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What’s Happening at Pinckneyville Community Center in August 2023

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woman on pottery wheel

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. The submission deadline is November 17. Please call 678.277.0920 for more information! See attached flyer. 

FREE! Awaken Within art exhibit: Sandra Soldo Ackovic awakens nature by symbolizing one’s soul by tying in human connection with nature in healing and accepting. The exhibit will be on display until September 8 during operating hours of Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center.

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 am – 6:00 pm. Ages 5-12. $30 per day.

  • October 5, 6, 9

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, and color; and the composition of the overall painting. Students will furnish their own materials (a supply list will be provided). Saturdays, August 19 – September 23. 10:00 am – 12:30 pm. Ages 16/up. $141.

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.

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 & pink footed tights, pink leotards, pink skirts. Saturdays, August 5 – 26. 9:15 am – 10:00 am. Ages 7–10. $37.

Ballet–Preschool: Creative dances and imagination will help instill a love for dancing, as your toddler learns basics of ballet in a positive and fun environment! Preschool ballet will need pink leather ballet shoes & pink footed tights, pink leotards, pink skirt. Saturdays August 5 – 26. 10:00 am – 10:45 am. Ages 4–5. $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 black skirt. Saturdays August 5 – 26. 10:45am – 11:30am. Ages 15/up. $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 black skirt. Saturdays, August 5 – 26. 11:30 am – 12:15 pm. Ages 11–16. $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 & pink footed tights, pink leotards, pink skirt. Saturdays, August 5 – 26. 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm. Ages 6–9. $37.

NEW! HipHop/ Jazz: Students will learn fun, innovative, and unique dance routines that will strengthen dance skills. Tone your body! Get your heart pumping to the beats of your favorite music! Each class consists of stretching, exercise, cool downs, and dance choreography. Drop-In any class for $15. Wednesdays, August 9 – 30. 6:10pm – 7:00pm. Ages 9/up. $41 for all 4 weeks.

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, August 9 – 30. 7:10pm – 8:00pm. Ages 18/up. $41 for all 4 weeks.  

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, 10:00am – 11:30am, Ages 6 – 18, $36
  • Design Thinking in 3D Printing: Saturdays, August 5 – 19, 1pm – 2pm. 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, 6:30pm – 9:30pm. 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, 6:30pm – 9:30pm. Ages 16/up. $128.

Wheel/Handbuilding: This course incorporates working with a pottery wheel and hand building with clay. $22 per bag of clay required. Wednesdays, 10:30am – 1:30pm. 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, 6:30pm – 9:30pm. 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. PVP22135.

*Out of county resident fees applied at time of registration*

FREE ACTIVITIES

Senior Bridge Club: is 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, 9:00am – 2:00pm. To register contact Mary Fender at 678.357.6709 or maryrfender@yahoo.com.

Gwinnett Chess Club: Chess for all ages. All experiences are welcomed. Saturdays, 9:30am – noon. To register contact Tom Emch at 770.605.0429 or ibemch@charter.net.

Atlanta Gourd Patch: Create art on gourd canvases. Next session is December 10, 2022, from 10:00am – 2:00pm. To register contact Kay Rozea at 470.316.8185 or kmr01@aol.com

Guitars for Vets: Helping Veterans cope with PTSD through music. Participate gets 10 weeks of one–on–one lessons. When finished with lessons participate will receive a free guitar. Mondays, 3:00pm – 5:00pm. To register contact Cliff Meinhardt at 404.234.8040. Visit website guitars4vets.org.

Atlanta Hobby Robotics Club: Come and share your robotics ideas. All ages are welcome. November 19, 2022, 10:00am – noon. To register contact Walter Burleson at 404.932.8108 or wlenbl@gmail.com.

Bridge- Act II: November 28, 2022, from 10:00am – 2:30pm. For more information contact JoAnne Leisen at 571.330.4730.                                                                                                                                                                                Pinckneyville Park Community Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Berkeley Lake, GA 30071
Hours: Monday–Thursday 10:00am–9:00pm Friday 10:00am–4:00pm Saturday 9:00am–5:00pm
Phone: 678.277.0920
GwinnettParks.com

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Community

Simpson Elementary Marks Exceptional Children’s Week

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Four women and one man standing in front of a colorful wall at an elementary school for Exceptional Children's Week

Simpson Elementary School celebrated Exceptional Children’s Week (ECW) last month with five days of special activities to recognize their special needs population and all of their exceptional students.

April 14–18 is set aside each year to celebrate children with disabilities, gifts and talents. This year’s ECW theme was Bridging Gaps and Building Futures, and the school was happy to take part.

They highlighted each day of the week on the morning news with fun facts about notable people in society — and throughout history — who have overcome challenges with their disabilities, including actor Daniel Radcliffe (who has lived with dyspraxia for his entire life), Tom Cruise, Whoopi Goldberg, Frida Kahlo and Helen Keller.

Simpson Elementary’s technology team also pre-recorded various special needs classes reciting the Pledge of Allegiance every day of the week.

Guest speaker

To end their ECW with a bang, they invited former Simpson Elementary parent, State Representative Scott Hilton, to come in and speak to their K-2 classes about raising his son, Chase (who is autistic and now a student at Norcross High School), and how being different is okay. 

“Showing kindness and being inclusive is the best version of humanity,” said Dr. Taffeta Connery, Simpson Elementary School principal, in a statement about the event.

“Simpson Elementary has a special needs population of 214 (23%) of 946 students. [And] … we strive to ensure that our students are valued, recognized and instilled with high expectations for all.”

For more about Simpson Elementary, visit simpsones.gcpsk12.org.

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Community

Executive Function: A Tribute to Working Moms

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A mom in white uniform standing with her husband and two sets of twins (older boys and young girls) in front of a blue background.

Motherhood comes with a lot of moving parts. For these Peachtree Corners moms, it also means leading teams, building careers and keeping the family schedule running. Most days, all at once.

This Mother’s Day, we’re spotlighting seven women in our community who are doing just that. They’re professionals in full-time leadership roles, showing up to strategy meetings by day and soccer games by night. They’re problem-solvers, planners, caregivers and coaches.

What connects them most isn’t just what they do, it’s how they do it. With intention. With humor. With support from partners, parents, friends and neighbors. And with a deep appreciation for the community they’ve built in Peachtree Corners.

Through their stories, we celebrate more than titles and to-do lists. We honor the quiet, constant work of showing up.

Tracy Lee

Tracy Lee leads with heart and vision as CEO of This Dot Labs, a software consultancy focused on helping businesses solve complex challenges through technology. Her engineering leaders collaborate with major clients like Stripe, DocuSign, Google, Wikipedia and Roblox. She’s passionate about her work.

“I love the mix of problem-solving and people leadership and knowing the work we do can make a real-world impact,” she said.

A family with mom, dad and three young kids. They're all dressed nicely for the photo and are sitting on the stairs of their home.
Tracy Lee with husband Elliott Fouts, son William and twins Angelina and Marcus

Tracy brings that same intentionality to her life at home, where she and her husband, Elliott Fouts, are raising three young children: William, 3, and twins Angelina and Marcus, who are 1.5. Despite the busy pace, Tracy is committed to being present in every role she plays.

“I have three full-time nannies and two part-time nannies, as well as girls around the neighborhood who are mama’s helpers to manage the chaos! With the help, we are able to do more and enjoy more time with our kids,” she said. “I try to be fully present, whether I’m in a meeting or building block towers in the living room. It’s never perfect, but we focus on what matters most in the moment.”

Tracy credits her support system for making it all possible. “I have an incredible partner and a strong support system between our nannies, friends and local community,” she said. “We have a local moms group for Asian moms called Georgia Asian Moms, and there are so many moms just in our neighborhood. It’s really great.”

Peachtree Corners has become a meaningful home base for the family. “We absolutely love it here,” she said. “There’s amazing programming for kids at The Forum every Tuesday in the spring and summer. It’s such a gem for young families.”

Weekends often include time outside and community adventures. “Sometimes the best hack is just piling everyone in the wagon and heading out for fresh air!” she said.

Tracy leans on a strong partner, a tight-knit group of friends and a local moms network. “It really takes a village,” she shared. “And I feel lucky to have one.”

Melissa Nicholson

Melissa Nicholson knows what it means to lead with heart and precision. As division vice president of program management & international solutions at Aya Healthcare, she helps internationally educated healthcare professionals enter the U.S. workforce.

“What I enjoy most is the opportunity to support these professionals in achieving their American dream,” she said. “While also contributing to improved patient outcomes across the country.”

A man and woman standing outdoors on an athletic field with their pre-teen son. All are dressed casually. The son is wearing a white tank top and green shorts.
Melissa Nicholson with husband Greg and son Luke

Melissa and her husband Greg recently celebrated 15 years of marriage. Their 12-year-old son, Luke, and a cat named Charlie bring a fun, loving dynamic of their own into the family. After relocating from East Atlanta a decade ago, they quickly embraced the Peachtree Corners community.

“It’s the people who make this community so special,” she said. “We’re truly grateful to count our neighbors as friends.”

Balancing an executive role with family life takes clarity and commitment. “I have to be very intentional with my time,” Melissa shared. She sets boundaries at work and makes sure her team knows when she’s off the clock for important family moments.

Wellness is a key part of her rhythm. “I recently started working out at Orangetheory Fitness,” she said. “I’ve noticed a significant boost in both energy and focus.” Sundays are for church and reflection.

When she travels for work, Greg holds it down at home. “We rely on each other to keep life running smoothly,” she said. “I’m grateful every day for that kind of partnership.”

On weekends, Melissa prioritizes quality time. Whether that’s a hike, pool day or baking something from scratch. “We’ve learned that if we don’t prioritize those moments, the weekends can quickly get taken over.”

Diva Hicks

For Diva Hicks, work isn’t just a job, it’s personal. As creative senior manager at CURE Childhood Cancer, her mission runs deep.

“At 12 years old, my sister was diagnosed with cancer,” she said. “CURE, in its early days, was a resource for my family.”

A mom and young daughter, both with dark hair and wearing blue shirts. They are sitting on a white sofa with streamers and red and white balloons in the background. There is a sign promoting Cure Childhood Cancer 2024.
Diva Hicks with daughter Adair

Her sister survived and now thrives. That experience shaped Diva’s career and continues to inspire her today. “This is my opportunity to give back to CURE for what it did for my family,” she said. “It’s rare to find a place where your purpose and passions collide.”

CURE also welcomes her whole family into the fold. “I get to bring my kids to events all the time,” she said. “They love feeling like they are a part of my work.”

Diva lives in Peachtree Corners with her husband John, their children Adair, 8, and Tripp, 6, and two golden doodles. “There is a sense of community here that I think is special,” she said.

A mom with long dark hair crouched down behind her young son, who is wearing face paint and a red shirt. She's giving him a hug as they pose for a photo. He's holding a red balloon sword.
Diva Hicks with son Tripp

Balance is a daily effort. “John and I have tackled who helps with homework and on what days,” she said. “I would not be able to be the mom that I am without my village.”

She leads school committees and never misses events. “Is it easy? No,” she said. “But I honestly say, it’s not easy for any parent.”

Diva’s motivation is clear. “I want Adair to look at me and see that she can be a mom and have a career too.”

The family stays grounded with tennis weekends and careful planning. “We live by our calendar,” she said. “The more prepared I am, the easier life is.”

Kate Martin

Kate Martin knows how to bring structure to busy systems. As senior director of financial planning and analysis at Alloy Roofing, she finds energy in collaboration and clear strategy.

“In this role, I work closely with various teams across the business,” she said. “It supports the company’s strategy and performance.”

Kate and her husband, Nathan, are raising two children, 14-year-old Elliot and 10-year-old Evan, in Peachtree Corners. After ten years in the area, she credits the people for making it feel like home. “Life wouldn’t be the same without the relationships we’ve built here,” she said.

A mom with blonde hair and white shirt standing on a covered bridge with her husband who is wearing a dark blue shirt and her two young sons. They are all smiling.
Kate Martin with husband Nathan and sons Elliot and Evan

Balance starts with planning. “We keep a central Google calendar synced with all the family commitments that we review daily,” she said. “On Sundays we write on the kitchen boards.” Their chalkboard becomes the weekly roadmap, from meals to responsibilities.

“Seeing things laid out visually keeps me from overcommitting,” she added.

The family stays grounded by recognizing progress. “What keeps me motivated is celebrating both the big and small wins together,” she shared. “Sometimes, making it through the week is a victory in itself.”

Kate relies on a strong network. “We are very fortunate to have my parents nearby,” she said. “I also have an amazing network of women here in Peachtree Corners that I rely on.”

Her favorite hack? “An app Nathan created to help manage our calendars,” she said. “He created a solution to integrate these webcal subscriptions into a central subscription hub.” It’s called Skedj, and they’re piloting it now. “If you know this struggle and want to help us pilot the app, check out skedj.co!”

Linda Luna

As vice president at RSUI, Linda Luna manages risk while empowering people. She leads a team of underwriters who handle professional liability and cyber insurance. “I really enjoy my job because of its dynamic nature and the opportunity to help people in meaningful ways,” she said.

Whether she’s mentoring her team or protecting clients’ businesses, Linda finds value in impact. “It’s rewarding to know that my work has a positive impact on both my colleagues and our clients.”

An Asian-American family with a mom and dad and two young children (a boy and a girl) at Disney World.
Linda Luna with husband Ruben son Dawson and daughter Ava

She and her husband, Ruben, are raising their two children, Dawson, 10, and Ava, 6, in Peachtree Corners. Her parents, though not under the same roof, are a constant part of daily life. “They help keep things running smoothly on the home front,” she said.

After nine years in the community, Linda has grown to love its blend of charm and convenience. “There is always something to do,” she said. “Whether it’s grabbing a bite at Ted’s or spending time with friends at Town Center.”

Balance comes from structure. “By establishing a solid schedule and sticking to it, I can ensure that my work commitments are met,” she said. “Being fully present allows me to strengthen my connection with my loved ones.”

When things get busy, she takes a practical approach. “Breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks makes it much more approachable,” she said. “I remind myself to keep the bigger picture in mind and not sweat the small stuff.”

Linda’s support system is strong. “It truly takes a village, and I’m so grateful for mine,” she said. The family’s favorite tradition? A beach trip to 30A every May. “It’s our way of unwinding, reconnecting and making lasting memories together.”

Allison Blasetti

Allison Blasetti holds a national leadership role at Transamerica in the employee benefits division — a position that constantly challenges and motivates her. “What I enjoy most is the opportunity to use my talents to help my team,” she said. “I’m always growing and learning.”

She and her husband, John, are raising daughters Annie Mae, 8, and Olive, 6, in Peachtree Corners, where they’ve built strong ties in the community. “The amenities in our city provide many opportunities to run into friends around town or plan meet-ups,” she said.

A mom, dad and two young daughters standing in front of a display of holiday trees and plants.
Allison Blasetti with hub John and daughters Annie Mae and Olive

Allison works from home and prioritizes clear boundaries. “I turn off my app notifications because it quickly pulls me back in to work,” she said. “I also have a dedicated workspace in my house where I can leave at the end of the workday.”

She’s developed the habit of resetting her mindset, as well. “I quickly recognize [when] I’m mentally ‘at work’ and actively redirect my thoughts back to being in the present moment.”

Allison’s mornings begin at Burn Bootcamp, where she finds motivation and connection. “Spending an hour with my Burn community helps me get grounded for the day,” she said.

To stay organized, she and her husband use a shared family calendar. Her mom steps in often, especially when work travel ramps up. “I really don’t know what we would do without her.”

On weekends, Allison coaches Olive’s soccer team with the Peachtree Corners Football Club. “It brings me so much joy to be outside, see my soccer friends and watch my girls have fun,” she said. “Coaching makes it even better because I get to support the community that means a lot to me.”

Samantha Morgan

Samantha Morgan is a commander in the U.S. Public Health Service, currently assigned to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over her career, she’s responded to major public health threats, including Ebola, Zika and COVID-19. Today, her work centers on injury prevention, with a focus on issues like suicide, drowning and traumatic brain injury.

“What I enjoy most is being part of CDC’s mission to save lives and protect people,” she said. “I’m proud to contribute to work that makes a tangible difference in communities across the country.”

A family with mom, dad and two sets of twins -- pre-teen boys and young girls
Samantha Morgan with her family

At home in Peachtree Corners, Samantha and her husband, Brian, are raising two sets of twins. Luke and Elliot are 12-years-old and love baseball, golf, basketball and band. Charlotte and Noelle are 8-years-old and enjoy piano, tumbling and tennis. “Life with four kids is wonderfully busy,” she said. “I often joke that I’m an unpaid Uber driver!”

After more than a decade in the neighborhood, Samantha credits their support system for helping them manage the day-to-day. “Our neighbors and friends — our village — have supported us through the hardest moments and celebrated life’s greatest joys with us,” she said.

Structure is key to keeping things on track. “We live and breathe by our family calendar,” she said. “Shared schedules, group texts and carpooling help us keep things running.”

Her children remain Samantha’s biggest motivators. “They know, ‘mom’s going to work to help make the world a safer place,’” she said.

The family also leans on routines and simple joys. “Checklists are my go-to mom hack,” she shared. One of their favorite traditions is make-your-own-pizza night. “It’s messy, silly and something we all genuinely look forward to.”


The seven women featured here offer a glimpse into the lives of working moms in Peachtree Corners. Each one balances career, family and community with care and intention. They are just a few of the many women — both working and stay-at-home — who nurture, organize and uplift the people around them every day.

Whether leading teams or guiding their children, mothers across this community show up with strength, love and quiet determination.

You’ll find this story in the May/June issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine, available in print and digital edition.

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City of Peachtree Corners

Official City Merchandise Line Debuts This Saturday at Town Green

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tshirt with greetings from Peachtree Corners on the front

This Saturday, May 10, residents and visitors are invited to experience the debut of Peachtree Corners’ official merchandise collection at the Town Green. The pop-up shop will be open all day, beginning at 8 a.m., located directly behind the former Jinbei restaurant.

This pop-up shop is provided through a pilot program with Vox-pop-uli and the City of Peachtree Corners.

Moxy, the Vox-pop-uli mascot

“We’re thrilled to showcase our city’s spirit through this exciting new merchandise line,” said Louis Svehla, City of Peachtree Corners director of communications. “There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a proud local or just visiting. We are excited about testing this pilot program to raise funds for continued improvements at Town Green and events.”

  • brand new concert-themed apparel
  • city-branded merchandise
  • limited edition collectibles
  • perfect Mother’s Day gift selections

With Mother’s Day approaching, shoppers will find unique, locally inspired gifts guaranteed to delight mom with something she doesn’t already own.

Pink t-shirt with Property of Peachtree Corners in white lettering

Visitors can browse and purchase items throughout the day, with friendly staff available to assist with selections.

Event details

Date: Saturday, May 10

Time: Starting at 8 a.m.

Location: Town Green (behind former Jinbei location)

Payment methods accepted: Cash and credit card accepted

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