Community
Local Non-Profit Peachtree Farm Continues to Be a Haven for Adults with Disabilities
Published
2 months agoon

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.
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.
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Community
What’s Happening at Pinckneyville Community Center this Month
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 20, 2023
NEW! Gwinnett “En Plein Air” Park Art Challenge: We’re calling Gwinnett artists 16 and older to participate in an artwork challenge! Paint an outdoor scene at one or more of the parks selected for a chance to win a cash prize. Saturday, August 5 to Saturday, November 11. Submission deadline is November 17. Please call 678-277-0920 for more information!
OFFERINGS
Adventure Days Out: We’ve got your school’s out childcare covered. Children will have an amazing experience trying new games, exploring new skills, making new friends and most of all, having fun! 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Ages 5-12. $30 per day.
- October 5, 6, 9
NEW! Beginner Karate: This course consists of traditional martial arts self-defense to help students develop strength, knowledge and discipline. Our classes are safe, fun and exciting! Saturdays, October 7 – 28. 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Ages 5/up. $88.
NEW! Basic Drawing: Students will learn the basics of line, shape, value, texture, and perspective to create finished drawings in pencil and charcoal. Students will draw subject matter provided by the instructor. Call 678-277-0920 for dates and times. Ages 18/up. $201.
NEW! Understanding Watercolor: Taught by an award-winning watercolorist, this course emphasizes techniques in watercolor. Various subject matter from still life, landscape, animals to portraits will be rendered. All levels welcome. Call 678-277-0920 for dates and times. Ages 18/up. $201.
Get Into Watercolor: Learn the basics of watercolor from a seasoned instructor! This class is designed for beginners as well as the more experienced. Master the methods of watercolor to paint basic and complex shapes; development of depth through values, perspective, color and the composition of overall painting. Students will furnish their own materials (supply list will be provided). Saturdays, October 7 – November 11. 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Ages 16/up. $141.
Ballet–Preschool: Creative dances and imagination will help instill a love for dancing, as your toddler learns the basics of ballet in a positive and fun environment! Preschool ballet will need pink leather ballet shoes and pink footed tights, pink leotards and a pink skirt. Saturdays September 9 – 30. 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Ages 4–5. $37.
Ballet–Beg: Expand your child’s ballet abilities in this beginner class. Students will focus on developing ballet techniques and posturing. Beginner ballet will need pink leather ballet shoes and pink footed tights, pink leotards and a pink skirt. Saturdays, September 9 – 30. 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Ages 6–9. $37.
Ballet–Int: Expand your child’s ballet abilities in this beginner class. Students will focus on developing ballet techniques and posturing. Beginner ballet will need pink leather ballet shoes and pink footed tights, pink leotards and a pink skirt. Saturdays, September 9 – 30. 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Ages 7–10. $37.
Ballet–Int: Students will reinforce their ballet techniques, physical strength, flexibility, and musicality in this intermediate level class. Dancers need pink leather ballet shoes, pink footed tights, black leotard and a black skirt. Saturdays, September 9 – 30. 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Ages 11–16. $37.
Ballet–Adv/Pointe: This class is designed for dancers 15 or older, aimed at strengthening ballet technique, flexibility, and performance levels. More demanding and complex movements will help your student master the art of ballet. Dancers need pink leather ballet shoes, pink footed tights, black leotard and a black skirt. Saturdays, September 9 – 30. 10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Ages 15/up. $37.
NEW! Hip Hop/Jazz: Tone your body and get your heart pumping to the beats of your favorite music! Students will learn fun, innovative, and unique dance routines that will strengthen their dance skills. Each class consists of stretching, exercise, cool downs and dance choreography. Drop in any class for only $15. Wednesdays, September 13 – November 1. 6:10 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Ages 8-12 $81.
NEW! SWEAT: This class incorporates all aspects of fitness: cardio, resistance, flexibility and core training structured in segments that focus on upper, middle and lower body exercises. This class will improve endurance, strength, muscle, tone and definition for all fitness levels. Wednesdays, September 13 – November 1. 7:10 p.m. – 7:50 p.m. Ages 18/up. $81.
NEW! 3D Printing Workshops: Unlock your child’s creativity and introduce them to the exciting world of 3D modeling and printing! Our class teaches the basics of 3D design using industry-standard software, Blender and bringing designs to life through 3D printing. Participants will gain valuable skills such as problem solving, spatial reasoning, creativity and attention to detail while having fun creating their own unique 3D printed creation. A laptop and mouse are needed for this class. Required: A $10 material fee is due at the start of the class paid directly to the instructor Optional: $10/session for laptop rental fee. Please reserve ahead. Highly recommended to bring your own laptop and mouse.
- 3D Printing Experience: Saturdays in August, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., Ages 6 – 18, $36
- Design Thinking in 3D Printing: Saturdays, August 5 – 19, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Ages 6 – 18, $100
POTTERY STUDIO
NEW! Session begins September 11, registration opens August 30.
Wheel: This class is perfect for beginner pottery students who want to learn the basics of working with a pottery wheel. $22 per bag of clay required. Mondays, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Ages 16/up. $128.
Wheel Adv: Advanced pottery wheel lessons that build on the beginner class so you can hone your skills and perfect your craft. $22 per bag of clay required. Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Ages 16/up. $128.
Wheel/Handbuilding – Beginner: This class is for true beginners interested in pottery, both wheel and handbuilding will be explored. Try it out and explore a new art form! $22 per bag of clay required. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Ages 16/up. $128.
Wheel/Handbuilding – Adv: This course incorporates working with a pottery wheel and hand building with clay for more experienced students. $22 per bag of clay required. Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Ages 16/up. $128.
Handbuilding: No wheel necessary in this course, learn how to work and create with your hands using clay and tools. $22 per bag of clay required. Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Ages 16/up. $128.
Independent Study: Open studio session for individual pottery artists. Must complete Pottery Studio orientation prior to first visit if you are a new patron. Monday – Saturday. Ages 16/up. $100.
Independent Study ADD ON: Open studio session for individual pottery artists. Must be registered for current pottery class. Monday – Saturday. Ages16/up. $30.
*Out of county resident fees applied at time of registration*
FREE ACTIVITIES
Atlanta Gourd Patch: Create art on gourd canvases. Meeting the second Saturday of each month, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. To register contact Kay Rozea at 470-316-8185 or kmr01@aol.com.
Atlanta Hobby Robotics Club: Come and share your robotics ideas. All ages are welcome. Meeting on the third Saturday of each month, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. To register contact Walter Burleson at 404-932-8108 or wlenbl@gmail.com.
Senior Bridge Club: A trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck. In its basic format, it is played by four players in two competing partnerships. 50/up. Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. To register contact Mary Fender at 678-357-6709 or maryrfender@yahoo.com.
Bridge- Act II: Fourth Monday of each month from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. For more information contact JoAnne Leisen at 571-330-4730.
Guitars for Vets: Helping Veterans cope with PTSD through music. Participants get 10 weeks of one–on–one lessons. When finished with lessons participants will receive a free guitar! Mondays, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. To register contact Cliff Meinhardt at 404-234-8040. Visit guitars4vets.org for more information.
Gwinnett Chess Club: Chess for all ages. All experiences are welcomed. Every other Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. To register contact Tom Emch at 770-605-0429 or ibemch@charter.net.
Last Tuesday Book Club: Join in on all the reading fun! Meets the last Tuesday of each month.
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Community
Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA Plans ‘Welcoming Week’ and More Exciting Events This Fall
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 13, 2023
Welcoming Week: Reserve your FREE one-time guest pass during the week of September 8 – 17 and enjoy everything the Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA has to offer. Welcoming Week provides an opportunity for Peachtree Corners neighbors, whether they are immigrants or U.S.-born residents, to connect and strengthen community bonds. From swim class and water safety to day camps, group workouts and community well-being initiatives, the Rober D. Fowler Family YMCA has something for the whole family.
Guest passes do not include access to outdoor pools or basketball facilities in the gymnasium. Click here for you free guest pass.

Lifelong Learners: Healthy living doesn’t always mean physical activity. Creative thinking, exploring interests, and learning new things are as important as diet and exercise. That is the philosophy behind Lifelong Learners. For ages 50 and up, Lifelong Learners offers seniors the chance to come together and enjoy guest speakers, local field trips and spirited cultural discussions. The group meets every other Friday at 12:15 p.m. in the Senior Center. For more information, email Rob Wilson at robertw@ymcaatlanta.com.

Grief and Loss Support Group: Grief and loss are two of the most difficult emotions to face in life, but you don’t have to face them alone. Every Monday at 11 a.m. in the Senior Meeting Room, the Robert D. Fowler Family YMCA provides a safe and caring environment for participants to come together and begin to understand the grief process. For more information, connect with Ellie Garrett at ejgarrett@gmail.com.

Caring for Those Who Care: The YMCA’s weekly Caregivers Group provides a dedicated meeting space for caregivers to offer and receive emotional support. If you are providing care for a loved one, or want to learn more about long term caregiving, this group is for you. The group offers practical information while respecting confidentiality and encouraging camaraderie. Take this opportunity to build relationships with others in similar situations every Tuesday at 11:45 a.m. in the Senior Meeting Room. To learn more, email Mary Crawley at mcrawley@wans.net.
More Senior Activities:
- Canasta: Every Monday at 2 p.m. in the Senior Meeting Room,
- Dominoes: Every Thursday at 10:45 a.m. in the Senior Meeting Room

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Community
Gully-Washer Subsides to Keep ‘Light Up The Corners’ on Track

Published
1 month agoon
August 23, 2023
Call it luck or divine intervention, but some force in the universe was determined that the 10th annual Light Up The Corners event was going to take place as planned. About an hour before start time, the deluge that threatened the area with heavy rains and strong winds on Saturday, Aug. 12, began to subside.
By the planned 8 p.m. start, the sun had peeked through the clouds and fun and festivities were in full swing.








Guests from all across metro Atlanta gathered at The Forum at Peachtree Corners for the four-mile glow run and one kilometer twilight trot benefitting the Fowler Family YMCA. The evening raised over $60,000 for the local community center, according to organizers.
“This event has taken on a life of its own,” said Light Up The Corners race organizer Amy Massey in a press release. “The run is less about competition and more about friends, neighbors and families coming together to participate in a healthy, family-friendly fun way to ‘glow for the good’ of the community.”



Despite the weather threat, this year’s event attracted a record number of participants, sponsors and volunteers with more than 1,400 registered runners and hundreds of spectators cheering along the racecourse. Even if the physical activities weren’t your thing, there were plenty of other attractions to keep one occupied.













The festivities included activities for the whole family, a live DJ, roaming entertainment — one of the dancers was a dead ringer for Katy Perry — face painting, neon manicures, special prizes and awards for the runners. Light bites, beverages and giveaways were provided by The Forum retailers and restaurants, along with local schools, churches and businesses across the Peachtree Corners and metro Atlanta area.
“Light Up The Corners has become a truly beloved tradition not only for The Forum, but the entire Peachtree Corners community. Witnessing thousands of glowing runners is a thrill from start to finish, and we’re honored to support our friends at the YMCA year after year,” said Charlotte Hinton, The Forum marketing manager.
Since its inception, Light Up The Corners has raised more than $400,000 for the Fowler Family YMCA. To learn more, go to lightupthecorners.com.
Photos by George Hunter
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