REFLECTIONS AT THE RECTORY RECOGNIZES LOCAL
HOW NORCROSS WATER POLO IS RALLYING A COMMUNITY | JENNIFER FREEMAN’S MOSAICS
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Shanil R. NaikAthletic Training
Volleyball Courts
Tidwell Commons for Middle and High School
Renovation
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THE EDITORIAL & CREATIVE TEAM
Rico Figliolini Publisher and Executive Editor
Arlinda Smith Broady
Senior Writer
Harry Pinkney Graphic Designer
Shawne Taylor Managing Editor
CONTRIBUTORS
Tara Martin
Digital Content Manager
Glenn Boylan Writer
George Hunter Photographer
ADVERTISING
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Kristen Corley Writer
Tracey Rice Photographer
Mighty Rockets LLC is the publisher of Southwest Gwinnett magazine, Peachtree Corners Magazine and producer of a family of podcasts. P. O. Box 923207 Peachtree Corners, GA 30010 678-438-5310
The editors welcome story suggestions, submissions, event listings, achievements and photography. Please direct them to editor@southwestgwinnettmagazine.com.
Advertising and corporate sponsorship inquiries can be directed to rico@mightyrockets.com
Ongoing
Duluth Live
Every Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m-9 p.m.
April–October
Downtown Duluth duluthga.net
Admission: free
Enjoy live music from local performers in Downtown Duluth’s Parsons Alley every Friday and Saturday night from April to October.
Peachtree Corners Photography Club Group Meet Up
Thursdays, June 12 and July 10, 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 meetups; come early at 6:15 p.m. for social time.
Yoga on the Green Tuesdays, 8 a.m.-9 a.m., June–September
Peachtree Corners Town Green community.peachtreecornersga.gov
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.
CrossFit on the Green Thursdays, 8 a.m.-9 a.m., March–November
Peachtree Corners Town Green community.peachtreecornersga.gov
Admission: free
Dates to Remember
June
Pride Month
Caribbean-American Heritage Month
14 Flag Day
15 Father’s Day
19 Juneteenth
20 Summer Solstice
July
4 Independence Day
27 Parents’ Day
27 National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
Events, concerts and theatre
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.
Meditation Session
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., June–October
Unity Atlanta Church
3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585
Admission: free; donation appreciated
A simple, five-step meditation process will be presented before the 10-15 minute meditation session. After the session, conversation and questions are welcomed. Facilitated by Elisha Fields. No registration required.
JUNE
June 3–26
Peach State Cornhole League Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Downtown Duluth duluthga.net
Admission: free to watch
Join the Peach State Cornhole League every Tuesday and Thursday, June 3–July 24 on the activity lawn in Downtown Duluth. Register online as a team or “free agent” to compete or just come out and cheer on the players. Top finishers qualify for an end-of-season PSC tournament.
June 11, 18, 25
Wonder Lab Wednesdays
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Parsons Alley, Downtown Duluth duluthga.net
Admission: $5 per child
Duluth is partnering with top Atlanta-area science museums and science centers to bring exciting hands-on STEM experiences to Parsons Alley through July 30. For ages 5–11.
• June 11 — Code Crackers with MIMMS Museum of Technology & Art
• June 18 — Riveting Reptiles with Georgia Aquarium
• June 25 — Glitter Explosion with Children’s Museum of Atlanta
June 6
CosMania Workshop: Getting Started with Cosplay
2 p.m.-3 p.m.
Duluth Public Library
3180 Main Street, Duluth, GA
gwinnettpl.org
Admission: free
CosMania is a celebration of all things cosplay hosted by the Gwinnett County Public Library. This session focuses on planning your cosplay project, sourcing materials and translating a character design to a real-life costume. Ages 13+.
June 6, 13, 20, 27
Rock the Block: Live & Loud Fridays
6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Downtown Duluth duluthga.net
Admission: free
Get ready to turn up the volume on Duluth’s Town Green with these outdoor concert experiences running weekly through September 19. Whether you’re into rock, pop, funk, country or blues, there’s a new sound to vibe to every week.
June 6, 13, 20, 27 Friday Night Live
6 p.m.-8 p.m.
The Forum at Peachtree Corners theforumonpeachtree.com
Admission: free
Kick back and groove to the smooth sounds of live music from favorite local artists every Friday night on The Plaza, April–October. Check the website for weekly lineup.
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 this outdoor concert series. 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 CAN-Do Food Drive, so you can bring canned goods and non-perishable items to drop off.
June 7, 14, 21, 28
Peachtree Corners Farmers Market
8 a.m.-11 a.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Center 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga.gov
Admission: free
Peachtree Farm has partnered with the City of Peachtree Corners to offer this weekly farmers market through August. The Saturday morning market is hosted in the Town Center parking lot in front of Firebirds and Fire & Stone Pizza.
June 7–8
Model Railroad Days!
Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m Sunday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Southeastern Railway Museum 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth train-museum.org
Admission: $13–$19 per person
This popular event is back and should have all the scales (N, HO, S, O, G, 16” and 1’ -1’) available. Eats and treats will be available from Cassie’s Kitchen, and the museum plus train rides are included in admission.
June 7
Flicks on the Green — The Lion King
7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga.gov
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 9
Movie Mondays — Cassius X: Becoming Ali 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center 10 College St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
About the film: The life story of how Cassius Clay fought his way to become World Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali. Rated PG. Running time 1hr 31m.
June 10
Forum Flicks
Starting at 6 p.m.
The Forum at Peachtree Corners theforumonpeachtree.com
Admission: free
Gather on The Plaza the second Tuesday of each month to enjoy your favorite family-friendly movies on the big screen. The movie for June is the Wicked Sing-Along. Rated PG. Running time 2h 40m.
June 11
STEM Science: Now You See It, Now You Don’t
2 p.m.-3 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Library 5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org
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.
Peachtree Corners Library 5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org
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. Ages 19+.
June 12
Author Talk: Grace Helena Walz
7 p.m.–8 p.m.
Duluth Public Library 3180 Main Street, Duluth gwinnettpl.org
Admission: free
Join author Grace Helena Walz as she discusses her Southern rom-com novel, “Southern by Design.” The discussion will be moderated by Alison Law, an Atlanta-based writer, editor and communications professional. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Ages 19+. Registration is required.
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 soul-
ful blues music, cold beer, drinks and treats featuring blueberries, as well as exclusive offers from downtown businesses.
June 14 and 28
Peachtree Corners Concert Series
7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga.gov
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)
June 18
Lights, Camera, Careers in Film
3 p.m.-4 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Library 5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org
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 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 sweet sounds of summer with this outdoor concert series. 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
Movie Mondays — Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center 10 College St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
About the film: Black Manta seeks revenge on Aquaman for his father’s death. To face him and defend Atlantis, Aquaman must forge an alliance with his imprisoned brother. Rated PG-13. Running time 2hr 4m.
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 24
Little Peaches Playdate
4 p.m.-6 p.m.
The Forum at Peachtree Corners theforumonpeachtree.com
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. June’s theme is “Become an Entrepreneur” (please be prepared to shop children’s products at the June event).
June 24
Author Talk: Katherine Scott Crawford 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Duluth Public Library 3180 Main Street, Duluth gwinnettpl.org
Admission: free
Join award-winning author Katherine Scott Crawford as she discusses her historical fiction novel, “The Miniaturist’s Assistant.” The discussion will be moderated by journalist and author Jill Cox-Cordova. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Ages 19+. Registration is required.
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
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.
June 28
Jazz in the Alley
7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
64 Lawrenceville St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
Monthly outdoor concert series featuring jazz music in historic downtown Norcross. The artist for June is IAMKHEMESTRY.
June 29
Spiritual Keys to Aging Well
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585
Admission: free; donation appreciated
Monthly discussion group based on the booklet, “Spiritual Keys to Aging Well,” by Unity World Headquarters at Unity Village. Facilitated by Elisha Fields. No registration required.
JULY
July 1–24
Peach State Cornhole League Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.8:30 p.m.
Downtown Duluth
duluthga.net
Join the Peach State Cornhole League every Tuesday and Thursday, June 3–July 24 on the activity lawn in Downtown Duluth. Register online as a team or “free agent” to compete or just come out and cheer on the players. Top finishers qualify for an end-of-season PSC tournament.
July 2
Book Club: Spill the Tea
4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Norcross Public Library 5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross gwinnettpl.org
Admission: free
Spill the Tea is a unique book club where you can read whatever book you like as long as it fits the theme. The group gathers and discusses the books they’ve read over tea. July’s theme is “Beachy Romance.” Ages 19+.
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Wonder Lab Wednesdays
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Parsons Alley, Downtown Duluth duluthga.net
Admission: $5 per child
Duluth is partnering with top Atlanta-area science museums and science centers to bring exciting hands-on STEM experiences to Parsons Alley through July 30. For ages 5–11.
• July 2 — Deep Dive: Shark Science with Discover Science Center
• July 9 — Colorful Chemistry & Volcanos with Discover Science Center
• July16 — Minerals & Fossils with the Tellus Science Museum
• July 23 — Inside Insects with Science Creations
• July 30 — Gloopy Glop with Children’s Museum of Atlanta
July 5, 12, 19, 26
Peachtree Corners Farmers Market
8 a.m.-11 a.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Center 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga.gov
Admission: free
Peachtree Farm has partnered with the City of Peachtree Corners to offer this weekly farmers market through August. The Saturday morning market is hosted in the Town Center parking
lot in front of Firebirds and Fire & Stone Pizza.
July 5
Flicks on the Green — Hook
7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga.gov
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 Hook. Rated PG. Running time 2hr 16m.
July 7
Mythology & Bestiaries
2 p.m.-3 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Library 5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org
Admission: free
Kids are invited to come learn about mythological creatures and use air-dry clay to create their own. Ages 6–11. Registration is required and opens June 7.
July 7
CosMania Workshop: Foam Crafting and Armor
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Duluth Public Library 3180 Main Street, Duluth, GA gwinnettpl.org
Admission: free
CosMania is a celebration of all things cosplay, hosted by the Gwinnett County Public Library. This session focuses on foam crafting and creating armor. There will be a special question-and-answer session with Learning Lab staff and fellow cosplayers followed by community workspace and socializing. Ages 13+.
July 8
Forum Flicks
Starting at 6 p.m.
The Forum at Peachtree Corners theforumonpeachtree.com
Admission: free
Gather on The Plaza the second Tuesday of each month to enjoy your favorite family-friendly movies on the big screen. The movie for July is The Parent Trap (1998). Rated PG. Running time 2h 8m.
July 11, 18, 25
Rock the Block: Live & Loud Fridays
6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Downtown Duluth duluthga.net
Admission: free
Get ready to turn up the volume on Duluth’s Town Green with these outdoor concert experiences running weekly (except July 4) through September 19. Whether you’re into rock, pop, funk, country or blues, there’s a new sound to vibe to every week.
July 11, 18, 25
Friday Night Live
6 p.m.-8 p.m.
The Forum at Peachtree Corners theforumonpeachtree.com
Admission: free
Kick back and groove to the smooth sounds of live music from favorite local artists every Friday night on The Plaza, April–October. Check the website for weekly lineup.
July 12
Jazz in the Alley
7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
64 Lawrenceville St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
Monthly outdoor concert series featuring jazz music in historic downtown Norcross. The artist for July is Karla Harris.
July 12 and 26
Peachtree Corners Concert Series
7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga.gov
Admission: free
Come out to the Peachtree Corners Town Green for live music and all-ages fun.
• July 12 — Natural Wonder (Stevie Wonder tribute) ft. Sami Automatic • June 26 — Wannabe (Spice Girls tribute) and Boy Band Review
July 13
“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 Explore how you can use your twelve God-given powers to improve your life. Licensed Unity Teacher, Freda Steward, will present one of the twelve spiritual powers each month. Feel free to bring a bag lunch.
July 14
Movie Mondays — IF 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Norcross Cultural Arts and
Saturday, May 31
Guardians of the Jukebox (80’s Cover)
Saturday, June 14
Mustache the Band (Country Hits)
Saturday, June 28
G Clef and the Playlist (Various Cover)
Saturday, July 12
Natural Wonder (Stevie Wonder Tribute)
Saturday, July 26
Wannabe (Spice Girls Tribute) & Boy Band Review
Saturday, August 16
Passing the Torch (Whitney Houston Tribute)
Saturday, August 30
Queen Nation (Queen Tribute)
Saturday, September 13
Troubadour Project (70’s Rock Cover)
Saturday, September 27
Animals (Maroon 5 Tribute)
Saturday, October 25
Interstellar Echoes (Pink Floyd Tribute)
Corners
• Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit 2
• 0.25% rate discount on any new or used auto purchase loan 3
• Earn daily interest on your account balance
Community Center 10 College St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
About the film: A young girl who goes through a difficult experience begins to see everyone’s imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up. Rated PG. Running time 1hr 44m.
July 17–20
A Year with Frog and Toad Thursday–Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m.
Lionheart Theatre Company 10 College Street, Norcross lionhearttheatre.org
Tickets: $12
About the show: Follow two best friends, the cheerful Frog and grumpy Toad, as they hop, sing and dance their way through a year of adventure. Based on the books by Arnold Lobel.
July 18
Summer Concert Series — C.O.T. 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 this outdoor concert series. This month, Atlanta’s own C.O.T. Band will get you moving with a blend of salsa, merengue, jazz, funk and Brazilian beats. 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.
July 19
Midsummer Kids Festival
2 p.m.-5 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Town Green |5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga.gov
Admission: free
Get ready for an afternoon of fun, laughter and creativity at this summer festival designed for families and kids of all ages. Whether they want to bounce around, zoom down a slide or marvel at oversized bubbles floating through the air, there’s something for everyone. There will also be a kidrun market where the community can shop from young entrepreneurs showcasing their talents, creativity and business skills.
July 20
“Living Originally” Monthly Spiritual Growth Class
9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Unity Atlanta Church
3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585
Admission: free; donation appreciated Monthly class based on the book, “Living Originally: Ten Spiritual Practices to Transform Your Life,” by Robert Brumet. Facilitated by Jan Gurr, licensed Unity teacher. The theme for July is “Compassionate Communication.” No registration required.
July 24
Author Talk: Rebecca Romney 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Duluth Public Library 3180 Main Street, Duluth gwinnettpl.org
Admission: free
Join author and rare book specialist Rebecca Romney as she discusses her book, “Jane Austen’s Bookshelf.” The discussion will be moderated by Judith A. Miller, professor of history at Emory University. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Ages 19+. Registration is required.
July 27
Spiritual Keys to Aging Well 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585
Admission: free; donation appreciated Monthly discussion group based on the booklet, “Spiritual Keys to Aging Well,” by Unity World Headquarters at Unity Village. Facilitated by Elisha Fields. No registration required.
July 28
Movie Mondays — Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center 10 College St., Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
About the film: In 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from attaining the Grail’s powers. Rated PG-13. Running time 2hr 7m.
July 28
Intro to 3D Printing
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Library 5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org
Admission: free
Stop by to see a demonstration of how to find and prepare 3D models for printing, how to use a Prusa 3D printer, troubleshooting common printing issues and more. Ages 12+.
Incorporated in 2016, the City of Tucker boasts a long and storied history and is a well-known community that takes pride in its neighborly kindness. Tucker is home to a variety of acclaimed shops and restaurants, award-winning public schools and one of the most diverse business climates in Georgia. Visit Tucker Georgia and experience the Tucker Way.
TUCKERGA.GOV
July 29
Little Peaches Playdate
4 p.m.-6 p.m.
The Forum at Peachtree Corners theforumonpeachtree.com
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. This month’s theme is “Christmas in July.”
Independence Day Events
July 3
Red, White & Boom
5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Lillian Webb Park, Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
Celebrate Independence Day in Norcross with food, live music, face painting and more. After the sun goes down, fireworks will light up the night sky. Blankets and chairs are welcome.
July 3
Fireworks at Newtown Park
6 p.m.-10 p.m.
Newtown Park, Johns Creek johnscreekga.gov
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.
• June 4 — Stan Hall, president/CEO of Gas South District
• June 11 — Open forum (think “open mic Friday,” but on a Wednesday)
• June 18 — JT Wu, chairman, Gwinnett County Library System
• June 25 — Andrew Hickey, director of economic development, Partnership Gwinnett
Admission: free
Nearby community, Johns Creek, will host an Independence Day celebration at Newtown Park with live music, family-friendly activities, food trucks and fireworks. No pets allowed except for service animals.
July 4
Alpharetta Fireworks
Starting at dusk
Wills Park, Alpharetta awesomealpharetta.com
Admission: free
Fireworks will light up the Alpharetta sky beginning at dusk. Pack a picnic and bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the 20-minute show. Event will be held rain or shine.
July 4
Fourth of July Celebration
6:30 p.m.
Chamblee City Hall chambleerocks.net
Admission: free
Hosted by Star 94’s Skye Smith, Chamblee’s celebration is part of their summer concert series and will include performances by singer Ansley Stewart and Platinum Band Atlanta. The concert will be followed by a fireworks display. Shuttle transportation and parking will be available.
Heart of Norcross: Must-Know People and Places
Words by Kristen Corley
Every town has its landmarks, but it’s the people who give a place its spirit. In Norcross, community isn’t just a buzzword. It’s part of the everyday rhythm, shaping how neighbors live, gather and grow together.
From the business owners behind the counter to the volunteers behind the scenes, neighbors play a central role in shaping the city’s warmth, creativity and character. These are a few of the faces who help make Norcross special.
Jimmy Costas
Jimmy Costas felt something familiar the first time he walked through Historic Norcross.
“Norcross reminded me of where I grew up,” he said. “Old houses, a real downtown and a community that feels like it has a soul.”
That sense of place quickly sparked something more. Jimmy began imagining how he might contribute to the town’s story. He found himself talking often with Wayne Epps, longtime owner of B&W Auto Parts. Over coffee and quiet conversations, a new chapter began to take shape.
Wayne had run the store for more than five decades. When he decided it was time to sell, he had offers, many higher than what Jimmy could afford. Still, he gave Jimmy a chance.
“He told me to just get close,” Jimmy said. “He liked my family and what we wanted to do. That meant everything.”
Jimmy took over the B&W storefront, which he crafted into a restaurant named B&W Burgers, Buns & Brews, with a deep sense of gratitude. A former DeKalb County police officer, he brought with him years of experience serving and connecting with people from all walks of life.
“My time in law enforcement taught me how to talk to anyone,” he said. “That helps when your dream is to create a space where everyone feels welcome.”
Jimmy is also building a speakeasy attached to the restaurant, inspired by Norcross history. The space will include a tribute to Mr. Epps. There’s a replica of his counter, a vintage register and even a lifesize figure behind the glass.
“I want people to remember him,” Jimmy said. “He gave his life to this community, and we want to honor that.”
The project has encountered a few speed bumps along the way, but Costas has stayed focused on the vision. With help from neighbors and city leaders, he has kept things moving forward.
Ralph and Monica White
Jimmy Costas and family
He also ran for city council, an experience he describes as humbling and eye-opening. “It gave me a better understanding of the work it takes to serve,” he said. “And a deeper respect for the people doing it.”
For now, he’s focused on building a place where people feel known. “We want that ‘Cheers’ feeling,” he said. “A spot where neighbors can relax, share stories and feel like they belong.”
Norcross, he says, makes that kind of dream feel possible.
Monica White
Monica White still remembers the day she discovered Norcross. She came to take photos for a friend and stopped by 45 South Café for coffee. The charm of the shop and the streets around it made an immediate impression.
“I immediately fell in love with the downtown Norcross area,” she said. “I told my husband I could see us here.”
Today, Monica and her husband, Ralph, do more than live here. They run 45 South Café, one of the city’s most cherished gathering spots. Locals stop in for a cup of coffee, a familiar face and the kind of easy conversation that builds community.
“The best part of running it is the people,” Monica said. “Getting to know folks, their families, even their grandkids. Those relationships mean everything.”
Together, Monica and Ralph have kept 45 South Café at the heart of the community. It has hosted live music, open mic nights, city meetings and private celebrations. It also frequently serves as a backdrop for television and film. You might recognize it from NBC’s “Grosse Pointe Garden Society,” one of several productions shot inside. But the memories that stand out most for Monica are the ones that bring people together just for fun. Witches Night Out is a favorite.
“It’s amazing to see so many women from the community just come out and enjoy themselves,” she said. “Everyone’s dressed up and laughing. It’s one of those nights where you really feel how special this town is.”
Over time, 45 South Café has helped Monica grow in ways she didn’t expect.
“I wasn’t always as outgoing,” Monica shared. “But this place, this community, helped me open up. It’s taught me how far a simple smile or hello can go.”
While she’s always happy to serve guests at 45 South Café, Monica is quick to recommend other local favorites, too.
“Bleu House has amazing food,” she said. “Their beef brisket sandwich is my favorite.”
For Monica and Ralph, 45 South Café is more than a business, it’s their way of staying connected to the town they now call home. And for the people of Norcross, it’s a place where those connections begin.
Chuck Paul
Chuck Paul has a knack for bringing people together. On Wednesday mornings, you’ll find him welcoming neighbors, pouring coffee and leading Norcross PDC (People Drinking Coffee).
The long-running meetup started in 2002 as the Progressive Development Committee. It was a response to what some residents saw as a lack of momentum in the city. Chuck stepped in as a leader in 2016, helping shape it into the casual, come-asyou-are forum it is today.
“What started as six or seven people is now closer to 30 each week,” he said. “We’ve had guest speakers from all over — politics, education, local business — but what really keeps people coming is the connection.”
Chuck’s always had a feel for what makes people tick. He built a career in hospitality with Steak and Ale, Houlihan’s and Grady’s before co-founding A Closer Look, a customer insights company that works with brands nationwide. He also served on the Norcross City Council from 2018 to 2020 and continues to serve on the board of the YMCA in Peachtree Corners.
But it’s not the titles that define him. It’s the energy he brings to everyday life. Whether chatting with a new neighbor downtown or recommending a favorite lunch spot, Chuck is one of Norcross’ most recognized and approachable faces.
“Norcross is the kind of place where walking a mile takes an hour,” he said. “You run into someone, catch up, maybe change your plans. It’s a good kind of interruption.”
He documents his dining adventures on Instagram at @chuckeatsatl, spotlighting restaurants across Gwinnett and beyond. But he always comes back to Norcross staples. The Crossing, Dominick’s, Zapata, Savage Pizza, B&W’s rooftop and Bleu House are among his regular picks. For something unique, he points to A Taste of Britain, tucked along the shops downtown.
When the weather’s nice, you’ll likely find him at the Summer Concert Series or Jazz in the Alley. “You grab a blanket, sit in Thrasher Park, and the whole town shows up,” he said. “It’s easy, it’s joyful, and it’s exactly what community should feel like.”
To Chuck, Norcross is more than beautiful homes and charming shops. “It has character,” he said. “People here care about each other.”
And if you’re looking for Chuck, just follow the conversation. You’ll find him there.
Jorge Granados
Jorge Granados has built a life around service, shaped by early challenges and a deep sense of gratitude.
He was raised in Gwinnett County by a single mother who worked tirelessly to care for seven children. During the 2008 housing crisis, Jorge remembers facing weeks without power and the threat of losing their home. “It was school counselors who helped us stay afloat,” he said. “They connected us with resources and made sure we felt seen.”
That support stayed with him. In high school, he landed a job scooping ice cream at Bruster’s It started as a way to help out at home, but the relationships he built through that job opened unexpected doors. One customer, a state representative, offered him an internship at the State Capitol.
“That’s where I first saw how local decisions affect real people,” Jorge said. “And I knew I wanted to be part of that work.”
Today, Jorge manages two Bruster’s locations, where he continues to invest in people. The shops host voter registration drives, support school
fundraisers and offer a space for conversation. “It’s more than just ice cream,” he said. “It’s where community happens.”
He also holds leadership roles in seven local organizations. He serves as vice president of communications for the Lilburn Middle School PTSA and sits on the school’s local council. “Being an alum, it means a lot to give back,” he said. “I see myself in the families we serve.”
In 2020, Jorge ran for public office. Much of his support came from the very neighbors he’d connected with through school events and his Bruster’s stores. Though he didn’t win, the experience deepened his commitment to service.
Jorge also finds ways to give back through direct outreach. In 2019, he helped collect and donate
Jorge Granados
Chuck Paul
thousands of socks to local schools. Earlier this year, he joined the Norcross United Protest in support of immigrant families, including his own.
When he needs to recharge, he heads to Lillian Webb Park. “There’s something about the breeze in the evening and the sound of the fountain,” he said. “It helps me feel grounded again.”
Jorge believes Norcross can continue to grow while staying connected. “I’d love to see more access to transit and resources,” he said. “Because more connection means more opportunity.”
Janine Kays
When Janine Kays and her husband, Chuck, moved to Norcross in December 2021, they were ready for a new chapter. Their daughter, Alexa, had just started her junior year of college. With more flexibility ahead, they searched for a walkable, dog-friendly neighborhood with character. Norcross quickly stood out.
They felt connected from the start. Neighbors welcomed them warmly and introduced them to friends around town. Local shop owners were present in their businesses and spoke highly of the community. “We loved the fact there were summer concerts, festivals and events right here in this little community,” Janine said.
Soon after, Janine became the director of Creation Kids Preschool Her role deepened her appreciation for the town’s diversity. “I love hearing all the different languages and tasting the foods that reflect the people here,” she said. “Everyone has been so supportive in helping us deliver quality education to a diverse population.”
She also stays busy outside of school. Janine helps organize welcome bags for new neighbors and serves on her neighborhood’s social committee. She’s part of two book clubs and enjoys trivia nights with Chuck at local breweries and restaurants. “There’s always a club or committee to join,” she said.
When it’s time to relax, she and Chuck head to the rooftop at B&W, the patio at The Crossing or sidewalk tables at Zapata with their golden retriever. “And you can’t beat an ice cream cone at Butter and Cream to end the night,” she said.
She often hikes the trail at Johnson Dean Park or takes long walks through town, waving to neighbors along the way. One of her favorite traditions is the Summer Concert Series in Thrasher Park. “We grab a pizza from Savage, dance a little and enjoy the night with friends,” she said.
Janine is grateful for the life they’ve found here. “I want to keep building our preschool and supporting Norcross families,” she said. “Making new friends and connections is the spice of life for me.”
Gene Ramsay
Gene Ramsay has spent the last 17 years helping Norcross connect with its past. As a researcher, author and guide, he’s uncovered stories, led walking tours, contributed to the city’s historical exhibits and helped shape how residents see the town they call home.
“I had been active with the Atlanta Historical Society before moving here,” Gene said. “That interest just continued once I arrived in Norcross.”
Soon after settling in, he was invited to coauthor “Norcross (Images of America),” a visual history book published as part of Arcadia Publishing’s “Images of America” series. Former Mayor Bucky Johnson brought him into the project. He worked alongside Edie Riehm and Cate Kitchen to compile photos and research.
Gene worked closely with the Norcross Welcome Center & History Museum He also helped launch the city’s Virtual Museum (norcrossga. net/2199/virtual-museum), a growing archive of stories, photos and records. Many discoveries came from longtime residents who shared family documents and memories.
Gene’s research over the years has led to many fascinating discoveries, but one source stands out — a descendant of a former city clerk shared a handwritten ledger of Norcross City Council minutes, dating from 1915 to 1926.
“One of the most meaningful items I’ve come across,” Gene said. “It tells you what they were facing. Building a water system, providing schools. One passage details how they created a school for Black children when the system was still segregated.”
The book now belongs to the city’s historical archives. It’s a rare primary source that offers a window into the town’s civic challenges and evolving values.
“Knowing the history helps you see how the town came to be,” Gene said. “And it gives us a reason to be thoughtful about how we grow.”
Among the stories he’s uncovered, a favorite is the home at 218 Thrasher Street, built by Homer and Mollie Jones. Their silver wedding anniversary in 1901 was described by newspapers as the largest celebration ever held in Norcross. All three of their sons went on to serve in the military for decades.
For Gene, Norcross’s charm lies in its ability to preserve the old while making room for the new.
“Unlike many railroad towns in the area, Norcross has kept many of its original buildings,” he said. “That’s part of what makes the village feel so special.”
And thanks in large part to Gene, so do its stories
Jalia Killings
Jalia Killings didn’t just find a job in Norcross, she found a place where her passion for sustainability could thrive. Her first role came through an internship with the Atlanta Regional Commission, which matched her with the City of Norcross. She’s been there ever since.
“Of course, I was impressed that Norcross was a Platinum Certified Green Community,” she said. “But as a recycling fanatic, I was excited to join the project team for a city-wide recycling education campaign called ‘Feet on the Street ’”
Now the city’s sustainability lead, Jalia works closely with schools, businesses and residents. Through events like Recycle and Clean-Up Day, Pedal Norcross and pollinator workshops, she helps connect everyday community life with long-term environmental goals.
“I enjoy it when I get the opportunity to engage with the community,” she said. “It’s great to give and get insight on citywide sustainability goals and programs.”
What keeps her inspired is how much of the momentum comes from others. She’s proud of the bars that compost, the restaurants that switched to compostable straws and the schools with student-led gardens and recycling clubs.
“There are so many people, businesses and teachers committed to sustainability efforts and starting their own projects in the community,” Jalia said. “I love it so much.”
This fall, she’s especially looking forward to Pedal Norcross. The annual group ride features safety lessons, bike tune-ups and, this year, free rentals so everyone can join in.
When she needs to recharge, Jalia often runs through Lillian Webb Park or visits the Norcross
Janine Kays and family
Gene Ramsay
branch of the Gwinnett library. “The building is beautiful,” she said. “Each month they feature themed book displays, and the staff has been amazing partners for events.”
Her approach to sustainability always comes back to something simple and doable. “I’m a firm believer that waste isn’t waste until it’s wasted,” she said.
For Jalia, small changes matter, especially when shared by a community that’s willing to act together.
Lisa Lancaster
Lisa Lancaster and her husband, Britt, didn’t have to look far to find Norcross. Both grew up in nearby Dunwoody. While Britt was finishing his degree at Georgia Tech, he moved into the home they still live in today.
“Over time, we really fell in love with the charm of this small town,” Lisa said. “It has such a welcoming, tight-knit feel, yet it’s still so close to everything in Atlanta. It’s the best of both worlds, and it just felt right to make it our home.”
Lisa is the director of operations at Cultivation Brewing, which Britt co-founded in 2021 with Tate Clements and Paul Bennett. From the beginning, the group imagined a space that would feel easy, open and connected to the community. Lisa has helped bring that to life.
“We lived here for years before opening the brewery and didn’t realize how many wonderful neighbors we had. Once the doors opened, we were overwhelmed by the support and warmth we received. It really felt like the entire town showed up to welcome us. That kind of encouragement made all the difference.”
Lisa is a steady presence at the brewery, often with her kids nearby. Her role as both a mom and part of the team has helped make Cultivation especially welcoming to families. The fenced-in turf area, stocked toy box and kid-friendly snacks weren’t part of a strategy, they’re the result of someone who understands what parents need to feel comfortable when staying awhile. It’s a space where
families can relax and neighbors can settle in for an easy afternoon with friends.
She also helps coordinate a wide range of events. From birthday parties and engagement celebrations to work happy-hours and morning yoga or Pilates classes, there’s always something happening. With Lisa involved, every gathering feels easy, thoughtful and rooted in community.
In 2022, the team launched the Cultivation Foundation to expand their impact beyond the brewery. It now supports local nonprofits and leads community-focused initiatives like collecting sports gear for underserved kids.
Lisa and Britt’s children are growing up in the heart of a community that values connection. Whether they’re tagging along to local events, playing with friends at the brewery, cruising downtown in the family golf cart or spending time together at Pinckneyville Park, they’re seeing firsthand what it means to show up and give back.
“I hope they remember how good it felt to be part of a close-knit, supportive community,” Lisa said. “And the pride that comes from giving back to it.”
Cindy Flynn
From her front porch on North Peachtree Street, Cindy Flynn has spent the past two decades watching Norcross grow, connect and come alive.
She and her husband moved into their 1930s home in 2004, planning only to renovate and flip it. But that plan changed quickly.
“Within two weeks of living in Norcross, the spirit of this great town took over,” she said. “We had no idea we had moved into a ‘Mayberry’ community.”
While finishing the renovations on their house, neighbors began stopping by to introduce themselves. Many shared stories about the families who had lived there before. “Many of our porch conver-
sations allowed us to learn about the descendants of the individuals who lived in our house,” she said.
That same year, Cindy volunteered at a local fall festival in Thrasher Park. There, she met Frances Schube, who had been hired to give the event a more artistic feel. Their collaboration sparked what would become one of Norcross’s most beloved annual events.
“Norcross Art Fest truly began in 2004 by my now business partner, Frances Schube,” Cindy said. “We changed the name to ‘Norcross Art Splash Festival’ to better reflect our goals of creating fun and colorful art shows.” This year’s festival is planned for October 11-12, 2025.
Not long after, Cindy joined the city’s
Jalia Killings
Cindy Flynn
Lisa and Britt Lancaster and family
Architectural Review Board, where she helped shape the look and feel of Norcross during a time of major revitalization. At the time, downtown was dotted with vacant storefronts. Two decades later, those spaces are filled with businesses, restaurants and life.
“Vacant downtown stores became occupied with thriving businesses and restaurants who have ridden the wave,” she said.
At home, Cindy created another Norcross tradition: Halloween on North Peachtree Street. Her house has become a full production, complete with lights, music, a live fortune teller and hot cider. “My house is known as ‘the Halloween house,’” she said. “Somehow, it grew into a major attraction.”
Whether lighting up downtown or her own front yard, Cindy Flynn has helped make Norcross more vibrant, connected and a little more magical.
Thad Thompson
Thad Thompson’s connection to Norcross runs deep. His family first settled in the area in the early 1800s, and he’s spent his life surrounded by the stories and places that shaped generations before him.
One of his greatest influences was his grandfather, Harold Medlock, a gifted storyteller and unofficial town historian. “He was an unbelievable historian of our community,” Thad said. “Growing up, it was really special to be in the setting of the stories and facts he so vividly shared.” Those stories helped Thad see Norcross not just as a place, but as part of his identity.
Now, Thad and his wife, Emily, are raising their three children here, watching them build memories of their own. “Seeing my children growing up in the same community I did is something that brings me an unbelievable sense of peace and excitement,” he said.
Living in the same town your whole life means a lot becomes familiar, but for Thad, certain things never lose their magic. One of those is Norcross’ annual July 3 celebration. “The excitement and anticipation of that day is like no other for me and my family,” he said. It’s the kind of tradition that brings the entire town together, year after year.
Another constant is Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, just outside the city limits. “Our church is the place in my life where I feel the greatest sense of belonging,” he said. “If you see me there, I will be smiling.”
He also cherishes the fun and wisdom shared by longtime residents like his late friend Evelyn ‘Bud’ Norman On her 100th birthday, Thad and his daughter stopped by to visit.
“In Bud spirit, she was looking for a way to entertain Mary Frances, our daughter who was two at the time. She decided it would be fun to put fake fish in the fountain in her front yard, and they fished them out with a net. At that moment, I realized I was living in my own version of one of her timeless Norcross stories,” he said.
He once asked Bud what she hoped for the town’s future. Her answer was simple: “A place where families thrive.”
It’s a vision Thad carries forward. “In honor of my late friend Bud, I have the same dream,” he said, “that Norcross continues to be a place where families thrive.”
These are just a few of the people who help make Norcross feel like home. Their stories are rooted in connection, care and love for this town. But they’re not alone. Across Norcross, neighbors are shaping what makes this place special. The beauty isn’t just in the parks, porches or events, it’s in the people and the stories still being written every day. ##
Thad Thompson and family
Jennifer Freeman’s Mosaics Abound in Gwinnett
Words by Glenn Boylan
If you’ve spent much time at all in Gwinnett County, there’s a good chance you’ve seen one or more of Jennifer Freeman’s mosaics.
Freeman, who lives in Duluth, has her art displayed in the town’s city hall and in Parsons Alley. She also has pieces shown in Norcross, Snellville and Suwanee, along with several outside of Gwinnett.
From the Midwest to Duluth
A native of Chicago, Freeman moved to Chamblee with her family when she was 13. After high school, she went back to Chicago for college. Then she and her husband, Scott Henderson, lived there and in Minnesota for a few years, before returning to Georgia.
At the time, Freeman owned a travel agency, and when she needed a new office, she ended up buying
Above,
Opposite page, the mosaic in Thrasher Park in Norcross was built by Freeman from a design by Ann
a building on Main Street in Duluth. With their children grown, Freeman and Henderson were looking to downsize and decided to buy a house in downtown Duluth as well.
She said that with the combination of living and working in Duluth, “Everything just clicked. We’ve been connected to the community for a long time.”
It was through those community connections that Freeman first expressed an interest in doing mosaics for the Duluth City Hall that was being built
in 2007. Her city hall work, and a few years later her mosaic in Parsons Alley, focused on the history of the city. She still has the original conceptual drawings for both of those pieces.
Captivated by mosaics
Freeman has always had artistic ability, although, she said, “I could draw, but I don’t paint.” It was a trip to New York that introduced her to mosaics.
“I was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York,” she said, “and there was a picture of a mosaic of swans, made by the Tiffany artist, out of glass. I was just so taken with that. That started me up.”
Initially, mosaics were a hobby for Freeman. “I started out doing something called Picassiette mosaic,” she said, “which uses broken dishes. I worked with a friend of mine, another mosaic artist, doing small items like tables and mirrors.”
That led to her doing fine art mosaics. And that led to her doing public art.
“I love public art,” Freeman shared. “… it is more cumbersome. It’s more difficult to do technically, because everything has to withstand the elements, and sometimes it’s large and heavy. But I’m also convinced that’s part of the challenge. I think those technical aspects are what drive a lot of us to do it.”
Learning in Europe
That drive has taken Freeman to Europe three times for workshops to learn more about her craft.
“The first one was in Ravenna, Italy,” she said, “which is known as the birthplace of mosaics. That was excellent. [The instructor] taught ancient techniques of mosaic. Then the next one was in Venice. And I have done one in Barcelona.”
The workshops generally involved Freeman working on projects with seven to 10 other artists. In Venice, Freeman also got to see the Orsoni factory where they make smalti, which is a very specific kind of Italian glass used in creating mosaics.
A well-stocked workshop
Freeman’s workshop in Duluth includes a lot more than just smalti. There’s pique, which are irregularly shaped pieces of China, pottery and glass. She’s got nippers to trim any of the materials she works with. There’s HardieBacker for background surfaces and rebar and fiberglass to create the structure for three-dimensional pieces.
Freeman explained that, historically, there was a
Left, one of two Freeman mosaics that greet visitors to Duluth’s City Hall.
Duluth mosaic artist Jennifer Freeman
LaBaire.
Jennifer Freeman
functional reason for using broken glass.
“Part of the benefit,” she said, “is that it’s so irregular. There weren’t lights in the churches, but the light reflects off of the surface.”
Individually, the pieces of glass in her works might look like they’ve been broken pretty randomly. That’s because sometimes they are.
Freeman explained one technique she has used: “I would go out on the driveway, and I would take the nippers, and I would just smack them.”
Her challenge is to then assemble those pieces into the image she’s striving for.
Project conception to completion
Her projects often start with drawings of what the final work will be. Currently, Freeman has a drawing in progress for a piece she hopes to make for a wall at the Suwanee library.
As she describes it, “I’m going to have different funky people on the wall.”
The drawing will be used to get her application qualified, which is part of the process for her to hopefully be awarded the job.
Freeman was reluctant to point out which of her mosaics she liked the best. She seemed equally proud of all of them — Free Spirit, Thrasher Park, City Hall and Parsons Alley — each for different reasons.
However, she did not hesitate to point out one piece she did not like, because of the specific requirements she’d been given from the person who commissioned the work.
“Years ago,” she said, “somebody commissioned me to do a piece, and they wanted very specific things on it. So I did all the stuff they requested. It was horrible. I hope nobody ever sees that.”
“There are a few pieces that I feel that way about,” she added.
Then there was the fire station in Atlanta that awarded Freeman the opportunity to create a mosaic. Her winning design included snakes.
“So all that gets approved,” Freeman recalled. “I do it. I get paid. I’m ready to install it, and they get a new chief of the fire department, and he doesn’t like snakes.”
She still has that snake mosaic in her workshop.
Community impacts art
The sense of community that Freeman has developed from her travel business, neighbors and art in Duluth has had an impact on her work. Both of the mosaics — at city hall and Parsons Alley — reflect the town’s history. And, even though she’s not a native, she feels a connection.
“Ted’s Fruit Stand, the old Dutch Mill,” she said, “I didn’t know any of those. But I feel like I know them now.”
You can learn more about Freeman’s mosaic work on her website, Mosaic Odyssey, at mosaicodyssey. com. ##
PCBA Panel Gives Tips for Business Branding
Words by Arlinda Smith Broady
If you don’t have a team of marketing experts at your disposal, how can a small business keep its brand relevant? That question — and many others — were answered by a panel discussing “Building a Brand from the Ground Up and Evolving Your Brand with the Changing Times” at Peachtree Corners Business Association’s Business After Hours Speaker Series event on May 15 at Hilton Atlanta Northeast.
Moderator Amanda Pearch, business owner and content strategist, led participants through a series of thought-proving scenarios to flex creativity muscles.
The panel included Andrew Hajduk, president and owner of marketing production company Vox-pop-uli; Darrell Creedon, CEO and president of Diversified Resource Group, a commercial furniture retailer; Bill Frey, president of Illuminating Design; Clara Rooks, senior marketing communications manager for Explore Gwinnett; Lisa Slopey, a communications and investor relations manager representing The Ride Lounge; and Suzanna Martinez, president and founder of PEO for the CEO, a professional employer organization that helps businesses streamline HR operations and cost savings in health insurance and workers compensation.
Key points included the importance of brand integrity, company culture and consistent messaging. Hajduk emphasized the need for multiple touchpoints to build brand recognition. Martinez highlighted the significance of personal branding and timing. And Frey discussed the role of innovation in branding. All in all, the panel agreed on the importance of visibil-
ity, community involvement and adapting to market changes to maintain brand relevance.
Integrity and identity
Pearch began the discussion with questions about the importance of brand integrity and core identity — through market shifts, generational changes or crises — in standing the test of time.
“I think that the nonnegotiable that a brand has to have is integrity to its purpose,” said Hajduk. “What do you stand for? How do you deliver? Are you a lowcost provider? Are you a high-end company? What are you trying to do? That is your core essence. It’s got to be all the way through your people, and it’s got to stand through that.”
Pearch then changed the tone with a focus on culture and Explore Gwinnett.
“When you think of tourism, you probably don’t think of Gwinnett County. You think of Disney World or the beach or some super, super cool destination,” said Rooks. “But Gwinnett has a lot of visitors. It has a lot of business travel. But we don’t speak just to those [people]. We speak to the locals, everybody that lives here in Gwinnett County. So we really try to have consistent messaging so people know they can come to Explore Gwinnett.”
With 17 cities throughout the county — each with unique characteristics and points of view, Rooks said Explore Gwinnett’s job is to represent each one effectively.
“They can rely on us for plugs on our website, our e-newsletter, social media to be the one-stop shop for everything — their unique restaurants and attractions and things to do,” she added.
Representing the newest venue on the block, Slopey explained what’s new and different about Ride
Lounge.
“One of the things I love about Ride Lounge is that it brings together car enthusiasts — people who have cars, love to talk about their cars — and so they want to come together and celebrate it,” she said. “If we operate with integrity, people are trusting us to store their most prized possessions and to take care of them.”
She added that although a lot of other auto storage facilities lock vehicles away, Ride Lounge gives owners the opportunity to showcase their cars, providing events where people can come and talk about them, show them off to other people and share that love of cars.
Branding, storytelling and personal connection
Frey talked about the importance of storytelling and how a company is perceived by the outside world.
“How do other people perceive your company? How is it seen from the outside world? We can tell you what we are, but it’s how we act and how we behave and the consistency in our messaging that really creates our brand and tells our story,” he said. “How do you want to be perceived when you’re not in the room to talk about your company? I think that’s fundamental in developing your brand.”
Martinez shared her experience of developing her personal brand and the importance of making decisions on controversial topics.
“As I was transitioning from a W2 employee for a large PEO company, I always knew that I was eventually going to go off on my own, so I had started my own personal brand and social media,” she said. “Trying to do social media ads and branding, there are certain things that could be nonnegotiable, that
I don’t want to talk to, and I don’t want to go there. So … some of my social media people wanted to post a blog on something [controversial], and I was like, ‘No, that’s not where I’m going to go.’”
Creedon shared a story about the importance of personal branding and how clients buy from people, not just logos. When he set out to start his own business, he gauged if his top clients would follow him if he couldn’t provide the exact same products as the current company.
“The key takeaway from that was [the client] said, ‘Darrell, I’ve never met your boss. I don’t even know what product I’m buying. I buy from you.’ And that really sunk in with me,” he recalled. “It was a big relief, because if she didn’t go with me, I was in trouble. She was the nicest one. I might have to rethink this.”
Brand vs. branding
Pearch asked the panelists to define their brand’s promise and how they deliver on it consistently.
Hajduk explained that Vox-pop-uli helps people simplify vendor management by being a one-stop shop.
“We understand what [clients] are trying to communicate, and we take care of that by delivering on time so they don’t have to chase all of those things,” he said. “That’s why we have some really long relationships.”
Slopey described the unique experience provided by Ride Lounge.
“At our business, people who are enthusiastic about cars have the opportunity to really showcase that,” she said. “We allow car enthusiasts to showcase their cars and share their passion.”
Frey discussed the importance of innovation and speaking to the why — not just the what — in brand-
ing.
“We talk to clients about the why, the experience, what they’re gaining from dealing with us, and not the what, not the products, not the hard, actual physical products, but speak on the emotion — what’s going to drive them, what are their motivators?” he said. “And with innovation, we found the ability within the company to kind of find new marketplaces and new areas to work within.”
Martinez shared her approach to branding, focusing on servicing clients and being a single-source solution for payroll, HR and employee benefits.
“Helping my clients with a single-source solution when it comes to payroll, HR, employee benefits … saves them time, and it helps them make sure that they’re compliant,” she said. “It helps them as they’re onboarding and off-boarding employees, and it just helps companies grow and scale.”
Creedon emphasized the importance of being true to clients and finding new marketplaces to evolve the business.
“We don’t want to be below the radar, even though I still kind of like to be that way,” he said. “I realized our competition is doing things that we have to adapt to or we will not thrive. It’s important to listen to what your team says and be willing to take a chance and trust them and hope that they know what they’re doing. So far, we’ve had nothing but success with that.”
Challenges, recommendations for business leaders
“What are some recommendations or challenges that you’d share with other business leaders as they’re building their brand?” Pearch asked the panelists in conclusion.
Hajduk emphasized the importance of getting out there and being visible in the community.
“The number one problem is obscurity,” he said. “They can’t buy from you if they don’t know who you are. Our tagline is now tastefully obnoxious because we have to be out there.”
Martinez pointed out the importance of educating the network and being in front of clients at the right time.
“With a lot of companies that I talk to, everything is about timing, and typically the timing is when they get ready to renew on their benefits,” she said. “I’ll talk to so many companies, and they’ll say, ‘I wish I would have known your service existed, because I just did this whole process internally.’”
Rooks considered the evolution of Explore Gwinnett’s brand and the importance of maintaining brand equity.
“We used to be ‘Travel and Tourism’ and then ‘Tourism and Film,’ and now we’re just ‘Explore Gwinnett,’” she said.
She explained that her organization is funded through hospitality tax and during COVID there was very little travel.
“Filming got really big in Gwinnett towards the end of COVID. So we changed our brand to include film because we wanted to be a film destination.”
Frey shared his experience of evolving his business during the housing market collapse and the importance of being true to your values.
“In 2008 we were really just starting, and the housing market collapsed. We were only a residential holiday lighting company at that point in time. So in time, we figured that we needed to do something a little bit different,” he said.
Frey found ways to evolve the business into one that created large displays for entrances to neighborhoods.
“Property values were diminishing, so people needed something to show why [someone] should be looking to buy in their community,” he said. “We started as just a holiday lighting company, and we’ve expanded into doing projection mapping in museums. It’s working on very largescale projects across the southeast United States.”
Creedon added the importance of trusting employees who may have insight into areas you don’t. He had a group of furniture designers that suggested he consider expanding to hospitality furnishings when COVID sent office workers telecommuting and companies weren’t buying desks and cubicles.
“It’s a whole segment of business that I had never had any interest in and probably shied away from because I thought it’s a few bar stools and I didn’t want to deal with that,” he said. “They convinced me to take a shot.”
Now there’s a collection under the DRG brand that has a different vibe from what the company traditionally produces.
“You have to have the guts to take a chance,” he added. “And you have to listen to your team and give them some flexibility and leeway to give it a shot because, as all the great athletes say, if you don’t take the shots, it never goes in.” ##
Saving more & decreasing debt
College planning
Investment allocation for long term growth potential
Reflections at the Rectory Recognizes Local High School Artists
Norcross Gallery & Studios opened the third annual Reflections at the Rectory exhibition on May 10 with a reception and awards presentation showcasing the local artists.
This year’s exhibition featured work by 34 students from Norcross and Paul Duke STEM high schools. Every artist received a framed certificate recognizing that they met professional requirements for exhibiting their art.
In addition, nationally renowned artist Larry Smith selected 14 pieces for ribbons and awards, provided by Norcross Gallery & Studios, community organizations and friends of the gallery, based on their artistic merits. Full list of winners
First Place — Minh Lam, Paul Duke “The Working Man’s Dream”
Second Place — Catherine Denham, NHS “Cover”
Third Place — Shaila Rivera-Ruiz, NHS “Crimson Kisses”
Hon. Mention — Mabyn McCord, Paul Duke “Afghani Beauty”
Hon. Mention — Dominic Ciccarone, NHS “Tufted”
Hon. Mention — Elizabeth West, NHS “Distorted Reflection”
Hon. Mention — Zuri Rivas, NHS “Sigh”
Hon. Mention — Mariana Pacheco-Ayala, NHS “Rearranging”
Hon. Mention — Allison West, NHS “Trees in Maryland & Savannah”
SWGC — Minh Lam, Paul Duke “Girl in Ao Dai”
Historic Norcross Business Assoc. — Elon Turner, Paul Duke “My Second Chance” Norcross Public Arts Commission — Gherald Martinez-Ramirez, Paul Duke “P.A.”
RBS 1 — Minh Lam, Paul Duke “The Working Man’s Dream”
RBS 2 — Claire Ott, NHS “Brother”
Jim Collins Memorial — Mona Morris, NHS “Moonlit Stadium”
Norcross Gallery & Studios Director’s Award — Joy Osohua, Paul Duke “Soul Cool”
Terri Enfield Memorial — Eva Rios, NHS “desperation to soothe the hunger”
The complete exhibit ran at the Rectory and the Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center through May 16 before the award-winning pieces were moved to the Norcross branch of the Gwinnett Public Library. They will be on display at the library through August 19. ##
First Place
Second Place
Third Place
Terri Enfield Award
Labyrinth Reborn: Girl Scout Troop Restores Simpsonwood’s Hidden Path
Local Girl Scout Troop 20064 was hard at work in May, clearing out and cleaning up the old stone labyrinth at Simpsonwood Park. The girls — fifth graders from Simpson, Cornerstone and other nearby schools — chose the clean up as their Bronze Award troop project.
The labyrinth, a meditative spiral hidden deep within the park, dates back to the property’s retreat-center days. But what once had been a space of quiet walking meditation was damaged this year after storms rolled through the area. Toppled trees had fallen across the path, the entry gate had collapsed into a pile of boards and the weather-beaten directions were all but unreadable.
When the idea of restoring the labyrinth as their Bronze Award project came up among the troop members, all of the girls enthusiastically agreed.
Service days
Guided by leaders Megan Skurski, Monica Dierkes and Sara Kroening, the troop has completed three service days, with various girls, parent volunteers and even a few siblings helping out. Each service day lasted around 2–3 hours, and included cleaning up the storm debris and unearthing or replacing stone pavers to make the labyrinth fully solvable again.
To help with the project, Gwinnett Parks & Recreation provided buckets, trash grabbers and gloves, as well as a log to keep track of which girls volunteered each day. And dads came with chainsaws to help clear away tree trunks.
One more workday will finish the job. Bentley’s Stone Yard is donating fresh gravel for the labyrinth path and Sunbelt Rentals in Duluth is contributing a small construction vehicle to help the troop move the gravel. A weather-proof map and a pedestal where visitors can leave a trinket at the heart of the spiral round out the plans for this restored community space.
Once completed the troop plans to line the labyrinth and celebrate with a group drone photo and ice cream. The girls are excited to explore other opportunities to improve the space going forward, perhaps with another Girl Scout award in mind.##
Girl Scout Troop 20064 members: Ava Bell • Emory Campbell • Emery Carter • Lillian Dierkes • Georgia Dillard • Amelia Graves • Julianna Harper • Caroline Kroening • Olivia Landis • Ansley Lorimer • Morgan Meade • Isla Moody • Leigh Patterson • Sydney Peterson • Julia Skurski • Olivia Shingler • Jane Trapani • Lily Turner • Maggie Turner
Photos by Rico Figliolini
Cirque du Soleil OVO Invites Audiences into Secret World of Insects
Words by Arlinda Smith Broady
If you’ve ever been blown away by the athleticism, the costumes and the opulence of a Cirque du Soleil performance, the reimagined theatrical event “OVO” will not disappoint.
The show premiered in 2009, but is a little different now, with fresh new elements, including larger and more colorful props and costumes. Another new addition is the character Cyana Moth, played by Australian aerial net artist Beau Sargent
He recently took time out of his busy work schedule to discuss the rigors and excitement of the production and share a little about himself.
Dreams of the circus
Nobody wakes up one morning and decides to wear skin-tight costumes, as well as loads of makeup, and do flips and tumbles across a stage. Well, maybe Sargent did. He has acrobatics in his blood.
“My dad was a trampoline artist,” he said. “So I started off in gymnastics and that style of acrobatics. But I kind of drifted more towards dance.”
He was around nine years old when he saw his first circus performance.
“Since I saw that show, circus was always my dream,” he said. “I formally trained, mostly in dance and gymnastics ... But my main goal was always the circus at the end of the day.”
OVO is Sargent’s first foray with Cirque du Soleil.
“I’ve been speaking to Cirque since I was 18, so it’s been about 12 years now,” he said. “It was just never the right timing regarding contracts and stuff like that. So now we’re both available, both had stuff to talk to each other. It’s been a long time, but it’s great.”
Old is new again
While OVO isn’t a new show, it was so charming and entertaining that Cirque du Soleil gave it a restaging and added new elements, including the larger props, more colorful costumes and new acrobatic acts like Sargent.
The show opens with the bug family waking to a new day. The audience is introduced to their daily lives and the disruption of that routine by the Foreigner — a fly from a faraway land who carries a strange egg on his back. The insects are awestruck and intensely curious about the “ovo” (Portuguese for egg) that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives.
Almost instantly, he falls in love with Ladybug — a lonely miss who is secretly waiting for something
wonderful to happen in her life. When the Foreigner arrives, she’s excited by what changes he might bring.
Universal themes and global diversity
One of the remarkable aspects of Cirque du Soleil shows is that the themes are universal. There is no language barrier, and the humor, romance and awe-inspiring artistry are broad enough to resonate with youngsters and sophisticated enough to intrigue adults.
“Come in with a light-hearted mood and feel free to just enjoy it, because it’s really just about the visuals and the stunning acrobatics that we have here on display,” said Sargent. “We have Olympians on the team, so [if you are] more into gymnastics and acrobatics, that’s something that you can enjoy. But even if you just like the costumes or the tree lights, it’s … a feelgood type of show.”
Although OVO runs for about two hours, with a 20-minute intermission, it’s not like attending the opera where everyone must sit still and keep quiet. “That may seem like a long time to bring your kids, but it’s a really fast-paced show,” said Sargent. “We obviously encourage the audience to make as much
Beau Sargent (Photo Courtesy Cirque du Soleil
noise as they want to and cheer for the acrobats as much as they can.”
Another feature is the diversity within the show. The production’s 52 performers, as well as behind-the-scenes crew members, hail from about 53 different countries.
“It’s really nice getting to know and learn from different cultures,” said Sargent. “It’s nice having this weird cultural mixing pot traveling around together. It’s really cool.”
Love your job
Although the days are long and require a lot of physical and mental stamina, Sargent said he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I was exposed to this type of art when I was a very young age, and this is where I am today … [my parents] gave me the drive,” he said. “A lot of times when I see the little kids in the front audience, I think of myself when I was that age and that’s what really kind of keeps me going.”
Sargent fell in love with the acrobatics, let the dancing take him to another place and then combined the two to do what he loves.
“You need to find something that
you really love. For instance, for me, I love gymnastics and stuff like that, but trampolining, like my dad, wasn’t right for me,” he said. “So I would just always say, figure out what you love doing first, and then hone into something that you can do for a living.”
Although there’s a limit to how long Sargent’s body will hold up for all the intense movement and rigorous training he goes through, he said there are many options ahead for someone with his talents.
“I would love to do more of artistic coaching, like with choreography and helping acrobats because of my background with dance and ballet …,” he said. “I feel like I have a good understanding of how acrobats move and how dancers move. So I feel like I would like to move more in that sort of direction within the company.” ##
Show details
Cirque du Soleil OVO runs August 7–10 at Gas South Arena. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway Duluth, Georgia 30097
For more information, including show times and ticket prices, visit gassouthdistrict.com/arena.
How Norcross Water Polo is Rallying a Community
Norcross Water Polo Team Seeks Community Support for Continued Growth
Words by Arlinda Smith Broady
Kyle Smith, head coach of the Norcross Blue Devils Water Polo team, started coaching kids in this club sport in 2017.
The team has been around since 2013, but now, post-pandemic, there seems
to be a renewed interest in team sports.
“It is definitely a growing sport. I’d almost call it the new lacrosse,” said Smith. “We see a surge in interest every four years with the Olympics. Most people don’t hear or know about it until it’s an Olympic year.”
He added that the success of the Norcross women’s team, and U.S. men’s water polo doing well in last year’s Olympics, have increased visibility.
“It’s definitely a growing presence, especially in the southeast,” he said. “It’s a huge sport out in California, it’s pretty big out in the Midwest, and I know the Texas League is just skyrocketing.”
Although he didn’t play water polo as a kid, Smith picked it up in college.
“I grew up in Roswell. We didn’t have a water polo team there, so I played in college and fell in love with the sport,” he said.
Once he returned to the area, he heard of an opportunity in Norcross.
“So I started coaching. It was a great group of kids and a great group of parents,” he added.
Players from different schools
The Norcross team has players from many local schools — middle schools, high schools, private schools and even home schools. Students from Norcross High, Duluth High, Paul Duke STEM, Greater Atlanta Christian and even as far away as Chestatee High are represented.
The youngest player is currently in sixth grade. Players that young participate in a developmental team that’s a mix of boys and girls. The “B” team is similar to a junior varsity status. The “A” team would be considered varsity players.
Children younger than that can participate in
Photos courtesy of Kryski Photography
a different program — Splashball.
“Splashball is a developmental game for even younger players from any area that are not on a specific team,” said Barry Kryski, a parent volunteer and team photographer. “They use a smaller ball and can float on noodles if they have trouble treading water. It is a blast to watch, and the kids have so much fun. All smiles.”
Challenges and long-term goals
Since it’s not officially a high school sport, the Norcross Water Polo team faces challenges like pool space and equipment costs, said Smith.
“It’s hard finding pools that are deep enough water,” he explained, adding that you’re not allowed to touch bottom. “And polo equipment can be a little pricey.”
He’s optimistic that the growing passion for the sport is helping to make things happen.
“I know there’s a bunch of people who are trying to push to make it an official high school sport,” he said. “There are quite a few hurdles, though. In doing so, it needs to be a sport widely available across the entire state. We would need teams in Savannah and Valdosta — not just metro Atlanta.”
Although that goal is on the distant horizon, there are more immediate objectives.
“Right now, we’re doing all we can to get people in the water and used to the sport,” said Smith. They have partnered with USA Water Polo and have 30-35 members across various ages and skill levels.
“USA Water Polo is the pipeline into the Olympic team,” he said. “That has given some of my kids some pretty good exposure. I’ve had a couple of kids go out and play at the Junior Olympics.”
Recruiting, team structure and competition
Recruiting is often a family affair.
“We get a lot of families involved. So usually, if someone’s older sibling plays, they end up recruiting the younger ones,” said Smith. “But we’re
trying to let more people know about us.”
The season runs from August through October, and games are played almost every weekend. Games are typically held at Dynamo Swim Club in Chamblee. That DeKalb County school has its own club team. Cumming Aquatic Center, Cherokee County Aquatic Center and other Northern Arc venues are also part of the mix. And just like other team sports, spectators are allowed and encouraged.
With practices starting in June, Norcross is recruiting players. Summer registration is open now for students in grades 6–12. The team practices Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the West Gwinnett Aquatic Center Even if you’ve never played before, you probably possess some key skills like treading water and strong swimming.
“I also look for kids being able to throw a ball,” said Smith “I would say basketball players and baseball players are the two kinds of athletes that transition pretty well, who aren’t just swimmers.”
Smith explained that the setup is kind of like basketball except there’s no basket; it’s more like a floating soccer goal.
Public engagement, next steps
Currently, the team has four coaches, but Smith said there’s always room for community support and volunteers through the Georgia Water Polo League. Kryski’s kids are no longer in the program, but he’s still a part of it.
“Both my boys went through and had the best time,” he said. “Both played (and still play) water polo for the Club Team at UGA. My oldest plays with a club team in France now to stay in shape.”
An attractive aspect to the sport is that you’re in the water and you’re having fun.
“I’ve played for Norcross for three years,” said 16-year-old Frankie Arendale, a rising junior at Chestatee High School. “I love this sport, and all the girls on my team are such a joy to be around. I play water polo because I just love being in the water, and it’s so much more exciting than swimming.”
The Norcross Water Polo team is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Since it must raise its own money, fundraisers are set for August 5 at Chipotle and September 18 at Cheeseburger Bobby’s. Team sponsorships are also available.##
For more information, visit norcrosswaterpolo.teamtopia.com.
Opening Bites showcases photo highlights from the newest restaurant launches, menu debuts and culinary happenings around town. Read through for a quick taste of where your friends and neighbors are gathering next.
Altona Burger & Beer Garden
This family-friendly burger joint opened just a few months ago, but has already developed a following. The inviting covered patio, surrounded by lush greenery and lit up with strings of lights, is enough to make people want to hang out for a while. But the food is the main attraction.
Altona serves up fresh, meaty burgers paired with house-made sides and salads. From the classic All American to the Lucia Burger (with peppadew peppers and salsa verde) and Rich Roast Burger, the specialties are creative and delicious — and each one is generously sized. Even the veggie burger is made from scratch and loaded with flavor.
Add to that the fact that they feature a fantastic selection of craft beers, including world-famous brews and local favorites, alongside fresh-scooped ice cream and a display case full of desserts, and you’ve got a place that’s ideal for quick meals, family dinners or a fun night out with friends.
3975 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Norcross, GA 30092
470-657-2307 | altonaburger.com
Noodles Bar & Dumpling Chinese Food in Norcross
Noodles Bar & Dumpling, tucked into Suite 7D at 5450 Peachtree Parkway, is the area’s 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 of 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., Suite 7D Norcross, GA 30092 470-365-2920 | noodlesbardumpling.com
Kimchi Red at Politan Row
One of the hot trends in food these days is Korean fried chicken, and even better if it comes with traditional banchan (side dishes). One of the best places to find this unbelievably good comfort food in Peachtree Corners is Kimchi Red.
Now open at the swanky Politan Row food hall at The Forum, this wildly popular restaurant serves up mouthwatering, family-style portions of the KFC along with kimchi fried rice, mega fries and deliciously saucy tteok-bokki. Thinly sliced bulgogi and plates of japchae, mandu and BBQ jeyuk round out the menu for a taste of Korea close to home.
5155 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 455 Peachtree Corners, GA 30092 theforumpeachtree.com/politanrow/kimchi-red
Set in the heart of Peachtree Corners, you’ll discover a scene that seamlessly blends a spirited lifestyle with a serene atmosphere. Our community offers studio, one- and twobedroom residences with exclusive amenities and thoughtful finishes. Bespoke residences bloom with refreshing design. Weaving vivid connections through a vibrant community, your oasis awaits at Solis Peachtree Corners.
Boutique clubroom with entertainment bar
Co-working space with personal focus rooms
Elegant rooftop lounge with wine tasting room
Resort-style pool with sun deck
Serene courtyards with fire pit and grills
Outdoor social lounge with bocce & ping pong
Direct access to the Corners Connector Trail
