Peachtree Corners Magazine - March-April 2026

IN THIS ISSUE

EDUCATION

28 The Tide Lifters: 2026 Norcross High Hall of Fame Honorees

30 STAR Students and Teachers Shine at 2026 Ceremony

32 Get Creative: Summer Programs Focused on the Arts 36 SAYÁ Foundation Makes a Difference

38 C.S. Lewis Institute’s Programs Offer Ways to Deepen Faith 40 Focus on Residential Real Estate, Market Knowledge Put Kelly Kim at the Top 42 Dunwoody, Peachtree Corners Partner on Winters Chapel Road Trail 43 Flicks on the Green

44 Stuckey’s CEO Used Nostalgia to Rebuild Brand

46 Peachtree Corners State of the City

PEACHTREE CORNERS

The official city news and updates

The cover photo of artist/teacher Kristie Onorato was taken by Wesleyan School student Ava Townsend (Class of 2028) under the guidance of visual arts instructor Dru Phillips.

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITOR & PUBLISHER

RICO FIGLIOLINI

MANAGING EDITOR

SHAWNE TAYLOR

SENIOR WRITER

ARLINDA SMITH BROADY

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

ALEX CHAPMAN

EDITORIAL CONSULTANT

RITA FIGLIOLINI

ADVERTISING

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

JULIE DAVIS julie@livinginpeachtreecorners.com

REY CORPUZ reycorpuz@mightyrockets.com

Connect with Peachtree Corners Magazine

@peachtreecornerslife

@PeachtreeCornersLife

@PeachtreeCornersMagazine

@peachtreecrnrs

@peachtreecornersmagazine

@peachtreecornersmagazine

THE TEAM & CONTRIBUTORS

RICO FIGLIOLINI

Publisher & Executive Editor

Rico Figliolini is a creative director and social media strategist, three-time magazine publisher and podcast host. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York and is a political junky, sci-fi and anime fan, and avid reader and movie binger.

RITA FIGLIOLINI

Editorial Consultant

Rita Figliolini has lived in PTC for 23 years with her husband and life partner, Rico Figliolini. Proud mom of 3 — Jason, Kinsey and Jack. Former Managing Editor of the original Inside Gwinnett, she’s now Advisor to PTC Magazine. Telling stories is in our blood!

JULIE DAVIS

Account Executive

Julie Davis is an accomplished sales rep with over 20 years of experience in the telecom industry. When not working or spending time with friends and family, Julie can be found melting glass, as she is an avid fused glass artist.

HARRY J. PINKNEY, JR

Graphic Designer

Harry J. Pinkney, Jr is an accomplished Graphic Designer with over 25 years of experience. A Philadelphia native who now calls Atlanta his home. He enjoys his dog, Chloeé, working out, movies, and running his own freelance graphic/ web design business.

REY CORPUZ

Business Development

Rey has 20+ years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development, with entrepreneurial ventures in real estate and executive recruiting. He is passionate about helping local businesses grow their brand. Outside work, he enjoys tennis, pickleball, and outdoor activities with his Bernese Mountain Dog, Axel.

SHAWNE TAYLOR

Managing Editor / Newsletter Editor

Shawne Taylor is an experienced writer/editor specializing in travel, lifestyle and arts & entertainment. In her spare time, she’s learning Japanese and enjoys reading, anime, music, gaming and K-dramas. She’s lived in PTC with her family since 2014.

ARLINDA SMITH BROADY

Senior Writer

Arlinda Smith Broady is of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after ancestors moved North. With 30 years of journalism experience, she’s worked in tiny newsrooms to major metropolitans. She brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread news.

PATRIZIA WINSPER

Writer

Patrizia hails from Toronto, Canada where she earned an Honors B.A. in French and Italian Studies at York University, and a B.Ed. at the University of Toronto. This trilingual former French teacher has called Georgia home since 1998. Catch her reporting about our vibrant city on the Peachtree Corners Network.

ALEX CHAPMAN

Social Media Manager

PEACHTREE CORNERS MAGAZINE PEACHTREECORNERS

PUBLISHED BY

MIGHTY ROCKETS LLC.

P. O. BOX 923207 Peachtree Corners, GA 30010 678-438-5310 editor@livinginpeachtreecorners.com

Peachtree Corners Magazine is published six times a year by Mighty Rockets LLC. Opinions expressed by the contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publishers, editors or Peachtree Corners Magazine. The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement it seems unfit for publication or does not fit in our guidelines.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 issue

Volume 8 Number 42 ©2026 Peachtree Corners Magazine

The editors welcome submissions, event listings, achievements and photography. Please direct them to editor@livinginpeachtreecorners.com. This publication is independently and privately owned, and managedby Mighty Rockets LLC

GEORGE HUNTER

Photographer

George Hunter is an IT professional from Alaska by way of Texas. His primary hobby is photography, covering a wide range of subjects from pets to cosplay, sports to fashion. Volunteering and fostering dogs brings him much joy. George, his wife Lila and their rescued dogs have made their home in west Gwinnett for almost 20 years.

THE CREEK

Alex Chapman is a social media marketer specializing in travel and entertainment. After growing up in South Georgia, she moved up north to attend KSU. Despite graduating, she still calls the area her home. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and working on her blog, twentysomethingtraveler. com.

KRISTEN CORLEY

Writer

Kristen Corley is an Atlanta native with over a decade of experience in content creation. She lives in Historic Norcross with her family and writes “Young Norcross,” a weekly newsletter that focuses on building community and local engagement.

MITALI SINGH

Writer

Mitali Singh is a writer whose work has appeared in ArtsATL, the AJC, The Creek, and The Emory Wheel. She is passionate about storytelling, the outdoors, and exploring the intersections between the arts and culture. She received a B.A. in English & Creative Writing and Environmental Science from Emory University.

APRIL/MAY 2026 | Advertising Deadline March 16

• Norcross Porchfest, Where to Live: 10 Places You Can Call Home

MAY/JUNE 2026 | Advertising Deadline April 15

• Dental Health Month

APRIL/MAY 2026 | Advertising Deadline March 13

• Best of Johns Creek, Building Roots in Johns Creek

FIRST UP - EVENTS Events, Programs & Fun Things to Do

ONGOING

Peachtree Corners

Photography Club

Group Meet Up

March 12 and April 9

6:45-8:30 p.m.

Atlanta Tech Park

107 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners pcphotoclub.org

Admission: free

Photographers of all skill levels are welcome to attend these monthly Thursday night meetups; come early at 6:15 p.m. for social time.

CrossFit on the Green Thursdays, March–November

8 a.m.-9 a.m.

Peachtree Corners Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga.gov

Admission: free

Weekly strength and conditioning class that relies on constantly varied, functional movements performed at high intensity, to achieve a health and fitness level that will sustain ANY lifestyle. Open to all ages and fitness levels. Students should wear comfortable workout attire and bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two and a mat, if possible.

Important Dates

MARCH

1 First day of Women’s History Month

1 First day of Irish American Heritage Month

3 Holi

3 Purim

6 Employee Appreciation Day

8 Daylight Saving Time starts

17 St. Patrick’s Day

20 Eid al-Fitr (tentative date)

20 March Equinox

29 Palm Sunday

APRIL

1 First day of National Poetry Month

1 Passover Eve

2 Maundy Thursday

3 Good Friday

5 Easter Sunday

9 Last day of Passover

12 Orthodox Easter

15 Tax Day

Mt. Carmel UMC Friday

Morning Men’s Coffee Hour

Weekly, 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.

U&Me Coffee Shop

3425 Medlock Bridge Rd., Peachtree Corners mtcarmel-umc.org

Admission: free

Weekly Events at Politan Row

5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners theforumpeachtree.com

• Trivia Night — Thursdays, 7 p.m.

• Kid’s Corner — Saturdays, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

• Night Shift — Saturdays, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.

• Music Bingo — Sundays, 5 p.m.

MARCH

March 1–29

Lent Message Series: Mastering Your Spiritual Energy

11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585

Admission: free; donation appreciated.

Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks invites you on a Lenten journey to embrace your spiritual energy for healing, harmony, peace and prosperity. Attend in-person or watch via livestream. Youth Sunday School is held in-person 11 a.m.-12 p.m. for ages 5-18. Nursery service is available 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

March 2–30

Mastering Your Spiritual Energy – Zoom Class

7 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org. 770-441-0585

Admission: free; donation appreciated.

This weekly Zoom class accompanies the Sunday morning Lenten Message Series in March. You’ll have the opportunity to practice directing your spiritual energy with greater intention, awakening to a deeply transformative life. Facilitated by Jan Gurr, licensed Unity teacher.

March 7

Saturday Healing Sound Bath

11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585

Admission: free; donation appreciated.

Join certified Vibrational Sound Therapist, Raye Andrews, for a beautiful symphony of sound. This immersive, full-body listening experience can bring relaxation and a sense of calm to your mind, body and spirit. Bring a yoga mat, blanket and pillow for comfort. No registration required.

March 7

Irish Fest

12 p.m.-5 p.m.

downtown Norcross Norcrossga.net

Admission: free

Experience Irish delights with music, dancing, face painting, balloon twisters, food and more at this celebration from the Historic Norcross Business Association and the Drake School of Irish Dance.

March 7

Flicks on the Green –The Wizard of Oz

7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Peachtree Corners Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga.gov

Follow the Yellow Brick Road as the 2026 Flicks on the Green season kicks off with the classic 1939 film. Perfect for all ages, “The Wizard of Oz” brings music, adventure and a little bit of magic to the big screen. Rated G. Running time 1h 42m.

March 11

Gentle Chair Yoga with Goats

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Pinckneyville Park Community Center 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkeley Lake secure.rec1.com/GA/gwinnett-county-parks-recreation/catalog; 678-277-0920

Admission: $31 resident; $51 non-resident

This special fitness experience with friendly, dwarf goats is inclusive and approachable for ages 50+. No prior experience is needed. Classes are led by certified, professional instructors who encourage guests to move at their own comfort level without pressure.

March 13

Day of Play

5 p.m.-6 p.m.

Lillian Webb Park 5 College St., Norcross

Admission: free

The City of Norcross and Live Healthy Gwinnett invite you to a free evening filled with games, activities and community fun. Don’t forget your closed-toe shoes — this is your chance to play, laugh and connect.

March 13

“A Night at the Hunnicut Inn”

7 p.m-9 p.m.

Mount Carmel United Methodist Church 5100 South Old Peachtree Rd., Norcross mtcarmel-umc.org; 770-449-4498

Tickets: $15 (includes dessert)

Travel back in time to an evening in 1885 in this original play written to celebrate Mt. Carmel UMC’s centennial and bicentennial year.

March 13–14

Atlanta Miniature Show by Wilson

Friday, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hilton Atlanta Northeast 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners, atlantaminiatureshowbywilson.com; 678-210-5873

Admission: $12 for one day; $20 for both days

Georgia’s premier dollhouse miniature event, featuring an artisan showcase, classes and workshops.

March 13–29

“Dearly Beloved”

Fridays–Sundays, Multiple showtimes

Lionheart Theatre Company 10 College St., Norcross lionhearttheatre.org; 404-919-4022

Tickets: $20 adults; $18 seniors, students and military

About the show: An over-the-top wedding, three feuding sisters and a church full of small-town eccentrics are the highlights in this fast-paced, laugh-a-minute comedy by Jones Hope Wooten.

March 14

Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk

9 a.m.

Peachtree Corners Baptist Church 4480 Peachtree Corners Circle pcbchurch.org; 770-448-1313

Registration: $35+

Join Peachtree Corners Baptist Church for a family-friendly Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk to support Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries. Race is chip-timed, and registration includes a t-shirt, postrace refreshments and medals for the top finishers.

Register online at runsignup.com/ Race/GA/PeachtreeCorners/Neighborhood5KRunWalk.

March 14

Luck of the The Forum

4 p.m-6 p.m.

The Forum Peachtree Corners 5155 Peachtree Pkwy. theforumpeachtree.com; 770-375-4272

Admission: free

Experience a purely gold St. Patrick’s Day celebration with live music, dancing and Irish flair. Activities include a bounce slide, airbrush tattoos, a pop-up bar, St. Patrick’s Day swag and more.

March 14–15

“Chinatown Memories”

Gas South Theater

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth gassouthdistrict.com; 770-813-7500

Tickets: $23.60+

This production from the Peachtree Corners-based Atlanta Chinese Dance Company transports audiences to Chinatown through dances inspired by handpulled noodles, fresh tea leaves, martial arts films and the Lunar New Year.

March 16

Soldering Workshop

6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Peachtree Corners Library 5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154

Admission: free

Learn the basics of soldering for electronics at this hands-on learning labs workshop for teens and adults ages 16+. Registration is required and opens on March 9.

March 18

Spelling Bee

4 p.m.-5 p.m.

Peachtree Corners Library 5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154

Admission: free

Kids ages 6–15 are invited to come out and put their spelling skills to the test. A prize will be awarded to the first-place winner. Registration opens March 4.

March 19

Gaming: Tabletop Club

3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.

Norcross Library 5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154

Admission: free

In this monthly gaming gathering, participants will learn how to play and explore various tabletop games, from TTRPGs and strategy games to murder mysteries and choose-your-own-adventures. Resources from the library’s collection will be available and on display. Ages 12–18. Space is limited. Register online in advance.

March 19

Monthly Healing Sound Bath

7 p.m.-8 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585

Admission: free; donation appreciated.

Join certified Vibrational Sound Therapist, Raye Andrews, for a beautiful symphony of sound. This immersive, full-body listening experience can bring relaxation and a sense of calm to your mind, body and spirit. Bring a yoga mat, blanket and pillow for comfort. No registration required.

March 19–May 14

Spring Cornhole League

Thursday evenings

The Forum Peachtree Corners theforumpeachtree.com; 770-375-4272

Admission: free to watch

Spring league matches will take place on The Plaza March through May and end with a tournament with a championship trophy and other prizes. Register online to compete or come out to watch.

March 20

The Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence Gala

7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE 6050 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross norcrosshighfoundation.org

Tickets: $150+

This annual fundraising gala features a Hall of Fame induction ceremony, reception with hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine and a live and silent auction. Money raised supports academic, arts and athletic programs at Norcross High School.

March 21

Goat Yoga

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Pinckneyville Park Community Center

4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkeley Lake secure.rec1.com/GA/gwinnett-county-parks-recreation/catalog; 678-277-0920

Admission: $41 resident; $61 non-resident

This playful, light-hearted fitness experience with friendly, dwarf goats is inclusive and approachable for all ages. No prior experience is needed. Classes are led by certified, professional instructors who encourage guests to move at their own comfort level without pressure. Participants must bring their own yoga mat.

March 21

Shamrock ‘n’ Roll

Hosted by Revved Up Kids 5:30 p.m.

Maison 6405 6405 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth revvedupkids.org/events/shamrock

Tickets: $175+

Inspired by the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, this event blends festive fun with powerful purpose. Enjoy

casino-style gaming, live entertainment, craft libations and a curated Irish-inspired culinary experience. Every spin, shuffle and roll of the dice funds Revved Up Kids’ mission to protect children and teens from sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking.

March 26

Women Designing for Sustainability

1 p.m.-2 p.m.

Peachtree Corners Library 5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154

Admission: free

Celebrate Women’s History Month with an inspirational talk from Sagdrina Brown. In this hour-long presentation, Brown will share her experiences, insights and passion for sustainable living. Ages 19+. Registration is not required.

March 28

Hiking with Goats

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Pinckneyville Park Community Center 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkeley Lake secure.rec1.com/GA/gwinnett-county-parks-recreation/catalog; 678-277-0920

Admission: $41 resident; $61 non-resident

Set out on a soul-refreshing, one-hour hike flanked by spirited, dwarf therapy goats from GGA Farm in Tucker.

March 29

Spiritual Keys to Aging Well

12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585

Admission: free; donation appreciated.

This monthly discussion group meets the last Sunday of the month to focus on topics of interest to aging adults. No registration required.

APRIL

April 4

Flicks on the Green –Peter Pan (1953)

7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Peachtree Corners Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga.gov

Admission: free

You’re invited to never grow up (at least for a night) with Disney’s 1953 animated classic “Peter Pan.” This family favorite is full of adventure, imagination and classic songs that generations love. Rated G. Running time 1hr 16m.

April 7

Budgeting for Life

6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Norcross Library 5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154

Admission: free

In this workshop, participants will learn the basic skills to confidently create and monitor their own personal budget and have a better understanding of money management. Ages 19+.

April 8

Gentle Chair Yoga with Goats

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Pinckneyville Park Community Center 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkeley Lake secure.rec1.com/GA/gwinnett-county-parks-recreation/catalog; 678-277-0920

Admission: $31 resident; $51 non-resident

This special fitness experience with friendly, dwarf goats is inclusive and approachable for ages 50+. No prior experience is needed. Classes are led by certified, professional instructors who encourage guests to move at their own comfort level without pressure.

April 8

Norcross Connect: Beginner Sign Language

11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Norcross Library

5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154

Admission: free

Connect with community while exploring new skills. This month, participants will learn how to sign numbers, names and basic phrases in honor of Deaf History Month. Ages 19+.

April 13

Peachtree Corners Book Club

6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Peachtree Corners Library 5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154

Admission: free

Come out and join the Peachtree Corners Book Club for a discussion of “The Queens of Crime,” a novel by Marie Benedict. Ages 19+.

April 14

Panel & Page: Celebrate Superman Day

5 p.m.-6 p.m.

Norcross Library 5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154

Admission: free

Celebrate Superman Day (which is officially April 18) and learn about the library’s “Comics Plus” digital resource. Enjoy a discussion of the illustrated art, character analysis and history of the iconic character with Panel & Page, a graphic novel appreciation club. Ages 12–18.

April 18

Goat Yoga

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Pinckneyville Park Community Center 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkeley Lake secure.rec1.com/GA/gwinnett-county-parks-recreation/catalog; 678-277-0920

Admission: $41 resident; $61 non-resident

This playful, light-hearted fitness

PEACHTREE CORNERS

SPECIAL EVENT CALENDAR 2026

Events are held at the Peachtree Corners Town Green

5140 Town Center Blvd, Peachtree Corners, 30092

APRIL

4: Flicks - Peter Pan

11: Gladiator Watch Party - 7 PM

25: Earth Day with Plant Sale and Swap and Recycling 12-5 PM

MAY

2: Flicks - Monsters, Inc.

9: Concert - Departure (Journey Tribute)

25: Memorial Day Service and Challenge

30: Concert - Big Bam Boom (Hall & Oates Tribute)

JULY

4: Flicks - Captain America

7: World Cup Watch Party

11: Concert - Nashville Nation (Modern Country Hits)

18: Mid Summer Kids Festival2-7 PM

25: Concert - Material Girl and B4Y2K (80’s & 90’s Hits)

OCTOBER

3: Flicks - E.T. and Trick or Treat - 5 PM

17: PTC Decathlon - 8 AM - 2 PM

24: Concert - The Little Mermen (Disney Sing-along)

31: Rescue Dog Games - 11 AM4 PM

TIMES

Flicks on the Green: 7 PM

Concert Series: 7 PM

MARCH

7: Flicks - Wizard of Oz

22: Gladiator Watch Party - 3 PM

JUNE

6: Flicks - The Muppet Movie

13: Concert - The Soul Cartel (Funk & Soul)

27: Concert - REMakes and Macon Music Revue (Showcase of Georgia Artists)

AUGUST

1: Flicks - Mary Poppins

8: Concert - The Stranger (Billy Joel Tribute)

15: Light Up the Corners (Forum)

22: International Festival

29: Concert - Passing the Torch (Whitney Houston Tribute)

NOVEMBER

7: Game Day and Market11 AM - 7 PM

11: Veterans Day Ceremony11 AM

SEPTEMBER

5: Flicks - The Mighty Ducks

12: Concert - Guardians of the Jukebox (80’s Experience)

19: PTC Festival

20: PTC Festival

26: Concert - The Bourbon Brothers Band (Great American Songbook)

DECEMBER

12: Holiday Glow - 5:30 PM8 PM

Yoga on the Green: Tuesdays 8 AM (May - September) CrossFit: Thursdays 8 AM (March - November)

Farmers Market: Saturdays 9 AM - 12 PM (May 16 - July 25)

116 Carlyle St., Norcross | norcrossgalleryandstudios.org, 770-840-9844

Check their website for costs and up-to-date information.

Exhibits and Events

March 1–April 12

Artists of the Month

45 South Café, Norcross

Admission: free

Enjoy the work of Maria C. Schramm and Lulu Alazzawi, two local artists, on display at 45 South Café through April 12.

March 26–April 25

Animal Kingdom

Thursday–Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission: free

This non-juried exhibition will showcase original 2D and 3D artwork from Norcross Gallery & Studios members. A reception will be held on April 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., with a People’s Choice Award ribbon awarded to one of the pieces.

Ongoing Sessions

Figure and Portrait Study Sessions

Tuesdays, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: $16 for members; $22 for non-members; package pricing available

Organizers: Lynda Ellis, lyndaellis@ gmail.com; Anne Emerson Hall, annehallstudio@yahoo.com

Daytime Open Studio

Thursdays–Saturdays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: free for members, $5 for non-members

Organizers: Anne Labaire, labaireart@gmail.com; Kathy Collins

Robert D. Fowler

Family YMCA

5600 W. Jones Bridge Rd., Peachtree Corners facebook.com/FowlerY/ | 770-246-9622

Active Older Adults Schedule

Coping with Grief & Loss Support Group

Mondays, 11 a.m. in the Senior Center Grief and loss are diformation, contact lorri504@gmail.com.

Caregivers Group

Tuesdays, 11:45 a.m. in the Senior Center

The YMCA’s weekly Caregivers Group provides a dedicated meeting space for caregivers to offer and receive emotional support. The group offers practical information while respecting confidentiality and encouraging camaraderie. For more information, contact mcrawley@ wans.net.

Lifelong Learners

Every other Friday, 12:15 p.m. in the Senior Center.

For ages 50 and up, Lifelong Learners offers seniors the chance to come together and enjoy guest speakers, local field trips and spirited cultural discussions. Held in the Senior Center.

For more information, contact karenl@ymcaatlanta.org.

Other senior activities include:

Canasta — Mondays, 2 p.m.

Dominoes — Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.

For more information, contact lorri504@gmail.com.

experience with friendly, dwarf goats is inclusive and approachable for all ages. No prior experience is needed. Classes are led by certified, professional instructors who encourage guests to move at their own comfort level without pressure. Participants must bring their own yoga mat.

April 23

Mount Carmel UMC Spring BBQ

Starting at 11 a.m.

Mount Carmel United Methodist Church 5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners mtcarmel-umc.org; 770-449-4498

Mark your calendars for Mt. Carmel’s Spring BBQ. Traditional, Southern barbecue favorites will be available for dine in or take out. They will serve until they sell out.

April 23

Yiddish Book Club 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

Peachtree Corners Library 5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154

Admission: free

Engage in insightful discussion and learn about the Yiddish community at this book club meeting, in partnership with the Yiddish Book Center. This month’s book is “A Jewish Refugee in New York,” a novel by Kadya Molodovsky. Space is limited. Registration is requested.

April 23–25

NHS Drama Spring Production “Big Fish”

Thurs–Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m.

Norcross High School 5300 Spalding Drive, Norcross nhs-drama.com

Admission: $15

“Big Fish” is a musical based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the 2003 film directed by Tim Burton. It tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman known for his fantastical, larger-than-life tales, and his son Will, who seeks to separate fact from fiction about his father’s life.

April 24–25

Wesleyan Artist Market

Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m-3 p.m.

Wesleyan School 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners

artistmarket.wesleyanschool.org

Admission: free

Annual two-day market showcase featuring a curated selection of artwork, handmade goods, jewelry and more, with offerings from 80+ professional artists and student artists.

April 25

CtK Spring Fest

11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Christ the King Lutheran Church 5575 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners ctklutheran.org; 770-449-1211

Admission: free

Everyone is welcome to come out for a day of fun, food and fellowship in celebration of spring.

April 25

Earth Day on the Green 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Peachtree Corners Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga.gov

Admission: free

This fun, outdoor event will highlight sustainability, local businesses and hands-on experiences, while celebrating the city’s designation as a Tree City and our community’s commitment to a greener future. Stroll the Town Green, explore the Georgia Plant Trade and Sale and plan to have a great time.

April 25

Promise Race

4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Virtue Village 5300 Triangle Pkwy., Peachtree Corners promise686.org/events/promise-race

Admission: free to attend

Race registration: $1200 (raised) per team

This annual family-friendly race is open to runners and walkers of all ages. Money raised will further Promise686’s mission to help end the cycle of foster care as we know it. In addition to the race, there will be food from Moe’s Barbecue, ice cream, inflatables and games.

April 26

Spiritual Keys to Aging Well

12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Unity Atlanta Church 3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners unityatl.org; 770-441-0585

Admission: free; donation appreciated.

This monthly discussion group

meets the last Sunday of the month to focus on topics of interest to aging adults. No registration required.

April 28

Level Up Your Career!

5 p.m.-6 p.m.

Norcross Library 5735 Buford Hwy., Norcross gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154

Admission: free

This hands-on workshop offers a guided walkthrough of the library’s Job and Career Accelerator. The platform features personalized career matching, professional resume builders and a database of five million active job listings. Whether you are new to the workforce or changing careers, you’ll learn digital strategies to master the modern hiring process. Ages 16+.

April 29

DIY Book Spraying

6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Peachtree Corners Library 5570 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners

gwinnettpl.org; 770-978-5154

Admission: free

If you love the look of sprayed edge books, come learn how to create your own. Participants will make

a galaxy edge and learn how to create stencils to further enhance their books. Ages 12+. Registration is required and opens on April 15.

Coming up in May

May 2

Kentucky Derby Day

5 p.m.-7 p.m.

The Forum 5185 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners theforumpeachtree.com

Celebrate the Derby in style with the race playing on The Plaza’s jumbo LED screen, a pop-up bar featuring mint juleps and other themed cocktails, live music, horse race betting and more.

May 2

Flicks on the Green –Monsters, Inc.

7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Peachtree Corners Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga.gov

Get ready for laughs, heart and a few friendly monsters! This Pixar classic is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s fun for kids and adults alike. Rated G. Running time 1h 32m.

May 9

Peachtree Corners Concert Series

Departure — A Journey Tribute Band

7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Peachtree Corners Town Green 5140 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners community.peachtreecornersga. gov

Opening the 2026 Summer Concert Series, Departure will take to the VoxStage with an energetic show that’s sure to have the audience singing along.

A Night at The Hunnicutt Inn

March

Holy Week Church Events

Mary Our Queen

6260 The Corners Pkwy., Peachtree Corners

maryourqueen.com; 770-416-0002

During Holy Week, the church will be open for prayer from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

March 28 – Saturday Vigil at 5 p.m.

March 29 – Palm Sunday Masses at 8:30 a.m.*, 11 a.m.* and 5 p.m.

March 30 – Mass at 8:30 a.m.

March 31 – Communion Service at 12 p.m.

April 1 – Mass at 12 p.m.; Tenebrae at 7 p.m.; Tenebrae is a liturgy that combines lessons or readings with chants sung by Concordi Laetitia.

April 2 – Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 p.m. (no noon Mass); The Garden of Gethsemane will be set up in St. Joseph’s Hall for the faithful to pray for one additional hour (ending around 9 p.m.).

April 3 – Good Friday: Stations of the Cross and Divine Mercy Chaplet at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.; The Passion of Our Lord & Veneration of the Cross at 3 p.m.

April 4 – Saturday Vigil at 8 p.m. (note: there is no 5 p.m. Vigil Mass)

April 5 – Easter Sunday Masses at 7 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.*

*Livestream provided

Christ the King Lutheran Church

5575 Peachtree Pkwy., Peachtree Corners ctklutheran.org; 770-449-1211

March 29 – Palm Sunday Services at 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

April 2 – Maundy Thursday (remembering Jesus’ Last Supper) at 7 p.m.

April 3 – Good Friday Tenebrae at 7 p.m.

April 5 – Easter Sunday Services at 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. (with a special reception between services in the Fellowship Hall)

Mount Carmel United Methodist Church

5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners mtcarmel-umc.org; 770-449-4498

March 29 – Palm Sunday Service at 10 a.m.

April 2 – Maundy Thursday Service at 7 p.m. (childcare provided)

April 3 – Good Friday Choral Service at 7 p.m. (childcare provided)

April 4 – Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. (rain or shine)

April 5 – Easter Sunrise Service at 7 a.m. (breakfast afterwards)

April 5 – Easter Worship Service at 10 a.m. (Sunday School and nursery provided)

Unity Atlanta Church

3597 Parkway Lane, Peachtree Corners

unityatl.org. 770-441-0585

April 5 – Sunrise Healing Circle at 8:30 a.m.; Easter Celebration Service at 11 a.m. (The 11 a.m. service is also available via livestream.) Youth Sunday School is held in-person 11 a.m.-12 p.m. for ages 5-18. Nursery service is available 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Father’s House Church

6060 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners

thefathershouseatl.org; 770-840-0888

April 5 – Resurrection Sunday (with drama, song and dance); Service starts at 10:30 a.m.

US TO CHRIST Celebrate Easter at Mary Our Queen

HOLY THURSDAY

April 2 | 7 pm

A worship service commemorating the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His disciples

EASTER SUNDAY April 5

A joyful celebration of Christ's Resurrection featuring beautiful, uplifting music in all services

7 am

Sunrise Service in

9 am and 11 am

Easter Worship in Bldg. C (Family Life Center)

Business Organizations and Events

City of Norcross

April 23

Hispanic Business Outreach Event

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Norcross Community Center 10 College St. NW, Norcross norcrossga.net

Admission: free

The purpose of this event is to connect Hispanic entrepreneurs/ business owners with city resources, partner organizations and small business support programs in a welcoming, bilingual environment. The program will include remarks from city leaders, partner organization spotlights and time for networking.

Atlanta Tech Park

107 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners 30092 atlantatechpark.com; 404-797-1221

March 3 and April 7

Atlanta Tech Meetup

6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Network with like-minded entrepreneurs and tech professionals at this casual, monthly gathering. Enjoy pizza and beer and talk about the latest in technology. First Tuesday of each month. Free to attend.

March 20

ElevateHER

Launch Event

5 p.m.-9 p.m.

This non-profit initiative for women in AI launches with an inspiring evening of empowerment and positive vibes and is free to attend. Register online in advance.

March 25 and April 29

Wine Wednesday

5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Meet up at Atlanta Tech Park’s Wine Wednesday networking event in conjunction with Pitch Night. Wine, beer and food are included. Free to attend.

Southwest Gwinnett Chamber

Office in Atlanta Tech Park

107 Technology Pkwy., Peachtree Corners southwestgwinnettchamber.com; 470-482-1899

March 12

Thursday Thought Leaders Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hilton Atlanta Northeast 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Admission: $34 members; $40 nonmembers

41 HOMES SOLD IN 2025

In 2025, we had the honor of helping 41 households take their next step in real estate — and we can’t wait to help even more in 2026.

Whether you’re buying your very first home, downsizing, right-sizing, or relocating, our team is here to simplify the process and make your real estate dreams a reality.

Let’s make 2026 your year to move!

LESLIE TOMASINI, REALTOR®

Peachtree Corners resident since 2010 PAM GEBHARDT, REALTOR® Johns Creeks resident for over 30 years

The guest speaker for this event is Ken Bernhardt, professor at the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. The topic will be “Why Strategic Plans Fail: 10 Pitfalls Every Leader Should Know.” Buffet lunch is included. Registration is required and closes at noon on March 10.

March 19 and 26

Coffee Connections

8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Admission: free

Start your day with coffee and conversation in the company of local professionals. Join this casual networking event to expand your professional relationships. Open to members and non-members. Coffee and tea provided. No registration required.

April events will be announced soon. Check the website for details.

Peachtree Corners Business Association

4989 Peachtree Pkwy., Ste. 215, Peachtree Corners peachtreecornersba.com; 678-969-3385

March 10 and April 14

PCBA Connecting Over Coffee Morning Meetup

8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill 5215 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Admission: free for PCBA members and their guests.

Meet with PCBA and business professionals over coffee in a positive atmosphere on the second Tuesday of each month. Register online as space is limited.

March 19 and April 16

PCBA Lunch Club

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Marlow’s Tavern at Town Center 5210 Town Center Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Members and their guests are invited to attend monthly lunches at Marlow’s Tavern to meet and network with other PCBA members. Lunch is not provided, but participants receive 15% off of their bill. Advance registration is appreciated.

March 26 and April 23

PCBA Business After Hours Speaker Series

5:30 p.m.-7:30 pm

Hilton Atlanta Northeast 5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Admission: $48 (includes appetizers and drinks)

Join PCBA members and guests for an evening of great conversation, business networking, a variety of beverages and great food. Topic and speaker(s) will be announced soon.

Norcross PDC

Wednesdays, 8:15 a.m.-9 a.m.

45 South Café

45 S. Peachtree Street, Norcross instagram.com/norcrosspdc

Norcross PDC (People Drinking Coffee/People Doing Community) meets weekly to discuss current events that are political, educational and community-focused. Open to the public. No dues or membership fees; anyone can attend.

• March 4 – Chris Carr, former state attorney general, running for governor

• March 11 – Shannon Dayhoff, executive leadership coach

• March 17 – Jacques Laurent, running for GA state rep, district 97

• March 25 – Kristen Corley, Young Norcross and Norcross Porchfest

April speakers: TBA

Peachtree Corners Rotary Club

Mondays, 12 p.m.

peachtreecornersrotary.org

The Rotary Club meets regularly at The Hickory Room (5260 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners), sometimes with a guest speaker. Check the website for meeting dates and additional information.

The 2026 Wesleyan Artist Market

Three artists, three paths and the creative work that connects a community

Each spring, the Wesleyan Artist Market (WAM) invites visitors onto campus to experience art in a setting shaped as much by conversation as by the work itself. The event brings together artists whose creative lives have unfolded along very different paths, offering a chance to meet makers face to face, ask questions about process and see how ideas evolve over time.

Rather than feeling distant or formal, the market reflects how creativity grows alongside teaching, entrepreneurship, faith and the responsibilities of everyday life.

Some artists arrive with decades of experience built slowly through persistence and reflection, while others are shaping new creative directions in real time. This year’s featured artists, Kristie Onorato, Gracie Taylor and Patricia Silbiger, represent three approaches to creative work that continue to expand within the same community. Together, their stories offer a glimpse into how artistic practices develop through curiosity, discipline and connection.

Kristie Onorato

Teaching, faith and a studio practice that kept expanding

For Kristie Onorato, painting has always been part of her life. Long before teaching, graduate study or the responsibilities that would shape her schedule, she remembers creating artwork as a child and feeling drawn to the act of painting itself.

“I have enjoyed painting for as long as I can remember,” she said. “With the way creating artwork came naturally to me, and how working to improve my practice doesn’t feel like ‘work,’ I do feel I’m clearly on the path God has for me when I’m painting.”

That sense of direction did not mean her studio practice developed easily. For decades, Onorato balanced a full-time teaching career with raising two daughters as a single mother, often working in brief windows of time rather than uninterrupted studio days.

“Working full time as an art teacher might seem that I would be able to create my own artwork right along with my students,” she said. “However, my career had never lent itself to affording me the time to feed my personal studio practice.” Late nights, artist retreats and seasons of evening classes became essential spaces where her work could continue to grow.

Even within those constraints, the classroom remained closely connected to her personal practice. Demonstrating techniques for students often sparked new ideas that resurfaced later in her

By Kristen Corley

own work. She describes the overlap between teaching and creating as a continuous exchange, where lessons learned in one space shape the other. Over time, that rhythm allowed her to build a practice rooted not in isolation but in shared experience, reinforcing her belief that artistic growth unfolds gradually through repetition and curiosity.

Learning to push beyond what already exists

Formal study deepened Onorato’s commitment and reshaped how she approached painting. Time spent studying art history in Paris allowed her to encounter works she had previously only seen in books, forcing her to observe more carefully and trust her own interpretation. Without cameras allowed in museums, she relied on sketches and notes to capture details that photographs might have missed.

“Touring through Europe and seeing some of the most significant paintings throughout history up close and personal was thrilling for me,” she said, recalling visits connected to artists such as Monet, Matisse, and Gustave Caillebotte. Her summers at Parsons School of Design introduced another level of intensity. With only twelve students in each graduating class, the program emphasized critique and discipline, challenging students to question their assumptions about their own work.

“I remember being challenged to the point of tears in my first summer, where I questioned if anything I had ever thought about myself as an artist was true,” she said.

Returning the following year with a different mindset transformed her relationship to painting. “More humbled, teachable and willing to put in the 10-plus hours of work each day, I had a renewed excitement and level of creativity in my own work.”

Those lessons continue to guide her approach today. She often recalls the voice of her Parsons instructor encouraging students to move beyond familiar styles. “She would look over my shoulder while I was painting and say, ‘Impressionism? Done. Change it!’” Onorato said.

The message was not to reject art history but to learn from it while developing a personal voice. “The bottom line is that it is important to study and learn from artists throughout history, but to [also] find your own voice in anything you personally create.”

Balancing design influence with artistic freedom

Outside the studio, Onorato’s background in interior design and real estate has influenced how she thinks about scale, color and placement. Her experience renovating and decorating homes helps her understand how artwork lives within a space and how collectors interact with it over time.

“I like to be able to provide original artwork that could accompany and enhance current design trends that customers of mine might embrace,” she said.

At the same time, she resists allowing design trends to define her entire practice. She describes working through two guiding filters: paintings created to complement interior spaces and work driven by experimentation alone.

“It doesn’t prevent me from also creating the artwork that’s far less about how it looks over someone’s couch, and more about the inherent quality of the art itself,” she said. That dual approach has resulted in a diverse body of work that reflects both structure and exploration.

Color and composition remain central to both approaches. She relies on the same principles of design she teaches her students, creating focal points through contrast and balancing warmer and cooler tones across the canvas. Over time, that alignment between teaching and studio practice has strengthened her ability to move fluidly between roles, allowing each aspect of her work to expand alongside the other.

Experimentation and the move toward sculpture

Recent experimentation has pushed Onorato’s work into new territory. Alongside florals and portraits, she has begun creating pieces that blur the line between painting and sculpture — using plaster, cloth and encaustic wax to build textured relief surfaces.

“I just started creating ‘paintings’ that are really more like sculptures,” she said. The process introduces a tactile dimension that challenges her to think differently about composition and material.

Working with encaustic wax requires responding to the material in real time, adjusting layers as heat and texture shift the surface. The unpredictability has encouraged her to embrace experimentation more fully, allowing new ideas to emerge through process rather than planning alone.

Some pieces remain intentionally unframed, giving collectors flexibility in how they display them, while others are designed as grouped collections that interact with interior spaces. “I don’t think I’ve seen any other artists do this before, which makes it that much more exciting for me,” she said.

Sharing work and finding connection through community

Despite the growth of her studio practice, connection remains central to how she understands the purpose of her work. When viewers respond emotionally to a painting, she describes the experience as deeply affirming.

“When someone can connect with something I do in such a way that they say it ‘speaks’ to them, I can feel so emotional,” she said. The response reinforces her belief that creative work becomes meaningful when it resonates beyond the studio.

The Wesleyan Artist Market has played a significant role in that journey. Seeing professional artists and colleagues share work on campus encouraged her to commit to building a larger body of paintings and presenting them publicly.

“Had it not been for the Artist Market, right here on Wesleyan’s campus, with the inspiring work of professional artists from all over the country, I don’t know that I would have felt the strong desire to put in the endless hours,” she said.

Creativity is a gift from God

At this stage in her career, Onorato continues to balance teaching with an expanding studio practice shaped by faith and curiosity. She hopes to lead workshops and artist retreats in the future, carrying forward the same spirit of exploration that shaped her own studies.

“Creating and showing my artwork is something I hope to never stop doing,” she said. “Creativity is a gift from God that each one of us has been given, and I hope to never forget that gift, but instead share it with others as long as I am able.” ▪ Scan the QR code to find more about Kristie Onorato

Gracie Taylor

Growing ‘Jup Jewels’ through faith, creativity and real-time

community

When Gracie Taylor began creating jewelry in May 2024, she approached the work with curiosity rather than a long-term business strategy. The early pieces emerged from a desire to make something personal and expressive, much like the creative hobbies she had explored in previous years.

Painting had once filled that role, and she had experimented with sharing artwork through small social media pages, hoping simply to connect with others who appreciated handmade work. Jewelry followed a similar beginning, rooted more in enjoyment than expectation.

“When I first started creating jewelry, I didn’t have any intention of turning it into a business or fulltime job,” she said. “It was simply a fun hobby that I genuinely enjoyed.”

At first, her goals remained modest. She imagined selling a handful of pieces while continuing to explore new ideas and techniques, allowing the work to grow organically. That slow approach shifted as more people began responding to her designs. What started as casual sharing quickly became something

larger, pushing her to reconsider how much space the work might occupy in her life.

“Slowly, I set a similar goal for my new love of jewelry, hoping I might sell a few pieces here and there,” she said. “As I began sharing my work, I quickly saw its potential and allowed myself to dream bigger.”

The early growth of Jup Jewels felt less like a dramatic turning point and more like a gradual widening of possibility. Orders arrived through Instagram messages, conversations with customers grew longer, and each new interaction revealed how personal the work felt to those wearing it.

Taylor described learning to navigate that momentum carefully, allowing the brand to evolve without losing the intimacy that defined its beginning. The process required patience, especially as she balanced experimentation with the responsibility of meeting increasing demand.

Recognizing the moment everything changed

Only weeks into the process, Taylor realized that interest in her jewelry had outgrown the informal systems she had been using. Orders arriving through direct messages became difficult to track, creating both excitement and pressure. By the end of June 2024, she reached a moment that required a shift in structure.

“I realized this was becoming more than a side hobby,” she said. “I was receiving too many orders through Instagram DMs to keep track of, and it became clear that there was real opportunity for growth.”

Launching a website became the first tangible step toward treating Jup as a business rather than a personal project. The decision was practical, helping streamline orders and improve communication with customers, but it also marked a change in how she viewed her role as both artist and entrepreneur.

“Creating a website felt like the necessary next step to make the process easier for customers,” she said. “That moment made me realize Jup had the potential to become a full-time business.”

As the brand grew, she began to see how creativity and entrepreneurship could coexist rather than compete. Managing orders, planning releases and coordinating events introduced new responsibilities, yet she describes the work as an extension of her creative process rather than a departure from it. Each new step required balancing intuition with structure, allowing the brand to expand while remaining grounded in the personal connections that first inspired it.

Designing jewelry that invites personal expression

From the beginning, Jup’s aesthetic has centered on adaptability rather than rigid branding. Taylor describes the pieces as trend-forward yet flexible, designed to meet a wide range of personal styles. Charm-and-beaded necklaces form the core of the collection, allowing customers to create combinations that feel uniquely their own.

“We primarily create charm-and-beaded necklaces that allow customers to lean into their own creativity

and express their individuality through their everyday style,” she said.

That emphasis on individuality reflects how she sees creativity as a shared process between maker and wearer. Instead of presenting finished pieces as fixed statements, she encourages customers to participate in shaping the final look. The jewelry becomes less about a single designer’s vision and more about collaboration, where personal stories influence how each piece evolves once it leaves her hands.

Faith remains central to that collaboration. When she created Jup, she rooted the business in Psalm 146:6, a decision that continues to guide daily choices and long-term direction. “When I first created Jup, I wanted to keep the business centered on Christ and use it to point others toward Him in any way I could,” she said.

Each package includes a scripture card, reflecting her desire to create something meaningful beyond the physical object itself. “My greatest prayer is that I steward the gift of Jup Jewels well and use it for His glory,” she said.

The creative process behind each collection

While the jewelry often appears spontaneous to customers, Taylor’s process begins with careful planning. She typically starts by defining the theme, overall mood and color palette for a new collection, building a framework that guides her design decisions. Within that structure, she allows space for experimentation, testing combinations of textures and charms until a piece feels complete.

“My creative process usually begins with planning the theme, overall vibe and color palette of an upcoming collection,” she said. “From there, I allow creativity to take the lead.”

Balancing structure and spontaneity has become one of the defining aspects of her work. The planning stage ensures cohesion, while the hands-on process keeps each piece feeling personal. That balance mirrors the broader evolution of Jup itself, which has grown through both intentional decisions and unexpected opportunities shaped by customer feedback and real-time experiences.

The charm bar and the power of face-to-face connection

As Jup expanded, in-person events became one of the most meaningful parts of the business. The

charm bar experience allows customers to design jewelry alongside Taylor, transforming the act of buying into a collaborative moment. She describes these interactions as energizing, offering a chance to see creativity unfold in real time.

“While online sales are a major part of Jup, our in-person events and charm bar are the most highly demanded and meaningful part of the business,” she said. “Creating alongside them and watching them design something completely unique and personal is incredibly special.”

These face-to-face connections have influenced the direction of the brand as much as any design decision. Hearing customers’ stories and learning why certain charms hold significance has shaped future collections and reinforced her commitment to maintaining a personal approach.

“Having direct, face-to-face connections with customers has shaped Jup in every way,” she said.

Growth has brought both opportunity and reflection. As her audience expands, she continues to prioritize authenticity, ensuring that the work remains grounded in relationships rather than scale alone. She describes success not as a single milestone but as an ongoing process where creativity and connection move forward together.

Growth, leadership and the lessons along the way

Building Jup has required Taylor to grow in ways she did not anticipate when she first began making jewelry. The shift from hobby to business introduced new responsibilities — from managing time and logistics to leading a growing team and balancing work with personal life. “The past year and a half has stretched me in ways I never imagined,” she said.

Faith continues to anchor that growth. She describes learning to trust direction and timing rather than relying solely on personal effort. “I’ve learned to lean on the Lord for strength instead of relying solely on my own and to trust where He is leading me,” she said.

That perspective shapes how she approaches setbacks and defines success, focusing on meaning and impact rather than rapid expansion alone.

Meaning beyond the jewelry

When customers leave wearing Jup pieces, Taylor hopes the experience extends beyond style or trend. She sees the jewelry as a reminder of individuality,

creativity and worth. “I hope that everyone who wears Jup feels how special, beautiful and unique they truly are,” she said.

Ultimately, she hopes the work points to something lasting. “More than anything, I hope that when they wear their jewelry it reminds them of their true worth and beauty in God’s eyes.” ▪

Scan the QR code to find more about Gracie Taylor

Patricia Silbiger

Painting with intuition, presence and a sense of quiet attention

Patricia Silbiger’s paintings reflect a creative practice shaped by fine art study and years of working as an art director in Manhattan. That professional background continues to influence how she thinks about composition and visual clarity today.

“Advertising trained me to make my paintings read instantly across a room,” she said.

Even as her work has moved toward quieter subject matter and layered surfaces, that emphasis on immediate visual impact remains present in how she approaches each canvas.

Silbiger’s return to painting developed alongside a change in pace rather than a dramatic shift in direction. She describes the studio as a space where attention slows and awareness becomes more focused. “Painting is a meditative time when I experience timeless awareness and joy,” she said.

The process allows her to move beyond the urgency of commercial work while maintaining a strong sense of structure and visual intention.

Rather than separating her earlier professional experience from her current practice, Silbiger describes both as connected parts of the same creative life. Skills developed through design continue to influence how she builds balance and clarity within

a composition. Painting provides room for intuition and reflection, allowing those structural instincts to operate within a quieter rhythm. The result is work that feels grounded while still inviting viewers to slow down and observe carefully.

The influence of advertising and the return to stillness

Working in advertising required images to communicate quickly and clearly, shaping how Silbiger considers visual readability. That awareness remains visible in her paintings, where composition draws the eye before subtler layers emerge through closer viewing. She continues to think about how viewers first encounter a painting across a room and how that first impression evolves through longer observation.

Painting offers a different tempo than commercial design. Without strict deadlines, she allows the process to unfold gradually, guided by intuition rather than immediate resolution. The slower pace supports an approach that values presence and attention, reflecting the meditative quality she describes when working in the studio.

Her background in design provides a structural framework that supports experimentation without removing clarity. Structure and intuition exist side by side, shaping decisions about scale, color and balance. That combination allows her work to maintain visual strength while embracing subtlety and atmosphere.

Layered surfaces and the language of light

Silbiger’s paintings frequently feature delicate oil washes that create depth through transparency rather than heaviness. She describes her attraction to the technique as something that developed through experimentation with different painting methods.

“Experimenting with painting techniques drew me to love the light reflection of sheer oil washes, imparting a delicacy that I love,” she said. The layers allow color to build gradually while preserving a sense of light within the surface.

Working in layers requires patience and careful attention to how each pass of paint changes the overall balance of the composition. Forms emerge slowly, allowing shifts in tone and texture to develop over time. The technique reflects a measured approach that favors quiet evolution rather than dramatic transformation.

When asked how she decides when a painting is finished, her answer remains direct. “I just know,” she said. The statement reflects an intuitive process shaped by experience rather than a fixed formula. Completion comes through observation and instinct rather than predetermined rules.

Painting nature as experience rather than illustration

Nature and wildlife appear frequently in Silbiger’s work, though she approaches these subjects less as literal depictions and more as emotional encounters. She describes painting as a restorative experience shaped by how nature affects her own sense of calm.

“Painting is a restorative experience for me, a way of responding to how nature settles my nervous system and invites a slower, more attentive state,” she said. That perspective influences how she chooses her subject matter and how she develops the atmosphere within each piece.

Animals introduce a strong sense of presence within her compositions. Rather than focusing only on anatomical precision, she emphasizes energy and personality through mood and gesture.

“Animals carry presence in a way landscapes alone sometimes do not,” she said. “Viewers don’t first see an animal, they feel it.” The emphasis on emotional response reflects her interest in creating work that resonates beyond visual description. Her approach challenges traditional expectations of wildlife art. Instead of presenting animals as decorative subjects, she aims to convey the experience of being in their presence.

“Decorative wildlife art asks what an animal looks like. I want my work to ask what it feels like to be with this animal,” she said.

The focus on feeling rather than likeness shapes how viewers engage with her paintings and how she defines success within her practice.

Medium, movement and continuing exploration

Silbiger works in both oil and acrylic, selecting her medium based on the needs of the painting rather than preference alone. “Although each medium is completely different, I try for the same end result with oils and acrylics,” she said. Oils allow for gradual layering and transparency, while acrylics offer flexibility when exploring new ideas or adjusting direction during the process.

This year’s Wesleyan Artist Market includes work that reflects new areas of exploration for Silbiger. She mentioned subjects such as a sparrow and the movement of a dancer, describing the shift as a fresh insight rather than a dramatic reinvention.

“It is more of a fresh insight, a new connection and different subject matter,” she said. The introduction of movement expands the emotional range of her work while maintaining the same intuitive approach that defines her practice.

These evolving subjects reflect an ongoing willingness to explore new directions without abandoning earlier themes. Smaller studies and motion-focused imagery add variety while remaining consistent with her emphasis on presence and atmosphere. The work continues to evolve through quiet shifts rather than sudden changes.

Intuition and the life of a painting beyond the studio

Intuition remains central to Silbiger’s process from beginning to end. Decisions about color, transparency and brushwork develop through observation rather than strict planning.

“Intuition about a subject will influence everything … color brushwork, transparency and composition,” she said. That reliance on instinct allows each painting to develop naturally while maintaining a strong sense of cohesion.

When her paintings enter a home, she hopes they contribute quietly to the atmosphere of the space. Rather than functioning as static decoration, she imagines them as companions that carry a sense of nature and presence.

“I hope my paintings are friendly companions, carrying the energy of nature and wildlife that permeates a space over time,” she said. “I like to think that I specialize in paintings to make you smile.”

The Wesleyan Artist Market and the power of community

Participating in the Wesleyan Artist Market allows Silbiger to share her work within a setting shaped by conversation and connection. Visitors encounter layered surfaces and subtle tonal shifts in person, often discovering details that emerge only through close viewing. The event provides an opportunity for dialogue, allowing viewers to engage directly with the ideas behind the work.

Within the broader context of the market, her paintings offer a quieter perspective alongside a wide range of artistic voices. The emphasis on patience, observation and intuition reflects the spirit of the event itself. Artists and visitors gather not only to see finished pieces but to experience creativity as an ongoing process that continues to evolve within a shared community. ▪

Scan the QR code to find more about Patricia Silbiger

A Creative Collaboration

The first photo in this story, featuring artist and teacher Kristie Onorato, grew from a classroom collaboration that reflects the spirit of the Wesleyan Artist Market. The photograph was created by student Ava Townsend, Class of 2028, under the guidance of visual arts instructor Dru Phillips. Rather than staging a traditional portrait, the team focused on capturing the creative energy shared between teacher and students. The students pictured are (left to right) Kylie Kang, Sloane Smith, Ben Kolowich and Annabelle Curtis, all 7th-graders.

For Phillips, involving students in real assignments strengthens the connection between learning and practice. “I believe it is deeply meaningful for students to practice the techniques and skills we explore in class through real world applications,” he said. “This reinforces that their learning has relevance and value beyond the classroom.”

The project allowed students to apply technical skills while contributing to a professional publication tied to their own campus community.

Townsend approached the shoot with a clear goal of showing movement and connection within the classroom. “When taking this photo, I think it was very important to capture the excitement Mrs. Onorato has for creativity and how she shares it with her students,” she said. “I needed to center Mrs. Onorato and the students around artwork to show her passion for sharing this excitement with the next generation.”

The final image reflects the same themes seen throughout this year’s featured artist profiles: mentorship, growth and creativity unfolding in real time. Rather than isolating the artist, the photograph places Onorato within a living learning environment shaped by collaboration.

As readers encounter the image, they are seeing not only a portrait but a shared moment that connects teaching, artistry and the next generation of creative voices at Wesleyan. ▪

Kristen Corley

Little Emergencies

• Splinting for Minor Fracture or Dislocation Management

• Stitches, In-House X-Rays

• Abscess Drainage

• Breathing Treatments

Asthma, Croup, and Bronchiolitis

• Fever, Rashes, Minor Cuts

• Sports Injuries

• Vomiting/Diarrhea

• Urinary Symptoms

The Tide Lifters

Meet the 2026 Norcross High Hall of Fame Honorees EDUCATION

As it does around this time every year, the Norcross High School community will gather friends, families and former students to celebrate the newest inductees into the Norcross High School Hall of Fame. That honor, presented by the Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence (NHSFE), recognizes community members whose work has made a measurable difference to Norcross High and the wider neighborhood.

This year’s class — Dan Byrne and Howard Hoffman — could not be more emblematic of the foundation’s mission: to raise funds and rally support so every student at Norcross can reach their potential.

“People think the foundation only helps sports or the arts,” said Dana Zamuel, president of the foundation’s board. “But we fund academics too. Our job is to be the money beyond Gwinnett County — to give teachers and coaches the extras that make learning and competing richer.”

Two different paths, the same outcome

Byrne and Hoffman come at school life from different angles. Byrne is the quietly relentless inside agent who builds opportunities for students; Hoffman is the voluble fundraiser and advocate who ensures teams have what they need to compete at a national level. Together, they represent the quietly ordinary heroism that powers a great public high school.

Byrne — a Syracuse-educated history teacher and the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme coordinator — has taught at Norcross since 2009 and has been the IB coordinator since 2016. Over his 30-year career in metro Atlanta classrooms, he has been named Norcross High Teacher of the Year, is a two-time STAR Teacher and served as social studies department chair.

But Byrne’s pride doesn’t show in trophies; it shows in access. Unlike some schools that gate IB behind an application, Byrne has spent years trying to make the program accessible to “as many kids as it’s appropriate for.” He meets with sophomores to discuss whether IB fits their goals, counsels families, sets up testing and ties together schedules so students can navigate a demanding curriculum.

“IB is considered the most rigorous level of classes at Norcross,” Byrne said. “But we don’t want to compare it to AP. We want kids to take what they’re good at and develop the IB learner profile — ten traits like open-mindedness, reflection, inquiry and risk-taking.

This is the type of person you want to be your neighbor.”

That emphasis on character dovetails with the foundation’s work. Byrne pointed out that even academic programs need extras: books for classroom extensions, subscriptions or materials that county budgets don’t cover. “All of this is really an extension for what we’re able to do in the classroom,” he said. Making those extensions possible is part of why the foundation exists.

A lifeline for teams and young lives

Howard Hoffman’s path to the Hall of Fame started with two simple facts: he loves basketball, and his sons graduated from Norcross. For nearly two decades, Hoffman has been the primary — at times only — member of the Norcross High School Basketball Booster Club, building relationships with sponsors, parents and community leaders to keep a high-level athletic program funded and accountable.

Hoffman’s own credentials read like a game-day program: he played college ball at Bethany College (WV), where he was part of the undefeated 1963–64 team that later earned induction into the Bethany College Sports Hall of Fame. After graduation, he turned to sports broadcasting and then a long career in media, including two decades with “Parade” magazine.

But it is his local, day-to-day work — coordinating sponsors, securing buses and hotels for tournaments and covering insurance and referees — that Hoffman emphasizes.

“Sometimes the cost of an individual to be on the team is as much as about $15,000,” he said.

That figure isn’t meant to alarm so much as to explain why booster clubs exist. Tickets and county disbursements cover little of the extras that make Norcross a national contender.

tournaments to a new, state-of-the-art scoreboard that now doubles as an advertising platform.

“It’s a labor of love,” Hoffman said of his decades of volunteering. “I love young people. I love basketball. I love the coaches. I love the competition.”

He’s proudest of watching players mature — students who move on to play at Harvard, University of Georgia, Georgia State, in the WNBA and even the NBA — and of a culture where coaches hold everyone accountable.

Hard work, visible results

The tangible signs of both men’s work are obvious in the halls and on the court. New electronic scoreboards — funded in part by the foundation and in partnership with the city and builders — have modernized spaces that had been unchanged since the school opened.

By Arlinda Smith Broady

Hoffman and his volunteers brought in sponsors who, in return for recognition on scoreboards and programs, underwrote everything from trips to top

The foundation’s annual gala is the marquee fundraising event of the year, but smaller initiatives such as “Wish Bricks” let teachers and clubs list specific needs: band equipment, drama costumes, lab materials and grants for extension activities.

“’Wish bricks’ let people give directly to what they care about,” Zamuel said. “One year it was the fine arts. Another year it’s athletics. We also underwrite our After School Matters tutoring program every year — tutors are Norcross teachers who stay after school to help students who otherwise couldn’t afford private help.”

That combination of big capital projects and small, targeted grants is what keeps the diverse, Title I school — serving roughly 2,500 students — equipped to educate all learners. Zamuel frames the foundation’s work in community terms: improving the school helps the entire neighborhood, from property values to civic pride.

Recognition that matters

For both Byrne and Hoffman, induction into the Hall of Fame is less about a personal accolade and more about the people who nominated them.

Byrne admits that the honor felt surprising at first. “Someone in the community thought enough of the job that I do,” he said. “That means a lot.” He sees the award as recognition not only of his work but of an

approach that deliberately opens doors: “We have this amazing program, and we want to touch as many kids as it’s appropriate for.”

Hoffman, whose presence at games has been described as part of the program’s backbone, sees his selection as validation of a lifetime of community connection. He recently said that when he announced this would be his final season leading the booster club, he meant what he said — but he’ll be around to help train a successor and to make sure the work continues.

“What you get out of it is the joy of seeing kids develop,” he said. “And the coaches — they’re in it for the right reasons. They don’t get paid huge sums, but they give a lot.”

A community that sustains itself

The Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence, a 501(c)(3), raises funds to bridge the gap between state and county funding. Its strategy is straightforward: raise money through events like the annual gala, cultivate local sponsorships and offer targeted grants that let teachers, artists and coaches

do more than they could with base funding alone. That ecosystem has kept programs thriving, from IB classrooms to championship teams.

On March 20, an audience at the Crowne Plaza will applaud two very different forms of commitment. One honoree expanded academic opportunity for students willing to take intellectual risks. The other has spent decades making sure athletics can compete with the best in the country, while insisting on accountability and character.

Both men are, in different ways, tide lifters — people who believe that when you raise the water level, every boat in the harbor gets a chance to float higher. In a public high school of 2,500 students, those are not small things. ▪

For more information, visit norcrosshighfoundation.org.

STAR Students and Teachers Shine at 2026 Ceremony

Thirty-nine outstanding students across 33 schools were recognized at the January event

By Shawne Taylor

In late January, Partnership Gwinnett hosted the annual Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) Reception at the John C. Maxwell Leadership Center in Duluth.

The event, sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) and the PAGE Foundation, honored this year’s highest-achieving seniors and their most academically influential teachers — the ones they say have had the greatest impact on their educational journey.

More than 250 students, teachers, principals and guests gathered to celebrate the outstanding students and the educators that support them.

“These students’ achievements reflect hard work, perseverance and a strong partnership between families, teachers and schools,” said Dr. Al Taylor, interim superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools. “We appreciate our collaboration with Partnership Gwinnett in recognizing excellence and helping prepare students for success beyond graduation.”

Peachtree Corners and Southwest Gwinnett STARs

Several students and teachers from public and private high schools in the Peachtree Corners and Southwest Gwinnett area were among those recognized this year.

▪ Hayyan Sharif and teacher Dr. Christopher De Castro — Duluth High School

▪ Joanne Lu and teacher Madeline Crain — Norcross High School

▪ Joseph Lu and teacher Ian Jones — Paul Duke STEM High School

▪ Noah An and teacher Tom Meeker — Greater Atlanta Christian School

▪ Larry Men and teacher Jeff Foster — Wesleyan School

▪ Wonji Lee and teacher Wendy Albrecht — Notre Dame Academy

Two STARs in one family

Two of those students — Joanne and Joseph Lu — are twins who live in Peachtree Corners.

Joanne attends Norcross High School where she is valedictorian, a National Merit Commended Scholar and National Honor Society co-president. She has been named Mock Trial Outstanding Attorney three times, is a third-year oboe player and member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has been recognized with a French IV Honors award.

She said she chose Ms. Crain as her STAR teacher because “she’s someone who genuinely cares about her students inside and outside the classroom. Not only is she always open to improving our learning experience and listening to our feedback, she’s also the first to ask how your day is going and if you’re doing alright.”

“On top of that, she’s fun and cool to talk to about anything (like music)!” Joanne added.

Joseph, a student at Paul Duke STEM, is a chapter officer in his 4th year in the Technology Student Association; is team captain, lead builder/designer and driver in VEX Robotics (and also qualified to this year’s World Championship); has played flute in the school band for three and a half years and made district band.

He chose Mr. Jones as his STAR teacher because of his passion and knowledge about history.

“It’s really refreshing to have a teacher that contextualizes historical events beyond the material covered in the textbook,” Joseph said.

A bright future ahead

With academic success and a string of extracurricular and community achievements, the future looks bright for all of this year’s exceptionally talented STAR students, including the Lu siblings.

“Thanks to the wonderful teachers and school system infrastructure here in Gwinnett, these STAR students are being well prepared for expanded career paths beyond graduation,” said Kevin Carmichael, senior vice president of economic development for Partnership Gwinnett at the January ceremony.

“Celebrating their achievements is an investment in the future workforce that will power Gwinnett’s industries.” ▪

Scan the QR code for more about the STAR program and to view the full list of this year’s honorees.

JOIN US FOR THE 28TH ANNUAL

FRIDAY, APRIL 24 10 A.M. – 7 P.M.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 10 A.M. – 3 P.M.

SHOWCASING MORE THAN 80 PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS WHOSE WORK INCLUDES FINE ART PAINTINGS, CERAMICS, POTTERY, PHOTOGRAPHY, JEWELRY, AND MORE.

HOSTED BY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FREE ADMISSION!

Get Creative: Ten Cool Summer Programs Focused on the Arts

Summer is a great time for kids and teens to explore the arts, whether that’s drawing, writing, crafting, painting or acting. The longer, lazy days and break from the Monday-Friday school routine, means there’s extra time (and mental space) available for dreaming and creating.

If your child is interested in spending some time this summer deepening their current art practice or trying something new, the following places — all a 30-minute drive or less from Peachtree Corners — have creative art camps and summer programs lined up that are definitely worth checking out.

Alliance Theatre Drama Camps

Gas South Theater

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth alliancetheatre.org/camps

Rates: $375–$435

With a variety of theatre- and acting-focused sessions to choose from, kids in grades K–8 have the opportunity to take center stage at Alliance Theatre’s Drama Camp this summer. Each week-long camp is tailored to help students learn more about acting, stage production and storytelling in a fun, no-pressure environment and wraps up with a performance (or screening) at the end of the week.

Campers are sorted into sessions based on age, with acting, camera acting and musical theater options available for each. The Duluth camps take place in July. But Alliance Theatre also offers sessions at other locations throughout metro Atlanta.

The Art Center at Johns Creek

6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd., Johns Creek 770-623-8448; itstheartcenter.org/camps

Rates: start at $240+

By Shawne Taylor

The Art Center offers year-round classes for kids, teens and adults and, in the summer, also runs a variety of week-long youth art camps for grades

K-12 May through July. There are over 60 camps to choose from, including fine arts camps, ceramics, creative writing, performing arts and even a Teen Stand Up Comedy Camp.

Whether your child wants to learn improv or video production, spend a week diving into the world of K-pop musical theatre, study fashion or deepen their drawing and pottery skills, you’re sure to find a session (or two) that perfectly matches their interests.

Eye Candy Art Studio

3127 Main St., Duluth

678-714-5683; eyecandyartstudio.net

Rate: $315

Voted ‘Best of Gwinnett’ for 9 years, Eye Candy Art Studio’s summer camp sessions are full of fun and creativity for campers ages 6–12. Each week-long session includes hands-on art projects in a variety of mediums. From clay sculpture and pottery painting to canvas painting and tie-dye, projects differ from week to week to keep things interesting.

The camp day starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Each camper gets a camp t-shirt with their registration. And the studio offers sibling and multi-week discounts.

Greater Atlanta Christian School

1575 Indian Trail Rd., Norcross 770-243-2000; gac.org

Rates: $205+

Open to the public, GAC’s Summer Specialty Camps offer a variety of engaging half-day experiences in the arts for kids in grades K–12. From dance, drama and film to singing, scrapbooking, writing and drawing, the summer program sessions are a fun way for kids to learn new skills and grow artistically.

A few highlights this summer include Broadway Baby Dance Camp, Drawing & Clay Club Art Camp, Hip Hop Dance Camp, Musical Mashup and Summer Singing Adventures.

Hudgens Center for Art & Learning

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Bldg. 300, Duluth 770-623-6002; thehudgens.org Rates: $330 members; $350 non-members

The Hudgens Center offers weeklong, arts-focused camp sessions for kids ages 5–13 in June and July. Camps run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., though the center also provides Creative After-Care classes Mondays through Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for families who want to supplement the camp experience with a couple more creative hours.

The Art Center at Johns Creek: 30 Years of Creating & Connecting

In our first episode of THE CREEK, Rico Figliolini sits down with Stephanie Donaldson, executive director of The Art Center, to discuss how a grassroots nonprofit became one of North Fulton’s most enduring arts institutions. Stephanie shares The Art Center’s 30-year history, why a 2024 rebrand was necessary as the organization’s footprint expanded across the region and how the team kept art and community connection alive during COVID-19.

They also explore how The Art Center makes creativity more accessible through outreach programs, scholarships and partnerships with Title I schools and organizations like The Drake House.

From early childhood classes to adult studios, major exhibitions and large-scale camps, this conversation highlights the Art Center’s mission: create and connect for everyone.

Discover Peachtree Corners Magazine in digital form: Your guide for local news, events and community insights. Stay connected, stay informed. Scan the QR code to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Weekly themes this summer include Space Opera, Myth Making, Deep Sea Dreams and A World of Nature. Sessions include hands-on experience in drawing, painting, clay and mixed media, with campers honing their skills through expert instruction.

Kidcreate Studio

3000 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek 678-620-3917; kidcreate.com/johns-creek Rates: $186+

Kidcreate Studio’s summer arts & crafts camp program offers 4-day weekly sessions for budding artists ages 4–12. This summer, camps such as Drawing Simplified, Clay Factory and Lights, Camera, Create!, will have young artists engaging with fun, hands-on projects while making friends and developing new skills.

Some sessions run 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., others are from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The studio also offers early drop-off and a Lunch & Doodle option for families who want to extend their camp days.

Lionheart Theatre Company

10 College St, Norcross lionhearttheatre.org/childrens-theatre Rate: $250

Lionheart Theatre’s summer drama camps are offered in June in historic downtown Norcross. This year families can choose from Brave on Stage (for ages 8–14) and One Week Show: “Big Bad” (for ages 13–18).

Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and focus on creativity, collaboration and confidence, with experienced instructors leading campers through acting games, ensemble work, rehearsals and more. Scholarships are available.

Norcross High School Drama Camp

5300 Spalding Dr., Norcross nhs-drama.com/summer-camp Rate: $375

This one-week-only, immersive camp offers a professionally-guided theatrical experience for students in grades 1–7. Partnered with Missoula Children’s Theatre, the camp features theater-related arts and crafts, workshops and games, and also takes campers through the stage-production process as they audition for, rehearse and then present a full, onstage performance of “Rapunzel.”

The camp will be held June 15–19 , from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Registration fee includes camp activities, lunch and snacks and two tickets to one of the final performances.

Spruill Center for the Arts

5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody 770-394-4019; spruillarts.org/camps Rates: $300+

Spruill offers art camps for ages 5–10 built around weekly themes, plus focused studio camps for ages 11–14 and art intensives for ages 14–18. Young artists dive into drawing, painting, mixed media, clay, jewelry, fashion design, animation, filmmaking and more, building a portfolio over multiple weeks if they choose. Camps run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., May through July. And before- and after-care is available. Highlights this year include Watercolor Explorations, Comics-Graphic Novels, Animation in Procreate, Fiber Arts, Stop Motion, Concept Art for Video Games, Jewelry Making and more.

Wesleyan School

5405 Spalding Dr., Peachtree Corners 770-448-7640; wesleyanschool.org/ camps-clinics

Rates: contact for camp costs

In addition to their athletic and enrichment camps, Wesleyan also offers fine arts camps for kids in grades 5–8, and a Summer Show theatre production camp for grades 3–8, where campers will work together to mount a musical — Disney’s “Finding Nemo, Jr.” Each weeklong session runs 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; the summer show session is two weeks long and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

The Art Camp explores mixed media, clay and printmaking through a variety of projects. Painting Camp offers the opportunity to play with watercolor and acrylics. Sewing Camp will teach the basics and lead campers through several hand-sewing and machine-sewing projects. And in Theater Camp, kids will start from nothing but an idea and then create and perform a play by the end of the week. ▪

THE TOTAL PROJECT COMPANY

Happiness in Helping Others: SAYÁ Foundation Makes a Difference

Nika Jensen was in middle school when she realized that she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. She and her family spent a year and half living in Cauayan City in the Philippines, where her mom’s side of the family is from. Nika and her brother, Carter, attended school there and found themselves shaped by the experience.

Not only did Nika become fluent in Tagalog (the official Filipino language), she also learned “grit, discipline and respect for the elderly,” as well as the importance of giving back and lifting up those in need.

“My school in the Philippines did Christmas mission work where we went to the poorest elementary public schools in our region and gave out food, clothes and supplies,” Nika recalled. “After coming back to America, we realized how much of an impact even the small, simple things — like giving essential, basic needs — has on people’s lives.”

So, she and Carter decided to raise funds and plan mission trips of their own, to go back to the Philippines to deliver supplies wherever they were most needed.

Building a foundation

Though the Jensen family lived in Maine prior to their year and a half in the Philippines, upon returning to the states, they settled in Peachtree Corners, and Nika and Carter enrolled at Wesleyan School.

A young entrepreneur, Nika had started a jewelry business when she was 11, selling handcrafted beaded items and charms. In 2025, using those creative skills, she and Carter took part in the Wesleyan Artist Market and raised enough money to fund three mission projects in the Philippines that summer. (They will be back at the market again this year.)

By Shawne Taylor

The siblings delivered school supplies and food to 60 students at Cassap Fuera Elementary School; provided 75 school-supply kits, water bottles and a radio to 11th and 12th graders at Linglingay National High

School; and planted hardwood trees in Cauayan City Ecopark to help restore the once-forested region. The success of those missions inspired Nika, now a high school freshman, to take her philanthropy even further. In October of last year, she officially founded SAYÁ Foundation Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to delivering essential hygiene items, reading glasses and sunglasses, vitamins, dental kits and school supplies to remote and underserved rural villages near her family’s hometown of Cauayan City. SAYÁ means happiness in Filipino, Nika explained

“I chose this name because I wanted something meaningful yet easy to remember — something that truly reflects who we are. Filipinos know sayá. We are joyful, warm and deeply sociable people. Through the SAYÁ Foundation, our hope is to bring moments of happiness to our communities.”

The SAYÁ team

Though the process of forming an official 509 (a) (2) organization was challenging, with a little help, Nika was able to get the foundation up and running. “I have my dad to thank for helping organize all the details,” she said. “It truly was a seamless and fun process. Even though there was a lot of paperwork and legal forms, it was 100% worth it.”

SAYÁ has four board members who help them get organized, but Nika is the CEO and Carter is the CFO, and both are very hands-on with all aspects of the organization.

rangay captains (village leaders), doctors, politicians, and nurses volunteer their time to help support our mission,” she said.

SAYÁ’s mission and accomplishments

With the help of their contacts, they were able to organize seven mission trips — serving 340 people — this past December. That made a total of 10 mission trips for the foundation in 2025.

“In total, we have done 13 missions since this idea was formed and have served 475 people altogether,” Nika pointed out. “We saw the impact we had, and we truly felt the need to give back … We went to the poorest schools/regions and we gave out the things that they needed the most. For example, we went to the rural health clinic and gave out glasses. And we served people with disabilities and gave them blankets, vitamins and care kits.”

The SAYÁ Foundation Corporation has public charity status, which means they can raise funds here in the United States and use them to buy supplies in the Philippines and distribute them to the people of the villages in their missions.

“My brother and I are very active members of this foundation as we help organize and pack all the materials for our mission trips and works,” Nika said. “We are some of the main speakers there. We distribute all of our goods out to the people, and we are definitely the face of the foundation.”

She went on to explain that SAYÁ also has a team of organizers in the Philippines to help with things on that end. “My old teacher, classmates, friends, ba-

“We do a ton of research, and we ask our contacts in the Philippines about who … most needs our help,” said Nika. “For instance, there was a big storm called a bagyo that came to [the] town just last year. So, while we were still in America, our old school carried out a mission [at] the elementary schools that were affected, by helping out and giving out food. [In December], we went to District 1, not too far from our house [in the Philippines]. We gave out dental kits and food to the kids of the village. What we give is very personalized based on the needs of the people and where we are going.”

The Wesleyan response

Nika said that the response she’s gotten from Wesleyan School and her friends has been nothing but positive.

“Last year, I got the privilege to speak in chapel and share my experience living in the Philippines,” she said. “I got to show them what it was really like to live in a third-world country on a daily basis and how lucky we are and [how] thankful we should be.”

Since then, she has been spreading the word to friends and teachers about SAYÁ Foundation and the work that they do. “They’ve responded very nicely and 100% support me,” she said. “We are thinking of doing mission trips with Wesleyan families.”

What the future holds

With a few years of high school left, Nika is already thinking ahead to what life might look like post-grad-

uation. The future definitely includes growing and building the foundation and continuing to use its resources to spread awareness and help as many people as she can.

Her biggest goal, though, is to get into an Ivy League school and go into pre-med. “I’m very passionate about medicine and biology,” she said. “This fits with my nonprofit foundation, because there are a lot of medical needs in the Philippines.”

“We’ve done a few medical missions and they have been the highlight of all of my missions,” she continued. “It’s fascinating to me. So, I would like to continue expanding my nonprofit and continue school, making the biggest impact and learning the most that I can.”

Lessons learned

Nika said that she’s learned that a little can make a big difference in people’s lives, “even if those things don’t cost much to us.”

She’s also learned how to be brave — whether it’s facing the challenges of starting and running a foundation at a young age or public speaking in a language that isn’t your first.

“I’ve also learned to be compassionate and kind and not judge other people. And giving it our all and setting a good example,” she said. “I really appreciate that privilege. I want to continue to grow it, spread awareness and also make other people realize how privileged they are, and maybe even redirect their services to help people.”

To learn more about The SAYÁ Foundation Corporation, scan the QR code or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. ▪

SAYÁ Foundation’s focus for 2026

▪ Raise funds to expand their SAYÁ Kits (first aid, dental and wellness supplies)

▪ Conduct missions in June and December 2026, reaching even more remote villages where residents struggle to access their local clinics

▪ Launch SAYÁ Foundation’s social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

▪ Introduce the Reading Glasses Initiative

▪ Recruit more youth volunteers, including classmates, and empower them with leadership roles

C.S. Lewis Institute’s Programs

Offer Ways to Deepen Christian Faith

In a world where 24/7 news cycles give the impression that compassion, civility and order are in short supply, the C.S. Lewis Institute, named after the author and scholar C.S. Lewis, aims to develop wholehearted disciples of Jesus Christ. Established in 1976, it has over 20 extensions globally, with Atlanta being the first. Others include Edinburgh, Scotland, Canada, Chicago and Dallas, Texas.

The Atlanta institute sponsors 20-30 events annually, produces resources for Christian faith and runs a one-to-two-year Fellows Program for adults who want to deepen their faith and articulate it in various settings.

Lewis and Christianity

Christian scholars from many denominations. Lewis was raised in the Church of Ireland (Anglican), a Protestant denomination, but became an atheist in his teenage years. He converted back to Christianity when he was in his 30s. After converting, Lewis authored several texts that explored his rediscovered faith. Nevertheless, according to the Museum of the Bible, he remained a relatively unknown academic until 1941 when he was invited to deliver a series of radio broadcasts on Christianity.

By Arlinda Smith Broady

Clive Staples Lewis, better known as C.S. Lewis, was an Irish-born British author and scholar who became a prominent Christian apologist and literary figure. Although best known for his “Chronicles of Narnia” fantasy series, his Christian apologetics, including “Mere Christianity,” are widely cited by

These broadcasts — which proclaimed the hope of the Christian faith to millions of listeners during the darkest moments of World War II — launched Lewis’s career as a Christian apologist (someone who provides a reasoned defense of Christian beliefs, using intellectual and philosophical arguments to show the

religion’s reasonableness, strengthen believers’ faith and persuade skeptics). His broadcasts were later revised and published as “Mere Christianity.”

The Museum of the Bible further states that as Lewis blossomed into one of the most recognizable public representatives of the Christian faith, he did not leave his scholarly or literary interests behind. He continued teaching English literature, and in 1950, released a short novel about a group of children who discovered a magical land beyond a wardrobe. “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” was quickly followed by six additional books, and The Chronicles of Narnia went on to become one of the best-selling fantasy series in history.

C.S. Lewis is revered by Christians for his brilliant, accessible defense of faith (apologetics) and his ability to articulate complex theology through relatable, imaginative literature. Some argue that because of — not in spite of — his atheist past, his intellectual journey to Christianity allowed him to address modern doubts with wit, logic and profound wisdom,

disciples of Jesus, Smith added.

As the first extension of the national institute in Washington, D.C., the Atlanta branch has been in existence since 2005. It operates from Virtue Village, a shared workspace in Peachtree Corners.

Smith explained that the Institute’s mission is carried out through three main avenues:

▪ Events that address contemporary issues from a Christian worldview

▪ Producing or developing resources designed to nurture Christian faith

▪ The Fellows Program — a one-to-two-year discipleship experience designed for men and women who want to grow in their relationship with Christ and to deepen their understanding and practice of a God centered life

Events and resources

“What characterizes the Institute is a couple of things. Of course, there’s the content, but there’s also the community, which tends to attract people who are

bridging denominational divides.

The C.S. Lewis Institute

The purpose of the C.S. Lewis Institute isn’t to create fans of the late author, said Atlanta Director Bill Smith.

“The Institute exists for the purpose of making more Christians who are like C.S. Lewis,” he said. “And by that we mean that God calls them, whether that’s on their secular job or whether they work for a nonprofit or a church or whatever.”

Because Lewis wasn’t an ordained minister, but more of a layperson, he’s an example of how everyone, not only professional religious people, can be

highly motivated to learn and grow in their faith and understand the culture that we live in,” said Smith.

“The community interacts with the culture, and that attracts a diversity of people — ages as well as denominational backgrounds, ethnic backgrounds, that kind of thing,” he continued.

The Institute sponsors as many as 30 events annually, addressing contemporary issues from a Christian worldview. Events have been held at various locations, including Wesleyan School, Virtue Village and large and small venues throughout the Peachtree Corners and greater Atlanta area.

An upcoming local event is an Attentional Living Workshop on March 7 at Virtue Village from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. During these workshops, Mart Martin, a CSLI Atlanta board member, helps attendees navigate questions such as: ‘Do your days reflect your priorities and purpose?’ and ‘What do you truly value?’ The organization also offers global events, such as a study tour of Belfast, Ireland and Oxford, England through the lens of C.S. Lewis and a study program titled “In the Footsteps of the Apostles in Turkey and Greece.”

Written, audio and video resources for nurturing Christian faith consist of monthly and quarterly published materials from nationally recognized leaders in discipleship, spirituality, theology, apologetics and cultural analysis, as well as daily reflections and a monthly newsletter.

There are also study courses aimed at small groups or Sunday school classes and books by authors asso-

ciated with the Institute. Partnerships with organizations like eX-skeptic have been established to enhance resource development.

Engaging through podcasts

Formerly known as Side B Stories, the eX-skeptic podcast features Jana Harmon, a senior fellow for Christian apologetics and a teaching fellow for the Institute’s Atlanta branch, interviewing former atheists and skeptics from different backgrounds and generations who all struggled, for various reasons, with belief in God.

“Even though the Christian worldview is grounded, it’s logical,” said Harmon. “[There is] good evidence for the truth of the Christian worldview. It seemed to me that many in the culture, including atheists, would dismiss any kind of evidence out of hand.”

She had a burning desire to know what would make an atheist turn to Christianity.

“I went on an academic journey to figure that out, and I interviewed 50 former atheists to hear their journey, to really understand more holistically why someone might reject faith,” she said.

But more importantly, Harmon wanted to know why it was that they turned in the direction of God after a degree of resistance.

“Around 2020, it was during COVID, the C.S. Lewis Institute asked me to start a podcast. And because I had heard so many amazing, transformational stories of former atheists who were Christians, I thought that would be the best thing to bring forward,” she said.

Fellows Program

Another resource offered by the Institute is the Fellows Program, a discipleship program that’s focused around helping people understand and articulate and live their faith, said Smith.

“It’s got a component that focuses on worldview and apologetics, which is related to people who are asking questions about life,” he added.

Questions like, “What’s the meaning of life?” and “What do we do with the problems of evil and suffering?” are common.

“But it also addresses themes that are related to your own spiritual life,” he said. [It answers questions for] “Christians who need to understand and have a foundation for their own voice.”

Smith explained that the program then moves into helping participants become better able to answer questions that others would have about how their faith relates to the world.

“People who are signed up for the Fellows Program, commit for a year at a time,” he said. “We have a curriculum that addresses a different theme each month. They also have a passage of scripture that they focus on for that month that’s related to that theme.”

Smith didn’t want to scare people away, but he wants them to be fully aware of what the fellowship entails.

“It’s a fairly involved process,” he said. “Because we’re asking people to commit for an entire year, we found that the more we screen people, so that they know exactly what they’re getting into, [the better the rate of completion.]”

He said the organization would rather have a smaller number of highly committed individuals than a large cohort that dwindles down to a few before the end. But, he said, those who do make it through find it worth the time.

“People finish with all kinds of insights that they gained from understanding what it means to have a Christian worldview.”

For more about the C.S. Lewis Atlanta Institute, visit cslewisinstitute.org/atlanta. ▪

Focus on Residential Real Estate, Market Knowledge Put Kelly Kim at Top of Industry

Before she became a professional Realtor, Kelly Kim was constantly mistaken for a seasoned real estate agent during her own home-buying journey.

“I started going around, looking at different homes,” she said. “I was talking with the different builders and real estate agents. They all thought I was an agent.”

do this?’ And she goes, ‘yeah.’ And I did,” recalled Kim.

That was more than a decade ago. Now Kelly Kim Real Estate has become a go-to brokerage for those looking to buy, sell or invest.

Her accolades include being an Atlanta Realtors Association Multi-Million Dollar Life Member since 2014 and a 2023 Atlanta Realtors Association Phoenix Award recipient. She’s also a certified foreign investor specialist, as well as a new construction specialist.

Knowledge, focus and commitment

Starting her day before the sun rises and ending it into the wee hours, Kim’s focus is on real estate legislation, financing, trends, etc. She’s pretty much a walking reference book on just about everything in the industry.

She recently shared with Southwest Gwinnett Magazine her journey from immigrating to the U.S. in 1977 to becoming a top Realtor. With every endeavor, she brings passion, caring and commitment.

“I feel like there are a lot of good, solid, knowledgeable realtors out there, but you cannot take this job lightly,” she said. “You can’t just look pretty and show houses, and [think] you’re going to write contracts and get big commissions.”

She said savvy buyers choose agents who know more than they do.

“You have to be ahead of [the clients],” she said. “We’re selling our knowledge and expertise. And if you don’t have that, and you don’t have that confidence, if I was the buyer, I’m not going to use you.”

Before real estate

When Kim’s parents moved the family to Stone Mountain from Korea in the 1970s, she attended a private Christian school and later went to college in Boston.

“I studied communications there. And after college, I moved back to Korea,” she said.

In 1991, Kim was selected as a Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) public talent, appearing in dramas such as “Fearless Love” and “The Macrang Era.” She also worked as a DJ for KBS Film Music Room and hosted the 10th-anniversary celebration of the 1988 Olympics.

“I had several different types of businesses,” she added, including being a wedding planner.

After 15 years, Kim moved back to the U.S. to help care for her father who had suffered a stroke.

“My mom needed me,” she said.

By Arlinda Smith Broady

One builder went so far as to encourage her to get into the field. “I said, ‘Really, you think I could

She and her husband, whom she’d wed while living in Korea, started out in Duluth before moving to Cumming. She now calls Suwanee home, where

she also has her real estate office. Although the team can take care of any real estate need, they specialize in new construction. Kim’s expertise helps clients navigate through the entire process from land selection to closing.

The business also offers post-sale services, including interior design and space upgrades. A flair for décor and design is evident in her office. Comfortable seating, eye-catching curios and highend finishes adorn the space.

New endeavors

While some may lament that metro Atlanta is “full,” and there’s no more room for residential expansion, Kim sees Suwanee as a “hot area” right now.

“I’d say more than half of [our] inquiries are about this area,” she said. “Gwinnett is getting built up, but there are still pockets of development.”

Knowing what’s available in each price range and desired location allows her to assist homebuyers in finding the perfect place for them.

“I’m not a tour guide,” she said. “I get to know [the clients], so as we wrap up our conversation, I already have a home in my mind. That’s what I’m good at. I usually show one home, and we write the contract.”

In a recent interview, Kim emphasized that commitment to her clients, “I treat every transaction as if I were buying the home myself. I once advised a client against purchasing a home they found online after I personally inspected it and found it unsuitable. I approach my work with a sense of responsibility, as if it were my own home.”

To add to her portfolio, she has now launched All 4 U Renovation — right across the street from her

real estate office. The concept is simple, yet genius. The design studio helps sellers prepare their homes for sale.

“Through pre-listing consultations, we sketch out the best renovation plan to maximize value, attract buyers and ensure a quick sale at the highest price,” according to the company website. “For buyers, whether it’s a new construction or resale home, we design your space to be a “dream come true”— creating a stunning model home or HGTV-inspired concept that perfectly fits your needs and lifestyle.”

Goals for success

“I do this job because I love it,” said Kim. “I don’t have children, so maybe this is my baby. I’m devoted. There’s going to be a lot of sacrifices, but to me it’s worth it. I showed houses on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day because that’s when people have time.”

Her goals for success are simple.

“I’ll get you the top dollar value for your home and also make sure to get you the best deal when you’re purchasing,” she said. “And I have the experience and confidence to do it.” ▪

For more information, visit kellykimre.com

Dunwoody, Peachtree Corners Partner to Form Winters Chapel Road Trail

By Arlinda Smith Broady

One of the most-loved perks about living in metro Atlanta is the number of extensive, high-quality greenspaces featuring multi-use trails, nature preserves and community parks.

To further that amenity, the cities of Dunwoody and Peachtree Corners are partnering on the Winters Chapel Path project, a continuation of a 2015 corridor plan created by the mayors, city councils and staff members from both cities, to connect neighborhoods and commercial areas.

The path project was initiated by the City of Dunwoody as part of the 2017 Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update and again identified in the 2023 Dunwoody Trail Master Plan.

Public open house

A public information open house took place on February 12 at Winters Chapel United Methodist Church. The gathering was to allow residents, visitors and stakeholders to view plans and give feedback on Phase II of the proposed project.

Elected officials, including Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason, Councilmembers Joe Sawyer and Phil Sadd and Dunwoody Councilmembers Tom Lambert and Joe Seconder were at the open house to meet with attendees and discuss feedback on the path.

The two cities see the project as a solution that will enhance pedestrian and bicycle mobility within Dunwoody and Peachtree Corners.

Phase II adds a shared-use path that begins at the intersection with Peeler Road, where it ties into proposed future shared-use paths to the south and west and to a previously completed shared-use path to the north.

“One of the options was to put a path on the left side of the road,” said Dunwoody Public Works Director Michael Smith, pointing out the first phase of the project. “This is Dunwoody a couple of years ago,

then we did the first phase.”

“Many projects from the area study that both cities adopted over 10 years ago have already been implemented,” said Councilman Sadd. “It is exciting to see this path, which is a significant part of the plan, come to fruition for our community.”

Project details

The initial part of the trail is all within Dunwoody city limits at the north end of Winters Chapel near Dunwoody Club Drive. The project will add a shareduse path along the west side of Winters Chapel Road from Peeler Road to Charmant Place and provide connectivity to the existing Winters Chapel Road shared-use path located north of Charmant Place. It will also connect to future paths along Winters Chapel to the south and Peeler Road to the west.

The route begins and ends in Dunwoody (DeKalb County), with a 0.2- mile segment through Peachtree Corners (Gwinnett County). Intersection improvements will be implemented at Peeler Road and Sumac

Drive, with a dedicated, signalized pedestrian crossing added.

The design will avoid the cemeteries throughout the corridor by adjusting the path alignment and using retaining walls as needed. All driveway and side street crossings will be reviewed for ADA compliance and to minimize impacts to private property, according to information provided by Dunwoody.

“This would be the second phase, which would connect that down to the commercial area just here at Peeler Road,” Smith said.

Dunwoody has another project planned to take the path down Peeler Road towards Wynwood Hollow Park.

“The idea is to connect the neighborhoods on the north end of Winters Chapel to the commercial area, and then connect that with the park, just to give people options to walk and bike in the area,” he added.

Who’s footing the bill?

As Councilman Sadd mentioned, the Winters Chapel Path project arose from a joint study, the “Peachtree Corners – Dunwoody: Winters Chapel Road Area Study,” adopted by both cities in April 2015. Dunwoody received federal funding initially for construction.

A couple of years ago, both cities were going to apply for federal dollars to complete the design,” said Smith. “We’ve subsequently gotten some federal funding for the design.”

Strong state and federal support includes $1.5 million awarded in 2023 for Phase II construction and an additional $750,000 in federal design funding secured in 2025. With the final field survey completed in August 2025, and the concept report approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation in October 2025, the project is moving steadily toward its next phase, according to information from Dunwoody.

“Peachtree Corners is supporting us with reviewing the design and making sure they’re okay with what’s planned through [the city],” said Smith. “If there’s any right-of-way or easements required, each city will be responsible for the part that’s in their city.”

Federal funding covers 80% of the project, with local contributions for right-of-way and easements.

The final bill for remaining construction after federal money is exhausted will be split proportionally based on the length of the project inside the different city limits.

Seamless design

The trail will feature lighting, landscaping and a 12-foot-wide path with a total length of approximately 3,000 feet. Two-way pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be separated from the roadway by a landscaped buffer.

“You won’t really notice the difference between the parts in Dunwoody from those in Peachtree Corners,” said Greg Ramsey, Peachtree Corners director of public works and city engineer. “There aren’t many amenities or structures along the path.”

There will be landscaping and the trail, but no restrooms or other types of buildings. And the lighting and construction materials used will be the same to maintain design consistency.

“There’s certainly connectivity planned [throughout metro Atlanta],” said Ramsey. “Between PATH Foundation, there’s Big Creek Greenway in Fulton County and something called the Western Gwinnett Pathway that goes from the northeast part of Peachtree Corners up into Suwannee along Peachtree Industrial.”

Both Smith and Ramsey agreed that all metro Atlanta municipalities would love to connect trails and pathways.

“They’ve got some signage that sort of tags the connections,” said Ramsey. “The connectivity is most important, without having breaks or gaps, and that’s why we’re partnering with this project, because we didn’t want to have gaps from Winters Chapel down to Dunwoody and then again at Peeler.”

He said it makes much more sense to go ahead and build the path with a continuous connection from one major road to another major road, and then connect to a park.

Community involvement and final thoughts

With construction expected to begin in fiscal 2028, attendees of the open house were given a handout with a description of the transportation issue, a proposed solution, a location map and a comment card to provide feedback for the project team.

Current conditions along the Winters Chapel Road corridor

• Winters Chapel Road has two lanes (one in each direction) with variable widths of 10-12 feet and a 5-foot sidewalk with no buffer along the east side of the road. There is minimal pedestrian lighting and only one crosswalk across Winters Chapel Road at the Peeler Road intersection.

• There are no existing sidewalks along the west side of Winters Chapel Road between Peeler Road and Charmant Place.

• There are no bicycle accommodations within the project limits.

• North of the proposed project limits, a 12-foot shared-use path has been constructed on the west side of Winters Chapel Road between Dunwoody Club Drive and Charmant Place.

Without

this project (no build)

• Multi-modal connectivity would not be improved to other adjacent shared-use path projects or local destinations.

• There would be no separation for pedestrians or bicyclists from vehicle lanes. Bicyclists would continue sharing the vehicular lanes.

• There would be no intersection safety improvements or enhanced lighting for pedestrians.

• There would be no landscaping improvements installed.

Community feedback will be assessed, and revisions may occur to the proposed plan initially brought to the public. If major changes occur to what was previously shown to the community, additional public outreach will be scheduled.

If no major changes are proposed, the project would advance to right-of-way acquisition and into the final design. After all right-of-way acquisition occurs, project design is finalized, and the project would advance to construction.

For more information, visit dunwoodyga.gov/government/projects/public-works/winters-chapel-multiuse-trail-phase-ii ▪

Flicks on the Green Returns in March

Flicks on the Green back for 2026, with more movies and dates than ever before, taking you through the decades with beloved classics and modern favorites that the whole family will enjoy.

Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and favorite movie snacks for a cozy, laid-back evening. Or make it a full night by packing in a picnic from home or grabbing dinner from one of the many Town Center restaurants before the movie begins.

All movies start at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

March 7 The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Follow the Yellow Brick Road as we kick off the season with this timeless classic. Perfect for all ages, “The Wizard of Oz” brings music, adventure and a little bit of magic to the big screen. Rated G. Running time 1h 42m.

April 4 Peter Pan (1953)

You’re invited to never grow up (at least for a night) with Disney’s animated “Peter Pan.” This family favorite is full of adventure, imagination and classic songs that generations love. Rated G. Running time 1hr 16m.

May 2 Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Get ready for laughs, heart and a few friendly monsters! This Pixar classic is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s fun for kids and adults alike. Rated G. Running time 1h 32m.

June 6 The Muppet Movie (1979)

It’s time to get nostalgic with the original “Muppet Movie!” This feel-good classic is packed with humor, music and plenty of laughs for all ages. Rated G. Running time 1hr 37m.

July 4 Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Celebrate Independence Day with an action-packed movie night. This film, part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, introduces the character of Steve Rogers as he becomes Captain America and fights the Red Skull during WWII. Rated PG-13. Running time 2h 4m.

August 1 Mary Poppins (1964)

Practically perfect in every way, this classic comedy starring Julie Andrews brings music, magic and charm to the Flicks on the Green series. Rated G. Running time 2h 19m.

September 5 The Mighty Ducks (1992)

This 90s favorite from Disney is all about teamwork, heart and underdog victories, as a self-centered lawyer finds himself coaching a rag tag youth hockey team. Rated PG. Running time 1h 43m.

October 3 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

Close out the season with the unforgettable classic “E.T.”

This emotional and adventure-filled film is perfect for a crisp fall evening on the Green. Bring an extra blanket, cuddle up under the stars and enjoy a movie night full of nostalgia. Rated PG. Running time 2h.

Register for Flicks on the Green movie nights online to get the most up-to-date information, including additional details and any inclement weather updates. ▪

Stuckey’s CEO Used Nostalgia to Rebuild Brand BUSINESS

Her grandfather’s history and family road trip stories helped Stephanie Stuckey connect to customers and build authentic relationships.

Although the National Interstate System wasn’t finished until 1992, it was signed off on by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956, and its core was completed in the 1980s, according to government data. The miles of concrete were designed as a faster way to get from city to city without meandering through backroads and small towns. While many applauded the dedication to progress, others lamented the demise of the family road trip.

Stops at quirky attractions and roadside eateries made what could have been a mundane chore into an adventure of sorts. Those old-time excursions also led to the success of retailers like Stuckey’s , the roadside oasis famous for its pecan log rolls.

The brand was known for clean restrooms, cheap gas, quick hot meals and kitschy souvenirs like snow globes and rubber alligators. In short order, merchants along those roads-less-traveled — Stuckey’s included — saw their businesses go under or operate in a greatly diminished capacity.

CEO Stephanie Stuckey shared the revival journey of Stuckey’s during Peachtree Corners Business Association’s Business After Hours Speaker Series event on January 29 at Hilton Atlanta Northeast. Despite decades of decline, she was able to revive the company in 2019.

Stuckey’s message emphasized the importance of pivoting and maintaining brand loyalty. She revived the brand by focusing on pecan snacks and candies, leveraging Georgia’s pecan production. Sales grew from $2 million to nearly $11 million, and the brand now has 4,700 retail accounts. Stephanie’s success is rooted in her grandfather’s values of inclusivity and treating everyone with respect.

Revival efforts, new ownership

In its heyday about 50 years ago, Stuckey’s was a kind of family road trip oasis. Besides cleanliness and efficient service, it was an entertaining place to visit.

“We’re known for our pecan log rolls, our divinity, our pralines,” said Stuckey. “But you could also get

… ash trays shaped like toilets that said, ‘Put your butts here.’ You know, this was not highbrow. This was middle-America fun.”

In the 1970s, the company had about 4,000 billboards. The brand was everywhere.

“Sadly, what happened to our brand happens to a lot of companies. You kind of make it right, and then you sell,” said Stuckey. “My grandfather sold the company in 1977 … and what followed was decades and decades of outside ownership, and unfortunately, decline.”

About five years ago, Stuckey got a call out of the blue asking if she’d like to buy the company.

By then, most of the stores had been abandoned or turned into XXX adult novelty shops. Only 13 of the original stores were still operating as Stuckey’s.

“My grandfather used to have a candy plant. He had a distribution center. He had a billboard company and a trucking company,” she said. “All of that was gone.”

Personal motivation, brand vision

The first few months on the job, Stuckey Googled the company.

“You never want to read a ‘Whatever Happened To” headline about your business,” she said.

By Arlinda Smith Broady

“I had a four-decade career as an attorney. I was head of sustainability for the city of Atlanta. I did environmental law. I was 50-ish,” she said. “I found out later that they had approached 20 different people to buy it before me, and I was the one person who said, ‘Yeah, sure, I’ll do it.’”

Instead of making the candies in house as they did in her grandfather’s day, the company had outside manufacturers making it.

“The product that my grandfather used to make was delicious and used fresh Georgia-grown pecans,” she said. “They were amazing.”

The packaging was also misrepresentative of the company. It was labeled, “committed to quality since 1928.”

“We were found in 1937,” Stuckey said. “They didn’t even have the date right. And the packaging looked like dog vomit.”

On top of that, she had a warehouse full of tacky merchandise in a rented space.

“We were still getting product and selling it to the handful of Stuckey’s stores that were still around,” she said. “[But] we were six figures in debt.”

She had cases of tawdry stuff like t-shirts with

Britney Spears’ famous catch phrase. (This is a family publication, so you’ll have to do some Googling yourself to find out what that is.)

“I sold all of it on eBay,” Stuckey said.

Stuckey hadn’t left her lucrative career to sell cheap trinkets online.

“The internal reason was I love my grandfather, and I thought what he did was amazing,” she said. “He started from nothing, and he built this amazing company. He was broke during the Depression, and he built this from just a roadside pecan stand.”

She said every business owner has to find their own “why” for doing what they do.

“My ‘why’ was I grew up road tripping in the 70s, … I thought that was a pretty special thing. It was really fun and amazing,” she said. “Places like Howard Johnson’s and Shakey’s Pizza were really awesome places and they’re gone.”

Stuckey said she wanted to recapture that sense of fun and excitement and that uniquely American experience of hitting the open road.

“I thought it was worth saving,” she said. Revival strategy requires pivoting

Stuckey was quick to point out that she’d never run a company before.

“I’d never read a balance sheet. At my law practice, I had a business manager; I had to figure out how to do this,” she admitted.

So she followed her grandfather’s story.

“I got a lot of inspiration from that,” she said. “If you have a business that’s going to survive, not only do you need a ‘why’ that’s well beyond you, but you need the ability to embrace change and pivot. And he did that.”

Stuckey’s was originally formed before the interstate highways were completed. Road tripping back then looked a lot different than it does now.

“You would sleep in a wigwam, and you would go to these crazy places like Wall Drug and Gatorland , which are still around, by the way, and it was really an adventure,” she said.

By the time the interstate system was well under construction, Williamson S. “Sylvester” Stuckey, Sr. had 100 stores — all on back roads.

“He was on the Jefferson Highway. He was on the Lincoln Highway. He was on Route 66, the Dixie Highway, and he was being bypassed,” she said.

So he closed the stores on the highways and opened new ones on the interstates.

“Not only did he move, but he embraced the move and said this was meant to happen,” Stuckey shared. “One of the lessons I really learned from him is that if you find meaning in the suffering and the challenges that you have, then it’s not a challenge anymore.”

Going through business papers, Stuckey found an old postcard from one of the stores that read, “Traveling on Beautiful Interstate 80.”

“Interstates aren’t beautiful,” she said. “But he embraced them.”

Leading with purpose, building legacy

To really get to know the “new” Stuckey’s, the new owner took a road trip of her own. She pulled up to a store in Oklahoma with a hole in the roof, looking like it was close to collapse.

“I walked in the store … and it had people in it, and they were buying stuff,” she said.

She went up to a man in line and asked him why he was there. “This store looks like crap. This company is falling apart,” she told him.

Although the store looked atrocious outside, the interior was much better, she recalled. The man said he knew it had seen better days, but he remembered what a special place it was.

“That gets to what running a business is really all about,” said Stuckey, “that you want to instill in people a sense of connection and an emotional attachment with what you do.”

“If you’ve got that, sometimes they’re going to overlook the fact that you’ve got a hole in your roof and things are kind of falling apart,” she added, “because they love your brand, and they love how your brand makes them feel.”

Today, Stuckey’s sells confections to other retailers, as well as in its remaining stores. For a list of where you can purchase them, visit stuckeys.com. ▪

The Peachtree Corners State of the City Video for 2025

The City of Peachtree Corners has released its 2025 State of the City video, offering residents, businesses and community partners a comprehensive update on the city’s accomplishments, services and priorities for the future.

Presented by Mayor Mike Mason , the annual video highlights how strategic planning, technology and community engagement continue to shape one of metro Atlanta’s most innovative cities.

The presentation walks viewers through major areas of city operations and progress over the past year, reinforcing the city’s commitment to transparency and communication with the community.

Video Topic Overviews

• Introduction – Mayor Mason outlines the city’s vision and the collaborative approach guiding Peachtree Corners’ growth.

• Finance – The city maintains strong fiscal stewardship, balanced budgets and responsible use of taxpayer funds.

• Planning & Zoning Codes – Updates ensure thoughtful redevelopment while preserving neighborhood character and quality of life.

• Public Safety – Technology-driven policing and partnerships continue to improve response capabilities and community safety.

• Communications – Expanded outreach keeps residents informed through new digital tools, including the new city mobile app and upgraded community calendar.

• Town Center & The Forum – Ongoing enhancements strengthen public gathering spaces and support vibrant community activity.

• Public Works – Infrastructure maintenance, stormwater management and roadway improvements support daily life citywide.

• Economic Development & Beautification – Business growth and aesthetic investments enhance the local economy and environment.

• Curiosity Lab – The city’s smart-city ecosystem continues to attract companies testing emerging transportation and infrastructure technology.

• Key Initiatives – Information regarding the current state of law enforcement and deer management.

Mayor Mason emphasizes that the city’s success is made possible through collaboration between residents, businesses, staff and community partners.

The annual State of the City video serves as an accessible way for the public to stay informed about ongoing projects and the direction of the community. Scan the QR code for the State of the City video.

Laughter, insight, and encouragement for anyone raising or caring for school-aged children. Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

The Light Up The Corners Race Committee is asking for T-shirt Logo Design submissions for the 2026 Light Up The Corners Glow Run Race. Artists must submit their design by May 1, 2026. The winning T-shirt Logo Design will appear on all 2026 Light Up The Corners Glow Race T-shirts and promotional materials. The winning artist will receive a $1,000 Check, media recognition, and 2 free race entries and T-shirts.

Mayor’s Column: A Season of Connection, Culture, and Community on the Green

As we look ahead to the 2026 events season, I am filled with both pride and anticipation for what’s taking shape across Peachtree Corners. Each year, our community continues to grow—not just in numbers, but in connection. The Town Green and our public spaces have become more than gathering places; they are where friendships begin, traditions are born, and neighbors become family. This season represents another exciting step forward in how we bring people together, celebrate who we are, and share our city with visitors from across the region. From wellness and sustainability to arts, culture, and entertainment, the 2026 calendar reflects the heart of a city that values both innovation and belonging.

We are especially excited to introduce two brand-new experiences this year that reflect the vibrant and diverse spirit of Peachtree Corners. Quick Pops will deliver spontaneous moments of fun and discovery—small, joyful surprises that turn an ordinary day into something memorable. Our new International Festival will transform our Town Green into a global village, featuring live cultural performances, international cuisine, and artisan markets that showcase traditions from around the world. It’s a celebration of heritage, creativity, and the shared values that unite us, no matter where our journeys began.

Scan the QR code to watch the 2025 Peachtree Corners State of the City video, which highlights the progress, innovation and strategic vision shaping one of the nation’s leading smart cities.

Family remains at the center of everything we do, and that spirit shines brightly in our reimagined Flicks on the Green series. This year, we’re taking a cinematic journey through the decades, featuring family-friendly movies that generations can enjoy together— from timeless classics to modern favorites. These evenings under the stars are about more than just movies; they are about slowing down, spreading out a blanket, sharing a laugh, and creating moments that children will remember long after the credits roll.

Our commitment to health, sustainability, and everyday quality of life continues to be reflected in events that bring people together around shared purpose. Yoga on the Green and our weekly CrossFit sessions offer opportunities to start the day with movement, fresh air, and community connection. Earth Day on the Green invites residents to celebrate our Tree City roots, explore eco-friendly practices, and take part in hands-on activities that highlight our responsibility to care for the world we are building for the next generation.

Music and the arts will once again provide the soundtrack to our summer through the Summer Concert Series, bringing a wide range of genres, tribute bands, and high-energy performances to VoxStage. These free, all-ages concerts have become a beloved tradition—where neighbors sing along, families dance on the lawn, and first-

time visitors discover what makes Peachtree Corners such a special place to call home.

Behind every event is a team of dedicated staff, partners, sponsors, and volunteers who believe in the power of community. Their passion and creativity help turn ideas into experiences that welcome everyone and reflect the values we hold as a city—connection, inclusion, and opportunity.

The 2026 events season is more than a calendar of dates. It is an open invitation to step outside, meet someone new, support local businesses, celebrate different cultures, and take pride in the place we share. Whether you’re rolling out a yoga mat at sunrise, tasting flavors from across the globe, cheering on your favorite band, or watching a family movie under the stars, you are helping shape the story of Peachtree Corners.

I look forward to seeing you on the Green and throughout our city in the months ahead. Together, let’s make this a season defined by joy, discovery, and the simple but powerful act of coming together.

Gwinnett County’s newest and largest city, Peachtree Corners, was founded July 1, 2012 and is located along the Chattahoochee River in the southwest corner of the county. The city is home to over 45,000 residents and 3,000 businesses.

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City of Peachtree Corners Holds Swearing-In Ceremony for Councilmembers

The City of Peachtree Corners welcomed the community to a reception and ceremonial swearing-in for Councilmembers Joe Sawyer, Eric Christ, and Weare Gratwick on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The evening began with a reception at 6:15 p.m. in the Community Chest room at City Hall, followed by the official oath of office at the start of the City’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, located at 310 Technology Parkway.

Family members, residents, and community members attended to mark this important civic milestone as the newly sworn-in councilmembers formally began their next terms of service. The City Council meeting followed the ceremony where Councilman Phil Sadd was named the new Vice Mayor. He was nominated by outgoing Vice Mayor Weare Gratwick.. Peachtree Corners continues its commitment to encouraging resident engagement and participation in the democratic process, celebrating another meaningful step in shaping the city’s future together.

CES 2026: From Ideas to Real-World Deployment

Each January, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) brings the global technology ecosystem to Las Vegas. What began decades ago as a consumer electronics show has evolved into one of the most important convenings for emerging technology, mobility, infrastructure, and innovation leaders from around the world. CES 2026 brought together startups, corporates, investors, universities, and government agencies to showcase what’s next—and, increasingly, to wrestle with what it actually takes to move technology from concept into reality.

This year’s conference felt less about flashy prototypes and more about convergence and execution. Across the show floor and countless side conversations, a few themes stood out clearly. First, artificial intelligence has fully moved beyond software-only use cases. “Physical AI” (AI embedded in vehicles, infrastructure, robotics, logistics, and industrial systems) was everywhere. Robotics, autonomy, edge computing, and connected systems are no longer speculative; many companies are now operating on real deployment timelines. Second, while traditional automotive OEM presence at CES continues to shift, mobility innovation itself is accelerating. Software-defined vehicles, connected infrastructure, sensing, and autonomous systems are moving from demonstrations toward real-world use, often led by global companies and international startups. And finally, CES continues to be as much about people as technology. The most meaningful value comes not from any single booth or keynote, but from conversations that surface the overall needs, constraints, and opportunities facing highgrowth companies.

My Focus Going Into CES

Going into CES, my focus was intentional. As Executive Director of Curiosity Lab, I am not interested in chasing novelty. I was focused on:

• Companies with real deployment readiness—startups and growthstage companies prepared to move technology into live environments

• Corporates with clear innovation agendas, particularly those thinking seriously about valida-

tion, pilots, and scaled adoption

• International partners actively exploring U.S. market entry and real-world testing pathways

Curiosity Lab is a living laboratory where connected mobility, infrastructure, logistics, and secure systems are deployed, tested, and validated in an active city. That real-world context shapes how I approach CES. My goal is to listen carefully, pressure-test our messaging, understand what companies are looking for, and build a thoughtful pipeline aligned with our deployment strategy and the City of Peachtree Corners’ economic development goals.

Why Deployment Strategy Matters More Than Ever

One of the strongest takeaways from CES this year is that the ecosystem is moving past “pilot for pilot’s sake.” Many companies—especially in mobility, infrastructure, and AI—are now asking harder questions:

• Where can we test this safely and credibly?

• How do we validate in real operating conditions?

What does it take to move from proof-of-concept to real adoption?

At Curiosity Lab, deployments are not one-off experiments. They are a core strategic lever. Our deployment process is selective and structured, designed to help companies validate technology in live municipal environments while also advancing broader ecosystem and economic development outcomes. We focus on technologies aligned with our core sectors—connected and autonomous mobility, connected infrastructure and edge systems, intelligent logistics and last-mile technologies, and secure and connected systems—and evaluate opportunities based on feasibility, safety, and anticipated impact.

er Curiosity Lab could be a meaningful next step. For companies that felt aligned, I walked through what deployment at Curiosity Lab looks like, shared our intake process, and began building more intentional relationships beyond the conference.

A Highlight: Korean Innovation at CES

One highlight of the week was judging the Korean Innovation Pitching Challenge in the Korean Pavilion, hosted in partnership with Startup Junkie and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA). The competition featured 16 Korean startups selected through a highly competitive process—companies with proven concepts and real market viability. Korea had a really significant presence at CES this year, representing a majority of the Innovation Award winners and the

ment for the City of Peachtree Corners. His focus on attracting and expanding larger companies dovetails naturally with my work supporting startups and growth-stage companies through technology validation and building momentum. Together, we were able to clearly articulate the broader story of Peachtree Corners: a connected, reinforcing ecosystem where companies at different stages can test, grow, and scale.

Looking Ahead

As is often the case with CES, the real value will reveal itself over the months ahead—through follow-up conversations, deployments, partnerships, and companies that take the next step. CES 2026 reinforced that the technology conversation is maturing, and that real-world deployment environments matter more than ever.

largest single-brand footprint in Eureka Park.

Judging the competition was not only fun, but also a great window into the depth of innovation coming out of Korea and the serious interest many of these companies have in U.S. expansion. It was also a chance to engage with other investors and innovation leaders, and to compare notes on which technologies feel truly ready for real-world deployment.

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Pipeline

CES provided a valuable opportunity to meet hundreds of companies across stages and sectors, learn where they are in their journey, and determine wheth-

CES also reinforced the importance of partnerships to economic development and innovation. I spent much of the week working closely with Bertrand Lapoire, Director of Economic Develop-

At Curiosity Lab, that’s exactly where we focus.

Emily Heintz – Executive Director - Emily is the current Executive Director of Curiosity Lab where she leads all expansion strategy, strategic partnerships across public and private sectors, and current member relations. With more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of startups, venture capital, and economic development, she specializes in building strategic partnerships and leading initiatives that accelerate innovation and strengthen entrepreneurial communities. Emily has held senior leadership roles across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, leading initiatives that advance innovation, economic growth, and community impact.

Winter Stormwater Management: Protecting Water Quality in Metro Atlanta

Winter in the Metro Atlanta area may bring fewer thunderstorms than summer, but cold rains and occasional freezes still pose serious stormwater challenges. As rain flows over roads, parking lots, and rooftops, it carries pollutants like oil, sediment, and debris into local waterways such as the Chattahoochee River, Crooked Creek and their tributaries—directly impacting regional water quality.

In highly urbanized areas, stormwater runoff moves quickly, increasing erosion and transporting contaminants into streams. To address this, developments install and maintain infrastructure that slow and treat stormwater before it reaches waterways. Rain gardens, vegetated swales, and bioretention areas help filter pollutants, even

during winter rains, while permeable pavement reduces runoff and supports groundwater recharge.

Winter maintenance plays an important role in water quality protection.

Leaves left in gutters and storm drains can break down and release nutrients that degrade streams, so clearing debris before heavy rain is critical. Residents and businesses should also avoid overuse of fertilizers during dormant months, as excess nutrients can wash directly into storm drains.

Simple winter actions can make a big difference:

• Keep storm drains clear of leaves and litter

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• Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces and toward landscaped areas

• Use native or winter-hardy plants to stabilize soil and reduce erosion

• Properly dispose of automotive fluids, which are more likely to leak in cold weather

Stormwater management is a yearround responsibility. By combining infrastructure improvements with seasonal awareness, Metro Atlanta continues to protect its waterways, improve water quality, and build a more resilient future—rain or shine, summer or winter.

Engagement

At Peachtree Corners, we go beyond traditional sponsorships — we can help create your brand experience. Our team works with you to design custom sponsorship packages tailored to your goals, ensuring maximum impact and engagement with event attendees.

Looking to stand out? Fun, interactive onsite activations are the key to creating memorable connections. Whether it’s branded photo booths, VIP experiences, product demos or interactive games, we help bring your vision to life in a way that resonates with the community.

Let’s create something unforgettable—customize your sponsorship today!

For information about sponsorship opportunities please contact Rico Figliolini - (678) 358-7858 - sponsor@peachtreecornersga.gov