Eco-Focused Nonprofit Also Announces New Chair-Elect and Three Additions to Board of Trustees

As a community-based organization launched in 1980 by a group of concerned citizens who hoped to inspire individual action and find long-term solutions to environmental and quality of life issues, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful (GC&B) has always been guided by a Citizens Advisory Board (CAB). Tasked with shaping the future of the eco-focused nonprofit and representing virtually every sector within the Gwinnett County community, six new members were recently added to the group’s ranks on July 5, 2022.

“In our quest to connect people and resources for a sustainable Gwinnett, we seek continuous improvement as an organization,” said Schelly Marlatt, Executive Director for GC&B. “Every person who serves on the Citizens Advisory Board brings something special to the table, causing shifts in both our culture and our delivery of programs and events. I am grateful to each and every member of the CAB – past, present and future. They represent some of Gwinnett County’s best, brightest and most impassioned leaders our community has to offer. I am both delighted and excited to see what each of our six outstanding new members delivers to our board and organization.”

The six new members added to GC&B’s Citizens Advisory Board include:

Angela Duncan – Division 11 Judge – Gwinnett County Superior Court

Derek Higgs – Owner, Higgs Leadership Development/Co-Founder, Sapphire Youth Development Center

Jessica Holden – Science Curriculum Director, Gwinnett County Public Schools

Santiago Marquez – CEO, Latin American Association

Kristan VandenHeuvel – Director of Applied Research and Engagement, The Water Tower

Shantell Wilson – Economic Development Director, Gwinnett County Government

Returning Members of the Citizens Advisory Board are:

Chairman of the Board Chuck Button of Jacobs Engineering Group

Mark Abrams of Aspen Information Systems, Inc.

Joe Allen of Gwinnett Place CID

Jay Bassett of EPA (retired)

Jimmy Burnette of City of Suwanee

Carla Carraway of Precision Planning, Inc.

Jason Chandler of Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation

Former Gwinnett County Sheriff Butch Conway

Alyssa Davis of Sugarloaf CID

Fred Dawkins of Frederick C. Dawkins, Esq. P.C.

Melvin Everson of Gwinnett Technical College

Former Gwinnett County Chairman Wayne Hill

Lynette Howard of WestRock

L.C. Johnson of United Peachtree Corners Civic Association

Dr. Jann L. Joseph of Georgia Gwinnett College

Pat Kien of Cox Communications

Pam Ledbetter of Accent Creative Group

Donald Lee of Gwinnett County Courts

Rachel Little of Boehringer Ingelheim

Kevin Middlebrooks of Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources

Cathy Nichols of Mobile Communications of Gwinnett, Inc.

Andrew Pourchier of Rhodes, Young, Black & Duncan

Craig Roberts of Jackson EMC

Anthony Rodriguez of Aurora Theatre

Ron Seibenhener (Retired) of Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources

Kay Sibetta of AARP of Georgia

Jenny Payne Simpkins of City of Lilburn

Anne Soutter of Primerica

Trent Spake of Chastain & Associates Insurance

Glenn Stephens of Gwinnett County Government

Marianne Velker of Bank of America

Mark Willis of Georgia School Boards Association

Marlatt also added her thanks to three new members of the governing body of GC&B – its Board of Trustees – for the gifts of their time, talents and devotion to seeing that the organization is functioning at optimal levels for the good of the community it serves. Those new members include long-time CAB members Dawkins, Velker and Everson. Donald Lee of Gwinnett County Courts is the Board of Trustees’ new Chair-Elect. To learn more about Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, visit GwinnettCB.org.

As part of the City of Peachtree Corners continued commitment to the expansion of the Corners Connector Trail System, the East Jones Bridge Road Multi-Use Trail Project will begin this week.

This project consists of approximately 1.65 miles of 12-foot-wide concrete multi-use trail connecting SR 141/Peachtree Parkway to Jones Bridge Park.

The project construction will begin at SR 141 and continue until completion at Jones Bridge Park.

Welcome 2022 with a First Day Hike

This New Year’s Day, join our park rangers for an inspiring First Day Hike. More than 40 guided treks let you connect with nature, friends and family. Outings range from a kid-friendly stroll through Mistletoe State Park’s campground, a three-mile hike through Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” and even a night hike at Reed Bingham State Park. (Some are even dog friendly.) Find the perfect First Day Hike for you. Want incentive to keep hiking? Join our Canyon Climbers Club quest.

Explore More in 2022

Where will your boots take you in 2022? Our newly published “Guide to Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites” is available in park offices or by calling 770-389-7286. The booklet is filled with ideas for spring break, romantic retreats, weekend outings and summer vacations. Do you visit often? Save money with an Annual ParkPass ($50) that provides parking at more than 40 state parks, plus the Historic Site Pass ($25 – $50) that covers admission fees at 15 sites.

New scratch-off posters and passports let you track your travels across Georgia, from Amicalola Falls in the mountains to Wormsloe near the coast.

Prescribed Burns Benefit Ecosystems

You’ve heard “good fires prevent bad ones,” but do you know how experts plan for them? Our latest blog post examines what goes into using prescribed burns to restore and protect Georgia’s ecosystems. Experts use prescribed fires to stimulate the growth of herbaceous plants like wildflowers and grasses, which are the foundation of a healthy wildlife ecosystem. Wildflowers are crucial for pollinators like moths, butterflies and bees, and their health has impacts up to the largest animals, such as bears and deer.

George T. Bagby State Park

Good news, campers! George T. Bagby State Park in southwest Georgia is now operated by the Department of Natural Resources. To best serve guests, plans are underway to replace the lodge with traditional state park amenities such as camping. Cottages and the group shelter will be improved as well. Visit soon to enjoy a meal in the restaurant, play a round at Meadow Links Golf Course, and go fishing and boating on Lake Walter F. George. 

Upcoming Events

Meet the Farm Animals, General Coffee State Park, Douglas – Fridays and Saturdays in January
Eye Spy Scavenger Hunt, F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Pine Mountain – Saturdays in January
Colonial Medicine, Fort King George Historic Site, Darien – January 2, 16, 22 and 30
Archery Class, Magnolia Springs State Park, Millen – January 8 and 22
Movie Night, Laura S. Walker State Park, Waycross – January 21
Living With Bears, Smithgall Woods State Park, Helen – January 22
Find more happenings on GaStateParks.org.

Look Who’s in the News

Northwest Georgia News – Georgia Parks, Historic Sites Offer Inspiring Adventures to Kick Off the New Year

Southern Living — The Best Stargazing Spots in the South

WSB TV Atlanta — White Christmas, cozy stays, holiday hikes on tap at state’s best kept secret

365 Atlanta Traveler — Gift the outdoors: Georgia State Parks Holiday Gift Guide

MSN Travel — Jaw Dropping spots to park your RV

LoveExploring.com — Your state’s most beautiful natural wonder