Snellville Spirit Fall 2021

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to Be Somebody FALL 2021

October 16 12 - 6 PM | Towne Green

Area Fall Family Festivities see pages 2 & 3

Fall Festival Returns to Snellville see pages 8 & 9

20 Things Experience Snellville see pages 20 & 21

What’s On Your Bucket

Great day trips to take with family

SOME OF THE BEST PUMPKIN FARMS AROUND! u u u u u u u u u u These farms are where the entire family can enjoy activities throughout the day.

Burt’s Pumpkin Farm in Dawsonville | burtsfarm.com Red Apple Barn in Ellijay | redapplebarn.com Mitcham Farms in Oxford | mitchamfarm.com Southern Belle Farm in McDonough | southernbellefarm.com

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WHOSE READY TO GO APPLE PICKING? There are many orchards that offer a wide variety of apples to choose from. To avoid long lines, try to get an early start.

B.J. Reece Orchards in Ellijay | reeceorchards.com Red Apple Barn in Ellijay | redapplebarn.com Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge | mercier-orchards.com

CORN MAZE FUN!

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Who wants to get lost in a corn maze?

This is always a family favorite!

Buford Corn Maze | Buford Washington Farms | Bogart Mitcham Farms | Oxford Southern Belle Farms | McDonough

List This Fabulous Fall?

and friends in September & October.

Take in the beauty of fall leaf colors and some of the most outstanding scenic Georgia mountains. Many of the state parks also have awesome hiking trails with beautiful waterfalls.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources lets us know when and where the best showing is for Fall Leaf Color. www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/leafwatch

Amicalola Falls | Dawsonville Black Mountain | Clayton Cloud Canyon near Chattanoga FD Roosevelt | Pine Mountain Fort Mountain | Pine Mountain Moccasin Creek | Chatsworth Red Top Mountain near Lake Allatona Smithgall Woods | Helen Sweetwater Creek | Lithia Springs Tallulah Gorge near Clayton Unicoi | Helen Victoria Bryant | Royston Vogel | Blairsville

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SOME OF THE BEST GEORGIA STATE PARKS! u u u u u u u u u u

GEORGIA SUNFLOWER FARMS! Fall isn’t complete unless you visit the beautiful sunflower farms Georgia has to offer.

Faussett Farms Sunflowers | Dawsonville Anderson’s Sunflower Farms | Cumming Copper Creek Farm | Calhoun

Brought to you by your friends at: 3

Fall 2021 - Volume 47 Publisher/Editor: Kelly McAloon Editor: Brian Arrington

Looking forward to fall in Snellville We hope you have enjoyed your summer.

In my note in the June edition, we were looking forward to a more normal summer and we were hopeful that we would see an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the growing number of cases with the emergence of the delta variant, please take all steps necessary to protect yourself and the community.

Dr Audrey Arona has an article in this edition about how important vaccination is to bring us out of this pandemic. We are continuing to plan activities and events for the coming months. Join us at our Concert Series, Farmers’ Market, Commerce Club luncheons, and Food Truck Fridays. The annual Fall Festival is around the corner. We have some exciting new winery and brewery tours scheduled and you can find the information on registration in this issue.

Check out our website for all the coming events for you and your family to enjoy. We hope to see you in Snellville soon.

Don Britt,

Don

President, Experience Snellville

Connecting our Community to Celebrate Snellville 4

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 Billy Franklin Treasurer Kurt Schulz Secretary Kathy Emanuel Board Member Lucy DeForest Board Member Jared Eakins Board Member Melvin Everson Board Member Alice Snipes Board Member Andrew Yee 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 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, Lavoska Barton, Lisa Sperling, Greg Perry, Dorothy Jarrett, Jim Cofer and Meghan Meegan

CONTENTS 24

36

MAYOR’S MESSAGE 6 Mayor Bender talks COVID-19 and The Grove.

FARMERS’ MARKET 24 Market is the perfect place for local businesses to grow.

WORDS FROM THE CHIEF 6 Chief Greg Perry offers words about Snellville police.

BEER AND WINE 26 Snellville Tourism and Trade is offering two bubbly tours.

ROAD WORK 7 Snellville Public Works recently finished annual projects.

HISTORIC TALE 28 Being a bachelor in early Snellville had its ups and downs.

FALL FEST 8 What’s in store for the city’s seasonal celebration?

LIST 30 AHELP listing of resources for those in need.

CLOSURE COVID-19 VACCINE 10 ACONSTRUCTION 31 Dr. strip of North Road will close due to Grove construction.

Audrey Arona urges residents to get COVID vaccination.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY 12 What food will be offered at the popular Friday event?

COMET’S RETURN 32 South Gwinnett Principal Dorothy Jarrett welcomes students.

WELCOME TO SNELLVILLE 14 New businesses open in city with ribbon cuttings.

BRONCOS ARE BACK 33 Brookwood freshman are learning the ropes at school.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 16 Local secondary school offers training for job hopefuls.

DANCE 34 ALAST Prince and Tina Turner tribute set for last concert of year.

CITY NEWS 18 The latest news from the City of Snellville.

SCARECROW CONTEST 35 Find out how to enter your scarecrow in this annual contest.

THINGS TO DO 20 20 There’s always something to do in the city and nearby.

PICTURE PERFECT 36 Pictures from recent events on the Towne Green.

PARKS AND REC. FALL FAVORITES 38 Two 22 Programs offered at T.W. Briscoe Park and Senior Center. recipes to try as the temperatures dip in fall.

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Mayor’s Message - Mayor Barbara Bender The pandemic has reared its head once again unleashing the Covid Delta variant on all of us.

Please check Snellville.org or the City of Snellville-City Hall Facebook page for construction and traffic information in the coming months.

One expert saw it as a perfect storm with declining infection numbers, Coronavirus fatigue and a more easily transmitted variant. We once again have full hospitals and exhausted medical staff working to heal those infected. The difference now is that most of the hospital admissions are with unvaccinated people.

Your Council members have been hard at work updating the Sidewalk Master Plan. Once the updated map of the proposed sidewalk plan is complete, the city will host public meetings and other opportunities for you to provide feedback. I thank Council members Tod Warner, Gretchen Schulz and Cristy Lenski for tackling this project.

Arguments can be had for hours over masks/no masks, but in the end most vaccinated people who do get a breakthrough infection have a mild case with no hospitalization. Please do not let all the past hysteria, hype and ever-changing policies keep you from protecting yourself and those you love.

As we transition into fall, The Grove at Towne Center construction is in full-swing. You will start seeing vertical construction on the residential housing and parking deck. The new Elizabeth H. Williams library construction should be starting in September with an expected construction completion within 12 months.

Mark your calendars now for the Nov. 2 city elections. We will be voting on three council seats and whether the city will allow a liquor store in the city limits. Check our website and Facebook page for advanced voting dates and time. Be sure to plan time to talk to the candidates and understand the issues, then cast your vote and let your voice be heard.

As we transition into fall, The Grove construction is in full-swing. You will start seeing vertical construction on the residential housing and parking deck. The new Elizabeth H. Williams library construction should be starting in September with an expected construction completion within 12 months.

Chief’s Message - Chief Greg Perry Our department continues to build partnerships within the community. We have a policing philosophy of providing excellence in service and problemsolving initiatives. SPD works diligently to protect our community from those that may have a desire to victimize our community members.

It has been an honor to serve the residents and visitors of Snellville since 2002 as a member of the Snellville Police Department, and in the capacity as the chief of police since July 1, 2021.

The members of the Snellville Police Department serve a growing population of over 20,000 residents along with 200,000 motorists that pass through the city daily. Our police department is comprised of 48 full-time sworn officers, 14 full-time civilian employees, 12 part-time/reserve sworn officers, and one part-time civilian employee.

We provide full service public safety for our community.

Our department’s mission is to protect and serve by using effective and proven standards of excellence, with a positive and progressive attitude in every aspect of public service. To preserve the peace and strive to prevent crime disorder while maintaining active cooperation with the community and respect for human dignity. We will accomplish this by providing proactive, fair, and impartial law enforcement service, and making every effort to improve the lives of those we commit to serve.

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We encourage all that are connected to the city to attend our Citizen’s Police Academy that is held two times a year. This is free to attend and provides outstanding information regarding the operations of our police department. We would also love for you to visit us when we host Snellville Public Safety Night.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our police department if you feel that we may be of assistance. Don’t forget to like/follow us on all our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).

Stay safe Snellville!

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Public Works Road paving projects complete, next jobs scheduled In an effort to keep city roads smooth and safe for motorists, Snellville Public Works crews resurfaced nine roads over the course of the last year.

Roads resurfaced were: Timberline Trace, Classic Drive, Green Turf Drive, Overwood Lane, Overwood Trace, Brooks Drive, Garmon Drive, Southwind Court and Dogwood Road from Highway 124 to North Road.

Total cost of the project came in at $724,430.19.

BEFORE

AFTER

Roads targeted for resurfacing in the 20212022 fiscal year include Fountain Drive, Summit Chase Drive, Summit Links and Masters Lane. All tolled, approximately 2.04 miles are slated to be resurfaced.

Total cost of the 2021-2022 projects is estimated to be shy of $700,000.

DID YOU KNOW?

BEFORE

AFTER

The City of Snellville Recycling Center is located at 2531 Marigold Road, off Lenora Church Road in Briscoe Park. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Saturday. Everyone is welcome to use the recycling containers. There are restrictions for the yard debris and miscellaneous junk containers only. The junk container is for use by City of Snellville residents to assist them with cleaning up their residences. It is not for use in assistance with remodeling jobs, construction, or add-ons. For additional information call 770-985-3539.

We accept the following items: Newspaper Magazines Phone books Cardboard Pasteboard Computer/Office Paper Glass (brown, clear & green) Scrap Metals (all types) Aluminum Cans Car Batteries #1 & 2 Plastic Jugs and Bottles Electronics

BEFORE

AFTER

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th 12 Annual

Fall Festival October 16 Noon - 6 p.m. |

Snellville Towne Green

By Kelly McAloon Executive Director, Experience Snellville

There is nothing like the fall season to experience the beautiful changing of the leaves, feel the cool crisp air and of course, have fun at the ever so popular Snellville Fall Festival.

Stop by the festival and do some early Christmas shopping at the wide variety of craft vendors that will line Oak Rd. in front of City Hall and the many crafters that will be selling their handmade items in the Senior Center. The smell of festival food will fill the air to bring you flavors that will satisfy any palate. A wide variety of food will be available for purchase throughout the day.

New this year… beer and wine will also be available for purchase.

$10.00 ALL DAY ACTIVITY BAND includes: • Rock wall • Trackless train • Multiple Inflatables • Inflatable shoot the hoop basketball • 9-hole mini golf Let your creative side show and decorate your very own pumpkin for fall. FREE PUMPKIN PAINTING WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

AXE THROWING New this year is AXE THROWING (12 years of age and up). $5 for 5 throws or $25 Axe Throwing band will allow you unlimited axe throwing throughout the day. This is completely separate from the $10 ALL DAY ACTIVITY BAND. Purchase tickets at Axe Throwing Tent.

COSTUME CONTEST Costume Contest for all ages, yes, that means Mom and Dad too (prizes for everyone). Costume contest will begin at 1:00 p.m. – You must register on the Towne Green no later than 1:30 p.m. to participate. Costume contest registration tent will be located to the left of the stage.

Age categories: (0-2), (3-4), (5-6), (7-10), (11-16), (17 and older) Dog Costume Contest will be held at 3:00 p.m. and you must register by 2:30 p.m. to participate. Register at the Costume Contest tent located to the left of the stage.

Entertainment will include the ever so popular RUPERT’S ORCHESTRA, a 12 pc. dance band. You won’t want to miss this group as they will keep you movin and groovin. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy the music.

Rupert’s Orchestra – 4:00 p.m.

KEYSTONE SPONSORS: Walton Gas • E.R. Snell Contracting Thank you to our hotels: Hampton Inn & Suites • LaQuinta Inn & Suites • InTown Suites

Participate in the Scarecrow Contest – all details online at: www.ExperienceSnellville.com Scarecrow maps for viewing will be on our website and hard copies available at Snellville City Hall.

Any questions, please email Kelly McAloon at kelmca@comcast.net or call 770.310.0429

Entertainment Schedule 12:00 p.m.

Festival Opens Senior Center Craft Show (at Senior Center) 1:30 p.m.

Costume Contest for All Ages (must register by 1:00 p.m.)

3:00 p.m.

Dog Costume Contest (must register by 2:30 p.m.)

3:45 p.m.

Introduction of Dignitaries 3:50 p.m.

Scarecrow Contest Winners, Scarecrow Silent Auction Winners and Winner of Giant Pumpkin will be Announced.

4:00 p.m.

Rupert’s Orchestra 12 pc. Dance Band (main stage - Towne Green) For more information visit: www.ExperienceSnellville.com

Snellville Senior Cente r Arts & Crafts Show

Snellville Se nior Center in co njunction wit h the Fall Festival

NOON – 5 p.m .

GUESS MY WEIGHT!

TAKE ME HOME! n Win the huge pumpkin at the Fall Festival. The perso proud the be will size l who guesses closest to actua ate winner of the huge pumpkin, just in time to decor for Halloween.

The Grove at Towne Center North Road to be closed from Oak Road to Wisteria Drive until Nov. 15 City officials were notified recently that a small stretch of North Road will be closed until Nov. 15 to make way for construction of The Grove at Towne Center. Construction crews will close the road from Oak Road to Wisteria Drive as heavy machinery will be moving in and out of the site and construction of the multilevel parking deck takes place. A flagman will be at the closure full-time to adjust barricades, flag precast deliveries, and keep local business traffic flowing. Snellville officials thank you for your patience as this development takes shape.

THE GROVE AT TOWNE CENTER is a large scale, mixed-use town center property, comprised of 18 acres in the heart of Snellville.

WATCH US GROW with

The Grove!

COMIN G

FA LL 2 02 2

PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITIES DIGITAL KIOSK OPPORTUNITIES

The Grove’s first phase will include: • 50,000 square feet of retail • Restaurant, office and entertainment space • 250 multi-family luxury apartments • The new Elizabeth Williams Library with a second-floor business development/ coworking space • The Mercantile, a signature 25,000-square-foot, unique restaurant concept with second-floor event space Snellville offers: • A population of 169,968 within a 5-mile radius • Median age of 38 • 4,920 active businesses • New Greenway Trail system and multiple parks • Snellville is the economic engine for South Gwinnett

For more information visit www.snellville.org/the-town-center-snellville

Preferred Printing and Mailing Vendor of

chris@abcdirectmarketing.com Ask for your special 10% Summer discount by mentioning our ad in Snellville Spirit Magazine!

“Best of Gwinnett since 2017!”

2021 Snellville Food Truck Fridays • 4-8 pm

Come visit us for the last two Food Truck Fridays of the year!

Keystone Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

HOTEL SPONSORS: Hampton Inn & Suites, LaQuinta Inn & Suites and the InTown Suites

SEPTEMBER 3

OCTOBER 1

Big House BBQ Hole in the Wall Kajun Asian Krack’n Up Krabs 6 Pack Subs Vietnamese Truck Uptown Food Truck Frozen Sweets Kona Ice

The Patty Wagon Hole in the Wall Gyro Chef Mediterranean 6 Pack Subs Vietnamese Cuisine South of Philly Lobster Dogs Ms. Jay’s Funnel Cakes Kona Ice

Join us for a wide variety of food trucks, music, fun and games with DJ Lee.

THANK YOU for making our 2021 Food Truck Friday’s a HUGE SUCCESS! We will continue to adhere to all social distance guidelines – Multiple sanitizing stations

WE BUY GOLD!

Hill Top Pawn and Gun

At Hill Top Pawn and Gun we want everyone to know we are “Large Enough to Handle your Needs and Small Enough to Care.”

Hill Top Pawn Inc. 1882 Athens Highway Snellville, GA 30078 770-978-7079 Hilltop@bellsouth.net

With over 50 years of combined experience in the Gold buying industry, we are confident that we can offer top dollar for your Gold and Silver.

Firearm Sales

In our Firearm department we have a wide variety of new and used firearms with a staff that is friendly knowledgeable and willing to help.

$Cash Loans$

At Hill Top Pawn we specialize in loaning out cash!

We loan money on just about anything with amounts up to

$10,000

Gold, Guns, Electronics, Tools, Instruments, Sporting Goods, Cars, Trailers, Boats, Motorcycles and more.

(All loans are collateral based)

Snellville • Atlanta NE ›› 100 Spacious Guestrooms ›› Complimentary Hot Breakfast ›› Boardroom – 500 sqft ›› Conference Room – 800 sqft ›› Onsite Fitness Center ›› Outdoor Pool with Patio

1905 Pharrs Road Snellville, GA 30078

P: (678)344-9090 | F: (678)344-9092 www.atlantane.hamptonbyhilton.com

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RIBBON CUTTINGS ... In Snellville >>> More on Ribbon Cuttings ... If you are are opening a new business in Snellville, give us a call, we’d like to meet you and welcome you to Snellville! Call 770-985-3517 for more information. <<< CFA HOORAY: City and Snellville Tourism and

Trade officials took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Chick-Fil-A location at 3090 Highway 78 - just west of Snellville City Limits. The new location is the second-largest in Georgia. The previous location, located just east of the new location, was the third oldest CFA location in the country.

>>> NEW NAME - Eastside Medical Center is now

Piedmont Eastside Medical Center! Piedmont officials were joined by city and Snellville Tourism and Trade officials at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, making the name change official. The hospital, located at 1700 Medical Way, has been a great community partner and supporter of Snellville.

<<< NEW RESTAURANT ON MAIN ST. - City and

Snellville Tourism and Trade officials gathered with members of the community for the ribbon cutting at FINGERZ, owned by Renee and Earl Bell. The new restaurant is located at 2115 Main St. East.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Community Garden

Community Garden crops available at SFM

By Gretchen Schulz Community Garden Organizer Councilwoman Thank goodness the summer heat is coming to an end and we can soon think about planting cool-season vegetables, herbs and flowers.

Gardeners at the Community Garden have been busy planting seeds and nurturing seedlings in the garden greenhouse. They plan to sell their seedlings at the Snellville Farmers Market in mid September. The market is held on Saturday mornings, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Towne Green (2342 Oak Road).

All plants will be priced at $2 for a 4-pack and all proceeds are used to support the garden. The money raised at the sale will be used for gardening tools and other equipment and for the garden’s utility expenses.

Seedlings to be sold include: •Vegetables: arugula, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, pak choi, spinach and Swiss chard.

•Herbs: cilantro and parsley.

•Flowers: dianthus and snap dragons.

Sale dates had not yet been set by the Snellville Spirit deadline. Watch the Snellville Farmers’ Market Facebook page for additional information. The sale will also be announced in the market newsletter. To subscribe send an email to SnellvilleFarmersMarket@gmail.com.

Economic Development

Gwinnett Tech’s Launch Pointe Program connects students and companies

By Lavoska Barton Executive Director of Economic Development Gwinnett Technical College

Despite the current challenges and demands facing the labor market during this pandemic evolution employers are still trying to fill their open positions with prospective employees whose learning cycle will be shorter, and therefore, cheaper to the firm.

Unfortunately this does narrow the available talent and eliminates a number of great potential employees who have worked hard to get their degree with the goal of finding a successful career.

Gwinnett Technical College is aware of the gap that exists, and as such created a program by ensuring students have meaningful internship or apprenticeship opportunities with employers in our surrounding communities of Gwinnett and North Fulton. Launch Pointe was created in 2017 and has been supported by Clyde Strickland, a local entrepreneur and businessman who saw the need to help and sustain others.

activity and foster educational, occupational and personal growth.

So, the goal of Launch Pointe, “The Clyde L Strickland Center for Career Experience,” is to partner with local businesses to provide meaningful career experiences for students while in their field of study.

An internship is an opportunity offered by an employer to a student, seeking to gain authentic work experience in their field of study by applying knowledge and skills acquired during their academic study. Typically interns will work with an organization for 3-6 months and can be a paid or non-paid experience.

Our program is laser-focused on providing work-based learning and career development. Working with both large and small local, regional and global business employers, Launch Pointe provides students an opportunity to participate in internships, apprenticeships and entrepreneurship experiences designed to augment classroom

A “Registered Apprenticeship” is a program that works with the U.S. Department of Labor to connect students looking to learn a new skill while working with an organization. Typically, an apprentice will work with the organization from a minimum of one year to four years.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Economic Development

Launch Pointe offers paid, non-credit based programs in the following areas: • Computer Science • Business Management • Engineering, Construction, Mechatronics, Welding • General Automotive, Cosmetology, HVAC Gwinnett Technical College also has internships in credit programs in Hospitality/Restaurant/Tourism, Construction Management, Health and Life Sciences, and others.

The benefit of Internships and Apprenticeships is that they create learning experiences for the student and allows the student to showcase what they have learned during their study. The program also provides a challenging and substantive environment giving hands-on experience.

Many students have benefitted from Launch Pointe. A former student, Cassy Schnautz, says “My marketing instructor pushed me to do an internship and I am so glad I did. It gave me real world experience and I am so thankful. Now I am employed full-time in my field and I love it.”

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 Gwinnett Technical College not only offers a world- numerous programs of study, made two name changes, expanded its class education but gives students a value add with facilities and experienced enrollment growth. Currently, the Lawrenceville programs like Launch Pointe. campus is 88 acres and the Alpharetta-North Fulton Campus is 25 acres.

Whether you are a potential student or an employer, we have the programs to meet your needs.

Please feel free to email Darcie Johnson at darciejohnson@gwinnetttech.edu.

Address: 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville Phone: 770-962-7580 Website: Gwinnetttech.edu

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City News T.W. Briscoe Park to open large field for open play In an effort to serve the residents who use T.W. Briscoe Park, the large multiuse field – Briscoe Field - will be open to the general public on a limited basis.

Visitors will be notified about open field availability via a sign located near the entrance of the field across from the tennis courts and office parking lot at the single walk-through gate.

Previously, the field has been open to organized recreation leagues and those who rent the fields. Now, when there are no organized activities on the field, the general public may use it, park officials said.

One of the two softball fields will also be open during times to be determined by park staff.

There are currently two open fields the public can use at any time – one is the smaller, non-lighted field located directly behind the park office, the other is located in the northeast section of the park behind the Community Garden at end of big parking lot.

Parks and recreation teams up with e-sports league for online contests

“GGLeagues is a recreational e-sports platform dedicated to providing a fun, safe, online gaming experience for community members of all ages,” said Ivy O’Shaughnessy of GGLeagues.

“Our gaming leagues are moderated by our supportive admin staff, who are always there to ensure that competition remains safe, positive, and fun. The safety and enjoyment of players is our top priority! Players who are ready to become a local legend can find out more at app.ggleagues.com/organization/Snellville.”

Snellville Tourism and Trade is looking for volunteers

Snellville Tourism and Trade needs you to become a volunteer.

Make a difference in your community. Being a volunteer is a great way to stand out, make new friends and have fun while you are serving. Challenge yourself to bring about great changes in your life. Our Volunteer Spotlight will feature a volunteer each quarter who is recognized for their volunteerism in our community.

This could be you. Join our team and continue to help us make Snellville a great place to live.

Email info @ExperienceSnellville.com to join our TEAM or call Jessica Manis at 210-606-3000.

Volunteer Spotlight on Deborah Jones Deborah serves on three boards in Snellville – the Urban Redevelopment Authority, the Downtown Authority of Snellville and the Downtown Development Authority. She is also the treasurer of the Snellville Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni and volunteers with Experience Snellville at events.

She also works at an outreach ministry called My Village Inc.

Snellville Parks and Recreation has partnered with GGLeagues to provide the ultimate recreational Esports gaming experience. Leagues are offered during all four seasons and consist of a five-week regular season plus tournament. Games that are offered are “Madden 21,” “Fortnite,” “Rocket League” and “Super Smash Bros” for three different age groups: 8-12, 13-18 and 18 and over.

Season passes are available for $30 that would allow you to play all games for one price. Prizes are given to top performers and teams.

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DEBORAH JONES

“Your are either part of the problem or part of the solution,“ Deborah said.

“I have lived here seven years. My passion is to love on and serve people.”

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

new season... same truth.

CH URCHONMAIN.NET S U N DAY S E R VI C E S | 9:00A M & 11:15A M 24 0 0 M A I N ST R E E T E . S N E L LVI L L E , G A | 7 70-978-7000

•Free Hot Breakfast •Suites and Jacuzzi Rooms •100% Non-Smoking

•Heated Indoor Pool •Fitness Center •Meeting Room

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Stone Mountain Park - 8.4 mi One of Atlanta’s favorite destinations for the entire family.

Nestled in 3200 acres of natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park features family-friendly attractions and outdoor recreational activities.

Seasonal events are offered throughout the year that will definitely delight every member of the family.

T.W. Briscoe Park - 1.6 mi Visit beautiful Briscoe Park and check out all the things it has to offer including two softball fields, two indoor rental rooms, four outdoor open-air pavilions, outdoor pool, 1.2 mile paved walking trail, 6-acre lake, tennis courts, basketball courts, and much more!

from Snellville City Hall

3 The unique farm in Snellville, Ga. has been home to over 50 alpacas since 1993. We offer a safe, close up, hands-on experience unlike any other.

Bring the family and enjoy petting the alpacas in their pen and seeing the bunnies and goats too! Guinea Fowl and Tolouse Geese also call Creekwater home. Enjoy it all with public or private tours. Visit our gift shop!

Massage Envy - 1.6 mi Need a break from the daily demands on your body. Treat yourself to a massage or facial to keep your body feeling good. Our exclusive Streto Method was developed from more than 15 years of massage expertise along with the latest research on stretching techniques.

Welcome to our castles! It is our honor to provide you with an unforgettable experience of rivalry, feasting and fun! Epic battles of steel and steed, beyond the strength lies the power of charm.

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NETHERWORLD Haunted House is a walk-through dark attraction filled with terrifying live actors, amazing special effects, and incredible monsters.

NETHERWORLD offers a Laser Adventure at this attraction.

Creekwater Alpaca Farm - 5.6 mi

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament - 11 mi

NETHERWORLD - 7.3 mi

Open September, October and November.

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Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary - 5 mi Explore one of Georgia’s most iconic landmarks at Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in central Gwinnett alongside Yellow River, just minutes from Snellville. We are home to the original Bison herd, beautiful peacocks, pigs, albino wallabies, babydoll sheep, alpacas, bears, fallow deer, Eurasian lynx, spider monkeys, and much more.

Serenity Salt Cave - .2 mi Serenity Salt Cave is a stunning therapeutic cave, the first of its kind in the state of Georgia. The cave is constructed from natural pink Himalayan salt. The floor is comprised of several inches of pink Himalayan salt crystals. Great for special events such as birthdays, bridal parties and team building events.

Urban Air Adventure Park - 3.7 mi If you are looking for the best yearround indoor amusement park in the Snellville and Gwinnett County area, Urban Air Adventure Park is the perfect place. Come have some fun with us on the Go-Karts, Trampolines, Wipeout, Warrior Course, and zip line. An absolute must – check out the Skydiving attraction!

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TOPGOLF - 15 mi There’s no pressure to have a good golf swing or score a lot of points. At TOPGOLF, we’ve made socializing a sport through a blend of technology and entertainment.

No matter the occasion we believe that every great time starts with play, is fueled by food and drinks and moved by music.

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Based in Snellville, we are north Georgia’s prime destination for craft beer and fine cigars. Whatever the weather, our covered patio and indoor lounge is the best place to enjoy delicious craft beers 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We have food trucks on site Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons.

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Lincoln Fill Station - .9 mi

Niko’s Wine Corner - .9 mi

Dragon Queen Winery - 1 mi Veteran owned and operated. Has a large selection of wines that can be shipped to Georgia customers only.

Stop in and try our new wines and the delicious wine slushies. Wine tastings end 30 minutes prior to closing.

Come visit Niko’s Wine Corner in Snellville and meet new owners Regina Koranteng and Seth Wiredu. They carry exotic beers that are 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.

Slow Pour Brewing - 7.8 mi Gwinnett County’s first brewery features the beautifully inviting tasting room and beer garden beckoning friends to sit and chat, in a family friendly atmosphere.

Slow Pour offers delicious, innovative and original beers.

Several nights a week there will be live music with food trucks on site. Dog friendly brewery.

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Ironshield Brewing - 7.8 mi Proudly brewing authentic European ales and lagers. Come celebrate our One Year Anniversary on July 10, 2021. Live music from Nick & Mark and Coda Nova! Food truck options on site will include Azucar Cuban Food Truck and Pat’s Poutine!

We will also have as part of the festivities, Axe throwing and a dunk tank to cool everyone off.

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Tucker Brewing - 13 mi Proud to be named #4 Best Beer Garden in America by USA Today! Tucker Brewing Company is Georgia’s premium lager brewery, dedicated to making easy-to-drink, flavorful lager beers. This is a family owned lager brewery inspired

by German brewing traditions and honors the Southern roots of its owners. We strive every day to create a warm environment where family and friends can come together to appreciate beer, food and life.

Stars and Strikes Entertainment Center/Bowling - 5.4 mi This family entertainment center boasts over 30,000 sq. ft. of fun! Guests are greeted at Stars and Strikes with upgraded bowling, an exciting arcade and a full-service restaurant and bar.

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Outrun Brewing - 11 mi We are a brewer owned and operated, small scale production brewery that focuses on approachable and highly drinkable small-batch brews.

We put our own spin on a variety of styles, old and new. Our beer is brewed in house and only available in our taproom. We take our beer seriously, but not ourselves, and are dedicated to brewing rarities, untasted originals and re-imagined favorites.

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The Complex Sports & Entertainment - approx 20 mi The Complex offers over 30 different sports games and activities all under one roof. From cricket to baseball, experience numerous sports like never before and new ones for the very first time.

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games - 16 mi Excitement at every turn, Andretti’s offers Karting, Andretti 7D Experience, Duckpin Bowling, Arcade, Racing Simulators, Two-level Laser Tag, Hologate and a dining bar. Join our E-club and be on the inside track for exclusive specials, promotions and just general awesomeness tailored to what you want to do!

Snellville Parks and Recreation Briscoe Park is open daily 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. to 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 Esports gaming experience for all ages. Registration is now open for the fall season starting the week of Oct. 4. Multiple games are offered including “Madden21,” “Rocket League,” “Fortnite” 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 is taking registrations for the Fall season starting in October. Practices and games will take place on Sundays. For more information visit www.falconsflagfootball.com For information about adult sports including softball and kickball visit www.quickscores.com/snellville 3rd Annual Car Show at Briscoe Park – 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 13.

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

Outdoor tennis courts are available on a first-come-first-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 USTA team are utilizing the courts.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Parks and Recreation The Snellville Senior Center, is for active adults that are 55 and older and is located next to Snellville City Hall. Membership is $25 for Gwinnett County Residents, $15 for City Limit Residents and $30 for those outside of Gwinnett County. The Senior Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For class times, dates and fees, call 770-985-3580.

Aerobics Free with membership Mondays and Thursdays Pilates $3 per class Fridays Painting classes Pack of four classes - $28 1 to 3 p.m., Thursdays Crochet and knitting.

Free with membership 12 p.m., Tuesdays Spanish classes Offered for beginners, intermediate and advanced speakers All week Also: Card-making classes Piano Sewing and other classes as well.

Beginning computer, smartphone and tablet classes coming soon.

Billiards Bingo Exercise and weight room WHAT: Senior Center Arts & Crafts Expo - in conjunction with the Snellville Fall Festival WHEN: 12 to 5 p.m., Oct 16 WHERE: Snellville Senior Center, 2350 Oak Road Craft booths, paintings, crochet and knitting displays and homemade baked goods

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Snellville Farmers’ Market

Homegrown businesses thrive at SFM

By Gretchen Schulz Snellville Farmers’ Market organizer Councilwoman Can a farmers market be a starting point for a successful homegrown business?

Yes! And we would like to introduce you to some of the young entrepreneurs who have either started their business, or are growing their business, at the Snellville Farmers Market.

Meet Jason Feenan, the owner of Lil Pizza Truck. He participates in the market every week, pulling his wood-fired pizza oven with his pickup truck. He makes a variety of made-to-order pizzas, including breakfast pizza. He started making pizzas in 2004 while working in a restaurant, so he definitely had experience in making a good product.

In 2018 Jason decided to purchase his portable pizza oven and see what it would take to build a business. “I took a leap of faith,” he said, and started Lil Pizza Truck. “I just quit my other job and it worked out. It was really supposed to be a temporary thing.” But that temporary thing is now a full time job. In addition to the Snellville Farmers Market, he pulls his pizza oven to private parties, weddings, neighborhood parties and breweries. “I’m now booked a year out.

This is our sole income.”

Another start-up business at the market is Queeny’s Cafe, owned by Snellville resident Alisha Bridgeforth. Alisha bakes beautiful pies and other baked goods. “I’ve been baking for 5 years,” she said, noting that the skills are part of her heritage. “My mom was a really good baker. And my grandmother also.”

While she initially just baked for her immediate family, about two years ago she started making her baked goods available to friends.

Then this year she decided to give the farmers market a try. “This is the first time I’ve sold in a public setting. I love this community. I love meeting new people and growing our circle of friends.” Alisha was especially complimentary of the other vendors who participate in the market. “Everyone wants to help each other.”

Amer Isovic, now 24 years old, has been a vendor representing his family business, Grand Prix Bakery, since he was a senior at South Gwinnett High School. Amer came to the United States from Bosnia with his family. His family’s bakery, located in Lawrenceville, makes a variety of European breads, which they sell at several international markets as well as the Snellville Farmers Market. The market volunteers and longtime vendors feel they have watched Amer grow up at the market and launch a professional career. He graduated last year from Georgia State University with a degree in finance and now works full time in that field. However, Amer can still be found on Saturdays at the Snellville Farmers Market where he first began 24 24

^^^ Alisha Bridgeforth, a baker of five years, sells baked good at the Snellville Farmers’ Market at her Queeny’s Cafe stand.

SUPPORT THE SNELLVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET The Snellville Farmers’ Market needs your help in being named the best farmers’ market in the country by American Farmland Trust.

To help, vote for SFM on the Trust’s website farmland.org - by scrolling down the homepage to find the info about America’s Farmers Market Celebration. To find SFM, enter the zip code 30078 and vote!

American Farmland Trust was created in 1980 to preserve farm land, promote sound farming practices and keep farmers on the land.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Farmers’ Market learning business skills. “I still help with the bakery part time,” he said.

Rachel Rock is a new vendor at the market this year. Rachel’s business is called Handpicked and she sells beautiful bouquets of colorful flowers that she arranges in Mason jars and markets as “bokays.” She grew up in Ohio on the farm where her greatgrandfather started a greenhouse business after immigrating from Sweden in 1923. Her grandmother operated a floral shop and her mother grew flowers for a local farmers market. “That’s where my love of flowers comes from,” she said. “ I was always surrounded by flowers.”

Rachel has an especially interesting background. Her parents were missionaries and she lived all over the Middle East, including 8 years in an Arabic village in Israel. She speaks Arabic. At age 22, when she returned to the United States, she felt like a “lost little girl,” she said. “I didn’t know what to do with my life.” So she returned to her love—flowers. Living in South Carolina at the time, she started her business and was a vendor at a local farmers market.

Last year she moved to a mini farm in Auburn and built a 50-foot tunnel greenhouse to grow her flowers. Rachel is enjoying her first year at the Snellville Farmers Market. “This market is very friendly and professional. This is my best year yet,” she said.

Finally, meet Hunter Hughes of Daily Roast Club who is also a new vendor at the market this year. Hunter sells a variety of roasted whole bean and ground coffees as well as cold brew coffee.

Hunter began his coffee roasting business in 2018 in his garage in Commerce after a friend, now his business partner, gave him a roaster. It turns out the roaster was a little larger than Hunter first anticipated. “I had to knock some holes in the walls in my garage,” he said, noting that his wife, who is not a coffee drinker, was not too pleased. “She was not happy when I first started,” he recalled with a laugh. “And the whole house smelled like coffee.”

Hunter previously owned a candle business, which he has closed to focus on coffee. He and his business partner are opening a roastery in Athens. “Now I just do coffee. Every day. And sometimes all day and night,” he said.

The Snellville Farmers’ Market is an award-winning open air market specializing in local produce, meats and baked goods.

The market is free and open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Saturdays through September.

Address: Snellville Towne Green in front of City Hall, 2342 Oak Road. Parking is available behind City Hall

^^^ MARKET MATES: (Top,

left) Hunter Hughes, of Daily Roast Club; (Top, right) Amer Isovic, of Grand Prix Bakery; (Middle, left) Flowers at Rachel Rock’s booth called Handpicked; (Middle, right) Rachel Rock, of Handpicked, displays her flowers in wooden boxes that came from her family’s farm in Ohio.

(Bottom, left) Jason Feenan, of Lil’ Pizza Truck.

Website: Snellvillefarmersmarket.com 25 25

Wine Tasting Experience you don’t want to miss!

“Experience Snellville” has partnered with with “Pop the Cork Wine Tours” Your Wine Tasting Experience begins as you are chauffeured in an Executive Luxury Van heading to the beautiful rolling hills of North Georgia’s Wine Country for a day of Wine Tasting!

Your Fun Wine Tasting Tour includes: Chauffeured Round Trip Transportation from Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Rd, Snellville, Georgia Saturday, August 28 Tour Departs, 9:30 a.m.

Returns approx. 5:30 p.m.

Friday, September 10 Tour Departs, 10:30 a.m.

Returns approx. 6:30 p.m.

• Wine tasting fees at each winery with an explanation of each wine by a Wine Steward • Delicious lunch at a winery, complimentary snacks and bottled water on-board • Fun, laughter, and a ‘memorable experience’ at no additional charge Bookings can be made directly from the website. Just click on ‘BOOK TOUR’, select your date from the calendar for the Snellville Tourism Wine Tasting Tour, enter your credit card information, make your lunch selection and wine preference(s) and you are set!

Our special rate for Snellville Tourism & Trade Guests:

$145.20 per person (includes tax/fees)

Visit our FaceBook page and ‘like’ us: www.facebook.com/popthecorkwinetours

Let’s Sip! The party begins when you step on-board! www.popthecorkwinetours.com 26

404.433.2956

See our reviews on Trip Advisor, Google, FaceBook, YELP and on Instagram: popthecorkwinetours Gift Certificates available on our website!

The perfect unique gift!

JOIN US FOR A GREAT TIME!

Snellville Tourism and Trade Association partners with Southern Beer Tours to offer the ultimate VIP brewery tours. Join us to experience hours of nothing but fun with friends.

Visit ExperienceSnellville.com to register for one or both of the following tours.

All tours will leave and return to The Lincoln Fill Station, 2280 Henry Clower Blvd.

Saturday, September 25th 11:00 am - 4:30 pm

VIP PACKAGE FOR EACH TOUR IS $75.00 AND INCLUDES:

The tour will stop at the following breweries: Sweet Water Brewing, Monday Night Brewing and Tucker Brewing.

• Guided Educational Tour

Saturday, October 23rd 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm

• 1 Pint from Lincoln Fill Station (Georgia Brewery Only)

The tour will stop at the following breweries: Good Word Brewing, Anderby Brewing and Still Fire Brewing.

• 1 ticket for a chance to win the surprise basket of goodies

• Choice of 1 Pint or Flight at each brewery • Free Beer Koozie

• Snacks and Water Available on the Bus

GUARANTEED FUN!!!

PLUS A SPECIAL RAFFLE ON THE BUS FOR A SURPRISE BASKET OF GOODIES! southernbeertours.com/Snellville

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Snellville Historical Society

A look at Snellville’s reluctant bachelors

By Jim Cofer Snellville Historical Society The attraction to and pursuit of the opposite gender is as old as humanity itself.

However, it seems that a group of previously spurned Snellville bachelors banded together around 1909 to help resist matrimony.

In fact, they formed a social group called the Bachelor’s Self Protection Club in 1909. The local media attended the first meeting and reported it as follows in the Gwinnett Journal, Oct. 16, 1909: “They are loyal bachelors that never waver in their fidelity and heyality. They are promising to organize a real bachelors club.

The object of which will be to protect them from the tempting smile and pleading of the fair sex, which they declare is quite a torment. This will be an organization for self protection and unique in its nature. Its success or its failure will be given to you from time to time. Bachelors H. T. Williams, Arthur Biffle, Homer Johnston, John J. Cofer and Gus Biffle and some other popular bachelors whose names we do not remember just now are prospective candidates for leadership…” (My grandfather Jim Cofer was one of those unnamed.)

The Club would meet regularly and take turns giving lengthy rowdy speeches about the conquests and “near misses” they had.

Many of their meetings degenerated into “complaint sessions” about the competition from men who actually were looking for wives. It was not that the Club members didn’t want to date women (and the spooning and all that goes along with that), it’s just that they didn’t want to marry.

Despite his allegiance to the club, my grandfather was married to my grandmother, Stella Hannah, within a year. Many other bachelor members followed suit. Jim and Stella produced five children in stairstep fashion before his untimely death from tuberculosis in 1925. Before his death, he had been owner of a mercantile in Snellville, farmer, carpenter, butcherer of bulls, and a traveling peddler as shown in the adjacent picture.

This is an excerpt from Jim Cofer’s book “200 Years of Snellville History,” published by King Publishing of Boston. To purchase a copy, or for more information on the Snellville Historical Society, call 678-691-8187.

The Club would meet regularly and take turns giving lengthy rowdy speeches about the conquests and “near misses” they had. Many of their meetings degenerated into “complaint sessions” about the competition from men who actually were looking for wives.

Three categories of competitors are reported in the press: (1) strapping young 18-year olds (the members were in their 30s and 40s), (2) well-heeled old widowers who could offer financial stability, and (3) “city dikes,” apparently sophisticated town dwellers who could sweep the girls off their feet.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

1785 Oak Road Snellville, GA 30078 770-985-0600

www.ersnell.com

Family owned company with over 95 years experience Our shops and asphalt plants are spread across Georgia, including: Metro-Atlanta, Augusta, and Macon 29

Health and Wellness In the year-and-a-half since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the need for resources and help in the community is greater than it has been in recent memory. There are people who are struggling for the first time and those whose troubles have been exacerbated by the mental health and economic woes that accompany the pandemic.

The following is a list of just some of the area’s resources.

Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Help desk: 877.423.4746

Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC) Office: 866.977.1204 or 770.491.9014

Georgia Department of Community Health Right from the Start Medical Assistance Group Office: 877.427.3224

Georgia Department of Community Affairs Home Access Program: 770.270.6860 Georgia Office of Disability Services Ombudsman Hotline: 800.715.4225 Office: 866.424.7577 or 404.656.4261

Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services Gwinnett County office: 678.518.5500 Adoption: 404.657.3550 Foster/adoptive parent inquiries: 877.210.5437 Foster care placement: 404.651.9361 Child abuse/neglect investigation: 855.422.4453

Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Family and Children Services Gwinnett County office: 678.518.5500 Food stamps: 877.423.4746 (LIHEAP): 404.657.3427 Medicaid: 877.423.4746 Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF): 877.423.4746 Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services Hotline/office: 770.995.3339 Partnership for Community Action Office: 404.929.2500

GUIDE (Gwinnett United in Drug Education) Office: 678.377.4131

Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry Office: 770.985.5229

Lawrenceville Housing Authority Office: 770.963.4900

Partnership for Community Action Office: 404.929.2500

Southeast Energy Assistance Office: 404.115.3944

Mental/Physical Health

HomeFirst Gwinnett/Norcross Assessment Center HomeFirst Gwinnett: 404.527.8819 Norcross Assessment Center: 770.847.6765

St. Vincent de Paul Georgia Assistance: 678.892.6163 Office: 678.892.6160

Gwinnett County Health Department Lawrenceville Health Center: 770.339.4283 Preventative Health Clinic: 678.442.6880 Children’s Medical Services: 770.339.4270 Gwinnett Environmental Health Department: 770.963.5132

Children/Family Development

Critical Support 2-1-1 (United Way of Greater Atlanta) Hotline: 211 Text: 898-211 (with your zip code and need) Center for Pan Asian Community Services (CPACS) Gwinnett County office: 770.232.5200 Georgia Department of Community Affairs Georgia Dream: 800.359.4663 HomeSafe Georgia: 877.519.4443 or 770.806.2100 Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): 888.858.6085 30 30

The Salvation Army (Lawrenceville Corps) Office: 770.724.1677

Permanent Housing Georgia Department of Community Affairs Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): 888.858.6085 Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity Office: 770.931.8080 (extension 1017)

Foster Care Families 4 Families: 770.468.9859

Family Promise of Gwinnett Office: 678.376.8950

Children’s Center - Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter: 678.546-8770

Transportation Assistance

Mobile Food Provisions

Gwinnett County Transit Customer service: 770.822.5010

LETTUM EAT Inc.: 678-509-5733

Disabled Assistance Information and Assistance: 678.377.4150 Transportation (for disabled adults and seniors), Annandale Village Office: 770.945.8381

MARTA Routes and schedules/customer service: 404.848.5000 MARTA mobility: 404.848.5826 MARTA police (non-emergencies): 404.848.4900 MARTA police (emergencies): 404.848.4911 Xpress Customer service: 844.977.7742 Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Health and Wellness

Now is the time - get vaccinated Have you received your COVID-19 vaccine? If not, now is the time.

With over 100,000 cumulative COVID-positive cases in Gwinnett County and with the delta variant rising in circulation, don’t delay the decision any longer. The vaccine is the safest way to introduce immunity into our community, and it is the best protection against hospitalization, severe disease and death due to COVID-19.

The pandemic has taken a lot from us over the past 18 months. We’ve been forced to be separated, not travel, and have lost lives unnecessarily. The vaccines are a game-changer.

DR. AUDREY ARONA

Health professionals never imagined having vaccines that were 90 percent effective at protecting against hospitalization and death, yet we are fortunate to have these shots available at no cost to anyone seeking one.

As of August 2021, 99 percent of our COVID-19 hospitalizations in Gwinnett County are unvaccinated individuals. This virus is looking for any opportunity to spread in vulnerable unvaccinated pockets of our community. What’s most troubling is how much more contagious the delta variant is and how much more it is affecting younger individuals. It’s difficult to see 18-40-year-old individuals hospitalized, but it’s no surprise since this age group is our largest unvaccinated population. As people have started to gather with less restrictions in place, this is a perfect storm for another surge.

The good news is there is still time to stop it. Now is the time. By getting more people vaccinated, we give the virus less opportunity not only to spread but to mutate into a different variant that could be more severe than the delta variant. Protect yourself, your family, and your community. Every vaccine is a step toward taking back our lives that have been stalled and upset by this pandemic. We’ll be able to gather safely again, without masks! But until we can provide more protection to our communities, we need to continue practicing the measures that keep us safe, i.e. social distancing, mask wearing, constant hand washing, and staying away when we or others are sick.

The vaccine is the only safe way out of this pandemic. It is widely available to anyone who would like one at any of our health centers in Gwinnett, at our vaccination site at the former Gwinnett Place Mall, and at many pharmacies and doctor’s offices.

The mRNA vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, are two doses. Be sure

to get your second dose to get full protection! Johnson & Johnson has a single dose vaccine if you prefer that option.

Finally, if you need more information, please look to us for help.

As your local public health agency, my team and I are ready to share information to help you make an informed decision. We can help you understand what CDC or Georgia Department of Public Health guidance means for your families or your business.

Life is better together. Get vaccinated so we can get back together safely.

Audrey Arona, MD, is the District Health Director for Gwinnett, Newton & Rockdale County Health Departments. For more information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, visit www.gnrhealth.com.

By getting more people vaccinated, we give the virus less opportunity not only to spread but to mutate into a different variant that could be more severe than the delta variant. Protect yourself, your family, and your community. Every vaccine is a step toward taking back our lives that have been stalled and upset by this pandemic.

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South Gwinnett High School

SGHS principal to students: ‘We got you’ The following is South Gwinnett Principal Dorothy Jarrett’s welcome message to students for the 2021-2022 school year.

DOROTHY JARRETT

Welcome to your first full week of the 2021-22 school year! I am so happy to have all 2600 of you in the schoolhouse. To our 9th and 10th graders, I so enjoyed welcoming you into your school, many of you for the first time. I hope you appreciated the time we took to focus on your social and emotional wellbeing. You should know without any doubt that you have layers of support here and that your teachers are here to help you every step of the way. Our promise to ALL you is that you have an opportunity to SHINE every day! We gotcha!

To my fabulous juniors and seniors, I have missed you so much.

I can’t wait to catch up with what has been going on in your lives.

We have a lot of work to do, but I need you to know, “we got you”.

One of the major areas we are focusing on this year, as we return from isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is school culture and climate. Climate is how people feel in the school; culture is how people act in the school. In order for everyone to feel good and to be successful here at South, we must all be committed to creating a culture of high achievement in everything we do. Our culture includes these actions: •Coming to school every day on time •Committing to reading daily •Completing all assignments on time •Communicating with your teachers

Your teachers returned weeks ago to get prepared for your return to school. They are excited about the new beginning that each of you has as we kick off the 2021-2022 school year. If you reached your goals last year, your new beginning this year should be to reach higher goals. If you did not reach your goals last year, your new beginning should be to learn from your mistakes and challenge yourself to work harder to reach your goals this year. The entire faculty, staff, custodians, cafeteria workers and administrators are here to support you. You are the promise of Gwinnett and we will help you SHINE. In order for you to SHINE, we promise you that we will EQUIP YOU WITH the academics, knowledge and skills to prepare you for your future. A future of success. We expect you to make a Promise to help us help you. We expect you to show us that you CARE about your future.

In our culture of high achievement, we must show that we are PROUD COMETS. Our Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) is in place to guide the behavior management expectations throughout the building. P.R.O.U.D. stands for: •Proactive •Respectful •Organized •Unified •Dedicated When you commit to these expectations you are supporting our culture of high achievement, and we know you will be successful.

I will be in the Commons during lunches giving Comet Cash to everyone who can tell me the characteristics of a PROUD Comet!

We are South Gwinnett #PROUD2B. I believe the best, (BTB), I believe in you. I am so excited about all the great learning that is store for each of you. Remember, we will focus on a culture of high achievement so that we can ALL BE SHINING COMETS! Thank you and have an EPIC year! <<< CLUSTER KICK OFF - The Cluster Kick Off photo features our cluster principals with a surprise visit from Gwinnett County Public Schools, newly appointed CEO/Superintendent Dr. Calvin Watts. From left to right are: Brittany Riddick Rosebud Elementary School, Melanie Lee - Norton Elementary School, Melissa Madsen - Britt Elementary School, Tonya Burnley - Magill Elementary School, Dr. Calvin Watts, Dorothy Jarrett - South Gwinnett High School, Darlene Brown - Grace Snell Middle School and Katise Taylor - Snellville Middle School.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Brookwood High School

What’s in store for Brookwood’s freshman class?

Brookwood High School’s current freshman class is the largest in the school’s history. The Class of 2025 is more than 1,000 strong, including 310 who brought high school credits from their respective middle schools. Overall enrollment at Brookwood for the 2021-2022 school year tops at nearly 3,870.

To acclimate freshman to the rigor and scale of high school, Brookwood welcomes students from day one with a freshman assembly conducted by administrators and upperclassmen student leaders. Orientation continues with Guided Study advisement lessons twice a week that the Counseling Department creates to support academic success and emotional well-being. Two of Brookwood’s seven certified counselors also work specifically with freshmen. During a special Guided Study in the fall, freshmen have a chance to learn about the school’s more than 20 sports teams and 70 clubs and activities.

New this school year is the MERGE program that involves 80 student leaders from the junior and senior class. These upperclassmen actively mentor and advise ninth graders, meeting once a week in each ninth-grade Guided Study classroom. They lead advisement lessons and take questions about navigating firstyear challenges.

A big part of the character building effort at Brookwood is its UPSTANDER program, and this year’s freshmen are piloting a supplemental component that involves a PBIS reward points system. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is designed to affect behavioral outcomes through established

expectations, positive reinforcement, and adaptive systems and procedures. The fun part? Recognition for doing right, popcorn rewards, and student celebrations.

On the academic side, Brookwood has introduced two new courses to support the STEM and agriculture pathways, respectively. Brookwood’s AMPED on Algebra Program allows students to earn Algebra 1 credit in a non-traditional format while learning and applying engineering concepts. This co-curricular classroom provides a unique approach to mathematical instruction.

Students learn skill sets in engineering and construction while applying algebraic concepts. Students earn three units of credit in two class periods. Forestry and Natural Resource Management is also new to Brookwood as part of an Agricultural Pathway of core and elective courses. It offers students the opportunity to explore emerging trends in the industry and get hands-on experiences with the new technologies, using a combination of robotics and aquaponics or greenhouse technologies. The fun part of these classes? The outdoors, plants, bugs, and field trips. Approximately 180 freshmen are taking the Advanced Placement (AP) course Human Geography, which could earn them college credit.

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2021

CONCERT SERIES

Presented by:

NEW BUSINESS

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer

Concerts are FREE to the public and take place on the Towne Green in front of City Hall, 2342 Oak Road, from 6-9 p.m.

Sept. 18

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.

Purple Madness - Prince Tribute - 7 -9 p.m.

Timeless Tinabe-located Tributein toParkTina Turner - 6-7 p.m.

The 64,400-square-foot building will Place,

a development located at the corner of Pharrs Road and Scenic Purple Madness Highway which recently saw the grand opening of Cracker Barrel, is the ultimate celebration of the most widely beloved entertainer and profoundly influential of all-time.

Freddie’s, Zaxby’s and Aspen Dental.

Inn & Suites by Hilton withinartist the city.

Finally, Hampton Inn & Suites, under the Hilton (Hotels) umbrella, Bobby Miller presents an electrifying performance that canhas bea reputation for being There had been concerns the hotel would causebest traffic issues at the a high-quality brand and product that would be an asset to the city described as, high energy and a “must see” performance. busy intersection, but, according to the developers, daily trips would for many years to come.”

The Timeless Tina Tribute Show has the magic of audio and be reduced by nearly two thirds of what was previously approved for visual effects coupled with the raw undeniable talent of Chimere a 12,000-square-foot restaurant.

And just this month, Scott and her band of musicians and dancers, this show paperwork was filed “There is a need in the city for a quality limited-service to bring an Outback promiseshotel a time that you won’t soon forget. in the Scenic Highway Commercial Corridor as there are very Steakhouse to Park few options for travelers to utilize while staying in the area,” said Place.

Planning and Development Director Jason Thompson. “Eastside Medical Center, adjacent restaurants, retail businesses and neighboring residents could all benefit from having a nice Hampton

Reserve a table for six people for $125. Tables are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.

Register online at www.ExpericenceSnellville.com or email STAT Executive Director Kelly McAloon at kelmca@comcast.net.

■ 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

Crestwood Suites

■ Clean, well-lit property with beautiful grounds and plenty of free parking

■ Exclusivebehind in-lobby coffee bar across from of Snellville Located off Scenic Highway Target

Eastside Medical Center

I T

S

.com

1784 Presidential Circle 30078 n ■ Snellville, own Georgia uITeS

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770-982-5250 770.982.5250 1785 Circle • Snellville, Georgia 30078 www.Presidential CrestwoodSuites .com

SCARECROWS ARE COMING TO SNELLVILLE!

Ill

9th Annual Scarecrow Contest

Calling all business owners, schools, churc�es, and ·residents to ioin in the fun! Gr�at advertising for busin.esses.;too! Entrance fee is $20.

. -. . . .. How will· this work? You create a scarecrow and put it on display outside ypur business, school, church, home or club. We'll make sure that there is a map of all locatio.

11s where Scarecrows are on display for voting. Patrons will be encouraged to visit your location and vote on who has the BEST SCARECROW in Snellville.

Contest is available to eve,yone in Snelll'ille.

To ensure that your scarecrow is on the map, the deadline to receive the registration form is September 17, 2021.

Voting will run from October 1 through October 15 at 10p.m. You will bring your scarecrow to the Snellville FALL FESTIVAL on the Towne Green on October 16 for display.

Contest winners will be announced at 3:45 p.rn. during the Fall Festival and then your scarecrows will be auctioned oIT to the highest bidder with bids starting at $10.00. Scarecrows need to be able to stand on their own; delivery is to be made to the designated spot left of the stage on the Towne Green on Saturday, October L6 by 10:00a.m. Please include a 3 x. 5 card clearly marked with the scarecrow's name, your name and business infon11ation.

The winning scarecrows (1st, 2nd & 3rd Place) will be presented a trophy and cash prizes

(lst-$100, 2nd- $75 and 3rd- $50) and also receive recognition in our Winter Snellville Spirit

Magazine, ExperienceSnellville.com and our Faccbook page. The winning scarecrow wilJ be judged on creativity, overall presentation. BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN! All proceedsfrom the a11ctio11 will benefit the Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-op.

Yo11r money will go to" worthy cause!

For more infom1ation, rules, tips and applications, visit www.ExperienceSnellville.com.

Any questions can be sent to kelmca@comcast.net or call Kelly McAloon at 770-310-0429.

Some of the fabulous past Scarecrows!

Show us your creative side Snellville... Who will have the Best Scarecrow in 2021?

For registration form, rules and tips visit ExperienceSnellville.com.

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Experience Snellville ...

Food Truck Friday Fun

The Ray Howard Band - Earth, Wind and Fire Tribute

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Many thanks to Team Snellville Volunteers,

... Come Stay and Play with Us! Star Spangled Snellville Celebration

Awesome Volunteers

Snellville Police Department and Public Works

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Summer Recipes

Creamy Chicken Veggie Orzo

Ingredients

1 tbsp Olive oil 1 Onion, chopped about 1 cup 2 Ribs celery, chopped, about 1 cup 2 Large carrots, peeled, sliced, about 1 cup 1 cup of frozen peas 4 Garlic cloves, minced 8 cups Chicken stock 2-3 cups Chicken, cooked, shredded 1 lb box Orzo 1 tbsp Flat leaf parsley, minced 1 tsp Salt ¼ tsp Pepper Grated Parmesan cheese Parsley Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the onion, celery, peas and carrots and cook until the onion is translucent, about 7 minutes.

Add garlic and sauté for 2 minutes longer.

Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil.

Add the orzo.

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the cooked, shredded chicken breast, parsley, salt and pepper.

Maintain a simmer for 20 minutes, until the orzo is cooked through, the veggies are tender, and most, but not all of the liquid has been absorbed by the orzo.

Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.

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Apple Butter Spice Cake

Ingredients Topping: 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ½ cup chopped walnuts

Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ¼ cup butter, room temperature ½ cup white sugar ½ cup brown sugar 1 cup apple butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup instant oats 1 cup sour cream 2 eggs, room temperature Gala apple Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13inch pan. Prepare the topping by mixing together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and chopped walnuts. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat butter and sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy; add eggs one at a time, thoroughly beating each egg into the butter mixture before adding the next. Add apple butter, vanilla, instant oats. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with sour cream; mix well after each addition.

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan; add very thinly sliced gala apples on the top of batter; sprinkle with half of the topping. Pour remaining batter into pan, add thinly sliced gala apples on top of the batter and top with the rest of the topping. Bake in the preheated oven until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 40 minutes.

Drizzle a carmel topping over the top of the cake before serving.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

more than a

great rate

Walton Gas is Gwinnett’s Choice for natural gas! With great rates and friendly customer service from a local provider you can trust…you can enjoy warm moments without worry.

Visit www.waltongas.com/save or call 770-427-4328.

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Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody.

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