Community

Cars and ‘Q fundraiser benefiting Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, with a PTC resident ambassador

Published

3 years ago

October 12, 2021

Kelsey Asher

Cars and 'Q 2019 stage. All Cars and 'Q photos courtesy of Choate Construction.

Entering into its twelfth year, the Cars & ‘Q for the Cause event hosted by Choate Construction has raised more than $2.3 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, funding to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Choate Construction will hold the event on October 16 from 3-6 pm at the Choate offices in Sandy Springs, a phenomenal car show complete with live music, delicious bbq, and craft beers.

For nearly 30 years, Founder & Chairman Millard Choate, along with senior management at Choate Construction, have made it their personal and corporate mission to help fund a cure for CF with his daughter and Choate Construction’s Vice President of Marketing Emily Bridges at the helm.

“Choate’s support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation began in 1989, pretty much at the inception of the company,” Bridges said.

The steadfast mission is deeply personal, in that Bridges’ lifelong best friend Leann Ott was diagnosed at age 3 with CF, around the same time of the company’s launch. Fast forward a few decades, Choate has many CF fundraising events under its belt, from walks to galas to golf tournaments.

In order to focus their efforts and not to spread themselves too thin, the business “pivoted a little bit” according to Bridges, into something their “people would enjoy, what tends to be coined ‘passion fundraising’. You do something that you love and try to bring funds by way of it, through awareness.”

So Cars and ‘Q became one of the most popular passion projects to prosper in this new mindset. So hopefully people may come for the attraction of the shiny cars and yummy bbq but then be moved by the compelling stories of this year’s ambassadors speaking in support of the CF Foundation.

One of the 2021 Ambassadors at the event is Charlotte Mavros, a sweet and active two-year-old resident of Peachtree Corners. Charlotte was diagnosed with CF at birth and has courageously battled life-threatening complications with the support of her mother Heather and father Kyle, her family, and the CF community.

Kyle, Charlotte and Heather Mavros. Photo courtesy of Heather Mavros.

“The CF Foundation began as a grassroots effort—started by parents who wanted more for their child’s future than what was predicted for someone with CF in the 1960’s. Today the CF Foundation is known for leading the charge of one of the best stories in medicine. It’s on those founding parent’s shoulders we stand as we continue to fight for a cure” Heather Mavros said.

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long fulfilling lives. For those unfamiliar with the condition, CF is a progressive genetic disease that generally causes persistent lung infections and inhibits the ability to breathe over time. Heather and Kyle Mavros were unaware of their shared status as carriers for CF prior to having children but are now passionate about driving the momentum for a cure forward.

“Charlotte cannot advocate for herself. As her parents, Kyle and I consider it our duty to advocate on her behalf until she has her own voice. Looking at her from the outside all you see is a healthy, happy and strong toddler. She is two years old and according to any developmental book, she’s right on track. We work tirelessly to make sure that Charlotte remains healthy. Our day-to-day life is very involved as it comes to her care. Truly, we are driven by a dream that one day Charlotte will live free from the burden of CF.” Heather Mavros said.

Choate Construction Company fights alongside the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and amazing CF Ambassadors like Charlotte. Due to their unwavering support, in 2019 the FDA approved a life-changing drug called Trikafta. This drug is the first of its kind to treat the underlying cause of CF and is available for nearly 90 percent of people with CF. Just this year, Trikafta was approved for use for children ages 6-11.

While this drug has been a game-changer for people with CF, ten percent of the CF population does not benefit from this drug, along with a myriad of other complications. The Foundation and Choate Construction Company have committed to a cure for CF. So, the fight continues until CF stands for Cure Found.

Source: Background information regarding Choate’s history with the event and with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation provided by Zoë Ferqueron, Marketing Communications Specialist at Choate, along with Emily Bridges.

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Kelsey Asher

Kelsey Asher is a proud graduate of the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Communications. She has held a variety of marketing leadership roles for several small, startup companies in a variety of industries including publishing, construction and technology.

City of Peachtree Corners

Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?

Published

17 hours ago

April 2, 2025

Mayor Mike Mason

I want to take a moment to address an issue that has been increasingly affecting our community — the growing deer population.

Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of deer within Peachtree Corners, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, property damage and ecological impacts. I want to share what we are doing to address these challenges and how you can be part of the solution.

The surge in the deer population poses several threats to our community:

1. Landscape damage: Deer feeding on ornamental plants, shrubs and trees results in significant property damage and costly repairs for homeowners.

2. Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions: Frequent road crossings, often under low-visibility conditions, pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.

3. Adverse ecological impacts: Excessive browsing by deer diminishes plant diversity, impacting the availability of food for other wildlife.

4. Public health concerns: High deer densities contribute to an increase in ticks, elevating the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

To address these challenges, the City of Peachtree Corners is collaborating with wildlife officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.

These partnerships are vital, as GADNR holds primary authority over wildlife management, and USDA brings extensive experience in urban wildlife management. By working together, we aim to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to our community’s unique needs.

Based on recommendations from our partners, the City is actively developing a comprehensive deer management plan. The plan aims to mitigate the public safety, property damage, ecological and public health impacts caused by the growing deer population.

Here’s what we are doing:

1. Population surveys: Utilizing advanced tools like trail cameras and thermal imaging to accurately assess deer numbers.

2. Habitat assessments: Evaluating the impact of the deer population on local vegetation and biodiversity.

3. Community involvement: Updating the “PTC Report It” app to allow residents to report deer-related concerns and submit photographs.

4. Data analysis: Collaborating with federal and state partners to analyze data and determine a sustainable deer population for our community.

Once the assessment phase is complete, the city will adopt a deer management plan. Since many deer reside on private property, the plan will offer property owners city-supported options for managing deer. This includes educational programs, habitat modification techniques and access to targeted population reduction initiatives.

Our goal is to facilitate relationships between wildlife officials and residents to ensure a balanced approach that protects public safety, preserves property and maintains ecological integrity.

Here are a few ways you can help:

• Complete the Deer Impact Survey: Available online. Your input will help us gather valuable data on deer population densities and their impact.

• Report concerns: Use the “PTC Report It” app or go online to report deer-related issues and share photos.

• Stay informed: Follow our updates and participate in any upcoming GADNR workshops to stay informed about deer management efforts.

I truly appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to address these challenges and protect the quality of life in Peachtree Corners. Thank you for being engaged and committed to our community.

City of Peachtree Corners

Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck

Published

1 week ago

March 25, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Maintenance and repairs will take place from March through July; the deck will remain open to the public throughout

Starting the week of March 24, the City of Peachtree Corners will begin scheduled maintenance and repairs on the Town Center Parking Deck. These improvements are expected to continue through July 2025 and are necessary to ensure the longevity of the structure.

During this period, the deck will remain open to the public, but the repair areas will be temporarily closed on a rolling basis. These closures will allow crews to efficiently complete the necessary work while minimizing disruption to tenants, customers and residents.

To assist with navigation, directional signage, barriers and other safety measures will be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians safely around work areas. For public safety, drivers must follow the directional signage and only park in the open sections of the deck.

The city appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as they work to maintain a safe and well-functioning parking facility.

For project updates, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

City of Peachtree Corners

Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk

Published

2 weeks ago

March 18, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

The Charity Run/Walk will be part of Curiosity Lab’s annual Criterium event

Expect a day of thrilling races and family-friendly fun at the inaugural Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk followed by the Curiosity Lab Criterium on Sunday, April 27.

The day-long community event will kick off at 8 a.m., when registration opens for the 5K. The race will start at 9 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., and the Criterium will begin at 11:15 a.m.

In addition to the running and cycling events, there will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, a DJ spinning tunes and more fun throughout the day.

The Charity 5K Run/Walk

Presented by Werfen and Sidel, with additional support provided by Atlas Collaborative and the City of Peachtree Corners, the Charity 5K Run/Walk will benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and 100% of the registration fees will be donated.

While no prizes will be given for the race, bib timing will be used for those who would like to see their times. And each registrant will receive a Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk t-shirt for participating.

Registration for the 5K is open now.

Curiosity Lab Criterium

Following the 5K, hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, part of U.S. Pro Cycling’s Speed Week.

Speed Week is a premiere week-long event on the U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit that draws cyclists from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world and national champions. In 2024, the professional men’s and women’s events drew cyclists from over 30 states and more than 20 countries.

A group of bikers at the starting line, competing in a bike race. — photo courtesy of City of Peachtree Corners

Join in the excitement and watch as some of the world’s top male and female Criterium Racers tackle the most challenging track on the circuit.

The details

The 2025 Curiosity Lab Criterium & 5K will take place on a course located within the world-famous Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners — a 5G-enabled, 500-acre living laboratory ecosystem designed specifically as a proving ground for IoT, mobility and smart city emerging technologies.

Location: Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners

Date and time: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 5K starts at 9 a.m and ends at 10:30 a.m. The Criterium begins at 11:15 a.m.

Parking for the event will be located at 400 and 420 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners.

For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.