GwinnettForum | Number 25.63 | Aug. 15, 2025
FALL ACTIVITIES UNDERWAY AT GGC: Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) is brimming with activity as students descend onto campus to start their fall classes. GGC Student Life handed out snacks and giveaways to students in the Student Center during the first day of class on August 11. Among the students shown is Gaby Sifuentes of Buford, the homecoming queen in her tiara. Nearly 1,000 students unpacked their bags and moved into the residence halls on campus. (Photo by Daniel Melograna/GGC.)
TODAY’S FOCUS: Trapped in Syria: A family’s nightmare and a father’s fight
EEB PERSPECTIVE: Here is Norcross parklet policy adopted by the city
SPOTLIGHT: Peachtree Campus
ANOTHER VIEW: Gwinnett still growing, counting now 1,027,312 citizens
FEEDBACK: Some Homeowner Associations abuse their authority
UPCOMING: County to host community leaders at two events
NOTABLE: GGC educates, yes, but fuels the Gwinnett economy, too
RECOMMENDED: Send us your reviews
OBITUARY: Gary Simpson Cobb
GEORGIA TIDBIT: Daggs’ work in authoring textbook stands out
MYSTERY PHOTO: A field, a fountain, an abbey: Where was this photo taken?
CALENDAR: Bananarama at Lionheart Theatre Aug. 15-18
Trapped in Syria: A family’s nightmare and a father’s fight
By Oudai Abouassaf
SUWANEE, Ga. | At age 7, I emigrated from Syria to the United States, first landing in Cicero, Ill., to join his father and uncle who were here. After college at University of Illinois at Chicago studying economics and political science, I worked for the Department of Defense. In 2011, I married my wife, Enas, whom I met during a visit to Syria. My business of importing furniture led us to settle in Georgia in 2019 with our two children, Layt, 10, and Lana, 7.
In July, Enas visited her family in the province of Sweida near the Jordan border after eight years away, believing it was safe, following positive political developments. What was meant to be a peaceful summer visit quickly became a nightmare.
On July 13, the only lifeline to Sweida—the road to Damascus—was shut down by government forces. Within hours, government troops were let into the city to protect civilians, or so they claimed. Instead, two massacres occurred instantly, killing over 30 people. Soon, Bedouin militias, backed by the government, swept through neighborhoods, looting, burning homes, mutilating bodies and destroying families. Horrific videos and stories flooded social media.
Enas, our children and her parents sheltered in their three-story home as tanks rolled nearby and ISIS snipers occupied rooftops, targeting anyone not in government militia uniforms or Bedouin attire. Gunfire was relentless. Twice the family started to flee but were forced back by sniper fire and missiles.
On July 16, ISIS fighters backed by government forces returned with greater brutality. They knocked on every door—each knock signaling death. Enas and the children heard them outside, saw them through windows and waited their turn to die. By pot luck, the house where Enas’ family was not raided.
I reached Amman, Jordan, on July 14, desperately seeking a way to bring my family to safety. Phone calls became lifelines. My daughter’s voice telling me there wasn’t enough food or that bombing was too loud to sleep still haunts me.
One call stands out: a heavy machine gun bullet pierced the wall where my father-in-law had been sitting moments before. Miraculously, he had moved and survived. Enas shielded our children with unwavering courage. I often joked about her stubbornness—she proved it by holding us together under unimaginable pressure. Her voice trembled, yet she comforted the children fiercely. I masked my own fear to give her strength, and together, we endured each hour.
Despite desperate efforts—pleading with officials, mobilizing aid—safe passage remained distant. The siege tightened, and those terrorizing my family controlled the city. The world seemed silent.
On their third escape attempt on July 17, they fled to the village of Al Kafir, about 25 minutes away, staying a few days, but then returning to their home in Sweida. On the way, they saw streets strewn with desecrated bodies, mass murders, decapitations, and burning homes.
But even when the world was silent, God was watching. Eventually, they found people who they could pay to take them to a safer place, and on July 29 crossed into Jordan.
Enas shared moments of profound fear: recording a farewell message she never sent to keep my spirits high; the kids hiding under the bed during bombings; sheltering on the bathroom floor with a blanket her mother brought, a small comfort amid terror.
This is more than a family’s tragedy—it’s a story of resilience amid barbarism.
My children’s fear will not be forgotten. Their survival fuels my resolve to fight for justice and ensure the world never forgets Sweida.
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Here is Norcross parklet policy adopted by the city
By Elliott Brack
Publisher, GwinnettForum
Editor’s Note: Today we present in its entirety the policy adopted by the City of Norcross for licensing of parklets for outdoor dining on Jones Street.—eeb
CAFÉ SEATING AND RIGHT OF WAY RESTAURANT/RETAIL OPERATIONS LICENSE POLICY
The following provides the City of Norcross policy for approval of café seating and right of way restaurant/retail operations within the City of Norcross. The policy shall govern all commercial uses of City of Norcross right of way, whether for dining or for retail uses. The policy is drafted and approved in accordance with Norcross Code of Ethics Ordinances § 32-20.
Procedure. The Director of the Finance Department shall receive and approve all licenses for the use of City right of way. The Finance Department Director shall create a form for submission of a license applications. Fees for the submission of a new license shall be $50.00 (the “License Fee”). All licenses will be valid for one-year and will be automatically renewable with the payment of a $50.00 renewal fee.
License Applications shall be reviewed for completeness within two business days and approved or denied within fourteen (14) calendar days from submission, unless additional documentation or information is necessary and a request has been timely submitted to the applicant.
Standard of Review. The Finance Department Director shall approve all applications that have provided the required documentation and consents (as provided in Section 3, infra) and that adequately demonstrate that the Applicant’s use of the right of way will provide adequate paths for pedestrians utilizing the right of way (providing, at a minimum Americans with Disability Act accessible paths). The Finance Department Director may condition the license Application so as to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
Requirements. All license applications shall contain the following:
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- Narrative of Proposed Use. The Applicant shall generally describe their intended use of the right-of-way, including but not limited to the nature and amount of equipment (tables, displays, umbrellas, etc.) that will be placed in the right of way, the hours of the during which the right of way will be used, the number of patrons that will be seated in the right of way, whether alcohol will be served, the process for securing the equipment and right of way at the end of the night. Additional information may be requested by the Finance Department Director so as to fully evaluate the application and license request.
- Submission of License Fee. The Applicant will submit with the license application the License Fee.
- Site Plan. The Applicant shall submit a reasonably accurate, scaled drawing showing the business storefront, adjacent businesses, the full area of the sidewalk, street, and/or parking area being proposed for use. Aerial photography available from County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), may be acceptable unless the Finance Department Director determines that additional detail is necessary to fully review the application. The Site Plan shall also generally describe the table and seating layout, the location of proposed heaters, umbrellas, barriers, etc. All paths of pedestrian traffic shall be detailed with the width of proposed pedestrian paths.
- Proof of General Liability Insurance. Applicants shall provide proof of general liability insurance in an amount not less than one-million dollars ($1,000,000.00) at the time of submission. The City of Norcross shall be named as an additional insured on the policy and certificate of insurance.
- Agreement and Consent to the Terms and Conditions of License. The Applicant must consent and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions as included in “Appendix A” of this Policy.
- Provide a 24-Hour Contact. Applicants shall provide a 24-hour contact with whom the City’s staff may contact in the event of an emergency.
Appeal. The appeal of any decision regarding a license application shall be heard in accordance with Norcross Code of Ethics Ordinances § 32-20.
Revocation or Suspension. A right of way license may be revoked or suspended in accordance with Norcross Code of Ethics Ordinances § 32-20.
- To read Appendix A to this policy, click here.
Additional editor’s note: In talking to employees of the three restaurants involved on Wednesday, all three were skeptical of the parklets and café seating. However, the bullying tactics of the city indicates that all three could sign leases for these parklets.—eeb.
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Peachtree Campus
The public spiritedness of our sponsors allows us to bring GwinnettForum.com to you at no cost to readers. Today we welcome a new underwriting sponsor. Peachtree Campus is North Atlanta’s campus for education, production, and events. Located in historic Norcross, with abundant parking and easy access to Peachtree Boulevard, Peachtree Campus should be on the short list when looking for a workspace with creative vision. It’s the home of Brenau University’s North Atlanta Campus and to Boswell Edward Academy, a Georgia Pre-K School and Daycare.
The Veranda on Reps Miller provides flexible space for small events and larger community events. It annually hosts the Neighborhood Christmas Train Experience. Now available is 3159 Campus Drive, which has 27 classrooms and a large multi-purpose space, which can be the perfect location for a growing school, event facility, film/video production studio, or faith community. Learn leasing opportunities by contacting Jonathan Galucki, email jg@optimaproperties.net or texting 678-612-3385.
- For a list of other sponsors of this forum, click here.
Gwinnett still growing, counting now 1,027,312 citizens
From staff reports
ATLANTA, Ga. | The 11-county Atlanta region added 64,400 residents between April 2024 and April 2025, bringing the total population to 5,285,474, according to the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC).
Meanwhile, Gwinnett County continues to grow, adding 15,200 residents during the year, bringing its population now to 1,027,312.
The Atlanta region is growing at a faster rate in the outer suburbs and inner core. Leading the way are Forsyth and Cherokee counties, which each grew at a 2.4 percent clip, followed by the City of Atlanta (2 percent), and Henry County (1.75 percent).
ARC Board Chair Andre Dickens, who also serves as Mayor of the City of Atlanta says: “Metro Atlanta’s continued growth is a testament to our diverse and dynamic economy and great quality of life. But we can’t take our growth for granted. As a region, we must continue to address challenges like housing affordability and transportation and make the investments today needed to ensure a better tomorrow.”
The region’s growth is being driven by the economy. Metro Atlanta’s job employment base has increased 8 percent since the pandemic began in early 2020. That’s the seventh-highest rate in the nation among major metro areas, trailing only Austin, Orlando, Dallas, Las Vegas, Houston and Miami.
Ann Carpenter, ARC’s Chief Research and Information Officer, says: “ARC’s population estimates are a critically important planning tool, offering insights into where our region is today, and where we are headed. Local leaders need trusted, relevant data to make better informed decisions that will move their communities forward.”
The City of Atlanta has been growing much faster in recent years than in previous decades, driven in large part by multifamily housing developments in places like Midtown and along the Atlanta Beltline. The city’s average annual growth rate reached 1.7 percent between 2020 and 2025 and in the 2010s, compared to essentially flat growth in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. For more information, visit ARC 2025 Population Estimates Report.
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Some Homeowner Associations abuse their authority
Editor, the Forum:
In Metro Atlanta, many residential communities operate under a Homeowners Association (HOA). The intended purpose of an HOA—to preserve community standards and promote property values—is a positive one. Ideally, HOAs should work collaboratively with residents to ensure the well-being and benefit of the entire neighborhood.
From my perspective as someone involved in real estate brokerage and property management, I have seen many HOAs perform their duties exceptionally well. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed cases where HOAs abuse their authority—severely punishing minor infractions and escalating penalties to unreasonable levels.
In such cases, the HOA may involve their attorney early on in the process, effectively cutting off direct communication between the homeowner and the HOA board. Often, the homeowner is not even aware that penalties have been assessed until the fines have grown to an outrageously high amount. At that point, some owners feel they have no choice but to sell their home simply to pay off the debt.
This is, in my opinion, an abuse of power. We need state legislative action to establish safeguards against extreme penalties, ensure fair communication, and protect homeowners from such disproportionate consequences.
– Tim Le, Peachtree Corners
Loganville alliance providing watchdog service to area
Editor, the Forum:
Perhaps my area is the exception to your article about homeowner association. We are already doing as you suggested and providing exceptional service to our community.
Our end of Gwinnett County is growing tremendously. Collectively six of us HOAs plus interested nearby “not HOA” homeowners. have joined in. We have successfully fought off some townhouse communities in the wrong place and several zoning changes. We’re watching closely what’s happening on Georgia Highway 20 coming into Loganville as there are several corners up for grabs, as well as the former strawberry fields for sale.
But the main issue, in my humble opinion, has been our county commissioners approving all buildings over the varied “no” or “alter” recommendations of Planning and Development. When this changes, we all will benefit.
– Becky Wolary, Loganville (Gwinnett), Harmony Club HOA President
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.
County to host community leaders at two events
Gwinnett Communities Now is an event to bring together community leaders from, Homeowners Associations to apartment managers, community organization administrators, school administrators, and neighborhood leaders. There will be two meetings, on Wednesday, August 20 at Rhodes Jordan Park, and on Tuesday, September 16 at One Stop Centerville. Both meetings will be at 5 p.m. The Gwinnett Planning and Development Department is hosting the meetings.
County staff will be available to answer questions on upcoming initiatives and equip you with skills to build stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods in Gwinnett.
Check out the webpage below for more information, including links to register. Registration is not required to attend, but helpful for us to estimate attendance and plan effectively. The web page is: shttp://www.gwinnettcounty.com/communitiesnow.
Rowen Convergence Summit coming Oct. 13
The 2025 Rowen Convergence Summit will take place at the Woodruff Arts Center on Monday, October 13, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. This invitation comes from Mason Ailstock, president and CEO, of the Rowen Foundation.
This year’s theme, The Science of Art, explores how the intersection of creativity and scientific inquiry is opening new frontiers in health, the environment and innovation across disciplines.
The program will begin with a keynote conversation with Susan Magsamen (International Arts + Mind Lab, Johns Hopkins University) and Hala Moddelmog (Woodruff Arts Center) on the emerging field of neuro-aesthetics and the role of the arts in advancing well-being.
Featured Panels include:
- Health, Movement and Mind will explore how neuroscience, music and the arts are improving mental health, patient outcomes and workforce readiness.
- Climate and Food Systems will highlight how agriculture, conservation, and policy are responding to climate change through creative, cross-sector collaboration.
- Designing for Wellness will close the morning with insights from leaders integrating neuroscience and architecture to create environments that support human health.
Location: The Hill Auditorium at the Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree Street, Atlanta. Seating is limited. Register now to secure your spot!
County awards contracts for three new projects
Gwinnett County is continuing its investment in critical transportation projects to improve safety, reduce congestion and keep people moving across the County’s busy corridors.
The Board of Commissioners approved several contracts and agreements supporting widening, bridge replacement and intersection improvements recently.
Two items tied to the Stanley Road at Winder Highway improvement project received approval. This project, part of the Georgia Department of Transportation’s long-range plan to convert State Route 316 into a freeway, will relocate Stanley Road and add dedicated turn lanes at the intersection. A contract for $5.1 million went to ER Snell Contractor, Inc. of Snellville. The project is funded jointly by GDOT and the 2017 SPLOST program.
The County will replace the bridge over Drowning Creek on Drowning Creek Road. Georgia Bridge and Concrete, LLC of Tucker will lead both engineering and construction for the new bridge, which will replace the existing structure built in 1964. The project is funded at $2,280,688 through the 2023 SPLOST program.
Major intersection upgrades are coming to Steve Reynolds Boulevard. That includes a third southbound through lane at Satellite Boulevard, dual northbound left turn lanes at Venture Drive, a northbound right turn lane at Shackleford Road and triple southbound left turn lanes at Club Drive.
Traffic signal upgrades will also be included. The Board awarded the $1 million construction contract to Azimuth Contractors, LLC of Suwanee. The project is also funded through the 2023 SPLOST program.
GGC educates, yes, but fuels the Gwinnett economy, too
Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) isn’t just educating students—it’s fueling the economy.
According to the latest University System of Georgia (USG) economic impact study, GGC has generated more than $7 billion in cumulative economic impact since 2007.
In fiscal year 2024 alone, GGC contributed over $558 million to the economy of Gwinnett County and the Atlanta metro area, supporting 3,788 jobs—780 on campus and 3,008 in the community.
GGC President Dr. Jann L. Joseph says: “GGC is more than a place of learning — we are an engine of opportunity and innovation for our community. Every graduate who starts a career, every student who serves in the community, and every faculty and staff member who shares their expertise contributes to the vitality of Gwinnett County and beyond. This impact isn’t just measured in dollars — it’s measured in stronger families, thriving businesses, and a brighter future for Georgia.”
With more than 14,000 alumni living, working, and serving in Gwinnett County, across the state, and beyond, GGC continues to strengthen communities while preparing the next generation of leaders.
The annual report was commissioned by the University System of Georgia and conducted by the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth at the Terry College of Business, analyzing data from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.
Gwinnett Chamber announces 2025 Moxie winners
Seven business women were recognized by the Gwinnett Chamber, as it hosted its eighth annual MOXIE Awards at the Gas South District.
More than 130 finalists were recognized. Winners included:
- Influence Award: Carla Carraway, Precision Planning, Inc.;
- Greater Good Award: Linda Schoepf, ABS/LMS Franchising Little Caesars;
- Enlightened Employer Award: Spherion Greater Atlanta (Aysha Abdullatif, Co-Owner);
- Outstanding Organization: About Face Skin Care (Chrissy Thomas, Owner);
- On the Rise Award: Billqeece Naqawe, City of Suwanee;
- Pay It Forward Award: Joy Monroe, Single Parent Alliance & Resource Center; and
- Moxie Award: Audra Cunningham, ACRE Consultants.
The prpgram featured emcee Allona Lane Cross, Executive Director of the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity and recipient of the 2024 Moxie Award. The event also included a fireside chat with newly appointed Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Barbara Rivera Holmes, formerly the president of the Albany Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Kim Hartsock, Gwinnett Chamber Board chair-elect, hosted the discussion.
The MOXIE Awards are part of the Chamber’s ongoing initiatives to support women in business through recognition, networking, and leadership development.
Send us your reviews
- 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.
Gary Simpson Cobb
Gary Simpson Cobb, 84, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025. A husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, Gary lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love.
Born in Norfolk, Va., to Samuel and Thelma (née Fager) Cobb, Gary was raised alongside his younger sister, Cheryl. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, graduated from Oscar Smith High School, and went on to study mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech, where he was a cadet, graduating in 1963.
In 1961, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Ida May Moore, beginning a 63-year partnership marked by love and shared purpose. In 1969, he earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland and had a distinguished career at Bell Labs/AT&T, where he held 11 patents and was part of the scientific team conducting groundbreaking work in fiber optic technology. Gary earned the high honor of being named “Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff.”
Gary and Ida raised their family in Maryland, North Carolina and Georgia. In Norcross, they restored a historic home and helped found Christ Church Episcopal. Gary was active in the community, and designed and helped build the iconic gazebo in Thrasher Park. He served four terms on City Council and was elected Mayor of Norcross in 1984, later becoming its first city manager. Moving to Hartwell, Ga., in 1999, Gary accepted the position of county administrator of Hart County.
In retirement, Gary continued to serve—working with Habitat for Humanity, the Golden K, the Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence, and becoming a Master Gardener. He was part of the group of Master Gardeners who helped design and build the Hart County Botanical Garden. His last project, designing and helping to build Mamaw’s House in the Heritage Garden, was very special to him. Gary remained active at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Hartwell until moving to Florida in 2018.
An avid sailor, traveler, and lifelong learner, Gary inspired others through his quiet leadership and encouraging heart.
Gary is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ida (née Moore) Cobb. He is also survived by his daughter, Michelle Dolske (Banner Thomas), and his son, Brian Cobb (Brenda). His grandchildren include Lexi Johnson (Forrest), Justin Dunbar, Blake Dunbar, Banner “Bo” Thomas, and Kelsie Thomas. He was proud to welcome a great-grandson, Tillman Johnson, into the family.
Gary is also survived by his sister, Cheryl Carroll (Steve), who called him “Bubba.” He leaves behind a large extended family, godchildren, and many dear friends who will remember him with love and admiration.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Hartwell on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hart County Botanical Garden or St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
Dagg’s work in authoring textbooks stands out
Author, educator, and Baptist clergyman John Leadley Dagg spent the latter part of his career in Georgia, including twelve years as a professor of theology and then president of Mercer University in the 1840s and 1850s. His influential books on theology and ethics established his reputation as the country’s first systematic Baptist theologian.
Dagg was born near Middleburg, Va., on February 13, 1794. He received limited formal education, attending school from 1803 to 1810. In 1817 he married Fanny H. Thornton, with whom he had four children. In 1832 he married Mary Young Davis; they had one child.
After beginning his career as a Baptist pastor and teacher in northern Virginia, Dagg served from 1825 to 1834 as the minister of a prominent Philadelphia church, despite being lame and almost blind. After he lost his voice as well, he resigned his pulpit and became president and professor at Haddington Literary and Theological Institute, near Philadelphia (1834-36), and then at Alabama Female Athenaeum, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (1836-44). In 1843 the University of Alabama awarded him an honorary doctorate of divinity.
As an educator and theologian, Dagg is best known for his work in Georgia between 1844 and 1870. From 1844 to 1856 he was on the faculty of Mercer University, then located in Penfield, as professor of theology and later president of the college. Under his leadership four brick buildings were constructed; the student body almost tripled, to a total of 181; and a three-year program leading to the bachelor of divinity degree was established, with three full-time professors.
His greatest contribution to Baptist life came after his retirement in 1856, when he lived successively in Cuthbert, Madison, and Forsyth with his clergyman son, John Francis Dagg. He prepared A Manual of Theology (1857), A Treatise on Church Order (1858), The Elements of Moral Science (1859), and The Evidences of Christianity (1869). His reputation as a theologian and ethicist rests on these four works. All were used as textbooks and enjoyed wide circulation and commendation into the 20th century. The first two are still in print.
- To view the Georgia Encyclopedia article online, go to https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org
A field, a fountain, an abbey: Where taken?
Check out today’s mystery, a field and fountain, plus wheat appears as an abbey in the background. See if you can determine where this photograph was made. Send your answer and your hometown to ebrack2@gmail.com.
Sara Rawlins of Lawrenceville correctly identified the last mystery: “It’s from Getty Center in Los Angeles, Calif. It was constructed in 1997 by Abstract Artist Robert Irwin. The garden measures 134,000 square feet. The artist wanted everyone who came to the garden to realize this is a living work of art, forever changing. Robert Irwin was born in 1928 and passed away in 2023. He began his artistic career as a painter. But later became an installation artist using fluorescent lights as his medium. In the 1970s, he used light and space to push the boundaries of perception and art.” The photograph came from Paige Havens of Hoschton.
Also recognizing this photo were Jay Altman, Columbia, S.C.; Tim Sullivan, Mulberry; George Graf, Palmyra, Va.; and Allan Peel of San Antonio, Texas.
Peel added: “The Central Garden, a juxtaposition of a botanical landscape and an elaborate piece of art, and one of the first things you will see as you pass through the arrival plaza of the Getty Center atop the Santa Monica Mountains, in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Calif. The Getty Museum was founded by oil tycoon J. Paul Getty (1892–1976), who was born in Minneapolis, moved with his family to Los Angeles when he was a teenager in 1910, started his road to wealth via oil leasing ventures in Oklahoma, and became a millionaire by 1916.
“When the Getty Center first opened in 1997, it included the Central Garden, sometimes referred to as “The Flowering Maze,” that is featured in today’s mystery photo. It was designed by artist Robert Irwin (1928–2023), who envisioned it as “a sculpture in the form of a garden, which aims to be art.”
- 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.
Bananarama at Lionheart Theatre Aug. 15-18
Laughter for a cause: Norcross’ Lionheart Theatre will present Bananarama IV on August 15-16 at 7:30 p.m. This will be a wild night of comedy, music and drag to support Project Chimps. Suitable for ages 16+. Proceeds benefit a living sanctuary in the Blue Ridge mountains.
Join author Lo Patrick as she discusses her newest Southern mystery, Fast Boys and Pretty Girls. Books will be available for purchase and signing. This will be at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on August 16 at 5 p.m.
How Not to Kill Your Orchid: Learn how to have an orchid green thumb with orchid expert Tony Whitaker! Whether your problem is killing all your orchids or a failure to thrive and bloom, he will walk you through how to properly care for your orchids at the October 18 meeting of Gwinnett Master Gardeners. It will be at 7 p.m. at the Bethesda Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville.
Are you a corporate professional dreaming of leaving the 9-to-5 hustle to become your own boss? Attend a workshop, “Your corporate escape plan” on August 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Snellville Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library. This workshop provides a clear and actionable roadmap to help you confidently transition to self-employment.
Smart Money for Parents will be the topic at the Norcross Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on August 19 and 26 at 11 a.m. Learn how to budget, save, and plan for you and your children in this three-part series.
Join for a lively conversation with Leigh Dunlap, screenwriter-turned-novelist, as she discusses her debut Southern thriller novel, Bless Your Heart. She will be appearing at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on August 20 at 6:30 p.m. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Churches in Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey: Join author Brenda S. Cox for a visual and historical journey through the churches that shaped Jane Austen’s life and novels. Books will be available for purchase and signing. This part of the Gwinnett Reads Jane Austen will be at the Lilburn Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on August 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Meet Sissy Goff and David Thomas, nationally recognized speakers, bestselling authors, and co-hosts of the popular Raising Boys and Girls podcast, on Friday, August 22, at 9 a.m. at Greater Atlanta Christian School, 1575 Indian Trail Road, Norcross. The event is free and open to the public with registration link: here.
A reading of “Stages of Celebrity” by Pauline Hutchinson will be August 23 at 7 :30 p.m. at the Lionheart Theatre in Norcross. This is a behind-the-scenes night of creativity, conversation and ideas. The admission is free to all.
The 12th annual Extra Mile 5K and one mile run-walk will be held Saturday, August 23, starting at 7 a.m. at Suwanee Town Center. This benefits Annandale at Suwanee. Participation supports individuals with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries, while advancing Annandale’s mission to empower every Villager to reach their fullest potential and independence – one gift, one registration, one team and one step at a time.
Join author Ravynn Stringfield as she discusses her newest romance novel, Love in 280 Characters or Less. This will be at the Duluth Branch of Gwinnett County Public Library on August 27 at 6 p.m. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Volunteers needed: Looking for a few good men and women to volunteer for the September 6 British Car Fayre in downtown Norcross. Time: between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. If interested, send an email to: Bill Aguilar at: wcac04@yahoo.com. Include your name, email and cell number.
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