NEWS BRIEFS: Suwanee ClayWorks plans open house on April 27

Suwanee ClayWorks announces its inaugural Open House event on Saturday, April 27 from noon to 6 p.m. It is located at 4154 Silver Peak Parkway in Suwanee.

Guests can step inside Suwanee ClayWorks’ newly opened studio and see creativity that drives this innovative venture. Attendees will have the chance to meet the dedicated instructors, explore the studio space and even secure spots in the upcoming classes.

Marissa Hudson Loose, program director of Suwanee ClayWorks, says: “We are beyond thrilled to introduce Suwanee ClayWorks to our community. Our goal is not just to provide pottery classes, but to build a supportive and inclusive family where everyone, regardless of skill level, can come together to explore their creativity.”

Suwanee ClayWorks aims to be more than just a pottery studio; it seeks to create a nurturing environment where individuals can discover the joy of working with clay and unleash their artistic potential. It offers a diverse range of classes, from introductory hand-building to advanced wheel techniques.

Loose adds: “We believe in the transformative power of art and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging within our community. Our studio is a place where people can connect, learn and grow together.”

  • For more information about Suwanee ClayWorks and to view their studio hours, visit the website at suwaneeclayworks.com or contact directly at 470-238-3277.

Marin to address GGC commencement

Marin

Before more than 900 students cross the stage and become graduates of Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) on May 9, they will hear words of wisdom and inspiration from guest speaker, Rep. Pedro “Pete” Marin of the Georgia Legislature.

As a state representative for 22 years, Marin’s connection to GGC began with supporting legislation that created the college when it went through the general assembly. He also co-sponsored a bill on March 23, 2023, which recognized GGC for “educating and preparing its students for success in their future careers.” It was introduced, passed and adopted the same day.

Marin is the dean of Gwinnett legislators. As the former chair of the Gwinnett House delegation, he led a diverse and dynamic group of legislators in representing the interests of Gwinnett County. He announced his retirement recently from his elected post.

NOTABLE

NE Georgia Health Foundation hits $100 million

Through the generosity of countless donors over the last several decades, Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) has grown to meet the expanding needs of the region without sacrificing quality of care. Over the years, these donors have helped the NGHS Foundation raise $100 million — a major milestone for the health system since its first fundraising campaign in 1997.

Carol Burrell, president and CEO of NGHS, says:  “We couldn’t care for our community like we do without the support of these donors. Over the last two decades, we’ve been able to expand our facilities, invest in new medical technology and offer vital programs and services – all the while recruiting and retaining the best providers. We are grateful for those visionary leaders who were driving forces behind this fundraising success – Nell Wiegand, Woody Stewart and Nancy Colston, to name a few – and who saw a need and a deeply passionate community.” 

The NGHS Foundation has now launched a new fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $50 million more by 2026.

Dr. Pepper Brown, NGHS Foundation board chair, says:  “As we celebrate the remarkable achievement of raising $100 million, we look to the future with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. The next two years will be pivotal for NGHS and the people we serve as we embark on this new campaign of growing the greater good.”

The “Growing the Greater Good” campaign is strategically aligned with the system’s vision for growth and will focus on six key areas: emergency services enhancement, heart and vascular care, neurosciences advancements, creating a Hospice House, workforce development and Graduate Medical Education. Learn more and make a gift at nghs.com/give

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