GwinnettForum | Number 25.95 | Dec. 9, 2025
COHORT GRADS: The Gwinnett Chamber Foundation hosted its inaugural Power of Impact gala and awards recently at Bear’s Best Suwanee. This year’s cohort graduates from left are Michelle Barefield, My Therapy by Michelle; Jeimy Arias; Lead with Coach Jeimy; Alicia Cole, Lillie’s Boutique; Luisa Gaitan, Challenge 2 Get Fit Training; Vonda Harris, VALT Enterprises; Nancy McGill, Cartridge World, Lawrenceville; and Berthine Crevecoeur West, Westbridge Solutions. For more details, see Lagniappe below.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Help add 24 new subscribers by the end of the year. Tell your family and friends: With just 24 more new subscribers by December 31, we’ll reach a significant milestone. For a holiday gift to us, how about sending along a copy of GwinnettForum to your friends and family members — and ask them to consider subscribing. Remember: It’s free. Subscribe here
TODAY’S FOCUS: If TV confirms your bias, consider a second channel
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Read this compelling story about modern medicine
SPOTLIGHT: Oconee State Bank
FEEDBACK: Use lots of power? You lose right to reasonable rates
UPCOMING: Library offering RISE teen Entrepreneurship program
NOTABLE: Association completes Phase 3 of shoreline protection
RECOMMENDED: President for Life, by J. Michael Luttig
OBITUARY: Thomas Hopper
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Researchers seek better fuel efficiency for trucks
MYSTERY PHOTO: What is unusual about this obelisk?
LAGNIAPPE: Chamber Foundation names Impact winners
CALENDAR: Forest of Trees at Snellville City Hall until Dec. 19
If TV confirms your bias, consider a second channel
(Editor’s note: Randy Travis retired in 2024 as an investigative reporter for FOX 5 Atlanta. In November, he won election to the Lawrenceville City Council. Today he reflects on the role of the press in our country.)—eeb.
By Randy Travis
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | After 45 years in the news business, I’m now out here in the information wasteland with the rest of you, probably asking the same question, too: who can you trust to tell you the truth? Journalism should be one of our country’s most trusted institutions. It’s the only private business protected by name in the Constitution. (Applause, please, for the First Amendment.)
The Founders knew they needed to protect the press if they wanted an independent entity to keep an eye on this new form of government. For generations, those government watchdogs served our country well.
In my lifetime, journalists caught the government lying about the Vietnam War when the New York Times and Washington Post printed the Pentagon Papers. The Post also exposed the corruption inside the Nixon White House through its dogged Watergate investigation.
I always imagined the Founding Fathers looking down with satisfaction as journalists time and again protected our freedoms, even if it sometimes took longer than it should have. (Tuskegee syphilis trials, Japanese-American internment camps, Jim Crow, etcetera, etcetera.)
However, lately, I fear some in our country have taken for granted the patriotic work that journalists provide, and, even worse, blame the messengers for much of our current troubles.
When the Nazis took over Germany in 1933, the German Constitution guaranteed freedom of speech and freedom of the press, just like ours.
But through decrees and laws, the Nazis abolished these civil rights. By 1934, it was illegal to criticize the Nazi government. It was illegal to tell a joke about Hitler. Saturday Night Live would not have lived long in Nazi Germany.
In 1933, the Nazis controlled less than three percent of the country’s 4,700 newspapers. That meant 4,500 of them were not Nazi mouthpieces.
But slowly, Hitler eventually eliminated any independent voices. The people only heard what he wanted them to hear. They heard lies. And they believed them. What happened next became one of the greatest sins in human history.
In our country, some believe the bad guys are not corrupt politicians, but the journalists who report what those politicians are doing. If an elected leader attacks the reporter (which sometimes happened in my old life) rather than answer the reporter’s questions, you knew you were performing your patriotic duty as a journalist. And you didn’t let up.
Cable news bears much of the blame for journalism’s fading reputation. Some clearly advocate for a political party or candidate, blurring the lines between journalism and commentary. I can understand why some Americans are confused or bitter.
According to a September 2025 Pew Research Center survey, 56 percent of Americans still get some of their news from television, far more than from radio or print.
So try this: if the only channel you watch constantly confirms your biases about the world, instead of at least occasionally challenging those beliefs, add another news channel or news outlet to your daily routine.
True journalists understand their role in keeping our country free. Don’t ignore them just because others fail to learn that lesson.
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Read this compelling story about modern medicine in USA
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
DEC. 9, 2025 | One of the most compelling stories of the year must be one by Tatiana Schlossberg in the Nov. 22, 2025 issue of The New Yorker.
It’s entitled “A battle with my blood,” telling the story of her being diagnosed with leukemia. She writes: “My first thought was that this couldn’t be happening to me and my family.”
What makes this reaction to her cancer so gripping is that she is the granddaughter of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and former President John F. Kennedy. Her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is the U.S. Health and Human Services secretary. He is the one responsible for halting medical tests that might save Ms. Schlossberg’s life.
She is 35 years old, and learned about her plight just after giving birth to her second child, a girl. Because of her illness, she has not been able to care for this daughter herself. As an environmental journalist, she tells of her situation in a most heartfelt way.
It’s not often that we have read such a captivating story.
FORMER PRESIDENT Dwight Eisenhower signed the bill creating the Interstate highways.
But do you know the story of the first east-west highway across this country?
In 1912, Carl Graham Fisher, who made a fortune supplying headlights to auto makers (Prest-O-Lites), proposed raising $10 million for a graveled two lane road from New York City to San Francisco, and suggested raising this money through donations. Many gave (Henry Ford did not). By 1915, work started on what became known as the Lincoln Highway. Soon it was evident there was not enough in donations to complete the project.
But Fisher had another idea. He developed “seedling miles,” finding a one mile section of the proposed road between two smaller cities, and paved that one mile. This made towns near this “seedling” want more traffic, so many towns raised local funds to bring that paved road to their town. It took a while, until 1923, but soon the Lincoln Highway was completed across the country.
And from this eventually the federal government got into road construction, and has been expanding the system ever since.
HAVE YOU NOTICED what’s happening to some cereal boxes? What has long been a standard 2.5-inch width box size is now on some brands only two inches wide. (See side-by-side photo.) Any guess what this new wrinkle is effectively called? You could call it “increased cost per ounce!” It’s a sneaky way to raise profits!
TWO GWINNETT high school football teams will play for state championships soon.
On Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m., Buford Wolves (14-0) will play the Carrollton Trojans (14-0) at Mercedes Benz stadium for the Class 6A title. It should be quite a game, as both schools have a long football tradition of winning, and both teams are ranked nationally. Interestingly, it will be the third straight Gwinnett team Carrollton has faced, having eliminated Grayson (34-14) and North Gwinnett (48-21) in the last two weeks.
Then on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m., Hebron Christian Academy of Dacula will play Calvary Day School of Savannah for their 3-A Private state title. Last week, Hebron beat Greater Atlanta Christian School (50-24) to reach the championship. Calvary Day is 12-1 on the season, having lost only to Jenkins High. In 2024, Hebron’s football team won its first state title.
All championship games are being televised on Georgia Public Broadcasting.
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Oconee State Bank
The public spiritedness of our underwriters allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today’s sponsor is Oconee State Bank. With more than 65 years of service, 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.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
Use lots of power? You lose right to reasonable rates
Editor, the Forum:
When I read your question, “Will electric rates rise soon?” I thought, “Surely that question cannot be serious.”
And it wasn’t. Electric rate increases are almost as frequent as sunrises in Georgia.
So much so, the letters “GPSC” should stand for “Georgia Power Service Commission,” not “Georgia Public Service Commission.”
As for data centers, when a company uses electric power in unreasonable quantities, it loses the right to reasonable rates. It should pay for the power it uses, and for any facilities that must be constructed to handle the additional demand. This financial burden should not be shifted to residential rate-payers. (Remember Plant Vogtle? We were paying for that years before it was completed, years late and millions of dollars over budget.)
– Robert H. Hanson, Loganville
PSC sets rates for Georgia Power, not EMCs
Editor, the Forum:
Just wanted to add to your story on electric rates in Georgia. The Public Service Commission only sets rates for Georgia Power. It does not set rates for the 42 Electric Membership Corporations providing service in mostly rural Georgia. The PSC’s limited regulatory jurisdiction over EMCs includes resolution of territorial matters and approval authority over applications for financing.
Fifty-two Georgia cities provide electric service to their customers. PSC jurisdiction is limited to territorial matters. The cities must also file their rates with the Commission and in territorial matters. Forty-seven of these cities and Crisp County are members of the Municipal Electric Association of Georgia (MEAG).
I just wanted you to be aware since parts of Sugar Hill are not under Georgia Power. Rather, it receives its electricity from Sawnee Electric (serves Sugar Hill, Forsyth County and parts of Dawson County) and the actual power generator is Oglethorpe Power.
Currently, Georgia Power serves 2.7 million customers. Millions of others receive their power from other power generating systems. Just wanted to point out that the answer to your question is both Yes and No. Mostly Yes, if you live in Gwinnett County.
Also recognize that MEAG and some of the EMCs also owns part of the nuclear generating facility Plant Vogtle near Waynesboro.
– Sid Camp, Dawsonville
We should thank PSC members for vision
Editor, the Forum:
Regarding the EEB Perspective: “True or False: Will electric rates rise?”
I went on to the Georgia Power website and found that rates are frozen for three years (see below) I also went and searched reputable sources who could explain the positive or negative impact of data centers and found this PBS clip: https://youtu.be/23x8Ey_pyhY
We should recognize and thank those Public Service Commissioners who advocated for Georgians. Their vision for the future is now coming into fruition. Georgia is well positioned to provide the load everyone needs including data centers with the current infrastructure we have. Aging infrastructure is the key driver to the rising costs.
Voters are being misled and as a result, we have the newly elected commissioners. I hope that our news outlets can inform, not influence, their audience.
– Karen Sanchez, Lawrenceville
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Library offering RISE Teen Entrepreneurship program
Gwinnett County Public Library is taking applications for its RISE Teen Entrepreneurship Program.
With more than 60 percent of teens considering entrepreneurship, GCPL offers a four-week intensive workshop beginning on February 17, 2026, teaching teens the entrepreneurial skills needed to start a business.
Participants, with the help of instructors and mentors, will develop a business concept, create a small business plan, and pitch their ideas. They will pitch to a panel of local entrepreneurs in a Shark Tank-style competition.
Competition winners can earn cash awards for their business ideas. Applicants must be between 13 and 19 years old and be residents of Gwinnett County. They must have reliable. transportation to the weekly meetings, which take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick branch. Deadline to apply is Jan. 5, 2026.
Additionally, library cardholders 13 years of age and older have access to nine maker spaces across Gwinnett County to explore entrepreneurial interests. The technology includes laser printers, digital cameras, podcasting mixers, sewing machines, software, and more. All of this is industry-leading and free. Young entrepreneurs can develop their ideas using maker spaces and then promote their businesses on free platforms.
Opioid committee plans sessions on addiction
The Gwinnett County Opioid Abatement Advisory Committee invites residents, healthcare professionals and community leaders to attend one of two upcoming town halls addressing the resources available to those impacted by opioid addiction.
The town halls will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, and Thursday, Dec. 11, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Innovation Square, located at 446 West Crogan Street in Lawrenceville.
The sessions will provide an open forum for participants to share their experiences, challenges and recommendations related to prevention, treatment and recovery in Gwinnett County.
Community feedback during the town halls will play a vital role in shaping future strategies to combat opioid misuse and strengthen support and resources. Anyone interested in participating can register at GwinnettCounty.com/OpioidTownHalls.
Association completes phase 3 of shoreline protection
The Lake Lanier Association (LLA) has completed a third phase of the ongoing shoreline protection initiative, Project Armor. This latest phase of the program reinforces one linear mile, or 5,280 feet, of Lake Lanier’s shoreline with rip rap in 16 vulnerable areas experiencing severe erosion due to heavy boat traffic.
The LLA spearheads the only initiative to save and protect the islands. These islands dot the middle of Lake Lanier, and they are considered cherished and irreplaceable assets by those who live on and visit the lake. They provide opportunities for wildlife habitat, beaches and coves for recreation, fishing spots and general enjoyment on Lake Lanier.
There are some areas on the lake where the entire island has disappeared as a result of constant erosion. As more and more of the shoreline erodes and falls into the lake, these areas between the islands become shallower and less usable for safe recreation. The rip rap assists in dissipating wave energy heading back in the opposite direction towards the lake.
The loss of these islands is not only a loss for recreation but also for storage capacity as the sediment added to the lake reduces the storage capacity for drinking water that over five million Georgians rely on.
Since 2014, the LLA has protected a total of three linear miles of Lake Lanier shoreline through rip rap installation, safeguarding 28 areas and islands from erosion. With a mission of protecting and preserving Lake Lanier through keeping a clean, full and safe lake, shoreline protection is a high priority of LLA.
President for Life, by J. Michael Luttig
From Mike Wood, Peachtree Corners: In the December 2025 issue of The Atlantic, J. Michael Luttig’s President for Life warning presents a compelling analysis of the risks posed to American democracy by Donald Trump’s efforts to subvert upcoming congressional and presidential elections. Luttig addresses how the erosion of constitutional norms may pave the way for authoritarianism. His arguments are both urgent and accessible, drawing on historical precedents and recent political developments to underscore the fragility of America’s democratic institutions. The article stands out for its clarity and persuasive reasoning, balancing legal expertise with a call to civic responsibility. Luttig’s warnings about complacency and the importance of upholding the rule of law resonate strongly in today’s political climate. This is a provoking and timely contribution, urging readers to reflect critically on the future of American governance and the principles that safeguard it.
- 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.
Thomas Hopper
On Thanksgiving Day, 2025 at the age of 93, Thomas “Tom” Hopper peacefully passed away at home surrounded by family members. Born on July 28, 1932 to Harold and Margaret Hopper, Tom developed a passion for basketball while growing up in Illinois. When he moved to New Jersey in 1945, he brought the one hand jump shot with him. It was the day of the two-handed set shot and the one-hand shot was new to New Jersey hoops. His success on the court led to his induction into the Ridgewood High School Hall of Fame in 2006.
After high school, Tom joined the Marine Corps and served in Korea. Upon discharge, Tom hitch hiked from San Diego, Calif. to Raleigh, N.C. where he attended North Carolina State University on a basketball scholarship. He played for coach Everett Case, who is regarded as the father of Atlantic Coast Conference basketball.
It was during college when Tom met Janet Kamerling, who became his wife of 59 years. After graduation, he began his career in the textile business living in Spartanburg, S.C. and Glen Rock, N.J. before returning south to the metro Atlanta area. It was during his Atlanta years that Tom became a proficient tennis player competing in local ALTA tennis tournaments. He started his own successful business in the 1980s as a manufacturer’s rep, before retiring in 1997. Tom also excelled at construction and personally did major renovations to every home he lived in.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Hopper; parents, Harold and Margaret Hopper; his brother, Charles “Chuck” Hopper and sister-in-law Joan Hopper. He is survived by his sister, Laura Quinlan and her husband Jack, daughters Linda Hopper, Carole Hopper, Suzy Hopper, son-in-law Stéphane Haffemayer, son Jeff Hopper, daughter-in-law Pam Hopper and grandchildren Kam Hopper and Lydia Hopper. Everyone who knew him will miss his sharp humor, wise perspective, and warm, caring smile.
A memorial service was held December 8 at A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home in Decatur with the Rev. Edgar Otero of Christ Episcopal Church in Norcross officiating.
Researchers seek better fuel efficiency for trucks
An innovative technology under development by Georgia researchers could improve the fuel efficiency of tractor-trailer trucks worldwide while making the big rigs safer and easier to drive.
Engineers at the Georgia Institute of Technology are adapting aerodynamic control techniques originally developed for aircraft to help the boxy truck trailers move along the highway as if they were streamlined. The technique, called a circulation control system, involves blowing compressed air from a series of slots on the trailers. Air exiting from the slots improves the way that wind flows over the trailers as they move along the highway.
The system is expected to reduce aerodynamic drag by at least 35 percent, which would cut fuel consumption for tractor-trailers by approximately 12 percent. If used on the entire U.S. heavy truck fleet, the technology could save an estimated 1.2 billion gallons of fuel a year. Beyond the fuel savings, however, circulation control could also improve directional control for the trucks, increase traction, and augment braking. The system could also create lift on the trailers, effectively reducing their weight and cutting rolling resistance on tires, reducing tire wear and further increasing fuel economy.
The system works by blowing compressed air from slots located on different parts of a trailer. Air blown over curved surfaces on the top smoothes the wind flow there, decreasing drag and making the entire trailer act like a wing to lift as much as 15 percent of the weight off the tires. Blowing air from slots on the bottom of a trailer would have the opposite effect, multiplying downward force on the tires to improve traction and braking when needed.
Blowing slots on each side of a trailer would counter crosswinds, giving the driver a way to fight the effects of sway. By selecting the right slot combination and blowing rates, the system would increase drag to augment braking, particularly helpful for trucks going down steep hills.
Controlled by internal fast-acting valves, the system would respond quickly to driver actions. Using computerized controls, the driver wouldn’t even have to think about how it works. Pressing the brakes or accelerator, or moving the steering wheel, would cause the proper blowing slots to open and assist the conventional controls. Compressed air for the system could come from the exhaust gases, the turbocharger on the truck engine, storage tanks, or an electric compressor in the trailer.
Circulation control systems were developed and tested on fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft in the 1970s and 1980s as a simplified means of greatly increasing lift, improving control, and reducing take-off and landing distances. During the 1990s Georgia Tech engineers applied the technique to automobiles and demonstrated significant savings in drag and energy use.
The potential value of the system has been demonstrated in wind-tunnel testing on truck models and testing on full-sized truck trailers. If it proves successful, the system could quickly become part of new trailers and could be sold as aftermarket kits for existing trailers. The research is being sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
What is unusual about this obelisk?
Today’s mystery is an unusual obelisk in the middle of the street in….where? See if you can figure out this mystery, and what it signifies. Send your idea to ebrack2@gmail.com, and include your hometown.
In the last edition, George Graf of Palmyra, Va. told us: “This is a photo taken in Decatur on North McDonough Street looking down towards its historic Courthouse.” It was sent in by Chuck Miller of Duluth.
Others recognizing it were Mark Smith, Eatonton; Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.; Joe Hopkins, Lawrenceville; and Allan Peel of San Antonio, Texas, who wrote: “The electric trolley was run by the Georgia Power Company, which operated an extensive streetcar trolley system serving the Atlanta Metropolitan Area in the 1930-1950s. According to a Chamber of Commerce publication, they were handling approximately 200,000 passengers every day during the early 1930s.”
- 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.
Chamber Foundation names Impact winners
The Gwinnett Chamber Foundation hosted its inaugural Power of Impact gala and awards recently at Bear’s Best Suwanee. This year’s award recipients included:
- Legacy Business Leader of the Year: Dr. William “Bill” Russell;
- Certification Cohort Member of the Year: Alicia Cole, Lillies Boutique;
- Accelerator Cohort Member of the Year: Berthine Crèvecoeur West, Westbridge Solutions;
- Coaches of the Year: Ferdinand Risco, B2G Coach; and Stacy Risco, The Pink Patch Group;
- Corporate Advocate of the Year: Verizon + Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC); and
- Corporate Champion of the Year: Georgia Power.
Forest of Trees at Snellville City Hall until Dec. 19
Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG Norcross Christmas Show is now playing at Lionheart Theatre and will continue through December 21. It is from Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, and directed by Tana Gilmer. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when Dickens’ A Christmas Carol meets the local flavor of Norcross and The Lionheart Theatre Company, then you don’t want to miss this holiday show. Join us for this hilarious mash up of a holiday classic with our own special Lionheart spin. Time for the shows are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sundays. A December 2 matinee will be at 2 p.m. Go to lioinheartteatre.org for more details.
Snellville City Hall will host the 10th Annual Festival of Trees through December 19. Local businesses, churches, schools or residents showcase their creative side by decorating a tree displayed at Snellville City Hall. Stop by City Hall, enjoy the trees and vote for your favorite by donating money, canned or dried food or toys. Each item placed under the tree of your choice will register a vote for your favorite tree. To make a monetary vote, go to the ExperienceSnellville.com website and vote.
The fourth annual Neighborhood Christmas Train is open on weekends until December 21. Kids learn to run their own Polar Express or Harry Potter Hogwarts Express train in the Engineer Training Center. All kids receive a free Hot Wheel car to drive around the neighborhood and take home. For the first time ever, Lionel and LEGO® play together at the Brick Whistlestop. This massive LEGO® City with eight LEGO® trains brought courtesy of the North Carolina LEGO User Group. This is at Peachtree Campus, 3135 Reps Miller Road in Norcross. Hours are Saturday evenings from 5-9 p.m., and Sunday afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m. Purchase Timed-Entry Advance Tickets Save $5 Family 4 or Family 5 Packs. Use Promo Code CITY25. More Info: www.NorcrossTrain.com.
A Holiday Quilt Exhibit is ongoing now through December 31. Presented by Spirited Quilters Guild, this colorful showcase runs through Wednesday, December 31 at the Welcome Center and History Museum, 17 College Street, Norcross. Open hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free! Marvel at 15+ holiday-themed quilts featuring a variety of materials, techniques, and patterns. Perfect for a festive outing in Norcross, wander through the creativity of local artists and get inspired by the warmth and whimsy of fiber art.
The Norcross PDC (people drinking coffee) meets each Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. at the 45 South Café in downtown Norcross. Speaking on December 10 will be Robert Michner, executive director of the Gateway85 Community Improvement District. The event is free and visitors are welcomed.
A new garden club is being formed in Peachtree Corners. Its first meeting will be December 11 at 7 p.m. at the Norcross Garden clubhouse cottage at 33 College Street. (across from Norcross City Hall). Meet the board of directors, go over the club structure and enjoy holiday refreshments and a holiday wreath raffle. RSVP if you plan to attend.
The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber‘s Thursday Thought Leaders lunch will take place on December 11 at 11:30 a.m. at Roam Coworking, 3847 Medlock Bridge Road in Peachtree Corners. The guest speaker is David Salyers, one of the original two marketing executives at Chick-fil-A. Register online in advance.
Annie, the Musical featuring the Braselton Players, comes to life at the Civic Center December 12-14. This is a presentation of the Braselton Arts Council. Admission is $20.
Tales, Tunes and Tasties will be presented in Norcross on Saturday, December 13, as one of the first functions at the former Woman’s Club at 65 North Peachtree Street. This will be a relaxed holiday program featuring a reading of excerpts from Julie Rurkowski’s newest book, Bet That Song Was Written for Me. Music will be by Paula Greene Jones and treats will be prepared by Jody Carlyle Houghton. The doors open at 10:30 a.m. and the program is at 11 a.m. Come and enjoy this first of such an event at the building which was Gwinnett County’s first library. There will be baked goods, a raffle and friendly faces. It’s all free.
Book of Life Workshop will be held at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on December 13 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Create your very own Book of Life, a visual representation of your genealogy research just like the one on Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s “Finding Your Roots” on PBS, and take home a tangible keepsake!
The Gwinnett Symphony and Chorus will present Vivaldi Gloria and Holiday Pops on Sunday, December 14, at the First Global Methodist Church in Norcross at 5 p.m. Doors will open at 4 p.m. as attendees can shop for holiday goodies at the Merry Music Market.
Gwinnett Reads Jane Austen series: Jane Austen’s Birthday Party. Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday! Enjoy cake and light refreshments while playing games with other fans of Austen. This will be at the Five Forks Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on December 16 at 11 a.m.
Christ Episcopal Church Players will present The Gift of the Magi on Saturday, December 20 at 5 p.m. at the church at 400 Holcomb Bridge Road in Norcross. The evening will begin with the soaring voices of the Christ Church Choir and the shimmering tones of the St. Cecilia Handbell Choir as they perform a selection of stirring Christmas music. Then, you’ll be transported to early 20th-century New York as the Players present O. Henry’s timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and the true spirit of giving. Because of the expected popularity of this event, please secure your free tickets early at this link.
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