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UPCCA Extends Deadline for Annual Scholarship

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UPCCA Scholarship

The United Peachtree Corners Civic Association is back this year with its annual Community Service Scholarship. After the COVID-19 pandemic forced the organization to make changes in the process, the organization is back to the original award of $1,000 each for two high school seniors who reside in Peachtree Corners and have made the commitment to volunteer outside of school hours during their high school years. 

“Every year, the committee weighs several factors, community service, extracurricular activities and things like that,” said UPPCA President Matt Lombardi. “We’re looking for students who personify our community values.”

Last year’s winner used the scholarship money to purchase a 3D printer and made mask clips that helped secure masks that had to be worn during the nationwide mask mandate, said Lombari, adding that it’s that kind of selfless act that makes the awardee stand out.

“And it doesn’t matter what kind of secondary education they’re pursuing,” said Lombardi. “It can be a four-year university, a vocational school or whatever works for the recipient.”

The deadline this year has been extended to May 31 to give students an opportunity to “get back to normal.”

Last year UPCCA awarded three $1,000 scholarships and has toyed with the idea of increasing the amount.

“But we don’t want to be competitive with other non-profits in the area,” said Lombardi.

While the pandemic made it necessary for the award presentation to be held outdoors, this year it will be at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church.

Any high school senior who resides in the 30092 ZIP code is eligible to apply, regardless of where they attend school.

Scholarship application process:

• Complete the Online Scholarship Application. The online application includes areas to upload your documentation for the essay and service activities. 

• Write and/or video a 300-word essay about community service work that had the greatest influence and why. 

• Include a listing of all community service activities participated in while in high school.

The winners will be chosen strictly on their participation in community service.

More information: In order to qualify for one of the two UPCCA scholarship, you must live within Peachtree Corners and/or be a member of the UPCCA. Click here for information on becoming a member of UPCCA or contact UPCCA President Matt Lombardi at 770-548-2989.

Arlinda Smith Broady is part of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after their ancestors moved North. With approximately three decades of journalism experience (she doesn't look it), she's worked in tiny, minority-based newsrooms to major metropolitans. At every endeavor she brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread the news to the people.

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Community

Take A Walk Back in Time For The Holidays

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Three men dressed as the three wise men at a holiday Walk Through Bethlehem event

New experiences await at this season’s Walk Through Bethlehem

An annual must-see holiday event, Walk Through Bethlehem, presented by Simpsonwood United Methodist Church, will take place over three evenings, December 13–15. 

With 1,200 luminaries, Simpsonwood Park is transformed into Bethlehem on the night of Jesus’ birth. After being welcomed by live camels and a census taker, visitors are invited to interact with shopkeepers and witness a live nativity.

A camel as part of a Walk Through Bethlehem holiday event
photo courtesy of Simpsonwood United Methodist Church

Visitors can also enjoy a fire with stories from shepherds, pet live animals and watch as wisemen bring gifts to baby Jesus. 

Before your journey ends, enjoy a photo opportunity with a Roman Guard and hot chocolate and cookies. 

Make plans to attend:


Friday, December 13 and Saturday December 14, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Sunday, December 15, from 6 to 8 p.m.

FREE admission; accepting canned food donations for Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries

A woman dressed as a shopkeeper from old Bethlehem, surrounded by lit candles and items for sale
photo courtesy of Simpsonwood United Methodist Church

For more information, visit simpsonwoodumc.org/walk-through-bethlehem.

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Business

PCBA Continues Charitable Giving at November Event

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Members of the PCBA and United Way of Greater Atlanta standing together holding an oversized donation check for $500

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) awarded a check for $500 to the United Way of Greater Atlanta (Gwinnett County) at their Business After Hours networking event in November.

The local organization was chosen by PCBA’s Outreach Committee because of their commitment to providing assistance and bettering the lives of children within the community.

United Way of Greater Atlanta

The mission of United Way of Greater Atlanta is to engage and bring together people and resources to drive sustainable and equitable improvements in the well-being of children, families and individuals in local communities.

“Greater Atlanta is one of the most vibrant regions in the country, but the region has significant barriers to realizing its potential in the future because of its continued ranking at the bottom of the list of metro areas in income mobility,” stated Vanessa Roussell, United Way senior director of corporate relations.

A short-haired woman in black pants and print top standing in front of a PCBA event backdrop
Vanessa Roussell, United Way of Greater Atlanta

“Children born in low-income households have only a 4% chance of getting out of poverty in their lifetime,” she continued. “We at United Way of Greater Atlanta don’t like those odds. Our work is about changing them so that children — regardless of where they’re born — have the chance to realize their potential and build lives that sustain themselves, their families and their communities.

Assessing needs within the county

The organization’s goal is to help every child unlock their full potential, by improving education, healthcare, resources and economic mobility in the communities where they live. Their “every child program” includes every child in Gwinnett. 

Based on the 2023 census track for Gwinnett County, 94,308 people living in Gwinnett County are at risk, particularly in and around Sugar Hill/Buford, Duluth, Norcross, Lawrenceville, Lilburn and Snellville. The highest-need residents are located in the I-85 corridor, mainly around Duluth, Norcross and Lilburn.

Giving back to support the community

“The PCBA is proud to donate a check for $500 to United Way of Greater Atlanta (Gwinnett County),” said PCBA President, Lisa Proctor. “Our outreach committee and board are committed to supporting our community, and investing in the well-being of the children in our community aligns with our core principles. We know that our dollars will be targeted to help those at highest risk … We are glad to have the local Gwinnett chapter located right in our community.”

Funds for the PCBA Community Outreach Program are raised throughout the year from PCBA membership, sponsorship and an annual charity event. Donations and scholarships are awarded at their monthly events so that members have the opportunity to learn more about the community organizations and their programs.

Over the past 12 years, the PCBA has awarded 19 scholarships to outstanding graduating high school seniors and donated in excess of $165,500 back into the community.

About Peachtree Corners Business Association

“Where businesses come to grow,” the Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) is a business membership organization that focuses on innovative approaches, programs, shared resources, community outreach and opportunities for member businesses and professionals to connect, develop, grow and prosper.

The PCBA is made up of businesses of all sizes and types who want to expand their reach and grow their business within Peachtree Corners and the greater metro Atlanta area. 
 
For more information visit peachtreecornersba.com.

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Community

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

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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 — December 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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.

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