Community

PCBA Announces Its Focus Charities for 2023

Published

2 years ago

February 23, 2023

Arlinda Smith Broady

Scholarship applications are available through March 8.

The Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA) kicked off the new year by awarding its final donation of 2022 to the Norcross High School Foundation for Excellence (NHSFE). At the January Business After Hours event, the nonprofit received a $500 check to help it further its mission of supporting students by bridging the gap between state and county funding.

NHSFE plays a pivotal role in generating the funds and resources necessary to cultivate the level of excellence and education desired for all students at Norcross High School (NHS) in the areas of academics, arts, and athletics. Established in 2001, the foundation has helped more than 2,700 students and raised more than $2.6 million.

From left to right, Michael Pugh PCBA Board; Donna Linden PCBA Board; Allison Reinert PCBA Board; Lisa Proctor PCBA Board; Erin Griffin NHSFE; Tiffany Ellner NHSFE; Suzanna Martinez PCBA Outreach; Matt Bettis PCBA Outreach. Photo by Richard Phillips

Co-presidents Tiffany Ellner and Erin Griffin accepted the funds on behalf of the foundation.

“We are so thankful for the Peachtree Corners Business Association. One of the very special things about Norcross High School is the community, and the support that we have from our business association is a huge part of that,” said Ellner. “We have really benefited from the partnership.”

She added that the opportunities that exist right in Peachtree Corners with Technology Park and other economic drivers are the perfect incentives to keep the talent of local students at home.

“I think about myself and my neighbor two doors down who are Norcross High School graduates who chose to stay here. We chose to have our children in this community and be involved and to see the continued support. And we know that there are opportunities for my children and the students around them to come in and stay here as well,” she said.

2023 PCBA charities

PCBA President Lisa Proctor also announced the charities it will be contributing to this year.

Rainbow Village has a mission to transform the lives of families experiencing homelessness by providing help, hope, housing, and healing in order to instill initiative, self-development, and accountability to foster meaningful growth in all who enter.
Good Samaritan Health Centers of Gwinnett is a nonprofit committed to caring for the uninsured and underinsured working poor in the community. Its mission is to demonstrate the love of Christ by providing quality, affordable, and accessible health and dental services to the poor and uninsured.
Corners Outreach equips metro Atlanta’s underserved students of color and their families to lead full lives through educational development and economic opportunities.

“We’re really excited about the three charities that we’re raising money for this year,” said Proctor as she encouraged members to renew memberships, register for events and invite others to join.

“You’re gonna hear me begging a lot for that this year,” she said. “For those of you who’ve never been here before, one of the things we have is the privilege …as business owners and business leaders in the community, to give back and participate in the community in a meaningful way. One of the things that I applaud the Business Association for doing is, 10 years ago, they created an Outreach Committee.”

PCBA raises funds to donate to nonprofits through memberships and sponsorships, Proctor added.

“We take a portion of those dollars, and we take the dollars from our annual charity event and donate those back to the community,” she said. “We’ve been able to fund 15 scholarships over the last 10 years. …We’ve donated $128,600 to our community, and we’re very proud. It’s not because any one person did it, but it’s what we’ve done as a community.”

The PCBA scholarship program is now open and accepting applications through March 8. The application and details are online at peachtreecornersba.com/community-outreach.

Peachtree Corners Business Association

peachtreecornersba.com

678-969-3385

Photos by Richard Phillips

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Arlinda Smith Broady

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.

City of Peachtree Corners

Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?

Published

15 hours ago

April 2, 2025

Mayor Mike Mason

I want to take a moment to address an issue that has been increasingly affecting our community — the growing deer population.

Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of deer within Peachtree Corners, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, property damage and ecological impacts. I want to share what we are doing to address these challenges and how you can be part of the solution.

The surge in the deer population poses several threats to our community:

1. Landscape damage: Deer feeding on ornamental plants, shrubs and trees results in significant property damage and costly repairs for homeowners.

2. Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions: Frequent road crossings, often under low-visibility conditions, pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.

3. Adverse ecological impacts: Excessive browsing by deer diminishes plant diversity, impacting the availability of food for other wildlife.

4. Public health concerns: High deer densities contribute to an increase in ticks, elevating the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

To address these challenges, the City of Peachtree Corners is collaborating with wildlife officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.

These partnerships are vital, as GADNR holds primary authority over wildlife management, and USDA brings extensive experience in urban wildlife management. By working together, we aim to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to our community’s unique needs.

Based on recommendations from our partners, the City is actively developing a comprehensive deer management plan. The plan aims to mitigate the public safety, property damage, ecological and public health impacts caused by the growing deer population.

Here’s what we are doing:

1. Population surveys: Utilizing advanced tools like trail cameras and thermal imaging to accurately assess deer numbers.

2. Habitat assessments: Evaluating the impact of the deer population on local vegetation and biodiversity.

3. Community involvement: Updating the “PTC Report It” app to allow residents to report deer-related concerns and submit photographs.

4. Data analysis: Collaborating with federal and state partners to analyze data and determine a sustainable deer population for our community.

Once the assessment phase is complete, the city will adopt a deer management plan. Since many deer reside on private property, the plan will offer property owners city-supported options for managing deer. This includes educational programs, habitat modification techniques and access to targeted population reduction initiatives.

Our goal is to facilitate relationships between wildlife officials and residents to ensure a balanced approach that protects public safety, preserves property and maintains ecological integrity.

Here are a few ways you can help:

• Complete the Deer Impact Survey: Available online. Your input will help us gather valuable data on deer population densities and their impact.

• Report concerns: Use the “PTC Report It” app or go online to report deer-related issues and share photos.

• Stay informed: Follow our updates and participate in any upcoming GADNR workshops to stay informed about deer management efforts.

I truly appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to address these challenges and protect the quality of life in Peachtree Corners. Thank you for being engaged and committed to our community.

City of Peachtree Corners

Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck

Published

1 week 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.