Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- The Gwinnett Braves have announced the Next Stop Foundation as the recipient of the December 2011 grant. The Next Stop Foundation will receive $1,000 in grant money for exemplifying the "season of giving" theme.

The Next Stop Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides an afternoon program where adults with mild developmental disabilities can gather and socialize, enjoy recreation and learn life skills.

Next Stop members engage in four hours of daily activity including social interaction, physical activity, crafts, education and cooking.

"The Next Stop is thrilled to be the recipient of this generous contribution to our program," said Vicki LaRoche, co-founder of the program.

"On behalf of everyone at Next Stop, especially our members and their families, we thank the Gwinnett Braves for the community outreach and look forward to an ongoing relationship with them."

Created by Stu and Vicki LaRoche in 2007, the Next Stop Foundation has served more than 79 developmentally disabled adults ages 18 and older in the area.

For more information about the program or to make a donation, visit www.thenextstop.org or call (404) 932-3953.

New art exhibit explores impact of automobiles

DULUTH -- The Southeastern Railway Museum is presenting an art exhibition that takes a look at the culture of automobiles, the nation's dependence on them and their environmental impact.

The exhibit is open to the public Thursday through Feb. 11. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.

In operation since 1970, the Southeastern Railway Museum is Georgia's official transportation history museum. Occupying a 35-acre site in Duluth, the museum offers exhibits dealing with the history and importance of transportation in the development of the state and the region.

The collection includes about 90 pieces of railroad rolling stock, including historic locomotives, passenger and freight cars and maintenance vehicles.

The museum also features historic automobiles, firefighting equipment and buses from MARTA and its predecessors.

The museum is located at 3595 Buford Highway, Duluth.

For information about the museum, e-mail marketing@southeasternrailwaymuseum.org.

Calligrapher shows art in Buford

BUFORD -- Local calligrapher Maria Turk will be at the Buford branch of the Gwinnett Public Library from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 21, where she will demonstrate her craft for art enthusiasts.

A seasoned calligraphy artist, she is also a member of the International Associate of Master Penman, Engrossers, Teachers of Handwriting and Friends of the Alphabet Calligraphy Guild of Atlanta.

She will be available for questions and discussion about her art and the practice of calligraphy throughout her demonstration. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information about events and programs at the Gwinnett County Public Library, visit

www.gwinnettpl.org or call (770) 978-5154.

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