Apply for the Empower Gwinnett internship program

Get hands-on experience with Gwinnett County Government! This four-week paid program offers Gwinnett’s youth ages 15 to 21 an opportunity to gain valuable experience, explore their passions, and develop leadership skills through workshops and on-the-job training. To be considered for this program, apply online by Monday, March 16 at GwinnettCounty.com/EmpowerGwinnett. Please note that the number of positions available is limited and not all applicants are guaranteed a spot.

Seniors may qualify for a tax exemption

Residents who are 65 or older as of January 1 with a Georgia taxable income below $124,648 may qualify for the Senior School Tax Homestead Exemption.

Qualifying residents must own and occupy their home as of January 1 and must apply by April 1 to receive the exemption on this year's tax bill. If not required to file taxes, seniors can provide other proof of income to qualify. Learn more and apply at GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com/Seniors.

Take a survey about Gwinnett's drinking water

Gwinnett Water Resources wants to hear from you! Residents can share their honest feedback on water quality and tap water use through a brief survey. Survey answers can help improve water services in the county and guide future education and outreach efforts.

To take the survey, visit GwinnettCounty.com/YourWaterYourSay. To learn more about Gwinnett’s water, visit Gwinnetth2o.com.

What's New in District 1

Draw the District: A Chalk Arts Festival

Mark your calendars for Draw the District: A Chalk Arts Festival on Saturday, March 7 from 11:00am to 4:00pm outside The Hudgens Center for Arts & Learning. The festival will transform the Gas South District's outdoor spaces into an open-air gallery featuring live chalk art from students, individual artists, businesses, and organizations.

This family-friendly event will also feature food trucks, artist vendors and art demonstrations, and a chalk art competition! It is free and open to the public. For updates and more information, please visit GasSouthDistrict.com.

Support literacy during National Reading Month

About 90% of a child’s brain is developed by age 5, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning, social, and professional development. National Reading Month is the perfect chance to inspire your youngest readers to open a book and explore new worlds.

Visit one of our G.R.E.A.T. Minds Book Exchanges, stocked with titles for children ages 14 and younger. You can also support literacy by donating books to the exchanges. To learn more or find a location near you, visit B2Anywhere.com.

Mobile food distribution at Shorty Howell Park

Residents can pick up free fresh fruits and vegetables and shelf-stable foods on Tuesday, March 24 at Shorty Howell Park in Duluth from 3:00pm until supplies last. The distribution site is a contactless drive-thru and no identification is required.

Visit GwinnettCounty.com/FoodResources for more food security resources available.

Kids Night Out: St. Paddy's Day

Friday, March 13 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

No parents allowed! This special St. Patrick's celebration evening is packed with fun activities just for kids — crafts, music, and games. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Open to ages 7 to 12. Register online. Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth. Event cost: $12.00 for Gwinnett residents, $23.00 for non-Gwinnett residents

Homeschool Days: Surviving the Great Depression

Tuesday, March 17 from 10:00am to noon

Homeschool families are invited to come explore the history of McDaniel Farm Park! Learn how the McDaniel Family survived the challenges of the Great Depression and participate in farm life through hands on activities. This program aligns with 5th grade Georgia Standards of Excellence curriculum, but all grade levels are welcome. Register online. McDaniel Farm Park, 3251 McDaniel Road, Duluth. Event cost: $6.00 for Gwinnett residents

Hiking with Goats

Saturday, March 28 from 10:00am to 11:00am

Set out on a soul-refreshing one-hour hike flanked by spirited hiking goats! These therapy goats — hailing from GGA Farm in Tucker — will trot alongside as you traverse park trails. Open to all ages. Register online. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkeley Lake. Event cost: $41.00 Gwinnett residents/$61.00 for non-residents

Norcross Connect: Women's History Month

Wednesday, March 11 from 11:00am to noon

This month, we’re celebrating Women’s History Month by learning about influential women and creating bottle cap magnets in their honor. Several books highlighting contributions made by women will be on display to generate discussions as to why we are celebrating these particular women. Open to ages 19 and up. Gwinnett County Public Library Norcross Branch, 5735 Buford Highway, Norcross. Event cost: Free!

Learning Labs: Soldering Workshop

Monday, March 16 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Soldering is a skill commonly used in electronics and metalwork. Come and learn the basics with this introductory soldering workshop. Registration is required and restricted to teens and adults for safety reasons. Space is limited. Ages 16 and up. Register online. Gwinnett County Public Library Peachtree Corners Branch, 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners. Event cost: Free!

Author Talk: Marissa McFarland

Wednesday, March 25 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Join author Marissa McFarland as she discusses her debut novel, "When Goodbyes Begin," a heartfelt, multi-generational story about identity, sacrifice, and coming home. Open to ages 19 and up. Register online.

Gwinnett County Public Library Duluth Branch, 3180 Main Street, Duluth. Event cost: Free!

A big thank you to everyone who joined us at our annual Black History celebration! February recognized trailblazers like Dr. Carter G. Woodson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose legacies continue to inspire us to confront obstacles together. It was my honor to once again attend and speak at the celebration.

Last month, I was proud to speak at the formal launch of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of the Southeastern United States. Gwinnett is proud to be home to the largest Korean population in the southeast, so we celebrate this historic milestone for the region. This new chapter will foster collaboration among Korean American entrepreneurs and help strengthen relationships between business leaders and local government.