Snellville Spirit Summer 2022

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to Be Somebody SUMMER 2022

2022

20 Things to do July 4 | 4-10 PM Live on the Lawn in 20 Miles FIREWORKS! Concert Series see pages 2 & 3

see pages 8 & 9

see page 19

Stone Mountain Park - 8.4 mi

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One of Atlanta’s favorite destinations for the entire family.

Nestled in 3200 acres of natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park features family-friendly attractions and outdoor recreational activities. Seasonal events are offered throughout the year that will definitely delight every member of the family.

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

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Creekwater Alpaca Farm - 5.6 mi The unique farm in Snellville, Ga. has been home to over 50 alpacas since 1993. We offer a safe, close up, hands-on experience unlike any other.

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

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

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament - 11 mi Welcome to our castles! It is our honor to provide you with an unforgettable experience of rivalry, feasting and fun! Epic battles of steel and steed, beyond the strength lies the power of charm.

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from Snellville City Hall Lenora Park - 5.8 mi

Lenora Park offers a wide variety of amenities such as a gymnasium, seven baseball/softball fields, fishing lake, dog park area, 18-hole Disc Golf Course, 1.5 mile paved trail, pavilion, playgrounds and much more.

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

Snellville Veterans Memorial - .1 mi The Snellville Veterans Memorial is a state-of-the-art Memorial where locals and visitors stop by to reflect and pay homage to those who fought so selflessly for our freedom. “FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE.” Annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs are held in front of the Veterans Memorial each year.

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

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

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

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

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Lincoln Fill Station - .9 mi

Niko’s Wine Corner - .9 mi

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

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

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

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

Slow Pour offers delicious, innovative and original beers.

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

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

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

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

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Ironshield Brewing - 7.8 mi Proudly brewing authentic European ales and lagers...no passport required!!!

Come celebrate our 2nd Anniversary with us on July 9, 2022 from 12 noon to 11 p.m. Live entertainment, brewery tours, anniversary merchandise and more. Gourmet Creations is serving up the BBQ. Outrun Brewing - 11 mi We are a brewer owned and operated, small scale production brewery that focuses on approachable and highly drinkable small-batch brews.

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

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

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

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Summer 2022 - Volume 51 Publisher/Editor: Kelly McAloon Editor: Brian Arrington

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

Wow...where has the time gone?

It seems like it was just springtime and now summer is definitely knocking on the door, especially with the rising temperatures outside.

Experience Snellville is in the 13th year of putting on events on the Towne Green. We have been extremely busy creating great events and bringing some of the best concerts to town for the community and visitors to enjoy.

Be sure to come dressed in your favorite red, white and blue and celebrate July 4th with us as we celebrate the Star Spangled Snellville event on Independence Day on the Snellville Towne Green from 4-10 p.m. Be sure to get to the Towne Green early if you want to find a seat on the lawn as large crowds gather to listen to the great music, enjoy all the favorite July 4th foods and of course, see one of the best firework shows in the Southeast.

The summer concert series will have you movin’ and groovin, so mark your calendars for the upcoming concerts that include: Chi-Town Transit Authority, Departure and UpTown Funk.

Concerts are free, but VIP seating is available on our website.

Summertime is family time and we hope you enjoy our Snellville Spirit magazine and all the information it has to offer about our area and things to do within a 20 mile radius of City Hall. There is definitely something for everyone to do.

Stay cool and hope to see you at one of our events this summer.

Don Britt,

Don

President, Experience Snellville

Connecting our Community to Celebrate Snellville 4

P.O. Box 669 • Snellville, GA 30078 Website: www.ExperienceSnellville.com Snellville Tourism and Trade Association’s mission is to promote business, tourism and events in the City of Snellville.

President Don Britt Vice President Kurt Schulz Treasurer Lucy DeForest Secretary Kathy Emanuel Board Member Jared Eakins Board Member Melvin Everson Board Member Alice Snipes Board Member Andrew Yee Board Member Stephanie McDonald Executive Director Kelly McAloon Administrative Assistant Jessica Manis City Council Mayor Barbara Bender, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Emanuel, Cristy Lenski, Gretchen Schulz, Tod Warner and Solange Destang City Website: www.snellville.org Magazine Design by Brian Arrington, Kelly McAloon and pcoxcreative Magazine Cover Design by pcoxcreative Contributing Writers and Photographers: Kelly McAloon, Don Britt, Brian Arrington, Gretchen Schulz, Barbara Bender, pcoxcreative, Dorothy Jarrett, Jim Cofer and Meghan Meegan and Intrepid Marketing

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CONTENTS

MAYOR’S MESSAGE SHARK TANK 6 Mayor 24 Who Barbara Bender gives an update on city happenings. won the student entrepreneur contest?

PUBLIC WORKS 6 Public Works Department finishes paving projects.

LIVE ON THE LAWN! 26 There are three concerts left in this annual series.

LIFESAVER HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE 7 Snellville 27 Looking Police Department officer wins lifesaving award. back at Snellville’s first traffic officer.

THE GROVE AT TOWNE CENTER 28 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 10 Phase 2 of The Grove at Towne Center gets major piece.

Gwinnett Tech, Ford Motor Co., team up for work program.

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SNELLVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET

The weekly market is back on the Towne Green.

TIME CAPSULE 30 Magill Elementary pops top on 25-year-old time capsule.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY 13 Get your taste buds ready for this monthly event.

INTERSECTION DEDICATION 32 Highway 78 and Oak Road crossing dedicated to fallen hero.

COMMUNITY GARDEN 15 The local garden gets applause from Mayor and Council.

FLOWER POWER 34 Local florist competes for World Cup spot.

PARKS AND REC. HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED 16 Programs 35 Proclamation offered at Briscoe Park and Active Adult Center. given to Korean allies.

TRAIL LIFE 19 Area church offers Boy Scout alternative.

PICTURE PAGES 36 Were you caught on camera at a local event?

KIDS’ CAMP 20 Camp for kids ongoing at T.W. Briscoe Park.

DELECTABLE DELIGHTS 38 Two recipes for summer noshing.

SCHOOL NEWS 22 The latest from Brookwood and South Gwinnett highs.

CALENDAR 40 AEVENT look ahead at Snellville events.

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Mayor’s Message - Mayor Barbara Bender The Grove at Snellville Towne Center project continues to move along with a big announcement of Northside Hospital’s investment on the Phase II property on Wisteria Drive.

See page 10 for more details on this exciting addition to the Towne Center.

The Wisteria Drive and Clower Street roundabout is operational although work continues to complete it.

together for us to honor these women now recognized by the State of Georgia as veterans. You can find more of the story on page 35.

Roadwork will continue along Wisteria Drive, North Road, and Oak Road with Clower Street being closed to through traffic until June 30. Please be mindful of the construction workers on all the roads in the downtown through the next several months. This is a very large construction project that we believe will be worth this short-term pain. We appreciate your patience during this time.

Please continue to remember our New Year’s resolution of kindness, patience and respect toward one another. If we can add on a little forgiveness and grace for our and others missteps, we can truly make a difference in our community.

I had the distinct honor to issue proclamations to four outstanding Korean-American women who served our country in Korean and Vietnam at the Memorial Day event on May 28th. Thank you to Kelly McAloon and Brian Kim for pulling it

The City Council will be calling for a special election to be held on Nov. 8 to place a referendum before the City of Snellville voters to decide whether they want a liquor store in the city. We are finalizing the proposed requirements and will publish this on our website when ready. Please mark your calendars to be sure to visit Snellville City Hall as well as your regular polling location for the federal, state and county elections.

The City Council will be calling for a special election to be held on Nov. 8 to place a referendum before the City of Snellville voters to decide whether they want a liquor store in the city.

Snellville Public Works Public Works completes paving projects ER Snell has completed the paving project of PW210721. The following streets consisted of edge milling, patching, crack sealing, resurfacing and new poles with signage as well: •Fountain Road •Hugh Drive •Masters Lane •Sterling Creek Court •Sterling Creek Point •Summit Chase Drive •Summit Links After the contracted projects were complete with surplus funds available, initial patching was done on Mountain View and South Crestview to prepare for the next budget year’s paving contract.

The total cost for the resurfacing and paving of the PW210721 project was $734,764.

The Snellville Public Works Department had a booth at the Family Fun Day on May 7. Visitors learned about sanitation, recycling and stormwater pollution. A stormwater pollution model simulated pollution runoff from rainwater the kids created using squirt bottles.

For more information on what can and can’t be placed in recycling bins and what can be recycled at the city’s Recycling Center on Marigold Road, click on the ‘Snellville Recycling and Garbage Pick Up 101’ slide on the front page of Snellville.org.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Police Department Snellville Police Department officer received life-saving award Snellville Police Officer Aaron Devries was named the recipient of the Life Saving Award at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce’s annual Valor Public Safety Awards ceremony in May.

where an individual’s life is in jeopardy.”

safety for kids.

“The goal of the new outreach team is to be proactive in getting needed information to our community,” said SPD Chief Greg Perry.

“For that reason, they are going out to find opportunities to engage with our community. We know that our community members are more likely to be a victims of a financial crime as opposed to a violent crime. For that reason, we feel that it is very important to provide the citizens with tips to avoid being victims of financial crimes.”

Keep an eye out for more pop-up events from Snellville police in the near future.

Devries, who has been with the Snellville Police Department for four years, was given the honor “awarded to a public safety officer or unit in recognition of acts taken in a lifethreatening situation

Devries, while heading home following an overnight shift, was flagged down by another driver, alerting him there was a car upside down in a river off of Highway 81.

According to his introduction, “Officer Devries, without hesitation, entered the river and made his way to the vehicle where he was able to break a window, reach in, and pull the occupant to safety.”

“We are very proud of Officer Devries, and we were delighted that he could be recognized by the Gwinnett Chamber along with the other Gwinnett County public safety heroes,” said SPD Chief Greg Perry. “We are thankful to have an officer of Aaron’s dedication and bravery serving alongside all the members of the Snellville Police Department.”

Mike Crumbley, of Kaiser Permanente, presented Devries with the award.

Pop-up events by police taking place at area shopping centers Snellville Police Department officials have been at local shopping centers conducting community outreach pop-up events, providing people info on avoiding financial crimes.

Led by Sgt. Scott Smith and Ofc. Scott Hermel, the team was at Target May 31 and Academy Sports June 2, making friends and providing some needed information on identity theft and internet 7

2022

By Kelly McAloon Executive Director, Experience Snellville Join us as Experience Snellville presents an unforgettable Fourth of July experience in the heart of Snellville on the Towne Green as we celebrate Star Spangled Snellville’s 13th year in the city.

Star Spangled Snellville begins at 4 p.m. as DJ Lee entertains us with fun and games until 6:30 p.m. followed by the high energy CONTAGIOUS Band that will take the stage from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. and ROCK the TOWNE GREEN. Family friendly entertainment, including the tastes and smells of some of your favorite festival foods along with a large playground of inflatables Including: Rock Wall, Trackless Train, Big KAHUNA Water Slide, Shoot the Hoops Inflatable Basketball and the Infamous Gaming Bus and Virtuix Omni will be available throughout the day.

Ride as often as you like with an all day band for only $15.00. The ticket booth will be open from 4 -8 p.m. and will CLOSE PROMPTLY AT 8 p.m. due to the large crowds.

We will have a wide variety of food vendors on site to satisfy any appetite. Food vendors include: Rey’s Cuban Café, Fratelli’s, Brown’s BBQ, Beren’s Frozen Custard, Chick-fil-A, Dolphins Water Ice, Ski Bob Sno Cones, Hole in the Wall,

Yaardie Eats, Atlanta Seafood, Quatro Amigos Mexican Food, Mrs. Jay’s Funnel Cakes, N’jay’s Frozen Drinks, Fruit Goddess, K & L Nutt House 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 of Italian or shaved ice.

The fireworks display will begin when the sky becomes dark, approximately 9:30 p.m., and will be accented with patriotic music.

Come in your best red, white and blue, and bring your blankets and chairs to assure your seats for the music and fireworks show. Get to the Green early as space on the Green and surrounding areas fill up quickly.

Experience Snellville would like to thank Snellville First Baptist Church for its continued support and sharing their property to stage the fireworks.

All food vendors will be set up on Oak Road in front of Snellville City Hall.

Bloodmobile

Big Kahuna

Gaming Bus

Virtuix Omni

Train Rides

Basketball

Rock Wall

Thank you to our 2022

HKeystone SponsorsH

Friend of Snellville Sponsor HOur HotelsH

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.

A big thank you to all of our volunteers, police department and public works department who help make our events so successful.

DJ Lee

Atlanta’s CONTAGIOUS Band

Event Schedule ▼ 4:00 PM DJ Lee - Music, Fun & Games ▼ 6:25 PM Introduction of Dignitaries and Keystone Sponsors ▼ 6:30 PM Atlanta’s CONTAGIOUS BAND ▼ 7:30 PM Keystone Sponsor Recognition ▼ 9:30 PM

FIREWORKS!!

HHHHHHHHHHHH

ALL DAY ACTIVITY BAND – $15 Includes: Inflatables, Rock Wall, Trackless Train, Big KAHUNA Water Slide, Shoot the Hoops Inflatable Basketball and the Infamous Gaming Bus and Virtuix Omni.

The ticket booth will be open from 4 - 8 p.m. and will CLOSE PROMPTLY AT 8:00 p.m. due to the large crowds.

The Grove at Towne Center

Northside Hospital to anchor Phase II at The Grove at Towne Center As construction continues on Phase I in The Grove at Towne Center, the City of Snellville and the Downtown Development Authority, are excited to announce the addition of Northside Hospital to The Grove. In a transaction that closed at the end of May, Northside Hospital will occupy two buildings in Phase II of Snellville’s new City Center.

The Northside Hospital buildings will include physician offices, an ambulatory surgery center, urgent care and other Northside outpatient services that will cater to the residents of Snellville as well as The Grove’s growing community. Construction of the Northside buildings is anticipated to start immediately and open in the Second Quarter 2023. Phase I of the $100 million project commenced construction in March 2021, and residential units will begin leasing later this year.

destination,” said City Manager Butch Sanders.

The city’s development partner Kirk Demetrops, founder of MidCity Real Estate, spoke about the new partnership, “We always wanted Phase II to further strengthen the unique mix that makes a town center so special, Northside is the perfect fit. The Grove soon will have nine buildings under construction, delivering a city center long sought after by the city and community.”

“Northside Hospital is committed to strengthening health care resources in the Gwinnett region,” said Debbie Mitcham, president and CEO of Northside Hospital in Gwinnett and Duluth. “We look forward to this new partnership, which will continue Northside’s high quality of care for our patients in their own community.”

“Northside has an outstanding reputation for the care and treatment of their patients, and we are delighted to add them to The Grove at Towne Center where they will help serve the members of our community for years to come,” said Snellville Mayor Barbara Bender.

Once completed The Grove at Towne Center, will include over 275 luxury residential units, 50,000 square feet of retail space (including a special use Market Building), 50,000 SF of medical office, the new Gwinnett County Elizabeth H. Williams Library with second floor co-working space and a 750 parking-space parking deck, all surrounding The Grove, a one-acre town green space.

“Adding Northside to our longstanding, excellent Piedmont Eastside facilities, will make Snellville a premium healthcare

For more information and updates on the Grove at Towne Center project visit www.snellville.org/the-towne-center-snellville.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Farmers’ Market

Farmers’ Market back for 13th summer Opening day for the 13th summer season of the Snellville Farmers Market was held earlier this month. You still have months ahead to enjoy what has become a Saturday morning tradition for many Snellville residents.

The summer market will be held Saturday mornings through September 24th, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm on the Towne Green, 2342 Oak Road.

Parking is available in the City Hall parking lot.

Many dog lovers enjoy bringing their pets to the market. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are always welcome. Please bring a bag along…just in case!

These are the vendors who are participating: A & H Provisions: spices, spice mixes Baby Katie’s Pharm and Kitchen: cold-pressed juices, herbal remedies, sea moss gel Beatrice Cuisine: Guyanese foods Bees & Blooms: cut flowers Black Door Designs: handmade pottery Blooming Beauties: plants, cut flowers Body Treat Chef: body care products, lemonade Britt Elementary School: information about the Play 2 Learn program Capt. Don’s Seafood: fresh shrimp from the Georgia coast Cedar Seeder Wellness Farm: live plants, smoothies, salads Chang Family Farm: local produce, cut flowers Cinful Sweets and Treats: baked goods, gourmet popcorn Cooking with Bubba: boiled peanuts, bottled water Daily Roast Club: freshly roasted bagged coffee, coffee by the cup Dancin’ Salmon: smoked salmon and trout, Asian salmon cakes Deb’s Jellies: jelly, stone jewelry, silverplate crafts Dolphin’s Water Ice: Italian water ice El Cuate: tamales, salsa Georgia Proud Provisions: Pearson Farm peaches, pecans Grand Prix Bakery: European breads Grayson Grown Farms: tomatoes and other fresh produce Green Thumb Garden by Hopie: live plants Gwinnett Extension Service: information

provided by master gardeners Gwinnett Public Schools Transportation Department: information about bus driver jobs Handcrafted Desserts: gourmet cupcakes and chocolate dipped strawberries JR and Sons BBQ: barbequed pork, chicken and brisket Legacy Bakers: biscotti, loaf cakes and other baked goods Lil Pizza Truck: made-to-order wood-fired pizza Lola’s Sugar Pie Bakery: mini pies and cobblers, candies Mom’s Dough: breads, pretzels, cinnamon rolls Nisha’s Flavors of India: samosas, dips, naan, chutney Original Wellness: Herbal tinctures, herbal teas, elderberry syrup Petersen’s Bakery: breads, focaccia, Danish, cinnamon rolls Pet Wants: pet treats and food Pie-a-Bakeshop: mini pies and quiche Presley’s Farm: locally raised beef and pork, produce Pride Road: hibiscus tea, soda, jelly, chutney Queeny’s Café: pies, banana pudding, pound cake Reminis Soaps: soap and body care products, candles, room sprays Sak of Nutz: roasted nuts Shadow Wings: bath and body care products Simply Savory: savory and dessert dip mixes Skye Beads: beaded jewelry Smokehouse Foods: meat mops for grilling, spicy relish Snellville Honey: local honey and eggs Snellville Lions Club: information about the club Snellville Performing Arts: face painting Soap Lily: handmade soaps and body care products Sunshine Farm: local produce The Traveling Yarn Yogi: yarns and knitting accessories The Woodmeister: repurposed furniture Treat Your Temple: body care products, soy candles 2 Cups of Sugar: baked goods TyCo B Farms: local produce, eggs, jams

The Snellville Farmers’ Market is back. Pictured, from top: Lamont and SaVita of Handcrafted Desserts; Local produce from Chang Family Farm; and, of course, dogs love the market.

- Gretchen Schulz Councilwoman Snellville Farmers’ Market organizer 11

WE BUY GOLD!

Hill Top Pawn and Gun

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

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

music of the movies june 6th-june 17th mon-fri 8am-5pm WITH MUSIC AND CHOREOGRAPHY FROM NEWSIES, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, HAIRSPRAY, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, RENT, MOULIN ROUGE, SHREK, AND MORE!

magic to do june 20th-july 1st mon-fri 8am-5pm

WITH MUSIC AND CHOREOGRAPHY FROM ENCANTO, WICKED, DESCENDANTS, INTO THE WOODS, PIPPIN, BEETLEJUICE, FROZEN, ALADDIN, MATILDA, AND MORE!

power in numbers july 4th-july 15th mon-fri 8am-5pm

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

Firearm Sales

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

$Cash Loans$

At Hill Top Pawn we specialize in loaning out cash!

We loan money on just about anything with amounts up to

$10,000

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

(All loans are collateral based)

Fall Classes REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 15TH

DANCE: BALLET, JAZZ, TAP, HIP HOP, MUSICAL THEATRE/BROADWAY, CONTEMPORARY & MORE! THEATRE: ACTING FOR ALL AGES, SHAKESPEARE KIDS, TECH THEATRE, & MORE! ART: LET'S GET MESSY, CREATIVE PROJECTS, & MORE!

WITH MUSIC AND CHOREOGRAPHY FROM SIX, HEATHERS, AIN'T TOO PROUD, THE PRODUCERS, MEAN GIRLS, IN THE HEIGHTS, MAMA MIA, DREAMGIRLS, AND MORE!

broadway's biggest hits july 18th-july 29th mon-fri 8am-5pm

2023

SUMMER

20th anniversary

WITH MUSIC AND CHOREOGRAPHY FROM IN THE HEIGHTS, WICKED, PHANTOM, HAMILTON, WAITRESS, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, SPRING AWAKENING, AND MORE!

AUDITIONS THIS AUGUST

encanto dance & art camp (ages 4-10) june 6th-june 10th mon-fri 8am-1pm

WITH MUSIC, CHOREOGRAPHY, CRAFTS, AND MORE INSPIRED BY DISNEY'S ENCANTO!

be kind; do good art & service camp (ages 4-10) june 13th-june 17th mon-fri 8am-1pm

A FUN CAMP THAT COMPLETES ACTS OF KINDNESS AND COMPASSION DAILY INOUR COMMUNITY & BEYOND!

disney magic Dance & Art camp (ages 4-10) june 20th-june 24th mon-fri 8am-1pm

WITH MUSIC, CHOREOGRAPHY, CRAFTS, AND MORE INSPIRED BY YOUR FAVORITE DISNEY MOVIES!

a taste of dance & art camp (ages 4-10) july 4th-july 8th mon-fri 8am-1pm

WITH MUSIC, CHOREOGRAPHY, CRAFTS, AND MORE INSPIRED BY DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES OF DANCE EVERY DAY!

performance camp - 101 dalmatians kids! (ages 7-12) july 11th-july 22nd mon-fri 8am-5pm

A TWO-WEEK MUSICAL PRODUCTION CAMP CULMINATING IN A PERFORMANCE OF DISNEY'S 101 DALMATIANS KIDS!

AUDITIONS THIS AUGUST

2022 Snellville Food Truck Fridays • 4-8 pm facebook.com/ExperienceSnellville

Experience Snellville is proud to showcase the August & September Food Truck Friday line-up.

Keystone Sponsors:

Friend Sponsor:

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

AUGUST 5 Lobster Dogs 6 Pack Subs Vietnamese The Patty Wagon Love at Wurst Sight South of Philly Miss Jay’s Funnel Cakes Kona Ice

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

SEPTEMBER 2 Atlanta Seafood The Patty Wagon Love at Wurst Sight My Vietnamese Food Mobile South of Philly Kona Ice Frozen Sweets

THANK YOU for making our first two Food Truck Friday’s in May & June a BIG SUCCESS!

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Fast • Friendly • Dependable Printing & Direct Mail Chris Cawthon, Owner

Preferred Printing and Mailing Vendor of

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

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

•Heated Indoor Pool •Fitness Center •Meeting Room

“Best of Gwinnett since 2017!”

Community Garden @ Snellville

The Community Garden @Snellville Greenhouse Team recently honored at Snellville City Council meeting

By Gretchen Schulz Councilwoman Community Garden @Snellville organizer

A proclamation was presented to the team to recognize the many hours that the team, made up entirely of volunteers, spends nurturing seedlings in the garden greenhouse and then selling them at the Snellville Farmers’ Market. This spring the group raised approximately $6,000 from four plant sales held at the market as well as sales at the garden greenhouse. This amount is especially impressive when one considers that plants were generally sold in 4-packs for just $2.

All proceeds from the plant sales are used to maintain and improve the garden, located in Briscoe Park across the street from the Snellville Recycling Center. No city funds are budgeted to support the garden, which began in 2012 with just 12 beds and is now composed of 55 beds that are rented by area residents on an annual basis to grow fruits, vegetables and flowers. The garden also includes a pavilion, water feature, calendar garden, storage shed, beekeeping area, rain barrels for irrigation, composting area, as well as a 20’ x 40’ greenhouse.

As the proclamation stated, “The Community Garden strengthens the community by providing a setting for social interaction, education, and self-sufficient food production with a focus on health and wellness. The garden promotes sustainable eco-friendly practices and has been designated as a Pollinator Garden by the University of Georgia. The garden also engages in charitable giving by donating vegetables to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op.”

Members of the Greenhouse Team include Wes Nettleton, Lucy Nettleton, Brian Hughes, Ellen Hughes, Kathleen Keyes, Martha Whitman, Margaret VanBuren, Karen Hanley, Rob Stewart, Sharon Noy, Richard Kennedy, Kathy Pitman, Kurt Schulz and Gretchen Schulz.

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Snellville Parks and Recreation Briscoe Park is open daily 2500 Sawyer Parkway 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

770-985-3535 Oak Road Park 1925 Oak Road (Passive neighborhood park) Park office is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on registration and classes, check out the Parks and Recreation Department on Snellville’s website at www.snellville.org/parks-recreation.

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

The pool at Briscoe Park is open Monday-Thursday 12-6 p.m., Friday-Sunday 12-7 p.m. $5 ages 4-49 and $2 for ages 50 and up and 3 and under. Swimming lessons are available starting May 31. For more information call 770-985-3535 Pool Party at Briscoe Park Pool Aug. 19 from 6-8 p.m. $1 admission and $2 pizza and $ 1 beverages. Sweet Treats will be on site serving shaved ice.

Summer Camp at Briscoe Park is under way. The camp takes place from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $175 for the week per kid. Sports, games, pool and more! More info on page 20.

GGLeagues is offering the ultimate Recreational Esports gaming experience for all ages & leagues run during all four seasons.

Multiple games are offered including “Madden21,” “Rocket League,” “Fortnite,””Mario Kart,” and “Super Smash Bros.”

Information: app.ggleagues.com/organization/snellville Non-profit organization the Generals Athletic Club, offers sport programs and mentorship to the Snellville and Shiloh community.

Information: www.gac-sports.org All-In FC offers recreational and academy/select youth soccer programs at Briscoe Park. Information: www.allinfcsnellville.com National Youth Flag Football offers youth flag football at Briscoe Park. Practices and games will take place on Sundays. For more information visit www.falconsflagfootball.com.

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

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

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

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Parks and Recreation - Active Adult Center Beginners learn to make a quilt from start to finish. Once it’s completed, each student receives a Certificate of Completion and then there is no longer a fee for the class. However, if you’re already a quilter, you are welcome to join us for quilting and camaraderie. This group meets every Friday from 12:30 -3:30 p.m. Center membership required for participation. The instructor, Jean said, ‘I thoroughly enjoy sharing the fun craft of quilting, being around others who quilt, and all the wonderful new friends I’ve made since starting this class.’

Senior Center changes name, lowers membership age to 50 The Snellville Senior Center is now open to adults over the age of 50 (previously 55.) Since we have lowed the age from 55 to 50, we will be changing our name to the Snellville Active Adult Center. We hope this will be a more welcoming title for those who may want to come join in on all the fun activities that we offer.

Membership is $25 for Gwinnett County residents, $30 for outside the county and only $15 for those who live within the city limits of Snellville. We’re open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call us at 770-985-3580 or go to www.snellville.org and find our current newsletter.

Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/snellvilleseniorcenter.

Activities include: Aerobics Free with membership Mondays and Thursdays 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

Crochet and Knitting Free with membership 12 p.m. Tuesdays Spanish Classes Offered for beginners, intermediate and advanced speakers Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call for specific information.

Also: Day & Overnight Trips Pinochle Devotional Study Bowling Card-making classes Piano

Computer Billiards Bingo (first Fridays at 1 p.m.)

Line Dancing Zumba 17

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Trail Life Church offers faith-based Boy Scout alternative

Park Place Church is home to an organization that is churchbased, Christ-centered, boy-focused and encourages boys to find a love of the outdoors.

The church, located at 4576 Lenora Church Road south of city limits, formed its own chapter of Trail Life USA in October 2021 to fill a void church officials say was created in the wake Boy Scouts of America controversies.

With Trail Life, boys are guided by adults who have been trained, background-checked, and educated in child safety and youth protection. According to the organization, when boys are empowered and provided with proper structure, they rise to the occasion and conquer significant challenges. As boys grow in confidence, character, and leadership, they experience intentional rites of passage that recognize their progress and mark steps in their journey to manhood. Park Place’s chapter began with 14 boys and six fathers and has doubled since its inception.

“I grew up in Boy Scouts and became an Eagle Scout,” said Trail Life Troop Ministry Leader/Chaplain Noah Henry. “Scouting helped me grow so much in my youth while teaching me lifelong valuable skills. I loved the organization and everything that they used to stand for until major changes started taking place in 2013. Today girls are allowed to join BSA and it’s just not a boy program anymore.”

That’s when Henry discovered Trail Life and began Park Place’s troop.

“I knew right away that I wanted this for our boys and for our community,” Henry said. “Boys need a place to be boys! Fathers and sons need a place to have guy time where outdoor skills are learned, and biblical life principles are taught. We’re raising Boys to become Godly men.”

Trail Life participants learn outdoor skills such as ropes, knots, fire building, outdoor cooking, camping, wilderness survival,

shooting sports and hiking, Henry said.

“They will learn that it honors God when they honor their God-given authority figures such as parents, government officials, military, public safety, school teachers, etc,” Henry said. They will learn a wide array of topics some of which include the nation’s history, Pledge of Allegiance, the branches of military, science, physical fitness, and hobbies.

Park Place’s Trail Life crew has visited local fire stations, interviewed a 911 operator, hit several hiking trails and tent camped on a working cattle farm. They fish, split fire wood with various edge tools, build fires, cook in the woods, take part in physical exercise, and take part in community service at local food banks. This summer they’ll hike Stone Mountain and swim in the lake at Hard Labor Creek.

Trail Life at Park Place meets 6:30-8 p.m. every Wednesday during the school year. Their next open house will be Aug. 10 at 6:30 p.m. All boys age 5-17 are welcome to attend. For more information on the organization call Henry at 770-761-9544.

-Brian Arrington Public Information Officer City of Snellville and Experience Snellville officials helped members of Park Place Church cut a ribbon for the church’s Celebrate Recovery program – a Christ-centered, 12step recovery program open to all.

The church is located at 4576 Lenora Church Road (south of city limits). The church has other programs designed to help people of all ages and walks of life. For more information visit parkplacechurch.net.

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Snellville Parks and Recreation

Advantage Evans Tennis hosting summer camp at T.W. Briscoe Park Snellville Parks and Recreation is offering camp through July 29 for ages 5-13. The weekly rate is $175 per child and runs from 8:30am-3:30pm. There will be a variety of sports, games and activities. The pool at Briscoe Park will be visited every day and campers will have a designated shaded area. Some days they will get to enter the pool before it opens to the public! There will also be block party Wednesdays with Frozen Sweets Food Truck and Pizza Fridays at the outdoor pavilions!

“The kids were always active during summer camp last year and there was something different for them to do everyday,” said Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Meghan Meegan. “Summer camp is beneficial to a child’s wellbeing because it allows them to make new friends, try new activities and enhance their quality of life through play” Register at AETennis.com or call Coach Anthony at 470-417-4547.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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.

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

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1784 Presidential Circle 30078 n ■ Snellville, own Georgia uITeS

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

South Gwinnett High School

Our South Gwinnett entrepreneurship students had an opportunity to shine at the new Market by Macy’s located in Snellville. South Gwinnett has a new partnership with Macy’s to allow entrepreneurship students to apply as a vendor at Snellville Macy’s. This new program is dedicated to supporting students that want to start their own business.

This year’s 2022 Spring Fine Arts Show was amazing! The theme for chorus was ‘Musicals.’ The students performed music from the following musicals: ‘Fame,’ ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ ‘Hamilton,’ ‘Princess and The Frog,’ ‘Grease,’ ‘Dream Girls,’ ‘Encanto,’ ‘Waitress,’ ‘The Wiz,’ ‘Sing,’ ‘Annie,’ ‘Rent,’ and others. The orchestra concert did a night at the movies featuring music from: Motown, ‘Annie,’ and ‘The Incredibles.’ Last, the drama department performed a show titled ‘Scream’ in honor of mental health awareness month.

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South Gwinnett High School had its Inaugural Career Academies Awards Event Thursday, April 14. This event highlighted community and school initiatives at South Gwinnett High School. They celebrated 13 stakeholders and their contributions to the 2021-2022 school year. Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, South Gwinnett’s stakeholders have learned to pivot and find new ways to continue teaching and learning in these challenging times. The academy awards was designed to celebrate their efforts for going above and beyond to support the mission and vision at South Gwinnett High School. This year was about Rekindling the Spark and Continue to Shine!

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Brookwood High School Brookwood junior wins congressional app competition Brookwood High School junior Niheer Patel, a junior at Brookwood High School in Gwinnett County, has been named the winner of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced.

The Congressional App Challenge is an annual competition showcasing the value of computer science and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education by encouraging students to learn how to code through the creation of their own apps.

when spots are incredibly limited,” said Patel. “With my own appointment approaching soon, I wanted to ensure that no others (myself included) have to go through similar rough experiences to get their driver’s licenses. By consolidating all the info into a single, easily accessible place, I hope to make the DDS experience seamless.”

NIHEER PATEL

“Science and technology are transforming our world and I’m proud of the students who go above and beyond their school’s curriculum and other every-day tasks to compete in the challenge,” said Johnson. “The app challenge allows us to showcase some of the Fourth Congressional District’s brightest young minds as they take on cutting-edge technology that is becoming an increasing part of all our lives.”

The winning app, “Georgia DDS Checklist,” was created using Java Script and was designed to prepare teens or others visiting the DDS (Department of Driver Services) to obtain a Class CP, Class C, or Class D license. For each type of license, there are checklists that users can interact with to keep track of which steps they have completed, and which steps still need to be done.

“My main inspiration to create this app was hearing stories from my peers and friends about terrible DDS experiences where they forgot critical documents and then had to wait months to get another appointment, especially in the midst of the pandemic

Congressman Johnson’s Congressional App Challenge is open to all students in the 4th Congressional District of Georgia. The competition highlights the value of computer science and STEAM education (Science, Technology, Art, Engineering and Math).

Students were judged on the following criteria: Quality of the idea, including creativity and originality; Implementation of the idea, including user experience and design; and the ability to demonstrate their coding and programming skills.

Officially launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, this nationwide effort allows students to compete against their peers by creating an application or game for mobile phones, tablets, or computer devices. The challenge is designed to promote innovation and engagement in coding and computer science.

The winning app will be featured in the nation’s Capitol building, and on http://House.gov Congressman Johnson is also working on additional ways to celebrate Niheer Patel and his app. You can view the winning app, “Georgia DDS Checklist,” here: https://youtu.be/hDRH-p2H9lY. “Despite months of disruption endured by classrooms across the country, Niheer rose above these difficulties to represent Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District and he joined more than 7,000 students across the country who competed in the challenge,” said Johnson. “I am thankful each year to be alerted of our children’s exceptional talents and commitment to technology.”

Airbnb co-founder and Brookwood High School alumni Joe Gebbia was the commencement speaker at the school’s Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony last month. Gebbia, who graduated from Brookwood in 2000, shocked those in attendance when he announced he was giving 22 shares of Airbnb stock to every member of Brookwood’s Class of 2022.

According to the Gwinnett Daily Post, 890 graduating seniors will receive about $2,428.80 worth of stock, meaning Gebbia donated about $2.16 million in Airbnb stock to the Class of 2022.

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City News

Shark Tank 2022 participants and teachers.

Shark Tank 2022 judges, also known as ‘sharks.’

Competition awards $2,250 to high school entrepreneurs

By Brian Arrington Public Information Officer

Area high school students got a financial boost to start up their businesses at the latest Shark Tank competition held in May. The annual event, created by the city’s Entrepreneurship Alliance, is designed to encourage the growth of small businesses in the city, inspire young people to connect with the city and allow local businesses to mentor young entrepreneurs.

•Jaylin Phillips, Jaylen X, phone screen repair - $150 •Ava Bryan, Ava Renee and Company, cosmetics sales, $150 •Yassire Harris, Naturally Nautral, hat sales - $100 Michael Pack and Kate Phelan also pitched businesses.

Eleven students from South Gwinnett, Brookwood and Grayson high schools took part in the competition.

The Shark Tank of judges were: • Former ABC-TV “Shark Tank” contestant and South Gwinnett High School graduate Tim Samuel, of Sparketh • Kelly McAloon, Experience Snellville • Ashlie Franklin, Walton Gas • Sara Hodge, Walton Gas • Stephanie McDonald, Snellville Performing Arts • Leslie Trimmer, Powell & Edwards • Renae Johnson, The Renae J Group, LLC • Tony Brown, Guaranteed Rate • Kartisha Henry, The Wing Suite

“The Shark Tank contest is a great event,” said Assistant City Manager Matthew Pepper. “We appreciate the partnership with our local business community and high schools to help us promote entrepreneurship in the city. This year, the students presented some awesome ideas and we are excited to see how their businesses progress.”

Shark Tank 2022 winner Michael Andrews pitches during the annual competition at City Hall. Andrews took home the top prize of $900 to further his sneaker business.

At the Shark Tank, based on the premise of the popular television show, students pitched their business plans to a jury of local business owners for funding.

A pot of $2,250 donated by the judges was split by eight student businesses.

The winners were: •Michael Andrews, Andrews Sneakers, shoe sales - $900 •Isabel Sanchez, Loomipets, toy sales - $500 •Havana Warner, Havana’s Cosmetics, cosmetics sales - $150 •Joy Hakim, JH Cosmeticc, cosmetics sales - $150 •Saniyah D’nae and Leon Walker, Saniyah D’nae Cosmetics, cosmetic sales - $150 24 24

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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

www.ersnell.com

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

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2022

CONCERT SERIES

Presented by:

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

July 23

Chi-Town Transit Authority - Chicago Tribute Chi-Town Transit Authority is an eight-piece Chicago Tribute band based out of Atlanta, Ga. dedicated in reproducing the “Chicago” Concert experience! They feature a tight horn section along with the dynamic vocal harmonies that Chicago is famous for and perform all of the familiar and famous songs covering over four decades of steady hits written and recorded by Chicago.

Aug. 20 Departure - Journey Tribute

Johnny Porazzo - 6 p.m.

In their 14th year together, DEPARTURE is the most respected Journey tribute band in the nation. DEPARTURE replicates the look, sound and feel of the original 80s rock super group - Journey. These veteran musicians love what they do and have developed an amazing on-stage chemistry. They pride themselves on giving their audience an incredible high-energy, qualitative stage show from start to finish. Dressed in the iconic tuxedo jacket, DEPARTURE lead vocalist, Brian Williams, has an amazing singing voice, flawlessly matching Steve Perry’s vocal range and on-stage movements.

Sept. 24 Uptown Funk - Bruno Mars Tribute

Samer - 6 p.m.

International touring sensation Uptown Funk invites you to experience the essence of Bruno Mars, his live band and the music that defines today’s pop culture. Experience the group with their multitude of international platinum super hits such as “24K Magic,” ”Treasure” and “Uptown Funk.” This group is exciting, fresh, fun and unique...you won’t want to miss it!

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Reserve a table for eight people for $140. Tables are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.

Register online at www.ExperienceSnellville.com.

Snellville Historical Society

The legend of Sam Ketchem

By Jim Cofer Vice President Gwinnett Historical Society

Mention the nickname “Sam Ketchem” to any Snellville oldtimers, and you will evoke a smile and a plethora of memories of this larger than life icon from Snellville’s past.

Sam (aka Francis Bobb) served as the city’s policeman from 1949 until 1971, and later as Superintendent of Utilities. He put Snellville on the map in Georgia and not always in a good way. Snellville became known as a speed trap, largely due to Sam’s arrangement to share in fine revenues. In particular, he preyed heavily on the University of Georgia Saturday football traffic as well as any other out-of-county license plates. Mr. Bobb acquired his nickname straight out of the Dick Tracy comic strip.

Sam was not Snellville’s first Marshall; several men had served in that capacity part-time since the city was incorporated in 1923.

These Marshalls did not possess the full arrest powers of the Sheriff, but could stop speeders, levy fines, and share in court revenues with the Mayor acting as Chief Judge.

In April, 1949, the City Council advertised for a Marshall. Francis Bobb came riding into town on a Harley Davidson and applied for the job. He had been stationed at Fort McPherson, and while there, he met and married a girl from Decatur, Georgia - Juliette Oxford. His wife’s family, Clinton and Dida Oxford, had moved to Snellville from Decatur, and Mrs. Bobb felt she needed to be close to her mother to help care for her. Little is known about his service experience except that he was in the Battle of the Bulge.

On April 25, 1949 Francis Bobb was employed as a City Marshal in Snellville for a trial period of thirty days. He was to be paid $10.00 a week plus 50 percent of the fines collected from arrests.

He was on duty weekdays, Saturday afternoon and night, and Sunday afternoon. His first commission check for fines was $62.00.

After the trial period, it became apparent that Mr. Bobb was quite an asset to the city and particularly so in increasing the city coffers.

In June of 1949, the City Council met to make a decision regarding the police. All of the citizens’ responses were positive, so Mr. Bobb was given a permanent position. In May, the city council allocated funds for Mr. Bobb to buy a siren for his motorcycle. It is rumored that a councilman loaned Sam a pistol, and funds to purchase bullets for it were allocated at the next council meeting.

Sam was a tall muscular man with a thin mustache and a sneering smile that showed a lot of teeth. When he flashed that smile, you never were sure if it was a greeting or a caution. He was a favorite among the young men in the community. On weekends, teens gathered in Snellville after they took their dates home and frequently

tried to do something to arouse Mr. Bobb, so he would chase them on his motorcycle. Although Mr. Bobb was an experienced motorcycle rider, he was no match for their fast cars on Gwinnett’s dirt/gravel roads. During one chase, he lost control in a curve on a soft sandy place in the road and was thrown into a wire fence sustaining multiple lacerations. However, the morning after the accident, the culprit responsible for the chase turned himself in to Mayor Stancil Although Mr. Bobb had good rapport with the youth, in 1952 he asked the City Council to pass an ordinance pertaining to boys hanging out around the stores in Snellville after midnight and disturbing the peace. The Council complied with his request.

The Mayor and City Council felt it would be safer for him if he had someone to ride with him. Sanders (“Hitler”) Wellmaker, and Billy Starnes were two of the first men hired as Deputies. City lore has it that on one dirt road chase, Sam, the motorcycle, and Hitler in the side cart all wound up in the ditch. Hitler supposedly turned in his badge and walked back to town. It was not long after that that the city acquired a police car for the department.

As the years went by, Sam was given more responsibility.

When Snellville put in the water system in the 1950s, Sam was not only Chief of Police but also Superintendent of Utilities. He was responsible for the installation of water meters as well as the constant regulation and observation of the flow of water from city wells to the residents.

He was on call night and day to check problems with the water.

Once when he was hospitalized, a water main burst and no one could find the problem. The other members of his department decided the only solution was to have him brought from the hospital in an ambulance so he could show them where to cut off the water.

Fortunately, when they called him, he was able to direct them to the cutoff over the phone.

In the summer of 1971, after 23 years with the city, Sam had to choose between his two jobs, and he decided he would stay with the water department. Around the time of his change in duties, he and his wife Julie divorced, and he married another Snellville girl, Dixie Martin. On Labor Day, 1991, Sam died of a heart attack. He is buried in a mausoleum in Lawrenceville across from Tom Wages funeral home. His name still evokes fond memories.

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Economic Development

Gwinnett Technical College, Ford Motor Company debut innovative workforce partnership On Friday, April 22, 2022, Gwinnett Technical College began its newest partnership with Ford Motor Company. Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) is the alliance between FordMotor Company, Ford and Lincoln dealers, and your community college and technical school. The program is dedicated to providing Ford and Lincoln dealerships and their customers with technicians highly-trained in Ford service technologies and diagnostic and repair methods.

The Ford ASSET program is a two-year program that offers students a hands-on approach to learning. Like Ford dealerships, the automotive lab is equipped with technologically advanced tools and systems. Classrooms are equipped with the same parts, tools, and vehicles they would see at most Ford dealerships and firsthand interaction with Ford technical information systems and programspecific equipment.

Fifteen local Ford dealerships funded the purchase of six training vehicles, including a Ford Mustang Mach-E (fully electric), Ford F150, Ford F250 diesel, Ford Ranger, Ford Bronco, and Lincoln Aviator (plug-in hybrid electric), Ford training curriculum and service manuals, Ford specific tools and parts, training equipment, 28 28

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Economic Development

and more. The new classroom and lab are professional-level and will allow Gwinnett Tech students to work first-hand with some of the most sophisticated, cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry.

Dr. D. Glen Cannon, Gwinnett Technical College president, stated, “Anytime we have a global player that becomes a part of our College, it is a tremendous achievement for our students and community. Ford Motor Company is a global leader, and when we can connect with global leaders with a sustainable, qualified workforce to help meet their workforce demands, everyone benefits. It’s only fitting that they would partner with Gwinnett Technical College to help them achieve their goals.”

Gwinnett Tech students are successful because they are given the opportunity to learn in theory and be seasoned in practice.

Additionally, Gwinnett Tech’s academic team has worked closely with Ford to develop a specific training certificate unique to Ford Motor Company. Classes begin Fall semester of 2022.

In addition to students, Ford focuses on faculty, as well.

Gwinnett Tech instructors were trained on Ford products and have access to tools and resources to enhance student learning. The program allows Gwinnett Tech to use and fully integrate Ford’s technical training library to ensure they always have a working knowledge of the latest automotive systems.

Gwinnett Tech’s Automotive Technology program is one of the top programs in the nation and is fully accredited by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation in Automotive Service Excellence. It is considered one of the country’s best programs, and Gwinnett Tech’s automotive technology graduates are highly sought in the marketplace. The College’s 99% job placement rate speaks volumes about the quality and excellence of the program.

Visit Gwinnett Technical College’s Automotive Technology programs for more information about GwinnettTech.edu.

“Ford Motor Company is a global leader, and when we can connect with global leaders with a sustainable, qualified workforce to help meet their workforce demands, everyone benefits. It’s only fitting that they would partner with Gwinnett Technical College to help them achieve their goals.”

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A Memory in Time J.C. Magill: Celebrating the school’s 25th Anniversary ...

By Kelly McAloon Executive Director Experience Snellville Students, staff and friends waited with anticipation as the J.C. Magill time capsules were opened on May 14, 2022 to reveal the contents that had been in the capsules for 25 years.

Michelle McAloon Huggins said, she remembers when her grandfather (Papu), built many of the bird houses and bat houses for the National Wildlife Habitat at the school.

J.C. Magill Elementary School, located in Loganville, opened in August 1996 to relieve the overcrowded elementary schools Norton, Grayson, and Britt. The school was named for J.C. “Chris” Magill, a member of the community and an officer on the Gwinnett County DUI Task Force who lost his life in the line of duty in May of 1993.

When it opened, the school had 35 classrooms and the building square footage was just over 90,500 square feet.

Following two additions (1999 and 2005) the school now boasts 94 instructional units and more than 180,400 square feet. These additions were necessary to house the school’s growing population. As a result, Magill is a school rich in resources, serving nearly 1,200 students in a beautiful facility.

Strong parental involvement is evident through an active PTA, including a productive School Council. The school’s PTA supports an ambitious volunteer program. In 2006, the PTA was recognized with state awards including a National PTA Parent Involvement Award and Georgia Clinic Worker of the Year. A four-and-a-half acre outdoor classroom (named National Wildlife Foundation School Yard Habitat and recipient of the Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful Award) fosters community involvement among staff, students, parents, and our business partners. More recently, parent Meshana Spivey was recognized as a 2019 Parent Leadership Award winner by the Georgia Department of Education and Georgia PTA. An active volunteer, she served as the school’s PTA president, establishing a strong and cohesive PTA board and sponsoring events to promote literacy.

As a member of the South Gwinnett Cluster, Magill Elementary changed its colors and mascot to the silver, blue, and white Comets used by the entire cluster... saying good-bye to a period of time when the school colors were burgundy, navy blue, and gold and the mascot was the Eagle.

Magill Time Capsule 30 30

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

A Memory in Time ... And opening of the time capsules

Current Magill Staff

Former Magill Students

Former Magill Parents and Staff

Former Principal Dr. Wanda Warner

31 31

City News

The Snellville Commerce Club presented a $1,000 scholarship to Alexia Garner from South Gwinnett High School and to Shara SpencerThomas from Brookwood High School who were members of either the FBLA or DECA programs. The purpose of the Commerce Club is to establish and promote programs that strengthen the ties among members, their respective businesses, and the community.

On May 22, State House Rep. Rebecca Mitchell held the Memorial Intersection Sign Dedication for Specialist Etienne J. Murphy at the intersection of Highway 78 and Oak Rd in Snellville. SPC Murphy was a graduate of SGHS and was a member of the JROTC program. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. SPC Etienne Murphy’s life was cut short at 22 years of age in Al-Hasakah, Syria in May of 2017.

Mayor Barbara Bender (center) swore in Barbara Harris (left) and Anne Dowdall (right) to the Park and Recreation Board Monday night.

Thank you to both ladies for volunteering your time to make the city a better place.

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Thank you to members of Church on Main’s Inspire Special Needs Ministry for leading Mayor and Council during the Pledge of Allegiance at a recent meeting. Thanks Danny Gonsalves, Andrew Burkhalter, Wesley Fort and Donna Fowler for joining us and doing a great job!

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

You and your heart deserve

t he best.

Leading Heart Care To learn more about Piedmont’s Heart program: piedmonthearthealth.com 33

Snellville Smiles

Local florist vies for top spot in FTD contest

By Kelly McAloon Executive Director Experience Snellville Jenna Naylor’s love for flowers began when she was young and has been creating beauty with flowers for almost 25 years. She owns Bloom with Jenna flower shop with her business partners Michael and Linda Byrne.

Jenna has been selected as one of the ten competitors from across the U.S. who will make her way to Las Vegas to compete in front of an audience of their peers at the 2022 American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposium on July 4, During this course of the competition, they will battle pressure, time limits and each other for the right to represent the United States and FTD at the 2023 Interflora World Cup design competition in September of 2023 in Manchester, England. The designs will be judged on Interpretation of Category, Principles & Elements of Design and Mechanics.

Jenna has been involved with the Georgia State Florists’ Association since 2009, serving on both the state and district boards, and currently serves as treasurer. She has won several floral design awards, including, most recently, the Sylvia Cup, in 2021. She and her husband, Luke, haver three daughters, Chaney, Eryn and Lily.

We wish Jenna the best of luck as she represents not only Snellville, but the State of Georgia.

Mayor and Council honored City Clerk Melisa Arnold with a proclamation recently thanking her for her many years of dedicated service to the city. The proclamation marked Professional Municipal Clerks’ Week which took place May 1 – 7. Arnold has been a Snellville employee since 1991, serving as police dispatcher, tax clerk, mayor’s executive assistant, interim city clerk and city clerk. As city clerk, Arnold maintains the official City Council minutes; maintains financial responsibilities including preparation and collection of city taxes; and provides leadership in the city’s Administration Department among other duties. Thank you for all you do, Melisa!

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Mayor Barbara Bender Recognizes Korean Women Veterans

During the annual Memorial program that was held in front of the Snellville Veterans Memorial, Mayor Barbara Bender recognized four Korean veteran women with proclamations who served as allies for the United States during both the Vietnam and Korean wars. “Snellville is proud to be the first known city in the U.S. to recognize these Korean woman as U.S. Veterans.”, said Mayor Bender.

These women are proud to display the status of veteran on both their Georgia driver’s license and car tags, an honor allowed when the State of Georgia became the first state in 2021 to allow an ally veteran to be formally recognized as a United States Veteran.

Thank You for Your Service!

Yo-Sa-Nym yui hun-sin, jam-Sa-Hap-no-da

H H H H H H HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH H HHH H HH

Dr. Joanna Myung-Ja Shim, Vietnam Ally War Veteran

Patriot Guard and SGHS JROTC

Mrs. Bok-Hee Jung, Korean Ally War Veteran

Dr. Julia Ok-Ja Ahn, Vietnam Ally War Veteran

Mrs. Cheong Ja Kim, Vietnam Ally War Veteran

Veterans Attending the Memorial Day Ceremony

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Summertime Fun in Snellville ...

Food Truck Friday

Queen Nation Concert

Opening Day at the Farmers’ Market

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Many thanks to Team Snellville Volunteers,

... Were You Caught on Camera?

Family Funday at Briscoe Park

Memorial Day

Snellville Public Safety Night

Chief Greg Perry

Snellville Police Department and Public Works

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Summer Recipes

Ingredients

Shaved Vegetable Salad

2 small candy cane beets 1 medium carrot 1 medium watermelon radish, halved Quarter of a head red cabbage 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon honey Juice of 1 lemon Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 small bunch watercress, washed and large stems discarded 2 tablespoons roasted salted pepitas 2 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled (about 1/4 cup) 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces 1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh chives Special equipment: a mandoline slicer Directions Shave the beets into paper-thin rounds, the carrot into paper-thin slices on a bias and the radish into paper-thin half-moons on a mandoline. Thinly slice the cabbage with a sharp knife.

Whisk together the oil, honey, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.

Ingredients

Stuffed Zucchini

3 medium zucchini or summer squash 1 pound pork sausage 1 cup dry bread crumbs ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 clove garlic, minced 1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Trim stems from zucchini and slice lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and place them in a large bowl. Add sausage, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic; mix to combine.

Stuff squash with sausage mixture and arrange in a 9x13-inch baking pan. Pour spaghetti sauce over the top and cover with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven until sausage is browned and cooked through, about 45 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese; continue to cook until cheese is melted, about 15 minutes more.

Yields 6 servings

Lay the beet, carrot and radish pieces all over the bottom of a large serving platter. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette.

Gently toss the cabbage, watercress and remaining vinaigrette together in a medium bowl until well coated. Pile the cabbage and watercress in the middle of the platter and top with the goat cheese, pepitas, basil and chives.

Note A watermelon radish looks just like its fruit namesake -- green on the outside and bright pink on the inside.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Whether it’s Live on the Lawn, Food Truck Friday, or the Farmers Market, Walton Gas is there because this is our community. We’re

Visit waltongas.com or call 770-427-4328.

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Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody.

Scan QR Code for Details for 2022 Snellville Event Schedule on Towne Green JULY July 4 | 4-10 PM Star Spangled Snellville July 23 | 6-9 PM Live on the Lawn Concert Chi-Town Transit Authority Chicago Tribute Band

AWARD WINNING SNELLVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (JUNE - SEPTEMBER)

October 7 | 4-8 PM Food Truck Friday October 22 | 12-6 PM Fall Festival November 11 | 3-4 PM Veterans Celebration November 26 | 5-8 PM Christmas Tree Lighting

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

November 26 | 5:30-6:30 PM Lighted Christmas Parade

August 5 | 4-8 PM Food Truck Friday August 20 | 6-9 PM Live on the Lawn Concert DEPARTURE – Journey Tribute Band

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

September 2 | 4-8 PM Food Truck Friday

1ST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH

September 10 | 4-8 PM Taste of Snellville

NO FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY IN JULY

September 24 | 6-9 PM Live on the Lawn Concert Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars Tribute

LIVE ON THE LAWN CONCERT SERIES

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