Community
Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument Association Announces New Executive Director and Board Members
Published
4 years agoon

Today the board of directors of the Peachtree Corners Veterans Association (PCVMA) announced three of its members, including Executive Director and President, Bob Ballagh, would be stepping down. The board also confirmed replacements and announced an additional board member would be joining the PCVMA.
Ballagh, who has served as executive director and president since the establishment of the board in 2015, will step aside. Tiffany Grave de Peralta, is PCVMA’s new executive director and president. Grave de Peralta, a retired Navy Commander, has headed the veteran’s outreach efforts since joining as a committee member in 2015.
“It’s been an honor to be part of PCVMA since its inception,” said Ballagh. “I’m proud of the work all of the board has done since beginning this project and thank all for volunteering to serve. Our new executive director and president has been an active and supportive part of our team from the very beginning and has always helped out when needed.
“I am leaving PCVMA in good hands. I know that Tiffany will do a great job with the organization moving forward. And I welcome our new board members, they are joining a top-notch group of dedicated men and women.”
Ballagh has agreed to stay on for the remainder of his term, which expires the end of 2021, as past president to assure a smooth transition.
Ray Crum, Colonel U.S. Army (Retired), who has served on the board since 2019 as a member at large, will step in as Vice President. He replaces Doug Heckman, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired). Heckman had served as the organization’s vice president since the formation of the non-profit.
Jennifer Bonacci, a Peachtree Corners resident and Controller for IPInvestments Group, replaces Frank Drewry as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Drewry has served in the capacity since 2015.
Additionally, Jay Bergstresser, a former U.S. Navy Chaplain, and Pastor of Christ of King Lutheran Church has joined the board. Bergstresser, a Combat Veteran who served with the Marines in Iraq, was nominated by Crum.
Grave de Peralta will assume her new position immediately. “I am honored to have been asked to take on the executive director position for the PCVMA,” said Grave de Peralta. “Many thanks to Bob, Doug, and Frank for all of their hard work and dedication. I look forward to working with the board and the city to continue honoring our veterans.”
Finding a way to honor the city’s veterans began in 2014. Mayor Mike Mason and Councilmember Alex Wright first proposed the idea of a veterans’ monument. Both served in the U.S. Navy and have been on the PCVMA board since its formation.
“Overseeing all of the details in building a special monument to honor our veterans was a tremendous task, and all of us will be forever grateful for Bob’s strong leadership and energy in taking on this important project,” said Mayor Mike Mason. “We are equally in debt to Doug Heckman and Frank Drewry for their many hours of volunteer service.
“A city is only as strong as the volunteers who are willing to step up and give their time for the betterment of the community. Our city is fortunate to have such outstanding citizens who were willing to serve our city for the past six years.”
PCVMA Board Members
· Brian Johnson, Post 1
· Bob Ballagh, Post 1
· Sharon Knox, Post 1
· Pastor Jay Bergstresser, Post 1
· Alex Wright, Post 2
· Ray Crum, Post 2
· Jennifer Bonacci, Post 2
· Charlie Roberts, Post 2
· Tiffany Grave de Peralta, Post 3
· Mike Mason, Post 3
· Judy Putnam, Post 3
Source: City of Peachtree Corners release
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City Government
The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners: Community Meeting
Published
1 week agoon
April 14, 2025The City of Peachtree Corners will hold an important public meeting on May 8 to discuss the future of law enforcement in our community — including the potential creation of a city police department.
This meeting will feature a presentation by City Manager Brian Johnson on the findings of a comprehensive Police Analysis & Staffing Study that evaluated the feasibility and projected costs of forming a city police department based on current workload, crime levels and community demographics.
The presentation will also include budgetary considerations, comparative models and the advantages and disadvantages of a county vs. city police department.
Following the presentation, there will be time for a Q&A and open dialogue.
In-person attendance is limited to 300. First come, first served. A livestream option will be available for those who can’t attend in person.
After the meeting, a follow-up survey will be available on the city’s project page.
Meeting details
The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners
Date/Time: May 8, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church (5775 Peachtree Parkway)
For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.
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Community
Registration Now Open for Light Up the Corners 2025
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 9, 2025It’s time to sign up for the best (and only) Glow Run and Twilight Trot in Peachtree Corners!
Registration is now open to participate in this year’s Light Up the Corners race, scheduled for Saturday, August 16 at The Forum. The 1k Twilight Trot will start at 8 p.m., and the four-mile Glow Run begins at 8:30 p.m. Once the runners have done their thing, a fun post-race party will follow.
This annual event is not only an exciting community tradition, but also a fundraiser for the Why It Matters campaign at the Fowler Family YMCA.
All proceeds from registration goes directly to helping struggling families and children in the community benefit from the life-changing programs and services offered at the YMCA.
Individual registration is $40 through July 31; $45 if you register between August 1–14; and $50 if you wait to sign up on August 15 or 16. Those registering as a team of four or more will save $5–$10 per registration.
Sponsorships available
In addition to individual and team registrations, organizers also rely on the generosity and support of local businesses to make each year’s fundraising event successful. And this year is no different. If you’d like to support their efforts through a sponsorship, information can be found on the Light Up the Corners 2025 website.
T-shirt logo contest
Another way to take part is to enter the t-shirt logo design contest. Artwork and entry forms are due by May 16, and judges will be looking for one dynamic image to represent the Light Up the Corners Glow Run on the race banner, t-shirts and all multi-media.
The winning artist will receive a $1000 check, presented during the event. An entry form and additional details can be found here.
Related
City of Peachtree Corners
Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?
Published
3 weeks agoon
April 2, 2025I 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.
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