Trolley tours return to Lawrenceville

Trolley tours revived April 4
Gwinnettdailypost.com
LAWRENCEVILLE — Lawrenceville's celebrated trolley tours are set to begin again next month as a means to showcase the historic core of Gwinnett's county ...

A Catered Affair shows at the Aurora

'A Catered Affair' at Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville
Access Atlanta
By Wendell Brock “A Catered Affair,” which Lawrenceville's Aurora Theatre is giving its first post-Broadway production, is a study in disappointment. ...

Valentine's Dinner and Dance

Celebrate Valentine's Day by dancing the night away in the arms of your sweetheart! Join the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse (185 Crogan Street) on Friday, February 12 for an evening of dinner and dancing. Doors open at 6:30 pm for hors d'oeuvres and couple's photos (complimentary). Catering will be provided by The Big "Sha" Bang and dinner will be an Italian buffet.

A DJ will spin tunes for you and your Valentine ranging from big band to swing to rock 'n roll for your dancing pleasure! All guests will have an opportunity to win fabulous door prizes, including, gift certificates for restaurants, spa treatments, theatre tickets, and more! Tickets are $75 per couple.For more information or to make reservations, contact the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse at 770.822.5450.

*Please note: Space is limited and reservations must be booked before February 12th.

Gwinnett Braves Valentine's Day Delivery with Mascot

From Lawrenceville's e-newsletter:

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Enjoy G-Braves Baseball and Surprise Your Loved One Too! The Gwinnett Braves are spreading the love around Gwinnett County this Valentine's Day. Fans that purchase a minimum of 10 games for the 2010 season may have their tickets delivered by Chopper, the Gwinnett Braves mascot, during the week of February 7^th. The delivery fee is $5 and also includes a choice of flowers or a Gwinnett Braves pint glass filled with sweet treats.

Deliveries must take place within a 20 mile radius of Gwinnett Stadium and delivery times during February 7 - 14 will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis. Space is limited. Fans must speak with a G-Braves representative at the Gwinnett Stadium Box Office (M-F, 9:00 - 5:00 p.m.) or (678) 277-0340 to arrange a Valentine's Day delivery.

The Gwinnett Braves are the Triple A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The first game of the 2010 season at Gwinnett Stadium will be on April 8^th against the Charlotte Knights at 2:00 p.m. All Gwinnett Braves 2010 tickets packages, starting as low as $6 per game, are available now at gwinnettbraves.com, the Gwinnett Stadium Box Office and by calling (678) 277-0340.

Valentine's Day Cabaret at Aurora Theatre

From Lawrenceville newsletter:

Aurora Theatre can help to create the perfect Valentine's Day memory for any romance with the 5th Annual Valentine's Concert at Aurora Theatre on Saturday, February 13 at 8:30 PM. The best way to celebrate Valentine's Day is to "Swing with Your Sweetie" at Aurora with the 17-piece smokin' hot Metro Jazz Club. Nothing beats a set of big band tunes to set the mood for romance, some of the selections you will hear include love songs like: You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You, The Glory of Love and Almost Like Being in Love. Special Guest singers include Aurora Theatre favorites: Ann-Carol Pence and Glenn Rainey.

Once again, Aurora Theatre makes it easy for the guys to look good by providing "One call concierge service." Aurora Theatre has put together dinner & show packages for couples in conjunction with this magical night of entertainment. New this year, a choice of either fine dining or casual dining is being offered. Restaurant partners include some of Gwinnett's favorite restaurants: Sperata on the Square, Dominick's, McCray's Tavern on the Square, S.A.B. Bistro and Italia Café.

Want to make an even bigger splash? Aurora Theatre can arrange to have a beautiful bouquet from Huff's Flowers, romantic jewelry from Sparkle! or a gift certificate for a massage from Miracles of Massage. Just like Aurora Theatre, all of these businesses were named Best of Gwinnett. All gifts will be waiting at the theatre when guests arrive.

For more information, contact the Aurora Theatre at 678.226.2639 or visit www.auroratheatre.com.

Valentine's deal at Medieval Times

The only thing that makes me wonder about this special is that there's no mention of the meal. Looks like a very good deal though.

Travel back in time this Valentine's Day and be her Knight in Shining Armour! Offering three different sets of show times from Friday, February, 12th through Sunday, February 14th, Medieval Times is able to accommodate multiple schedules including Friday, Feb. 12 at 8:00pm, Saturday, Feb. 13 at 5 & 7:30pm, and Sunday, Feb. 14 at 5 & 7:30pm.

Medieval Valentine's Package - $30+tax per couple

• 2 photos in tri-fold frame
• 2 glasses of champagne (or non-alcoholic beverage for those under 21)
• 2 logoed champagne glasses
• 1 Valentine's scroll
• 1 lighted rose
• 1 cheering wand
• 2 dungeon admissions
• 2 cheering flags

Valentine's Package Upgrade Options (in addition to $30 package price)

• $15 rose heart necklace
• $20 pewter rose
• $100 heart glass flute set and bottle of champagne or cider

For more information or to book your Valentine's Day package call 1-888-WE-JOUST.

FREE Things to do today Saturday Aug 2, 2008

Riverside Sounds 2008: 7 p.m.featuring Nicole Chillemi. Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. 770-641-3705, www.roswellgov.com.

Old Soldiers Day Parade: Tribute to war veterans, beginning at 8:45 a.m., with parade at 10:15, Main Street, Alpharetta. 678-297-6078, www.alpharetta.ga.us.

Riverside Sounds 2008: 7 p.m. featuring Nicole Chillemi. Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. 770-641-3705, www.roswellgov.com.

Summer Music Series Presented by Coca-Cola: Bria Kam performs 2-4 p.m. North Georgia Premium Outlets, 800 Ga. 400 S., Dawsonville. 706-216-3609, www.premiumoutlets.com.

WoodstockSouth Concert: Featuring Assembly of Dust, event also includes 24-hour extreme marathon, 7:30 p.m., Downtown City Park, Woodstock. 770-517-6788, www.woodstockga.gov.

Wilson Braswell performs at 6:30 p.m. Saturday; in August, there's Legend on Aug. 2, Stone Echo on Aug. 9, Ally X on Aug. 16. 3333 Buford Drive, Buford. 678-482-8788, www.mallofgeorgia.com.

from Ajc metro page

Free things to do today July 26

Family Fun Ride: Five-mile bike ride from Roswell Area Park to Bulloch Hall and back, 9 a.m. departure, 678-520-7337, www.bikeroswell.com.

7th Annual Youth Fishing Derby: Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department tournament for ages 5-12, from 8-11 a.m Lake near Brookside Office Park Preregistration required. 678-297-6140, www.alpharetta.ga.us.

Swing And Latin Dancing Workshop: Noon for teens, adults and seniors. Reservations required. Roswell Library, 770-640-3075, www.afplweb.com.

Outdoor Tai Chi: Weekly teaching and practice. 7:30-8:30 a.m. Saturdays, Webb Bridge Park, 4780 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta; 7:30-8:30 a.m. Sundays, Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road Alpharetta. Weather permitting. 678-977-4393, sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/JohnsCreekTaiChi.

activities found at AJC Metro page online

Regional Premiere of The Dinosaur Musical

Don't let the title of Robert and Willie Reale’s The Dinosaur Musical fool you into thinking this play has anything to do with a purple singing dinosaur for preschool children. The Dinosaur Musical is a jazzy madcap musical that is fun for the entire family, and we do mean the entire family because of the many underlying themes that speak to adults and older children too.

the curtain time to 7:00 PM for our Thursday evening performances
Family 4 Pack that will include 4 tickets and 4 drinks for only $48.

Homeschooling families like mine will be glad to find a study guide on the website to go through before attending the musical.

For more information go here:

Childrens Book Illustrator at Suwanee Library

Liz Conrad, professional children's book illustrator, will be at the Suwanee Library Branch on Wednesday, February 13th at 7 pm to talk about her art, her books, and advice for aspiring young illustrators.

Learn how to begin writing your own book (for the Reading Rainbow 14th Annual Young Writers and Illustrators Contest)

Open to kids in grades K-3...write a book for a chance to win a prize.

Entry forms and rules available at the program or at http://www.gpb.org/readingrainbow

Entries must be received by March 3, 2008

Gwinnett Historic Courthouse Bridal and Fashion Show

Over 40 area vendors will display services ranging from catering, cakes and photography to event planning, florals and transportation. Emceed by Arba Tucker of Atlanta Wedding Ideas, the event will include two fashion shows, at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., both featuring tuxedos by Savvi Formalwear of Atlanta and gowns by Sweet Memories Bridal & Tuxedo of Lawrenceville. Complete Music will provide DJ services for the event, and My Special Events and Stacey Sparks Events will provide decorations for the courthouse. Gwinnett Historic Courthouse representatives will also be available for consultations during the bridal show.

2008 Winter Bridal and Fashion Show on Sun., Jan. 20 from 2-6 p.m. at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in downtown Lawrenceville
Admission is $3.00

Coming up at the Aurora Theatre:

January 17 - February 10, 2008
Dial M for Murder
A bitter former athlete seems to plan the perfect murder and as the sensational trial ensues, chock full of twists, the guilty party seems to wriggle off the hook at every turn. Will justice prevail? To find out you will have to attend Fredrick Knott�s classic thriller that premiered on the stage in 1952 before becoming the signature Alfred Hitchcock film.

March 13 - April 6, 2008
The Dinosaur Musical
Music by Robert Reale
Book and Lyrics by Willie Reale
Robert and Willie Reale, creators of the smash hit A Year With Frog and Toad, are back with a pre-historic family treat. When a giant meteor collides with the earth and wreaks havoc with the ecosystem, the dinosaurs sign a peace pact called the �Treaty of Meat� in order to avoid extinction. The cast includes an adolescent T-Rex who would be king, a Parasaurolophus singing star and a Triceratops comedian together in a madcap, jazzy musical that is fun for all ages.

Area Attractions

Looking for things to do that won't take you too far? Check out these local attractions

Chateau Elan
Lake Lanier Islands
Lake Lanier
Southeastern Railway Museum
Stone Mountain Park
Lincoln Tennis Center at Stone Mountain
Yellow River Game Ranch

New Years Eve In Lawrenceville

Jillian's in the Discover Mills Mall Lawrenceville, GA

New Year's Eve at Jillian's w/99X Matt C and Lewis

Lawrenceville Rings
(Monday, December 31)
COUNTDOWN TO THE NEW YEAR WITH A MIDNIGHT FIREWORKS DISPLAY! The Family Atmosphere comes alive with music venues featuring swing, jazz, blues & country-rock bands, magic, puppetry, giant slides & space walks, gyro rides, wagon hay rides, musical theatre reviews & lots of great food! FREE Parking/Shuttle: Lawrenceville Church of God and the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center.

Auld Lang Syne in Lawrenceville

Longtime jazz musician Johnny Knapp and his band will bring in the new year at the senior citizens' New Year's Eve dance at the Gwinnett Senior Center in Bethesda Park. Knapp, who honed his skills with such jazz greats as Miles Davis and Billie Holiday, will swing Sinatra, Ellington and other legends' music 8-10 p.m. Monday. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. No alcohol will be served. The senior center is located at 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville. For tickets and info call 770-995-9163.

A Medieval Time in Lawrenceville

Bring in the year in the Middle Ages. The castle's package includes a tour through its torture chamber, a four-course feast, jousting and dancing. Plus a continental breakfast after midnight when balloons drop and guests raise their glasses for a champagne toast. Doors are open at

9:30 p.m. Monday. $84.95 VIP; $74.95 (all ticket prices include gratuity). Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. 1-888-935-6878, www.medievaltimes.com.

Ringing in Lawrenceville

Families can ring in the new year with free live music that ranges from jazz to country rock at the Gwinnett Courthouse Square. Kids can check out puppet shows, slides, spacewalks and gyro rides. The celebrating starts at 7:30 p.m. Monday and goes till 1 a.m. The square is located at 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-2639, www.visitlawrenceville.com.

Things to do this New Years Eve

Duluth:

Dance one year out, another in at Encore nightclub in Duluth
Hors d'oeuvres will be served during a buffet from 8-10 p.m. Admission is $30 before Monday, $40 at the door. Special tables will be available for $35-$40. If you've got a big group, consider the VIP area with sofas and high-top tables where guests receive two bottles of champagne and breakfast after midnight. The cost is $800-$1,100. Encore is located at 3473 Old Norcross Road, Duluth. 678-584-1800, www.atlencore.com.

Go to Church, country-style
Country music star Eric Church sings his hit "Guys Like Me" and other tunes. Plus a DJ spins everything from rock to hip-hop. Admission is $35-$100. Doors open at 7 p.m. Monday. Wild Bill's, 2075 Market St., Duluth. 678-473-1000, www.wildbillsatlanta.com.

Lawrenceville:

A Medieval Time in Lawrenceville
Bring in the year in the Middle Ages. The castle's package includes a tour through its torture chamber, a four-course feast, jousting and dancing. Plus a continental breakfast after midnight when balloons drop and guests raise their glasses for a champagne toast. Doors are open at
9:30 p.m. Monday. $84.95 VIP; $74.95 (all ticket prices include gratuity). Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. 1-888-935-6878, www.medievaltimes.com.

Ringing in Lawrenceville
Families can ring in the new year with free live music that ranges from jazz to country rock at the Gwinnett Courthouse Square. Kids can check out puppet shows, slides, spacewalks and gyro rides. The celebrating starts at 7:30 p.m. Monday and goes till 1 a.m. The square is located at 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-2639, www.visitlawrenceville.com.

Hang out at the Atlanta Thrashers' practice session at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Atlanta Ice Forum in Duluth. Public ice-skating sessions are held 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., 3-5 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. Night sessions are 8-10 p.m. Monday and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. $7 admission; $3 for children ages 5 and younger. $3 skate rental. The rink is at 2300 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth. 770-813-1010, www.iceforum.com.

Free puppet show

I just got a message from a friend who really enjoyed the puppet show and recommends everyone go there and see it. The next show is Thursday the 13th at the Collins Hill Library in Lawrenceville.

Here is the link to her review of the show.

Aurora Children's Playhouse Puppet Shows

The Aurora Theatre has assembled the best children’s performers in the region bringing them to Gwinnett County in order to give parents and children the chance to experience a live performance. story here

The theatre is located at
128 Pike Street
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30045
678-226-6222

Have you been to the Veterans Museum

My kids and I go to the Gwinnett County Veterans museum in the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse in downtown Lawrenceville. Compiled and he Gwinnett Veterans Council, they also give great detailed tours. We learn something new every time.

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Nutcracker opening

Gwinnett Ballet Theatre will welcome in the Holiday Season with its 26th annual production of “The Nutcracker.” Held in the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center in Gwinnett Center, Duluth, Georgia, GBT’s “Nutcracker” will be performed on weekends from November 30th through December 16th.

more here:

At the Lawrenceville Libraries

Lawrenceville Branch: 1001 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lawrenceville 30045
Thurs Nov 15 Preschool Storytime for ages 2-5 10am
Puppet Show GCPL Puppeteers Mon Dec 10 2pm

Collins Hill Branch: 455 Camp Perrin Road Lawrenceville GA 30043
Preschool Storytime Ages 2-5 Tues 10 am Nov 13 & Wed 11:30 am Nov 14
Terrific Series Piccadilly Puppet Company Thursday Nov 29 7pm
Puppet Show GCPL Puppeteers Thursday Dec 6 at 2pm

For more info on local libraries go here