Snellville Spirit Winter 2018

Where Everybody is Proud to Be Somebody WINTER 2018

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Winter 2018 - Volume 33 Snellville Spirit Magazine is produced by: Snellville Tourism & Trade Association

Giving Thanks During the start of the holiday season the board and membership of Snellville Tourism and Trade want to thank you for all of your continued support during the past year.

Over the years we have been blessed with many friends, supporters and volunteers that have made STAT the organization that it is today.

It is important that we thank the people in our lives that have a positive impact and lift our spirits. It is more important to be that person who will be that uplifting influence on others we meet and work with on a daily basis.

I challenge you to be that person of grace and thanksgiving during the holiday season and beyond.

Our country and our communities need it more than ever. So let me tell you again, thank you for all your support.

I am looking forward to being with all of you and celebrating the holiday season in Snellville.

Don

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

Don Britt, President, Snellville Tourism and Trade

Connecting our Community to Celebrate Snellville 4

P.O. Box 669 • Snellville, GA 30078 Website: www.snellvilletourism.com

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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

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27

SNELLVILLE SPEAK

28

POLICE AND PUBLIC WORKS

31

IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME!

31

GARAGE DAYS

32

A new tribute to soldiers is in T.W. Briscoe Park.

FARMERS’ MARKET

35

New businesses have opened in Snellville.

ROUND AND ROUND

36

Feeding the needy in the Snellville area.

SCHOOL NEWS

38

Decking the halls of City Hall with Christmas trees.

TAKE THE LEAADS

39

Who won the annual contest?

SHOPPER’S GUIDE

40

Snapshot of the happenings in Snellville.

GET ON THE BUS

42

Recipes from Snellville cooks.

PARK INFORMATION

43

STAT gives thanks to its supporters and friends.

Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Bender on the latest in Snellville.

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The latest from the police department and public works.

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A preview of the city’s premier Christmas event.

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CONTENTS

Snellville’s GarageWorx wins county award.

13

The Snellville Farmers’ Market is now open year round.

15

Get prepared for the city’s new roundabouts.

16

A look inside Snellville classrooms.

19

A profile on a program to help those in the city.

20

A shopper’s guide in time for Christmas.

22

A new and free bus service is on Snellville’s streets.

24

What happening in Snellville’s parks?

27

Fun for older adults is available at the Senior Center.

CHURCH SCHEDULE

There’s a lot going on in Snellville churches for Christmas.

PAYING RESPECTS

The Spirit says goodbye to a fallen Gwinnett officer.

SNELLVILLE SPIRIT AWARDS

A call for nominees for our community recognition awards.

PRIDE IN THE PARK NEW BUSINESS

GIVE HUNGER THE BOOT FESTIVAL OF TREES

SCARECROW CONTEST PICTURE PAGES GOOD EATS

THANK YOU!

SENIOR CENTER

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MAYOR PRO TEM’S MESSAGE There is something new in town! You may have noticed a new, white bus traveling around the Snellville area in recent weeks with Gwinnett County Transit on the side. This is a Microtransit Pilot program put on by Gwinnett County Transit. The program runs until April 2019 and the best part ... rides are FREE! The pilot is for a limited service area around Snellville and has been well received so far. The area runs just north and south of Highway 78 from around Killian Hill Road to Grayson Highway 84. It provides on-demand public transportation similar to Uber and Lyft with the difference being it is a bus and it may pick up someone along your route.

An unexpected benefit of the program is that people not able to drive have a new-found freedom to get out and about independently. I received a thank you e-mail from someone who assists seniors with transportation to doctors and grocery stores.

He said a woman who is legally blind and cannot drive has been able to use the bus to get out on her own. She has enjoyed being able to go out to lunch on her own. Students are also finding it helpful to go to after school activities or jobs.

Simply download the Microtransit App from your app store and register. When you are in the service area, you can use your location and enter your destination. You can also call Gwinnett County Transit Customer Service at 770-822-5010 and select the Microtransit option to request a pickup. The bus will pick you up

and deliver you to your destination.

The pilot program is in place to test the service app and demand for the service.

If the program is successful, we hope Gwinnett will launch it in a wider area.

Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Bender

So we need you to use it! Even if your home is not in the pickup area, consider parking your car in the area and let the bus take you around town for your errands.

You just might enjoy letting someone else handle the driving!

See more on the Microtransit Program on page 22.

An unexpected benefit of the program is that people not able to drive have a new-found freedom to get out and about independently.

AROUND TOWNE Snellville police receives state certification from GAPC Congratulations to the Snellville Police Department for receiving state certification from the Georgia Association of Police Chiefs. The council recognized this achievement at a meeting in September.

From left, Mark Bender, GAPC state certification coordinator, presents a state certification plaque to Snellville Police Department Chief Roy Whitehead at a September council meeting.

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“Certification is a progressive and time-proven way of helping law enforcement agencies calculate and improve their overall performances,” the GAPC website reads. “The foundation of certification lies in the promulgation of standards containing a clear statement of professional objectives. Participating agencies conduct a thorough self-analysis to determine how existing operations can be adapted to meet these objectives. When the procedures are in place, a team of trained assessors verifies that applicable standards have been successfully implemented.

The process culminates with a decision by a joint executive committee that the agency has met the requirements for certification.”

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Mark Bender, GAPC state certification coordinator, announced the certification and said Snellville is one of about 20 percent of the agencies in the state to achieve certification.

Bender presented Lt. Robert Pendleton with a certificate for his help in leading the certification charge and Chief Roy Whitehead presented Lt. Rain Nieddu with a certificate recognizing her for her work in helping get the department certified.

SPD is tops in state for educating public about distracted driving The Snellville Police Department was recognized as the top agency in the state for its efforts to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving and enforcement of distracted driving laws.

The accolades were handed down at the 19th Annual Governor’s Challenge Awards in September.

“This award recognizes the efforts of the men and women of the Snellville Police Department who take the role of protecting our city seriously,” Chief Roy Whitehead said. “It was a team effort that makes me proud to work with these officers every day.”

SPD has been recognized for its efforts to reduce injury and fatality traffic accidents 12 of the 19 years that the Governor’s Challenge has taken place.

More than 50 agencies from across Georgia entered the 2018 Governor’s Challenge, which covers the 2017 calendar year.

Statewide, approximately 20 percent of all traffic accidents in 2017 involved a distracted driver. In Snellville, only 5 percent of all traffic accidents in 2017 involved a distracted driver, a testament to the work Snellville officers do to curb this dangerous driving behavior.

Officers can often be found speaking about the dangers of distracted driving to local school and civic groups, the Citizen’s Police Academy and at city events such as Public Safety Night.

The department also utilizes all of its social media platforms to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety hosts the annual Governor’s Challenge Awards banquet to recognize statewide law enforcement agencies in seven different categories based on department size, as well as in several other specialty categories, according to the GOHS website.

The awards program was designed to highlight outstanding achievements in highway safety enforcement and education.

They recognize agencies for the approach and effectiveness of their overall highway safety programs. Agencies are evaluated

not just for enforcement initiatives, but for innovative problemsolving in their communities, using public information activities and creating departmental policies that support their traffic enforcement campaign efforts.

Department of Public Works offers tips for fall leaf cleanup, holiday waste Fall is in the air and leaves are falling once again. Remember you have the option to bring your yard debris to the Snellville Recycling Center located at 2531 Marigold Road, located in T.W. Briscoe Park.

You may bring one pick-up truck size load per day for no charge and if a second is needed the same day it’s $15. A truck and a trailer is considered two loads. The hours are 8 to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. You may also have your leaves and small branches picked up at the curb in bags that can be purchased at Publix, Kroger, City Hall and Public Works.

For more information go to the www.snellville.org and follow the Public Works Department links to the Sanitation and Recycling page or call Public Works at 770-985-3527, Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

It’s important to remember only rain down our Stormwater drains. Leaves should not be blown down the drain when doing yard work. We ask that you also remind your landscape companies.

The Recycling Center holiday schedule is as follows: Thanksgiving - Closed - Nov. 22 through Nov. 25 Christmas - Closed - Dec. 24 through Dec. 25 New Year’s Day - Closed - Jan. 1, 2019 Public Works holiday schedule is as follows: Thanksgiving - Closed - Nov. 21 through Nov. 25 Christmas - Closed - Dec. 24 through Dec. 25 New Year’s Day - Closed - Jan. 1, 2019 Please note that Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are the only trash/ recycling holidays. If your normal collection day takes place on one of these holidays, your collection will be delayed one day. If the holiday falls on or before your service day, your service day that week will be the day following your regular service day.

This refers to residential customers and commercial routes.

All residents should remember to place your cart and bins at the curb no later than 7 a.m. on your pick up day. Public Works officials want to encourage everyone to purchase the City Blue Bags for any holiday overage. Excessive garbage will not be collected for overfilled carts.

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By Kelly McAloon, STAT Executive Director

Saturday, November 24th 5-8 PM | Towne Green

Parade begins at 5:30 PM at Wisteria Plaza and ends at the Towne Green.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year sharing the Christmas spirit with family and friends. Experience the joy and laughter as Snellville celebrates the 37th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and 5th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade.

We invite you to join us at the lighted Christmas parade which will kick off the festivities for the event. The parade will start at Wisteria Plaza at 5:30 p.m. and end by the Towne Green. Thousands of people will line the streets to watch the many lighted floats, tractors, and trucks that will pass by, so plan to get there early for good viewing. And of course, Santa will be found at the end of the parade riding up in a horse drawn carriage.

Keep your eyes open for STAT the CAT, the Snellville Tourism and Trade mascot, as you never know which float he will be riding on. That cat is full of surprises!

Just before 7:00 p.m., the crowd will light candles and sing “Silent Night”.

Then, at 7:00 p.m., Santa and Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Bender will throw the switch to light the Christmas tree and thousands of lights will shine bright throughout the holiday season.

• Build-It Activity by Home Depot

Don’t forget to stop in City Hall to see the Festival of Trees that will be on display. Vote for your favorite tree by putting non-perishable food items under the tree of choice. Each item will register as a vote.

All activiities will charge a nominal fee at each activity station. As always, you may bring non-perishable foods to trade in for your tickets. All food donations will be donated to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op to “Give Hunger the Boot”.

Plan to celebrate the holiday tradition with an evening full of family fun and activities for the entire family.

• Cookie Decorating by Bill Rhodes Bakery • Roasted S’mores by Tom Wages Funeral Services

• Ornament Decorating by Snellville Tourism and Trade • Lighted Horse Drawn Carriage Rides • Lighted Hay Rides

Thank you to our Sponsors: Keystone Sponsor: Eastside Medical Center and Walton Gas Bronze Sponsor: The Gwinnett Citizen and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Friends Sponsor: Summit Chase Country Club, Tom Wages Funeral Services, Bill Rhodes Bakery and Home Depot Hotels: Hampton Inn, LaQuinta Inn & Suites and the InTown Suites

Two Cans (non-perishable) = One Ticket = One Dollar. You may purchase tickets at each individual activity station.

For more information and ticket pricing visit www.SnellvilleEvents.com

Economic Development Winter 2018

GarageWorx wins Gwinnett Chamber’s 2018 Pinnacle Small Business Award “Finalists of the Gwinnett Chamber Pinnacle Awards are organizations whose contributions go above and beyond the call of their own professional duties to ensure the small business community thrives,” said Economic Development Manager Eric Van Otteren. “City leadership and the Downtown Development Authority of Snellville have long supported and encouraged opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to thrive. This is recognition that GarageWorx is a vital asset to Snellville’s business community and confirmation of a successful partnership.”

GarageWorx, located on Clower Street, is a business incubator and education partner for suburban entrepreneurs and small business owners. Its mission is to improve the lives of people, families and communities through suburban entrepreneurship.

The city has partnered with the innovative business since the fall of 2016, offering space to local small business start-ups at GarageWorx.

Josh Sweeney is the guiding force behind GarageWorx and enjoys finding new and innovative ways to help businesses build amazing company cultures.

From left, Snellville Economic Development Director Eric Van Otteren and Josh Sweeney of GarageWorx at the Gwinnett Chamber’s 2018 Pinnacle Small Business Awards luncheon and ceremony.

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer The city’s own GarageWorx was named Small Business Resource Champion of the Year at the Gwinnett Chamber’s 2018 Pinnacle Small Business Awards luncheon and ceremony last month.

The city hopes to grow its partnership with GarageWorx as it rolls out its new Towne Center library and market development next year.

Winton Machine Company was awarded both the 2018 Pinnacle Overall Gwinnett Small Business of the Year Award and the Small Business of the Year: 25+ Employees.

“We are honored to celebrate and recognize the region’s top small businesses and individuals that contribute greatly to our local economy,” said Dr. Dan Kaufman, president and CEO of Gwinnett Chamber. “These businesses, led by risk-takers and visionaries, are essential to creating jobs and sustaining economic growth.”

Snellville gains local SBDC counselor at GarageWorx

representative in the yellow page and radio industry. In 2005, she opened her first business in Duluth with the guidance and expertise of the SBDC. She was recognized by Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011 and Outstanding Woman of the Year in 2017.

Aysha Cooper, a business owner in the Snellville area with 20 years of experience working with small businesses has joined the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Centers of Georgia and will be the SBDC consultant at GarageWorx.

UGA’s SBDC brings education and consulting to Snellville, offering confidential, no-cost, one-on-one professional business consulting for Georgia “for-profit” business owners who are looking to grow or start their business.

Prior to joining the SBDC, Cooper was an advertising 10

For more information and to sign up for classes at GarageWorx, visit www. georgiasbdc.org/training/. The next class is on consulting services and will be provided on Nov. 15. Call the Gwinnett SBDC office at 678-985-6820 to schedule.

Aysha Cooper

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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SNELLVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET SFM debuts new ‘Extended Season’ market in City Hall lot

By Gretchen Schulz, Councilwoman, SFM organizer June through September just was not enough!

At the request of many Snellville Farmers Market vendors and numerous customers, we are now offering an “extended season.” The market will be held on the first Saturday of each month, October through May, from 9 am to noon in the City Hall parking lot.

“We are so happy to be able to offer our customers the opportunity to purchase cool season vegetables as well as many of the other products sold at our market,” said Kurt Schulz who, along with his wife, Gretchen, leads the team of volunteers who administer the Snellville Farmers Market.

The following vendors will be participating, although some will not be in attendance every month: •Black Door Designs •Blooming Beauties •Cari’s Corner Bakery •Cedar Seeder •Cookng with Bubba •Deb’s Jams and Jellies •Fromaggio •Greg Earle •Grand Prix Bakery •Great Harvest Bread Co. •Hometown Old Fashion Hard Candy •Kneading to Bake •MJ’s Vegetables •Pie-a-Bakeshop •Pop’s Mini Doughnuts •Presley’s Farm and Garden •Seed to Petal Flower Farm •Shadow Wings Bath and Body •Shawnee’s Goodies •Skye Beads •Snellville Honey •Southern Butterflies •Sparkles Cookies and Desserts •TyCo B Farms

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

www.SnellvilleFarmersMarket.com

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Construction on roundabouts at Pharrs and Ridgedale and Pharrs and North roads is ongoing. Studies have shown a roundabout can reduce travel time and be safer than traditional four-way stops. Before they are completed it may be a good idea to get acquainted with how they work and move traffic along more safely and quickly.

Economic Development Winter 2018

With roundabouts being built in Snellville, it’s important to know how to use them

Snellville named one of Georgia’s best cities to retire

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer

Snellville is one of the top places to retire in the state, according to a new study.

The study, by SmartAsset, a financial technology company, ranked the cities with the most recreational and social opportunities for retirees.

SmartAsset’s index factors in the number of recreation centers and retirement centers available to seniors as well as the percentage of the city’s population they represent.

Snellville finished sixth in the state in the rankings.

The study looked at state and local tax rates, considering two types of taxes - income and sales. The study

calculated effective rates based on a typical retiree, earning $35,000 annually (from retirement savings, social security or part-time employment), and spending their disposable income on taxable goods.

Next the study determined the number of doctors’ offices, recreation centers and retirement centers per 1,000 residents in each area. Finally, it found the number of seniors in each area as a percentage of the total population.

Snellville has 7.9 doctor’s offices, one recreation center and .5 retirement centers per 1,000 people. The percentage of the population deemed a “senior” is 17.1 of Snellville’s population.

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News from South Gwinnett Cluster Schools Britt Elementary School

Britt’s Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Britt’s Comet Captains and Mentoring Club take part in the 2018 SGHS Homecoming Parade.

Mrs. Denise Brown, Britt’s 2018 Teacher of the Year, and her 5th grade students.

Rosebud Elementary School

South Gwinnett High School

Students in the Rosebud Elementary School chapter of the National Junior Beta Club spend some time with residents at the Scepter Health & Rehabilitation Senior Living Center of Snellville.

Members of the South Gwinnett High School chapter of the National Honor Society conducted a food drive at the Rosebud Road Kroger. Over a period of about two hours, they collected 97 bags of groceries for the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op, which serves families in need in our community.

Students in the Kids 4 Kids club at Rosebud Elementary School show off the capes they made to lead the way on Rosebud’s Cape Day 2018, a school wide fundraising project for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

J.C. Magill Elementary School

The Beta Club at J.C. Magill, a national honors and service organization, has many projects this year including revamping the school’s Motor Sensory Room.

The club submitted the project idea to Gwinnett Days of Service which graciously accepted the project and decided to award the school with a $100 gift card to Home Depot to assist with further efforts. In addition to that, Beta Club will be donating $300 of money raised by the students to assist with this project. The Motor Sensory Room will benefit all of the students here in our special education program.

South Gwinnett High School

Two juniors from South Gwinnett High School have been awarded $2,500 at the inaugural Youth Entrepreneurs Summit Big Idea National Competition. Youth Entrepreneurs is a yearlong high school elective program that instills the business skills, creative risk-taking and personal values necessary to succeed in today’s market — and in life. Darion and

DeAndre Nelson, twin brothers, were named national champions in the organization’s The Big Idea Competition and won the grants as part of the national contest for high school entrepreneurs. The competition, held in Wichita, Kan., was the culmination of months of hard work by students to develop their boldest and most innovative business ideas The Big Idea finals were a national stage for students to pitch their business proposals and put their entrepreneurial skills into action for a panel of expert judges. The Nelsons won for their ‘Youngest Doin It’ business, an event promotion company.

News from Brookwood Cluster Schools Brookwood Elementary School

(From left) The Brookwood Elementary School Colt Caboodle - a school store run by students and made possible by a grant from Real LEDGE; The BES entrepreneurship special area classes with Karen Mitchell and Jennifer Moon in which students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade attend a special area once every eight days, which focuses on the knowledge and skills entrepreneurs need such as problem-solving, creativity, economics, and community; Jump Rope Club sponsored by Barb Heck and Nikki Wardle - once a week students come out early to learn basic jump roping, more advanced jump rope tricks, and practice their jump roping; Computer use at Brookwood Elementary; The Guitar Club sponsored by Bernardo Reyes - new to Brookwood Elementary this year.

Crews Middle School

Snapshots from Crews Middle School.

Five Forks Middle School

Five Forks Middle School snapshots of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), the sixth grade dance, All Pro Dads and the school’s Administrative Team.

Brookwood High School The Brookwood Organization and the school as a whole have been doing charity fundraisers for many years, but they weren’t keeping tabs on what the school was doing collectively. The Class of 2014 and Principal Bo Ford came up with a $100K Challenge to boost the efforts and monitor all of the organization’s efforts and add them up. By monitoring and actually channeling energy into a more organized fundraising effort, the school met the $100K Challenge. The following year it did it again. Then the goal got bigger - raise $1,000,000 by 2025. With the additional goal to move the needle toward $1,000,000, the school has seen the fundraising increase across the board. Some of the largest fundraisers have benefited Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Amanda Riley Foundation, and a local food cooperatives.

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

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

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer

With the help of her 17-year-old son Eric, staff members Janine Lofton and Trevor Chambers, an advisory board and a multitude of amazing and dedicated volunteers, Foote is currently raising money to purchase a building in Snellville that would allow the LEAADS Centers an opportunity to expand its outreach.

Teens in Snellville need a place to turn to and Karen Foote and her organization LEAADS is hoping to provide just that.

Created in 2004, LEAADS is a mentor program which offers area youth a place to learn about the opportunities available to them. LEAADS began primarily as a mentor program to serve at risk youth in Atlanta. Foote recruited and trained law enforcement officers to go into Atlanta Public Schools and mentor children. After a few years, and a few awards later, the organization began to expand.

“We opened an after school program in 2010, and then summer camps,” Foote said. “The LEAADS Centers has served over 1,000 young people through one of our school-based, community-based or court-based programs. LEAADS also participates in a summer food program and has fed over 500 students athletes, band members and families.”

And now Foote is working with Economic Development Director Eric Van Otteren to find a place to offer those services.

Karen Foote hopes to find a home for her youth mentoring organization in Snellville and has been working with city officials to do so.

“I believe the city of Snellville is a great place to live and work, but for youth there are not many opportunities,” Foote said. “There is an urgency for a multi-use community center for our youth, entering middle school and higher. Our center would provide basketball, golf, tennis, gymnastics, performing arts, culinary arts, pre-k program, after school, tech labs, summer camps, mentoring, job training, internships, college preparedness programs and wrap around services for families, such as counseling, parenting classes, financial literacy, GED and English as a second language.”

“With the new Towne Center, I believe the LEAADS Center would be of added value to the community at large,” she said.

“The multi-use facility will be a place where youth and families have access to recreational, educational, social programs and wrap around services.

Economic Development Winter 2018

Youth organization looking for new Snellville home

“Eric has been an amazing community partner and mentor. The expertise and professionalism he has shown has allowed me to continuously grow as an entrepreneur as well as learn how economic development impacts communities. Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Bender was willing to meet with me and listen to our goals and plans for partnership with city. She also provided insightful advice on continuing the work, despite the obstacles.”

For more information on the program or to volunteer, contact the LEAADS Centers at 770-286-3550 or info@leaadslcg.org.

Touring TOMCO

Snellville’s Youth Commission toured the city in September, getting a first-hand look at how businesses operate as part of their economic development training. The students from South Gwinnett, Shiloh and Brookwood high schools visited TOMCO Industries, housing developments and the new Hampton Inn. At TOMCO (above) students saw the city’s largest manufacturing employer in action. Several of the TOMCO employees volunteered to share with the students their expertise.

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SHOP LOCAL FOR

By Kelly McAloon, STAT

Did you know Snellville is ranked as one o in the county? With dozens of retail store to travel far to find pretty mu

Shopping local makes our city a better pla and a thriving economy. You can save ti here in town. Be a part of strengthening community, by sho

Within a three-mile radius in Snellville, you ing, boots, shoes, gift ware, jewelry, bab Oh... and don’t forget about our furry fri find toys and treats galore lined up on the to retail stores and restaurants are

“Together we can strengthen relation of life one sale a

R THE HOLIDAYS! Executive Director

of the largest shopping destinations es to choose from, you don’t need uch anything you need.

ace to live, building a rich character ime and money by shopping right the ties that brings stability to our opping local.

u can find a wide selection of clothby products and much much more. iends during the holidays. You can e shelves in many stores. Gift cards always a holiday favorite too.

nships that improve our quality at a time�

Economic Development Winter 2018

Microtransit program offers free transportation in Snellvile; only city in county with service

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer Five days a week, Snellville resident Lena Hunter takes Gwinnett County’s Microtransit bus from her Ashly Brooke Drive home to the Eye Listen Empowerment Center.

Since the free transportation option opened as a pilot program in Snellville in September, Hunter said she and her three friends have enjoyed the benefits of the service.

“I don’t have transportation options normally,” said Hunter.

“Getting around costs money. But (the Microtransit Program) doesn’t. You’re not crowded, it’s comfortable, it’s really convenient. Before we were walking from our house to Kroger, about two miles, and back.”

Gwinnett County Transit has tapped Snellville exclusively to debut the new Microtransit Pilot. The program provides an on-demand public transportation option. Riders are able to be picked up and dropped off door-to-door within a specific zone in Snellville.

Next spring, when the pilot is completed, Gwinnett County Transit will evaluate the data to identify what works well and what needs improvement, and plans are to roll it back out to Snellville and Buford the following year. These are areas currently without local transit options, and they have been recognized in the Connect Gwinnett: Transit Plan.

Everyone can use this on-demand service option. All vehicles used are ADA accessible for individuals with disabilities 22

Microtransit will run Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Riding is easy. To schedule a pickup time for Microtransit’s on-demand ride, you can download the free Microtransit app (available for iOS and Android devices), enter your pick-up and drop-off locations, your passenger count, and if you use a wheelchair or other mobility device, and your pick-up time to get Microtransit’s on-demand ride.

Visit www.microtransitapp.com/how-it-works to learn more about the Microtransit app. To reserve your trip, you can also call Gwinnett County Transit Customer Service at 770-822-5010 and select the Microtransit option.

The area served during this pilot covers much of Snellville.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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Parks & Recreation Winter 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

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

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

Hey kids! Do you want to play Recreational Soccer? You can if you are ages 4-19. Please check allinfcsnellville. com or call 678-517-4789 for more information.

T.W. Briscoe Park will host its last Community Yard Sale of the year on Nov. 17. The yard sale will take place at the parking lot near the pool from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. If you would like to sell items, spaces are $10 for one or $15 for two (9-foot-by-18-foot 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.

(Above) Men’s A Division Softball Champions. (Below) Men’s B Division Softball Champs.

Snellville Parks & Recreation Department will be hosting a Snellville Cruise-In car show on Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Briscoe Park. Free admission and car clubs and spectators are welcome. Please call or email Meghan Purvis for more information, mpurvis@snellville.org or 770-985-3532.

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-firstserved, 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).

Please check back for our Spring activities in the next issue.

PARK RENTALS

Facilities at the park can be rented with 14 days notice. There are outdoor pavilion rentals, large rooms for rent and the pool can be rented. For room/ pavilion rentals call the park office at 770-985-3535 For field rentals, call Meghan Purvis at 770-985-3532. The park accepts cash, check, money order, Visa, MC or debit card.

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

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Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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Summit Chase recommends Media Maker Group for all of your printing & direct mailing needs. They always provide timely, affordable and high quality work.

Media Maker Group is our reliable business partner for printing and direct mail.

Thank you Chris!

Five HHHHH’s – When Fratelli’s NY Style Pizza needed to redesign and reprint our restaurant menus, my first thought was to call Media Maker Group. Now, our menus look almost as good as our pizza!

Direct mail is an important component of any marketing plan.

Media Maker Group (Chris) is always timely and works expeditiously to get our information into mailboxes. I tried the on-line services, but Chris’ expertise makes the difference!

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

We early are happy to announce that due to our local Plan to secure all your that needs forto the holidays.

We are happy to announce due our local success, we have moved to a bigger and better success, we have moved a bigger and better Having antoto event? location. We would like thank our family and location. We would like to thank our family and loyal customers for making us Best Gwinnett Fratelli’s has a private room, great foodofofand a full bar loyal customers for making us Best Gwinnett for the third year in a row! forall the a row! for of third your year partyinfestivities.

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Spotlight on Snellville Seniors

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

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

There are numerous classes for seniors to take part in.

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

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

A group of crafters meets Tuesday at noon for crocheting and knitting. The meeting is free with membership.

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEMBERSHIP

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 CHURCHES AC

SNELLVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ST. OLIVER PLUNKETT CATHOLIC CHURCH

Service of Hope Sunday, December 2 7 pm in the Chapel Childcare available infants - 4 yrs.

Cookies with Santa Sunday, December 2, 3 pm - 5 pm Family FREE Event!

Photo Opportunities with Santa!

Journey to Bethlehem Saturday, December 8 Sunday, December 9 6 pm - 8:30 pm (doors open, 6 pm) Indoor/Outdoor. Journey’s depart throughout evening.

Family FREE Event! All ages!

Festival of Music Sunday, December 16, 11 am in the Sanctuary (No 8:30 am service) Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Monday, December 24 4 pm Contemporary, Christian Life Center 5:30 pm Traditional, Sanctuary

Christmas Events & Liturgies 2018

11 pm Traditional with Holy Communion, Sanctuary

SNELLVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST

SNELLVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Sunday, December 23, Sunday School Services 9 am

Christmas Service, Sunday, December 23 - 10:30am

Sunday Worship Service 10 am

Candlelight Christmas Eve Service Monday, December 24 - 5pm

770.972.6988 - snellvillecofc.org

770.972.0767 - snellvillechristian.net

770.972.9360 - snellvilleumc.org

Friday, December 14 Christmas Pageant/Concert 7 pm - Church Christmas Mass Schedule - 2018 Christmas Eve Monday, December 24th 4 pm, 6 pm 8 pm –Life Teen Liturgy Midnight Mass – Prelude music begins at 11:30 pm Christmas Day Schedule, Tuesday, December 25th 10 am 12 Noon – Mass in Spanish 770.979.2500 - stolivers.com

PLEASE JOI WORSHIP

CTIVITIES AND SCHEDULES

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SNELLVILLE

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Saturday December 1st & Sunday December 2 at 6 pm

WCWM Christmas Program December 19 – 7 pm Sanctuary

Worship Choir & Orchestra presents: The Promise Sundays in December Join us for Worship at 9:30 am or 11 am Monday December 24 at 5 pm Christmas Eve Family Service

IN US FOR SERVICES

770.978.7000 - fbcsnell.org

Candlelight Service (Time to come) December 24 – Christmas Eve Christmas Day Worship Service December 25 – 10:30 am Sanctuary Epiphany Communion Worship Service January 1, 2017 – 10:30 am Sanctuary 770.979.9676 - wpcsnellville.org

MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH Saturday December 8 - 6 pm 12 STONE CHURCH

GRACE SNELLVILLE

Sunday December 9 - 6 pm Free Admission, Free Family Christmas Portraits and Kid’s “Jingle Jam” Family Event

Christmas Eve Services Sunday December 23 9 am and 11 am

December 23, Sunday 9 am - 10:45am

Wednesday December 12 6:30 - 8 pm, Food, Music & Games

Monday December 24 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm

Christmas Eve Service December 24, Monday 4 pm - 6 pm

Christmas Eve Worship Monday December 24 - 6 pm

770.979.9676 - gfc.tv/snellville

678.990.9601 - 12Stone.com/Snellville

770.972.5020 - mountzionsnellville.com

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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

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

REMEMBERING GWINNETT COUNTY OFFICER ANTWAN TONEY It is with great sorrow we pay our final respects to Gwinnett County Police Officer Antwan Toney who was killed in the line of duty last month.

Our sincere condolences are with his family, friends and the Gwinnett Police Department.

In these turbulent times, we urge people to remain respectful and compassionate to the men and women of our local police departments.

Together, we can make the country a safer place for all.

Rest in Peace Officer Toney. You will be missed and always remembered.

SNELLVILLE SPIRIT AWARDS New for 2019, the editorial board of the Snellville Spirit will be offering a showcase in the New Year’s edition for residents who make Snellville a better place.

We will name one Snellville Spirit Award winner and multiple Shining Star Award recipients.

Go to www.SnellvilleTourism.com and download the Snellville Spirit Award application to nominate a special person who makes a difference in the lives of others in our community. Deadline for applications is Dec. 10, 2018.

Please send your nominations via email to Snellville Tourism and Trade Executive Director Kelly McAloon at kelmca@comcast.net.

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NEW ADDITION AT BRISCOE PARK Girl Scout creates tribute to veterans facing issues

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer SNELLVILLE – Archer High School senior Kristin Horne was raised in a military family. So when it came time to complete her Gold Award – the highest achievement a Girl Scout can receive – she knew it had to draw attention to issues facing military veterans.

Horne created a “Garden of Hope” with benches and a rock circle with a plaque highlighting the serious issues veterans face today – post traumatic stress disorder, suicide and homelessness.

“I chose the veterans issues because my entire family has basically been in the military and the military in general means a lot to me,” she said. “No one really thinks about (the issues facing veterans) until they read about it. I think more people should know about (the issues) because the more people can know about, the more they can help those that are struggling.”

There is a QR code on the plaque, which when activated, will take visitors to a website with more information about the effort.

“Her project is to honor those who serve in our military with emphasis on acknowledging that ‘Not all wounds are visible,’ meaning that those who return, even without physical scars, very much have injuries from what they have experienced,” said Parks and Recreation Director Lisa A. Platt, CPRP. “She wanted to create a space in which patrons - ex-military or not - could spend quiet time to relax. Projects like this one, not only help to bring awareness to the sacrifices of those who give of themselves to protect and help us, but it helps beautify Briscoe Park and will allow all our patrons a place to rest, reflect and just enjoy being in nature.”

Special Seal

In the Summer of 1994, Paula Pergantis Tanner’s father James Pergantis created a 450-piece stained glass city seal for Snellville.

In September, Tanner and her husband Joseph were given the piece from the Parks and Recreation Department. The seal was hung at the old City Hall and later, the Betty McMichael Room at T.W. Briscoe Park. ‘It came to my mind, I remembered it so well,’ Tanner said. ‘My brother David said we needed to get it back to the family.

I love anything he touched.’ Pergantis died in 1997, but Tanner said the seal will help keep his memory alive.

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Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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NEW BUSINESSES IN SNELLVILLEccc The months of late summer and early fall saw the opening of dozens of businesses in Snellville. Highlights from some of the openings are included below.

The Cottage Adult Day Service - 3725 Zoar Road (outside city)

Roll It Up ice cream shop - 1864 Scenic Highway

Fratelli’s - North Crestview Drive and Highway 78.

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NEW BUSINESSES IN SNELLVILLEccc Quality Beauty Supply - 1142 Athens Highway

City Farmers Market - 4002 Highway 78 (outside city)

We Need Your Help

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

Yet, many local families are in that unfortunate situation.

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

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

Local Children are Hungry

Come help us Give Hunger the Boot!

There are many opportunities to donate.

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

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

Snellville

SNELLVILLE

Commerce Club

Commerce Club

SNELLVILLE

Where Business Thrives Commerce Club

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

Tourism = Economic Development

• Monthly luncheon included with Classic or Premium Membership • Innovative and engaging guest speakers • Stay Connected!

• Network with business leaders in the community • Great food and door prizes!

U.S. Attorney B.J. Pak

Laura Drake, director, Southeast Gwinnett Co-op

Scholarship Winners

Jim Cofer, Snellville Historical Society

Carole Townsend, author

Third Annual Snellville Festival of Trees On display at Snellville City Hall from November 24th through December 21st.

The Christmas Tree Lighting will kick off the 3rd Annual Festival of Trees contest.

We invite you to stop by during the Snellville Christmas Tree Lighting on November 24th between 5 – 8 p.m. or anytime City Hall is open (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m.) through Dec. 21 and vote for your favorite tree.

Each non-perishable food item or toy placed under the tree of your choice will register as a vote for your favorite tree. To make a monetary donation, go to www.SnellvilleEvents.com website from Nov. 24 through Dec. 21 and vote for your favorite tree. Each dollar donated will count as one vote. The tree with the most donated items and monetary donations will be awarded the BEST CHRISTMAS TREE at the 3rd Annual Festival of Trees.

All monetary donations and non-perishable food items will be donated to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op to “Give Hunger the Boot” and all toys will be donated to the Toys for Tots program.

Please help us embrace the true meaning of the Christmas season and make a difference in the lives of others by voting for your favorite tree with non-perishable food items and/or monetary donations.

Let’s see if we can beat last year’s numbers!

For more information please visit www.SnellvilleEvents.com

St. Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church - 2017 Festival of Trees Winner.

38

Melinda Franklin bringing food to Southeast Gwinnett Co-op.

Marilyn Swinney counting cans.

Billy and Melinda Franklin taking food to Southeast Gwinnett Co-op.

Sixth Annual Scarecrow Contest and Winner

The 6th Annual Scarecrow Contest was another big hit. More than $10,000 was raised to benefit the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op. Congratulations to the first, second and third place winners for receiving the most votes.

2nd Place Gwinnett Clinic ‘Dr. G.C. Dawgnation’

1st Place GMS Automotive ‘Rusty’

3rd Place Snellville Church of Christ ‘Noevil’

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

GMS Automotive ‘Rusty’

Archery Learning Center ‘Beau-n-arrow

Gwinnett Clinic ‘Dr. G.C. Dawgnation’

Charles Minter Karate ‘It Watches’

Halloween Express ‘Cousin Itt’

School of Rock ‘Shredder’

Snellville Church of Christ ‘Noevil’

The Market ‘Falcons Cheercrow’

Gwinnett County Transportation 06Z Drivers ‘Mr. Comet’

Gray Orthodontics ‘Bracie Gray’

Compassion Continues to Shine in Snellville!

A huge thank you to Carolyn and Andrew Wheeler, owners of Carolyn’s Communications, a 37-year-old answering service company in Snellville for bidding on several scarecrows in the silent auction this year. Once again, Carolyn’s Communications was the highest bidder, bidding $5,000 on Bracie Gray built by Gray Orthodontics and $5,000 on The Falcon Cheercrow built by Title Max. All the money will benefit the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op. Many thanks to Kim Hogan, VP of Carolyn’s Communications as well. Carolyn’s Communications won the Association of Teleservices International (ATSI) award for the seventh consecutive year bringing only quality of service and overall ability to meet the needs of those they serve. Many thanks to the Wheelers for their generosity and kindness they show to our community. From left, Laura Drake and Andrew and Carolyn Wheeler.

Snellville fun on ...

Taste of Snellville

Doobie Brothers Experience

Many thanks to Team Snellville,

... the Towne Green Bennie & The Jets

Fall Festival

Snellville Police Department and Public Works

Winter Favorites From some of our favorite cooks!

KERRY’S VEGETARIAN CHILI

Ingredients: 1 C quinoa (uncooked) 1 T olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 onion, diced 1-2 poblano peppers, diced 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce 1 (4.5 oz) can diced green chiles 1 1/2 T chili powder (or more to taste) 2 t ground cumin 1 1/2 t paprika 1/2 t cayenne kosher salt & pepper, to taste 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 1/2 C corn kernels, frozen, canned or roasted Juice of 1 lime, optional Shredded cheddar, chopped onion, sliced avocado and/or other chili toppings

Directions: 1. Cook quinoa according to directions on bag 2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium high heat. Add garlic, onion and poblano, and cook, stirring frequently until onion is translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Stir in quinoa, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne and 1-2 cups water, making sure to cover most of the ingredients; season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Reduce heat to low; simmer, covered, until thickened, about 30 minutes. Stir in beans, corn and lime juice until heated through, about 2 minutes.

5. Serve immediately with favorite toppings.

-Kerry Hetherington, STAT volunteer

42 42

CHICKEN POT PIE

Ingredients: 1 package (17.3 ounces) Puff Pastry Sheets, thawed 1/3 cup butter 4 medium carrot, peeled and sliced (about 2 cups) 3 medium onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups) 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (about 3 cups) 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 3 1/4 cups Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed or 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 cups cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley 1 1/4 teaspoon salt and Heavy Cream to Taste 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning Directions: Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Unfold 1 pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll the pastry sheet into a 12-inch square. Press the pastry into a 2-quart round casserole. Trim the excess pastry.

Prick the pastry thoroughly with a fork. Place aluminum foil onto the surface of the pastry. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil. Heat the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the carrots, onions and mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Add the flour and cook and stir for 3 minutes or until the flour is golden brown.

Slowly stir in the broth and heat to a boil. Cook and stir until the mixture boils and thickens. Stir in the mustard, thyme, black pepper, chicken, peas, 3 tablespoons parsley and heavy cream.

Remove the skillet from the heat. Unfold the remaining pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry sheet crosswise into 6 (1 1/2-inch thick) strips. Spoon the chicken mixture into the casserole.

Weave a lattice pattern over the filling with the pastry strips. Trim any excess pastry. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley. Place the casserole onto a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes or until the filling is hot and bubbling and the pastry is golden brown.

Enjoy!

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Thanks to our 2018 Sponsors and to our Snellville Spirit Advertisers Eastside Medical Center Walton Gas E. R. Snell Contractors The Gwinnett Citizen Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

InTown Suites STA Apparel and Screen Printing Bill Rhodes Bakery Home Depot Office Depot

State Farm Insurance – Ronnie Cail Powell & Edwards, P.C. Summit Chase Country Club First Baptist Church Snellville Country Financial – Jamey Toney Wild Wing Café Main Street Restaurant Snell’s Pharmacy Mt. Zion Baptist Church LaQuinta Inn & Suites

Tom Wages Funeral Services Nothing Bundt Cakes Fratelli’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant Snellville United Methodist Church Media Maker Group Lowe’s Urban Air Family Tree

Snellville Tourism and Trade would like to say thanks to all of our event sponsors for making 2018 a great year. Their support, whether financially or through in-kind contributions, makes it possible for STAT to put on so many quality events for our community.

Many thanks to the Snellville Public Works Department for all they do to prepare the city for events throughout the year and to the Snellville Police Department which continues to protect and serve at our events and in our community throughout the year.

We could not have such successful events without all of our wonderful volunteers.

VOLUNTEERS are the HEART OF THE CITY!

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

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

POSTAL CUSTOMER

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

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody.

Your Heart Care Destination SNELLVILLE OFFICE: 1700 Tree Lane, Suite 190

David Casey, MD

Demir Baykal, MD

Marc Unterman, MD

Marcus Sims, MD

Michael Lipsitt, MD

Niraj Sharma, MD

Experienced, Quality Care… Close to Home The experienced cardiologists at Eastside Heart & Vascular are top leaders in cardiac care in Gwinnett County and throughout Metro Atlanta. The practice offers the latest advancements in cardiology, electrophysiology and cardiovascular surgery.

With 5 offices throughout Gwinnett and Walton Counties, the practice offers the highest level of cardiac care with access to the latest technology, close to home. Patients benefit from an experienced, compassionate, connected team approach for all of their heart care needs.

For more information, please call 770-736-6300 or visit EastsideHeart.com SNELLVILLE • LAWRENCEVILLE • LOGANVILLE • MONROE • ATHENS • COMING SOON: DULUTH & SUGAR HILL/BUFORD