Community
A Changing of the Guard for Peachtree Corners Veterans’ Monument Association
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.
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.
“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.
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
Why Patient Experience Matters: A Conversation with Dr. Aristo Shyn
Expanding Horizons: How KGM Technologies Balances Defense, Medical, and Precision Manufacturing
Burn The Ships: Alex Wright on Committing to Success & Helping Businesses Thrive
Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk
Mike Schleifer to Leave Alliance for Lincoln Center Theater
Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck
Inside the Solicitor General’s Office: Lisamarie Bristol on Justice in Gwinnett County
Expanding Horizons: How KGM Technologies Balances Defense, Medical, and Precision Manufacturing
Mike Schleifer to Leave Alliance for Lincoln Center Theater
Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck
Inside the Solicitor General’s Office: Lisamarie Bristol on Justice in Gwinnett County
Why Patient Experience Matters: A Conversation with Dr. Aristo Shyn
Burn The Ships: Alex Wright on Committing to Success & Helping Businesses Thrive
Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk
Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April
Light up the Corners [Video]
Capitalist Sage: Business Leadership in Your Community [Podcast]
Cliff Bramble: A Culinary Adventure through Italy
Top 10 Brunch Places in Gwinnett County
A Hunger for Hospitality
THE CORNERS EPISODE 3 – BLAXICAN PART 1
Top 10 Indoor Things To Do This Winter
The ED Hour: What it takes to Remove Barriers from Education
