Snellville Spirit Special Edition 2020

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to Be Somebody SPECIAL EDITION

Snellville Will Honor The Past as the City Plans for a Bright Future Ground Breaking for the highly anticipated The Grove at Towne Center project will take place in 2020!

Valentine’s Day!

Make reservations at one of your favorite local restaurants. Don’t forget flowers from local florists, baked goods from local bakeries and frozen treats from local shops.

Bakeries

Italian Restaurants and Pizzerias Fratelli’s Provino’s G’Angelo’s Pizza Main Street Olive Garden Mellow Mushroom Domino’s Stevi B’s Florists Papa John’s Bloom with Jenna Pizza Hut Snellville Florist Linda’s House of Flowers

Mexican Chipotle Mexican Grill Little Mexico Bar and Grill Moe’s Southwest Grill

Asian

Bill Rhodes Bakery Nothing Bundt Cakes Publix Kroger Sam’s Club Golden Krust Bakery

Caribbean and Mediterranean Ionie’s Island Kitchen Zoe’s Kitchen Golden Krust Mom’s Creole Cooking De One Roti Caribbean Jamaican Flavors Grecian Gyro C & L Jamaican Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Neighborhood American Dining

Sakegura Japanese Panda Express Sri Thai Mah Jong Sahaj Maaki Thai Taste Hot N’ Cold Chinese Buffet I Luv Pho Sushi Avenue China Panda Asian Max China Chef

Main Street Restaurant Wing Stop Wing N’ Burger Factory Wings Mania Touchdown Wings Texas Roadhouse O’Charley’s Outback First Watch Panera Bread Applebee’s Ice Cream, Custard, Yogurt American Deli and Smoothies Freddy’s Beren’s Frozen Custard Steak N’ Shake Bruster’s Ice Cream Cracker Barrel Five Spot Frozen Yogurt Waffle House Roll It Up! I Get Juiced Planet Smoothie Tropical Smoothie Cafe Summit Chase County Club (requires a social dining membership)

Snellville Commerce Club Where Business Thrives First Tuesday of every month at Snellville City Hall If you want to be in the know and stay connected with what’s going on in Snellville, become a member of the Snellville Commerce Club the business arm of Snellville Tourism and Trade.

Tourism = Economic Development R Monthly luncheon included with Classic or Premium Membership R Network with business leaders in the community R Innovative and Engaging guest speakers R Stay Connected! R Great door prizes!

February 4th - Snellville Commerce Club welcomes guest speaker Senator P.K. Martin.

Senator Martin will discuss what is on tap for the 2020 legislative session.

Monthly speakers will be listed on our website.

Senator P.K. Martin

Left to Right: Kelly McAloon, STAT Executive Director, Snellville Police Chief Roy Whitehead & Melvin Everson, V.P. of Economic Development at Gwinnett Tech.

The Snellville Commerce Club is a philanthropic organization that continues to give back to our community. The Commerce Club awards two $1,000 scholarships to FBLA or DECA students from South Gwinnett High School and Brookwood High School. Scholarship applications can be found online at www.SnellvilleTourism.com

Lunch is included with Classic or Premium membership to the Snellville Commerce Club. Lunch is $15 for non-members.

Snellville Commerce Club members and guests enjoy dynamic and engaging speakers every month. Join today!

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Special Edition 2020 - Volume 39 Publisher/Editor: Kelly McAloon Editor: Brian Arrington

2020 is the year of The Grove Happy New Year! We hope you’re as excited as we are to begin this new decade that is sure to be a defining one for Snellville’s future.

As you know, this is the year we will break ground on The Grove at Towne Center – a highly anticipated project that has been in the works for years and is now coming to fruition. To all of those involved, thank you for your effort on this project that will define Snellville for decades to come.

This is an extremely exciting time for our city, and we can’t wait to share more updates as new developments take place!

Happy New Year to you and your family!

Don

Don Britt, President, Snellville Tourism and Trade

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.snellvilletourism.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 Secretary Kathy Emanuel Board Member Lucy DeForest Board Member Jared Eakins Board Member Regina Hart Board Member Kurt Schulz Board Member Alice Snipes Executive Director Kelly McAloon Administrative Assistant Summer Daniels 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, Perry Cox and Kelly McAloon Magazine Cover Design by Intrepid Marketing Group and Perry Cox Contributing Writers and Photographers: Kelly McAloon, Don Britt, Brian Arrington, Gretchen Schulz, Eric Van Otteren, Barbara Bender, Intrepid Marketing Group, Danielle Swaby and Perry Cox

CONTENTS 7

18 17

6 7 8 9 11 12 14

21

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

16

CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

17

THE GROVE

18

BABY NEW YEAR

20

FROM CARS TO ANIMALS

21

FARMERS’ MARKET

22

PARKS AND RECREATION

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Mayor Barbara Bender looks forward to 2020.

The popular course is offered by Snellville police again.

The history of Snellville leads to The Grove.

Eastside Medical Center’s first baby of 2020 is here!

City pairs car show with local animal organization.

Off-season market is hopping with shoppers.

Events at Briscoe Park and the Senior Center.

GIVE HUNGER THE BOOT

Donations sought to help families in need.

FILLING THE GROVE

Here’s a business that would fit well at The Grove.

SCHOOL NEWS

What’s happening at Brookwood and South Gwinnett?

SNELLVILLE DAYS

Save the date for the popular annual event.

FESTIVAL OF TREES

Local groups decorate trees for a good cause.

A NIGHT OF LIGHTS

Pictures from the tree lighting and parade in November.

STAT EVENTS

A list of events coming to Snellville in 2020.

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Mayor’s Message - Mayor Barbara Bender I hope everyone had a lovely holiday and New Year’s celebration!

We sure are excited to kick off a new decade together.

Also, a big thank you to everyone who came out to our December runoff election. Congratulations to Solange Destang on her election victory. We are sure she will be an asset to our city through her service on council.

As the cover of this issue suggests, there’s a lot to look forward to this year, as plans for The Grove at Towne Center continue to move forward. This is a project that has been in the works since I was first elected and is vital for Snellville’s future. The project located on 10 acres near City Hall - will create a new and vibrant downtown Snellville, one that will have new housing, a city market, a library, exciting new restaurants and shops. While there is plenty of work to do, it is an exciting time knowing this project is coming to fruition.

City staff and Council are dedicated to making this project a success and we look forward to sharing our progress with you.

We’re especially excited for the groundbreaking this summer – watch this space for an official date and continuing updates.

Our Annual Council Retreat is coming up this month, and we’re looking forward to setting goals and priorities for the year ahead.

If you have concerns or issues that the Council should address, please email them to me at bbender@snellville.org.

I thank you for allowing me the honor to serve as your Mayor. I appreciate all of your support and encouragement and I am always open to suggestions for how I can better serve you.

City staff and Council are dedicated to making this project a success and we look forward to sharing our progress with you. We’re especially excited for the groundbreaking this summer – watch this space for an official date and continuing updates.

Your City Council <<< The 2020 Snellville Mayor and Council.

Top row, from left are council members Tod Warner and Solange Destang and Mayor Pro Tem Dave Emanuel. Bottom row, from left are Councilwoman Gretchen Schulz, Mayor Barbara Bender and Councilwoman Cristy Lenski.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Around Towne - News from Police and Public Works The program, which was created in 2003, is open to all Snellville-area residents 18 and older and is free of charge.

Applications are available on the city’s website - www. snellville.org - or can be picked up at the police department located at 2315 Wisteria Drive, Snellville.

A background check will be conducted on all applicants prior to acceptance to the program.

For more information contact class coordinator Lt. Rob Pendleton at 770-985-3555 or rpendleton@snellville.org.

The most recent graduates of the Snellville Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy.

Citizens Police Academy currently accepting applications Applications are currently being accepted for this season’s Citizens Police Academy.

The 12-week program, which takes place in the spring and fall, is designed to educate the public about the operation of the police department and how the involvement of the community can help deter crime.

Classes begin March 5 and run through May 21 and take place from 6 to 8 p.m. each Thursday.

There is one Saturday class at a gun range from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“The Citizens Police Academy is the single best program undertaken by police officers to build partnerships in our community in order to improve relationships and how we can work together to deter crime,” Snellville Police Department Chief Roy Whitehead said. “Once the participants have graduated, they become ambassadors in the community for our officers and our department. Together, we foster a positive interactive relationship with the citizens we serve.”

Law enforcement topics will be discussed and attendees engage in practical exercises with Snellville police officers. Topics include domestic violence, drug awareness, traffic stops, firearms training and crime scene processing. A tour of Gwinnett County Jail and a graduation ceremony will also be offered.

“The Citizens Police Academy is the single best program undertaken by police officers to build partnerships in our community in order to improve relationships and how we can work together to deter crime.”

There’s still time left to ‘Bring One for the Chipper’ tree recycling Still have your Christmas Tree? Christmas Tree drop off sites for “Bring One for the Chipper” are open until Jan. 20.

The site located inside the city limits of Snellville is Fire Station 12, located at 2815 Lenora Church Road across from T.W. Briscoe Park.

They will accept live trees through Jan. 20.

Curbside pick up of live Christmas trees would be treated as yard debris pick up with the tree being cut into armload sizes and a City of Snellville brown yard waste bag attached to each.

Residents will still need to call the number on the bag for a scheduled pick up which is normally on Wednesdays so please call by noon on Tuesday for scheduling.

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e v o r G e h T r e t n e C e n w o at T

As we say our goodbyes to 2019, we are feeling extra excited for the new decade and highly anticipated project that is coming along with it – The Grove at Towne Center! As we look forward to the future, we also feel that it is important to remember the history and traditions that make this progress possible. We hope you will continue reading to learn more about Snellville’s history and how the town plans to honor its past with the new project.

With roots that date back to the 1800s, Snellville’s existence can be contributed to its cofounders – resourceful, determined English immigrants Thomas Snell and James Sawyer. Thomas and James made up their minds to come to America as teenagers, but, then Thomas’ parents intervened, and he was forced to join his friend a short time later. Although we do not know the comprehensive timeline of Thomas and James’ lives from the time they left England, we do have access to 130 letters written James

by Thomas Snell to his mother. From these letters, we know that the two young men made their way Sawyer to Georgia and spent several years working on two different farms before going into business together to open Snell & Sawyer Store, which established Snellville as a hub for commerce even before the township was officially incorporated in 1923. We also know that the two created their own currency (featuring Snell’s face), and their store soon became an indispensable resource for many, including families and individuals who lived beyond what is now Snellville’s borders and into neighboring towns and communities.

People often traveled a significant distance to purchase what they needed from the Snell & Sawyer Store. For many, the trip took at least a full day of travel, sometimes more. This is where “The Grove”–a grassy area located where Provino’s now Thomas stands—originated. The Grove became the location where travelers would gather to eat, socialize, rest Snell and celebrate momentous occasions. This was also a place where families held reunions, the town hosted events, and the community came together as a unified group.

In the spirit of preserving the past as we strive to create a bright future, special attention has been taken to recognize Snellville’s rich history.

Choosing the name “The Grove at Towne Center” is one such way. The hope is that this new mixed-use development will serve as a hub of convenience, business, education, entertainment, and even residential space where every community member feels welcome.

In addition to the retail, dining, office, and residential space the Towne Center will offer, there is also a proposed greenway that will preserve the natural

setting and serve as a community destination for outdoor recreation – another way in which we wish to remember and preserve the idea of the original Grove.

While great focus was placed on incorporating The Grove’s history, finding a way to memorialize Snellville’s co-founders and pay tribute to the city’s roots were also important elements to incorporate as the plans for the new development were drawn – a task that was accomplished by the careful choosing of street names and the inclusion of The Mercantile. Visitors will be able to walk, bike and drive down “Grove Walk”, “Thomas Snell Way” and “James Sawyer Way”. They will also be able to do their shopping at The Mercantile – a tribute to the original Snell & Sawyer Store.

We are extremely excited for the positive impact and growth that this new project will bring to our city, and we’re also very intent on remembering the people and events that led us here. We hope this is evident to everyone as progress continues to be made, and we hope you will join us, especially as we enter a new decade, in working toward making Snellville a place where “Everybody is Proud to be Somebody.”

<<< CONTEST WINNER -

Congratulations to Shirley Brown who was the first to find the logo for The Grove in the last edition of this magazine. Brown is pictured with a T-shirt for winning the contest with Economic Development Director Eric Van Otteren.

Happy New Year 2020!

Eastside Medical Center’s senior leadership team signed a rose dedication that was included in the 2020 Donate Life Rose Bowl Parade® float. Pictured, front from left, are Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Stephen Higgins, Chief Executive Officer, Trent Lind and Chief Operating Officer, John Hoover, – back, from left, Chief Financial Officer, Amy Wheeler, Chief Nursing Officer, Tracey Smithson and Vice-President of Nursing, Kevin Dalrymple.

The Donate Life Rose Parade® float , Light in the Darkness, included a dedication garden made up of roses with handwritten dedications by hospital CEO’s across the country including Trent Lind, Chief Executive Officer of Eastside Medical Center.

Snellville Citizens New Year Goals!

Melvin Everson Ty Cowart V.P. of Economic Development at Gwinnett Tech Owner, Tyco Farms, Inc. “Continue to improve Workforce Development Snellville Farmers’ Market vendor in Gwinnett and North Fulton.”

“Successfully grow asparagus commercially.”

Steve Larson, Snellville Resident “Eat more fresh food, supplemented by the Snellville Farmers’ Market & plan my garden better.”

Raegan Coard, Snellville Resident “Make my daughter smile more and collect experiences, not things.”

Paul Slifko Owner, Hill Top Pawn “Canvas more new customers and make a difference in customer service.”

Jason Sanders Hickey’s Tree Service Employee “To make better decisions in life.”

Dana Walters ICU Nurse, Eastside Medical Center “To continue to give the best care to each patient I encounter.”

Vilma Kokaram Owner, Ionie’s Caribbean Kitchen “Offer the best Caribbean food experience in the area.”

CONGRATULATIONS!

Eddie MacFarlane Owner, Fast Signs Snellville “Be a better husband, be a better dad and be a better boss.”

Rylee Nova Broner & Family, 6 lbs., 8 oz., and 19.25 inches long, was the first baby of the year born at Eastside Medical Center in Snellville.

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Parks and Recreation <<< From left are Steve O’Neal of

the Georgia Cool Cruisers, Lisa Oliver of Planned PEThood of Georgia, Mayor Barbara Bender, Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Platt, Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Meghan Meegan, and Amy Davenport, also of Planned PEThood of Georgia.

Dogs from left are Nash, Snickers and Emma.

Car show at Briscoe leads to donations for needy animals

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer A November car show by the Georgia Cool Cruisers not only brought hundreds to Briscoe Park for a day of fun, but it also raised money for some needy four-legged friends.

The event raised $1,600 for Planned PEThood of Georgia, a non profit dedicated to finding homes for pets who need them and controlling the pet population. Parks and Recreation officials decided to make the car show, which has been a success since it first began coming to Briscoe Park last year, a fundraiser - an idea GCC jumped on.

“I think any events that bring people into the park, to see all that we have to offer here is a win all the way around,” Mayor Barbara Bender said. “The car show does that and more with this donation to Planned PEThood.”

There will be another GCC car show on the second day of Snellville Days, Sunday, May 3 which will also benefit Planned PEThood. There will also be pets for adoption.

>>> FOR MORE INFORMATION

Georgia Car Cruisers - georgiacoolcruisers.org Planned PEThood of Georgia - pethoodga.org

“We knew we wanted to do something with animals,” said Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Platt. “Planned PEThood and what they do seemed like a perfect fit. The Cruisers said ‘Let’s do it.’”

The $1,600 came from donations, contest fees and a silent auction.

“It’s been an awesome partnership,” said Meghan Meegan, Parks and Recreation coordinator.

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Snellville Farmers’ Market 1

Market’s extended season having another successful run “Love the Snellville Farmers’ Market!” That comment posted on the Snellville Farmers’ Market Facebook page last month by a regular customer warms the hearts of those of us who administer the “extended season market,” held the first Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to noon in the City Hall parking lot. The market will continue through May with the regular weekly market beginning again in June.

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3

4

The vendor and community response to the off-season market has been bigger and better than ever. Last year, an average of 12 vendors participated in the market. This year, that number is up to 20 to 25 most months.

5

“We’re really at the point that we are not accepting any more vendors for the off-season unless they offer something truly unique. Our plan always was to keep this market fairly small and easy to administer,” said Gretchen Schulz, who co-administers the off-season market with her husband, Kurt, and volunteer Regina Hart.

-Gretchen Schulz, Market Coordinator, Councilwoman

>>> Market Pictures Photo 1: Photo 2: Photo 3: Photo 4: Photo 5: Photo 6: Photo 7: Photo 8:

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Richard Presley brings cool-season vegetables, beef, pork and eggs Carrell Farms of Monore brings grass-fed water buffalo, lamb and alpaca El Cuate Foods features tamales and salsas Tonora Hennessey makes a variety of pound cakes Snellville Honey features local honey and eggs Cari’s Corner Italian Bakery offers a variety of breads and sweet treats Petersen’s Bakery features breads and pastries Black Door Designs sells pottery by Susan Boudreaux

Volunteers are always needed. Visit Snellvillefarmersmarket.com for more information.

12

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Take full advantage of our beginning of the New Year specials on a variety of firearms and accessories!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Check out all the 2020 New Year’s Deals

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

WE BUY GOLD!

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.

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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.

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Follow us on Facebook for all of the new products starting in February 2020!

Happy New Year!

Fratelli’s is a New York-style pizzeria and Italian restaurant located in Snellville, Georgia.

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We are a family-owned and – large functions and have several take-out and restaurant located in Snellville, Georgia.

In addition to specialty pizzas and pastas, our operated business whose authentic cuisine and delivery options. We are a family-owned and – menu also includes gluten-free options and friendly service will keepauthentic you coming backand as operated whose cuisine homemade desserts. Webusiness cater both small and large functions and have several take-out and of the family. part friendly service will keep you coming back as delivery options. We are a family-owned and – part operated business whose authentic cuisine and of the family.

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13

What’s Going On? Snellville Parks and Recreation Snellville Senior Center

Self-defense and chair exercise classes are available one time per month at 10 a.m. Call the center for dates or go online and look for dates in our newsletter.

The Senior Center offers other classes in conjunction with our regular ongoing scheduled classes.

Snellville Senior Center 2350 Oak Road Snellville, Georgia 30078 770 985-3580

Park Rentals Facilities at the park can be rented with 14 days notice. There are outdoor pavilion rentals, large rooms for rent and the pool can be rented. For room/ pavilion rentals call the park office at 770-985-3535

Get Movin’/Line Dancin’ available on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. for $5 per class. New Trial Exercise Class “Twist and Tone” available on Fridays at 9 a.m. for $3 per class.

A group of crafters meets Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. for crocheting and knitting. The meeting is free with membership.

Spanish classes are offered for beginners, intermediate and advanced speakers throughout the week. Call the Senior Center at 770-985-3580 for class times.

There are card-making classes, piano, sewing and quilting classes as well.

Beginning computer, smartphone and tablet classes coming soon. Call center for dates.

Billiards, Bingo and an exercise and weight room are also available and free to members.

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Briscoe Park will offer spring soccer leagues for kids ages 4-19. Visit www.allinfcsnellville. com for dates and registration information!

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

Outdoor tennis and basketball courts are available on a first-come-first-served basis without lights daily from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Tennis courts can be rented from 6 - 8 p.m. with lights at a cost of $10 per hour and daylight hours at $5 per hour. To reserve, call the office at 770985-3535.

Aerobics are free with membership and take place Mondays and Thursdays at 9:15 and 10:15 a.m. Pilates are also available for $3 per class at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Painting classes are offered Thursdays and a group of four classes is $28. The classes run from 1 to 3 p.m.

Briscoe Park - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 25 - Feb. 1. All-In FC games start March 7.

Briscoe Park is open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

770-985-3535

For field rentals, call Meghan Purvis at 770985-3532. For a list of property for rental visit snellville.org/parks-recreation.

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 & Recreation Department on Snellville’s website at www. snellville.org/parks-recreation.

Adult softball registration is open Jan. 13 - Feb 21. Men’s Adult softball start date: March 10 Co-ed Adult Softball start date: March 13 All-In FC soccer walk up registration dates at Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody

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You Can Help

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 & no money to buy any. You may not even know of anyone who faces hunger on a regular basis.

Yet, many local families are in that unfortunate situation.

For the past nine years, Give Hunger the Boot has focused on kicking hunger out of Snellville by assisting the Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-Op. But,

Some Local Children are Still Hungry The Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-Opâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.

Some of the locations accepting food donations: Snellville City Hall Snellville Public Works United Community Bank Snellville Gwinnett Animal Hospital (McGee Road) and Fast Signs (Highway 124).

Financial donations may be made at the above locations and at: Legacy Beverage Center (Hwy 78, Loganville) Snellville City Hall Main Street Restaurant and Mellow Mushroom Snellville

Economic Development Small business owners can grow at The Grove Are you like the little train who said, “I think I can?” I would like to introduce you to Amy. Amy works in her own micro manufacturing business in the Snellville area and is trying to learn more about how to grow. She is asking all the right questions. She is also wondering about her options. Launching and growing a business is an intimidating process.

In Amy’s own words: “I’m a leather worker stereotypically working in my basement. I’m in a “see where this goes” phase. It started as a hobby, but people started paying me to make things for them and it helped me fund my hobby. Then I decided I wanted more people to talk about leather with, so I started teaching classes. If I could get more commissions, I’d certainly take them.

If I grew to the point having stock on hand made sense, I’d love that. If I could afford a laser cutter I’d be thrilled!

“I haven’t really *tried* to grow a business out of this. I’m at the point where I need to make a decision as to whether or not to do so and if I do, how? Because frankly all the business license and tax id stuff is confusing but I’m at a point where I either need to figure it out and go forward or ... I don’t know? So I guess I’d like to grow a little if the tax cost and administrative burden isn’t too much. Thinking on it, the type of resources you’re trying to develop would probably be really helpful for someone like me who is at a crossroads and needs some advice.”

The City of Snellville and the Mercantile, which will open in early 2022, are looking for businesses like Amy’s Azaleanleather and others that may be a little further down the road of growth.

Of course, there are two years before space will be available. The Mercantile at The Grove will have space for businesses just like Azaleanleather.

The city is looking to grow small manufacturing opportunities like Azaleanleather. These kinds of craft and unique offerings are why people will come to The Mercantile market. They will seek the experience to learn how to do a little leather-work on their own and purchase a unique product. The city partners with business development support programs like SCORE and the Small Business Development Councl that help businesses like Azaleanleather and owners like Amy. The city is looking to understand the demand for a maketspace and what our businesses like Amy’s need to be successful. And the customers of the Mercantile will love the opportunity to learn how to do a little something on their own.

You have also heard a lot about shop local. Azaleanleather, and the many other local small businesses in the Snellville area welcome an opportunity to share their wares and provide you with a unique product that is not just American-made, but is Snellvillemade. If you are interested in Amy’s products please find her on Instagram (@azaleanleather), Etsy (AzaleanLeather) or reach out via email (azaleanleather@gmail.com). For more on Snellville’s work to develop micro manufacturing businesses, please contact Eric Van Otteren, Economic Development director at evanottere@ snellville.org.

- Eric Van Otteren, Economic Development Director

<<< HIGHWAY 78/124 INTERSECTION

Pittman Construction is pleased to say the new completion date was Dec. 31, 2019. The November and December rains and cold weather may have delayed the final striping. Pittman staff were making every effort to have everything done by the new year. They do anticipate doing some cleanup work through January. There may also be some minor items completed based on the real use of the intersection and new travel patterns. All sod is scheduled to be completed. Happy travels to all those commuting through Snellville. Please take a few minutes to slow down and see all that Snellville has to offer.

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South Gwinnett High School SGHS Success Stories

^^^ CHAMPS! The South Gwinnett High School Wrestling Team defeated the following teams; Berkmar, 48-27, Norcross, 51-21, and Meadow Creek, 60-18 to advance to the finals against Newton County which they defeated decisively, 42-34. Principal Dorothy Jarrett came to show her support for the winning team!

^^^ WAY TO GO! The South Gwinnett High School Special Olympics Basketball Team brought home another championship against Collins Hill, winning the Regents Tournament.

^^^ GREAT DESIGN - The South Gwinnett Design Lab is a

student-based-enterprise created to provide students with business exposure and experience while in school. Students have roles such as production managers, design managers, social media managers, technicians and more.

The Design Lab started in 2017 as a way to increase student engagement, It was offered as an opportunity to turn a design class into a business. During its second year of business T-shirts were created for an internal Macy’s Department Store enterprise resource group called Woman in Technology.

The students completed the T-shirt order on-time and with high quality. Since then students have provided thousands of T-shirts to various groups within Macy’s. They were recently asked to create 3,000 Macy’s branded flexible fans for a Leadercast Conference. Income generated by the Design Lab is given directly back to the students. Last year SGHS graduating seniors received a total of $4,400 in scholarships. For more information visit www. gcpsk12.org/Page/19380.

^^^ INNOVATIVE APP - Arttiee is a mobile

^^^ HELPING OUT - The South Gwinnett High School

Football Team along with other SGHS staff and students, paid it forward to 30 families in need during this year’s ‘Tackle Hunger’ Food Drive. FCCLA continued the good deeds at the Overcomers House Inc. Mobile Food Pantry. Both groups provided much-needed support to local families this past Thanksgiving.

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application capable of allowing students and parents to track their school bus in real-time, eliminating the hassle of children rushing to the bus stop, and waiting outside in inclement weather. This service will also allow Bus Managers an efficient way of taking attendance through our mobile application and give parents updates when their child has arrived at school. Responsible for this application is Snellville natives and South Gwinnett alumni Kenneth Foxworth, James Lampkin, Cassius Jones and Tariq Jackson. They are currently in the process of getting this application into as many schools as possible in GCPS. The launch date is March 2. For more information email Info@arttiee.com or visit www.Arttiee.com.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Brookwood High School

Construction continues on second-floor addition at BHS

^^^ KUDOS Congratulations to Five Forks Middle School Counselor Laura Ross for being named the national 2020 School Counselor of the Year by the American School Counselor Association!

As the calendar year ends, construction continues on the two-story addition at Brookwood.

Work crews have finished the steel structure, concrete flooring, masonry walls and the roof. Brick has been laid on the outer wall facing the rest of the school and prepped the other side. What most have not seen is the progress inside, where the mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering are going smoothly and crews have finished the block work on the first floor and about half of the second.

Students should be able to occupy the new building at the start of the 2020 school year.

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Mark Your Calendars For ...

SNELLVILLE DAYS May 2 & 3, 2020 T.W. Briscoe Park, 2500 Sawyer Parkway, Snellville, Georgia •Snellville’s largest festival •Live music from local acts and students •Kid’s Zone play area •Sunday classic car show •Great food •Arts and crafts vendors •Animal acts •Business and civic information booths

Free Shuttle

Take a free shuttle ride to Briscoe Park from First Baptist Church on Saturday.

Open call for Vendors, Sponsors and Volunteers

Crafters who offer unique, quality items are needed to sell their products at Snellville Days! If you want to be a vendor, sponsor or volunteer, visit jrmmanagment.com or snellvilledays.com.

2019 Festival of Trees

Many thanks to all those who took the time to participate in the 4th Annual Festival of Trees. We appreciate the compassionate effort of those who participated and to all those who made the Festival of Trees a big success.

St. Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church takes first place for the fourth consecutive year.

Congratulations to all!

A big thank you to the ‘Spice People’ Ministry at St. Oliver’s for heading up the project this year.

Lion’s Club

Snellville Historical Society

Daughters of the American Revolution

Just Fitness 4U

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Dianah’s Dynamic Divas

Tree participants having fun setting up for the Festival of Trees.

All proceeds benefit the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op to Give Hunger the Boot. This was a community effort to help all those in need. Please continue to help those less fortunate throughout the year.

Making Memories with Family and Friends...

... at the Snellville Christmas Tree Lighting

*********ECRWSSEDDM****

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID LILBURN, GA ABC DIRECT

POSTAL CUSTOMER

Snellville Tourism & Trade P.O. Box 669 Snellville, GA 30078

SPOTLIGHT ON

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody.

2020 STAT Event Schedule on The Snellville Towne Green www.SnellvilleEvents.com “Experience Snellville and Make Memories With Us!”

MAY

JUNE/JULY

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

May 1 | 4-8 PM Food Truck Friday

June 5 | 4 -8 PM Food Truck Friday

August 7 | 4-8 PM Food Truck Friday

May 9 | 12-5 PM Beach Blast

June 6 | (Every Saturday) 8:30 AM -12:30 PM Farmers’ Market - Opening Day

August 22 | 6-9 PM Live on the Lawn Concert

May 23 | 4:30-5:30 PM Memorial Celebration May 23 | 6-9 PM Live on the Lawn Concert

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER October 2 | 4-8 PM Food Truck Friday October 24 | 12-6 PM Fall Festival

July 4 | 4 -10 PM Star Spangled Snellville July 25 | 6-9 PM Live on the Lawn Concert

September 4 | 4-8 PM Food Truck Friday September 12 | 4-8 PM Taste of Snellville September 19 | 6-9 PM Live on the Lawn Concert

AWARD WINNING SNELLVILLE FARMER’S MARKET

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (JUNE - SEPTEMBER)

1ST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH (MAY - OCTOBER)

November 7 | 11 AM- 2:30 PM Chili Cook-Off

NO FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY IN JULY

November 7 | 3-4 PM Veterans Celebration November 28 | 5-8 PM Christmas Tree Lighting November 28 | 5:30-6:30 PM Lighted Christmas Parade

2020 KEYSTONE SPONSORS

LIVE ON THE LAWN CONCERT SERIES

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*All events are subject to change