Snellville Spirit Spring 2023

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to Be Somebody SPRING 2023

Snellville Centennial Celebrating 100 Years

Beach Blast Dinosaur Encounter

New Options Curbside Recycling

see pages 2 & 3

see pages 8 & 9

see page 11

Snellville Centennial As we celebrate 100 years of Snellville, the Snellville Spirit will be offering information celebrating the city’s historic past. Look for more information on special events at the Snellville Centennial Celebration webpage on the city’s website at snellville.org/snellville-centennial.

Post WWII Snellville: Growth, schools and churches After World War II, the residents of Snellville pursued employment other than agriculture. Many men traveled daily to the Atlanta area to work in the automobile and other factories. This was the beginning of the transition of Snellville from a farming to a bedroom community.

In the late 1950s two local brothers, Jimmy and Wayne Mason, began building homes in the Snellville area. With the availability of attractive, affordable brick homes, Snellville grew more than 200 percent. Shopping centers, hospitals, schools and churches appeared to meet the needs of the growing population.

The Masons were very active in recruiting doctors, dentists and grocery chains to stimulate the growth.

The first schools in the Snellville area were one-room schoolhouses, most of which were privately operated by headmasters for profit. Prior to 1900, 15-20 such schools were recorded in southern Gwinnett. The first public school opened around 1905, was sparsely equipped, and served until the larger Snellville Consolidated School opened in 1923, drawing students from four nearby smaller schools. The building housed students in first through 11th and later through 12th grade. It was a large granite structure, built from a local quarry, facing 78 Highway near the former Krystal Restaurant.

Under longtime Principal W.C. (Bill) Britt, the school provided more than just education and offered such community services as a canning plant, medical vaccinations, cultural events, agricultural extension, a sawmill and machine shop.

With the growth in population, the granite school added more classrooms. This addition was later used as City Hall. Many more schools were built in the area. South Gwinnett High School, Snellville Middle School, and W.C. Britt Elementary were three of the first.

Like most of rural Georgia, Snellville was under served medically until the early 1970s. Five different doctors practiced here at different times from 1885-1930. Most were bi-vocational, working as farmers or merchants, to supplement their incomes.

The city was without physicians from then until 1956, when the extended community built a doctor’s office and recruited a physician; two physicians practiced from the facility before it was sold.

Dr. Edward Bowen came here in 1971 as a general practitioner 2

and immediately began recruiting medical specialists, and spearheading a campaign to build a hospital in the city. By the end of the 1970s, the city had attracted young specialists in cardiology, gynecology, pediatrics, urology, ENT, surgery, and other fields of specialization. Dentists Hugh and Anne Mazzawi arrived in 1969 and helped to recruit some of these new professionals. Gwinnett Community Hospital opened in 1980 with 103 beds. Today, the expanded hospital is known as Piedmont Eastside and offers stateof-the-art healthcare.

In 2000, then Mayor Brett Harrell initiated conversation regarding the building of a new city complex. It required negotiation for a land swap between Snellville United Methodist Church and the city of Snellville. The initial plans were to transform an abandoned supermarket into a new City Hall, and the now former City Hall into a segment of the church campus. After much negotiation and construction, on March 12, 2006 the city dedicated a newly constructed building that is Snellville City Hall.

For many years Snellville had the following slogan: Everybody’s Somebody In Snellville. In recent years the slogan was changed to the following: Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody. Snellville is a city that honors its past and looks forward to the future.

Written by Jim Cofer, Snellville Historical Society.

CORRECTION: An article appearing in the last edition incorrectly identified the Sawyer House as the Snell House.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Centennial What were prices like when Snellville was incorporated as a city in 1923?

The Snellville Centennial Store is now open.

Celebrate 100 years of Snellville in style with a variety of items now available at City Hall, 2342 Oak Road.

The items are on display in the lobby and can be purchased at the front desk during business hours - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Centennial Hat - $15

Centennial Coin - $10

Snellville Centennial T-shirt Sizes S-XL - $10 Size XXL - $12

Centennial Tumbler - $20

Centennial Christmas Ornament - $10

Automobiles New Chevrolet, Roadster, two-passenger, $570 Hudson, Coach, seven-passenger, $1,450 Studebaker, five-passenger, $995 Used 1920, Chevrolet, F.B. Coupe, $300 1917, Buick, $75 Clothing Hat, straw, $1.56 Men’s coat, $9.95 Men’s necktie, silk, $1.50 Men’s shirt, percale, .$1.25 Men’s slacks, white flannel, $8 Women’s bathing shoes, $1.25 Women’s bathing suit, $4.98 Women’s bloomers, silk, $4.98 Women’s blouse, cotton, $1.98 Food and Beverages Bacon, sugar cured. $.25/lb Beef, pot roast, $.10/lb Bologna & frankfurters, $.19/lb Butter, Brookfield Creamery, $.43/lb Carrots, $.10/bunch Eggs, $.13/dozen Ham, smoked Cali, $.13/lb Lamb, leg, $.40/lb Lard, Swift’s pure, $.17/lb Lettuce, $.10/head Oil, olive, imported, $2.25/half gallon Furniture Bedroom set, American walnut finish, 9 pieces, $199/ set Chair, arm, French split cane, $25/each Chair, rocking, $25/each Desk, $80/each Living room set, upholstered mohair, three pieces, $395

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Spring 2023 - Volume 55 Publisher/Editor: Kelly McAloon Editor: Brian Arrington

Busy, yet entertaining event season coming this spring!

Happy spring! Springtime is a season that reminds us of renewal, especially with Easter just a few weeks away. Spring is also a time for new growth as we see the trees starting to bud and the beautiful flowers in bloom.

Speaking of new growth, be sure to stop by the Snellville Farmers’ Market and check out the Community Garden @ Snellville that will be selling cool season vegetables and herbs that were grown from seeds in their greenhouse.

The events have been scheduled, so let the fun begin! On May 5, we will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo at the first Food Truck Friday of the season and will be giving out Cinco de Mayo themed bubbles and tattoos, while supplies last.

If you love dinosaurs, be sure to save the date for the annual Beach Blast on May 13. Tulsa, the 9-foot-tall and 20-foot-long T-Rex and all his dinosaur friends will be coming to the Beach Blast to have fun with you and enjoy 70 tons of sand that will transform Oak Road into a beach.

In celebration of Snellville’s Centennial year, a Centennial wooden nickel will be given out as a keepsake at the ticket booth.

Supplies are limited.

Get ready to move and groove on the Towne Green. The first concert of the summer concert series is set for May 27th featuring Bennie and the Jets, an Elton John Tribute Band.

Hope to see you, your family and friends on the Towne Green this season, for lots of fun in the sun!

Don Britt,

Don

President, Experience Snellville

Connecting our Community to Celebrate Snellville 4

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

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

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

CONTENTS 28

35

MAYOR’S MESSAGE 6 Mayor Barbara Bender offers updates on city business.

PARK FUN 25 News you can use from T.W. Briscoe Park.

PUBLIC WORKS 6 The annual paving project is complete.

SCHOOL DAYS 26 What’s the latest at South Gwinnett and Brookwood schools?

TOP COP 7 Snellville Police Department officer lauded by VFW.

AND RECREATION 28 APARKS rundown of park and Active Adult Center activities.

BEACH BLAST 8 It’s back to the beach during this annual event.

SAFETY NIGHT 31 APUBLIC preview of the popular event.

CITY CHANGES REMEMBER 11 News 33 AALWAYS about package sales ordinance and recycling changes. preview of the city’s Memorial Day event.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY 12 Cinco De Mayo events set for May food event.

GREEN GARDEN 35 The latest from the Community Garden @ Snellville.

READY TO ROCK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 14 Get 36 Take a look at the summer concert series on the Towne Green. a look at Gwinnett Tech’s Take Ten Program..

THINGS TO DO 16 20 A list of fun and exciting things to do in the area.

SPRING EATS 38 Delectable recipes for the spring season.

NEWS OF NOTE 19 Snellville Performing Arts honored internationally.

FAMILY AFFAIR 39 T.W. Briscoe Park is a great place to have a family reunion.

EASTER! 20 AHAPPY list of Easter events at area churches.

EVENT SCHEDULE 40 What’s coming to the Towne Green this spring and summer?

FARMER’S MARKET 23 Meet some of the SFM’s vendors.

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Mayor’s Message - Mayor Barbara Bender Happy Centennial Year! I hope the 2023 year has started out well for you.

The City Council met for our annual retreat on March 4 and had a very productive day hearing from each of the city department directors and discussing future development opportunities in the city.

The city will be embarking on an update to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan this year. This is where we really need your help. Are you happy with the current vision for the city? Do you have ideas of what should be developed, redeveloped or not developed?

This plan is what the City Council and Planning staff depend on when deciding on future rezoning applications and talking with developers. We need your input now rather than after votes. There will be opportunities for responding to surveys and other public meetings later in the year and we would love to have a large group of citizens participate so we can develop a good working plan.

The roadwork around The Grove development that was to be completed by Dec. 31 is still ongoing. The very wet winter has created rain delays in completing the work, which is now scheduled to be completed in March. Please continue to slow down and take care when driving in the area as construction is

progressing in all areas.

Changes are coming to our curbside recycling program. The city is following the changes implemented in Grayson and Loganville to change from the free, 18-gallon bin curbside recycling program to provide 65-gallon recycling carts with an annual convenience fee. The Snellville Recycling Center is available to all for most any recyclables for those who chose to recycle without the fee. The change is being made to avoid another costly increase to the sanitation costs this year. See the details in the article on Page 11.

Please be sure to mark your calendars for all the great events coming up this year. I hope to see you soon!

The city will be embarking on an update to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan this year. This is where we really need your help. Are you happy with the current vision for the city? Do you have ideas of what should be developed, redeveloped or not developed?

Snellville Public Works Pittman Construction completed the project which consisted of edge milling, patching, crack sealing, manhole adjustments and new poles with signage as well.

The streets paved this year in the Old Hickory Subdivision were: Benchmark Drive; Gazebo Lane; Hickory Station Circle; Hickory Station Drive; Picket Fence Lane; and Wicker Wood Way. The streets paved this year in the Woodberry Subdivision were: Glenwood Lane; Glenwood Way; and Woodberry Run Drive.

South Crestview Drive was also paved.

Woodberry Subdivision was paved as part of Public Works’ annual paving project.

2022 Public Works paving project completed

Public Works’ annual paving project made a stop in the Old Hickory subdivision.

The City of Snellville has completed its annual paving project for the 2022 paving season.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Police Department community outside his basic patrol responsibilities by voluntarily participating in the Special Response Team and Honor Guard.

DeVries also steps up for community events, such as Shop-WithA-Cop, and assists with the Citizens Police Academy.

“DeVries continuously demonstrates public service and therefore is an ideal candidate for this prestigious award,” VFW officials said.

Snellville Police Department names top officers for January

DeVries named top officer by Snellville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4180 February was a busy month for Snellville Police Department Corporal A. DeVries.

On Feb. 16, DeVries received the Law Enforcement Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4180 in Snellville.

On Feb. 18, the VFW recognized DeVries as the Law Enforcement Public Servant of the Year for the State of Georgia.

A past recipient of the Gwinnett Chamber LifeSaving Award in 2022, DeVries has been dedicated to public service since joining the U.S. Marine Corps out of high school. Through his time in law enforcement, he has served as a deputy with the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office and now as a patrol officer with the Snellville Police Department. DeVries has performed exceptionally in his position and strives to make a positive impact on the Snellville community. He serves the

Several officers were recognized by the department for their efforts performed in January. Officer A. Templeton was selected as the January 2023 Officer of the Month award. During January, Templeton handled a total of 627 calls for service which included 27 report calls, 103 traffic stops, and 449 preventative area checks.

He also arrested 13 individuals and issued 84 traffic citations while working on the Night Bravo Team.

The Supervisor of the Month was awarded to D. Boone. During January, Boone spearheaded the department’s transition from .40-caliber firearms to a 9 mm system with optics. This monumental task was completed in a two-week period. It required providing instruction on not only a new firearm but also a new way of operating. The job was not a minor undertaking as it required providing instruction on not just a new firearm, but also a new way of operating. By the end of the transition, the average qualifying scores across the department had increased significantly compared to qualifying scores from past years. The new weapon platform not only allows the officers to perform their job more efficiently, but also dramatically decreases liability for the city.

The Significant Arrest of the Month was awarded to Lt. Rankin and Sgt. Matyac. Rankin stopped a vehicle for a taillight violation.

Matyac backed Rankin up on the traffic stop. During the traffic stop, Matyac observed plain-view marijuana inside the vehicle, and a search of the vehicle was performed. The search revealed 22 ounces of marijuana, 44 grams of powder cocaine, 59 grams of crack cocaine, 176 grams of methamphetamine, 18 grams of ecstasy, 97 grams of Fentanyl, 44 grams of THC oil, and various illegally possessed prescription pills. A stolen Glock handgun was also recovered, along with a seizure of just under $18,000 in U.S. currency. The driver, a convicted felon, was booked into the Gwinnett Jail on multiple felony drug and weapons violations.

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th Annual

GOOD MEASURE Rock, Pop and Dance Favorite Band!

3 - 5 p.m.

By Kelly McAloon, Executive Director, Experience Snellville

CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE BEACH? NO WORRIES! Snellville is bringing the beach to you on May 13th from 12 - 5 PM. Join us on the Towne Green in front of City Hall for the 11TH ANNUAL SNELLVILLE BEACH BLAST, 2342 Oak Road, for fun in the sun and sand as Oak Road will be transformed into a beach with 70 tons of soft white sand.

The Snellville Beach Blast is FREE to attend and the All Day Activity Kids Zone Arm Band is only $15.00 for the day and includes: The Big Kahuna Water Slide, Inflatable Slides, Inflatable Obstacle Course, Inflatable Bounce House, Rock Wall, Inflatable Shoot the Hoop Basketball, Trackless Train Ride, 9-Hole Mini Golf and the infamous Gaming Bus and Omni Virtuix (must have on sneakers to play Omni Virtuix).

New this year is the PREHISTORIC NATION DINOSAUR ENCOUNTER! You won’t want to miss the exciting shows and photo opportunties with the dinosuars, including “Tulsa”, the 9’ tall and 20’ long T-Rex, “Bleu” the 8’ tall Velociraptor, “Trixie the Triceratops,” “Buck the Stygimoloch” and “Mango” the baby dinosaur.

Ticket booth opens at 12 p.m. and will close promptly at 4:30 p.m.

To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Snellville, everyone who purchases a kids zone activity band will receive a Centennial Wooden Nickel as a keepsake.

Bring your chairs or blankets to sit on and spend a funfilled day with us on the Snellville Beach enjoying activities and beach music throughout the day.

Entertainment Schedule for Snellville Beach Blast 12:00 PM - DJ Lee / Fun and Games 12:30 PM - Prehistoric Nation Dinosaur Encounter 1:00 PM - DJ Lee / Fun and Games 2:00 PM - Prehistoric Nation Dinosaur Encounter 3:00 PM - Good Measure Band

From 3 - 5 p.m., GOOD MEASURE (a rock, pop and dance favorite band) will keep you on your feet, so bring your dancin’ shoes and have some fun as we ROCK the Snellville Towne Green.

Come stay and play in Snellville!

ALL DAY KIDS ZONE ACTIVITY BAND

$15.00!

Includes: Big Kahuna Water Slide, Multiple Inflatables, Trackless Train, Rock Wall, Shoot the Hoop Inflatable Basketball, Omni Virtuix and 9 Hole Mini Golf.

Thank You to our Keystone Sponsors:

MAY 13th 12:00 PM -5:00 PM Towne Greene 2342 Oak Road

Shoot The Hoop Basketball!

Climb The Rock Wall!

Golf with Mini Golf Champions!

BLEU, 8’ tall Velociraptor

Fun, Sun and Plenty of Sand!

Ride the Trackless Train!

Trixie & Buck look forward to meeting you!

PARKSIDE

POST ACUTE & REHABILITATION

Embracing the Journey 3000 LENORA CHURCH RD SNELLVILLE, GA 30078 | (770) 972-2040 PARKSIDEPAR.COM

City News Changes being made to city’s recycling program The City of Snellville is making several changes that will affect residential solid waste and recycling.

While the city remains committed to providing our residents with opportunities to recycle household items, the city will replace the free curbside recycling option to an annual paid subscription service beginning May 1. The cost of recycling has increased tremendously in recent years due to industry changes and the city is working to mitigate the increasing costs.

Application process begins for package sales in city limits Residents will soon be able to buy liquor in Snellville after Mayor and Council adopted a measure making way for a package store to open in the city limits.

City officials are accepting applications from entrepreneurs who want to sell distilled spirits. Up to two applications will be approved for two separate locations in the city, with this initial process allowing for one license.

Applications can be submitted until 4 p.m. June 5. A sealed License Application (Package Store) and $200 non-refundable application fee payable to the City of Snellville is required to apply.

Applications can be obtained online at Snellville.org or picked up at the Department of Planning and Development on the second floor of City Hall, 2342 Oak Road, Snellville.

City officials suggest applicants become very familiar with the application guidelines before they apply. All requirements must be fully met for an application to be successful.

A state license must be obtained before any alcoholic beverage can be served or sold in the City of Snellville. Contact the Alcohol and Tobacco Division of the Georgia Department of Revenue at 877-423-6711 or atdiv@dor.ga.gov.

All successful applicants will become part of an independent lottery process and the winner’s license is valid for one year from Dec. 31.

If you choose this option, you will pay an annual fee of $144, and receive a new 65-gallon recycling cart. The fee will cover the 12-month service period. You can pay online, by mail, or in person at the Public Works Office at 2491 Marigold Road. Please check Snellville.org in the near future for a link to pay into the program.

The deadline to opt in to the new recycling program is April 30.

As part of the program, the city will inform you about what items are recyclable curbside, and how to avoid contaminating your recycling contents.

Beginning May 1, the city will offer an extra 65-gallon garbage cart for an annual fee of $120.

Residents that decline to pay for curbside recycling service will still have use of the City’s Recycling Center at 2531 Marigold Road, free of charge. The Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information call Public Works at 770-9853527.

To ensure this program operates effectively, please adhere to the following guidelines.

•Place your cart at the curb before 7 a.m. on your scheduled trash pickup day.

•Make sure all items are loose, the lid is completely closed and opens toward street.

•Empty and rinse all plastic and food containers.

•Break down and flatten all boxes.

•Examples of acceptable items for your Curbside Recycling Cart are the following: Plastic #1-#7: water and drink bottles, milk jugs, shipping boxes, drink cartons, etc.

Cardboard: cereal, shoe, food, detergent and food containers, etc.

Mixed Paper: newspapers, magazines, mail, paperback books, catalogues, copy paper, etc.

Metal: aluminum cans, steel food cans, soup, vegetable, meat, etc.

No glass, Styrofoam, plastic bags, batteries, paint, or spray cans will be accepted.

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Come Celebrate on the Towne Green at Snellville’s Food Truck Friday!

Experience Snellville is serving Snellville with top notch events and is proud to showcase the May & June 2023 Food Truck Friday line-up.

MAY 5

JUNE 2

Lettum Eat - Mexican Cuisine & Tacos Hole in the Wall Gyro Chef Mediterranean Vietnamese Truck Yaardi Eats Atlanta Seafood Ms. Jay’s Funnel Cakes Kona Ice

Lobster Dogs 6-pack Subs Vietnamese Cuisine Patty Wagon Big House BBQ Love at Wurst Sight Fingerz Ms. Jay’s Funnel Cakes Kona Ice

Keystone Sponsors:

Join us for a wide variety of food trucks, music, fun with DJ Lee! bbb FREE Cinco de Mayo themed bubbles and tattoos, while supplies last. ccc

Snellville Towne Green | 2342 Oak Rd. | 4 - 8 PM facebook.com/ExperienceSnellville

LEARN MORE

Hey, Snellville! Make the switch this spring and sign up with Walton Gas – rated #1 in customer satisfaction.

WALTONG AS .CO M /G WI N N E T T | 770-427-4328

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SNELLVILLE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2023

MAY 27 JULY 22 AUG. 26 SEPT. 23 Chi-Town Transit Authority

Michael Jackson Tribute

Chicago Tribute

7:30 p.m.

Landslide – A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac will take you on a ride back in time to an era when the greatest music in rock was being made and the careers of the legends we all love today were born! Paying homage to one of the greatest and most popular bands in music history, LANDSLIDE recreates the hits from yesteryear, taking fans on an electric journey through Fleetwood Macs’ incredible catalog of music, including the hits from their solocareers. Because of Landslide’s genuine love and reverence for Fleetwood Mac, they spare no effort in captivating fans with an authentic concert experience.

Chi-Town Transit Authority is an eight-piece Chicago Tribute band based out of Atlanta, Ga. dedicated in reproducing the “Chicago” Concert experience!

They feature a tight horn section along with the dynamic vocal harmonies that Chicago is famous for and perform all of the familiar and famous songs covering over four decades of steady hits written and recorded by Chicago.

Who’s Bad - Michael Jackson Tribute has entertained hundreds of thousands of fans around the world since 2004. Dedicated to recreating authentic live experiences, Who’s Bad was originally founded by Vamsi Tadepalli in 2003 as a tribute to Michael Jackson’s musical legacy.

Each show is designed and constructed through unparalleled study of the artists’ original performances, and infused with new energy, so that they can be brought to life for fans by some of the finest entertainment professionals on the planet.

James Anthony 6 p.m.

Samer 6 p.m.

Johnny Porrazzo 6 p.m.

Bennie and the Jets Elton John Tribute 7 p.m.

Landslide Fleetwood Mac Tribute

Bennie and the Jets is the Premier Elton John Tribute Band.

Bennie and the Jets is led by Greg Ransom whose vocals are exactly like Elton Johns naturally and Greg’s piano playing is right on the money! Greg has the ability to make you believe that you’re at an Elton John concert.

With a Bennie and the Jets show, you get -- superb musicianship and an amazing theatrical event.

Who’s Bad

Reserve a table for eight people for $140. Tables are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Register online at www.ExperienceSnellville.com.

Presented by:

FREE COMMUNITY CONCERTS ON THE TOWNE GREEN, 2342 OAK ROAD

NY Style Pizza and Italian Restaurant With a Full Bar Fratelli’s NY Style Pizza & Restaurant has got it all – full bar, 50-person private party room, live piano on the weekends and the freshest NY style pizzas, pastas and steaks you’ll find anywhere in Gwinnett. Check out our new vegan and gluten-free lunch and dinner menus. And, yes, we cater!

FREE

BIRTHDAY DINNER up to $15

(Pizza not included. Must show ID.)

470-375-4701

Dine in or order on line

470-375-4701 FratellisPizza-NY.com 1711 Athens Hwy Grayson, GA 30017

Stone Mountain Park - 8.4 mi One of Atlanta’s favorite destinations for the entire family.

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

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

from Snellville City Hall Lenora Park - 5.8 mi

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

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

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

Saltville Grotto & Spa - 0.2 mi Saltville Grotto & Spa will be your salty oasis in Snellville. We offer both wet and dry salt therapies such as floatation and a salt cave. In addition, you can get a massage, foot massage or ionic foot detox. Or maybe a session in our infrared sauna is more your style.

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

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

Snellville Veterans Memorial - 0.1 mi The Snellville Veterans Memorial is a state-of-the-art Memorial where locals and visitors stop by to reflect and pay homage to those who fought so selflessly for our freedom. “FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE.” Annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs are held in front of the Veterans Memorial each year.

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

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

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

Lincoln Fill Station - 0.9 mi

Dragon Queen Winery - 1 mi

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

Veteran owned and operated. Has a large selection of wines that can be shipped to Georgia customers only.

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

Niko’s Wine Corner - .9 mi

Come visit Niko’s Wine Corner in Snellville and meet new owners Regina Koranteng and Seth Wiredu.

They carry exotic beers that are not available in many package and grocery stores. In addition to the very extensive selection of great wines and craft beers, they have Gwinnett County’s first wine bar. Three Enomatic wine tasting machines provide an extensive and changing array of 32 amazing white and red wines.

Weekly wine tasting events available.

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

Slow Pour offers delicious, innovative and original beers.

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

Tucker Brewing - 13 mi Proud to be named #4 Best Beer Garden in America by USA Today! Tucker Brewing Company is Georgia’s premium lager brewery, dedicated to making easy-to-drink, flavorful lager beers. This is a family owned lager brewery inspired by German brewing traditions and honors the Southern roots of its owners.

We strive every day to create a warm environment where family and friends can come together to appreciate beer, food and life.

Classic Craft Beer Made in Lawrenceville.

Our classic, easy-drinking brews are made for great moments, great conversation, and great friends. The Biergarten – Spacious, fun, and friendly – a perfect for an after-work get-together, a chill space to unwind, or a fun way to start (or end) date night. Our taps pull super fresh beer made right below your feet.

Outrun Brewing - 11 mi We are a brewer owned and operated, small scale production brewery that focuses on approachable and highly drinkable small-batch brews. We put our own spin on a variety of styles, old and new. Our beer is brewed in house and only available in our taproom. We take our beer seriously.

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

Stars and Strikes Entertainment Center/Bowling - 5.4 mi

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games - 16 mi

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

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

Salt Cave Float Therapy Massage

Ionic Foot Detox Infrared Sauna Zero Gravity Zen Experience Reiki 678-585-1153 * relax@saltvillegrotto.com * www.saltvillegrotto.com

WE BUY GOLD!

Hill Top Pawn and Gun

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

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

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

Firearm Sales

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

$Cash Loans$

At Hill Top Pawn we specialize in loaning out cash!

We loan money on just about anything with amounts up to

$10,000

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

(All loans are collateral based)

Follow us on Facebook for our New Show inventories as they become available.

News of Note Beaming with pride, McDonald said of her students and program, “hearing our name called out, seeing the kids jumping out of their seats cheering, and knowing that our performers are inspiring others is honestly a dream come true.” She’s not the only one who feels strongly about Snellville Performing Arts’ work.

Regarding their performance, adjudicator Lottie Wakeham said, “the storytelling had such weight and lovely detail. The depth of emotion that you were committing to as young artists was so impressive”. Kenny Shepard commented, “I loved the style of the choreography; it was such a privilege to see how your research and hard work came together to create this show”. Daniel J. Yearwood exclaimed, “I am overwhelmed! You are all incredible; I was moved to tears to see this done in such an immaculate way and I hope you’re incredibly proud of yourselves.”

Snellville Performing Arts earns international awards Non-profit Snellville Performing Arts earned recognition at the 2023 International Junior Theatre Festival. This monumental weekend dedicated to celebrating excelling musical theatre programming happened Jan. 13-15 at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta.

At the festival each group performed a 15-minute cut of their Broadway Junior musical. Snellville Performing Arts presented Once on this Island, Jr for hundreds of their peers, as well as industry-professional adjudicators Kenny Shepard (Choreographer - Broadway Junior, Disney), Lotte Wakeham (Director – The Book Thief, Associate Director - Matilda, West End), and Daniel J. Yearwood (Hamilton, Once on this Island [2017 Revival]).

For its performance, Snellville Performing Arts earned the AllFestival Inspiration Award, which honors a group that inspires and touches the hearts of their adjudicators through performance.

SPA’s Director Stephanie McDonald, said of the award, “it means so much to us – theatre should inspire and evoke emotion and to be recognized specifically for doing this with young people is incredible.”

Out of 125 groups and over 6,500 attendees, five student choreographers from SPA, led by 17 year old Joy Woods, went toe-to-toe with professionals from all over the world. Their hard work paid off and they earned an award for their choreography that was recognized for showcasing styles from a variety of cultures connected to the story.

Finally, out of over 200 directors, Executive Director and Snellville native, Stephanie McDonald, was one of only three invited to join the prestigious Freddie G Fellowship honoring directors who create truly inspiring and exceptional work.

Recipients will join iTheatrics and Music Theatre International in NYC this summer to work with industry-leading professionals, see shows, and bring back lessons and skills for their organizations.

Snellville Performing Arts continues its excellence this Spring with their Junior Company production of Finding Nemo in April and Senior Company production of Newsies in May. They also have acting classes for ages 4-18 and dance for ages 3-18, as well as workshops and other community events throughout the year.

For more information about auditions, shows, classes, events, or how you can help support this non-profit arts program, visit the Snellville Performing Arts website at www.snellvilleperformingarts.com.

To report an inoperable street light, call Walton EMC If there’s a light on your street that has blown out who can you call to fix the problem? Call Walton EMC to report a broken street light.

Walton EMC not only provides power to many in Snellville, but it is also in charge of maintaining and erecting street lights on city streets. Many residents believe the city maintains street lights, but that is not so. It is up to a resident to call Walton EMC. Residents are best suited to report street light outages to Walton EMC. When you call to report a street light outage, include the closest address.

If your street light is out or you want to speak to someone about adding one to a darkly lit area, call 770-972-2917 or visit www.waltonemc.com/contact.

Residents may want to tie a ribbon to the pole to alert technician as they cannot see which lights have burned out during the day.

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Snellville Holy Week and ST. MATTHEWS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

12 STONE SNELLVILLE

Stmatthewssnellville.org (for more information and link to livestream service)

April 2 at 10:30 AM in the Sanctuary Easter Musical Cantata, Lloyd Larson “No Greater Love: Remembering the Death and Resurrection of Jesus”

April 8, Saturday, 5 p.m.

April 2, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Palm Sunday Service with Youth Passion Play April 6, 7 p.m., Maundy Thursday Service April 7, 12 noon and 7 p.m.

Good Friday Services

Chancel Choir Directed by Mr. Mark Belloto April 6, 6 p.m., Maundy Thursday In Home Potluck Dinners & Communion Worship

Saturday, April 8, 7 p.m., Easter Vigil

April 7, 7:30 p.m., Good Friday Tenebrae Service of Darkness, Westminster Sanctuary

Sunday, April 9, Easter Sunday Services, 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with Easter Egg Hunt - 9:30 a.m.

April 9, 7 a.m., Easter Sunrise Service WPC Front Yard Pancake Breakfast following in Fellowship Center

1520 Oak Road, Snellville, GA 30078 770.979.4210 | stmatthewssnellville.org

April 9, 10:30 a.m., Easter Sunday Service Celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Westminster Sanctuary 2208 Main Street East, Snellville, GA 30078 770.979.9676 l www.wpcsnellville.org www.facebook.com/WPCSnellville

April 9th, Sunday – 7:15 a.m., Sunrise Service 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. services.

1709 Scenic Hwy S., Snellville, GA 30078 678.990.9601 | 12stone.com/snellville

GRACE SNELLVILLE CHURCH April 9, Easter Sunday Services 7 a.m. - Sunrise 9 a.m. - Indoor 10:30 a.m. - Outdoor 1400 Dogwood Rd., SW, Snellville, GA 30078 770.979.7000 | gfc.tv/snellville

SNELLVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH April 2, Palm Sunday 9:30 a.m. - Casual Service 11 a.m. - Traditional Service 12:30 p.m. - Hispanic/Latino Service April 6, 6:30 p.m., Holy Thursday What does it mean to commune with Jesus?

April 7, 6:30 p.m., Good Friday Tenebrae Service of Darkness April 9, Easter Sunday Celebration HOPE is closer than you think.

7 a.m. - Sunrise Service 9:30 a.m. - Casual Service 11 a.m. - Traditional Service 12:30 p.m. - Hispanic Latino Service 2428 Main Street East, Snellville, GA 30078 770.972.9360 l snellvilleumc.org

COMMUNITY OF GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH April 2, 11 a.m.

Palm Sunday Worship

SNELLVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

April 6, 7 p.m.

Maundy Thursday Worship

April 9, Easter Sunday Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

April 7, 7 p.m.

Good Friday Worship April 9, 11 a.m.

Easter Sunday Worship For online opportunities, please visit our website www.transformlives.org 1200 Athens Highway, Grayson, GA 30017 770.972.4304 l transformlives.org

We have returned to in person services on Sunday mornings, but you can continue to watch our service every Sunday on Facebook or Youtube.

2485 Scenic Hwy S., Snellville, GA 30078 770.972.0767 | snellvillechristian.net

d Easter Sunday Services SNELLVILLE CHURCH OF CHRIST

ST. OLIVER PLUNKETT CATHOLIC CHURCH

CANNON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

April 9 - Easter Sunday Service Worship at 10 a.m.

No Classes

Palm Sunday Masses Saturday Vigil 5 p.m. - English 7 p.m. - Spanish Sunday 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.

(Spanish) & 5 p.m.

Holy Week & Easter Schedule Pre-recorded Reflections for Holy Week beginning April 3 will be available at Cannon United Methodist Church - Snellville’s YouTube channel.

March 25 - Egg Hunt and Cook-Out 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Live stream of our services available 10:00 a.m. on Facebook https://www.facebook.com /Church-of-Christ-At-Snellville -119975308019662/ • Live stream of our services available 10:00 a.m. on YouTube https://youtube.com/user/snellvillecofc 3025 Lenora Church Rd., Snellville, GA 30078 770.972.6988 | snellvillecofc.org

CHURCH ON MAIN April 7, Good Friday Service, 7 p.m.

Holy Thursday Mass 6:30 p.m. - English 8:30 p.m. - Spanish Adoration 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Family Center Good Friday Seven Last Words - English 12:00 p.m.

Good Friday Service - English 5:00 p.m.

Good Friday Service - Spanish 8:30 p.m.

Easter Masses Holy Saturday Easter Vigil 8 p.m. Bilingual Easter Sunday Masses 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. - English 1:15 p.m. - Spanish 3200 Brooks Drive, Snellville, GA 30078 770.979.2500 | www.stolivers.com

April 9, Easter Sunday Services 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

2400 Main St. E. #3361, Snellville, GA 30078 770.978.5742 | churchonmain.net

BEREAN CHRISTIAN CHURCH

MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH Easter Sunday, April 9 – 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.

1525 Scenic Hwy., Snellville, GA 30078 770.972.5020 | mountzionsnellville.com

Saturday, April 8th, 12 noon Easter Service with Easter Egg Hunt for 12 and under Sunday, April 9th 6 a.m., 8 a.m. and 12 noon 1465 Highpoint Rd, Snellville, GA 30078 678.240.2213 l bereangwinnett.org

Holy Week Self-Guided Prayer Stations Cannon Church Sanctuary Monday-Friday, April 3-7: 12-3 p.m.

April 3 & April 5, 5-8 p.m.

April 2, 11 a.m., Palm Sunday “On The Road - Walking with Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem” April 6, 7 p.m., Maundy Thursday Service A service of Celebration and Sorrow with Holy Communion.

April 7, Noon, Good Friday Service April 9, Celebrate Easter with Us 9:30 a.m. - Modern Service 11 a.m. - Traditional Service 2424 Webb Gin House Rd., Snellville, GA 30078 770.972.5463 | cannonchurch.org

Exceptional care

close to home.

To learn more about Piedmont Eastside Medical Center in Snellville visit: piedmont.org/eastside

Snellville Farmer’s Market Spotlight on new, returning vendors at summer season SFM

By Gretchen Schulz Councilmember Market organizer The Snellville Farmers’ Market has some terrific new and returning vendors in the lineup for the summer season! We would like to introduce you to just a few.

Perhaps one of our most exciting additions will be Pride Road Farms. To be clear, Pride Road has been a vendor with us for several years, selling their hibiscus soda that is a huge hit with market customers, as well as other hibiscus products such as their hibiscus chutney that was the winner of the 2022 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest sponsored by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. But now they are becoming Pride Road Farms and will be offering chicken this summer in addition to their hibiscus products. Yasin Muhaimin and his son, Najeeb, are currently finishing up the construction of their chicken farm and processing facility on 77 acres, located between Monticello and Mansfield. Najeeb, who recently retired from the military, said their chickens will be pastured and moved from one pasture to another every day. Their target is to raise and process 3,000 chickens their first season, he said. The father-son team expects to sell whole frozen chickens and “we’ll shoot for halves and quarters,” Najeeb said. The Muhaimins have been working closely with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and will have all required permits. “They have been engaged with us all along,” Najeeb said.

Black Bean Coffee Company has been a vendor with us during our extended season markets and we’re thrilled to let customers know they plan to be with us throughout the summer season. Shelbey and Michael March, owners of the Buford-based company, will be bringing their coffee trailer to the market. They will offer just “plain old” regular coffee as well as iced coffee, lattes, frappes, teas, smoothies, and whole bean coffee. Shelbey, who serves as the barista, is a former human resources manager. Michael worked as a machine operator. Their coffee business grew out of

Shelbey’s love for coffee. “I started drinking it with my grandmother when I was 10 years old,” she said. The Marchs also take their coffee trailer to movie sets and other events.

Another vendor we would like to introduce you to is Cassandra Ragins, owner of Treat Your Temple, a bath and body care products company. Cassandra is a registered and certified radiation therapist who has treated cancer patients. As a result of her work, she learned that so many ingredients in traditional body care products had devastating effects on the skin of her patients. The name of her company comes from the verse in the Bible that refers to our bodies as the temple of God. By treating our body as a temple, “we take great care about the internal and external aspects of our bodies,” she says. Cassandra sells a variety of bath bombs, shower steamers, lotions, body butters, and lip balms.

Finally, many customers will be very happy to know that Petersen’s Bakery will continue selling their very popular breakfast sandwiches.

Located right near the market entrance, the Petersens offer a sandwich on their homemade roll consisting of two eggs, cheese, and bacon or sausage. Their bacon, which comes from J. Martin & Sons of Lancaster, PA in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch area, is a customer favorite. It takes all three of the Petersens, including Mark, Deb and their daughter Catherine, as well as their regular assistant Katherine, to keep up with business at their booth. In addition to breakfast sandwiches, the Petersens sell a variety of breads, rolls, focaccia, pastries and cornettos.

The summer season of the market will begin June 3 and will be held on the Towne Green every Saturday through September, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.. From now until the summer market begins, visit our extended season market on the first and third Saturdays of each month through From top: Najeeb Muhaimin of Pride May, 9 am to noon, in the City Hall parking lot. Road Farms; Black Bean Coffee trailer; The Pride Road Farm near To subscribe to our newsletter please send a Monticello where the Muhaimins will request to snellvillefarmersmarket@gmail.com. raise and process their chickens; and Cassandra Ragins of Treat Your Temple.

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

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•Heated Indoor Pool •Fitness Center •Meeting Room

Snellville Parks and Recreation Go check out the videos at www.snellville.org/parks-recreation.

And more great news, SPRD is now online for most program, league and membership registrations. This will allow patrons to register and pay online at the comfort of their own home. Our online registration website is snellville.recdesk.com/Community/Home

After first-year success, Family Fun Day at T.W. Briscoe Park is back The first ever Family Fun Day at Briscoe Park in 2022 was such a success that SPRD decided to make it an annual event! The 2023 Family Fun Day will be held April 22 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Briscoe Park in Snellville.

Admission for this event is free!

There will be multiple main course food trucks along with a dessert food truck. Snellville Police Department and Gwinnett Fire will be on sight along with other Snellville departments and churches. Briscoe Park youth athletic groups along with other vendors will have booths set up with fun activities. There will also be face painting, inflatables, games and more.

Videos highlighting Parks and Recreation offerings now available Snellville Parks and Recreation is always looking for ways to get the word out to the public about Briscoe Park and its various leagues, programs, events and activities.

Parks officials wanted to find a way for the community to participate in a “virtual tour” of Briscoe Park and its programs so they created five informational videos.

The videos consist of “Welcome to T.W. Briscoe Park,” “Youth and Adult Recreation,” “Rental Facilities” “Briscoe Pool” and “Tennis.”

25 25

South Gwinnett High School

CAREER SIGNING DAY: South Gwinnett High hosted a Career Academy Signing day for 9th-grade students. South Gwinnett’s Career Academies offer students opportunities to explore many career pathways. There are currently 13 career pathways offered to students, along with the opportunity to complete dual enrollment. On Jan. 27 SGHS’ 9th grade students committed to a pathway and a career pathway. This opportunity will allow students to pursue their interest in efforts to develop a dynamic workforce not only for today but for the future as well.

FOOTBALL SIGNING DAY: South Gwinnett High School’s Annual Signing Day Ceremony took place Feb. 3. Six of South Gwinnett’s football players signed their National Letter of Intent to attend a university. For many sports, especially in Division I, National Signing Day has become a celebrated event. This is one of the most exciting moments for a studentathlete is receiving a verbal scholarship offer. Football players who signed were: Tymere Burton, UNC Charlotte, linebacker; Pierre Ford, Tennessee State University, wide receiver/ defensive back; Darius Owens, Akron University, defensive back; Jay Miller, Bethany College, linebacker; Ike Eneude, Johnson C. Smith University, defensive back; and Caleb Collins, Fullerton College, linebacker/defensive end.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION: South Gwinnett High School and the Snellville Youth Commission celebrated Black History Month with a community expo featuring exclusive interviews with relatives of Emmett Till who was lynched by a white mob. The Rev. Wheeler Parker Jr., South Gwinnett High School’s Principal Dorothy Jarrett and Former Gwinnett County Public School student Marc Collins who portrays Parker in the movie ‘Till.’ The featured event was moderated by SGHS and SYC leaders – Narjise Koko and Winta Mamo. Mayor Barbara Bender along with several council members were present to enjoy South Gwinnett High School’s elite Fine Arts Department that included the orchestra, student artists, and staff and student vendors. It was a day to remember because history was in the building.

26 26

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Brookwood High School The Brookwood girls basketball team has won state championship its first state championship in school history!

The Broncos defeated defending Class AAAAAAA state champion Norcross Blue Devils 43-39 March 11 in Macon.

‘It’s still setting in. It’s kind of surreal right now,’ Brookwood head coach Courtney Mincy told the Gwinnett Daily Post. ‘I’m just proud of them. We’ve been at the top all season long. I try not to pay too much attention to the rankings, but I’m just proud of the girls for staying at the top and just confirming it because it doesn’t matter until you get to the end. I’m just overwhelmed and ecstatic for my team.’

Brookwood raised more than $1 million for charity in under nine years. Coach Chvatal and the Student Government Association have spearheaded the March to One Million campaign since its start in 2014. Pictured with Chvatal are fellow SGA teacher sponsors, Mrs. Humphrey and Mrs. Kaiser, and this year’s SGA executive officers: Han Nguyen, Niheer Patel, Blakeley Hollingshead, and Sydney Frederick.

Four orchestra students earned seats in the Georgia All-State Orchestra (James Lee, Andrew Cheng, Allison Cheng, and Ariel Kim). Overall, Brookwood’s performances at GCPS Large Group Performance Evaluation concerts kept in step with previous years: Symphony Orchestra and Maroon and Gold Orchestra earned straight superior ratings; Philharmonic Orchestra and Symphonic Strings both earned overall superior ratings; and Concert Strings just one point away from overall superior.

Brookwood’s Readers Rally won the Division I Championship in field of seven teams. To prepare for the Jeopardy-style competition, the students read 10 books and practiced questions for more than three months.

Brookwood’s Future Farmers of America officers visited the Capital and then headed to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

FFA members are aspiring engineers, biologists, teachers, and farmers.

Brookwood placed first overall at the State German Convention. All 19 students who competed earned a top-three ranking in multiple events. Notably, the team of Evan Hitchcock, Louis Harney, Kyle Ssendagire, and Otto PaulTafur won the highly competitive Quiz Bowl event. Four juniors taking German III are headed to Germany this summer as Halle Foundation scholarship recipients, which means they’ll enjoy a fully paid three-week language immersion program in Germany (Renata Paul-Tafur, Connor Hayes, Alex Dudash, and Mariam Ahmad).

After a season of winning Excellence Awards and tournament championships, four of Brookwood’s five robotics teams competed in the Vex Georgia State Robotics State Tournament, where two qualified in the Skills Competition for the world tournament in Dallas, Texas.

Congratulations to A Team (Aanya Patel, Davis Pham, Isabella Ching, Marilyn FloresCarlos, Martin Reesman, Michael Howard, Nimit Patel, and Saman Kukkala) and E Team (Ashley Rennie, Austin Tharakan, Baron Lin, Beren Kincaid, and Hanem Koregema).

27 27

Snellville Parks and Recreation Park office is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on registration and classes, check out the Parks and Recreation Department on Snellville’s website at www.snellville.org/parks-recreation.

Coming in April ... registrations will be online for most SPRD leagues and activities at snellville.recdesk.com Please “like” our Facebook page for more information on our upcoming events and happenings: www.facebook.com/SnellvilleParks.

New programs at Briscoe Park: Jazzercise Monday and Thursdays 5-6 p.m. and Saturdays 8:459:45 a.m. Contact Myesha at Family Fun Day @ Briscoe Park will be held jazzercisesnellville@gmail.com; April 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be food, Martial Arts on Tuesdays inflatables, vendors, games and MORE! 6-7 p.m. Contact Susan at srmasterwhitfield@gmail.com.

Generals Athletic Club, offers sport programs and mentorship to the Snellville and Shiloh community. Information: www. gac-sports.org All-In FC offers recreational and academy/select youth soccer programs at Briscoe Park. Information: www.allinfcsnellville.com National Youth Flag Football offers youth flag football at Briscoe Park. Practices and games will take place on Sundays. For more information visit www.falconsflagfootball.com.

Youth Kickball is offered for ages 7-15. Info is at www.snellville.org/parks-recreation Adult sports including softball and flag football visit www.quickscores.com/snellville.

Tennis instruction, clinics, camps, and leagues by certified tennis instructors at Briscoe Park visit www.aetennis.com or call 470-4174547.

Briscoe Park Pool will open on May 26. Monday-Thursday 12-6 p.m., Friday-Sunday 12-7 p.m.. Briscoe Park will also offer swim lessons starting May 30. For more info visit www.snellville.org/parks-recreation.

Pool Parties @ Briscoe Park Pool will be held on May 19 and July 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. $1 admission and concessions available.

Summer Camp @ Briscoe Park for ages 7-14 will begin the week of May 30. Weekly sessions are available from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for $200 per child.

Atlanta Hustle Ultimate Frisbee Camp @ Briscoe Park June 12-16 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Camp is $150 per child Outdoor tennis courts are available on a first-come-first-served basis without lights daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Not all of the courts may be available at all times if tennis Instructor or ALTA teams are utilizing the courts.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Parks and Recreation Radio station brings joy, gifts to Center member

By Brian Arrington Public Information Officer Active Adult Center member Lena May Harris got a welcomed surprise earlier this month as three The Fish 104.7 FM radio employees gave her a new refrigerator, washer and dryer and $1,000 in gift cards.

Khristy Harris, who works the front desk at the Center, wrote a letter to the radio station letting them know of the hardships that Lena had been experiencing. For the past year, Lena has been living without a refrigerator. Center staff was allowing her to frequently come by the center and pick up ice so that she could keep a cooler for items that needed to stay cold at her house.

Khristy knew of her situation and wrote the radio station a letter as The Fish has been known to lift people who have fell on hard times.

The radio station surprised Lena with a visit, the gift cards and the appliances.

The Snellville Active Adult Center is for adults 50 and older and is located next to Snellville City Hall. Membership is $25 for Gwinnett County Residents, $15 for City Limit Residents and $30 for those outside of Gwinnett County. The Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For class times, dates and fees, call 770985-3580. Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/snellvillescactiveadults.

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

“Snellville Parks and Recreation strives to create and offer as many interesting and diverse programs to our Center members as we can,” said Lisa Platt, CPRP Director of Snellville Parks and Recreation. “With over 500 members the staff are kept quite busy. I already knew how kind and compassionate all our staff are. So when I was told about the about the initiative taken by our center staff I was not surprised and it made me very proud. I cannot praise our staff enough for the love, kindness and help they are always willing to give. The small act of allowing Ms. Harris to get ice, to the final act of writing to The Fish, shows how much SPRD staff love their members and the job they do for all of them. Ms. Harris is so very deserving of the help as she is a kind and compassionate person, who volunteers numerous hours for our Center and for Habitat for Humanity to mention just a couple. I was very honored to be a part of the event to surprise Ms. Harris!”

A film crew was there to document the event and it will be shown March 27 on the radio station’s website at thefishatlanta.com.

“Lena is one of our most faithful volunteers and is always willing to help others in their time of need, said Kathi Gargiulo, Sr. Program Supervisor, Snellville Active Adults. “So to see this overabundance of kindness come back to her in her time of need, it was truly heartwarming. What a blessing to have been part of this exciting surprise. It couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person!”

Yoga $5 per class Tuesdays 10 a.m.

Crochet and knitting Free with membership 12 p.m., Tuesdays Spanish classes Offered for beginners, Spanish Level 1 All week, call 770-985-3580 for times and days

Also: Daytrips and Overnight Trips Pinochle Devotional Study Bowling Card-making classes Piano Lessons Quilting Classes Beginning computer, smartphone and tablet classes.

Billiards Bingo (First Fridays) Aerobic Exercise and weight room Line Dancing Twist & Tone 29 29

Snellville • Atlanta NE ›› 100 Spacious Guestrooms ›› Complimentary Hot Breakfast ›› Boardroom – 500 sqft ›› Conference Room – 800 sqft ›› Onsite Fitness Center ›› Outdoor Pool with Patio

1905 Pharrs Road Snellville, GA 30078

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P: (678)344-9090 | F: (678)344-9092 www.atlantane.hamptonbyhilton.com

2023

presented by

The Snellville Police Department

Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Briscoe Park in Snellville Rain Date Wednesday, June 14th

Members of the Snellville Police Department will be out in force hosting its annual Snellville Public Safety Night Bring the family for some fun and get some great information on protecting yourself, your family, your pets, your home & business and your personal identity.

The event is free and all are encouraged to attend Area Mascots & Activities will entertain the kids Food and Dolphin’s Water Ice for Sale

• See Police vehicles with anti-crime accessories, tactical equipment & weapons • Meet the Special Response Team (SRT) • County Police and Fire Equipment & Personnel will be on view • EMS and 1st responders will be available with information

• Officers will demonstrate how to manage a traffic stop

Exhibitors will be providing information on: Personal Safety Home Security Gun Safety and Training Pet Security Financial Security Road safety for adults, teens and young children

Sponsored by the

Snellville Police Department

Snellville Citizens’ Police

SCPAAA

and the Snellville Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni Association www.scpaaa.net Academy Alumni Association

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

www.ersnell.com

Family owned company with over 95 years experience Our shops and asphalt plants are spread across Georgia, including: Metro-Atlanta, Augusta, and Macon 32

11 ANNUAL SNELLVILLE TH

MEMORIAL PROGRAM

H May 27th

4:30-5:30 PM H

TO BE HELD IN FRONT OF THE VETERANS MEMORIAL We hope you will take the opportunity and join us to remember those who served to protect our freedom. The Button Gwinnett Color Guard and Militia and SGHS JROTC Comet Battalion will take part in the program.

H H H REMEMBER & HONOR H H H Tile

Paver

Banner

Current Prices: 4x8 Paver ........$140.00 Replica.........$60.00 8x8 Paver ........$195.00 Replica.........$85.00 6X6 Tiles (Veterans Only)........$140.00 Replica.........$60.00 Direct delivery of Replica to home............. Additional....$10.00

Order tiles and pavers online at: https://www.thatsmybrick.com/snellville Order the banners at: kelmca@comcast.net

Current Price: Banners will be displayed on the light posts on Oak Road and Wisteria approximately 30 days prior the Memorial Day holiday and again 30 days prior to the Veterans Day holiday. $175.00 for two years

H H H Order by April 15, 2023 to have your tile, paver or banner displayed for Memorial Day. H H H

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NEW BUSINESS

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer A five-story, 102-room Hampton Inn & Suites will be built in the city following a unanimous vote by the Mayor and Council earlier this year.

The 64,400-square-foot building will be located in Park Place, a development located at the corner of Pharrs Road and Scenic Highway which recently saw the grand opening of Cracker Barrel, Freddie’s, Zaxby’s and Aspen Dental.

Inn & Suites by Hilton within the city. Finally, Hampton Inn & Suites, under the Hilton (Hotels) umbrella, has a reputation for being a high-quality brand and product that would be an asset to the city for many years to come.”

Fast • Friendly • Dependable Printing & Direct Mail

There had been concerns the hotel would cause traffic issues at the busy intersection, but, according to the developers, daily trips would be reduced by nearly two thirds of what was previously approved for a 12,000-square-foot restaurant.

“There is a need in the city for a quality limited-service hotel Preferred PrintingCommercial and in the Scenic Highway Corridor as there are very Mailing Vendor of few options for travelers to utilize while staying in the area,” chrissaid @abcdirectmarketing.com Planning and Development Director Jason Thompson. “Eastside for businesses your special 10% Medical Center, adjacent restaurants, Ask retail andWinter discount by mentioning our ad in Snellville Spirit Magazine! neighboring residents could all benefit from having a nice Hampton

And just this month, Chris Cawthon, Owner paperwork was filed to bring an Outback Steakhouse to Park Place.

“Best of Gwinnett since 2017!”

■ Affordable nightly, weekly and monthly rates ■ Average suite features over 300 square feet of comfortable living area ■ Each room includes a separate living area, ample work space with desk, remote control cable tv with HBO or Showtime, iron and ironing board, and in-room hi-speed Internet access ■ Apartment size kitchen with refrigerator, two-burner stovetop, full size microwave, in-room coffee maker, in-room toaster, dishes, cookware & utensils, and a well-lit kitchen table/work area ■ Interior corridors with key card access for added security and always clean & friendly service

Crestwood Suites

■ Clean, well-lit property with beautiful grounds and plenty of free parking

■ Exclusivebehind in-lobby coffee bar across from of Snellville Located off Scenic Highway Target

Eastside Medical Center

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1784 Presidential Circle 30078 n ■ Snellville, own Georgia uITeS

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

Community Garden @ Snellville

Good news has come to the Garden

By Gretchen Schulz Councilmember Garden organizer

The garden recently learned that it has been awarded a $1,500 grant by the Food Well Alliance.

In addition, the Gwinnett County Master Gardeners Association has awarded the garden an additional $450.

These grant funds are much appreciated since the garden, located in Briscoe Park across from the Snellville Recycling Center, is selfsupporting. No city funds are budgeted for the garden. In addition to grants, the majority of funds to support the garden comes from the sale of vegetable and flower seedlings grown in the garden’s greenhouse at the spring and fall Snellville Farmers Markets.

The Atlanta-based Food Well Alliance is a collaborative network of local farming and gardening leaders who work together to build thriving community gardens and urban farms in the metro area. Their mission is to provide resources and support to local growers to build healthier communities.

The Community Garden @ Snellville will use the Food Well Alliance grant funds for lumber to build and repair garden beds, to replace well-used tools and hoses, and for a temperature monitoring system for the greenhouse that will provide remote alerts if the temperature in the greenhouse is becoming too hot or cold.

The Gwinnett County Master Gardeners Association grant is to be used to grow tomato plants in 5-gallon buckets, which will be made available to clients of the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op to grow in their yards. The grant will also be used to evaluate growing

tomatoes in straw bales and grow bags.

The garden has a few 4’ x 12’ beds available for rental for the 2023 garden year, which begins April 1st. For information and an application go to the garden website at www.snellvillecommunitygarden.com. The yearly bed rental for a 4’ x 12’ bed is $50 for those who live within the city limits and $65 for non-residents. Please do not send a rental fee until confirming the availability of a bed.

And for those looking forward to the garden’s spring sale of vegetable and flower seedlings at the Snellville Farmers Market, please watch the market’s or garden’s Facebook page for sale dates. The dates will likely be in late March and early April.

First column, from top: A young gardner helping to mature seedlings; and these seedlings will be ready to sell as vegetable plants at the Snellville Farmers’ Market.

Second column top: Sowing seeds. Second column, from top, from left: Karen Hanley and Kathy Pittman are stepping up the seedlings to larger seed trays; Rob Stewart fills the seed trays with soil; and Ellen Hughes carefully tends the seedlings

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Economic Development

Gwinnett Tech thinking outside the box

By Melvin Emerson Vice President of Economic Development Gwinnett Technical College

When it comes to economic development, workforce development and continuing education, the Technical College System of Georgia and Gwinnett Technical College are constantly thinking outside the box. The Take Ten Program is one of those creative innovative ways GTC does so. Our Take Ten/Apprenticeship Program work together to prepare future work force and to ensure economic success in our service area. Both are designed to prepare a competitive workforce in the Gwinnett and North Fulton Communities.

The innovative faculty and staff of the Gwinnett Technical College Adult Education Department provide exceptional educational programs that develop 21st Century skills and are responsive to the individual needs of the learner. Manuel Bueno is just one example. Not having a High School Diploma, he enrolled in Gwinnett Tech’s Adult Education Program to earn his High School Equivalency Degree.

While pursuing his HSED, he took advantage of the Take Ten 36 36

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Economic Development

Program and enrolled in our highly sought after welding program. With the collaborative efforts of Gwinnett Tech and Porter Steel, Manuel yet again, took advantage of our Apprenticeship Program. Apprenticeship is a work-based training method that combines formal instruction with onsite, occupation-related training. Apprentices typically work 30-40 hours per week and receive classroom training through part-time attendance at technical colleges, universities or approved training providers.

Using the apprentice model can help businesses grow their own talent and build a motivated and qualified workforce. Employers use apprentice programs to recruit and train new employees and to upskill their current workforce.

Employer Benefits of Apprenticeship participation: •Development of a customized apprenticeship program that attracts high caliber candidates who are seeking a nationally recognized credential and entry into a career path.

•Assistance with completing Registered Apprenticeship application, developing work standards and navigating the US Department of Labor registration process.

•Connection to the Technical College System of Georgia and other education/training partners who can provide occupation-related instruction.

•Collaboration with apprenticeship consultant to generate strategic recruitment plan to target qualified candidates.

Gwinnett Technical College is a public technical school in Georgia with campuses in Lawrenceville and Alpharetta. It is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Since opening its doors as the Gwinnett Area Technical School in 1984, the college has added numerous programs of study, made two name changes, expanded its facilities and experienced enrollment growth. Currently, the Lawrenceville campus is 88 acres and the Alpharetta-North Fulton Campus is 25 acres.

Address: 5150 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville Phone: 770-962-7580 Website: Gwinnetttech.edu 37 37

Spring Recipes

Avocado Fruit Salad with Tangerine Vinaigrette

Ingredients Crust: 3 medium ripe avocados, peeled and thinly sliced 3 medium mangoes, peeled and thinly sliced 1 cup fresh raspberries 1 cup fresh blackberries 1/4 cup minced fresh mint 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted Dressing: 1/2 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon grated tangerine or orange zest 1/4 cup tangerine or orange juice 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper Add a hint of ginger if so desired

Directions Arrange avocados and fruit on a serving plate; sprinkle with mint and almonds. In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients until blended; drizzle over salad.

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No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cheesecake

Ingredients 2 pounds fresh strawberries 20 ounces cream cheese, room temperature 3 cups heavy cream 1 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 (14.4-ounce) box honey graham crackers

Directions •Rinse, hull and pat-dry your strawberries. Reserve whole berries for the top of your cake and thinly slice the remainder.

•Using a large bowl with an electric hand mixer, stir cream cheese on medium speed until smooth.

•Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of the heavy cream. Stir until smooth.

•With a mixer on medium-low speed, gradually add the remaining 1 1/2 cups heavy cream.

•Increase speed to medium-high and beat until mixture begins to thicken (about one minute).

•Pause to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla.

•Stir again, gradually increasing speed to high. Beat until a thick, fluffy whipped cream texture is achieved.

•Cover the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan with an even layer of graham crackers.

•Spread about 1/3 of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the graham crackers.

•Place another layer of graham crackers over the cheesecake layer, evenly spacing as needed. Gently press down to nestle them into the first layer.

•Spread half of the remaining cheesecake mixture over the graham crackers. Top with sliced strawberries.

•Evenly space another layer of graham crackers over the strawberries.

•Top graham crackers with remaining cheesecake mixture, spreading evenly.

•Top with remaining whole strawberries and graham cracker crumbs.

•Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. This will soften the graham crackers and give them a cake-like texture.

•Slice the cake as desired and serve.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Family Reunion Time!

Reserve Early for the Perfect Spot.

T. W. Briscoe Park, featuring a lake, community garden, playground, pool, athletic fields and courts, offers all the amenities for the perfect family reunion. Briscoe park and our Snellville hotels are the perfect place to book your next family reunion, sporting tournament or event.

Stay in one of our fabulous hotels that are only minutes away from the park.

Please contact the Park Office at 770.985.3535 for more information about renting a facility. The Park Office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. https://www.snellville.org/parks-recreation/rentals

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POSTAL CUSTOMER

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

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody.

Scan QR Code for Details on the 2023 Snellville Event Schedule on Towne Green MAY

JUNE/JULY

AUGUST

May 05 Food Truck Friday 4-8 p.m.

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo May 13 Beach Blast 12-5 p.m.

Dinosaur Encounter Good Measure Band May 27 Memorial Day Program 4:30 p.m.

May 27 Live on the Lawn 6-9 p.m.

Bennie and the Jets Elton John Tribute

Jun 02 Food Truck Friday 4-8 pm

Aug 04 Food Truck Friday 4-8 p.m.

Aug 18 Join us to Celebrate Snellville’s Centennial Weekend Celebration Begins 4-8 p.m.

Food Truck Friday Antique Car Show Aug 19 Centennial Celebration Continues Farmers’ Market 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Free Community Concert - 6-9 p.m.

The Atlanta Seventeen Band Music through the Decades Aug 26 Live on the Lawn 6-9 p.m.

Chi-Town Transit Authority Chicago Tribute

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER NOVEMBER

Sep 01 Food Truck Friday 4-8 p.m.

Sep 16 International Taste of Snellville 4-8 p.m.

Sep 23 Live on the Lawn - 6-9 p.m.

Who’s Bad! - Micheal Jackson Tribute Oct 06 Food Truck Friday 4-8 p.m.

Oct 14 Fall Festival 12-6 p.m.

Crafts - Food - Fun Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band Nov 11 Veterans Day Program 3-4 p.m.

Nov 25 Christmas Tree Lighting 5-8 p.m.

2023 KEYSTONE SPONSORS

Jun 03 Snellville Farmer’s Market Opens Towne Green - 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Every Saturday through Sept.

Jul 04

Star Spangled Snellville 4-10 p.m.

Jul 07

Food Truck Friday 4-8 p.m.

Jul 22

Live on the Lawn 6-9 p.m.

Landslide - Fleetwood Mac Tribute

Celebrate Snellville’s Centennial

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY 100 Years of History

1ST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH (MAY - OCTOBER)

AWARD WINNING SNELLVILLE SUMMER FARMERS’ MARKET WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET 1ST & 3RD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

CITY HALL PARKING LOT, 9 AM - 12 PM (OCT - MAY)

FREE SUMMER

CONCERT SERIES

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*All events are subject to change

SUMMER FARMERS’ MARKET 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (JUNE - SEPTEMBER)