Hey neighbor!
Happy Monday — though I know it probably doesn't feel very "happy" with all this ice and snow outside.
If you're stuck at home today (and maybe tomorrow too), I wanted to give you a few ideas to make the most of it. I've got one fun indoor activity for the whole family, a comedy for the adults to enjoy after bedtime, a family-friendly movie everyone can watch together, and an important county resource in case you need help during this storm.
Stay warm, stay safe, and let's make the best of it.
🎨 INDOOR ACTIVITY: Family Game Tournament
Turn your living room into a game arena today! Set up a family tournament with board games, card games, or even video games if that's your thing.
How to make it fun:
Create a tournament bracket on paper and hang it on the fridge
Award homemade medals or certificates to the winners
Let each family member pick one game for the lineup
Make it special with popcorn, hot chocolate, or a special snack
Game ideas if you need inspiration:
Classic Board Games: Monopoly, Scrabble, Clue, Uno
Family Favorites: Ticket to Ride, Apples to Apples, Jenga
Card Games: Go Fish, Crazy Eights, Phase 10
Active Indoor Games: Charades, Pictionary, indoor scavenger hunt
The goal isn't perfection — it's laughter, connection, and making memories while you're all cooped up together.
🎬 MOVIE GAME FOR MOVIE BUFFS: It’s called “BOMB”
I love movies, A LOT. But then i realized how much I do not know about the movies I watch or love. This game will not only challenge you but give you insigfht into the people around you and their knowledge, and the movies you all love… I have learned a lot about these movies
Game play: no materials needed, just the old noggin. Can be from 2-to as many players as you can handle. No looking things up during game play, because that’s called cheating. And as best as you can, do not repeat movie names.
Our House Rules: no animated movies, or TV series (you could decide for yourself)
So example is with 4 players, but again you can have as many as you want.
PLAYER 1: (starts by naming a Movie) “Erin Brokovich”
PLAYER 2: (must name an actor who is in this film) “Julia Roberts”
PLAYER 3: (must now name a different movie that Julia Roberts plays in) “Notting Hill”
PLAYER 4: (must now say another actor in that movie) “Hugh Grant”
PLAYER 1: (must now say a different movie Hugh Grants plays in) “Wonka”
PLAYER 2: (can choose to challenge by yelling BOMB, and now previous player must name another actor in that movie “wonka”, because they believe they don’t know any)
If player 1 does mention another actor correct, than player 2 gets the letter “B”
If player 1 gets it wrong, then they get the letter “B”
You could choose to challenge at any point in the game, the objective is to get other players to spell the word BOMB to get the out.
However, you could only call BOMB and the player previous to you, not other players in the game.
Keep playing until there are only two players left.
Give me your feedback, is it fun? Complicated?
🎬 MOVIE FOR THE ADULTS: "Ghostbusters: Answer the Call" — Netflix
After the kids are in bed, treat yourself to some laughs. This 2016 comedy (now on Netflix) stars Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones as the new Ghostbusters taking on supernatural threats in New York City.
It's hilarious, high-energy, and exactly what you need after a long day of entertaining kids indoors. The chemistry between the cast is fantastic, and Chris Hemsworth steals scenes as the team's hilariously clueless secretary.
Pour yourself something warm, put your feet up, and enjoy some well-deserved laughs.
📍 Streaming now on Netflix
🎬 FAMILY MOVIE: "Pitch Perfect" — Netflix
This feel-good musical comedy is perfect for the whole family (ages 10+). It follows a college student who joins an a cappella group and discovers the surprisingly competitive world of singing competitions.
It's uplifting, funny, and filled with amazing musical performances that'll have everyone singing along. The story is heartwarming, the humor is clean, and it's the kind of movie that leaves everyone in a good mood.
Pro tip: Make it a movie event with blankets, pillows, and hot cocoa with marshmallows.
📍 Streaming now on Netflix
💡 COUNTY RESOURCE: Gwinnett County Emergency Services
If you need help during this winter storm — whether it's warming centers, emergency shelter, road conditions, or other assistance — Gwinnett County has resources available.
Emergency Management:
📞 (770) 513-5600
Important reminders:
Don't call 911 for power outages — contact Georgia Power at (888) 891-0938
Road conditions: Check GDOT's 511 system or visit 511ga.org
Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary
Check on elderly neighbors if you can do so safely
Keep your phone charged and have backup power sources ready
Warming Centers:
If you lose power or heat, Gwinnett County may open warming centers. Check the county website or call the number above for locations and hours.
Additional Help:
Gwinnett County Non-Emergency Line: (770) 513-5700
Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA): gema.georgia.gov/winter
If you're safe and warm, count your blessings. If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out — that's what these resources are here for.
✨ STAY SAFE OUT THERE
This storm isn't over yet, so keep an eye on the forecast, stay off the roads if you can, and take care of yourself and your family. We'll get through this together.
And hey — if you're making the best of it with family game nights, movie marathons, or creative indoor activities, I'd love to hear about it. Reply and tell me how you're spending your snow days.
Stay warm, neighbor.
— Gus
Your Gwinnett Neighbor
Know someone who lives in Gwinnett? Forward this email to them — they'll thank you.
