Snellville Spirit Special Edition 2021 by Snellville Spirit

Snellville, Where Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Proud to Be Somebody SPECIAL EDITION

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

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Snellville Commerce Club Snellville Tourism & Trade Association Launches New Logo and Business Directory

The NEW BUSINESS DIRECTORY offers many new options at each level and new ways for business owner’s to promote their business. This is a great way to let people know who you are, what you do and where you are located, with the map finder tool. Great way for both residents and visitors to locate your business. FREE – Name and Phone Number Only SUPPORTER MEMBER – $35 year •

•

PREMIUM MEMBER – $250 year

Supports community events produced by STAT Listing of your name on business directory whether business or individual Lapel Pin

CLASSIC MEMBER – $150 year All Support Member Benefits + • Business Logo • Personalize/250 words • 2 Categories in the listing • 4 Uploaded images • Click through to the page for specials • Attendance for one at the monthly Snellville Commerce Club meeting whether in person or via zoom • Monthly speaker & door prizes • Lunch will be provided when meeting in person

All Classic Member Benefits + • Featured Placement • Personalize/300 words • 4 Categories in the Listing • 8 Uploaded image • In Person Commerce Club Meetings/Set-up a business table twice a year The Snellville Commerce Club, where business thrives is the business arm of Snellville Tourism and Trade that meets the first Tuesday of every month. Stay connected by networking with business leaders in the community. Each month the Commerce Club offers innovative and engaging speakers and even a chance to win great door prizes.

The new Snellville Tourism & Trade logo represents the heritage of the organization while also exhibiting a more modern feel that reflects the vision for the organization as it moves forward. Ultimately, the goal of the organization is for residents and visitors to “experience” all that Snellville has to offer. This is the logic behind the new iteration of the name that is now Experience Snellville Tourism & Trade. The multi-color cupola is symbolic of the diversity of both the organization, with its broad array of events and activities, and the unique community it serves in Snellville. Burgundy is the main grounding color that ties together the work of the organization of promoting business and tourism with the city of Snellville at its center.

Special Edition 2021 - Volume 44 Publisher/Editor: Kelly McAloon Editor: Brian Arrington

Starting off a new year with hope Welcome to 2021! It has been quite a past 12 months that we will never forget. Although we were not able to host many of our traditional events and activities in 2020, we were able to use the our time to plan for the time when we return to some sort of normal routine. Snellville Tourism and Trade is looking forward to an exciting new year of activities and fellowship. We are hopeful that at some point in the coming year we will be able to all come together and enjoy ourselves with friends and family in our community. After the past year, it would be easy to become cynical and negative and it has caused most of us to realize what and who is truly most important in our lives. We will all be better for our struggles of 2020 and we are looking forward to the great things coming to Snellville and the surrounding community in 2021. We are looking forward to seeing everyone sometime in 2021. Wishing everyone a happy new year.

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 â&#x20AC;˘ Snellville, GA 30078 Website: www.snellvilletourism.com Snellville Tourism and Trade Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to promote business, tourism and events in the City of Snellville. President Don Britt Vice President Billy Franklin Secretary Kathy Emanuel Board Member Lucy DeForest Board Member Jared Eakins Board Member Melvin Everson Board Member Kurt Schulz Board Member Alice Snipes Board Member Andrew Yee 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, Lisa Sperling, Danielle Swaby, Perry Cox and Craig and Rebecca Barton

CONTENTS 9

7 14

21 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

GOODBYE JAX!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

SNELLVILLE OAK

Garden beds are ready to be rented at local greenspace.

FARMERS’ MARKET

Looking back at St. Nick’s trip through Snellville.

Four businesses recently opened in the area.

NEW BUSINESS

We decked City Hall with trees to benefit the needy.

DRIVE-IN BINGO

Mayor Barbara Bender says look forward to 2021. Find out how to learn more about your local police. Snellville says farewell to beloved K-9 officer. Goodbye 2020 ... Hello 2021!

The historic tree on Highway 78 was removed. Looking forward to a new market season.

Senior Center members can play a favortie game from cars.

SCHOOL NEWS

Brookwood and South Gwinnett have good news to share.

THE GROVE UPDATE

Big strides are being made with Towne Center development.

GIVE HUNGER THE BOOT

Find out how you can help the area’s needy.

PARKS AND RECREATION

A listing of events at T.W. Briscoe Park.

COMMUNITY GARDEN SANTA’S VISIT

FESTIVAL OF TREES

CELEBRATE LOCALLY

Valentine’s Day food and flower ideas from area shops.

Mayor’s Message - Mayor Barbara Bender Happy New Year!

The 2021 year is shaping up to be a big year for the city. We have had a few delays on finalizing the Post Office transaction and finishing up the agreements for The Grove, but we are working towards closing in January with work starting sometime in February.

I think everyone is relieved to finally have 2020 in our rear view mirror. This past year has been extremely challenging for so many people on so many levels. However, it has shown us that we can be flexible and adapt to the changing circumstances. It has opened up some new ways of doing things, some for the better. It has also shown the resilience of our community and everyone’s willingness to help our neighbors.

January always feels like a new beginning to me. We are starting off with a clean slate that I hope to fill with progress and happy tidings for our community. The entire City Council wishes everyone a healthy, safe and happy new year.

I am hopeful that 2021 will be a more prosperous and healthy year for all of us. With the vaccine for COVID-19 beginning to roll out, there is hope that we all can get back to a more regular way of life. Our children need to get back to school and our retail, restaurant and entertainment businesses need to get back to full operations. While this may still take awhile longer, please continue to support our local businesses so they may weather this storm.

January always feels like a new beginning to me. We are starting off with a clean slate that I hope to fill with progress and happy tidings for our community.

Citizens Police Academy Applications sought for Snellville Citizens Police Academy Applications are currently being accepted for the spring session of the Citizens Police Academy offered by the Snellville Police Department. The 12-week program, which takes place in the spring and fall, is designed to educate the public about the operation of the police department and how the involvement of the community can help deter crime.

^^^ CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY - The

Snellville Citizens Police Academy is currently accepting applications for the next 12-week course which takes place at the Snellville Police Department.

Classes begin March 4 and run through May and take place from 6 to 8 p.m. each Thursday. There is one Saturday class at a gun range from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Law enforcement topics will be discussed and attendees engage in practical exercises with Snellville police officers.

Topics include domestic violence, drug awareness, traffic stops, firearms training and crime scene processing. A graduation ceremony will also be offered. The program, which was created in 2003, is open to all Snellville-area residents 18 and older and is free of charge. Applications are available on the city’s website - www.snellville.org - or can be picked up at the police department located at 2315 Wisteria Drive, Snellville. A background check will be conducted on all applicants prior to acceptance to the program. For more information contact class coordinator Lt. Rob Pendleton at 770-9853555 or rpendleton@snellville.org.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Police and Public Works federal entities needing their valued assistance.” A highlight of Jax’s career was when he responded to assist patrol officers with a traffic stop following a pursuit during which the driver ran. Officers knew the identity of the driver and discovered she had an outstanding warrant for felony probation violation, according to SPD officials. Matson deployed Jax to search for the suspect, but he immediately went to the vehicle and conducted a “free air sniff” giving an alert to the presence of a trained control substance. The team then identified a track and pursued the suspect into the woods with Jax stopping and assuming a rigid posture looking at the ground. Matson saw strands of the suspects hair as well as her nose exposed even though she had covered herself with pine straw. He took the woman into custody without incident. The search of the vehicle revealed methamphetamine, heroin, glass pipes and needles containing drug residue.

^^^ HAPPY TRAILS - From left, Councilwoman Gretchen Schulz, Emily

Jax completed his tour of duty and service on Oct. 1, earning his richly deserved retirement.

Snellville Police K-9 Officer Jax retires with proclamation send off from Mayor and Council

“This team has gone above and beyond the call of duty by providing assistance and support on their own time,” the proclamation reads, adding the city wants to “recognize the loyalty, dedication, professionalism and service provided and exhibited by Lt. Matson and congratulate him and K-9 Jax, on his storied career in protecting the lives and property of the people of Snellville.”

Matson, Lt. David Matson, Councilman Tod Warner, Mayor Barbara Bender, Councilwoman Cristy Lenski and Mayor Pro Tem Dave Emanuel with K-9 Officer Jax.

By Brian Arrington Public Information Officer The city officially said goodbye to Snellville Police Department Officer K-9 Jax last month, sending him into retirement with a proclamation thanking him for his years of service. After being trained by handler Lt. David Matson with the help of Sgt. Will Collins, Jax joined the police department in October of 2014. The German ShepherdBelgian Malinois mix became an integral part of the Snellville Police Department providing service and protection to the citizens of the City of Snellville and its visitors. Jax conducted more than 208 narcotics searches leading to more than 35 drug arrests, made eight criminal K-9 JAX apprehensions, responded to 54 callouts by SPD and 21 callouts by neighboring agencies and conducted 67 public relations and demonstration events. “Officers and citizens alike recognized the value of our K-9 program and especially, the expertise of Lt. Matson and the performance of K-9 Jax,” said Mayor Barbara Bender, reading from the proclamation. “The team distinguished themselves for the job done for our city and the recognition by other local, state and

Fire Department No. 12 accepting Christmas trees for recycling There’s time to drop your Christmas trees off for recycling. You can still “Bring One for the Chipper” to Fire Station 12, 2815 Lenora Church Road, across from T.W. Briscoe Park. They will accept live trees through Jan. 20. Recycling your Christmas tree keeps trees out of landfills by recycling them into mulch. This effort saves precious landfill space and provides and easy and environmentally conscious solution for residents. Curbside pick up of live Christmas trees would be treated as yard debris pick up with the tree being cut into armload sizes and a City of Snellville yard waste bag attached to each bundle. The bags can be bought at Public Works on Marigold Road, and the Publix and Kroger on Highway 124. Residents will still need to call the number on the bag for a scheduled pick up which is normally on Wednesdays so please call Public Works at 770-9853540 by noon on Tuesday for scheduling. 7

A NEW YEAR, A NEW BEGINNING! CONGRATULATIONS! Baby Boy Giovanni McKaie Fleming was born January 1, 8:25 am. First baby delivered in 2021 at Eastside Medical Center to parents Kaerell Fleming and Courtney Balding of Snellville, 9 lbs. 10 oz., 21.5”.

HOW DO YOU WANT TO MAKE 2021 THE BEST YEAR YET?

Russ Mayfield and Neal Carter Snellville Police Department Motorcycle Officers “To spread more, Love, Joy and Peace!”

Summer Daniels STAT Administrative Assistant “Embrace the new normal and learn to thrive in it.”

Joe Moon Snellville Recycling Center “Continue to spread happiness.”

Javier Gonzalez Snellville Public Works “To be healthier and eat healthier.”

Brian Arrington Public Information Officer for the City of Snellville “Spend more time reading.”

Kim Clark Snellville Public Works Receptionist “Spreading peace, understanding and positivity.”

Ken Luo Mah Jong Restaurant Snellville “Everyone has happiness, health and employment.”

Andrew Adams Facilities Coordinator, City of Snellville “Unity and Health.”

Sgt. Scott Smith Snellville Police Department “Stand strong on my faith.”

Snellville History Tree as old as America deemed a hazard, removed By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer A piece of Snellville history is no longer as the centuries-old Red Oak which has stood on Highway 78 since before the signing of the Constitution has been removed. The tree, previously located near the Autobell Car Wash, rotted and became hollow and was deemed a hazard to passing motorists and pedestrians by the Georgia Department of Transportation. A plaque which sat by the tree since 1987 read, “The National Arborist Association and the International Society of Arboriculture jointly recognize this significant tree in this bicentennial year as having lived here at the time of the signing of our Constitution.” It is planned that both the city’s Public Works Department and the Snellville Historical Society will preserve pieces of the tree and its legacy. Oak trees, acorns and leaves have been used on city logos for decades. “Anyone who has travelled east on Main Street in Snellville is aware of, and probably has driven under, the massive oak tree that overhangs Highway 78,” Snellville historian Jim Cofer wrote in “Elegy to an Oak Tree.” “Referred to by generations of old timers as ‘Mr. Troy’s Big Oak,’ this wooden behemoth existed more than 150 years ahead of that dedicated educator, school principal, and bovine entrepreneur, Troy Thomason.” In recent years GDOT and the city have made attempts to save the oak by minimizing disturbances to the soil around the roots and routing utilities on the other side of Main Street. However, in recent months, state arborists determined the tree is becoming hollow and poses a threat to pedestrians and drivers passing under its large heavy limbs. Cofer said the tree still looks as it did in his school years in the 1950s and 60s. “It would have likely been a sapling when members of the Lower Creek Native American tribe roamed the Snellville area,” Cofer wrote. “Later, the Jesse Bryan family would farm the land around it in the early to mid-1800s. Jesse volunteered to fight in two different wars the Mexican-American War and the Civil War - and ran a one-room schoolhouse between those conflicts.” In 1920, the land came into the hands of the Brand family (as in Brand Bank- now Renasant Bank), according to Cofer. Troy and Blanche Thomason bought the 70 acres containing the oak in 1944 and farmed it part-time while teaching school until W.H. and Harold Britt bought 28 acres in 1972, and the remainder was sold for commercial development in 1990. 9

Snellville Farmers’ Market

Farmers’ Market prepping for 12th summer season

The Snellville Farmers’ Market continues to serve the community with our extended season markets, which offer a nice variety of fresh local produce, locally raised meats, eggs, honey, jams and jellies, and delicious baked goods. The markets are held the first and third Saturdays of each month through May, 9 a.m. to noon in the City Hall parking lot. And while this may seem like a less active time of the year for the market committee, we are actually very busy behind the scenes evaluating vendor applications to prepare for our 12th summer season, which will begin the first Saturday in June. While many of the previous year’s vendors are expected to return, we always add a few new ones. Are you interested in becoming a vendor? Here are a few tips:

^^^ Lucy DeForest of Poppi’s BBQ.

•Look for the 2021 vendor application on our website (www.snellvillefarmersmarket. com) in early February. •Be sure to provide all information requested to ensure your application can be evaluated by the committee. Provide a full description of items you wish to sell. •We are always eager to include local produce vendors, however, produce re-sellers will not be considered. We make farm visits to all produce vendors to make sure they grow the produce they wish to sell. •We typically receive more applications for baked goods and bath and body care products than we can approve. We look for items that are unique and different from anything else already offered at the market. These items must be made by the vendor. •We accept a very limited number of craft vendors because our primary mission is to provide a farmers market as opposed to a festival. •If you wish to sell a product that is considered “potentially hazardous” from a food safety standpoint (a product that requires time and temperature controls) we require the vendor to have a current ServSafe or similar food safety certification. •A couple vendors we would especially like to add in 2021 include a coffee vendor who offers a variety of whole bean and ground coffees as well as coffee (hot and iced) by the cup, a homemade pasta vendor, and a vendor of locally-made cheeses. •As long as Covid continues to be a concern we will require our vendors to wear a mask and follow our other pandemic requirements to ensure customers feel safe at the market.

^^^ Amer Isovic of Grand Prix Bakery.

-Gretchen Schulz, Market Coordinator, Councilwoman 10

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

RIBBON CUTTINGS ... In Snellville >>> More on Ribbon Cuttings ... If you are are opening a new business in Snellville, give us a call, we’d like to meet you and welcome you to Snellville! Call 770-985-3517 for more information.

^^^ TOMMY’S EXPRESS CAR WASH - City of Snellville, Snellville

Tourism and Trade and Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce officials welcomed Tommy’s Express Car Wash to the city during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 19. The car wash is located on the corner of Highway 124 and Oak Road. For more information on Tommy’s Express Car Wash visit tommys-express.com/SnellvilleGA75.

^^^ CHICKEN SALAD CHICK - City officials, including Mayor Barbara Bender, were on hand at Chicken Salad Chick’s newest location at 1918 Scenic Highway N. Dec. 8. The Auburn, Ala.-based eatery donated $1,727.56 to the Gwinnett Southeast Co-op raised from their “family and friends night”. For more information on the restaurant visit chickensaladchick.com/snellville-ga.

^^^ AJ’s DELCIOSO PASTRIES AND CAFE - City of Snellville

and Snellville Tourism and Trade officials took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 19 at AJ’s Delicioso Pastries and Cafe, located at 3300 Centerville Highway, Suite 1101 (south of City Limits).

^^^ CALM DENTISTRY - Snellville Tourism and Trade, Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce and City of Snellville officials welcomed the newest business to the city recently - Dr. Carla Givan’s Calm Dentistry, located at 1075 Cooper Road Suite 101, Grayson. For more information on the business visit graysoncalmdentistry.com.

Snellville Parks and Recreation Snellville Days Festival canceled for 2021

Due to logistical complications brought on by COVID-19, Snellville Parks and Recreation has announced that the 2021 Snellville Days Festival has been canceled.

Photo Credit: Niagara This Week

Drive-in Bingo, other events, coming to Briscoe Park for Senior Center members From 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 26, there will be a Bingo event at the softball field parking lot at T.W. Briscoe Park for Senior Center members. Players can pull up their vehicles and play Bingo from the confines of their car. Large cards will be held up with letters and numbers and when the player gets Bingo, they will honk their car horn to announce they have won. The event is limited to 20 cars. Cards will be distributed when players drive up and check-in. Call the park office at 770-985-3580 to reserve a spot. It’s just the latest event SPR officials have come up with to keep Senior Center members entertained, yet safe in these days of COVID-19. A Modern Fluid Art Class will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Feb. 10 at Briscoe Park in the Betty McMichael Room. Cost is $15 – snacks and supplies are included. Those taking part in the modern art class can take home their own 8-by-10-inch paintings. A card-making class will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 8 at Briscoe Park in the Betty McMichael Room. Call the Senior Center at 770-985-3580 to register for these classes. And as the weather turns colder, indoor tennis lessons will be given to all age groups in the basement of the park office. Visit aetennis.com or contact Coach Anthony Evans at 470-417-4547 to schedule a session. For more information on how to become a Senior Center member visit www.snellville. org/senior-center.

“The COVID pandemic has affected all of our lives in one way or another in 2020, and now it seems clear it has moved over into 2021,” said Parks and Recreation Director Lisa A. Platt, CPRP. “There is no way for us to be able to create a quality event for our citizens and visitors under the current COVID-19 pandemic situation. Even though the event is still five months away, the planning and support needed from sponsors, vendors and the uncertainty of large groups being able to assemble, it just makes this event not possible for 2021.” The event, which usually takes place the first weekend in May, was canceled last year as well, as the event was slated to take place as the virus was on the rise. However, city officials say the cancellation could be the first step to “re-imagining” the festival when it does come back, transforming it into a better, more successful event. The Snellville Days Festival is the city’s largest annual festival drawing thousands over two days to T.W. Briscoe Park. For more than four decades, the festival has brought friends and neighbors together to enjoy two days of food, games, entertainment and arts and crafts vendors. - Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer

- Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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South Gwinnett High School

^^^ WORKING TOGETHER - Principal Dorothy Jarrett and First Baptist Church Snellville Senior Pastor Brian Boyles will partner to create a pre-k program for the South Gwinnett Cluster Families.

^^^ HEALTHCARE CAREERS - South Gwinnett Health and Human Services Academy was featured on Channel 2 News, for their dedication to helping students gain exposure to careers in healthcare. Each year the Health and Human Services Academy coordinates a Health Fair. More than 40 healthcare professionals participate to help educate students about careers in Health and Human Services. >>>SGHS NOTES

^^^ SUCCESS SATURDAY - Close to 300 students participated in Success Saturday to enhance their learning in Math, Science Social Studies and Language Arts. Special thanks to our business partners who donated iPads, spirit wear and gift cards to be used as random prize drawings for students.

^^^ TOP JROTC - South Gwinnett’s stellar JROTC program continues to deliver exceptional performance. Students were accepted into the Military, Army National ROTC, West Point Academy and the Airforce Academy. 14

•South Gwinnett and Occuprep Staffing and Training Solutions are partnering to offer students formalized training and certification in the fields of dental technician, optician technician and hearing instrument specialist. Occuprep is offering 10 scholarships for South Gwinnett students to gain these certifications. •ER Snell has donated $10,000 for South Gwinnett student scholarships. •South Gwinnett students were the recipients of the $10,000 Taco Bell Scholarship •$6,600 in Scholarships were awarded to nine very deserving seniors based on their participation in the Design Lab School Based Enterprise at South Gwinnett. The recipients include Keneth Callendar, Najae Cook, Carson Lofton, Carrick Henry, Kobe Keise, Khonsaia Khonesavanh, Kimberley Patino, Duane Robinson and Anton Traverso.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Brookwood High School

^^^ GUTEN TAG - Brookwood’s Foreign Language Department piloted a three-year test with a 100-percent pass rate to become an official Deutsches Sprachdiplom German program school, the first in Gwinnett and the third in Georgia. The program prepares students for the German government’s language fluency exams that, if passed, could lead to a bachelor’s degree program in Germany at no cost.

^^^ NEW DIGS - This fall, Brookwood opened a new addition to the main building. The two-story area accommodates 43 classrooms, updated art and audio/visual labs, a new robotics lab, and engineering and entrepreneurship facilities.

<<< FBLA CHAMP - Brookwood senior and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club member Reagan Patterson was the first student in Brookwood’s history to win a first place spot at the national level.

^^^ HOLIDAY FUN - To wrap up the semester and kick off final exam season, Brookwood’s administrators brought in a trackless, electric train to ride through the hallways and distribute sweets to students and teachers.

^^^ SPORTS DEBUT - After a couple of years in the works, Brookwood Athletics added two Georgia High School Association varsity sports to its lineup. Fall season welcomed girls flag football around the state and saw the Lady Broncos take it to the first round of state playoffs. In mid-December, the new varsity dance team participated in its first official GHSA competition. Bronco Dance Team will perform during the home basketball game on Jan. 8 and enter its second competition on Jan. 30 at Mill Creek. 15

City News

Mayor, Council reach agreements for Grove buildings Big things are happening for The Grove at Towne Center.

In November the city agreed to partner with developer Mid Cast LLC to design, build and lease the prized City Market building planned for The Grove at Towne Center and last month Mayor and Council approved the construction contracts for the parking deck with Winter Construction.

^^^ WELCOME ABOARD! - Four new members joined

the Snellville Youth Commission in 2020. From left are Councilman Tod Warner, Councilwoman Gretchen Schulz, Ruth Lonse of Shiloh High School, Jasmine Kline of Shiloh High School, Angie Zaraza of South Gwinnett High School, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Emanuel, Councilwoman and SYC creator Cristy Lenski and Councilwoman Solange Destang. Chloe Brown of South Gwinnett High School was not in attendance at the Council Meeting to be sworn in.

Burke wins another finance award For the sixth time in her career as the city’s controller, Jan Burke has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the comprehensive annual financial report she wrote for the city. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. “We strive to make sure our finances are reported accurately and responsibly for the residents of Snellville,” Burke BURKE said. “It is important for our residents to know they can have faith in the financial numbers we compile and report.” Government Finance Officers Association advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 20,500 members and the communities they serve. 16

“These are major steps in bringing a world-class development to the City of Snellville,” Mayor Barbara Bender said. “The Grove and will draw visitors from across the region who want to enjoy a unique dining and shopping experience in the heart of Snellville.” The Grove will be a commerce center reflecting the early days of Snellville’s entrepreneurial roots dating back to the city’s origins and the old Sawyer Store. The two-floor, 24,000-squarefoot Market building will include numerous and unique eateries, a coffee shop, a small market, spacious, flexible event space and craft beverage options. Potential plans call for it to be managed by an independent operator brought to the table by project developer MidCast and approved by Mayor and Council. The Snellville Downtown Development Authority will own the building. Under the agreement, the city will partner with MidCast on the selection of an architect to design the building with the Mayor and Council approving final design and budget numbers. The City Market will prominently feature outdoor seating, patios, pick-up and drop-off vehicle lanes for ride sharing and take-out order availability. City officials hope to select an architect before the end of the year and expects the building to be opened in the summer of 2022. Design concept renderings will be released sometime in early 2021. The Grove at Towne Center will be a large scale, mixed-use town center property, comprising 18 acres between Oak Road, Wisteria Drive, North Road and Clower Street, in downtown Snellville. The Grove at Towne Center’s first phase will include over 50,000 square feet of retail, restaurant, office, and entertainment space, and approximately 250 multi-family luxury apartments. In addition, the new Elizabeth Williams Library will be constructed and include a secind-floor business development/ accelerator space. -Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

We Need Your Help, Now More Than Ever! Business shutdowns and disruptions caused by COVID-19 have resulted in many more families in our community being in great need. As it has for the past 9 years, Give Hunger the Boot is helping the Southeast Gwinnett Co-Op to assist as many families as possible, but COVID-19 has stretched resources to the limit.

To meet the need, we need your help with food and financial donations now more than ever!

Help Give Hunger the Boot kick hunger out of Snellville.

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!

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

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 and Mellow Mushroom Snellville

•Heated Indoor Pool •Fitness Center •Meeting Room

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

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.

Oak Road Park 1925 Oak Road (Passive neighborhood park)

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.

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.

All-In FC spring youth soccer registration is happening now! Visit www. allinfcsnellville.com for more information on registration.

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.**

National Flag Football is now taking registrations for spring youth flag football at Briscoe Park. The season starts in April and games will be on Sundays. For more information visit www.falconsflagfootball.com Adult softball registrations will open Jan. 11. Season will begin in March. Visit www.quickscores.com/snellville for more information Snellville Parks and Recreation will be hosting an online Madden 2021 PlayStation/xbox tournament on Jan. 30. You can register online at www.quickscores.com/snellville. Registration is $12 and will include pool play games and you will then be seeded into a single elimination tournament bracket. Winner will receive a GameStop gift card. Outdoor tennis courts are available on a first-come-first-served basis without lights daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Not all of the courts may be available at all times if tennis Instructor or USTA team are utilizing the courts. 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 re-opening 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.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Community Garden @ Snellville

Garden bed rentals now available While it is officially and thankfully a new year, we wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be starting a new gardening year at the Community Garden @ Snellville until April 1. Our gardening year runs from April through March of the following year, which means we are now accepting applications for 2021-2022 bed rentals. We have two sizes of beds available. Most are 4-foot-by-12-foot, but we do have some 4-foot-by-8-foot beds. The larger beds rent for $50 per year for City of Snellville residents and $65 for those who live outside the city limits. The smaller beds rent for $35 and $50 respectively. If you choose to rent, you will receive a bed filled with garden dirt. You will be responsible for adding any organic amendments you choose. The rental price also includes the use of water. We have a shed in the garden that contains tools gardeners may use while working onsite. You will also be responsible to maintaining your bed so the overall garden is attractive. Our policies require that each gardener contributes six hours of volunteer time. We hold monthly Saturday work morning sessions during the gardening season as needed to maintain the common areas of the garden. If unable to attend at the scheduled time gardeners may opt to do some of the needed work at a time that works for their schedule. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry if you feel you have very limited gardening knowledge. We have several master gardeners as well as gardeners with many years of experience who have beds at the garden. They all gladly share their knowledge to help you have a successful gardening experience. You will find the application to rent a garden bed on our website www. snellvillecommunitygarden.com. Consider joining us! The garden is a great place to form new friendships and escape some of the stresses of everyday life. -Gretchen Schulz, Market Coordinator, Councilwoman

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry if you feel you have very limited gardening knowledge. We have several master gardeners as well as gardeners with many years of experience who have beds at the garden. They all gladly share their knowledge to help you have a successful gardening experience.

SNELLVILLE SANTA NEIGHBORHOOD TOURS WERE A HUGE SUCCESS! Many thanks to the Gargiulo Family for providing hours of festive fun on the “Friends of Santa” float during the Red and Green Snellville Santa Neighborhood tours this year. Due to COVID, we did not want to encourage large crowds, so we brought Santa into the neighborhoods. The joy and Christmas spirit of the holiday season were felt by both young and old as the float passed by each neighborhood with Santa waving from the back.

2020 Festival of Trees

Many thanks to all those who participated in the 5th Annual Festival of Trees and to all those who generously donated food items, toys and made monetary donations. We were very excited to donate a total of 6,157 items to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op this year.

Congratulations to St. Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church - Roots Children’s Ministry for winning best tree for the fifth consecutive year by receiving 4,394 votes.

2nd Place The Lions Club 529 items

Texas Roadhouse Snellville 214 items

3rd Place • Snellville Historical Society 406 items

Exceptional Foundation of Atlanta 176 items

Drayer Physical Therapy 353 items

ALLWAYS DIVAS 44 items

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 41 items

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

Valentine’s Day 2021

Celebrate your love at your favorite local restaurant. For the true romantic, try a visit to local florist, bakery or ice cream shop.

Bakeries

Italian Restaurants and Pizzerias Fratelli’s Provino’s G’Angelo’s Pizza Main Street Olive Garden Mellow Mushroom Domino’s Stevi B’s Florists Papa John’s Bloom with Jenna Pizza Hut Snellville Florist Linda’s House of Flowers

Mexican Chipotle Mexican Grill Little Mexico Bar and Grill Moe’s Southwest Grill

Asian

Bill Rhodes Bakery Nothing Bundt Cakes Publix Kroger Sam’s Club Golden Krust Bakery

Caribbean and Mediterranean Ionie’s Island Kitchen Zoe’s Kitchen Golden Krust Mom’s Creole Cooking De One Roti Caribbean Jamaican Flavors Grecian Gyro C & L Jamaican Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Neighborhood American Dining

Sakegura Japanese Panda Express Sri Thai Mah Jong Thai Taste Hot N’ Cold Chinese Buffet I Luv Pho Sushi Avenue China Panda Asian Max China Chef

Main Street Restaurant Wing Stop Wing N’ Burger Factory Wings Mania Touchdown Wings Texas Roadhouse First Watch Outback Chicken Salad Chick Panera Bread Applebee’s Ice Cream, Custard, Yogurt American Deli and Smoothies Freddy’s Bruster’s Ice Cream Steak N’ Shake Five Spot Frozen Yogurt Cracker Barrel Roll It Up! Waffle House I Get Juiced Planet Smoothie Tropical Smoothie Cafe The Awkward Cup Summit Chase County Club (requires a social dining membership)

OF THE SNELLVILLE COMMUNITY

Walton Gas is dedicated to helping Gwinnett prosper because you are our community. We live among you and even have an oﬃce here. With a long track record of supporting local business, civic and non-proﬁt organizations, we are Gwinnett’s hometown natural gas provider.

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

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POSTAL CUSTOMER

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

HOTELS

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

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody.

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