Apply for the fall Citizens Fire Academy

Ever wonder what it takes to serve and protect the community? Applications are now open for the fall Citizens Fire Academy, an interactive program that gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services. Participants will explore emergency response, fire prevention, emergency medical services, and more while connecting with firefighters and first responders.

The program also inspires community involvement beyond the classroom. To learn more and to apply for the fall session by Monday, August 10, visit GwinnettCounty.com/CFA. 

County to host 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Join us for the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Friday, September 11 at 10:00am as we honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and recognize the courage and sacrifice of first responders. The ceremony will feature a keynote address by District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins III, who assisted in the placement of wounded personnel during the attacks on the Pentagon that day. All are welcome as we gather to remember, reflect, and honor those who serve.

The ceremony will be held at the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial, located on the grounds of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.

Join the fun at the Public Safety Fall Festival

Gwinnett’s annual Public Safety Fall Festival is returning to Gwinnett Field (formerly Coolray Field) on Saturday, September 12. Come out to this free event from 11:00am to 3:00pm to meet our first responders and enjoy food, giveaways, demonstrations, and displays. Kids can also enjoy a touch-a-truck with a SWAT personnel carrier, fire trucks, and other specialized vehicles.

Email PDCommunityAffairs@GwinnettCounty.com for more information. Gwinnett Field is located at 2500 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville.

What's New in District 1

Apply to serve in District 1

Serving on a county board is one of the more direct ways District 1 residents can help shape our community. Currently, there are openings to serve on the Merit Board or the Animal Control Hearing Board. Both positions require applicants to reside in District 1.

More information on these boards, including qualifications and term limits can be found at GwinnettCounty.com. Applications are due Tuesday, August 25.



Instructions to Apply:

1.   Visit GwinnettCounty.com/ApplyToServe.
2.   Select District 1 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.

Host a project for Great Days of Service

Save the date! Gwinnett’s Great Days of Service is returning from October 16 to October 18. Does your organization need a helping hand? This annual volunteer weekend is your opportunity to engage thousands of dedicated volunteers to support community needs this fall.

If you’re interested in hosting a service project, apply by Friday, September 11. Approved projects will be posted for volunteer sign-up in September in preparation for the Gwinnett Great Days of Service weekend. To learn more, visit GwinnettCounty.com/GreatDays today!

Beautify your front yard with a native tree

The Front Yard Tree Program returns for the fall planting season! Qualifying homeowners in unincorporated Gwinnett can apply to have a native tree planted in their front yard. Funded by the Gwinnett County Tree Bank, the program includes the tree, planting, and care instructions at no cost to homeowners. Applications are open Tuesday, August 11 through Friday, September 18. To learn more and apply, visit GwinnettCounty.com/FrontYardTree. 

Atlanta Hobby Robotics Club

Saturday, August 15 from 10:00am to Noon

Come and share your robotics ideas. All experience levels welcome! Meets the third Saturday of each month. Open to all ages. Register online. Pinckneyville Park Community Recreation Center, 4650 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Berkeley Lake. Event cost: Free!

Rise & Shine on the River

Saturday, August 29 from 9:00am to Noon

Calling all early risers! Jump start your day with calming live music, moving meditation, a mini farmers' market and a hands-on, STEAM-based nature exploration activity for kids. Open to all ages. Register online. Jones Bridge Park, 4901 E Jones Bridge Road, Peachtree Corners. Event cost: Free!

Food Truck Frenzy

Every Saturday until August 29 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm

Join us every Saturday night for great vibes, community fun, and delicious food available for purchase. Bring your friends or just your appetite and kick off the weekend right! Open to all ages. Register online. Best Friend Park, 6224 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Norcross. Event cost: Free!

Korean Buchaechum Dance

Saturday, August 15 from Noon to 1:00pm

Join us for a Korean Buchaechum Dance performance presented by the Hansarang Church. Bright pink fans and dresses have thrilled audiences all over the world. Bucaechum is often showcased as part of Korean cultural performances at international events. Gwinnett County Public Library Norcross Branch, 5735 Buford Highway, Norcross. Event cost: Free!

Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

Tuesday, August 25 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm

Jason Ulseth talks about the Chattahoochee River's history, recent developments, and ongoing challenges. Learn about the work of the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, an organization dedicated to monitoring and protecting the Chattahoochee River through research, education, and advocacy. Gwinnett County Public Library Duluth Branch, 3180 Main Street, Duluth. Event cost: Free!

Kindergarten, Here We Come

Thursday, August 27 from 10:30am to 11:00am

Starting kindergarten is a big step! Join us to celebrate learning our alphabet with stories and early literacy activities. This program includes a variety of activities to get little ones ready to start school. Open to ages 3-5. Gwinnett County Public Library Peachtree Corners Branch, 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners. Event cost: Free!

It was an honor to speak at the ribbon cutting for the opening of the new Nanolumens headquarters in Duluth, moving from Norcross. I'm glad to not only still have them in Gwinnett, but still in District 1! That's a huge vote of confidence for our community. (Photo from Partnership Gwinnett)

Last month, I had the opportunity to speak with the Norcross PDC, a group of engaged residents who gather weekly in downtown Norcross to discuss issues affecting their community. It was a great conversation, and I always appreciate connecting with constituents who are actively paying attention. Groups like this one make our community stronger.

It was also a privilege to speak at the Gwinnett Youth Commission graduation in July. Seeing all those young people choose to spend their summer learning how local government works — and how they can be part of it — is genuinely encouraging. The future of civic engagement in Gwinnett is in good hands.