Community

Local Non-Profit Peachtree Farm Continues to Be a Haven for Adults with Disabilities

Published

2 years ago

August 15, 2023

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Peachtree Farm’s history

Peachtree Farm is a non-profit community-based organization that provides services to adults with intellectual developmental disabilities. Located off Technology Parkway, Peachtree Farm is an exceptional place for adults with disabilities to live, work and thrive.

Peachtree Farm was founded by Mike Twiner and Mary Twiner and opened in 2021. Their son Joe Twiner, the Executive Director at Peachtree Farm, has worked closely with the non-profit since its origins.

The beginnings of Peachtree Farm are traceable back to the Twiner family’s experience within the disability community. Displeased with the job options for their daughter with disabilities, Quinn Twiner, the Twiner family set out to create a solution to their problem.

“Two years ago, she [Quinn] was still in school, and we were not thrilled with a lot of the job options that are out there or with the vocational training options that were out there,” said Joe Twiner. “We knew that there was a strong need for job services and for a place where people can come and spend their time and develop an identity, develop a meaning and a purpose in their work.”

With a goal in mind to create a space to give adults with disabilities job opportunities and vocational training, Peachtree Farm was established. The organization focuses on empowering the adults involved in their program by supporting them in a way that they can live and work independently and develop independent living and working skills.

The adults with disabilities who come to work on the farm are given the title of farmers once they join the program. Additionally, through the supported employment program, adults will work on the farm four times a week, completing work such as planting, growing and harvesting crops.

Peachtree Farm's ultimate vision board posted on the walls of their greenhouse — Peachtree Farm’s ultimate vision board posted on the walls of their greenhouse

The farm

Peachtree Farm is comprised of a greenhouse, hydroponics, a chicken coop and many plant beds that grow assorted crops depending on the season. The farm even has a canine helper, Daisy, a golden retriever farm dog.

Additionally, the farm hosts many events such as farmer’s markets with freshly grown crops, spring plant sales and one of their leading events annually, Tailgate for Tomatoes. Tailgate for Tomatoes is hosted at the farm and includes raffles, a tomato catapult and, of course, lots of tomatoes.

In addition to these future events in store, Peachtree Farm also has much larger plans in store for their non-profit. While the farm may be a workspace now, the Twiner family plans to start installing farm homes on the farm in the future.

“We have seven full-time employees, farmers and 12 of our volunteers,” said Joe Twiner. “But the number one thing holding our program back from growing more is that we need our own space. We need a restroom and kitchen out here, so we want to build two farmhouse-style houses.”

Of the two farmhouses, one house will be an office and the other house will be a seed which will begin the independent living community for the farmers at Peachtree farm. Each home will be a four-bedroom house for adults with disabilities to live in, making working at the farm more accessible.

Further, the non-profit is working to expand its agriculture as well. Currently, the farm is working with the USDA to install another greenhouse. This will be a high-calorie greenhouse that will serve their plant nursery.

The community

Community is a vital piece of Peachtree Farm’s success. Besides being co-workers, the farmers support each other throughout all aspects of life, on and off the farm.

“It’s a real community of folks that support each other,” said Joe Twiner. “The support that we’ve received from the city and the community more broadly is essential to our work and the broader disability, environmental and food access communities that we’re a part of.”

The Peachtree Farm community provides a unique opportunity for the farmers to work alongside other adults with disabilities, allowing friendships to blossom within the workspace.

One of the many reasons one of the farmers, Joey Newton, loves Peachtree Farm is because he met his close friend John Gross at the farm.

Volunteers also heavily contribute to the community culture which makes up Peachtree Farm. Whether a volunteer works at the farm frequently, or visits a couple of times a year, like local volunteer Robert Fugate, the impact of giving time to be on the farm is powerful.

“My favorite thing is watching the kids really work and appreciate what they’re doing and see a job well done in the end,” said Fugate.

How to help

There are several ways to contribute to the growth and success of Peachtree Farm, according to Joe Twiner.

“The best way is through donations,” said Joe Twiner. “As a 501c3 nonprofit, we rely on public support to run the farm. We aim to be financially sustainable in terms of plants and produce we offer for sale. That offsets a lot of our operations costs, but as we continue to expand, we really need the support of the community.”

Another way to support the farm is through volunteering and showing up at the events Peachtree Farm hosts. Volunteers can support the farm during events like the fall festival, farmer’s markets and plant sales. Corporate volunteering is also a great opportunity to help out on the farm for a day.

In addition, it is possible to sign up to be a weekly volunteer at Peachtree Farm and join the farmers during their workdays. For this kind of service, a one-day training and background check is required.

Learn more about Peachtree Farm at peachtreefarm.org.

Robert Fugate stands in front of the bird box he has been helping
construct — Robert Fugate stands in front of the bird box he has been helping construct

City of Peachtree Corners

Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck

Published

5 days 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.

Community

Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April

Published

2 weeks ago

March 17, 2025

Shawne Taylor

Close-up of a cornhole board and a hand reaching down to pick up blue/green beanbags.

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

A band performing on an outdoor stage. A man with short hair, white t-shirt and sunglasses sings into the mic and points to the crowd. A woman with dark hair and short, black dress is in the background smiling. And other musicians are behind them. — photo courtesy of The Forum at 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

Close-up or small hands holding a tiny green plant in soil. — photo courtesy of Gwinnett County Public Library

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