GwinnettForum | Number 25.88 | Nov. 11, 2025
NEW CAMPUS: Mercer University’s medical school is getting a new campus next to the Ocmulgee River at Spring Street in downtown Macon. The $80 million facility will anchor a new convention center and adjoining hotel on 108 First St. The new medical campus is anticipated to be open in 2028. For more detail, see Today’s Focus below.
TODAY’S FOCUS: New Mercer med school to be along Ocmulgee River
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Growing up in Macon during simpler WWII times
SPOTLIGHT: E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc.
FEEDBACK: More on time and the way it can confuse us
UPCOMING: Helping Ukraine concert to feature McCutcheon
NOTABLE: GGC’s tennis team to get veteran coach
RECOMMENDED: How Can I Help, by Douglas W. Tallamy
OBITUARY: Jean Fraser Duke
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Three Seminole wars fought near Okefenokee Swamp
MYSTERY PHOTO: Use this train schedule to determine the location
LAGNIAPPE: Gwinnett Technical College board cited for honor
CALENDAR: Southwest Gwinnett Chamber hosts lunch on Thursday
New Mercer med school to be along Ocmulgee River
MACON, Ga. | Mercer University and community leaders held a ceremonial groundbreaking Nov. 7 at the site of a new $80 million medical school building alongside the Ocmulgee River at Spring Street. This building and multi-use development will transform the gateway to downtown Macon.
The development, anchored by the new home of Mercer’s School of Medicine, will be located along Riverside Drive between Spring and Second streets. It also will include residential lofts, retail space, offices and parking decks.
Mercer President William D. Underwood says: “It’s going to be magnificent and provide a beautiful gateway into downtown Macon, and I think the development around it is going to confirm in the minds of people that this is a city really on the move.”
The groundbreaking was held in partnership with Macon-Bibb County, the Urban Development Authority and Sierra Development, which is developing the adjacent facilities.
Sheridan Construction will build the new $80 million medical school facility, which is being designed by McMillan Pazdan Smith, the architectural firm that also designed Legacy Hall, Five Star Stadium, Drake Field House, OrthoGeorgia Park and the medical school building in Columbus, among other Mercer facilities.
The new 150,000-square-foot building will have two wings — one three-story and one five-story — with a courtyard in between. Each wing will feature a rooftop terrace, and at 120 feet tall, the building will be among the tallest in Macon. Primary entrances will be located off Spring Street and Riverside Drive, which is undergoing plans for a lane reduction and landscaped median.
The School of Medicine has grown dramatically since it opened in 1982, more than doubling the number of M.D. students in Macon from 96 to 240 and adding Ph.D. and master’s-level programs for a total Macon enrollment of 322. The new building, which is expected to open in fall 2028, will be better suited to meet the needs of the growing student population and provide more advanced equipment and technology.
School of Medicine Dean Jean R. Sumner, M.D., says: “The transformative research, the excellence in education that will occur in this building will provide physicians for not only Macon and Middle Georgia but for areas across our state, particularly in rural underserved areas.”
Trying to replace the existing 126,000-square-foot building on the main campus would be difficult due to space limitations, and relocating the medical school downtown will create an opportunity to have a transformative impact on the broader Macon community.
Across the street from the medical school development, the county is planning to build a new convention center and adjoining hotel at 108 First Street, the site for the former Ramada Plaza, which was demolished in January.
Combined, the medical school; lofts, office and retail development; convention center; and hotel are expected to represent an investment of about $400 million.
At the end of October, the county began demolition of a vacant gas station on Spring Street to make way for a new trailhead for the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, which is adjacent to the new medical school facility. The trail extension and new development will connect the area with the new East Bank development along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, the new Macon Coliseum, Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and Mill Hill: East Macon Arts Village.
Mercer also operates two other four year medical campuses, in Savannah and Columbus, with each having about 250 students. It also has two clinical campuses in Valdosta and Carrollton, hubs for third and fourth year students as they complete their clinical rotations. The Carrollton program will begin rotations in July 2026.
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email.
Growing up in Macon during simpler WWII times
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
NOV. 11, 2025 | Growing up in Macon during World War II, before the many modern gizmos we think we can’t get along without today, was such a more simple life. We wonder if more people do not die of stress today compared to these former times.
In those days, large families dominated lives. You couldn’t get away from them. And that wasn’t all bad.
Back before nightly television was a focus, families often would visit one another at night during the week, and often even on weekends. While this might be suffocating for some, it was a powerful way to keep families together.
Church was a major part of your life. For most people, it was essential. You usually went every Sunday. Some even attended on Sunday night and attended the mid-week service on Wednesday night. (At one time, a few of us boys often went to the Catholic church basement on Sunday night…..since they had one of the few television sets in town we could watch there. But we never went upstairs to the sanctuary.)
In those days, Macon had 57,000 people in 1940 and was considered a major Georgia city. Us boys had the run of the city on our bicycles. We pedaled from one end of town to another in those different times, and no one worried about our safety. But we made sure we were home by suppertime.
By the time we were 12 years old, we always had money in our pockets, for many of us boys had paper routes. It wasn’t so much folding money, as it was change to jingle and buy a candy bar or Coke. You learn a lot about people from throwing a paper route. You find some people are not trustworthy, and would beat a carrier out of the 40 cents for a week’s paper.
Airlines weren’t big then, and many of us were fascinated by airplanes. We knew a guy who operated the local bakery, and also owned an airplane, a Waco bi-plane, with open cockpit and top and bottom wings. The pilot steered from the back cockpit, and for $5 each, he would put two of us in the front cockpit for a spin of about 10 minutes
over town. What fun to see the city, and fly over where we lived, all seen from the air!
We had to pedal our bikes about two miles into Ocmulgee River swamp to get to the landing strip. What fun, this our first few airplane rides.
When age 9, I had my first trip to Atlanta. My uncle was a seed inspector for the Department of Agriculture and he had to visit the Capitol. I remember in particular three items from this trip. First, we stopped at Fresh Air Barbecue in Jackson just six years after it was opened for my first taste of this now-famous food. And it’s still the same great taste and texture today!
After my uncle finished his visit, we ate catfish at Rio Vista restaurant on Memorial Drive. A waitress taught me that lemon would dissolve a fish bone caught in your throat.
And finally, before heading home, my uncle and I walked up Stone Mountain. We could see the tall buildings in downtown Atlanta from this higher view! What a wonderful trip for a youngster just beginning to see a wider world.
That was a less complicated world, and a great time to grow up.
- Have a comment? Click here to send an email.
E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc.
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today’s sponsor is E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc. of Snellville. Founded in 1923, E.R. Snell is a local, family-owned construction and infrastructure company dedicated to delivering excellence in every road and bridge they undertake. Their rich history has established them as a trusted name in the industry, renowned for their bedrock commitments to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Visit online at www.ersnell.com
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
More on time and the way it can confuse us
Editor, the Forum:
A wise saying attributed to a Native American on the subject: “Only the government would believe that you can cut a foot off the top of a blanket, sew it to the bottom, and get a longer blanket.”
Once this issue is resolved, we can move on with the more challenging “12 hour, a.m./p.m.” versus “24 hour” use. Is it dark or light at 12 p.m.?
Style guides recommend the use of “12 noon” or “12 midnight” to avoid confusion. See Wikipedia, 12-hour clock.
– Channing S. Haskell, Peachtree Corners
We’re see the return of the snollygosters again
Editor, the Forum:
History has a way of repeating itself. In 1845 political dialogue, we see the start of the use of the word snollygoster, describing politicians who were shrewd, but without any principles. It seems that today we have an abundance of snollygosters in our government again.
– Alan Schneiberg, Sugar Hill
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.
Helping Ukraine concert to feature McCutcheon
The Lawrenceville Arts Center will host a powerful evening of music, art, and community on their main stage as Grammy-nominated folk musician John McCutcheon and Helping Ukraine present a special benefit concert, “A Song for Ukraine.” This will be on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m., and HelpingUkraine.US will present this special benefit concert.
The event is suitable for all ages, with doors opening at 5 p.m. Partners for the event include United Hearts and Minds, Art Territory Ukraine, and Poster Territory, (courtesy of the American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada).
While Helping Ukraine.US has hosted a variety of community events (art shows, rallies, festivals, etc.), the November 22 event will mark their first major benefit concert.
McCutcheon views the event as a pivotal moment for solidarity and support for Ukraine. He says: “This concert is more than music. It’s a chance to stand together for democracy, resilience, and hope. Art has always been a way for communities to connect, even in the darkest times. I’m honored to join voices with Ukraine through song and story.”
McCutcheon’s musical advocacy for Ukraine began in 2022 with the release of the remarkable song, “Ukrainian Now,” co-written with celebrated folk songwriter Tom Paxton and accompanied by a video by Noel Paul Stookey of the legendary Peter, Paul, and Mary.
Activism has always been a part of McCutcheon’s music. His first ever performance was at a picnic gathering for the local paper mill union, where he played a rendition of the union song, “Solidarity Forever,” to thunderous applause.
McCutcheon was once described by Johnny Cash as “The most impressive instrumentalist I have ever heard.” Pete Seeger called him “One of our country’s best songwriters.”
Emory Morsberger, founder of HelpingUkraine.US, says: “Partnering with McCutcheon for this concert brings together music, art, and generosity in one evening. It’s a chance for Georgians to make a direct impact and show that the spirit of compassion knows no borders.”
In addition to McCutcheon’s performance, the program will feature Ukrainian bandura player Olena Kovban and a Ukrainian child vocalist. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the exhibition and sale of Ukrainian children’s artwork created in underground shelters by children of the Aza Nizi Maza Art Studio in Kharkiv.
Ticket prices start at $50, and can be purchased on the Lawrenceville Arts Center website here. Premium options include priority seating for $75 and an exclusive VIP experience, including a meet-and- greet with McCutcheon, for $200. All proceeds will directly support displaced Ukrainian children through education, art therapy, and safe community spaces in Odesa, Kharkiv, Kryvyi Rih, and frontline villages in Kherson.
About John McCutcheon: Widely regarded as one of America’s most respected folk musicians, McCutcheon is a master of numerous instruments, including the hammer dulcimer, banjo, guitar, and piano. Over his five-decade career, he has released more than 40 albums, earned multiple Grammy nominations, and become known for his powerful storytelling, children’s music, and activism through song. His work has long bridged cultures and causes, bringing people together in the pursuit of justice, peace, and community. He will bring music and storytelling passages to new audiences and to the fans who have followed him for decades. Learn more at: folkmusic.com.
GGC tennis team to get veteran coach
Veteran tennis coach Tom Rees has been named to lead Georgia Gwinnett College’s successful program by Executive Athletics Director Dr. Ian Potter. He becomes the third head coach in program history.
He replaces Hannah Keeling, who has elected to pursue other professional opportunities. She coached both the men and women’s team for three seasons (2023-25). Her Men’s record was 59-4, and her Women’s record was 55-3.
GGC tennis has captured 20 NAIA national championships, with 10 titles each by the men’s and women’s programs. The women’s tennis team won the 2025 national title. The men’s tennis team started the 2025-26 season by sweeping the individual NAIA singles and doubles national championships at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Cup.
Before coming to Lawrenceville, Rees served as associate head coach of the women’s tennis program at NCAA Division I Clemson University (South Carolina) during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He helped the Tigers qualify for the NCAA championships for the first time since 2018 and the team had a No. 16 team ranking.
Previously, Rees was head coach of one NCAA Division I program, University of Incarnate Word (Texas), for the 2022 and 2023 seasons; was an assistant coach at Division I Kansas State University, from 2020-21; and two NCAA Division II colleges, Lenoir-Rhyne University (North Carolina) from 2017-19 and University of Illinois Springfield from 2015-16. His coaching career started as an assistant coach at Division II University of North Georgia from 2013-14.
Rees played collegiately at the Division I University of North Carolina Asheville from 2010-12, earning all-Big South Conference honors. He received a bachelor’s of arts degree in French, with a minor in management. Rees added a master’s degree in public administration at North Georgia.
Two redevelopment awards are for Gwinnett
Two Gwinnett redevelopment awards came out of the 2025 Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit. Presented by Gwinnett’s Community Improvement Districts and co-hosted by Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth, this 15th annual event underscored how redevelopment strengthens the business ecosystem that attracts and retains industry in metro Atlanta.
The Redevelopment Champion of the Year is Paul Radford, City Manager of Sugar Hill. Recognized for leading Sugar Hill’s transformation into a dynamic civic destination anchored by The E Center and The Bowl.
The Medium Redevelopment Project of the Year is Hooper-Renwick Themed Library in Lawrenceville, cited for preserving the legacy of the former Hooper-Renwick School while creating a modern community learning hub.
The summit is hosted by Partnership Gwinnett and the Council for Quality Growth. For more information on redevelopment initiatives, visit PartnershipGwinnett.com.
How Can I Help, by Douglas W. Tallamy
From Rick Krause, Lilburn: Doug Tallamy’s most recent book is a practical, empowering guide for anyone who wants to make a meaningful ecological impact right outside their door. It addresses the global biodiversity crisis—the decline of animals, insects, and plants—by sharing how individuals can make a difference by helping nature in their own yard. Its subtitle is: ‘Saving Nature With Your Yard.’ Building on the foundation laid in his Bringing Nature Home and Nature’s Best Hope, this book shifts from theory to practice, offering clear steps to restore biodiversity—from planting keystone native species to ditching mosquito foggers that kill other insects and don’t control mosquitos, letting leaves lie, removing invasive species, installing a pollinator garden, and reducing that dead zone, the lawn. What makes it especially compelling is its tone: encouraging, accessible, and deeply rooted in science. Tallamy understands that many people feel powerless in the face of environmental decline.
- An invitation: what books, restaurants, movies or web sites have you enjoyed recently? Send us your recent selection, along with a short paragraph (150 words) as to why you liked this, plus what you plan to visit or read next. Click here to send an email.
Jean Fraser Duke
Dorothy Jean Fraser Duke passed away on Nov. 7, 2025, in Atlanta, at the age of 99. She was born on Aug. 13, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Penn., to Dorothy Young Fraser and Carlyle Fraser. Her early life was marked by a move to Atlanta, in 1928, where she would spend the majority of her life.
Her husband, the late Paul Duke, developed Peachtree Corners.
Jean was a graduate of Washington Seminary and furthered her education by attending Agnes Scott before graduating from Georgia State University.
An ardent Georgia Tech fan, Jean was recognized for her commitment to the school with an Honorary Alumnus award in 2006. Her hobbies were characterized by a passion for sports and aviation. As a serious competitor, Jean was an active ALTA tennis player and along with her friend Pat Cunningham, organized numerous tennis tournaments at Sea Island. She was also an avid aviator and a long-standing member of the Ninety-Nines, participating in women’s cross-country races.
Her personal life was deeply rooted in Atlanta. She married Paul Duke in 1947 and together they shared five children. Jean and Paul were lifelong members of North Avenue Presbyterian Church, with a deep commitment to both their faith and community.
Jean is survived by her son, Fraser Duke; granddaughters, Fraser Tison Kent (Steven), Laura Tison Meis (Sebastian), Katie Tison Baddour (Michael); and grandsons, Ben Pierce (Erica), Logan Duke, and Paul Duke. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Duke; siblings, Jack Fraser, Richard Fraser, and Nancy Fraser Parker; and her children, Ginger Duke, Linda Duke Pierce, Laura Duke Tison (Hunter); and son, Paul Duke Jr.
A memorial service will be held at North Avenue Presbyterian Church at 607 Peachtree Street, Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory can be made to North Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Three Seminole wars fought near Okefenokee Swamp
The three Seminole Wars that commanded the attention and manpower of the U.S. Army and Navy during the antebellum period intensified the violence and chaos that had been characteristic of the Georgia-Florida frontier since the early colonial period.
The engagements that took place between American troops and the Seminoles in Georgia, particularly during the First (1817-18) and Second (1835-42) Seminole Wars, were pivotal moments that crystallized some of the major issues underlying the battles.
British, Spanish, and French colonists had been, at best, uneasy allies with Native American nations in the Southeast since initial contact in the 16th century. Conflicts over trade agreements and land cessions resulted in small-scale skirmishes that ultimately exploded into declared warfare.
The antebellum period Seminoles were a confederacy of multiple clans that had splintered from various southwestern tribes (Lower Creek, Oconee, Yuchi, Alabama, Choctaw, and Shawnee) and drifted into southern Georgia and northern Florida in the early 1700s. These disparate bands, without much in common but geography, began to hunt, fish, farm, and herd livestock in the area.
By 1750 clans had built towns along the Suwannee River, linked to other Native American and maroon (fugitives from slavery) villages through infrastructure (roads, shared outbuildings) and intermarriage. After 1767 Upper Creeks began to move into the area, increasing the Native borderland population to more than 2,000 by 1790. There is also evidence that antebellum Americans understood Seminole to refer to “wild people,” “pioneers,” “adventurers,” and “wanderers” in Georgia and Florida. An 1890 census estimated that there were about 5,000 Seminoles living along the Georgia-Florida border at the start of the First Seminole War.
In November 1817 a detachment of soldiers stationed at Fort Scott in southern Georgia traveled to the Seminole village of Fowl Town,15 miles away and just north of the Florida (Spanish) border. The soldiers demanded that the Seminole chief Neamathla surrender warriors whom American military officials believed responsible for the murder of several Georgia families. Neamathla refused. In response the soldiers drove the Seminoles into the surrounding swamplands (killing about 20 men) and then plundered and burned Fowl Town. Both Seminoles and Georgians living along the frontier immediately arose, and the First Seminole War began.
These battles, which lasted for a little less than a year, were characterized by hit-and-run attacks by the Seminoles on frontier plantations and towns and American retaliations. After General Andrew Jackson took control of American troops in January 1818, his efforts weakened Seminole offenses by dividing their numbers between Georgia and Florida.
In April of that year, Jackson and his troops marched against the Seminole villages along the Suwannee River, ultimately chasing the Seminoles into the Okefenokee Swamp. Jackson then left Georgia and marched—mostly unopposed—through East Florida, destroying Seminole towns, Spanish forts, and British plantations. The First Seminole War was the result of conflicts over land and trade between Seminoles and Georgia colonists. The most important outcome of the war was the acquisition of Florida from Spain in 1819.
(To be continued.)
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to
Use this train schedule to determine the location
During the heyday of railroads, you looked to a board to see what track you should take to get to your destination. Can you figure out from this board what town this board was in? Send your answers to ebrack2@gmail.com, and tell us what town you live in.
Stewart Ogilvie of Rehobeth, Ala. Recognized the sculpture: “This modern sculpture of a square clock on top of running legs is located very appropriately outside Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow, Scotland, where the sight of passengers racing to catch a bus is not unknown! The ‘Clyde Clock’ was commissioned by Radio Clyde to celebrate its 25th year as an independent local radio station and its association with the local Cowcaddens area of the city. The clock is 20 feet high and is covered in stainless steel.
“It was created by artist George Wiley who is well known locally for his idiosyncratic art works such as ‘The Straw Locomotive’ which consisted of a full-size steam locomotive, constructed from straw, and suspended from the Finnieston Crane as part of the 1988 Glasgow Garden Festival. The Clyde Clock was intended to be installed in December 1999 in time for the Millennium – but construction work on the adjacent Lang’s Hotel resulted in a postponement into the new year. The clock forms a focal point in Concert Square – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall is just across the road. The clock was also intended to be a meeting place and chimes just once each day at 8 p.m., said to be the ‘ideal meeting time’”. The photo came from Clair Danielson of Black Mountain, N.C.
Also pinpointing the photo were Lisa Parrish, Cumming; of Columbia, S.C.; George Graf, Palmyra, Va. and Allan Peel of San Antonio, Texas, who added: “Today’s mystery photo is of a whimsical sculpture called the Clyde Clock, also known as the Running Clock or Time’s Up, a whimsical stainless steel and fiberglass sculpture located outside the Buchanan Bus Station on Killermont Street in Glasgow, Scotland. The artwork is 20 feet tall and features a cube-shaped clock, with four clock faces, atop a pair of running stainless steel legs.
“It was created by the Scottish artist George Wyllie (1921–2012) and installed in 1999 as part of Glasgow’s ‘City of Architecture and Design’ celebration, highlighting the city’s creativity and humor at the turn of the millennium. It is a witty commentary on the fast-paced modern world and the constant race against time, a theme emphasized by its location in one of Glasgow’s busiest transport hubs.”
- 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.
Gwinnett Tech has a Role Model Board
Gwinnett Technical College marks a significant achievement that underscores its commitment to excellence in governance and leadership. The Gwinnett Tech Foundation Board of Trustees has been recognized as a Role Model Board for 2025, a distinction awarded to boards that demonstrate exemplary leadership, engagement, and advocacy in advancing technical education.
Darcie Johnson, Executive Director of the Gwinnett Tech Foundation, added, “Our Board of Trustees exemplifies leadership in action. Their engagement, insight, and steadfast support strengthen every step we take toward our shared goals. This recognition is a testament to their passion for education and their dedication to making a lasting impact.”
The Role Model Board designation and continued certification success highlight Gwinnett Tech’s strong governance structure and its boards’ commitment to accountability, transparency, and advocacy for technical education.
In addition, the Gwinnett Technical College Board of Directors has achieved 100% certification for all members for the 16th consecutive year, reaffirming its dedication to best practices and continuous improvement in board governance.
Southwest Gwinnett Chamber hosts lunch on Thursday
Happening today: Come to Veterans Park in Norcross on South Peachtree Street on November 11 at 10 a.m. for the Veterans Day Ceremony as a tribute to those men and women who have served our country. This ceremony will be taking place outdoors, so please be sure to bundle up—it’s expected to be a bit chilly! Retired Rear Admiral Jim McGarrah, a Norcross resident and Navy veteran, will share his inspiring journey, along with SinSinger Joanna Phillips. Don’t miss this meaningful tribute to our veterans!
The Norcross PDC (people drinking coffee) meets each Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. at the 45 South Café in downtown Norcross. Speaker for the November 12 meeting will be Steve Gaspar, a member of the Gwinnett County School Board. The event is free and visitors are welcomed.
Speaking at the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce at its Thursday Thought Leaders luncheon will be Debbie McKinley, CPO of Herschend Family Entertainment, which is based in Peachtree Corners. Among their 49 ventures across the nation includes Stone Mountain Park and the Harlem Globetrotters. The event will be November 12 at the Atlanta Hilton Northeast at 11:30 a.m.
The Peachtree Corners Photography Club will meet November 13 at 6:45 p.m. at Atlanta Tech Park. Speaker will be famed photographer Daniel Harron. The topic is “Astrophotography – How to Point Your Camera Up.” The meeting is open to anyone who shares a passion for photography. Admission is free.
Better Cooking for a Better Environment: Demo and Tasting will be presented November 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Snellville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. Help your holiday season go smoothly. Learn how to properly dispose of fats, oils, and grease while sampling holiday treats.
Just in time to implement a year-end tax strategy, Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries is hosting this unique opportunity to learn about how your charitable giving can save you money at tax time. Board member and attorney Kimberly Civins on Thursday, November 13 at 8 p.m. will lead a discussion on smart charitable giving techniques, based on the chapter of your life (pre-retirement, post-retirement, and death-time). The event will be at the NCM office, 500 Pinnacle Court, Norcross.
Join the 10th annual Yellow River Trash Bash on Saturday, November 15. Meet at the Yellow River Park pavilion at 3232 Juhan Road, Stone Mountain. You will be transported to the site. Teams will return to the pavilion at the end of the event for a lunch provided by the Yellow River Water Trail Association. Wear suitable clothing for the event. For more information and to register, please follow this link: https://cerv.is/0024×5139.
Festival of Trees at The Southeastern Railway Museum will be November 15 through January 4. The annual event features over 70 holiday trees designed and installed by the community, along with the arrival of Santa Claus by train on opening day. Guests can enjoy train rides, the festival and access to the museum with general admission tickets (available online or at the door).
Local Asian American History and Zine Workshop will be held at the Suwanee Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on November 15 at 11 a.m. Enjoy crafting your very own zine and learn about the vibrant history of Asian Americans in the Atlanta-metro area from the Georgia Asian American Community Archive Initiative.
Join the Gwinnett Historical Society on Monday, November 17 at the Rhodes Jordan Park Community Center in Lawrenceville. The guest speaker will be Dr. Marshall Shepherd, distinguished meteorologist and professor at the University of Georgia, who will share information about the historical nature of recent weather events impacting Georgia. Come for refreshments begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m.
Join New York Times bestselling author Karen White as she discusses The Lady on Esplanade, her newest thriller in the Royal Street series. The meeting will be at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public library on November 17 at 6:30 p.m. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
The Story of Raymond Santana of the Central Park Five will be presented November 18 at 7 p.m. at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett Public Library. Join Raymond Santana, one of the Central Park Five, as he discusses his young adult illustrated memoir, Pushing Hope, which reflects on his wrongful conviction and tireless fight for his 2002 exoneration. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
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:
- Editor and publisher: Elliott Brack, 770-840-1003
- Mailing address: P.O. Box 1365, Norcross, Ga. 30091
- Work with us: If you would like to learn about how to be an underwriter to support the publication of GwinnettForum as a community resource for news and commentary, please contact us today.
Subscriptions to GwinnettForum are free.
- Click to subscribe.
- Unsubscribe. We hope you’ll keep receiving the great news and information from GwinnettForum, but if you need to unsubscribe, go to this page and unsubscribe in the appropriate box.
- © 2025, Gwinnett Forum.com.
