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Aging Well: A Senior Citizen’s Resource Guide

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village park
Village Park Peachtree Corners

The golden years are meant to be filled with meaningful shared experiences with family and friends, but in the chaotic times that we currently find ourselves, it takes a fair amount of extra effort to make sure the mind stays sharp and the body keeps active. That’s why we have compiled a helpful roadmap to local resources for senior citizens in and around Peachtree Corners, ranging from thriving residential communities to senior centers and at-home care.

This guide mentions many services typically offered, but for the most up-to-date information, please contact the businesses directly.

Residential Facilities

Village Park Peachtree Corners

Make your home just around the corner. Village Park Peachtree Corners provides all of the comforts and services of premier senior living within minutes of The Forum and other local shopping, dining and entertainment favorites. Choose between many living styles, from independent or assisted living to memory care — or in one of the luxury bungalows and cottages.

“Cottages and bungalows offer the same designer finishes, 10-foot ceilings, patios, natural stone countertops, full kitchens, gas fireplaces and washers and dryers; however, bungalows are stand-alone homes that include garages, while cottages are garden-style homes with designated parking spaces and closer proximity to the main building,” explained Kari Samuelson, COO of Galerie Living (Village Park Senior Livings’ Parent Company).

Cottages residents receive two meals a day and weekly housekeeping, included in their fees, while bungalows have customizable dining and housekeeping options. All residents have access to the amenities, including a heated pool, fitness center, full-service salon, courtyards, library, theater, club rooms, coffee bar and full-service restaurant.

More than simply focusing on the comfort and happiness of the residents, Village Park has made it a top priority to keep residents healthy during these tumultuous times.

“Village Park is grateful to be one of Georgia’s first senior living communities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with over 95% of residents vaccinated for COVID-19 in December 2020,” Samuelson said. “We are continuing to follow the safety guidelines provided by the CDC and are looking forward to the new possibilities the vaccine brings to our communities.”

For more about Village Park Peachtree Corners, visit villageparkpeachtreecorners.com or call 770-416-0502.

The Mansions at Sandy Springs

For a comfortable place to call home in Peachtree Corners, The Mansions of Sandy Springs is an excellent option. In addition to the standard features that one would find in most reputable establishments, Mansions has a few standout luxuries, such as a washer and dryer in every unit, as well as a balcony or patio for all units. Pet lovers who can’t bear to part with Fido appreciate that small pets are allowed for a nominal one-time fee. But as nice as the personal utilities are, the communal benefits are equally so.

The Mansions at Sandy Springs Gallery sample room from site.

The dedicated activities director makes sure to keep residents entertained, currently bringing in entertainers and performers once a week on Fridays, along with planning in-house activities and off-site outings. (Of course, outside trips are put on hold until it is safe to resume them.)

Some highlights of the Friday Follies include guitarists, pianists and soloists. Mansions also often hosts special speakers, some of whom are residents or from local organizations. One notable resident has given several talks on behalf of the Sons of the American Revolution, for example.

Barbara makes wonderful floral arrangements from flowers donated by the Kroger in Rivermont Square on Holcomb Bridge Rd. Mansions Sandy Springs

Besides providing entertainment, Mansions has gone the extra mile — or hallway — to continue connecting with their seniors, holding exercise classes in the hallway for safe social distance and delivering daily surprise goodies to raise spirits during times of isolation. Fortunately, residents are now able to move around more freely than they were in months prior, but it’s nice to see how the community has banded together.

Bea from Mansions happy to get her vaccine. (Photo from Aimee Minton at Mansions Sandy Springs)

When asked about how to stay healthy and happy during these times, Director Debbie Brennan had this advice: “Stay mentally healthy, stay social. If you can go outside and take a walk, that’s a great thing.”

Brennan is especially excited about the new walking trail that recently opened in Crooked Creek Park, which Mansions sometimes takes residents to walk along if they are physically able.

For more about life at the Mansions of Sandy Springs, visit mansionsseniorliving.com, then select the Sandy Springs community for contact information.

Aimee and Daryl deliver donuts to Mansions Sandy Springs residents

Vineyard Johns Creek

This brand-new assisted living and memory care facility is slated to open July 2021, pending occupancy approval. Currently, interested persons can schedule a private tour. Sales Director Jennifer Farine expanded on pioneering approaches that they plan to implement at Vineyard Johns Creek.

Coat drive at Vineyards Johns Creek

For instance, the dining room will be open for residents from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day for their meals, instead of only at designated eating times, allowing for more independence and freedom of choice. In-room concierge style dining service is also offered, as well as an open community kitchen. Other amenities include a RENEW Salon and Spa, movie theatre, library, gym and more.

In light of recent health concerns, a telehealth room will be in place to allow for safe medical consultation, in addition to traditional medical care monitoring. Farine even mentioned the use of Amazon Echo smart speakers in resident rooms for entertainment as well as communicating with staff. Talk about utilizing technology to create a brighter tomorrow for our seniors today!

For more about Vineyard Johns Creek, go to vineyardjohnscreek.com or call 470-329-7688.

Parc at Duluth

Over the past 18 years, Parc at Duluth has provided an attentive independent and assisted living community, with 135 apartments for independent residents and 35 assisted living units.

For residents with an interest in superb cuisine, this is the place to be, offering a full-service white tablecloth dining experience. Other notable features include weekly housekeeping and linen cleaning and 24/7 concierge service. A licensed personal trainer leads exercise classes, and a personal training experience is included in residential costs. Seniors can relax by the pool with a fun beach read or join in water aerobics.

Resident participation numbers in scheduled activities have been limited due to health concerns and to allow for social distancing. Visitors are currently allowed for independent residents, with prior reservation to avoid too many outside people in the building at one time.

Additional support from the local community has been a welcome source of comfort as well. Towards the beginning of shutdown, the National Guard came in several times to assist in a deep clean of common areas. Schools in the area also want to make sure that residents know that the community cares.

“Notre Dame Academy has been a great support, providing residents with cards and entertainment in our courtyard,” said Suzanne Nicol, Director of Sales and Marketing. “It has been a really great relationship here in the community.”

In warm months, the staff held outdoor events as much as possible, and as the weather cooled, they got creative finding space to allow for safe enrichment, such as hallway bingo and other unique modifications. (Restrictions have since relaxed to allow for more traditional interactions.)

In May 2020 during Mother’s Day Weekend, Parc at Duluth held a Drive Through Car Parade with over 100 families smiling and cheering as they drove around the perimeter of the complex.

“The biggest thing for seniors right now is to find a way for some type of safe social interaction, which is one of the most important things for our residents, being socially engaged instead of stagnant,” Nicol said.

For more information on Parc at Duluth, visit parcatduluth.com or call 770-622-6880.

At Home Care

A Hand to Hold

With its main office located at 3459 Holcomb Bridge Road in Peachtree Corners, A Hand to Hold is a leading provider of professional, reputable at-home care with dedicated A Hand to Hold Care managers.

The caregivers are experts in geriatric care with specialties in nursing, mental health and social work. The company carefully selects employees who are fully insured, drug tested and come with worker’s compensation coverage.

For more information, visit ahandtohold.com or call 770-992-5820.

Home Care Matters

Searching for compassionate live in and hourly caregivers? Over the years, Home Care Matters has won several awards from trusted organizations for their quality service, including SeniorAdvisor.com, Caring.com and Best of Home Care. Home Care Matters is family owned and operated, licensed, bonded and fully insured.

They offer a range of services for varied needs, from companionship and personal care to individualized independent living plans based on medical needs. 24-hour on call service is available for their clientele. To learn more, visit homematters.com or call 678-828-2195.

Senior Centers

First Senior Center

First Senior Center is located in Norcross, and just so happens to be the first senior daycare in Georgia that is Vietnamese owned and operated. It boasts a diverse community of senior citizens from all walks of life, with staff catering to seniors who speak numerous different languages. Their clients consist mainly of Southeast Asians from Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Korean, Thailand, Burma and China, according to Founder Von Tran.

The First Senior Center Staff that delivered daily lunches to seniors during shutdown.

“First Senior Center supports the health, nutritional, social and daily living needs of older adults, so they can continue to live safely in their homes and communities for as long as possible,” Tran said.

The center takes a personalized approach to keep the people it serves healthy and happy. “Our Adult Day Health program is unique in that we employ individual-directed programming that provides our members with activities tailored to their specific needs and interests,” Tran said. “Our Day Program is filled with activities and occasional outings, moderate exercise and programs throughout every day.”

The First Senior Center Staff that delivered daily lunches to seniors during shutdown.

As of January 1, the center resumed its normal activities while adapting to current needs, including offering telehealth through Zoom. Nutritious breakfasts, lunches and snacks are provided with dietary restrictions noted and planned for.

The center also made sure that clients had delicious meals throughout the shutdown, delivering 34,000 lunches and over 94,000 pounds of groceries over the last nine months in fresh and storable food, according to Tran. Partnerships with non-profits like Atlanta Community Food Bank helped bridge the food security gap. Going the extra mile for our elderly is always in style.

To see if you or a loved one could benefit from First Senior Center, visit firstseniorcenter.com or call 470- 289-2222. Additionally, the center is seeking community support to meet senior needs, so please reach out with potential assistance ideas.

Norcross Senior Center

The Norcross Senior Center is one of many services offered to Gwinnett County seniors age 60 and over by Gwinnett County Senior Services. For the safety of their clients, all operations and programs have been suspended at the center, and other Gwinnett County centers, with hopes of reopening once it is safe to do so.

During normal operating times, seniors receive services and participate in activities that support their independence, enhance their dignity and quality of life, meet their diverse needs and interests, reflect their experience and skills, and encourage community involvement and socialization.

Services may include transportation to and from the center, breakfast and lunch, and individual counseling. Activities may include educational and fitness classes, arts and crafts, recreational interests, volunteering, day trips, basic haircutting and more. Some activities and day trips may require minimal fees.

Seniors must apply to become a participant at the center. For more information, including how to apply and application requirements, visit the Senior Services page at gwinnettcounty.com.

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Peachtree Corners Councilman’s Journey to Opening a Dog Park Haven

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Peachtree Corners Dog Park by Louis Svehla

When Peachtree Corners City Councilman Alex Wright last had a dog, he was only a kid.

Young Alex was devastated when he died and did not want to get another dog because he did not want to endure that trauma again. 

As a result, his family has never had a dog, and even though the two youngest of his four children badgered him and his wife endlessly, they always said no. 

Then COVID-19 hit. The Wrights’ youngest son, Michael, was committed to convincing his parents to get a dog. He even did a PowerPoint presentation (with music) explaining why he absolutely needed a dog. 

Michael and Murphy courtesy of Councilman Wright

“I guess it was from being cooped up during Covid that my wife suggested maybe we should give in. Next thing I know we tell the kids we are going to get a dog,” Councilman Wright wrote in an email.

So, in June 2021, they got their first dog, Murphy, an Australian Labradoodle. 

“All of a sudden, we discover this whole dog subculture that we had not really paid attention to before.  All the things dogs liked to do, all the stuff you could buy them, all the people we met through walking the dog,” he explained. 

In February, Wright and his wife were at Avalon returning a purchase when they came upon a modest-sized dog park. Wright’s wife suggested having something like that at Town Green would be great. 

Dog Park Ribbon Cutting photos by George Hunter

“Later that day, I texted the City Manager [Brian Johnson] about the idea, and he really liked it.  At the time, the playground (the one that opened in August 2022) was under construction, and we were already discussing other ideas to create activation at the Town Center, so this fit right into that plan,” said Wright.

The assistant City Manager, Seth Yurman, was tasked with the nuts and bolts and worked with a contractor on location and design. 

“Can’t say enough about what a great job Seth did. We have definitely had some supply chain delays, which resulted in an opening maybe 9 to 12 months later than originally hoped for, but it is finally open,” he added.

Dog Park Ribbon Cutting photos by George Hunter

A couple more things are still left to do for the project, including installing a large sail cover over the stone entrance area. Construction of the Bone Bar is also on the agenda. This small bar will serve adult and non-adult beverages and likely…you guessed it? Treats for dogs. 

The new dog park is situated behind the CineBistro building near the Town Green. The Peachtree Corners Off-Leash Dog Park is approximately 9,000 square feet and is divided into sections for smaller and larger dogs, with natural and artificial turf areas.

Dog Park Ribbon Cutting photos by George Hunter

PTC Dog Park Rules

  • The dog park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • The dog park is CLOSED for maintenance every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Use of the dog park is at your own risk.  You are responsible for your dog and any injuries or damage caused by your dog.
  • All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • All dogs must wear a collar with a valid license and have current vaccinations required by law.
  • Please call 911 for all emergencies.
  • The small dog area is for dogs 30 pounds and under.  Dogs over 30 pounds must use the large dog area.
  • Dogs must stay on a leash until they are in the fenced-in areas of the dog park and must be off-leash while in the dog park.
  • Professional dog trainers may not use the dog park to conduct business.
  • No person shall bring more than three dogs at one time.
  • Please dispose of your dog’s waste in the receptacles provided. Remind others to do the same.
  • Dogs must always be under the control and supervision of their handler.
  • If your dog becomes aggressive, please leash the dog and exit the park immediately.
  • Gates must be closed after entrance and exit.
  • Dogs under six months old and female dogs in heat are not permitted.
  • Food (human and dog) and glass containers are not permitted, as are smoking, vaping and drug use.
  • Cats and other animals are not permitted.
  • Bikes, scooters, skateboards and motorized equipment are not permitted.
  • Violation of these rules may result in a ban from the dog park.

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Memorial Park Planned to Honor Memory of Late Peachtree Corners First Lady

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To honor and remember Debbie Mason, the first and only first lady of Peachtree Corners, who passed away after a long battle with cancer, a memorial park is being built.
Debbie Mason with her Yorkie

To honor and remember Debbie Mason, the first and only first lady of Peachtree Corners, who passed away after a long battle with cancer, a memorial park is being built.

A Peachtree Corners Arts Council subcommittee was formed to plan, develop and execute the park. Debbie Mason Memorial Park committee members include Lynette Howard, Robyn Unger, Bob Ballagh, Dave Huffman, Gay Shook, Sarah Roberts and Pat Bruschini.

“Lynette Howard led us in some brainstorming and creative sessions about what the garden should look like,” said Bruschini. “We had pictures of her backyard. Some of us had been to her backyard. It took a couple of months until we got a handle and feel for what we wanted the garden to be and what we thought [Mason] would want.”

One unique feature will be a Yorkie statue, Mason’s favorite dog, perched on top of a coffee table-like boulder encircled by granite benches. The brochure for the fundraising campaign will feature a photo of Mason and her beloved pet.

After looking at a few possible locations, a tract of land near the city’s botanical garden was chosen.

“The area where the park is going had been semi-developed,” said Buschini. “If you’re standing on the sidewalk with your back to the new dog park or your back to Cinebistro, you’ll see a granite semi-circle wall and steps that come down from Peachtree Corners Circle. We are enhancing that area.”

Debbie Mason Memorial Garden Plan Pikes plan showing Phase 1 and Phase 2

Everyone involved wanted the park to be near Town Center and accessible to everyone. So, an offshoot of the botanical garden, a property owned by the Downtown Development Authority, made the most sense, Bruschini added.

The park will be connected to Town Center with one entrance off Peachtree Corners Circle across from Davini Court.

“We have a complete plot plan designed by a landscape architect from Pike Nursery. Jennifer Freeman, a Duluth mosaic artist, created a mosaic design of the city logo,” said Bruschini.

The Debbie Mason Memorial Garden will be the city’s first park. Although there are other parks within city limits, this is the only one that will be owned and maintained by the city. 

To improve its access, the city is working with the Solis Apartment Complex being built nearby.

The plan is to have an extensive sidewalk connecting to the park. Construction of the park is underway and plant material will go in this fall. There will be a ribbon cutting and dedication shortly after that. 

But for now, the committee wants everyone to know that it’s coming and contributions are welcome. Find the wish list for the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden at the end of this article.

The memorial is fitting because Mason really was Peachtree Corners, said Bruschini.

“She was a volunteer extraordinaire,” she said. I met her on the board of the United Peachtree Corners Civic Association, and she headed up the Peachtree Parkway Improvement Project for six years. That’s where she would contact all the businesses along 141 and ask them to make a contribution so that the median strip could be maintained.”

Garden Site Construction

In 2008, there was a tour of homes in Peachtree Corners, and the funds raised went to solar lights to light up the sign going into Peachtree Corners. Mason was front and center with that.  But she always had time for family, Bruschini said.

“Her son Nick was in drama at Norcross High School, and she was very involved in that. And she worked with the taste of Norcross High School going back, I’ll say, 20 years maybe,” she said.

“She and Mike started the Fox Hill Homeowners Association and she worked with the Peachtree Corners Yes campaign and served on the board of Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful as well as the City Arts Council and also the first City Green committee. This is fitting because she always wanted to make memories in Peachtree Corners,” she explained.

Garden Sponsorship Items

  • Mosaic Logo – $10,000
  • Mosaic River – (3) $5,000 each
  • Bronze Plaque – $3,000
  • Arbor – (3) $1,000 each
  • Japanese Maple – $800
  • Flowerpots full of color – (3) $500 each
  • Dogwoods (3) $500 each
  • Tea Olives – (6) $400 each
  • Yorkie Dog Statue – $300
  • Azalea/Hydrangeas (40) – $60 each

Garden Sponsorship Levels

  • $1000: Platinum
  • $500: Gold
  • $250: Silver
  • $100: Bronze
  • $50: Friends of the Garden

Ways to Donate
Checks are preferred and are payable to:
Peachtree Corners Arts, Inc. Attn: DMMC
PO Box 922469
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
PTCArts.org/donate

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Non-Profit Protecting Kids from Predators Hosting Beloved St. Paddy’s Event

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Revved Up Kids' training group courtesy of Alli and David Neal

Alli and David Neal and their non-profit, Revved Up Kids, have been working diligently for the past 14 years to address an issue that most would prefer to avoid altogether.

During that time, Revved Up Kids has equipped more than 45,000 Atlanta-area children and teens to be safer from sexual predators and traffickers.

“We recognize the challenge that this issue presents on so many levels,” said Alli Neal. “It’s scary, it’s horrible, it’s unsavory and it’s challenging for parents to talk about it with their kids.”

“That’s why we founded Revved Up Kids. We believe wholeheartedly that the easiest target for a predator is a child who doesn’t know predators exist. We want to help families with this difficult dialogue and equip kids with a response if they’re ever approached,” she added.

Revved Up Kids is uniquely positioned in the Atlanta metro area. It is the only Atlanta-based non-profit focused solely on sexual abuse prevention training.

Based in Peachtree Corners, they partner with youth-serving organizations, municipalities and private groups across the metro area to provide exceptional prevention training programs for children, teens, parents and other organizations.

Revved Up Kids charges tuition when groups can afford to pay, but one of the top priorities for its Board of Directors is ensuring that all children have access to this critical training. Whenever a group pays tuition for training, Revved Up Kids trains at least one other group at no charge.

Revved Up Kids relies on community donations, corporate sponsors and grants to provide free training programs for low-income and high-risk groups. Hosting special events is vital to their ability to reach more children.

“That’s where the community comes in,” said Neal. “Our signature fundraising event, Shamrock ‘n’ Roll, will take place at the Crowne Plaza in Norcross on Saturday, March 9, and we want to sell out this year.”

Shamrock ‘n’ Roll is an adults-only event that features casino-style gaming, dancing, an exciting raffle, auction items and exquisite food and drinks. Tickets are on sale now, and sponsorships are also available for the event. Visit revvedupkids.org/shamrock for details.

“The support of our community, including our amazing sponsors, has a huge impact on our ability to reach more children with our life-saving training. This event is a fun way for everyone to join Revved Up Kids in protecting children,” said Neal.

Scan the QR code to learn more.

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