Community

A Changing of the Guard for Peachtree Corners Veterans’ Monument Association

Published

4 years ago

April 19, 2021

In front Veterans Memorial: Back row: Jennifer Bonacci, TIffany Grave de Peralta, Judy Putnam Middle row: Ray Crum, Brian Johnson, Alex Wright Front row: Bob Ballagh, Mike Mason and Jay Bergstresser. Photos by George Hunter.

They’d just finished working up a vigorous sweat at the Fowler YMCA in late 2015.

Retired Army Colonel Bob Ballagh was wearing an Army t-shirt. Tiffany Grave de Peralta, a former Navy commander, naturally wore a “T” emblazoned with her service branch.

TIffany Grave de Peralta standing by the statue representing her branch of service.

Noticing each other’s garb, they grabbed towels and got a conversation going which eventually touched on a project then in its infancy — a permanent monument to military veterans from Peachtree Corners. Ballagh, who was spearheading the effort, asked Grave de Peralta to jump on board.

“I said I would help out,” she recalled, “but I would not ask people for money.”

She instead busied herself with valuable administrative tasks, such as helping locate local military veterans and line up volunteers.

Building on success

Now, the collaboration that began with a spinning class has moved into a new phase: Grave de Peralta will succeed Ballagh as executive director of the Peachtree Corners Veterans’ Monument Association, a position that he’s held since the effort kicked off in the mid-teens.

Wright, who served in the U.S. Navy, stands by the statue representing his branch of service.

“I got a call from the mayor out of the blue and he told me that Bob wanted to resign and wanted me to take it over,” she related. “I gave it some thought and talked to Bob and thought ‘Why not?’ I believe in the project and am grateful for the opportunity.”

It’s part of a larger changing of the association’s center of gravity, from the fundraising, design and build phase — it was dedicated in the summer of 2019 — to maintenance of the welcoming and stately edifice in a prominent spot on the Town Green. A programming expansion may also be in the works.

As part of the leadership shift, retired US Army Colonel Ray Crum will take over the vice-presidency of the nonprofit from Doug Heckman, also an ex-Army colonel who’s done yeoman work since the organization’s inception. Jennifer Bonacci, a controller for IP Investments, replaces Frank Drewry as founding treasurer and chief financial officer. Topping off the cascade of changes is Jay Bergstresser, a Marine chaplain who saw combat in Iraq, joining the board.

“There was a little bit of burnout,” said Ballagh of his stepping back. “And frankly, my wife and I are considering a move to someplace else. I didn’t want to just say ‘we’re leaving, goodbye.’”

“I also figured that six years was enough time, and it was time to pass the torch on to someone else,” he added.

Heckman, who served as a sounding board for Ballagh and waded into fundraising as well, echoes that sentiment. “I think every organization needs a certain amount of turnover and I think this is our chance to let the next generation of volunteers take charge,” he said. And he gives Ballagh full credit for turning an anticipatory gleam in a few sets of eyes into solid, granite reality.

In fundraising (to the tune of a half-million dollars), arranging, fostering designing and overseeing the construction of the monument, said Heckman, “Over 90% of it was done by Bob and, in this era of people highlighting what they do, he is one of those rare selfless leaders who makes things happen.”

Plans for the future

Ballagh himself said he’ll stay on the group’s as past president while Grave de Peralta onboards and gets details of finance and other nitty-gritty information under her belt. That includes what Ballagh has described as some “modest” additional fundraising for maintenance through the sale of additional bricks and pavers. More than 1,000 have been engraved with veterans’ names and placed so far.

He’d also like to see the website freshened and functionality improved, particularly as regards a feature allowing those interested to look up the location of a commemorative brick and link to tribute videos developed by honorees’ families. More than 100 have been uploaded to date.

And there’s still additional room for engraving on the top of a ‘short wall’ that encloses the oval monument, he added.

Ballagh said other things can be done in scheduling and providing for ongoing programming and ceremonies for Memorial and Veterans Day. And he said the site may play host to other, related events on days other than those official observances.

The City allowed a commemoration of 9/11 last September and will include that annually to honor first responders.

Also, “There’s a Veterans park in Johns Creek and this year, they’ve convinced the Georgia Veterans Hall of Fame to have their awards ceremony there. That sounds pretty good to me,” he said.

Mayor Mike Mason lauds the group of board members and volunteers who shepherded the monument into a reality, in particular singling out Ballagh and Heckman. As he put it, “they did a great job of providing vision, in that they saw the role of veterans and a veterans’ monument in a new city very clearly.”

Officials also think field trips by schoolchildren giving them a better sense of US military history holds potential value. Grave de Peralta said that she’d like to generate publicity for local schools, so that students will know about the military historical resource virtually in their backyards.

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Community

Holiday Glow Event Offers Chance to Give Back While Celebrating the Season

Published

15 hours ago

November 20, 2024

Shawne Taylor

The City of Peachtree Corners and Intuitive have partnered to support local non-profit, Because One Matters, at this year’s event.

It’s time again for one of Peachtree Corners favorite annual traditions: The Holiday Glow Lighting and Concert on the Town Green.

With live musical performances, trackless train rides, fun holiday activities and sparkling Christmas Tree and Menorah lightings — along with complimentary hot chocolate for guests — this festive, all-ages celebration has become a holiday tradition for many families in and around the city.

Kids and adults can immerse themselves in the joyful atmosphere, mix and mingle with neighbors, friends, family and entertainers and experience the magic of the season beneath the night sky and twinkling holiday lights.

Partnership for a special cause

Special for this year, the City of Peachtree Corners has partnered with Intuitive to support Gwinnett County non-profit, Because One Matters, at the event.

The organization provides assistance to children and families in the foster care system through donations and fundraising.

“[The] holiday event … is a good place to partner with companies like Intuitive and non-profits like Because One Matters to get their message out and allow more people to be involved [in helping] a good cause,” said Louis E. Svehla, director of communications for the city.

“Intuitive came to us, wanting to be more involved in the community,” Svehla continued, “We [looked at] a list of all of the non-profits that are [located] in the city or that help assist in ways in the city … and they [chose] Because One Matters.”

A custom-designed holiday ornament

Together, the city, the company and the non-profit decided to partner for the Holiday Glow event and do a limited-edition ornament — custom-made, custom-designed and hand-numbered to 200 — making it available as a gift to anyone who brings an item to donate from the organization’s wish list.

The city designed the ornament with input and agreement from both Intuitive and Because One Matters.

“And now here we are,” said Svehla. “It’s our first time offering a limited-edition ornament for people at the event who donate clothing, toiletries, things that [the organization] needs — it’s not a cash donation. And we’re hoping that we can do this every year, whether it’s a different company or a different non-profit, to do a series of [Holiday Glow event] ornaments to bring companies in, to support locals, to support non-profits and make sure we’re giving back.”

Because One Matters

With a mission of helping children in the foster care system as well as children and families in need, Because One Matters runs a variety of service programs throughout the year.

Their Wrapped in Love Closet initiative provides those families the opportunity to shop for new or like-new clothing items, toys and books, all free of charge. They also provide kids entering foster care with a duffle bag filled with essential items to increase comfort and security during their earliest days of placement.

Foster, adoptive or kinship families who would like to participate in the program, can find information on the Because One Matters website. For individuals, families or local businesses who would like to assist, a variety of donation, fundraising and volunteer opportunities are available.

During Holiday Glow, guests who bring an item to donate from the organization’s wish list will receive one of the special Holiday Glow ornaments in return — a great way to make giving back part of your holiday festivities.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Holiday Glow event and deeply grateful for the City of Peachtree Corners and Intuitive’s incredible partnership,” said Andrea Barclay, CEO of Because One Matters. “Their support not only brings joy to the community during this festive season but also helps raise awareness and vital donations for our mission. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact for the children and families we serve.”

The donation wish list

New underwear for girls (sizes 2T–14)
New bath towels & washcloths (no white towels, please)
New boy clothes (sizes 7–18)
New girl clothes (sizes 2T–12)
New boys’ boxers (no briefs; sizes 2T–14)
Bath body wash (for sensitive skin)
Non-spicy toothpaste
Single toothbrushes
Ikea bags
New girls’ & boys’ shoes (all sizes)
$50 store gift cards for teens
Pjs for girls & boys (all ages)

In addition to the food, fun and festivities, the crowd will enjoy live performances from:

Simpson Elementary Chorus
Peachtree Elementary Chorus
Pinckneyville Middle Band
North Metro Academy of Performing Arts Chorus and Dance
International Charter Academy Chorus
Chabad Enrichment Center Chorus

The Town Green offers free parking directly on-site or in nearby parking areas, which are accessible by a short stroll on the center’s nature path. Guests can also access the Town Green via Peachtree Corners’ landmark bridge, which connects to The Forum and the city’s pedestrian and bicycle trail system.

Community

PCBA Awards $3,500 to Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Group of women holding a large check representing a donation from PCBA to GABC

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) donated a check for $3,500 to the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer at their October Business After Hours event. The organization was selected by the PCBA Community Outreach Committee and board, who are dedicated to identifying and selecting charities whose mission aligns with supporting the community.

Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer — formerly It’s the Journey — is a registered 501c3 non-profit that supports Georgia’s breast cancer community by raising funds for breast health and breast cancer programs throughout the state.

Since 2002, the organization’s Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer has raised over $19 million to fund 554 grants that provide breast cancer education, screening, early detection, support services and continuing care for Georgians. Their mission is to engage with Georgia’s breast cancer community to increase access to care and reduce disparities in cancer outcomes.

“Since [our] donations are made possible through our members and sponsorships, we wanted to award this check at our recent PCBA Business After Hours Speaker’s event, allowing our members the opportunity to celebrate with us and learn how this organization supports our community” said Lisa Proctor, PCBA president. “This check represents the first of three charities we raised money for at our annual charity event, Tailgates and Touchdowns, in August of this year. We will be awarding a check to the Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries in November and Spectrum Autism Support Group in December.”

Supporting the community

“We are so proud of our continued commitment to supporting our community,” Proctor continued. “The PCBA has donated over $162,000 to local deserving charities and awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors in our metro Atlanta community since the inception of our community outreach program in 2013.”

Four women at a PCBA meeting — photo courtesy of the Peachtree Corners Business Association

Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach program are raised throughout the year from PCBA memberships, sponsorships and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded during monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the selected organizations.

For more information about the Peachtree Corners Business Association, visit peachtreecornersba.com.

Community

Peachtree Corners Dedicates Memorial Garden to its First Lady

Published

3 weeks ago

October 29, 2024

Arlinda Smith Broady

A green sign with white lettering and white post for the Debbie Mason Overlook Garden in Peachtree Corners

Although Debbie Mason, the first First Lady of Peachtree Corners passed away in January 2023 just shy of her 72nd birthday, she left a lasting legacy on the community.

Her obituary summed up her attributes beautifully.

“If Debbie Mason believed in a cause, she could be counted on to work toward it tirelessly. Debbie was known to her family as a full-time mom, part-time Wonder Woman and occasional miracle worker. To her friends and community, she was a professional volunteer, fearless leader and perpetual truthteller.

Before starting her family, she worked as a legal secretary, where she began honing her exceptional organizational skills and trademark charisma, which made her the most formidable fundraiser. PTSA president, Scout den leader, drama club mom, sports team mom, volunteer organizer, teen-driving advocate, recycling and beautification champion — whatever her kids were involved in or called to her heart, she made it a priority.

A consummate ‘mover and shaker,’ there was little in her sphere of influence that didn’t receive a bit of ‘the Debbie Mason touch.’ She and Mike were founders of the Fox Hill Homeowner’s Association, where she worked to build community on the street she called home for 36 years. Hanging holiday decorations, throwing her annual Halloween party and even going door-to-door gathering signatures to have sewers installed in the neighborhood, Debbie spent so much of her time and energy in service of others.”

A loving memorial

At a memorial service in her honor, several members of the community stood around brainstorming a way to truly respect the impact she had on those around her.

“There were a group of us that just kept talking to each other and saying, what else can we do?” said Lynette Howard. “Debbie inspired us. She did so many things for us, and she gave up great things to the city. And the city was something that she just … it was her pride and joy, and she wanted to make sure that everybody was embraced and hugged in this city.”

Ribbon cutting with Mayor Mike Mason at the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden — Ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor Mike Mason at the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden dedication, photo courtesy of City of Peachtree Corners

A public garden in Debbie Mason’s name was born from that discussion. And a little less than two years later, a dedication was held on Saturday, October 24 to commemorate the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden.

Her obituary went on to include her love of gardening and the outdoors.

“To nurture was her nature; she loved to look after her home and garden. Visitors often commented on how warm and welcoming the house made them feel and how beautifully decorated it was. She was an artist, viewing the backyard garden as her canvas and the flowers, plants and pots as her paints. Working in the garden restored her soul; it was her special place. She was brilliant, an independent thinker, honest, direct and utterly unique. There will never be another one like her.”

A plaque at the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden

Local residents and guests at the garden dedication

A legacy that will live on

As in life, her kindness, dedication and joy will live on.

“With the opening of this garden today, she will leave an imprint that will be enjoyed by Peachtree Corners citizens for generations to come,” said Dave Huffman during the ceremony.

Debbie inspired those around her to make a positive impact on the city, as seen in the garden project. The Debbie Mason Memorial Garden Committee: Bob Ballagh, Pat Bruschini, Lynette Howard, Dave Huffman, Sarah Roberts, Gay Shook and Robyn Unger worked together to answer questions, prioritize goals and honor Debbie’s legacy.

Large blue vase with colorful faux flowers at the Debbie Mason Memorial Garden — photo credit: Rico Figliolini

To ensure the garden design and features aligned with Debbie’s passions and the community’s input, the committee thought about things the garden shouldn’t be: hectic, feeling noisy, unkempt, sad, forgotten, without a purpose, ostentatious, gaudy, overdone, devoid of interactive things.

“Did we accomplish it?” Howard asked the crowd during the ceremony.

The thunderous applause proved that Debbie would have approved.