Hello L. David,
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving filled with love and laughter. In this season of gratitude, I hope your holiday season continues to be peaceful and allows you to reflect on the people and places that give you joy.
Last month, I joined Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson, alongside local, state, and federal partners, for her inaugural Veterans Stand Down event at the Gwinnett Veteran and Family Services Center in Lawrenceville. The numerous partners and service providers served nearly 200 veterans, which included four veterans experiencing homelessness.
It was also my privilege to serve as emcee for the County's annual Veterans Day ceremony this year. It was an honor for me to host and recognize all our military heroes for their sacrifices. My colleagues and I on the Board of Commissioners are committed to continue to honor and remember all our service men and women in the United States armed forces.
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Before Thanksgiving I was also happy to join Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor to distribute meals at the Sheriff's Office's third annual Thanksgiving Food Giveaway. The Sheriff's Office and numerous partners distributed meals to approximately 4,000 families seeking assistance. This initiative is one of many the Sheriff's Office has done to help build bridges between our community and law enforcement.
As you continue to read you'll find major initiatives underway as we close out 2023, including two District 3 town halls. I hope you'll help spread the word.
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Happening Around Gwinnett
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Chairwoman Hendrickson presents 2024 proposed budget
Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson presented her proposed budget to guide County government for the 2024 fiscal year. The proposed budget addresses needs like affordable housing and public safety, as well as challenges facing county government including hiring and retaining a qualified workforce.
A public hearing will be held on Monday, December 4 at 6:30pm at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville for residents to address the Board of Commissioners. Residents can also share their input on the County's website through December 31.
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Gwinnett hosting poll official hiring events
The Gwinnett Voter Registrations and Elections Division is looking for residents of all backgrounds, including bilingual poll officials, who want to gain valuable work experience. Residents who wish to be involved are invited to attend one of Gwinnett's upcoming poll hiring events on Monday, December 4 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Gwinnett Voter Registrations and Election Beauty P. Baldwin Building in Lawrenceville or on Monday, December 18 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Dacula Park Activity Building in Dacula.
Applicants must be at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen, able to read, write, and speak English, be a Gwinnett County resident or employee, and have access to a computer for required online training. Attendees must complete an I-9 form and bring required original identification documents for verification. All workers can earn up to $390 per election. If you are unable to attend a poll official hiring event, visit GwinnettCountyJobs.com to apply.
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Warming stations open for overnight relief
Gwinnett County will open warming stations for residents to receive temporary, overnight relief when temperatures reach 35 degrees and below. Residents who visit the sites will be able to warm up, eat a meal, and get some rest. The warming stations are available from 6:00pm until 7:00am.
Warming stations around the County include the Buford Senior Center in Buford, the Shorty Howell Park Activity Building in Duluth, the Best Friend Park Gymnasium in Norcross, the Centerville Senior Center in Snellville, and the Lawrenceville Senior Center in Lawrenceville. Click here for more information or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.
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Gwinnett Police hosting annual toy drive
Gwinnett Police's third annual Fill the Sleigh Toy Drive is underway, and you have a chance to help make this holiday season extra special for local children! The department is accepting toy donations for children ages 3 to 15 until Friday, December 15. Toys should be new, unwrapped, and priced at $10 or more. Youth basketballs, footballs, and soccer balls are great gifts for teenagers. Toy weapons will not be accepted. Donations can be dropped off at Gwinnett Police Headquarters or any precinct lobby near you.
For more information about the Fill the Sleigh Toy Drive and how you can help support our efforts, email PDCommunityAffairs@GwinnettCounty.com.
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2024 proposed budget town halls in District 3
I'll host two town halls in December to discuss the Chairwoman's proposed 2024 budget and what it means for you. I'll share highlights about how the proposed budget may impact residents in District 3. Then, open the floor for your questions.
The first town hall will take place on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:00pm at Berean Christian Church Gwinnett located at 1465 Highpoint Road in Snellville. The second will take place on Monday, December 11 at 6:30pm at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. If you're unable to join the second town hall in person, you can watch it on the County's Facebook page.
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Mobile food distribution at Lenora Park
Residents can pick up fresh and shelf-stable foods on Tuesday, December 19 at Lenora Park in Snellville from 3:00pm until supplies last. The distribution site is a contactless drive-thru and no identification is required.
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Gwinnett 101 spring session applications open in December
Are you interested in learning more about District 3 and Gwinnett County? Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy is a 12-week program offered to develop and inform residents, students, and business owners about our great county. Participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at how Gwinnett County Government provides high-quality services to the community. Sessions run from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on Thursday evenings.
Our fall cohort recently graduated, but applications will begin being accepted in December for the Spring 2024 session. Visit Gwinnett101.com for more information.
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Tour Freeman's Mill
Take a stroll along the banks of the Alcovy River and discover a hidden gem listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the restored gristmill at Freeman's Mill Park. One of the last operating gristmills in Gwinnett, it provided wheat flour, cornmeal, and feed for residents and animals for over a century.
Take a tour of the park and discover how this historic site impacted and provided for the local community on Saturday, December 16, or Saturday, December 23 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Freeman's Mill Park in Lawrenceville. This tour is for residents of all ages and is free! Pre-registration is recommended.
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Special Events and Happenings
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The Grinch Games
Saturday, December 9 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Celebrate the season in Suessian style! Families will have an awfully good Grinchy time gathering for an evening of Grinch-themed games, crafts, s'mores, hot cocoa, and Whoville magic! All ages are welcome. Register here. Resident Fee: $8. Non-resident Fee: $15. Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.
Brunch with Santa
Sunday, December 17 from 11:00am to 1:00pm
Delight in a yummy, fun crafting, and meeting Santa! Bring your little ones to hear Santa share a magical story and don't forget your camera for photos. All ages are welcome. Each parent, child, and family member must pay and register in advance by December 8. Resident Fee: $31. Non-resident Fee: $50. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 Crogan Street, Lawrenceville.
Tea with Mrs. Claus
Tuesday, December 19 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Free! Get into the holiday season as you enjoy stories, games, activities, and tea and cookies with Mrs. Claus. All ages are welcome. Register here. Isaac Adair House, 15 South Clayton Street, Lawrenceville.
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