Snellville Spirit Winter 2022

GRAB

SOME HOLIDAY FUN! SOME HOLIDAY FUN!

Atlanta ICEFORUM

Who wants to go ice skating?

Check out the IceForum and try freestyle skating with family and friends. Like to skate on a regular basis, join the skating club. Ice skating lessons are also available. For more information visit: www.iceforum.com

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds

Nov. 18-20 | Vintage

Market Days

We will be featuring the best vendors from Georgia, as well as artisans from ten other states! Vendors will feature true vintage goods, original art, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, and much more!

For more information visit: gwinnettcountyfair.com

ILLUMINARIUM

550 Somerset Terrace NE, Atlanta

Embark on an African safari. Explore the depths of space. Sip cocktails in a Tokyo night market. From exhilarating natural wonders to enriching cultural moments and beyond, you’ll be immersed in the world’s most extraordinary experiences.

For more information visit: illuminarium.com/atlanta/

Atlanta Botanical Gardens

1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights returns on November 12, 2022 - January 14, 2023. Tickets, available only online, and on sale NOW to the general public. While plenty of the show’s fan-favorite features will return, guests can expect new twists.

For more information visit: atlantabg.org

Looking back on 2022, looking forward to 2023

We are entering what I always think is a special time of year. With the holiday season and the new year just around the corner, it’s a time to reflect on the past year and to be thankful for the many good things we have here in Snellville.

It has been an eventful 2022. It feels like we have gotten back to some normalcy after the uncertainty during the pandemic and how it affected all our lives. I am thankful to the board of directors of Experience Snellville and our Executive Director Kelly McAloon and Administrative Assistant Jessica Manis for keeping our organization moving forward for the citizens of Snellville. A big thank you goes out to all the volunteers that help at all the events produced by Experience Snellville. If you would like to volunteer, please contact STAT through our website www.experiencesnellville.com. In addition, we would like to thank our Keystone Sponsors Walton Gas, E.R Snell, and Piedmont Eastside for their support of Experience Snellville.

We would like to encourage everyone to shop and dine local every day and especially during this holiday season. It is important for us to support our local businesses and restaurants to keep our community strong. We are looking forward to the annual Lighted Christmas Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting on Nov. 26 at the Towne Green.

2023 is going to be eventful with Snellville’s Centennial Celebration, the opening of The Grove, and all the great activities and programs that are produced by Experience Snellville. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and best wishes for you and your family for the new year..

Publisher/Editor: Kelly McAloon Editor: Brian Arrington

Snellville Spirit Magazine is produced by: Snellville Tourism & Trade Association P.O. Box 669 • Snellville, GA 30078 Website: www.ExperienceSnellville.com

Snellville Tourism and Trade Association’s mission is to promote business, tourism and events in the City of Snellville.

President Don Britt Vice President Kurt Schulz Treasurer Lucy DeForest Secretary Kathy Emanuel Board Member

Jared Eakins Board Member Melvin Everson Board Member Alice Snipes Board Member Andrew Yee Board Member Stephanie McDonald Executive Director Kelly McAloon Administrative Assistant Jessica Manis

City Council

Mayor Barbara Bender, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Emanuel, Cristy Lenski, Gretchen Schulz, Tod Warner and Solange Destang City Website: www.snellville.org

Don

Don Britt, President, Experience Snellville

Magazine Design by Brian Arrington, Kelly McAloon and pcoxcreative Magazine Cover Design by pcoxcreative

Contributing Writers and Photographers: Kelly McAloon, Don Britt, Brian Arrington, Gretchen Schulz, Barbara Bender, pcoxcreative, Melvin Everson, Sapphire Haughton, Lisa Sperling and Franchesca Thompson

Connecting our Community to Celebrate Snellville

FROM THE MAYOR

Find out what’s on Mayor Barbara Bender’s mind.

KEEP DRAINS CLEAN

Public Works offers tips on how to keep storm drains clean.

ON THE BEAT

Snellville police have been meeting with the public.

TREE LIGHTING

Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting promises to be fun.

ART AT THE GROVE

Get a look at public art planned for The Grove.

EXTRA, EXTRA!

Extended season of the Farmers’ Market is under way.

GO BRONCOS!

Art program thrives at Brookwood High School.

TABLE TALKS

The Snellville Youth Commission met with local leaders.

GOOD COOKING

Gwinnett Tech is home to a renowned culinary program.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

A listing of church events for the holiday season.

GO COMETS!

There’s a lot going on at South Gwinnett High School.

CITY NEWS

A few words on the latest in the city.

PARKS AND REC.

A look at what’s coming to Snellville Parks.

SHOP LOCAL

Snellville is the place for holiday shopping.

HALLOWEEN FUN!

Local police were passing out candy Halloween night.

SCARECROW WINNERS

A recap of the annual Scarecrow Contest.

PICTURE PAGES

Were you caught on camera at a Snellville event?

FOOD FOR YOU

Two recipes to keep you festive this holiday season.

Mayor’s Message - Mayor Barbara Bender

The Recycling Task Force is hard at work learning about the recycling industry and the challenges we face to provide cost effective service and collect clean, usable recycling materials.

A group of seven citizens were gathered to hear from industry experts and city staff about the changes in recycling material demand. The Task Force has been charged with providing recommendations to the City Council for improvements or changes to our current services. Stay tuned in for more information as it becomes available.

The initial road projects around The Grove at Towne Center development should be finishing up the first part of December. Please continue to slow down and use caution along Oak Road and Wisteria Drive as construction is continuing in the area.

The Grove development continues to move along. The first apartments in The Tomlin are being leased with move-ins

Snellville Public Works

expected the first of December. The new library is looking beautiful and the green space improvements are now underway. You are also seeing the start of construction on two commercial and retail buildings with second floor residential along Clower Street.

As we move into the holiday season there will be many more cars on the roads. Let’s remember that it is illegal in Georgia to be holding a cell phone while driving. Please be hands free or hang up the phone to pay attention to those around you. Is that phone call or text message important enough to warrant an accident?

Let us be mindful that the holidays can add another layer of stress on many families struggling with food insecurity and housing. Consider donating to our local food bank or charities that provide support for children. And let us always be willing to offer some grace when we meet people along our way. We never know what they are dealing with, and a smile and kind word may go a very long way.

On behalf of myself and the City Council, we would like to wish everyone a peaceful and happy holiday season.

Be part of the solution to

storm drain pollution

What is the problem?

Each time it rains, water washes over our streets, driveways, and yards picking up pollutants along the way and flowing into our storm drains. This runoff may contain pollutants such as motor oil, yard clippings, pet waste, litter, lawn chemicals, anti-freeze, or other toxins, which can pollute our water supply as well as clog pipes and culverts which can lead to flooding. Known as “Non-Point Source Pollution”, it is the largest threat to our waterways today. Sometimes pollutants are dumped directly into storm drains by neighbors who don’t know any better. Contrary to popular belief, most storm drains

are not connected to treatment systems. Whatever enters the drain is discharged directly, untreated into local waterways!

How can you help?

The storm drain inlets on your street are being marked with a colorful marker, like the one on the front of this door hanger, with a pollution prevention message. You can help by using the following tips to prevent pollution:

•Properly dispose of hazardous waste and recycle used motor oil.

•Use fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides sparingly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

•Keep yard waste, trash, and dirt off the street and out of the gutters.

•Clean up after your pets.

•Wash your car at a car wash facility or park your car in the grass before you wash it.

•Spread the word about protecting our waterways from polluted runoff.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Police Department

“When complaints come into our department regarding traffic violations, we conduct directed patrols of those areas in order to gain compliance. Our ultimate goal is safety for our residents,” said SPD Chief Greg Perry.

Police awarded H.E.A.T. Grant from the Gov.’s Office of Highway Safety

The Snellville Police Department is pleased to announce it has received a $95,096.06 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. These funds will continue to support the department’s Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic (H.E.A.T.) unit.

The funds from the grant will help finance operating expenses and activity hours for the H.E.A.T. unit. The goal of the H.E.A.T. unit will be to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by impaired driving, speeding, and unrestrained occupants.

SPD meets with community during Faith & Blue Weekend

From Oct 7-10, the Snellville Police Department participated in the Faith & Blue weekend. Faith & Blue’s mission is to facilitate safer, stronger, more just and unified communities by directly enabling local partnerships among law enforcement professionals, residents, businesses and community groups through the connections of local faith-based organizations. The initiative aims to re-calibrate police-community relations through solutionsfocused activities that are organized jointly by faith-based or other community groups and law enforcement agencies.

“This is the third year SPD has participated with Faith & Blue, and we love the partnerships we have with our faith-based community,” said SPD Chief Greg Perry.

Police partner with Dunkin Donuts to benefit Special Olympics

On September 29th, the Snellville Police and Dunkin Donuts partnered with each other for the Cops on Donut Shops program. This program raised money for the Special Olympics, and was a huge success.

“It was an honor to collaborate with Dunkin Donuts to support the Special Olympics, and we look forward to future efforts to help this organization!” said SPD Police Chief Chief Greg Perry

The Snellville Police Department H.E.A.T. unit will participate in G.O.H.S. mobilizations and campaigns such as Click It or Ticket, Operation Zero Tolerance as well as the G.O.H.S. Thunder Task Force mobilizations. The H.E.A.T. unit will also partner with regional local traffic enforcement networks to further combat impaired and aggressive driving on local roadways.

“The Snellville Police Department is excited to continue our partnership with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The grant will enable us to increase our enforcement efforts allowing us to impact impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding and other serious traffic offenses occurring in our city. This will help us achieve our goal to significantly reduce injuries and fatalities resulting from these violations while improving the safety on our roadways for the motoring public,” said SPD Chief Greg Perry.

The grant year for this award runs through Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept 30, 2023.

Traffic safety fact. Since July 1st of this year, the Snellville Police Department has responded to and worked over 60 complaints of dangerous driving inside the city.

Curbing dangerous drivers is Snellville police priority

The Snellville Police Department participated in National Coffee with a Cop Day at Main Street Restaurant, Oct. 5. The motto of the Coffee with a Cop program is ‘building relationships one cup at a time.’

By Kelly McAloon, Executive Director, Experience Snellville

Saturday, November 26th

5-8 PM | Towne Green | 2342 Oak Rd.

Lighted Parade begins at 5:30 PM at Wisteria Plaza and ends at the Towne Green.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year shar ing the holiday experience with family and friends. We are so excited to celebrate the joy and laughter as Snellville celebrates the 41st Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and 9th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade.

We invite you to join us at the Lighted Christmas Parade to kick off the festivities. The parade will start at Wisteria Plaza at 5:30 p.m. and end by the Towne Green. Thousands of people will line the streets to watch the many lighted floats, tractors, and trucks, so plan to get there early for good viewing. And, of course, Santa will be found at the end of the parade ready to greet all the children with well wishes.

In partnership with Experience Snellville, Snellville United Methodist Church presents: A Night in Bethlehem Nov. 26 from 4–7 pm

Snellville UMC – In front of the church (area between the Chapel & Sanctuary)

Live animals and characters from the Bible; making the true story of Christmas come to life.

Plan to celebrate the holiday tradi tion with an evening full of family fun activities for the entire family on the Snellville Towne Green.

• Cookie Decorating by Bill Rhodes Bakery

• Roasted S’mores by Tom Wages Funeral Services

• Build-It Activity by Home Depot

• Ornament Decorating by Experience Snellville

All activiities will charge a nominal fee. As always, you may bring non-perish able foods to trade in for your tickets.

All food donations will be donated to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op to “Give Hunger the Boot”.

Visits with Santa are Free, so be sure to stop by and tell Santa all your wishes.

Each Activity is One Ticket = One Dollar or 2 Cans of Food.

For more information and ticket pricing visit www.ExperienceSnellville.com

Thank you to our Sponsors:

KeystoneSponsor:Walton Gas, E.R. Snell Contractors, Inc. and Piedmont Eastside

BronzeSponsor: Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

FriendsSponsors: Tom M. Wages Funeral Services, Bill Rhodes Bakery, The Home Depot and The Kitchen at Summit Chase Hotels:The Hampton Inn & Suites, LaQuinta Inn & Suites and InTown Suites

The City of Snellville and development partners CASTO and MidCity Real Estate have unveiled the first glimpse of The Grove’s commitment to public art in the form of a massive mosaic-covered bench to border the planned kid-friendly splash pad. The 43-foot bench will feature a 200-square-foot mosaic mural by Jennifer Freeman, an artist whose work has been featured in many Gwinnett cities.

THE GROVE AT TOWNE CENTER

MOSAIC BENCH CONCEPT

Envisioned as a place where commerce and community meet in the heart of Snellville, this designed downtown is attracting businesses and residents with the promise of providing a place for productivity and creativity to flourish. Beautiful green spaces with stunning public art are a large part of what makes such an atmosphere flourish.

“Mayor and Council were unanimous in our appreciation of the mural that will be a staple of The Grove at Towne Center’s landscape,” said Mayor Barbara Bender. “This mural will offer a taste of nature in the middle of what promises to be a vibrant and celebrated destination in our city for decades to come.”

Jennifer Freeman, a native of Chicago and Northwestern alum, is the artist tapped to bring this creation to life and put her stamp on the visual landscape of the unique community crossroads that is The Grove at Towne Center. After working in finance and owning her own travel agency, Freeman went on to follow her artistic passions - studying mosaic techniques in Mexico and Ravenna and Venice, Italy. She has created works for Duluth City Hall, Norcross’ Thrasher Park and Johns Creek Fitness Trail but the Snellville nature-themed mosaic will be her largest work to date.

“The sheer size is a challenge,” Freeman explains. “I am creating the mosaic in my studio, on fiberglass mesh which will be installed on the actual bench later. The mosaic consists of thousands of pieces of tile and glass called tesserae and will take months to complete. There is also the challenge of transporting and installing the work on the completed bench.”

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Artist Jennifer Freeman’s talents will be put on display when she begins and completes a 200-square-foot mosaic mural which will be located on a bench near The Grove’s splash pad.

The Grove at Towne Center

The mosaic has a nature theme that will encompass the entire front of the massive park bench and incorporates colorful images found in nature like flowers, butterflies, birds, bees, insects, turtles and more. The inclusion of a caterpillar, cocoon and butterflies is reminiscent of the transforming community atmosphere represented by the development of The Grove.

“I love what the City of Snellville is doing with The Grove,” Freeman said of the new development. “I was raised in the Midwest, where every town had an actual town center. I have loved watching the various cities throughout Georgia - like Norcross, Duluth, Alpharetta, etc.- develop city centers for the enjoyment of their residents.”

In recent years, Jennifer Freeman has developed a love for creating public works. “I like creating public art for a variety of reasons,” says Freeman. “I like the fact that a large number of people will engage with the work. The public is not typically as familiar with mosaics as other art forms. I enjoy the notion that people will approach a mosaic and often be surprised at the fact that they are actually seeing something made of thousands of pieces. Public works are generally of a larger scale than fine art or private collections. For me this typically means that, in addition to the mosaic itself, there are technical challenges which must be considered, solved, and overcome. This adds an additional dimension to the projects which I find challenging and satisfying.”

Comprising 18 total acres, The Grove at Towne Center will include over 275 luxury residential units, 50,000-square-feet of retail space (including a special use Market Building), 50,000-square-feet of medical offices, the new Gwinnett County Elizabeth H. Williams Library (with Thrive co-working space on the second floor), and a 750-space parking deck - all surrounding a one-acre green space that houses the mosaic and splash pad.

Snellville Farmers’ Market

SFM’s Extended Season perfect for holiday gifts

By Gretchen Schulz Snellville Farmers’ Market organizer Councilwoman

The holidays are just around the corner and many of us have gift giving on our mind. We’re also into planning mode for menus for holiday meals and social occasions.

Make your life easier and support the economy of your community by shopping local at the Snellville Farmers Market. Our vendors offer meats, produce, baked goods, and other locally made foods for your holiday meals as well as handmade items that make unique gifts.

Our “extended season” markets are held on the first and third Saturdays of each month through May 2023, 9 a.m. to noon in the City Hall parking lot.

Here’s a sampling of what you will find at the market that will make your holiday shopping a onestop trip:

•A & H Provisions: Pick up a collection of quality spices for the cooks on your list.

•Baby Katie’s Pharm and Kitchen: Herbal remedies as well as birdhouses and bowls made from gourds she has grown.

•Beatrice Cuisine: Guyanese foods

•Black Bean Coffee: Bags of whole beans and ground coffee for the java lover.

•Black Door Designs: Beautiful handmade pottery for the home.

•Cinful Sweets: Desserts and other treats for your holiday meals.

•Cooking with Bubba: Boiled peanuts for the football fan to munch on.

•Dancin’ Salmon: Smoked salmon and trout for a holiday party.

•Deb’s Jellies: A great selection of jellies as well as stone jewelry items that make great stocking stuffers.

•Handcrafted Desserts: Gourmet cupcakes that will absolutely wow your holiday guests.

•JR and Sons BBQ: Pick up a pound of brisket for a quick meal as well as JR’s delicious Sister Sauce (his sister’s recipe).

•Legacy Bakers: Biscotti to enjoy with a cup of coffee when you need a break from a busy schedule.

•Lil Pizza Truck: Made-to-order pizza to enjoy while shopping at the market or take home for lunch.

•Lola’s Sugar Pie Bakery: Baked goods for your

holiday meals.

•Mom’s Dough: Order one of her Liege Belgian waffles to eat while shopping.

•N.O.L.A. Herbal Tea: Select some loose-leaf tea for the tea lover on your list.

•Off Grid Sis: Infused oils, salts and sugars as well as flavored vinegars that any cook would appreciate.

•Original Wellness: The hot sauce connoisseur on your list will love Michael’s creations, some of which are so hot he has to wear a hazmat suit when making them!

•Party Pretzels and Sweets: Pralines, cashew brittle and Oreo fudge pretzels that would make a great little gift for friends or neighbors.

•Petersen’s Bakery: Homemade breads, rolls and pastries…and order one of their breakfast sandwiches to eat while shopping.

•Pet Wants: Bring your pooch to the market to pick from an amazing variety of treats.

•Presley’s Farm: Locally raised, grain-fed beef and pork you’ll be proud to serve to family and friends.

•Pride Road: Bottled hibiscus soda that is a market favorite as well as hibiscus chutney that was the winner in the 2022 UGA Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest

•Pura Nola: A variety of grain-free granolas.

•Reminis Soaps: Handmade soaps, body butters, room sprays and candles make a perfect gift.

•Sak of Nutz: A variety of nuts for a holiday charcuterie tray.

•Shadow Wings Bath and Body: Handmade soaps and body care products made in the North Georgia mountains.

•Snellville Honey: Anyone on your list, but especially local friends who have allergies, will appreciate this gift of sweetness from beehives right here in Snellville.

•Soap Lilly Bath Co.: gorgeous soaps and body care products that would make a nice stocking stuffer.

•Treat Your Temple: Vegan bath and body care products.

•2 Cups of Sugar: Delicious treats as well as beautiful custom cakes for your holiday meals.

•TyCo B Farms: All the colorful fruits and veggies you need for your holiday season meals.

Watch the Snellville Farmers Market Facebook page prior to each market for a list of vendors we expect to participate. To subscribe to our newsletter, which is emailed prior to each market, send an email to snellvillefarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Petersen’s Bakery

Handcrafted Desserts A & H Provisions

Brookwood High School

From left are Elizabeth Debban and Loria Crews, two of Brookwood High School’s three art teachers at the school.

Art Teachers at Brookwood earn state-level recognition

It’s not tools that make the art, it’s inspiration.

“The art classroom is where learning gets personal and where life and learning overlap every day,” says Elizabeth Debban, one of three visual art teachers at Brookwood High School.

Debban was recently named the state’s Secondary School Art Educator of the Year by Georgia Art Education Association (GAEA) and is poised to compete for national recognition. Her work on learning through traveling sketchbooks, which was also her master’s thesis at UGA, has earned her a spot as a presenter at the National Art Educators Association conference and a published article in Art Education Journal. Jewelry making is one of her artistic passions as well as one of the classes she teaches at Brookwood. She encourages and guides her students to enter local, state, and national art competitions, presents them with events that bring art and charity to the community, and brings them on field trips to open their minds to the many roles art plays in the world. Case in point: In October, she spearheaded two fieldtrips to the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University; her art students saw the sand mandalas created by Tibetan monks, and the STEAM students toured behind the scenes to learn about art conservation.

Debban is one of three esteemed art teachers at the school. Fellow art teachers are Loria Crews and Christopher Vigardt, who together with Debban teach eight different courses--ranging from drawing, graphic design and sculpture to photography and Advanced Placement studio art.

This year GAEA honored Crews with the National Art Honor Society Award. She was also the recipient of a 2020 Beacon of Light Award by United States Representative Hank Johnson for Georgia’s 4th Congressional district.

The teachers make their students think beyond the classroom by introducing them to the concept of street art and social artistry through the lens of art history and current events. The school’s art club and National Art Honor Society thrive, and the annual Empty Bowls charity dinner and art show makes thousands of dollars to benefit local food banks each year.

Each year Brookwood students win awards in the All-State Symposium, Gwinnett County Public Schools Shutter Sense photography contest, Scholastic Art & Writing Contest, and more.

Snellville Youth Commission

Snellville Youth Commission takes part in Table Talks

By Brian Arrington Public Information Officer

The Snellville Youth Commission spent an October morning bending the ears of local leaders, giving them a youthful perspective on the likes and dislikes of the youth of the city.

Dubbed the Table Talks, the event was an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together to have crucial conversations about the city in an informal, round table discussion.

“Building community is the heartwork of the City of Snellville leaders,” said Snellville Youth Coordinator Natilee Brown-Van. “As the youth coordinator, I wanted to create a space for our youth leaders to connect with state and local government officials, and educational and community leaders, in order to have crucial conversations about issues that currently impact them and their future. As an educator for over 22 years, I understand the power of student advocacy. Civic engagement doesn’t start at voting age. Student voice helps students hold their leaders accountable and prepares them to become lifelong agents of social and political change.”

Topics covered included how the city’s youth can engage in community design and planning, state legislature issues, police and community relations, school issues, planning events that are intergenerational and multicultural, among other topics.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be

Snellville Youth Commission

“Table Talks allowed the Snellville Youth Commission to communicate with its officials and make sure their needs are understood,” said Winta Mamo, SYC vice mayor. “I want the members of the Snellville Youth Commission to understand that communication is necessary for change. Our needs are important. We have two choices: stay silent or make the changes that are imperative to our future. The youth of Snellville — and around the world — has concerns. It is essential that we communicate, and take part in conversations that can spark change. We are the future, and everyone must recognize such.”

Facilitators were: Alvarine Wagner, a South Gwinnett High School alumni, Valdosta State alum and Georgia State law student; and Esther Ndewa, former Snellville Youth Commission vice mayor, SGHS alumni and current public policy undergraduate student.

Local leaders included: Councilman Tod Warner; Assistant City Manager Matt Pepper; Gwinnett County commissioners Ben Ku and Kirkland Carden; state Rep. Shelly Hutchinson and state Sen. Nikki Merritt; Lt. Rob Pendleton and Cpl. Marcus McCoy of the Snellville Police Department; Gwinnett County Public School Board Chair Tarece Johnson; Principal Dr. Brett Savage; and Kelly McAloon, executive director of Snellville Tourism and Trade.

Warner said he learned quite a few things during the talks.

“One thing the students didn’t know was that most of their elected officials are part time,” Warner said. “Many of the projects that they wanted are actually either in the planning phase or are under construction. Details of The Grove design meet many of their stated desires like the repurposing of the existing library with the tie in to the trail system that passes by the schools, improved access to sidewalks.”

The event will take place annually with hope these interactions will allow students and local leaders alike to see each other eye to eye.

“In the aftermath of Table Talks, I want our members to take away the importance of engaging in crucial conversations, just like the ones we had during these discussions,” said SYC Mayor Narjise Koko. “Our officials, whether it be city, county, or statewide, have a responsibility to use the building blocks of change to create a better future for us, the youth of today and the voters of tomorrow.”

Gwinnett Technical College’s Culinary Arts Program creating future chefs

By Melvin Everson Vice President of Economic Development Gwinnett Technical College

When it comes to economic development and opportunity, Gwinnett Technical College’s Culinary Arts Program is ready to meet the challenge.

The school’s 4-5 semester, full-time program give students hands on training which helps prepare them for the National Restaurant Association ServSafe Certification. This program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC). Coursework includes fundamentals of culinary arts, baking principles, culinary practicum, fundamentals of restaurant operations and culinary safety and sanitation.

Gwinnett Tech’s Culinary Arts Program offers several options:

Culinary Arts, AAS

Culinary Arts, Diploma

Prep Cook-Certification

Baking & Pastry Specialist, Certificate

While enrolled in the Culinary Arts program, students will learn to create culinary masterpieces in a professional setting and gain real-world experience offered through the many seven-course meals

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Economic Development

served to the public several times a year at the college. The program emphasizes technical and theoretical knowledge combined with the practical applications of cooking, baking serving and management skills.

Gwinnett Tech’s graduates go on to work as chefs and head cooks in restaurants, private households, hotels and other establishments where food is served. If you’ve had the pleasure of dining at Uncle Jacks Tavern Meat House in Lawrenceville, the chef is a graduate of Gwinnett Tech’s Culinary Arts Program.

When it comes to Economic Development, Gwinnett Tech’s Culinary Arts Program is on fire and they’re cooking up a meal just for your consumption.

Gwinnett Technical College is a public technical school in the U.S. state of Georgia with campuses in Lawrenceville and Alpharetta. It is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Since opening its doors as the Gwinnett Area Technical School in 1984, the college has added numerous programs of study, made two name changes, expanded its facilities and experienced enrollment growth. Currently, the Lawrenceville campus is 88 acres and the Alpharetta-North Fulton Campus is 25 acres.

Address: 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville Phone: 770-962-7580

Website: Gwinnetttech.edu

2022 SNELLVILLE CHURCHES

SNELLVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

A Night in Bethlehem: Live Nativity

Saturday, November 26 l 4-7 p.m.

Service of Hope

Wednesday, November 30 l 4 p.m.

Christmas Craft Bash Sunday, December 4 l 2 p.m.

Holy Light: Candlelight Service of Carols Sunday, December 11 l 4 p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Saturday, December 24 5 p.m. l Family-friendly Service 11 p.m. l Traditional Worship with Holy Communion

770.972.9360 - snellvilleumc.org/events

ST. OLIVER PLUNKETT CATHOLIC CHURCH

Christmas Eve Services

2 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m. (Spanish) and 10:00 p.m.

Christmas Day Services

10 a.m. (English) 12 p.m. (Spanish)

770.979.2500 - stolivers.com

CANNON CHURCH

December 22 l 7 p.m.

Modern Traditional featuring Choir & Praise Band - Candlelight & Communion Nursery - 3 yrs. & Younger

December 24 l 6 p.m.

Traditional with Candlelight & Communion Nursery - 3 yrs. & Younger 11 p.m. l Acoustic Contemporary with Candlelight & Communion

December 25

Join us from home for “A Cannon Christmas”

January 1, 2023 l 5 p.m. New Year’s Worship

770.972.5463 - cannonchurch.org

GRACE SNELLVILLE

Christmas Eve Services

2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Online only on Christmas Day gracesnellville.com.

Service on January 1 l 10:30 a.m. 770.979.9676 - gracesnellville.com

PLEASE JOIN WORSHIP

SNELLVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST

No Classes

Worship Service will be at 11:00 a.m.

770.972.6988 - snellvillecofc.org

SNELLVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Saturday, December 24 l 5 p.m.

Christmas Eve Full Service Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day No Service

770.972.0767 - snellvillechristian.net

CHURCHES ACTIVITIES & SCHEDULES

CHURCH ON MAIN

Dec 10 l 6 p.m.

He is the Gift

Dec 11 l 6 p.m.

He is the Gift (Worship and Arts Ministry

Christmas Program/Choir and Orchestra)

Dec 24 l 5 p.m.

Christmas Eve Service

Dec 25 l 10 a.m. Christmas Service

770.978.7000 - churchonmain.net

JOIN US FOR SERVICES

12 STONE CHURCH

Friday, December 23 l 6 p.m.

Saturday, Christmas Eve

December 24 l 1, 3 & 5 p.m.

678.990.8100 - Ext. 601

12Stone.com/Snellville

ST. MATTHEWS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

December 11 l 6:30 p.m.

Advent Lessons & Carols

December 24 l 5 p.m.

Christmas Eve Services Service with Christmas Pageant

10:30 p.m.

Carol Sing & Festive Eucharist

December 25

Christmas Day Services 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

770.979.4210 - stmatthewssnellville.org

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Hanging of the Greens

Decorating for Christmas and Christmas Carol Singing

November 20 l 4 - 6:30 p.m.

Christmas Musical Cantata and Worship

December 18 l 10:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve Worship Family Service with Live Nativity, Lessons and Carols, Communion, and Candlelight

December 24 l 5 p.m.

Christmas PJ Sunday and Worship

December 25 l 10:30 a.m.

770.979.9676 - wpcsnellville.org

MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

Christmas Concert

Sunday, December 11 l 6 p.m.

Christmas Eve Services

Saturday, December 24 l 4 & 6 p.m.

Christmas Day Service

Saturday, December 25 l 10 a.m.

770.972.5020 - mountzionsnellville.com

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer

A five-story, 102-room Hampton Inn & Suites will be built in the city following a unanimous vote by the Mayor and Council earlier this year.

The 64,400-square-foot building will be located in Park Place, a development located at the corner of Pharrs Road and Scenic Highway which recently saw the grand opening of Cracker Barrel, Freddie’s, Zaxby’s and Aspen Dental.

There had been concerns the hotel would cause traffic issues at the busy intersection, but, according to the developers, daily trips would be reduced by nearly two thirds of what was previously approved for a 12,000-square-foot restaurant.

“There is a need in the city for a quality limited-service hotel in the Scenic Highway Commercial Corridor as there are very few options for travelers to utilize while staying in the area,” said Planning and Development Director Jason Thompson. “Eastside Medical Center, adjacent restaurants, retail businesses and neighboring residents could all benefit from having a nice Hampton

Firearm Sales

Inn & Suites by Hilton within the city. Finally, Hampton Inn & Suites, under the Hilton (Hotels) umbrella, has a reputation for being a high-quality brand and product that would be an asset to the city for many years to come.”

$Cash Loans$

And just this month, paperwork was filed to bring an Outback Steakhouse to Park Place.

Affordable nightly, weekly and monthly rates

Average suite features over 300 square feet of comfortable living area

Each room includes a separate living area, ample work space with desk, remote control cable tv with HBO or Showtime, iron and ironing board, and in-room hi-speed Internet access

Apartment size kitchen with refrigerator, two-burner stovetop, full size microwave, in-room coffee maker, in-room toaster, dishes, cookware & utensils, and a well-lit kitchen table/work area

Interior corridors with key card access for added security and always clean & friendly service

South Gwinnett High School

program. The 2022 South Gwinnett and Shiloh DECA chapters are ready for an exciting year.

“I am excited to see our students thrive this year!” said Advisor of the SGHS DECA Chapter, Nikki Williams.

Cenise Smith, Shiloh DECA advisor said, “I am so proud of this first of many collaborations with South Gwinnett DECA. As I always say ‘After all, tomorrow begins today for our future leaders.’”

DECA officer induction: Emerging leaders of tomorrow

South Gwinnett and Shiloh high schools held their 2022 DECA Induction Ceremony and Installation of Officers and the Executive Board on the evening of Oct. 13 in Snellville.

Distributive Education Club of America, also known as DECA, is an international organization for emerging leaders in the areas of business and marketing. The organization was first established in 1946 and has over 200,000 members throughout the world.

The DECA program seeks to develop leadership skills, expand students’ business knowledge, and encourage involvement in local communities. The evening concluded with a reception to celebrate the occasion, prepared by the South Gwinnett Culinary Arts

South Gwinnett High School’s Vex Robotic team participated in the Spin Up To West Forsyth Tournament in October. They competed with 19 teams and placed in the top 8 during the quarterfinals.

One hundred of our South Gwinnett High School Fine Arts students from art, band, chorus, dance, drama, orchestra and photography presented nearly 2,000 goodie bags to the fifth- and eighth-grade students at the local feeder schools as well as phenomenal fine arts presentations.

Parks and Recreation names Jones as volunteer of the year - active adult

This year’s award winner is Earnestine Jones of Snellville. She has been a member of the center since 2018. Earnestine recently retired from News America Marketing and is excited about being more involved in our great community.

Jones regularly volunteers at the center in many different areas. Not only does she participate in several programs, she also comes regularly to help with the assembly of our newsletters. She currently serves on the Advisory Committee representing our Travel Club group. The last few years, Jones has helped tremendously with coordinating our Black History Program that has become such a huge success. With her leadership skills, Jones willingly stepped up to organize our current Red Hat Society, The Royal Hatters of Snellville, by offering to serve as the Queen. She has put in a multitude of hours coordinating events and socials for this fun group of ladies. We have always known that if we need help with any project, that we can count on her to be there!

Jones enjoys volunteering at her church as a greeter where she also takes pride in leading the JOY (Just Older Youth) Group. She also likes to participate in social events for the edification of women. A woman full of boundless energy, Jones is always eager to get involved and help whenever she is needed.

“We want to congratulate Earnestine Jones on being awarded the 2022 Volunteer of the Year Award due to her extraordinary service to the Parks and Recreation Department – Active Adults,” said center director Kathi Gargiulo. “It is an honor to have her as a member of our center. All of her countless contributions are greatly appreciated! We couldn’t do all the things we do here without the help of wonderful volunteers like her.”

T.W. Briscoe Park’s Pate Lake wall to get long-awaited repairs

A 350-foot section of the Pate Lake Wall at T.W. Briscoe Park will be repaired thanks to a Community Development Block Grant.

The wall has been in disrepair for some time and the grant will cover the $204,210 repairs by Bailey Construction & Landscaping LLC.

Three hundred feet of sidewalk will also be repaired during the course of the project.

The lake will be drained when the repairs take place. A timeline for the project has yet to be determined.

City officials welcome The Market at The Grove to Towne Center

City and Experience Snellville

The convenience store, located at 2265 Oak Road, is across the street from The Grove at Towne Center and is expected to expand its offerings in the near future.

officials welcomed The Market at The Grove to the Towne Center Oct. 6 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

JONES

While The Grove at Towne Center did not win the Partnership Gwinnett Metro Atlanta Redevelopment Summit’s Medium Development of the Year, Snellville officials were proud of the nomination and are hopeful for a win at next year’s event. From left are: Downtown Development Authority Treasurer Dan LeClair; Kirk Demetrops, president and founder of MidCity Real Estate Partners; Councilwoman Gretchen Schulz; Mayor Pro Tem Dave Emanuel; Mayor Barbara Bender; Councilman Tod Warner; DDA Board Member Deborah Jones; and Board of Appeals Member Emmett Clower.

Snellville Parks and Recreation

Briscoe Park is open daily

2500 Sawyer Parkway 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. 770-985-3535

Oak Road Park 1925 Oak Road (Passive neighborhood park)

Park office is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on registration and classes, check out the Parks and Recreation Department on Snellville’s website at www.snellville.org/ parks-recreation.

Please “like” our Facebook page for more information on our upcoming events and happenings: www.facebook.com/SnellvilleParks.

GGLeagues is offering the ultimate Recreational Esports gaming experience for all ages and leagues run during all four seasons. Multiple games are offered including “Madden21,” “Rocket League,” “Fortnite,””Mario Kart,” and “Super Smash Bros.” Information: ggleagues.com/organization/snellville

Non-profit organization the Generals Athletic Club, offers sport programs and mentorship to the Snellville and Shiloh community. Information: www.gac-sports.org

All-In FC offers recreational and academy/select youth soccer programs at Briscoe Park. Information: www.allinfcsnellville.com

National Youth Flag Football offers youth flag football at Briscoe Park. Practices and games will take place on Sundays. For more information visit www.falconsflagfootball.com.

Youth Kickball will be back in the Spring. Info will be at www.snellville. org/parks-recreation when it becomes available

For information about adult sports visit www.quickscores.com/snellville.

For information on tennis instruction, clinics, camps, and leagues by certified tennis instructors at Briscoe Park visit www.aetennis.com or call 470-417-4547.

Outdoor tennis courts are available on a first-comefirst-served basis without lights daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Not all of the courts may be available at all times if tennis Instructor or ALTA teams are utilizing the courts.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Parks and Recreation - Active Adult Center

Thanks to all our crafters/bakers/vendors and volunteers for making our Snellville Active Adults 2022 Fall Craft Show last Saturday (part of Snellville Fall Festival) a success!! Great day and great people! Look forward to doing it again next year!

The Snellville Senior Center, now known as the Active Adult Center is now open to adults over the age of 50 (previously 55.) Parks and Recreation officials said they hope this will be a more welcoming title for those who may want to come join in on all the fun activities the center offers. Look for expanded offerings and hours for all adult members over 50.

Membership is $25 for Gwinnett County residents, $30 for outside the county and only $15 for those who live within the city limits of Snellville. The Center open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call 770-985-3580 or go to www.snellville.org and find our current newsletter. Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/snellvilleactiveadultcenter/.

Activities include:

Aerobics

Free with membership Mondays and Thursdays

9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - hours when indoors (two classes) 9:30 a.m.- Outdoors - Sept. 1-Oct. 31 at T.W. Briscoe Park (one class)

Crochet and Knitting

Free with membership

12 p.m. Tuesdays

Spanish Classes

Offered for beginners, intermediate and advanced speakers Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call for specific information.

Also:

Day and overnight trips

Pinochle

Devotional study

Bowling Card-making classes

Piano Computer

Billiards

Bingo (first Fridays at 1 p.m.)

Line Dancing Zumba

Pilates/Yoga

7th Annual Snellville Festival of Trees

Snellville Tourism and Trade presents a returning

holiday

Snellville City Hall will host the 7th Annual Snellville Festival of Trees from November 21st through December 16th. This is a great way for local businesses, churches, schools or residents to showcase their creative side by decorating a tree to be displayed at Snellville City Hall while helping their community during the holidays.

Stop by City Hall, enjoy the trees and vote for your favorite by donating money, canned or dried food or toys. Each item placed under the tree of your choice will register as a vote for your favorite tree. To make a monetary vote, go to the ExperienceSnellville.com website and vote. The tree with the most donated items and monetary donations will be awarded BEST CHRISTMAS TREE. Help us embrace the true meaning of the Christmas season and make a difference in the lives of others by decorating a tree and/or voting for your favorite. Trees may be viewed at Snellville City Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

All money, canned goods and dried food will be donated to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op through “Give Hunger the Boot” and all toys will be donated to the “Toys for Tots” program.

tradition! For additional information contact Kelly McAloon at kelmcacomcast.net

Local Families Need Your Help

If you’re like most people living in the Snellville area, you or your children have probably never been forced to miss a meal because you had no food and no money. You may not even know of anyone who faces hunger on a regular basis.

The Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-Op’s mission is to help people by serving as a bridge over a financial gap, not to build a dependency lifestyle. According to Laura Drake, director of the Co-Op, the need for donations is critical. Unfortunately, many people have to deal with hunger on a 24/7/365 basis.

There are many opportunities to donate. To donate online: SEGwinnettCoop.org/donate

Some of the locations accepting food donations include: Snellville City Hall Snellville Public Works United Community Bank Snellville and Gwinnett Animal Hospital (McGee Road) Financial donations may be made at: Snellville City Hall Legacy Beverage Center (Hwy 78, Loganville) Mellow Mushroom Snellville

Yet, many local families are in that unfortunate situation.

Shopping

Snellville Shoe Repair

The Painted Tree

“A Big Way to Shop Small” – Painted Tree Boutique is a retail shopping experience specializing in gifts, home decor, and boutique clothing while championing thousands of people to live out their entrepreneurial dreams. Come visit us for a unique Christmas shopping experience.

Scott Maddox has been in the shoe business in Snellville since 1976 and has built his busi ness serving people with his expert shoe and boot repair. His son Zane joined him in 2005. They are a full service shoe and boot repair store and have a full service mail order business and receive shoes to repair from all over the United States as well as other coun tries. Scott’s favorite saying is, “we love ya and we need ya”, while his son Zane thinks of himself as “saving soles”. Scott also makes custom order leather purses, so if you are looking for that spe cial Christmas gift, stop by Snellville Shoe Repair.

Fratelli’s

Chef Danny, Doris, the Fratelli’s staff are delighted to call Snellville home. Thanks to this community, loyal customers, and friends they have been voted best of Gwinnett for the past 8 years.

Fratelli’s NY Style Pizza & Restaurant serves a menu of New York style pizza, Italian pastas and entrees, and homemade desserts. Our food will keep you coming back for more and our friendly service will make you part of the family! The Fratelli’s Family is excited to bring “a taste of New York to your table.”

Niko’s Wine Corner

Come visit Niko’s Wine Corner in Snellville to meet Regina Koranteng and Seth Wiredu. They carry exotic beer that is not available in many package and grocery stores. In addition to the very extensive selection of great wines and craft beers, they have Gwinnett County’s first wine bar. Three Enomatic wine tasting machines provide an extensive and changing array of 32 amazing white and red wines. Weekly wine tasting events available.

&

SnellvilleDiningStyle

Summit Chase

The Kitchen at Summit Chase is a farm fresh from scratch dining experience located inside of Summit Chase Country Club and is open to the public. No membership is required. Everyone is welcome to ex perience Summit Chase by dining at The Kitchen. The farm fresh from scratch concept behind our restaurant means that all of our meals

are made from scratch, using farm fresh produce, high quality meats, fresh made pastas and more. Our culinary staff, along with a host of local farmers, has made our ever-changing menu full of unique, seasonal dishes possible. Come join us for a casual dining experience that tastes like home.

Little Mexico Bar & Grill

Little Mexico Bar & Grill is known for its true Tex Mex flavors. They have one of the best frozen margaritas in town, awesome skinny margaritas, delicious chicken nachos supreme & shrimp tacos, friendly servers, and tasty Tex Mex staples. Give us a try and you will find why our customers keep coming back for more!

COME STAY WITH US!

Hampton

Bill Rhodes Bakery

A part of the com munity, a part of your family. Specializing in classic desserts, custom and wedding cakes, we make dessert easy so you can spend more time with your loved ones.

Makereservationstostaywithuswhetheryouhaveguestsintown,wanttogetawayforthe weekendorwouldliketobookapartyinoneofourhotels’meetingrooms.

Taste of Snellville

Funk Concert

Snellville Police Department and Public Works

Uptown

Snellville Fall Festival

Winter Recipes

Mini Santa Hat Cheesecakes

Ingredients

Crust:

•10 Chocolate sandwich cookies

•2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted

•1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar

Filling:

•12 oz cream cheese softened

•1/2 C granulated sugar

•1/2 C eggnog

•1 Tbsp all purpose flour

•1/2 tsp vanilla

•1/4 tsp salt

•1 large egg

Instructions

Whipped cream:

•1/2 C heavy cream

•2 Tbsp powdered sugar

•12 Strawberries

•Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a mini cheesecake pan.

•In a food processor, blend cookies until only fine crumbs remain.

Combine crumbs with butter and sugar. Divide between prepared cheesecake cavities, adding 1 small cookie scoop of crust mixture to each cavity. Press down firmly to create an even layer. Bake for 5 minutes.

•Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.

•In a large bowl or stand mixer beat together cream cheese and granulated sugar until fluffy and smooth. With mixer running on low, slowly add eggnog, flour, vanilla and salt. Gradually increase speed, mixing until no lumps remain. Finally, add egg, mixing until combined and no streaks remain.

•Divide batter between cheesecake pan cavities using a medium scoop. Add roughly 1 and 1/4 medium scoop or a heaping scoop to each cavity. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until cheesecakes are set.

•Allow cheesecakes to sit in pan on a wire rack until they are room temperature. Transfer cheesecakes to refrigerator to chill overnight or until chilled through.

•In a medium bowl, beat together heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Cover and chill until ready to use.

•Carefully remove cheesecakes from pan, removing the pan disc from the crust. Top off with whipped cream and strawberries.

Pickled Pepperoncini Deviled Eggs

Ingredients

•6 hard-boiled large eggs

•1 jar (16 ounces) garlic and dill pepperoncini

•1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and pitted

•1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro, divided

•1/4 teaspoon salt

•1/8 teaspoon pepper

•1 tablespoon minced sweet red pepper

•1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Directions

1. Cut eggs lengthwise in half. Remove yolks, reserving whites. Mash yolks. Stir in 1 teaspoon minced garlic from the pepperoncini jar and 2 teaspoons pepperoncini juice. Add 3 tablespoons minced pepperoncini and the whole avocado; mash with a fork until smooth. Stir in 2 teaspoons cilantro, salt and pepper.

2. Cut a small hole in the tip of a pastry bag or in a corner of a foodsafe plastic bag; insert a medium star tip. Transfer avocado mixture to bag. Pipe into egg whites, swirling it upward to resemble Christmas trees. Sprinkle trees with minced red pepper, chili powder and remaining cilantro.

3. Cut open and seed one larger pepperoncini; slice into 12 small diamond shapes to top Christmas trees. Refrigerate, covered, until serving. Save remaining pepperoncini for another use.and remaining cilantro.

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody.

Now leasing The Tomlin at The Grove at Town Center. Opening the end of November.