Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to Be Somebody WINTER 2020
VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Saturday, November 28 at 6 p.m. LIVE on Snellville Tourism & Trade Facebook Page Santa Neighborhood Red Tour Saturday, November 28, 6 - 9 p.m.
Santa Neighborhood Green Tour Saturday, December 12, 6 - 9 p.m. See Details on page 16
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Winter 2020 - Volume 43 Publisher/Editor: Kelly McAloon Editor: Brian Arrington
Santa Claus is coming to town Snellville Tourism and Trade wants to wish you and your family a Happy Holiday Season. In this month of Thanksgiving, we are thankful that we have a great community where we live and we have great citizens that are engaged in making Snellville a great place. It has been a difficult year that has been full challenges, canceled activities and events. We have found ways to safely have a few of our traditional events this year. We are looking forward to our annual Christmas Tree Lighting. This year it will be a virtual event and you can join us safely on your computer and help us usher in the holiday season in Snellville at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28 on the Snellville Tourism and Trade LIVE Facebook page. In addition, Santa Claus will be visiting several neighborhoods in Snellville on both Nov. 28 following the virtual Christmas Tree Lighting and on Dec. 12. The times and routes are published in this magazine. You can also check our website - snellvilleevents. com - for information about his visit to your neighborhood. We will be sending notices to the subdivisions he will be visiting so you can gather and see the Jolly Old Elf while he visits Snellville prior to the Christmas holiday. We are looking forward to 2021. We are planning our calendar and we are hoping for a return to traditional activities and events in the coming year. Thanks for all your support
Don
Don Britt, President, Snellville Tourism and Trade
Connecting our Community to Celebrate Snellville 4
Snellville Spirit Magazine is produced by: Snellville Tourism & Trade Association
P.O. Box 669 • Snellville, GA 30078 Website: www.snellvilletourism.com Snellville Tourism and Trade Association’s mission is to promote business, tourism and events in the City of Snellville. President Don Britt Vice President Billy Franklin Treasurer Kurt Schulz Secretary Kathy Emanuel Board Member Lucy DeForest Board Member Jared Eakins Board Member Regina Hart Board Member Alice Snipes Executive Director Kelly McAloon Administrative Assistant Summer Daniels City Council Mayor Barbara Bender, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Emanuel, Cristy Lenski, Gretchen Schulz, Tod Warner and Solange Destang City Website: www.snellville.org Magazine Design by Brian Arrington, Perry Cox and Kelly McAloon Magazine Cover Design by Perry Cox Contributing Writers and Photographers: Kelly McAloon, Don Britt, Brian Arrington, Gretchen Schulz, Barbara Bender, Kathy Emanuel and Ron Cooper
CONTENTS 12
14
16
29
6
Mayor Bender says there is plenty to be positive about.
6
A look ahead to Public Works’ upcoming projects.
7
Snellville Police Department repeats in statewide contest.
8
A roundup of local Christmas services.
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
23
The latest events at Snellville’s parks.
ROAD PROJECTS
24
It’s still growing season at the Community Garden.
BEST IN STATE
25
Do your holiday shopping right here in Snellville!
CHURCH SERVICES
CITY NEWS 26 Tidbits from the City of Snellville.
CODE APPROVED
28
STAYING FIT
FALL FUN 29 Scarecrows, pumpkins and sunflowers highlight fall season.
GRAND OPENING
RECIPE 30 AWINTER food offering from one of our favorite cooks.
SANTA’S COMING TO TOWN
31
Gratitude shared for STAT sponsors and advertisers.
SNELLVILLE’S KRIS KRINGLE
32
What are our friends and neighbors thankful for this year?
10
The city’s Unified Development Ordinance gets a thumbs up.
12
Parks and Rec. offering fall and winter exercise options.
14
The U.S. Post Office opens new location on Wisteria Drive.
16
Old St. Nick to tour local neighborhoods.
18
Snellville Santa getting face time in book, new movie.
20
Off-season market is in full swing.
WHAT’S ON TAP
COMMUNITY GARDEN SHOP LOCAL
CONTEST WINNERS
Who won the annual Scarecrow Contest?
THANKING OUR SPONSORS
THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR
FARMERS’ MARKET 5
5
Mayor’s Message - Mayor Barbara Bender As I write this message, the city is knee-deep in working out the final agreements with The Grove at Towne Center developer MidCast Snellville, LLC. There is still a lot of hard work ahead, but we are moving ahead at full speed and look forward to dirt moving very soon. The U.S. Post Office has opened in its new location at 2440 Wisteria Drive. This was the last big hurdle we needed to get over to start The Grove project. Very exciting times are just ahead.
With the election behind us now (well, almost), I congratulate all those who won their races. I am very hopeful that our newly elected County Commissioners will continue the legacy of Chairman Charlotte Nash to maintain a close working relationship with all of Gwinnett’s cities. This good relationship allowed us to work through a few potentially contentious issues over the past few years without a lot of strife. This serves our citizens well when we can resolve issues through productive discussions and discourse. Your city leadership will be working hard to forge good and open relationships with all our county and state representatives.
A big CONGRATULATIONS to our Snellville Police Department. They were awarded the Governor’s Cup for the second year in a row. It is great to see the whole state of Georgia taking notice of the excellent work our officers do in the city. The two roundabouts along Pharrs Road are working quite well at moving traffic along. Please be mindful of the county construction taking place at Ridgedale Road and Highway 84 as the county is installing another roundabout in that problem intersection. Slow down as you approach that area and expect some delays in the next few weeks.
To our elected officials leaving office, I offer my thanks for your dedication and service to our citizens. It takes a tremendous amount of work and sacrifice to serve, protect and support our citizens and I appreciate all your efforts on our behalf. My challenge to you as we come into the holiday season is for each of us to drop the labels we put on each other and see each other as fellow human beings first. Let’s take a step back, take a deep breath and show a little graciousness and kindness to everyone we meet. I believe that above all we want communities where we feel we belong. Let us strive to be that community that does this better than any other.
Snellville Public Works The annual Department of Public Works stormwater drainage and paving projects have been approved by Mayor and Council. The Dickerson Group was the low bidder at $893,586 for the 11 stormwater drainage projects to improve the handling of stormwater and reduce the city’s overall inventory of poor infrastructure. Stormwater Utility Fees will be used to pay for these projects The stormwater projects to be completed by June 30 are: 1847-1838 Englewood Way, 1887-1888 Englewood Way, 1915-1845 Rockside Lane, 2001-1992 Collinswood Drive, 2075 Highriggs Lane 1918 Englewood Way, 2776-2775 Hickory Circle, 2105 Chaparral Drive, 2153-2192 Chaparral Drive, 2187-2198, 2199-2198 Chaparral Drive, 2956-2955 Overwood Lane and 2138 Hartridge Drive. Atlanta Paving & Concrete Construction, Inc. was awarded the contract for patching, 6
milling and resurfacing six city streets after coming in at the low bid of $499,265.30. Funds will be taken from the city’s Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant allotment and Capital Paving Expense. Streets scheduled to be paved by June 30 are: Brooks Drive, Classic Drive, Green Turf Drive, Overwood Lane, Overwood Trace and Timberline Trace. The city also awarded a $45,180 contract for lawn care services to Russell Landscape, LLC to handle landscaping at City Hall, the Senior Center, the Towne Green, the Police Department, Public Works and the Recycling Center, right of way downtown on Oak Road, Clower Street, Wisteria Drive and Highway 124 medians. Funds utilized will be in lieu of what is equivalent or less than a Public Works salary. Public Works no longer has the resources of the inmate work release
^^^ ROAD WORK - Several city streets
are slated for paving projects to be completed by June 30 like this one on Scenic Drive. program due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which was up to four workers per day. Staff is short currently and this will allow workers to focus on the historical cemetery, general Public Works tasks and cross train in stormwater maintenance and other job duties. - Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody
Snellville Police Department SPD awarded Governor’s Cup for second year in a row
^^^ GOVERNOR’S CUP - First Lady of
Georgia Marty Kemp presented the Governor’s Cup to Snellville Police Chief Roy Whitehead. For the second straight year, the Snellville Police Department was crowned best department in the state for its size at the Georgia Governor’s Challenge Banquet in Macon Nov. 6. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s Governor’s Challenge highlights outstanding achievement in highway safety enforcement and education; open to
every law enforcement agency in the state. Agencies participating in the Challenge are evaluated on the effectiveness and overall approach of their highway safety programs. The entries are judged by public safety professionals and administrators from South Carolina and Tennessee. The Snellville Police Department won first place in Category 4: Agencies of 46-75 Officers and named the overall winner of the Challenge with 192 points. First Lady of Georgia Marty Kemp presented the Governor’s Cup to Snellville Police Chief Roy Whitehead. SPD also
won the award for its efforts in the Speed Awareness category. The Snellville Police Department also won the Governor’s Cup in 2019 marking the first time an agency won this coveted award in two consecutive years. “I could not be more proud of the efforts of the men and women of the Snellville Police Department who strive every day to reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities in order to keep our roadways safe,“ said Whitehead.
^^^ DRIVE-THRU HALLOWEEN - Covid-19 changed they way many of Snellville’s children
Trick-Or-Treated this year, forcing parents to find alternatives for their kids who wanted to have fun and get a bag full of treats. That’s why the Snellville Police Department had a drive-thru candy hand-out at Snellville City Hall Halloween night. Hundreds of children received candy from the police department who had help from city officials making the night fun and candy-filled. Thank you SPD! 7
2020 SNELLVILLE CHURCH CHRIS
SNELLVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Advent Wreath Painting Class (online) Sunday, November 29 Premiers at 6:30 p.m. l For list of supplies, visit snellvilleumc.org/events On-Demand for later viewing will be available on website. Festival of Music (online) Sunday, December 13 Premiers at 6 p.m. l On-Demand for later viewing will be available. Christmas Eve Service (online) Thursday, December 24 Premiers at 4 p.m. l On-Demand for later viewing will be available. Sunday Worship Service (online) Sunday, December 27 Premiers at 10:30 a.m. l On-Demand for later viewing will be available. Visit snellvilleumc.org/events 770.972.9360
SNELLVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST
12STONE SNELLVILLE
Due to COVID-19 please continue to check our website for upcoming services and events. Thank you.
For service times and service registration, check out our website CantStopChristmas.com
770.972.6988 - snellvillecofc.org
678.990.9601 - 12Stone.com/Snellville
STMAS ACTIVITIES & SCHEDULES
ST. OLIVER PLUNKETT CATHOLIC CHURCH Christmas Masses Reservations for Christmas Masses are required and can be made through our website: www.stolivers.com Reservations will begin Tuesday, December 1 at 12 Noon and close on Monday, December 21 at Midnight. It will be necessary to bring a paper copy of your reservation or present your phone with your reservation. Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, 3 p.m. Outside weather permitting, 5 p.m. in Church, accommodating overflow in the Kane-Beltran Center, 7 p.m. Life Teen Liturgy in church accommodating overflow in the Kane-Beltran Center, and our last liturgy 10 p.m. in church accommodating overflow in the Kane-Beltran Center.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SNELLVILLE December 5 & 6, 6 p.m. Stories of the Season Christmas Concert December 24, 3:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. Family Candlelight Services Come See Our New Children’s and Preschool Facilities! 770.978.7000 - fbcsnell.org
770.979.2500 - stolivers.com
Outdoor Christmas Eve Communion Service – Thursday, December 24, 5 p.m. Drive-in service: West parking lot Sacrament of Communion (juice & wafer pre-packaged in sterile 2-part containers) Led by the Rev. Allison Per-Lee and Rev. George Rogers As we get closer to Christmas Eve, please check www.wpcsnellville.org or www.facebook.com/WPCSnellville for additional information. 770.979.9676 - wpcsnellville.org
SNELLVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH Candlelight Christmas Eve Service Thursday, December 24 - 5 p.m. 770.972.0767 - snellvillechristian.net
MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH
Christmas Day Friday, December 25 10 a.m. in Church, accommodating overflow in the Kane-Beltran Center 1 p.m. in Spanish, outside weather permitting or in church, accommodating overflow in the Kane-Beltran Center
WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Sunday, December 13 The Mount Zion Worship Choir Presents “Christmas Celebration 2020” 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. GRACE SNELLVILLE Please check the Grace Snellville website: gfc.tv/snellville for upcoming service information and updates. 770.979.9676 - gfc.tv/snellville
Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Reservations Requested 770.972.5020 - mountzionsnellville.com
Snellville City Council Fully updated development code adopted unanimously everything from what’s built, to where it’s built, to how it’s built. Collectively, they expressed a need for a modern and user-friendly code that fosters quality redevelopment, promotes innovation, effectively manages stormwater, enables the city’s Towne Center, and cultivates better design. That input was then shared with the community in a full-house meeting to be validated and fine-tuned. Many were particularly interested in how the new code could ensure that the city’s longdesired Towne Center gets built as envisioned. “Most development on the horizon will come in the form of redevelopment — rebuilding on previously developed sites,” responded project lead Caleb Racicot of TSW Planners at the time. “That’s a whole different game and requires a different set of rules if you want to win.”
^^^ UDO APPROVED - The scene inside City Hall prior to the vote to approve the Unified Development Ordinance.
In a unanimous show of support, Snellville’s City Council brought four years of community input, idea testing and draft review to an end with their Oct. 26 adoption of the Unified Development Ordinance, a comprehensive updating and consolidation of the city’s existing zoning and development regulations. Reinforcing support voiced by Councilmember Tod Warner during the meeting, Snellville Director of Planning and Development Jason Thompson summed up the experience: “We took the time to get it right. As a result, we’re no longer facing modern growth and development challenges with yesterday’s tools. Under the UDO, we’ve cleaned up and simplified everything, increased flexibility, and enabled the kind of redevelopment — like our Towne Center plan — envisioned by the community.” View the adopted code at www.snellville.org/code-ofordinances. Early in 2016, at the direction of Mayor and Council, the City of Snellville and its consultant team began work on the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Foundational direction for the project was obtained through a series of one-on-one interviews, focus groups and a widely attended Towne Center gathering, where a broad cross section of the community — residents and neighborhood groups, builders and developers, members of the city’s faith communities and small business owners and entrepreneurs — made their priorities known. Those priorities reflected a desire to preserve and build upon Snellville’s enviable quality of life and touched on 10
Accordingly, the city then turned its attention towards enacting two new custom zoning districts supporting future Towne Center development, ensuring proactive support of that longsought community project and allowing for the testing of design standards that might have future citywide applications. Ultimately, Phase One community input, as well as the resulting analysis from the consultant team, was summarized in the Diagnostic Report that, according to Racicot, became the “blueprint that told us, the code writers, what was important to the city of Snellville and how it should be incorporated into the UDO.” As the new Towne Center zoning districts became finalized and plans were moving forward, Georgia’s state-mandated requirement to update the city’s comprehensive plan was fast approaching. Rather than orchestrate both the UDO and the comprehensive plan at the same time, city officials and the consultant team seized the opportunity to delay the UDO until the comprehensive planning process was complete — allowing its extensive community visioning and engagement efforts to be incorporated back into the UDO. As a result, the UDO is optimized to ensure that the community’s expressed ambitions through 2040 are supported by regulations that enable them. Though the Unified Development Ordinance project exceeded its original timeline — as high priority community goals, a state mandated project, and a global pandemic intervened in unexpected ways — the delays only served to strengthen the emerging “renovation” through increased public discussion of community priorities and concerns, and real-world testing of walkable and mixed-use standards. - from Staff Reports Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody
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Snellville Parks and Recreation
Fun abounds at T.W. Briscoe Park; special programming in place for older adults There’s plenty going on at T.W. Briscoe Park this fall and winter as Parks and Recreation officials are offering creative ways to keep visitors and Senior Center members engaged and safe during these days of Covid-19. “We are in unprecedented times and all of us have had to make major adjustments in our daily lives,” said Snellville Parks and Recreation Director Lisa A. Platt. “Snellville Parks and Recreation has felt this shift deeply as our ability to give our citizens the ‘normal’ programming we have done in the past has not been possible. We are here to serve our residents and visitors by providing mental, physical and spiritual outlets. We have struggled to balance our desire to help/connect with our patrons while following Centers for Disease Control and state guidelines to keep all safe. We will continue to be creative and resourceful in offering safe, but engaging programs to our citizens.” Aside from the usual youth soccer programming, there have been adult softball tournament and tennis contests this fall. A free Intro to Tennis clinic will take place each Tuesday for six weeks beginning through Dec. 15 under the supervision of tennis instructor Anthony Evans of Advantage Evans Tennis. The onehour classes begin at 9:30 a.m. Space is limited so call the park at 770-985-3535. Bring a tennis racket, a towel and water. There is a 2.6-4.0 UTR level single-day tournament on Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (make up date Nov. 24.) There is a $25 entry fee. Call the park office at 770-985-3535. The Snellville Senior Center has been closed since March due to Coronavirus, but that hasn’t stopped programs from being offered for active older adults, including a recent Modern Fluid Art Class where budding artists took home two 8-by-10-inch abstract art paintings. The popular Outdoor Exercise programs are ongoing through December. Aerobics classes are at 9 a.m. Monday and Thursdays at Briscoe Park in the parking lot near the softball field. During the class, seniors will be led through a fun and stimulating exercise routine by professional exercise instructors. The Sole Buster Walkers Walking Club meets at 9 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays in the same parking lot for a brisk walk through the parks winding trails. For more information on both classes call the Senior Center at 770-985-3580. Seniors are also encouraged to take part in the Gingerbread House Photo Contest. You can make your own or get family and friends to help you create your gingerbread from your own home. Simply send in two photos (front and back) no later than Dec. 1 and Senior Center staff will post them all on their Facebook page. First, second 12
^^^ TENNIS ANYONE?- From left, Bridgette Mourão and Anthony
Evans of Advantage Evans Tennis, at a recent tennis tournament at T.W. Briscoe Park. and third-place awards will be offered. Either mail photos to the Senior Center at 2350 Oak Road or send them via email to tglass@snellville.org. “Since we’ve had such a great response to our outdoor exercise classes, we have added a few other programs that are sure to be a success,” said Kathi Gargiulo, Senior Program Supervisor at the Snellville Senior Center. “Between our free tennis clinic, modern art painting class and Gingerbread House contest, we’re hoping that our senior community will get involved so they can stay active and healthy. That’s what it’s all about.” A Senior Center Membership is required to participate in senior events. Membership cost is $25 for Gwinnett County Residents and $15 for Snellville City Limit Residents and is good through December 2021. - Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer
“Between our free tennis clinic, modern art painting class and Gingerbread House contest, we’re hoping that our senior community will get involved so they can stay active and healthy. That’s what it’s all about.” Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody
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U.S. Post Office Opens
^^^ OPEN FOR BUSINESS - The
new U.S. Post Office, located at 2440 Wisteria Drive, opened for business Nov. 9. The old Oak Road location is now closed and will be demolished to make way for high-end apartments in The Grove at Towne Center. The building, which was a former SunTrust Bank, underwent months of renovations.
>>> Snellville Police Chief Roy Whitehead was among the first in the new post office when it opened.
^^^ Construction on the project began in July and called for a new loading dock for mail trucks.
100 years young
^^^ PARADE OF A LIFETIME - Clarence Page was celebrated on his 100th birthday in
September in grand style with family members dressed in 1920s attire. Lunch was served on the driveway with china, crystal and roses. A 1931 Model A roadster came to ride him around the block and Snellville’s finest had a drive-by in his honor. He is known in his church and community as ‘Candyman’ and personalized candy bars were made in his honor. We are always looking for those who are in the ‘100-Year-Old Club’ in Snellville. We would love to honor each person who is 100 years of age and older in the Snellville Spirit Magazine. Please contact Kelly McAloon at kelmca@ comcast.net if you know of anyone who has reached this milestone. 14
Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody
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Here Comes Santa Claus! SANTA’S RED TOUR November 28, 2020
Tour starts at City Hall immediately following the VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING that will be shown on the Snellville Tourism and Trade Facebook page LIVE at 6:00 p.m.
a
a
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Thank You to our Keystone Sponsors:
Thank You to our Bronze Sponsor:
For more information on the Snellville Santa Neighborhood Tours visit www.Snellville
eighborhood Tours
eEvents.com
SANTA’S GREEN TOUR
December 12, 2020
• Please make sure your cars are not double-parked on the tour route the night of Santa’s Tour. • Please leave donated non-perishable food for the Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-op by your mailbox for pick-up the night of the tour. • Walton Gas will be giving out glow sticks throughout the tour to our bystanders.
Many thanks to the Gargiulo Family for providing hours of fun on the “Friends of Santa” Float. Christmas music and snow flakes will fill the air as the float drives through each neighborhood.
Snellville’s Santa is Famous!
^^^ SNELLVILLE SANTA - You will find Snellville’s Santa Perry on the cover of a new book entitled ‘We are Santa - Portraits and Profiles’
and is available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Santa Perry also auditioned for a role in an upcoming Hallmark movie and was selected to play the role of Santa from the North Pole. The movie is ‘A Welcome Home Christmas’ and is part of the Lifetime Christmas movie series. Santa Perry gets a great deal of pleasure in making children and adults smile and feel the joy of the season. You will find Santa Perry on the back of the ‘Friends of Santa’ float waving to all the boys and girls on the Snellville Santa Neighborhood tours on Nov. 28 and Dec. 12.
Fifth Annual Festival of Trees Snellville Tourism and Trade Association presents a returning holiday tradition of the annual Festival of Trees that will be held at Snellville City Hall from Nov. 23 through Dec. 18. You can vote for your favorite tree Monday - Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vote for your favorite tree by donating non-perishable canned goods and dried food and placing under the tree of choice to register your vote or by making a monetary donation on the STAT website at www.SnellvilleEvents. com. Each item and each dollar will register as a vote and the tree with the most donated items combined with the most monetary donations will be awarded “Best Christmas Tree” for the 2020 season. All 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. Mask and social distancing is required at all times in Snellville City Hall. 18
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
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Snellville Farmers’ Market Market set new standard for community service When the market was first started in 2010, markets were held every Saturday June through September. As a result of vendor and customer requests the market now operates an additional two markets per month during the “extended season,” which began in October and will continue through May. “We’ve gone from 18 markets a year to now offering 34,” said Gretchen Schulz, who has administered the market as a volunteer since its beginning and now serves on the City Council. The extended season markets are held on the first and third Saturdays of each month, 9 a.m. to noon in the City Hall parking lot. While not as large as the summer markets held on the Towne Green, the extended season markets offer a very nice variety of products, including local produce, meats, eggs, fish, honey, baked goods, made-to-order pizza, and bath and body care products.
^^^ SOAP LILY BATH CO. sells homemade soaps as well as gift sets.
The market vendors seem to be very happy with the additional opportunities to sell their products. Cindy Slater of Cinful Sweets and Treats sells a selection of baked goods. “This was our first year participating in the Snellville Farmers Market and with Covid we didn’t know what to expect,” she said. “It has been wonderful. The Snellville Farmers’ Market staff and customers are incredibly friendly and we are thrilled to be a part of the market.” Dan Siegler of Dancin’ Salmon, another first-time vendor who sells smoked salmon, smoked trout and salmon cakes, has also been enthusiastic about the market. “I am humbled to be so widely accepted at the market,” he said. “Customers, fellow vendors and market staff have been so friendly and helpful.”
^^^ CINFUL SWEETS AND TREATS offers a variety of baked goods.
The farmers who sell local produce are especially happy about the additional markets. “This has allowed us to increase the variety of produce grown and offered at the market, as well as continue to operate and do what we view as our calling — farming,” said Ty Cowart, who has a farm on Lenora Church Road. “We appreciate all the work that goes into hosting and organizing the market as well as the City of Snellville leadership for providing their ongoing support. Even during the pandemic the market leadership has found a way to continue the market by putting in place the necessary safeguards.” For more information, go to the market website: www.SnellvilleFarmersMarket. com. The market also emails a newsletter prior to each market with a list of participating vendors. To subscribe, send an email to SnellvilleFarmersMarket@gmail.com. The market also updates its Facebook page prior to each market with a list of vendors expected to participate. - Gretchen Schulz, Councilwoman, SFM Organuzer
^^^ JASON FEENAN of LIL PIZZA TRUCK sells made-to-order pizza. 20
“We appreciate all the work that goes into hosting and organizing the market as well as the City of Snellville leadership for providing their ongoing support. Even during the pandemic the market leadership has found a way to continue the market by putting in place the necessary safeguards.” Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody
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visit gwinnettcitizen.com for local community news Have a story to share? Email sharing@gwinnettcitizen.com
What’s Going On? Snellville Parks and Recreation • Snellville Senior Center
Briscoe Park is open daily 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. to 5 p.m. Masks and social distancing are mandatory to enter building until further notice. 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. **All Briscoe Park programs, activities, and events are dependent on how COVID-19 progresses. Please check the website for more information.** If you are interested in tennis instruction, clinics, and/or tournaments/leagues conducted by certified tennis instructors at Briscoe Park visit www.aetennis.com or call 470-417-4547 for more information. Briscoe Park is partnering with the non-profit, Generals Athletic Club, to help offer a variety of sport programs and mentorship to the Snellville and Shiloh community. Visit www.gac-sports.org for more information. Keep a look out for spring registration for Adult Softball, Adult Kickball, Youth Soccer & Youth Flag Football. Outdoor tennis courts are available on a firstcome-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 USTA team are utilizing the courts. Park Rentals Planning a picnic, family reunion, or a wedding?
^^^ HOLDING COURT - The 14U Girls Tennis Team, based out of Briscoe Park, made it
all the way to the United States Tennis Association Summer City Finals.The team, coached by Shadisha Robinson, finished second in the tournament after a tough match against Crooked Creek. The team had six regular season matches - three home and three away. Due to COVID-19, the summer season started a later than normal, said Team Captain Sondra Turnbough. ‘When the girls were unable to practice because the tennis courts were closed, they did at home workouts given to them by Coach Robinson,’ she said. The team won its first round match again the Fieldstone team. This team has been together since 2017. In the fall of 2017, the team won the 14U ALTA City Championship and in the Fall of 2018 the team was a 14U Alta City Finalist. From left are Trinity Porter, McKenzi Pate, Kai Turnley, Joiya Middlebrook, Alexandra Turnbough, Ami Dodd Mungin, Keira Turnley and Gabrielle Ceasar. Not Pictured is Hannah Crutchfield. Briscoe Park has indoor and outdoor rentals to accommodate your needs. There are four outdoor, open-air pavilions (Lakeside, Sager, Williams, and Peters pavilions) available at the park. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, pavilion capacity has been modified. The larger indoor room is located inside the Briscoe Park Office. Come see our newly remodeled smaller indoor facility, Courtland Williams Pavilion and the newly remodeled restroom beside it. Due to COVID-19 restrictions room capacity has been modified. Modified capacity, photos and other regulations can be found at snellville.org/rentals. Facilities at the park can be rented with 14 days notice. For room/pavilion rentals call the park office at 770-985-3535 or visit the website at www.snellville.org/rentals For field rentals, email Meghan Meegan at mmeegan@snellville.org. For a list of rental
properties, visit snellville.org/parks-recreation. Snellville Senior Center Due to continued Covid restrictions the Snellville Senior Center remains closed. The Snellville Parks and Recreation Department is monitoring the state and federal websites and updates daily as we move thru the pandemic. We are working closely with Gwinnett County to coordinate how best to serve our members of the center while we are closed and will continue to evaluate reopening the center based on statistics gathered from state, federal and Gwinnett County experts. Snellville Parks and Recreation will also be offering some exercise classes at Briscoe Park (under very modified regulations) and organizing group walks (again under modified regulations). SPRD staff are still available to assist, please call 770-985-3580. 23
Community Garden @ Snellville
Flowers, veggies keep coming at the garden The summer months have come to an end, but the beds in the Community Garden @ Snellville are still producing lots of vegetables and flowers for the gardeners who rent beds there. The raised beds are filled with cool-season vegetables, including a variety of lettuces, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Swiss chard, kale and collards. Several gardeners also use their beds to grow a colorful array of flowers. At least three beds in the garden are dedicated to growing vegetables that are donated to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op on a regular basis. Throughout the year tomatoes, peppers, green beans, field peas, sugar snap peas, cucumbers, lettuce, kale and sweet potatoes have been donated. “In light of the pandemic, we knew there would be increased demand on the Co-op,” said Wes Nettleton, a master gardener who serves in a leadership role for the garden. “We have increased our produce donations this year, not only from our dedicated raised beds, but also from families that have provided extra vegetables from their own beds.” The gardening year for the Community Garden is April 1 through March 31. The garden will be accepting applications throughout the winter from those who are interested in renting a bed for next year. While most beds in the garden are 4‘ x 12’ there are also a few 4’ x 8’ beds. The annual rental rates for Snellville residents are $35 for a 4’ x 8’ bed and $50 for a 4’ x 12’ bed. Rental rates for gardeners who live outside the city limits are $50 and $65 respectively. Additional information and the application can be found on the garden’s website: www.SnellvilleCommunityGarden.com. - Gretchen Schulz, Councilwoman, Community Garden @ Snellville Organizer
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^^^ VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS - There are plenty of
things still growing at the Community Garden @ Snellville. If you are interested in renting a garden bed to grow your own items, visit www. SnellvilleCommunity Garden.com.
Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS COLLEGIATE WEAR • WESTERN WEAR
CRAFTS • APPAREL • BAKERY
ATHLETIC WEAR • TOYS • SHOES
NAIL SALONS • SPA DAY • FACIALS
RESTAURANTS • JEWELRY • WINE
DIAMONDS • PET STORE
You Name It... Snellville Has It !
Snellville offers a wide selection of jewelry stores, from handmade necklaces and rings to fine jewelry for that special someone. Hand made crafts are one of the best gifts to be remembered by and supplies for crafting are available in numerous stores. A gift idea that will pamper someone special is the gift of massage or a spa day.
Shop Local...You don’t need to leave Snellville to fill your Christmas shopping list. There is something for everyone in the hundreds of retail stores that Snellville has to offer. Don’t know what to buy the person who has everything, restaurant gift cards are always a good choice and most restaurants offer bonus cards when purchasing gift cards during the holiday season. Collegiate apparel is always a favorite for the sports fans.
Don’t forget your furry friends at Christmas and fill their stockings with goodies from one of the many stores that sell pet supplies. _________________________ Purchase something from each of the shopping plaza’s listed from November 27 thru December 18 to be eligible to win $100.
Please use this page as your check list for a chance at $100 Contest details will be posted at www.SnellvilleEvents.com website.25
City News <<< MAKING PLANS - Congratulations to Kerry
Hetherington for being sworn into the city’s Planning Commission Post 5. She was sworn in by Mayor Barbara Bender (left) at an October meeting of Mayor and Council. Hetherington is a longtime Snellville volunteer.
^^^ AWARDED AUTHORS - Winners of the recent Southern Pen
Bookshop Literary Awards from left are Georgiana Fields, Tarrant Smith, Vickie Bley, Christy Breedlove and the Snellville Historical Society’s Marlene Ratledge Buchanan. Snellville’s Michelle Watson is not pictured.
Locals win Southern Pen Bookshop literary awards Two familiar Snellville authors won awards at a recent literary contest. The Southern Pen Bookshop hosted the second annual Georgia Independent Author of The Year Awards at Kaity’s Downtown in Monroe in September. This is the second year for The Southern Pen Bookshop to recognize Georgia’s Independent Authors. GIAYA is the only award in the state that recognizes authors who have chosen a non-traditional path to publish their books. This group of authors were excluded two years prior for consideration for the Georgia Author of the Year award sponsored by the Georgia Writers Association. It was this decision that prompted Vickie Bley, owner of The Southern Pen Bookshop, to sponsor the Georgia Independent Author of the Year award. Seven categories were recognized this year and included: First Book, Historical Fiction, Romance, Memoir, Young Adult, Short Story and Mystery. Each category recognized a first-place winner and finalist. The winners and finalists for each category are: The Snellville Historical Society’s Marlene Ratledge Buchanan was the winner in the “First Novel” category for her book “Life is Hard Soften It with Laughter” and Michelle Watson, of Snellville, was the winner in the “Memoir” category for her book “Peaceful Mind, Healthy Body.” For more information on the contest visit TheSouthernPen Bookshop.com. 26 26
^^^ FLIPPIN’ OUT - Councilwoman Cristy Lenski (top), Mayor
Barbara Bender (middle) and Snellville Tourism and Trade Executive Director Kelly McAloon (above) were all guests of honor and “coin flippers” at the Georgia Knights Prep Academy football games in recent weeks. The Knights, who play at South Gwinnett Park on McGee Road, offer an alternative to players looking to continue their football careers outside of academic institutions. Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody
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Eighth Annual Scarecrow Contest Results
1st Place Charles Minter Karate 1,078 Votes
2nd Place Snellville Historical Society 1,035 Votes
3rd Place Pleasant Paws Inn the Dog House 558 Votes
Thank you to all who participated in this community activity and to all who supported these businesses and organizations by voting and registering close to 3,800 votes.
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“Aunt Ally” Ally’s Attic
“Dr. Bone Crow” Eastside OrthoCare Dr. Mines
“Nobby Snell-Sawyer” Nob Hill Subdivision
“Pawn Panther” Title Max
“Frankie and Lizzy” Hampton Inn and Suites
“Curdis” Culver’s
“A Friend in Me” DDA Snellville
“General Moto” Generals Athletic Club
“Awkward Crow” The Awkward Cup
“The Wiz” Mellow Mushroom
“Fratelli’s Crow” Fratelli’s Pizza NY Style
“Mr. Stiffy” Main Street Restaurant
Fall Fun
^^^ SCARECROW, SUNFLOWERS and SMILES - Strawburt the 17-foot
scarecrow stood tall in the middle of the Snellville Towne Green welcoming all residents and visitors, along with the giant sunflowers that were in front of city hall and the Snellville gateway sign. People drove from miles away to take pictures with these giant creations. ‘Since we could not have major events that encouraged large crowds this year due to COVID, we wanted to create something happy for all who passed by and through the great city of Snellville,’ said Snellville Tourism and Trade Executive Director Kelly McAloon.
^^^ CONTEST WINNER - Jen George was the winner of ^^^ HELPING THE NEEDY - Snellville Tourism and Trade presents Laura Drake, director of Southeast Gwinnett Co-op a check for $500 from the Scarecrow Contest and silent auction at the November STAT Commerce Club luncheon. The Co-op helps feed the area’s needy through community food and money donations. From left are STAT President Don Britt, Drake, STAT Board Member Jared Eakins, STAT Secretary Kathy Emanuel and STAT Executive Director Kelly McAloon.
the Snellville Tourism and Trade Pumpkin Carving Contest for her Olaf from ‘Frozen’-themed offering.
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Winter Recipes by Hope Diprima
Sausage, Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups (Recipe yields about 10 roll ups) Ingredients: •12 curly edge lasagna noodles •1 cup alfredo sauce •1 (14.5 oz.) can fire-roasted tomatoes •16 oz. mild Italian sausage •1 tsp. ground cinnamon •½ tsp. ground nutmeg •8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, chopped •4 cups baby spinach, chopped •½ cup shredded parmesan cheese •Salt and pepper •1 ½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook lasagna noodles until al dente about 10 minutes. Add a couple of extra noodles as some will break. While noodles are boiling, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and break up with a wooden spoon. Brown all over then add the cinnamon and nutmeg. Saute 30 seconds. Add the diced mushrooms and saute 5 minutes. Add in spinach and toss to wilt, about 1 minute. Add a dash of salt and pepper. Set to simmer.
Canolli Dip Ingredients: •1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese •8 oz reduced fat cream cheese (room temperature) •1 cup powdered sugar •1 tsp vanilla extract •1 cup mini chocolate chips •Waffle cones (broken) Directions: Using a hand mixer and a large bowl, add ricotta, cream cheese, and powdered sugar to bowl and mix on medium-high speed until smooth (2-3 minutes). Add in vanilla extract and mix for additional 30 seconds. Fold in mini chocolate chips. Serve dip immediately with broken waffle cones for dipping and enjoy this sweet treat! Hope Diprima is the Marketing Manager of Eastside Medical Center in Snellville.
Drain lasagna noodles and set aside on workspace. Using a spoon, evenly layer ricotta down the center of each lasagna noodle. Add the sausage and veggie mixture to each lasagna noodle and gently roll each noodle then place in baking pan. Mix 1 cup of alfredo sauce with the fire-roasted tomatoes in a separate bowl then pour over lasagna noodles and sprinkle with shredded parmesan. Add a dash of fresh basil on top for taste if preferred. Bake for 35 minutes. Enjoy!
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Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody
Thanks to our 2020 Sponsors and to our Snellville Spirit Advertisers Walton Gas E.R. Snell Contractors Inc. Hampton Inn & Suites LaQuinta Inn & Suites InTown Suites Kona Ice Gwinnett State Farm Insurance - Ronnie Cail Summit Chase Country Club Fratelliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NY Style Pizza & Restaurant ABC Direct Marketing Gwinnett Citizen Hill Top Pawn Right At Home First Baptist Church Snellville Mt. Zion Baptist Church Snellville United Methodist Church Powell & Edwards Attorneys At Law P.C. Tommyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Express Car Wash Snellville Tourism and Trade would like to say thanks to all of our sponsors for making 2020 a great year, despite all of the obstacles out of our control. Their support, whether financially or through in-kind contributions, makes it possible for STAT to promote, celebrate and support our community. Many thanks to the Snellville Public Works Department for all they do to prepare the city throughout the year and to the Snellville Police Department which continues to protect and serve our community throughout the year. We could not have such amazing activities and events without the help of our wonderful volunteers.
VOLUNTEERS are the HEART OF THE CITY! 31
*********ECRWSSEDDM****
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Snellville Tourism & Trade P.O. Box 669 Snellville, GA 30078
“I am thankful for having six healthy and happy grandchildren”
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID LILBURN, GA ABC DIRECT
Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody.
“I’m thankful for my family and other great people who surround me! “ Lizzy Delapeta - Bill Rhodes Bakery Owner
Butch Sanders - Snellville City Manager “I’m thankful for navigating through the middle of the pandemic without having any of my employees or their family members getting the virus”
“Thankful for my health, love of my family and friends, and the supportive community” Barbara Cabek-Rosselle Snellville Mellow Mushroom Owner
Rick Vega - Snellville Office Depot Manager “I am thankful for this great nation of opportunities, for the faithful family of St. Oliver Plunkett Church that I serve, for LaSalette Missionaries and for my own family” Fr. Cyriac Mattathilanickal, MS Pastor of St.Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church
“Every customer who visits my smoothie shop is helping my dream come true, so I am thankful for your business” Jerrick Daniels - The Awkward Cup Owner
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“I’m thankful for being born, raised and educated in the USA” Melvin Everson - V.P. of Economic Development Gwinnett Technical College “I am thankful for my ICU team coming together as family and friends to battle COVID-19 in our community and feel blessed to always have them beside me at work and at home” Dana Walters ICU Charge Nurse Eastside Medical Center