GwinnettForum | Number 25.93 | Dec. 2, 2025
IT’S A SCENE duplicated all over the United States: the unique movie theater highlighting its upcoming program. Somehow this haunting photograph, with its stylistic architecture, tells a story of what has happened to movie theaters all over our country, as towns see less activity in their downtowns, and many theaters no longer project movies. Can you tell us where this scene was photographed? More details at Mystery Photo below.
button size=”small”]IN THIS EDITION [/button]
TODAY’S FOCUS: GGC hosts “Unbuttoning the Declaration @ 250”
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Norcross planning replicas of native white squirrels
SPOTLIGHT: Howard Brothers Outdoor Power Equipment and Hardware
FEEDBACK: Trump’s efforts are going nowhere fast
UPCOMING: Create Gwinnett wins art cross sector impact grant
NOTABLE: Kiwanis Club plan 17th Valentine’s Dance
RECOMMENDED: Eliza’s Daughter by Joan Aiken
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Georgia longleaf pine among endangered ecosystems
MYSTERY PHOTO: Can you tell us where “Uptown” is located?
CALENDAR: Norcross quilt exhibits on display through Dec. 31
GGC hosts “Unbuttoning the Declaration @ 250”
By Dr. Michael Gunther
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | Before Georgia Gwinnett students headed for Thanksgiving, the History and Geography Department launched a new monthly series called “Unbuttoning the Declaration @ 250.”
The goal of the series was to unpack (or “unbutton”) key quotes from the Declaration of Independence, both in terms of origins and legacies of ideas that were debated and communicated in 1776. The title is also meant to invoke Button Gwinnett, Declaration signer and namesake of our county and college.
Also preceding the Thanksgiving holiday, a massive new Ken Burns documentary, “The American Revolution,” aired on PBS over several nights. Before we knew it, the holiday season has come and gone. We’ll turn our calendars soon to 2026 and begin celebrating the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
It is important that we provide opportunities for students and citizens in Gwinnett County to come together to think about what the Declaration of Independence meant in 1776, and what lessons and inspiration we can still draw from it today.
Georgia Gwinnett College held its first event in Cisco Auditorium on GGC’s campus. There, I introduced the series and spoke about the influence of English political writer and philosopher John Locke (1632-1704) on the Founding Fathers.
This talk was entitled “‘Life, Liberty…’ and John Locke.” The buried lead here is that Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration, substituted “pursuit of happiness” for “property” in the trinity of “unalienable rights” that he and other founders learned from reading Locke. Why was that and does it matter?
My colleague, Dr. Luke Ryan, helped us mark Native American Heritage Month by discussing the evolving relationship between Native Americans and the Declaration over time. The title of his talk was “‘The merciless Indian Savages’: Native Americans and the Declaration.” Like my talk, Ryan’s drew on an actual quote from the Declaration, one that is disturbing but that also offers a perspective that should not be ignored or swept under the rug in the 250th anniversary commemorations.
Future events in this series will foreground other quotes from the Declaration, as well as the anniversary of the publication of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense in January 1776. Other types of events, including a mock reenactment signing of the Declaration by GGC students next summer, are also being planned.
The Declaration of Independence was finalized on July 4, 1776, and disseminated in printed broadsides and newspapers that summer. The actual signing began on August 2.
All evidence points to our county namesake, Button Gwinnett, signing the Declaration on August 2 and almost immediately leaving Philadelphia to head home to Georgia. A Gwinnett homecoming and community signing would be a nice way to start the spring 2026 semester at GGC!
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Norcross planning replicas of native white squirrels
By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
DEC. 2, 2025 | It’s not every community that can boast of the presence of white squirrels.
There have been sightings of white squirrels in many parts of Norcross for several years. Now volunteers in the city are launching a campaign based on the local white squirrels, according to Liz Simpson, chairman of the Norcross Public Arts Commission.
You may have seen a white squirrel scampering around downtown Norcross. Soon, you’ll be seeing more evidence of white squirrels, though not the real live squirrels, but a venture that the Norcross Public Arts Commission is rolling out. Thirteen sculptured bronze squirrels with a white patina will frolic in locations all around the city.
These native Norcross squirrels are not albino white squirrels, but leucistic, a rare genetic variant of the common Eastern gray squirrel. Such colonies of squirrels have been reported in other locations like Brevard, N.C., Olney, Ill.; and Marionville, Mo., Kenton, Tenn. and several cities in central Florida.
Recently, the Norcross Arts Commission embarked on a campaign with a three-pronged plan. It hired sculptor Marty Dawe to produce six unique poses of the white squirrel, and contracted for seven more replicas. These are being cast at Cherrylion Studios in Atlanta. These 13 originals will be placed around the city as public art and are expected to arrive sometimes in the spring.
Among the places the sculptures, slightly bigger than life size, will be located include Thrasher Park, Lillian Webb Park, Betty Mauldin Park, Norcross Gallery and Studios, and Discovery Garden Park.
Join the fun! You can support this placemaking art project in several different ways. Every squirrel needs a name! To participate, submit your NAME SUGGESTION.
In addition, the Commission is also having another 20 squirrels to be cast in resin, to be sold to individuals as fundraisers for the Commission. These will sell for $800 and locals buying them will be recognized by the commission.
That’s not all. The Commission is also casting commemorative plaster acorns “to feed” the squirrels. These resin acorns will sell for $200 and are suitable for outdoor use. They could make an addition to a porch or garden décor. Those wanting to purchase a resin squirrel should email NPAC for more information. The city is encouraging people to “decorate” these acorns around the city.
Basic funding for the Commission comes from the budget of the City of Norcross. The city allocated $30,000 for the Commission this year.
The Public Arts Commission members are Liz Simpson (chair), Samantha Spitzner, Robert Foro, Mike MacManus, Nicole Morgan, Jacques Murphy and one open seat.
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Howard Brothers
The public spiritedness of our underwriters allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today’s sponsor is Howard Brothers Outdoor Power Equipment and Hardware. John and Doug Howard are the “brothers” in Howard Brothers. This family-owned business was started by their dad, and now John and Doug’s children are helping to lead in the business. Howard Brothers has locations in Alpharetta, Athens, Doraville, Duluth, Lula, Oakwood, and now store no. 7 in Dallas. They specialize in hardware, outdoor power equipment and parts and service. Howard Brothers are authorized dealers of STIHL, Exmark, Honda, Echo, and other well known brands in the green industry. Howard Brothers is also an authorized Big Green Egg dealer, and is one of the only Platinum Traeger Grill dealers in the state of Georgia.
- Visit their web site www.howardbrothers.com.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
Trump’s efforts are going nowhere fast
Editor, the Forum:
Our president is a desperate man trying to make his campaign relevant, which is going nowhere fast. Perhaps he should concentrate on health care, affordability, gun safety, the Trump tax increases (tariffs), climate change, and the lack of a rural program to help his constituents.
– George Wilson, Stone Mountain
- 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.
Create Gwinnett wins art cross sector impact grant
Create Gwinnett, Inc. has been awarded a FY26 South Arts Cross Sector Impact Grant to support a three-year arts and health partnership with View Point Health, Gwinnett County’s community-based behavioral health provider.
The initial award for $15,000 supports the launch of an arts-centered initiative within View Point Health’s Adult Day Program in Lawrenceville. The project will bring creative engagement, expression, and connection to adults with behavioral health, developmental disabilities and complex needs, enhancing health and well-being through the power of the arts.
Jonathan Holmes, Board Chair of Create Gwinnett, says: “This partnership with View Point Health will bridge their existing programs with our artist community in ways we’ve never seen in Gwinnett. Our most underserved citizens will benefit with connection, self-expression, and the social and emotional skills provided by the arts.”
The Cross Sector Impact Grant program supports partnerships that connect the arts with non-arts sectors to address community priorities, strengthen systems, and improve quality of life. Create Gwinnett’s collaboration with View Point Health aligns with both organizations’ commitment to equitable access, inclusion, and community well-being.
Dr. Jennifer Speights, chief people officer for View Point Health, says: “This project is an exciting opportunity to deepen the way we support the adults we serve. Creative experiences bring opportunities for growth in the social and emotional capacity of our participants providing them soft skills that many do not learn any other way.”
The initial program period is for one year, but South Arts has a keen interest in growing programs over a three-year period with additional funding. Create Gwinnett is already seeking additional opportunities to expand the program from other funders and community partners.
- For more information about Create Gwinnett’s creative economy initiatives, visit www.creategwinnett.org.
Peach State plans $267,000 in grants
The Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 annual scholarship program. The Foundation will be awarding over $267,000 in scholarships and educational grants to help students reach their academic goals.
Ryan Hawk, Peach State’s Executive Director of Business Development and Community Outreach and C.A.R.E.S. Foundation president says: “Since 2002, we have awarded over $2 million to help offset the expenses of continuing education for students so they continue to unlock their potential. Scholarships are available for seniors and adults seeking career advancement. No matter where you are in your educational journey, we’re to help you take the next step toward your future.”
The scholarship program honors the credit union’s deep rooted history in education, Peach State FCU’s founders, past and present board members and employees, and the distinguished legacies of many notable school system and community leaders. For eligibility criteria and to apply, please visit peachstatefcu.org/scholarships. Application deadline is February 27, 2026. Recipients will be announced in the Spring of 2026.
Kiwanis Club plans 17th Valentine’s Dance
The Kiwanis Club of North Gwinnett will present its 17th annual Father-Daughter Valentine’s Dance in 2006.
Join this for a magical evening, making memories that will last a lifetime! There will be three dances again this year at the Braselton Civic Center:
- February 6th – 7 to 9 p.m.
- February 7th – 5 to 7 p.m.
- February 7th – 9 to 10 p.m.
- Dress: Dressy/Semi-Formal.
To participate, all dances are $100 per couple, and $10 for each additional daughter. If you have questions, contact David Williams 404-386-4782 or Chris Witmer 404-213-5929, or email kiwanis.of.north.gwinnett@gmail.com.
Click the links below to purchase tickets and for more information:
- Tickets: https://www.bigtickets.com/events/ngkc/fdd2026/
- Website: https://www.northgwinnettkiwanis.com/father-daughter-dance
Eliza’s Daughter, by Joan Aiken, series on Netflix
From Karen J. Harris, Stone Mountain: This tells the story of the illegitimate daughter of Eliza Williams, (also named Eliza) who was a former lover of Mr. Willoughby, the love interest of Marianne Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. Eliza is raised in a rural backwater town with little nurturance. Her curiosity is limitless however, and her sole goal is to find out what became of her parents, who they are and how she wound up without them. Along the way she meets many unusual characters, some of whom are reprobates. Eliza’s gift is her musical ability which serves as a means for education and financial sustenance. Her travels toward her goal take years, with many twists and turns. Disappointing moments and heroic ones speak to the resilience of her adventurous spirit. This is a deeply satisfying read that brings the characters from Sense and Sensibility to life with both realistic and imagined results.
- 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.
Georgia longleaf pine among endangered ecosystems
The longleaf pine and grassland forest of the southern Coastal Plain is among the most endangered ecosystems in North America.
Its native range once stretched from southern Virginia to east Texas, covering almost 90 million acres. In Georgia it ran roughly below the fall line in the Upper Coastal Plain, though longleaf sometimes flourished across the lower Piedmont as well.
But by 2006, only 3 million acres of longleaf forest remained in the South, and of that, only about 12,000 scattered acres retained an old-growth component with a biologically diverse understory. One study estimated that Georgia’s acreage dwindled from more than 4 million acres of longleaf forest in 1936 to just 376,400 acres in 1997. Today, due in large part to the efforts of conservationists, scientists estimate there are approximately 4.5 million acres of longleaf across the region.
This longleaf pine–grassland system is what ecologists call a fire-climax community; the species in this ecosystem are not only resistant to fire but also dependent upon it. Historically the resinous longleaf needles, along with an understory that usually contained highly flammable wiregrass, carried lightning-set and anthropogenic ground fires throughout the entire range of the forest. Longleaf pines require bare mineral soil for their seeds to germinate, and they have adaptive strategies for surviving fires during the early stages of their development.
After the seeds germinate, the longleaf establishes a long tap root below ground and spends three to fifteen years in a grass stage, with long needles that protect the terminal bud from fire. Without frequent fire, the understory grows up in a thick rough, allowing successional hardwoods or the less fire-resistant slash and loblolly pines to encroach upon the uplands. Eventually these other trees crowd out longleaf and other herbaceous groundcover, thus setting the landscape on a different developmental trajectory.
The longleaf pine is the dominant tree species in this system and is essential to its integrity, but the floral and faunal diversity of the system lies in its understory. In fact, the longleaf pine–grassland forest may well be the most diverse North American ecosystem north of the tropics, containing rare plants and animals not found anywhere else. The understory throughout the longleaf range contains from 150 to 300 species of groundcover plants per acre, more breeding birds than any other southeastern forest type, about 60 percent of the amphibian and reptile species found in the Southeast—many of which are endemic to the longleaf forest—and at least 122 endangered or threatened plant species.
The longleaf-grassland forest that we know today is a natural system of Holocene origin. In other words, it has most likely never existed absent a human presence. Indeed, some researchers estimate that this ecosystem is no more than 5,000 years old. Native Americans arrived in the coastal-plain region while the system was taking shape, and there is considerable evidence that their land-use practices shaped the forests that Europeans found when they moved into the region thousands of years later. When those latter groups did arrive, between 1600 and the late 1800s, they coexisted tenuously with the longleaf-grassland ecosystem, altering it and substantially degrading it in places but never threatening its existence.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
Can you tell us where “Uptown” is located?
Today’s mystery is of a movie theater, a photograph that could be about anywhere in this country. Alas, movie theatres in many cities are closed these days, as other entertainment methods have come onto the scene, including the proliferation of streaming services through the Internet. Can you pinpoint the location of this old-time theatre? Send your ideas to ebrack2@gmail.com. And remember to tell us where you live.
Susan McBrayer, Sugar Hill wasn’t fooled by the recent Mystery Photo:: “The first clue that this is NOT the Oval Office in the White House is that it’s on the ground floor, as you can determine from looking out the windows. However, it’s a replica of the Carter-era Oval Office in the Jimmy Carter Library and Presidential Museum in Atlanta.”
Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.: “This is a full-scale replica of the Oval Office as it appeared during Jimmy Carter’s presidency. The replica is a permanent exhibit at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. It is designed to be historically accurate, including the specific furnishings and decor from the late 1970s.”
Unfortunately, who sent this photo to the Forum has been lost.
Others recognizing the placement of this oval office included Gloria James, Lawrenceville; Joseph Hopkins, Lawrenceville; Chuck Miller, Duluth; George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; Virginia Klaer, Duluth; Holly Moore, Suwanee; Sarah L. Davis, Lawrenceville; Cindy Hall, Canton; and Stewart Ogilvie, Rehobeth, Ala.
- 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.
Norcross quilt exhibits on display through Dec. 31
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.
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. 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 3 will be Geoff Duncan of Cumming, an announced candidate for governor. The event is free and visitors are welcomed.
The annual Cravin’ Bacon Walk in Braselton will be on December 4 (a Thursday) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Squealer Tickets will include a map of stop locations where walkers pick up a creative bacon-inspired tasting from each participating business. All walkers will be eligible to win a $100 Buy Local Braselton e-gift card.
The Suwanee Creek Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is hosting a traveling exhibit, The American Revolution Experience. It will be at Sugar Hill City Hall, the only stop in Gwinnett County. The exhibition will be open December 4 and continue through December 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. This innovative pop-up experience features display panels and interactive digital kiosks that blend storytelling, illustration, technology, and rare artifacts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped our nation’s founding.
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.
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.
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