Community
Peachtree Corners Veterans Monument Association Announces New Executive Director and Board Members
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
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.
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.
The sun is out, days are getting warmer and spring is on its way. That means more time outdoors and more fun events and activities in and around Peachtree Corners.
From movies and sports to live music and family fun, now’s the time to mark your calendar for all of the upcoming events you won’t want to miss. We’re sharing a few of our April favorites to get you started.
CrossFit on the Green
All ages and fitness levels are invited to join Terrance Fox with CrossFit PPG on the Peachtree Corners Town Green, Thursdays at 8 a.m. for a strength and conditioning workout. Bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two, and a mat if possible. Wear comfortable workout attire and good shoes. March–November. Admission: free
Peachtree Corners Town Green • 5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners
Cornhole Spring League
Come out and cheer on the teams who’ve registered to compete in this seven-week spring league. Play takes place weekly beginning March 20 and ends on May 15 with a tournament and trophy. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission: free
The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Friday Night Live
Kick back and groove to the smooth sounds of live music from favorite local artists every Friday night on The Plaza, April–October. Concert schedule will be announced soon. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: free
The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Kids and Parents Gardening Workshop
This gardening workshop presented by nonprofit group DFOWW will share basic gardening information for youth ages 5–12 and their parent or guardian. Seeds, plants and a catered lunch will be provided. Register online. April 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $75 per adult; $10 per adult for low-income families
Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center • 10 College St., Norcross
Forum Flicks
Forum Flicks are back for 2025. Gather on The Plaza and enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen on the second Tuesday of each month. Movie schedule will be announced soon. April–October starting at 6 p.m. Admission: free
The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Spring Plant & Pot Sale
Kick off the spring gardening season with this four-day sale of plants and pots. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers and more will be available for purchase. April 19, 21–23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday; 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Wednesday.
Peachtree Farm • 356 Research Ct., Peachtree Corners
Earth Day Celebration
Learn about the origins of Earth Day and create seed bombs to take home with you at this all-ages workshop. April 22 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: free. Registration is not required.
Peachtree Corners Library • 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners
Mt. Carmel Spring BBQ
Enjoy pork BBQ, Brunswick stew, slaw and desserts. The event will continue until items sell out. Dine in and take out are available. April 25 starting at 11 a.m.
Mount Carmel United Methodist Church • 5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners
Wesleyan Artist Market
This annual two-day market showcase features a curated selection of artwork, handmade goods, jewelry and more, with offerings from professional artists as well as student artists. April 25–26 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Wesleyan School • 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners
Spring Fest!
Welcome spring at CtK’s annual Spring Fest! Families are invited to join in for a day of free family fun, food, face painting, a petting zoo and more. April 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: free
Christ the King Lutheran Church • 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners
Curiosity Lab Criterium and Charity 5K Run/Walk
This day-long, family-friendly event on April 27 will feature an inaugural charity 5K Run/Walk to benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Following the race, guests are invited to hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, a U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit Race. The 5K starts at 9 a.m.; the bike race begins at 11:15 a.m. There will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, DJ and more throughout the day. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners
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Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April
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Capitalist Sage: Business Leadership in Your Community [Podcast]
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