GwinnettForum | Number 25.46 | June 6, 2025
NEW SCULPTURES: Gwinnett County officials on Monday celebrated the installation of two new sculptures, “Make A Wish” and “Vibrantly Connected,” at the Bicentennial Plaza and Trailhead in downtown Lawrenceville. Designed by Georgia artist David Landis, the 11,000-pound “Make a Wish” sculpture draws residents, families and visitors through a stainless-steel clover forest. The sculpture captures the magic of discovery, creating an interactive, enchanting experience where visitors can find a four-leaf clover and make a wish. At the trailhead, “Vibrantly Connected” stands 12 feet tall and features three highly polished stainless-steel ginkgo leaves that intersect to create negative space that reflects the Gwinnett logo. The sculpture symbolizes resilience, unity and the county’s deep-rooted diversity. The ginkgo, one of the world’s oldest tree species, was chosen for its strength, history.
TODAY’S FOCUS: PCOM gets $1 million gift from the Stricklands
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Trump’s many pardons benefitting his convicted friends
SPOTLIGHT: Peachtree Campus
ANOTHER VIEW: Gwinnett population growth: is it fact or fiction?
FEEDBACK: Why don’t elected officials read bills they vote on?
UPCOMING: GGC nursing graduates continue impressive pass rate
NOTABLE: Former GGC outfielder signs with Minnesota Twins
RECOMMENDED: Ordinary Grace, by William Kent Krueger
OBITUARY: Kurt Karl Alexander Eisele
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Rankin Foundation aims to help women over 35
MYSTERY PHOTO: Snug house surrounded by trees is today’s puzzle
CALENDAR: Flag retirement ceremony in Norcross on June 14
PCOM gets $1 million gift from the Stricklands
By Joy Deibert
SUWANEE, Ga. | The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Georgia (PCOM) has received a $1 million gift from Clyde and Sandra Strickland of Lawrenceville, noted philanthropists and entrepreneurs from Gwinnett County, to support doctoral students in the College’s osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, and physical therapy programs.
The gift marks the largest outright contribution to the United and Ignited comprehensive fundraising campaign, is the largest gift to PCOM Georgia during the campaign and, when added to their previous gifts, makes this the largest donor endowed scholarship at the institution across all three locations of PCOM.
PCOM President and CEO Jay S. Feldstein, DO ’81, says: “We are grateful to the Stricklands for their continued contributions to PCOM Georgia and for their commitment to providing more opportunities for Gwinnett County students to pursue advanced degrees in healthcare. This gift will empower future healthcare leaders to pursue their dreams and achieve academic excellence while limiting financial burdens.”
Five years ago, the Stricklands established the Clyde and Sandra Strickland Endowed Doctoral Scholarship Fund to provide financial support to aspiring doctoral students from Gwinnett County Public Schools who attend PCOM Georgia. Their relationship with PCOM began in 2014 and deepened over the years as they learned more about PCOM Georgia’s programs, faculty, and students. This connection was further strengthened when their granddaughter recently decided to pursue a career as a physician assistant and enrolled as a student at PCOM Georgia.
Five students have been awarded the scholarship, some of whom have received funds over multiple years.
Sandra Strickland says: “Whenever we give, we make sure we ask God. In 1 Timothy 6:18, ‘Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.’ By assisting these aspiring healthcare professionals with tuition expenses, we can help pave a smoother path for them and, hopefully, contribute to a healthier Georgia.”
In recognition of their commitment to PCOM and their philanthropy in support of PCOM Georgia, the Stricklands will be honored with the Ignite Award at the “A Night to Ignite Soiree” on October 24, 2025 at Gas South District.
David McCleskey, a long-time friend of the Stricklands and a member of the PCOM Board of Trustees, says: “Clyde and Sandra’s financial support exemplifies the spirit of giving that is so integral to the growth and success of PCOM Georgia. Their generosity, based on their faith, will not only strengthen our programs and the student experience at PCOM Georgia, but will hopefully also inspire others to give back to their communities in meaningful ways.”
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Trump’s many pardons benefitting his convicted friends
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
JUNE 6, 2025 | Though President Trump has embarrassed us nationally and internationally again and again, we are most distressed over his wholesale pardoning of so many people convicted by our criminal justice system. He is making a mockery of the courts by granting clemency to many who have contributed to him in some financial manner.
It all started the very day he took office for his second term, January 20, 2025, when Trump issued pardons to over 1,500 individuals, primarily related to the January 6th Capitol attack. These pardons were granted as executive clemency to those charged or convicted of federal criminal offenses.
During his first term, President Trump was not so generous with pardons, granting executive clemency (pardons) a total of 237 times. This was fewer than many modern presidents. For example, Barack Obama granted nearly 1,927 pardons during his presidency.
Since January 21, Donald Trump has issued pardon after pardon to people convicted of crimes such as murder, running gangs, being drug kingpins, those involved in ire fraud and those convicted in many forms of conspiracy.
Think of the victims of these people who were convicted of all sorts of crimes. Think how they must feel when they see such an obvious miscarriage of justice from these pardons!
Many of those convicted criminals getting pardons were ordered to pay restitution to their victims. But Trump’s action in granting a pardon means these convicted felons will now not have to pay the restitution ordered. The victims: they are left penniless.
For instance, in the U.S. Court for the Northern District of Georgia, reality television stars Julie and Todd Chrisley got a Trump pardon. Julie Chrisley was sentenced to spend 84 months in prison, and remit $4.7 million to her victims, while Todd Chrisley’s prison sentence was for 144 months and was ordered to return $17 million. They were sentenced in 2022 on bank fraud and tax evasion charges.
The list of those pardons goes on and on. For an extensive list of people granted pardons in 2025, go to the Office of the Pardon Attorney
The state of Georgia had its own problem with pardons in the 1930s era. The governor at that time, Ed Rivers, was implicated in a money-for-pardons scandal. Turns out that the governor’s chauffeur was part of the alleged scheme, bringing pardons to prisoners in exchange for cash. While the charges against the governor were eventually dropped, this scandal led to a fundamental reform on parole in Georgia.
Today, Georgia operates a State Board of Pardons and Parole, a five-member body appointed by the governor for staggered seven-year terms. It is authorized to grant parole and pardons. It was created in 1943 by a constitutional amendment.
At the national level, the Office of the Pardon Attorney is part of the U.S. Department of Justice, which reviews requests for pardons. However, President Trump routinely bypasses this office, with most of his pardons to people “well-connected,” who have not even filed requests for pardons.
The many Trump pardons result in a sorry state of affairs. It smells to high heaven, and puts convicted criminals on the street, which does nothing to restore confidence or fairness in our government.
Many presidents, apparently including Joe Biden near the end of his term, have stretched the bounds of pardons. But the crass manner of the Trump pardons, and the association of people with money or influence who find ways to get close to the president, makes this not only highly unusual, but distasteful and sickening. It does nothing to increase faith in our system or the presidency.
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Peachtree Campus
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today we welcome a new underwriting sponsor. Peachtree Campus is North Atlanta’s campus for education, production, and events. Located in historic Norcross, with abundant parking and easy access to Peachtree Boulevard, Peachtree Campus should be on the short list when looking for a workspace with creative vision. It’s the home of Brenau University’s North Atlanta Campus and to Boswell Edward Academy, a Georgia Pre-K School and Daycare. The Veranda on Reps Miller provides flexible space for small events and larger community events. It annually hosts an annual Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience. Now available is 3159 Campus Drive, which has 27 classrooms and a large multi-purpose space, which can be the perfect location for a growing school, event facility, film/video production studio, or faith community. Learn about leasing opportunities by contacting Jonathan Galucki, email jg@optimaproperties.net or texting 678-612-3385.
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Gwinnett’s population growth: is it fact or fiction?
(Editor’s note: The Gwinnett Accountability Project was founded with a desire to stand in the information gap about Gwinnett County—bringing transparency to the people about the state of Gwinnett government).—eeb
By Lisa Rutherford and Merrie Belle
Gwinnett Accountability Project Team
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | “Gwinnett is growing fast”—a phrase you’ve likely heard echoed in public meetings, leadership updates, and development proposals. It’s the justification for dense new housing, massive infrastructure projects, and ever-expanding county budgets. But is it true?
Today, those of us at the Gwinnett Accountability Project (GAP) examine whether population growth is fact—or political fiction.
The talking points vs. the truth
Local officials frequently claim that Gwinnett must plan aggressively for population growth. They cite the need for expanded services, new housing, and redevelopment to meet this rising demand. Yet when we examine the actual numbers, a different picture emerges.
According to the U.S. Census, Gwinnett County’s population grew from 957,290 in 2020 to just over 1,003,869 in 2024. That’s an average of only 11,645 people per year. Importantly, much of that increase occurred in 2020 alone. More recent trends show a growth rate of less than 1 percent annually.
From 2021 to 2023, Gwinnett grew by only 18,188 residents. The Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget forecasts similar modest increases—under 10,000 new residents annually through 2035.
Even Woods and Poole, a for-profit D.C.-based research firm cited on Gwinnett County’s website, projects similarly slow growth, albeit with vague methodology and a disclaimer noting their data may be unreliable.
Why the exaggeration matters
So why does this matter? Because the narrative of runaway growth is being used to push policies and projects that may not reflect our actual needs.
For example:
- The Gwinnett Board of Education recently proposed a $3.43 billion budget, citing growth—despite projections of flat or declining student enrollment.
- Developers are gaining approvals for dense multi-family housing, while 2,981 residential listings are already on the market currently ranging from $140,000-up.
- Public services and spending are growing based on outdated assumptions, placing more strain on taxpayers.
The question isn’t just whether we’re growing—but who benefits from saying we are?
Demographic trends raise new questions
GAP also notes a demographic trend: Gwinnett has one of the lowest citizenship rates among Georgia’s largest counties. That fact raises concerns about how resources are allocated and who is being served.
Higher noncitizen populations may increase the demand for public services, especially in health, housing, and education—despite limited eligibility. Meanwhile, local nonprofits and NGOs appear to be expanding rapidly, often seeking taxpayer-funded grants to serve “vulnerable” populations. Are these funds being used effectively and transparently?
In schools, ESL programs and free meal services are growing while student numbers shrink. Election participation may also be impacted, with a smaller proportion of eligible voters potentially skewing political representation.
Time for transparency
At GAP, we believe verifiable data should drive public policy—not recycled talking points or nostalgic assumptions. Gwinnett deserves better.
- Note: This post is an abbreviated version. To read this post in full with data and subscribe for future posts, visit GAP: Gwinnett Population Growth: Fact or Fiction.
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Why don’t elected officials read bills they vote on?
Editor, the Forum:
I wonder why we elect congressmen, senators and statehouse members when we hear reports that they get a bill and vote on it without reading it.
Evidently they do not talk about the bill in caucus. I can be hired to go to DC and teach them, party by party, how to read, particularly showing emphasis on big words, legal terms, and the difference between right and wrong.
It amazed me that Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia had the audacity to say that she voted for it without reading and then another Republican said the same thing.
– Raleigh Perry, Buford
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.
GGC nursing graduates continue impressive pass rate
Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) continues to lead the way in preparing the next generation of skilled, compassionate nurses. GGC’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has once again proven itself among the best in the state – and the nation – with an impressive 95 percent four-year average pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for first-time test takers.
That performance far exceeds both the national average of 87 percent and the Georgia state average of 87 percent, according to the latest data from the Georgia Board of Nursing. In 2024 alone, GGC achieved a 100 percent first-time pass rate – solidifying its place as a top-tier nursing education provider.
Dr. Paula Gordon, interim dean of the School of Health Sciences and associate professor of nursing, says: “This outstanding achievement reflects the dedication, perseverance and excellence of our students. Our graduates rise to the challenge, mastering the complex knowledge and hands-on skills that define exceptional nursing care.”
Gordon also credits GGC’s faculty for the program’s continued success.
“Our faculty are not just educators – they are experienced practitioners who bring real-world knowledge into every lecture and lab. Their passion for the profession and student-centered teaching is what truly sets our program apart,” she said.
At GGC, nursing students don’t just study theory – they live it. From mastering foundational clinical skills to training in advanced simulation labs, students engage in immersive, hands-on experiences that prepare them for every facet of modern nursing in real-world settings.
And the results speak for themselves: 100 percent job placement for GGC nursing graduates.
Gordon adds: “We’ve built a tradition of excellence in our nursing program.We’ve recently expanded our enrollment by 40% to help meet the demand for more BSN-level nurses in the workforce.
Peachtree Corners launches its own merchandise store
The City of Peachtree Corners has launched its official online merchandise store through a new pilot partnership with local marketing production company Vox-Pop-Uli. This initiative offers residents and visitors a curated collection of city-branded merchandise while supporting public spaces and community programs.
A portion of all merchandise sales directly benefits the City of Peachtree Corners. These funds will be used to support the continued expansion, upkeep, and enhancement of Town Green amenities, as well as the city’s event programming. This includes improvements to public gathering spaces, expanded offerings at community events, and long-term investments in civic experiences that bring residents together.
The merchandise collection debuted on May 10 with a pop-up shop at the Town Green, coinciding with the city’s concert series kickoff. The event featured a variety of items, including concert-themed apparel, limited-edition collectibles, and Mother’s Day gift selections. Shop the collection at https://peachtreecornersmerch.com/.
Former GGC outfielder signs with Minnesota Twins
Former Georgia Gwinnett College baseball standout and NAIA Player of the Year Blaze O’Saben is off to a successful start in his professional career, being picked up to play within Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins organization. The outfielder has been assigned to play with the Twins’ Class-A affiliate Fort Myers Mighty Mussels in Florida.
O’Saben started his professional career playing with the Florence Y’alls of the independent Frontier League. In the first nine games of this spring season, he had a .438 batting average and successfully stole 10 bases.The strong statistics caught the attention of scouts within the Twins organization.
O’Saben was named the NAIA’s 2024 Baseball Player of the Year after becoming the first player in collegiate baseball history to hit at least 10 home runs, 10 triples, 10 doubles, and steal 50 bases.
He also posted a .415 career batting average, behind 241 hits, and scored 216 runs while driving in an additional 165 runs during his three seasons in Lawrenceville.
Georgia Gwinnett College baseball has had nine former players drafted by MLB organizations and O’Saben becomes the sixth Grizzly to sign a free agent contract.
GGC baseball’s Grizzlies advanced to the semifinal round of the 2025 Avista NAIA World Series and finished the season with a 56-7 record and No. 2 ranking in the final NAIA Top 25 poll of the regular season.
Rowen Foundation adds Baisiwala to board
The Rowen Foundation has named a new director, Ambrish Baisiwala, chairman and CEO of Portman Holdings, to its board. Baisiwala brings more than 30 years of global experience in real estate and international business to the foundation.
Rowen President and CEO Mason Ailstock says:. “His insights, relationships and expertise will accelerate Rowen’s growth as we engage with prospective companies and begin vertical development.”
Baisiwala has held leadership roles in international real estate development and portfolio management across the U.S., China, India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Australia.He has led Portman Holdings, an Atlanta-based real estate investment, development, and management firm, for more than 15 years.
Weekend shooting in Snellville means more security
Two incidents involving gunfire took place at T.W. Briscoe Park in
Snellville over the weekend of May 29-June 1. The events are unrelated and the City of Snellville is working to immediately increase security measures at the park.
Saturday evening five teenagers ranging in age from 14 to 17 were injured by gunfire resulting from a large gathering of teens. All of the injured are in stable condition and Snellville police have several persons of interest in the case.
A second incident occurred Sunday afternoon as a result of a domestic dispute. One person was shot and is in stable condition. Investigators are following up on leads regarding the case.
Mayor Barbara Bender issued a statement saying: “These isolated incidents are extremely concerning and will not be tolerated. Be assured, T.W. Briscoe Park is and will remain a safe place for visitors to enjoy.”
Ordinary Grace, by William Kent Krueger
From Sara Burns, Duluth: Character development is so strong in this 1961 Minnesota River Valley setting that I didn’t notice, until researching the author, the story is considered a mystery. Time magazine considers it ‘One of 100 Best Mysteries and Thrillers of All Time’ (2013). Frank, the narrator, looking back 40 years at his 13-year-old self, has no illusions as to his own faults. As the son of a Methodist minister and a frustrated-musician mother, Frank and his little brother are able to see and hear all that is going on behind the scenes in their 1961 childhood freedom. When several deaths visit their community that year, the boys are much more savvy, even in their innocence, than the worldly adults surrounding them. From the dust jacket: “…an unforgettable novel about discovering the terrible price of wisdom and the enduring grace of God. Next, I’ll read Krueger’s companion novel, This Tender Land.
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Kurt Karl Alexander Eisele
Kurt Karl Alexander Eisele, 82, of Suwanee, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025. A memorial service to celebrate his extraordinary life was held on June 2, 2025 at Bill Head Funeral Homes Duluth Chapel, officiated by Dr. Joshua Johnson.
A native of Stuttgart, Germany, Kurt emigrated to the United States in 1965, bringing with him a passion for the culinary arts that would leave an indelible mark on the Atlanta Metropolitan area. His first role in the city was at the legendary Chateau Fleur de Lis Restaurant, where his talent and work ethic quickly set him apart. It was 1978 when the Standard Club made him executive chef. That was followed by an eight-year tenure with the Atlanta Athletic Club. Over the decades, Kurt became one of the pioneering chefs who transformed Atlanta’s culinary landscape into the globally recognized environment it is today.
In 1985, Kurt founded Kurt’s Bistro in Peachtree Corners, a restaurant that became a beloved institution across the region. Four years later, Scott Hudgens got him to move to the River Manor Club in Duluth (behind the current Agco headquarters.) Finally, after some rough years of the recession, he opened Kurt’s Bistro at its present location on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.
For nearly 40 years, Kurt’s Bistro stood as a testament to his vision, dedication, and culinary innovation. The restaurant touched countless lives, serving as a gathering place for celebration, comfort, and connection. Kurt’s influence extended far beyond the kitchen, inspiring an eight-part docu-series, “KURT8.0,” now available on YouTube, which chronicles his monumental contributions to the culinary world and the community at large.
Besides being involved with his vocation, Kurt also has been past president of the American Culinary Federation-Georgia chapter, as well as a past member of the Chaine, the Rottisseurs, and the Academy of Chefs. He was also a former member of the Gwinnett Rotary Club and took great pride in preparing the oyster stew for the club’s annual oyster roast.
Kurt’s impact was not limited to his professional achievements. Those who knew him will forever remember his hidden kindness, his steady leadership, his humor, and his unwavering presence. He was a man who deeply cared for everyone around him, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.
Kurt is survived by his devoted wife, Verena Eisele of Suwanee, with whom he shared 60 wonderful years of marriage; his son, Alexander Eisele of Lawrenceville; his daughters and son-in-law, Gaby and Brian Horn of Lexington, S.C., and Silvia Johnson of Suwanee. He is also survived by his brother, Jochen Eisele of Sweden; his sister and brother-in-law, Ursula and Dietmar Richter of Germany; his grandchildren, Hailey (Thomas) Walsh, Cameron Horn, Austin Eisele, Cieara Johnson, and Branham Johnson; and his great-grandchild, Clara Walsh. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
In accordance with his wishes, Kurt was cremated and his ashes will be distributed privately. While the family appreciates the gesture of flowers, they also encourage donations to Rainbow Village in Duluth, an organization Kurt passionately supported throughout his life. This would be a meaningful way to honor his enduring commitment to lifting others up. Kurt meant so much to so many, and his absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched. May his memory serve as a blessing and an inspiration to continue his legacy of kindness, community, and excellence.
Rankin Foundation aims to help women over 35
A national nonprofit organization based in Athens, the Jeannette Rankin Foundation awards scholarships annually to low-income women 35 years of age and older who seek financial assistance for undergraduate or vocational programs. The foundation bears the name of Jeannette Rankin of Georgia, who in 1916 became the first woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Born in Montana in 1880, Rankin was a longtime resident of Watkinsville. Upon her death in 1973, Rankin, a lifelong activist for women’s and children’s rights, bequeathed her estate in Watkinsville to assist mature women workers. The organization’s founders—Susan Bailey, Gail Dendy, Margaret Holt, Heather Kleiner, and Reita Rivers—used $16,000 from the estate to create the foundation.
The Jeannette Rankin Foundation was officially chartered in 1976 and became a 501(c)(3) charity in 1977. It awarded its first scholarship of $500 in 1978 to a nursing student at Athens Technical College. The foundation has grown considerably since that time, increasing the value of the scholarships to $2,000. In order to alleviate many of the obstacles that women face when returning to school, use of the scholarship money is not restricted to tuition. Recipients may use the funds to pay expenses that other, more restrictive, educational scholarships and loans do not permit, including books, child care, transportation, and general living expenses.
Originally operated out of the founders’ homes, the Jeannette Rankin Foundation acquired its first office in 2001 in Athens and hired its first staff members, an executive director and program coordinator. The organization continues to expand, and in 2005 the office moved into a larger space and hired a program assistant.
Given its small staff, the foundation depends heavily on volunteer support. Each year hundreds of women and men from Athens and Atlanta read and review more than 1,000 grant applications. The organization also relies on fund-raising groups, called Circles of Support, that friends of the foundation have created in various cities across the United States. The Circles of Support raise funds both to support the work of the foundation and to help publicize the foundation and recruit members locally.
Since it was first established in 1976, the Jeannette Rankin Foundation has awarded scholarships totaling more than $1 million to more than 500 women from all over the United States. The foundation’s motto, “Women Succeeding through Education,” is reflected in the award recipients’ achievements. More than 80 percent of recipients have graduated from or are still attending school, and many have donated their time or money to the organization. The first award recipient became a nurse and sent her children to college; in 2004 she volunteered with the Jeannette Rankin Foundation to help pass along the gift of higher education to more women.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Snug house surrounded by trees is today’s puzzle
Today’s Mystery is no ordinary home, and not only that, it has a great siting. See if you can figure out the mystery, and give us some of this story. Send your ideas to ebrck2@gmail.com, and include your hometown.
Jay Altman of Columbia, S.C. recognized the last mystery, saying: “It is St. Dunstan’s Basilica, the cathedral of the Diocese of Charlottetown, at 45 Great George Street, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. It is named for St. Dunstan, the Anglo Saxon saint from Glastonbury. The original St Dunstan’s Cathedral was built from 1897 to 1907. The present stone structure was built between 1913 and 1919 after a fire destroyed the original cathedral in 1913 in the Gothic Revival architectural style. n 1929, ten years after its completion, the church was blessed by Pope Pius XI as a basilica. The church remains one of the 27 basilicas in Canada.” The photo came from Cathy Loew of Peachtree Corners.
Others recognizing it included Stew Ogilvie, Rehobeth, Ala.; George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; and Allan Peel of San Antonio, Texas, who added: “What makes this basilica particularly unique is the fact that it features nearly 300 representations of angels, making it one of the most angelically themed churches in North America. The angels appear in stained-glass windows, light fixtures, wood carvings, and ceiling sculptures and paintings — a thematic consistency that many visitors overlook.”
- 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.
Flag retirement ceremony in Norcross on June 14
Rock the Park will return to Lilburn City Park on June 7 beginning at 7 p.m. There will be live music and food trucks nearby. Attendees are welcome to bring their snacks and chairs, blankets, etc. Outside alcoholic beverages will not be allowed but they will be available at the event to purchase.
Retirement Flag Ceremony: Boy Scout Troop 26 will be conducting a flag retirement ceremony at Christ Church Episcopal, 400 Holcomb Bridge Road, Norcross, on Flag Day, Saturday, June 14, starting at 7:30 p.m. on the graveled parking lot. Join this patriotic service for our country. Bring a chair, some water, and any U.S., State, or military flags in need of retirement. If you are bringing a flag, please arrive early so it may be properly prepared for retirement. Flags can also be left at the church office for pick up prior to the retirement ceremony.
Bluesberry beer and music festival will be held June 14 from 5. to 10 p.m. at Betty Mauldin Park in Norcross. Featuring soulful blues music, cold beer, blueberry-themed drinks and treats and exclusive offers from downtown businesses, it’s sure to be great time
Hydrangeas 101: Have you tried growing Hydrangeas? Are you confused about old wood, new wood? Pink or blue? Sun or shade? How much to water? Learn more about this plant and others when Jennifer Petritz speaks at the Gwinnett Master Gardeners meeting on June 16 at 7 p.m. at the Bethesda Senior Center. In this talk, Jennifer will demystify hydrangeas once and for all! Learn about the four major types of hydrangeas you are likely to find at your local garden center, and how to plant and care for them to ensure a bounty of blooms. These meetings are free and open to the public. If you join for dinner, come at 6:30 p.m. and bring a dish to share.
Writers Workshop: Learn more about writing, network with other writers, and listen to accomplished authors offer tips to improve your writing. In partnership with the Atlanta Writers Club. This workshop is scheduled on June 21 at the Lilburn Branch of Gwinnett County Library.
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