Peachtree Corners Magazine - June/July 2021

HAS COVID-19 CHANGED OUR FRIENDSHIP GROUPS? P30

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER? P38

INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS OFFICIAL CITY NEWS►

PEACHTREE CORNERS JUNE/JULY 2021 ISSUE 15

■

LIVINGINPEACHTREECORNERS.COM

MAILED TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD IN THE CITY AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES!

How Five Community Owned Businesses Were Bolstered with Cares Act Money SUMMER READING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY FOR ADULTS AND KIDS PAGE 46

FRESH & REFRESHING — PEACHTREE CORNERS’ BEST SUMMER TREATS PAGE 62

POSTAL CUSTOMER

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

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We also offer in-office dental plans and Care Credit June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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CONTENTS Events First Up

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Cover Story / Business How Five Community-Owned Businesses Were Bolstered with Cares Act Money 14 Business What ARPA Means to Local Nonprofits, People in Need and the Hospitality and Restaurant Industry

20 Business Spotlight: How RX PHYSIO Has Weathered the COVID-19 Storm

29

Community Has COVID-19 Changed Our Friendship Groups?

What It Looks Like a Year Later

30

Stay Cool This Summer

34

Summer Camps Are Back: What to Expect

36

Travel & Leisure

30

What Are You Doing this Summer, Peachtree Corners?

38

Sports & Recreation Q&A with Wesleyan Senior Golfer Jada Richardson

44

Knowledge Summer Reading Recommendations

46

Summer Reading Programs

49

Spaces Working from Home Can Mean a Better Family / Work Balance

60

Nourish

38

Fresh & Refreshing — Peachtree Corners’ Best Summer Treats

62

Equality Eats Here — Peachy Corners Cafe

66

Best Seat in the House Fresh Set of Memorial Bricks Laid at Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument

71

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OFFICIAL CITY NEWS

Inside Peachtree Corners

About the Cover

HAS COVID-19 CHANGED OUR FRIENDSHIP GROUPS? P30

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER? P38

INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS OFFICIAL CITY NEWS►

PEACHTREE CORNERS JUNE/JULY 2021 ISSUE 15 ■ LIVINGINPEACHTREECORNERS.COM

MAILED TO EVERY HOUSEHOLD IN THE CITY!

Pictured on the cover is Luis Fernandez and his son Julian Fernandez at Mojitos Cuban American Bistro at the Forum.

Photography by George Hunter.

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

44

POSTAL CUSTOMER

66

How Five Community Owned Businesses Were Bolstered with Cares Act Money SUMMER READING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY FOR ADULTS AND KIDS PAGE 46

FRESH & REFRESHING — PEACHTREE CORNERS’ BEST SUMMER TREATS PAGE 66

June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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PEACHTREECORNERS EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR & PUBLISHER

RICO FIGLIOLINI CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

KELSEY ASHER EDITOR EMERITUS

KATHY DEAN

THE TEAM & CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE RICO FIGLIOLINI

KELSEY ASHER

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.

Kelsey Asher is a proud graduate of the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Communications. She has held a variety of marketing leadership roles for several small, startup companies in a variety of industries including publishing, construction and technology.

Publisher & Executive Editor

Contributing Editor

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

RITA FIGLIOLINI

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

JULIE DAVIS julie@livinginpeachtreecorners.com

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

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

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

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

June/July 2021 issue Volume 2 Number 15 ©2021 Peachtree Corners Magazine The editors welcome submissions, event listings, achievements and photography. Please direct them to editor@livinginpeachtreecorners.com.

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

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RITA FIGLIOLINI

KATHY DEAN

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

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

Editor Emeritus

Editorial Consultant

JULIE DAVIS

PATRIZIA WINSPER

Account Executive

Writer

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.

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.

JULIE MURCIA

GEORGE HUNTER

Graphic Designer

Photographer

Julie Murcia has been a graphic designer for several years and works with Peachtree Corners Magazine to design ads for our clients.

When she’s not doing that or other freelance work, she operates and owns a dog walking and pet sitting business.

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

MATT BRUCE

MARK WOOLSEY

Matt Bruce was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. He’s been a breaking news and multimedia reporter in Chicago, South Carolina and Florida since 2010.

For over five years, he covered local government and crime for the Daytona Beach News-Journal. Last year he moved to Lilburn, where he lives with his wife.

Mark Woolsey is a communications professional who got hooked on radio and the written word at an early age. He attended Southern Illinois University and went on to pursue a 44-year broadcast career spanning nine states. He has worked as a news anchor, reporter, air personality, traffic reporter and meteorologist.

Writer

Writer

ISADORA PENNINGTON

ELIZABETH SIGMON

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

Elizabeth Sigmon (@_efsigmon) is a junior Creative Writing Major and Music Minor at Young Harris College. She graduated from Norcross High School in 2018. Aside from writing, Elizabeth has been singing and performing as long as she can remember and music will always hold a special place in her heart.

Writer/Photographer

Writer

FERNANDA PIMENTEL

KARL BARHAM

Fernanda Pimental is a Peachtree Corners Magazine intern who attends Paul Duke STEM High School. She enjoys going on walks, scrapbooking and reading good books. Her greatest passions include videography, photography and editing.

Karl Barham’s company, Transworld Business Advisors, specializes in M&A and business valuations. For fun, Karl and his family can be found enjoying the family amenities around Peachtree Corners.

Intern, Videography

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Co-Host on the CAPITALIST SAGE

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GEORGIA CLINIC, PC CARING FOR GENERATIONS, ONE PATIENT AT A TIME

Our Board Certified Physicians provides high quality comprehensive care to meet each patient’s needs Preventive Services and Health Maintenance for men and women

Dr Steven McCuiston Board Certified Internal Medicine

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Annual physicals, Sports physicals, Employment and School physical

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Know your chances of Heart Attack Complimentary Calcium Score For appointment please email at nparikh1950@gmail.com

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Insurances accepted CTAll Scan • Ultrasound • X-Ray Same day Labs and Imaging BoneWalk-ins DensityAccepted • Mammogram

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(opposite J Alexanders restaurant from mall)

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6330 Primrose Hill Ct, Norcross, GA 30092 770-903-0120

www.gaclinicpc.com December 2019/January 2020■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

9

FIRST UP

Events, Programs & Fun Things to Do

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

Important Note: All city events are subject to postponement or cancellation due to current health and safety concerns, as well as other mitigating factors. Please check the city website and calendar for updates and COVID protocols. If reservations, masks and other precautions are required, the city’s website will include all necessary information at least one week before the event. Check peachtreecornersga.gov.

Night Music features live, local bands at the Town Green. To ensure everyone’s safety, Night Music will require reservations this year. Reservations will be available starting May 30 at 10 a.m. for Michelle Malone and June 28 at 10 a.m. for the Sawgrass Blues Band.

Sports on the Screen June 19 and July 17, 24.

Games TBD.

Summer Concert Series Last Saturday of each month through September. 7-9 p.m.

For the safety and convenience of all guests the following items are prohibited on the Town Green: glass containers; fires or barbecue grills; hard-sided or large coolers; large or over-sized bags/backpacks, luggage, or duffel bags; fireworks or sparklers; smoking, vaping or use of any tobacco products; illegal substances or drugs; pets or animals, with the exception of service animals; flying objects, including but not limited to sports balls, flying discs, beach, balls or drones; tents, tables or staking.

No items can be affixed to any park infrastructure.

Flicks on the Green

First Saturday of each month through October. Movies begin at 7 p.m.

June 5 — Ferris Bueller’s Day Off July 3 — Hook Come to the Town Green for Flicks on the Green, a free movie series featuring iconic movies on their anniversary. Bring a blanket and stretch out on the lawn to experience movies under the stars. Grab food from your favorite Town Green restaurants and picnic. Low profile lawn chairs are also allowed.

▲June 26 — On the Border, the ultimate Eagles tribute, treats fans to an authentic concert experience while journeying through The Eagles songbook. The band covers every big hit, from ballads such as “Desperado” and “Lyin’ Eyes” to rockin’ hits such as “Life in the Fast Lane” and “Heartache Tonight.”

Parking is available within the Town Center shopping. Additional parking is available off Davinci Court off Peachtree Corners Circle (3720 Davinci Ct, 3715 Davinci Ct or 2745 Davinci Ct). Cross Peachtree Corners Circle and access the Town Green via a path — look for the signs.

Yoga on the Green

Every Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. through September 28.

June 8, 15, 22, 29 and July 6, 13, 20, 27.

Everyone from beginners to experienced yogis are welcome to this free yoga class taught by David Penn from Sun Dragon Yoga. It is suggested to bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two, and a mat if you have one. Attendees should also wear comfortable clothes that allow a full range of motion; consider a close-fitting shirt, or a shirt that can be tucked in.

Loose shirts float up on forward bends and get in the way of your practice.

Come in whatever shoes you would like, as practice will be done in your bare feet.

Night Music

Second Saturday of each month through September. 7-9 p.m. ◄June 12 — Michelle Malone is an award-winning American singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer in the rock, folk, blues, and pop idioms.

Michelle’s new record, Slings and Arrows is upbeat, defiant and jubilant, with the raw energy and emotion that’s part of her signature sound.

▲July 31 — Dead Letter Office is an international tribute to R.E.M. The band has dedicated themselves to faithfully reproducing the music and energy of a live R.E.M. show. Since 2014, they’ve been thrilling audiences throughout the U.S and Canada. They are the only R.E.M tribute band to have Mike Mills and Peter Buck perform with them on stage.

The third annual Summer Concert Series features bands from across the nation at the Town Green in the Town Center. Admission is free with reservations.

To ensure everyone’s safety Summer Concert Series will require reservations this year. Reservations will be available starting June 13, 10 a.m. for On the Border and July 11, 10 a.m. for Dead Letter Office.

►July 10 — Sawgrass Blues Band, an organic homegrown band from Roswell Georgia, provides a wide variety of originals and covers to get everyone’s toes tapping and feet stomping.

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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The Forum on Peachtree Parway

Atlanta Tech Park

107 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 404-797-1221 | atlantatechpark.com

5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 theforumonpeachtree.com

Community Blood Drive

Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

June 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

It’s always a good time to save a life, right?

Visit The Forum on Friday, June 4 to make a life-saving donation. All collections are kept local, but The Red Cross needs your help to make it happen. Appointments are simple and walk-ins are available, too.

Schedule your donation at redcrossblood. org. Snacks and refreshments will be provided on site.

Self Defense Workshop

June 11, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost is $3.50 per person.

Get to The Forum for self-defense instruction with Lozo Karate and contribute to a wonderful cause. This workshop will be located in the former Kinnucan’s suite next to Aomi Japanese.

Local karate instructor Mr. Goran will lead any interested adults and children in this unique life-saving skill workshop. Guests will learn tips on improving health and developing self-defense skills. Students can also expect to learn about the physical aspects of self-defense and the benefits of enhanced mental strength and emotional balance. All ages are welcome to participate, and there is plenty of space to distance safely during instruction.

Guests can also enjoy complimentary lunch grabs from Ted’s Montana Grill afterwards, courtesy of The Forum. Interested individuals can register on EventBrite. For more information on Lozo Karate, visit lozokarate.com.

100% of this event’s proceeds will be donated to the She is Safe organization located in Roswell. This organization’s mission rescues and restores women and girls from abuse and slavery in high-risk places around the world, equipping them to build lives of freedom and faith for a strong future.

107 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 southwestgwinnettchamber.com

Southwest Gwinnet Chamber of Commerce (SWGC) Connect Over Coffee Fridays, 8:30-9:30 a.m. June 11, 18, 25 and July 9, 16, 23, 30.

Is there a better way to start your Friday morning than with coffee and conversation in the company of local business professionals? Join for this networking event created to expand your professional relationships, meet SWGC members and share business cards.

The meeting is held in the large meeting space behind the SWGC office at Atlanta Tech Park to allow for social distancing spacing.

Southwest Gwinnett WordPress Meetup Third Tuesday of each month, 7-9 p.m. June 15 and July 20.

Whether you’re just learning or developing with WordPress, it’s very useful to have a local environment to experiment, ask questions, learn new skills and get recommendations on all things WordPress.

The Southwest Gwinnett WordPress group is just the place. Each month’s meeting addresses a new topic. Register to attend at atlantatechpark.com.

Summer Cookout

June 23 and July 28. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

There will be hot dogs, burgers and great networking on the Atlanta Tech Park patio.

Light Up the Corners

4 Mile Glow Run, 1k Twilight Trot, and Virtual Run Race day is August 14, 8 p.m. lightupthecorners.com Light Up the Corners is a glowing, flashing, blinking, shining, nighttime running party and fundraiser in one.

This event is sure to Light Up The (Peachtree) Corners and Light Up A Life! Proceeds go to benefit at-risk children and families in the community who are struggling by giving them the chance to participate in life-enhancing programs and activities at the Robert D. Fowler YMCA. A virtual race option is available for those who wish to support the event but not run it on race night, or not run it at all. there will be an option to enter your virtual race run time between August 1 and August 14, however virtual run times will not qualify for overall or age group awards. Visit lightupthecorners.com for more information and to register. Cost increases after August 12.

June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Peachtree Corners Business Association Pms 350 c

Select Fourth of July Events

Pms 369 c

4989 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners 678-969-3385 | peachtreecornersba.com

PCBA Connecting Over Coffee Morning Meetup

Second Tuesdays of the month, 8:30-9:30 a.m. June 8 and July 13.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, 5215 Town Center Boulevard, Peachtree Corners 30092 Get together, connect over coffee and talk about business on the second Tuesday of the month. This is an opportunity to have conversations with other PCBA members and business professionals who want to share and experience business in a positive atmosphere. Business cards will be shared with all attendees. There is no admission cost for PCBA Members and their guests.

PCBA Business After Hours — June June 17, 6-7:30 p.m.

CMX CineBistro Peachtree Corners, 5180 Town Center Boulevard, Peachtree Corners 30092 Event Registration is $30; Member Advance Registration is $20 through June 10, 5 p.m.; Guest Advance Registration is $25 through June 10, 5 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of business networking and a variety of beverages and great food, all while practicing responsible social distancing. Don’t miss the opportunity to network and stay for a private showing of a newly released blockbuster (TBD).

A PCBA scholarship check will be awarded to one of two deserving local graduating high school students who have demonstrated scholastic achievements, initiative, community spirit and support in our community. Registration is required as space is limited.

PCBA Business After Hours — July

July 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m. More details available soon.

Event Registration is $30; Member Advance Registration is $20 through July 15, 5 p.m.; Guest Advance Registration is $25 through July 15, 5 p.m.

Enjoy the opportunity to meet everyone using “speed networking” social distancing style. PCBA will be awarding a check to a deserving local charity to support their good works in the community. Registration is required as space is limited.

PCBA Lunch Club

June 22 and July 27. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. More details available soon.

PCBA Lunch Club Members save 15% off their check during the Lunch Club event. The purpose of the PCBA Lunch Club has always been to highlight and support local restaurant members. All PCBA members are encouraged to join the club for lunch in Peachtree Corners. Every effort will be made to try to seat PCBA members in safe proximity.

Register online.

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Fantastic Fourth at Stone Mountain Park July 1-5, Showtimes TBD

1000 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, Stone Mountain 30083 stonemountainpark.com In addition to the great daily activities and offerings available at Stone Mountain Park, there is the Fantastic Fourth Lasershow, voted the “Best Place to see Fireworks in Atlanta” by Atlanta Journal-Constitution readers, a “Must-See Fireworks Show” by USA Today and one of Reader’s Digest’s picks for “America’s Most Spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks.” It’s “an Atlanta family tradition featuring state-of-the-art digital graphics and awe-inspiring effects,” according to the Stone Mountain site. They will be lighting up the night sky with the same exact fireworks show following the Lasershow Spectacular all five nights of the celebration.

A Lasershow square is $20 per square; one square holds up to four guests. Discounted squares are available as an add-on to an Attractions Pass or Mountain Membership. Guests are encouraged to make advance reservations to ensure entry into the Lasershow. Reservations can be made online soon.

Red, White & Boom!

Saturday, July 3, 2021 5:00pm Lillian Webb Park, 5 College Street, Norcross, GA 300711 norcrossga.net The City of Norcross is throwing a pre-Fourth of July block party and you’re invited!

Make your way to the heart of downtown historic Norcross on July 3 for food, fun and fireworks during the 2021 edition of Red White and BOOM! The good times start with a bang at 5 p.m. with a live DJ, bounce houses (nominal fee), festive face painting and an assortment of food vendors. For those looking to continue the fun and celebration, head over to one of Norcross’ local hotspots for live music and libations. Fireworks just after dusk will end the night! Please check the city website to confirm information ahead of going.

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Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive

WHY WESLEYAN?

Scan to learn more!

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COVER STORY

How Five Community-Owned Businesses Were Bolstered with Cares Act Money

T

he grandly titled Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act came quickly out of Congress and was signed into law after the namesake disease clamped down on both public and private life in March of 2020. A key provision was a $367 billion loan and grant program for small businesses.

Sometime later, the city of Peachtree Corners was allocated $4.5 million meant to aid those enterprises and divvied it up among each qualifying applicant. This is a story about five Peachtree Corners enterprises forced to weigh a number of considerations, from how to balance safety for customers and staff with a driving need for revenue — and about the help they got to stay afloat.

Anderby Brewing

By Mark Woolsey Photos by George Hunter

14

Anderby launched in 2019 with owner Preston Smelt and spouse Michell, along with a small cadre of employees, brewing a variety of IPAs, stouts, fruited sours and other favorites. They built buzz through their taproom and by supplying kegs of beer to restaurants. Then came COVID, and the whole enterprise, well, went flat.

They got a COVID-19 grant through the Cares Act plus help through other government programs that, lumped together,

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

was in the low six figures. It was badly needed as their taproom shut down until June. With restaurants closed, as well and many later limiting to pickup and delivery once open, that part of the business dried up as well.

Smelt said some stark numbers told the tale. He said a good month prior to COVID meant $35,000 to $40,000 in total revenue rolling in from product distribution and their taproom.

After the onset of the epidemic, peachtreecornerslife

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that shrank to $3,500 or $4,000.

“And it wasn’t like we were a long-established business where we could go to a bank and say ‘we need a $100,000 loan and we’ll be good for it as soon as we get out of this,’” he pointed out.

Smelt said, “The money got us to the point where we were able to make some reinvestment in product and stocking raw materials.” He said it also helped to fund the acquisition of capital equipment for a canning operapeachtreecornerslife

Opposite page, clockwise: Preston and Michell Smelt The bar area serving individual brew Clockwise, this page: Preston and assistant brewer Dana Reppel Anderby expansive interior Wall art Anderby’s original brew canned on site.

tion “because that was one of the few ways to move beer during this period.”

That canning equipment took until October to arrive. In the meantime, they resorted to a hand bottler, filling exactly two bottles at once and selling finished six-packs out the front of their digs. Ultimately the endeavor was a money-loser, but Smelt said it did provide some revenue, got their product into the hands of their boosters and gave them visibility.

It also kept them from pouring even more beer down the

drain than they had already had to do.

Another factor in play, he said, was a “fantastic landlord” who worked with them on their rental obligations. “We would not have survived without those two things,” he said bluntly.

Smelt said he and his wife had just started talking about revamping their product lineup when the epidemic descended.

The federal help helped enable them to settle on a core of three or four beers they think will help them expand throughout the region.

The couple is cheering the growing vaccination numbers and drooping COVID caseloads.

With more companies reopening in the surrounding Technology Park and their workers beginning to stop in, and restaurants starting to clamor again for kegs, prospects are improving.

Another positive factor, he said, was that three new breweries have opened in the immediate area since they debuted. He said having several in close proximity will create a “brewing scene” that could become a destination choice.

At their own destination, they had cut taproom seating by 30-40% before reopening last summer and took other cleaning and sanitizing steps. “What we’re wanting to do is create an envi-

ronment where you can come in and spread out and feel comfortable,” Smelt said.

In line with the push toward distancing has been a reluctance to re-start larger themed events.

He said that if a bigger crowd shows up in conjunction with daily operations, they’re OK with that, but a large blowout is not in the cards.

In another case of altered plans, Smelt said earlier plans to do a capital expansion have been put on hold. All the juggling of procedures, products and profitand-loss numbers has taken a toll.

“There hasn’t been a lot of sleep,” he said. “There’s still not.

While things are improving, we’re not back to normal yet.” ■

continued on page 16

June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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MY SALON Suite— BeautifulLea Hair Salon

Businesswoman Lea Harwell said her business has been subject to ebb and flow since the onset of the pandemic some 16 months ago. Although she prides herself on having an “always prepared” mentality, being shut down for five weeks and then having to make operational concessions to COVID took a considerable financial toll.

The thousands of dollars in COVID grant money she received helped compensate for the weeks of no income, she said. The veteran cosmetologist dipped into her own finances for business expenses during that time, then used some of the grant money to replenish her rainy-day stash.

She also utilized the help to get masks and additional safety supplies and institute cleaning measures. Then there were operational and scheduling changes that chewed away at her former income level.

“I work longer hours to do the same number of people because I’m not seeing two people at the same time,” Harwell said. She occupies a one-room suite with three chairs at the MY SALON Suite and said in pre-COVID times she could have a client in one chair undergoing a color

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processing while simultaneously giving a haircut in the other.

That’s not possible now.

On the other hand, she allows that having an individual room instead of working as part of a larger open salon has been a plus.

In addition to the limitation on people, additional costs have come with completely sanitizing her room between clients and keeping mask and cleaning supplies on hand for her and for customers who want to feel more comfortable.

That has made her more adaptable, she inferred. “You can’t cut hair very well around a mask,” she said, although if clients insist on a covering, she can find a workaround.

She’s gone the extra mile on Zoom to help clients who are even more ultra-cautious.

Harwell said several who have feared venturing out have asked her to jump on a video call with her so they can trim a friend’s or partner’s bangs or clean up a bit around their ears.

She’s willing to do that, but couples it with a cautionary note.

“I tell them I will try to help, but I can’t take any responsibility for what you do with your untrained hands.” As she noted, “I have

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

doing this for 40 years.”

Providing what could be termed “tele-haircuts” is a second manner in which she’s had to be nimble since COVID reached pandemic levels last year. Harwell said there are other examples as well.

Take what happened at the end of the five-week shutdown, for example. “I remember the day the governor was doing his press conference. He made the announcement at 4:00, and at 4:01 my phone started blowing up. That day was a scramble, and everyone wanted to be back,” Harwell recalled.

She said that after initial rush, business tapered off. A couple of roller-coaster cycles followed, including a drop-off last July and August. Now her business has settled into a groove that’s about 80% of the pre-pandemic level.

A couple of ancillary factors have brightened the picture. “Our owners were very generous to us,” she said. Although they had to keep up with payments to their landlords, lease payments from individual salon tenants were waived during the time that they were not able to be open, she explained.

Harwell also cited working for

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Left to right, Lea Harwell; Her salon suite Harwell’s styling

a number of years in sales and marketing, which she pursued until coming back to the haircutting business some 13 years ago. “I can get out there and find business,” she said confidently. “If business falls off, I just don’t wait for something to happen. I need to work, and I want to work.”

For now, she’s playing it conservatively, using her much-appreciated help to rebuild her savings while keeping her fingers crossed that cases don’t spike again to the point that another shutdown is required. She’s still in recovery mode, financially.

Harwell said she thinks Governor Brian Kemp has done what he can to keep small businesses going during the pandemic and added that she’s eternally grateful that Georgia is not in the same boat as California, where she said stylists weren’t allowed to work for a year. ■

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Mojitos “I don’t want to say it was a drop in the bucket, it was very helpful,” said Luis Fernandez of the thousands in federal money his business got under the Paycheck Protection Program, a later COVID-19 grant and from elsewhere.

“But one rent check, one liquor license renewal and a couple of utility check payments and you just blew $50,000,” said the owner of Mojitos as he recounted well over a year of struggle in his Peachtree Corners restaurant and other locations. He said without the money from the paycheck program, they wouldn’t have made it until December of this past year, when they got the grant.

As the pandemic flickered to life in the spring of 2020, he said, the dining room was closed for more than a month, then open for takeout only, and when the dining area finally reopened, 80% of their square footage disappeared due to social distancing.

Thinking initially that the crisis would peak and begin to subside in 15 days, Fernandez said he gathered staff and told them that he was going to pay them as if all and sundry were going on a couple-week vacation.

When that span came and went with no sign of recovery, “that’s when the body aches and the grey hairs came. I feel like I aged 30 years in ten months,” he lamented.

Efforts to stay afloat included them cashing in life savings and maxing out a home equity line of credit. Not so good.

But much better: Fernandez credits both the city of Peachtree Corners and ordinary citizens with being a huge help. The grant money that he had applied for in late November-early December came through a couple of weeks before Christmas — a very timely holiday gift, if you will.

As with Harwell, Fernandez said since reopening and easing back toward “normal,” business has been a roller coaster ride. “We saw some amazing weeks of sales come in late May and early June

Top, Luis Fernandez

(of 2020) and we said, ‘Hey, baby, we’re coming back.’ And then the whole riots and everything started happening with spikes in cases and (business) went back down again.”

He credits the city with helping to stem the bleeding in a couple of ways. Fernandez said when they decided to reopen the dining room, he procured a large banner announcing the reopening. Unbeknownst to him, he

Above, the Mojito’s Cuban style dining area Right, Fernandez’ son Julian Fernandez

continued on page 18 June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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continued from page 17 said, was a provision in the city’s building code limiting the size of such signage. A code enforcement agent drove the point home with a visit.

The Cuban restaurant owner decided to plead his case with city hall, emailing a member of the council and getting a sympathetic hearing. “A week later, the city announced they weren’t enforcing the signage code,” he said, adding, “you’re not thinking about the city code when you’re trying to save your financial life.”

The city also eased up on late fees for paying liquor sales tax, Fernandez said, which alone saved

Cricket Zone Mohammed Rashid’s cricket practice, coaching and instructional facility seemed poised to capitalize nicely on the increased popularity of the game in Atlanta. Then came the pandemic.

COVID made its appearance at a tough time for Rashid’s venture — the fledgling enterprise had only been in business for about two years. Suddenly, nobody wanted to show up and take swings in the batting cages or learn more about the fine points of the game.

The federal grant through the city was significant, Rashid said, allowing them to keep current with the rent on their place and helping to cover utilities and the salary of one part-time employee.

On a less positive note, he said, they were invited to apply for an SBA Targeted Economic Injury Advance loan, then told that they didn’t qualify due to being in a high-income area.

18

“Our business dropped significantly, and we literally had to shut it down; then we opened back up, but nobody came,” he recalled of the dark months of 2020.

“We tried to survive in a different way by selling some products, even delivering some products.”

Rashid explained that they delivered balls, bats and protective gear to some playgrounds to help them survive economically.

The cricketeer said the shutdown lasted a couple of months and that after reopening, they only allowed one person to be in the batting cages in their entire 10,000-square-foot building. That has since loosened up, he indicated.

From February on, after vaccinations picked up, some things looked brighter. “But still for a lot of customers, it’s not comfortable for them to come indoors,” Rashid said. “Still, we are in bad shape.”

He said the business has

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

rebounded to about 30-40% of pre-pandemic levels and he’s hopeful that they’ll tack another 10-20% on to that by, say, July.

Like Fernandez, Rashid is impressed by the level of help that Peachtree Corners city officials have supplied. As Rashid put it, “From anybody, any time we went to the city, we got the highest level of service — and from their heart. At every single step, they always stood by us to help.”

He feels that a combination of limited occupancy and stringent cleanup measures are helping keep patrons confident and the threat of COVID at bay. Rashid said that, among other measures, they’re utilizing an anti-COVID fogging machine each hour to disinfect the entire facility.

Rashid noted that the landlord has offered some discounts and that, with a little bit more help on that score and from the city, “we will definitely be surviving. If

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thousands of dollars. The move made sense, he said, given that restaurants, with historically little profit margin, have to closely allocate their money in order to meet such obligations in a timely manner.

The community also rallied, buying gift cards while the restaurants were closed and placing garden-variety-sized orders with a $100 tip attached. “They really did bring tears of joy on more than one occasion, just knowing that we have a community that wants to help small businesses,” he said.

Fernandez said the business is back to about 80% of its former level. He noted that the latest wrinkle involves finding enough staff. “We had an amazing Mother’s Day weekend at all of our restaurants,” he said. “But we have like 40% of the staff, so it feels a lot harder.” He said the weekend was a mad scramble as a result.

While the trend is in a positive direction, he added, a business model meant to evoke a crowded, hopping 1950s Cuban nightspot faces a tough challenge in an era of social distancing and face masks. ■

we can survive 2021, this business will survive for a decade, I think,” he said.

He pointed to the growing popularity of the sport, saying he’s formed a cricket team himself and that his business supports others with marketing and other help. There is an active league in the Cumming area, he said, and the city of Johns Creek has offered batting cages and other practice facilities for cricketeers.

Asked about whether he thought government in general was doing enough to help smaller enterprises during the pandemic, he replied this way in an e-mail.

“Small business is the heart of the U.S. economy. If this is true, government should identify real injured business proactively.

Government is doing a lot, but it’s random.” ■

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Teesha Yoga Latesha Grant hung out her shingle at Teesha Yoga in February of last year, just as the term Coronavirus was becoming familiar to the American public.

Grant said the ancient practice of yoga is an embodiment of “trying to find your true inner self through a healthy lifestyle.”

Lifestyle habits became a huge consideration as the pandemic tightened its grip.

She has been quick to tell potential students that those who were surviving COVID with little to no lasting harm were those with strong immune systems and such qualities as good range of motion and a healthy diet. The CDC has said another version of the same thing, pointing to such risk factors as smoking, obesity and a weakened immune system as making severe COVID-19 illness more likely.

“Unfortunately, I opened my studio in February of 2020, so it was the very tip of COVID being known to other countries before it came to us,” lamented Grant.

She said her business was literally nothing for about seven or eight months. She offered virtual classes for those not comfortable coming to the studio but was still forced to cut back staff and utilize personal funds to keep going.

A CARES Act grant which came through the city eased the pressure, she indicated, aiding with rent, utilities, payroll and some marketing to keep the name of the business and its services in the public eye.

The big expense has been her lease, and that debt has placed the survival of the business in doubt. “I’m still drowning,” she said. “I could be confident, but you also have to be realistic. Confidence doesn’t pay the bills.”

Grant also said she applied for help under the Paycheck Protection Program but was unable to get any allocation. And she thinks government could do more to help small business enterprises.

At what could be called the other end of the spectrum, she said her employees were understanding when she had to cut staff, and those in her classes have been nothing short of “fantastic “in terms of their support.

Now that the pandemic numbers and restrictions have eased, she’s seeing some improvement but has been cautious about the process, bringing back a couple of instructors and returning to in-person classes, albeit with limited class sizes and distancing.

She leads sessions equipped with a microphone so that people who choose to be in a separate individual room can hear and follow along.

Also on hand is a diffuser regularly spraying a mist designed to help keep her business clean and safe. And Grant asks students who come in for a session to wear a mask until they actually get on their mats.

She maintained that what she offers has been beneficial to some struggling with the uncertainty and loneliness of the last 16 or so months. In her words, “I have had students express to me verbally that they had thoughts of suicide

and that just being able to come and express themselves and release the tension and frustration that was all bottled up (was good). Coming to yoga actually helped them to get a sound mind and to clear negative thoughts.”

Grant began her yoga practice back in 2000 while a student at the College of Charleston and has been teaching for more than a decade, racking up multiple certifications. As business begins to trickle back in, she’ll put that hard-won knowledge to more use.

“We just want to be able to be here and help change the community,” she said, noting that her business also offers services such as nutritional counseling, a yoga therapy program for teens and a kids’ yoga program.

“What I give out here can save lives,” Grant said. ■

Above, Latesha Grant wants Yoga to be accessible to all and create the space for well being.

June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

19

What ARPA Means to Local Nonprofits, People in Need and the Hospitality and Restaurant Industry

City officials and business leaders in the Peachtree Corners area are watching the unfolding of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and its sprawling variety of aid programs with great interest.

They’re encouraged by what seems to be more a nod to small businesses in the latest permutation, as well as an industry-specific approach — the addition of an aid program targeted to restaurants.

For City Hall itself, top of mind has been making progress toward a grant program that would potentially help local business as well as struggling non-profits and individuals.

That grant money comes in

By Mark Woolsey

20

the amount of $9 million, said City Manager Brian Johnson. Half of that arrived recently, he said, while the other 50% will show up in city coffers in one year. It’s part of $130 billion going out to local government entities nationwide, and the money has to be exhausted by three summers from now.

“The council’s intent is to spend it as quickly as we can responsibly spend it,” Johnson said, “and help those who have been harmed. We don’t want to sit on this until 2024.”

There are four general sets of federal guidelines under which grant program cash can be allocated, he explained.

The first is by far the most overarching, specifying assistance to households, small businesses and non-profits, and to such impacted industries as travel, tourism and hospitality. A second would reimburse the city for revenue lost due to the pandemic. A third set of guidelines is targeted to water, sewer and broadband improvements, and the last provides for premium

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

pay for those doing essential work during the pandemic.

Johnson said a number of factors will be weighed in the vetting process, such as consideration of those who have gotten aid previously under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) and Economic Aid acts.

Another is how and whether the money might be aimed at specific industries.

“It’s a great problem to have, but it’s still a challenge,” he said. “How do we make $9 million useable in the most productive way possible?”

To that end, Johnson and other staffers distilled the general guidelines down into several “conceptual” areas. His May 11 proposal to the council sketched out possible uses, including operating and capital grants to non-profits and, within that bucket, emergency assistance to individuals and families.

Business assistance programs also emerged as a touchstone with operating grants and property improvement comprising that area. peachtreecornerslife

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Expansion of broadband infrastructure to underserved areas of the city also made the conceptual cut, as did potential reimbursement to the city for revenue lost to COVID. A “shop local” incentive program and money for nuisance abatement (such as helping faltering businesses bring their properties back up to code) and utility assistance rounded out the conceptual model.

After council approval of a set of more detailed recommendations, staffers planned to draw up criteria and create an application period and process.

Johnson said that, under the earlier CARES act money that they parceled out, small businesses could use the grants however they saw fit. He said under ARPA there’s been talk about attaching more conditions, as opposed to “giving it to someone to put in their bank-account.” That harks back to the council’s stated goal of getting the money in circulation “to lubricate the economy.” peachtreecornerslife

Business groups are cheering the help expected to arrive through the city grants, plus several other channels of the plan. At least one hopes that past hiccups can be ironed out.

“People are flat confused,” said Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) President Lisa Proctor, the owner of a recruiting agency. “If you’re large enough to have good tax advisors or someone who’s focusing on the details, you’re in good shape. If you’re a small business having to navigate it yourself, it’s a problem.”

She cites, as an example, Small Business Administration (SBA) initiatives that have included a loan program, a grant program and a disaster assistance provision, making it difficult for businesses applying to determine what programs they might qualify for.

Proctor said that confusing verbiage and short application windows have created consternation. “I don’t think the concepts of the programs are bad. It’s the implementation,” she said. “Do the funds go to where they need to?”

One new concept within the ARPA and its programs under the SBA umbrella is the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which gets a nod of approval from Cally D’Angelo, Senior Director of Membership Services and Small Business Initiatives for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. She said carveouts like that are necessary if the industry is to recover and rebuild.

“I think is very helpful. Money is flowing,” she said, following the closure of the application period May 24. She added that users are not required to repay the money as long as it’s used in eligible ways by March of 2023.

She also points out that the program casts a wider net than many might think, not only incorporating aid for traditional sit-down restaurants, but also food trucks, bakeries, caterers, brewpubs and wineries. $28.6 billion has been set aside from the program to help restaurants meet payroll and other expenses.

The PCBA’s Proctor said their numbers show around 50 restaurants within three miles of Peachtree Corners Town Center, and that several have closed.

Smaller businesses are also getting a chance to move toward

the head of the line, said D’Angelo.

She said one example concerns the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL), which now incorporates a targeted EIDL option for businesses in low-income areas.

Those smallest and hardest hit of them can get an extra $5,000 that doesn’t have to be repaid.

The revamp of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which gained more than $7 billion in additional funding, is another. A special two-week period for PPP applications earlier this year was designed for businesses of 20 employees or fewer, she said. She added that a mid-May report showed that the average loan size of PPP loan help packages — typically those are proportional to the size of the business applying for the aid — had decreased by about half, spotlighting the more targeted small business approach.

In addition, the PPP program’s eligibility criteria were expanded to include some non-profit organizations previously excluded.

To be sure, not only businesses are getting a helping hand. ARPA includes a broad menu of help programs for the public health work force, schools, individuals and individual families.

Proctor’s concern remains that the dollars will go to the entities most needful, given past confusion and such missteps as when the first round of Paycheck Protection funding went, in large measure, to what some regarded as an inordinate percentage of large businesses and publicly traded corporations.

“Based on the first round of what the SBA did, I am cautiously not optimistic,” she commented.

D’Angelo takes a more upbeat tone, saying that to put it in perspective, the SBA processed what’s usually more than 14 years’ worth of loans in 14 days at the outset of the pandemic, and that the agency has been adaptable. On a more local scale, she said that the Chamber and others have come together to form a small business resource group to provide information, webinars and feedback.

“Over time, responding to a crisis, you adapt to what the needs are. That’s how it’s supposed to work, right?” said D’Angelo. ■

Get Connected The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce is a more than a place to network...it’s a place to belong!

The SWGC provides a constant community of people, businesses, organizations, and cities that work together to improve our way of life.

Choose an upcoming opportunity where you can learn more about what it’s like to be part of the SWGC! Join us each month for breakfast, networking, and a special guest speaker

June 4 Carolyn Bourdeaux

US Congresswoman, 7th District of GA

July 9 Mayors of Peachtree Corners, Norcross & Berkeley Lake August 6 Nicole Love Hendrickson

Chairwoman, Gwinnett Co. Board of Commissioners

EACH FRIDAY at 8:30 am (Except First Fridays)

Members & non-members are invited—businesses, non-profits, and community leaders—for networking over FREE coffee!

Interested in membership?

For details and registration requirements for these events and more, visit our website:

www.southwestgwinnettchamber.com

June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Dunkin’ & Baskin-Robbins Bring Next Generation Combo Store to Peachtree Corners Dunkin’ celebrated the grand re-opening of its Peachtree Corners restaurant located at 5075 Peachtree Parkway. The newly remodeled store, which now features Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins’ Next Generation store designs, hosted a re-opening celebration on April 30.

Guests received a free donut with any beverage purchase April 30 through May 1.

Dunkin’s Next Gen store design features innovative technologies to enhance their guests’ experience and make the daily Dunkin’ run faster and more convenient.

Dunkin’ franchisee network Macon Donut and Coffee, Inc. hosted a socially-distanced ribbon cutting to celebrate the new store opening.

Following the ceremony, the company, alongside the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, hosted a check presentation to donate $2,000 to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

The 1,800 square-foot restaurant employs 12 crew members and is open daily, 5 a.m. - 12 a.m. It features Dunkin’s a convenient drive-through and innovative technologies, including: ■ Dunkin’ on Demand: Fully-integrated digital kiosks allow guests to control how they order. Dunkin’ also introduced an area dedicated to mobile pickups so members of the DD Perks® Rewards program who order ahead via Dunkin’s Mobile App can get in and out of the restaurant fast. For all orders placed for pick up inside the restaurant, guests will be able to track their order via a digital order status board.

■ Modern Design: The openness, colors and materials used in the design help to create an approachable, positive and energetic environment.

■ Premium Pours: Dunkin’s signature cold beverages are now served through an innovative tap system serving eight consistently cold beverages such as coffees, iced teas, cold brew coffee and nitro in-

22

fused cold brew coffee. Crew members use top-quality flavor-maximizing espresso machines to make hand-crafted drinks to order.

■ Increased Energy Efficiency: The new Dunkin’ is a DD Green Achievement™ restaurant, designed to save 25% more energy compared to a standard Dunkin’ restaurant.

The store will also offer the Baskin-Robbins next generation “Moments” store design to give guests an entirely new and engaging experience when they visit Baskin-Robbins. The new store

attributes of each local community and help create a strong connection between Baskin-Robbins and local guests.

■ Upgraded digital menu boards: An entirely new digital menu board displays products in an engaging way with high quality concept is designed to deliver on Baskin-Robbins’ commitment to bringing guests great flavors and memorable moments.

Key features of Baskin-Robbins’ “Moments” next generation store design include: ■ Modern design: Inviting and contemporary décor with bright colors to spark joy and for guests to create special moments.

■ New ice cream dipping cabinets: An expanded row of modern, sleek glass cases with premium ice cream flavors, ice cream cakes and novelties.

■ Wall mural: A colorful wall mural features unique and interactive artwork to celebrate the key

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

photos and video imagery.

To learn more about Dunkin’, visit DunkinDonuts.com or follow them on Facebook @DunkinUS; Twitter @dunkindonuts; and Instagram @dunkin. ■

Peachtree Corners Business in Brief Telaid Industries is moving into a 78,000-square foot building at 2925 Courtyards Drive in the Northwoods center in Peachtree Corners. The technology company had been operating out of a building in Norcross.

Telaid purchased the building in Peachtree Corners for $6.3 million and is spending about $700,000 in renovation. Currently located in six states, Telaid offers purpose-built solutions and support for mobility, telephony, networks, traffic, security and other areas.

For more information, visit telaid.com.

Blackcreek Group is investing more than $8.7 million to outfit office and warehouse space at 4925 Avalon Ridge Parkway to make it ready for an Amazon Logistics Center. The

continued on page 24 peachtreecornerslife

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continued from page 22 building was previously occupied by Mizuno, which has moved to 3155 Northwoods Parkway in Peachtree Corners.

Associated Credit Union is renovating space at 6251 Crooked Creek Road, investing close to $100,000.

Norsan Restaurants is investing $1 million into H&W Steakhouse at 5242 Peachtree Parkway. The culinary team will be led by executive chef Charles Schwab, who previously worked with Buckhead Diner and Grace 1720, among others. Black Walnut Cafe occupied the space until late 2019 when the company pulled out of Georgia. Norsan’s other brands include Frankie’s Steakhouse, Pampas Steakhouse, Luciano’s Ristorante and Frontera Mex-Mex Grill.

Peach Paws Veterinary Vaccine Clinic is renovating space at 5075 Peachtree Parkway. ■

Dermani Medspa — New Merchant at The Forum

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Dermani Medspa has opened its 1,600 square-foot medical spa at The Forum on Peachtree Parkway.

Dermani Medspa will offer guests a variety of aesthetic treatments, such as laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation, injectables, facials, micro-needling and skin tightening.

“We’re so excited to finally have Dermani Medspa open at The Forum,” said Lindsey Hymel, Marketing Manager of The Forum. “Their service offerings are vast. Guests will have the option for so many treatments here. Some From left, Courtney Hester, PA-C; Hannah Claymay not know, but Dermani ton, Licensed Practitioner; Molly Mercer, Front Desk Coordinator; Morgan Justice, Assistant Medspa is actually the #1 Laser Practitioner. provider of Botox® in the state of Georgia and with their reputation for skill and service, it’s no wonder why. We’re looking forward to having another service option for Peachtree Corners residents here at The Forum.”

Upon opening, a representative of Dermani Medspa stated, “We feel so fortunate to be able to serve the Peachtree Corners community and to continue expanding our clientele in Gwinnett County.”

Dermani Medspa is located in Suite 230 at The Forum, just to the right of Belk. Spa hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Call 404-383-1108 or stop in to schedule a free consultation. ■

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Icebox Cryotherapy Opens at The Forum ful. Guests are really looking forward to this new, closer location here in Peachtree Corners, and with such an active community, we’re excited to offer them something new in the recovery/pain management sector.”

Cryotherapy is a modern take on the traditional ice bath and involves exposing the body for three minutes to ultra-low temperatures, ranging from -200F to -256F. Whole-body cryotherapy reduces chronic inflammation, improves circulation, relieves pain and promotes overall better health and wellness.

“Our cryotherapy journey started about two years ago, and we instantly fell in love,” said Katie Harrel, studio owner. “As a couple, and parents who love working out and staying active, we wanted to find a quick and effective way to recover and stay healthy. Cue Icebox Cryotherapy! The professionalism, quality of products and vision are undeniable. It was never a hard decision to transition from clients to franchisees. We are so thrilled to finally bring the icebox life to Peachtree Corners!” ■ Icebox Cryotherapy opened its 1,400 square-foot cryotherapy studio on April 29 at The Forum on Peachtree Parkway. Icebox Cryotherapy offers guests whole-body cryotherapy, cryobeauty and enhanced services like leg compression and red-light therapy.

“We’ve been eager for this location to open for quite some time now,” said Lindsey Hymel, Marketing Manager of The Forum on Peachtree Parkway. “Icebox Cryotherapy has been participating in our fitness pop-up events with us for the past six months, and the response we’ve gotten from the community on this new-age therapy has been wonder-

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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A Great New Brewery in Peachtree Corners — Kettlerock Brewing Let the golden liquid flow. On May 14, Kettlerock Brewing held its official grand opening. Kettlerock is owned and operated by the Peet family right here at the corner of Peachtree Parkway and Jay Bird Alley with a beautiful indoor / outdoor retail location and a welcoming fireplace next to the bar.

There were many notable attendees there to welcome the

business with open arms, including Andrew Carnes, Vice President of Economic Development at Partnership Gwinnett, who gave some remarks of welcome at the beginning of the event. Mayor Mike Mason also spoke, as well as Beth Moore, 95th District of the Georgia House of Representatives, followed

by Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson of Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners.

Want to know a bit more about the owners of Kettlerock Brewing? CEO Dianna Peet has lived in Peachtree Corners for over three decades. When the rest of the family got excited about the idea of a brewery, Dianna knew that she was the right person to head it up. Her vision and design lead the direction for a comfortable taproom that serves as a community gathering place.

CFO Stephen Peet has worn many hats around the community:

swim team announcer, scout leader, hockey coach and school volunteer, just to name a few. When retirement from AT&T was coming up, he knew he couldn’t sit still. As an owner and founder, he truly gets his hands dirty helping in all areas of the business.

For more information on the Peet family and Kettlerock Brewing,

visit kettlerockbrewing.com or follow the business on social media. ■ Photos by Bruce Johnson @brucejohnsonphotos

Top picture, Ribbon Cutting event Middle left to right, Mayor Mike Mason with CFO Stephen Peet; interior images of Kettlerock Brewery Above left, City Councilman Weare Gratwick, Shiv Aggarwal, City Councilman Phil Sadd and Margie Asef, SWGC Chairman.

Above, Asef with Nicole Love Hendrickson, County Chair.

June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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“Heroes Wanted: Why the world needs YOU to live your heart out” Author Speaks at May SWGC Breakfast On May 7, the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce (SWGC) presented speaker Rodney Bullard during their May First Friday Breakfast. Bullard is Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Chickfil-A and Executive Director at the Chick-fil-A Foundation, as well the author of a motivational book titled “Heroes Wanted: Why the world needs YOU to live your heart out.”

Attendees gathered at Atlanta Tech Park for customary business networking from 7:30-8 a.m., then enjoyed a light breakfast and beverages as Bullard spoke on the topic of “Building Bridges…

Connecting Businesses and Communities.”

Bullard is certainly a good choice to speak on such a weighty topic, as he leads Chick-fil-a’s corporate community and philan-

thropic strategy, which is focused on fostering youth and furthering education. Prior to Chickfil-A, Rodney served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney prosecuting complex criminal cases. For his service, the U.S. Attorney General presented him with one of the Department of Justice’s highest honors, the Director’s Award.

Before that, Rodney was selected as a White House Fellow, the nation’s most prestigious

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public service Fellowship. As a White House Fellow, Rodney was placed at NASA working directly for the NASA Administrator. A decorated veteran, Rodney also served in the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps, eventually working at the Pentagon as a Congressional Legislative Liaison in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force.

Rodney is an alumnus of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Duke

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

University School of Law, the University of Georgia’s Terry School of Business and the Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

The SWGC thoroughly enjoyed having Bullard speak to their members and guests, allowing for newly revitalized discussions and idea sharing. For more information about future SWGC events, visit southwestgwinnettchamber.com. ■ peachtreecornerslife

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At top, SWGC members and guests gather for networking and the speaker, Rodney Bullard.

Left, Margie Asef, SWGC Chairman Above, Rodney Bullard, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Chickfil-A, speaks at SWGC’s May First Friday Breakfast.

peachtreecornerslife

Chuck Waters

Business Spotlight | How RX PHYSIO Has Weathered the COVID-19 Storm Kelsey Asher

between patient sessions, and all are asked to sanitize their hands prior to entering the clinic.”

For owners of medical practices across the One major alteration to the norm that Dr. Olson country, the strain of remaining operational while has made has been moving the location of her clinic following everchanging COVID-19 safety proceinto a shared space within CrossFit Waymaker. Oldures has taken a toll. And that does not even factor son saw a drop in patient numbers due to COVID-19, in the financial stress related to keeping the doors although RX PHYSIO, a newer business in the comopen despite a considerable drop in patient visits munity, had already been building up their patient and income. Dr. Emily Olson of RX PHYSIO knows numbers when shutdown occurred. of these challenges all too well.

In spite of the hurdles, Dr. Olson remains “As with most of the businesses both in cheerful and positive about the future. “I am a firm Peachtree Corners and around the country, my clinbeliever that everything happens for a reason and, ic has had to make some changes in terms of what while my new location is slightly less central to the has become our standard practice for day-to-day center of town, I now have access to a great deal operations,” Dr. Olson said. “As a healthcare promore space and high-quality equipment than I did fessional, I always saw our protocols as sufficient previously,” she said. “All of this will benefit my with sanitizing between patients, etc., but COVID patients and that is why I opened my practice in the has certainly forced everyone to step up the level of first place — to get people well and back to what defense provided to patients and workers.” they love.”

RX PHYSIO assists patients with numerous Since last winter, Olson has seen a gradual rise physical therapy needs, including injury prevention in patients willing to come in, especially now that and rehabilitation, manual therapy, functional fitvaccines are more readily available. She differentiness, strength training, return to sport, rotator cuff ates her practice from other physical therapy clinics Dr. Emily Olson, Owner and repairs and recovery related to total knee replacein that she only sees patients one-on-one, as opposed Practitioner at RX PHYSIO ments and hip replacements. to in a group setting, which has added an extra level “Currently, I continue to mask when treating patients in order to be as of comfort for many patients. respectful as possible of the varying comfort levels expressed by my paFor more information about RX PHYSIO and Dr. Olson, visit rx-physio. tients,” she explained. “Every piece of equipment is thoroughly sanitized com. ■

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COMMUNITY

Has COVID-19 Changed Our Friendship Groups? What It Looks Like a Year Later

S

anctuary is an oasis of refuge. A fortress of equanimity nestled upon resilient timbers sturdy enough endure turbulent sea changes.

Many look for sanctuary in the traditional realms of church pews and scripture. Others find it in work or hobbies while some turn to yoga mats and nature trails to find their place of solace.

But a local group of hoops lovers found theirs in sport. Three times a week, they crawled out of bed before dawn and convened at the Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA on Jones Bridge Road for early morning pickup basketball games.

Theirs was a refuge that existed between the black lines of the hardwood court. Saggy-eyed engineers and insurance salesmen filtered in for shoot arounds at 6 a.m. Minutes later, the kinetic pace of full-court runs energized the gymnasium.

For two hours, the chorus of sneakers squeaking against the synthetic wood floors mixed with the snap of the roundball swishing through the net. Afterward, each of the men went their separate ways for an honest day’s work.

By Matt Bruce Photos by George Hunter

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It was a ritual that held true for decades at the Peachtree Corners Y. Dozens of recreational ballplayers, hungry for good pickup games, cycled through the gym on different days. As many as 75 players were signed up on an email distribution list for the 6 a.m. runs.

But COVID forced statewide shutdowns of Georgia’s gyms last spring, stripping the local hoopers of their beloved sanctuary. Gov. Brian Kemp issued a shelter-inplace order April 2, 2020, officially closing all gyms, hair salons, barbershops and many other businesses across Georgia. That executive order came two weeks after all of Metro Atlanta’s YMCA facilities temporarily closed.

Thirteen months later, many of the shutdowns have lifted. However, the morning ballers had yet to return to their haven on the court.

world’s been rocked and this is a piece that I miss and hate that it was taken away.”

COVID-19’s devastation has extended to all aspects of life, affecting everything from work and school to the ways we shop, vote, congregate and worship.

One of its overlooked impacts is the toll the pandemic has had on casual friendships. Researchers say those relationships add depth to people’s lives and help eliminate the feelings of isolation that have crept into many households over the past 14 months.

Before the pandemic-forced closures, Hogan, a 56-year-old engineer, had been playing basketball at the Y since 1998. He and three of the other group’s mainstays sat down with Peachtree Corners Magazine last month to discuss life sans their pre-dawn basketball rendezvous.

It’s sort of like family because even when we argue, we all know what the limits are and it never really lasts that long. We have the games and everybody loves it. It’s the kind of group that would hang out outside of work.

body adapts.”

Mills, a 39-year-old tech analyst, was recruited to play about 12 years ago. He’s a part-time referee and was officiating a rec league in which Hogan played at the time. Mills said he was about 300 pounds when he first started waking up for the morning scrimmages. He’s slimmed down to about 200 pounds and now brings an explosive style to the pickup games, capable of slashing to the bucket and knocking down 3-point shots.

The ensemble includes a mixture of ballplayers from across the Atlanta metro region. Some drove from as far away as Cherokee County — over an hour away — to get in on the action. The players ranged in age from early 20s to mid-50s. Some of the regulars were women.

Between 12 and 15 players showed up each morning. The crowd swelled to over 20 during the summer months, when college students were home from school and local teachers joined the fray.

“All the basketball personalities are there at different times,” said Karl Barham, a regular of the past

Barry Blount “It feels good because it’s a sense of normalcy,” Hogan said of seeing some of his old buddies for the first time in more than a year.

“Normalcy’s about to return, that’s how I view it.”

‘It’s Sort of Like Family’

“I feel like I’m missing something,” Terry Hogan said during a recent interview. “It’s just another loss for me. It’s like the whole

For this group, normalcy meant starting their day with a workout. They met at the Peachtree Y around 6 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The majority of them are working professionals so the early starts gave them enough time to muster a handful of pickup games before cleaning up and heading to the office.

“It jumpstarts your day,” Jesse Mills said. “The thing about it, once you get into a routine, your

Without real options to play basketball over the past year, he said he’s struggled to stay in shape. He’s tried alternatives like the Peloton and running outdoors.

“But you don’t get the cardio, you don’t get the exercise you get with running on the basketball court,” Barham said. “Even just getting up in the morning, keeping that routine.”

Trash talk was an integral part of the players’ bond. Barry Blount, an automotive engineer, moved to the area from Michigan in 2012 and quickly stumbled upon the morning rec runs. He said the boastful banter begins with text messages long before they hit the court. And the smack talk continues right after the runs are over for the day.

It’s all borne out of the spirit of competition that draws the ballers to the gym.

“It’s sort of like family because even when we argue, we all know what the limits are and it never really lasts that long,” Blount said.

“We have the games and everybody loves it. It’s the kind of group that would hang out outside of work.”

While Mills may be effective on the court, he catches flack for the volume of fouls he calls during the games. It’s become a running joke in the group over the years, with his comrades wisecracking that he should leave his whistle at home.

Mills shrugs it off.

“I’m a ref, so anytime I call something, they’re always yelling ‘bad call,’” he acknowledged with a wry grin. “But it’s a pretty good group of guys that we’ve got on a normal basis.”

The Love of the Game

Jiles Parham, who turned 77 in

20 years. “You dread it, but you can’t beat it. Every morning, I get up with the same feeling of ‘I don’t want to go, I want to sleep.’ But on those days, the second I get on the court and get that first game in, that feeling’s gone. And I never regret it. I never feel like I should have stayed home. It’s the days that you don’t go that you regret not going.”

Barham, a 48-year-old New York City native, plays a physical style patterned after the Patrick Ewing-led Knicks of the 1990s.

continued on page 30

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continued from page 29 May, played morning basketball for more than 30 years in Albany, Georgia before moving to Conyers in 2012.

Parham has a special bond with the game. Basketball is credited with saving his life. During a morning run at the Albany Y in 1995, Parham collapsed on the

ta suburbs, Parham said he first tried out a gym in south DeKalb.

But it only offered recreational games once a week on Monday nights.

“So I called around, and this was the only Y that had 6 o’clock basketball. That’s why I started coming up here,” Parham said.

Before the early pickup games

If the world could live like we play basketball, we’d be a lot better place. That’s for sure.

Jiles Parham court. He came up to Atlanta to have five heart bypasses at the Emory University Hospital.

“The doc that did the surgery said, ‘Keep playing, keep doing what you’re doing,’” Parham recalled. “They said it was the reason I survived, because I was in good shape. But I say it’s because the Lord saved my life.”

When he moved to the Atlan-

at Peachtree Y were suspended last year, Parham woke up at 4:20 each morning in time to travel from Conyers and hit the court by 6 a.m. “If you love basketball, you’ll do it,” he said.

“If the world could live like we play basketball, we’d be a lot better place. That’s for sure,” Parham added later. “If we have

disagreements, we take turns on a ball. But if you have a bad call, we’ll shoot the three for it. And whoever makes or misses it, we keep playing.”

Shaking Off the Rust

All of the members of the group said they miss the fellowship. Blount said a few tried to arrange times to catch up around Christmas, but those plans eventually fell through because of scheduling conflicts.

“I love the basketball,” he explained. “But I also love the fact that I found a group of guys who all kind of have the same mindset as I do. They’re all family guys…

And a lot of us are not from here, so we don’t have family here. So it gives me, like, a group that I can affiliate myself with.”

The bug to get back on the court started to set in around late March when the winter weather dissipated. Several people started texting each other about going back to the gym.

“At least get the guys sparked back up to start playing again,” Blount said. “Everybody wants

to get back in the gym, to get in shape and just kind of see each other. Get that camaraderie going again.”

Mills said he’d already started back at different gyms throughout the area, but his game wasn’t the same as before the pandemic.

He’d heard whispers of other local courts that were set to open.

Hogan reflected on losing his connection with the group. He was itching to get back on the court but had some apprehensiveness after being away for a whole year.

“I’m worried about my age,” he said. “It’s hard at this age stop and start back up.” Despite those concerns, he began making plans to get the word out and round the gang back up.

“This is perfect timing,” he told Mills, Parham and Barham as they sat at Towns Center plotting a return to the courts. “This is like going to be the restart. It’s like we’re close to restarting, and talking to us now is the perfect reason to restart.” ■

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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Stay Cool This Summer As the days grow longer and the temperatures start to soar into the 90s, many of us here in Georgia are wondering how and where we can get outside without turning into a pile of ash under the hot summer sun. Never fear! Peachtree Corners has some great options for enjoying nature, allowing your kids to play and staying cool while doing so.

Jones Bridge Park offers 30 acres of serene nature along the Chattahoochee River. You can enjoy the peaceful sounds of the river from the Jones Bridge Trail which winds through a beautiful riverside forest to the remnants of a turn-of-the-century bridge, stop to take in the sights and sounds from various overlooks, cast a line and catch yourself a fish or two and enjoy a meal at the picnic tables spread throughout the property. Also at the park are a sand volleyball court, huge playground, three soccer fields,

Written and photos by Isadora Pennington

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grill, meadow and pavilions.

The water pad at Town Center is a great spot for little ones to enjoy some watery fun. Perfect for kids to play while adults relax under the shade of nearby pergolas, the splash pad fountains offer a safe way for your kids to let loose and cool down on warm summer evenings. The Town Green is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and features a 2+-acre open

lawn surrounded by a paved path (perfect for kids learning to ride their bikes!), slides and climbing areas, covered pavilions, veteran’s monument and event stage.

Other noteworthy parks include: ■ Holcomb Bridge Park which offers a footpath, playground and amphitheater on 2+ acres.

■ Simpsonwood Park, a 223-acre park with trails, campground, BBQ grills and a small chapel.

■ Pickneyville Park, where you can find a dog run, pond, ball fields, roller hockey rink and free skate area.

■ Triangle Park, a quaint and quiet neighborhood park featuring shady woodland.

Opposite page, Jones Bridge Park This page, Peachtree Corners Town Center Photos by Isadora Pennington

June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Summer Camps Are Back: What to Expect place to maintain these principles.

However, the commitment of camp operators and the community to support safe camp openings is important to support child health and well-being,” say the AAP camp guidance outlines.

Camp is supposed to be a time of carefree fun with friends out in nature, but the gray storm cloud of current health concerns might make parents wary to sign their kids up. To help parents make informed decisions for their children’s summer recreation, let’s

By Kelsey Asher

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summarize some of the guidance laid out by The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

“During the summer, it is important that children begin to reestablish connections with their friends, peers and non-parental adults in an environment that supports their development while also consistently practicing the recommended principles to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2, including physical distancing, density reduction, face masks, hand hygiene and enhanced hygiene measures and enhanced cleaning and disinfection of surfaces. The group camp environment can be a challenging

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Other good info and rules of thumb include: ■ Camp directors must adhere to CDC guidance for maintaining healthy environments and operations. Camp directors should be vigilant in implementing and enforcing state, local and CDC guidelines. Camp directors must maintain good communication with families and campers regarding the expectation for the use of masks, distancing, hand hygiene and other COVID-19 mitigation strategies, especially the requirement to remain home when ill, reporting to the camp of a COVID-19 exposure or a positive test result.

It is important to note that the vast majority of children, even those with medical conditions, are able to safely and effectively wear face masks with adequate practice and support as well as modeling from adults.

■ Camps should encourage children to be physically active outdoors if possible, but must be aware that for children, it may be a challenge to maintain recommended physical distancing without very frequent reminders. Additionally, camps should incorporate recommended COVID-19 mitigation strategies into the normal camp daily routine.

■ For some children who are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19, their healthcare provider may recommend they not attend camp. Families should discuss with their child’s healthcare provider whether camp is appropriate for the child on the basis of the medical history.

■ Regardless of whether a camp establishes a process for testing campers and staff as they come to camp or during the camp session, it is critical for camps to have a policy regarding symptom screening and what to do if a camper or staff member becomes sick with COVID-19 symptoms.

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This should include plans to remove a camper or staff member infected with COVID-19 from the camp, to separate and evaluate the health of close contacts, and if necessary, to close the camp if an outbreak is detected.

■ From the point of view of local summer camps, this upcoming summer is an opportunity to engage kids in invigorating camp activities, just in a flexible manner to create the safest possible environment.

Here is what Margie Asef, Director of Community Relations at Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC), had to say about the full calendar of summer camps at GAC and their intentional focus on safety. “We are all counting down to the days of summer, and our Summer Camp Counselors have designed camps to be FUN and SAFE. GAC’s 88-acre campus has over 34 facilities that allow campers to explore and master skills like tennis, marine biology, Lego-engineering, dance, swimming, basketball and more. In addition, popular field trips are now included, like Tree Top Quest, Nitro Zone, and roller skating.

“GAC’s 2020-2021 school year offered both on-campus and off-campus learning, which helped refine the art of sanitizing and training students on the best ways to stay healthy. According to Camp Director, Jennifer Lofton, the classes will continue to be smaller, and masks will be optional.

Half-day and full-day options are available to allow families plenty of flexibility. Activities are broad, ranging from AP Pre-Calculus AB prep to Story-Book Dance Camp,” Asef said.

If you are interested in enrolling your children in camp this year, remember to ask questions about group size, sanitation and other factors that may affect your choices and comfort level. And of course, many camps offer comprehensive virtual camp programming that allows your little ones to have a great time without leaving the living room. ■ Photos courtesy of Greater Atlanta Christian

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June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Travel & Leisure

What Are You Doing this Summer, Peachtree Corners?

G

eographically blessed, we can pretty much stay put or head in any direction from our city and end up someplace nice for summer vacation. Whether you’re on a budget or seeking five-star accommodations, there is something to guarantee a fun summer getaway for all Peachtree Corners families.

Wisdom from a travel advisor

Luxury Travel Advisor Jeanne Derderian shared some vacation trends. When travel became complicated due to COVID-19, area residents flocked to road trip des-

tinations like Charleston, Kiawah Island, Blackberry Island, Amelia Island and the Florida panhandle, she said.

Why use a travel advisor? “We have access to discounted rates and perks like complimentary breakfast and resort credit,” Derderian shared.

With ever-changing travel requirements for each state and country, it makes sense to have a professional manage the details.

“I’ve always handled tours, hotels, restaurant reservations and spa appointments, but now there’s a lot more to do because of COVID. You have to follow the rules exactly or you won’t get in,” she said.

From perfectly timed COVID tests to downloading apps — in Iceland for example, visitors must use an app that tracks them during their stay — Derderian can make your trip seamless.

Find her on Facebook (@JeanneLargayTravel) and on Instagram (@ jeannederderian).

A sign of the times

Before the pandemic, Europe was the most popular summer destination. “I’m advising clients not to book Europe now. People are still locked down,” Derderian said. “You want to have the full experience. If museums, excursions and restaurants are closed,

it’s just not the same.”

Now more than ever, with people avoiding cities and destinations abroad, she is being asked to help with beach trips as U.S. beaches become increasingly crowded.

“Everyone wants to go to the beach or to the mountains. There aren’t enough hotel rooms to rent. There is not much availability nowadays,” she warned. “For a beach, I’d consider Mexico or an island, if you’re comfortable getting on a plane.”

Top beach destinations include Florida’s gorgeous panhandle, Watercolor Beach, Rosemary Beach and the Keys. Other

By Patrizia Winsper

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

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favorites include South Carolina beaches, like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head, as well as Georgia’s Sea Island.

“All of the trips that were booked for last year got canceled.

They’ve since been rebooked, so there’s not a lot of availability through 2023,” Derderian explained.

Supply and demand have driven prices up, she noted. The luxury hotel in Watercolor Beach and The Pearl in Rosemary Beach are more expensive now. The same room she booked for someone in Jackson Hole last year costs double this year. Nonetheless, she is certain the hotels will be sold out.

Travel tips from a pro

■ Plan ahead for a rental car. Cars are difficult to get and they’re expensive. For a recent Yellowstone Trip she booked, rental cars were going for $6,000 a week. Whereas a rental car was once a last-minute consideration, Derderian suggests securing a rental before you even purchase flights. “Rental car companies sold off their fleets when the pandemic hit. There are very few cars available. It’s something you really need to consider up front and make sure you’re comfortable incurring the cost,” she said.

■ Among the top places to visit this summer is Iceland. “Iceland just opened up, that could be a great place to go,” Derderian said. “U.S. cities like New York and Washington, D.C. — the prices are good, and they’re starting to open up.” National Parks, not necessarily the best-known ones, should be explored, she added. “If you’re willing to be a little more adventuresome, the Faroe Islands are open to vaccinated Americans, and there are not many cases of COVID there.” The trick today, according to Derderian, is to find the sweet spot — a place that’s open, and relatively safe.

■ If you’re seeking U.S. beach or mountain destinations, it won’t be easy to find something available — and it’ll be expensive.

“Make a good friend who has a home there,” she said. “Otherwise, it’s going to be hard.” But it may well be worth it. “You can rent a home in Blue Ridge,” suggested Derderian. “It’s just gorgeous. We have a mountain home there, and

Storey, Alex, Jennifer, and Brandon Hathaway enjoying a family beach vacation.

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Hathaway.

it’s only two hours away.”

See the USA

Walton, Florida scenic route 30A stretches between Destin and Panama City, dotted with upscale beach towns boasting views of the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise waters, and sugary white sand beaches. Jennifer Hathaway and her family love to escape there.

“The beautiful beaches, great restaurants and cute boutiques of 30A are a great option for Peachtree Corners families. Our favorite is Rosemary Beach,” Hathaway said. “It’s family friendly.

It looks like a European village with a town square and cobblestone pathways. The vacation homes and condos reflect the same architecture.”

Beach, please!

Why 30A gets an A+

As for Derderian’s own summer plans? She’ll be heading to Aruba at the end of May to celebrate her mother-in-law’s 86th birthday. Multi-generational family trips is another trend.

Later, she and her husband will check out an all-inclusive adult resort in Cancun.

A woman’s work is never done! Some college visits will be planned, if campuses open up, and in July, she’s hoping restrictions will be lifted in Greece.

Is the beach your happy place? Head south, to northwest Florida. Just a five-hour road trip away or a one-hour flight, the Florida panhandle offers 200 miles of white sand beaches with crystal waters guaranteed to scratch anyone’s itch for a beach getaway.

Along the beaches in South

The area offers tennis, fitness centers, pools, yoga on the green, standup paddleboard (SUP), kayak and bike rentals, private golf courses, concerts on the green, movie nights and kid friendly events, so it’s appealing to all ages.

Beach service includes chair and umbrella rentals and bon-

fires at night. Restaurant options range from fine dining (Restaurant Paradis) to casual (Cowgirl Kitchen). “Our favorite is La Crema Tapas and Chocolate — fabulous food, wine and delicious chocolate desserts,” Hathaway said.

Ample green spaces and boardwalks provide easy access from vacation homes to beaches, restaurants and shops. The beach towns in this area (Seacrest, Alys, Watersound, Seagrove, Seaside, Watercolor, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain, Dune Allen) are connected by sidewalks where people can stroll, jog and bike.

Hathaway shared, “With so many cute beach towns, each with its own style and personality, great restaurants, coffee and ice cream shops, wine bars, breweries, bookstores and cute boutiques, everyone will find their perfect beach on 30A!” There are only two types of Peachtree Corners residents, those who have been to 30A and those who will go to 30A.

June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

39

Clockwise,a peaceful lake in Brevard, North Carolina.

Susan and Jay Polokoff enjoy biking in Brevard, North Carolina – a biking destination.

North Carolina, the land of incredible waterfalls.

Photos courtesy of Jay and Susan Polokoff.

The mountains are calling, and I must go!

If you prefer higher elevations and cooler temperatures for some relief from the Georgia summers, that segment of the Appalachian Mountains in northeast Georgia is a must. Quaint mountain towns and stunning views await in historic towns like Ellijay, Blue Ridge, and Blairsville. For those willing to travel outside of Georgia, other beautiful mountain destinations are not too far away.

Brevard, NC

A three-hour drive away from their Peachtree Corners home, Brevard, North Carolina has drawn Jay and Susan Polokoff for over 20 years. The condo they recently inherited from Susan’s parents is located in a valley overlooking a river and a golf course.

The community is an Audubon Conservatory — a nature lover’s dream for bird watching, gardening and wildlife sightings.

Once a retirement destination, Brevard has seen an influx of young families moving in since the pandemic. Many are second homeowners from all over.

“It’s a great mountain community with just about everything you’d want to do. There’s access to hiking. There are five natural

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spring-fed lakes, perfect for swimming and kayaking,” Susan said.

“Brevard boasts nice restaurants, an old-fashioned downtown area with a movie theater, candy and ice cream shops, an art gallery, breweries and a farmers market on Saturday mornings.”

Jay enjoyed the Brevard Music Center bringing in guest conductors every year, until COVID struck. Visitors can hike in the DuPont State Recreational Forest where many scenes of the 2012 blockbuster “The Hunger Games” was filmed.

It’s also a draw for mountain bikers. This small town of 8,000 boasts four bike shops. “We like to ride bicycles. They built the Brevard Bikeway that goes from downtown into Pisgah National Forest. You don’t have to ride with traffic for the most part,” Susan said.

Motorboats are not allowed on the spring-fed lakes, only canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. The water is clear and like glass.

The Polokoffs like to spend a week or long weekends in Brevard. Their 32-year-old daughter enjoys visiting and hiking there, too. With Jay on the cusp of retirement, they plan to spend more time there in June, July and August.

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Waynesville, NC

Every June, Bob and Lori Howard plan a two or three-day hiking trip to Waynesville, North Carolina. They like to stay at the Waynesville Golf and Country Club, and one of their favorite hikes is nearby Flat Laurel Creek.

To learn about the Flat Laurel Creek hike, visit hikewnc.info/ besthikes/black-balsam/flat-laurel-creek.

Right, Bob and Lori Howard enjoy summer hiking trips to Waynesville, North Carolina.

Photos courtesy of Lori Howard.

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Travel Abroad Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Prudence Franklin and her family enjoy summer visits to Ocho Rios, Jamaica about every three years. Franklin grew up in Oracabessa, where the 12 original James Bond novels were written and where two of the Bond films were made.

“There’s a beach called the James Bond Beach,” Franklin said. It’s on the north shore. On the outskirts of Ocho Rios, in Brighton, one can visit the Blue Hole, a natural limestone sinkhole and mineral spring with azure waters 20 feet deep, which Franklin describes as “the Garden of Eden.”

In Ocho Rios, you can swim with the dolphins, tour in glass bottom boats and enjoy a roller coaster-like bobsled ride through the rainforest in homage to the 1988 Jamaican Bobsled team from the movie, “Cool Runnings.”

“The people are friendly, really relaxed and laid back. Your vacation can be as active or quiet as you like,” Franklin shared.

Franklin and her family prefer active vacations. They like to incorporate learning something new on their travels. When heading to Tennessee for example, they’ll stop along the way and visit Indian reservations where they can see artifacts and learn about The Trail of Tears.

Right, Prudence Franklin relishes returning to her hometown during her summer vacations to Jamaica. Shown here, on her way up the mountain for the Bobsled ride. Photo courtesy of Prudence Franklin.

Middle, A stunning waterfall at the Blue Hole in Jamaica.

Bottom, Franklin’s children, soaking in the beauty during their family vacation.

June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

41

Staycation Fun on the Hooch!

“My family and friends love to play on the water and there’s nothing more convenient than the Chattahoochee River which runs right through Peachtree Corners,” said Sonia Lee said. Activities include playing on the rocks at Jones Bridge Park and kayaking down the river.

“My friends and I also love to have moms-only floats down the river,” Lee shared. For the past several years, she has organized a Beach Day for her kids and their friends at Buford Dam Park on Lake Lanier.

In an effort to “give back” to the river which provides so much enjoyment, they volunteer regularly at the bi-annual Sweep the Hooch event to help clean up the parks along the river, as well as the Chattahoochee itself. To get involved visit chattahoochee.org/sweep-the-hooch/.

For more local summer activities visit exploregeorgia.org/city/ peachtree-corners.

Above, Hanson purchased a condo on Ambergris Caye, Belize, her favorite summer getaway.

Photos courtesy of Evan Hanson.

Left, an ocean view of Belize.

Ambergris Caye, Belize

How about visiting a place where local wildlife includes toucans, parrots, jaguars and monkeys? Evan Hanson loves Belize so much, she purchased a condo on Ambergris Caye, an island off of Belize in Central America, east of Guatemala. Belize is becoming a favorite vacation and retirement spot.

“If you love the beach or outdoor activities, this is the place for you,” Hanson stated. Besides relaxing on the beach, possible activities include snorkeling, scuba diving in the world’s second largest reef, fishing and swimming

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with the sharks, stingrays — and if you’re lucky, manatees and whale sharks. There’s also sailing, kayaking, ziplining, cave tubing, spelunking, visiting Mayan Ruins or the zoo, and hiking by waterfalls.

Belize encompasses a multitude of cultures. Everyone is bilingual because the official language is English. “You can speak Spanglish and fit right in,” Hanson said.

The local cuisine is characterized by its Jamaican and Caribbean influences. Fish is prevalent.

During lobster season, lobster is both abundant and affordable.

Belizean fry jacks (fried dough) — sweet or savory — are a local breakfast favorite.

“What I love most about Ambergris Caye is the people — they are the nicest — followed by the ocean,” Hanson said.

Ambergris Caye is a party town, with lots of fun bars on the water. One of Hanson’s favorites is a place called Truck Stop, a bar with live music, games, a pool and food trucks. During the high season, large crowd of locals and tourists gather there.

Hanson’s condo, just steps from the ocean, may be available for your summer vacation! Visit indigobelize.com/beachfront-condo-4a/.

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Top, Ladies on the river Sonia Lee with some of her friends – “the kayaking gang” - making their way down the Chattahoochee River.

Left, River serenity: One of Sonia Lee’s favorite pictures, taken at sunrise from the boat ramp at Medlock Bridge Park.

Below, children kayaking on the Chattahoochee River.

Photos courtesy of Sonia Lee.

As the old adage goes, travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. Whether you’re traveling internationally, across the U.S. or staying in Georgia this summer, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and visit something new. I hope you do, and I’m wishing you all a safe and amazing summer! ■ Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before. — Dalai Lama

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Sports & Recreation

Q & A with Wesleyan Senior Golfer Jada Richardson

Has anyone acted as your mentor or inspiration?

Richardson: I don’t really have a specific mentor, but I am inspired by the women on the LPGA Tour.

What made you decide that Howard University was the right school for you?

T

o succeed in the challenging sport of golf requires hyper focus and drive. Wesleyan School senior golfer Jada Richardson has that in spades.

She was recently named one of Gwinnett Daily Post’s “Super Six,” which recognizes the top six athletes of each sport in Gwinnett County at the start of each sport’s season. She has

By Kelsey Asher

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put in a fair amount of time and effort to achieve excellence, not only her sport but in her future going forward, culminating in her signing to swing for Howard University.

Richardson’s wins in the sport are numerous, but here are a few accomplishments that show how she reached Super Six status: ■ State Coach Award (2019) ■ First Team All-County by the Gwinnett Daily Post (2019) ■ Team’s Most Valuable Player (2019) ■ 1st in HJGT at Chateau Elan ■ 2nd in SJGT at Berkley Hills Junior Classic ■ 4th in SJGT at Georgia Club Classic ■ T46/85 in at Junior North and South Amateur ■ 31st/53 in GSGA Junior Girls Championship ■ Top 5 in GA PGA Jr Atlanta Junior Championship

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

■ Top 5 in GA PGA Jr Roswell Junior Championship ■ Top 20 in PKB at Walker Course We had a great conversation with Richardson about her exciting journey, so let’s take a look at that interview.

How would you describe yourself as a golfer?

Richardson: I would say that I am a focused golfer.

What skills or traits do you feel make you a successful golfer?

Richardson: I am accurate with my driver and irons.

What do you do to train?

Richardson: I typically go out to the golf course and go through drills for each area of my game — putting, chipping / pitching, irons.

What do you like to do in your free time away from competition and school?

Richardson: I enjoy traveling, hanging out with my family, little sister Kyla, friends, reading and listening to music.

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Richardson: Coach Puryear’s reputation as a coach really drew me towards the school. I also felt like I would have great opportunities studying in D.C. What would you say is your favorite memory competing in your sport?

Richardson: It’s hard to narrow it down to just one, but my overall favorite memory is getting to play different courses during the summer with my friends. I really enjoyed getting to play in a tournament last summer in Savannah with some of friends from my home course.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment to date?

Richardson: Winning a tournament last summer.

What study will you be pursuing in college and what prompted you to that field?

Richardson: I will be studying international business. I thought this was be an interesting field because it combines other places around the world and business.

Good luck at Howard University, Jada Richardson! We know you will make us proud.■

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June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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KNOWLEDGE

Education & Experiences

Summer Reading Recommendations

from the Community for Adults and Kids

T

o read or not to read… is not the question. The real question is… what to read this summer?

We asked librarians, community leaders, students and more to give us their top title choices for a great story or an excellent poolside read.

usually finds herself in academic competitions with Francis. Another one of his enemies is named Arthur. He is great at everything and makes Nate jealous. Also, Nate is the all-time record holder for detentions in school and is convinced that his destiny is unshakable.

alizing the threat of Count Olaf.

In other words, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to practically anyone!

Sharika Awasthi

Zara Praveen

Big Nate series, written

by Lincoln Peirce The books are a humorous comic for young readers with 15 books in the series. It is about a 11-year-old boy whose friends are named Francis Pope and Teddy Ortiz. His hobbies are playing chess, baseball, basketball and cartooning. He is often sent to detention by his least favorite teacher, Mrs. Godfrey.

His enemies are Gina, a girl who always says she is smarter than him, which is true — and

By Kelsey Asher

46

A Series of Unfortunate Events, written by Lemony Snicket (real name Daniel Handler) The series details the journey of three orphans being relentlessly pursued by a wicked Count out for their fortune. It’s a series that is more than likely to keep you busy, spanning 13 main novels as well as some extension works. It’s suitable for a plethora of ages.

I originally read it around 7 years old and loved it. I recently reread it and found that my love for it had not faded. It is a completely immersive experience. You find yourself immensely frustrated at most characters that aren’t Violet, Klaus or Sunny for not re-

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks This book is an easy and inspiring read.

What I love about it is that it challenges you to pursue your zone of genius, your natural gifts and to keep a positive mindset. It also lays out the steps to teach you how to do this. It’s perfect for those who are searching for “more” out of life. I hope that others enjoy this book as much as I do.

Rena Williams

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What If? by Randall Munroe It answers questions like “What would happen if you threw a baseball at 90% the speed of light?” or “What if you made a periodic coffee table out of all of the elements of the periodic table?”.

It is a (mostly) well-researched and fun tour through physics, computer science, chemistry and Earth science.

I recommend this book because it teaches me to think creatively with science. It poses creative questions and answers them with solid research and novel ideas. Also, the art includes some of the best stick figures you could ask for.

Brandon Horsley Physics and Robotics, Paul Duke STEM High School

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Picture Books:

The Good Egg by Jory John — Funny story that encourages selfcare and accepting others.

I Am Enough by Grace Byers — All about loving who you are!

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan Higgins — Hilarious story about a dinosaur named Penelope meeting her classmates.

The Story of Fish and Snail by Deborah Freeman — A great story about leaving your comfort zone.

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes — Celebrates individuality!

Novels: Choice 1: Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson — Great read for any teenager who just went through our modern pandemic.

Choice 2: The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson — It is just so detailed and beautifully written. The author connects the true tale of the 1893 World’s Fair and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. The book is so detailed and combines extensive research with nail-biting storytelling.

Ice Cream Summer by Peter Sis This is a sweet summer read about a young boy who explains to his grandfather in a letter that he has not forgotten about school because he continues to enjoy writing, math and geography through the imaginary world of ice cream!

The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer — Combines the modern-day world with fairy tales.

Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper — A must read for everyone!

The story is told through the eyes of a child with cerebral palsy.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley — Set in WWII, this story presents a love/hate relationship with its characters.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang — Story full of empathy and compassion and tough lessons about today’s world.

The themes address poverty and injustices in a migrant community.

Allison Anderson Greater Atlanta Christian School Lower School Media Specialist

Dr. Taffeta Connery Principal of Simpson Elementary School

Dr. Jonathon Wetherington Principal of Paul Duke STEM High School

Cloth from the Clouds by Michael Catchpool This is a wonderful story with beautiful illustrations that teaches children (and adults) to treat the Earth with care and to take only what we really need. It’s a great lesson on stewardship over our planet.

Angelina Whitaker Blue Sky Law

continued on page 48 The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate — This book chronicles the journey of three very young and different women looking for the one person who binds them together just after the Civil War, and a young teacher in modern times who rounds out the connections. I found the bravery, the persistence and the innovation displayed by these women inspirational and entertaining.

The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd — Since Jewish men in the culture of his time either married or were ostracized, what if Jesus were married? I gained deeper understanding about the culture, as well as the rules and expectations of women.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig — What if we could experience the consequences of different choices in our lives, and what if the outcomes of a different choice don’t match our imagined outcomes?

The Guardians by John Grisham — People who are unfairly incarcer-

ated need advocates, and this story introduces us to some interesting characters who are on a mission.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah — This painful description of life in the Texas dust bowl and the disappointing alternative awaiting the family in California puts wearing a mask to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 into vivid perspective.

Betsy Corley Pickren WoodFire Leadership, LLC and Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce board member

June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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continued from page 47

Sixty Things to Teach College Kids Before They Graduate by Cliff Bramble (local author) This life skills book is not only concise, thoughtful and easy to read, it is a perfect gift and keepsake for any young person heading out into the world. It also covers a lot of topics that parents may worry they “forgot” to teach their children when they leave home.

Cathy Nilsson

Know What You’re FOR by Jeff Henderson Two thought-provoking questions are the foundation of this book: 1) What do you want to be known for, and 2) what are you actually known for? After reading this book as a company in “book club” format, our team reflected on vision, purpose and core values. We worked together to identify gaps between the questions and develop strategies to narrow them. We experienced awesome discussion, enthusiasm and excitement about potential to positively impact our communities, clarity on how to do so and opportunities for additional growth.

This is not just a business book, it’s a strategy for life book that will challenge and invigorate you to dream big!

Wendy Willis Business Development at Tandem Bank, Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce member

Boundaries with Teens: When to Say, How to Say No by Dr. John Townsend I picked up this book since I now have a teenager in the household.

While much of the book is common sense, it serves as a good tool navigating this next season.

Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler I have enjoyed reading (on several occasions) a book titled, Crucial Conversations. Stephen Covey wrote the foreword for the book: “Crucial Conversations draws our attention to those defining moments that literally shape our lives, our relationships and our world…This book deserves to take its place as one of the key thought leadership contributions of our time.”

Colin Creel

Steve Dorough

Principal of Cornerstone Christian Academy

Past Chairman of the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■

Another Brooklyn by Jacqueline Woodson It’s Brooklyn, 1970s. Hot and humid with the corner fire hydrant spraying water and Stevie Wonder blaring out a window. Adult August is transported back to this time, hanging with her friends on the block, weaving their way through adolescence, innocently seeing the city and its people as beautiful but quickly learning the dark side to another Brooklyn. This short read is a poetic coming-of-age story about friendship, loss and resilience, and the weight memory holds for a black woman visiting home.

Erin Twohig-Canal

Andersonville by MacKinlay Kantor (winner of the Pulitzer Prize) The perfect book for lovers of history and historical fiction as well as those who are interested in Civil War and Georgia history.

I discovered this treasure as I worked my way through all the winners of the Pulitzer Prize. While I hesitate to call it my “favorite,” I will say that I found myself deeply engrossed and some of the stories continue to swim around in my brain. Andersonville tells the story of one of the most horrific prisoner of war camps from the perspective of multiple players both historic and fictional.

Erica McCurdy McCurdy Solutions Group

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continued on page 50

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Summer Reading Programs at Gwinnett County Public Library

Tails & Tales: Summer Reading Challenge 2021 June 1 — August 13 Whether you’re young and enjoying a break from school or a bit older and just grateful for a little more sunshine, this is the perfect season to explore new stories, ideas and places. Join Gwinnett County Public Library’s (GCPL) Tails & Tales Summer Reading Challenge and get motivated to stay curious — and earn awesome prizes along the way! Challenges vary depending on age group.

To participate, visit gwinnettpl.beanstack.org/reader365, and log into an existing Beanstack account or new one as first-time user.

Pre-registration for the 2021 Challenge began May 1. Whether you use Beanstack through a web browser or the app, you’ll be able to log minutes, earn virtual badges, discover cool videos and more all summer long. Stop by a library branch during the summer to pick up your very own Summer Reading Challenge welcome pack.

2021 Summer Reading Series — Virtual June 15, 29, 7-8 p.m.

Presented by the Georgia Center for the Book, Gwinnett County Public Library and the AJC Decatur Book Festival. This year, author Joshilyn Jackson and her co-captain, Atlanta author and journalist Nicki Salcedo, have curated a selection of some of the year’s best reads.

Tickets are free and open to the public. Registration is required at gwinnettpl.org. If you’d like to purchase copies of these books, the library asks that you purchase from A Cappella Books, partners for this event.

P H O T O S H O P B O S S !

L I K E

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June 15 — Hosted by Nicki Salcedo in conversation with P. Djèlí Clark and Nghi Vo. Phenderson Djéli Clark is the award-winning author of the novellas Ring Shout, The Black God’s Drums and The Haunting of Tram Car 015. Nghi Vo is the author of the acclaimed novellas The Empress of Salt and Fortune and When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain.

June 19 — Hosted by Joshilyn Jackson in conversation with Kaitlyn Greenidge and Kirstin Valdez Quade.

Kaitlyn Greenidge’s debut novel, We Love You, Charlie Freeman, was one of the New York Times Critics’ Top 10 Books of 2016 and a finalist for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize.

Kirstin Valdez Quade is the author of the novel The Five Wounds, and her short story collection, Night at the Fiestas, won the John Leonard Prize from the National Book Critics Circle, the Sue Kaufman Prize for First Fiction from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a “5 Under 35” award from the National Book Foundation, and was a finalist for the New York Public Library Young Lions Award.

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continued from page 48

All Systems Red

by Martha Wells Science fiction is not a genre I used to read before picking up All Systems Red. The narrator is the self-named enhanced artificial intelligence Murderbot who has hacked their governing module and gone rogue. Keeping the humans they’ve been assigned to alive (contrary to their name) while dealing with, at times, crippling anxiety and a desire to watch sitcoms and TV shows on repeat is extremely entertaining, as is the action that kept me glued to every page, and devouring the other novellas and novels in the series!

The Mark of the King

by Jocelyn Green This book was a hidden gem for me.

I was not too sure about reading it but was so glad I did! It is a historical fiction about the settlement of Louisiana, with a lot of history thrown in. It is a well-written page-turner, and I always recommend this book when someone asks for a recommendation. Not your typical HEA [happily ever after] book, and definitely an emotional ride, but so good!

Candace Ross

If You Come to Earth

by Sophie Blackall This book inspires you to think about all of the daily activities and things around us that we many times overlook. It makes you wonder about what other details you can include to describe life on Earth and all of its wonders!

Maria Sabino 2nd and 3rd grade ELA and Social Studies Teacher at International Charter Academy.

1. The Flying Cutterbucks

By Kathleen Rogers —The story of how strong women in an abusive military family protect themselves and craft a new life.

2. How Beautiful We Were

by Imbolo Mbue —A young woman in an African village starts a revolution against an American oil company that is destroying the land.

3. Invisible Women: Data bias in a world designed for men by Caroline Perez — Describes how data does not take into account gender in many areas.

4. Broken Places Outer of Spaces by Shyama Golden — It is a story of how creativity is born from hardship.

5. Homo Deus: a brief history of tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari —An examination of the history of human civilization in the 21st century Charles Hawk Assistant Principal at GIVE Center West

Chanpreet Singh

For middle school students, especially the boys: Code of Honor by Alan Gratz Code of Honor is an action-packed celebration of heroism and family that asks us to look past the exteriors. When an Army Ranger is taken

by Al-Qaeda and makes anti-American videos, it is his younger brother who knows his brother isn’t a traitor and decodes the messages he is hiding in the videos.

For middle school students, especially the girls: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling — I promise this is not a book about cacti. After all, the huge cacti in Arizona have multiple arms and Aven has none. People in her hometown are accustomed to the girl who does everything with her feet. So moving is going to be hard. Her move will require her to solve a mystery, make a friend (with a boy who has an entirely different challenge) and help run the family business, all without arms.

Fiction for adults or older teens: Bone Gap by Laura Ruby — The face we show the world is never all of who we are. Bone Gap is a book about what we see and who sees us. It’s no surprise that someone evil would want to kidnap beautiful Roza, her mother told her “there will

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be boys who will tell you you’re beautiful, but only a few will see you.”

What is strange is the eyewitness; he can’t tell anyone what he saw.

Told from the perspectives of both the stolen Roza and the misunderstood witness, it’s a book you won’t forget.

Nonfiction for adults or older teens: Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin — Jim Thorpe, known as the greatest athlete of all time, excelled in football, baseball and won Olympic medals in the decathalon and pentathalon. Jim’s story covers the evolution of college football, the Native American boarding school system and his extraordinary athletic success.

You will learn how Pop Warner fits into his story and why his Olympic medals were revoked. It’s a great read and an exceptional audiobook as well.

Bonnie Baker Library Media Specialist at Greater Atlanta Christian School

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51

Simpson Elementary Teacher Turns Author

with Recent Release of “My Teacher Looks Like Me” Children’s Book author

By Kelsey Asher Some of the first adult role models for a child outside of their immediate family often comes from their teachers. Ideally, those teachers are people that children can relate to and sense a positivity from so that they can imitate them in their own lives and grow.

Autumn Dodson is one such teacher, giving her second graders at Simpson Elementary School a chance to learn from a teacher who can help them see things from new perspectives. Through her work at the school, Dodson was inspired to write a children’s book titled “My Teacher Looks Like Me” because of a meaningful interaction with one of her previous students.

“I am the first African American teacher at Simpson Elementary. It was last year in one of my parent-teacher conferences that Naomi’s (who is the main character in the book) mom explained that I had made the biggest

impact on her daughter’s life,” Dodson said. “It was in that moment that I realized that I am making a difference, and I am exactly where I need to be.”

She mentioned that she had not necessarily planned to write or publish a book, but that the idea came to her rather organically, informed by

past experience. “As I was growing up, I always thought it would be really cool to write a book, but I never thought that I would actually end up doing it,” Dodson said. “I am currently getting my doctoral degree in education.

My dissertation topic is on the effectiveness of African American teachers in the classroom.

“As I was doing research, I realized that the lack of African American teachers is a huge issue in education. I got the idea to write a book

based on a personal experience I had from one of my previous students, who was an African American,” she explained.

Children’s insecurity related to race can be very confusing and damaging, if it’s not addressed in an understandable way, so books like these can be a tool for change and help foster an inclusive and diverse environment.

“I believe it is important for schools to have a diverse staff. All kids should have someone who looks like them. It should never be a point where a kid totally feels isolated because they do not think they belong or cannot relate to someone else in that setting,” Dodson stated.

The official release date for the book was slated for May 23, with a book launch party held on the Peachtree Corners Town Green.

Information on purchasing a copy of the book can be found at autumndodson.com. ■

Campus Expansion at Cornerstone Christian Academy

Cornerstone Christian Academy students returning from summer break will find their campus in a much different state then when they left it. The school is undergoing a substantial expansion project, with the main purpose of creating more useable outdoor space.

“The pandemic has shown everyone the importance of usable outdoor spaces. These additional spaces will be transformative for our community,” Headmaster Colin Creel said.

According to Creel, the most visible change will be the demolition of the middle building and the creation of the campus mall, which will include a stage on one end, similar to the one at Peachtree Corners Town Center on a smaller scale. A plaza will be constructed on the other end.

In addition, Cornerstone is adding a Middle School Plaza for the students to congregate, dine and hold outdoor classes and fellowship. On the backside of the Lower School, they are adding a covered walkway to help with carpool. There will also be numerous infrastructure improvements, such as lighting and asphalt.

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Site rendering, provided by Colin Creel. Catamount is the contractor for this project.

The total project cost comes to approximately $3 million, raised through the community and friends of Cornerstone coupled with internal resources that were set aside for this project. The current estimated date for completion is July 4.

For more information on Cornerstone Christian Academy, visit cornerstonecougars.org. ■

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June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

53

STAR Students and Teachers Named at Schools around Gwinnett County The 2020-2021 school year STAR Students, selected by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, have been named. Students then select an influential teacher from their school to share in the honor.

In its 63rd year, the STAR program is sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) Foundation, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Education. To obtain the STAR nomination, high school seniors must have the highest score in a single sitting on the SAT, taken through the March test date of their senior year and be in the top 10% or among the top 10 students in their class based on grade point average.

Students and their teachers are honored by receiving special recognition in their communities from more than 165 statewide civic organizations. ■

Jacob Price, Wesleyan School’s STAR student chose Deborah Brown (Math) as STAR teacher.

Jasmine Hsu, Paul Duke Stem High School’s STAR student chose Kathleen Keller (Math) as STAR teacher.

Joshua Mao, Norcross High School’s STAR student chose Derek Mobley (Math) as STAR teacher.

Darlene Nguyen, Greater Atlanta Christian School’s STAR student selected Mary Lynn Huett (Chemistry) as STAR teacher.

PCBA Awards Scholarships to Deserving Students The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) is awarding two scholarships this year to local graduating high school students who have demonstrated scholastic achievements, initiative, community spirit and support in our community.

On May 13, they awarded Katheryn Antonowich of Paul Duke High School a $1,000 scholarship. The second scholarship winner, Katherine Graddy of Wesleyan High School, will receive her scholarship check of equal amount on June 17 at the PCBA’s Business After Hours CMX CineBistro event, as Graddy was attending a track meet competition in May and could not make the May 13 date.

The PCBA is proud of all the graduating seniors who submitted applications this year and their incredible accomplishments in spite of COVID-19. Applicants submitted essays that reflected three things they learned during the pandemic that they believe will help them in the future.

The PCBA also donated Care Packages to the Norcross Cluster Schools Partnership Bus Drivers, thanking them for all they have done, including dropping off meals to feed hungry children during the last year. ■

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PCBA President Lisa Proctor.

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Katheryn Antonowich (right) with her mom, Andrea (left) and sister Lauren.

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LOOK FOR OUR BEST OF PEACHTREE CORNER’S READER SURVEY

Readers will help guide us to their favorite places for food, drink, wellness and more.

Sign up for our newsletter at our website, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be notified when the survey launches.

Five participants will be drawn and share in $500 in prizes.

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June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

55

Pinckneyville Middle School Wins State Odyssey of the Mind and Heads to World Finals The Pinckneyville Middle School Odyssey of the Mind team placed first at the Georgia state competition and has been invited to represent Georgia at the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals in Orlando in June. They are heading back for the fourth time, seeking their third win.

“The Pinckneyville MS team is made up of seven girls, including two of ours, with my wife, Lisa Dommert, as their coach,” said supporter and parent Travis Dommert. “They’ve really helped put Peachtree Corners and Georgia on the map among thousands of Odyssey teams from around the world. They’ve placed first in the world twice already, besting 71 world finalist elementary school teams in 2018, placed fourth among over 60 world finalist middle school teams in 2019, and reclaimed the top spot among over 60 world finalist teams in 2020.

“They are shaping up to be one of the most dominant teams in state history and one of the few

to consistently beat the Chinese and Polish teams who have been very strong in recent years,” he added.

Donations are being accepted on their GoFundMe page to help the team prepare for the journey to Orlando, where the girls will represent Peachtree Corners, Gwinnett County Public Schools and the state of Georgia. At the end of the campaign, the funds will be deposited into a bank account created by Jeff Ebert (a team parent) and then distributed equally among the team members and volunteer parent coach.

Some people might never have heard of Odyssey of the Mind (OotM) or do not understand exactly what it is, so here is the official description. “[OotM] is an international creative problem-solving program that engages students in their learning by allowing their knowledge and ideas to come to life in an exciting, productive environment. Participants build

Dorothy Lewis 800 Club at Norcross High School The Dorothy Lewis 800 Club recognizes students who earn an 800 on any section of the SAT, 800 on an SAT subject test, a composite score of 36 on the ACT or a 760 on any section of the PSAT. The plaque is updated each summer and students are added after their graduation year.

This school year’s new members are: ■ Cooper Allen — Class of 2021, PSAT, Reading ■ Dylan Christensen — Class of 2021, PSAT, Math ■ Jordan Katz — Class of 2023, PSAT, Reading ■ Joshua Konfrst — Class of 2021, Math ■ Martin Lachev — Class of 2021, Math ■ Abigail Lewis — Class of 2021, PSAT, Reading ■ Kevin Li — Class of 2021, Chemistry,

Math, Math Level 2, ACT ■ Joshua Mao — Class of 2021, Math ■ Eric Van Ness — Class of 2021, PSAT, Math

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The Pinckneyville Middle School Odyssey of the Mind.

Photos courtesy of their Go Fund Me page.

self-confidence, develop life skills, create new friendships, and are able to recognize and explore their true potential. OotM proves that students can have fun while they learn.”

The competitions consist of the performance of an original skit based on the exact set of required elements given (the “longterm problem”) as well as the performance of the “spontaneous problem,” in which teams are

asked to perform random tasks on the spot with no prior preparation, such as creating a bridge out of unique materials that can actually support weight. So, in effect, it’s a great combination of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with the arts (STEAM). It also requires a lot of teamwork and effective communication. ■

Wesleyan School Literary Team Places at State GHSA Meet On April 24, the Wesleyan School Literary Team traveled to Georgia Military College to compete in the GHSA (Georgia High School Association) State Meet. At the end of the day, Wesleyan finished second overall at only five points behind the first place team.

Special recognition goes to the following State Champions: ■ Zach Russell ’22 — Boys Solo, ■ Gian Luca Di Lenardo ’21 — Argumentative Essay, and ■ Tori Hedlund ’22 — Personal Essay.

The Boys Quartet (Russell, Di Lenardo, Carson Green ’22

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and William Sabonis-Chafee ’22) finished in second place. Gigi Alembik ’22, Siobhan Davenport ’21, Brenna McConnell ’22 and Davis Olds ’22 also helped secure critical meet points.

Zach Russell

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NHS Foundation for Excellence Fundraiser Raises over $100,000 On May 7, the Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence held their annual Gala fundraiser at Atlanta Tech Park and online for virtual attendees. With nearly 300 guests, it was truly a community-wide event. The night was filled with delicious food, drinks and great fundraising for Norcross High School (NHS). Over $100,000 was raised and will be used to ensure the success of all students at NHS. This year, 52 families accepted the Foundation Challenge to gift or raise $1000. Foundation Challengers included parents and grandparents of current students, alumni and community members who understand that great schools and great communities go hand in hand. Twelve local businesses sponsored the Gala as well.

Since 2001, Foundation supporters have raised over $2.5 million. These funds go directly back to the school to fund programs that support excellence in arts, academics and athletics. For more information about the work of the NHS Foundation for Excellence, visit norcrosshighfoundation.org. ■

Left to right, Anthony Parker, Tia Owens-Parker, Kedra Belyeu, Harold Belyeu, Porshia White, Ken White

Left to right, Amber Gratwick, Weare Gratwick, Bob Chapin, Jenny Chapin, Eric Williamson, Marieke Schilpzand

State Rep Beth Moore with two of her legislative staffers Matt Yarbrough (left) and Blake Judkin.

Gian Luca Di Lenardo

Gigi Alembik

Siobhan Davenport

Davis Olds

Tori Hedlund

Brenna McConnell

William Sabonis-Chafee

Carson Green

Pinckneyville Middle School Celebrates 8th Grade Grads with Drive Through Cavalcade On May 22, things at Pinckneyville Middle School got a little rowdy with a celebratory drive through parade for parents to congratulate their eighthgrade students as they prepare to take on middle school next year. From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. that morning, the carpool lanes at the school shuttled through a long line of well-wishers brandishing colorful banners, posters, delightful car paint and even a school mascot costume!

Pinckneyville Middle School PTSA traditionally holds a celebration for graduating eighth graders. With many students still attending school digitally, it wasn’t possible to do an in-person celebration. The car parade provided the perfect opportunity for both in-person and digital students to celebrate their accomplishment with family, friends, Pinckneyville administration, PTSA volunteers and community supporters cheering them on.

Congrats Pinckneyville MS graduates and good luck as you continue on to exciting new things as high school freshman! ■

Photos by Peter Chen, with some provided

by Joslyn Ratcliff

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Taido Student Sells Art to Raise $1,000 for Karate School

Ellah with, (l-r) Brendan Dumont, assistant head instructor, Mitsuaki Uchida, head instructor and Musashi Uchida, assistant head instructor

Pinckneyville Principal Todd Marschke and the Blue Devil, the school’s mascot, arrived in style in a golf cart to kick off the celebration.

Ellah is a 10-year-old student who participates in Taido Karate in Peachtree Corners. She is an extremely dedicated student who attends five to six classes a week.

Ellah grew concerned that her Taido School might be having financial difficulties, which reveals unusual maturity for her age. She didn’t want her Taido School to go out of business, as has happened to many businesses over the past year.

So, she decided to take action. Ellah figured out she could help Taido and also clean up the environment at the same time. She started picking up trash in her community and saving some of it to make art, creating a total of 21 unique works of art.

Ellah then proceeded to put her pieces up for sale on her Instagram page. Her followers responded with an open heart, allowing Ellah to raise $1,000 from 20 artworks.

The final piece of art was presented to her senseis (teachers) at Taido Karate along with a check for $1,000.

Her senseis were totally blown away by her initiative, skill and the results. Ellah’s art has a permanent place at Taido Karate, just as Ellah has a permanent place in her senseis’ hearts. ■

June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

59

SPACES

Real Estate & Home

Working from Home Can Mean a Better Family / Work Balance

I

n mid-March 2020, millions of workers were driven out of the office with no definite return date when the COVID-19 pandemic completely disrupted everyone in the United States’ livelihoods, plans and vocations.

Peachtree Corners was no exception, and thousands of residents were forced to improvise creating a work-friendly space inside of their homes.

After over a year of commute-free and remote jobs, the pandemic has completely deconstructed how humans relate and view their space — showing that careers are more transient than we ever thought. Even though nearly 47% of the U.S. population is vaccinated and life is slowly coming

By Elizabeth Sigmon Photos by George Hunter

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back to a sort of normal, home office spaces may be here to stay.

A head start

Jason Reese, an IT Systems Architect for NVIDIA, a multinational technology company, had a head start on remote working in 2016.

“After over 10 years where I did a lengthy daily commute driving to midtown Atlanta, in 2014 I got the opportunity to work for a company on the West Coast and split my time working between there and home in Atlanta,” Reese said. “Even then, most of the meetings I was in were video calls with teams dispersed across different states and countries. In 2016, it worked out to where I went full-time remote and only needing to travel one week a month to be ‘in office’.”

Reese’s home office space evolved from just a laptop on his kitchen table, to a makeshift desk in the living room, (“that was a real eye-sore whenever we had company,” Reese joked) to, finally, converting his bonus room into the ideal working space. Opting for an electric standing desk, over the usual large office desk, allowed Reese to alternate sitting and stand-

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

ing throughout the workday.

“I put a privacy divider up behind my workspace, primarily for video calls,” Reese said, “so co-workers don’t see anything but my professional space.” The privacy dividers also keep the rest of the bonus room off the call which includes “a TV room with surround sound and synced hued lighting and a home gym.”

Space to concentrate

Cliff Bramble, a self-employed restaurant and real estate investor also found himself having to convert to working remotely March of 2020. Amid the pandemic, Bramble started a full-time restaurant consulting company called Hungry Hospitality.

“I have a consulting company that works with start-up businesses and restaurants in helping them in any business aspect on the business side,” Bramble said of his company. The company has also published books on the subject and will be launching a new product in August.

Like Reese, Bramble’s new workspace is in his basement, but it is minimal to say the least: only

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sixty square feet with no windows.

But this isn’t at all bad — Bramble wrote two books in that tiny office.

“Being in a small space along with no windows has allowed me to focus on getting more done. It allows me to write my book in a non-disturbing space,” Bramble says of his workspace.

Reese has found a similar sense of productivity and peace in his home office workspace rather than the typical 9 to 5 office.

“In an office, especially the ever-present ‘open office layouts’, there were constant distractions.

I’d try to work on something needing focus and get interrupted by chit-chat or conversations two feet away. That’s not counting needing to find conference rooms, [getting] to them, often in different floors or buildings, just to have a meeting.”

Less compute, more productivity

Reese believes that while undoubtedly there is value in meeting and interacting with someone in person, “the minutes and hours gained by removing long commutes have added more productive time. Most of the work

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Opposite page: Left to right, Reese’s current workspace set up Movie / TV Room space Left, Reese’s workout space Below, (l-r) Bramble’s office space and podcast area.

nately, I have a lot of friends around [Peachtree Corners] and we still get together and share good laughs,” Bramble said.

Better balance

I am doing is behind a computer screen. If I can block distractions, I can focus on work for a few hours and complete more in less time it would take in an office.” Though remote working or learning may not be the best fit for everyone, it has given Reese more balance in his life.

“Before I worked from home, I’d spend one to two hours, [each way] commuting. I’d stay at an office until 6 or 7 trying to avoid even more traffic, then get home and be too tired or stressed to do anything besides eating and sleep,” he said.

“Weekends were spent running errands with maybe a dinner out thrown in.”

This way of life pre-pandemic was monotonous and prevented many from seeing their families and being able to do anything outside of the necessities. One of the very few benefits of the pandemic was that it gave us time to spend doing things we never would have done because of our busy schedules. This allowed Reese to go get lunch out with his wife occasionally, and during his West Coast

worker’s lunch breaks, allowed him the chance to walk his dog in the neighborhood or run errands — do things for himself.

Bramble agreed with Reese, drive-free work environments are a plus. Working at home has also allowed Bramble to be within arm’s reach of his children, “I have never had that luxury in my prior businesses.”

Home office challenges

Suffice to say, remote working does not come without its challenges. “The biggest challenge when I started working from home was worrying that I wasn’t doing enough,” Reese said. “Your first impulse is since your boss or coworkers can’t see all the work you’re doing, [so] you should just do more. Be available all the time.

Show that you’re up and online at 7 a.m. sharp. Skip stepping away from your desk or computer to take breaks or even eat meals.”

Reese quickly realized that this work ethic based on fear of his coworkers, his boss wasn’t sustainable. You can burn out quickly trying to be available for ‘every meeting,’ ‘lead every project,’ just to show how hardworking you are while working at home. Instead, Reese suggests that you set boundaries to prevent burnout and cultivate maximum productivity.

“For me, setting up a dedicated desk and the work area was crucial. Each morning, the routine is to take out and feed the dog, make coffee, go upstairs to get ready and all work is done in the home office. When I’m not in that space, I’m spending time with my wife or trying to fit in a quick workout,” Reese said. “Even though the room may be used for other things, it is set up with clear separation. The workspace and home office are defined, so all meetings and all focused work are done every day.

That’s helped the most with my routine.”

Another unexpected challenge for Bramble was the lack of community and meeting people in his business. “I have always been around hundreds of people and talking to them and getting to know them in restaurants. Fortu-

According to Bramble and Reese, with remote working, balancing family life with professional life is easier than it’s ever been. “Working at home saves you time and allows you to get a lot of work done. Plus being self-motivated helps, too,” Bramble explained.

Humans cannot take all the credit though; Reese said his workspace would not be complete without his dog, Sasha. “She holds it all together each day as de-stressor and overall chief happiness officer at home.”

“It’s hard to have a bad day with a dog who likes to lay next to your desk while you work,” Reese continued, “and is equally adept at pawing at you to take a break, go for a walk or just go out for a bit to step away and enjoy a moment sitting in the sun between all those pesky meetings.”

As of 2021, society is still learning that we do not have to “go into the office” to be successful. For Bramble, his small 60-square-foot basement office was ideal enough for him to write two books, record podcasts and audio business classes, as well as launch his $12 million company.

“It is not the size of the office but the amount of creativity and work that gets done in the office,” Bramble explained. “With the connection to the internet, I can launch an entire media company in my office.” ■

June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

61

NOURISH

Fresh & Refreshing — Peachtree Corners’ Best Summer Treats

Temperatures are soaring in Georgia, and after a full year of sequestering ourselves in our homes, it’s finally feeling a bit safer to venture out into the world and resume some semblance of normalcy. For many of us, that might mean something as simple as stopping by a local restaurant or cafe for a refreshing beverage on a hot summer day. Here Flying Biscuit in Peachtree Corners, we have some great options for cool treats, from kid-friendly smoothies and treats to enticing adult we’ve FLbeverages, SunshinesoWaffle Breakfast. compiled a list for your enjoyment!

Written & Photographed

By Isadora Pennington

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

Taqueria del Mar ▲

5075 Peachtree Parkway Northwest, Suite 105A, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-696-4582 | taqueriadelmar.com This casual eatery is tucked away in a corner of Jones Bridge Square.

Inside, colorful decor and a lively atmosphere make this restaurant a favorite for date nights and family meals alike. They offer a full bar, classic southwestern cuisine, a kids’ menu, lunch on Saturdays and brunch on Sundays. If you’re the type who craves slushy boozy drinks, check out their extensive frozen margarita offerings and variety of flavor add-ons.

I sampled their house Frozen Margarita in a regular size and their large frozen house margarita with an infusion of watermelon and mango flavors at the advice of my server. It was absolutely delicious, light and refreshing. Pair it with tacos, a burrito or fajitas, or indulge in an order of their amazing queso.

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Clean Eatz ►

3975 Holcomb Bridge Road Peachtree Corners 30092 678-833-5353 | cleaneatz.com/locations/ peachtree-corners-ga If you need a tasty treat that’s also healthful and satisfying, look no further than Clean Eatz, which just opened on Holcomb Bridge Road!

Their menu offers snacks like “Good For You Nachos” and customizable Build A Bowl offerings where you choose the base, the proteins, veggies, sauces and spice, as well as wraps, salads, burgers, flatbreads and, of course, smoothies. For those who might not feel up to making dinner, they also offer meal plans with no subscriptions.

New menu items are listed every week.

Pictured here is the Dirty Peanut, made with chocolate 1st phorm protein, peanut butter, sugar free chocolate syrup and smoothie creme. At only 255 calories, this decadent offering is on par with a standard candy bar, making it a sweet treat you can enjoy guilt-free.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill ▲

5215 Town Center Boulevard, Peachtree Corners 30092

Planet Smoothie ▲

770-225-4662 | peachtree-corners.firebirdsrestaurants.com

5275 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 106, Peachtree Corners 30092

This easy-going chain offers both lunch and dinner menus that highlight seafood and steaks. Set in an upscale lodge-like atmosphere, it’s a great spot for everything from a romantic date night to a casual business lunch. Don’t miss their extensive waterfall bar — all of the color-coded bottles on display are actually full of liquor and get cycled through for the cocktails; it’s not just a display.

Speaking of a beautiful display, check out this incredible concoction! The Double Black Diamond is one of those little-known delicacies hiding in plain sight. The giant glowing pineapple on the bar? Yep, that’s full of liquor! This huge bottle features a masterful selection of perfectly cut and arranged pineapple slices, soaking in New Amsterdam Pineapple Vodka, that are infused for 21 days, lending the liquor an incredibly light and refreshing flavor for a beverage that is deceptively boozy.

Enjoy one of these and you’ll find yourself dreaming about kicking back on a sandy beach somewhere.

Who doesn’t love Planet Smoothie? This familiar chain serves up customizable smoothies with both yogurt and sherbet bases, plus plenty of tasty add-ons. The Peachtree Corners location, open since 2018, has been a popular stop for a fruity and sweet treat, and recently they’ve started focusing more on catering orders. Got a pool party coming up?

Order a big batch and make everyone happy with healthy, delicious, cool smoothies from Planet Smoothie.

Sarah, pictured, is holding a Mango Passion Smoothie with mango, passion fruit, strawberries and an energy blast and a Shag-A-Delic Smoothie with blueberries, strawberries, bananas, frozen yogurt, nonfat milk and vanilla.

(Photo courtesy Planet Smoothie Peachtree Corners)

470-545-1996 | planetsmoothie.com/stores/19223

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◄ Marlow’s

Tavern

5210 Town Center Boulevard, Suite 260, Peachtree Corners 30092 470-550-1197 | marlowstavern.com/locations/peachtreecorners A local favorite, Marlow’s Tavern embraces the casual, laid back vibe of a neighborhood bar. The menu features snacks, salads, burgers, sandwiches and tavern favorites. This spot is a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities as they have a robust gluten free menu. Their extensive drink menu includes beer, wine and a number of craft cocktails.

When I visited, I sampled the Grapefruit Ricky. This delightful cocktail is made with American Harvest vodka, St. Germain, fresh grapefruit juice and a splash of lime juice. Garnished with a chunk of grapefruit, this drink is refreshing and light while still packing quite a punch!

Beard Papa’s ▲

5215 Town Center Boulevard, #620, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-807-0564 | beardpapas.com Okay, I’ll admit it. The cute, bearded mascot is what ultimately drew me into the small Beard Papa’s shop at Town Center. This bright and cute counter service chain was founded in 1999 in Japan and is most well-known for their cream puffs. They also carry frozen drinks and coffees on their limited menu.

I tried one of their Strawberry Cream Drinks, which was rich and creamy with a light berry flavor. Sure to be a hit among kids, their frozen drink menu also includes an Oreo cookie crumble drink — and all frozen drinks are topped with a generous heap of whipped cream.

◄ Peachy

Corners Cafe

6365 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092 678-691-0547 | facebook.com/peachycorners A sweet neighborhood coffee and bubble tea shop, Peachy Corners Cafe is a great spot to have a quick bite, grab a coffee or a smoothie, get some work done or play board games with your family. The menu offers standard coffee shop fare plus a selection of smoothies, freezes and bubble teas sure to please your palate and cool you down on warm summer days.

Pictured is their Mango Smoothie, which is rich and creamy but also light and refreshing. Packing a fruity punch, it is topped with whipped cream for a little pop of pure sugary sweetness.

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six free

wings any way, any day

No purchase required. Only valid at hoots Peachtree Corners Town Center. This coupon required for redemption. Limit one per guest. Valid for dine-in or carry out (no delivery). Expires 7/31/21 Code: HSIX

chicken wings & other things dine-in • pickup • delivery hootswings.com @hootswings Peachtree Corners Town Center

5215 Town Center Blvd, Ste 680 (470) 462-2800

This year the Peachtree Corners Festival is moving to a new date and a new location.

Mark your calendars to come on out!

Peachtree Corners Town Green

September 18th &19th For a weekend of arts and crafts, live music, food, classic cars, kid’s activities and more!

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Equality Eats Here — Peachy Corners Café Tucked away in the Spalding Center complex on Spalding Drive, the charming front patio decked out with string lights welcomes you to Peachy Corners Cafe.

The menu features favorites like espresso drinks, drip coffee, tea and pastries, and also includes a variety of bubble tea and smoothies. Mellow music lends the space a relaxed vibe, while a chalk wall covered in doodles and rolling cart stacked high with board games suggests the kid-friendly fun that takes place here.

Owner Long Tran opened Peachy Corners Cafe with his wife Susie Martono-Tran in January of 2020. “My wife has always wanted to open a bubble tea

Written and photos by Isadora Pennington

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shop since I met her,” explained Long, who was inspired to open a cafe when he struggled to find good local coffee during his sons’ karate lessons across the street.

“We decided to merge the two and sell really good coffee and really good bubble tea and thought that could work. There’s something to it because we are still here, despite the pandemic.”

Trial by fire

2020 was quite a challenging time to open a coffee shop. “We had no idea,” said Long, shaking his head at the memory. Peachy Corners Cafe was among the first restaurants in the area to shut their doors as the information they received from their friends and loved ones who live in other countries gave them advance notice as to the severity of COVID-19 and what to expect. From midMarch to early June the doors at the cafe remained closed and their fledgling business could have been in serious trouble. Fortunately, they had an idea that allowed

Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

them to stay afloat during those early days of the pandemic.

They began making drinks to donate to healthcare professionals and first responders, and quickly word got out about these charitable acts. The community responded positively, with many regular customers stepping up to donate funds that allowed Peachy Corners Cafe to give back to those on the front line, find a use for their perishables so they would not go to waste and operate in such a way that they did not lose money on the products they already had on hand before the shutdowns.

“We didn’t make money off the donations, but it kept us from losing money as well,” explained Long.

“I think that was very crucial to us, and it also became a way for us to continue engaging with the community and get our name out there as a new business.”

It was important to Long to take precautionary action in response to COVID-19. Not only did he want to keep his family safe, he also wanted to ensure that

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he had the necessary supplies like hand sanitizer, plexiglass dividers and upgraded filters for the cafe’s HVAC system which would ensure his staff and customers would also be safe when they eventually reopened.

Their efforts seem to have paid off. None of the staff has gotten sick, and these days the customers have started coming in again. “By the end of July, we saw business slowly return, and now I think we are starting to get a sense for the potential of what this space might be.” Peachy Corners Cafe has a loyal following and Long knows many of the regulars by name.

Popular among working professionals during the day, there are also a lot of families and kids that frequent the cafe after school.

No space for hate

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been those who have blamed Asian countries for the origin and spread of the COVID-19 virus. When those views were expressed in the media, the

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idea quickly took hold and Long witnessed a variety of responses from microaggressions and boycotting all the way to outright intimidation and violence.

“Atlanta has got this great community and great sense of community, but recently it seems there has been a rise in resentment,” said Long. “With rhetoric from our elected leaders, regardless of which political side they are on, when you are trying to score political points by going after North Korea or China, you can inadvertently paint targets on the backs of your Asian American citizens.”

Locally, the response to these ideas has been largely passive aggressive rather than outright aggressive, unlike the hate crimes frequently taking place in cities like San Francisco and New York where Asian Americans are literally being attacked on the streets without provocation.

Throughout the pandemic, and amplified over the last four years, the rise in racism and hate crimes has set the stage for prejudice, hatred and fear. Armed protestors took to the streets of Chinatown in Chamblee last summer, telling Chinese business owners and citizens that they were not welcome.

Businesses on Buford Highway are receiving hateful phone calls or prank calls — and some have even had rocks thrown through their windows. Last spring ‘Wuhan plague’ plaques began popping up on signs and businesses throughout the city that depicted Winnie The Pooh eating a bat. These incidents represent a growing hostility towards Asian people as a whole, and ultimately culminated in the brutal slaying of eight people — six of whom were Asian women — working at historically Asian spas in March.

Long said he has heard reports of an increase in hatred and intimidation toward his Asian customers, especially teenagers and kids who have noted increased bullying at school. “I consider myself very fortunate,” said Long. “I think Peachtree Corners has been amazing and supportive of all of its businesses. I haven’t necessarily experienced anything like that, we haven’t gotten those phone calls to our cafe. But we have had times when a customer walks through

the door and walks out, and I have no idea if it’s because of me.”

Making a difference

Not one to simply stand by and witness these upsetting trends and devastating losses, Long has taken an active role in helping the Asian American communities heal and find solidarity in the face of what is often overwhelming fear and worry. Though he does not lead any nonprofits, Long is well connected with a number of the organizations and community leaders that are making a difference. By leveraging those connections, he has helped to engage volunteers, spread information about the efforts of nonprofits he admires, like Stop AAPI Hate, and organize demonstrations such as the Stop Asian Hate rally which drew over 3,000 attendees to the Liberty Plaza in Downtown Atlanta. Long also organized a candlelight vigil for the victims in Dunwoody and a cultural celebration in Decatur which aimed to both educate and celebrate Asian American culture.

Back in April, Long was asked by the Democratic Party of Georgia to introduce President Biden during a drive-in rally at the Infinite Energy Center. During his speech, Long talked about his experience as the son of Vietnamese immigrants, the ways in which COVID-19 has affected the Asian American community and the recent election of two Democratic senators in Georgia. The fact that the rally happened to take place on the 46th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon during the Vietnam War cemented the importance of speaking on these issues for Long.

What can we do?

In addition to donating to causes such as Stop AAPI Hate, Long also has been advocating for local Asian owned businesses by posting reviews online and encouraging people to frequent those restaurants and shops. He created and distributed Equality Eats Here stickers to display on the doors of eateries that are safe places for all people. Long also recommends talking to your kids about bullying and how to ensure their Asian American classmates don’t feel alone during these trying times.

“On a micro level, within our community, I would encourage people who live in Peachtree Corners to get to know the owners of local small businesses,” said Long.

“It means even more when it’s an Asian or a Black-owned business and you get to know the owners by name. There’s a bond that you build, and it becomes harder to let all the hate and fear come into play when you personally know someone.”

Opposite page, Long Tran Above, Interior shots of Peachy Corners Cafe.

Photos by Isadora Pennington

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Where to Eat

5275 Peachtree Pkwy Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

Moe’s Original BBQ Open

Scott Carlock and Harris Carlock, along with Kyle McCarter, have opened a new Moe’s Original BBQ in Peachtree Corners. This almost 2000-square-foot fast casual restaurant is a great place for the community to enjoy a meal together or celebrate little league victories and birthdays. It’s also fun just to watch everyone’s favorite sports on the TVs set around the full premium bar or on the large outdoor patio. Pickup and delivery service is available from Chow Now and Uber Eats. Premium catering services, with a service-oriented staff, is also ready to accommodate any group for parties and events.

Serving Alabama-style BBQ since 1988, Moe’s Original BBQ has been included in the Top 10 BBQ Chains in America by USA Today and The Daily Meal. It’s listed as one of the fastest growing, emerging restaurant chains by Restaurant Business Magazine, and one of the Top 10 Rib Joints in the U.S. by Relish.

Peachtree Farm to uplift people, propagate tomatoes

To advertise in this section please contact Julie Davis at julie@livinginpeachtreecorners.com

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Planning is underway for a farm in Peachtree Corners that will help people with disabilities find meaningful employment and lead more independent lives.

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Mike Twiner, president of Peachtree Farm, said the non-profit organization is building its first greenhouse this summer. “In the next few years, we will add four more greenhouses, with a total of five state-of-the-art hydroponic facilities,” Twiner added.

The organization plans to grow and sell produce locally, starting with tomatoes. After the farm is up and running, the organization plans to construct 15 cottages that will allow people to live safely on the farm.

The idea for Peachtree Farm stems from the Twiner family’s experience. As a family with an adult with disabilities, creating inclusive and accessible spaces has always been at the core of its engagement with the community, Twiner said. “Unfortunately, there are limited opportunities for individuals with disabilities to find meaningful employment that allows them to be valued participants in society,” he continued.

“We hope to demonstrate the importance of accessibility and sustainability. Making work and housing accessible to adults with disabilities involves creating pathways that train and employ individuals, while also welcoming the broader community to join the movement for accessibility.”

“What a wonderful experience! We enjoyed the outstanding patio ambiance, food and excellent service!”

“The food is superb and the staff go above and beyond to ensure we have a great experience!”

5155 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 320 Peachtree Corners, Georgia 30092 For reservations, please call 678-421-1720

www.grace1720.com

we can create and manage your presence online RICO FIGLIOLINI | 678.358.7858 | RICO@MIGHTYROCKETS.COM

Go the extra mile with extra everything. Or keep it light to feel just right. This is your life. Your recipe. So don’t let anyone tell you how to salad.

5210 Town Center Blvd, Suite 210 Peachtree Corners, GA 30093 (470) 233-7586

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June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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Fresh Set of Memorial Bricks Laid at Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument In order to have the newest set of veteran memorial bricks placed at the Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument ahead of Memorial Day, 10 eager volunteers showed up on May 8 to install 38 bricks. Peachtree Corners resident Ludwig Keck took photographs to mark the memorable occasion.

Pastor Jay Bergstresser of Christ the King Lutheran Church offered a prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The next brick installation is scheduled for late October.

Thank you to everyone in our community that made this possible.

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INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS

From the Mayor’s Desk

The Corners Connector Trail System: Connecting Places Where People Live, Work, and Play Peachtree Corners is fortunate to have amazing outdoor amenities we can all enjoy, such as the Chattahoochee River, federal and county parks, streams and a thick tree canopy. Everyone who appreciates being outside takes advantage of those areas of our community. The City intends to create even more of an advantage for our citizens by connecting these wonderful features together with its multi-use trail system, the Corners Connector.

The Corners Connector Trail System will one day consist of over 11 miles of trails that crisscross the city and provide connections to a variety of places people live, work and play. But to be successful, the trail system will need two essential elements: good locations and available funding. Here is an update on where we are on the Corners Connector Trail System.

Over the last six years, a number of location and feasibility studies have been completed that serve as the foundation of planning for the ultimate build-out of this trail. The Peachtree Corners Livable Centers Initiative, finished in February 2015 and funded by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), was one of the first projects that identified this ultimate trail system.

That project was followed later by studies for the Winters Chapel Road and Holcomb Bridge Road corridors. Later, the Comprehensive Transportation Plan, Innovation Hub Master Plan and the Innovative District Trails Study reinforced and further developed the idea of a master trail system in Peachtree Corners. Most recently, the ARC funded a study of feasibility on a specific segment and location of the Corners Connector along Crooked Creek from Spalding Drive east to Peachtree Parkway.

The Corners Connector Crooked Creek project is a long-range plan that will ultimately provide nearly three miles of trail at a cost of approximately $13 million. This project involves environmental permitting and procurement of easements, so the timeline is fairly lengthy.

In the shorter term, the City is pursuing federal funding for a segment of the trail from Peachtree

Corners Circle to Peachtree Parkway, which is approximately 7,400 feet in length. The hope is to obtain funding for planning, engineering and construction of this segment as a first phase of the ultimate project that extends all the way to Spalding Drive.

The ultimate buildout of the Corners Connector is an exciting goal over the coming years, but some segments of the Connector have already been completed. Corners Connector Tech Park Lake was completed in 2020 and includes over 1,600 feet of trail around the lake adjacent to Technology Parkway and Technology Parkway South. This segment connects to over 4,300 feet of the Connector along Technology Parkway and Engineering Drive.

Phase II of the Corners Connector around the lake is under planning and development now, and it will complete the circuit around the lake with an additional 2,600 feet of trail and provide an even greater amenity to those residents who live nearby and the office workers who enjoy direct access.

Corners Connector Town Center is under construction now. This project is directly adjacent to the recently completed pedestrian bridge over Peachtree Parkway and the Lazy Dog Restaurant.

This trail will connect those areas to the eastern most portions of the Town Center and Town Green, along with connections to Peachtree Corners Circle and the development to the south of the stream.

Stream connections and a boardwalk along the stream’s banks are included, along with a skywalk segment that will provide a bird’s eye view of the stream below. It will add 2,400 feet to the Corners Connector system, and with its connection to Peachtree Corners Circle, the system will then have a connection along Medlock Bridge Road and South Old Peachtree Road to existing multi-use trails in Duluth.

Corners Connector Engineering Trail is another segment under development. This portion of the system is proposed to connect Engineering Drive south to Woodhill Drive for approximately 4,900 feet of additional trail. An existing segment of the Corners Connector currently ends at Engineering

Continued on page 72 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 2,700 businesses.

Peachtree Corners City Hall 310 Technology Parkway Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 Telephone: 678-691-1200 June/July 2021 ■ Inside Peachtree Corners

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INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS Continued from page 71 Drive and Peachtree Parkway in front of the Corners Fine Wine & Spirits and RaceTrac, and this project will extend that trail infrastructure south to the Chick-fil-A area and its adjacent shopping centers.

The City is also in the planning and engineering phase of a segment of the Corners Connector along East Jones Bridge Road. This segment will connect Jones Bridge Park east to the existing multi-use trail along Peachtree Parkway. There is a narrow sidewalk along the shoulder of the road that will be enhanced to a 12’-14’ wide path to provide accommodations for more pedestrians and cyclists.

This project is part of the Chattahoochee Riverland, which includes a trail system that connects

Newnan to the Buford Dam along the Chattahoochee River corridor (www.chattahoocheeriverlands.com).

Our portion of the project along East Jones Bridge Road will be just over 9,200 feet long. We are excited to have a portion of such a large-scale project that will connect a number of jurisdictions to the remarkable Chattahoochee River amenity areas in the metro-Atlanta area.

A new opportunity for funding came to light recently when Congresswoman Carolyn Bordeaux held a press conference here at Jones Bridge Park recently to reveal her proposed national grant program to fund suburb greenway expansion.

The overall project called, FutureFit the Suburbs, has an initiative called the National & Regional Greenways Act, which would create a grant program to fund active transportation

This is an artist’s representation. It will take several years before the newly planted trees and landscaping mature to resemble this rendering.

projects, including the construction and connection of national and regional greenways. This sounds promising and may offer an opportunity to have our tax dollars come back to our community!

As you can see, exciting things are underway and already in place for Corners Connector, and many more amazing additions are coming soon.

Stay safe everyone, Mike Mason, Mayor

City Updates for Town Green Events

Street Racing in Peachtree Corners

The City Council recently made changes to managing Town Green events and safety protocols for the concert season.

Street racing is illegal and dangerous.

If you see such activity, report it immediately to the Gwinnett County Police Department by calling 911.

Concert Day Access On concert day the Town Green will remain open until 2 p.m.

It will then be closed to allow concert organizers to set up. To accommodate families with small children, the play area will remain open the entire day.

Reminder Notices To ensure that on concert day everyone is aware that the Town Green will be closed at 2 p.m., reminder notices will run all week prior to the concert on the big screen next to the concert stage, and notices will be posted on the three digital signs near the main entrances to the Town Green.

Reservations Reservations are required with a maximum of six (6) reservations per household. The tickets are free; however, tickets are required to gain access to

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the concert area. Please use the link on the Calendar listing on the city’s website to access the ticket reservations portal.

Safety Protocols In accordance with CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, and local guidance. As a result of CDC’s new guidelines, face masks and social distancing will not be required for those fully vaccinated.

The CDC recommends that unvaccinated individuals continue to wear a face mask and stay at least 6 feet apart. Those who are immunocompromised should discuss the need for personal protective measures with their health care provider. Proof of vaccinations will not be required to reserve or enter the concert area.

Moving Forward As we move into a new phase of the pandemic, the city will continue to monitor the health and safety guidelines provided by our health officials to ensure everyone’s safety while visiting the Town Green on concert nights.

Inside Peachtree Corners ■ June/July 2021 ■ peachtreecornersga.gov

GCPD cannot respond to incidents of street racing unless they are reported.

If you want police to investigate, and track down the illegal activity, you must contact them directly.

GCPD West Precinct Commander, Maj. Edward Restepo’s advice: I would strongly encourage any residents to contact 911 so that we can immediately respond and take the appropriate enforcement action regarding these street-racing incidents.

Remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911.

How to Keep Up with What’s Going on Around the Corners Did you know the city’s calendar is chock-full of details and information about events, meetings and other activities going on around town?

Keeping up with the calendar is now easier than ever. Signup for E-Notifications and have the details sent to your email box.

Choose from City Council meetings, City Events, Community Calendar and more. Select only the topics for which you are interested in receiving notices.

By selecting City Events, you will be notified of upcoming Town Green events such as outdoor concerts, movies, sporting events shown on the big screen, and other city-sponsored events. The Community Calendar lists activities taking place throughout the community.

Here are the steps to sign up for e-notifications: 1.

Visit www.peachtreecornersga.gov

2.

Select the link at top of homepage labeled “Notify Me!”

3.

Select E-Notifications, click on the Signup Up! link, then follow the prompts.

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INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS Citizen Recognized for Renewal of Community Amenity Thanks to one resident’s persistent determination, a small overgrown area off Peachtree Corners Circle is now a place where friends can meet, neighbors can walk their dogs, and everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature.

Long-time resident Lynn Williams was presented with a proclamation at the March City Council meeting in recognition of her efforts in taking a leadership role in the development of a triangular piece of property that had remained unkempt for years.

Pictured: Lynn Williams (center) with Mayor Mike Mason and Councilmember Jeanne Aulbach

City Council Recognizes High School Senior for Earning Eagle Scout Rank

Mayor Mason and Councilmember Eric Christ congratulate Niko Avradopoulos (center) on his achievement.

The Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank is that of Eagle Scout. Achieving this prestigious milestone is considered Scouting’s highest accomplishment.

At its April 27, 2021 meeting, the Peachtree Corners City Council had the pleasure of presenting Peachtree Corners resident Niko Avradopoulos, a senior at Norcross High School, and member of Troop 650, with a formal proclamation in recognition of

attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

The requirements for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, which are attained by only 8% of Boy Scouts, are numerous including earning at least 21 merit badges, demonstrating Scout Spirit, and demonstrating leadership in their troop. The final requirement requires the Scout to plan, organize, lead, and manage a community service project.

Niko also interviewed City

The Avradopoulos family joined the mayor and Councilmember Eric Christ for the presentation. Pictured: Costa (father), Mayor Mason, Niko, Kathi (mother), brother Alex and councilmember Christ

Councilmember Eric Christ as part of the requirements. He selected Christ as the Avradopoulos family lives in his district.

For his service project, the high school senior hand-built eight picnic tables for Peachtree Elementary School for the students to use so they could socially distance during lunches.

Niko became his troop’s 80th Scout to attain the rank of Eagle Scout extending Troop 350’s re-

cord of success. The troop meets at nearby Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church.

“The council and I are pleased to have the opportunity to recognize Niko for his achievement,” said Mayor Mike Mason. “The Eagle Scout badge is recognized as a mark of distinction; it signifies a dedication that few can meet. We are honored to be able to present the city’s proclamation to this fine young man.”

No Changes to Garbage, Recycling for July 4th Week This year the 4th of July holiday falls on a Sunday, however, it will not affect the schedule for garbage and recycling pickup that week.

Waste Management will provide service Monday through Friday for the holiday week.

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

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INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS Annual Burn Ban Now in Place Through Sept. 30

Projects that Do NOT Require a Building Permit

The Gwinnett County Department of Fire and Emergency Services would like to remind residents that an annual ban on outdoor open burning is in place from May 1 through Sept. 30.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division imposes restrictions on outdoor open burning to comply with Federal Clean Air Regulations.

During the summer months in Georgia, the ozone in the air we breathe can reach unhealthy levels. The EPD has identified outdoor open burning as a significant contributor of the pollutants that form ozone. Consequently, outdoor open burning in metro Atlanta and larger counties is

Almost all commercial and residential construction will require a building permit and inspection. Permits and inspections are required for the life safety of the public and the family at home. Permits are also beneficial in keeping property values stable, and insurance rates affordable. There are some projects that do not require a building permit or inspection. We will list the most common below:

restricted during the warm-weather season.

The safe use of campfires and BBQ grills are still allowed and does not require a permit. As always, people should exercise extreme caution when using grills or campfires. The use of charcoal, wood, and gas grills on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction is prohibited year-round for commercial buildings and apartments under the Gwinnett County Fire Ordinance.

The following types of outdoor open burning are banned: ■ The outdoor open burning ban prohibits the burning of yard and land clearing debris during the months of May through September. This includes a ban on the use of air curtain destructors for land clearing.

The following types of outdoor open burning are still allowed, provided the proper permits are obtained: ■ Fires for agricultural practices in areas zoned RA-200/residential agricultural or a Forestry Service prescribed burn.

■ All bonfires for activities sponsored by educational, civic, religious, or other groups for the purpose of celebration are required to be permitted.

■ Fires for the purpose of training of firefighting personnel.

For additional information concerning the summer open burning ban, please visit https://epd.georgia.gov/air-protection-branch/openburning-rules-georgia/summer-open-burning-ban. For additional information on outdoor burning in Gwinnett County, visit GwinnettFireMarshal.com or contact the Community Risk Reduction Division at 678-518-4980.

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■ One-story detached accessory structures 200 square feet or less (residential) ■ Appliance replacement for plug in appliances

■ Plumbing fixture replacement that does not require moving or adding supply lines or waste and vent piping work

■ Door or window replacement that do not require structural alterations to the building

■ Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project over 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not need additional support (residential)

■ Garage door repair or replacement

■ Interior painting, tiling, carpet, trim work, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work ■ Minor deck repairs (non-structural) ■ Minor repair to roof coverings ■ Minor repairs to brick, siding, or stucco

■ Retaining walls 48’ inches or less measured from the bottom of the footing (unless holding an additional load) ■ Fences not over 7 feet high

■ Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep, not greater than 5,000 gallons and installed completely above ground (residential)

■ Swings and other playground equipment (one- and two-family dwellings)

■ The replacement of lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, etc. that do not require installing new conductors

The projects listed above are not an all-inclusive list of projects that do not require permits. As stated above most construction related projects will require permits and inspections. Remember, when in doubt about your project, please call the Building Department at 678-691- 1207.

Mark Mitchell, Chief Building Official mmitchell@peachtreecornersga.gov

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INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS Here’s the Scoop….

How can you help?

Polluted stormwater is the primary cause of water quality problems in the Chattahoochee River Basin. The river supplies 70% of metro Atlanta’s drinking water. Every time it rains, water runs off the land as stormwater picking up pollutants and debris - including pet waste.

Pet waste left on sidewalks, streets, yards or other open areas can be washed away and carried by rainwater into storm drains and drainage ditches which flow to nearby streams, rivers, and lakes.

As it decays, it uses up dissolved oxygen and releases compounds that are harmful to fish and other aquatic life. Pet waste also contains nutrients that can cause excessive algae growth in a pond or lake, upsetting the natural balance.

Most importantly, pet waste contains harmful bacteria such as E. Coli and fecal coliform, some of which can cause disease in humans and make water dangerous for swimming and other recreation.

You can help protect Atlanta’s valuable water source and restore the two impaired waters inside Peachtree Corners to support their designated use by the following: ■ Pick up pet waste in your yard or on a walk with a plastic bag or pooper scooper.

■ Dispose of the pet waste using one of the following methods: o Put pet waste in your regular garbage can or dumpster—ensure that it is in a securely tied or closed plastic bag. o Bury pet waste at least one foot deep and cover with soil in your yard or garden. Avoid burying in food-growing areas. o If your home is on a sanitary sewer, flush pet waste down the toilet, but don’t flush plastic bags or cat litter. Septic systems are not designed to accommodate the high pollutant load in pet waste and can cause the system to fail.

Annual Festival Returns with New Location, New Dates

Good news, after canceling last year’s annual Peachtree Corners Festival due to COVID-19 concerns, the three-day event returns but at a new location and a different season.

The 2021 Festival will be held on the city’s Town Green at the Town Center Sept. 17, 18 and 19. The event kicks off with an outdoor concert Friday night followed by two days of arts, crafts, live music, car show, great food and free parking.

Visit the Peachtree Corners Festival website for more information at www.peachtreecornersfestival.com

Ins and Outs of Recycling

Gwinnett Co. Health Dept.

Offering Option of Mobile Vaccines

Contaminants cause the rejection of tons of recyclables every year, which increases the cost of recycling.

The Top Three Contaminants are: 1.

Plastic grocery bags

2.

Take-out pizza boxes

3. Styrofoam Other contaminants include: ■ Food ■ Hard cover books ■ Light bulbs ■ Electronics

■

■ ■

Cookware (ceramics, plates, cups) Window / mirror glass Construction debris

Please do not put these in your recycle bin, and remember:

When in doubt, throw it out!

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

Do you know a Gwinnett Co. business, school, day care, church, neighborhood, or nonprofit organization that would be interested in having the Gwinnett County Health Department bring its Mobile Vaccine Team to the location to administer the COVID-19 vaccine?

All that is needed is someone who is willing to organize a group of individuals wanting the vaccine, locate a place large enough to properly socially distance everyone and the Health Department will do the rest.

For questions or more details, please contact Samantha Spruill at the Gwinnett Health Department via email at samantha.spruill@gnrhealth.com

June/July 2021 ■ Inside Peachtree Corners

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INSIDE PEACHTREE CORNERS Curiosity Lab -- More Than Just a Test Track

Spread the Word Post Your Non-Profit Event on City Calendar Do you have a non-profit event that is open to everyone to attend? Use the city calendar to share the news.

It’s easy to post news of upcoming events, just visit www.peachtreecornersga.gov, hover over the “Residents” tab, then select “City Calendar” in the pull-down menu.

The event must take place in the Peachtree Corners city limits unless it’s for one of the public schools that serves Peachtree Corners students. Please read the “Submission Requirements” first.

The City Calendar is a way to announce events of general public interest in Peachtree Corners that are sponsored by non-profit organizations: ■ Only submissions by non-profit organizations will be considered.

■ Submissions must be for events open to the public and not just to members of the submitting organization.

■ Include an image file with your submission, approximately 400 x 250 pixels (jpg, png, gif, bmp, tif, or svg format.)

■ As our jurisdiction is limited to the City of Peachtree Corners, supported events must take place within Peachtree Corners city limits.

■ However, an exception will be made for the following schools that are located outside of the city limits, but are attended by many who live in the city: Berkeley Lake and Stripling elementary schools; Duluth and Summerour middle schools; Duluth, Norcross and Paul Duke STEM high schools.

■ If an event is approved for posting, it does not constitute endorsement by the city nor give permission to use city resources for the event. Please be advised that a separate facilities or event permit may be required.

■ Gwinnett County activities, notices, etc. that affect residents in Peachtree Corners are permitted.

Curiosity Lab’s Innovation Center offers more than 25,000 square feet of diverse space and serves as home base for tech startups and corporate innovation teams.

From private offices to suites and co-working options, innovators can take advantage of the Center’s video conferencing facilities, a 50-seat classroom, a prototype design studio, the network operations control center, and large event space. For more information visit www.curiositylabptc. com or call 470-550-1727.

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Inside Peachtree Corners ■ June/July 2021 ■ peachtreecornersga.gov

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■ We do not list estate or garage sales run by individuals.

■ We reserve the right to refuse any submission.

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THE PET ISSUE IS BACK! IN OCTOBER WITH MORE PRIZES & MORE FUN!

Follow us on social media or sign-up for our newsletter to be notified when we launch the giveway. @peachtreecornerslife

June/July 2021 ■ Peachtree Corners Magazine

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PODCASTS

line Radio

Weekly On

Show

Peachtree Corners Life A weekly podcast that explores Peachtree Corners’ community, people and businesses, hosted

by Rico Figliolini

Capitalist Sage A twice a month business podcast, streamed on www.facebook.com/ thecapitalistsage, hosted by Karl Barham and Rico Figliolini thecapitalistsage.com

Prime Lunchtime with Brian Johnson A monthly podcast about the city, development, issues and news with guest City Manager Brian Johnson, hosted by Rico Figliolini

Brian Johnson

Monthly guest on Prime Lunchtime with the City Manager

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Peachtree Corners Magazine ■ June/July 2021 ■ LivingInPeachtreeCorners.com

EVERY PODCAST IS FACEBOOK LIVE STREAMED facebook.com/ peachtreecornerslife We Simulcast Live to Facebook and YouTube Podcasts are available on the website livinginpeachtreecorners.com, and on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcast, SoundCloud and YouTube

Karl Barham

Co-Host of the Capitalist Sage

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Rico Figliolini Podcast Host

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