GwinnettForum | Number 25.39 | May 16, 2025
LONG TERM PROJECTIONS of Interstate 85 between I-285 and I-985 will be the focus at a community event on Saturday, May 17 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Multicultural Festival at Gwinnett Place Mall. Gwinnett County Government and the Georgia Department of Transportation are partnering to improve safety and mobility along this 18-mile stretch of interstate. As part of a comprehensive study, officials have identified 16 potential transportation projects designed to address key travel needs in the area, including multimodal options and freight movement enhancements. These proposed improvements aim to better connect communities, reduce congestion and support future growth across the corridor. Community input is an important part of this process. To explore the proposed recommendations and share your feedback, visit 85Study.com.
TODAY’S FOCUS: Water Tower continues to elevate, educate, innovate
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Local chocolatier operating under Scoffrey’s name
SPOTLIGHT: Peach State Federal Credit Union
ANOTHER VIEW: Sugar Hill Church Meals on Wheels program growing
FEEDBACK: Jewish is a religion, not a government
UPCOMING: Norcross Gallery showcases Pigments of Imagination
NOTABLE: Annandale Program Center to bear Pomeranz name
RECOMMENDED: The Rainbow by D.H Lawrence
GEORGIA TIDBIT: The Tams were early successful vocal group
MYSTERY PHOTO: Murals becoming more popular; where’s this one?
LAGNIAPPE: New local celebrity
CALENDAR: Multicultural festival May 17 at Gwinnett Place
Water Tower continues to elevate, educate, innovate
At work in the laboratory are Faith Carlisle (left), Claude David Mbemba (right). Provided.
By Kristan VandenHeuvel
Director of Impact and Engagement, The Water Tower
BUFORD, Ga. | Since the launch of the two nonprofits that comprise The Water Tower (The Water Tower Institute, 501c3 and The Water Tower at Gwinnett, 501c4) in 2019, The Water Tower (TWT) has established itself as a dynamic international hub for utilities, researchers, companies, and other industry leaders to address real-world water challenges, while making a meaningful local, national, and international impact on the water sector.
Kristan VandenHeuvel
TWT’s campus, located adjacent to the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center (FWH WRC) in Buford, offers a wide range of resources including state-of-the-art research laboratories, meeting spaces to fit 10-200 people, three classrooms, and more.
The main building is home to 11 companies who are committed to supporting water innovation. A living laboratory provides access to real water flows from the neighboring FWH WRC for research and technology development with real-world test conditions. A hydraulic training lab and field training center allow trainees to develop and advance their skills through hands-on learning. In 2024, the innovation campus attracted approximately 9,000 visitors from all over the world.
TWT continues to expand its programs to provide solutions for research, workforce, and technology challenges. Thought-leadership programs on topics including cybersecurity, digital solutions, resiliency, emerging contaminants, and succession leadership are offered throughout the year, as well as training and upskilling programs for water careers.
Notably, Demo Day, TWT’s signature program held on April 24, brought nearly 350 attendees representing over 65 organizations from 14 states to its campus for a day of exploring the latest water technologies firsthand through live demonstrations.
Reinforcing the need for industry-wide workforce development, TWT recently concluded the Water Workforce for Resilient Communities pilot program, training over 30 Gwinnett residents for water industry careers.
Building on the success of the pilot program, TWT launched the Water Training and Recruitment (WTR) Hub, a national effort supported by a $2M grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This ongoing program works with partners across the country to expand TWT’s workforce initiatives to South Carolina, Mississippi, and California, connecting job seekers with training and support to start a fulfilling career as an operator or lab analyst. Training for entry level water operator, wastewater operator, and lab analyst careers is ongoing at TWT’s campus, with the next cohort starting in June.
The Water Tower collaborates with researchers from universities, colleges, and other organizations to fast-track the advancement and adoption of groundbreaking water solutions. The R and D program focuses on applied research on timely topics – including PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), disinfection byproducts, harmful algal blooms, among others – to assist water and wastewater utilities meet their requirements to protect our communities and environment.
Looking ahead, The Water Tower is set to host nearly 100 events this year including workshops, trainings, fundraisers and conferences. Upcoming programs this summer include:
- Water 101 course for new industry professionals (June 25);
- National Backflow Prevention Day Celebration (August 14);
- Student Water Innovation and Leadership Summit (September 26);
- AquaRoyale Casino Night Gala (October 22);
- Sixth Annual Watering HoleGolf Tournament (October 23); DCS-Water-25 Cybersecurity Conference (October 28-30); and
- H2GO Run Like Water 5K (November 15).
- To learn more and register for an upcoming program, visit www.theh2otower.org.
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email
Local chocolatier now operating under Scoffrey’s name
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
MAY 16, 2025 | Remember those two guys who ran an exquisite chocolate and gelato shop in The Forum in Peachtree Corners? They are now offering high grade chocolates via the internet out of a private kitchen in Norcross, under the name Scoffrey’s Chocolates, a name combining owners Scott Gottuso and Geoffrey Wilson.
They departed the Peachtree Corners retail shop after the management company would not renew their lease. They closed their retail operation at the end of July, 2024. They opened online in November, 2024, had a good Christmas season, and are developing new ways to operate, often with new tasty chocolate products.
Scott Gottuso says: “We pivoted in our sales outreach, and what happened has been very positive. We streamed our operations, and it is just Geoffrey (Wilson) and me. We went from operating a retail shop seven days a week and 12 employees, to just us two.” That goes to say that they cut their overhead tremendously. They have found success with having their chocolates at one local church, and may seek other similar arrangements.
Their new business model is streamlined to sell the chocolate products that their customers love. (Have you ever had their chocolate popcorn? Wowee!)
Wilson adds: “We’re not in front of customers all day. We are working on new methods to reach our customers. We offer free delivery to nine Zip Codes in the area, from Dunwoody and Johns Creek to Duluth and Lilburn. For delivery outside these limited Zip Codes, there is a $10 charge.”
What is their best seller: Gottuso says: “By far it is the chocolate covered Oreos. That sells at six in a box for $12; a 12 piece box for $30, and a larger box for $59.”
Wilson says: “We are also finding a lot of interest in truffles, which we make in many flavors. Personally, I want to get us into pralines, something I’ve always wanted to do. And there is more interest now in flavored bars, such as a Black Forest item, but also rum, lemon and the trendy stuff with spices and other flavors. We’ve not been in that area before.”
The Scoffrey’s kitchen is also changing its packaging. Wilson says: “Where once people could come into the shop, and select varying chocolates from the counter, that’s no longer possible. We used the same simple packaging before. But now about 50 percent of our sales is for gifts, so we are using a gold box with bows on them, making them beautiful and taking the restraints off and doing business differently.”
A problem that has hit all in the chocolate business is the increased wholesale cost of the basic chocolate bean. “Most of the chocolate comes from the Ivory Coast of Africa. There has been a 35-40 per cent increase in wholesale chocolate prices. And you must buy wholesale well in advance of the Christmas season.” The owners are also concerned, as many businesses are, of what impact tariffs might affect their costs.
Gottuso and Wilson have always operated by giving back to the community as they could.
Gottuso says: “We’re married to a mission of supporting the community, and we continue to do so. Now we have the time to work with the Neighborhood Community Ministries. There I’m helping out with intake, and when we had a retail shop, we never had the time before.”
Just looking at the vast array of different chocolate products on their internet site makes your mouth water. We look for Scoffrey’s to have solid future success.
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email.
Peach State Federal Credit Union
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Peach State Federal Credit Union is a $1+ billion credit union that serves more than 7o,000 members throughout Georgia and South Carolina. Operating as a not-for-profit financial cooperative, Peach State’s mission is to provide quality financial services that meet the needs and exceed the expectations of its member-owners.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
Sugar Hill Church Meals on Wheels program growing
By Chuck Allen
Pastor, Sugar Hill Church
SUGAR HILL, Ga. | For many senior adults in Gwinnett County, maintaining independence while facing mobility challenges, health issues, or financial constraints can be a significant challenge. Fortunately, Neighborhood Meals on Wheels (NMOW) serves as a vital lifeline, delivering not just nutritious meals but also meaningful human connections to our community’s most vulnerable members.
Chuck Allen
NMOW prepares fresh, nutritious meals for senior adults in Gwinnett County and delivers them directly to recipients’ homes each weekday. This service eliminates the physical and logistical barriers that many seniors face when it comes to grocery shopping, meal preparation, and accessing proper nutrition.
Jenny Allen, executive director of Neighborhood Meals on Wheels, explains: “Our mission goes beyond simply providing food. We’re committed to supporting seniors’ ability to age in place with dignity and independence. The daily meal delivery also serves as a regular wellness check and friendly interaction that many of our clients eagerly anticipate.”
Sugar Hill Church provides the kitchen space NMOH presently uses. They also fund about 20 percent of the operating budget. The membership currently comprises approximately 30 percent of our 300 volunteers. The church plans to open a satellite campus in Peachtree Corners this summer.
At present NMOW serves just under 5,000 meals each month. At the present growth rate, it will eclipse 63,000 meals this year.
Neighborhood Meals on Wheels was founded in 1979 as Norcross Meals on Wheels. It was initially a part of Norcross First United Methodist Church. In 2021, the Sugar Hill congregation inherited the work and were serving approximately 13 meals each day, primarily in and around Norcross. Starting in 2022, Sugar Hill Church expanded its existing kitchen and strengthened its financial position. Since that time, it has grown from serving 3,400 meals in 2022 to over 60,000 in 2025. The church is building a new kitchen later this year to triple its meal output.
What sets NMOW apart is its commitment to freshness and quality. Unlike frozen meal programs, NMOW offers freshly prepared meals that meet seniors’ nutritional needs while remaining appetizing and enjoyable. Each meal is carefully balanced to support the unique dietary requirements of older adults.
Perhaps equally important to the nutritional benefits is the personal connection formed between volunteers and meal recipients. For many seniors who live alone, the brief daily visit from an NMOW volunteer might be their only human interaction of the day. These moments of connection help combat the isolation and loneliness that too often accompany aging.
The program operates as a free service, ensuring that financial constraints never prevent seniors from receiving the nutrition and care they need. This accessibility is crucial in helping older adults maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes, a preference expressed by the vast majority of seniors.
Behind this community service is a network of dedicated volunteers who donate their time to ensure that Gwinnett’s seniors receive both nourishment and companionship. These volunteers often develop meaningful relationships with the seniors on their routes, creating a community of care that extends beyond mere meal delivery.
For families concerned about elderly loved ones living independently, NMOW provides peace of mind. Knowing that a caring volunteer will check in on their family member each weekday offers reassurance that someone is looking out for their well-being.
If you know a senior who could benefit from Neighborhood Meals on Wheels, or if you’re interested in supporting their mission through volunteering or donations, visit neighborhoodmealsonwheels.org or call 770-881-2134 to learn more about how you can help ensure no senior in our community goes without proper nutrition and human connection.
Jewish is a religion, not a government
Editor, the Forum:
Our common dialogue sometimes conflates similar terms that may confuse our understanding of current events. One such example is the term “Jewish” in our conversations about the Middle East.
Jewish is a religion, not a government. However, the term “Jewish” is used to describe anything that is done by the Israeli government. They are not the same. To complicate matters further is the term “Zionism,” which is a movement established in 1897 to encourage development and protection of a Jewish state.
As a Jew, I believe in the goodness of the religion. I also believe in the wisdom of the establishment of a Jewish state. But I am vehemently against the policies of the current Israeli government.
– Alan Schneiberg, Sugar Hill
Dr. Oz is scary talking of cutting Medicare and Medicaid
Editor, the Forum:
That was a nice expose on Dr. Oz in GwinnettForum recently.(Dr. Oz is not fit to head the Center for Medicare, May 13, by Jack Bernard.)
I saw Dr. Oz on television recently and I wasn’t impressed. He’s scary when he talks about cutting Medicare and Medicaid costs! Not a plan, but rather an attack on lots of deserving folks.
– Gary Christensen, Chamblee
Send us your thoughts: We encourage you to send us your letters and thoughts on issues raised in GwinnettForum. Please limit comments to 300 words, and include your hometown. The views of letters are the opinion of the contributor. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Send feedback and letters to: ebrack2@gmail.com.
Norcross Gallery showcases Pigments of Imagination
The Pigments of the Imagination exhibit continues through June 7 at Norcross Gallery and Studios. This is a showing of member artists’ exploration and use of pigments in their works. Outstanding are “Emergence” by rising artist Jacques Murphy – his evocative portrait makes viewers wonder what the subject’s thoughts and goals are. He says, “A young man comes to self-acceptance of who he is, as he cautiously emerges out to the world…”
“Big Boy”
“Big Boy” is a joyful and colorful painting of a rooster by Claudia Jernigan who said, “It was an experiment in which I attempted to be free instead of rendering my usual tight watercolor technique. I used a few watercolor pencils, splashed on wet watercolors and brushed where it felt right. I’ve never quite replicated the crazy technique since but come close a few times. I love my Big Boy!” So do we.
All Creatures Great and Small, a show all about members’ celebration of animals – beloved pets to awesome wildlife – will open June 12 through July 12.
Artist of the month is Adam Faust, the current operations director of Callanwolde Fine Arts Center where he curates exhibitions and programs in collaboration with various Atlanta arts organizations, educators, and artists at all stages of their careers. Faust embraced collage as his primary art form, delving into surrealist explorations of the subconscious through dreams and automatism, an exceptional exhibit. His works are at Café 45 and a reception will be held June 1, from 2 to 4 pm.
The work of Mikki Root Dillon will be on display at the Norcross Cultural Center, located at 10 College Street NW in Norcross, from May 18 through August 31. This exhibit shows the skill and versatility of this outstanding artist in both photography and pastel media.
Traffic signal upgrades among approved projects
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners approved several items during its May 6 meeting to enhance public safety, support of youth and transportation infrastructure. Highlights include traffic signal upgrades, gang prevention technology, school zone enforcement renewals and support for the County’s Summer Meals program.
Traffic signal upgrades: Gwinnett will receive a $9.6 million Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation to replace and upgrade at least 22 aging traffic signals across the County. The project is fully funded by GDOT with no local match required.
Gang intelligence platform: The Gwinnett District Attorney’s Office has received a $27,280 grant from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to continue using the Formulytics gang intelligence platform.
School zone speed enforcement: The County’s contract with RedSpeed Georgia, LLC, has been renewed through May 2026. The violator-funded program is projected to generate $2.7 million and includes camera equipment, monitoring, billing and collections. The system integrates with license plate readers and has shown measurable success in reducing school zone speeding.
Summer Meals program The Parks and Recreation Department will operate the Summer Meals program at 20 sites around the county from May 27 through Aug. 1. The program offers breakfast and lunch daily to children age 18 and younger and adults age 19 and over with a disability. The program has served 1.2 million meals since 2019 and for the first time will be funded entirely by the Parks and Recreation fund at a cost of $450,000.
Annandale Program Center to bear Pomeranz name
A new program center is rising at Annandale Village in Suwanee, and is expected to open in June. This week it was announced that it will be known as the Adam Pomeranz Program Center.
Pomeranz has been the president and CEO of the Village for nearly 21 years. The generosity of the Keadle family, who made the lead gift for the center, allowed them to persuade Pomeranz to have his name on the building. The 31,000 square foot facility will consist of a full gymnasium, music therapy program, art facilities, computer lab, sensory room and 300 seat auditorium. The building cost nearly $8 million. There are currently 230 villagers now.
Four Walton EMC linemen place in top 10 overall
Walton Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) linemen have a legacy of doing well at the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, a day of competition designed to test participants’ knowledge and skill. Their performance at the recent 2025 edition shows the tradition is still going strong.
The cooperative sent 12 apprentices to the rodeo, making up almost 10 percent of those competing. Four finished in the top 10 overall, including Phillip Mork who placed fourth, Mason Tolbert who placed fifth, Hollis Lucas who placed seventh and Nate Howell who placed ninth. Additionally, nine of the apprentices had top 10 individual event placements with all 12 making perfect scores in the hurtman rescue event.
The Rainbow, by D.H Lawrence
From Karen J. Harris, Stone Mountain: This is a lushly written saga of the Brangwen family in 1840’s England. It begins when Tom Brangwen marries a Polish widow, Lydia Lensky, a widow with a daughter Anna. When Anna meets Will Brangwen, the son of Tom’s brother, Alfred Brangwen, they marry, though they suffer turmoil in the early marriage years. Once Will and Anna have children, Anna finds her true calling. Ursula, the oldest daughter, is the cornerstone of this richly nuanced story. Her interior battle between finding love and freedom includes a brief romance with a teacher, and a passionate love affair with Anton Skrebensky who wants to marry her and is nearly destroyed by Ursula’s rejection. She questions her decision and through her own dejection identifies her own path. The reader will not only read about the lives of the characters but will be held captive by their struggles for fulfilment and acceptance.”
- An invitation: what books, restaurants, movies or web sites have you enjoyed recently? Send us your recent selection, along with a short paragraph (150 words) as to why you liked this, plus what you plan to visit or read next. Click here to send an email.
The Tams were early successful vocal group
The Atlanta-based quintet the Tams was one of a small number of Black vocal groups to emerge from the Southeast in the 1960s. They became one of the core groups of the Carolinas-based “beach music” sound and maintained an active touring schedule well into the 21st century.
Joseph Pope, his brother Charles Pope, Robert Lee Smith, and Horace Kay began singing together when they were students at David T. Howard High School in Atlanta. Starting around 1952, they performed in clubs around Atlanta under the name the Four Dots, and later in the decade, after they were joined by Floyd Ashton, became the Tams (a name derived from their stage attire, which included tam-o’shanter hats).
They released a single on the Swan label in 1960, and attracted the attention of Atlanta producer Bill Lowery, who agreed to produce a demo single of the group. Lowery associate and songwriter Joe South produced the session at the Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, which yielded the Tams’ first hit, “Untie Me,” which was also written by South.
The Philadelphia-based Arlen Records picked up the demo in 1962, and it became a top twenty rhythm-and-blues hit on the Billboard charts. This success enabled Lowery to secure a deal for the Tams with ABC-Paramount in 1963. Their first single for their new label, “What Kind of Fool (Do You Think I Am),” written by another Lowery protege, Ray Whitley, broke into the top ten. Shortly thereafter, Ashton left the group and was replaced by Albert Cottle, a resident of Washington, D.C.
During the rest of the decade, the Tams continued to record material written primarily by Whitley and South, at Fame Studios and then later at Lowery’s Master Sound Studio in Atlanta. The group released several albums on the ABC-Paramount label, including Presenting the Tams (1964), Time for the Tams (1965), and A Portrait of the Tams (1969). They achieved several charted hits in 1964, the most successful being “What Kind of Fool,” which reached number twelve on Billboard’s Hot 100. In 1968 the Tams charted for the last time, with their single “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,” which peaked at number twenty-six on the Billboard rhythm-and-blues chart.
In 1970 the Tams left ABC-Paramount and signed with Lowery’s 1-2-3 label, a subsidiary of Capitol Records. Although they were unable to replicate their earlier chart success, the group rerecorded many of their classic hits. The group toured continuously, enjoying popularity as a mainstay of the “beach music” scene along with other groups, such as the Drifters. The Tams were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1992 and received numerous other awards during a career that stretched across more than five decades.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Murals becoming more popular; Where’s this one?
Murals bring out the best in the outdoor artists. Outdoor murals are becoming less rare in Gwinnett County, as cities and other organizations pay to preserve their heritages. Now see if you can determine where this mural is located. Send your thoughts to ebrack2@gmail.com, and be sure to tell where you live.
Allan Peel of San Antonio, Teas gave us insight in the last Mystery photo. He says: “Today’s mystery photo was taken inside the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, one of the largest medieval fortresses in Europe, located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and perched atop Mount Benacantil in Alicante, Spain, approximately 225 miles southeast of Madrid.
“The castle was originally constructed in the Ninth Century by the Moors during their dominant rule of the Iberian Peninsula. It remained under Muslim control until the 13th Century when, in 1248, the Castilians, a powerful Christian military of the Kingdom of Castile led by King Alfonso X (1221–1284), captured the castle. The castle was renamed ‘Santa Bárbara’ to honor the fact that it was captured on December 4, 1248, the feast day of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen.
“Today, the castle is a popular tourist destination, housing a number of historic exhibitions, including a series of iron-clad medieval knights like the one depicted in the mystery photo. The statues were created in 2019 by Spanish artist Frutos María Martínez (1959–present), as part of his exhibition ‘Mar de Madera’ (‘Sea of Wood). Crafted from recycled materials, including iron and wood, the statues were strategically placed throughout the castle grounds in poses that simulated the Castillian defense postures protecting the Castillo de Santa Bárbara from further attacks by the Moors.”
Also sending in the right answer were Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill; George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; and Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.
- SHARE A MYSTERY PHOTO: If you have a photo that you believe will stump readers, send it along (but make sure to tell us what it is because it may stump us too!) Click here to send an email and please mark it as a photo submission. Thanks.
New local celebrity: People in the Norcross area are talking about a distinctive white squirrel. This white independent creature has been spotted at places a mile apart in the town. This photo comes from Bill Elsey.
Multicultural festival May 17 at Gwinnett Place
A May 20 groundbreaking is scheduled for this Lilburn partnership. More below.
Calling All Artists! Light Up the Peachtree Corners announces T-shirt design contest. Send in your best logo design and, if yours is selected, you’ll win $1,000 and have bragging rights on this year’s race t-shirt. Artwork and entry forms are due by May 16, and judges will be looking for one dynamic image to represent the Light Up the Corners Glow Run on the race banner, t-shirts and all multimedia. The winning artist will be presented their prize check during the event on Saturday, August 16. An entry form and additional details can be found here.
Author Talk: Rosey Lee will discuss her newest book, A Garden Wedding, at the Centerville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library, on Friday, May 16, at noon. This is a heartwarming story about love, forgiveness, new beginnings, and what it takes to get there. She lives in Atlanta, and grew up on the Westbank of New Orleans, La. Books will be available for sale and signing from Tall Tales Book Shop. Registration is requested.
Gwinnett County is hosting the 11th Annual Multicultural Festival and County Government Open House on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival will be at Gwinnett Place Mall.
Spring Concert: The Sugar Hill Choir of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presents a two-day concert on May 17 and 18 that features nearly 70 musicians celebrating music and the community. Themed Safely Gathered Home, the evening will be filled with harmonies and melodies reflecting the love and peace that can be found not only at our earthly home but also at our heavenly home. No ticket or purchase is necessary for the concerts being held at 7 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church at 4833 Suwanee Dam Road, Suwanee, Ga. Call 470-822-3107 for more info.
Historic Tour of Norcross Cemetery will be Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m. Step back in time with local historian Gene Ramsay as he relates stories of the town’s founders and shares fascinating insights from 1915 to 1923. This free, guided Historic Cemetery Tour offers a unique blend of fun facts, historical depth and local lore—including the origins of Norcross street names.
Gwinnett Historical Society’s speaker for its Monday, May 19 meeting will be Marie Bartlett, talking about fashions from the period from the 1740’s to the 1790s. Attendees will learn how fashion shaped history? Join the group for a fun, eye-opening look at 18th-century dress! Light refreshments and social time begins at 6:30 p.m. The program will begin at 7 p.m. The meeting will be at the Rhodes Jordan Park Community Center in Lawrenceville.
Gwinnett Master Gardeners will meet May 19 at the Bethesda Senior Center. Speaker will be Leslie Bevan, a full-time instructor and the farm manager at Gwinnett Technical College. She will explain Introduction to Landscape Design at 7 p.m. Visitors are welcome to join the potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. Bring a dish for all to share.
Groundbreaking for a new mixed-use development with apartments just steps from Lilburn’s Main Street at Railroad Avenue will be Tuesday, May 20 at 10 a.m. This project, which is a public/private partnership between the City of Lilburn, the Lilburn Downtown Development Authority and RangeWater Real Estate, will change the landscape of downtown Lilburn with 269 new luxury apartments and a public-private parking deck. The event will be at 4839 Railroad Avenue in Lilburn.
The second annual Georgia A-I Summit takes place May 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Atlanta Tech Park in Peachtree Corners. This year’s event will delve into the transformative power of A-I across various industries, including music, film, healthcare, marketing and cybersecurity. Offered by the Gwinnett Women’s Chamber and open to A-I enthusiasts, professionals or those looking to break into the field. Buy tickets online at georgiaaisummit.com.
Andersonville National Historic Site will commemorate Memorial Day with a series of events that are free and open to the public from Saturday, May 24, to Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The Memorial Day observance will begin on Saturday, May 24, with the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence Band performing at 9:30 a.m., followed by the program at 10 a.m. After the ceremony, hundreds of scouts and volunteers will place American flags on over 20,000 veterans’ graves. Andersonville National Historic Site is located 10 miles south of Oglethorpe, Ga, and 10 miles northeast of Americus, Ga, on Georgia Highway 49. The national park features the National Prisoner of War Museum, Andersonville National Cemetery, and the site of the historic Civil War prison, Camp Sumter. Andersonville National Historic Site is the only national park within the National Park System to serve as a memorial to all American prisoners of war.
GwinnettForum is provided to you at no charge every Tuesday and Friday.
Meet our team
- Editor and publisher: Elliott Brack, 770-840-1003
- Managing editor: Betsy Brack
- Contributing columnist: Jack Bernard
- Contributing columnist: George Wilson
More
- Mailing address: P.O. Box 1365, Norcross, Ga. 30091
- Work with us: If you would like to learn about how to be an underwriter to support the publication of GwinnettForum as a community resource for news and commentary, please contact us today.
Subscriptions to GwinnettForum are free.
- Click to subscribe.
- Unsubscribe. We hope you’ll keep receiving the great news and information from GwinnettForum, but if you need to unsubscribe, go to this page and unsubscribe in the appropriate box.
- © 2025, Gwinnett Forum.com. Gwinnett Forum is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA.
Follow Us