Community

Walk with a Purpose with Ausomewalkies

Published

3 years ago

October 27, 2021

Ashley Dudley with mom Dee Dudley, dubbed “Mom-ager” for her assistance with Ausomewalkies and keeping its roll information. (Dudley’s photos from Facebook.)

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

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Kelsey Asher

Kelsey Asher is a proud graduate of the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Communications. She has held a variety of marketing leadership roles for several small, startup companies in a variety of industries including publishing, construction and technology.

City of Peachtree Corners

Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?

Published

14 hours ago

April 2, 2025

Mayor Mike Mason

I 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.

City of Peachtree Corners

Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck

Published

1 week ago

March 25, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Maintenance and repairs will take place from March through July; the deck will remain open to the public throughout

Starting the week of March 24, the City of Peachtree Corners will begin scheduled maintenance and repairs on the Town Center Parking Deck. These improvements are expected to continue through July 2025 and are necessary to ensure the longevity of the structure.

During this period, the deck will remain open to the public, but the repair areas will be temporarily closed on a rolling basis. These closures will allow crews to efficiently complete the necessary work while minimizing disruption to tenants, customers and residents.

To assist with navigation, directional signage, barriers and other safety measures will be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians safely around work areas. For public safety, drivers must follow the directional signage and only park in the open sections of the deck.

The city appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as they work to maintain a safe and well-functioning parking facility.

For project updates, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

City of Peachtree Corners

Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk

Published

2 weeks ago

March 18, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

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.

A group of bikers at the starting line, competing in a bike race. — photo courtesy of City of Peachtree Corners

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.