The Gwinnett community continues its annual tradition of Christmas Tree Recycling through Georgia’s ‘Bring One for the Chipper Program.’ The annual tradition of Christmas Tree Recycling began in 1984 as a partnership between Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, 13 local governments, Georgia Power and Jackson EMC to reduce the illegal dumping of trees on roadsides. Since the beginning of the program, it is estimated that more than 1,300,000 trees have been recycled and diverted from landfills.

Residents are encouraged to give back to nature and bring their Christmas tree, stripped of all lights and decorations, to one of approximately 30 local drop-off locations listed below between December 26 and January 16. Artificial trees will not be accepted.

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If volunteerism is a measure of someone’s passion, then Lisa Sellman’s knows no bounds.

Sellman, a professional dog trainer and owner of a pet care business, volunteers periodically with no fewer than 16 different organizations, with her activities ranging from working at an animal shelter to taking disabled kids on nature hikes during the summer. She is a community activist and lifelong volunteer, and she knows what it means to serve others.

“If you want to feel good, volunteer,” said Sellman, also author of the children’s book “The Legend of the Wolves of Gunflint Lake (www.lisasellman.com),” which contains the theme of the value of community service. “There are few ways to feel as good about yourself as volunteering. Now, I realize that many of us are wrapped up with work and family, trying to make ends meet, so the idea of volunteering can seem like it’s just another ‘have-to’ to write into the already crowded calendar. However, I know for a fact that if you do it right, it can be a great stress reliever and a source of true joy in your life.”

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Gwinnett County will host the annual Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial in Lawrenceville. The public is invited to attend this observance to pay tribute to the men and women who have served honorably in the military, during wartime or peacetime, and to memorialize the fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives to protect our nation.

Gwinnett County Chairman Charlotte Nash, District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter and County Administrator Glenn Stephens will lead this year’s ceremony. The keynote address will be given by retired Brig. Gen. Daniel J. Kaufman, president of Georgia Gwinnett College. Honor guard units from the Gwinnett County Police, Fire and Emergency Services and Sheriff’s Departments and the Lawrenceville Police Department will also take part in the event. No new names will be added to the memorial during this year’s ceremony.

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Photo courtesy of Atlanta History Center

September in Atlanta brings cooler weather, the beautiful colors of autumn leaves, and an array of cultural traditions. As a result, this is the perfect time for outdoor activities with family and friends. To celebrate this wonderful time of year and honor the rich traditions of the Southeast, Atlanta History Center presents Fall Folklife Festival. Held Saturday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fall Folklife Festival offers a full day of enriching activities designed to delight and educate every member of the family on time-honored crafts and environmental sustainability.

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The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners recently approved a resolution to implement a countywide volunteer program, establishing a goal to reach one million volunteer hours per year by 2015. While some departments already have active volunteer programs in place, the comprehensive Volunteer Gwinnett program was developed in response to an Engage Gwinnett committee recommendation to engage residents in volunteer activities to support government operations and potentially save money.

Gwinnett resident and 12Stone Church CFO Norwood Davis served on the Engage Gwinnett committee and championed the idea of a countywide volunteer program. Davis said, “Volunteer Gwinnett gives residents an opportunity to serve one another for the common good. Everyone can make a difference, and I encourage my fellow residents to join me in keeping our community a great place to live, work and play.”

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