GwinnettForum | Number 25.77 Oct. 3, 2025
TWO RECOGNITIONS: Buford Public Schools have been named the best district in Georgia for the 11th time, while the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology has been named again as the best high school in Georgia. The honors came from the national web site, niche.com. For more details, see Notable below.
TODAY’S FOCUS We must renew our investment in Gwinnett schools
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Ex-Gwinnett state patrolman joins Secret Service
SPOTLIGHT: Oconee State Bank
ANOTHER VIEW: Day of tribute in Gwinnett honors Jimmy Carter
FEEDBACK: E-SPLOST not a financial right; vote NO on issue
UPCOMING: Local group creates new magazine, Journey Georgia
NOTABLE: For 11th year, Buford schools top district in Georgia
RECOMMENDED: Back to the Frontier, directed by Christian Aldridge
OBITUARY: Randall W. Dixon
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Emory’s eye clinic is one of the tops in U.S.
MYSTERY PHOTO: Perhaps the mystery’s shape will help you identify it
CALENDAR: Braselton Medieval Faire this weekend, October 4-5
We must renew our investment in Gwinnett schools
By Jyot Singh, GMS&T, Class of 2017
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | I am a proud product of Gwinnett County Public Schools, and I was lucky enough to see the impact of our community’s commitment firsthand. From my first day of middle school to graduating from a leading Gwinnett high school in 2017, I spent many years learning, growing, and thriving in spaces built, maintained, and modernized by one simple, yet powerful, idea: the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or E-SPLOST.
When Gwinnett voters head to the polls this November 4, 2025, they won’t just be voting on better facilities and safer schools; they’ll be voting to continue a legacy of excellence and fiscal responsibility that directly benefits every student.
As an alumnus who moved through the GCPS system, the improvements funded by E-SPLOST weren’t abstract concepts—they were part of my daily life. Specifically, E-SPLOST ensured that the best available digital tools supported my entire GCPS journey.
I was part of the generation that benefited from modern technology, where we had access to the latest laptops and cutting-edge engineering and design software. This cutting-edge technology wasn’t just a convenience. It transformed how we learned, fostering collaboration and preparing us for college and careers in the ever-evolving digital age. This was all because of E-SPLOST!
Beyond technology, E-SPLOST funded the essential, unglamorous work that keeps our learning environments healthy and safe. It paid for new, efficient HVAC systems that meant we weren’t shivering in the winter or sweating through the final exams in the spring, especially in our buses.
This year’s renewal of the penny tax will also provide extensive renovations across the district, critical funding for extensive safety and security upgrades across all campuses, and help expand classrooms to ensure teachers can get more one-on-one time with students with smaller class sizes.
But E-SPLOST is not just about buildings and buses; it’s about smart financial planning that benefits every taxpayer.
Unlike some past funding methods, the proposed E-SPLOST renewal on November 4th will ensure our future school construction projects are funded 100 percent debt-free. This commitment ensures continued fiscal responsibility and saves taxpayers millions of dollars on unnecessary interest payments. Furthermore, by funding all capital needs through the sales tax, E-SPLOST keeps the burden off property owners, helping GCPS substantially lower its property tax millage rate over the past several years.
Everyone who visits and buys in Gwinnett helps pay for all of these improvements!
Without E-SPLOST, the cost of replacing roofs, upgrading technology, and building new classrooms would fall entirely back onto property taxes, inevitably causing a major
increase. A “Yes” vote is a vote for stability, safety, and continued world-class learning spaces. It is a vote to build the new CTAE (Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education) high school facility, replace aging buses, and ensure our students continue to have the best technology available.
As a grateful graduate who saw the positive changes evolve year after year, I urge every resident, whether you have children in the system or not, to vote “Yes” on E-SPLOST this November 4.
Let’s continue to build a future where every Gwinnett student has the facilities and resources they need to succeed.
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Ex-Gwinnett state patrolman joins the Secret Service
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
OCT. 3, 2025 | What are the odds that two graduates of Central Gwinnett High School in Lawrenceville, a few years apart, would join the Secret Service?
On Tuesday, we told the story of Secret Service Agent Yvette Summerour, who grew up in Lawrenceville. Today you will learn of Chuck Brand, 61, the son of Dot and Charles Brand of Lawrenceville, who owned a downtown drug store for years, also became a Secret Service agent for 28 years. He is a 1982 class member of Central Gwinnett, and then graduated from North Georgia College, where for four years, he was in the Marine Reserves.
Early on, Chuck wanted to be a Georgia State Patrolman. His first patrol job was as a radio operator in Swainsboro. He became a highway trooper in 1988 working out of several nearby patrol locations, the last out of Madison. When with the Patrol, he often worked alongside the Secret Service, especially with motorcades.
It was in 1996 that Chuck joined the Secret Service. Among his training sites were the Glynco Law Enforcement Training Center at Brunswick, and a Secret Service training school in Washington, D.C. His initial assignment was to the Atlanta field office, with dual role of protection and investigation. The Secret Service has responsibility for counterfeit money and government check fraud. Brand remained in Atlanta for five years, until 2001.
“We had temporary protective assignments within the perimeter for President Bill Clinton, and the First Lady, and for Vice President Al Gore. ‘\When we were in Washington, I was on the full time detail for President George W. Bush until 2005, and later with President Barack Obama for three years.” Altogether, Chuck was stationed in the Washington area for 11 years. Part of those years was driving for President Bush for 1.5 years.
While he spent most of his Secret Service career in Atlanta, he retired as the assistant to the special agent in charge in 2024 at age 57, mandatory for the Secret Service agents.
“What I enjoyed was both the protection, and then the investigation aspects, which is the bread and butter of the Secret Service. Both could be a challenge, whether local or overseas.”
After retirement he was employed in contract security and logistics details. Among them, were travels with Evangelist Franklin Graham, going all over the world. He also was in contract security work with Linda McMann of the American First Policy Institute, even going to Saudi Arabia and meeting their crown prince.
In 2024, Chuck began a full-time job as the first security officer for Power South Energy Corporation in Andalusia, Ala. This is a company with four power plants and 6,000 miles of transmission lines.
It was in 1988, when in Washington, he married Lee Ann Everett of Maryland, who grew up in Covington, Ga. The couple had three children, Chase, now deceased; Chad, in Baltimore; and Anna, who lives in Dunwoody. Chuck and Linda have three granddaughters and live in Chuck’s parent’s house on Simonton Road in Lawrenceville. He also has a place near Enterprise, Ala., which he is restoring for when he is in Alabama.
Chuck Brand says of his security career: “It has taken me to many places in the world, and has been a good career. Who would think back when there were far less people in Gwinnett, that a boy growing up in Gwinnett would become a Secret Service agent?”
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Oconee State Bank
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Oconee State Bank has established itself as a trusted financial partner and community cornerstone. Headquartered in Watkinsville, Ga., the bank operates full-service branches in Gwinnett, Watkinsville, Bogart, Athens, Macon, and Elberton—with a new location coming soon to Statesboro. Expanding beyond Georgia, Oconee State Bank recently launched Trio South Bank, a new division based in Johnson City, Tennessee, further extending its commitment to delivering exceptional service to new communities. Oconee State Bank offers more than traditional banking. Its mortgage division, Remarkable Mortgage, serves clients in Athens, Oconee, Macon, and Gwinnett—providing personalized guidance and support through every step of the homebuying journey. The bank’s giving arm, The Remarkable Foundation, actively reinvests in local communities through charitable partnerships and meaningful outreach. Guided by its mission to create remarkable experiences that significantly impact the lives of others and its vision to be essential to the lives, businesses, and communities it serves, Oconee State Bank is on a bold journey to become Georgia’s Most Remarkable Bank—and beyond. Member, FDIC.
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Day of tribute in Gwinnett honors Jimmy Carter
NORCROSS, Ga. | Gwinnett County Wednesday honored the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter with a county-wide tribute that brought together students, residents and community partners for a day of service, reflection and celebration.
Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson says: “His commitment to peace, human rights and building stronger communities has inspired generations. Gwinnett County is proud to honor his legacy by carrying forward those same values of unity, compassion and service.”
The day’s events, held at Best Friend Park included:
- A special presentation of a Proclamation and Key to the County to the Carter family.
- The unveiling of a new Gateway85 CID mural on Jimmy Carter Boulevard.
- A Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity plan to construct homes for local families.
- The announcement of the winners of the Jimmy Carter Legacy Art and Essay Contest, presented in partnership with Gwinnett County Public Schools.
- The lighting of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in blue and white, coinciding with a symbolic light activation on the Jimmy Carter Boulevard bridge.
Gateway85 CID Executive Director Robert Michener says: “President Carter’s values of service and support for a diverse community are felt every day in our district. We created a mural featuring his likeness to spotlight his impact and the progress he inspired. At Gateway85 CID, we’re proud to invest in projects that improve our community and honor his legacy. In fact, in coordination with the County, we will light the bridge on Jimmy Carter Boulevard blue from Oct. 1 – 4 to celebrate the man behind the name and his contributions to this area.”
GCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Al Taylor spoke to the crowd: “President Carter showed us that when communities and schools work hand in hand, everyone thrives. Jimmy Carter Day reminds us that the strength of Gwinnett lies in our partnerships—when local leaders, families and educators come together, we create opportunities that honor his legacy and build a brighter future for all.”
As part of the day’s recognition, 39 GCPS students were honored through the Jimmy Carter Legacy Art and Essay Contest, a powerful reflection of Carter’s role as the 39th President of the United States. The art work of the top three winners will be at the Carter Center Library and Museum.
The top three art contest winners, Rockbridge Elementary student Barbara Cabrera; Paul Duke STEM High student Brielle Boahima; and McClure Health Science High student Sheyla Argueta-Leal, will find a temporary home for their winning art at the Carter Presidential Library and Museum through Dec. 1, 2025. An additional 36 honorable mentions will be featured online and displayed at three public locations across Gwinnett, Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville; Norcross Public Library; and Best Friend Park Community Center Norcross.
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E-SPLOST not a financial right; vote NO on issue
Editor, the Forum:
Let me present this information to you for consideration in an upcoming GwinnettForum issue. There is great interest and community engagement around the effort to vote NO on E-SPLOST in the upcoming November 4 election.
There are many reasons Gwinnett citizens are frustrated with Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) and the Board of Education and their fiduciary responsibility to taxpaying residents. I’m sure citizens are already aware of some of these concerns and covered them over the years. This is a non-partisan issue and affects all Gwinnett taxpayers.
E-SPLOST is not a financial “right” to be takenfor granted. This is why it comes before taxpayers every five years to determine if the need is still there and the funds have been spent wisely – with proven need, transparency, and accountability. A growing number of residents believe this threshold has not been met and a pause is needed for GCPS and the BOE to reevaluate their spending with a third-party independent audit.
– Lisa Rutherford, Lawrenceville, Gwinnett Accountability Project
Sees armed revolt eventually to remove the president
Editor, the Forum:
Let me say I couldn’t agree with you any more in your opinion piece about the Nazi in the White House. Now he has had James Comey indicted, by some weakling attorney who has been in office less than a week…and is still kissing Trump’s feet.
My only disagreement with your article is in the last sentence. I see armed revolt as an answer to this despicable oaf—not prayer.
I foresee, in the not too distant a future, a country that actually removes the president through armed force.
– Mike Eberlein, Peachtree Corners
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.
Local group creates a new magazine, Journey Georgia
Accent Creative Group is launching Journey Georgia, a new travel publication dedicated to uncovering the hidden gems, local flavors, and personal travel stories that make Georgia an unforgettable place to visit.
Journey Georgia can be your ultimate companion to exploring the Peach State. With an eclectic mix of travel writers, the magazine is designed to inspire curiosity and invite travelers to discover Georgia through the eyes of each storyteller, from quirky small towns and unusual hidden finds to fascinating multicultural hubs.
Pam Ledbetter, president and owner of Accent Creative Group, says: “Our goal with Journey Georgia is to create something really special. We want to create a publication that will bring stories to life through our writers’ unique experiences and have those stories be told like you’d be talking to a friend. Just true, genuine, engaging storytelling that reflects the spirit of Georgia.”
This first edition of Journey Georgia features stories that highlight Georgia destinations of all sizes, along with insider tips from local characters that is a celebration of vibrant local cultures. You’ll read family-friendly adventures to solo explorations.
Every article is written in an easy-to-read conversational tone that feels like you’re chatting with a travel-savvy friend. Readers can expect to find guides to unique culinary finds, suggestions for immersive historical experiences and tips for uncovering the state’s most surprising and delightful travel secrets.
Journey Georgia is now available online and in state and regional welcome centers throughout Georgia. Visit JourneyGA.com for more information, to subscribe for updates, and to read the inaugural edition of the magazine.
For 11th year, Buford schools are tops in Georgia
Niche.com’s 2026 rankings place Buford City Schools as the No. 1 public school district in Georgia for the 11th consecutive year.
Top School Districts: Buford City Schools has consistently been ranked No. 1 by Niche for its academics, teachers, and overall excellence. Oconee County Schools were No. 2 and Forsyth County Schools were third.
Top Public High Schools: niche.com ranks the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology ranks as the top public high school in Georgia.
Other Buford schools continue to shine in these statewide rankings:
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- Buford Senior Academy – #1 Elementary School in Georgia;
- Buford Academy – #2 Elementary School in Georgia;
- Buford Middle School – #2 Middle School in Georgia;
- Buford High School – #10 High School in Georgia
Buford Elementary School (BES) does not receive an official ranking because of the absence of standardized test scores; however, BES received an overall grade of A+ by Niche.
Niche rankings are based on a combination of data from the U.S. Department of Education, student and alumni reviews, and quantitative data like test scores and college data to evaluate schools across various categories including academics, teachers, and college prep.
Gwinnett Democratic legislator running for governor
Another Gwinnett state representative has become a candidate for governor.
Democratic state Rep. Ruwa Romman is running for governor, aiming to carve out a progressive lane in a race for Georgia’s top job that’s already crowded with high-profile contenders.
She is focusing her campaign on working class families, built around a platform to expand social services, re-open shuttered hospitals, raise the minimum wage and, as she puts it, “fight for the people and not the corporations and billionaires.”
“I’m running to build a movement. The reality is that our state has been controlled by Republicans for over 20 years, and in that time, hospitals have shut down, the minimum wage on our books has stayed at $5.15 an hour and our education ranking has been dropping,” Romman says.
“The best way to fix that is to change who is in power,” she says.
Another Gwinnettian, Rep. David Clark, a Republican, is running for lieutenant governor.
Back to the Frontier, directed by Christian Aldridge
From Susan K. Harris, Stone Mountain: This is a series of eight episodes [on the HBO platform] in which three families choose to literally go back to the frontier and live the lives of homesteaders. There are three goals they must accomplish: build a sustainable home for their family, prepare a pantry for the six months of the winter season, harvest a crop of wheat, and grow their own fruits and vegetables. They begin by leaving behind all conveniences and points of connection, for example cell phones and laptops. When they arrive, their assigned cabins are in complete disarray with boards missing from the walls and in one case no windows. They have to forge community, resolve conflicts and learn to share their skills and in some cases resources. The work is back breaking and strains and stretches each of them. It is inspiring to observe the growth in confidence, unselfishness and genuine concern, each person for each person.”
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Randall W. Dixon
(Editor’s note: We have belatedly learned of the death of a community leader back in January. We present for others who may not know of his passing in the obituary below.—eeb)
Precision Planning, Inc. announces the passing of Randall W. Dixon, a registered licensed surveyor, who was the founder and chairman of the board of Precision Planning, Inc. (PPI) of Lawrenceville, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
Randall was an innovator in the practice of professional consulting, with an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service for the many clients and communities he served. He was a savvy business leader with a unique ability to identify and cultivate talent in his field, as demonstrated by the sheer number of leading technical professionals throughout the State of Georgia who began their careers at PPI. The PPI family will strive to continue his legacy of commitment, technical expertise, professional integrity and superior client service.
Randall was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, often making trip to the west for hunting.
Prior to forming PPI in October of 1982, Randall served in many design and management capacities at other engineering firms, with duties ranging from civil designer and surveyor, to director of engineering and marketing, as well as a corporate vice president. He was a registered land surveyor in Georgia and Tennessee for 54 years.
After establishing PPI, Randall was involved in all facets of operating the business up until the day before his death. His past professional affiliations included the Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia, Consulting Engineers Council of Georgia, American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, National Water Pollution Control Federation and the National Homebuilders Association. He was a past board member of the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce and the Council for Quality Growth.
Randall is survived by his wife Gloria, three children, six grandchildren and one great grand-dog. Funeral arrangements were handled by Tim Stewart Funeral Home in Monroe.
Emory’s eye clinic is one of the tops in U.S.
The Emory University School of Medicine Eye Center has a long tradition of teaching, research, and patient care in ophthalmology that began in the late 19th century. The Emory Eye Center is currently in the top ten eye-research institutions in the country in the amount of funds granted by the National Institutes of Health.
The importance of research has grown along with the burgeoning clinic at the Emory Eye Center. In 2003 the 41 members of the research staff, including 12 who held the Ph.D., contributed their combined efforts toward crucial eye research that may one day prevent eye diseases as we know them. Some twenty-five physicians are principal investigators conducting more than fifty research projects that involve patients.
Research projects at Emory include studies of melanoma of the eye, retinal pigment transplantation and immunology, drug delivery to the posterior eye, corneal retinal cell evaluation, hereditary cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and gene therapy. Clinical trials are conducted in melanoma, diabetes, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Research projects are conducted in collaboration with the Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College School of Medicine. Emory Eye Center also collaborates with Yerkes National Primate Research Center, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Veterans Administration Medical Center.
The many strides that have been made in eye research and clinical eye care in Georgia can be traced back to a time when the practice of ophthalmology was just beginning in the United States. In 1872 Abner W. Calhoun, the southeast’s first specialist in the eye and ear, came fresh from training in Vienna, Austria, and Berlin, Germany, to Atlanta Medical College, which was established by his father, Andrew B. Calhoun, in 1854.
Abner Calhoun served as faculty president from 1900 until 1910. He and industrialist Andrew Carnegie provided funds to construct a medical college building that later became part of Grady Memorial Hospital, still a training ground for Emory residents. As the only scientifically trained ophthalmologist south of Maryland, Calhoun was the specialist of choice for many southerners with serious eye problems before the turn of the century.
From 1910 until 1940, Calhoun’s son, F. Phinizy Calhoun Sr., was department chair at Emory, earning a reputation as one of the region’s leading ophthalmologists. His successor, Grady Clay, developed an academic program for ophthalmology students and for eye, ear, nose, and throat resident physicians. Clay served as department chair from 1940 until 1946.
In 1940 Clay and Phinizy Jr. (F. Phinizy Calhoun’s son) organized an ophthalmic pathology laboratory, one of only a handful of laboratories of its kind in the country. The junior Calhoun went on to serve as department chair from 1946 until 1978. During his tenure he helped open an eye bank, the fifth in the United States, to serve patients in the Southeast who needed cornea transplants. He is credited with bringing modern ophthalmology to Georgia.
In 1947 Phinizy Calhoun Jr. became the first eye doctor in the state to perform surgery under a microscope and the first in the Southeast to perform a corneal transplant. Colleagues regarded him as one of the best-trained ophthalmic pathologists in the country during the 1950s and 1960s, when the subspecialty was beginning to develop. During his many years at Emory, he helped train more than 100 ophthalmologists, who practice across the country.
Emory remains a top eye center in the country, according to Ophthalmology Times, a leading professional journal, and in the annual rankings of U.S. News and World Report magazine.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Perhaps the mystery’s shape will help you identify it
You may have some inkling of today’s Mystery Photo. Figure out what it is, and then figure out where it is. Send your idea to ebrack2@gmail.com, and tell us where you are reading this from.
Allan Peel of San Antonio, Texas, now vacationing in Canada, identified the previous photo; “It’s the Whitehall Mansion, located at 130 Phoenix Road in Athens, Ga. It is a large Romanesque residence that features Victorian and Gothic influences. It was built in 1892 by John Richards White, who owned a mill near the residence. The building was designed by University of Georgia Professor Charles M. Strahan and now serves as a reception center for UGA’s School of Forest Resources. The mansion was rehabilitated and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in the 1970s.” The mystery photo came from Mark Smith of Eatonton.
Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C., added: “The house is situated on what was the original 750-acre Whitehall Experimental Forest, a tract of land that became part of the University of Georgia’s property. Although it was intended as a private residence, the university acquired it in the 1930s.”
Others sending in the correct answers were George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill; Lou Camerio, Lilburn.
- 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.
Braselton Medieval Faire this weekend, Oct. 4-5
Registered voters can cast their ballots early for the November 4 Special Election on E-SPLOST. Vote advance in person every day, including Saturday and Sunday, from October 14 to October 31 at the Gwinnett Voter Registrations and Elections Office in Lawrenceville. Additional early voting locations are at Bogan Park, Collins Hill Library, Five Forks Library, George Pearce Park, One Stop Centerville, Loganville Fire Station; Lucky Shoals Park, Mountain Park Community room, Pinckneyville Park Recreation Center, Rhodes Jordan Park and Shorty Howell Park. If you prefer to vote by mail, request an absentee ballot until Friday, October 24. Visit GwinnettElections.com for more information.
Citizens of Norcross who have old electronics such as CD players, stereos, phones or fax machines can recycle them soon. Bring them to the City’s biannual Recycle and Clean Up and Recycle Day on October 4, from 8 a.m. to noon at Norcross Public Works, 345 Lively Avenue. The city will also collect paper for shredding, single-stream recyclables, glass bottles and jars, scrap metal and bulk materials. Visit aplacetoimagine.com for accepted items, volunteer info and event details!
Have a ‘berry’ good time at the Bluesberry Beer and Music Festival hosted by the City of Norcross on October 4. Enjoy blueberry drinks and treats while listening to soulful blues music at this popular blueberry-focused event. Admission is free. It will be held 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Thrasher Park.
Braselton Medieval Faire will be October 4-5 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. It will be at Medieval Village and Enchanted Forest, 9924 Davis Street, Braselton. Be entertained and educated with living history demonstrations from History Now, hands-on activities, vendors, and live entertainment throughout the weekend! Stroll over to the Enchanted Forest to meet the Queen and check out the gaming room, demos and DIY lectures!
The Snellville Historical Society fall meeting will be October 5 with an open house at its location, 2145 North Road in Snellville. Time will be from 2-4 p.m.
Snellville Commerce Club will be Tuesday, October 7 at noon at Piedmont Eastside Hospital in Snellville. Speaker will be Melissa Laramie, chief engagement officer, for Gwinnett County Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Sociology and Social Work from Seattle University and Masters in Communication from Gonzaga University. An enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, she also speaks on topics nationwide.
Centerville area citizens are being encouraged to attend a public hearing on a proposed change to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding crematories and related zoning on Tuesday, October 7 at 7 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center,(GJAC), 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. In addition, a Gwinnett Superior Court hearing concerning parking will be on October 8 at 9 a.m. at GJAC.
A debate in Norcross for candidates for two city council seats is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, at 7 p.m. at the Norcross Community Center. Councilman Matt Myers is being challenged by Briana Murray, while Councilman Bruce Gaynor will have Samantha Spitzner as his opponent. Moderator of the debate will be Jim Blum of Peachtree Corners.
The [M] Factor film is a screening and roundtable discussion on the first documentary film on the health crisis faced by millions of women going through menopause. A roundtable discussion will follow the screening on October 8 at the Lilburn Branch of Gwinnett Public Library.
Southwest Gwinnett Chamber will host its Thursday Thought Leaders Lunch on October 9 at 11:30 A.M. at the Hilton Atlanta Northeast in Peachtree Corners. October’s topic is “Creating a Culture of Care: Winning the Hearts of Your Customers,” presented by author and guest speaker, Dee Ann Turner. Cost is $34 for members; $40 for non-members. Lunch buffet is included. Register by October 7 to reserve your spot.
Writing Your Memoirs: Learn how your experiences and life lessons can entertain and inspire others in this three-part writing workshop. This will be presented on October 9, 16, and 23 at the Collins Hill Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library.
The Norcross Arts Splash will be held in downtown’s Thrasher Park on Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 100 artists from across the county will showcase their talents with folk art, ceramics, paintings, photography, mixed media, fiber art, metalwork and jewelry. There will an interactive Kid’s Zone with face paintings, sand art, plus playground equipment. There will also be lots of festival food and drink. New for 2025 is the addition of the Local Maker’s Market at the historic Norcross Library, which is adjacent to Thrasher Park. Visit this treasure trove of handmade items by local artisans and crafters.
Teen Easy Writing Workshop: Save time and stress by joining high school seniors and parents for practical tips on jump-starting the Common App personal statement (as well as the shorter supplemental essays required by many colleges). The event will be October 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library.
Pedal Norcross: It’s time to “gear up” for this annual event. Attendees of all ages and skills levels get to explore Norcross on a 4.1 mile group ride, all while promoting safe and sustainable biking practices! This year the event will take place on Saturday, October 18 from 3-6 p.m. starting from Norcross City Hall, 65 Lawrenceville St. There will be free bike and helmet rentals, as well as free bike tune ups, if attendees bring their own bike. Check out their site for (free) tickets, volunteer, and donation opportunities!
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