Snellville Spirit Summer 2020

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to Be Somebody SUMMER 2020

Essential Workers Connect Our Community #StrongerTogether

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Hablamos Espanol

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Summer 2020 - Volume 41 Publisher/Editor: Kelly McAloon Editor: Brian Arrington

We are all in this together As I wrote in my letter in April, these are some trying and unsure times.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we all interact daily, and it will change how we all do things in the future. We are a strong community in Snellville and together we can continue to make a difference. Healthy businesses are what keep our economy moving forward, so please Shop Local and support businesses that continue to move through different challenges each day.

With the recent social unrest and protest that we have witnessed in the news over the past few weeks, there is increased anxiety and unsettled feelings in communities all around this nation. What can we do in our community to start a healing process? It starts with each and every one of us. We must truly listen to one another with compassion and love. If we all have a servant’s heart and treat people the way we want to be treated, we could begin to take steps in the right direction. We are all in this together.

It is the board of Snellville Tourism and Trade’s hope to continue to provide an atmosphere for our community to come together, get to know each other, and support each other. We look forward to seeing you in Snellville.

Don

Don Britt, President, Snellville Tourism and Trade

Connecting our Community to Celebrate Snellville 4

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

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

President Don Britt Vice President Billy Franklin Treasurer Kurt Schulz Secretary Kathy Emanuel Board Member Lucy DeForest Board Member Jared Eakins Board Member Regina Hart Board Member Alice Snipes Executive Director Kelly McAloon Administrative Assistant Summer Daniels City Council Mayor Barbara Bender, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Emanuel, Cristy Lenski, Gretchen Schulz, Tod Warner and Solange Destang City Website: www.snellville.org Magazine Design by Brian Arrington, Perry Cox and Kelly McAloon Magazine Cover Design by Perry Cox Contributing Writers and Photographers: Kelly McAloon, Don Britt, Brian Arrington, Gretchen Schulz, Barbara Bender, Melinda Pease - MPSportsPics, Eric Van Otteren and Gwinnett Municipal Association

CONTENTS 8

18

23

24

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

16

What’s happening at city parks and the Senior Center?

G.R.E.A.T. MINDS

18

City businesses are opening back up following shutdown.

COVID KINDNESS

20

The city’s popular farmers’ market is back!

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

21

The 2020 concert line up features range of acts.

THE GROVE GOES ON

23

Master Gardeners team with city’s community garden.

STAR SPANGLED SEPTEMBER

24

Pictures of recent events in Snellville.

CITY NEWS

26

6

Mayor Barbara Bender encourages unity in tough times.

7

Snellville Police Department now a book donation site.

8

Eastside Medical Center gets love from Snellville.

9

Hungry? Grab a bite to eat on the Towne Green.

10

Downtown development moving along.

11

The July 4 event has been moved to September.

12

Tree City USA, city clerk kudos and more.

14

Thanks to the city’s most valuable employees.

ESSENTIAL WORKERS

PARKS AND SENIORS BACK IN BUSINESS

FARMERS’ MARKET CONCERT SERIES

COMMUNITY GARDEN

SNELLVILLE SNAPSHOTS SUMMER RECIPES

Enjoy a summer picnic with these tasty recipes. .

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Mayor’s Message - Mayor Barbara Bender These are certainly challenging times that we are living in. Citizens and businesses alike are hurting and trying to see their way through.

Through all these rough patches, it has been heartwarming to see the Snellville community come together to support each other in so many ways.

Between supporting our frontline medical workers and first responders, coming together for the Snellville Peace Rally and giving time and treasure to those hit hard financially in the pandemic, I am truly awed at how our city has responded and risen to the challenges set before us.

I offer a big shout out to Carrick Henry and his team of South Gwinnett High School seniors for the powerful Peace Rally held on June 10. I am so proud of this group and look forward to seeing what the future holds for these aspiring leaders.

Although there is nothing visible yet, work continues on The Grove at Towne Center development. Be sure to check out the latest rendering for the new library and education building in this issue. Designs are almost done for the parking deck and the greenspace and landscape plan are also in the works.

The City Council approved the budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year without a change in the millage rate. Our city manager and staff did a great job putting together a budget to continue our

service levels without tax increases, despite the uncertainty of how the COVID-19 shutdown will impact our revenues.

While Gwinnett’s COVID-19 positive test results have increased in the last few weeks, officials believe this to be the result of increased testing in some more densely populated areas of the county. With that being said, as Georgia businesses reopen and people move about more freely, be sure to continue to do your part in social distancing, washing your hands frequently and wearing a mask in public for the protection of others.

I am confident that our Snellville community can withstand the turmoil happening in our country today. With dialogue, peace and understanding we can come out better, stronger and more unified than ever before. I look forward to the opportunity to come together to talk and also have some fun as some events start up soon. #SnellvilleStrongerTogether

Between supporting our front line medical workers and first responders, coming together for the Snellville Peace Rally and giving time and treasure to those hit hard financially in the pandemic, I am truly awed at how our city has responded and risen to the challenge set before us.

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020!

Snellville Tourism and Trade and the City of Snellville would like to congratulate all of our high school graduates!

GOOD LUCK!

Snellville Police Department and Public Works Three automated traffic devices to be placed in front of city schools Three automated traffic devices to help curb speeding will be placed in front of a trio of Snellville schools when they re-open.

Snellville Middle on Pate Road, Britt Elementary on Skyland Drive and South Gwinnett High School on Highway 78 will have cameras placed in front of them to keep speeders at bay.

Cameras will be placed on posts outside the schools and take pictures of the license plates on the offending cars. An officer will verify the license plate number before the fine is levied.

^^^ G.R.E.A.T. Minds - From left, G.R.E.A.T. Little Minds Program Coordinator Lecia Young, Snellville Police Department Officer Scott Hermel, Snellville Police Department Lt. David Matson and G.R.E.A.T. Little Minds Program Director Katie Gill at the new donation site in the lobby of SPD on Wisteria Drive.

SPD now a G.R.E.A.T. early learning book donation site The Snellville Police Department is now a drop off donation site for G.R.E.A.T. Little Minds, a program of the Gwinnett Coalition of Health & Human Services.

New or gently used children’s books in any language for ages 0-8 will be accepted Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2315 Wisteria Drive. All donated books will be incorporated into G.R.E.A.T. Little Minds book exchanges throughout Gwinnett County.

Following a move by the Georgia Legislature making way for the devices, the program has been a success in locales such as Alpharetta, Lilburn and Duluth. Some jurisdictions are setting the violation to be 11 mph over the school zone speed limit, however, an offense in Snellville will be 15 mph over the speed limit and above.

The program is administered by RedSpeed Georgia LLC which provides the equipment, sends the citation and collects the fine.

The city will receive 65 percent of revenue from the program which will be used toward public safety.

Citations will be $75 for a first offense and $125 for a second offense. Offenders will not be given points on their license and the offense is not reported to state.

Five more stormwater projects to be completed soon

“The Snellville Police Department is proud to partner with the Gwinnett Coalition allowing us to serve as a book donation site for the Great Little Minds program. Engaging young people and encouraging reading and appreciation for public art will help them to succeed. Resources are always scarce and anything our department can do to assist or facilitate access to them is part of our mission,” said Snellville Police Chief Roy Whitehead.

The Dickerson Group, Inc. was awarded $263,434 for five stormwater drainage projects, which will improve the handling of stormwater and reduce the city’s overall inventory of poor infrastructure. The projects, located at 1525 Winding Creek Circle, 1670 Winding Creek Circle, 1715 Winding Creek Circle, 1340 Summit Chase Drive and 3096 Brooks Drive, will begin immediately and hopefully be completed by summer’s end.

G.R.E.A.T. (Gwinnett Reading Exchange & Art Transforms) Little Minds is a public art and public awareness campaign designed to inspire the love of reading, provide access to early learning children’s books in areas where books are scarce, and encourage appreciation for public art in Gwinnett County. With only 48 percent of students entering Gwinnett County Public Schools ready for kindergarten curriculum, increasing access to books over the summer is critical.

“The financial impact is one of great importance when taking into consideration our volume of drainage projects that have been identified as being in poor condition,” said Public Works Director Gaye Johnson. “The use of our Stormwater Utility Fee will be put to work.”

For more information, contact Lecia Young, Program Coordinator at 770-995-3339, ext. 205 or lecia@gwinnettcoalition.org or visit www.gwinnettcoalition.org/great-little-minds.

The estimated total for all locations is $263,434, but not to exceed the FY 2019-2020 Stormwater budget of $762,000. City officials said they expect a reserve of $100,000 to be carried over to next year’s stormwater budget.

This latest batch of projects will make 15 stormwater projects for the year for Public Works.

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COVID Kindness

Snellville’s own Eastside Medical Center is on the front lines of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Local residents and businesses showed their Snellville Spirit by reaching out and donating food and personal protective equipment to the heroes at the hospital. Thank you to those residents and businesses and thank you to Eastside Medical Center for making us all Snellville Proud!

4 -8 PM Towne Green JULY 3 • Big

House BBQ • Gyro Chef Mediterranean • On the Roll Maine Lobster • Atlanta Seafood

•6

Pack Subs Vietnamese Cuisine

• Frozen

Sweets • Kona Ice

AUGUST 7 • The

Patty Wagon • Hole in the Wall • Gyro Chef Mediterranean • UpTown Food Truck • South of Philly

• On

the Roll Maine Lobster • Love at Wurst Sight • Grubbin Out • Frozen Sweets • Kona Ice

Snellville Food Truck Friday will be following all the COVID social distancing CDC advisories. At this time we will not have any tables and chairs set up on the Green. Visitors may use the brick knee wall to sit on, but are asked to please adhere to all social distancing rules. We encourage all who attend to wear face masks.

DJ Lee will keep us entertained with music, but due to COVID, there will be no contact games played until further notice.

Food Truck Friday Sponsors:

Please check website for any changes at: www.SnellvilleEvents.com

The Grove at Towne Center

^^^ LIBRARY PLANS - The latest rendering of the Elizabeth Williams Library will replace the current library on Lenora Church Road.

Work continues on The Grove at Towne Center Work on The Grove at Towne Center is ongoing behind the scenes. It is exciting, as a staff person, to see the progress that is being made daily. Yet, to you, the citizens of Snellville there is not visible activity ... yet. So, let’s take a dive together and I will share a little of what is happening.

Several months ago the development company, MidCast, hired a land planning and landscape architecture team to begin to design the spaces between the buildings. The Grove with a few preserved trees is the key area. Other just as important areas are The Grove Walk (the promenade from City Hall to a new parking deck), the market plaza, the library plaza and an area designed for food trucks.

The Snellville Post Office has continued to play a critical role in The Grove at Towne Center. You may recall that last summer City Council purchased the vacant SunTrust building on Wisteria Drive and signed a relocation agreement with the United States Post Office. City Manager Butch Sanders and I have been working tirelessly with representatives of the post office on the relocation.

The city has recently learned that USPS staff have approved a process for truck access and will begin renovation of the old SunTrust building in the next few weeks. The effort continues to be one of fits and starts as the USPS folks methodically work through their process. This decision is a key milestone and will now allow the city and developer to establish a work schedule that will lead to the beginning of demolition and work on the 10-acre site. A date for relocation of the Post Office is not set. The city is still working toward a fall timetable.

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Phase One of The Towne Center Greenway continues to move forward at a good pace. City staff has been working to acquire the needed easements and property for the Greenway path (more on Page 12). Mayor and Council have engaged an engineer to develop construction plans. Staff is working toward letting a bid to construct the Greenway later this year.

Mayor and Council also engaged a Landscape Architectural firm, Root Design, the designer of the Towne Green. Root Design has been working with the development team to include possible play areas, splash pad, seating and a band shell-stage. City councilmembers are looking at creating an interactive space that has both passive and active experiences. Preliminary plans may be available by mid-summer.

Plans for the new library are well underway. Construction drawings are being prepared in partnership with Gwinnett County. Recent cost estimates have given a scope to the size of this undertaking. Mayor and Councilmembers have approved a conceptual design.

And most recently Mayor and Council have begun discussions on the financing for the project. The recently proposed city budget shows a strong city reserve and in general a conservative 2021 budget. Mayor and Council, in concert with the city manager, have taken great care in preparing the city for this large financial undertaking. If all goes well, the submarine will surface in the fall and construction will begin in earnest.

- Eric Van Otteren, Economic Development Director Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

STAR-SPANGLED SNELLVILLE JULY 4TH RESCHEDULED!

Join us for Fireworks & Fun

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH, 3 - 9 PM

Atlanta Contagious Band

J. Kyle Reynolds

3:00 PM - National Anthem 3:30 PM - J. Kyle Reynolds 6:30 PM - Contagious Band 8:30 PM - Fireworks!

Due to COVID-19 we felt it was much safer to reschedule this large event until September

Vendor applications online: www.SnellvilleEvents.com

A BIG “THANK YOU” TO OUR KEYSTONE SPONSORS:

City News Snellville Greenway gets $385K to link The Grove with Briscoe Park The city has been awarded $385,000 in Community Development Block Grant Program funds for the Briscoe Trail sidewalk construction project which will link The Grove at Towne Center with T.W. Briscoe Park.

^^^ TREE CITY USA - From left are Carole Amos and Nelie Wilson of the city’s Planning and Development Department.

Snellville is named Tree City USA 19 years running April 24 was proclaimed Arbor Day in Snellville.

“I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect out trees and woodlands,” Mayor Barbara Bender said in the proclamation from an April meeting. “I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.”

The city is proud of its tree-loving roots (pun intended) as it has been named a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation 19 years running.­

Kudos given to Snellville city clerk Mayor Barbara Bender read a proclamation stating: “It is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the Office of the Professional Municipal Clerk.” The proclamation declared the week of May 4 the 51st Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week.

In Snellville, we’re lucky to have Melisa Arnold as our city clerk.

On behalf of the city, the Mayor and Council want to “extend appreciation to our Professional Municipal Clerk, ARNOLD Melisa Arnold and to all Professional Municipal Clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent,” the proclamation reads.

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“As our city is moving closer each day to accomplishing a long-term goal of constructing a new Snellville Towne Center, the Mayor and Council approved, as a part of the Towne Center design, plans for making our community more walkable,” said City Manager Butch Sanders. “One key component of our efforts toward achieving the city’s walkability goal is the construction of interconnected sidewalks and trails as recommended in the Snellville Greenway Master Plan adopted by Mayor and Council in December 2017.”

The Briscoe Trail sidewalk will be a 5,000-linear-foot connection between T.W. Briscoe Park, Highway 78, nearby neighborhoods and the planned Towne Center trail system which will run through the Historic Cemetery and behind the office parks on Wisteria Drive. The city will be providing at least $68,000 for engineering design and construction supervision. The Briscoe Trail sidewalk will connect with the planned trail system to be constructed in the Towne Center area via an existing sidewalk which begins at the Snellville City Hall and Senior Center complex on Oak Road. The path will travel from Oak Road to Main Street in front of First Baptist Church Snellville to Church Street. It will then connect to a path off Freemont Street into the Briscoe Park public use area. The Greenway will include signage, landscaping and paved paths.

Construction on the highly anticipated The Grove at Towne Center is scheduled to begin in the fall. When completed, The Grove will offer high-quality apartments, a parking deck, City Market, the Elizabeth Williams Public Library and numerous dining and shopping options.

<<< HOT AND FRESH - The city

issued a Certificate of Occupancy for Krispy Kreme which will be located in the former Pollo Tropical. The shop could be open by next month.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

All Full Facility Golf Memberships pay $150 per month and Tennis, Swim & Social Memberships pay $75 per month for first twelve months.

Social Dining Membership $300 per year.

Summit Chase offers exciting junior lesson programs in golf, tennis and swimming.

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

SUMMIT CHASE COUNTRY CLUB 3197 Classic Drive, Snellville, Ga 30078 770-979-9000 www.summitchasecc.com

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

Fratelli’s is a New York-style pizzeria and Italian restaurant located in Snellville, Georgia.

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Thank You to all of ou

We Are All In This Together!

ur Essential Workers!

#SnellvilleStrongerTogether

What’s Going On? Snellville Parks and Recreation • Snellville Senior Center

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

770-985-3535 Oak Road Park 1925 Oak Road (Passive neighborhood park) Park office is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on registration and classes, check out the Parks and Recreation Department on Snellville’s website at www.snellville.org/parks-recreation.

Please “like” our Facebook page for more information on our upcoming events and happenings: www.facebook.com/SnellvilleParks. **All Briscoe Park programs, activities, and events are dependent on how COVID-19 progresses. Please check the website for more information.** Briscoe Park Pool is now open with COVID-19 guidelines. For detailed information on guidelines and hours visit www.snellville.org/parks-recreation or call 770985-3535.

If you are interested in tennis instruction, clinics, and/or round robin tournaments conducted by certified tennis instructors at Briscoe Park visit www.aetennis.com or call 470-417-4547 for more information.

Briscoe Park is partnering with the non-profit, Generals Athletic Club, to help offer a variety of sport programs and mentorship to the Snellville

and Shiloh community. Conditioning/training is going on now through October. Social distancing guidelines will be adhered to.

Visit www.gac-sports.org for more information.

All-In FC is planning to hold a fall season starting in August. For more information as it comes visit www.allinfcsnellville.com.

National Flag Football is preparing for a Fall season at Briscoe Park. Visit www.falconsflagfootball.com for more information.

Ladies of Pearl Kickball is also preparing for a fall season. Visit www.lopkl.com for more information.

Outdoor tennis courts are available on a firstcome-first-served basis without lights daily from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Not all of the courts may be available at all times if tennis Instructor or USTA team are utilizing the courts.

Park Rentals Planning a picnic, family reunion, or a wedding?

Briscoe Park has indoor and outdoor rentals to accommodate your needs.

There are four outdoor, open-air pavilions (Lakeside, Sager, Williams, and Peters pavilions) available at park. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, pavilion capacity has been modified.

The larger indoor room is located inside the Briscoe Park Office. Come see our smaller, indoor, newly remodeled Courtland Williams Pavilion and the newly remodeled restroom beside it. Due to COVID-19 restrictions room capacity has been modified. Modified capacity, photos and other regulations can be found at snellville.org/rentals.

Facilities at the park can be rented with 14 days notice. For room/pavilion rentals call the park office at 770-985-3535 or visit the website at www.snellville.org/rentals For field rentals, email Meghan Meegan at mmeegan@snellville.org. For a list of property for rental visit snellville.org/parks-recreation.

Snellville Senior Center Due to continued COVID restrictions the Snellville Senior Center remains closed. The Snellville Parks and Recreation Department is monitoring the state and federal websites and updates daily as we move thru the pandemic. We are working closely with Gwinnett County to coordinate how best to serve our members of the Center while we are closed and will continue to evaluate re-opening the Center based on statistics gathered from state, federal and Gwinnett County experts. Gwinnett County is offering resources to help those in need and Snellville Parks and Recreation will also be offering some exercise classes at Briscoe Park (under very modified regulations) and organizing group walks (again under modified regulations) started recently.

Are you over 60 and facing hunger, health, or mobility issues? Do you know of someone who is? We can help. Emergency assistance for seniors is available. Call 678.377.4150 to speak with Senior Services staff. For more information call 678.377.4150 or visit GwinnettHumanServices.com.

Visit the Snellville Senior Center on Facebook at www.facebook.com/snellvilleseniorcenter or City website at: www.snellville.org or by calling 770985-3580 for more information.

The Parks and Recreation Department would like to thank local businesses supporting the canceled Snellville Days Festival. The event was canceled due to COVID-19, however, officials want the sponsoring businesses to know ‘how much they appreciate their support of SPRD programing.’

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Three months ago, Gov. Brian Kemp ordered businesses be shut down to slow the spread of Coronavirus and we saw signs like these. Businesses were closed, business owners were hurting and residents sheltered in place.

As Georgia now reopens in phases, we are happy to see our Snellville businesses reopening.

Snellville Tourism and Tradeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s furry mascot STAT the CAT has been busy visiting businesses in Snellville to help celebrate the openings and encourage people to shop local. It is important to continue to support our local businesses and each other. Follow STAT the CAT as he stops by local businesses and posts his travels on the Snellville Tourism and Trade Facebook page.

COVID-19 information: Center for Disease Control cdc.gov

Gwinnett Cares cfneg.org/gwinnettcares/

Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Department gnrhealth.com For Covid testing call 770-513-5631

Small Business Administration sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid19-small-business-guidance-loanresources

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Snellville Tourism and Trade SnellvilleEvents.com

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Snellville Farmers’ Market

Safe Farmers’ Market season under way It’s summer and for the last 10 years that has always meant the best place to be in Snellville on a Saturday morning is at the Snellville Farmers Market!

This year will not disappoint, but it does come with some special procedures and policies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which have been carefully planned to help our customers, vendors and volunteers feel safe. We kindly ask our customers to support these policies to help prevent the spread of the virus.

•We have calculated the square footage of the pedestrian area of the market and then calculated how many customers we can permit on the Towne Green at one time to allow for social distancing. We will be counting customers as they enter and exit the Green and once we reach the maximum allowed, which we don’t expect to happen often, we will ask customers to line up on the sidewalk, 6 feet apart, and wait for an equivalent number of people to exit the market.

•We ask customers, except those who co-habitate, to practice social distancing in the market area. If there is a line at a vendor’s booth, please maintain a distance of 6 feet from the customer in front of you.

•In compliance with Gov. Brian Kemp’s current Executive Order that requires those who work in food service to wear masks, our vendors will be wearing masks. Although we recognize that there is some controversy about masks, we encourage customers to wear a mask for the short time they are in the market area out of courtesy to other customers, our vendors and our volunteers.

Almost all our volunteers, as well as some vendors, fall into the “medically fragile” category and we are trying to protect them.

•We will have contactless hand sanitizer dispensers at the main market entrance. Please use this entrance and apply a drop of sanitizer to your hands as you enter.

•The market will operate this year as a “point and purchase” market. We ask you not to handle several tomatoes in an effort to find the perfect one! Our vendors, who will be wearing gloves, will be happy to turn their products over so you can see all sides.

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^^^ MEET THE VENDORS - Clockwise from top left:

Edward Sezenov, of Snellville Honey; Cindy and Barry Slater, of Cinful Sweets and Treats; David Humphrey, of A&H Provisions; and Richard Presley, of Presley’s Farm and Garden.

•Please avoid touching the vendors’ tables or displays. They will have a disinfectant spray or wipes on hand just in case you forget, which they will also use as needed throughout the market.

•We have encouraged vendors to use payment methods that are as contact-free as possible. If you are required to touch a device to complete a credit card payment they will disinfect the device after each use. For cash payments, vendors may have a box on their table and you will be asked to place your cash in the box and take out the appropriate change, as needed.

We look forward to seeing you every Saturday morning, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, on the Towne Green in front of City Hall!

- Gretchen Schulz, Market Coordinator, Councilwoman Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

2020

CONCERT SERIES

Presented by:

Concerts are FREE to the public and take place on the Towne Green in front of City Hall from 6-9 p.m.

July 25

The Ray Howard Band - Earth, Wind and Fire Tribute - 7-9 p.m.

The Ray Howard Band - Motown Favorites - 6-7 p.m.

The Ray Howard Band members/vocalists have toured with well known top R&B and Contemporary vocalists and groups, appeared in recent movies, and starred in stage plays. RHB can put you in the mood of love and grooving, while at the same time make you move and dance to the beat throughout the night. Their timeless old school ballads and reminiscent sounds take you back in time to the “good old days.” RHB specializes in a variety of Motown, R&B, Classic Soul, Funk, Jazz and Pop/Soft Rock. Be part of the Ray Howard Band Experience!

Aug. 22 20-RIDE - Zac Brown Tribute - 7-9 p.m.

20 RIDE is American Country/Folk music at its finest. The first Zac Brown Tribute Band of it’s kind, 20 RIDE is taking audiences by storm. This is not a wig-wearing, lip syncing, pretending to play tribute. These are real players, doing the great music the way Zac does at all his concerts. Up close and personal, moving, and fun! With nine hit singles, two platinum selling albums, and countless fans, Zac Brown is quickly becoming a country music legend.

Sept. 26

Purple Madness - Prince Tribute - 7 -9 p.m.

Timeless Tina - Tribute to Tina Turner - 6-7 p.m.

Oct. 10

The Wildflowers - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Tribute - 7-9 p.m.

J. Kyle Reynolds - opens show at 6 p.m.

Purple Madness is the ultimate celebration of the most widely beloved entertainer and profoundly influential artist of all-time. Bobby Miller presents an electrifying performance that can be best described as, high energy and a “must see” performance.

The Timeless Tina Tribute Show has the magic of audio and visual effects coupled with the raw undeniable talent of Chimere Scott and her band of musicians and dancers, this show promises a time that you won’t soon forget.

The Wildflowers have become one of the most popular Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute shows across the Southeast U.S. and is quickly gaining recognition in other regions. Equipped with decades of experience and a passion for Tom Petty’s magic way with songs, The Wildflowers bring music lovers of all stripes what they adore.

J. Kyle Reynolds is a local singer/songwriter and veteran of the Live on the Lawn! stage.

Reserve a table for eight people with light snacks for $160. Tables are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis.

Register online at www.SnellvilleEvents.com or email STAT Executive Director Kelly McAloon at kelmca@comcast.net.

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

•Heated Indoor Pool •Fitness Center •Meeting Room

Community Garden @ Snellville

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Garden’s relationship with county Master Gardeners grows

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Over the past few years the Community Garden @ Snellville has fostered a relationship with the Gwinnett County Master Gardeners Association (GCMGA) that is proving to be very beneficial to both organizations.

The Community Garden is self-supporting and receives no funding from the city. Thus, for the last five years the garden has applied for - and received - annual grants of $500 from the GCMGA. These funds have been used primarily to support the development of the garden’s greenhouse where a team of dedicated gardeners grows vegetable plants and flowers that are sold to the community at spring and fall plant sales.

This year, the partnership has been even more important to both groups as many gardening events had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The master gardeners teamed up with the Snellville gardeners to grow more than 1,000 plants in the greenhouse for spring plant sales, which were held at the Snellville Farmers Market in April and May. These events generated approximately $2,500 in sales and to show appreciation to the GCMGA the garden donated $1,250 to the association. Recently, the association held a plant sale of its own and the Community Garden provided the venue for the sale.

Virginia Schofield, president of the GCMGA, said a partnership such as the one with the Community Garden @ Snellville has been of great help to both groups. “Our mission is to partner with the community to promote good gardening practices,” she said. “This partnership with the Community Garden fits our goal perfectly.”

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^^^ Community Garden Pictures Photo 1: Ellen Hughes planting seeds.

Photo 2: Brian Hughes planting seeds in the greenhouse for the spring plant sale.

Photo 3: Wes and Lucy Nettleton taking care of vegetable seedlings in the greenhouse.

Photo 4: Plants lined up in front of the Community Garden for the Gwinnett County Master Gardeners Association plant sale.

- Gretchen Schulz, Garden Coordinator, Photo 5: Community Garden plant sale at the Councilwoman Snellville Farmers’ Market.

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Making Memories ...

Snellville Rally 2020 Snellville hosts peaceful protest More than 500 engaged protestors marched from First Baptist Church Snellville to the Towne Green June 10 calling for racial equality following the death of George Floyd.

The event was organized by South Gwinnett High School students and recent graduates, led by Carrick Henry, who worked with city officials including councilmembers Cristy Lenski and Solange Destang and the Snellville Police Department to keep the event safe, organized and peaceful.

“We are very proud of these young people and their commitment to raising awareness about critical issues affecting our society,” City Manager Butch Sanders said. “Snellville celebrates its diverse community and we are going to work to keep our neighbors together and continue to support minority-owned businesses.”

The event featured speeches from students and others including Gwinnett County School Board Member Everton Blair and SGHS Principal Dorothy Jarrett and was capped off when Mayor Barbara Bender and City Council presented the event organizers with a resolution condemning racism.

Mayor and Council unanimously approved the resolution June 8.

Bender encouraged those at the rally to stay involved in the community and come to the City with any concerns or issues.

“I would really encourage you all to be involved,” Bender said. “My door is always open. If you’d like to come in and talk, I’d love to have a conversation with you.”

- Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer

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Many thanks to Team Snellville Volunteers,

... on the Snellville Towne Green Memorial Day Celebration

June Food Truck Friday

Snellville Police Department and Public Works

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Summer Recipes

Blueberry French Toast Casserole Prep Time: 25 minutes, Cook Time: 1 hour, Servings: 10 to 12 Ingredients French Toast: 12 slices any style white bread One 8-ounce packages cream cheese (or mascarpone ) 1 1/2 cup fresh blueberries 12 large eggs 2 cups fat free half and half (Can use milk if prefer) 2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons almond extract (optional) 1 cup toasted sliced almonds (optional) Maple syrup or any pancake syrup.

Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.

Cut the bread into 1-inch pieces. Place one-third into prepared baking dish. Cut half the cream cheese into cubes (or just tear it in small pieces) and place on top of the bread. Top with the one-third of the blueberries and one-third of the toasted almonds.

Make a second layer of one-third of the bread, the remainder of the cream cheese, one-third of the blueberries and and one-third of the almonds. Make a third layer of the remaining bread, almonds and blueberries. Whisk the eggs in a large bowl. Whisk in the fat free half and half, vanilla and almond extract until well combined.

Pour over the bread cubes. Push the bread down into the egg/milk mixture until bread is saturated. Cover with aluminum foil. Can be cooked immediately, but it’s even better refrigerated overnight.

Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the center is set, the blueberries are bubbling and color is golden. Serve with syrup to taste. You can switch out the fruit or even leave it out, but if you leave it out I add 3 teaspoons of cinnamon to the egg mix.

- Kathy Emanuel, Snellville Tourism and Trade Secretary 26 26

Dinner Salad with Dancin’ Salmon

Ingredients Mixed greens 1 red onion julienned Multicolored grape tomatoes 1 cucumber 1 jar capers 1 pack dancin’ salmon, smoked salmon (available at Snellville Farmers’ Market Saturday’s on the Towne Green Directions Toss all ingredients together, put on a platter Dressing 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 tsp. garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste 2 tbsps. dijon mustard 2 tbsps. honey 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar Pour ingredients in a glass jar, shake to emulsify, drizzle over salad - Lisa Lowe, Personal Chef, Cooking For Caregivers, Personal Chef Services

Dan Siegler Dancin Salmon Snellville Farmers’ Market Vendor Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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 27

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

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody.

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