Paint Gwinnett Pink is back for its 10th year. This 5K Walk/Run and Survivor Celebration is happening on Saturday, October 18, from 8 until 11 a.m. at the Gas South Theater Parking Lot, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, in Duluth.
As the largest breast cancer 5K event in Gwinnett County, Paint Gwinnett Pink brings together survivors, families, physicians, caregivers, and the Gwinnett community for a morning of support, strength, and hope. Last year, there were over 2,200 participants as the community shows up strong each year.
Proceeds from the event benefit program and equipment needs supporting the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute in Gwinnett. Every contribution helps improve access to care and offers hope to those battling breast cancer.
Boo Fest returns to Lawrenceville Lawn on Oct. 24
Visit Lawrenceville on Friday, October 24, for Boo Fest, from 6 to 9 p.m. on the Lawrenceville Lawn. It’s a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration filled with costumes, candy, and fun for all ages! Put on your best Halloween costume and get ready to explore the many attractions that await you.
Visit our treat trail to fill your candy pail full of Halloween goodies and enjoy other spooky surprises to keep you on your toes all night. With plenty of food vendors on site, you can indulge in all your favorite Halloween treats while you take in the sights and sounds of the season. BOO Fest is the perfect place to bring the whole family for an unforgettable night of fun.
Norcross Shapes exhibit continues at Norcross Gallery
The long-anticipated exhibit, silent auction and fundraiser is now on display at Norcross Gallery and Studios. The affair, Norcross Shapes, is to raise funds for exhibits, community events, classes, and support for art, artists and culture throughout the area.
A month-long silent auction is a part of this annual show; come and bid on the art you love and check back frequently to make sure it will end up hanging on your walls! Final bidding will be at 2 p.m. at the closing festivities on Sunday, November 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. Most of the Gallerys’ exhibits are approximately every six weeks with receptions free and open to the public and opportunities to meet the outstanding artists, appreciate and purchase their work. For more information or to register for a class go to www.norcrossgalleryandstudios.org.
GBI agents address GGC criminal justice class
For Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) students studying criminal justice, a recent event on campus was a chance to talk with Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agents about career opportunities and what they could expect.
Caliyah Jefferson, a McDonough resident and junior studying criminal justice, is interested in crime scene investigation and forensics. She says: “I want to be in a position to contribute by helping bring justice for people and not be afraid of the criminal justice system.”
GBI has four major divisions: forensic science, Georgia Crime Information Center, the investigative division and the medical examiner’s office.
Special Agent Turner, who works in Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes, says: “One thing that many people don’t know is that GBI is a request-only agency. We are here to help all Georgia law enforcement agencies, district attorneys, police departments and by directive, the Governor of Georgia.” Turner emphasizes to students that a great way to get in the door with GBI is to apply for an internship. “That’s what I did and I couldn’t recommend it more,” she says. “You really get hands-on experience.”
For Dr. Susan Quinn, an associate professor of criminal justice and criminology at GGC, bringing in professionals in the field opens eyes and doors for her students. “I want students to have the chance to see there are a lot of different pathways for careers and jobs in the criminal justice system,” she says. “A great way to do that is bringing in professionals and meeting them outside the classroom.”
That’s exactly what Connor Salmon, a Lawrenceville native and senior studying criminal justice, gained from the experience. “I want to start as a law enforcement officer and learn more about the day-to-day operations and how they are different from other divisions,” he says.
GBI does see its share of GGC alumni in various roles. One of those is Special Agent Beyer, who has been with the agency since 2020. “The campus has really grown since I was a student here,” he says. “I had a very positive experience here and that helped me in my career path.” Before joining Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes, Beyer handled cases that included public corruption and homicide.
Norfolk Southern gives grant for underpass mural
Norfolk Southern has awarded Create Gwinnett a $10,000 Thriving Communities Grant to support the south wall of the Synchronicity Mural Project in partnership with the Sugarloaf Community Improvement District!
Their Thriving Communities Grant Program supports sustainability and community resiliency efforts across Norfolk Southern’s 22-state network. With this investment, Create Gwinnett and the Sugarloaf Community Improvement District (CID) are advancing a shared vision to grow Gwinnett’s creative economy through public art and support local placemaking projects that strengthen community connection and identity.
Watch for progress on the South Wall of the Synchronicity Mural, now underway at the I-85 underpass at Sugarloaf Parkway.
