GwinnettForum | Number 25.67 | Aug. 29, 2025
GOATS IN HEAVEN? You might say that, as these goats are “working” in Lilburn this week, munching their way through kudzu and other vegetation along a creek in Lilburn City Park. Onlookers are invited to come see the goats, though watch from a safe distance behind a temporary fence. They should be finished with their work in Lilburn by the middle of next week. For more details, see Upcoming below.
TODAY’S FOCUS: Local family couldn’t wait to get back on the road again
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Field of 82 candidates seek election in Gwinnett cities
EEB PERSPECTIVE 2: AJC print edition to end on December 31
SPOTLIGHT: Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District
FEEDBACK: Snellville father finds difficulty in custody case
UPCOMING: Meadowcreek cluster schools plan financial fair
NOTABLE: GGC business students engage with SBA Expo
RECOMMENDED: Mother Emanuel by Kevin Sack
OBITUARY: Richard “Dick” Goodman
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Georgia offers many good rock-climbing areas
MYSTERY PHOTO: Clues all over the place may help solve this mystery
LAGNIAPPE: GGC basketeers become fire engine scrubbers
CALENDAR: Learn more of Georgia’s culinary heritage Sept. 4
Local family couldn’t wait to get back on the road again
(Editor’s note: One Gwinnett couple has enjoyed the open highway, driving and enjoying the idea of travel. We asked for a short summation of their trips. Here’s his version.—eeb)
By Rick Krause
LILBURN, Ga. | “On the road again; I just can’t wait to get on the road again….”
When my wife Sandy and I would hear that song, we got eager to make a road trip; or if we were already starting one, we sang it.
A move with my parents from Nebraska to Washington in 1947, and several road trips throughout the west and my mom’s love of driving trips, really piqued my interest in travel. Relocations to Arizona for university, to upstate New York and then Brunswick, Georgia for work, had me traveling extensively around those locations.
I met and married Sandy in 1970. She was living on St. Simons Island. It was from Brunswick that our road trips really began and have continued, now from Lilburn. We always snapped many photos of our trips; Sandy kept a daily log.
I used a map to show the routes we took together. We started the map in 1970 and have kept it to this day, although there are trips that undoubtedly I forgot to include. It’s clearly low-tech—AAA map of the States, routes shown from a magic marker. Although it includes some trips in Canada, it doesn’t include them all, and it doesn’t include the extensive driving we’ve done in Alaska and Mexico.
Most of our early trips were in a Volkswagen Squareback, from which we could camp and if necessary, sleep stretched out in the back. Our road trips involved mostly tent camping—two-person or a 9×9 umbrella tent. In the early years, we camped a lot in non-camping dedicated sites, such as city and county parks, roadside rest areas, other public lands, and just off the road, where feasible, and even in the Squareback on the parking lot of the nation’s capitol (1971).) The trips were about the travel, scenery, sightseeing, and sometimes, the destination, but very seldom the lodging. Most trips were taken to immerse ourselves in nature, botanizing, birding, animal spotting and such.
One of our first trips that we repeated several times, from our home in Lilburn to Yakima, to Olympia, and other times to Seattle.
Those began after work on Friday, and would have us driving straight through until Saturday evening when we would camp in the Badlands, South Dakota, before continuing to Washington. Because of the repeating of such trips, the map doesn’t illustrate all the trips, only the routes. We traveled several routes numerous times. But we sought to take new routes, often blue highways. Two hearts, two minds, one roadmap.
Our last long-distance trip was one we took in 2019 north into Canada and west to Washington and down to California and east to home. The trip lasted a month and spanned 8,500 miles. A “lesser” trip, but more recent was to visit my brother in Arizona and a continuation to Southern California to see the Salton Sea and Joshua Tree National Park—one of the few National Parks we hadn’t seen to date. That was in April of last year and spanned 4,580 miles; as usual, we seldom drove on Interstate highways.
These recent ones utilized lodging, with seldom night driving. We still love such road trips, seeing new scenery and sites and having adventures along the way—therapy for the soul.
Now we’re singing the Hank Snow classic: “I’ve been everywhere, man, I’ve been everywhere.”
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Field of 82 candidates seek election in Gwinnett cities
By Elliott Brack
Editor and publisher, GwinnettForum
AUG. 29, 2025 | A total of 82 candidates in Gwinnett cities have qualified to run for office in the November municipal elections.
Two cities, Buford and Peachtree Corners, have only unopposed incumbents running, therefore these candidates return to office without the necessity of an election.
Gwinnett’s newest city, Mulberry, will also have no election this November, since its original charter has its officers serving for three years.
Meanwhile, this November, Gwinnett will also have two more balloting questions.
Statewide, there will be races for two races for seats on the Georgia Public Commission. For District 2, Tim Echols faces Alicia Johnson, while for District 3, Fitz Johnson will run against Peter Hubbard.
Gwinnett voters will face another question on the ballot: whether to extend the Special Purpose One Cent Sales tax for education (E-SPLOST).
The statewide races and the E-SPLOST voting will take place in Gwinnett County precinct voting locations. However, city voters must go to their City Hall to vote in the city elections.
Below by city are the candidates seeking an elected position this fall.
Auburn:
- For two at-large seats: Jonathen Eggleston, James Matthews, Taylor Sisk and Robert Vogel III
Berkeley Lake:
- For three at large seats: Patrick Bussenius, Skipper Dahlstrom, Barbara Geier, Dick LoPresti, Bill Lyons, and Chip McDaniel.
- Special election: Bill Lacy and Gary Volino compete for one at larger seat.
Braselton:
- Mayor: Michael Cronic, Brandon Reed, and Kurt Ward.
- District 2: Richard Harper and Cheryl Marie May
District 4: James Murphy
Buford: Uncontested races:
- Commission Post 2 – Chris Burge
- Commission Post 3 – Bradley W. Weeks
- Board of Education – Bruce Fricks
- Board of Education – Kathlee Perkins Welch
Dacula:
- Mayor: Trey King
- One Seat: Denis W. Haynes Jr. and Ayanea Mason
- Another Seat: Erica Nicole Pope and Jason Shelton
Duluth:
- Post 1: Shafayat Ahmed, Jamin Harkness and Sarah Park (updated)
- Post 2: Maline Thomas
- Post 3: Lamar Doss, Billy Jones and Marlene Denise Tucker
Grayson:
- Mayor: Allison L. Wilkerson
- Post 2: Bob Foreman and Shunverie Rushing
- Post 4: Mike Bruce, Zachary L. Rushing and Rochelle Wright
Lawrenceville:
- Post 3: Austin Thompson and Randy Travis
- Post 4: Bryant Harris and Marlene Taylor-Crawford
Lilburn:
- Post 3: John Abellera and Michael Hart
- Post 4: Tiffany Brunson and Emil Powella
Loganville:
- Mayor: Branden Whitfield and John Sosebe
- Three at large open seats: Melanie Long, Wes Johnson, Toyin Olaoluwa, Joseph Bastian, Keith Colquitt and Joanne Byrne.
Mulberry:
This new city in Gwinnett will have no election in November, with the terms of its charter has all the initial council members up for election after three years.
Norcross:
- Mayor: Craig Newton
- Seat 1: Briana Murray and Matthew Myers
- Seat 2: Bruce Gaynor and Samantha Spitzner
Peachtree Corners:
- Post 2: Eric Christ
- Post 4: Joe Sawyer
- Post 6: Weare Gratwick
Snellville:
- Post 3: Shaunt’e CJ Pitt and Dan W. Russell
Post 4: Richelle D. Brown - Post 5: Catherine “Cat” Hardrick and Tod Warner
Sugar Hill:
- Mayor: Amber Chambers and Brandon Hembree
- Post 4: Alvin Hicks and Karl P. Siegele
- Post 5: Samantha Piovesan and Kalee Weiland
Suwanee:
- Post 3: Linnea Miller and Brittany Wolfe
- Post 4: Beth Hilscher, David Martinez, and Ted Rollins
- Post 5: T. Nicole Linder and Peter Charpentier
AJC to discontinue print edition on Dec. 31
By Elliott Brack
Editor and publisher, GwinnettForum
AUG. 29, 2025 | We got the word that the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC), one of my former employers, would stop printing the newspaper. The news came via a phone call from former Gwinnettian Philip Reed, who now lives in Hickory, N.C. His daughter texted him. I remember hearing a “blip” on the computer, which I presume was about the breaking news of the change, but had not paid attention to it.
Once I returned home after the military and graduate school, and when in South Georgia, I became a subscriber for the AJC. That’s 63 years of having breakfast with this newspaper friend. This will certainly change my day.
The best way I can figure to read the news now at breakfast is that I’ll read the AJC on a tablet. I know I won’t like it, but I’ll get used to it.
My hope is that the AJC will put the money it costs to print and distribute information into solid upgrades. That would include more depth in news coverage (How about a reporter in Gwinnett?), cutting back on long, gray stories (which cost less to fill a page), and fewer stories from somewhere far away or in Savannah, plus a hard-hitting editorial page. We can’t fathom going without Luckovich!
So far, I have not been a fan of the AJC website. I hope it will improve and make a fan out of me.
It is sad, but it was inevitable. The web has cut into its previous money pots, such as multiple sections of department store advertising; new and used car advertising; grocery inserts instead of ads in the paper, and the real estate market. The success of non-newspaper advertisers like Walmart and Costco did not help any.
So we’ll have to switch, though we won’t like it. Perhaps it can bring new life to local newspapers, like Gwinnett Daily Post, Marietta Daily Journal and the Times in Gainesville. We would wish that.
Thank you, AJC, for the last 63 years of good work.
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Gwinnett Place CID
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today’s underwriting sponsor is the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District (CID). It is a self-taxing district that uses additional property taxes to accelerate infrastructure improvements, security enhancements and economic development initiatives. The CID is leading the effort to expedite mobility, quality of life and job creation strategies for the benefit of businesses, employees, and visitors to Gwinnett’s central business district. Through partnerships with Gwinnett County Government, the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, the State of Georgia and others, the CID has a proven track record of improvements that are transforming Gwinnett Place. While the Gwinnett Place CID comprises less than one percent of Gwinnett County’s landmass, the area has a $15.9 Billion annual economic impact on the state of Georgia. Representing seven percent of all Gwinnett County jobs, the district’s 2,054 companies and 28,688 workers produce $7.5 billion in sales each year and $2.1 billion in earnings (wages + benefits). For more information, visit GwinnettPlaceCID.com and VisitGwinnettPlace.com.
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Snellville father finds difficulty in custody case
Editor, the Forum:
My name is Jonathan Todd Bishop, and I am a Georgia father currently representing myself in a year-and-a-half-long custody battle in Gwinnett County — after the tragic death of my daughter’s mother. Despite being her legal and fit parent, I have faced relentless litigation from my ex-in-laws, whom the court temporarily gave guardianship over my objections.
What began as a tragedy has evolved into an emotionally and financially devastating legal campaign — one that I believe violates my 14th Amendment parental rights and highlights deep flaws in Georgia’s family court system. I’ve documented this in the attached letter titled A Father’s Plea: The Gwinnett Family Court Battle Over a Fit Parent’s Rights.
I’m now speaking out — not just for my daughter and me, but for countless parents going through similar ordeals. My story touches on themes of parental alienation, abusive litigation, and judicial overreach, and I’m hoping to bring attention to this through your coverage.
Please take a few minutes to read the attached letter. I’m also available for an interview if you’d like to learn more. Thank you for your time and consideration.
- To read the full letter, click here.
– Jonathan Todd Bishop, Snellville
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.
Meadowcreek cluster schools plan financial fair
Wells Fargo Foundation is joining forces with State Representative Marvin Lim, Community Sustainability Enterprise, and The Exit Strategy to present the Exit Strategy: Financial Reality Fair across the Meadowcreek school Cluster. This hands-on financial literacy experience will empower over 150 students and families with the tools, strategies, and decision-making skills to build a sustainable financial future.
The Financial Reality Fair will take place at three schools across the Meadowcreek Cluster:
- Lilburn Middle School – Friday, September 19, 2025, at 10 a.m.
- McClure Health and Science High School – Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 10 a.m.
- Meadowcreek High School – Friday, September 26, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
The program’s strategy is to align public education, community engagement, and real-world financial tools to ensure Gwinnett County’s Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) standards for personal finance translate into financial capability and economic mobility for students and families.
Each event simulates real-life financial choices and consequences—housing, transportation, credit, income, childcare, lifestyle, and savings—designed to build confidence and understanding around financial decisions. Students are challenged to think critically and plan strategically as they “live a month in the life” of an assigned career and income scenario.
This initiative responds directly to the critical needs of the Meadowcreek community:
- Translating AKS standards into practical life decisions.
- Preparing students to understand the link between career choices, income, and financial outcomes.
- Equipping families with knowledge about homeownership, entrepreneurship, and credit-building.
- Local and regional business professionals serve as mentors, station leaders, and resources for long-term impact.
Rep. Lim says: “This is more than a fair—it’s a launchpad for generational transformation.”
Lilburn finds goats to be good workers
The City of Lilburn has welcomed some unusual but hard-working contractors to Lilburn City Park. Fritz Family Farms of Monticello, Ga., has brought in a herd of 91 goats with a single mission: munch their way through the kudzu that’s creeping along the creek.
For approximately 10 days, these “eco-friendly lawnmowers” will be on the job, clearing invasive vegetation the natural way. While the goats are not available for petting, visitors can catch them in action from a safe distance behind a temporary fence line along the creek.
Mayor Johnny Crist says: “The goats provide a sustainable and effective solution for controlling invasive kudzu.” The city’s unofficial photographer, Councilman Emil Powella, captured the city’s new “employees” and shared, “I have spent several hours at the park since the goats arrived and have loved seeing the look on people’s faces, young and old, as they watch and talk to the goats.”
Residents are encouraged to stop by Lilburn City Park to watch the goats at work as they help protect and restore the natural beauty of one of the city’s most loved green spaces.
Tax bills to be mailed one month later this year
Gwinnett property owners will see a delay of one month for mailing of their 2025 tax bill
because of implementation requirements related to House Bill (HB) 581 and HB 92, says Tax Commissioner Denise R. Mitchell. Instead of mailing tax bills in August, property owners can now receive their bills in mid September.
However, voters in Grayson will get their bills in mid November because of complications of the two house bills.
HB 581, passed by the Georgia General Assembly earlier this year, introduced sweeping legislative changes requiring immediate, same-year implementation across counties statewide. While the intent of the legislation aimed to enhance transparency in property tax processes, the practical rollout has presented significant logistical hurdles, particularly for high-volume counties like Gwinnett.
Property tax bills deadline for payment is December 15, except for Grayson residents, who get extra time to pay because of the late delivery of bills.
GGC business students engage with SBA Expo
More than 150 Georgia Gwinnett College business students connected with educational resources, engagement opportunities and internship prospects at the college’s School of Business (SBA) Expo recently. SBA offers the expo twice a year, according to Ben Hines, SBA’s program engagement associate.
He says: “There was a good turnout, and you could tell there was a sense of comradery with the students and the faculty and, of course, the alumni, helping out as well. That atmosphere provided participants with a sense of community.”
Hines said students learned about SBA’s varied registered student organizations, SBA-hosted study abroad trips and learned about potential internships and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Dr. Marvin Bontrager, associate professor of management, is SBA’s internship coordinator. He was on hand at the expo promoting internships ranging from marketing to accounting to supply chain management and more. As he spoke to the student participants, he underscored the importance of college internships.
Dr. Bontrager explained: “Internships are like an ‘audition’ for an organization. They’re important because students can take what they’re learning and apply it in a practical setting to gain work experience before they graduate.”
The SBA expo has been offered since 2016 and is described by Hines as the largest event SBA uses to kick off the semester.
Mother Emanuel, by Kevin Sack
From Sara Douglas Burns, Duluth: On June 17, 2015, nine black Charlestonians were murdered at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church by a young white nationalist. Starting three days after the murders, the author visited the church and started interviewing and researching, resulting in a 10-year project. The church is the oldest AME church in the South, and civil rights fighters have graced its pulpit for over 200 years: Morris Brown, Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, and MLK, among many others. President Obama sang Amazing Grace during his eulogy at the memorial service for the victims of this horrible crime. The book opens with this: ‘Preachers like to proclaim from the pulpit that the doors of the church are always open.’ After an Epilogue entitled, ‘On Forgiveness and Grace,’ the author sadly concludes – along with Mother Emanuel’s new security mission detail – that ‘…the doors of the church are no longer always open.’ The full title is Mother Emanuel: Two Centuries of Race, Resistance, and Forgiveness in One Charleston Church.
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Richard Irwin Goodman
Richard “Dick” Goodman, 83, passed away unexpectedly in the early hours of August 19, 2025. He had just attended a Suwanee planning meeting, gotten ready for bed and finished the Wordle. He passed away silently moments later with his wife and cat nearby.
Dick was born in New York City on April 2 1942 to Sheila and Jack Goodman. He was raised first in The Bronx and then in Elmont, New York. He graduated from Clarkson College in upstate New York with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Liberal Arts.
He began his career in public relations in Manhattan and later moved to Florida where he served as the president of the Public Relations Association of Miami.
He was a talented artist and photographer and lover of model trains. He was known for his love of jokes and puns and wrote a humor column in Miami Today for which he won the “Achiever Award” in 1993.
He married his wife Louise, on December 31, 1975. Together they moved to Suwanee, in 2006 where he became involved in his new hometown. He attended Leadership Gwinnett, and in 2010, and Gwinnett County Commission Chairperson Charlotte Nash, appointed him to the Gwinnett County Public Library Board of Trustees where he served as chair for nine years, retiring in 2020.
He was elected to the Suwanee City Council in 2009 and served through 2020. He was responsible for spearheading Suwanee’s annual “Sculp Tour” and for selecting the suspended art piece in the lobby of Suwanee City Hall. He promoted the initiative to request that all property developers in the City of Suwanee dedicate one percent of their building budget to a work of art displayed on their property, which continues today. He loved the City of Suwanee and often remarked on the beauty of this town and how happy he was to live here.
His older brother, Michael, predeceased him. He is survived by three children by his first wife, Carol née Roccaro: Melissa Stanton and her husband Brian, David Goodman and his wife Mary Ellen Flannery, and Jennifer Goodman and her partner Jason Foster-Bey and seven grandchildren, Jack, Ava, Corinne, Lucy, Josephine, Margaret and William. He also shared three step-children with his wife of nearly 50 years, Louise: Edward Mehrman, Michael Mehrman, and Denise Varenhorst and her husband Regan Varenhorst, in addition to five more grandchildren, Ivy, Timothy, Chloe, Cassidy and Riley.
He is also survived by his beloved cat Tigger, a present from his wife. Tigger brought Dick immense joy, companionship and delight and is a testament to a pet’s ability to enhance a person’s life and touch their heart.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. There will be a Reception immediately following at Suwanee City Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes to purchase the bench, an original granite sculpture which sits in front of the library and is part of the Suwanee Sculp Tour at this link:
https://goodman.cheddarup.com/
Georgia offers many good rock-climbing areas
What Georgia lacks in quantity of rock-climbing opportunities, it more than makes up for in quality, with many areas that are still being explored. Georgia has some excellent sites for traditional rock climbing and offers some particularly challenging overhangs. The state also offers many opportunities for bouldering, which is similar to traditional rock climbing—climbers scale large boulders instead of cliffs, and therefore the climb is much shorter and usually doesn’t require the use of safety ropes.
Georgia’s rock-climbing locations are typically a soft sandstone.
Rock Town and Lost Wall are both on Pigeon Mountain, in the northwestern corner of the state near LaFayette in Walker County. Located on the southernmost edge of the Appalachian Plateau, these areas are two of the most popular for climbing. Rock Town provides the most challenging bouldering in the state. Located on top of the flat mountain, it consists of several acres of large sandstone boulders, averaging thirty to forty feet in height. Because the rock offers many hand- and footholds, it is an excellent spot for beginners.
Lost Wall is a band of exposed cliffs about halfway up the mountain. It is perhaps the most popular site in the state for traditional rock climbing, offering a variety of features.
Mount Yonah is located between Helen and Cleveland. The bald granite cliffs on the southwest side of the mountain offer good climbs for beginners: the slope is gentle to the top, and there is a fair bit of friction climbing. There are also sections of juggy face (rock wall with many jugs) as well as a few cracks. Some two-pitch climbs (which require two rope lengths between relay stations) ascend to the top, 200 feet above the mountain’s base.
Tallulah Gorge State Park is just south of Clayton in Rabun County. The climber trail leaves from behind the visitors’ center, crosses a footpath, and continues steeply downhill to an exposed and tricky chimney/down climb.
Curahee Mountain, near Toccoa, offers good opportunities for top roping (in which the rope anchors are preset at the top of the climb) and exposed-lead climbing (starting with the rope on the ground and clipping into protection points on the way up).
Boat Rock is a small field of granite boulders located just south of Atlanta in Fulton County. Boat Rock presents many opportunities for slab and balance climbing, as well as a few good overhangs. It is threatened by urban sprawl, and its fate as a bouldering destination was in question until local climbers purchased a house and 7.8 acres of land at the tract in 2005-6.
Zahnd is also a boulder field, located in Walker County in northwest Georgia, near LaFayette. It is a fairly small area but is known for its interesting formations and challenging climbs, particularly the Phantom Boulder area.
Other Georgia rock-climbing destinations include Allenbrook, Little Kennesaw Mountain, Long Island, Morgan Falls, Palisades, and the Zipper, all in the metro Atlanta area; Blood Mountain Boulders in Suches; and Shaking Rock Park in Lexington.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Clues all over the place may help solve this mystery
Today’s Mystery Photo offers a plethora of clues to help you identify this picture. Look them over and send your idea to ebrack2@gmail.com, and include your hometown.
Micki Dillon, Lilburn, identified the last mystery: “It’s the Pemaquid Point lighthouse in Maine. Love that place! You just have to be careful when down on the rocks because it is subject to rogue waves and people get washed away from time to time! The rock formation around it is amazing! It is in Bristol, Maine.” The photo came from Dr. Eric Swinson of Fayetteville, via Susan McBrayer of Sugar Hill.
Also recognizing the stunning photo were Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.; George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; Cindy Evans, Duluth; David Van Landingham, Snellville; Stewart Ogilvie, Rehobeth, Ala.; Jonathan Galucki, Buford; and Allan Peel of San Antonio, who adds: “There are three separate historical structures in this photo:
- The Lighthouse: The original lighthouse at this site was commissioned by President John Quincy Adams (1767–1848) and built in 1827. Unfortunately, it was so hurriedly and poorly built that it began to crumble within a decade and had to be rebuilt in 1835 using brick-lined with stone from nearby Round Pond.
- The Keeper’s House: The original keeper’s house had also deteriorated over time and was replaced with a classic mid-19th century keeper’s residence, connected to the tower by a covered walkway, so keepers could reach the light safely during storms. Once the light was fully automated in 1934, the keeper’s house was no longer required and so it was converted to the Fisherman’s Museum in 1937.
- The Bell House: The smaller red building was added in 1897. It housed a fog bell to warn ships during poor visibility.”
Peel also told us: “But this wouldn’t be a true “mystery photo” if there was not some other mystery to be solved, would it? Eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed a small, rectangular-shaped wooden tower attached to the Bell House. What is that, and what was it used for? Well … this is a 25-foot-weight tower that houses the weights and striking mechanism for the bell. Inside, there was a vertical shaft with heavy descending weights that powered the striker. The height allowed the weights to fall slowly over a long period of time so that the keeper didn’t need to rewind the system too frequently.”
- 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.
GGC basketball team become fire engine scrubbers
The Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) men’s basketball team recently swapped basketballs for buckets when they visited the Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Station 31, just across Collins Hill Road from the Grizzly Athletics complex. Instead of shooting 3’s or slam dunks, they washed the station’s ladder truck in a team building activity.
The team is gearing up for its upcoming season, but the day at the firehouse was a reminder that their impact extends far beyond game day. The Grizzlies kick off their inaugural season at home in The Convocation Center on October 23.
Chase Teichmann, head coach of the Grizzlies, says: “Teamwork doesn’t stop on the court. Opportunities like this allow our student-athletes to support our first responders, build character and stay connected to the community that supports them.”
For the players, it was a chance to gain a new perspective on service, hard work and teamwork outside of basketball.
Stephon Martin, a senior majoring in business, found it: “It was easy to see the parallels of being a firefighter or a basketball player. It’s team before self.”
For teammate Drew Kramer, a senior majoring in marketing, the experience gave him a new perspective. “This was a fun challenge and learning how the firefighters all work as a team,” he said.
Learn more of Georgia’s culinary heritage Sept. 4
Join New York Times bestselling author Kyra Davis Lurie as she discusses her new novel, The Great Mann, a poignant retelling of The Great Gatsby. This will be on September 3 at 6 p.m. at the Hooper-Renwick Branch Library in Lawrenceville. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Georgia’s Historical Recipes is the subject and Valerie J. Frey will speak on September 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Collins Hill Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Frey will discuss her book, Georgia’s Historical Recipes, an exploration of Georgia’s culinary heritage and how it connects us to our present tastes. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Citizenship Clinic: Invest in your future by applying for United States citizenship. Pre-registration is required to attend the workshop. This citizenship clinic will be September 6 at 11 a.m. at the Norcross Branch of Gwinnett Public Library. Visit the library to register.
The Atlanta British Car Fayre returns to Norcross on September 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This annual celebration of classic cars, motorcycles and all things British takes place in downtown Norcross and will feature over 400 vehicles, as well as British-themed food, drinks and products. Live music from Brit-rock tribute bands will keep you dancing and entertained throughout the day. Admission is free.
Volunteers needed: Looking for a few good men and women to volunteer for the September 6 British Car Fayre in downtown Norcross. Time: between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. If interested, send an email to: Bill Aguilar at: wcac04@yahoo.com. Include your name, email and cell number.
Join award-winning author Kosoko Jackson as he discusses his new horror novel, The Macabre, a story about dark art, a family curse, a handsome agent of the British museum, and a painter who can tell the future through his paint. He will speak on September 10 at 7 p.m. at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Three mayors will speak at the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber’s Thursday Thought Leaders event on September 11 at the Atlanta Hilton Northeast in Peachtree at 11:30 a.m. On the panel will be Mayors Lois Salter of Berkeley Lake, Craig Newton of Norcross and Mike Mason of Peachtree Corners. Register now to reserve your seat. Lunch buffet is included.
Film Screening: Becoming Jane will take place at the Collins Hill Branch Library on September 12 at 3 p.m. Join the group for an afternoon movie and popcorn, celebrating the 250th birthday anniversary of Jane Austen.
Rock the Park will close out the summer event series in Lilburn. It will be on Saturday, September 13 starting at 7 p.m. Attendees are invited to bring chairs, blankets, coolers and snacks, while food trucks will be nearby. Opening act Little Hopes will take the stage at 7 p.m. to showcase their take on Americana country-rock music.
Lionheart Theatre in Norcross will present Radio TBS, Trailer Park Broadcasting Scandals by Mark Landon Smith from September 12-25. Times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and Sunday at 2 p.m. Call for tickets at 404 919 4022.
GwinnettForum, which has been published online since 2001, is provided to you at no charge every Tuesday and Friday. The publication offers an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett County, Ga. USA. Learn more:
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