Spring 2015 by Snellville Spirit

Where Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Proud to Be Somebody! Spring 2015

Snellville Days May 2nd and 3rd T.W. Briscoe Park

Other facilities might treat children, but they’re not Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. From broken bones to cancer, we’re the only healthcare system in Atlanta 100% dedicated to treating kids. To learn more or to find the location near you, visit choa.org/gwinnett.

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Spring 2015 - Volume 18 Snellville Spirit Magazine is produced by: Snellville Tourism & Trade Association

P.O. Box 669 • Snellville, GA 30078 Website: www.snellvilletourism.com Get into the Spirit! Spring is finally here and I am ready to get into the Snellville Spirit. We are blessed to live in a community that has so much to offer. Whether it is a new local business or a new event, Snellville always has something new and exciting to help keep you in the Spirit. This spring will bring action-packed openings to the event season. The award-winning Snellville Farmer’s Market will be opening June 6 and the Community Garden is already in full swing. The ever famous Snellville Days and the Beach Blast will take place in May. In addition to these traditional favorites, there are two events that everyone should check out. The Wisteria City Market will be a oneday event that will give the citizens an opportunity to visit with local businesses and entrepreneurs. The 2nd Annual Memorial Celebration will take place on the Towne Green next to the Veteran’s Memorial. This is a special event that will give all of us a chance to remember and thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. After the big May start, the events will keep rolling this summer highlighted by the Live on the Lawn! Concert Series, Popcorn in the Park, and Star Spangled Snellville. Snellville Tourism and Trade is beginning its sixth full year of serving the local community. We are excited to offer a wide variety of events and activities to the citizens of Snellville and promoting our great city to others that may want to visit or relocate to our great city. We are so proud to continue to produce the Snellville Spirit magazine in order for everyone in the community to know a little bit more about what is available in Snellville. If you would like to receive more information on our events, vendor information, volunteer information or how to become a member of Snellville Tourism and Trade visit our website www. snellvilletourism.com and sign up on our email list. I look forward to seeing you in Snellville in 2015.

Don

Don Britt President, Snellville Tourism and Trade

Connecting our Community to Celebrate Snellville 4

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Tourism and Trade Association’s mission is to promote business, tourism and events in the City of Snellville. President Don Britt Vice President Gretchen Schulz Secretary Stephen Brust Treasurer Jamey Toney Board Member Kathy Emanuel Board Member Brian Pendley Board Member Susan Chappelear Board Member Sam Roper Board Member Alice Snipes Executive Director Kelly McAloon Mayor of Snellville Kelly Kautz City Council Tom Witts - Mayor Pro Tem, Barbara Bender, Diane Krause, Bobby Howard and Dave Emanuel City Council Website: www.snellville.org Magazine Design by Brian Arrington Cover picture courtesy of K9s in Flight Contributing Writers and Photographers: Gretchen Schulz, Kelly McAloon, Barbara Bender Eric Van Otteren, Don Britt, Krish Dhokia, Brian Arrington, Jordan Simmons, Jon Richards, Gail Lane

CONTENTS 9

10 24

A HISTORY OF THE TOWNE CENTER

SNELLVILE DAYS

RECYCLING CENTER

WINNERS ALL AROUND

PARKS AND RECREATION

SASSY SENIORS

POP! POP! POP!

STAY OUT OF THE WATER

GENERATION MERGE

GOOD EATS

COMMERCE CONNECTION

As the city’s downtown takes shape, a look back.

Do you know what you can recycle at the city’s Recycling Center? Find out.

FARMERS’ MARKET

COMMUNITY GARDEN

BACK TO THE BEACH

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

FIGHTING CHILDHOOD CANCER

MEMORIAL CELEBRATION

Award-winning market opens June 6. Things are happening at the Community Garden @Snellville. Another year of fun in the sun on the Towne Green! Who was named the city’s top helper?

Advocate in the fight against childhood cancer shares story. A preview of the city’s salute to fallen heroes.

What’s happening at the city’s biggest festival? Valentines Contest winners and Casino Night. See what the Parks and Recreation Department offers. Lots of things going on for Snellville’s seniors. Inside the city’s Wisteria City Market. Economic Development’s Shark Tank back again. One last look at one of the city’s newest programs. Two recipes to temp your tastebuds. Examining Snellville Tourism and Trade.

5 5

The Birth of Snellville’s Towne Center

By Barbara Bender It began as a crossing of two horse trails settled by the Snell and Sawyer families around 1874. It developed into a thriving little community known as Snellville and settled around the intersection now known as Highway 78 and Scenic Highway. The Federal government paved U.S. Highway 78 as part of its ambitious roads project. Enter the Gwinnett County development boom of the 1970s and 1980s and you have a corridor full of commercial development. The later widening of Highway 78 and Scenic Highway paved over the only semblance of a town that Snellville had. Highway 78 was Snellville’s “Main Street” but the mass traffic that ensued did not allow for much “downtown” development. City Hall was established in the old Snellville School located on Civic Drive. The first thoughts of relocating the City Hall to a commercial retail center on Oak Road came in 1992. But it was not until early in 2000 that city leaders finally determined the current City Hall would not meet the needs of the growing city. Around the same time, the Snellville United Methodist Church was looking to expand their ministries in the city but they were landlocked between the new Henry Clower Boulevard and the city’s property. In a move to redevelop

a vacant commercial development, the church acquired the vacant center and swapped it for the City Hall and a senior center located in a remodeled daycare center. This move allowed the city to re-develop a blighted retail center, re-align Oak Road with Henry Clower Boulevard and set the stage for a new identity for the city. All of this activity sparked new ideas of creating a downtown area. The city embarked on a Livable Centers Initiative Study funded by the Atlanta Regional Commission. This study was completed in 2003 and provided the first real plan to formulate a downtown area complete with new retail and office space and residential living. It was during the planning discussions that the design and layout of the City Hall and Senior Center were finalized. The next step was the transportation project which realigned Oak Road with Henry Clower Boulevard. This realignment essentially split the city’s property into two, the vacant Kroger center and a small retail strip center along Highway 78. The city began construction of the City Hall and Senior Center in the place of the Kroger center, revitalizing a decaying, vacant center. By December 2005, construction was complete and city offices were relocated to the new City Hall.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Also during 2005, the city was awarded a $2 million LCI grant from the ARC to construct sidewalks and other downtown improvements complete with trees, underground utilities and on-street parking, in the planned Towne Center area. This project should finally be completed in May 2015. Snellville residents were looking for a central place to gather to hold outdoor concerts and events to help to bring the community together. Several community groups got together and hosted the very first Concert on the Green in August 2005, which was held on the small lawn next to City Hall. After the second concert was held the following year, City leaders moved forward to demolish the small retail strip center fronting Highway 78. This area, known as the Towne Green, is now home to the award-winning Snellville Farmer’s Market as well as many events and concerts throughout the year. After the U.S. economy collapsed in 2008, the city was able to purchase about 8.5 acres of property on Wisteria Drive which was proposed to be a mixed-use residential and commercial development. Currently, the city is exploring potential uses of this property as a public market/office and/or residential space. A one-day Pop-Up Market – the Wisteria City Market - is planned for May 16 to give residents a working example of a Public Market space envisioned for this area. Since much had changed in the economy and the Snellville area in general, city leaders embarked on an updated Towne Center plan in 2011. They hired a team of planning professionals to re-examine Snellville’s history and determine what the future might hold. An ambitious Towne Center plan was created with citizens involvement, incorporating all the changes since 2000, redefining and refining the scope of future development for the area. A model of this plan is in the lobby

of City Hall. The effort to re-light Snellville’s Veterans Eternal Flame was completed in May 2014 when the city dedicated the Snellville Veterans Memorial on the lawn along Oak Road. The LCI grant awarded for the downtown streetscape improvements finally moved into construction in November 2014 and should be complete in May 2015. This project has dramatically changed the Towne Center landscape making the envisioned walk-able, downtown more of a reality. What is in store for the future? City leaders plan to kick off construction of the Towne Center Park on the lawn in front of City Hall. This will create a better sense of place for the current lawn as well as provide safety

enhancements and easier use of the lawn for events. The Snellville Memorial Park next to the Snellville Veterans Memorial will host a labyrinth and benches for a meditation area between the City Center and Veterans Memorial. In addition, a long-term transportation plan for the Towne Center and surrounding areas is getting started to address infrastructure needs to support the type of walkable community development first envisioned in 2003. Creating a city does not happen overnight. It takes sincere commitment and the drive and determination to make things happen. Snellville has gotten this far because of the commitment and action of many past and present leaders. It is through this hard-work that Snellville has a bright future. 8

The city began construction of the City Hall and Senior Center in the place of the Kroger center, revitalizing a decaying, vacant center. The city moved into the new building in December 2005. Snellville, Where Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Recycling Center 2531 Marigold Road - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday

ALL ABOUT RECYCLING Curbside Recycling Collection Recyclables are picked up once a week from the curb by a second truck on your designated household garbage pick-up day. There are only six specified items that can be picked up curbside: 1. *Glass bottles and jars (clear, green and brown glass) 2. * #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jugs 3. Aluminum cans 4. Ferrous metal (tin, steel) food and beverage cans 5. Magazines (must be kept dry) 6. Newspapers (must be kept dry) *Please remember to remove all lids and tops from the plastic and glass containers Put extra recyclables in a paper bag or an additional container clearly marked as “Recycling”. Place them next to your recycling bin, but away from your garbage cart. The ‘State of the Art’ Drop-off Recycling Center Our Recycling Center is located at 2531 Marigold Road, off Lenora Church Road in Briscoe Park. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Everyone is welcome to use the recycling containers. There are restrictions for the yard debris and miscellaneous junk containers only. The junk container is for use by City of Snellville residents to assist them with cleaning up their residences. It is not for use in assistance with remodeling jobs, construction, or add-ons. We accept the following items: Newspaper • Magazines • Phone books • Cardboard • Pasteboard • Computer/office paper • Glass (brown, clear and green) • Scrap metals (all types) •Aluminum cans • Car batteries •Carpet pad •Plastic jugs and bottles •Electronics

We do not accept the following items: Household garbage • Hazardous materials (paint, cleaners etc.) • Tires• Residential Junk Services limited to city residents only. Valid Georgia driver’s license with current city address required. One visit or trip to the recycling center with one pick-up truckload per day of junk at no cost. A truck and trailer is considered two loads. You may now place junk items out at your curb on garbage day! Save yourself time by purchasing the official city blue bags for bulky junk items. Three bags attached to each bulky item (sofa, mattress etc.) or fill one bag with small items for easy pick up. Ask the recycling attendants or call public works for more details at 770-985-3527. To comply with state regulations, recycling attendants must check all bagged/boxed junk to ensure no contaminants are present. All recyclable items must be separated and placed in the proper containers and not in junk container. Accepted items: Old furniture • TVs/stereos/computers • Toys • Mattresses/box springs • Plastic flower pots/buckets • Old ceramic dishes • Old decorative knick-knacks• Misc. items from attics/basements Unaccepted Items: *Construction/remodel debris • **Landscaping materials • Scrap lumber • Tires • Paint, propane tanks, chemicals • Household perishable trash • Containers with food remnants • Fluorescent bulbs • Items determined by attendant Yard Trimmings Services limited to city residents Only.

One trip or visit to the recycling center with one pick-up truckload per day of yard debris at no cost. A truck and trailer is considered two loads. One additional load will be accepted per day, at $15. Please bring your own rakes, shovels and brooms. We do not provide these items. Accepted items: Limbs and logs no larger than 5 inches in diameter Leaves and grass emptied from plastic bags Bushes, pine straw and plants Unaccepted items: Limbs and logs over 5 inches in diameter Treated lumber/wood

SNELLVILLE FARMERS MARKET Opens June 6 By Gretchen Schulz It won’t be long now - June 6 - until the Snellville Farmers’ Market opens for the 2015 season. This will be the sixth season for our nationally recognized, award-winning market and our customers are eagerly awaiting the opening market. They love the friendly atmosphere of the market. They love the opportunity to get produce that was picked just hours ago. They love catching up with friends and neighbors they see at the market. And many love that the market is dogfriendly for friendly dogs. “I love that I can walk to the market with my dog Dooley and get fresh local produce, bread, spices, dog treats, soap and so many other great items,” said Michele Davis, a market customer. One thing many customers love about the market is the opportunity to talk directly to the farmers who bring produce to the market. That is one of the characteristics of farmers’ markets that really separates them from traditional grocery stores where produce may have been trucked across the country or even transported from another country. “I love the farm to table concept and knowing exactly where my food is coming from and the actual farmers that grow these wonderful products,” said market customer Nikita Tuggle. The market will be held every Saturday through the end of September on the Towne Green, located across from City Hall at the intersection of Highway 78 and Oak Road. There is a slight change this year in the market hours. The market will open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 12:30 p.m. Also note that there will not be a market on July 4th because of preparations on the Towne Green for Star Spangled Snellville. Make the market a Saturday morning tradition. It is the place to be on Saturday morning in Snellville says customer Barbara Coffin. “I love that it’s close to home. I love the friendliness, getting to know the vendors, and getting fresh, affordable produce.”

10 10

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

SNELLVILLE FARMERS MARKET Snellville Open June 6

You never know who’ll you see at the Snellville Farmers’ Market. You may even run into Annabelle.

COMMUNITY GARDEN A Beehive of Activity By Gretchen Schulz The members of the Community Garden @ Snellville Committee have learned a lesson from the bees in the beehive at the garden - keep busy. And busy they are. In early March the members held a work day - actually a work morning - to do some garden maintenance. They cleaned out some garden beds, cleaned out the garden shed and did some weeding. This spring they are also erecting a greenhouse in the garden - not a small project by any means. And they are extending the calendar garden along the fence on the Sawyer Parkway side of the garden. The calendar garden is a garden that has plants blooming for much of the year. The plants for the calendar garden at the Snellville Community Garden have been propagated by Gwinnett Technical College and are expected to be planted in late April. In addition to extending our thanks to Gwinnett Technical College for their partnership with the garden, we would also like to extend a big thank you to Walton EMC. They sent a crew to the garden to remove about 10 trees that would have shaded our greenhouse. They chipped up the trees and left the mulch for use in the garden. The garden has a few 4-foot-by-12-foot raised beds available for rental. The beds are filled with soil and ready for the gardener to add organic amendments. The annual rental for 4-foot-by-12foot bed is $50 for those who live within the city limits and $65 for those who live outside. For an application go to www.snellvillecommunitygarden. com.

The annual rental for 4-foot-by-12-foot bed is $50 for those who live within the city limits and $65 for those who live outside. For an application go to www.snellvillecommunitygarden.com. 12

The garden in located in T.W. Briscoe Park at the intersection of Marigold Road and Sawyer Parkway, across the street from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Recycling Center.

Snellville, Where Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Proud to be Somebody

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2113

4th Annual

WHAT HAPPENS TO ALL OF THAT SAND?

SATURDAY - MAY 30! Beach Blast 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free Concert 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. May is a month that brings back thoughts of going to the beach. But guess what, you don’t need to drive for hours to get there - the beach is coming to you. That’s right, Snellville’s Fourth Annual Beach Blast is going to transform Oak Road into a Beach with 70 tons of soft white sand that has been donated by E.R. Snell. This will be a fun-filled day packed with activities for the entire family to enjoy. We invite everyone to join STAT the CAT in celebrating his first birthday with all of his mascot friends. If you want to bring STAT the CAT a gift please bring canned goods to give to Give Hunger the Boot that will be donated to the Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-op. STAT the CAT wants to make sure he helps others in the community have food on the table. Join us for fun in the sun and enjoy great food, music and the following activities throughout the day: Mascot Parade around the Green Inflatables and Water Slide Bungee Jump Cake and Cookie walk The Limbo...How low can you go? Trackless Train Watermelon Eating Contest Hula Hoop Contest for Kids, Moms, Dads, Grandmas and Grandpas. NEW THIS YEAR… Water Walkers! But wait ... there’s MORE! Stick around for the first of our concert series presented by Walton EMC. Enjoy the lively sounds of “Electric Avenue,” a Synth Pop band from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Electric Avenue will ROCK the Green.

We couldn’t do this without our sponsors!

Our sponsors are so supportive throughout the year. Many thanks to E.R. Snell, Summit Chase Country Club,, Securlock Storage, Southeast Urgent Care, Wild Wing Café, ChoicesToYou, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Walton EMC and The Gwinnett Citizen.

For more information and updates on entertainment and activities, please check out our website at www.SnellvilleTourism.com

After the sun has set on the beach and the last notes of the music have resonated for the evening, crews will clean up Oak Road and spread the donated sand at South Gwinnett High School’s baseball field. BIG thanks to Gwinnett’s Greenest Lawns for grading the sand to make the beach and Georgia Sand and Stone, Inc. and E.R. Snell for bringing the sand to Snellville. Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

BACK TO THE BEACH

The first 500 people who come to the information tent at the Beach Blast and LIKE US will receive a FREE Beach Blast Chapstick.

presents ...

Concert - 7 - 9 PM

May 30

When the beach fun dies down, stick around for the first of our concert series. Enjoy the lively sounds of “Electric Avenue,” a Synth Pop band from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Electric Avenue will ROCK the Green! The sounds of Electric Avenue are sponsored by Walton EMC. 15 15

May 30th PM--77p.m. PM May 31st - 2- 2p.m. TowneGreen Green Towne

2015 2014 EVENTS

STAR SPANGLED SNELLVILLE Green July 4thTowne - 3 p.m. - 10 p.m. July Towne 4th - 3 Green PM - 10 PM

POPCORN IN THE PARK

Free Outdoor Movies Games & Activities Before Movie Saturday Evenings in the Summer July 25th • August 15th June 14th, July 26th, 12th AugustSeptember 16th, September 27th Briscoe Park Park -- 77:30 Briscoe p.m.to-10:30 10:30PM p.m.

FOOD FOOD TRUCKS TRUCK FRIDAY AND CONCERT June 20th - 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. July Towne 18th - 7Green PM - 9 PM

FOOD TRUCK SATURDAY Beer & Wine available for

August 22nd - 7 PM - 9 PM

FARMERS’ MARKET Saturdays - 8:30 12:30 PM Saturdays - 8AM am -- Noon June7th 6th -- September September 26th June 27th Towne Green Green Towne

LIVE! ON THE LAWN

Concert Series 7-9- 7PM • Towne Concert Series p.m. - 9 p.m.Green May 30th--Sons Electric Avenue May 31st of Sailors July 18th -Jazz TBAClub July 19th - Metro August23rd 22nd- Electric - The Gold Band August Avenue October 10th TBA October 25th - Banks & Shane

Towne Green

July 19th -purchase 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. August 23rd - 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

visits

September21st 20th--Noon Noon -to65p.m. PM September Towne Green Towne Green

SNELLVILLE FALL FESTIVAL

Green - 7 p.m. October Towne 25th - Noon October 10th -Green Noon - 6 PM Towne

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING November November28th 29th 56:30 PMp.m. - 9 PM - 9 p.m. Parade 5:30p.m. PM Parade at - 5:30

Lighting of the Tree - 7 p.m. Towne Green

Events Subject to Change. For updates, visit www.SnellvilleTourism.com

GOLF

TENNIS

SWIMMING

MEMBERSHIPS STARTING AS LOW AS $300 ANNUALLY! Family, Corporate and Individual Members Available Programs Available For Members and Non Members Men’s & Women’s Golf & Tennis Group and Private Instruction Corporate Golf Outings Junior Golf & Tennis Academies, Camps and Clinics Junior Golf & Tennis Private Lessons Year Round Swim Lessons for all ages

DINING

SOCIAL

For monthly membership special, additional information or to schedule a facility tour, contact Carol Sapp or Charlene Adams. 3197 Classic Drive, Snellville, GA 30078 770-979-9000 Summitchasecc.com info@summitchasecc.com

We’ve Got Your Back Protect what you have and plan for the future. Kyron Ade 2341 Henry Clower Blvd Ste D Snellville 678-512-0251

Jamey Toney, ChFC® 2148 Main St East Snellville 770-985-9757

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2016 - YEAR OF THE VOLUNTEER Rawlins is Snellville’s top volunteer By Brian Arrington For helping create a stronger bond between the community and the police department, Tricia Rawlins was named the Marcy Pharris Volunteer of the Year. The award, named after longtime volunteer Marcy Pharris, was just one of eight given out at a ceremony emceed by Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts. “You choose to donate the most precious commodity in the known universe,” he said. “We may count your time in numbers. We may attempt to count your time in cash value. The gift of time is simply and utterly precious and magnificent. So today, we take a little time out to thank you for the amazing ‘time in’ that you give.” Witts noted more than a dozen boards, commissions and events in the city and said it is the strong base of dedicated volunteers which make them all possible. Rawlins, who heads the Snellville Neighborhood Alert Program, a Facebookbased network of crime-aware residents, was honored for her service to the city, including her tireless efforts helping the police department. “It’s amazing how much work she does for the community,” said Snellville Police Department Capt. Greg Perry. “She does an excellent job bringing the police department together with the community.” Rawlins said she was stunned by the award. “There are so many more volunteers that deserve this so thank you,” she said. “I can’t do it without Capt. Perry. I message him at 11, 12 at night. I gained so many friends though this. Thank you.” Rawlins also received an award for her volunteer work with Citizens Police Academy. Also being honored for their volunteer efforts were: Ronnie Bentley, Snellville Farmers’ Market Susan Chappelear, Gwinnett Sunrise Rotary Club Claudette Forbes, Community Garden @Snellville Marilyn Swinney, Snellville Tourism and Trade Leon Taylor, Lions Club Enio “JoJo” Castellanos, STAT student nominee (South Gwinnett High School)

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Pawn Broker / Federal Firearms Licensed Dealer We are a family-owned full service pawn broker/ retail merchant, located in downtown Snellville, GA. We first opened our doors in 1994, and have served thousands of customers. People come from all over Georgia to take advantage of our great deals and great customer service.

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CURING CHILDHOOD CANCER By Krish Dhokia I am a childhood cancer advocate. What? You might ask does that mean. Well, I am an ordinary person that is working with extraordinary kids, families and other advocates to change the world. We are trying to fund research, create awareness, and save the lives of the thousands of innocent children that are currently fighting cancer and potentially the millions that will be diagnosed in the future. We want to stop and then kill cancer.

3 year old Peyton Greene from Snellville and Krish Dhokia at the ‘Pink for Peyton’ fundraiser for Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research.

Not Rare For many years childhood cancer has been treated by the federal government and budget offices as a rare disease. However, childhood cancer is the number one leading cause of death in children under 18 years of age. In fact, this year in the U.S. approximately 13,500 children will be diagnosed this year with an additional 50,000 children in active treatment. 20 percent of children with cancer will die as a result of the disease, a secondary cancer, or complications from treatment. Those that do beat cancer have a 70 percent chance of relapsing within the first five years. Other survivors often have long lasting consequences from the side effects of the treatments. Kids Deserve a Chance The federal government budget for 2015 awarded childhood cancer research 4 percent of the entire budget for cancer research. Very little research and treatment advancement has been made over the last 50 years.

Krish Dhokia, Gov. Nathan Deal and Randy Russell from Monroe (‘Dadvocate’ of 6 year old Ewings Sarcoma survivor) at the state of Georgia declaration recognizing September officially as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

How Can I Help? Last year, I climbed a mountain 100 times in 90 days to create awareness and to fund raise. I wanted to be a voice for the kids, for the siblings and for the parents who fight cancer on a daily basis and really need us to step up and do something. This year I decided to create a challenge of biking, running, hiking and kayaking for awareness. After I complete that challenge I’ll keep on going. What Can You Do? It’s easy. There are many ways to get involved. Call or write to your congressman to ask what they are doing to raise funding for childhood cancer research. Donate and give support to local charities. Or, you can do something extreme like run across the U.S. Visit 1000in180.com for information about local events and more. Use the hashtag #curechildhoodcancer on social media.

Krish Dhokia and 12 year old Kylie Myers of Smiley For Kylie (passed away Feb. 13 - Ewings Sarcoma) at the Brian McCann Celebrity Softball game at Coolray Field. 20

I’m not going to wait until someone in my family is affected by childhood cancer before I get out there and start doing something about it. Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Where You Are News

MAY 23 4-9 pm rd

Towne Green

Join us for a patriotic fun-filled day to celebrate veterans from across the region! 4 p.m.

Veterans Program Begins

5 p.m.

Veterans Memorial Craft Beer Garden Opens

5-7 p.m.

Rockingbirds Band

7-9 p.m.

Concert

Lighted Balloon Launch at Dusk

$5 Each

Honor your veteran with a lighted balloon. We will launch the balloons at dusk with a remembrance ceremony. You may purchase your balloons in advance at the following community sponsors: Lincoln Fill Station Wild Wing Cafe United Community Bank Mellow Mushroom Main Street Restaurant Fratelliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizzeria Rice Box

Fueled by Lincoln Fill Station Veterans Memorial Craft Beer Garden opens at 5 p.m.

More than 20 Craft Beers Veterans Memorial Craft Beer Garden

$20

Entry fee gets you 16 samplings and a commemorative glass. Proceeds benefit the Veterans Memorial.

Veterans $15 FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! Military Displays and Vehicles Food Trucks Entertainment Music And much, much more!

For more information, visit the Snellville Veterans Memorial Facebook page.

MEMORIAL CELEBRATION FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE! Second Annual Memorial Celebration May 23 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 to 9 PM Towne Green Relighting the eternal flame was something Vietnam veteran and Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts was very passionate about. He wanted to make sure all veterans were remembered on Memorial Day. It is a special day set aside to remind us of the sacrifices that men and women who have valiantly and selflessly devoted themselves to defending and protecting our freedom that so many Americans take for granted. Memorial Day was created to honor those who have paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedom. We hope you take the opportunity on May 23 from 4 to 9 PM to join us on the Towne Green to celebrate and give thanks for the many who have died protecting that freedom. Never again will Vietanm veteran Tom Witts let Memorial Day or Veterans Day be just another day in Snellville.

Snellville Days May 2 and 3, T.W. Briscoe Park Batman will be the grand marshal of the 42nd Annual Snellville Days Parade scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. May 2. This year’s theme is “Superheroes.” The parade will feature horses and knights from Medieval Times, group floats, three marching bands, mascots including Chopper from the Gwinnett Braves, Maximus from the Gwinnett Gladiators and STAT the Cat. Also set to appear are clowns, stilt walkers, politicians, cheerleaders, beauty queens and superheroes. There will also be free giveaways. Batman will be making a special appearance in his Batmobile. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the former Kmart parking lot on Wisteria Drive, travel to North Road, turn left and left again at the Post Office travel up Oak Road until it reaches the Grand Stand at City Hall. If your organization would like to be a part of this year’s parade contact Parade Chair Mayor Kelly Kautz at kkautz@snellville.org to submit a float application or visit www.snellvilledays.com. There is a $600 cash prize for the best float, $400 for second place and $200 for third place. Snellville’s biggest festival, Snellville Days will open at 10 a.m. “The Snellville Days Festival is in its 42nd year and was originally created as a one-day fundraiser event for Briscoe Park,” said Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Platt. “It has now grown into a two-day event with 15,000 to 25,000 attendees every year. We have always tried to keep the community feel in the festival no matter how much it has grown or continues to grow. We have local groups and individuals performing on the main stage all weekend and new this year we will have karaoke on Saturday. “In trying to keep the community involved, this year we had a contest in the local high schools to have the students create the design for this year’s festival T-shirt. This event brings in many people from the surrounding cities and all over the metro area, but our Snellville citizens and business owners are the ones we want to feel the most welcome and most appreciated.” The event will place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 2 and 12 to 5 p.m. May 3. More than 150 craft, food, sponsor and civic vendors will be on site. There will also be live entertainment including music by Red Roots and Hero the Band as well as pig races and an acrobatic dog show. Admission and parking for Snellville Days is free. There will be a free shuttle available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 2. Two shuttles will be running from the south parking lot of the First Baptist Church of Snellville on Highway 78 to the main entrance of the park. There will also be parking at the park. Snellville Days is at T.W. Briscoe Park, 2500 Sawyer Parkway. For more information visit www.snellvilledays.com. 24 24

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Days May 2 and 3, T.W. Briscoe Park

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ROSTER HERO THE BAND It’s a true “family affair!” Atlanta pop rockers, Hero the Band, consists of four blood brothers who are all multi-talented and focused together on one big dream. Justin Barnett, Jerramy Barnett, DJ Barnett, and Nick Barnett were raised in a musically inclined family where their parents, several uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents sang. With music in their blood, the brothers started singing in their church at an early age, and eventually formed Hero the Band in 2008. When they are not in the studio writing and recording new songs, the band is out performing live to their rapidly increasing fan base. Word has quickly spread about their performances, captivating audiences with their uncaged energy and mesmerizing stage presence. The band has performed at such venues as the Masquerade, Phillips Arena, Sunset Sessions in San Diego, Athfest, and as the opening act for the legendary “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” band, Mother’s Finest. RED ROOTS Natalie, Nicole, and Nika are three red headed triplet sisters in a band together called Red Roots. They started playing guitar, drums and keyboard around ages 9 and 10 and when they were 13, they started their band. With a stage persona as fiery as their blazing red locks, these triplets engage the crowd with their story through real life lyrics and rolling banjos intertwined with rocking guitars. Through their unwavering boldness there is a Southern Mississippi charm rooted in faith, family, and an unshakable call to show the world where true Hope is found. In January 2014, the Red Roots 3rd album, “Triplicity” was released. The Album “Triplicity” has been recently nominated for a Dove Award in the category of Country Album of the Year.

K9’S IN FLIGHT John Misita’s K9s in Flight are the premier K9 sports entertainers in the world with over 15 years’ experience. They have been seen on The Discovery Channel, ESPN, The Disney Channel, Animal Planet, HBO, and MTV. They have performed in over 200 cities and their high flying acrobatics appeal to all ages.

ROBINSON’S RACING PIGS Robinson’s Racing Pigs have been entertaining fair and festival goers over 30 years. They have appeared on all of the major television networks. With this Paddling Porker Show, the little piggy’s race four at a time, dive into a 24 foot swimming pool, and run for the ultimate prize, an Oreo cookie.

Snellville Days May 2 and 3, T.W. Briscoe Park

CHEERS FOR VOLUNTEERS The following are volunteers who make Snellville Days the success it is year after year.

Snellville Days Chair Bob Davis Bob Davis started with Snellville Days the first year of 42nd Annual Snellville Days the Blue & Gray 5K Road Race which was 2007. He 42nd Annual Snellville Days Festival Schedule was a volunteer cross-country coach at South Gwinnett Festival Schedule High School, and used the Snellville Days event as an Saturday, May 2 May 3 opportunity to hold the B&G 5K, which was the annual Saturday, May 2 Sunday, MaySunday, 3 booster club fundraiser for the team. The team has since graduated and 10a-11a Parade - Wisteria Village 12p-5p FREE Arts and Crafts Festival moved into adult life, but he is still with Snellville Days, and we are happy arade - Wisteria Village Grand Marshal - Batman 12p-5p FREE Arts and T.W. Crafts BriscoeFestival Park rand Marshal - Batman 10a-6p FREE Arts and Crafts Festival T.W. Briscoe Park about that. He is a pharmacist at Eastside Medical Center, and a member of 12p-5p Kid’s Field T.W. Briscoe Park Trinity Lutheran Church in Lilburn. His hobbies include civil war re-enacting REE Arts and Crafts Festival 12p-5p Kid’s Field 10a-6p Kid’s field (as shown in his photo here) and is a member of Company-A, 125th Ohio W. Briscoe Park Volunteer Infantry. He is also a member of the SUVCW (Sons of Union Community Stage Community Stage d’s field 10:00 Arkangels Christian Rock Band 12::30 Laughlin Country Duet Veterans of the Civil War). He is an avid cyclist (since arthritis has made 10:30 Alma Mexicana Mexican Dance 1:00 Throckmorton Band difficult), and a German language student at the Goethe Zentrum in Community Stage1:30 Colerunning y Stage Tomlinson 11:00 Karaoke, audience participation 2:00 Duet Cornerstone Martial Demo to travel, especially to Europe. At home, he is a serious 11:30 Arissa Walker w/Peace, 12::30 Luv & Jammin Band Country Atlanta. HeArtsloves ngels Christian Rock Band Laughlin 2:45—3:45 THE RED ROOTS BAND Noon Canaanl Land Music, Song & Dance gardener, amateur stamp collector, animal lover, and military history buff. a Mexicana Mexican Dance 1:00 Throckmorton Band 12:30 Blackfoot Daisy Band 4:00 Micah Hudgins

1:30 Cole Tomlinson oke, audience participation 4:30 Sound of Neos Band 1:00 Contagious Band Gwinnett School of Dance2:00 Cornerstone Martial Arts Demo sa Walker w/Peace, Luv 1:45 & Jammin Band Snellville Days Vice Chair Mary Jane Gresham Operations Services LIVE Demo 2:45—3:45 THE RED ROOTS BAND aanl Land Music, Song &2:00 DanceSecurity 2:15 Karaoke, Audience Participation!! Mary Jane Gresham is a retired school teacher from kfoot Daisy Band Micah Hudgins 3:15—4:15p HERO THE BAND4:00 Snellville Elementary and was born in Americus, Georgia. 4:15 Choes Hapkido, Martial Arts Demo Sound of Neos Band 4:30 agious Band She has been to every Snellville Days back to 1974 (yes, 4:30 Brian Alben, R&B nnett School of Dance 5 :15 The Spoken Word Band Entertainment she even came to the two rained out ones). This will be urity Operations Services LIVE Demo 12:15 Robinson’s Racing Pigs her 25th year as a volunteer and she has announced this Entertainment 1:00 K-9’s in Flight aoke, Audience Participation!! 2:15 Robinson’s Racing Pigs HERO THE BAND 11:15 K-9’s in Flight is her last year on the committee, but she will still come 12:00 Robinson’s Racing Pigs 3:00 K-9’s in Flight es Hapkido, Martial Arts Demo to the festival (we need overwhelming response from 2:00 K-9’s in Flight 4:00 Robinson’s Racing Pigs 4:30 K-9’s in Flight 3:00 Robinson’s Racing Pigs n Alben, R&B readers to encourage her to stay). You can find her every 42nd Word Annual Days 4:30 K-9’s in Flight Entertainment Spoken Band Snellville year volunteering at the parade and then coming to Briscoe Park and working 5:00 Robinson’s Racing Pigs Festival Schedule 12:15 Robinson’s Racing Pigs at the information tent. She and her late husband, Jimmy, have spent their ment 1:00 K-9’s in Flight lives volunteering with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Lions Club, Britt Elementary, May 2 Sunday, May 3 2:15 Robinson’s Racing Pigs s in Flight Snellville Middle, South Gwinnett (members of the PTSA), and of course; nson’s Racing Pigs 3:00 K-9’s in Flight ia Village 12p-5p FREE Arts and Crafts Festival s in Flight 4:00 Robinson’s Racing Pigs Snellville Days. If we ever need help, she comes running and has been a atman T.W. Briscoe Park 4:30 K-9’s in Flight nson’sFestival Racing Pigs treasured “go to” source for Snellville Days history and photos. Crafts 12p-5p Kid’s Field s in Flight nson’s Racing Pigs Featured Snellville Days Committee Member Regina

ock Band an Dance ticipation e, Luv & Jammin Band Song & Dance

ance ervices LIVE Demo articipation!! AND al Arts Demo

Community Stage 12::30 Laughlin Country Duet 1:00 Throckmorton Band 1:30 Cole Tomlinson 2:00 Cornerstone Martial Arts Demo 2:45—3:45 THE RED ROOTS BAND 4:00 Micah Hudgins 4:30 Sound of Neos Band

Entertainment 12:15 Robinson’s Racing Pigs 1:00 K-9’s in Flight 2:15 Robinson’s Racing Pigs 3:00 K-9’s in Flight 4:00 Robinson’s Racing Pigs 4:30 K-9’s in Flight

Hart As an empty nester, Regina knew she wanted to put her volunteer efforts toward her community which she has loved and lived in for 26 years. She mentioned this to Susan Chappelear, another Snellville Days Committee member, and Susan told her “Well that’s great. Come to the Snellville Days meeting tomorrow night”, so she went to her first one in November of 2013. She had such fun meeting the volunteers and enjoyed working with the Explorers during the event, but her favorite spot is working the welcome tent and greeting all the folks as they enter the park. This festival would not exist without the dedication of volunteers like Regina. She is an inspiration for more volunteers to come forward and see just how much fun it is. Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Days May 2 and 3, T.W. Briscoe Park

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

Silver

A Better Sign ● Denny’s RWDT Foods ● First Watch ● Grayson Pediatrics ● Mobile Communications Texas Roadhouse ● Walton EMC Natural Gas ● Webkat Design, LLC

Bronze

ADT ● Air Conditioning Experts ● Arrow Exterminators ● Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates Atlanta Journal Constitution ● Bath Planet ● Carlin Vision ● Chick-fil-A-Main Street ● Dekalb Medical ● Everdry Waterproofing ● Exceptional Hospitality-Country Inn & Suites Georgia Aquarium ● Georgia Energy Control ● Goodman Chiropractic Clinic Harbour Oaks Montessori School ● Helping Hands Quality Cleaning Inc. ● Home Energy Solutions Jettie Pearl’s Boutique ● Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners ● LeafFilter North, Inc. Peachtree Children’s Dentistry-Snellville ● Peachtree Pest Control ● PNC Bank-Snellville Power Home Remodeling ● Primrose School of Five Forks ● Renewal by Anderson Sam’s Club ● Scepter Health and Rehab ● Sculpting Results Fitness ● Silverleaf Resorts State Farm ● Taylor Construction

Supporting

Chili’s ● Critter Sittin’ Sisters ● Donut King ● First Baptist Church of Snellville Just Kids Dentistry ● Rich Printing ● Snellville Church of Christ Stevi B’s Pizza ● Zaxby’s-Snellville

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Giant VALENTINE WISHES

Many thanks to all those who supported the 2nd Annual Valentine’s Day contest and shared their creative talents for all of Snellville to see. Each winner donated their winnings to the Southeast Gwinnett Food Coop in the amount of $225

WINNERS OF THE VALENTINE CONTEST 1st Place - Carolyn’s Communications 2nd Place - YSS Athletics 3rd Place - Bloom with Jenna

Cashing in at CASINO NIGHT

The 3rd Annual Casino Night to benefit the Community Garden @Snellville and Gwinnett Community Clinic and other local charities was a huge success. The Gwinnett Sunrise Rotary, Snellville Tourism and Trade, and Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce teamed up to make this a memorable event. It was a St. Patrick’s Day full of fun, fellowship and games of chance! More than $5,000 was raised for local charities from this event.

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Parks & Recreation Spring 2015 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 (on the left hand side, choose Departments and then Parks & Recreation) or visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/SnellvilleParks

POOL ACTIVITIES Briscoe Park’s OUTDOOR POOL opens Thursday, May 21 at noon and remains open through Monday, Sept. 7. Hours will be noon to 6 p.m., Monday to Thursday and noon to 7 p.m., Friday to Sunday. Hours will be adjusted when school opens. Admission, $4 for ages 4 to 49, all others, $1. Half and full season passes and lap passes are available at Park Office. SWIM LESSONS will include eight classes per two-week session and will be held mornings and evenings during the week, starting June 1. Registrations will be at the Park Office Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting May 4. Two Saturday registrations will be available at the Park Office on May 16 and May 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Please visit our website - www.snellville.org - for pricing, dates, times and skill level descriptions. POOL RENTALS are available Friday to Sunday, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., $200 refundable deposit plus $200 rent. Capacity is 200 people. Lifeguards must be contracted from Positively Pools. NEW: Shaded picnic area at the pool is available for rental for any occasion. Call park office for details.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

KIDS HEALTHY HANDS COOKING CLASS For further info contact 770-899-7515 www.shakemixandroll.com LEARNING HIVE SUMMER CAMP Children will have a remarkable experience this summer at Camp Learning Hive at Briscoe Park. For children ages 3 and up. For more information call 770-822-4001, visit mylearninghive.com or email learninghivecenter@ gmail.com.

Briscoe Park is open daily 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Park Office is open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. (770) 985-3535 www.snellville.org (on the left hand side choose Departments, then Parks & Recreation)

YOUTH SOCCER Recreational soccer for Boys and Girls ages 4 – 18 For more info: SnellvilleSoccer.com or 770-466-7177 UNDER 10 QUICK START TENNIS Contact Coach Jones 404-642-8393 QuickStartTennis@yahoo.com

ADULT ACTIVITIES 7v7 ADULT FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE Contact Park Office 770-985-3535 Jillian Bouchard at jbouchard@snellville.org INTERNATIONAL ADULT SOCCER League Director: 678-629-6755 or 917-744-3461 Friday nights $650 per team, $65 per player for house team BOOT CAMP Monday-Thursday at the Park Office Five week sessions, various hours available. Contact Alvin Hill, 678-920-4136 or gimmiesomesports@ yahoo.com SUMMER ADULT SOFTBALL Starts in June on New Fields Contact Jillian Bouchard at jbouchard@snellville.org OUTDOOR TENNIS & BASKETBALL COURTS Available on a first come-first served basis No lights - 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Seven days a week

Parks & Recreation Spring 2015 T.W. Briscoe Park ~ 2500 Sawyer Parkway ~ Park Office (770) 985-3535

PARK RENTALS PARK RENTALS (REQUIRE 14 DAYS NOTICE) We now rent facilities, except the Betty McMichael Room, on all holidays. OUTDOOR PAVILION RENTALS (Includes picnic tables and benches) We have four outdoor open air covered pavilions holding 35 to 50 people & one gazebo holding 10. Rental times: 8 to 10 a.m.,10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1 to 3 p.m., 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Price per two-hour block: NON PROFIT OR INDIVIDUALS Snellville City limit - $40 (M to T) / $45 (F to S) Gwinnett County - $55 (M to T) / $60 (F to S) Outside Gwinnett County - $65 (M to T) / $70 (F to S) BUSINESS/FOR PROFIT Snellville city limit - $75 (M to T) / $80 (F to S) Gwinnett County - $90 (M to T) / $95 (F to S) Outside Gwinnett County - $100 (M to T) / $105 (F to S) INDOOR RENTALS (air conditioned and heated) Rent any four-hour time period from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; all fees including deposits are due up front. Deposit is refunded after the rental if all conditions of the rental are met. Courtland Williams Pavilion - holds 35 PRICES PER 4 HOUR BLOCK, $100 refundable deposit plus: NON PROFIT OR INDIVIDUALS Snellville city limit - $90 (M to T) / $100 (F to S) Gwinnett County - $120 (M to T) / $130 (F to S) Outside Gwinnett County - $130 (M to T) / $140 (F to S)

BUSINESS/FOR PROFIT Snellville city limit - $140 (M to T) / $150 (F to S) Gwinnett County - $165 (M to T) / $175 (F to S) Outside Gwinnett County - $175 (M to T) / $185 (F to S) Includes six 6-foot rectangular tables and 35 chairs; microwave; refrigerator and sink Betty McMichael Room/ Park Office-holds 100 PRICES PER 4 HOUR BLOCK, $200 refundable deposit plus: NON PROFIT OR INDIVIDUALS Snellville city limit - $205 (M to T) / $220 (F to S) $340 (M to T) / $355 (F to S) Gwinnett County - $265 (M to T) / $280 (F to S) $400 (M to T) / $415 (F to S) Outside Gwinnett County - $275 (M to T) / $290 (F to S) $410 (M to T) / $425 (F to S) BUSINESS/FOR PROFIT Snellville city limit - $340 (M to T) / $355 (F to S) Gwinnett County - $400 (M to T) / $415 (F to S) Outside Gwinnett County - $410 (M to T) / $425 (F to S) Includes 12 8-foot rectangular tables and 100 chairs; microwave; refrigerator and sink For room/pavilion rentals call the park office at 770-9853535; field rentals Jillian Bouchard 770-985-3533 We accept cash, check, money order, Visa, or MC; FOR PHOTOS visit snellville.org

Improvements to T.W. Briscoe Park are underway. The Briscoe Park Master Plan has been in place since 2003 and the first of multiple construction phases began in 2009 with Phase I. Crews are currently working on Phase IIB which includes the upgrading of two softball fields and the addition of a playground, restroom/concession building and re-routing of the fitness trail. With the use of Special Local Option Sales Tax funds the vision of the Briscoe Park Master Plan is being realized. Mayor and Council recently approved the latest update to the Briscoe Park Master Plan after two public input meetings were held. - Lisa Platt, Director, Snellville Parks and Recreation

Spotlight on Snellville Seniors Snellville Senior Center ~ 2350 Oak Road ~ Snellville, Georgia 30078 ~ (770) 985-3580

The Snellville Senior center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

CLASSES AARP DEFENSIVE DRIVING Wednesday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $15 for AARP Members and $20 for Non-Members. This will help you save money on your car insurance cost. CARD MAKING CLASS by Jeanne Monday, April 20 1 to 3 p.m., $15 per class PAINTING CLASSES $25 for four Classes Thursdays - 1 to 3 p.m. (Instructor can provide supplies for additional $25) SPANISH Mondays and Thursdays - $25/Month Intermediate - 9 a.m., Advanced - 11:15 a.m. Must have some Spanish for these classes. CROCHET & KNITTING GROUP Tuesdays at noon - FREE BILLIARDS/POOL The Senior Center welcomes members to come try out the pool table. We have pool sticks onsite for your use or you can bring your own. EXERCISE We offer a variety of exercise opportunities for our members. AEROBIC CLASSES 9:15 a.m. Light Impact and 10:15 a.m. Medium Impact every Monday and Thursday at no charge. Pilates Tuesday and Friday at 10 a.m. $3 per class Zumba Tuesday at 11 a.m. $5 per class. Weight Room Our weight room consists of 2 bicycles, 2 arm and 2 leg machines. You will need to participate in one of our training classes to utilize the equipment. 32 32

BINGO First Friday of each month. FREE!! Bring a snack to share and join in the fun.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION 2015 Senior Center Annual Memberships (JanuaryDecember) Snellville City Limit Residents $15, Gwinnett County Residents $25 Join after July 1 and cost for the remainder of the year is only $15 for County Residents and $9 for City Residents Additional persons from the same household receive a $5 discount

ACTIVITIES AND TRIPS The Senior Center offers Day and Overnight Trips as well as special events. Information is updated bi-monthly 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. Please contact the Senior Center to register and for additional information.

Snellville, Where Everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Proud to be Somebody

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Economic Development Spring 2015

Something’s about to POP UP Snellville’s Wisteria City Market to set stage for future growth By Brian Arrington The Season 8 winner of the Fox Television hit “Hell’s Kitchen” will serve as a celebrity chef at the Wisteria City Market May 16. Nona Johnson managed to survive the reality television show and verbal onslaught of Chef Gordon Ramsay in Season 8 which ran in 2010. Now she will serve patrons of the market during a white tablecloth dinner for paying guests. After winning the contest, the former sous chef from Georgia, became the head chef at the prestigious L.A. Market restaurant located at the JW Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles’ hottest entertainment area - L.A. Live. Since the end of the show, Johnson has spent years honing her culinary inventiveness at L.A. Market restaurant with her popular new signature dishes that make down home cooking as desirable as the most haute cuisine. Johnson has returned to the Atlanta area where she has flipped two local kitchens from failing and unsavory conditions into highly marketable, profitable and delectable places to eat, according to her bio. The Wisteria City Market, to be located on 8.62 acres of cityowned property on Wisteria Drive across from the Snellville Police Department, will offer a one-day experiential event showcasing local businesses and entrepreneurs. The demonstration marketplace is a multi-vendor commercial village that models a lifelong public space, featuring only locally owned and operated businesses and has a broad public purpose to promote the growth and development of locally owned businesses. The marketplace will showcase The Towne Center @ Snellville business concept which celebrates the diversity and inspiration of locally owned businesses.

City Market Celebration

Join the celebration at 4:30 p.m. May 16! Reserve your seat for a special dinner cooked by “Hell’s Kitchen” Season 8 winner Nona Johnson at www.snellville.org/ citymarket. 4:30 p.m. - Private Market Event with Butler Hors D’oeuvres 5:30 p.m. - Dinner and Celebration 7 p.m. - Market Closes

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The marketplace, sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority of Snellville, Snellville Arts Commission, Snellville Farmers Market, Community Garden @ Snellville and Snellville Tourism and Trade, was made possible after the DDA received a $15,000 Lifelong Tactical Urbanism Demonstration Project grant. The funds will be used to create the marketplace which will be housed under tents and offer local business owners a central location in The Towne Center and the Livable Centers Initiative to shop their wares. For more information about Johnson’s dinner as it becomes available and updates on the event visit www.snellville.org/ citymarket.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

In the fall 2014, the 3rd period Advanced Placement U.S. Government class at South Gwinnett High School accepted a challenge. Snellville’s Economic Development Manager Eric Van Otteren invited South Gwinnett High School students to engage in a grant project from the Atlanta Regional Commission.

As students of the Public Service, Law, and Leadership Academy at South Gwinnett High School, the students have tackled the challenge of working together with the city of Snellville by incorporating a number of ideas. Teams of students continue to research and plan marketing strategies, facility designs and aesthetics.

So on their very first day of winter break, instead of resting, they went to City Hall to meet with key decision-makers from the ARC to discuss the city’s commitment to a retail Popup Marketplace. They said they were honored that the ARC approved the grant.

Thus far, they have assisted in the development of the event logo, trolley pickup routes, and a blueprint plan for tent setup. Social media pages and survey questions have been created for Snellville’s Wisteria City Market.

This project will offer young people of SGHS the opportunity to become true stakeholders in our city. Snellville’s Wisteria City Market will be located directly across from the Snellville City Hall on Wisteria Drive. The event will showcase unique entrepreneurs, artists, and restaurants from the community

Economic Development Spring 2015

South Gwinnett High School HELPS POP UP THE CITY MARKET

Of course, as May 16 grows closer, there will be noticeable changes in the downtown Snellville landscape. The students said they believe that the great success of the one-day Wisteria City Market event will be an important step in the redevelopment of the vibrant Towne Center. As a community, the class is a prime example of youth and maturity merging together to demonstrate our citizens’ determination to push forward and show how great Snellville was, is, and will be.

LIKE Us On Facebook The Snellville Entrepreneur Council is now on Facebook. If you are looking for a single place to learn how to do business better, or have a nagging business problem (and what small business owner does not?) then check out the Snellville Entrepreneur Council Page.

Economic Development Spring 2015

Don’t be afraid to enter the ... SHARK TANK As part of a partnership with Gwinnett County Public Schools and the city’s Economic Development Office, this year’s Shark Tank entrepreneur program is under way. Students are preparing real-world businesses to be evaluated by area business leaders. Here are two hoping to survive.

Phoenix Ironworks is an anomaly in today’s prefabricated, mass produced market for knives and cutlery. Most knives are stamped out by a machine and replicated thousands of times, but at Phoenix Ironworks every knife is forged out by hand, just like they were hundreds of years ago. Each knife is one-of-akind, and carefully crafted to ensure the end product is a perfect marriage of form and function. Phoenix Ironworks is also invested in the environment, and we often recycle materials, giving new life to old, dead steel, such as coil springs and sawmill blades. As well as making a product line, Phoenix Ironworks is willing to work with you to design a knife completely tailored to your needs and preferences. After exchanging emails and scale drawings and finalizing the design, work on your absolutely one of a kind, high-quality knife begins. Or, if you aren’t feeling quite so adventurous, feel free to look at our inventory and pick out one that you love. Jim Walker is the sole proprietor of Phoenix Ironworks, and is also a 12th grade student in the Entrepreneurship program at Brookwood High School. The class has really been helpful in learning how a business is run. Opportunities and knowledge provided by the class have made it possible to transform Phoenix Ironworks from a hobby into a small business. jimwalker.phoenixironworks@gmail.com phoenixironworkscutlery.wordpress.com/ Like us on Facebook, Subscribe on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter at Phoenix Ironworks.

Live Love Monogram is a vinyl and cardstock cutting company that can manipulate almost any vision into a reality. We are not just focused on producing the perfect product for you, but an experience of the same degree that accompanies it. Your ideas and possibilities are boundless whether you want your stamp on the world positioned on your car, water bottle, vase, or even a T-shirt. We’ve got you covered. Live Love Monogram offers an infinite amount of styles and versions of our products. Here, our motto is “Just to Let Them Know”, because with our products, it is now impossible to just fit in with the stereotypical crowd. Products are crafted to embellish the confident, beautiful, amazing individual that you are. Live Love Monogram is currently run by Sydney Wiley, a Brookwood High School senior, as a sole proprietorship. Sydney Wiley will be continuing her business and education in Statesboro at the Georgia Southern University where she will acquire a double major in Economics and Financing and a minor in Accounting. LiveLoveMonogram.weebly.com Livelovemonogram@gmail.com Facebook - Live Love Monogram Twitter - @MonogramLove Instagram - @LiveLoveMonogram Pinterest - @LiveLoveMonogram

The 2015 High School Shark Tank is from 3 to 6 p.m. May 6 at the Gwinnett Chamber with a concurrent business expo. 36

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

What would you keep about the city of Snellville? What would you change about the city of Snellville? These are two of the questions asked at the Urban Redevelopment Agency of Snellville visioning sessions. One of the participants answered, â&#x20AC;&#x153;keep the recycling center,â&#x20AC;? while another wanted to create a walkable area for residents and nature trails. Over the past two months the URA has conducted three visioning sessions around the city. If you missed them there is still time to contribute your ideas for improving the city. You can send your thoughts to evanotteren@snellville.org.

Economic Development Spring 2015

Improving Snellville - Your Thoughts? GENERATION MERGE

City officials are planning a final visioning session, redevelopment discussion, and broker meeting on the morning of May 5th, just prior to the Commerce Club meeting at noon. It will include a conversation about redevelopment in Snellville and how to carry the vision of The Towne Center @ Snellville forward. The session is free to attend, but pre-registration is requested. [Note: Include link or whatever is needed to pre-register here.] The Urban Redevelopment Agency is partnering with the Council for Quality Growth to draw on their expertise.

You are invited.

Reservation Required. Email: evanotteren@snellville.org Final Vision Session and Snellville Redevelopment Conversation 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., May 5, 2015. Then stay for the Commerce Club Luncheon City Hall Community Room 2342 Oak Road

Meet JORDAN SIMMONS Hello! My name is Jordan Simmons and I am excited to be here at South Gwinnett High School as the new Entrepreneurship teacher. I have not been here long and I can already see how talented these students are! They have such drive and potential to make a huge positive impact in Snellville. My background is in the franchise marketing industry. After spending a year and a half working for a marketing company located in Buford, I discovered that there is a huge gap in what is going on in the real world and what is being taught in the classroom. Gwinnett County has already done a fabulous job of bringing real-world experiences and real-world content into the classroom, so I plan to continue to do that, plus enhance it where I can with my industry knowledge. The curriculum that Gwinnett County Public Schools has laid out for Entrepreneurship is very thorough and dives deep into laying

out everything you need to know about starting your own company, so these high schoolers are already ahead of the game! I am excited to get to help my students prepare to pitch their businesses to the City of Snellville at the Shark Tank where they will be presenting in front of potential investors. For the rest of the year I will be working very closely with each student to complete and perfect their business plan. My ultimate goal is to have the students get really plugged in to their business and to also make sure they realize the amazing opportunity they have here at South Gwinnett.

Springtime Favorites From some of our favorite cooks!

HONEY LIME SRIRACHA MARINADE

16 oz sriracha sauce 3/4 cup of fresh squeezed orange juice 1/4 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice 2/3 cup of honey 2 table spoons fresh fine chopped cilantro

combine ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk for approximately 1 minute Creamy Sriracha Dressing:8-12 1/2 a cup of Honey Lime Sriracha Marinade 1 cup of Mayo Combine ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk for approximately 1 1/2 minutes or until dressing is smooth. Dry Batter Mix: (for fried shrimp) 1 cup of flour 1 1/2 table spoon of season salt

CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD WITH BOW TIE PASTA 8 oz of bow tie pasta 2 to 3 grilled boneless chicken breast 6 cups of romaine lettuce chopped 1 cup of cherry tomatoes halved 1/2 cup of red onion chopped 1 cup Parmesan cheese shredded 2 cups of croutons Bottle of Caesar dressing Cook pasta according to box, drain and let cool. In large bowl add chicken, lettuce, tomatoes and onions add pasta, Parmesan cheese and croutons. Toss with Caesar dressing, cover and let chill for 20 minutes. - Regina Hart

Combine ingredients into a mixing bowl Shrimp 8-10 each of 35-40 count per lbs Coat shrimp with 1 1/2 oz of buttermilk then drop in dry batter mix and evenly coat Fry shrimp in oil for approximately 2 minutes Lightly coat shrimp with marinade Drizzle Sriracha dressing over shrimp and serve (can be served over rice or as is)

38 38

- Bill and Kris Peterson, Wild Wing Cafe, Snellville

You can get your copy of “Nourishing Our Community” at the Snellville Farmers’ Market. Follow us on Facebook or online at www. SnellvilleFarmersMarket.com Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

We Want You!

The Snellville Commerce Club was established in 1984. Our monthly meetings regularly include professionals and merchants from the Snellville area. We are seeking new members who would like to benefit their businesses by becoming part of a community-based organization. In 2011, the Commerce Club became the official business marketing organization of Snellville Tourism & Trade, the city’s Destination Marketing Organization. Our purpose is to establish and promote programs that strengthen the ties among members, their respective businesses, and the community. The Snellville Commerce Club has been successful in supporting its membership through informed speakers and social gatherings in pursuit

of excellence in business and civic education. The Snellville Commerce Club is involved in philanthropy with non-profit organizations to improve the area where we work and live. Our luncheon meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month from 12 to 1 p.m. at Snellville City Hall unless otherwise notified. We have a speaker from the community at each meeting. Please check our Speaker Schedule online at www.snellvilletourism.com where you can also sign up for email alerts about upcoming activities. Guests may attend one regular monthly meeting at no charge. Any meeting thereafter is $15. Members of Snellville Tourism & Trade at the Classic level or higher receive one free seat at each meeting.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS

Classic Membership - $150 Subscription period: 1 year No recurring payments Includes: •STAT Member Window Cling •STAT Lapel pin •Supports community events produced by STAT •Listing on Snellville Tourism Business Directory •Local Business Discounts •Attendance for one at monthly Commerce Club Meetings •50 percent off table at Business After Hours events Premium Membership - $250 Subscription period: 1 year No recurring payments •Includes all benefits of Classic Membership •Free table at all Business After Hours events Supporter Membership - $35 Subscription period: 1 year No recurring payments Includes: •STAT Member Window Cling •STAT Lapel pin •Supports community events produced by STAT

www.snellvilletourism.com

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POSTAL CUSTOMER

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

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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