Elliott Brack Talks About Journalism, His Life, and Gwinnett History
Elliot Brack, a longtime journalist and resident of Gwinnett County, founded the Gwinnett Forum. The online forum has attracted a steady flow of content from various sources that Brack carefully moderates and publishes. This episode highlights the county’s transformation, local histories, and the importance of providing a platform for diverse public opinions and covering local news. Hosted by Rico Figliolini.
Timestamp:
00:00:00 - Elliot Brack's Lifelong Journalism Journey
00:02:51 - Unexpected Opportunities and Challenges of Running an Online Forum
00:04:37 - Balancing Political Perspectives
00:06:38 - Gwinnett County's Rapid Growth and Media Coverage Challenges
00:09:46 - Balancing Short and Long-Form Journalism
00:11:14 - Exploring the Unexpected in Gwinnett County
00:15:44 - A Newspaper Man's History of Gwinnett County
00:17:39 - 366 Facts About Gwinnett County
00:24:14 - Diversity of Cuisine in Georgia
00:26:56 - Daughter's Passing and Cherished Memories
00:30:16 - Voting Irregularities in Small-Town Elections
00:33:32 - Jury Duty and Politics
00:35:25 - Serving in the Army in Germany
00:39:44 - Closing Thoughts
Saturday night at Peachtree Corners Town Center was a sensational and electrifying tribute to Queen Bey! From 'Single Ladies' to 'Formation,' every beat and move celebrated Beyoncé in style. The dancers' unparalleled talent shone brightly throughout the performance, charging the atmosphere with excitement and admiration. This tribute was immaculate, and a huge thanks to everyone who made this event unforgettable! 🎤 🎸
📸: Video by student photographer @karlyle_johnson
What's going on at Jones Bridge Park and the Challenges of Urban Development.
In this episode of Prime Lunchtime with the City Manager, host Rico Figliolini discusses the ongoing trash problems at Jones Bridge Park in Gwinnett County with City Manager Brian Johnson. They explore the park's overcrowding, littering, and the challenges of managing such a popular amenity. The conversation also touches on recent city council decisions regarding new apartment developments, focusing on smart city features, development approvals, balancing office market and community needs, navigating mixed-use development challenges, and the complexities of property rights and community growth. Tune in to hear insights on balancing community needs, maintaining public spaces, and navigating the complexities of urban development.
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00:00:00 - Jones Bridge Park Vandalism Concerns
00:01:40 - Challenges at Jones Bridge Park: Overcrowding, Lack of Oversight, and Resident Concerns
00:08:55 - Addressing Trespassing and Security Concerns at a Local Park
00:14:24 - Automated Gate Proposal for Park Closure
00:16:54 - Proposal for Improving Park Management and Funding
00:18:48 - Balancing Amenities and Maintenance Costs in Public Spaces
00:23:32 - Maintaining Public Spaces and Addressing Transient Residents
00:25:48 - Development Approvals: Recommendations and Council Decisions
00:30:27 - Balancing Office Market and Community Needs
00:34:38 - Navigating Mixed-Use Development Challenges
00:37:56 - The Complexities of Development Approvals
00:44:04 - Property Rights and Community Growth
00:47:11 - Complexities of Urban Development
00:51:34 - Addressing Affordable Housing Challenges in the Community
CHRIS 180 Expands its Services into Gwinnett County
On this episode, RJ Encinas from CHRIS180 discusses the organizations' missions to provide trauma-informed behavioral health and wraparound services to children, families, and adults in the Atlanta and Gwinnett County communities. Programs address underlying experiences impacting families, not just presenting issues. CHRIS180 provides counseling and support services regardless of insurance status, partnering with local organizations. Hosted by Rico Figliolini
USA Pickleball's Mike Nealy Shares Insights on the Sports Growth and the Organization's Mission
Mike Nealy, CEO of USA Pickleball, shares insights on the sport's rapid growth and the challenges of managing the national governing body. USA Pickleball has expanded from a volunteer-run organization to having 35 full-time employees to keep up with the rapid growth of the sport. USA Pickleball aims to support overall development, including expanding its membership base, promoting the sport in schools and youth camps, and developing new membership structures. With host Rico Figliolini
Resources:
USA Pickleball Website: https://usapickleball.org/
Regina Matthews in Run-Off June 18 for Gwinnett Superior Court Judge
Magistrate Court Judge Regina Matthews is a candidate for the upcoming June 18th runoff election for Superior Court Judge in Gwinnett County. Regina discusses improving court efficiency by setting deadlines, utilizing magistrates and senior judges, virtual hearings, digitizing processes, and maintaining accurate records. She also discusses challenges like housing insecurity's impact on crime, accountability courts, and public engagement. The Run-off is Tuesday, June 18th. Host Rico Figliolini.
Tuwanda Rush Williams in Run-Off June 18 for Gwinnett Superior Court Judge
The Tuesday, June 18th run-off election for Gwinnett Superior Court Judge is almost here. In my interview with candidate Tuwanda Rush Williams, you will find out why she is running, her plans for mental health issues in the inmate population, why transparency and responsibility are important to her, and how she will rebuild trust in the judicial system. We covered more than that and I hope you find this interview informative. Your host Rico Figliolini.
Steve Gasper, in the Run-Off for Gwinnett County School Board, District 3
Steve Gasper is a candidate for the Gwinnett County School Board runoff election on June 18th. As a parent with children in the Gwinnett County public school system, Gasper wants to maintain high-quality education while addressing policy changes. Steve highlights the importance of transparency, the challenges posed by technology, and the need to support and listen to teachers to improve morale and keep experienced educators in the classroom. With your host Rico Figliolini
Sucré: New Orleans-Style Luxury Pastry Shop Opening in Peachtree Corners
Abney Harper, co-owner of the luxury New Orleans brand Sucré, shares her journey into the culinary world. Sucré recently opened its first location outside of New Orleans in Woodstock, Atlanta, marking an exciting expansion. Abney hopes to create a beautiful, magical experience showcasing handcrafted, complex pastries while ensuring quality and consistency. The Forum at Peachtree Corners will open this fall, 2024. This interview by Rico Figliolini
Shana V. White in the Runoff for Gwinnett County School Board District 3
Shana V. White is in the run-off for the Gwinnett County School Board, District 3, with the crucial election date set for June 18th. In our podcast, she emphasizes the importance of voter turnout and shares her vision for enhancing transparency in the board's operations. We delve into topics such as school safety, the synergy between education and compassion, and the role of AI in the educational landscape. Don't miss this insightful discussion on why your vote matters. With your host Rico Figliolini
Transforming Offices to Apartments & Building New Cities from Scratch with Brian Johnson
Converting office buildings into apartments is a complex and challenging process, often met with a low success rate due to the inherent design of office structures. Warehouses, on the other hand, offer a simpler conversion path. In this episode, Brian Johnson delves into the intricacies of these transformations and explores what it takes to establish a new city within a metropolitan area, especially when local residents feel their taxes are being misused or siphoned off by the county. Discover the key factors and considerations behind these urban development endeavors. Hosted by Rico Figliolini
Scott Hilton talks about the recent Georgia Legislative Session
This podcast interview with Scott Hilton, Georgia State House Rep 48, discussed teacher raises, new funding for school security, homestead exemption increases, a state income tax cut, and more. With host Rico Figliolini.
Good Samaritan Gwinnett: Primary Medical & Dental Care Mission
Shameka Allen, CEO of Good Samaritan Gwinnett, works in nonprofit healthcare and brings a working mother's perspective to an organization serving over 52,000 people since 2005. Good Samaritan provides primary medical and dental care to over 300,000 uninsured patients in Gwinnett County, Georgia, with fee-based, discounted services funded through patient fees, donations, and grants. They face challenges such as language barriers and navigating the healthcare system for specialty care within their predominantly Hispanic patient population. Our podcast interview with your host, Rico Figliolini, covers this and more in our latest episode.
Timestamp:
00:00:00 - Introducing Shameka Allen, CEO of Good Samaritan Gwinnett
00:02:39 - Passion for Nonprofit Healthcare
00:03:42 - Providing Dignified Healthcare to the Uninsured
00:09:07 - Navigating Healthcare Challenges for Underserved Communities
00:12:07 - Partnering for Community Health
00:14:20 - Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Gwinnett County
00:15:48 - Expanding Healthcare Services Through SPA Model
00:18:36 - Launching a Healthcare Training Academy
00:21:31 - Addressing Healthcare Workforce Shortages
00:23:07 - Volunteers Becoming Medical Professionals
00:24:50 - Expanding Access to Vocational Training
00:27:29 - Serving Uninsured Patients Through Community Partnerships
00:30:25 - The Value of Primary Care: Saving Money and Lives
00:33:14 - Dignified Experience: Exploring Good Samaritan Gwinnett
Ruwa Romman on Recent Georgia Legislation and Gaza
Georgie House Rep Ruwa Romman shares her views on recent legislation that has been signed into law by Governor Kemp and some that didn't make it. Plus, Romman shared her view on the war in Gaza. With your host Rico Figliolini.
Good Get's Dan Lawson Shares His Vision for Pickleball Apparel
Rico Figliolini interviews Dan Lawson, co-founder of Good Get Apparel. Dan shares his journey of discovering pickleball during the pandemic and creating a brand tailored to players' needs. They discuss the challenges of launching an apparel brand, emphasizing details, fit, fabric, and customer feedback. They highlight strategies for selling at events and leveraging social media influencers. They also note the growth of pickleball facilities and the importance of catering to a diverse demographic.
Comic Book and Children's Book Author Greg Burnham
Greg Burnham, a Norcross-based comic book and children's book author who is attending this month's Momocon over Memorial Day Weekend, spoke with Rico Figliolini this week. They talked about his recent contributions to comic anthologies Milestone Initiative (featuring Icon), Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun (featuring Superman), and DC Power 2024 - and, his latest children's book, Swim, Kelly! Swim!
They also talked about collaborating with artists, crafting compelling characters, feedback from beta readers, and the evolving landscape of diversity and representation in comics, stressing the importance of authentically empowering marginalized voices to shape narratives.
Resources:
MomoCon Website: https://www.momocon.com/
Greg Burnham Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gregburnhambooks/
Peachtree Corners Development Pressures Lead to a Moratorium and Proactive City Planning
This episode features special guest Shaun Adams, Peachtree Corners' new Community Development Director who continues as Assistant City Attorney. Shaun's responsibilities include identifying areas that could benefit from redevelopment, planning, administering, and implementing redevelopment projects, and helping to identify and obtain public funding for projects.
Part of our discussions include the 6-month moratorium on new residential development in the central business district which reflects a reassessment of the city's needs. Included in the podcast discussion was a discussion on zoning and development, emerging market trends, navigating development pressures, and community and business roles. Hosted by Rico Figliolini
Why Baron Reinhold is Running for Gwinnett County Sheriff
“You have to have a force that people want to join, and that is incumbent upon the leader to create the environment where people love to work. Where they know that their boss has their back. They know that their boss is looking out for their career. They're invested in training, equipping them, and so on.” Baron Reinhold talks about his run to be the next Gwinnett County Sheriff.
Reinhold, who has a 30-year military background, discusses his varied experiences in the Navy, including leadership roles in nuclear command and reconnaissance. He aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the sheriff's department through measures like budget audits and public forums. He stresses the importance of restoring public trust by addressing organizational issues promptly and effectively, including staffing shortages and jail safety concerns. Listen in with your host Rico Figliolini
Yanin Cortes Shares Why She's Running for Gwinnett County School Board
Peachtree Corner resident and Cuban immigrant Yanin Cortes shares her journey from struggling with English in her first year in an American elementary school to running for the Gwinnett County School Board. Endorsed by local leaders, she highlights system strengths and challenges. Yanin is a talented singer, entrepreneur, and mother of three who stresses the importance of community support, clear policies, and continuous improvement to address new challenges. Listen in to hear more about this candidate and the upcoming election.
How Shakespeare in the Park in Peachtree Corners Came Together
In Shakespeare's day, London theaters like the Globe accommodated up to 3,000 people watching popular plays. In open-air theatres, the cheapest price of admission was only 1 penny, which bought you a place amongst the ‘groundlings’ standing in the ‘yard’ around the stage.
Shakespeare in the Park in Peachtree Corners will be free, and much like then, we'll be outdoors, but we'll be listening to a contemporary version of “Much Ado About Nothing.” I spoke with Susanna Wilson and Charlie T. Thomas from Contemporary Classic Theatre about bringing Shakespeare to our city, what it takes, where they're presenting, and all the things that must happen for this year's presentation. Podcast hosted by Rico Figliolini.
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/CC.CrewofPatches/
The shows will be held at Simpsonwood Park in City of Peachtree Corners, Georgia on Saturday, May 11 (2 PM and 5 PM) and Sunday, May 12th (3 PM)
