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THE EDITORIAL & CREATIVE TEAM
Rico Figliolini Publisher
Shawne Taylor Managing Editor
CONTRIBUTORS
Arlinda Smith Broady Senior Writer
Harry Pinkney Graphic Designer
Alex Chapman Social Media Manager
Tracey Rice Photographer
George Hunter Photographer
ADVERTISING
Kristen Corley Writer
Julie Davis Account Executive Rey Corpuz Business Development
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
Get ready to jingle all the way because our HoliDAYS in Norcross are in full swing! From holiday shopping to magical carriage rides, we've got a sleigh-load of festive fun waiting for you. Let's sleigh this holiday season together!
SCAN HERE FOR THE FULL LINEUP:
Ongoing
Weekly Events at Politan Row
5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners theforumpeachtree.com
• Music Bingo — Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
• Game Night — Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
• Trivia Night — Thursdays, 7 p.m.
• Kid’s Corner — Saturdays, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Live Music — Saturdays, 6 p.m.
• Night Shift — Saturdays, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.
Peachtree Corners
Photography Club Group Meet Up
December 11 and January 8
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.
Dates to Remember
DECEMBER
6 St. Nicholas Day
7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
15 Chanukah/Hanukkah (first day)
21 December Solstice
22 Last day of Chanukah
24 Christmas Eve
25 Christmas Day 26 Kwanzaa (first day)
31 New Year’s Eve
JANUARY 2026
1 New Year’s Day
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Events, concerts and theatre
December
December 8
Movie Mondays — The Polar Express
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: On Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas. Rated G. Running time 1hr 40m.
December 9
Energy Healing Circle
7 p.m.-8 p.m.
Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585
Admission: free; donation appreciated.
Come out for prayer, reflection and music, and affirm the healing power of inner peace. This time of calm renewal is a great way to get grounded for the holiday season.
December 11
DIY Junk Journals
5 p.m.-6 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Library
5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Discover the art of junk journaling, a creative and meaningful way to repurpose everyday materials into a beautiful, personalized keepsake. Ages 12+.
December 12
Intro to Python
Peachtree Corners Library
5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Learn the fundamentals of coding through Python. Open to ages 12+ (including adults). Space is limited. Registration is required and opens on December 5.
December 15
Cozy Sleepover Storytime
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Norcross Public Library
5735 Buford Highway, Norcross gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Bring the little ones to the library in their favorite pjs, with their favorite stuffed animal, to enjoy cozy readaloud stories and fun winter songs. Ages 0–5.
December 15
Animating in Blender
5 p.m.-6 p.m.
Norcross Public Library 5735 Buford Highway, Norcross gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Want to learn to make 3D animations? This hands-on workshop will teach you the basics of facial expressions, blocking, lip syncing and hand movements. Ages 16+.
December 16
National Dipped in Chocolate Day
4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Library gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Celebrate National Dipped in Chocolate Day at the library by learning about the history of chocolate and making your own dipped chocolate treats. All ages.
December 18
Photography Workshop: AI and the Future of Photography
Peachtree Corners City Hall 310 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga.gov/ ptcga
Admission: free
Join Emmy® Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Jim Stone of Tytan Pictures for an engaging and thought-provoking interactive session on AI in photography and what it means for your business and creative career.
December 18
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. No registration required.
December 20
Atlanta Hobby Robotics Club
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkeley Lake gwinnettcounty.com; 678-277-0920
Admission: free
Share your robotics ideas at this free monthly meetup. All ages and experience levels are welcome.
December 21
Cocktail Experience
4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Falling Rabbit 3580 W. Lawrenceville St., Duluth fallingrabbit.com; 770-623-1452
Tickets: $45 per person
Learn the technique, story and artistry behind one of Falling Rabbit’s signature cocktails in this hands-on cocktail experience led by the expert bar team. Guests will build and enjoy their own drink while snacking on light bites.
December 22
Movie Mondays — White Christmas
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: A successful songand-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont in of their former commanding general. Not rated. Running time 2hr.
December 22
Holiday Cello Concert featuring Heewon Jeon
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Duluth Public Library
3180 Main Street, Duluth gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Join cellist Heewon Jeon from the Indiana University School of Music as she presents Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens for preschoolers and their families. Ages 0-5. Registration is not required.
December 29
Make a Log Cabin Quilt Block
6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners
WHAT’S ON YOUR 2026 BUCKETLIST?
Restaurant Week
Tucker Chili Cook-Off
Sip-N-Stroll
ARTucker
Tucker Day
Concert Series
Movie on the Green
Fireworks
Football & Soccer
Watch Parties
Tucker Tiger Football
Taste of Tucker
Harvest Festival
gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Learn about quilts, quilting and basic fabric piercing, and get hands-on guidance in how to cut, sew and press a log cabin quilt block. This workshop is for people who have already had Sewing Basics or understand basic sewing machine operation. Ages 12+. Space is limited. Advance registration is required and opens December 22.
December 30
Winter Woodland Hike
10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Shorty Howell Park 2750 Pleasant Hill Rd., Duluth gwinnettcounty.com/departments/ parksandrecreation; 678-277-0902
Admission: free
Enjoy a guided winter woodland hike on the Short Howell Park trails. Participants will also make a pinecone birdfeeder to take home with them. All ages are welcome.
December 31
Annual Burning Bowl Service
6 p.m.-7 p.m.
Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org. 770-441-0585
Admission: free; donation appreciated. “Look Ahead” to a brand new year and a brand new you. Bring a self-addressed, stamped letter that you have written to God, stating your intentions and desires for 2026. Your letter will be collected and mailed back to you in early December 2026.
JANUARY
January 4
Annual White Stone Service
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org. 770-441-0585
Admission: free; donation appreciated. In this sacred service, you can affirm the Spirit within and discern how you want to express your spirit in the new year. Attend in-person or watch via livestream. Youth Sunday School is available at 11 a.m. for ages 5-18. Nursery service is available from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
January 4 and 18
Cocktail Experience
4 p.m.-5 p.m.
behind one of Falling Rabbit’s signature cocktails in this hands-on cocktail experience led by the expert bar team. Guests will build and enjoy their own drink while snacking on light bites.
January 7
STEM: Craft Stick Ski Lift
4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Library gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Using recycled materials, kids and teens ages 6–15 will design and build their own model ski lift chair and see if it will balance on the lift cable. Registration is not required.
January 10
Creative Portfolio
Preparation
1 p.m.-2 p.m.
Duluth Public Library 3180 Main Street, Duluth gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Are you preparing to apply for a creative job or artist market? Learn how to photograph and edit your creative work to present in your own professional portfolio. Website options for hosting portfolios will also be discussed. Registration is required and opens January 3.
January 14
Dream It, See It: Vision Board Creation
5 p.m.-6 p.m.
Norcross Public Library 5735 Buford Highway, Norcross gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
In this hands-on session, you’ll learn to create a personalized vision board to visually represent your ambitions and goals. Ages 12–adult.
January 15
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. No registration required.
Falling Rabbit
3580 W. Lawrenceville St., Duluth fallingrabbit.com; 770-623-1452
Tickets: $45 per person
Learn the technique, story and artistry
You’ve heard it—or maybe you’ve lived it: “I’m spiritual, but not religious.”
For
That’s why The Corner Gathering
We’re
If
Come
January 17
Music Therapy with Disney Karaoke
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Duluth Public Library
3180 Main Street, Duluth gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Sing your favorite Disney karaoke tunes and learn the basics of music therapy and how singing can be beneficial to your mental health. For extra fun, dress up as your favorite Disney character for a chance to win the costume contest. All ages.
January 22
Language Learning: Conversations in Korean
4 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
Duluth Public Library
3180 Main Street, Duluth gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Learn basic Korean with a fluent English and Korean speaker. Useful words and phrases for Korean conversations will be covered. Ages 19+. Registration is required.
January 30 Trivia Night
6 p.m.
Mount Carmel United Methodist Church
5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners mtcarmel-umc.org; 770-449-4498
Admission: free
Join the fun and test your knowledge of the history of Pinckneyville, Norcross, Peachtree Corners and Mount Carmel. Prizes will be awarded, and children are encouraged to join in. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Childcare will be offered for kids ages four and under.
January 31
National Seed Swap Day
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Duluth Public Library 3180 Main Street, Duluth gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
On this 5th National Seed Swap Day, bring seeds from your home gardens to swap, and take home new ones to grow. Ages 19+.
Norcross Gallery & Studios
116 Carlyle St., Norcross norcrossgalleryandstudios.org; 770-840-9844
Check the website for up-to-date information.
Exhibits and Events
Through December 20 Designs in Flowers
Admission: free
This exhibition showcases the works of member artists with a focus on flowers. Designer Melanie Sheldon created five elegant flower arrangements — spring, summer, fall, winter and a holiday one — which the artists portrayed in their works.
Through January 5
Artist of the Month: Anne Labaire
45 South Café, Norcross
Admission: free
Enjoy the work of local artist Anne
Red Clay Music Foundry 3116 Main St., Duluth eddieowenpresents.com
Scan the QR Code below for information and a full calendar of events.
Labaire on display at 45 South Café in downtown Norcross through January 5. There will also be a reception for her on December 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with art, music and community connection.
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–Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: free for members, $5 for non-members
Organizers: Anne Labaire, labaireart@gmail.com; Kathy Collins
Wesleyan Wolf Players present
February 4-7, 2026
Open to the public, but tickets are required.
Ticketing can be found at: wesleyanschool.ludus.com/ index.php
Or scan the QR code.
Business Organizations and Events
Atlanta Tech Park
107 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 atlantatechpark.com; 404-797-1221
December 4 and 18; January 13 Estate Planning: Five Threats to Your Family’s Financial Future
2 p.m.-4 p.m. letstalkestateplanning.com.
Join this free event to learn the five surprising factors that put your family’s financial security at risk. Led by attorney James M. Miskell, hosted in the Atlanta Tech Park Auditorium. Free to attend, but register online in advance.
January 28
Wine Wednesday
5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Meet up at Atlanta Tech Park’s Wine Wednesday networking event in conjunction with Pitch Night. Wine, beer and food are included. Free to attend.
Southwest Gwinnett Chamber
Office in Atlanta Tech Park
107 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners southwestgwinnettchamber.com; 470-482-1899
December 11
Thursday Thought Leaders Luncheon
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Roam Coworking
3847 Medlock Bridge Rd., Peachtree Corners
Admission: $34 members; $40 nonmembers
The guest speaker for this month’s event is David Salyers, one of the original two marketing executives at Chick-fil-A, where he spent 37 years helping shape the company’s brand and growth. Today, he advises leaders and teams on building remarkable brands and is the co-author of the business management book “Remarkable! Maximizing Results through Value Creation.”
December 18
Coffee Connections
8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
MET Brewmasters
5380 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross Admission: free
Meet up with members of the SWGC for their final Coffee Connections of the year. This informal holiday gathering offers a chance to network, reconnect or meet new faces. Open to members and non-members. Coffee and tea provided. No registration required.
January 8
Thursday Thought Leaders Luncheon
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hilton Atlanta Northeast 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners
Admission: $34 members; $40 nonmembers
The guest speaker for this month’s event is Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders. The topic will be “The Future Begins with Z: Finding, Keeping and Leading Generation Z on your Team.” Learn how to engage with, retain and prepare your Gen Z employees for success and leadership. Includes lunch buffet. Registration is required and closes at noon on January 6.
Peachtree Corners Business Association
4989 Peachtree Pkwy., Ste. 215, Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersba.com; 678-969-3385
December 9
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.
December 11
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.
December 18
PCBA Business After Hours Holiday Celebration & Concert
5:30 p.m.-7:30 pm
Hilton Atlanta Northeast 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners
Admission: $40 (includes appetizers and drinks)
Join PCBA members and guests for a special evening of celebration, live music, recognition and inspiration as they wrap up 2025. The PCBA will also award a check to the United Way of Greater Atlanta. Advance registration is appreciated.
January 13
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.
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.
• December 3 — Geoff Duncan, Democratic candidate for governor
• December 10 — Robert Michner, ex director of Gateway85
• December 17 — Matt Yarbrough, director of policy & government affairs, Council for Quality Growth
• December 24 — No meeting
• January speakers — TBD
Duluth Business Association
3883 Rogers Bridge Rd., Duluth duluthbusiness.org; 678-636-9198
Monthly meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at various member locations. The next meeting is December 9 at Niko’s Wine Cellar, 3129 Main Street, Duluth.
Your Holiday Guide 2025
By Shawne Taylor
The holidays are here! That means it’s time to find the perfect gifts, enjoy good food and special time with friends and family and create magical memories of the season.
This year’s guide to the holidays offers a list of fun and festive events you won’t want to miss both in and around Southwest Gwinnett. Happy Holidays!
Ongoing through the month
Through December 24
Santa at The Forum
Multiple days and times
The Forum at Peachtree Corners theforumpeachtree.com
Admission: free
Kids of all ages are invited to meet Santa at his North Pole-inspired cottage on the North Plaza through December 24. To guarantee your special time and photo with Santa, make your reservation online ahead of time. Walk-ups will only be accepted if time allows.
Through December 24 Christkindl Market
Multiple days/times
The Lawrenceville Lawn christkindlmarket.org
Admission: free
Experience the magic of the season and shop for international and local hand-crafted gifts at this outdoor holiday market. An Atlanta tradition, the market also features German festivities, food and drink, rides, activities and Santa Claus.
Through January 4
Southeastern Railway Museum Festival of Trees
Thursdays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Southeastern Railway Museum, Duluth train-museum.org
Admission: $19 adults; $13 children
This annual festival features over 70 holiday trees designed and installed by members of the community. Guests
can enjoy train rides, the Festival of Trees and access to the entire museum with general admission tickets.
Through January 5
Glow Light Show
6 p.m.–10 p.m.
Coolray Field, Lawrenceville glowlightshow.com
Admission: $39.99+ per vehicle
A dazzling, drive-through Christmas light show, with over 1 million LED lights synchronized to music.
DECEMBER EVENTS
December 6
Pinckneyville Holiday Market
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center gwinnettcounty.com; 678-277-0920
Admission: free
Shop for unique gifts from talented artists and crafters, and enjoy concessions, a ceramic showcase and photos with Santa (from 12 p.m.-2 p.m.).
December 6
Historic Norcross Christmas Village
11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Downtown Norcross norcrossga.net
Admission: free
Step into a winter wonderland in Historic Downtown Norcross, with face painting, photos with Santa, Christmas carolers and more. Guests can enjoy appearances by Disney princesses, Frosty the Snowman and Buddy the Elf and take a free carriage ride through downtown that evening.
December 6
Deck the Hall
2 p.m.–7 p.m.
Downtown Duluth duluthga.net
Admission: free
Deck the hall in downtown Duluth with a holiday celebration featuring live entertainment, crafts, a snow playground and slide, photo ops with Santa, a holiday market and more.
December 6-7
GAC’s School of Ballet Nativity Recital
Saturday, 6 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m.
Greater Atlanta Christian School 1575 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd NW, Norcross greateratlantachristian.org; 770-243-2000
Tickets: $10-$15
December 7, 14 & 21
Advent Season Message Series
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Held in the Performing Arts Center Artusa Hall, the show tells the story of Jesus’ birth through classical and contemporary dance.
December 6–21
Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience
Saturdays, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Sundays, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Peachtree Campus 3135 Reps Miller Road, Norcross neighborhoodchristmastrain.com
Tickets: $8 per person
Come out and enjoy one of the largest model Christmas train displays in metro Atlanta. The model village, lit up and glowing for the holidays, includes over 300 homes, shops, diners, an amusement park and other buildings. Six running Lionel Trains traveling through the villages add to the excitement. Special, ready-to-run train sets are also available for purchase in the gift shop. Portions of the proceeds benefit the Neighborhood Cooperative Health Ministry.
December 7
Annual Christmas Cantata
4 p.m.
Christ the King Lutheran Church 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners ctklutheran.org. 770-449-1211
Admission: free
Celebrate the season and enjoy “The Star Arising” by Joseph Martin, a free concert blending beloved carols with inspiring new music. Light refreshments will be served at 3:30 p.m. before the show begins.
Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585
Admission: free; donation appreciated. Welcome the Spirit of Christmas by nurturing the hope, peace, joy, and love within, and prepare for the awe of new life. Attend in-person or watch via livestream. Youth Sunday School is available at 11 a.m. for ages 5-18. Nursery service is available from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
December 8
DIY Ornaments
4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Peachtree Corners Library
5570 Spalding Dr, Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Kids ages 6–11 will create their own holiday ornaments using arts & crafts, color theory and math skills.
December 10
Norcross Connect: Holiday Gift Bags
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Norcross Public Library 5735 Buford Highway, Norcross gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154
Admission: free
Participants ages 19+ will learn several techniques to personalize and decorate gift bags to give to family and friends during the holiday season. Patrons will be given two bags to decorate using provided materials.
December 11
Christmas at GAC: Lessons & Carols
7 p.m.-8 p.m.
Greater Atlanta Christian School
1575 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd NW, Norcross greateratlantachristian.org; 770-243-2000
A collective Christmas celebration featuring the GAC band, orchestra, choir and dance, held in the Performing Arts Center Artusa Hall.
December 11–21
Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG Norcross Christmas Show
Multiple showtimes
Lionheart Theatre Company 10 College Street, Norcross lionhearttheatre.org
Tickets: $18; $16 for seniors and students
About the show: One of the holiday season’s favorite tales has been transformed into a gut-busting theatrical experience that incorporates the details of your own theatre into the script. Take a spin with Ebenezer, all three ghosts, Tiny Tim and more in this music-filled show.
December 12-13
A Suessified
Christmas Carol
6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Duluth High School
3737 Brock Rd. NW, Duluth onthestage.tickets/duluth-high-school
Admission: $10 general; $8 students
Pre-show party: $5 per person
This whimsical, rhyming twist on the classic tale brings laughter, wonder and delight in a fun, all-ages production. A pre-show party featuring hot cocoa with characters, a Christmas Bazaar, cookie decorating and more begins at 5 p.m. Tickets available online or in cash at the door.
December 12 & 19
Festive Flicks at The Forum
6 p.m.
The Forum at Peachtree Corners theforumpeachtree.com
Admission: free
Celebrate the holiday season with winter movie classics on The Plaza, leading up to Christmas. On December 12, the movie will be “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” On December 19, “The Santa Clause.”
December 12–21
The Nutcracker presented by Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Multiple showtimes
Gas South Theater, Duluth gassouthdistrict.com
Tickets: $32.35+
The classic story of The Nutcracker, presented by Gwinnett Ballet Theatre, the official Ballet in Residence at Gas South Theater.
December 13
Holiday Art Market
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Paul Duke STEM High School 5850 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Norcross pauldukestemhs.gcpsk12.org
Admission: free
Open to the community, this second annual artist market will feature local and student vendors supporting Paul Duke STEM’s visual arts program. Santa will also be on-hand to meet children and their families between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
December 13
St. Nicholas Photo
Experience and Market
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mary Our Queen Catholic Church 6260 The Corners Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners maryourqueen.com; 770-416-0002
Admission: free; photos with St. Nicholas are $45.
Celebrate the season at this annual tradition and fundraiser. Enjoy a day of community, shop for thoughtful gifts and reserve a photo session with St. Nicholas, the saint whose reputation of generosity directs followers to keep Christmas about Christ.
December 13-14
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Greater Atlanta Christian School 1575 Indian Trail Lilburn Rd NW, Norcross greateratlantachristian.org; 770-243-2000
Held in the Sara D. Williams Fine Arts Center, this musical Christmas pageant is presented and performed by GAC’s Discover Theatre.
December 14
Christmas Music Program
10 a.m.
Mount Carmel United Methodist Church 5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners mtcarmel-umc.org; 770-449-4498
Admission: free
Enjoy the sounds and songs of the season at the church choir’s Christmas Music Program. Nursery and Sunday School are available.
December 14
The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO & More
2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Gas South Arena, Duluth gassouthdistrict.com
Tickets: $66.82+
Christmas-themed, touring rock show featuring fan-favorite songs, lights, stage effects and more from Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
December 14
Menorah Lighting
4 p.m.-5 p.m.
The Forum at Peachtree Corners theforumpeachtree.com
Admission: free
Join The Forum and the Chabad Enrichment Center of Gwinnett for a special Chanukah celebration. Guests will enjoy Chanukah treats, arts & crafts, live music, photo opportunities and the lighting of the six-foot-tall Menorah on The Plaza.
December 20–21
Christmas Celebration Weekend
Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
The Father’s House Church thefathershouseatl.org; 770-840-0888
Admission: free
This special, two-day event celebrates the birth of Christ starting with the premiere of “The Greatest Gift,” a short comedy-drama film that tells the story of modern-day Mary and Joseph as they prepare for the birth of their son. Dancing, song and light refreshments will also be part of the evening event. On Sunday, the celebration continues with a Christmas Service starting at 10:30 a.m. The program will feature a powerful message along with song, dancing and skits. Everyone is welcome.
December 21
Children’s Christmas Pageant
10 a.m.
Christ the King Lutheran Church 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners ctklutheran.org. 770-449-1211
Admission: free
The community is welcome to attend this special service, as the CtK kids perform “Gideon’s School of Nighttime Shepherding.”
December 21
Children’s Nativity Program & Downhome Holiday
10 a.m.
Mount Carmel United Methodist Church 5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners mtcarmel-umc.org; 770-449-4498
Admission: free
The community is invited to come out for the annual nativity program, followed by Mount Carmel UMC’s Downhome Holiday. Lunch is provided
and a special guest may appear.
December 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
5 p.m.-6 p.m.
Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585
Admission: free; donation appreciated. Theme: “Love Grows at Christmastime.” Come out and celebrate the birth of the Christ within through merriment, message and music. Unity Atlanta Church’s Soulful Harmonics Band, Celebration Choir and Children’s Choir will perform.
December 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
5 p.m.
Mount Carmel United Methodist Church 5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners mtcarmel-umc.org; 770-449-4498
Admission: free
Annual candlelight worship service. All children are encouraged to participate. Nursery provided for children ages four and under.
December 24
Christmas Eve
Worship Services
6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Christ the King Lutheran Church 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners ctklutheran.org. 770-449-1211
Admission: free
Honor the holiday at Christ the King’s traditional Christmas Eve family worship services.
December 28
Kwanzaa Service
11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585
Admission: free; donation appreciated. Celebrate the cultural heritage and traditional values of Kwanzaa in this special service led by Freda Steward, licensed Unity teacher. In-person or via livestream. Youth Sunday School is available at 11 a.m. for ages 5-18. Nursery service is available from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. ##
Season of Care: How Local Organizations Serve During the Holidays
Words by Kristen Corley
This holiday season, need is close to home in Southwest Gwinnett and, thankfully, nonprofits are answering with action. They feed families, provide care, grow skills and share gifts. Here is what they are doing today, and how you can stand with them.
Providing comfort and dignity for the holidays at Helping Mamas
Norcross-based Helping Mamas is focusing its holiday efforts on dignity and relief for metro Atlanta families under strain.
“Helping Mamas elevates the dignity and well-being of women by providing access to diapers, period products and other essential items,” said CEO Jamie Lackey. “We harness the power of community support so that all families can thrive.”
The organization partners with more than 180 social service agencies, shelters and health departments, allowing them to serve over 160,000 individuals each year, “ensuring that no parent has to choose between buying food, paying rent or providing basic items for their children,” Lackey said. This year’s holiday campaign centers on one simple effort — inviting the community to join in giving the Gift of Change Bag, a meaningful gift filled with essential hygiene items for babies and children, such as baby wash, shampoo, lotion, soap and other personal care products.
“Each bag represents comfort, dignity and hope for a family facing economic hardship,” Lackey shared. “The holidays are a time of both great generosity and great need. Many families who turn to us are working hard but struggling to make ends meet.”
To meet the seasonal surge in requests, the Helping Mamas team welcomes volunteers, hosts community collection drives and mobilizes corporate partners to help them collect hundreds of Gift of Change Bags and essential items.
“Helping Mamas thrives because of the generosity of our community,” Lackey said. “Volunteers pack donations and assemble kits in our warehouse, companies sponsor drives and team-building service projects, and donors help keep our shelves stocked.”
Local residents can get involved by stopping by the
Helping Mamas office at 4487 Park Drive, Norcross to pick up a Gift of Change Bag to fill with their family, friends or coworkers. Residents can also volunteer their time or make a financial contribution at helpingmamas.org. ##
Supporting neighbors in crisis at Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries
Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries (NCM) in Norcross is focused on keeping families stable through the holidays.
“Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries exists to help our neighbors in crisis move toward stability and self-sufficiency,” said Jenny Ortega Calderon, director of community outreach. “We serve families and individuals in Norcross, Peachtree Corners and surrounding areas who are facing hunger, housing instability, unemployment or other urgent needs.”
This holiday season, NCM is also providing Christmas gifts for 150 local families through their Christmas in the Neighborhood program. “These families have been carefully selected based on their involvement and participation in our year-round programs,” Calderon explained.
But food remains the top concern. “With food costs rising and more families struggling to make ends meet, our greatest needs right now are non-perishable food donations, grocery gift cards and financial support to help ensure our neighbors have food on their tables, warmth in their homes and a safe roof overhead this holiday season,” said Calderon.
“This time of year brings both joy and uncertainty for many families,” she continued. “At NCM, with the help of our community, we start planning months in advance, organizing food drives, recruiting volunteers and preparing for the surge in requests that nearly doubles during this season.”
Calderon shared that everything NCM does is powered by the generosity of the community.
“Residents can host food drives, donate online at ourncm.org or volunteer their time with us,” she said. “Even small acts, like adding a few extra items to a grocery cart or sharing our needs on social media can make a meaningful difference for a neighbor in need.”
“Our hope is that every family we serve experiences dignity, hope and a reminder that they are not alone,” Calderon added. “When neighbors look out for one another, lives are transformed. And that’s the heart of our mission all year long.” ##
Growing inclusion at Peachtree Farm this holiday season
At Peachtree Farm, located on Research Ct. in Peachtree Corners, work continues through the cold months. Greenhouses stay active while fields rest. And the adults with disabilities who work at the farm keep learning and earning as the season turns.
“A farm creates a unique opportunity for employment because the work is hands-on, engaging and accessible,” said Executive Director Joe Twiner. “Each of these jobs is skills-based and transferable to other positions.”
This winter’s focus is seed starting for the Spring Plant Sale, scheduled for April 17 to 22 of next year. But winter tightens space and raises costs.
“During this time [of year], Peachtree Farm shifts its focus from outdoor growing to greenhouse growing, decreasing the space we have to work with,” Twiner explained. “To prepare, we deep clean the greenhouse and bring in extra materials, which brings in increased cost.”
Supported employment also continues four days each week with volunteer job coaches. “The farm is community-run through the work of our volunteer job coaches,” Twiner said. “[And] donations during the winter months are essential to supporting our community work.”
The farm also invites neighbors to connect on a personal level. “Local people can join us for lunch,” Twiner said. “Our volunteer lunch club helps empower individuals with disabilities with social skills. Bring a bag lunch and join in the fun!”
The goal for the season stays personal and hopeful. “During the holiday season, we hope to create a sense of joy and hope for this year and for the year to come,” Twiner said. “We would like to say, join us as we grow.”
You can learn more about Peachtree Farm and the programs they offer at peachtreefarm.org. ##
Caring for neighbors at CarePointe during the holiday season
CarePointe, a ministry of Cross Pointe Church in Duluth, is centering its holiday work on practical relief. The team continues to provide food, clothing and ESL services while meeting seasonal needs.
“We are a free food and clothing ministry and offer certified ESL instruction,” said Director Linda Mann. “We are here to serve all of Gwinnett County and surrounding areas. We partner with the Atlanta Community Food Bank under Feeding America.”
Mann explained that holiday distribution brings special offerings to families in need. “Depending on supply, we offer Thanksgiving turkeys and sides. And for Christmas, we work with Toys for Tots to register kids 12 years and under.”
She also shared that volunteers and donors are what make this possible. “We are blessed with an abundance of volunteers. We welcome donations through community food drives and clothing donations throughout the year. Monetary donations are always welcome.”
Each year, CarePointe distributes about one million pounds of food and personal care products and nearly ten thousand clothing items. The team’s consistency gives families comfort through the holidays. And faith remains the foundation.
“We believe, ‘to whom much is given, much is required,’” Mann said. “We encourage the support of all Gwinnett County residents as we work to bring relief to those in need among us.”
For more about CarePointe or to make a donation, visit crosspointechurch.com/carepointe. ##
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Youth in Tech & Arts: Nominate a Student
Southwest Gwinnett Magazine is spotlighting local K–12 students who are excelling in coding, digital media, music, theater and the arts.
Know someone in Norcross, Duluth, Peachtree Corners or Berkeley Lake?
Email up to 300 words about the student, a photo, plus name, grade and school, along with your name and contact information to editor@southwestgwinnettmagazine.com
Deadline is January 6th
Healing with dignity at Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett
The Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett stay open and focused on uninsured neighbors through the holiday season, with staff continuing to provide medical and dental care that many could not otherwise afford.
“The mission of Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett is to serve as the hands and feet of Christ by providing low-cost, quality access to care for our uninsured neighbors,” said CEO Shameka Allen.
“We strive to provide access to care with as few barriers as possible,” she added. “We do not have any geographic or zip code restrictions, no minimum or maximum income requirements and [very few] restrictions to be seen. The only requirement is that you are uninsured.”
Allen shared that the Good Samaritan team serves by providing quality medical and dental care to some of the most vulnerable members of the community — “those that would otherwise not be able to afford to go to a private physician or dentist.”
And they do that through partnerships and donations from the community.
“We depend on the support of donors
during the end of the year to help us bridge the gap and assist with covering the cost of providing care to our patients,” Allen explained. “Over half of our donor budget comes in at the end of the year during the holiday season, and those resources are used to support our mission throughout the year.”
“There is no question that we could not do what we do without the help of our volunteers, donations and partnerships in the community,” she continued. “We highly encourage local residents to learn more about Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett. Residents can also volunteer one day or extended time in our dental or medical clinic.”
During this holiday season, Allen said she hopes Good Samaritan will make an impact on each and every person that enters their doors. “We aim to provide all patients and visitors with a dignified experience that makes them [feel] loved, respected, valued and seen.”
For more about Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett, visit them online at goodsamgwinnett.org. ##
These organizations carry the season’s meaning into daily work. They meet practical needs with humility, steadiness and care. Their impact is built from small acts that add up to stability for families across Southwest Gwinnett.
For anyone hoping to give back this year, their doors and mission lists are open. A filled bag, a donated can, a volunteer hour or a shared story can help a neighbor feel supported during a season that is not easy for everyone.
The need is close to home, and so is the chance to make a difference.
Holiday Eats & Treats: Southwest Gwinnett’s Festive Flavors
Words by Shawne Taylor
As the season turns and the chill of winter settles in, our thoughts (and appetites) turn to cozy comfort foods and family favorites made to warm our homes, feed a crowd and celebrate the holidays. These eight delicious recipes — from local chefs and experienced home-cooks — do that and offer a little something for every taste.
Whether you’re looking for something savory, sweet, creamy or hearty; appetizers, sides or a simple dessert, these dishes are perfect for cold nights at home, small family gatherings or holiday get-togethers with friends.
We’ve even included two fantastic cocktail recipes (shared by mixologists at Bar Politan and Lagarde American Eatery) that capture the flavor and fun of the holidays and add to the bright and festive spirit of the season.
Whipped Feta Dip with Cranberry Sauce and Pistachios — Sara Brumfield
Sara Brumfield, events manager for the City of Peachtree Corners, loves to cook. And though she says most of her recipes are just “shooting from the hip,” she did have one holiday party favorite (simplified from a recipe she found on Delish) that she was excited to share.
“The first time I made [this dip] was in 2023 for a Friendsgiving,” she says. “It’s now a crowd favorite that I make every year for gatherings. It’s quick and easy, and you can double it for a larger crowd.”
Ingredients:
• 6 oz feta in brine, cut into small cubes
• 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 sprig thyme, plus 2 tsp chopped thyme leaves
• 6 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup of Publix Cranberry Orange Relish
• 2 Tbsp toasted, chopped pistachios
• 1 Tbsp honey
• Crackers or crostini for serving
Instructions:
1. Prep feta and herbs
Drain brine from feta. In a food processor, pulse the feta, garlic, red pepper flakes and chopped thyme until feta is broken up into small crumbs.
2. Combine and blend remaining ingredients
Add cream cheese to the feta mixture and pulse until combined. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil and blend until the mix is smooth and fluffy.
3. Plate and serve
Transfer whipped feta dip to a serving bowl. Top with cranberry relish.
Sprinkle with pistachios and drizzle with honey. Serve with crackers or crostini alongside.
Fresh Cranberry Sauce — Chuck Paul
Another recipe featuring cranberries came from Norcross resident Chuck Paul, co-founder of A Closer Look and a local food explorer/reviewer on Instagram. He says this fresh, simple cranberry sauce recipe is a holiday go-to for his family.
“My sister has had this recipe for many years,” he says. “And I’m pretty sure she obtained it from my father who passed many years ago. If used, I hope it makes others happy too.”
Ingredients:
• 2 12 oz packages of fresh cranberries
• 1 15–20 oz can of chunk pineapple in juice
• 2 cups of packed brown sugar
• ½ cup of craisins
• 1 Tbsp minced, preserved ginger
• Dash of salt
• ½ tsp of cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Combine ingredients
Put ALL of the ingredients in a pan on the stovetop and stir to combine.
2. Cook over low heat
Bring to a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for about 15 minutes until the cranberries pop.
3. Stir and serve
Stir the sauce, pour into a serving bowl and serve as a side with your holiday meal.
Chickpea Acorn Squash Soup
— The Parkside
Chef Jose from The Parkside at Peachtree Corners Town Center shared a favorite soup recipe that is true comfort in a bowl.
“This dish is one of my personal favorites because it carries a deep sense of nostalgia,” he says. “Around this time of year, I loved visiting my grandparents’ home and being greeted by the warm,
Photo by Shawne Taylor
comforting aroma of my grandmother’s cooking. She made a soup similar to this every holiday season, and it always felt like home.”
He shares that what makes this version particularly special to him is how it reimagines the classic comfort food, “blending the simplicity of a childhood favorite with a modern, personal twist.”
Ingredients:
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 heaping Tbsp sofrito (store-bought or make your own)
• 4 cloves of finely minced garlic
• 4 oz tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp vegetable bouillon
• 30 oz canned chickpeas with liquid
• ½ acorn squash, cubed
• 5 bay leaves
• 1 Tbsp fresh chopped oregano
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 Tbsp Parkside Signature Seasoning (optional)
• 3.5 cups water
• Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the cooking pot
Heat a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil and other ingredients
Add olive oil to the pot. Once it’s hot, stir in the sofrito, minced garlic, tomato paste and vegetable bouillon.
3. Cook over medium-high heat
Cook until the mixture becomes fragrant and starts to bubble, stirring as needed.
4. Add remaining ingredients
Add the canned chickpeas with their liquid to the pot, then add the squash, herbs, seasoning and water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook over low heat
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about one hour or until the acorn squash and chickpeas are tender and the flavors have fully developed.
6. Finish and serve
Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings, including microgreens, fresh cilantro, crunchy chick-
peas (for added texture) or pumpkin seed crostini.
Easy Hashbrown Casserole — Marcia Shirley
Marcia Shirley, a local artist and active member of Norcross Gallery & Studios, shared a rich, savory recipe that’s been a staple in her family for about 50 years.
A copycat of an old Southern recipe from Cracker Barrel, Marcia’s version combines the ease of a pulled together one-pot meal with the ooey-gooey goodness of potatoes, cheese and butter.
“This casserole is always requested,” she says, “so I make it every Thanksgiving and Christmas.”
It’s an excellent, filling dish that could easily go with just about any dinner. But it also makes a great addition to brunch or lunch, especially if you’re feeding family or guests during the holidays.
Ingredients:
• 30 oz frozen hash browns
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 stick of butter
• 2 cups of shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or your favorite)
• 1 chopped onion
• 16 oz sour cream
Instructions:
1. Prep your ingredients
Thaw the hashbrowns, chop the onion and melt the butter.
2. Preheat the oven
Heat the oven to 350°F while you assemble the casserole.
3. Combine the ingredients
Mix the cheese, soup, sour cream, onion and melted butter in a large bowl.
4. Bake until cooked through
Pour the mixture into a 9x12 casserole dish and cook for 60 minutes at 350°F.
5. Remove from oven and serve
Serve from the casserole dish as a side or main focus of the meal.
Fudge Pie — Marcia Shirley
Marcia also shared an old-time fudge pie recipe that’s been in her family for decades.
“This is a recipe from my mom’s cookbook. It’s really, really old,” she says. “We have had this pie at every Thanksgiving and Christmas as far back as I can remember, and I’m 72!”
Ingredients:
• 1 cup of sugar
• ¼ cup of sifted flour
• ¼ cup of cocoa
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick of butter (or oleo)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 uncooked pie shell
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven
Heat oven to 325°F.
2. Prepare the eggs and butter
Beat eggs slightly and set aside. Melt the butter.
3. Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix all of the ingredients together and pour into the pie shell.
4. Bake until firm
Bake at 325°F until the filling is firm, usually about 50 minutes.
5. Serve and enjoy
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (optional).
Easiest Shortbread Cookies
— Shawne Taylor
I can’t recall where this recipe came from originally, but it’s been in my dessert folder for at least a decade. This shortbread is perfect for the holidays, either as a quick family treat or a homemade gift to package up and share with friends.
Not only is it easy to make, it’s also a recipe that you can tailor to your tastes. We’ve made them several different ways — plain, with chocolate chips and with cinnamon mixed into the sugar. They’ve been delicious every time.
Marcia’s hashbrown casserole (photo by Shawne Taylor)
Fudge Pie
Chickpea Acorn Squash Soup
This recipe makes about 9 cookies and only takes about 10 minutes to mix together. Super simple, but tastes like a special treat.
Ingredients:
• 1 stick of butter, softened (I like using salted butter)
• 1/3 cup of powdered sugar
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• Handful of chocolate chips or ½ Tbsp of cinnamon or any other add-ins you’d like to try (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven
Heat the oven to 300°F.
2. Combine the ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter and the powdered sugar. Mix well. Pour in the flour and use a big spoon or your hands to incorporate everything together. The mixture will be dry and crumbly.
3. Add to pan and flatten to desired thickness
Place the dough onto an ungreased shallow pan lined with parchment paper. Using your hands or the back of a spatula, flatten it down to about a half-inch thickness. Shape it into as close to a square or rectangle as possible.
4. Bake until lightly browned
Bake the shortbread at 300°F for about 30 minutes, turning at the halfway point, if needed. It will be lightly browned when it’s ready.
5. Cut, cool and serve
Remove the pan from the oven, trim uneven edges of the shortbread, then cut into rectangles while it’s still warm. Let cool and serve.
The Cozy Claus Coquito Cocktail — Bar Politan
Bar Politan’s Beverage Manager, Piper Jackson, has come up with their version of a tasty winter drink that’s sure to liven up any holiday gathering.
“Coquito is a beloved holiday tradition,” Piper shares, “a creamy, coconut-forward drink that captures the spirit of celebration in every sip.”
Typically made with a blend of milks, warm spices and a splash of rum, she says it’s the “Puerto Rican answer to eggnog, but brighter, silkier and irresistibly festive.”
To make it uniquely their own, Bar Politan’s coquito starts with a classic blend of milk and spices and is then elevated with a splash of espresso liqueur for added depth and a touch of orange zest for bright, aromatic complexity.
Piper suggests using Hamilton Demerara for the dark rum and Don Q Cristal for the light rum (or feel free to use a 50/50 mix of both). The locally produced, Blended Family espresso liqueur is also a favorite. This cocktail recipe yields about 2.5–3 quarts (or 10–12 servings), ideal for your next cozy, holiday get-together.
Ingredients:
• 4–6 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 1 tsp allspice berries
• 1 star anise (optional)
• 2 cups water
• 1 can evaporated milk (or oat-based evaporated milk)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (or oat-based version)
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 can coconut cream
• 1 cup (8 oz) of white or dark rum (or a mix of the two)
• ½ cup (4 oz) of espresso liqueur
• Finely grated zest of 1 whole orange
Instructions:
1. Make the cinnamon spice tea base
Toast the cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries and star anise (optional) in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Add the water and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to extract the flavor, then strain and set the tea aside to cool.
2. Blend the coquito base
In a blender, combine the evaporated milk, condensed milk, coconut milk, coconut cream, rum, espresso liqueur and orange zest. Add 1–1 ½ cups of the cinnamon spice tea (taste and adjust depending on how strong you want the spice to be). Blend everything until completely smooth.
3. Chill and serve
Pour into bottles or jars and refrigerate for at least four hours, but ideally overnight, for the flavors to meld. Shake well before serving, and enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge or over ice, dusted with cinnamon.
Dirty Santa — Lagarde American Eatery
Technically, this recipe comes from just outside Southwest Gwinnett, but it’s another creative holiday cocktail that celebrates the fun and flavors of the season.
Jesus Ramirez, bar manager at Lagarde American Eatery in Chamblee, has a reputation for coming up with creative specialty drinks that complement the restaurant’s New Orleans-style, modern American menu and its annual holiday pop-up.
“During the holiday season, there’s a demand for festive drinks,” he says. “We wanted to craft a cocktail that represents Santa’s playful, “off-duty” side. The name ‘Dirty Santa’ playfully nods that even he might enjoy a festive sip when he’s not busy working.”
Jesus uses a Louisiana-based rum, representing Lagarde’s NOLA background, while keeping the drink smooth, sweet and approachable. And, while the restaurant serves their cocktail in a cute Santa mug to up the fun factor, any glassware will do.
“The cocktail itself is flavorful, comforting and easy for guests to enjoy,” he says. “It puts people in a festive mood and spreads the kind of lighthearted joy that makes the holidays special.”
Ingredients:
• 1.5 oz Oxbow white rum
• 3 oz. eggnog
• 1.5 oz pistachio liqueur
• 0.75 oz coffee liqueur
• Whipped cream, cocoa powder, mini candy canes (optional) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine ingredients
Combine the rum, eggnog and liqueurs and mix, shake or blend well.
2. Garnish and serve
Pour the drink into a Santa mug (or your choice of glassware), garnish with whipped cream, cocoa powder or mini candy canes (optional) and enjoy. ##
Shortbread cookies
Bar Politan Holiday Drink
Dirty Santa
Ministry in Action: The Father’s House Offers Programs for Prisoners and Families Year-Round
Words by Arlinda Smith Broady
To hear Elder Alvin Johnson quote scripture chapter and verse, as well as testify about the goodness of God’s grace and mercy, you probably wouldn’t believe that he spent decades addicted to drugs and alcohol, lived on the streets, was tied to gang activity and even served time in prison. But he bears no shame in the path that brought him to salvation.
He believes that’s what makes his work in the prison ministry with The Father’s House, a Peachtree Corners-based church, so effective.
“When I got involved with the prison ministry, I had just come off the streets,” he said. “I had a drug addiction. I had been dealing with gangs and homeless-
ness and spent 15 years of my life in prison for dealing drugs.”
But Johnson didn’t start out that way.
“I came from a dad that was a prominent pastor in Tulsa, Oklahoma and a family where just about everybody was a pastor, but I just ran from that,” he said.
It was many years later, in 2004, when coming off a four-day bender of getting high at drug houses that he says the Lord spoke directly to him.
“My wife was ready to leave me,” he said. “I’d been gone for four days and we got into a heated argument. But I begged and pleaded for her to stay.”
Johnson said while he was doing dope, the Lord admonished him to turn away from that life. And this time he decided to listen.
“I got on my knees that night and I started crying out to the Lord and asked him for forgiveness and telling him I was sorry,” he said. “I prayed for six hours. I never prayed like that before in my life. I never had the
sincerity in my heart.”
It was that epiphany that caused him to throw away the cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and secular music, he said.
“I just got rid of everything. I wanted to be real about this encounter with the Lord.”
And he did it cold turkey.
“I have been through several programs in my life, but they were showing drugs on the screen, and it made me pray for drugs more,” he said. “I would leave the relief center and [go back to doing drugs]. But this time, it really just took away all the cravings, all the taste out my mouth. I never craved again for it.”
The converted shall convert
At first, Johnson was just satisfied that he’d kicked the habit. Soon after, however, he met two men that convinced him to use his experience to turn others around.
Alvin Johnson, The Father’s House Angel Tree and Ministry
Chaplain Alvin Johnson outside Lee Arrendale Prison
“I got to talking to Pastor Lawrence ‘Doc’ Reed and he introduced me to Bishop [Wellington] Boone,” he said.” And Bishop Boone told me that he thinks that the Lord was sending me into the prison ministry.”
Johnson said he didn’t like the sound of that.
“I don’t want to go into the prison ministry,” he said. “Because once I got out of prison, I said I’d never go back.”
But Boone convinced him that God had plans for his future and that they included prison ministry. So Johnson began going along with Chaplain Errol Boyland on his trips to area prisons.
“I was going to church in the prisons with them every Sunday,” he said.
Eventually, that turned into three visits a week to ten different prisons. Soon after, Johnson got his certification to be a chaplain himself in the prison ministry.
“There are qualifications to be a prison chaplain,” he explained. “You have to be out of prison for at least one year. You can’t be on probation. You can’t have traffic tickets. You can’t be on parole, or anything like that.”
“You always got guys that’s going to con you because that’s what you’re dealing with,” he said. “You just got to deal with the situation and handle things as they come.”
Johnson said he has no delusions about his impact. “You just got to get to the ones that are going to listen and that are going to really try to make a change in their lives,” he said. “You give them whatever you can give them to hold on to. All of them are not going to change.”
He gave examples from the dozens, if not hundreds, of criminals who have given their lives over to God.
“There was a guy that did 15 years in the prison system,” he said. “When he got out, he came to visit me. I introduced him to my wife.”
The prison ministry had such a profound effect on this man that he started his own ministry in North Carolina.
“He became a guy that I helped get back to being a productive citizen,” he said. “We still have contact to this day.”
At times, Johnson would preach to as few as two or three inmates and sometimes to as many as 100. He began to build such a reputation that guys on death row would request to meet with him. He only paused for four months during the COVID pandemic.
“Now that everything’s back up, we’re trying to get more services,” he said. “But we had so many volunteers that didn’t return because of COVID, so now it causes us to almost do double the work.”
The challenges and impact of prison ministry
Not everyone who comes to hear his prison sermons is there to hear the word of God. Johnson said he’s had writing implements and even bibles stolen from him. And most are probably there as a front for criminal activity. But he added that he can’t let those actions deter him from his mission. Besides the bad deeds of a few, he said he’s seen several convicts change their ways.
Johnson mentioned another man who was a head member of the Mexican mafia.
“When he got out, we developed a relationship. He joined our church and was baptized there, but he had to go back [to prison] for another case,” he said. “But he started a prison Bible study there. He gave his life to the Lord.”
Johnson said he believes that he’s effective because he’s experienced what many of the felons have. “You’re taking them through something that you did, that may have been worse than what they did,” he said. “They see that God changed me and he can change them too.”
From the military to prison to ministry
Johnson explained that he traveled a long road of misdeeds. In 1977, he was a 19-year-old enlisted military man. Then he got mixed up with a robbery case that escalated to extortion and kidnapping.
“A lot of that I wasn’t involved in, but I was with the guys that did the crime, so I was guilty by association,” he said.
His last stint in jail happened in an affluent neighborhood in Oklahoma. He was high on PCP and had a seizure while driving his wife and grandchild.
“The car just took off and it went up on the sidewalk, and it hit some white guys and then it pinned a little boy up against a tree,” he said. “I was thrown 30 feet from the car.”
He woke up handcuffed to a hospital bed with about a dozen police officers surrounding him.
“[The guys in prison] want to know how you turned it around. How you turned your life over to the Lord. How did you get unbroken?” he shared. “Most of the men in prison believe they’re too bad to be broken. Their ego and pride won’t let them admit that they need to change.”
In the same way, reformative justice emphasizes rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
“You have to make them see that ‘Hey, I was the same way. I did the same thing until God broke me,’” he said. “When I heard the voice of the Lord, it’s like God said, ‘I knocked you down, and I ain’t going to let you up till you get up.’”
The Angel Tree program
To take their prison ministry even further, The Father’s House has partnered with Prison Fellowship Ministries for many years in its Angel Tree program that provides gifts to the children of the inmates.
Prison Fellowship Ministries is a metro Atlanta-based nonprofit that organizes churches in all 50 states to help incarcerated people. Through various Angel Tree initiatives, it helps children of these inmates know they are loved and not forgotten.
“We get the names from Prison Fellowship Ministries. They send [referrals] to the churches,” said Rita Lewis, head of the Angel Tree Ministry at The Father’s House.
“We always try to sponsor at least 50 children,” she said. “Sometimes it’s going to be more than 50 children because there are other children in the household. That parent might have remarried or something like that, or adopted another child or whatever the case may be.”
The next step is calling the caregiver and finding out the child’s likes and clothing sizes.
“We ask for ideas [for] what the children would like to have,” Lewis said. “And we used to take the gifts to the houses.”
But she got to thinking that this wasn’t special enough. “I said, ‘I think we need to give those children a party. That way, the caregiver, the parent, can come. We can also talk to the parent and make them feel comfortable and welcome.”
This was a way to extend their ministry to the entire family. ”We could find out if there [are] any other needs that they might have in the household,” she said.
The holiday party became an instant success.
“I was more excited than the children,” said Lewis. “I really like to have fun with children. I love children.”
As part of the holiday ministry, Bishop Garland Hunt, head of The Father’s House would meet with the families to have prayer. Children would be divided into play groups by age.
“We’d have games, and they’d win prizes,” said Lewis. And, even today, there are always extras because the attendees often ask if they can take something to a relative or a neighbor in need.
Holiday outreach and year-round service
“Our congregation really steps up at this time,” Lewis said. “We always make sure the kids have two or three gifts, and we put extra toys in their bags.”
And so they won’t know the gifts didn’t come from Santa, a big black bag with the children’s presents inside is delivered later. Food boxes are delivered as well.
“But we don’t stop there,” Lewis said. “We keep up with the parents or caregivers, [inviting them] to come to picnics. We [also] have back to school events where we give out school supplies.”
For The Father’s House, community ministry and outreach doesn’t start and stop at Christmastime. It’s all year-round. ##
Angel Tree gifts
Rita Lewis
Good Lighting Means More than Illuminating Dark Spaces
Words by Arlinda Smith Broady
In describing himself, Bill Frey mentions his family above everything else, but that doesn’t mean the self-named “Lighting Guy” slacks off when it comes to business. Owner of Illuminating Design (ID), he has seen his Peachtree Corners-based company grow from a seasonal holiday lighting installer to one of the premier exterior lighting companies in the area.
He counts the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Stone Mountain Park, Coca Cola and the City of Peachtree Corners among his many clients.
“We’ll do everything from programming light shows to your traditional static house lighting and everything in between,” he said. “We started primarily as residential holiday lighting, and we saw a need in the community to provide better service,
better pricing and just better overall attention to the holiday lighting industry.”
That creativity and willingness to almost literally make the sky the limit pushed Frey and his team to turn fantasy into reality, all while staying true to safety and customer service.
“That really is the foundation of what we were built on — giving back to the community and really taking care of our clients,” he said.
Transition from holiday lighting to permanent lighting
Although ID has been around about 20 years, it was the 2008 housing market crash that catapulted the business to what it is today.
“We actually transitioned a little bit from just do-
Photos by Rico Figliolini
Bill Frey
ing homes to doing neighborhood fronts,” he said. “That’s what really brought the attention and the value back to some homes. When everybody was struggling to find some differentiator for their neighborhood, putting holiday lights out in the front really helped make those communities stand out.”
That desire to add value has now become a standard. There’s probably not a subdivision or housing community that doesn’t have some sort of holiday display out during the fall months.
“It really helps spread goodwill and cheer and everything to the communities and to the people in there,” he said. “And the fun part is now it’s not only
just Christmas. We do Hanukkah, and we’re building a kinara.”
Kinara comes from the Swahili word for “candleholder.” Beginning the day after Christmas, a seven-branched candleholder is used to celebrate the principles of Kwanzaa.
“We had to custom build one commercial size,” he said. “It’s going to be down at Piedmont Park this year to go with a 50-foot tree and a 10-foot menorah. So that’s going to be a really exciting, fun opportunity.”
Frey and his team typically begin installing holiday lighting in September, and disassembly takes place
in January. So what do they do the other seven months?
“The rest of the year, we work in installing permanent trim lighting as well as landscape lighting,” he said. “We’ve started moving into those markets. That really helps [us] keep our best staff and our best teams.”
Artistic and technical aspects of lighting
Professional landscape lighting involves expert design and installation to enhance safety, security and the aesthetic appeal of an outdoor space after dark, typically using durable, energy-efficient LED systems.
“We’re able to do animation and things with the lights that have gotten a lot more creative than just sticking a light here or putting a floodlight on the front of your house,” he said. “There’s really a lot that we can do on the landscaping side to really bring out the beauty and architecture of your home and your natural areas and gardens.”
For most people, their home is their largest investment, and Frey relishes helping them bring out the most in that major purchase.
“In the winter, you’re looking at 10 to 12 hours or more of darkness that you really can’t see your house,” he said. “We help highlight the natural beauty and provide safety and security for the homeowners.” Protection and artfulness don’t have to be on opposite sides of the spectrum, he pointed out.
“A lit house is a lot less of a temptation for somebody to break into cars or anything like that,” he said. “You see these Ring camera videos, and it’s just pitch dark as these people are climbing around the cars and trying to break in.”
But that doesn’t mean making the home a beacon. “We play with the shadows off some of the stonework, so you’re not just hitting with a big floodlight,” he said. “Our textual and aesthetic lighting makes any home as pretty at nighttime as it is during the day.”
Setting themselves apart
Frey was a big concert goer in his youth and has al-
ways loved lighting displays and special effects.
“I saw what you could do with light, and after getting my master’s degree, I worked for a national holiday franchise and figured out that I could really make my own way in that industry,” he said. “We do things a little differently because we are not a landscaping company, we’re not a painting company, we’re not a window washing company. We are a lighting company, through and through.”
Using lighting in different ways, whether it’s landscape, architectural, permanent, trim or holiday, he strove to separate his company from everyone else.
“Now as it gets to be the holidays, everybody throws on a Christmas hat and says, ‘Hey, I’m your holiday lighting installer,’” he said. “That doesn’t mean he knows how to run lights properly or understands the design aesthetic of it.”
Community involvement and business growth
As his company grew, Frey started moving into event lighting and worked on some major projects. There are installations throughout metro Atlanta that his company has had a hand in.
“Some of our lighting displays have been in movies as well and on Netflix or in feature films, which is really a fun and exciting thing to do,” he said. He’s looking to do more of that as well as more permanent lighting.
“Lighting changes the mood and it changes the environment. And that’s really what we’re diving into more now and really creating something that can be year-round,” he said. “It’s more of exterior entertainment.”
With that, he subscribes to what he calls a “three-win philosophy.”
“We have to have a win for our clients, where we exceed expectations with custom design and impeccable service, which is a win for our team as well,” he said. “That’s where we
empower our designers and installers through creativity, collaboration and pride in their craft. And then a win for the company, where we can grow sustainably by consistently providing outstanding experiences and building lasting relationships.”
Connecting with the community is important not only because it’s good for business, but it’s good for the spirit.
“We don’t like being a one-and-done company,” he said. “We like to be out in the community. We like to build relationships with people.”
Illuminating Design has sponsored Norcross football for a number of years, and it provides lighting for school dances in the area.
“We just donate our time and give back to the community that has done so much for us,” he said.
Local connections
Frey is a member of the Peachtree Corners Business Association. And it’s there that he met fellow businessman Andrew Hajduk, owner of Vox-Pop-Uli, a local marketing production company that is also heavily involved in the community.
“It’s kind of a match made in heaven,” he said. “We have a lot of very similar philosophies on things.”
Although the two men are in different industries, Frey said that the mindset of putting people first and giving back to the community is exactly how he runs things.
“I find that Andrew and his entire team have been fantastic to work with,” he said. “Anytime we’ve had questions, concerns or anything, they’re there and they deliver on time as promised every single time.”
Both are also involved in mentoring and growing local talent.
“It’s really reassuring to know that there [are] other people out there fighting the same fight we are,” he said. “Our goal is that we work hard, but we’re also going to enjoy ourselves in what we do, because we do some awesome things.”
THE LOCAL THREAD
This business profile series is proudly supported by Vox-pop-uli, championing local stories and the communities we serve.
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.
Curator and editor: Shawne Taylor
Park27, Buzzin’ Burgers and Sucré Now Open at The Forum
The Forum at Peachtree Corners continues to welcome exciting new restaurants and retail shops as part of their ongoing development. Most recently, three new (and much-anticipated) eateries opened their doors to residents and visitors in the Peachtree Corners community.
Park27 Korean BBQ
Popular K-BBQ spot, Park27 has opened their third location in the former Aomi restaurant space at The Forum. Known for their authentic Korean cuisine, with premium cuts of meat grilled up at the table, the restaurant serves up a unique dinner experience in an intimate, elegantly designed space.
Their menu is “built around the idea of a , the center place of traditional Korean home meals.” The food is traditional yet modern, with creative, flavorful menus featuring stews, noodles, rice dishes, banchan (sides) and, of course, BBQ.
Choose from a variety of beef and pork courses, ready to be grilled. Or fill up on savory appetizers and entrees, including bibimbop, galbi tang, kimchi stew and spicy cold noodles. Additionally, with a minimum of two people, your table can take advantage of Park27’s “All You Can Eat (AYCE)” offer.
5145 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 470, Peachtree Corners park27bbq.com
Sucré
Now officially opened at The Forum, Sucré is a luxury brand patisserie serving up colorful macaroons, cupcakes, gelato and other handmade, French-inspired desserts in a stylish, European-style space. The menu features regular items as well as seasonal favorites that rotate out throughout the year. Along with the sweets, they also offer delicious espresso, tea and other beverages.
Founded in New Orleans, the company is focused on creating memorable guest experiences and offering a brief escape from the day-to-day through its “high-end, elegant ambience and signature southern hospitality infused with European flair.”
It’s the perfect spot to pick up an afternoon treat or purchase a box of assorted goodies for holiday parties or gifts.
5135 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 930, Peachtree Corners shopsucre.com/blogs/news/sucre-forum
Buzzin’ Burgers
Politan Row at The Forum recently welcomed Buzzin’ Burgers to the food hall lineup.
Founded in Kennesaw in 2024 by Atlanta entrepreneur, Jay Charaniya, the counter-service restaurant features an affordably priced menu of juicy, cheesy smash burgers, Philly cheese steaks, wings and more — all “buzzing with flavor.” All of the food is Halal and available for dine in or delivery.
For those with a sweet tooth, they also offer decadent and delicious shakes, with Choco Buzz Bomb Cookie, Vanilla Twinkle and Super Strawberry just a few of the options to choose from.
This location is the third for the concept, which has had notable success with its other two locations in Kennesaw and Dunwoody.
5155 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners buzzinburgers.com
Scan the QR code to find more dining opportunities at The Forum Peachtree Corners.
From Marines to the C-Suite: Corporate Exec Discusses Boldness, Brevity in Business
Words by Arlinda Smith Broady
Guest speaker Debbie McKinley shared her journey from a sharecropper’s daughter to a successful business leader with the attendees of Southwest Gwinnett Chamber’s Thursday Thought Leaders luncheon at Hilton Atlanta Northeast on November 13. In her talk, she emphasized the importance of resilience, a strong work ethic and understanding one’s roots.
A former Marine Corps officer and current Chief People Officer at Herschend Family Entertainment — one of the nation’s largest family entertainment companies — she highlighted her experiences at the US Naval Academy, her deployments and in her former career at Home Depot, where she rose from an operator to vice president of human resources. She stressed the significance of leadership principles, wellness and meeting people where they are.
A strong foundation and good advice
McKinley began her presentation by explaining her roots.
“We were incredibly poor … so the way it would all work is, you go to school and then when school is over, you go home and you’d help with the farming chores,” she said. “You’d go back to school for basketball practice, [then] you’d come home — probably in the dark — and you had to have dinner with the family.”
She would then do homework, go to bed and start the cycle all over again the next day.
“When I told my dad I was going to join the military, I thought I was going to see the world,” she shared. But, as an enlisted person himself, her father knew what it would be like for an enlisted female. He told her that the only way she’d circumnavigate the globe was to go in as an officer.
Another piece of good advice came later, from a public affairs friend who told McKinley that
whenever she had to give a presentation — especially to a non-military audience — she should “be bold, be brief and then be gone.”
Taking that friend’s words to heart, McKinley set out to create a top 10 list of leadership lessons, in the fashion of late-night comedians, with a small difference.
“Ten felt too long …,” she explained. “[And] I thought five felt too short. Eight felt great, fairly
What she came up with were eight simple rules that can help build success in both business and in life.
McKinley’s eight lessons
Be proud of where you come from and understand the strengths that it gives you.
“I have a real unique strength. Hopefully, it’s more around resilience, and it’s more around work habits, and it’s more around loving your neighbors,” she said.
Do your research.
Going into the Marines, McKinley had all the book smarts, and she was a three-sport athlete. However, she knew nothing about how the military worked until she got there.
“I couldn’t figure out why they were being so mean to me,” she said. “They would not stop yelling. And I thought, ‘What is your problem?’”
She caught on quickly enough, and in her second year, she became the one who wouldn’t stop yelling. But doing some research and learning more about the military before going in would have given her a better understanding of what to expect.
[is] also just how I like to lead.”
She said the phrase means that while we’re all made perfect, when you interact with someone, none of us act perfectly all the time.
“When we interact with each other, especially in a business context, [you’ve got to] start from a place of unconditional high regard,” she said. She explained that you may have an employee with great skills and capabilities, but they’re hard to interact with. She told a story about her first deployment.
McKinley shared that as a teenager growing up in a rural area in western Virginia, she, like many others in the small town, couldn’t wait to get grown and get out. But she recalled bringing her then-fiancé to meet her family. As they got closer to her neck of the woods, an incredible stench filled the car. It was cow manure which, according to McKinley, isn’t nearly as awful as poultry droppings.
“When you’re dealing with people, you’ve got to really get to know where they’re from, what’s their story. Because your story gives you strengths you just can’t imagine,” she said, adding that growing up in her small, rural town taught her to “know her s—t,” colloquially and literally.
Stop making the decisions you don’t need to make.
“If I knew how to run a P and L (profit and loss statement), [or] if I knew how to resolve a customer issue, that didn’t mean I needed to resolve the customer issue,” she said.
What she learned from the Marines is that good
leaders coach and train and teach people to handle things for themselves so the higher-ups don’t have to.
“In the military it’s super convenient, because this is why we have rank,” she said.
Meet people where they are.
“There’s a phrase I love — unconditional high regard,” she said. “It touches me for my faith, but
“I had about 250 men that worked for me aboard this ship. There were 2000 men [on the] ship, and there were eight ladies,” she said. “We were the second ship that ever deployed with females on board, female officers only.”
The 41 pilots on board vowed to never speak to the women. They even had a pool of money that would go to the last man standing, so to speak.
The bet was eventually discovered by the commanding officer, who made the men apologize and give the money to the women.
“As the maintenance officer, you decide which aircraft gets worked on, which aircraft gets to fly, which aircraft gets pulled on the spot,” she said. “You also are the supply officer. Let’s say a pilot’s helmet breaks and they can’t hear. You decide if he gets a new helmet.”
“I could have gotten really angry,” she continued. “I could have just really blamed them. I could have gotten bitter. I could have [turned the] behavior back on them.”
But she remembered unconditional high regard and let them off the hook.
“I left that ship with 41 brothers. Most of them I still know today, those who are still with us,” she said. “But I would tell you a huge lesson I’ve learned — and I brought into my civilian life — [is that] especially as a leader, a business owner, you’ve got to meet people where they are. Sometimes we forget that.”
Economically, it’s about people.
Even though her military training was working on machines and fixing helicopters, McKinley eventually decided to work in the HR department in corporate America.
“In the Marine Corps, you cannot recruit and you can’t fire your Marines,” she said. “When you’re out in the war fighting as a unit, you can’t recruit who comes to work for you.”
She said she hates the HR practice where an employee is told everything that’s wrong with them and is expected to fix it. In the Marines, you may not like everyone, but you love them, she said, because the relationship can mean life or death.
McKinley talked about how Home Depot got incredibly busy during COVID because almost everyone became DIYers or needed a new freezer or washing machine.
“Home Depot got really busy, really fast. And it was quite overwhelming, to be honest, because we had to hire people and ask them to stand at the door and count customers and deal with health departments and … policemen and … things [like] that at a big box retailer,” she said.
“And what’s funny is that at Home Depot, if we encourage [those employees] to sell one more roll of duct tape or the caulk that [when] you get home, you’re like, ‘Oh, darn it. I didn’t get that while I was there,’ that extra $1 item in each cart equates to about $1.6 billion throughout the company.”
“People skills equals dollars,” she added.
Life is short. Go ahead, have fun.
“I tell my kids all the time, ‘it’s not embarrassing, unless you’re embarrassed,’” she said. “They cringe as soon as I say that because they’re like, ‘Oh god, what’s coming next?’”
As a 20-year vet and as an executive at Home Depot and Herschend — the only civilian jobs she’s had after retiring from the Marines — McKinley said she doesn’t take things too seriously.
“When you have fun, other people have fun, and it’s awesome,” she said.
To lead well, you must be well.
Thinking back to the pandemic, McKinley stressed that we must ground ourselves in wellness.
“In work, you get graded on what you get done and how you get [things] done every year. And your bonus is dependent on [that],” she said, speaking about her current situation. “But if you are not patient and kind and humble and forgiving and truthful and respectful and trusting and unselfish and dedicated, then you’re not demonstrating the type of leadership we expect at our company.”
She said those principles — and the idea that to lead well, you must be well — ground her, so much so that her family makes time at Christmas to go diving in Belize.
“I’m very adamant [that] the people that work for me, they have to have a hobby. And if they don’t, they can get counseling …,” she said. “If they don’t have something in their life that balances their wellness, [we help them find something].”
Be bold, be brief and then be gone.
In closing, McKinley recalled her best friend, Major Megan McClung , who was the public affairs officer she mentioned earlier. As a best friend, she’d kept McKinley grounded, and when she was close to the edge, was able to calm her down.
“You live in the greatest nation in the world. You’re teaching people how to earn a dollar and save a dollar and spend a dollar. You’re helping grow people’s careers. You’re handling customer issues because they’re changing out their kitchen,” she said McClung told her.
Sadly, McKinley shared that her friend had been killed by an IED. But the lessons learned from her live on.
“She is the one who taught her Marines that when you go into a press conference, [or] when you go in to brief the commanding officer, when you go in to brief the general, stick to the facts,” she said. “Tell them what they need to know. Go in there, know your stuff, do your research. Be well as a leader. Have your crap together. Go in there and be bold, be brief and then be gone.” ##
PCBA Panel Discusses Resilience, Leadership
Words by Arlinda Smith Broady
“We gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face. We must do that which we think we cannot.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
As the longest-serving first lady in the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt suppressed fears and doubts about her abilities and rose to become a symbol of strength for women worldwide. In a similar spirit, Peachtree Corners Business Association convened a panel of women who, though not as famous, are just as determined to overcome challenges.
During the Business After Hours Speaker Series event on November 13 at Hilton Atlanta Northeast, Amanda Pearch, CEO & founder of AmandaPearch.com moderated the panel that included:
• Leigh McIntosh, president and executive director of Creative Enterprises, a non-profit organization that empowers adults with disabilities through vocational training, life skills classes and other programs.
• Carol LaBranche, co-founder and CEO of AboutFace-USA, whose mission is to help veterans improve their relationships, cope better with daily stresses and positively alter the tra-
jectory of their lives.
• Stephanie Wolfe, a two-time cancer survivor, board certified health and wellness coach and owner/founder of The Whole Food Health Coach, who offers a wide range of services to help individuals achieve wellness goals.
The panelists shared personal stories of resilience, including overcoming challenges like cancer and losing loved ones. They also discussed the importance of self-care, balancing vulnerability with strength and the impact of political decisions on their organizations. The session concluded with a challenge to define personal resilience.
Challenges and reinvention in business
Pearch asked the panelists about times they had to reinvent or revolutionize their businesses.
“Working with people with disabilities has changed a lot in my lifetime,” said McIntosh. “When I first started working with them, Jimmy Carter was governor of Georgia.”
When the state closed down mental institutions, there were no programs for them, and many ended up homeless on the streets or in jail.
“It was a completely different environment, and they weren’t prepared to just be put out of hospitals, and so that’s kind of how we started,” she said.
Decades before the Americans with Disabilities Act came to pass, McIntosh worked to place people
with disabilities in jobs.
“There were people who were willing to hire our folks with disabilities. And our folks were very loyal to the jobs,” she said. “We had many that retired with those companies. They put in their 20 or 30 years.”
She also recalled a client who worked at Hobby Lobby during the pandemic. When others wouldn’t come in, he did.
“We had lots of stories like that, with our clients who were willing to go in and work even with their challenges, when other people without disabilities were not willing to work. So it tells you a lot about resilience,” she said.
Another panelist also had to overcome challenges during the pandemic.
“So for me in business, I think the one thing that comes to mind is COVID,” said Wolfe.
She had reached a successful point in her career, where everything was going well, and she had to shut down and remove the equipment from her office.
“I had my own training center,” she said. “I actually took a picture of myself just so I [could] see how bad I looked from this cry. Then I went home and got hired as one of the exclusive healthcare coaches for Chickfil-A corporate headquarters.”
Because everything was done virtually, it compelled Wolfe to develop a training course that worked remotely.
“I did it because I had to, and so reinventing made my business better.”
Balancing vulnerability and strength
Pearch asked LaBranche what anchors her in times of ambiguity.
“My husband would take a job in a different city or a different state, and I would be the spouse that would handle selling the house and waiting for our kids to get through school,” she said.
She didn’t have the luxury of succumbing to weakness.
“What would anchor me is the family,” said LaBranche. “It’s important to always keep your eye on the future.”
All in all, the women agreed that balancing vulnerability with strength in leadership and personal life has taken years — and lots of trial and error — to perfect.
In closing, Pearch challenged the audience to think about resilience and to try some of the methods shared by the panel.
“You can either overcome your circumstances or you can be overcome by them,” she said.##
Quick Takes
PCBA Donates $2,500 to Paint Gwinnett Pinky
Quick Takes delivers snapshots of what’s happening in Southwest Gwinnett. From business updates and community milestones to noteworthy people and events, this section delivers short highlights at a glance.
The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded a check for $2,500 to Paint Gwinnett Pink as part of its Business After Hours Speaker Series event on November 13.
Paint Gwinnett Pink is an annual 5K walk/run event with one main mission — helping people who are facing a breast cancer diagnosis by raising awareness and funding the best care possible for cancer warriors in the community. The annual event, held each October, is the largest breast cancer 5K in Gwinnett County, celebrating survivors and raising funds for the breast cancer programs at Northside Hospital Gwinnett.
“The PCBA is proud to donate a check for $2,500 to Paint Gwinnett Pink,” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA president.
“Our outreach committee and board are impressed with the GHS Foundation and the Paint Gwinnett Pink Program, dedicated to providing equipment and resources to fight breast cancer one person at a time.”
“Team PCBA was excited to participate in the annual breast cancer awareness
walk, as we are more committed than ever to find ways to engage and bring our community together in a meaningful way,” she added.
Funding community programs
Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and their annual “Tailgates & Touchdowns” charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at their monthly business and networking events so that their members have the opportunity to learn more about the organizations being supported.
Over the last 13 years, the PCBA has proudly awarded 20 scholarships and donated in excess of $180,500 + into the local community.
For more about the Peachtree Corners Business Association, visit peachtreecornersba.com.
To learn more about Paint Gwinnett Pink, visit support.paintgwinnettpink. com.
Peachtree Corners A6 Men’s ALTA Team Takes Fall City Finals Championship
The men’s tennis team from the Peachtree Corners Swim & Racquet Club (PCSR) are celebrating their recent win at the ALTA 2025 A6 Men’s Fall City Finals Championship.
Though the final competition day had originally been scheduled for November 8, it was moved to November 15 due to rain. The delay didn’t slow the momentum of the local team, though, as they moved into the top spot in their advanced category and flight level, capturing the championship title.
Hosted by the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (the largest city tennis league in the world), the ALTA City Finals is one of the metro area’s most exciting tennis showcases, where skilled teams battle it out on the court to see who will be victorious. Once the last
point is won, the celebrations begin, with well-earned awards presented to the champions, as well as members of the other teams who made it to the finals.
According to player, Hugh Kwok, the PCSR men’s team won the league’s B2 City Championship in the Fall of 2023, but this is their first A-level city championship win.
Congratulations to the team!
Dining and Events? Stay in the know with Opening Bites, our new newsletter delivering the latest restaurant openings, local events, and food and beverage trends across the northern suburbs. Scan the QR code or visit livinginpeachtreecorners.com/newsletters to subscribe.
(pictured from left) Toby Anderson, PCBA Board; Angela Mixon, Paint Gwinnett Pink; Shannon Butler, Paint Gwinnett Pink; Marie DeLong, Paint Gwinnett Pink; Lisa Proctor, PCBA Board; Audrey Boyce, PCBA Outreach; Allison Reinert, PCBA Board
Above: (Back row from left) William Espinoza, Winston Liu, Joe Ivey, Colin Steuterman, Alan Almond, Witt Cunningham, Ethan Vas, Rohan Raina, Nick Lynch (Front row from left) Graham Haer, Mario Vivarelli, Hugh Kwok, Dustin Lockhart, Evan Silver. Photo below courtesy Hugh Kwok.
Where authentic Christian mission and academic excellence aren’t mutually exclusive
Released every other Thursday, “SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED” is for anyone raising, loving, or living with school-aged children, regardless of where those children attend school.
Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
