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October 2026

Hello!


Fall is finally here — and October might just be my favorite month. The weather is cooling and Halloween is right around the corner. Whether you're hitting the neighborhood trick-or-treat trail or going all out on your costume, I hope you have a safe and spooky Halloween!


Before we get too deep into fall festivities, I want to make sure everyone knows that early voting for the November 3 General Election is now open. This is an important election with races and issues that directly affect our community, so please make a plan to vote. You can find more details in the newsletter below.


October is also Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This year's theme, "Pause, Verify, Protect, and Report," is a great reminder to slow down before clicking unfamiliar links, double-check the legitimacy of unexpected requests, and ensure your accounts are protected. Simple habits make a big difference.


Looking ahead to November, we have Veterans Day events to honor those who served and a Native American Heritage Month celebration on November 5 to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Details on both are below, and I hope to see you at each of them.


Feel free to reach out to me anytime at Ben.Ku@GwinnettCounty.com.

 
What's New in District 2

Join us for the Fall Into Health Senior Wellness Fair

Calling all seniors — discover everything you need to live an active, healthy, and vibrant life! On Friday, October 16 from 10:00am to 1:00pm, explore our vendor hall at the Bethesda Park Senior Center in Lawrenceville featuring local health and wellness resources, live cooking and fitness demonstrations, and inspiring wellness presentations, and enter for a chance to win exciting door prizes.


Whether you're looking to jumpstart your fitness journey, discover nutritious recipes, connect with local wellness experts, or find resources to support your well-being, you'll leave with valuable ideas and inspiration. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/FallIntoHealth to learn more.

Questions from Mountain Park Town Hall

Following up on all the great questions submitted at my town hall with the Mountain Park Community Advisory Board in August — the answers are now available! Topics covered include sidewalks, planning and zoning, parks, community services, and how to get speed humps in your neighborhood. You can read all the questions and answers here.

Apply to serve in District 2

District 2 currently has an opportunity for residents to serve on the Gwinnett County Recreation Authority. This authority helps guide the development, management, and funding of the County's parks and recreation facilities by collaborating with the Parks and Recreation Department and community partners.


Two seats available for District 2, and applications are due by Wednesday, October 28.


Instructions to Apply:

  1.   Visit GwinnettCounty.com/ApplyToServe.
  2.   Select District 2 from the "Send Application to" dropdown.
  3.   Select the committee you wish to join from the "Select a Board/Authority/Committee" dropdown.
  4.   Scroll down and click "Start Application."
  5.   Create a username or log in to your account.
  6.   Complete the application.

Get moving at Mountain Park Park

Your next workout is free and right outside! Mountain Park Park has new outdoor fitness equipment that makes it easy to fit exercise into your schedule, with no gym membership required. Adults and teens ages 13 and up can take on the FitCore Extreme obstacle course, where climbing, balancing, and jumping challenges turn into a full workout adventure. Then the Healthbeat fitness stations offer strength, cardio, flexibility, and balance exercises for all fitness levels, with easy-to-follow instructional signs. The park is located at 5050 Five Forks Trickum Road in Lilburn.

Share your thoughts on the value of water

We are conducting a brief survey to understand how residents view their monthly water bills. Take the survey to share your thoughts on water costs, affordability, and quality.


Tune in to Conversations with Ku

Check out Conversations with Ku, my monthly podcast, where I dive into County initiatives, Board decisions, upcoming events, and a variety of other topics. You can find the podcast on GwinnettCounty.com or your favorite streaming platform.


In this episode, I break down several key initiatives that the Board has acted on over the past six months and what they mean for Gwinnett residents.


I'd love to hear from you or answer questions about District 2 or Gwinnett County Government. Email me at Ben.Ku@GwinnettCounty.com and your question may be read on the podcast. Also, if there is someone you’d like me to interview or a topic you’d like me to cover, please let me know.

Happening Around Gwinnett

Vote early for the General Election

Voters are not limited to Election Day to cast their ballot for the November 3 General Election. Registered voters may vote advance in-person any day, including weekends, through October 30, 7:00am to 7:00pm, at the Gwinnett Voter Registrations and Elections Office in Lawrenceville and 12 other advance voting locations around the county. Visit GwinnettElections.com to find an advance voting location near you.


To check your registration status, download a registration application, view sample ballots, and locate your polling place, visit MVP.SOS.GA.gov.


Vota por adelantado para las Elecciones Generales

Los votantes no están limitados al Día de las Elecciones para emitir su voto para las Elecciones Generales del 3 de noviembre. Los votantes inscritos pueden votar por adelantado en persona todos los días, incluidos los fines de semana, hasta el 30 de octubre de 7:00am a 7:00pm en la Oficina de Inscripción de Votantes y Elecciones de Gwinnett en Lawrenceville y en otros 12 lugares de votación adelantada en todo el condado. Visita GwinnettElections.com para encontrar un lugar de votación adelantada cerca de ti.


Para verificar el estado de tu inscripción electoral, descargar una solicitud de inscripción, ver boletas de muestra y localizar tu lugar de votación, visita MVP.SOS.GA.gov.

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with Gwinnett

Every November, Gwinnett County recognizes Native American Heritage Month. Join us as we celebrate the vibrant cultures and traditions that Tribal Nations have honored for centuries on Thursday, November 5 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center's parking deck lawn. The evening will feature live performances, music, art, and cuisine. Register today at GwinnettCounty.com/NAHM. 

Join us in honoring our veterans

Gwinnett County will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 11 to pay tribute to our military heroes. Join us at the Fallen Heroes Memorial on the grounds of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. During the ceremony, veterans who have reached their 100th birthday and beyond will be honored in commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

 

Before and after the ceremony, guests are also invited to the Gwinnett County Stand Down event set up near the memorial to connect with veterans’ resources. Both the Veterans Day ceremony and Stand Down events are rain or shine and will move indoors in the event of inclement weather.

Get your pets vaccinated for free

The County's expanding access to core vaccines that help protect pets and promote public health across the community! Thanks to a generous donation from the Estate of Stephen J. Helman, we're hosting free pet vaccine clinics twice a month now through December 19 at the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center in Lawrenceville. The Steve and Julie Helman Pet Vaccine Clinics will provide select vaccines for dogs and cats, as well as onsite microchipping and resources for spaying and neutering.


The clinics are open to Gwinnett County residents only and limited to three animals per household, per clinic. Spots fill up fast, so don’t wait until the last minute! Learn more and register at GwinnettCounty.com/PetVaccine.

Recycle your items on America Recycles Day

Have some hard-to-recycle items like tires, paint, and electronics? Drop them off at America Recycles Day on Saturday, November 7 from 9:00am to noon at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville. Volunteers will remove items placed in disposable containers from the trunk or back seat of your vehicle. Recycling electronics is free except for projection/console TVs ($35), computer monitors ($15), and printers ($5). Visit GCSolidWaste.com for a full list of acceptable items.

Property tax bills due November 15

The 2026 Gwinnett County property tax bills were mailed in September and are due November 15. If you have an escrow account, your property tax information is made available to your mortgage company. However, it is your responsibility to ensure taxes are paid. For more information or to pay online, visit GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com/Pay.

Special Events and Happenings

Visit GwinnettCountyEvents.com or follow the County’s social media channels to learn more about upcoming events.


Fall Glow Festival

Saturday, October 24 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm | Free

Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation Center, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross

Dress in your favorite costume and bring your bag for a fun night of trunk-or-treating, hayrides, and fun glow games! Family-friendly costumes only, please. For all ages. Register online.


Spooky Pumpkin Decorating

Saturday, October 31 from Noon to 2:00pm | $5.00/Gwinnett residents

Community Resource Center at Bethany Church Road, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville

Get ready to be creative and decorate your very own mini pumpkin! You can use colorful paint, shiny stickers, and bright markers to make your pumpkin look silly, spooky, or super cool. This is a fun way to celebrate Halloween and show off your artistic skills. Everyone can join — whether you’re little or big! Parents and guardians must be attendance to assist children ages 10 and under. Light refreshments will be served. For all ages. Register online.


Veterans' Brunch

Wednesday, November 4 from 11:00am to 1:00pm | Veterans, Free; Guests, $6.00

Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville

Come together to honor a veteran at this special luncheon. Enjoy a speech from a fellow veteran, pinning ceremony, tasty bites, and refreshing conversations. Veterans attend for free. For ages 50 and up.

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