your music grow from that.” By drawing inspiration from the experiences of other writers, Emily is able to add another layer of meaning to her music. This deep emotion gives her fans something very real to connect to, which undoubtedly attributes to her accomplishments as a musician. An example of her success was being named CMT’s Next Woman of Country. She said that the honor of winning the award wasn’t in the recognition alone. “It was an amazing experience, but right now I don’t have management, I

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don’t have a publishing deal, and I don’t have a record label,” she said. “So, for me, the best part about winning was that I was the only one of the nominees that aren’t signed to anyone. It taught me that I can love collaborating and the team mentality, but I don’t need it to be appreciated as an artist.” While she loves having a support system to help her put out her music, Emily has the ability to take her career into her own hands. As years pass and she becomes more and more successful, Emily always makes time to come back home to Peachtree Corners. She said after living in the city of Nashville for almost 10 years, she has come to recognize the suburbs as an exceptional place to grow up. She remembers the welcoming spirit of her hometown, the people of the community and the constant support they gave her as a musician. And staying true to her love of nostalgia, she completes each trip with visits to family favorites like Happy Sumo, Jason’s Deli and Dominick’s. ■

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