Lasseter's in the Loop Happenings

Lasseter in the Loop

Shirley Lasseter-Gwinnett District 1 Commissioner

I’m discovering that blogs are a great way to get the word out about what’s going on locally. Here’s what’s on my mind this month.

Independence Day

Unfortunately, we had to stop the tradition of Gwinnett Glows fireworks show several years ago because we just couldn’t justify the expense. But it’s still a patriotic national holiday, and I hope you’ll take some time to celebrate America’s independence and the hard-earned freedom that we all enjoy in this country.

Duluth Celebrates America at Scott Hudgens Park on Sunday, July 3, from 4-11 p.m. will have fireworks, kids activities, and food vendors.

The Mall of Georgia will have its "9th Annual Fabulous Fourth of July Celebration" Monday, July 4, from 2-11 p.m. Fun, Food and Fireworks for all ages.

The Gwinnett Braves will play the Durham Bulls at Coolray Field on Monday, July 4, at 7:05 p.m. followed by fireworks. So there’s lots of family-friendly entertainment this holiday weekend! You can find even more events at www.gwinnettcounty.com.

On Wednesday, July 6, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the County will host a Patriots Day at McDaniel Farm Park. Come celebrate our nation’s birthday through historical re-enactments, patriotic crafts, and demonstrations like candle-making, quilting, and more! For details, visit www.gwinnettparks.com or pre-register by calling 770-814-4920. McDaniel Farm Park is at 3251 McDaniel Road, Duluth.

And on Friday July 8, there will be a free steel drum concert at the Historic Courthouse in Lawrenceville starting at 10:30 a.m. Bring a brown bag lunch and enjoy the music!

Grilling Safety

My years working in the state Fire Marshal’s office have convinced me of the need to issue a reminder that barbecue grills can be dangerous. Since I’m sure many of us will be grilling over the holiday and in these hot summer months, we need to remember basic safety tips. If you’re using charcoal, go easy on the lighter fluid and never spray it on hot coals. With a gas grill, make sure all connections are tight to prevent gas leaks. Always keep small children and pets away from a hot grill.

Solid Waste and Recycling

The County’s solid waste plan for unincorporated residential areas was rolled out just about one year ago. You may know by now that Gwinnett's solid waste haulers use dedicated trucks for recycling and a method called “single stream recycling.” This means that recyclables are sorted at the recycling center, not curbside. Simply throw all of your recycling into one container — your solid waste hauler will sort it all later. Check out how many items you can recycle! If you recycle all of them you probably won't have one full garbage bin.

Superior Court Judge Michael Clark recently issued a court order finding that Gwinnett County fees for solidwaste and stormwater services are legal and constitutional. He said the County has the authority to contract with private companies to provide those services, to charge the fees on the property tax bill, and to collect the fees as far in advance as is reasonably necessary. To obtain more information and solid waste and recycling service or to view the court orders, visit www.gwinnettcounty.com.

Be sure to note that solid waste haulers in unincorporated Gwinnett County will follow normal trash schedule on the 4th of July. The Gwinnett County Solid Waste and Recycling Call Center will be closed for the holiday, but hauler call centers will be open. You can find you hauler’s contact information at www.sustainablegwinnett.com.

Enjoy Your Parks

July is National Park and Recreation Month so it’s a great time to visit local parks like Shorty Howell Park, George Pierce Park or the West Gwinnett Aquatics Center. 

I’m also glad to report that your County government got the prestigious AAA credit ratings from all three ratings agencies on our water and sewer bonds that we’re refinancing. We’ll take advantage of today’s lower interest rates, which could save us as much as $7.5 million.

Email Newsletters

Your County government wants to keep you informed about what’s happening in your community, such as the residential recycling program, road construction, and TVgwinnett programming. Find out what is going on each week through email newsletters that contain information that is important to homeowners and residents. To receive this information directly, create your email newsletter profile at www.gwinnettcounty.com. We have a fantastic Communications Department, and you will not want to miss what they have to say!

Please don’t hesitate to contact me at 770-822-7000 or shirley.lasseter@gwinnettcounty.com if there’s anything I can do for you.

God Bless our troops and Public Service workers who give us the freedoms we enjoy this very day and keep us safe from harms way. Have a wonderful weekend and may the month be just as rewarding!