Snellville Spirit Summer 2018

Where Everybody is Proud to Be Somebody SUMMER 2018

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Summer 2018 - Volume 31 Snellville Spirit Magazine is produced by: Snellville Tourism & Trade Association

Summertime in Snellville It seems that we have jumped from Winter directly into Summer. That is exciting because the Summer is when Snellville comes alive with activity.

We have Food Trucks, Concerts, Fireworks and the Farmers Market and much more.

Let us entertain you this summer on the Towne Green.

Bring your family and friends and celebrate life in Snellville. With all the hustle and bustle of the day to day grind, relax and enjoy all the great things Snellville Tourism and Trade has to offer.

Don Don Britt, President, Snellville Tourism and Trade

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 Tom Morris Secretary Kathy Emanuel Treasurer Jamey Toney Board Member Regina Hart Board Member Billy Franklin Board Member Kurt Schulz Board Member Alice Snipes Executive Director Kelly McAloon Mayor of Snellville Tom Witts City Council Barbara Bender - Mayor Pro Tem, Gretchen Schulz, Dave Emanuel, Cristy Lenski and Roger Marmol City Website: www.snellville.org Magazine Design by Brian Arrington, Perry Cox and Kelly McAloon Magazine Cover Design by Perry Cox Contributing Writers and Photographers: Kelly McAloon, Don Britt, Brian Arrington, Barbara Bender, Eric Van Otteren, Gretchen Schulz, Chris O’Donoghue, Deborah Puette and Perry Cox

Connecting our Community to Celebrate Snellville 4

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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CONTENTS

35 25 6

TALKING SNELLVILLE

25

Snellville’s creating a new place to gather.

POLICE AND PUBLIC WORKS

26

What’s coming to Snellville’s parks?

PLAN UPDATE

27

The Community Garden is getting awards and recognition.

PUBLIC SAFETY NIGHT

28

The Snellville Senior Center has plenty to offer.

MARKET RECIPES

29

Events for kids in the city are plentiful.

BOOK OF SNELLVILLE

30

Food Truck Friday is a great place to get your grub on.

SHARK TANK

31

Gwinnett is celebrating 200 years.

NEW BUSINESS

32

Three exciting contests will take place soon.

OFF THE VINE

34

Area businesses recently opened their doors.

STAR SPANGLED SNELLVILLE

35

YOUTH COMMISSION

36

MUSIC CALENDAR

38

City update from Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Bender.

6

News from the police department and public works.

8

The city is updating its Comprehensive Plan.

10

Public Safety Night is slated for June 5.

12

How to use Farmers’ Market food to make your own eats.

13

Jim W. Cofer Jr. penned a book on Snellville history.

14

A recap of the city’s student entrepreneur competition.

17

There were many new businesses added in recent months.

18

A local business opens winery.

20

Event and concert to mark Memorial Day.

22

A look back and forward at the Snellville Youth Commission.

24

There are three concerts coming up in the next few months.

TOWNE CENTER

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMUNITY GARDEN SENIOR CENTER SUMMER FUN

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY BICENTENNIAL CONTESTS

RIBBON CUTTINGS

GAZEBO FACE LIFT

T.W. Briscoe gazebo gets a timely face lift.

CANDID PICTURES

Pictures from recent Snellville events.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Recipes from some of Snellville’s best cooks.

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MAYOR PRO TEM’S MESSAGE The summer event season kicked off with our first Food Truck Friday followed by a fun and successful Snellville Days Festival at T.W. Briscoe Park. It featured a new layout and more vendors this year and all reports indicate everyone enjoyed the festival and the spring weather. Thank you to all our Parks and Recreation staff, Snellville Days Committee members and all the volunteers who helped make this event possible.

Snellville Tourism & Trade is working hard to create enjoyable events close to home that help bring our community together for fun and fellowship. We are always in need of volunteers for our many events and activities held throughout the year. If you would like to get involved for an event - whether for a few hours or all day - please let us know. It is a great way to get out and help without an ongoing commitment, so it works well for our busy lifestyles. Pick one event or several as your time permits.

The city continues to move forward on our Towne Center development. The city council and Gwinnett County have approved TSW as our architect to design the library/public market building to be located on Wisteria Drive. Design work will start soon so stay tuned for further developments.

Your city council, along with our boards and authorities, are hard at work planning and shaping our community for the future through the Comprehensive Plan 2040 update. Several initial meetings have been held as part of the kick off. Please stay tuned for opportunities to participate in surveys and public meetings to let your ideas be incorporated.

Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Bender

Our City Manager Butch Sanders presented the council with the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2018-2019. Our tax digest (value of all property within the city) is finally back to the level it was in 2008. It has taken 10 years to fully recover from the recession and I am happy to report that we are back and continuing to see signs for continued economic growth. The proposed budget was presented with no increase to the millage rate and is expected to be approved at the June 11 meeting.

It really is a great time to live in Snellville!

AROUND TOWNE

Citizens Police Academy graduates 25th class The 25th Class of the Snellville Citizens Police Academy graduated May 17.

The following citizens graduated from the program - Shirley Borrillo, Joseph Borrillo, Alyssa Borrillo, Bassem Ghattas, Marion Goodman, Jerri Haas, Marc Hasbrouk, Gay Hasbrouk, Pete Hotine, John Eberhart, Donna McDonald, Gene Morton, 6

Linda Norton, Debbie Owen, Joe Wilson, Jason Shattles, Calvin Smith, Gayle Treadwell, Doug Underwood, Anna Warnke, Kelly Zambito, Tim Wilson, Brady Wilson, Lisa Wilson, Lorena Abercrombie and Maria LaPollo.

The popular class is offered to strengthen the bond of friendship and cooperation between citizens and the police department.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

The classes help citizens gain a better understanding of the risks and responsibilities of officers. Some of the classes included are on domestic violence, traffic stops, building searches, a tour of the jail and narcotics identification. The program also included a ride-along program with a Snellville police officer.

CPA instructors are Snellville police officers, each teaching a specific topic. Several of the instructors are Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council certified police instructors. The next class begins Aug. 30. The deadline to apply is Aug. 17.

Anyone who is over the age of 18 can enroll. You do not have to be a Snellville resident to participate. Space is limited approximately 20 students are accepted for each academy.

An application for the CPA is available at http://www. snellville.org/citizens-police-academy or at the Police Station.

The application must be filled out completely, must include an email address and must be notarized. You will be notified via e-mail or phone call as to the status of your application.

If you have any questions contact Lt. R. Pendleton at 770-9853573 or rpendleton@snellville.org.

Public Works welcomes new assistant director Snellville Public Works would like to welcome Adam Mitchell the new Assistant Public Works Director.

Mitchell began work with the city on March 12. He has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to stormwater and brings this with him from Gwinnett County.

Mitchell is married with two children and very much a family man.

“We think he’s the perfect fit for our city and are excited for the future,” said Public Works Director Gaye Johnson. “He Adam has shared many aspects of stormwater Mitchell with our department as well as other skills picked up along the way in his career such as running big equipment and installing pipe. While he has met many of our citizens already, he looks forward to getting to know others.”

REMINDER: Use blue bags when cans are full

free. Have those licenses ready so the attendants can verify you live inside the city limits.

Please don’t blow your grass clippings down the storm drains and let your landscapers know this as well. Only rain down the drains! Go online to www.snellville.org and select Public Works for more details and information on the guidelines for curbside sanitation, recycling and our award winning Recycling Center.

Flag Day event set for June 16 at T.W. Briscoe Park A Flag Day ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. June 16 at the T.W. Briscoe Park Partee Flag Pole.

The event will feature welcoming remarks, a keynote speaker, flag presentation, a 21-musket gun salute, raising the flag which was flown over the U.S. Capitol and was sponsored by U.S. Sen. David Perdue. The Pledge of Allegiance by Boy Scout Troop 65, Snellville UMC and others will follow. The event is open to the public.

All citizens, businesses and municipalities are asked to fly the U.S. flag that day. Flag Day is also a great time to take a close look at your current flag to ensure that it is in good condition.

Retire old flags appropriately by reaching out to your local American Legion or the Boy Scouts as they accept old flags year round.

“It’s the utmost honor, that we the citizens, the American public stand tall saluting this great symbol of Freedom, the reality of freedom, the USA flag, remembering what it stands for and thanking all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and remembering all service men and women who stood in the forefront ensuring our flag is flying high,” said Mike Sabbagh, Snellville Flag Day Committee president.

Refreshments will be served after the program.

Graduation parties, summer BBQs and many other events will surely produce more garbage so remember to keep a box of the City of Snellville Blue Bags on hand for the trash bags that don’t fit inside your cart. They are available at the Publix in the Target Shopping Center, the Kroger in the Home Depot Shopping Center and at City Hall and Public Works.

While there, you may want to pick up a few City of Snellville lawn bags for those grass and bush clippings. When talking lawn maintenance, Snellville citizens also have the option of bringing a pickup truck load per day to the Snellville Recycling Center for

7

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2040 What kind of place do you want Snellville to be?

By Eric Van Otteren, Economic Development Director The City of Snellville is seeking to create a guiding vision in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The timing of this plan is important as the city has started to undergo a transformation from a traditional suburb to a more urbanized, walkable city.

A task force comprised of business owners, students from South Gwinnett, Brookwood and Shiloh high schools, and community leaders met with representatives of the engineering firm tapped to update the plan, Jacobs, to begin a conversation about the city’s future that will be catalogued in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

A website detailing the process will be launched soon and members of Jacobs will be at Public Safety Night June 5 on the Towne Green, an August Snellville Farmers’ Market and at a local shopping center to get more resident input.

The consultant and the city will conduct three on-the-spot community engagement events. These events are planned to take place throughout the summer.

•Early June at the Snellville Public Safety Night event on June 5.

•Mid July in several local popular shopping areas.

•Late August at the Farmers Market on Saturday morning.

The Comprehensive Plan is a 20-year guide that steers policy and direction and a five-year work program to accomplish these goals. The topic areas include land use, transportation, housing, economic development and quality of life issues.

At the kick-off meeting, the task force was asked “What kind of place do you want Snellville to be in 2040?” Please feel free to record you answer to this question in The Conversation on the city’s Web site: http://www.snellville.org/the-conversation.

“You will be deciding what the city will become,” said Jacobs Urban Planner Meghan McMullen. “You are representatives of the city whether you go to school here, your business is here or you live here - you will be the ones taking the conversation of the future of the city back to kitchen tables.”

8

Jacobs Urban Planner Meghan McMullen led the discussion at the first Comprehensive Plan 2040 meeting.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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2018

presented by

The Snellville Police Department

Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 6:00 – 8:30 pm 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

Come enter for Great Door Prizes!!

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 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: * CodeRED - A free emergency notification system * Personal Safety * Road safety for adults, teens and young children * Gun Safety and Training * Financial Security * Home Security * Pet Security * Fingerprinting of Children

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

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SNELLVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET Use market finds to create recipes found on website

By Gretchen Schulz, Councilwoman Hooray! The Snellville Farmers’ Market opened June 2 and will be held every Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Towne Green.

Have you taken the time to explore the market’s website? The website, www.snellvillefarmersmarket.com, provides a list of all approved vendors as well as entertainment and community groups scheduled to be at the market.

One resource you may not be aware of are the many recipes on the website that utilize products available at the market.

“We’ve spent a lot of time entering recipes that we feel our customers will enjoy and that use produce and meats sold at the market,” said Gretchen Schulz, who co-manages the market with her husband, Kurt.

To encourage customers to use the website as a recipe resource, some menus have been developed that feature some of the recipes. Recipes can be found on the website for menu items in bold.

Tomato Pie Mixed Green Salad Georgia Peach Pound Cake

Muscadine-Glazed Chicken Breasts Fresh Green Beans Farmhouse Cornbread Tomato Salad Brownies

Roast Pork Tenderloin Squash Casserole Fresh Field Peas Sea Island Corn Muffins In-Season Fruit Grilled Shrimp Maggiano’s Little Italy Crispy Zucchini Fritte with Lemon Aioli Caprese Salad Cupcakes Gretchen’s Slow-Cooker Pot Roast Mashed Potatoes Blackberry Farm Oat Crumble Bars

Meatloaf My Boys’ Favorite Macaroni and Cheese Tomato and Okra Stew Paula Dean’s Strawberry Cake Hawaiian Chicken Skewers Zucchini and Sweet Corn Souffle Fresh Spinach Salad Blackberry and Peach Cobbler with Praline Streusel

www.SnellvilleFarmersMarket.com 12

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

SNELLVILLE BOOK RECALLS HISTORY Book a 6-year labor of love for local author

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer

are also devoted to a Snellville Hall of Fame, local Folklore, and the “Demands of the 21st Century.”

Somehow Jim W. Cofer Jr. managed to cram 200 years of Snellville history into one book. It did, however, take 529 pages and more than 360 photos, figures and tables.

The hardback book with dust jacket is priced at $30 for members of the Snellville Historical Society and $35 for non-members. Copies may be purchased at Snellville City Hall on Mondays and Fridays between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Snellville’s first complete history book, entitled “200 Years of Snellville History,” was published by King Publishing of Boston.

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Cofer will be speaking about the book at the Snellville Commerce Club meeting at 12 p.m. June 5 in City Hall. The club helped sponsor the book.

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The author covered many important aspects of the Snellville community including the Native American period, early settler families, churches, schools, business and industry, military heroes, medical community, city governance, sports and community organizations. The lost art practices of one-horse farming, saw milling and hog killing are described. Chapters

Contact the Snellville Historical Society office at 770-985-3500 for more information. Calls are returned on Monday and Friday of each week.

Jim W. Cofer Jr.

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This research intensive history, commissioned by the Snellville Historical Society, was six years in the making and has 275 references cited.

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13

Economic Development Summer 2018

Shark Tank draws best young entrepreneurs

By Eric Van Otteren, Economic Development Director The Shark Tank was full this year with 26 young business owners from South Gwinnett, Grayson Tech and Brookwood high schools pitching businesses to 17 Sharks over two days.

In the end $4,000 was awarded to launch eight businesses.

The youth are tasked with creating their own summer job and these young people are well on their way. The businesses pitch everything from augmented reality clothing to custom, hand – forged knifes and Ethiopian Coffee.

•An augmented reality clothing line, Contraband Clothing, was brought to life by Mya Swaby. Mya was awarded the largest dollar award of $850.

•Just Lavish offered the Sharks a clothing line created by LaNisse Livingston. The award is $750.

•Naturally Me shared a line of skin care products that are all natural created by Symone Barton. The award is $650.

•Matt’s Home Organizers offer to do just that and organize the Shark’s cluttered spaces. Matthew Richard was awarded $600 to launch his business.

•Georgia Knives, handcrafted in a forge by Blake Ito, was awarded $500.

•A mobile phone repair company, Phone Menders, was pitched by David Howard and Aly Jwani. Their award was $250.

•Cameron Rosser, Mind of Boss, was awarded $200.

•A unique Ethiopian coffee company, hand roasted in small batches, was pitched by Natsenet Asepaw and awarded $200.

The Shark, jury members, are the backbone of the Shark Tank.

Each jury member contributed $250 to the venture fund and contributed 3-plus hours of their time. The Snellville Entrepreneur Council thanks the following local businesses who made the 2018 Shark Tanks a reality.

(Above) An augmented reality clothing line, Contraband Clothing, was brought to life by Mya Swaby. Mya was awarded the largest dollar award of $850. (Below) The Sharks and the students who entered the Shark Tank.

•Black Mermaid Soaps represented by Denise Zannu •Culvers represented by Chris Howard •Fast Signs represented by Edward MacFarlane •GarageWorx represented by Katelyn Mathis •Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce represented by Angie O’Kelley •New Horizon Coaching represented by Sandra Hill •Print Magic represented by Tim Reiling •Random Technology represented by Kathy Emanuel •Sapp Law Firm represented by Rebecca Kay Sapp •School of Rock represented by Sean Garuilo •STAT/Commerce Club represented by Regina Hart and Gretchen Schulz •Sunrise Rotary represented by Lee Smith •Urban Redevelopment Agency of Snellville represented by Tod Warner •Walton EMC represented by Scott Walker •Webb, Tanner and Powell represented by Leslie Trimmer

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Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

SNELLVILLE COMMERCE CLUB Two students awarded scholarships

The Snellville Commerce Club rewarded two area students with $1,000 scholarship checks in May. Each year, the Snellville Commerce Club, the business arm of Snellville Tourism and Trade, awards two $1,000 scholarships to a student active in either FBLA or the DECA program from Brookwood and South Gwinnett high schools. Students must demonstrate academic success and have been engaged in the community. South Gwinnett’s recipient was Arnesha Clark.

Brookwood’s winner was Philena Yang.

“The Snellville Commerce Club is proud to offer these scholarships to these deserving students each year,” said STAT Executive Director Kelly McAloon. “We hope these scholarships help them with their education and wish them success in the years to come.”

Arnesha is planning on attending Georgia Southern University and majoring in biology and attending the Nursing Program. She is involved in many volunteer and community service centers around Gwinnett County. Philena has been accepted to Georgia Tech to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science with the end goal of also attaining a Master’s Degree in Management

Information Systems at the University of the Georgia. Her goal is to become a Computer Systems Analyst.

For more information about STAT and the Snellville Commerce Club visit www.snellvilletourism.com

Fratelli’s is a New York-style pizzeria and Italian restaurant located in Snellville, Georgia. In addition to specialty pizzas and pastas, our menu also includes gluten-free options and homemade desserts. We cater both small and large functions and have several take-out and delivery options. We are a family-owned and – operated business whose authentic cuisine and friendly service will keep you coming back as part of the family.

We are happy to announce that due to our local success, we have moved to a bigger and better location. We would like to thank our family and loyal customers for making us Best of Gwinnett for the third year in a row!

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BUSINESS IS BOOMING IN SNELLVILLE! The following is a list of new business licenses issued by the Snellville Planning and Development.

Fleet and Asset Remarketing 2140 McGee Road Hot Buys Furniture 2338 Henry Clower Blvd.

Massage Envy 1905 Scenic Highway Mike Kelly Electric 1999 North Road Mind Heart Body Massage 2386 Clower St. Smart Fit by Brian 2204 Fountain Square Trystar Enterprises 2140 McGee Road Virtuous Visions 2653 Newtons Crest Circle

February

Outback Steakhouse

A Queen’s Essentials 2059 Scenic Highway Altts Global Limited 2140 McGee Road Believe It Staffing Agency 2151 Fountain Drive Bess 8 SVCS 2279 Pinehurst Road C&L Jamaican Restaurant 2296 Henry Clower Blvd.

C.A.W. Investments 2140 McGee Road Clean Carry Solution 2995 Oak Meadow Drive Collins & Company Suites, 2795 Main St. Curly T’s Hair Salon Inc. 2059 Scenic Highway Eugene B. Gabionelli 1700 Tree Lane Gene Reed, Armorer 1830 Meadowchase Ct. General Carpentry Home Rep. 1758 North Road Giant International USA 2140 McGee Road Haircuts Etc. 2315 Oak Road HHM Financial 2326 Wisteria Drive House of Linens 2059 Scenic Highway J2 & b Corp. 2054 Main St. Maddwear 2481 Flagsmoor Drive Mofazzal Suraiya 2410 Wisteria Drive Neurosurgery Atlanta 1700 Tree Lane Triple J Cutz 2135 Main St. E. Ultra Image 2871 Hickory Trail Untangled Stylez Salon 1630 Scenic Highway Us Star 19 1947 Scenic Highway

April

Gravity Indoor Trampoline 2135 Main St. E. The Coil Life 1630 Scenic Highway Eagle Temple of Georgia 2234 Rawlins St. Outback Steakhouse 1750 Scenic Highway JBW Barber Supply 2256 Snellville Plaza Model Me Fashions 2482 Folsom St. BP Catering and Events 3145 Elizabeth Lane Petra Realty Inc. 2128 Main St. Brainy Tech Academy 3161 Hampton Ridge Way Grand Furniture Outlet 2135 Main St. Beyond Healing 2415 Highway 78 Wake Pretty 2059 Scenic Highway Nathalie Couture LA Boutique 2238 Snellville Plaza Pur Kleen 2019 Pinehurst Road Nawlins Praline Candy 1142 Athens Highway Thelma Rose 1009 Athens Highway Cheserae Chisley Salon 2059 Scenic Highway Vue Point Solutions 2140 McGee Road Forever Glam’d Beauty Bar 1009 Athens Highway WNB Factory Gainesville 1708 Scenic Highway Three Squares Group 1569 Janmar Road Mac Family Center 2336 Wisteria Drive Journey Medical Research 2335 Wisteria Drive Attucks Dental Handpiece 1380 Overwood Trail

March

Absolute Investments 2565 Springdale Drive Advanced Management Solutions 1561 Janmar Road Advanced Urology Institute 1555 Janmar Road Alpha Car Land 2578 Main St. AMC Striping 2055 Stockton Walk Lane Atticus Franchise Group 1905 Scenic Highway Buy Smart Auto Sales 2140 McGee Road Envicious Salon 2059 Scenic Highway

Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park

17

Economic Development Summer 2018

Operation Homebrew: first winery in city

By Eric Van Otteren, Economic Development director

The exciting journey started in 2013 with the rescue of a failing business that was moved to Snellville, rebuilt, and made profitable within 18 months! The store was founded in 1994. First called “Home Brewing Supplies,” it was located in a shopping center on Highway 78 in Stone Mountain where the Lowe’s now sits.

In 1997, the shopping center was demolished to make way for the Lowe’s. The previous owners moved to Lilburn where the new owners would eventually take over in September 2013. They renamed it Lilburn Home Brew. With hard work and a dedication to customer satisfaction, the store evolved into a prominent business. Part of that rebuild required a move to a new and better location. In August 2014, the store relocated to its current location in Snellville and was renamed Operation Homebrew.

Operation Homebrew is owned and operated by a husband and wife team, both Air Force veterans. The business has given the owners the opportunity to meet people from all over Georgia who love wine, especially sweet wine – and a lot of people who love the process of making wine (and don’t even drink!).

The natural progression of the business was to include a winery.

The owners, Andrew and Angie Nemeth, recently upgraded “the best darn homebrew store in Georgia” to include a winery focusing on southern style wines. Before moving the business to Snellville in 2014, Andrew started working with Snellville City officials to amend the laws to allow for wineries, breweries, and distilleries.

As a Georgia farm winery, Operation Homebrew produces at least 40 percent of its wines from fruit grown in Georgia. With the recent culmination of that process Operation Homebrew opened the first winery in Snellville.

The winery offers small batch, handmade wines focusing on quality, not quantity. Operation Homebrew specializes in Southern

Operation Homebrew is owned and operated by a husband and wife team Andrew and Angie Nemeth, both Air Force veterans. The store opened in 2014.

Style Sweet Wines: Blackberry, Blueberry, Peach Apricot, Sangria, Green Apple, Black Cherry, Black Raspberry, Strawberry, and more. They will begin selling premium wines later this year. The premium wines will include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Moscato, Riesling and more.

“We have all the supplies and ingredients you need to make beer, wine, mead, cider, soda, cheese, and more,” Andrew said.

“We offer the cheapest bulk grain sack prices in the state! Our vast network of suppliers allows us to satisfy all your homebrew wants and needs. Home brewing is the best hobby in the world. Hey, it’s better than a stamp collection (tastes better too)!”

The folks at Operation Homebrew look forward to meeting you and sharing their passion for quality products. They are located in Cooper Village, 1142 Athens Highway.

Intersection project: Driving safely at 124/78 This summer will be a busy time for road work in Snellville. The Diverted Left Turn improvements to the Highway 78 and Scenic Highway intersection will move into full swing.

Pittman Construction will finish up the improvements to Henry Clower Boulevard. This is the primary detour route that will be used by eastbound traffic from Stone Mountain to Loganville. As this work is finishing, construction will begin on Highway 78. The city is working with the Georgia Department of Transportation to improve the areas surrounding the new detention areas and the middle areas of the medians. The city is also working with the state and the contractor to install a sign bridge at the intersection.

Construction is also commencing at the intersection of North Road and Pharrs Road. In a joint effort, the city and county are installing a roundabout to increase traffic flow. The contractor mobilized in May. Construction will be complete before winter comes.

18

Pleases take note - Roadway work zones are hazardous for workers and the public. In fact, most victims in work zone crashes are drivers or passengers. Work zone safety is everybody’s responsibility - pay attention – slow down – watch for workers - expect the unexpected. And whenever you drive, always Drive Alert Arrive Alive - buckle up; stay off the phone and no texting.

Visit www.dot.ga.gov.

And speaking of safe driving, remember that as of July 1 it is illegal to hold a cellphone in your hands while driving a motor vehicle. Georgia’s new distracted driving law require drivers to use hands-free technology when using cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. The law takes effect July 1. The following is prohibited: Holding a wireless communication device; Writing, sending or reading any text-based communication; Watching or recording a video other than one related to a GPS.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

NEW BUSINESS 6:30pm @ 8 2 & 6 2 June 2090 Scenic Hwy, Ste A

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer

NSSA Certified

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.

P O H S K R O W Y T SOCIAL SECURI

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

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

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

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

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

■ Affordable nightly, weekly and monthly rates ■ Average suite features over 300 square feet of comfortable living area ■ Each room includes a separate living area, ample work space with desk, remote control cable tv with HBO or Showtime, iron and ironing board, and in-room hi-speed Internet access ■ Apartment size kitchen with refrigerator, two-burner stovetop, full size microwave, in-room coffee maker, in-room toaster, dishes, cookware & utensils, and a well-lit kitchen table/work area ■ Interior corridors with key card access for added security and always clean & friendly service

Crestwood Suites

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

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

Eastside Medical Center

I T

S

.com

1784 Presidential Circle 30078 n ■ Snellville, own Georgia uITeS

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

JULY 4 TH H 4 -10 PM TOWNE GREEN FIREWORKS!

By Kelly McAloon

the Stop by nt o te STAT Inf for a

FRattEooE! t

Continuing a long tradition originally hosted by the First Baptist Church of Snellville, the Snellville Tourism and Trade Association will present an unforgettable Fourth of July experience in the heart of Snellville on the Towne Green and surrounding area.

Star Spangled Snellville begins at 4 p.m. with family friendly entertainment, including the tastes and smells of some of your favorite festival foods on the Towne Green along with a large playground of inflatables, the BIG KAHUNA water slide, train rides and bungee jump. Ride as often as you like with an all day band for only $10.

In addition to all the rides, family-friendly games will entertain attendees in the afternoon, such as the infamous watermelon eating contest. We will have a wide variety of food vendors on site to satisfy any appetite. Food vendors include: Rey’s Cuban Café, Lions Club with Funnel Cakes, Fratelli’s, Brown’s BBQ, Beren’s Frozen Custard, Chick-fil-A, Ski Bob Sno Cones, Monster Foods, Exotic Que, Mom’s Creole Cookin’, Kona Ice and many others. Stop by for some of the

favorite festival foods like hot boiled peanuts, grilled corn on the cob, fresh squeezed lemonade, funnel cakes, and your favorite flavored shaved ice.

Kriss Johnson, Miss 2018 National Patriot will kick off the celebration singing our National Anthem. We are excited to feature two bands that will ROCK the Towne Green throughout the day. CONTAGIOUS Band will take the stage at 5 p.m. followed by RHYTHM NATION at 7:30 p.m. The fireworks display will begin when the sky becomes dark, approximately 9:30 p.m., and will be accented with patriotic music.

STAT would like to thank Snellville First Baptist Church for its continued support and sharing their property to stage the fireworks. There will be several inflatables on Henry Clower, and many food vendors on the FBC side of the street as

well as many food vendors lined up on Oak Road in front of City Hall. We also want to thank Snellville United Methodist Church for allowing residents to park in their parking lot during the July 4th festivities. Our partnership within the city is what makes Snellville such a great place to live. The Community Blood Bank will be on site July 4th for those of you who would like to give a pint of blood. The Community Blood Bank services those in need in our local area. Don’t forget to get your face painted at this celebration and stop by the STAT info tent for a Star Spangled tattoo.

A BIG THANK YOU to all of our volunteers, police department and public works department who help make our events so successful.

Event Schedule

Rhythm Nation

▼ 4:00 PM Kriss Johnson - National Anthem ▼ 4:30 PM Watermelon Eating Contest ▼ 5:00 PM Contagious Band ▼ 7:00 PM Introduction of Dignitaries and Keystone Speakers

Contagious Band

▼ 7:10 PM Watermelon Eating Contest ▼ 7:30 PM Rhythm Nation ▼ 9:25 PM Kriss Johnson - God Bless America

Blood Mobile

Kriss Johnson

▼ 9:30 PM

FIREWORKS!!

HHHHHHHHHHHH

Big Kahuna

Train Rides

Thank you to our 2018 Star Spangled Snellville Sponsors who make our large events possible: Keystone Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Bronze Sponsor Friend of Snellville Sponsors Kona Ice Summit Chase Country Club Wild Wing Café

Our Hotels LaQuinta Inn, Crestwood Suites and the City of Snellville

Economic Development Summer 2018

Youth Commission ends year, inducts 10

By Chris O’Donoghue, Youth Coordinator

Another successful year for the SYC (Snellville Youth Commission) is in the books! The students of the SYC have taken a great step forward this year in their goal to make an impact in their communities. Through the planning of events and continuing their volunteering efforts, they have fostered an environment where high school students are becoming more socially and politically aware. The SYC took on the task continuing to volunteer by donating their time and effort at the Southeast Co-Op in Grayson and the annual Snellville Days Festival.

The SYC successfully planned and presented two events that supported this purpose. In October, they presented a Youth Forum that allowed the students to interact and engage in discussion with local officials from the Snellville and the Greater Gwinnett County areas. They had the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the officials’ roles and gain insight into the decisions that are being made that affect them.

In March, the students took on the task of planning a Youth Summit. This event was held at Snellville City Hall and was executed from beginning to end by the SYC students. They invited local students to attend a summit comprised of three sessions addressing the different ways that their peers and they could positively impact the people and communities around them. They dove into topics such as using social media in a positive manner, knowing yourself and servant leadership. They concluded this summit with an open forum with the Snellville City Council members, allowing the students to ask the questions related to issues that concern the youth in our community.

The Snellville Youth Commission concluded their year with the welcoming of 10 new students for the upcoming program year. Those students include Awtum Lewis, Esther Ndewa, Olanrewaju Adeyanju, Irene Jerish, Caleb Whack, Mekhi Cannon, Diamond Etchison-Slaughter, Liam Casimir, Keval Amin and Faith Williams. We look forward to their positive impact on the SYC going forward as we continue to work and grow in the City of Snellville.

NEWS FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS Brookwood High School philanthropic efforts hit a milestone by raising nearly $39,000 to support children battling cancer, pushing the school’s total charitable fundraising to over the halfmillion dollar mark within less than four years. The senior class is 838 students strong, with a quarter of the graduates expected to receive some form of scholarship beyond HOPE, and 286 designated as Honor Graduates. The school achieved eight state championships over its four years and obtained the 10th Science Olympiad’s state championship In South Gwinnett High School agriculture news, STEM students constructed raised beds and pursued STEM learning opportunities about urban agriculture. They planted donated sweet potatoes slips on with Master Gardeners Ileen Meggison and Wes Nettleton from the Snellville Community Garden. They also 22

harvested kale, collards and red lettuce.

Grayson High School also has agricultural-based news to share. Students are using cutting-edge technology and innovative practices to grow fresh food for our local community. Grayson Community Farm and Gardens was awarded a Food Well Alliance (Atlanta Community Food Bank) grant totaling $25,000 for greenhouse repairs and garden development. The school also received an Infinite Energy Local School grant of $25,000 for its Solar Powered Aquaponics Lab; a SPARK Prize from United Way $10K for shadecloth and irrigation; and a Grayson PTSA $1,000 grant for seeds and fencing.

Congratulations to all our graduating students in the Snellville area!

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

2018 INTRODUCTORY MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL All Full Facility Golf Memberships pay $150 per month and Tennis, Swim & Social Memberships pay $75 per month for first twelve months.

Social Dining Membership $300 per year.

Summit Chase offers exciting junior lesson programs in golf, tennis and swimming.

Our junior programs are open to members and non-members.

SUMMIT CHASE COUNTRY CLUB 3197 Classic Drive, Snellville, Ga 30078 770-979-9000 www.summitchasecc.com

Yo u b e l o n g h e re !

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LIVE ON THE LAWN

ON THE LAWN

CONCERT SERIES Keystone Sponsors:

Food • Craft Beer • Wine • Available On Site QUEEN NATION Queen Tribute

July 14

Queen Nation’s live production of Queen’s greatest hits preserves the image, sound, and stage persona of vintage Queen. Audiences are amazed at the accuracy of Queen Nation’s live retrospective journey through such Queen songs as We Will Rock You – Bohemian Rhapsody – We Are The Champions – Crazy Little Thing Called Love – You’re My Best Friend – Another One Bites The Dust – Under Pressure and many more. They have performed in front of thousands of people at casinos, fairs, festivals and private affairs.

Aug. 18

DOOBIE BROTHERS EXPERIENCE Doobie Brothers Tribute

The Doobie Brothers Experience is a complete re-creation of the famous rock band The Doobie Brothers back in the 70s. The show Brings back the Famous lineup of Pat Simmons, Michael McDonald, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, Tom Johnston and Tiran Porter. The show is amazing with the band playing all the famous Doobie Hits. The cast recreates the era with exact instruments, costumes and looks. You can’t help but get sucked in and believe it’s the real guys they portray.

Sept. 22 24

BENNIE AND THE JETS Elton John Tribute

SNELLVILLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE GATHER!

By Eric Van Otteren, Economic Development Director

“This is an enormous step in the direction of building our Towne Center dream,” City Manager Butch Sanders said.

“Clients traveled from as far away as Athens. The trip to buy supplies usually required an overnight stay. The only accommodation available to the travelers was a large chestnut oak grove in which the people camped.” Snellville Historical Society

City leaders are creating the next great place to gather in Snellville. The plan calls for relocating the Gwinnett County Public Library currently housed on Lenora Church Road to the Towne Center. Coupled with a City Market based on similar retail space like the historic Atlanta Curb Market, the building and parking deck will become the anchor of Snellville’s Towne Center. City officials said the Towne Center will create a livable, walkable downtown with commercial, recreational and residential space.

Plans call for a floor above the Library/City Market which could be used as classroom space for a surrounding college and other beneficial civic uses.

The best part of the new gathering place is that you will not have to plan an overnight stay in the Oak Grove. Rather, the Towne Center as planned is to provide a live, work, learn and play gathering place including shops, eateries, office space and learning opportunities.

The creation of the Towne Center took a major step forward in April and May as the City Council unanimously approved a contract with TSW to design a library/city market building.

The contract was later approved by the Gwinnett County Commissioners.

The idea of the city market was sparked by the success of the pop up Wisteria City Market that was done May 16, 2015. From the Pop-up Snellville Wisteria City Market several initiatives were given legs or grew out of it into what we are creating today.

•Relocate the library.

•Drive for a City Market.

•Opportunity for educational and business space.

City officials are targeting mid-2019 to break ground on the highly anticipated project once design plans and a new intergovernmental agreement for construction is negotiated with Gwinnett County.

“This is an enormous step in the direction of building our Towne Center dream.”

- City Manager Butch Sanders

25

Parks & Recreation Summer 2018

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 The Briscoe Park Pool opened May 25, daily admission for ages 4 to 49 is $4, everyone else is $1. Half season and full season passes are available, please check snellville.org for prices. We started registering for swim lessons on May 7.

Lessons are for 2 weeks, June 4 through August 9, 4 days a week. Normally lessons are Monday through Thursday, mornings and evening, and evening only when school starts. There are makeup lessons due to weather or swim meets.

Kids. Do you want to play Recreational Soccer? You can have if you are ages 4-19.

Please check allinfcsnellville.com or call 678-517-4789 for more information. Please visit our website or call for our Youth Soccer Summer Camp for Rec & Academy.

Campalooza Unlimited Sports Summer Camp starts May 29 and runs through Aug 3, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Briscoe Park with breakfast and lunch provided.

Register at unlimitedsportsclub.com or call 678-446-1299.

Play Well Lego Camp is July 2-July 6 and July 30-Aug 3 @ Briscoe Park; 9am to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. depending on age. Register online at play-well.org or call 404-630-8608 For the adults, T.W. Briscoe Park also

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

(770) 985-3535 Oak Road Park 1925 Oak Road Congratulations to the Spring Co-ed Adult Softball Regular Season Champions Absolut Chaos.

has plenty of activities. Boot Camp takes place Monday through Thursday and Saturday at the Park Office. The course consists of five-week sessions, morning and evening available. For more information call instructor Alvin Hill at 678-920-4136 or alvinhill743@gmail.com.

Outdoor basketball courts are available on a first-come-first-served basis without lights daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tennis courts are first-come-first-served, but can be reserved during day or at night 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 (non-resident).

Adult Summer Softball Leagues started registration May 21, but there may still be time to put in a team. There are

Men’s and Co-ed A and B leagues. For more information contact Meghan Purvis at mpurvis@snellville.org or visit the Recreation Department website at www. snellville.org/parks-recreation.

T.W. Briscoe Park hosts Community Yard Sales near the pool in the spring & fall. If you would like to sell items, spaces are $10 for one or $15 for 2 (9’x18’ parking spots). Register at the Park Office, 2500 Sawyer Parkway in Snellville. Contact Tracey Glass at tglass@snellville.org or call the Park Office for info. Our next sale is Sept 15 Snellville Parks and Recreation will be hosting Co-ed & Women’s Adult Kickball tournaments. Check back for these one-day tournaments to be held in the next few months! For more information contact Meghan Purvis at mpurvis@ snellville.org.

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.

26

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

COMMUNITY GARDEN @ SNELLVILLE Awards and recognition continue to grow will be used largely for infrastructure needs, particularly items for the garden’s greenhouse. The 20-foot by 40-foot greenhouse is unheated, which has made it difficult for the garden’s Greenhouse Team to start seedlings in the cold winter months. The funding will enable the procurement of thermostat-controlled propagation mats and a portable greenhouse. This small greenhouse can be heated with an electric heater and placed inside the large greenhouse to provide a warm environment for seedlings.

“Trying to heat the entire greenhouse would be prohibitively expensive,” said Master Gardener Wes Nettleton who led the effort to write the grant proposal.

Other planned purchases include an upgrade to the greenhouse’s ventilation system to help reduce temperatures in the summer and the construction of additional raised beds to demonstrate gardening techniques and provide for more donations to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op.

From left: Lucy Nettleton, Greenhouse Team member; Wes Nettleton, Master Gardener and Greenhouse Team member; South Gibbons, Gardener; Gretchen Schulz, co-chair Community Garden @ Snellville Committee; Susan Langley, Greenhouse Team member; Kurt Schulz, co-chair Community Garden @ Snellville; Committee and Martha Whitman, Master Gardener and Greenhouse Team member.

By Gretchen Schulz, Councilwoman

Rob Stewart and Master Gardeners Martha Whitman and Ileen Meggison provided input for the grant proposal.

The Community Garden @ Snellviille is also now featured on the Georgia Municipal Association’s website. The article can be found at https://www.gmanet.com/Advice-Knowledge/InnovationMade-in-Georgia.aspx as part of the organization’s Innovation Made in Georgia feature. Innovation Made in Georgia is a periodic feature of innovative programs in Georgia’s cities. Each case study presents a creative solution to a problem in municipal government, describes how the program works, and discusses its costs and benefits.

Veggies and flowers are not the only thing flourishing in the Community Garden @ Snellville. The list of the garden’s awards and recognitions also continues to grow.

In April, the garden was one of 34 community gardens across the Atlanta metro area that was awarded a $1,500 grant to complete infrastructure or improvement projects on their gardens. The funding organization, Food Well Alliance, promotes community gardening to build community vitality, promote good health, and provide access to healthy, locally grown food.

“These gardens and communities are really helping to craft the landscape of the city,” said Bobby Farmer, grant coordinator for Food Well Alliance. “They need our support to keep trying innovative approaches to maintain and expand their growing spaces, to have the tools necessary to make growing inclusive and accessible, and to continue engaging their communities around the garden.”

The grant funds awarded to Snellville’s Community Garden 27

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 package 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 also card-making classes and courses in understanding computers, tablets and smartphones.

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

2018 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, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Summer Fun! (and surrounding area)

Here are a few suggestions to keep you and your children cool, creative and entertained in the summer months.

Snellville Farmers’ Market www.snellvillefarmersmarket.com Saturdays through September 8:30 am – 12:30 pm • No Cost to Attend!

Snellville Briscoe Park www.snellville.org

Play-Well Teknologies STEM Lego Camp www.play-well.org 6 –11 years old July 2 – 6 9:00am – 12:00 pm 6 –11 years old July 30 – August 3 9:00am – 3:00 pm

Outdoor Movie Night Saturday, June 2 “How to Train Your Dragon” Saturday July 7 “Big” Saturday August 25 “Chicken Run”

Pizza Pool Party $1 admission • $1 sodas • $1 slices Friday June 8, July 20 & August 3 7:30 – 9:30 pm

Vacation Bible School!

Please check with the local church of your choice to see about Summer camps and programs offered!

Snellville United Methodist Church “Shipwrecked”, June 18 – 22

Mt.Zion Baptist Church “Time Lab”, June 11 – 15

St. Oliver’s Catholic Church

Summer Soccer Camps www.allinfc.com

Swimming Lessons Swim Lesson Registration Now Open.

Sign up at the Park Office.

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

770.985.3535

“Son Surf Beach Bash”, July 16 – 20

Westminister Presbyterian Church Summer Camp – May 29 – August 1

Summit Chase Country Club

“Around the World in 50 Days”, “SonWest ROUNDUP”, June 25 – 29

Cannon United Methodist Church

Junior Programs available for non-members throughout the summer.

Camps & Clinics: Golf - Tennis - Swim

“Shipwrecked”, June 11 – 15

770.979.9000

29

Snellville Food Truck Friday Sponsors:

JUNE 1 • Triple

JULY 6

J’s Pizza • Philly Connection • Gyro Chef Mediterranean • King Kabob • Mac The Cheese • Atlanta Burger Truck • Exotic Que • Trtacy’s Tasties • Kona Ice

Music, Sack Races and Games with D.J. Lee!

• Cousins

Maine Lobster • Gyro Chef Mediterranean • Hole In The Wall • King Kabob • Tex’s Tacos • Triple J’s Pizza • Atlanta Burger Truck • Sweet Treats • Kona Ice

Everyone Has Fun at Snellville Food Truck Fridays!

Kona Ice: Another Proud Sponsor!

AUGUST 3 • Counsins

Maine Lobster • Mellow Mushroom Pizza • Philly Cheesesteak • Sticks & Cones • Mac the Cheese • Atlanta Burger • Exotic Que • Tracy’s Tasties • Kona Ice

Can’t Wait Until The Next Snellville Food Truck Friday!

Don’t miss our final two Snellville Food Truck Fridays: September 7 & October 5

GWINNETT COUNTY 200 County, city celebrate two centuries county’s history. More events marking the bicentennial will take place at the remaining Snellville events this year.

At Gwinnett200@Gwinnettcounty.com, residents can find out more about the county’s history and visit the story vault which features interviews with Councilman Dave Emanuel and others.

Historical artifacts about Gwinnett County and its 200 years of history is now on display at City Hall from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through June 6. Once the Bicentennial Torch arrives at City Hall, it will be placed near the artifacts.

The Bicentennial Torch Run made its way to Snellville May 30. The torch will be on display at City Hall through June 7.

Gwinnett County is celebrating 200 years of history this year and Snellville is a part of the festivities.

Gwinnett County has been marking this momentous occasion by honoring its shared history, recognizing and remembering the people who make our community great and highlighting the vision for our promising future.

A torch, which is making its way through the county this year arrived at Snellville City Hall May 30 and will be on display until June 7.

The Bicentennial Torch will be relayed by cross country and track teams from Gwinnett public high schools serving as torchbearers in this yearlong torch relay that will cover approximately 200 miles. Runners will carry the torch to historic sites, public facilities, and cities in Gwinnett throughout 2018, the bicentennial celebration year. A traveling Gwinnett County history exhibit will accompany the torch to many of these locations.

The Gwinnett County Bicentennial Torch Relay represents goodwill, the connection between communities, and Gwinnett County’s journey from 1818 to today, where it transformed from a largely agrarian community to one of the fastest growing, most diverse counties in the Southeast.

In March, Jason West, director of programming for the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, spoke about the

In March, Jason West, director of programming for the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, spoke about the county’s history at the Snellville Commerce Club and brought artifacts collected from the county’s many historical sites.

Button Gwinnett was born in Gloucestershire, England in 1735. He emigrated to the colony of Georgia in 1765 and set up shop as a merchant in Savannah. Finding limited success in business, Gwinnett disposed of his store and purchased a large tract of land on Saint Catherine’s Island and began farming and raising cattle. He eventually lost the land to creditors.

Gwinnett became involved in local government serving as a Justice of the Peace and a member of the Colonial Assembly.

In 1776, he was elected as one of Georgia’s delegates to the Continental Congress and on August 2, 1776, Gwinnett became one of Georgia’s three signers of the Declaration of Independence (along with Lyman Hall and George Walton).was elected Speaker of the Colonial Assembly, helped draft the new state’s first constitution, and was appointed acting President and Commander-In-Chief of Georgia. He was defeated in his bid for election to the office of Governor of Georgia in 1777.

He died following a duel with General Lachlan McIntosh in May of 1777, in a pasture near Savannah.

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THE SCARECROWS ARE COMING! Fifth Annual Scarecrow Contest Winners

The 5th Annual Scarecrow Contest was a huge success with more than 2,850 online votes. Snellville Tourism and Trade is proud to announce that more than $20,500 was raised to benefit the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op. Special thanks to Carolyn’s Communications for bidding $20,000 on two scarecrows in the Silent Auction and to each winner for donating their winnings back to the Co-op as well.

Many thanks to all who participated in making this community activity so successful.

1st Place GMS Automotive “SCRAPPY”

2nd Place Mountain View Eye Associates “Dr. Eye Ris”

3rd Place About Face Skin Care “Terri Cloth Vollure”

32 32

We hope you will join us this year for the 6th Annual Scarecrow Contest. This is a great team building activity as well as a great way to advertise your business in Snellville.

Put your creative hat on and plan to build a scarecrow that will be seen by all in the community. The invitation to build your haystuffed mannequin is open to all business owners, schools, churches, and residents to join in the fun.

HOW WILL THIS WORK? You create a scarecrow and put it on display outside your business, school, church, or club and Snellville Tourism and Trade (STAT) will make a map available at Snellville City Hall and online at www.SnellvilleEvents.com of all locations where the scarecrows are on display for voting.

Patrons will be encouraged to visit your location and vote on the best scarecrow in Snellville. The contest is available to everyone in Snellville. Entry fee is $20 and all proceeds benefit the Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry. Deadline for entry is Sept. 28. All voting for the Scarecrow Contest will be done online from Oct. 8-19 and the winners will be announced at the Snellville Fall Festival, Oct. 20.

CASH PRIZES For more information on all contest details please visit www.SnellvilleEvents.com.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

FOUR-LEGGED FURRY FRIEND CONTEST Who has the cutest picture of their dog, cat, horse, lion, tiger or bear?

Send them in! If it is a furry four legged family pet, you are eligible to participate in the contest.

HOW TO ENTER AND VOTE

• • • • •

Email the best picture of your four legged furry friend to kmacstat@ gmail.com by June 23 at midnight. NO LATE ENTRIES ACCEPTED! Must be in the photo album to count.

All photos will be put in an album on the Snellville Tourism and Trade Facebook Page from July 7-31.

“LIKE” the Snellville Tourism and Trade Facebook Page, then go to “Four-Legged Furry Friend Dog Contest Album” and “LIKE” your favorite picture in the album.

The picture with the most “Likes” will win the contest. Your “Like” will register as a vote. Remember, if you share the album and the vote doesn’t register on the original STAT FB page, it will not count.

A $50 gift card and certificate will be awarded to the winner of the Four Legged Furry Friend Contest at the Aug. 3. Food Truck Friday event at 6 p.m. on the Snellville Towne Green.

GRILLIN’ OUT CONTEST Who can capture the best photo of the best grilled summer foods?

Must have at least 12 different entries from 12 different people to award prizes.

HOW TO ENTER AND VOTE Email the best picture of your grilling creations to kmacstat@gmail.com by June 23 at midnight.

All photos will be put in an album called GRILLIN OUT CONTEST on the Snellville Tourism and Trade Facebook Page from July 7 - 31.

“Like” the Snellville Tourism and Trade Facebook Page, then go to “Grillin Out Contest Album” and “LIKE” your favorite picture in the album.

The picture with the most “Likes” will win the contest. Your “Like” will register as a vote.

Be creative grilling using items such as poultry, meat, vegetables, fruit and even dessert items.

A $50 gift card and certificate will be awarded to the winner of the Grillin’ Out contest at the Aug. 3 Food Truck Friday event at 6 p.m. on the Snellville Towne Green.

Remember, if you share the album and the vote doesn’t register on the original STAT FB page, it will not count

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RIBBON CUTTINGS City officials and representatives from Snellville Tourism and Trade and the Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce were on-hand to cut the ribbon opening the new Gravity Indoor Trampoline Park, located at 2135 East Main St. Suite 100B. For more information visit www. jumpintogravity.com.

City government, Snellville Tourism and Trade and Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce officials welcomed Golden Krust to its new location at 2358 Main St. E. (Highway 78). Golden Krust was previously at a location on Scenic Highway.

For more information visit www.goldenkrustbakery.com City government, Snellville Tourism and Trade and Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce officials welcomed Outback Steakhouse to its newest location at 1750 Scenic Highway.

City government and Snellville Tourism and Trade officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Nawlins Praline Candy, located at 1142 Athens Highway, Suite 109 (Cooper Village). For more information visit www.nawlinspralinecandy.com

City government, Snellville Tourism and Trade and Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce officials were on hand at a ribbon cutting ceremony for Eastside Self Storage now open at 2387 Lenora Church Road.

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Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Parks & Recreation Summer 2018

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

Gazebo named after teacher gets timely face lift

By Deborah Puette, Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Assistant

The rotted wood has been replaced, the gazebo has been repainted and is back to its former glory.

The Bonnie Rose Gazebo in T.W. Briscoe Park has long been a favorite spot for weddings.

The gazebo was named for beloved South Gwinnett High School teacher, Bonnie Rose Simmons. When she passed away from cancer, her friends not only raised the money, they also built the gazebo, which was designed

by Bill Moebus and dedicated to her.

The picturesque scenery makes a great backdrop for wedding photos.

Such was the case for Colleen and Danny Auyeng, who were married, April 21 at the Bonnie Rose Gazebo.

When Park employees Brian Warner and Sean Tuten found out it had been the lifelong dream of Colleen to get married there, they spent weeks repairing and painting the gazebo, which had fallen into disarray.

SGHS Teacher What a loving tribute to this Bonnie Rose Simmons beautiful lady, making memories for countless couples.

FUN TIMES ...

Spring Green Festival

Gwinnett Life Run 5k

Food Truck Friday

... IN SNELLVILLE Snellville Days 2018

Button Gwinnett Militia presents flag certificates to the city and police department

Chad Livsey was honored by the city for his clean-up efforts

Summer Favorites From some of our favorite cooks!

MUSSELS WITH CAPER CREAM AND DILL Ingredients: 1 pkg. of frozen mussels (we buy ours at Wal-Mart).

Each package contains two one-pound bags of about 20 mussels each.

Following recipe is for one one-pound bag of mussels. ½ cup reduced fat mayonnaise 3 tbs. drained capers 1 tbs. fresh lemon juice ¼ tsp. tabasco or more to taste Salt and pepper to taste Fresh dill cut with a scissors as garnish over the mussels

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Assembly: Put some small perforations in the top of the bag of mussels with a paring knife prior to cooking. This will prevent the bag from exploding in the microwave.

Cook one pound bag of mussels in microwave according to directions on package. We do ours four minutes on high power.

Note: The bag will puff up during the cooking process but will not explode if you have perforated the top about four or five times.

Remove mussels from bag and discard juice. Be careful as hot steam will be released when you open the bag. (Some shells may not have opened. Discard those mussels as they cannot be used.) Remove the mussels from the shell retaining half of each shell for presentation.

Combine the next five ingredients with the cooked mussels and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

To serve place one mussel with some of the sauce on a shell and garnish with fresh cut dill or serve on crackers and garnish with dill.

- Don and Paula Girard Snellville Residents - Summit Chase Subdivision SC SNAP Liaison

MAWMAW LIPSEY’S FRESH PEACH COBBLER

Ingredients: 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (preferably from the Snellville Farmers’ Market) 2 cups sugar, divided 1 stick butter (I use unsalted, but it doesn’t matter) 1 cup flour (Mawmaw used Gold Medal, so Gold Medal it is) 2 Tsp. baking powder (Mawmaw used Clabber Girl ... why argue with success?)

1/2 tsp. salt (a big pinch) 3/4 cup milk.

Mix the peaches with a cup of sugar and sit aside for about 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Melt the stick of butter and pour in a 9-by-13-inch glass or stoneware baking dish.

Mix the remaining ingredients, mix well until lumps are gone.

Pour over melted butter.

Spoon peaches over batter mix.

Bake for about an hour. I check at 50 minutes.

Yuuuuuum!

Approved by the blue-haired ladies of the North Charleston UMC! - Wade Lipsey, Snellville Farmers’ Market Vendor, Owner of Cooking With Bubba

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville 2118 Scenic Hwy N, Suite E • Snellville, GA 30078 (770) 674-4636 • NothingBundtCakes.com an 8” or 10” Decorated Cake Expires 9/30/18.Limit one (1) coupon per guest. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. Valid only at the bakery(ies) listed. No cash value. Coupon may not be reproduced, transferred or sold.

Internet distribution strictly prohibited. Must be claimed in bakery during normal business hours. Not valid for online orders. Not valid with any other offer.

*********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.

SURGICAL EXCELLENCE Compassionate Care Michael T. Stechison, MD, PhD Neurosurgeon

1700 Tree Lane, Suite 470 • Snellville, GA 30078

Experienced Neurosurgical Care in Snellville Neurosurgery Atlanta offers adult neurosurgery treatments with access to the latest technology.

We are affiliated with Eastside Medical Center and conveniently located in Snellville.

Specializing in adult neurosurgery with focus on: • Brain Tumors • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery • Acoustic Neuromas • Complex Spinal • Trigeminal Neuralgia Instrumentation • Hemifacial Spasm • Cranial Nerve Disorders

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit NeurosurgeryAtlanta.com or call 770-809-3292.