Snellville Spirit Spring 2019

Where Everybody is Proud to Be Somebody SPRING 2019

Come Celebrate Snellville Days in Briscoe Park Saturday, May 4, 10 am - 6 pm Sunday, May 5, 12 pm - 5 pm

It’s Simple, Big savings for CALL ME. safe drivers.

You’ll Be Glad You Did!

Do You Have the Best Rates Possible?

One Call to Us and You Will Know.

"Let's Compare, You'll Be Glad You Did!" Ronnie Cail, Agent 2850 Main Street West Snellville, GA 30078 Bus: 770-979-8600 ronnie.cail.bxbq@statefarm.com

Hablamos Espanol

Visit e l l i v l Snel

Whether you decide to take a day trip to Snellville or stay overnight, you’ll find hometown charm and warm Southern hospitality. Located 10 minutes from Stone Mountain State Park and between Athens and Atlanta, Snellville offers one of the largest shopping destinations in the state. Snellville has beautiful parks, a state-of-the-art Veterans Memorial, an award-winning Farmers’ Market and exciting and unique events to keep you entertained.

Visit SnellvilleEvents.com for more!

State-of-the-art Veterans Memorial

Award-winning Farmers’ Market June - Septemeber

World Class events

3

Spring 2019 - Volume 35 Publisher/Editor: Kelly McAloon Editor: Brian Arrington

Celebrate 10 years with Snellville Tourism and Trade Over the past decade, we have been proud to serve the city and the citizens of Snellville. We hope that you have enjoyed all the great events and activities that we offer. We are excited to have a great lineup of fun-filled opportunities for the citizens of Snellville and continue promoting our great city to others who may want to visit or relocate to our hometown. We are so proud to continue to produce the Snellville Spirit magazine in order for everyone in the community to know a little bit more about what is available in Snellville. We have been preparing for the upcoming 2019 event season and have a great, new concert schedule, five Food Truck Fridays, and we are bringing back the Beach Blast. These are just some highlights of our family-friendly community events. You can find the schedule of events for the season online at www.exploresnellville.com.

My hope for our 10th anniversary Snellville Tourism and Trade event season is every citizen comes out and participates in the community by having some fun, getting to know your neighbors and celebrating what makes our community a place that we can all be proud of.

I look forward to seeing you in Snellville.

Don

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 Treasurer Jamey Toney Board Member Regina Hart Board Member Kurt Schulz Board Member Alice Snipes Board Member Kyle Emerson Executive Director Kelly McAloon City Council Mayor Barbara Bender, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Emanuel, Cristy Lenski, Roger Marmol, Gretchen Schulz and Tod Warner City Website: www.snellville.org Magazine Design by Brian Arrington, Perry Cox and Kelly McAloon Magazine Cover Design by Perry Cox

Don Britt, President, Snellville Tourism and Trade

Connecting our Community to Celebrate Snellville 4

Snellville Spirit Magazine is produced by: Snellville Tourism & Trade Association

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Contributing Writers and Photographers: Kelly McAloon, Don Britt, Brian Arrington, Gretchen Schulz, Eric Van Otteren, Barbara Bender and Perry Cox

CONTENTS 8

10

35

6

Mayor Barbara Bender talks about Snellville boards.

7

Happenings with the police department and public works.

8

Mark your calendars! Snellville Days is May 4 and 5.

28

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

26

The Snellville Farmers’ Market will start summer season.

DEPARTMENT NEWS

28

The annual Live on the Lawn Concert Series lineup.

SNELLVILLE DAYS

29

T.W. Briscoe Park has a plethora of spring events.

HISTORICAL MOVE

31

Things are abloom in the Community Garden @Snellville.

BACK TO THE BEACH

33

What’s going on at the Snellville Senior Center?

MELVIN’S JOURNEY

34

A new Snellville cleanup program debuts.

HAPPY EASTER

35

A look inside the classrooms in the South Gwinnett Cluster.

BEWARE OF THE SHARKS!

38

Snellville Police Department’s recent awards recapped.

MEMORIAL DAY

40

Snellville celebrates those who lend a hand.

HAPPY HELPERS

42

10

The Snellville Historical Society moves to North Road.

12

The Snellville Beach Blast is back after a short hiatus.

14

Melvin Everson shares his story of perseverance.

16

Local churches list Easter services.

18

The city’s Shark Tank competition is back for another year.

20

A preview of the city’s annual Memorial Day celebration.

22

Snellville is offering internships to civic-minded students.

24

The Towne Green will soon be filled with food trucks.

FARMERS’ MARKET

LISTEN TO THE MUSIC PARK HAPPENINGS

COMMUNITY GARDEN SENIOR SESSIONS

CLEAN AND PROUD SCHOOL TIME

SALUTE TO OUR POLICE

WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS SPRINGTIME RECIPE

A meal to serve as temperatures rise.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

5

MAYOR’S MESSAGE The City of Snellville held a special election on March 19 to fill the vacancy for the Post 5 council seat and vote on the Brunch Bill to allow restaurants to serve alcohol beginning at 11 am on Sunday. I commend both candidates, Tod Warner and Antonio Molina, for running races based on qualifications and ideas. Tod Warner was elected and sworn in at the March 25 city council meeting. I am excited to have Tod back on the council as his experience and involvement in the city over the past 15 years is invaluable. The Brunch Bill passed with an overwhelming majority so that will take effect in the next few months.

I am also pleased to welcome quite a few new volunteers to our city boards. Diane Harrell and Baron Griffin were appointed to our Planning Commission. Cindy Reynolds was appointed to the Urban Redevelopment Authority and the Development Authority of Snellville. We added Don Britt and Rafiq “Allen” Ukani to our Downtown Development Authority and Regina Hart to the Parks & Recreation Board.

I am gratified to see an increased level of interest in positions on our boards and commissions. I believe this is due to the exciting vision and positive environment we have created in the City of Snellville. I have learned over the years that people want to get involved in projects that move them. We have an awesome vision laid out for the city and people are engaging to help us bring it to realty.

In the “What are we doing about traffic?” department, the second roundabout on Pharrs Road should be getting started

sometime in April. The first roundabout at Ridgedale and North roads is working very well. While we will have some headaches again during construction, hopefully, the project will move swiftly to completion.

The large concrete structures you see on either side of the Highways 78 and 124 intersection are the bases for the signal Mayor Barbara bridge. The city requested to eliminate all Bender the wires in the intersection for the traffic signals (okay, truthfully, we begged) and to use the mast arms seen on the rest of the corridor. The Georgia Department of Transportation denied the mast arms due to the size of the intersection but did allow for the signal bridge. It is designed to be an eye-catching entry to the area. Pictures can be found on the city website.

The city has submitted a grant application to install a portion of the Greenway Master Plan route which will connect the City Hall with Briscoe Park. Future pathways are planned around the Towne Center to Oak Road Park and a connection with the Gwinnett County Greenway trail up to Alexander Park.

We have a lot going on in the city right now and I can feel the energy buzzing. Come out and enjoy STAT’s wonderful line up of events and consider spending an afternoon volunteering with us. You will be glad you did.

2019 Snellville Council The 2019 Snellville Council. From left, top row, are Councilman Roger Marmol, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Emanuel and Councilman Tod Warner. Bottom row, from left, are Councilwoman Gretchen Schulz, Mayor Barbara Bender and Councilwoman Cristy Lenski.

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Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

AROUND TOWNE SPD Drug Take Back Day is April 27 The Snellville Police Department is hosting a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 27.

The event, which allows residents to drop off unwanted or expired prescription drugs, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the police department, 2315 Wisteria Drive. Residents can pull up to the police department and hand off the drugs from their vehicle.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency sponsors the event twice a year. The SPD partners with PCOM School of Pharmacy at Georgia Campus - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine during the event. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day allows police to foster relationships with future pharmacists that will work in the community and educate citizens in the proper disposal of prescription medication.

“The Snellville Police Department will continue to host and support this event as we recognize the importance of providing a safe method to discard prescription medication in an attempt to prevent and deter the abuse of medication that may otherwise be converted to use by others for whom the medication is not prescribed,” said SPD Lt. A.L. Sullivan. “We ask for the community’s continued support in this endeavor.”

•Remove debris such as trash, leaves and grass clippings away from catch basins, drainage ditches and waterways.

•Whenever possible use environmentally friendly biodegradable products when cleaning outside.

•Do not dump household waste such as paint, cleaning products, motor oils, antifreeze, pet excrement, yard waste or any other hazardous material into catch basins, drainage ditches and waterways.

•Dispose of hazardous waste properly. See container for proper disposal or call Pollution Prevention Assistance Division at 404651-5120.

•Minimize the use of fertilizers near catch basins, drainage ditches and waterways.

•Do not drain chemically treated swimming pools into catch basins or drainage ditches. Pool water should be held until chlorine levels are acceptable enough to discard to catch basins or drainage ditches.

•If you identify any pollution in drainage structures or state waters call Public Works at 770-985-3527.

Contact our office for assistance with any of your sanitation and recycling needs. Residents moving in or out need to call to assure you get the extra two weeks of garbage without having to use the City Blue Bags.

Sanitation and recycling will run regular schedule routes throughout the summer and fall. Thanksgiving will be the next change. Visit snellville.org for additional information and all holiday schedules.

Flag Day event set for June 13 The Snellville Flag Day Committee will be hosting the 7th annual Flag Day Ceremony at 10 a.m., June 15 in the parking lot of the Snellville Masonic Lodge, 2785 Lenora Church Road.

Public Works: Spring has sprung!

Leaping into spring for the Public Works Department means many things. The fresh aroma of grass being cut, planting of flowers, tours of the Snellville Recycling Center and much more are being scheduled currently.

Speaking of tours, attendants at the Snellville Recycling Center take much pride in sharing with the groups that come to learn about our environment. Tours have hosted adults all the way to preschool age making the Recycling Center a stop for field trips or outings. If you are interested in scheduling this type tour please call the Recycling Center at 770-985-3539. The address is 2531 Marigold Road and the hours are Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During the spring and summer it is important to remember stormwater care to keep our storm drains clean. Here are ways that home owners can help with these efforts:

All are invited to attend to help honor the foremost symbol of our country.

On Flag Day, and during National Flag Week the city, citizens everywhere celebrate the powerful beacon of hope that our flag has become for all Americans and for people in need around the world.

The Flag Day Committee is honored to receive a flag from U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson which was flown over the U.S. Capitol. The flag will be raised during the ceremony with the help of the Snellville Police Department Color Guard.

“We are proud to have the opportunity to recognize the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces and everywhere in this great land during this event,” said Flag Committee Chairman Mike Sabbagh.

7

Snellville Days May 4, 2019 • 10 am to 6 pm May 5, 2019 • Noon to 5 pm

www.SnellvilleDays.org

T.W. Briscoe Park • 2500 Sawyer Parkway

Briscoe Park is the place to be for more than 200 craft, food, sponsor and civic vendors.

Enjoy kids’ activities and continuous live entertainment both days.

K-9s in Flight

Air National Guard Flight Experience

Jurassic Kingdom

Festival Highlights!

•Wienermobile will be on site •Bring the kids to see a vareity of vehicles at touch-a-truck •A classic and custom car exhibit •8 Local elementary, middle and high schools are participating on the Community Stage throughout the festival •Performances will include chorus groups, drummers and dance groups •Improved layout to enhance the patrons’ experience at the festival •Classes by the Master Gardeners of the Community Garden @ Snellville.

FREE Admission and Parking FREE Shuttle from First Baptist Church (Saturday only)

Snellville Historical Society is stretching out in new, yet familiar home The Snellville Historical Society Board in front of its new home at the old Snell house at 2145 North Road. From left are SHS Presdient Grace Clower, Director of IT Melinda Franklin, past president and author Jim Cofer, Secretary Marlene Ratledge Buchanan and past president Tom ‘Pap’ Ewing.

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer It’s fitting the Snellville Historical Society now occupies a historical house in Snellville.

The organization – which was most recently housed in an office on the first floor of City Hall – has set up shop in the old Snell house located at 2145 North Road. Now owned by E.R. Snell, the home housed generations of the Snell Family – the namesake of the city.

There is plenty of space for SHS to show off artifacts of old, mementos of days gone by and simpler times in Snellville.

Historical society board members are working on displays of these artifacts giving the home more of a museum feel, much more conducive to visitors than the City Hall office.

“Some of the items we’ve got feel like they’ve come home again,” said Marlene Ratledge Buchanan, SHS secretary.

SHS president Grace Clower said the new location offers space

10

to organize the pieces of history, pictures can be hung for display and there is a conference room for meetings and places to stretch out when doing research. Visitors can sit in easy chairs to look at yearbooks and pictures and the North Road location offers accessibility and visibility to motorists.

“It’s almost like we’re living in the history,” Clower said.

Eventually SHS officials say they hope to move into the new library planned for the Towne Center project when it is completed. But for now, SHS officials say, they are happy with their new, yet historic, digs.

Membership applications and more information can be requested through: snellvillehistoricalsociety@gmail.com or by leaving a message at the SHS office - 678-691-8187.

Snellville Historical Society

2145 North Road Snellville, GA 30078 Office Hours are Monday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

IT’S TIME TO DO SOME

SPRING CLEANING

ON YOUR GAS BILL

Now that spring has officially sprung, it’s time to start doing a little cleaning. Why not start with your gas bill? Walton Gas offers competitive rates and award-winning customer service.

Switching is easy. Contact us today!

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

7

th Annual

Come Celebrate

May 11th

12:00 PM -5:00 PM Snellville Tourism and Trade

By Kelly McAloon Executive Director, Snellville Tourism & Trade (STAT)

Can’t make it to the beach? No worries! Snellville is bringing the beach to you on May 11th from 12 - 5 PM. We invite you to join us as we celebrate Snellville Tourism and Trade’s 10th Anniversary at all of our events this year. We will be giving away a surprise to the first 500 people who attend our Beach Blast on May 11th.

Come to the Towne Green in front of City Hall, 2342 Oak Road, for fun in the sun and sand. Snellville’s Annual Beach Blast is going to transform Oak Road into a beach with 70 tons of soft white sand.

Come play in the new paddle boats!

Bring your chairs or blankets to sit on and spend a fun-filled day with us on the Snellville Beach enjoying music and fun-filled family activities throughout the day.

Having fun playing in the sand and sun!

Everyone loves sack races!

Play inside the water rollers!

Join the mascots for a parade around the Green, fun and games and photo opportunities with your favorite mascot.

The Big Kahuna water slide, bungee jump, trackless train, 9-hole mini golf, water rollers and paddle boats will provide hours of fun throughout the day. DJ Lee will be looking for the fun seekers to participate in the sack races and hula hoop contests.

ALL DAY ACTIVITY BANDS

only $10.00!

Include:

Big Kahuna Water Slide, Inflatables, Trackless Train, 9-hole Mini Golf, Water Rollers, Paddle Boats and Bungee Jump

Come stay and play in Snellville!

Participating Food Vendors: Fratelli’s Rey’s Cuban Café Chick-fil-A Texas Roadhouse Atlanta Seafood Berens Frozen Custard Kona Shaved Ice Gwinnett Nawlins Praline Candy Dolphins Ice Factory Cari’s Corner Italian Bakery Corn on the Cob, Hot Boiled Peanuts & Lemonade

DJ Lee will entertain with fun and games from 12 - 3 PM The ever so popular Swingin’ Medallions will rock the Green from 3 - 5 PM

Thank You to our Keystone Sponsors: Bronze Sponsors:

Friend Sponsors: Georgia Sand & Stone, Inc. Gwinnett’s Greenest Lawns 13

Spotlight on Melvin Everson ...

By Kelly McAloon, STAT Executive Director and Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer

Melvin Everson is proof that no matter who you are, no matter what your background is, no matter what color you are, you can become anything you want to be if you are dedicated and determined.

“My father always told me, ‘Your reputation will take you places you’ll never visit,’” Everson said.

Gov. Brian P. Kemp can attest to Everson’s reputation.

Melvin Everson is one of Snellville’s shining examples of how living a life of service and dedication will be rewarded.

Melvin Everson, pictured as a child, middle bottom row.

“Melvin Everson is a great leader and a dedicated public servant,” Kemp said. “Over the years, Melvin has always been someone willing to help those in need and be a friend to all who have the privilege of knowing him. I thank him for his continued service to our state and his local community.”

Three hours after his mother Willia Blanche Hunt Everson came home from picking cotton on the family farm, Everson was born.

Despite his humble beginnings, Everson, because of his dedication, rose through the ranks to become a Snellville councilman, state representative and, most recently, vice president of Economic Development at Gwinnett Technical College.

Growing up in the Civil Rights era in Abbeville, Ga., Everson and his family picked cotton, peas and stripped cane. There wasn’t any indoor plumbing on the farm, only an outhouse. The first time the family had running water, Everson and his seven brothers and sisters were fascinated with the water coming out of the spigot - it was revolutionary for all of them. His father Northern Everson Sr., only having a fifth-grade education, wanted all the children to graduate high school. The family lived a good life, but a very hard one, he said.

After graduating high school, Everson went to ABAC in Tifton.

Everson’s father reviewed his grades from college and told him he better buckle down or do something else. Everson took his father’s advice to heart, got in his mother’s car and rode down Virginia Avenue in Tifton where he came across a large image of Uncle Sam in a storefront window that read, “I Want You”. Everson walked in and joined the military and was soon headed to Jacksonville, Fla. On Sept. 15, 1976, Everson landed in Germany. Here he was, in a foreign country, it was snowing and everyone was speaking a different language. Everson called home and his dad told him, “Son, you made your bed now you have to lay in it.” Everson persevered and lived in Germany for three years. “Joining the military was the best decision” he has ever made, he said.

Everson came back home and used the G.I. Bill to get his criminology degree at Albany State College now Albany State University. He married a woman named Geri, someone he knew since he was in the fourth grade and while Atlanta was not on their radar, they ended up making their home there. They had one beautiful son, Ricardo Everson.

Melvin Everson with Vice President Dick Cheney.

When Ricardo was in the eighth grade at Snellville Middle School, he had to participate in a weekend field trip and Everson went along as a chaperone and roomed with three other gentlemen. He was

Dedicated to education and public service the only black man in the room. After talking politics, the other gentleman encouraged Everson to run for a Snellville Council seat.

This started his career in public service. At the time, not knowing much about campaigning, Everson created his list of potential voters from the phonebook. The election rolled around and he lost by a landslide, but still felt great that he participated in the process. He was then appointed on the Planning Commission by Emmett Clower who was mayor at the time. He also became co-president of the South Gwinnett High School PTSA, vice president of the Tip-Off Club and served on the Gwinnett County Public Schools Human Resources Advisory Council in the mid-1990s.

In 1999, then-Councilman Brett Harrell encouraged Everson to run again, but was 54 votes shy of winning. He did win the city seat in 2000. He then turned his sights on the State House in 2004 when he said the district couldn’t seem to get things done and he felt changes needed to be made. Again, Everson ran and lost but ran again in 2005 to fill a vacated seat and the election again went into a run off.

During this time, Everson was invited to speak to a diverse youth development group in a church and when the speech was over and before he got back to Snellville, he got a call telling him the kid he just spoke to wanted to go door to door with him on the campaign trail. Twenty-seven children comprised of numerous ethnicities and backgrounds walked door to door with him. It was enough to put him over the top – he won the runoff by 27 votes - the same number as the students who walked with him from the church.

Melvin Everson in the military.

Gov. Nathan Deal called on Everson in 2010 to be part of Governor Deal’s Transition Team and from there he was appointed executive director of Governor’s Office of Workforce Development from there to executive director of the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity. In April 2017, he transitioned to Business and Training director for Gwinnett Technical College . In January of 2019, he was promoted to vice president of Economic Development at Gwinnett Technical College.

Now his main focus is to make sure Georgia stays No. 1 in work force development. He said there is such a great need in the computer and cyber security for workers. Other areas of opportunity are welding, health care, HVAC, plumbing and construction.

Melvin Everson is sworn in by Gov. Nathan Deal.

Everson continues to build on his quality reputation, drawing praise from state leaders.

“Melvin is in touch,” said Harold D. Melton, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia. “He’s in touch with his community, its leaders and its citizens, but not at a superficial level. His community members are his friends, and he is constantly giving, and encouraging and sharing hugs with all. He makes our lives better and more pleasant.”

State Sen. P.K. Martin IV said Everson is a man of his word.

“Melvin Everson is the epitome of service, character, and integrity,” Martin said. “From his distinguished military career to his service to Snellville and our state, Melvin has devoted his life to selfless service. He is a man of unquestionable faith and principle who has set an example for other public servants to follow. He has always strived to do the right thing, keep his word, and put the interests of those he serves first.”

Melvin Everson and Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Harold Melton.

Snellville Holy Week and eaSter Sunday ServiceS BEREAN CHRISTIAN CHURCH

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SNELLVILLE

12 STONE SNELLVILLE

Saturday, April 20 – 12 Noon Worship Service and Easter Egg Hunt

Palm Sunday – April 14 Community Wide Spring Carnival 3 - 6 p.m.

Saturday April 20 – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Sunday, April 21 – Easter Sunday (6 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. & 12 Noon) service times.

Good Friday Service – April 19 Worship Center at 7 p.m.

Easter Services, Sunday April 21 Sunrise – 7:15 a.m. , (No childcare) 9 a.m., 11 a.m., & 1 p.m.

1465 Highpoint Rd, Snellville, GA 30078 678.240.2213 l bereangwinnett.org

Easter Sunday Morning Services Worship Center at 9 a.m. and 11a.m.

1709 Scenic Hwy S, Snellville, GA 30078 678.990.9601 | 12stone.com/snellville

First Baptist Church Snellville 770.978.7000 | fbcsnell.org

GRACE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

Maundy Thursday - resources at www.gfc.tv for in home gatherings Good Friday Service, April 19, 7 p.m.

Easter Sunday Services, April 21 9:30 a.m. – Blended Service 11 a.m. – Contemporary Service

Easter Services, April 21- 7 a.m. (outside sunrise), 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11a.m.

1525 Scenic Hwy., Snellville, GA 30078 770.972.5020 | mountzionsnellville.com

1400 Dogwood Rd., SW, Snellville, GA 30078 770.979.7000 | gfc.tv/snellville

SNELLVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST

KINGDOM NOW CHURCH

SNELLVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Easter Service, April 21 – 10 a.m.

Saturday, April 20 - Resurrection Hunt at Intown Suites, 1784 Presidential Circle, Snellville, 11a.m. - 1p.m.

Easter Service, April 21 – 10:30 a.m.

3025 Lenora Church Rd., Snellville, GA 30078 770.972.6988 | snellvillecofc.org

Sunday, April 21 - Resurrection Sunday, 10 a.m.

South Gwinnett High School performance theatre

2485 Scenic Hwy S., Snellville, GA 30078 770.972.0767 | snellvillechristian.net

ST. MATTHEWS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

SNELLVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CANNON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Palm Sunday Service with blessing of the palms and procession April 17 – 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday service with foot washing and stripping of the altar.

April 18 – 7:30 p.m.

For a list of Holy Week services, www.snellvilleumc.org/easter

Palm Sunday - April 14

Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April 14 – 3:30 - 5 p.m.

8 a.m. - Early service with Rev. Dr. Sondra Jones preaching

Families of children with special needs may contact kbamsey@snellvilleumc.org to arrange for early entry at 2:30 p.m. for all activities, plus a special egg hunt.

9:30 a.m. – Participate in an outside procession to the Sanctuary, Rev. Dr. Sondra Jones preaching, Worship Band & Children’s Choirs lead music

Good Friday Service April 19 – 12 noon and 7:30 p.m.

Easter Vigil with the First Eucharist of Easter April 20 – 7:30 p.m.

Festive Eucharist of Easter April 21 – 8 a.m.

Holy Week Services Palm/Passion Sunday, April 14 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. - Traditional Services 9:30 a.m. - Contemporary Service

Festive Eucharist of Easter with Incense April 21 – 10:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday Service (with Cannon UMC) April 18, 7 p.m.

1520 Oak Road, Snellville GA 30078 770.979.4210 | stmatthewssnellville.org

Good Friday Service, April 19, 12 Noon

8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., & 11 a.m.

11a.m. – Participate in an outside procession to the Sanctuary, Rev. Dr. Sondra Jones preaching, Worship Choir & Children’s Choirs lead music Maundy Thursday in Partnership with Snellville UMC April 18, 7 p.m. – at Snellville UMC Good Friday – April 19, 7p.m. at Cannon Church

Sunrise Service on the Side Green next to City Hall 8:30 a.m. & 11 a.m. - Traditional Services 9:30 a.m. - Contemporary Service

Easter Sunday – April 21 Sermon Series: 7 Ways Jesus Changes Lives Sermon: “Resurrection” – 8, 9:30, & 11 a.m.

8 & 11 a.m. – Traditional Worship 9:30 a.m. – Modern Worship

2428 Main Street East, Snellville, GA 30078 770.972.9360 l snellvilleumc.org

2424 Webb Gin House Rd., Snellville, GA 30078 770.972.5463 | cannonchurch.org

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

COMMUNITY OF GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion – April 19 Seven Last Words (English), Church, 3 p.m.

Good Friday Service (Spanish), Church, 5 p.m.

Seven Last Words (Spanish), KB Center 6 p.m.

Good Friday Service (English) Church, 7 p.m.

Palm Sunday, April 14 – 10:30 a.m.

Easter Choral Cantata Directed by Mark Belloto

Palm Sunday, April 14 Worship, 10 a.m.

Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter Saturday, April 20 8:30 p.m. (Bilingual)

Easter Services, April 21 Community Sunrise Service – 6:45 a.m.

Side Lawn next to City Hall

Easter Celebration Sunday, April 21, 6:45 a.m.

ST. OLIVER PLUNKETT CATHOLIC CHURCH Holy Triduum: Three Sacred Days Holy Thursday: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper Thursday, April 18, 7 p.m. (Bilingual) Reposition of Blessed Sacrament (Adoration), following liturgy until 12 a.m., Kane-Beltran Center

Easter Sunday – April 21 Sunrise Mass, Church (English), 7a.m.

Family Mass, Church (English), 9 a.m.

Mass, Kane-Beltran Center (English), 9 a.m.

Mass, Church, Life Teen Liturgy (English), 11a.m.

Mass, Kane-Beltran Center (English), 11a.m.

Mass, Church (Spanish), 1 p.m.

3200 Brooks Drive, Snellville, GA 30078 770.979.2500 | www.stolivers.com

Church Picnic & Easter Egg Hunt – 12 noon - 2 p.m.

Celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ 10:30 a.m. – Westminster Sanctuary 2208 Main Street East, Snellville, GA 30078 770.979.9676 l www.wpcsnellville.org www.facebook.com/WPCSnellville

Picnic Luncheon and Easter Egg Hunt – 11 a.m.

Good Friday Worship, April 19 7 p.m. Worship Easter Sunday, April 21 7 a.m. Sunrise Service Worship in the Prayer Garden 9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship 1200 Athens Highway, Grayson, GA 30017 770.972.4304 l transformlives.org

Economic Development Spring 2019

Are area students ready for the Shark Tank?

By Eric Van Otteren, Economic Development Director The city’s Entrepreneurship Alliance is in its eighth year of providing a unique opportunity to Snellville area young entrepreneurs. On May 7 and 9, the 2019 Shark Tanks will gather to hear approximately 20 business pitches from young people from our four local high schools: South Gwinnett, Brookwood, Grayson Tech and Shiloh. The young entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas trying to win funding for their business. Several of the youth businesses are highlighted here. In order to make the Shark Tank possible, 16 local jury members are needed.

Business owners are invited to serve as a jury member in this year’s highly anticipated Shark Tank Pitch Contest! The City of Snellville has partnered with Entrepreneurship Alliance programs from the four school to give young business owners an opportunity to pitch their business ideas. Each candidate will have exactly eight minutes in the conference room with the jury members to pitch their business idea. You could be instrumental in assisting south Gwinnett’s young entrepreneurs and launching our future and present business leaders.

We are seeking jury members to serve on two pitch juries. A donation to the Shark Tank fund in the amount of $250 secures a jury seat. The goal is to engage donations of at least $4,000 for the Shark Tank fund, with $2,000 and eight jury members sitting for one of two Shark Tanks. The funds will be awarded to the candidate(s) based on the jury decisions. Jury members have sole authority to decide who and how much money may be awarded to each candidate(s). The jury may award up to the total contribution amount in the Shark Tank Fund.

Your support is needed to bring this quality opportunity to south Gwinnett’s young entrepreneurs. We hope you will contribute and stand behind a powerful initiative to build our future leaders.

Some of the contestants are: Whatever It Cakes specializes in creating flavorful cupcakes with unique decorations that people of all ages can enjoy. We bring this concept to life by producing our own recipes completely from scratch as well as by developing new designs, decorations, and frostings for all of our cupcakes and orders.

Whatever It Cakes is run by partners and good friends, Kylie Wentworth and Stephanie Tafur. Both are currently sophmores in the Brookwood Integrated Entrepreneurship Program.

Love Baby makes handmade crocheted baby clothes to prevent irritated skin caused by chemical exposure from clothing. Everyday people are unknowingly purchasing fabrics and clothing that can actually be dangerous,

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especially to infants with variable and sensitive skin. This is why Love Baby was created, to spread awareness about dangerous chemicals and the harm they cause for your health and for the environment. Love Baby only uses 100 percent cotton from Sugar’ n Cream, a yarn company that makes 100 percent natural cotton yarn, made in the U.S. and produced with little chemicals. Nadine Kumbu-Smart is an entrepreneurship student that has created her own business at Brookwood High School.

Sidney’s Standz is a student-owned business operated in the Snellville community. Sidney’s Standz specializes in customizable phone stands that are able to hold up your phone or tablet. Our products are created using a CNC machine and laser engraver along with high-quality acrylic and reinforced brass to ensure our stands are high quality and will last for generations to come. The stylus stand makes a perfect gift for any birthday or graduation. The owner of this business is Sidney Robinson, a 10th grader, who is currently enrolled in the Brookwood Integrated Entrepreneurship Program.

Azucar Bakery & Café will offer a warm and cozy environment in which customers can go for a date, meeting, or simply to enjoy a cup of coffee with a pastry. The owner will offer her families’ delicious Colombian recipes, along with other popular Latin American delights. From the delicious Colombian coffee to the delightful Mexican tortas, an exciting new flavor is guaranteed.

Latin America is known for its beautiful culture, music, dances, and art which will be the theme of Azucar. Azucar will provide the backdrop for its patrons to create memories by offering a new experience to all its customers - without having to buy an expensive plane ticket!

Littcentral is a trendsetting clothing brand offering the latest styles through various items of clothing. We are building the future of young icons and innovators, the outside thinkers and people who stand out. Although we are all one, we each have that one component that is unique. Littcentral encourages our supporters to find and express this component by releasing the thing that sets us apart. In our generation this is typically called “an inner drip”. When you are confident in who you are as a person, drip often comes with ease. Littcentral strives to give customers a sense of identity amongst their peers with the option of customization. Littcentral is owned and operated by Emma Keys who is a 10th grade student in the Brookwood Integrated Entrepreneurship Program.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Advanced Technology.

Quality Care.

Close to Home.

At Eastside Medical Center, we put surgical outcomes first, safeguarding our patients from complications. Our designations exhibit our commitment to quality, and that’s what makes all the difference.

Eastside Medical Center’s minimally invasive robotic surgery program is re-defining surgical options for patients, close to home. With this advanced technology, patients benefit from shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times. Our experienced robotic-trained surgeons utilize these robots in a wide variety of specialty services including urology, gynecology, general surgery, and orthopedics.

Recipient of the Healthgrades® 2017 and 2018 Patient Safety Excellence Award™, a designation that recognizes superior performance for patient safety. Eastside Medical Center is named in the top 5% for patient safety among hospitals nationwide.

EastsideMedical.com

6th Annual Snellville Memorial Celebration May 25th H 4:30–5:30 PM

In Front of theVeterans Memorial

Join us at the Snellville Veterans Memorial for a patriotic program to remember veterans from across the region featuring the Button Gwinnett Chapter Militia!

Memorial Day was created to honor those who have paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedom. We hope you take the opportunity to join us on May 25th to memorialize and honor our veterans.

4:30 PM - Program Begins 4:30 PM - Patriotic Music

by Sheri and Bill Eppright Dan McMichael from the Coweta Falls Chapter of SAR is standing next to the Swivel Cannon. This is a small cannon used during the Revolutionary War to fire either a small cannon ball, or many small balls at one time and will be fired at the Memorial Celebration.

Sheri and Bill Eppright

SILENT AUCTION 4 - 8 PM

to benefit the Veterans Memorial.

Restaurant Gift Cards, Grill, Beer Signs, Lincoln Fill Station Gift Card plus much more!

May 25th | 6 - 9 PM FREE Concert featuring Head Games A Tribute to Foreigner

School of Rock will open the 1st concert of the season at 6 PM Come stay and play in Snellville!

Thank You to our Keystone Sponsors: Join us at 6:50 PM as Lincoln Fill Station TAPS this ONE-OF-A-KIND BEER made by Southern Brewing in Athens especially for STAT’s 10th Anniversary. This is like the ribbon cutting for the cask of STAT’s 10th Anniversary Summer Ale. Beer and Wine will be available for purchase by Lincoln Fill Station Food Vendors on site: Fratelli’s, Chick-fil-A and Berens Frozen Custard Reserve your table now (Includes: eight chairs, linen tablecloth, light snacks and table name card) only $150.00 at www.SnellvilleEvents.com and click on Live on the Lawn Concert Series to pay on-line or contact Kelly McAloon at kelmca@comcast.net

Economic Development Spring 2019

City organizations utilizing interns for projects Snellville has a reputation of engaging its citizens and young people in a number of roles. At a recent joint retreat of the city boards, commissions and authorities, the directors of these groups identified several goals, one of which was to develop a business communication and outreach program for Snellville Tourism and Trade and the Downtown Development Authority.

A new internship program through the University of Georgia was shared with the directors of STAT and the DDA. City officials decided to hire two interns to work on these goals. The interns will work with the city organizations until the end of the Spring quarter.

Tseyon Sisay - I am currently a thirdyear student at the University of Georgia studying International Affairs and Economics. This spring, I am interning with the Snellville Department of Economic Development and STAT to bring together local businesses, and find ways that the city can best serve businesses in the local Snellville area. I will work closely with the city’s Commerce Club and Downtown Development Authority Tseyon Sisay to foster a new business communication program to bring awareness for the opportunities that the city has to offer. I am very excited and eager to work with the City of Snellville on new this new project and I hope to be in touch with your business soon!

Shay’na Fields - I am a Junior Political Science Major with a concentration in International Affairs at Georgia State University.

I’m also the founder of Operation50Speaks Inc, a non-profit where we educate young adults on the importance of their voice in the local government through creative civic engagement.

Being an intern for Snellville’s Economic Development

Deptartment has served as an insightful and significant part of my career. As an intern, I was able to spearhead my first business negotiation with the presentation of a city program. I was required to curate a PowerPoint presentation to introduce the purpose and benefits of our program to the CEO and senior staff of Eastside Medical Hospital, TOMCO2 Systems.

Additionally, I have been able to network Shay’na Fields with the youngest Gwinnett County Board of Education Member Everton Blair, and LEAADS CEO Karen Foot. I am excited about the future of Snellville and thankful for the opportunity to intern at City Hall.

Imane Bassit - Growing up as a teen in Casablanca, Morocco, I have always dreamt of the possibility of positively impacting my community. This intern experience, along with my classwork at the University of Georgia, is enhancing who I am. Being selected to be a part of the Emerging Leaders program offers me the opportunity of not only serving a specific sector in Georgia, but it is also bringing me one step closer to fulfilling my goal of positively impacting my community. As someone who wants to dedicate her life to public service, I believe my work with the Development Authority of Snellville and the Urban Redevelopment Agency will help me better understand advocating for an important community cause and make an impact in my community. I am working on creating a plan to launch a youth recreation center in partnership with LEAADS, and I am working on investigating how to best deploy 5G and autonomous and connected vehicles in the soon-tobe-built Snellville Towne Center. I look forward to Snellville being a better place as a result of my work. A picture was not available of Bassit.

Snellville’s TOMCO wins county business award TOMCO2 Systems, a native Snellville company, won the 2019 Medium Manufacturer of the Year Award at the Partnership Gwinnett’s Movers & Makers Manufacturing and Supply Chain Awards.

TOMCO is a community-minded organization nestled along Rosebud Road in Snellville. City Leadership is working with TOMCO to support and encourage its position in the community.

“Thank you, Partnership Gwinnett for the continued support,” said Luke Bradshaw, TOMCO Systems President. “We look forward to collaborating on future community outreach efforts.”

Approaching their 50-year anniversary, TOMCO Systems has produced CO2 storage and distribution equipment with a focus on service, quality and innovation. From concept to reality for traditional industrial gas applications and dry ice production, to water treatment, food chilling and processing, craft and microbrewing, bottling plants, cannabis extraction and grow/ 22

greenhouse yield enhancement, TOMCO provides complete solutions.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Safety Supervision & Transportation Transferring, Dressing & Bathing Assistance Everyday Med Reminders & Meal Preparation Alzheimer's, Stroke Recovery & Hospice Support Right at Home of East Atlanta 2330 Scenic Hwy S, Suite 401 Snellville, GA 30078 Directors: Mark and Dr. Nicole Ross

678-712-6636 | www.raheastatl.com

2019 Snellville Food Truck Fridays • 4-8 pm

Snellville Tourism and Trade (STAT) is celebrating its 10th Anniversary, serving Snellville with top notch events and is proud to showcase the 2019 Food Truck Friday line-up.

Mark your calendar for upcoming dates: AUGUST 2

Keystone Sponsors:

•

SEPTEMBER 6

Bronze Sponsor:

•

OCTOBER 4

Friend Sponsor:

Hotel Sponsors: Hampton Inn & Suites, LaQuinta Inn & Suites and the InTown Suites

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MAY 3

JUNE 7

Gyro Chef Mediterranean Cousins Maine Lobster as seen on Shark Tank Hole in the Wall Fratelli’s Pizza Atlanta Seafood UpTown Food Truck as seen on Good Day Atlanta Deep South Biscuit Company Kona Ice Frozen Sweets

The Patty Wagon Exotic Que BBQ Cousins Maine Lobster as seen on Shark Tank Gyro Chef Mediterranean Hole in the Wall Fratelli’s Pizza Atlanta Seafood Kona Ice Frozen Sweets

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

Community is a way of life...

Sign up for GC eNews on gwinnettcitizen.com for your local news

SNELLVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET 2019 season on Towne Green starts June 1

By Gretchen Schulz, Councilwoman, SFM organizer June 1 ... mark that date on your calendar!

That is the first Snellville Farmers’ Market for our 2019 summer season, our 10th season of bringing to the community the finest local produce, picked just hours before the market opens. Our vendors also offer local honey, eggs, locally raised meats, a variety of delicious baked goods including doughnuts made on site, jams and jellies, boiled peanuts and other locally produced food products. A couple vendors who make bath and body care products participate as well as a small number of craft vendors, all of whom make the items they sell.

The market will be held every Saturday through September 28, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Towne Green in front of Snellvile City Hall. Convenient parking is available in the City Hall parking lot.

You just won’t find more flavorful produce anywhere. “Much of the produce you buy in a grocery store is picked when it’s still not ripe and allowed to ripen in a box as opposed to market produce which is picked ripe within a day or two of the market.

Picking that close to market day really enhances the flavor, especially with tomatoes,” said Greg Earle, who brings a large variety of produce from his farm in Madison.

“Talking about picking close to market day, some of our vendors race to get to the market and get set up because they’ve been in their fields picking that morning,” said Gretchen Schulz, who has led the team of volunteers ever since the first market in 2010.

Until the market opens for the summer season on June 1, customers still have one more opportunity to enjoy an “extended season” market. During the off-season, small markets have been held on the first Saturday of each month in the City Hall parking lot. The last one will be held 9 a.m. to noon, May 4.

The market is still accepting a limited number of applications.

An application can be found on the market’s website: www.

SnellvilleFarmersMarket.com.

For more information on the market, including vendor lineups, visit:

www.SnellvilleFarmersMarket.com 26

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

COME AND ENJOY THE SUMMIT CHASE EXPERIENCE....

YOUR TABLE IS READY.

Social Dining Memberships $300 per year.

SUMMIT CHASE COUNTRY CLUB

3197 Classic Drive • Snellville, Ga 30078 • 770-979-9000 www.summitchasecc.com YOU BELONG HERE!

2019

CONCERT SERIES

Presented by:

May 25th HeadGames - Foreigner Tribute

HeadGames – A Tribute to Foreigner, has become one of the fastest growing tribute acts in the past several years and has gone from being an opening act for touring bands to headlining at some of the largest venues and filling them with a capacity crowd.

July 20th

Ultimate Eagles Tribute - ON THE BORDER ON THE BORDER - The Ultimate Eagles Tribute, continues to be touted as one of the most authentic sounding Eagles tribute bands in the country and was crowned in 2015 the “Greatest Eagles Tribute Band in the Wold” by AXSTV and Katie Daryl.

Aug. 17th Slippery When Wet - Bon Jovi Tribute Slippery When Wet has played over 1500 shows throughout the U.S. alone and has traveled to Africa, Mexico, Singapore, Puerto Rico, Honduras and the Dominican Republic. They have headlined on over 60 cruises and played the pregame of Super Bowl 48 in East Rutherford, NJ. The band’s shows are the most attended and highest grossing of any Bon Jovi Tribute in the country.

Sept. 28th The Stranger - Bil y Joel Tribute

Formed by native Long Islander Mike Santoro (piano/lead vocals) in the summer of 2009, The Stranger has amassed an impressive list of clientele, high profile events, festivals and concerts that would rival many national acts. With all 6 members residing in the Charlotte, N.C. area, The Stranger is a musical powerhouse that is recognized as one of the best and most entertaining live bands in the business.

Reserve a table for eight people with light snacks for $150. Tables are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.

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

Parks & Recreation Spring 2019

T.W. Briscoe Park ~ 2500 Sawyer Parkway ~ Park Office 770-985-3535

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 www.snellville.org.

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

770-985-3535 Oak Road Park 1925 Oak Road (Passive neighborhood park)

Play soccer! You can if you are ages 4-19. Visit www.allinfcsnellville.com for upcoming summer events!

Outdoor tennis and basketball courts are available on a first-come-firstserved basis without lights daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tennis courts can be reserved with lights for a fee. To do so, call the office at 770-985-3535. In the daytime the cost is $5 per hour (city limit resident); $10 per hour (non-resident) Evening (with lights): $10 per hour (city limit resident); and $20 per hour (nonresident).

There will be a Community Yard Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20 at T.W. Briscoe Park near the tennis courts. If you would like to sell items, spaces are $10 for one or $15 for two (9-by-18foot parking spots). Register at the Park Office. Contact Tracey Glass at tglass@ snellville.org or call the Park Office.

The Briscoe Park Pool will open on May 24 ... but you can splash around early by coming to the 2019 Swim Season Pool Party from 12 to 5 p.m., May 18 (Before any other pools in the area are open!). You can register for Swim lessons starting on May 6. Visit www.snellville.org/parks-recreation or www.facebook.com/SnellvilleParks

for more information on our upcoming events at the park!

Come join us for our 46th Annual Snellville Days, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 4 and 12 to 5 p.m. May 5. There is a free shuttle service on May 4 from

the Snellville First Baptist Church parking lot. This year has more fun and entertainment for adults and children than ever before. Free entry and several free shows. An all-day arm band for rides for the kids is $15. Check snellvilledays.com for more info.

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 For field rentals, call Meghan Purvis at 770-985-3532. The park accepts cash, check, money order, Visa, MC or debit card.

For a list of property for rental visit www.snellville.org/parks-recreation.

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COMMUNITY GARDEN @ SNELLVILLE When should you plant your garden?

By Gretchen Schulz, Councilwoman, garden organizer Some gardeners will tell you Income Tax Day (April 15) is a good target to ensure the danger of frost has past. Others believe in the folklore of a Good Friday planting date, although that day can fall anywhere from late March to late April. Still others follow a more scientific plan, using the phases of the moon as a guideline for the best time to plant.

Whatever your belief about the best time for planting, it is time to reserve a bed in the Community Garden @ Snellville, which is located in T.W. Briscoe Park.

There are 50 raised beds and, as a rule, some beds are usually available to new gardeners every year. Our gardening year runs from April 1 through March 31 of the next year. The majority of beds in the garden are 4 foot by 12 foot and the annual rent is $50 for Snellville residents and $65 for those who live outside the city limits. Occasionally a 4-foot-by8-foot bed is available and rents for $35 and $50 respectively. The annual rent includes the use of water and access to compost. Garden tools can also be borrowed while working in the garden.

Gardeners are asked to volunteer six hours annually to help with the maintenance of the common areas of the garden. Work mornings are generally held once a month, allowing many opportunities to accumulate the hours, but gardeners can also work independently on maintenance of the common areas if that better suits their schedule.

Novice gardeners need not be worried about how to garden.

Several Master Gardeners have beds at the garden and are always willing to answer questions and share their knowledge. And those of us who are not Master Gardeners will gladly share what we’ve learned through experience.

An application for a garden bed can be found on the garden’s website: www.SnellvilleCommunityGarden.com.

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Spotlight on Snellville Seniors

Snellville Senior Center ~ 2350 Oak Road ~ Snellville, Georgia 30078 ~ 770 985-3580 The Snellville Senior Center is the place to be for those 55 and over.

Located next to Snellville City Hall, the Senior Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

There are numerous classes for seniors to take part in.

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.

A group of crafters meets Tuesday at noon 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 acting 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.

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

Please stop by our center or visit our website at www.snellville.org to view our bimonthly newsletter located under Parks and Recreation for additional classes and events.

MEMBERSHIP

2019 Senior Center Annual Memberships: Snellville City Limit Residents $15, Gwinnett County Residents $25; Out-of-County $30.

If you join after July 1, the cost for the remainder of the year is $9 for City Residents; $15 for County Residents; and $18 for Out ofcounty Residents. Additional persons from the same household receive a $5 discount.

EVENTS AND TRIPS

The Senior Center offers day and overnight trips as well as special events. Information is updated bimonthly in our Spotlight Newsletter which includes a current calendar of events. Newsletters can be picked up at the center, found on our website at www. snellville.org or mailed to your home once you join. Contact the Senior Center at 770-985-3580 to register and for additional information.

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Snellville Clean and Proud cleanup collects 31 bags of litter The first cleanup day for Snellville Clean and Proud collected 31 bags of litter on a mile stretch of Oak Road March 30.

City staff, councilmembers and residents from the community gathered at City Hall Saturday morning to begin a clean-up initiative planned for years to come.

“Snellvillle Clean and Proud is off to a great start,” said Mayor Pro Tem Dave Emanuel. “Our team of volunteers showed what can be done in just a few hours to improve the appearance of our city. I hope other groups will join our effort and adopt other roads.”

The volunteers used supplies from Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful and wore high-visibility shirts from Big Frog Custom T-shirts of Snellville.

Three more cleanup dates will take place in the near future so the City of Snellville can officially adopt Oak Road to clean regularly from Highway 78 to Mountain View Road.

Emanuel created Snellville Clean and Proud after he saw a need to bring the community together to keep roadways litter free. Emanuel said he was inspired by Chad Livsey, who took it upon himself to clean area roadways as well.

“Chad is the inspiration that led to the creation of Snellvillle Clean and Proud,” Emanuel said.

If you would like to join the Snellville Clean and Proud initiative, contact Emanuel at demanuel@snellville.org.

We Need Your Help

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

Yet, many local families are in that unfortunate situation.

Give Hunger the Boot is currently focusing on kicking hunger out of Snellville by assisting the Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-Op.

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

Local Children are Hungry

Come help us Give Hunger the Boot!

There are many opportunities to donate.

Some of the locations accepting food donations include: 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 Mellow Mushroom Snellville and Dr. Simmons’ Dental office.

News from South Gwinnett Cluster Schools South Gwinnett Cluster Foundation

The South Gwinnett Cluster Foundation announced on Feb. 28 that it has awarded Rosebud Elementary School with a $1,197.50 grant for furthering math education through technology. The grant request was made by Principal Monica Ball on behalf of math teacher Mandy Wintemute. The grant was presented to Wintemute and Ball by the SGCF board of Angela Sneed, Jimmy Norton, Kelly McAloon, Sherman Merritt and director Greg Bender after the PTA meeting at the school.

The South Gwinnett Cluster Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization chartered with the goal of raising and distributing funds (via grants) to all the schools in the South Gwinnett HS cluster. Please visit southgwinnettcluster.org to find out more about our mission and ways to contribute.

South Gwinnett High School

South Gwinnett High School seniors from AP U.S. government, political systems, as well as the Young Democrats Club, recently visited the state Capitol. State Rep. Shelly Hutchison did a Morning Order to recognize the school on the house floor. All the students got to stand up and be recognized in the gallery. It was a significant day to engage young people in the political process and helped students better understand the importance of voting and the impact they can make in civics and government.

South Gwinnett High School

Britt Elementary School

South Gwinnett High School hosted its first International Festival to bring cultures together with dancing, singing, and food. The brainchild of Solange Destang, the show was put on entirely by SGHS students. During the show students danced and sang their hearts out.

City officials were proud to take part in Read Across America Week at W.C. Britt Elementary. City Manager Butch Sanders, Councilwoman Gretchen Schulz and Public Information Officer Brian Arrington read to the students. The events for the students were organized at the school

by Shannon C. Davis, Britt Elementary’s media specialist and gifted program teacher. Created by the National Education Association, Read Across America encourages children to develop a lifelong love of reading.

NEW BUSINESS

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

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

Inn & Suites by Hilton within the city. Finally, Hampton Inn & Suites, under the Hilton (Hotels) umbrella, has a reputation for being There had been concerns the hotel would cause traffic issues at the a high-quality brand and product that would be an asset to the city Hotbut, Breakfast Indoor for Pool busy•Free intersection, according to the developers,•Heated daily trips would many years to come.” be reduced by nearly two thirds of what was previously approved for •Suites and restaurant.

Jacuzzi Rooms •Fitness Center a 12,000-square-foot And just this month, paperwork was filed •100% Non-Smoking •Meeting Room “There is a need in the city for a quality limited-service hotel to bring an Outback 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 ■ 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

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

We don’t treat teens like adults, because physically, they’re not where you take them matters Unlike adults, teens have growth plates where bone growth happens. So when kids or teens get a fracture, it’s important to have them treated by a pediatric specialist. Our team of orthopedic experts understands how to properly diagnose and treat growth plate injuries.

Because when it comes to growing bones, where you take them matters.

Three Gwinnett locations in Buford, Dacula and Duluth

©2019 Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Inc. All rights reserved.

choa.org/cpgortho

Saluting our Snellville Police Department From left, Snellville Police Department Chief Roy Whitehead and Assistant Chief Greg Perry.

SPD honors its own with annual awards

February proves to be an amazing month for SPD Officer of the Year – Brett Chism

Civilian Employee – Maureen Lee

Investigator of the Year – Det. Kevin Seay

Reserve Officer of the Year – Leroy Ranel

Supervisor of the Year – Lt. Zach Spahr

Terry Carpenter – Criminal Investigations

The Snellville Police Department had a remarkable February, as the city was free of a major crime.

That month, there were no murders, rapes, robberies or aggravated assaults in the city. Also, there were no arsons, burglaries or auto thefts. There were 42 thefts of which 24 were shopliftings, police said. Those are the predicate offenses that make up Part I Crimes.

“With the advent of immediate access to information, there is a perception that we are inundated with crime,” Chief Roy Whitehead said. “The statistics prove that that the opposite is true. It is a testament to the professionalism, quality and character of the men and women of our Department and our partnership with our community to reduce crime to keep our community safe.”

Two SPD officers win Valor Public Safety awards The Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Valor Public Safety Awards March 26.

Lt. David Matson – Georgia Office of Highway Safety

Sgt. Austin York – DUI Enforcement

Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Officer of the Year – Scott Hermel

Not pictured are Lt. Rob Pendleton – Citizens Police Academy and Sgt. Philip Poole - Explorers 38

Snellville Police Department Officer Brett Chism was awarded the Public Safety Person of the Year award for his community work.

Brett Chism

The Gwinnett Metro Task Force was awarded the Unit of the Year for a large-scale marijuana grow house and trafficking bust in July. SPD’s Lt. Dean Boone is Unit Commander of the Task Force.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

2019 Speak with SPD Officers

presented by

The Snellville Police Department

Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 6:00 – 8:00 pm

ng See the Amazi s SPD Canine

Snellville Towne Green

Members of the Snellville Police Department will be out in force hosting its annual Snellville Public Safety Night on the Snellville Towne Green (in front of city hall).

Bring the family for some fun and get some great information on protecting yourself, your family, your pets, your home & business and your personal identity.

The event is free and all are encouraged to attend.

Area Mascots & Activities will entertain the kids A Flag Ceremony will begin at 6:00 pm Police vehicles with anti-crime accessories, tactical equipment & weapons & the SRT (special response team) will be on display. County Police and Fire Equipment & personnel will be on hand. EMS and 1st responders will be available with information.

Demonstrations by the Snellville K-9 Officers will show off the talented dogs Officers will demonstrate how to manage a traffic stop

Exhibitors will be providing information on: Personal Safety Home Security.

Pet Security Gun Safety and Training Financial Security Road safety for adults, teens and young children

Sponsored by the Snellville Police Department and the Snellville Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association

Volunteers are the of the city.

Join our volunteer group and have fun helping at all of our great events.

The next volunteer meeting is at 6 p.m. April 18 in the Community Room at Snellville City Hall, 2342 Oak Road.

Betty Exley is Eastside Medical Center’s Auxiliary Volunteer of the Year. She has been a volunteer there for 16 years and volunteers in the Day Surgery Department and Outpatient Services.

Bill Palmer receiving the Patriot Award from the National President General, which is the highest state SAR award. Bill volunteers his service with the Button Gwinnett Chapter Militia throughout the year.

Chad Livsey and Mayor Pro Tem Dave Emanuel are working to keep Snellville Clean and Proud.

Gloria and Goebel Berry volunteering with the Sunrise Rotary Club helping set up at a STAT event.

Joe Wilson is an awesome Star Spangled Snellville volunteer!

V O L U N T E E R

Billy Franklin - ER Snell vice president and STAT Board vice president volunteered his time to paint the handicap spaces in both the Snellville Historical and Southeast Gwinnett Co-op parking lots.

Snellville Historical Society Member Jim Cofer who published “200 Years of Snellville History” always lends a helping hand.

12Stone Church volunteer Erica Edge pulled double duty and also volunteered at Star Spangled Snellville.

Citizens Police Academy Alumni President Mary Fergus and Public Safety Night Chairman Tom Martin.

You can count on Marilyn Swinney to volunteer in many capacities.

Spring Favorites From one of our favorite cooks!

GARLIC LIME GRILLED PORK TENDERLOIN STEAKS WITH ROASTED CORN SALSA Serves 4 to 6 2 (1-pound) pork tenderloins, trimmed 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 teaspoons honey 1 tablespoon grated lime zest 1/4 cup lime juice (2 limes) 2 teaspoons fish sauce 3/4 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper 1/4 cup vegetable oil 4 teaspoons mayonnaise I tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

1. Slice each tenderloin in half crosswise to create 4 steaks total.

Pound each steak 3/4 inch thick.

2. Whisk the garlic, honey, lime zest, lime juice, fish sauce, salt, and pepper together in large bowl. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle the oil into the garlic mixture until smooth and slightly thickened.

3. Transfer 1/2 cup of the garlic mixture to a small bowl and whisk in the mayonnaise. Set aside the sauce for use later 4. Add the steaks to a bowl with the remaining marinade and toss thoroughly to coat the steaks.

5. Transfer the steaks and marinade to a large zip-lock bag, and press out as much air as possible. Then seal the bag. Let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes.

6. Clean and oil the cooking grate. Remove the steaks from the marinade (do not pat dry) and place over hottest part of the grill.

Cook, uncovered, until well browned on first side, about 3 to 4 minutes, then flip the steaks and cook until well browned on second side, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the steaks to the coolest 42

part of the grill. Cover and cook until meat registers 140 degrees, about 3 to 8 minutes. When done, transfer the steaks to a platter and let them rest for about 5 minutes.

7. While steaks rest, microwave reserved sauce until warm, about 15 to 30 seconds, then stir in the cilantro.

8. Place the corn salsa (that you have already made) on the center of the plate and top with the steak. Drizzle half of the sauce over the steaks and serve, place remaining sauce in serving dish for the table.

Roasted Corn Salsa 1 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 cups fresh or thawed frozen corn 1 shallot, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced 12 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons lime juice 1. Add 1 tablespoon oil to skillet and place over medium-high heat until shimmering.

2. Add corn and cook, without stirring, until well browned and roasted, 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Stir in the shallots and garlic and cook for about 30 to 45 seconds. Stir in tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits, and cook until just softened, about 2 minutes.

4. Take the pan off the heat, stir in the cilantro and lime juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place salsa in a bowl and keep ready to plate.

NOTE: You can substitute boneless pork chops for the pork loin to save a bit of time and money. Also be careful with the salt, as the fish sauce is very salty already. Taste your marinade before, and if the lime is too tart, throw a pinch of sugar in it to take the bite out……Enjoy - Lt. Pendleton, Snellville Police Department Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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

POSTAL CUSTOMER

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

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

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody.

A Family-Centered Approach to Maternity Care 1800 Tree Lane, Suite 300 • Snellville, GA

Experienced & Compassionate Maternity Care Close to Home At Gwinnett Gynecology & Maternity, you can expect more while you’re expecting. Our physician team provides experienced and compassionate care and serves as a vital component for patients and their families during the journey to motherhood.

Our team provides in depth services throughout every stage of pregnancy – from preconception healthcare services while planning for parenthood to continued care after your special delivery has arrived. We’re here every step of the way.

Dr. Vonda Ware

Dr. Brittany Merritt

Dr. Carmen McGee

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Obstetrics & Gynecology

For more information, please call 770-972-6464 or visit Gwinnett-Gyn.com