Community
Walk with a Purpose with Ausomewalkies
With the ever-compounding stresses of post-2020 life, no one should have to walk alone. But for people on the autism spectrum, initiating and maintaining meaningful social interactions and relationships can be fraught with anxiety and pitfalls.
Peachtree Corners surrounding area resident Ashley Dudley is all too familiar with the struggles of autistic adults, so she decided to do something constructive about it. Last year, Dudley began Ausomewalkies, a casual walking group for people on the autism spectrum to enjoy nature together and each other’s company while improving social skills.
“I wanted to share my experience in a way that other autistic adults would understand. Also, a lot of autistic adults have a hard time socializing in general, so I thought this would be a great way to not only get exercise but make friends,” Dudley said.
The walks are usually held at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, keeping to pretty much the same walking path each time for those who like the routine. Currently the walks are on pause due to COVID-19 concerns, but they will resume once it makes sense to do so.
Dudley has participated in various panels discussing autism Awareness and has shared her journey as an African American woman on the spectrum publicly with groups such as Autism Speaks.
Dudley was diagnosed as an adult with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which most likely contributed to learning challenges as she was growing up. She disclosed she was often bullied by peers in school due to having to be in special education classes. But she uses these experiences to help relate to and advocate for others with ASD.
“My goal is to become the next major motivational speaker and advocate for adults with autism, especially ones who were diagnosed later in Iife like I was,” Dudley said.
Ausomewalkies has brought together a great bunch of positive people who not only work to accept their ASD, but to embrace it. Sometimes parents, caregivers and friends will accompany loved ones for support.
Ausomewalkers share their experiences
“My name is Andrew Dixon and I enjoy these autism walks with Ashley and the crew because I feel like I’m having fun with these people; plus I get to keep up and follow up with what’s going on in my life like what’s going on in the past week or month. Thanks, Ashley,” Ausomewalker Dixon said.
Mimi Sapra of Alpharetta is a Support Coordinator at CareNow Services in Roswell. Her job responsibilities include billing-related work such as patient encounter reviewing and data entry of patient referral processing and demographics.
“My reasons to join Ausomewalkies is to socialize with everybody, have a nice change of scenery and have positive conversations with friends about pleasant topics that bring happiness and joy. Ausomewalkies also gives me the opportunity to promote autism awareness and acceptance,” Sapra said.
“They are a good example of spreading autism awareness. It shows that even though we learn things a little differently from others, we can still be able to do things,” Ausomewalker Justin Bentley said about the group. “Going on Ausomewalkies is a good way to get a good workout in and make new friends. What a perfect way to bring autistics closer together!”
Dudley is proud of the success of the walks and hopes to bring the Ausomewalkers together again as soon as it makes sense and to make the walks a resource for more people to enjoy. For more information on Ausomewalkies, please contact Ashley Dudley at ashypoo.ad@gmail.com
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
Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April
Why Patient Experience Matters: A Conversation with Dr. Aristo Shyn
Burn The Ships: Alex Wright on Committing to Success & Helping Businesses Thrive
Expanding Horizons: How KGM Technologies Balances Defense, Medical, and Precision Manufacturing
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
