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Greetings!
This month, I want to highlight two important events addressing a critical issue: the hidden homeless right here in Gwinnett County.
First, I invite you to join me Saturday, October 24 from 9:00am to 11:30am for my Hidden Homeless Solidarity Walk and Resource Fair at Lenora Park. It's free to participate; we only request that you register online before. Registration begins at 8:00am under the pavilion. Come walk with us and connect with local organizations making a real difference.
Then on Thursday, November 2, I'm hosting The Hidden Homeless Community Town Hall. This is a chance to go deeper and have a conversation about lived experiences, barriers, and solutions together as a community. You can find more details below.
Both of these events are about raising awareness and then moving into action, so I hope to see you at both.
Early voting for the November 3 General Election begins next week and continues through October 30, including weekends. So make plans to get out and do your civic duty as well!
Finally, save the date for Gwinnett's annual Veterans Day events on Wednesday, November 11 at the Fallen Heroes Memorial at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center — more details to follow.
| | 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, from October 13 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, desde el 13 de octubre 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.
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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.
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Volunteer for Gwinnett Great Days of Service
Are you rooted in service? Join volunteers across the county for the annual Gwinnett Great Days of Service on October 16 through October 18. This initiative will bring together thousands of individuals, corporations, schools, civic organizations, and communities to lend a hand with critical needs around the Gwinnett. Don't miss this opportunity to make a meaningful change in our community! Register today at GwinnettCounty.com/GreatDays.
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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.
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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.
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Join me for my Hidden Homeless Community Town Hall
Join Commissioner Watkins for a Hidden Homeless Community Town Hall on Monday, November 2 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center auditorium at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.
The event features a panel discussion focused on homelessness and housing instability in Gwinnett. The discussion will be following by an audience Q&A.
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Free groceries available for families in need
Residents can pick up fresh and shelf-stable foods at the county's remaining 2026 Mobile Food Distributions. Distributions start at 3:00pm and continue while supplies last. The remaining dates for District 3 are:
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Tuesday, October 13 at Rhodes Jordan Park
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Tuesday, November 10 at Lenora Park
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Tuesday, December 8 at Rock Springs Park
Each distribution site is a contactless drive-thru, and no identification is required. Visit GwinnettCounty.com/FoodResources for more food security resources available.
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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, don’t wait until the last minute! Learn more and register at GwinnettCounty.com/PetVaccine.
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Join the Fall Adventure Club this October!
Join Building Brains Anywhere at Rabbit Hill Park for free early learning fun at Fall Adventure Club for ages 2 to 5, including Scampering Squirrels on October 14 and Pumpkin Patrol on October 28. The programs run from 10:30 to 11:30am and feature a story, music, science, and a walking adventure! Check out more B2A programming, visit B2Anywhere.com, email B2Anywhere@GwinnettCounty.com, or call 770.904.3500.
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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.
| | Special Events and Happenings | | |
Culinary Arts | ¡Sabores Latinos!
Tuesday, October 13 from 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Close out Hispanic Heritage Month by learning the delicious Central American Pupusa dish! Take a culinary trip with us around the Caribbean, Central, and South American cultures and learn how to make delicious pupusas at home. Open to all ages. Gwinnett County Public Library Lawrenceville Hooper-Renwick Branch, 56 Neal Boulevard, Lawrenceville. Event cost: Free!
Night Market on the Square
Thursday, October 15 from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Explore a diversity of cultures with unique cuisine, artisan goods, music, and exhibits at the Night Market on the Square. Open to all ages. Register online. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville. Event cost: Free!
Paws in the Park
Saturday, October 17 from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Spend a relaxing afternoon at the dog park with music, giveaways, meeting local vets, dog trainers, and groomers while gathering valuable insight from Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement. Perfect for new and experienced dog parents. Open to all ages. Register online. Lenora Park, 4515 Lenora Church Road, Snellville. Event cost: Free!
| | Commissioner Watkins in the Community | | |
It was a great honor to serve as keynote speaker at Gwinnett's 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on September 11. As someone who was just minutes away from the Pentagon when Flight 77 struck that morning, this day of remembrance was deeply personal to me.
I am grateful for the opportunity to honor the lives lost and the first responders who gave everything that day. Let us never forget them, and never forget the family members still carrying that loss 25 years later.
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It was a pleasure to join Chairwoman Hendrickson and Commissioner Carden at the Korean Festival on September 19. This festival is one of the Southeast's largest cultural celebrations, and it was truly something to experience — from the performances, to the food, to the crowd's energy.
I was also honored to help present a proclamation on behalf of Gwinnett County. This festival is proof of just how vibrant and diverse our community is. If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for next September!
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It was a privilege to take part in the second annual Jimmy Carter Day of Service in October. I joined other Gwinnett leaders and Gateway85 CID for the planting of the Rosalynn Carter camellia in front the Jimmy Carter mural. It's a beautiful addition that brings new life to an already meaningful tribute, so I encourage you to drive by and check it out.
Then helping clean up Best Friend Park alongside my fellow volunteers was the perfect way to round out the day. It was a great reminder of what community is all about.
| | Updates from the District 3 Boards | | | | |
