GwinnettForum | Number 26.26| April 14, 2026
HERE COMES A CHOO-CHOO! The City of Duluth officially celebrated the dedication of the Nancy Harris Pavilion and Train Observation Deck on March 31, honoring the city’s rich railroad heritage. The open-air pavilion pays tribute to Duluth’s founding as a rail stop in 1876 and recognizes the shared history of communities along Buford Highway and the Norfolk Southern Railway. The project was inspired by former Mayor Nancy Harris, whose vision stemmed from observing residents and visitors gathering downtown to watch passing trains. Harris envisioned a dedicated platform that would both honor the city’s past and attract visitors. The pavilion was designed by local architects Rob and Carmen Ponder, whose personal connection to the project was through their son’s passion for trains. The structure incorporates architectural elements inspired by train depots and stations. Located next to the Duluth Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library and in front of the historic 1908 Calaboose, the ADA-accessible pavilion offers a one-of-a-kind vantage point for viewing trains while celebrating Duluth’s heritage.
TODAY’S FOCUS: Peachtree Corners offers new service for the blind
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Utility boxes promote Norcross with stamp theme
SPOTLIGHT: E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc
ANOTHER VIEW: What happens next should you get a letter from the IRS
FEEDBACK: No Kings rally held in Peachtree Corners
UPCOMING: Lawrenceville accepting trail nominations
NOTABLE: GGC honors Stricklands with Visionary Award
RECOMMENDED: Film: The Night of the Iguana, 1964
MYSTERY PHOTO What and where was this taken?
CALENDAR: Bluesberry Festival in Norcross on Saturday
Peachtree Corners first city for new service for blind
By Louis Svehla
PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. | This city is the first U.S. city to roll out Hear2There citywide, expanding accessibility for blind and visually impaired residents and visitors.
SpartansFirst provides the Hear2There accessibility initiative for a 30-month free initial rollout deployment, expanding accessibility for blind and visually impaired residents and visitors.
This rollout is the first of its kind in the United States. Peachtree Corners was chosen because of the city’s commitment to innovation, smart city technology, and inclusivity.
SpartansFirst is led by Dennis C. Hayes, of Spartanburg, S.C., who founded Hayes Microcomputer Products, which for many years was headquartered in Technology Park Atlanta in Peachtree Corners. Hayes Microcomputer Products was widely credited with creating the on- ramp to the Information Superhighway, by allowing computers to connect to a modem’s hook-up to the internet. During the 1980s and 1990s, Hayes market-leading dial-up modem technology worked with Apple computers, IBM-compatible systems, and virtually every major personal computer platform to provide internet access of the era while the company was based in Peachtree Corners.
The Hear2There platform, delivers real-time, location-based audio information to help users independently navigate indoor and outdoor environments. Through a combination of GPS and strategically placed smart beacons, the system provides spoken guidance about entrances, exits, restrooms, elevators, and other points of interest within participating venues.
The City of Peachtree Corners is supporting the initiative as part of its broader commitment to innovation and inclusive Smart City technologies. Initial early adopters of the program will include:
- Peachtree Corners City Hall
- Peachtree Corners Town Green at Town Center
- Curiosity Lab Innovation Center
- The Forum Peachtree Corners
- Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA
- Hilton Atlanta Northeast
- Mary Our Queen Catholic Church
Additional businesses and organizations throughout the city will have the opportunity to join the program as the rollout expands.
Through a donation from SpartansFirst, participating businesses and venues will receive the accessibility technology and service free of charge for the first 30 months. After the initial period, participating organizations may choose to continue the service on a subscription basis. The Hear2There service is always free to the smartphone user by downloading the free app.
The philanthropic model behind the initiative is designed to accelerate adoption of accessibility technology in communities by removing cost barriers and allowing businesses to experience the benefits of the platform firsthand.
People representing SpartansFirst and Hear2There will attend multiple community meetings in April and May to provide information about this announcement and online presentations will be scheduled before two in-person meetings at the city hall on May 21 at 9 am and 2 pm. To sign up for one of these two meetings, business venues in Peachtree Corners can obtain tickets at the following links:
Space is limited, so order your free ticket if you plan to attend before they run out.
About SpartansFirst is a Spartanburg, S.C. based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting public safety, technology innovation, and accessibility. The organization supports regional growth and entrepreneurship while helping communities adopt emerging technologies that improve everyday life.
About Hear2There: H2T began with David Furukawa, a medical professional whose journey took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Determined not to let vision loss define his future, he built a successful career in medicine and worked at the Emory Eye Center. David partnered with his longtime friend Chris Webb, an engineer and entrepreneur. Together, they founded Foresight Augmented Reality and later created H2T, dedicated to revolutionizing accessibility through advanced orientation technology.
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Utility boxes promote Norcross with stamp theme
By Elliott Brack
Editor and publisher,GwinnettForum
APRIL 14, 2026 | There’s a new creativity showing today in Norcross that promotes the city on utility boxes. Developed in a colorful format similar to a postage stamp, these scenes highlight activities in the city with striking photographs.
This is a new way to show off Norcross. Chairman Liz Simpson says: “This project was born from and implemented by the Norcross Public Arts Commission. It was originally planned to be installed last year, but we hit delays. There was a lot of coordination that had to be done between the city and the county, since the utility boxes are property of the county even though they’re on city streets.”
Working closely with the chairman were Jacques Murphy, the vice chairman, and Mike MacManus, who served as the project coordinator.
When the Arts Commission members did a character study of the city, “We found many zones lacking space for art, with the exception of utility boxes. Mike McManus suggested we use the stamp motif in keeping with the ‘Greetings from Norcross’ mural on the Savage Pizza wall.
“The team liked the idea and felt it would be fun and engaging for everyone. We leaned on the city’s vast inventory of photography and the graphic design skills of Accent Creative.”
The concept for the project originated from the art commission character zone art study, which identified underutilized street corners as opportunities for creative placemaking. The result is a series of installations that not only beautify the city but also tell the story of Norcross through its parks, events, and community traditions.
Cost of the project was $27,000 with 36 percent from the Gwinnett Creativity Fund, 24 percent from Gateway 85 CID, and 40 percent from the city. Work on the project was by A1 Signs of Norcross.
The art commission collaborated closely with Accent Creative Group to curate and design the collection, selecting images that best reflect the spirit of Norcross. The city marked the completion of the project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 31.
Simpson says there are a few hallmarks for the project.
“We’re the first city in Gwinnett to implement a utility box wrap project. Gateway85 CID covered half the cost of five utility boxes within the CID boundary. And the Gwinnett Creativity Placemaking Fund issued a Norcross Public Art Commission grant of $10,000 toward this project.”
The newly unveiled “Norcross Forever” collection features graphically enhanced professional photography that celebrates the diversity, beauty, and signature experiences that define Norcross. Residents and visitors will recognize familiar scenes and cherished moments represented through themed designs, including Hispanic Heritage, Jazz in the Alley, Thrasher Park, Lillian Webb Park, International Festivals, Pinnacle Park, Filming in Norcross, the Historic Train Depot, Splash Pad Fun, and Norcross High School student artwork.
Simpson adds: “The wraps highlight the spirit, diversity, and heart of Norcross. Well-placed public art like Norcross Forever helps establish a strong sense of place while reinforcing Norcross as a leader in thoughtful, community-driven design.”
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.
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What happens next should you get a letter from the IRS
By Teresa Araque
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | You’ve filed your taxes, paid what you owe—or you’re waiting for that refund to hit your bank account. Some time down the road, a letter arrives from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) saying you’ve been selected for an audit.
Take a breath.
Benjamin Akins, professor of legal studies and taxation at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC), says: “Read the letter. The letter will have all sorts of information about why you’ve received the letter, who the letter is from and a number you can call if you want to talk to someone to get more information. The IRS will never call you because they always begin the process by mail.”
The letter, Akins said, will help you figure out what you’re dealing with. “Is this a small, quick correspondence audit? Is this something more involved like an office audit or is this a really involved field audit?” he says.
Akins finds: “There are three kinds of audits. There’s one that is very limited and not too intrusive called a correspondence audit and that’s just the IRS wants to send letters back and forth with you about something very specific about one of your returns. It’ll usually go away with just a couple of mailings back and forth.”
The second, he added, is an office audit. “This is when the IRS says they need you to come into one of their local offices and have a conversation with them, which is a little scarier, but it’s still fairly limited in what they’re looking for.”
The third audit, Akins said, is the field audit. “This is much more serious and is used only in certain situations. For instance, it might be necessary in a situation where the auditors need to get a feel for how the business is actually operating. Coming to the taxpayer’s location might be the only way to get the full picture.”
What could trigger an IRS audit? Akins said that things like very large deductions, such as charitable donations or business expenses can trigger an audit. Also, something called information mismatching can get the IRS’s attention. “Remember that the 1099 and W2 forms that you receive are also sent to the IRS,” says Akins. “If the information from those documents and what you file don’t match, it can trigger an audit.”
Once you have received and read the letter from the IRS, Akins said there are steps you should take right away. “Start gathering your records. One thing people need to know is that audits are not accusations that you’ve done something wrong,” he says. “They’re just requests that you verify things that you voluntarily told the government. We have a voluntary compliance tax system where the government just takes our word for what we say and occasionally they have questions. Audits are just their way of asking questions and wanting a few quick tips for taxpayers.
“Keep good records, and the conventional wisdom is to keep your tax records for about seven years,” he said. “The IRS has three or so years to audit most returns. So, if you file your 2025 return in April of this year, the IRS will likely have until April 2029 to audit that return.”
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No Kings rally held in Peachtree Corners
Editor, the Forum
First, some background. The first No Kings rallies were held June 14, 2025 (President Trump’s birthday) to oppose perceived presidential abuse of power, aiming to fight against a potential dictatorship where millions participated. In October 2025 a second wave of even larger rallies were held to protest immigration enforcement and potential government shutdowns.
A third group of rallies was held on March 28, 2026, with 3,200 events planned across all 50 states and in some foreign countries, e.g., France, Portugal, Great Britain and Australia. Organizers expected more protests in smaller communities, with 2/3 of the events outside major city centers.
I attended the rally in Peachtree Corners which was held for two hours at the corner of Holcomb Bridge Road and Spalding Drive. People were gathered on each of the corners of the intersection. I estimate that total attendance was between 100 – 125. They were protesting with regard to a variety of issues – the war in Iran, immigration enforcement policies, attacks on diversity, the rising cost of living, and perceived increasing authoritarianism. The protestors were well behaved. Traffic was not blocked. Drivers passing by would often honk their horns to indicate their support for the protestors. We will see if such rallies have any effect, especially in the coming mid-term elections.
– John Titus, Peachtree Corners
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Lawrenceville accepting trail nominations
The City of Lawrenceville’s Heritage Trail Medallion Commission is accepting nomination applications for 2026 honorees. Applications will close at 5 p.m. on May 29, 2026. A maximum of two honorees is selected annually by the Commission. Final selections will be approved in the fall, with new medallion installations taking place in spring 2027.
Heritage Trail Medallions honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the City of Lawrenceville throughout its 205-year history. The trail begins at the Fallen Heroes Memorial, winds through Downtown Lawrenceville, and concludes at Rhodes Jordan Park, highlighting the names and legacies of those who helped shape the community.
The city will also recognize its 2025 honorees with upcoming medallion dedications along the Heritage Trail. The Loving Aid Society will be honored on April 29, 2026, at 10 a.m., followed by a dedication for Grover Herman Tanner at 11a.m.
GGC honors Stricklands with Visionary Award
There was plenty of sparkle and meaningful impact when Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) hosted its second Four Pillars Scholarship Gala, raising $210,000 in support of the Grizzlies Helping Grizzlies Emergency Student Fund. Shown are GGC Visionary Award recipients Clyde L. Strickland (seated) and Sandra J. Strickland (second from left) along with their two sons, Michael and Kenneth, and President Jann. L Joseph at the 2026 GGC Four Pillars Scholarship Gala. The Stricklands received the Visionary Achievement Award in recognition of their philanthropic contributions to GGC. Charlotte J. Nash was honored with the GGC Community Champion Award for her distinguished career with Gwinnett County and her commitment to improving the community and quality of life for its residents. The GGC Alumni Legacy Award was presented to 2011 graduate Tyler Walsh, whose leadership as a student and continued service have made a lasting difference. Walsh established the college’s first alumni-funded endowed scholarship, the Harley/Walsh Endowed Scholarship Fund. (Photo Daniel Melograna/GG).
Duluth begins improvements at Bunten Road Park
The City of Duluth officially marked the beginning of construction on the Bunten Road Park Walking Trail Improvements Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on March 25. Mayor Greg Whitlock was joined by Council Members Sarah Park, Manfred Graeder and Shenée Johnson-Cummings along with city staff and project partners, to commemorate the start of this major park enhancement project. The Bunten Road Park Improvements Project will focus on repairing and replacing sections of the existing walking trail, enhancing connectivity with new trail segments, and improving accessibility through ADA-compliant upgrades, including parking and pathways. Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2027.
Film: The Night of the Iguana, 1964
From Karen Burnette Garner, Robesonia, Penn.: This classic movie has held its own over the years, even with changing moralities and social structures. Sir Richard Burton plays Rev. Shannon, a defrocked minister who has become a tour director. As he shepherds his group of ladies from a Baptist women’s college to the coast of Mexico, his mental state deteriorates, and his old sins come to the surface. Eva Gardner plays the seaside hotel manager, with Deborah Kerr as the destitute artist and grifter. Between them, they set the ruined minister on the way to healing and resolution. A first class film, and a stand-out cast.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Because of the delay in getting this issue out, and the depth of articles in this issue, the Georgia Encyclopedia item will not be presented today. –eeb
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What and where was this taken?
Today we present only a new mystery, after our disruption of issues. This photo shows a platform built for a specific purpose. What is that purpose and where was this photo taken? Send your thoughts to ebrack2@gmail.com. and include your hometown.
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Bluesberry Festival in Norcross on Saturday
The Norcross PDC (people drinking coffee) meets each Wednesday at 8:15 a.m. at the 45 South Café in downtown Norcross. The April 15 meeting will feature Julie Brechbill-City of Norcross Communications Manager. The event is free and visitors are welcomed.
Author Justin C. Key discusses his debut speculative fiction novel, The Hospital at the End of the World, set in a near future where artificial intelligence runs the world and family secrets unravel. This will take place April 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library.
Bluesberry and Beer Festival will be Saturday, April 18, from 3-10 p.m. in Betty Mauldin Park in downtown Norcross.
The Snellville Historical Society’s spring meeting will be April 19 at 2 p.m. at Snellville City Hall. Speaker will be Kathi Gargiulo, senior supervisor for Snellville Parks and Recreation.
Gwinnett Master Gardeners will meet April 20 at 7 p.m. at the Bethesda Senior Center. Guest speaker will be Michaael Cowan, discussing why native plants are so important. He will also cover what he considers the worst non-native invasives in the metro area and suggest some great natives to promote as alternatives. Cowan is the current Chairman of the Georgia Native Plant Society. He is a Georgia native who earned degrees from Georgia Tech and Emory.
Author Tiffany Crum discusses her thriller/romance novel, This Story Might Save You. Best friends Benny and Joy like to say they’ve been saving each other’s lives since the moment they met. Until the day Joy disappears and Benny is suspected of murder. The talk will be at the Duluth Branch of the Gwinnett County Public library on April 22 at 6:30 p.m.
The Norcross Garden Club’s Spring Plant Sale is back! Shop passalong plants, perennials, natives, veggie starts, trees, shrubs, ferns, ground covers and houseplants, plus a few extra garden finds, all at great prices! It takes place at 33 College Street in Norcross and next door at Heritage Park. The sale runs Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Proceeds support horticulture scholarships through the Garden Club of Georgia, along with local youth gardening efforts! Rain or shine, with cash, check, card and PayPal accepted!
George Pierce Park in Suwanee will be hosting a Hop into Spring Festival on Saturday, April 25 from 1-4 p.m. This family-friendly community event brings together local residents to celebrate the arrival of spring with activities, entertainment, and local vendors. It’s always a great opportunity to connect with the community and showcase your business.
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