Simon1025GDP Script/ Top Stories for August 26th
Publish Date: August 26th
PRE-ROLL:
From The BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Tuesday, August 26th and Happy Birthday to Melissa McCarthy
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia
All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!
Break 1: Kia MOG (07.14.22 KIA MOG)
STORY 1: Duluth's Notre Dame Academy celebrates two decades of 'seeing every student'
For nearly 20 years, Julie Derucki has started her mornings the same way: a long commute, a quiet walk through the halls flipping on lights, and then, at 7:50 a.m., she’s at the front door, greeting every single student with warmth and intention. Rain, shine, freezing cold—it doesn’t matter. It’s her thing.
Notre Dame Academy, a Marist Catholic school in Duluth, has spent 20 years building more than just academics. It’s a community—a village, really—where students are seen, known, and loved.
Teacher Regan Jolley-Sherman felt it the moment she interviewed.
From international potlucks to family picnics, Notre Dame celebrates its people. And while academics matter, Derucki’s focus is clear: raising empathetic, grounded leaders.
STORY 2: Former Kennedy Center manager returns to Gwinnett to lead Lawrenceville Arts Center
Daniela Esteves is coming back to Gwinnett, and this time, she’s taking the reins as complex general manager of the Lawrenceville Arts Center. Most recently with the Kennedy Center in D.C., Esteves has done it all—programming, marketing, event management, you name it. She even spent a couple of years at Gas South District in Duluth before heading north.
Lawrenceville’s Arts Center isn’t just a venue—it’s a hub for connection and culture. And with Esteves at the helm, it’s poised to thrive.
STORY 3: Dick Goodman remembered for support of libraries, Suwanee community
Dick Goodman wore many hats in his 83 years—city councilman, PR pro, photographer, library advocate, and the first chair of Suwanee’s Public Art Commission. But more than titles, he was a storyteller, a community builder, and a man who poured his heart into everything he touched.
Goodman passed away last week, leaving behind a legacy that’s woven into the fabric of Suwanee.
After moving to Suwanee in 2006, it didn’t take long for him to dive in. By 2009, he was on the City Council, later chairing the Gwinnett Library Board for eight years. Today, a room at the Suwanee library bears his name—a fitting tribute for someone who championed the power of stories.
Even in his final hours, Goodman was at a Suwanee planning meeting, still giving back. His family is now raising funds to make the “Novel Idea” sculpture—a granite bench shaped like books—a permanent part of the library he loved so much.
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We’ll be right back
Break 2: MONSTER JAM
STORY 4: Pirates of Lanier Charity Poker Run set for September
For over a decade, the Pirates of Lanier Charity Poker Run has been a highlight for boaters on Lake Lanier, and this year, it’s getting a shake-up. Zach Martin, a longtime participant, is stepping in as the 2025 organizer, and he’s bringing back the big powerboats.
This year’s event, running Sept. 12-13, will benefit K9s for Warriors and the Foster Care Support Foundation—causes close to Martin’s heart.
The weekend will feature everything from a helicopter photoshoot to raft-ups at Cocktail Cove, with nightly stops at Margaritaville and Lanier Islands Resort.
For details, visit www.lanierislands.com.
STORY 5: Discount retailer Burlington opening store in Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville’s about to get a new spot for bargain hunters—Burlington is opening a store at the Shoppes at Creekside, right off State Route 316 at 860 Duluth Highway. The grand opening? Sometime this fall.
Burlington’s pitch? Big brands, small prices—up to 60% less than other retailers. Clothes, shoes, home decor, beauty products, baby gear, even pet toys—it’s all there. And the new store will feature their updated layout with bold signs and organized aisles, making it easier to snag those deals.
This will be Burlington’s 38th Georgia location and sixth in Gwinnett. They’re hiring now—apply at BurlingtonStores.jobs.
We’ll be right back.
Break: MONSTER JAM
STORY 6: ART BEAT: Artist-photographer Debra Barnhart launches new Instagram site filled with wildlife
Rudyard Kipling once called Yellowstone “a howling wilderness… full of unimaginable freaks of fiery nature.” Debra Barnhart? She saw it differently.
Her February trip with National Geographic wasn’t easy. Snow, ice, and heavy camera gear tested her resolve.
The result? Stunning wildlife photos—bison dusted in snow, a white owl, and more.
Her new Instagram, Debra Barnhart Nature Photography, showcases it all.
STORY 7: Georgia Bulldogs Readying for Saturday's Season Opener
The Georgia Bulldogs are easing into the 2025 season, but don’t let that fool you—things are about to get intense. First up? Marshall this Saturday at Sanford Stadium. Then it’s straight into the SEC gauntlet: Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Auburn, Ole Miss. Buckle up.
On offense, it’s a new era. Gunner Stockton, the Rabun County legend, finally gets his shot after Carson Beck’s transfer. Stockton? He’s ready—quiet confidence, big arm, and a fresh set of weapons, including USC transfer Zachariah Branch and Illinois’ Josh McCray.
Defense? Still Georgia’s pride. Sure, they’ve got holes to fill—NFL-sized ones—but returners like C.J. Allen and Daylen Everette are stepping up. Tackling? A work in progress, Smart admits.
New faces, new challenges, same Georgia standard. Let’s see how it plays out.
We’ll have closing comments after this.
Break 4: Ingles Markets 1
Signoff –
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com
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