Peachtree Corners Magazine MayJune 2025

New Fieldhouse

Shanil R. NaikAthletic Training Center Expansion

Outdoor Olympic Size Pool

Sand Volleyball Courts

Tidwell Commons for Middle and High School

New Lower School STEM Lab

Combee Elementary Complete Renovation

Photo by Tracey Rice.

PEACHTREE CORNERS MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR & PUBLISHER RICO FIGLIOLINI

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR SHAWNE TAYLOR

SENIOR WRITER

ARLINDA SMITH BROADY

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER TARA MARTIN

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT RITA FIGLIOLINI

ADVERTISING

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

JULIE DAVIS julie@livinginpeachtreecorners.com

Connect with Peachtree Corners Magazine

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PEACHTREECORNERS

PUBLISHED BY MIGHTY ROCKETS LLC.

P. O. BOX 923207

Peachtree Corners, GA 30010 678-438-5310 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.

MAY/JUNE 2025 issue

Volume 7 Number 38 ©2025 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

THE TEAM & CONTRIBUTORS THIS

RICO FIGLIOLINI

Publisher & Executive Editor

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.

RITA FIGLIOLINI

Editorial Consultant

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!

JULIE DAVIS

Account Executive

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

HARRY J. PINKNEY, JR

Graphic Designer

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

GEORGE HUNTER

Photographer

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.

TRACEY RICE

Photographer

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

UPCOMING ISSUES OF:

PEACHTREECORNERS

SHAWNE TAYLOR

Contributing Editor / Newsletter Editor

Shawne Taylor is an experienced writer/editor specializing in travel, lifestyle and arts & entertainment. In her spare time, she’s learning Japanese and enjoys reading, anime, music, gaming and K-dramas. She’s lived in PTC with her family since 2014.

ARLINDA SMITH BROADY

Senior Writer

Arlinda Smith Broady is of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after ancestors moved North. With 30 years of journalism experience, she’s worked in tiny newsrooms to major metropolitans. She brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread news.

PATRIZIA WINSPER

Writer

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

KRISTEN CORLEY

Writer

Kristen Corley is an Atlanta native with over a decade of experience in content creation. She lives in Historic Norcross with her family and writes “Young Norcross,” a weekly newsletter that focuses on building community and local engagement.

RAINA LOGAN

Podcast Production

Raina Logan is a highly accomplished audio engineer, music producer, and talented writer. With over a decade of entrepreneurial experience as the owner of an esteemed audio production company, Raina seamlessly merges her creative writing skills with her technical expertise, shaping unforgettable auditory journeys.

NATHAN DEEN

Writer

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

June/July 2025 | Advertising Deadline May 20

• What We Love About Duluth & Norcross

• Summer Books & Podcasts Recommended by Your Neighbors

July/August 2025 | Advertising Deadline June 18

• Best of Peachtree Corners, a Readers’ Choice Award

• What’s Your Book, Podcast or Binge Show for this summer?

To ask us about advertising or marketing in these issues, please email rico@mightyrockets.com.

FIRST UP - EVENTS Events, Programs & Fun Things to Do

ONGOING

Peachtree Corners

Photography Club

May 8 and June 12, 6:45-8:30 p.m.

Atlanta Tech Park

107 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners

pcphotoclub.org

Admission: free

Photographers of all skill levels are welcome to attend these monthly Thursday night meetups; come early at 6:15 p.m. for social time.

MAY

May 2–18

The House of Blue Leaves

Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.

Saturday matinee on May 17 at 2 p.m.

Lionheart Theatre Company 10 College Street, Norcross lionhearttheatre.org

Tickets: $18.50–$20.50

About the show: Artie Shaugnessy is a zookeeper in Queens who dreams of stardom as a singer-songwriter. On a day in 1965 that the Pope visits New York, Artie’s hoping for his life to be blessed. But his dreams of glory may be lost in the complications and chaos of family and life.

May 7, 14, 21, 28

Wind-Down Wednesdays

4 p.m.-9 p.m.

Marlow’s Peachtree Corners 5210 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners

marlowstavern.com

Enjoy a midweek escape at Marlow’s with complimentary chef’s choice appetizers (when you purchase a cocktail or non-alcoholic mocktail) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and live music from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

May 8–11

The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition

Thursday–Saturday, 6 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.

Sara D. Williams Fine Arts Center Greater Atlanta Christian School 1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross greateratlantachristian.org; 770-243-2000

About the show: Based on the 1939 film, this adaptation of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s version of L. Frank Baum’s tale takes audiences over the rainbow to follow Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they travel the yellow brick road through Oz. Presented by the GAC Middle School drama department.

May 11

“Exercise Your Powers” Monthly Spiritual Growth Workshop

12:30 p.m.-2 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585

Admission: free; donation appreciated

You’re invited to explore how you can use your twelve God-given powers to improve your life. Licensed Unity Teacher, Freda Steward, will present the power of UNDERSTANDING in May. Feel free to bring a bag lunch.

May 12–18

Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships

Life Time Peachtree Corners

6350 Courtside Dr. NW, Peachtree Corners ppatour.com/schedule

Tickets: $25–$300; multi-day packages are available

The PPA Tour comes to Atlanta with a full week of tournament play featuring the top professional pickleball players in the world. Local enthusiasts can sit courtside

to watch the pros compete for top prizes or register to play in their own amateur matches.

May 22

Monthly Healing Sound Bath

7 p.m.-8 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585

Admission: free; donation appreciated

Join certified vibrational sound therapist, Raye Andrews, for a beautiful symphony of sound. This immersive, full-body listening experience can bring relaxation and a sense of calm to your mind, body and spirit.

May 23

Summer Concert Series — Side Piece

7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Thrasher Park 93 Park Drive, Norcross norcrossga.net

Admission: free

Enjoy the sweet sounds of summer with these outdoor concerts at Thrasher Park. For May, Side Piece, an all-female supergroup from Nashville will take to the stage with a rocking show featuring guitar, fiddle solos and powerful harmonies. Each summer concert is also a collection site for the CANDo Food Drive, so bring canned goods and non-perishable items to drop off.

JUNE

June 2–6

Camp in the Corners

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Christ the King Lutheran Church 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners ctklutheran.org/summer-camp; 770-449-1211

Kids who have completed K through 5th grade are welcome to join this year’s CtK “Camp in the Corners” day camp. The theme is Created to Be and campers will enjoy group activities in the morning and then choose between art or music camp in the afternoon. The week will end with an art show and mini-musical for families. Registration is open now.

June 5–8

Atlanta Game Fest 46

Hilton Atlanta Northeast 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners atlantagamefest.com

Boardgame fans are invited to gather for four days of fun and games. Hundreds of the world’s best boardgames will be available for play, including an assortment of “play-to-win” games. There will also be a flea market at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

June 6

Karaoke & Open Mic Night

7 p.m.-9 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585

Admission: free; donation appreciated

All are invited to this family-friendly evening of entertainment and fellowship. Karaoke music is provided or bring your instruments, poetry or any form of artistic expression. Also bring a dish to share for the pot-luck dinner.

June 6

Summer Concert Series — The Soul Cartel Band

7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Thrasher Park

93 Park Drive, Norcross norcrossga.net

Admission: free

Enjoy the sweet sounds of summer with the outdoor concert series at Thrasher Park. This month, The Soul Cartel Band will bring smooth vocals and funky beats to R&B and pop hits. Each summer concert is also a collection site for the CANDo Food Drive, so you can bring canned goods and non-perishable items to drop off.

June 8

“Exercise Your Powers” Monthly Spiritual Growth Workshop

12:30 p.m.-2 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585

Admission: free; donation appreciated

You’re invited to explore how you can use your twelve God-given powers to improve your life. Licensed Unity Teacher, Freda Steward, will present the power of WISDOM in June. Feel free to bring a bag lunch.

June 14

Red Cross Blood Drive

11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

French-American Chamber of Commerce

147 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners facc-atlanta.com

Register online and come out to Curiosity Lab to give blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day.

June 14

Bluesberry Beer & Music Festival

5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Betty Mauldin Park 1-63 Lawrenceville St., Norcross norcrossga.net

Admission: free

This “berry” good festival, hosted by the City of Norcross, will feature soulful blues music, cold beer, drinks and treats featuring blueberries, as well as exclusive offers from downtown businesses.

June 19

Juneteenth Celebration

10 a.m.

Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center 10 College St., Norcross norcrossga.net

Admission: free

Celebrate Juneteenth in Norcross with African American performances, traditions and more. The event will also be livestreamed if you can’t be there in person.

June 20

Summer Concert Series — Rubiks Groove

7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Thrasher Park 93 Park Drive, Norcross norcrossga.net

Admission: free

Enjoy the sounds of summer with this outdoor concert series at Thrasher Park. This month, Rubiks Groove will transport you back to the 80s, 90s and 00s with an interactive experience featuring cover songs, costumes and videos. Each summer concert is also a collection site for the CAN-Do Food Drive, so you can bring canned goods and non-perishable items to drop off.

June 23

Eve of St. John the Baptist Feast Day

7 p.m.

Mary Our Queen Catholic Church

6260 The Corners Parkway, Peachtree Corners maryourqueen.com

Admission: free

Everyone is invited to a special community mass in honor of Saint John the Baptist’s birthday. Afterwards, gather outside for the blessing of the bonfire, followed by food and fun outdoor games for kids and teens, including a dunk tank (a playful nod to St. John’s baptisms). Savor a unique culinary experience inspired by St. John’s diet of locusts, and bring your lawn chairs to enjoy live music on the plaza. The celebrations will wrap up with a stunning fireworks display.

June 26

Taste of Peachtree Corners

5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.

Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners 475 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersba.com

Tickets: $50 (includes tastings and drinks)

$40 for members; $45 for non-members with early registration (by May 20)

Grab a fork and join the Peachtree Corners Business Association on June 26 for their annual PCBA Taste of Peachtree Corners event. Enjoy an evening of delicious bites and drinks as you sample foods from some of the area’s best restaurants and businesses.

Upon check-in, each guest will receive a PCBA Passport highlighting the participating restaurants and their offerings. Special prizes will also be given.

Taste of Peachtree Corners is an adult-oriented community event. Participants must be 21 years or older and have a ticket to attend.

June 26

Monthly Healing Sound Bath

7 p.m.-8 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585

Admission: free; donation appreciated.

Join certified vibrational sound therapist, Raye Andrews, for a beautiful symphony of sound. This immersive, full-body listening experience can bring relaxation and a sense of calm to your mind, body and spirit.

Town Green Calendar

5140 Town Center Boulevard, Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersga.gov

Scan QR for Calendar ►

May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 12, 19, 26

CrossFit on the Green Thursdays, 8 a.m.-9 a.m.

Admission: free

All ages and fitness levels are invited to join Terrance Fox with CrossFit PPG on Thursdays for a strength and conditioning workout. Students should bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two, and a mat if possible. Wear comfortable workout attire and good shoes.

May 10 and 31

Peachtree Corners Concert Series

7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Admission: free

Come out to the Peachtree Corners

Town Green for live music and fun for all ages.

• May 10 — Dancing Dream (ABBA tribute) and Big Bam Boom (Hall & Oats tribute)

• May 31 — Guardians of the Jukebox (80s cover band)

May 26

Memorial Day Service and Youth Challenge

9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Admission: free

The Memorial Day Youth Challenge is an obstacle course race for kids and teens ages 9 to 18. Register to compete or come out to cheer them on. A special Memorial Day ceremony starts at 9 a.m. at the Peachtree Corners’ Veterans Monument. The race begins at 10:30 a.m.

June 3, 10, 17, 24

Yoga on the Green

Tuesdays, 8 a.m.-9 a.m.

Admission: free All ages and

fitness levels are invited to join Sun Dragon Yoga on Tuesday mornings for a rejuvenating and relaxing workout. Students should wear comfortable clothes that allow a full range of motion and bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two, and a mat if possible.

June 4, 11, 18, 25

ATLBocce at Peachtree Corners

Wednesdays, weekly game time varies

Admission: free (to watch) ATLBocce is headed to Town Center on Wednesday nights for seven weeks of recreational fun. Sign up at atlbocce.com by May 19

to play, or make plans to come out to watch. Equipment is provided. All skill levels invited to join. The league starts the first week of June and ends July 23.

June 7

Flicks on the Green — The Lion King

7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Admission: free

Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a family-friendly movie under the stars at this summer series event. This month’s movie is Disney’s The Lion King. Rated G. Running time 1hr 28m.

June 14 and 28

Peachtree Corners Concert Series

7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Admission: free

Come out to the Peachtree Corners Town Green for live music and all-ages fun.

• June 14 — Mustache the Band (country hits)

• June 28 — G Clef & the Playlist (multi-genre, classic hits cover band)

5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners theforumpeachtree.com/events

Scan QR for more information ►

Ongoing

Politan Row Weekly Events

Admission: free Politan Row at The Forum is hosting weekly events on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

• Music Bingo — Tuesdays, 7 p.m. (winners receive Politan Row gift cards)

• Trivia Night — Thursdays,

7 p.m. (winners receive Politan Row gift cards)

• Kid’s Corner — Saturdays, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. (kids crafts for little ones)

• Live Music — Saturdays, 6 p.m.

May 1, 8, 15

Cornhole Spring League

6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Admission: free

Come out and cheer on the teams who’ve registered to compete in this seven-week spring league. Play takes place weekly starting in March and ends May 15 with a tournament and trophy.

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and June 6, 13, 20, 27

Friday Night Live

Fridays, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Admission: free

Kick back and groove to the smooth sounds of live music from

•

•

•

• May 23 — TBD

• May 30 — The Moonlighters

• June 6 — The Bourbon Brothers

• June 13 — The Ides of June

• June 20 — Rhythm Major Band

• June 27 — Hughes Taylor

May 7, 14, 21, 28 and June 4, 11, 18, 25

Forum Fit

6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Admission: free

Exercise your mind and body during these weekly fitness sessions featuring yoga, Pilates, strength training and more. Held outdoors on The Plaza. Check the website for full class schedule and details.

May 13 and June 10

Forum Flicks

Starting at 6 p.m.

Admission: free

Gather on The Plaza the second Tuesday of each month to enjoy

your favorite family-friendly movies on the big screen. The May movie is Trolls (rated PG, running time 1h 32m); the movie for June is Wicked Sing-Along (rated PG, running time 2h 40m).

May 16

Spring Market at The Forum

6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Admission: free

Join your friends and neighbors on The Plaza for an evening of live music, shopping at a tenants market and family-friendly activities. There will also be exclusive retail and restaurant promotions, a pop-up bar and photo-ready moments.

May 27 and June 24

Little Peaches Playdate

4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Admission: free

Enjoy kid-friendly crafts, games and entertainment at this ultimate playdate for little ones held the last Tuesday of each month April–October. May’s theme is “Party Animals.” The theme for June is “Become an Entrepreneur” (please be prepared to shop children’s products at the June event).

May 10

Peachtree Corners Library Branch Calendar Highlights

5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092 770-978-5154 | gwinnettpl.org

June 9

STEM: Recycled Engineering

4 p.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: free

Celebrate International Mini Golf Day by creating your own mini golf hole. Kids ages 6–15 will use recycled materials to build their holes and present them to the group when they are finished.

May 14

Knitted Together

6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Admission: free Knitted Together welcomes anyone eager to learn or connect through knitting and crocheting and enjoy the camaraderie of a shared passion. Meets monthly. Open to all skill levels.

May 20

STEM Technology: Binary Beading

4 p.m.-5 p.m.

Admission: free

Kids and teens ages 6–15 can explore binary code through an interactive binary beading program. This engaging educational tool is designed to foster computational thinking as kids create personalized bracelets using binary code to spell out their names.

May 22

Finance & Budget: Demystifying Insurance 101

1 p.m-2 p.m.

Admission: free Retired insurance professional Annamarie Collins will break down and dive into common insurance policies for auto, home and property, sharing tips on navigating the complex world of insurance with ease. Open to ages 19+.

June 2

Comedy Magic Show!

10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Admission: free

Kick off the library’s summer reading program with an action-packed show full of jokes and magic from magician Ken Scott. Recommended for kids ages 5+ and their families.

Cosmic Creations: Painting Planets

2 p.m.-3 p.m.

Admission: free

Come learn about the planets that make up our solar system and create your own planet using ping pong balls and acrylic paints. For ages 6–11. Registration is required and opens May 10.

June 11

STEM Science: Now You See It, Now You Don’t

2 p.m.-3 p.m.

Admission: free

Kids and teens age 6–15 can learn the science behind codes and invisible inks. Participants will experiment with different codes, make their own invisible ink and learn how spies have used this technology for centuries.

June 12

Savoring Stories: A Book Tasting

1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Admission: free

Come out for an engaging event celebrating and exploring African American culture through books. Sample, rate and review a variety of stories, recipes and poems by African American authors and give your opinion and recommendations on the books selected.

June 18

Lights, Camera, Careers in Film

3 p.m.-4 p.m.

Admission: free

Have you ever wondered what a best boy, foley artist or grip does on a movie set? This all-ages, Job & Career workshop will explore the many roles that professionals fill to bring a creative vision to life.

June 24

Mess with a Masterpiece

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Admission: free

In this teens-only workshop, participants will learn why we think of certain works of art as masterpieces, then use art supplies to make their own parody version of a famous piece. For grades 6–12.

Active Older Adults Schedule

5600 W. Jones Bridge Rd., Peachtree Corners facebook.com/FowlerY/ |

Coping with Grief & Loss Support Group

Mondays, 11 a.m. in the Senior Center Grief and loss are difficult to face, but you don’t have to face them alone. This is a safe and caring e1vironment. For more information, contact ejgarrett@gmail.com.

Caregivers

Group

Tuesdays, 11:45 a.m. in the Senior Center

The YMCA’s weekly Caregivers Group provides a dedicated meeting space for caregivers to offer and receive emotional support. The group offers practical information while respecting confidentiality and encouraging camaraderie. For more information, contact mcrawley@wans.net.

Other senior activities include: Canasta — Mondays, 2 p.m. Dominoes — Thursdays, 10:45 a.m. For more information, contact lorri504@gmail.com.

Norcross Gallery and Studios

116 Carlyle St., Norcross | norcrossgalleryandstudios.org, 770-840-9844 Check their website for costs and up-to-date information.

Exhibits and Events

May 10 “Reflections” Reception and Exhibit

2 p.m.-4 p.m.

The Rectory, Norcross Admission: free

The 3rd annual “Reflections” exhibition will open at the Rectory with a special reception and awards presentation. With 36 students from Norcross and Paul Duke STEM high schools participating in this year’s show, the art work will also be on display in the adjacent Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center. The exhibit will run through May 18.

“From Bees to Trees” 2025 Photography Contest

Norcross residents and visitors are invited to enter this year’s photo contest free of charge by submitting their photos celebrating the beauty of nature in Norcross. Entries are due by July 31. Selected photos will be on exhibit from August 28–September 27.

Enter at: norcrossgalleryandstudios. org/norcross-photo-welcome.

Ongoing Sessions

Figure and Portrait Study Sessions Tuesdays, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: $16 for members; $22 for non-members; package pricing available

Organizers: Lynda Ellis, lyndaellis@ gmail.com; Anne Emerson Hall, annehallstudio@yahoo.com

Daytime Open Studio Thursdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: free for members, $5 for non-members

Organizer: Anne Labaire, labaireart@gmail.com

Saturday Open Studio Saturdays, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: free for members; $5 for non-members

Organizer: Kathy Collins

Workshops

Learn to Create Unique, Colorful Abstract Flower Paintings

May 3-4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cost: $100 for members, $120 for non-members

In this two-day workshop, artists will gain an understanding of painting florals in an abstract style through observation and hands-on practice.

Organizer: Chitra Ramanathan, chitra.fineart@gmail.com

Business Organizations and Events

Atlanta Tech Park

107 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 atlantatechpark.com; 404-797-1221

May 1 and June 5

5 Threats to Your Family’s Financial Future: Estate Planning

2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Presented by Estate Planning Law Group of Georgia, this free, in-person event will review everything participants need to know to protect themselves and their loved ones financially. Light refreshments will be served; participants must register online.

May 6 and June 3

Atlanta Tech Meet Up

6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Monthly meet-up held on the first Tuesday of each month. Tech admirers and professionals are welcome to meet and discuss all things emerging in technology in the café. Beer and pizza are provided. Free to attend, but registration is required.

May 12

Government 101: A Unique Perspective

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Part of their Lunch and Fireside Chat series, this Women’s Gathering event will feature esteemed guest speaker, Supreme Court of Georgia Justice Sarah Warren. RSVP to attend.

May 15 and June 19

Speakeasy Mastermind

6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Monthly meeting for the Atlanta Mastermind chapter, an exclusive club for entrepreneurs and marketers to network, scale faster and think bigger. Membership is required to attend.

For more info: speakeasymastermind.com/membership

May 16 and June 20

Founders Friday

8 a.m.-9 a.m.

Admission: free to ATP members; $10 for non-members

A new monthly expert series focusing on topics related to current events, challenges and business strategies for founders. Held the third Friday of each month in the ATP Café. Registration is required.

May 21

2nd Annual

Georgia AI Summit

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tickets: $199

This year’s event will delve into the transformative power of AI across

various industries, including music, film, healthcare, marketing and cybersecurity. Offered by the Gwinnett Women’s Chamber and open to AI enthusiasts, professionals or those looking to break into the field. Register online at georgiaaisummit. com.

May 28

Wine Wednesday/ Pitch Night

5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Entrepreneurs are invited to attend this monthly networking and pitch event. Guests can sign up online to pitch their ideas to other business owners and investors or come to observe, make connections and enjoy wine, beer and light bites. Free to attend. Registration is required to pitch.

June 8

ATL Tech Week Kickoff

8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Kicking off the city-wide, week-long event celebrating Atlanta’s vibrant tech ecosystem, Atlanta Tech Park will host founders, innovators and tech leaders for a day of workshops and networking, showcasing the local technology community. More info at: atl.tech

June 17

ATP Summer Cookout

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Open to ATP members, this monthly summer event offers an opportunity to meet on the patio and enjoy burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs and cold treats from an ice cream truck.

Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce

Office in Atlanta Tech Park 107 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners southwestgwinnettchamber.com; 470-482-1899

May 8

Thursday Thought Leaders: David Zelski

8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Hilton Atlanta Northeast 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Admission: $28 for members, $35 for non-members

David Zelski, creator, host and Emmy award-winning producer of multiple travel and food shows, will share behind-the-scenes stories from the road, highlight some of Georgia’s most unique destinations and explain how local farms, food and outdoor experiences are helping power Georgia’s economy. Registration is required. Breakfast buffet is included.

May 15, 22 and June 5

Coffee Connections

8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Atlanta Tech Park

Start your morning with coffee and conversation in the company of local business professionals. Join SWGC at Atlanta Tech Park for this networking event created to expand your professional relationships. Business cards are shared with all attendees.

The May 15 Connection Spotlight event will feature guest speaker Stephanie Newton, Norcross downtown manager. The topic of the June 5 Spotlight event will be “What Not to Ask in a Job Interview,” featuring guest speaker, attorney Tim Newton.

June 12

Thursday Thought Leaders: Tim Echols, PSC commissioner

8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Hilton Atlanta Northeast 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Admission: $28 for members, $35 for non-members

Join SWGC and guest speaker, Tim Echols to learn how the Georgia Public Service Commission’s work impacts your daily life and business. Get critical updates on some of the biggest challenges facing Georgia’s energy future, including the enormous power demands created by AI and the rapid expansion of data centers across the state. Registration is required. Breakfast buffet is included.

Peachtree

Corners Business Association

4989 Peachtree Pkwy., Ste. 215, Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersba.com, 678-9693385

May 1 and June 12

PCBA Lunch Club

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Marlow’s Tavern at Town Center 5210 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Members and their guests are invited to attend monthly lunches at Marlow’s Tavern to meet and network with other PCBA members. Lunch is not provided, but participants receive 15% off of their bill. Advance registration is appreciated.

May 13 and June 10

PCBA Connecting Over Coffee Morning Meetup

8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

5215 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Admission: free for PCBA members

and their guests.

Meet with PCBA and business professionals over coffee in a positive atmosphere on the second Tuesday of each month. Register online as space is limited.

May 15

PCBA Business After Hours Speaker Series

5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Hilton Atlanta Northeast 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Admission: $40. Early bird price is $25 for members; Advance registration price is $30 for members; $35 for guests.

Monthly, after-hours professional event that features guest speakers, networking opportunities and donations presented to local organizations from the PCBA. This month’s event is a panel discussion on the topic of “Building a Brand from the Ground Up and Evolving Your Brand with the Changing Times.” Panelists will share insights, strategies, and opportunities for success in business. Food and beverages are included. Advance registration is recommended.

June 26

Taste of Peachtree Corners

5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.

Atlanta Marriott Peachtree Corners

Tickets: $50 (includes tastings and drinks)

$40 for members; $45 for non-members with early registration (by May 20)

Grab a fork and join the PCBA for their annual Taste of Peachtree Corners event. Enjoy an evening of delicious bites and drinks as you sample foods from some of the area’s best restaurants and businesses.

Taste of Peachtree Corners is an adult-oriented community event. Participants must be 21 years or older and have a ticket to attend.

Norcross PDC

Wednesdays, 8:15 a.m.-9 a.m.

45 South Café

45 S. Peachtree Street, Norcross instagram.com/norcrosspdc

Norcross PDC (People Drinking Coffee/People Doing Community) meets weekly to discuss current events that are political, educational and community-focused. Open to the public. No dues or membership fees; anyone can attend.

• May 7 — Ruwa Romman, GA State Rep District 97

• May 14 — Scott Hilton, GA State Rep District 48

• May 21 — Dr. Ian Potter, Exec of Athletics, Georgia Gwinnett College

• May 28 — Katie Furlough/Christina Faine, Fowler YMCA in Peachtree Corners

Sweet SOUNDS OF SUMMER

MAY

23: Summer Concert Series

Side Piece

JUNE

6: Summer Concert Series

The Soul Cartel Band

14: Bluesberry Beer & Music Festival

20: Summer Concert Series

Rubik’s Groove

28: Jazz in the Alley

JULY

12: Jazz in the Alley

18: Summer Concert Series

C.O.T. Band

AUGUST

1: Summer Concert Series

Dancing Dream

9: Jazz in the Alley

15: Summer Concert Series

Nu Wave ATL

29: Summer Concert Series

7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience

Katherine Lafourcade —

A Journey of Passion, Resilience and Giving Back

Katherine Lafourcade, executive director of the French American Chamber of Commerce Atlanta — Southeast (FACC Atlanta-Southeast), discovered her passion for French early in life.

As a schoolgirl in England, learning French ignited a spark, leading her by age 13 to declare her intention to be bilingual, live in France and marry a Frenchman. Armed with a degree in international business and French, she pursued an internship in Paris, achieved fluency and indeed, married a Frenchman.

Her initial experience in Paris involved a 10-month immersion working in the purchasing department of a defense company. She fondly recalls the excitement of achieving fluency, particularly sharing the milestone with her mother after having dreamed in French.

Career moves and motherhood

Lafourcade’s career path took her from Paris to Nantes and later to Geneva, Switzerland, where she spent over 15 years. It was in Switzerland that she met her husband, Alain, and they had two children, Lina and Theo.

Balancing motherhood and career is important to Lafourcade. While initially staying home with her young children, she soon sought a professional outlet. Recognizing the need for bilingual education, she co-founded a bilingual preschool with a friend.

Despite facing skepticism as women, mothers and expats, they successfully ran the preschool for five years, creating a nurturing environment for their children and others. Lafourcade managed communications, highlighting their hands-on involvement by humorously stating, “We were everything — the CEOs and the cleaners.”

After selling the preschool, Lafourcade held various roles in recruitment, education and manufacturing and spent five years as an executive assistant

By Patrizia Winsper

Cover photo and left by

Tracey Rice

at Nestlé Skin Health in Switzerland. A constant thread throughout her diverse career was the ability to utilize both French and English.

Disaster strikes

Life took an unexpected and challenging turn in December 2016 when 12-year-old Theo, began experiencing mysterious and intensifying symptoms. A trip to the UK for a milestone birthday turned into a hospital stay with Theo undergoing numerous inconclusive tests.

Returning to Switzerland, further investigation with Theo’s doctor — encouraged by concerns from Lafourcade’s sister, who is a medical professional — led to a grim discovery. Upon examination, the doctor immediately sent them to the hospital after feeling Theo’s enlarged spleen.

It’s leukemia

On Friday, January 13, 2017, the family received the devastating diagnosis: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Chemotherapy began the same day. Lafourcade described the shock and disbelief, struggling to comprehend how their healthy child could be diagnosed with cancer.

Theo’s grueling treatment protocol, requiring a port in his chest, lasted over three and a half years. Lafourcade likened the experience to being on a “crazy train going 100 miles an hour,” learning rapidly about leukemia and its effects.

The initial phase of treatment was intense, involving weekly drug cocktails administered in various ways, including overnight stays and extensive hydration. While chemotherapy alleviated Theo’s severe bone pain caused by the buildup of leukemia cells, it brought difficult side effects and made school challenging.

Lafourcade praised the care Theo received at the CHUV: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois in Switzerland. The emotional toll was immense, with Theo expressing a desire to give up at one point, which was horrendous for the whole family. During this period, Lafourcade was unable to work, relying on the support of her colleagues at Nestlé.

When the easy part is hard

Nine months into treatment, as Theo was expected to transition to a less intensive maintenance phase, his condition worsened dramatically. Frantic testing revealed an intestinal parasite that ravaged his already weakened immune system.

Theo was in agony, with Lafourcade meticulously tracking his symptoms, including frequent vomiting and bathroom visits. The infection spread to his bloodstream, causing septicemia and a dangerous drop in blood pressure. His lungs were severely affected, preventing sufficient oxygen from reaching his blood.

In coma

As a last resort, Theo was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) life support, a brutal procedure that functions as an external heart and lungs. Simultaneously, he was on a ventilator, dialysis for kidney failure and had a tracheotomy to prevent damage to his vocal cords from prolonged intubation.

The ECMO machine sustained him for over three weeks, a remarkably long duration given the strain on the body. During this critical time, Theo hemorrhaged multiple times, requiring urgent blood transfusions. Lafourcade vividly recalled doctors yelling, “He is empty!” while administering large syringes of blood into tubes attached to his body to boost his volume.

A mother’s voice

Inspired by the belief that maternal voices can aid recovery, Lafourcade sat by Theo’s side, reading to him for the majority of those three weeks. She observed that her reading helped soothe him during moments of agitation.

Opposite page, Katherine at FACC Atlanta; photo credit: Tracey Rice.

Left to right, Family photo courtesy of Katherine Lafourcade.

Katherine and Theo Below, Theo in the hospital

A rude but astonishing awakening

Taking Theo off life support in January was a harrowing decision, with uncertainty about his heart and lungs’ ability to function independently. He bled profusely but miraculously survived. After nine months of feeling terrible from chemotherapy and being assured it would get easier, he was angry when he woke up. Things were not better.

He had lost significant muscle mass, was covered in pressure sores and was unable to speak due to the tracheotomy. Lafourcade described him as a “little skeleton” who could only express his fury by clenching his fist. The path to recovery involved months of daily physiotherapy to regain basic motor skills.

Coming to America

Just as Theo was transitioning out of the ICU, Alain received a job offer abroad. After consulting with Theo’s doctors, who confirmed the leukemia treatment protocol was identical in the U.S. and believed the move would benefit Theo psychologically,

the family decided to relocate.

Theo, then 15, was eager for a fresh start, while his older sister Lina was less enthusiastic about leaving Switzerland during her senior year of high school.

Ring-a-ling

Upon moving to the U.S., Theo continued his treatment at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite Hospital. Lafourcade had implicit trust in the medical team, who seamlessly continued his care. In May 2020, Theo rang the bell, marking the end of his treatment.

The five-year mark this May is a significant anniversary, as the likelihood of recurrence decreases significantly after this time. Today, Theo is a sophomore at UGA, pursuing a path in medicine inspired by his desire to give back.

Boss lady and super mom

Upon arriving in the U.S., the Lafourcades joined the FACC Atlanta to connect with the French community. At a gala in 2021, the announcement of the executive director’s return to Europe sparked suggestions that Lafourcade was ideally suited for the role. The prospect of a job utilizing her French skills immediately interested her.

Researching the position and the FACC’s mission, she recognized it as a good fit and began her role in January 2022.

Juggling the demands of the FACC with family life requires flexibility, particularly with the time difference when working with France. Lafourcade considers herself fortunate to have more flexibility than a traditional office job, though some days are long. Her children’s understanding and appreciation of her work serve as a strong motivator.

Lafourcade envisions the FACC becoming the primary resource for French companies, Francophiles in Atlanta and incoming French businesses. She collaborates closely with The Alliance Française and the French Consulate to support the vibrant French community in Atlanta.

According to Lafourcade, board members have noted the chamber’s improved position under her leadership over the past three years.

Founded in 1985, the FACC Atlanta-Southeast celebrated its 40th anniversary in February. Despite potential challenges like tariffs, the chamber remains committed to its mission of providing a “soft landing” for French companies establishing themselves in the region.

The floodgates open

Fortunately, in May 2022, the Food and Drug Administration lifted the “mad cow” (variant

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) restrictions on blood donation for people who had lived or traveled in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland from 1980 onward. The Lafourcades were delighted; they were finally eligible to donate.

“It’s the notion of giving back, it’s community, it’s people in need. I never thought that I would be in a situation where anonymous blood donors would save my son’s life. And yet, that’s what happened.”

What if?

Drawing on her personal experience, Lafourcade is a passionate advocate for blood donation, urging others to consider, “What if one day it’s you or your child?” Recognizing that human blood cannot be manufactured, she emphasizes the vital need for donor generosity.

She has used her platform at the FACC to inform the expat community and others who may have stopped donating during the pandemic about the importance of giving blood.

Lafourcade believes her story can strengthen a sense of community, particularly in a world feeling increasingly uncertain. She focuses on what we can do to quell that dreadful feeling of helplessness. Having been on the receiving end of this life-saving practice, she wishes to inspire others to donate.

“Giving blood is free! You can do it several times a year and you will for a fact be helping somebody. It’s a case of helping your neighbor and doing something good if you can.”

Raising awareness

Turning trauma into positive action, Lafourcade feels a sense of duty to host blood drives. Her first drive last September — during which my husband and I donated — exceeded its goal, collecting 34 units against a target of 18.

It was a painless, streamlined process, and snacks and refreshments were generously provided as we met community members and greeted Lafourcade.

She is expanding her outreach beyond the FACC, connecting with the Johns Creek and Peachtree Corners communities to share her story and encourage participation.

World Blood Donor Day

Lafourcade is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive at Curiosity Lab Peachtree Corners on World Blood Donor Day, Saturday, June 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and encourages residents to do their part — whether by donating, volunteering or spreading the word. (Scan the QR code below to sign up.)

You can also download the American Red Cross Blood Donor app and follow your blood’s journey to

see where it gets used!

A woman in leadership

Katherine Lafourcade is a woman whose story is a testament to the power of dreams, resilience in the face of adversity and a commitment to lifesaving deeds. She embodies a unique blend of cultural and linguistic fluency, entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering determination — all forged in the crucible of personal experience.

Her journey, kindled by a childhood fascination with the French language, has taken her across continents, through career triumphs and personal heartaches, ultimately leading her to a position where she not only fosters Franco-American business ties but also champions a cause close to her heart.

You can connect with the FACC Atlanta-Southeast on LinkedIn at: linkedin.com/company/french-american-chamber-of-commerce-atlanta-southeast. You may also visit their website, facc-atlanta.com.

Scan the QR code to read the more indepth story online.

Scan the QR code to watch the UrbanEBB podcast with Katherine Lafourcade and host Rico Figliolini

Left, Katherine with Lina and Theo Above, Katherine reading to Theo

Executive Function: A Tribute to Working Moms

Motherhood comes with a lot of moving parts. For these Peachtree Corners moms, it also means leading teams, building careers and keeping the family schedule running. Most days, all at once.

This Mother’s Day, we’re spotlighting seven women in our community who are doing just that. They’re professionals in full-time leadership roles, showing up to strategy meetings by day and soccer games by night. They’re problem-solvers, planners, caregivers and coaches. What connects them most isn’t just what they do, it’s how they do it. With intention. With humor. With support from partners, parents, friends and neighbors. And with a deep appreciation for the community they’ve built in Peachtree Corners.

Through their stories, we celebrate more than titles and to-do lists. We honor the quiet, constant work of showing up.

Tracy Lee

Tracy Lee leads with heart and vision as CEO of This Dot Labs, a software consultancy focused on helping businesses solve complex challenges through technology. Her engineering leaders collaborate with major clients like Stripe, DocuSign, Google, Wikipedia and Roblox. She’s passionate about her work.

“I love the mix of problem-solving and people leadership and knowing the work we do can make a real-world impact,” she said.

Tracy brings that same intentionality to her life at home, where she and her husband, Elliott Fouts, are raising three young children: William, 3, and twins Angelina and Marcus, who are 1.5. Despite the busy pace, Tracy is committed to being present in every role she plays.

“I have three full-time nannies and two part-time nannies, as well as girls around the neighborhood who are mama’s helpers to manage the chaos! With the help, we are able to do more and enjoy more time with our kids,” she said. “I try to be fully present, whether I’m in a meeting or building block towers in the living room. It’s never perfect, but we focus on what matters most in the moment.”

great.”

Peachtree Corners has become a meaningful home base for the family. “We absolutely love it here,” she said. “There’s amazing programming for kids at The Forum every Tuesday in the spring and summer. It’s such a gem for young families.”

Weekends often include time outside and community adventures. “Sometimes the best hack is just piling everyone in the wagon and heading out for fresh air!” she said.

Tracy leans on a strong partner, a tight-knit group of friends and a local moms network. “It really takes a village,” she shared. “And I feel lucky to have one.”

Melissa Nicholson

Melissa Nicholson knows what it means to lead with heart and precision. As division vice president of program management & international solutions at Aya Healthcare, she helps internationally educated

By Kristen Corley

Tracy credits her support system for making it all possible. “I have an incredible partner and a strong support system between our nannies, friends and local community,” she said. “We have a local moms group for Asian moms called Georgia Asian Moms, and there are so many moms just in our neighborhood. It’s really

Tracey Lee and family

Melissa Nicholson and family

healthcare professionals enter the U.S. workforce.

“What I enjoy most is the opportunity to support these professionals in achieving their American dream,” she said. “While also contributing to improved patient outcomes across the country.”

Melissa and her husband Greg recently celebrated 15 years of marriage. Their 12-year-old son, Luke, and a cat named Charlie bring a fun, loving dynamic of their own into the family. After relocating from East Atlanta a decade ago, they quickly embraced the Peachtree Corners community.

“It’s the people who make this community so special,” she said. “We’re truly grateful to count our neighbors as friends.”

Balancing an executive role with family life takes clarity and commitment. “I have to be very intentional with my time,” Melissa shared. She sets boundaries at work and makes sure her team knows when she’s off the clock for important family moments.

Kate Martin

Wellness is a key part of her rhythm. “I recently started working out at Orangetheory Fitness,” she said. “I’ve noticed a significant boost in both energy and focus.” Sundays are for church and reflection.

When she travels for work, Greg holds it down at home. “We rely on each other to keep life running smoothly,” she said. “I’m grateful every day for that kind of partnership.”

On weekends, Melissa prioritizes quality time. Whether that’s a hike, pool day or baking something from scratch. “We’ve learned that if we don’t prioritize those moments, the weekends can quickly get taken over.”

Diva Hicks

For Diva Hicks, work isn’t just a job, it’s personal. As creative senior manager at CURE Childhood Cancer, her mission runs deep.

“At 12 years old, my sister was diagnosed with cancer,” she said. “CURE, in its early days, was a resource for my family.”

Her sister survived and now thrives. That experience shaped Diva’s career and continues to inspire her today. “This is my opportunity to give back to CURE for what it did for my family,” she said. “It’s rare to find a place where your purpose and passions collide.”

CURE also welcomes her whole family into the fold. “I get to bring my kids to events all the time,” she said. “They love feeling like they are a part of my work.”

Diva lives in Peachtree Corners with her husband John, their children Adair, 8, and Tripp, 6, and two golden doodles. “There is a sense of community here that I think is special,” she said.

Balance is a daily effort. “John and I have tackled who helps with homework and on what days,” she said. “I would not be able to be the mom that I am without my village.”

She leads school committees and never misses events. “Is it easy? No,” she said. “But I honestly say, it’s not easy for any parent.”

Diva’s motivation is clear. “I want Adair to look at me and see that she can be a mom and have a career too.”

The family stays grounded with tennis weekends and careful planning. “We live by our calendar,” she said. “The more prepared I am, the easier life is.”

Kate Martin knows how to bring structure to busy systems. As senior director of financial planning and analysis at Alloy Roofing, she finds energy in collaboration and clear strategy.

“In this role, I work closely with various teams across the business,” she said. “It supports the company’s strategy and performance.”

Kate and her husband, Nathan, are raising two children, 14-year-old Elliot and 10-year-old Evan, in Peachtree Corners. After ten years in the area, she credits the people for making it feel like home. “Life wouldn’t be the same without the relationships we’ve built here,” she said.

Balance starts with planning. “We keep a central Google calendar synced with all the family commitments that we review daily,” she said. “On Sundays we write on the kitchen boards.” Their chalkboard becomes the weekly roadmap, from meals to respon-

sibilities.

“Seeing things laid out visually keeps me from overcommitting,” she added.

The family stays grounded by recognizing progress. “What keeps me motivated is celebrating both the big and small wins together,” she shared. “Sometimes, making it through the week is a victory in itself.”

Kate relies on a strong network. “We are very fortunate to have my parents nearby,” she said. “I also have an amazing network of women here in Peachtree Corners that I rely on.”

Her favorite hack? “An app Nathan created to help manage our calendars,” she said. “He created a solution to integrate these webcal subscriptions into a central subscription hub.” It’s called Skedj, and they’re piloting it now. “If you know this struggle and want to help us pilot the app, check out skedj.co!”

Kate Martin and family

Diva Hicks with Tripp Right, with Adair

Linda Luna

As vice president at RSUI, Linda Luna manages risk while empowering people. She leads a team of underwriters who handle professional liability and cyber insurance. “I really enjoy my job because of its dynamic nature and the opportunity to help people in meaningful ways,” she said.

Whether she’s mentoring her team or protecting clients’ businesses, Linda finds value in impact. “It’s rewarding to know that my work has a positive impact on both my colleagues and our clients.”

She and her husband, Ruben, are raising their two children, Dawson, 10, and Ava, 6, in Peachtree Corners. Her parents, though not under the same roof, are a constant part of daily life. “They help keep things running smoothly on the home front,” she said.

After nine years in the community, Linda has grown to love its blend of charm and convenience. “There is always something to do,” she said. “Whether it’s grabbing a bite at Ted’s or spending time with friends at Town Center.”

Balance comes from structure. “By establishing a solid schedule and sticking to it, I can ensure that my work commitments are met,” she said. “Being fully present allows me to strengthen my connection with my loved ones.”

When things get busy, she takes a practical approach. “Breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks makes it much more approachable,” she said. “I remind myself to keep the bigger picture in mind and not sweat the small stuff.”

Linda’s support system is strong. “It truly takes a village, and I’m so grateful for mine,” she said.

The family’s favorite tradition? A beach trip to 30A every May. “It’s our way of unwinding, reconnecting and making lasting memories together.”

Allison Blasetti

Allison Blasetti holds a national leadership role at Transamerica in the employee benefits division — a position that constantly challenges and motivates her. “What I enjoy most is the opportunity to use my talents to help my team,” she said. “I’m always growing and learning.”

She and her husband, John, are raising daughters Annie Mae, 8, and Olive, 6, in Peachtree Corners, where they’ve built strong ties in the community. “The amenities in our city provide many opportunities to run into friends around town or plan meet-ups,” she said.

Allison works from home and prioritizes clear boundaries. “I turn off my app notifications because it quickly pulls me back in to work,” she said. “I also have a dedicated workspace in my house where I can leave at the end of the workday.”

She’s developed the habit of resetting her mindset, as well. “I quickly recognize [when] I’m mentally ‘at work’ and actively redirect my thoughts back to being in the present moment.”

Allison’s mornings begin at Burn Bootcamp, where she finds motivation and connection. “Spending an hour with my Burn community helps me get grounded for the day,” she said.

To stay organized, she and her husband use a shared family calendar. Her mom steps in often, especially when work travel ramps up. “I really don’t know what we would do without her.”

On weekends, Allison coaches Olive’s soccer team with the Peachtree Corners Football Club. “It brings me so much joy to be outside, see my soccer friends and watch my girls have fun,” she said. “Coaching makes it even better because I get to support the community that means a lot to me.”

Samantha Morgan

Samantha Morgan is a commander in the U.S. Public Health Service, currently assigned to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over her career, she’s responded to major public health threats, including Ebola, Zika and COVID-19. Today, her work centers on injury prevention, with a focus on issues like suicide, drowning and traumatic brain injury.

“What I enjoy most is being part of CDC’s mission to save lives and protect people,” she said. “I’m proud to contribute to work that makes a tangible difference in communities across the country.”

At home in Peachtree Corners, Samantha and her husband, Brian, are raising two sets of twins. Luke and Elliot are 12-years-old and love baseball, golf, basketball and band. Charlotte and Noelle are 8-years-old and enjoy piano, tumbling and tennis. “Life with four kids is wonderfully busy,” she said. “I often joke that I’m an unpaid Uber driver!”

After more than a decade in the neighborhood, Samantha credits their support system for helping them manage the day-to-day. “Our neighbors and friends — our village — have

supported us through the hardest moments and celebrated life’s greatest joys with us,” she said.

Structure is key to keeping things on track. “We live and breathe by our family calendar,” she said. “Shared schedules, group texts and carpooling help us keep things running.”

Her children remain Samantha’s biggest motivators. “They know, ‘mom’s going to work to help make the world a safer place,’” she said.

The family also leans on routines and simple joys. “Checklists are my go-to mom hack,” she shared. One of their favorite traditions is make-your-own-pizza night. “It’s messy, silly and something we all genuinely look forward to.”

The seven women featured here offer a glimpse into the lives of working moms in Peachtree Corners. Each one balances career, family and community with care and intention. They are just a few of the many women — both working and stay-at-home — who nurture, organize and uplift the people around them every day. Whether leading teams or guiding their children, mothers across this community show up with strength, love and quiet determination. •

Linda Luna and family

Allison Blasetti and family

Samantha Morgan and family

Will Simpsonwood Park Still Offer Access to the Chattahoochee?

Viewing and accessing the river, as well as trail options, dominate discussion

By Arlinda Smith Broady

The fourth meeting of the Simpsonwood Park Citizen Steering Committee on April 15, focused mainly on trail design and community feedback. A common concern was access to the Chattahoochee River.

“That trail used to go to the Chattahoochee, now it’s been blocked. And so the question is, what’s going to happen with that later on?” asked Carlos Perez, president and founder of Perez Planning + Design, who has contracted with the county on the Simpsonwood Park project.

Use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping, a technology that combines spatial data (location data) with attribute data (descriptive information) to create interactive maps and analyze geographic information, has allowed the county to devise maps that show where trails are now located and will perhaps be located within the masterplan.

“That entire corridor should be finished this summer,” said Glenn Boorman, Gwinnett County Parks deputy director, “when they finish up with the sewer project. All [of] that is all temporary. We believe the trails are going to get re-established and rehabilitated.”

Sewer upgrades along the river

Gwinnett County is in the midst of undertaking sewer upsizing work along the Chattahoochee River, specifically the Wolf Creek Interceptor, between Simpsonwood Park and Jones Bridge Park. This project involves upgrading approximately two miles of 20-inch diameter gravity sewer to 36-inch diameter.

The project is expected to take 18–24 months to complete and is part of a larger effort to improve sewer capacity and comply with Chattahoochee River Corridor regulations.

“When we go into the final design process, we’ll have a thorough topographical survey done,” said Boorman. “We won’t be using GIS, so we’ll have a much better grasp of the actual topography. But don’t get me wrong, GIS is pretty darn accurate.”

Simpsonwood Park trail plans

Even though Jay Exum, a wildlife ecologist consulting on the project, wasn’t at the meeting, his input is important to determining where the trails will go and what materials will be used.

“All those trails will be field located. They won’t just be done on AutoCAD or something,” said Boorman. “Everything will be walked because the other thing that will be identified is where are those trees?”

AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software that is used for precise 2D and 3D drafting, design and modeling with solids, surfaces, mesh objects, documentation features and more.

With the talk of trails, the battle for pervious vs. non-pervious trails continued.

Although it appeared at first that an overwhelming majority of committee members, residents and stakeholders were completely against paved trails, it appears more and more people are standing up for access for strollers and wheelchairs.

Several committee members who said they regularly use the park expressed concerns that removal of all paved trails will make it impossible for them to utilize the park.

“It’s already a workout pushing a stroller up some of those inclines,” said CSC member Vanessa Graves Several other committee members and members of the audience nodded.

What’s next?

The committee will now look over the next phase of plans, with the final meeting being a time to come to a consensus on what to base the final plans on. From there, a design will be made and presented to the county commission.

The next meeting is scheduled for June 17. •

The Meadow at Simpsonwood Park

2025 EVENT CALENDAR

Peachtree Corners is excited to present its

2025 Calendar of Special Events

JULY

5: Flicks on the Green - Hook

12: Concert - Natural Wonder (Stevie Wonder Tribute)

19: Midsummer Kids Festival 2-5 PM

26: Concert - Wannabe (Spice Girls Tribute) and Boy Band Review

OCTOBER

4: Flicks on the GreenHocus Pocus

11: Live Karaoke 6:30-9:30 PM

18: PTC Decathlon 8 AM - 2 PM

25: Concert - Interstellar Echoes (Pink Floyd Tribute)

MAY

10: Concert - Dancing Dream (ABBA Tribute) and Big Bam Boom (Hall & Oates Tribute)

26: Memorial Day Challenge and Service 9 AM - 12 PM

31: Concert - Guardians of the Jukebox (80’s Cover)

AUGUST

2: Flicks on the Green - Cool Runnings

16: Concert - Passing the Torch (Whitney Houston Tribute)

23: PTC Has Talent 4-9 PM

30: Concert - Queen Nation (Queen Tribute)

JUNE

7: Flicks on the Green - The Lion King

14: Concert - Mustache the Band (Country Hits)

28: Concert - G Clef and the Playlist (Various Cover)

NOVEMBER

11: Veterans Day Service 11 AM - 12 PM

15: Game Day and Market 12-4 PM

SEPTEMBER

6: Flicks on the GreenEncanto

13: Concert - Troubadour Project (70’s Rock Cover)

20: PTC Festival

21: PTC Festival

27: Concert - Animals (Maroon 5 Tribute)

DECEMBER

4: Holiday Glow 5:30-8 PM

TIMES

Flicks on the Green: 7 PM

Concert Series: 7 PM

Farmers Market: Saturdays 8-11 AM (May-August)

Yoga on the Green: Tuesdays 8 AM (June-September) ATL Bocce League: Wednesdays 6 PM (June-October) CrossFit: Thursdays 8 AM (March-November)

Architecture in Peachtree Corners

The architecture in Peachtree Corners blends suburban charm with modern design, reflecting a community rooted in tradition yet driven by innovation.

Tree-lined streets and classic Southern façades frame high-tech campuses like Atlanta Tech Park and smart city infrastructure like Curiosity Lab’s autonomous vehicle track. Shopping centers sit beside inviting green spaces, and houses of worship dot the landscape, creating a balance of work, life and progress.

In Peachtree Corners, every building is part of a bigger vision — where technology and Southern hospitality shape the future together.

Enjoy these photos of our beautiful city, captured by members of the Peachtree Corners Photography Club.

For more information about the club and how you can become a member, visit pcphotoclub.org or scan the QR code. •

Top row, Rafa Garcia - Mary Our Queen Catholic Church Middle row, left to right, Keri Zumpano - Brightree LLC; Anna Niziol - Life Time

Above, left to right, Eric Richter - The Corners; Vipul Singh - Neely Farm Clubhouse

Top left down, Tracey Rice - Chapel at Simpsonwood Park; Anna Niziol - 303 Building; Brian Walton - Chill Room

Right side down, Nicole Brna - Shiloh Baptist Church; Marcia Brandes - Atlanta Tech Park; Brian Walton - 6200 Building

Left side down, Marcia Brande - Simpsonwood United Methodist Church

Tracey Rice - Curiosity Lab

Keri Zumpano - Elikya Studio (at Curiosity Lab)

Anna Niziol - Global Aviation

Right side down, Nicole Brna - Town Center

Rafa Garcia - The Forum Peachtree Corners

Keri Zumpano - The Fathers House

CONCERTS

• MAY 2 - The American Flyers

• JUN. 6 - Chairmen of the Board

• JUL. 3 - Eli Alger and the Faster Horses - THURSDAY SHOW

• AUG. 1 - Nick and the Knacks

• SEP. 5 - Heart Breaker: Tribute to Heart

MOVIES

• MAY 29 - Mufasa

• JUN. 26 - Wild Robot

• JUL. 17 - IF

• AUG. 21 - Shrek

• SEP. 26 - Wicked

GA Tech Launches

First-of-its-Kind GT Atrium in Peachtree Corners

The adage “good things come to those who wait” could be true for Peachtree Corners city officials and administrators at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

After nearly a decade of planning, a vision for the technology-forward municipality and the higher education cultivator of innovation has come to fruition with the new Georgia Tech Atrium at Peachtree Corners’ Curiosity Lab.

With 200 or so attendees present, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason, and Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera cut the ribbon on this first-of-its-kind space.

“I actually came to this exact building with Georgia Tech’s former president in 2016 when we just

began to think about what this partnership could be,” said Dene Sheheane, president of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association. “The wheels of higher ed turn slowly, so I’m excited to see it finally come together.”

The opening of the GT Atrium in Peachtree Corners is the first of many planned collaborations to come between the school and municipalities throughout the state and beyond.

An initiative of the Center for 21st Century Universities at the Georgia Tech College of Lifetime Learning, each GT Atrium will offer a space for the institute’s faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners to advance their academic and professional interests in the country or region that it serves. It will provide tailored programs, event space, a study abroad base, co-working and co-learning spaces, as well as opportunities to engage and associate with Georgia Tech.

What purpose does the project serve?

Nelson Baker, interim dean of the College of Lifetime Learning agreed that Peachtree Corners was the right place to start the Atrium project.

necessary.

“Today’s world is changing pretty rapidly, and one of the biggest changes is learning itself,” he said. “Today, people are living longer, they’re working longer and they’re changing jobs more often than ever before.”

He added that they face broad, intense career and technological disruptions, and although a degree is a good foundation for many careers, the individual must continue to learn for as many as 50 years past graduation.

“How can a four-year degree last more than half a century in a person’s lifetime? At the same time, geographically dispersed companies and communities across our state need ways for workers to develop, to up-skill and re-skill,” he said. “Our universities and schools — all of our learning systems must adapt.”

Connecting with communities for lifelong learning

By Arlinda Smith Broady

“Support and leadership from cities like yours, that both fuel the growth and give our next generation of technology leaders what they need to lead their projects and to be successful, in many ways, is the ultimate expression of what a university, especially a research university like Georgia Tech, is all about,” he said.

Baker went on to explain why such an endeavor is

Instead of attacking the problem piecemeal, leaders at Georgia Tech sought to address the problem as a “coherent whole.”

“The institute set out to better connect to our communities, to be present, to expand access, amplify our impact and to tie it all together,” said Baker. “That’s how we got here today, with the first new college at Georgia Tech in 35 years and the first Georgia Tech Atrium meant to extend our campus into communities in new ways.” •

Photos courtesy of Curiosity Lab

Link Dental: Patient Care with Modern Technology, Old-Fashioned Values

Atrip to the dentist probably doesn’t rate high on many people’s list of favorite things, but at Link Dental Care, Dr. Aristo Shyn and his staff work to make the experience educational, efficient and as pain-free as possible. As the son of a dentist, Dr. Shyn spent time in his dad’s practice and saw the many benefits of good dental health and the ways a good dentist can have a lasting effect on your mental and physical well-being.

Ironically, Dr. Shyn’s parents didn’t encourage him to become a dentist.

“I was born in Kansas City, Missouri, next to UMKC

(University of Missouri at Kansas City), which is where my dad went to dental school,” Dr. Shyn told Peachtree Corners Magazine during a recent podcast. “And then we moved to Alaska. I stayed in Alaska from the ages of two to 14. And then I moved to Florida, to pursue a golf career.”

The Shyns were convinced that their son was destined to become a golf pro, but his passion lies in dentistry.

“In retrospect, I think I’ve always wanted to be a dentist. I think I had it set in my head. I was always interested in dentistry, I think from the age of seven. And in middle school, I just knew that’s what I wanted to do. I haven’t really looked back since,” he said. “My parents were like, ‘Don’t do dentistry, it’s a lot to handle. It’s a lot of stress.’”

From golf to dentistry

If you didn’t know that Dr. Shyn was a member of the American Junior Golf Association as a youth, you’d know he was a golf enthusiast from the name

of his practice (Link) and the golf memorabilia throughout the office. There’s even a golf ball embedded in a glass wall in the x-ray room.

“You’d be surprised at how many people ran into that wall before we put the golf ball there,” he said.

Once it was determined he’d pursue a dental career, he was all in. Dr. Shyn attended the University of North Florida and Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. Looking for a place that was neither Florida nor Alaska, he came to Georgia in 2012 to begin his profession.

“I was actually talking to one of my buddies here, who’s from Atlanta. It wasn’t really thought out. I just figured, hey, let’s try it out in Georgia. Let’s try Atlanta,” he said. “And somehow it worked out.”

The doctor is in

Dr. Shyn started out in a corporate-owned chain dentistry office. He realized pretty quickly that it wasn’t for him.

“I think some businesses are more production-driven and some businesses are more patient-centric,” he said. “I certainly saw the extreme ends of profit-driven.”

He added, “It’s never a good feeling when you have

By Arlinda Smith Broady

Photos by Tracey Rice

Aristo Shyn

regional managers [and] office managers, breathing down your neck to look at daily numbers, monthly figures,” he said. “I think there are a lot of good dentists working in every setting. Sometimes they don’t have the autonomy to do what they would like.”

With less than a year under his belt, Dr. Shyn set up a private practice.

“You have to have an entrepreneurial mindset for the business side, but it allows me to treat and see patients as I see fit. I’m able to really focus on the patients.”

And it’s paid off in many ways. He has entire families that trust him with their dental health, as well as patients from other counties and other states who will drive hundreds of miles to be in his care.

“There are really only a handful of procedures we

don’t do, and we have great relationships with specialists in this area,” he said adding that Link Dental does oral surgery, wisdom teeth implant placement, sinus surgeries and the more standard dental procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, partial dentures and soft tissue procedures.

Advancements in technology

Often, one of the downfalls of being a small operation is access to technology, said Dr. Shyn, but he’s been able to be as close to the cutting edge as many chain practices.

One example is the ability to take 3D X-rays and scans for accuracy and comfort.

“Our CBCT or cone beam machine allows us to take 3D images, which is a whole different perspective

versus looking at 2D images,” he said.

The office has a 3D scanner as well. Molds taken for crowns, bridges, veneers and other dental prostheses, as well as for orthodontic treatment like braces, require a goop placed in the mouth for a period of time.

“In lieu of that, we actually have a camera that scans your teeth,” he said. “It basically replaces the goop and scans everything at an extremely high resolution.”

Additionally, Dr. Shyn’s office has heated dental chairs with massage features, ceiling-mounted TVs and soon it will be offering Botox and dermal fillers.

“I think the small details matter, too,” he said. “From the chairs to everything else we’re patient-centric — thinking about their comfort and experiences.”

Although Dr. Shyn is keeping up with the newfangled stuff, he hasn’t abandoned the old-fashioned patient relationships. He still encourages patients to floss daily, but isn’t averse to staging fun Instagram skits with his staff.

“We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, but at the same time, we’re trying to focus on more than just the ‘dental care.’ We’re focused on the care itself,” he said, pointing to his continuing education certifications. “That’s important, but it’s also important for patients to have a good experience and want to be involved with their dental health and to continue dental care.” •

Link Dental Care

6270 Smithpointe Dr. Peachtree Corners, 30092 (770) 448-1977 linkdentalcare.com

Watch our Peachtree Corners Life video podcast on YouTube with Dr Aristo Shyn and host Rico Figliolini

Innovation, Security and Connectivity

How NetPlanner Systems powers businesses with tech-forward services and solutions

Anyone who’s been in business for more than a decade — maybe even less than that — can attest to the changes one must make to stay relevant. Such is the case with NetPlanner Systems.

During a discussion recently with Peachtree Corners magazine, CEO Clint Bridges explained that NetPlanner was an outgrowth of another company he started in 1983, initially in Mableton and later moved to the Peachtree Corners/ Norcross area in 1985.

The first company manufactured printer and modem cables, which were in high demand during the early personal computer market boom. The company transitioned from manufacturing to providing networking services in 1987 due to the shift in the market and the desire to stay in a service-oriented business.

“Those cable assemblies sold for higher margins in

the early days of the PC market. Rapidly, a lot of that manufacturing went offshore, and the margins went down, and a number of my competitors decided just to become brokers in that field,” said Bridges. “I didn’t really want to become a broker. I am very technical, very hands on, and so I sold that first business in 1986.”

Services and market reach

The contacts and trust he’d built with customers prompted him to go another route.

“Local area networking was starting to come into the marketplace, and so instead of manufacturing cable assemblies, we started to do networking, which involves putting network cabling and related hardware into commercial buildings,” he said.

NetPlanner built some of the earliest networks in the area.

“This was back in the days before there were any standards for this,” Bridges added.

Today NetPlanner provides complete design services, installation and ongoing maintenance of all communication systems in commercial buildings, focusing primarily on hardware. The company also runs a network services division that offers help desk support for small businesses without their own IT departments.

NetPlanner works with a variety of commercial enterprises, as well as K-12 schools, colleges, universities and large hospital systems.

“Everything that wasn’t on the IP network in a commercial building before 1990 started to fall onto the IP network,” said Bridges. “Things that we never anticipated, including telephone systems, which were totally separate back in the 1980s, now all operate over IP-based systems.”

In addition, things like security and access control, video surveillance and similar systems all work on IP networks.

“So as time has gone on, NetPlanner has received requests from our customers to install these other systems, and we’ve embraced the other technologies that are now a part of almost all commercial buildings,” he added.

The company is now expanding its services to include nurse call services for hospitals — one of the newer markets for NetPlanner.

Security and access control systems

By Arlinda Smith Broady

“That’s what really caused NetPlanner to be formed in 1987 — the desire to be in a service business and to provide a service that was still working with the same sorts of clientele in the computer marketplace,” he said.

With ever-changing business technology needs, NetPlanner successfully keeps current with trends. With heightened security concerns everywhere, the company installs biometric readers and smart camera systems for access control.

“We provide a wide variety of smart camera systems, where they can do recognition, license plate recognition, facial recognition — all those kinds of intelligent systems for commercial spaces,” he said.

Building relationships with a wide variety of manufacturers who provide different types of software systems is how NetPlanner meets the needs of its clients.

“We work with whatever software system the particular enterprise feels is most appropriate for their needs, depending on whether they want to do license plate recognition or face recognition,” said Bridges. “We do a tremendous amount of security camera work in schools all over the southeast. And that is becoming more top of mind in school systems now.”

But there’s more. NetPlanner also provides distributed antenna systems (DAS) to improve cell phone coverage in commercial spaces.

“Cell carriers are concerned about not just signal strength, but also channel capacity — the ability to have a much larger number of users that might be

tions technology needs in all their facilities across the country.”

Community commitment

Whether it’s working with manufacturing facilities and distributors, some of the largest big box organizations in the country, small retail businesses or anything in between, NetPlanner never loses sight of the local community.

With a home base in Peachtree Corners, the company has strong community involvement — including adopting a roadway section for clean-up efforts and participating in local chamber of commerce activities. NetPlanner has been active in several community events, such as shoe drives, food drives and charity

around a particular cell tower at any given point in time,” said Bridges.

When installing a DAS, NetPlanner’s proficiency in coordinating with the carriers ensures compliance with carrier requirements and optimizes signal strength and coverage throughout the building.

Evolution of the technology-driven company

Anyone who knows Clint Bridges shouldn’t be surprised that he’s right in the thick of the technology boom. He started his first company at 19 and attended Southern Tech for a while before focusing on entrepreneurship.

“My passion for technology goes back to my earliest years. I’ve been fascinated by electronics and computers since I was very young. And I always had a home laboratory in the basement of the house as I was growing up,” he said. “I knew when I was in high school that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. During my time at Southern Tech, I started my first company and realized that’s what I wanted to do more than be at Southern Tech.”

NetPlanner is not only a local company. It operates fully-staffed branch offices in Augusta, Columbus and Savannah, as well as in Nashville, Tennessee; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Tampa, Florida. It has also provided services in every U.S. state, as well as parts of the Caribbean, Canada, London and Puerto Rico.

“We do projects all over the country, including some that are for companies that need to do national rollouts,” Bridges said. “A lot of our customers want to see the exact same approach used consistently throughout all their facilities across the country. So they’ll look to a company like NetPlanner to go and provide that consistent installation of all their communica-

walks, demonstrating its commitment to giving back.

“Since 2018, we’ve adopted a roadway section in the community through Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful,” said Michelle Bruck, marketing specialist at NetPlanner. “We go out about five times a year, clear debris off of that roadway and just make sure that it’s beautiful and that it’s safer for people who are walking or driving in the area.”

Nationally, NetPlanner participates in Toys for Tots and Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

“Not only [do we give back] in our headquarters location, but all of our branch offices look for ways to help, get involved and support our communities that we’re part of,” Bruck added.

NetPlanner’s marketing efforts include social media, direct marketing and trade shows, with support from Vox-pop-uli for branded materials and printed media.

“When we first started using Vox-pop-uli, we had just a straightforward vendor relationship, but they very quickly became a partner to us,” said Bridges. “Vox-pop-uli has actually set up a company store on our behalf where our employees can purchase branded material, branded clothing, ball caps and those sorts of things. And they also handle printed media — things that we would use at trade shows.”

Looking forward

With technology moving at a warp speed, NetPlanner relies on a lot of repeat business.

“Bandwidth requirements are increasing year after year,” Bridges said. “Fiber optic cabling that we might have installed 10 years ago won’t support the data rates that are needed today, so it needs to be changed out in many cases.”

Many of the customers that he’s been with for several decades use NetPlanner’s services over and over.

“We’ve gone into the same building and re-cabled it over and over again as the different category levels of

copper cabling have advanced,” he said. “The demands on fiber are now way beyond what they were even five years ago because the capacity has increased so much.”

And as everyone is embracing artificial intelligence, Bridges said he’s working to keep up.

“Everyone is well aware of what’s happening in the artificial intelligence space. And what’s really amazing to us is the number of new data centers that are being built across the United States by all the major players,” he said. “It’s kind of hard to imagine even being able to keep up with all that. We do a lot of data center work ourselves, and are trying to engage with more of our customers to help build some of these newer data centers.”

He added that the artificial intelligence boom is causing so much additional strain on the network

infrastructure across the country, there are concerns about how it’s all going to be powered.

“I think everyone’s concerned,” he said. “Everyone that’s involved in this is wondering how we’re going to meet the bandwidth demands, the capacity demands, the power demands to make all this work.”

Staying ahead of the curve

With decades of experience, Bridges offers advice for all types of businesses starting out — put technology needs into your business model early on.

“The companies that struggle the most with technology are the ones that wait until after everything with the building is developed and completely built before they realize that they need Wi-Fi or some other network installation done,” he said. “It’s just a much more efficient process if we’re involved as early as possible to help design the network, along with the building structure itself.”

He also emphasized the importance of staying ahead of technological advancements to avoid falling behind.

“As fast as technology moves, if you get behind the power curve, it’s really hard to catch up,” he added. •

THE LOCAL THREAD

This business profile series is proudly supported by Vox-pop-uli, championing local stories and the communities we serve.

Clint Bridges (Photos courtesy of Net Planner Systems)

New Roundabout Planned for Peachtree Corners Circle

Evidence of improved flow meets community concerns over congestion.

If the term “roundabout” conjures up images of Chevy Chase caught in an endless circle in the 1985 film, “National Lampoon’s European Vacation,” you probably haven’t given the more modern versions here in metro Atlanta much of a chance.

Peachtree Corners plans to add a second roundabout in the city, adding to the first one built in 2018. That one, at Medlock Bridge Road and Peachtree Corners Circle, generated hundreds of social media comments from residents and stakeholders who were frustrated with the chosen solution for the busy intersection.

entrance and Crème de la Crème — an opportunity to look at the plans. About 20 people showed up.

Peachtree Corners Public Works Director Greg Ramsey, who facilitated the open house, said some who came in with the opinion that the roundabout wasn’t a good idea had changed their minds by the time they left.

“We had one couple who came in who said they didn’t like the idea at first, but after watching the videos and seeing the renderings and talking to our staff and our design team, that that they had their minds changed, that they felt like it’s going to be a positive change and a positive addition and safer for the entire community,” he said.

By Arlinda Smith Broady

Hoping to alleviate some of the angst this time, a public information meeting on March 27 gave those interested in the planned roundabout at Peachtree Corners Circle — positioned between The Forum

Designed to improve traffic flow and safety, this new intersection will feature pedestrian-friendly crossings, dedicated bike lanes and better access to local businesses, according to the city. Peachtree

Corners officials and engineers from Kimley-Horn shared insights on the design, traffic impact and construction timelines.

High rate of traffic crashes

When the first roundabout opened, Ramsey told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Roundabouts promote a continuous flow of traffic in all directions versus a traditional traffic signal that stops at least one direction at all times. The roundabout allows for a greater volume of traffic through an intersection while minimizing delays, particularly during off-peak hours.”

He still believes it’s the best solution for many blocked areas.

Back in January of 2022, the city of Peachtree Corners commissioned a study to determine what type of traffic calming device would help alleviate congestion and cut down on crashes along Peachtree Corners Circle between The Forum’s major driveway and Peachtree Parkway.

Crash data for the five-year period between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2021 showed that approximately 69% of the 36 crashes reported in the area were property damage only, and just one crash resulted in suspected serious injury.

Crashes were also evaluated based on the manner of collision. Approximately 83% of the total reported crashes within the study area were either angle or rear-end type crashes. Each had 15 occurrences. Sideswipes and single-vehicle crashes were also reported within the analysis window.

• The highest crash frequency occurred in the right-turn lane approaching Peachtree Parkway. Seven rear-end-type crashes occurred within the turn lane.

• The second highest crash frequency occurred at The Forum’s main driveway, where six crashes were caused by drivers turning left from The Forum crashing with westbound through-traffic on Peachtree Corners Circle.

• Three sideswipes occurred in the westbound lanes of Peachtree Corners Circle just west of Peachtree Parkway.

• Of the total reported crashes within the study location, 12 occurred at the intersection of Peachtree Corners Circle and The Forum’s major driveway.

• Of the 15 reported rear-end crashes, 10 of them occurred at the intersection of Peachtree Parkway and Peachtree Corners Circle.

• Of the 14 crashes reported at The Forum’s major driveway, nine were angle crashes.

• Six of the eight reported crashes at The Forum’s minor driveway/QuikTrip driveway were angle crashes. One of these reported angle crashes involved a bicyclist, who was seriously injured.

Because angle crashes cause the greatest number of fatalities and injuries of all crash types, safety improvements were a high priority in this intersection control study.

Why here, why now?

Prompted by the crash rates, the next step was to find a solution. Due to multiple conflict points that involved vehicles, pedestrians and high traffic volumes (locations where the paths of road-users coincide, representing potential crash areas and categorized as crossing, merging, diverging or pedestrian interaction), several options were ruled out.

“The need was a safety one. There are a lot of conflict points out there between vehicles turning in all directions and pedestrians in the area as well,”

said Ramsey. “There’s a daycare and gas station there and very high traffic volumes at certain periods of the day.”

This particular intersection proved tricky because of the volume and variety of traffic.

“With four or five driveways and lots of traffic dumping onto the street coming from The Forum and other businesses there, you can imagine multiple periods of high volume — like the lunch hour rush,” he continued. “Additional traffic is being projected as well for multi-family [structures] that have been rezoned in that development.”

He added that many people also feel the need to speed through the intersection.

“Unfortunately, a lot of that traffic is going at a high rate of speed and so some of these crashes and near misses that we’ve seen are extreme.”

Improved safety and feasibility

Traffic studies and feasibility reports approved by Gwinnett County to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow in the area showed that traditional traffic signals are impractical due to proximity to 141.

With the success of the roundabout at Peachtree Corners Circle and Medlock Bridge Road, though, Ramsey said once people get used to it, they’ll find that it is for the better.

“It certainly has improved safety at that intersection, and we’ve been very pleased with how it turned out,” he said. “Incidentally, there was a lot of negative community feedback when that roundabout was proposed, but ironically, two years after that project opened, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote an article saying, basically, ‘Hey, this turned out to be okay after all.’”

The city council has funded the new project design and conceptual development, as well as the traffic study, so right now it’s progressing forward, Ramsey added.

“This is not like a rezoning where there’s public hearings, it’s just a public project that the city has in its annual capital improvement program, just like a number of other intersection improvements that we’ve done, are doing and will be doing,” he said.

How roundabouts help with traffic

Ramsey shared that roundabouts act in two ways.

“Number one, it’s a traffic calming mechanism. It slows people down and slower traffic is safer traffic, especially when pedestrians are involved. And at the same time, it keeps traffic moving,” he said. “And then at the same time again, not stopping at a red light, having to sit there idling your vehicle and sitting in the hot sun is a plus — traffic is always flowing.”

He pointed out many cities in Europe as well as the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea are big proponents of roundabouts. He added that there are cities in Indiana that would like to do away with traffic signals altogether and use roundabouts exclusively. Metro Atlanta has several examples as well, including the Riverside Drive on-ramp to I-285.

The next phase of the project is sending out a request for proposals for construction. Ramsey said it should be out by late summer/early fall.

“It’s a rough timeline right now, and there’s nothing set in place for a variety of factors — right-of-way and easement acquisition needs that are required,” he said.

Right now the timeline is looking like completion will be in 18 months or so.

Public reaction

The comments on the Peachtree Corners Life

Facebook page a few days after the open house were a mixed bag.

Gail Livor Glattli: Hate those things. Nobody knows how to use them correctly.

Actually, roundabouts are pretty easy to navigate, said Ramsey.

“Obviously, you’re going to approach something new. We hope you’re paying attention about how to get through it,” he said. “But then the second, third and many times after they go through it, I think the comfort level grows. And certainly if you’re not distracted with your phone or other devices in your vehicle, paying attention to the signage and the channelization of the roadway is doable.”

Doug Edstrom: Oh boy, can you offer a free training class on how to proceed through one of these?

The Federal Highway Administration has a YouTube video for that. Scan the QR for the video.

Karin Arranz: Traffic there is a cluster. Hopefully this will help fix the near misses we deal with daily.

Michael Falkner: Thank goodness. Anything is better than that current mess.

Glen G. Gordon: This is badly needed and will help tremendously. I like that the crosswalk at the Forum driveway is set back a bit.

Port Rose Kaufman: Why don’t they just put up a light at that corner? I’ve seen at least 10 accidents there over the years.

Ramsey said a traffic signal isn’t allowed there.

“It’s too close to 141 for a traffic signal with the standard red light, green light at that intersection,” he said. “It’s against GDOT standards to put in a signal at that close proximity. It would actually back up traffic into 141, which would make that heavy intersection even worse, and that’s certainly something we want to avoid.”

Bob Ballagh: A whole lot better than the current intersection.

“Obviously, we’ve got a few people who are just against the idea, but I’m not sure that we’re going to ever be able to make everybody happy,” said Ramsey. “We’re trying to make the best solution possible. There’s going to be some discomfort with change for some people on everything we do, but we believe this is the best solution of those that are available to us.” •

For more information about the project, visit peachtreecornersga.gov/1449 or scan the QR code.

Ramsey also encouraged residents and stakeholders with questions to contact his department at publicworks@ peachtreecornersga.gov.

The Inspiring Portraits of Dwayne Mitchell

Dwayne Mitchell’s journey into the art world began simply, with sticks and sand as his earliest tools. Raised in the coastal village of McClellanville, South Carolina, Mitchell found creativity wherever he could.

“Growing up in McClellanville in the 1960s, my brothers and I always had to go outside and play,” Mitchell recalled. “We didn’t have iPads or video games, so we had to get creative with our fun. Drawing in the sand was our favorite way to pass the time. Drawing and painting is still one of my favorite ways to have fun.”

Those simple beginnings fostered Mitchell’s appreciation for creativity in its purest form, influencing his authentic and unpretentious approach to art.

Formal training and early career

From those humble beginnings, Mitchell developed a lifelong passion for capturing beauty and emotion.

Today, he creates acclaimed oil portraits from his studio in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. His ability to reflect emotional depth and authenticity has brought widespread admiration.

Mitchell moved to Atlanta after high school, enrolling at the Art Institute of Atlanta. There, he earned an Associate of Arts degree in commercial and advertising art. Though he excelled in graphic design, collaborating with companies like Coldwell Banker and Crown Diamond Center, his heart remained with fine art.

“Even though I attended the Art Institute of Atlanta to pursue a degree in visual communication, my true passion has always been capturing people through painting or drawing,” Mitchell explained.

During this period, Mitchell honed his technical skills, setting the stage for his later shift to fine art portraiture.

A transformative mentorship

In 1984, a pivotal moment transformed Mitchell’s artistic direction. He met Hoeun Chung, a renowned master portrait artist whose mentorship profoundly influenced him. Chung’s guidance provided Mitchell with inspiration to embrace portraiture fully.

By Kristen Corley

“Throughout my life, I have always been fascinated by people,” Mitchell shared. “It wasn’t until I met Master Hoeun Chung that I realized you could actually make a living from doing what you love. I was amazed to see someone thriving in this field, and I knew I had to learn everything I could from him. Despite his tough teaching style, he was worth every challenge. When I paint, I always have him in mind, guiding me through every stroke. And the funny thing is, he only charged me a pack of golf balls each month.”

Capturing emotional authenticity

Mitchell’s portraits hang in prestigious institutions, including Morehouse College and the Hamilton County Courthouse in Tennessee. His artistic philosophy centers on emotional authenticity.

“I have always considered myself a people person,” Mitchell explained. “I am naturally drawn to others,

Mitchell fully transitioned to fine art oil painting in 2005, quickly gaining acclaim for his meticulous attention to detail.

Dwayne Mitchell

and it seems like they are drawn to me as well. As an artist, I believe we have a special ability to not only observe people but to truly understand them. I find beauty in every aspect of people’s lives, whether they are laughing or crying. All of their emotions are reflected on their faces, and some find it difficult to conceal them. The challenge, which I truly accept, is trying to capture that emotion.”

Meaningful projects and personal connections

One of Mitchell’s most meaningful projects involved painting portraits honoring victims of the Atlanta Child Murders. Having lived in Atlanta during that tragic era, he felt deeply connected to the families.

“The missing and murdered children of Atlanta really hit home for me,” Mitchell recalled. “My brother and I were living here during that time, and I vividly remember the curfew that was imposed.”

“It was a tough project for me because, as I read about each child, I felt a profound sense of loss for their families,” he continued. “It’s something no family should ever have to go through. But I knew I had to finish the project to hopefully bring some closure and comfort to the families.”

any better than that … he is the Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi of Japan.”

The legacy at Morehouse College

Morehouse College occupies a special place in Mitchell’s artistic and personal life, connected deeply through his mentor Chung.

“Morehouse holds a special place in my heart because it is the university where my mentor used to paint,” Mitchell explained. “I would often accompany him to the college and admire all of his artwork in complete amazement.”

“When my mentor passed away and Morehouse was in need of portrait artists, I decided to apply. Dr. Lawrence Carter asked me to bring in some of my work for approval. I remember him silently studying my pieces and then consulting with his colleagues. Afterward, they all agreed that I was the next portrait artist for Morehouse.”

Community engagement and mentorship

Today, Mitchell actively supports aspiring artists through mentoring and workshops. He sees guiding new talent as essential to his artistic journey. Through community events and charitable contributions, he also regularly donates artwork to support education and youth programs.

Constant inspiration

Everyday life continually inspires Mitchell. He finds inspiration everywhere, from interactions in restaurants to family moments at the beach.

Another significant project was painting Japanese author and peace activist Daisaku Ikeda. Mitchell’s portrait of Ikeda is now prominently displayed in Japan, a great honor for him.

“Painting Mr. Daisaku Ikeda was a huge honor, and having my painting displayed in Japan was a dream come true,” Mitchell said. “I mean, it doesn’t get

“People will always be my inspiration, no matter where I am,” he said. “I see images that I would like to capture on canvas. Whether it’s at a restaurant and the server is caring, bringing your food to the table, or at a beach where a mother is with her children or even at a baseball game where the crowd is going wild.”

Represented by The Portrait Agency, Mitchell continues creating meaningful, emotive artwork. Each new commission offers an exciting narrative to explore.

“Every new commission is a unique story, a chance to create something truly meaningful,” Mitchell concluded. “That’s why I paint.”

To commission artwork or purchase existing pieces, visit theportraitagency.com or email dartportraits@dwaynemitchellart.com. •

Teaching Transformed: How AI is Personalizing Learning at GAC

Michael Washington rests a little easier at night knowing that if one of his math students has a question, he can answer it without leaving his home or picking up the phone.

TrekAI, a new large language model (LLM) virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence (AI), is lightening the load for overwhelmed teachers and personalizing education for students in grades 6–12 at Greater Atlanta Christian School.

The tool functions as a true virtual assistant, allowing teachers like Washington to customize lesson plans. It also responds to student questions in a similar fashion to how he would respond in the classroom.

“Teachers can only give so much of their time,” said Washington, who teaches at GAC’s high school. “With an AI tutor, I’m able to help my students, and when they consult the tutor, it’s like they’re talking to me. It’s an extension of me at home.”

The benefits of TrekAI

Developed by GAC, TrekAI has helped students who have used it improve their grades by an average of almost one letter grade.

“TrekAI has transformed the educational experience at GAC by engaging students through guided inquiry and dynamic feedback, mirroring the thoughtful approach of an exceptional teacher,” said GAC president Dr. Scott Harsh. “Developed by our outstanding team, TrekAI functions as an intelligent assistant to our faculty — enhancing personalized learning and contributing to measurable gains in student academic performance.”

Derek Wilson, GAC’s director of innovation and technology, said it also gives students a safe space to ask questions without feeling embarrassed if they don’t understand what’s being taught.

“It lowers the emotional friction,” he said. “They may not want to ask their teacher to do the same thing for the 15th time without being embarrassed. Now they have a place to go.”

Teachers can also view the conversations students have with Trek to gain insight about student progress.

“Our AP calculus teacher will look at what his students asked Trek the night before, and that helps inform him in the classroom,” Wilson said. “Usually, they’re more honest with Trek. If they don’t tell him they don’t know something, they’ll tell the AI, and that makes him a better teacher.”

If students want to cheat, TrekAI will not be a good route to take, Wilson added.

By Nathan Deen

Photos by George Hunter

“Trek is trained to not write papers or essays or

Left to right, Derek Wilson, Michael Washington and Dr. Joshua Thomason

content for the student,” he said. “Trek will reply just like a teacher would. But it will help you outline the essay or help you brainstorm some ideas to get you started. It resists plagiarism in a way that’s not just an answering machine, but it informs students. And all chats are logged. We’re upfront about that.”

The Socratic Method with AI technology

The GAC designers who built TrekAI wanted it to be conversational in nature and encourage critical thinking, so it incorporated Socratic principles into the design.

The Socratic Method creates a dialogue in which claims or assertions are subjected to investigative, critical thinking. TrekAI will often provide follow-up questions to prompt students to think more deeply about subjects.

“We wanted something that creates educational moments rather than transactional answers,” said Josh Thomason, executive director of the Ethos School at GAC. “Students don’t learn if you just give them the answers, so we made it Socratic in nature.”

Thomason said the idea for TrekAI stemmed from the success of Ethos, GAC’s online learning platform that allows students from around the world to take classes from GAC. He said the development of an AI education tool was critical for GAC’s goal of personalizing student learning experiences.

A global platform

GAC piloted TrekAI during the 2024 spring semester and then made it available to partner schools around the world in the fall of 2024. In a little over a year, TrekAI is now being used by more than 10,000

students and teachers from 80 schools across six continents.

“We felt like a lot of schools were putting their heads under a rock and pretending [AI] doesn’t exist,” Thomason said. “We believe students will have to learn to use these types of tools within the workplace. It’s important we give them appropriate guardrails to learn how to use these now so they’ll use them effectively whenever they leave us.”

Guided by educators

Classrooms have been using AI for years, but generative AI models, such as chatbots like TrekAI, are relatively new. There are many ongoing studies and initiatives that are determining how to best incorpo-

for educators,” Thomason said. “But we’ve used our brightest teachers, and we’ve asked them to go and learn how to build AI tools we can put in the classroom. We believe it takes teachers to figure out how to embed this.”

“The deeper you get into AI, the more important domain expertise is,” he continued, “Tech matters, but domain expertise matters more, and that’s what makes us different.”

Washington, for example, recently completed a master’s degree in computer science through the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program at Georgia Tech and took courses on how to use AI in education.

He then used that knowledge to advise TrekAI developers on user design for the platform from a teacher’s standpoint.

rate LLMs into education.

However, Thomason said GAC leaned on the input of teachers rather than software engineers who may not understand the needs of educators and students, which can vary from school to school. Trek AI is only trained on the curriculum of the teachers, which minimizes its hallucination rate to less than 2 percent.

“Software engineers are trying to build these tools

PHOTO CONTEST

“Teachers can give more of themselves to those who really need it instead of being stretched thin across so many different facets,” Washington said. “People don’t realize how much goes into teaching. There’s a lot of extra stuff with help sessions and trying to be there for kids. For something to come along that takes that load down a bit, it gives you more energy to give to those students who really need your assistance.” •

WHAT’S NEXT

in 2025

You turned your dream of business ownership into reality. But now, you’re feeling that familiar “been there, done that” itch again. So, what’s next? That’s entirely up to you—and you’ve earned the freedom to choose. Maybe you haven’t mapped out your exit strategy yet. After all the time and effort you’ve poured in, it’s hard to imagine stepping away. What happens to everything you’ve built? And where would you even start?

To sell your business, the first step is knowing what it’s worth. Keep in mind: valuation is more of an art than a science. Your company’s financials, market trends, buyer demand, and location all play a part in determining its value. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to selling your business—and that’s where we come in. At Transworld Business Advisors, helping owners’ transition is our specialty. If you’re ready to explore your next chapter, we’ll handle the details.

Call us at 770-766-9855 or email atlantapeachtree@tworld.com for a complimentary business valuation. Let’s talk about what’s next for you in 2025.

Peachtree Corners Business Association Announces 2025 Scholarship Winner

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded local high school senior Heidi Chung a $1,000 scholarship during their April 24 Business After Hours event. Heidi and her family were presented with the scholarship and introduced to the organization’s members and guests at the monthly gathering.

Heidi was accepted by several colleges and has selected the University of Kentucky to continue her education, pursuing a degree in nursing. When asked what lessons she has learned from her experiences volunteering and serving in the community throughout her life, Heidi commented, “I have learned that true leadership is about service, taking initiative and persevering through challenges.”

Scholarship Chair Donna Linden and Outreach Director Suzanna Martinez shared that the scholarship committee was impressed with Heidi’s many accomplishments, “whether she was organizing fundraisers, leading performance groups or helping athletes recover from injuries, Heidi demonstrated a positive impact on the community, as well as outstanding academic results.”

Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach Program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at PCBA’s monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the individuals and organizations.

“We are so proud that the PCBA has … awarded 20 scholarships to outstanding future business leaders and donated in excess of $173,000 into our metro Atlanta community over the last 13 years,” stated Lisa Proctor, PCBA board president.

Allison Reinert, PCBA Board; Suzanna Martinez, PCBA Board; Donna Linden, PCBA Board; Heidi Chung, scholarship winner; Chris McDonald, PCBA Community Outreach; Lisa Proctor, PCBA Board; Toby Anderson, PCBA Board; and Audrey Boyce, PCBA Community Outreach.

Donna Linden, PCBA Board; Sam Chung; Heidi Chung, scholarship winner; Tenise Chung; Lisa Proctor, PCBA Board; and Allison Reinert, PCBA Board.

Community Healthcare Program Expands Access

Choosing between healthcare and eating or keeping a roof over their heads is a common occurrence for more and more families these days. So, just like the Biblical hero who helped out a stranger in need, Good Samaritan Health Centers (also known as Good Sam) strive to improve the quality of life for those around them.

In April, the nonprofit celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new Screening & Prevention Annex (SPA) at its East Gwinnett facility in Norcross. The two-year project was funded by HUD and local block grants, and builds upon the success of Good

Samaritan Gwinnett’s first SPA, which opened at the Buford Highway clinic in 2021.

The new facility, dedicated to Good Sam Gwinnett’s CFO (and former CEO) Greg Lang, will serve as a dedicated space for screening patients, treating infectious diseases and providing childhood vaccinations, as well as isolating patients with contagious respiratory symptoms from well patients before seeing medical staff.

“The SPA was conceived originally during COVID so that we [could] take COVID patients to the side and treat them with privacy, instead of using the old tents in a parking lot, and at the same time, isolate them from well patients,” said Lang.

“Over time, the screening and prevention annex became known as the SPA. …,” he continued. “[But] please don’t misunderstand, there’s not a gym or a massage table here. This is for working with people who come in with suspicious respiratory symptoms — be that flu, COVID, tuberculosis, anything else where we want to treat them but also protect our

By Arlinda Smith Broady

Photos by George Hunter

At the recent ribbon-cutting celebrating the opening of the new Screening & Prevention Annex

Top, Gwinnett County Public Schools country school nurses and school social workers

Above, Shameka Allen, CEO (left) and Suleima Salgado, on board of directors

well patients that are in our general waiting.”

The health centers, which treat patients with conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, offer lowcost medical and dental services, with fees that are typically 50-75% lower than private practices. They serve a diverse patient base, including those from over 70 countries, emphasizing patient education and affordable care.

Tour of the annex

During the dedication, Shannon Watson, the practice manager, explained the layout and purpose

Need to Know

Good Samaritan Health Center of West Gwinnett

5949 Buford Hwy.

Norcross, 30071

678-280-6630 (p) | 678-280-6635 (f) contactus@goodsamgwinnett.org

Monday-Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday: Noon to 7 p.m.

of the different areas within the annex. Patients first enter and are asked questions about current symptoms such as a cough or a fever.

“Anybody with a routine appointment, such as a sprained ankle or they need their blood pressure medicine or [they’ve] come in to get labs, will check in [at the front desk] and then move to the medical side or the dental side,” said Watson.

She pointed out the facility’s different waiting and treatment areas, including a triage area, testing room and multiple exam rooms.

Medical and dental services

The medical department’s capabilities include annual physicals, blood pressure checks and diabetes management. There are five treatment rooms and a procedure room, with a focus on low patient fees.

“Again, our patient fees are very low. They’re about 50 to 60% less than what patients would pay a private practice,” she said. “The only stipulation is we don’t

take insurance.”

“Maybe a patient is out of work right now or maybe they just lost their job and therefore their insurance. Some people have medical insurance with very high deductibles. We call that underinsured. And in some cases, we can help. We call that a gray area.”

The dental department offers various services, including crowns, root canals and extractions, but does not provide cosmetic dentistry.

“In the beginning, it was a real struggle to get patients to understand the need to come in every six months,” said Watson. “Over the years, we’re seeing patients understand that dental treatment is necessary and maintenance is necessary. It’s a lot about education.”

Community impact and future plans

With such great need, the center works to see as many patients as possible. Watson explained that each doctor can see a patient every 15 minutes (which they call a unit) depending on the type of appointment. Some doctors see as many as 20 patients a day, but patient care is foremost — everyone gets the time they need.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

First Saturday only: 8 a.m. to noon

Good Samaritan Health Center of East Gwinnett

1175 Commercial Court Norcross, 30093

770-806-0162 (p) | 770-806-0166 (f) contactus@goodsamgwinnett.org

Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“A lot of the patients have multiple organ disease and, consequently, some take an extended period of time,” said Watson, giving an example of two patients that needed more than routine checks that day. “Sometimes we have difficulty with compliance. … It may be economic, it may be lack of desire.”

She added that those factors complicate care.

“In the last couple of years, we’re seeing really extremely ill patients with renal failure, diabetes complications, hypertension and other forms of cardiovascular disease,” she said. “With all those co-morbidities, if a patient isn’t able to come for follow up, you have to start all over.”

The quest for more staff, more facilities and more ways to help is never-ending. That’s why Lang was proud to announce that Good Sam Gwinnett has been authorized to offer a certificate-granting medical assisting school.

“We are in the market to buy our third location that will be a training center, and we will enroll high school graduates and GED students who want to enter healthcare but who have no experience,” he said. “We’re going to train them in a five-month medical assisting program that will ultimately result in a certificate of accomplishment.”

After students pass the national certification exam, Good Sam Gwinnett will work to place them in local medical practices. The organization has already raised funds for the program and is now waiting for the current spending freeze to be lifted. •

J.T. Wu, on board of directors Left to right, Greg Lang, chief financial officer, Mike Jones, Capital City Bank

Brinkley Goodson, DO, Medical Program Director provides more details on services provided and communities served, as well as challenges in encouraging some communities to seek and maintain care.

Millie’s Pizzeria: Real Food Served with Old-World Attention to Detail

Many food purists argue that what one might find at an American chain pizzeria isn’t pizza in the sense of the humble Mediterranean flatbread topped with herbs, oil, cheese and vegetables. It wasn’t until the 16th and 17th centuries that tomatoes became a mainstay of a dish that is ever-evolving.

But for those who yearn for the simpler fare, where the quality of fresh ingredients takes precedence over great quantities of meats and even (gasp!) pineapple,

By Arlinda Smith Broady

a new restaurant, Millie’s Pizzeria at The Forum, will fulfill that longing.

The classic Italian-American family restaurant and wine bar was created through a collaboration between Luis Mendez (Bucatini Ristorante) and Benton Bourgeois (Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge) as a standalone component of the new Politan Row at The Forum food hall.

Quality and tradition

With homemade ingredients and authentic Italian cuisine, Millie’s highlights specialties such as their house-made dressings and sauces, created with ingredients such as aged balsamic, imported extra-virgin olive oil and Italian cheese.

“Everything is made here, fresh,” said Chef Mendez. “In my opinion, if you want to run restaurants, you

have to do home-made dressing. Maybe you can save labor and save money, but if you want to do it the right way, you have to do it yourself.”

The pizza dough undergoes a four-day slow fermentation process, ensuring digestibility. And the restaurant also uses Italian tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and Italian cheese.

“The dough takes four days of maturation. It’s a slow fermentation,” said Mendez. “We treat the pizza the same as the original recipe, with Italian ingredients because you can definitely tell the difference.”

A passion for food

With 20 years of experience in the kitchen, Mendez studied in Sicily and has opened three restaurants in the U.S. Millie’s is a labor of love with a family-like atmosphere and photos of the owners’ ancestors on the walls.

Mendez has two daughters — a 20-year-old who will soon be graduating from college and a 15-year-old still in high school.

“I was living in Miami for around 18 years, but my family and I needed a change,” he said. “We decided to come to Georgia because we love nature, and the area is better for the kids and to keep the family together.”

Mendez said he loves what he does, and that’s why he spends 14 hours a day in the kitchen.

Luis Mendez and Benton Bourgeois (Photo courtesy of Politan Group, Aaliyah Mann)

“You need love and passion in life,” he said. “It can’t just be a job.”

An authentic Italian experience

To pair with the food, Millie’s offers a rotation of special, yet approachable, wines at everyday price points, inspired by classic multi-generational heritage restaurants, affectionately called “red sauce joints.” The name Millie conjures images of family, he said.

“Millie is like a grandma,” said Mendez. “Imagine your grandma invites you to her house for a nice dinner or lunch. This is that place. It feels comfortable. It feels like home.”

Besides authentic Italian flavors, Millie’s is also serving up fresh vibes. Its curated Spotify playlist — crafted to bring the soul of Italy and the buzz of Millie’s Pizzeria — is available to the public. •

Millie’s Pizzeria

5133 Peachtree Parkway

Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

hello@milliespizzeria.com (470) 857-4992

Photos left and above by Lindsay Butler

Opening Bites

Opening Bites showcases photo highlights from the newest restaurant launches, menu debuts and culinary happenings around town. Flip through for a quick taste of where your friends and neighbors are gathering next.

Kumo Sushi Opens

Kumo Sushi in Peachtree Corners delivers the kind of experience that turns a casual lunch into a community moment. The menu leans on pristine fish — silky tuna, briny salmon, and playful specialty rolls — prepared with pride and plated artfully yet unpretentiously. Staff greets patrons like old friends, keeping tea topped up and recommendations honest. The vibe is relaxed — bright enough for business chats, mellow enough for lingering. The recent ribbon-cutting celebrating the opening included Mayor Mike Mason, Councilman Phil Sadd and Peachtree Corners Business Association regulars, proof that this spot feeds both appetite and local spirit. Fresh fish, friendly faces — simple formula, perfect execution.

6050 Peachtree Pkwy Ste 500, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 (770) 802-8855 | kumosushi6050.com

Noodles Bar & Dumpling

Chinese Food in Norcross

Noodles Bar & Dumpling, tucked into Suite 7D at 5450 Peachtree Parkway, is Peachtree Corners’ new haven for handmade Chinese comfort food. The Taiwanese chef-owner crafts juicy xiao long bao, crispy sheng jian bao and deeply savory braised beef-noodle soup that draws a lunch queue. The casual dining room doubles as a take-out hub thanks to online ordering, so bowls and dumplings hit tables hot and fast. With consistent quality and fair prices, this spot elevates weekday eats into a slurp-worthy ritual.

5450 Peachtree Pkwy 7D, Norcross, GA 30092 470-365-2920 | noodlesbardumpling.com

CITY GUIDE Now Live Online!

Discover every concert, festival, and foodie find in one flip. Peachtree Corners CITY GUIDE is live online—free to read, easy to share.

Scan, click, and plan your next move in seconds.

Custom Sponsorship & Onsite Activations: Elevate Your Brand Engagement

At Peachtree Corners, we go beyond traditional sponsorships — we can help create your brand experience. Our team works with you to design custom sponsorship packages tailored to your goals, ensuring maximum impact and engagement with event attendees.

Looking to stand out? Fun, interactive onsite activations are the key to creating memorable connections. Whether it’s branded photo booths, VIP experiences, product demos or interactive games, we help bring your vision to life in a way that resonates with the community.

Let’s create something unforgettable—customize your sponsorship today!

A New Era of Innovation and Learning in Peachtree Corners

Georgia Tech Launches the Atrium at Curiosity Lab

I’m excited to share some great news that shows just how far Peachtree Corners has come — and where we’re heading next. The Georgia Tech Atrium at Curiosity Lab is officially open, and it’s going to be a game-changer for our community.

The Atrium is not just another educational facility — it’s a launchpad for learners of all ages. Whether you’re a middle school student dreaming about your future career, a college grad looking to sharpen your skills, or a seasoned professional thinking about what’s next, the Atrium has something for you.

With access to cutting-edge equipment, one-on-one mentorship, and real-world testing environments, this space goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. It’s about learning by doing — and about getting ready for the jobs, businesses, and industries of tomorrow.

But the Atrium is about more than just individual success — it’s a place where community magic happens. Here, students, Georgia Tech alumni, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and

residents can come together, collaborating directly with Georgia Tech faculty. Imagine the possibilities when that much talent, energy, and creativity are under one roof! We’re building a community where ideas are shared, partnerships are formed, and innovation is a part of everyday life.

Even more exciting is what this means for Peachtree Corners as a whole. The Atrium will draw innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to our city — the kind of people who start businesses, create jobs, and invest in our future. It’s one more reason why Peachtree Corners is quickly becoming one of the best places in the country to live, work, and grow.

And let’s be clear — this didn’t happen by accident. Integrating the Atrium into Curiosity Lab was a deliberate move. As a smart city, we’ve invested heavily in building an environment where innovation isn’t just welcomed — it’s expected. The Atrium fits perfectly into that vision, giving our residents and businesses yet another tool to succeed in a world that’s constantly changing.

Through this partnership with Georgia Tech, we’re also nurturing something that’s close to my heart: a culture of lifelong learning. In Peachtree Corners, education doesn’t end when you walk across the stage at graduation. Here, there’s always an opportunity to keep growing, keep building, and keep moving forward.

The Atrium is more than a building — it’s a symbol of what Peachtree Corners stands for: opportunity, innovation, and community. I couldn’t be prouder to see this dream come to life, and I’m even more excited about what’s still to come.

Let’s keep dreaming big, Peachtree Corners. The future is bright — and it’s ours to build.

Gwinnett County’s newest and largest city, Peachtree Corners, was founded July 1, 2012 and is located along the Chattahoochee River in the southwest corner of the county. The city is home to over 45,000 residents and 3,000 businesses.

Connect with the City of Peachtree Corners

@peachtreecornersga

@peachtreecornersga

@peachtreecornersnetwork

@PtreeCorners

@city-of-peachtree-corners

Mike Mason, Mayor

Please Clean Up After Your Pets… They Would if They Could

Did you know:

• The Chattahoochee River supplies 70 percent of metro Atlanta’s drinking water.

• In the Chattahoochee River Basin, there are 277 rivers and streams sections not supporting their designated uses according to the EPD’s 2024 305(b)/303(d) list.

Three of these 277 impaired waters fall within the City of Peachtree Corners boundaries.

Here’s the Scoop….

Polluted stormwater is the primary cause of water quality problems in the Chattahoochee River Basin. 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 the water dangerous for swimming and other recreation.

How can you help?

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 pet waste using one of the

following methods:

● Put pet waste in your regular garbage can or dumpster—ensure that it is in a securely tied or closed plastic bag.

● Bury pet waste at least one foot deep and cover with soil in your yard or garden. Avoid burying in food- growing areas.

● 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 premature failure.

Czech Business Incubator Atlanta officially opened, visited by the Czech Minister of Transport and business delegations

March was a busy month for the Czech representation in Atlanta. Shortly after officially moving the Consulate’s office from Sandy Springs to Atlanta Tech Park in Peachtree Corners, Monika Vintrlikova, the Honorary Consul welcomed a delegation of 14 Czech companies and startups to celebrate the opening of the incubator. Her goal is to bring between 5 and 10 Czech companies and lead them through the program to facilitate their landing in the US.

Later that month, helped by the Economic Development team of the City and Partnership Gwinnett among others, she welcomed Martin Kupka, Minister of Transport, along with an impressive delegation of 42 companies. The delegation was very much focused on transportation and manufacturing. They enjoyed learning about the most recent autonomous vehicles service launches in PTC by May Mobility, while the Minister rode alongside Brandon Branham, Peachtree Corners’ CTO.

With a newly hired director of the program, the expertise of Robin Bienfait, Nashlee Young and their team at ATP, and the collaboration with Curiosity Lab to conceive, test and demonstrate their technology, Vintrlikova and has great ambitions now that she found the perfect technology ecosystem, the right skills and a supportive local government.

Two Peachtree Corners Business Leaders Named Finalists for EY Entrepreneur Award

Ernst & Young’s

Entrepreneur Of The Year

celebrates ambitious entrepreneurs who are shaping the future

Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) recently announced the finalists for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Southeast Award, and two local, Peachtree Corners business leaders

David Quirk, president and CEO of DLB Associates Consulting Engineers PC and Erin Hanson, founder and CEO of Guardian Sports — made the list.

Hanson’s Guardian Sports is a family-owned company dedicated to serving athletes through safety and performance improvements in sports equipment. Major products include the Guardian Cap, PEARL ball and Guardian Infill serving the sports industry.

DLB Associates is a U.S.-based consulting engineering firm specializing in mission-critical and complex built environments. With more than 40 years of expertise, DLB delivers innovative, technology-driven solutions in engineering, commissioning and operations worldwide.

Celebrating entrepreneurial leaders

Now in its 40th year, Entrepreneur Of The Year recognizes the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities. The program honors those entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful tomorrow.

The Southeast program celebrates entrepreneurs from Alabama, Georgia,

Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

An independent panel of judges selected 36 finalists for their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and lasting impact in building long-term value.

“This year’s finalists are leading examples of innovation, perseverance and resilience, illuminating paths to a brighter future for their industries and

communities,” said Chevy Arnold, Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program co-director.

“Their commitment to excellence transforms challenges into opportunities, inspiring us all,” added Kimberly Kicklighter, Entrepreneur Of The Year Southeast Program co-director.

Entrepreneur Of The Year honors many different types of business leaders for

their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit.

The program showcases original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.

You can learn more about the finalists at ey.com/en_us/entrepreneur-of-theyear-us/southeast/winners-finalists.

Regional award winners will be announced on June 25 during a special celebration. The winners will then be considered by the national independent panel of judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Originally published by Peachtree Corners Magazine

Construction started at Curiosity Corners

In March, construction officially began at the City-owned parcel located at 280 Scientific Drive—marking a major step in the continued evolution of Curiosity Lab. This corner lot, long envisioned as both an expansion of the Lab’s testing footprint and a vibrant gathering space for Technology Park professionals, is now becoming a reality.

The upcoming site will include:

• A large turf area for casual games and open-air relaxation

• Covered seating and shade structures

• Dedicated stalls for food trucks

• EV and alternative mobility charging stations

• A loading/unloading zone for Gwinnett Transit buses

Planned since, the project was made possible thanks to a $500,000 Georgia Congressional transportation grant, with additional funding provided by the City of Peachtree Corners.

Construction is expected to last six to seven months, with an official opening slated to coincide with the 6th anniversary of Curiosity Lab this fall.

Stay tuned—big things are coming to Technology Park!

North

David Quirk; photo courtesy of Ernst & Young

Erin Hanson; photo courtesy of Ernst & Young

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