Snellville Spirit Summer 2023

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

Star Spangled Centennial Celebration HAttentionH HSnellvilleH HAugust 18 & 19H Homeowners see pages 8 & 9

see pages 2 & 3

see page 35

Snellville Centennial Celebration Weekend

Centennial Celebration Weekend •Friday, Aug. 18 Join us as we celebrate 100 years of history in Snellville We will kick off the celebration at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 on the Towne Green with a variety of food trucks, music, fun and 1923 Model T Station Wagon will be one of the many vehicles on Oak games with DJ Lee along with an antique car display on Oak Road Road spanning the decades of Snellville’s history. representing cars dating back to 1923.

Pick up your Eskimo Pie ticket at volunteer tent to redeem Eskimo Pie on Friday, Aug. 18.

As part of the celebration on Friday, we will be giving away 100 Eskimo Pie type bars to the first 100 people who pick up a FREE TICKET at the volunteer booth. The tickets will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. You can redeem the FREE bar at the Frozen Sweets truck with the printed ticket.

To add to the fun, we will have a kids zone with some inflatables and the infamous gaming bus that will be located next to City Hall that will be FREE to play on at this event.

Dare to meet some historic Snellville ghosts from the past, join Snellville Performing Arts behind City Hall at 8:30 p.m. for the hauntingly fun Ghost Tour.

Donations will be accepted for the Ghost Tour.

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Pick up a Decades Button at the volunteer booth that represents the decade you were born and wear it for a chance to win some prizes.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Centennial Celebration Weekend Friday, Aug. 18 • 4 p.m.

•Food Trucks •Antique Car Display •Free Eskimo Pie Ticket •Decade Buttons •Music, fun and games •Free Kids Zone •Centennial Photo Booth •Ghost Tour

Saturday, Aug. 19 8:30 a.m. Farmers’ Market Centennial Fun 6 p.m. Concert and Centennial Fun •Decade Buttons •Centennial Photo Booth •Atlanta Seventeen Band •Centennial Birthday Cake Sing-a-long •Ghost Tour

On Saturday, Aug. 19, the celebration continues ...

On Saturday, come to the Farmers’ Market dressed in clothing from a former decade for a chance to win prizes. Stop by the Farmers’ Market volunteer booth to show off your centennial clothing and register for one of the prizes that will be drawn at 12 p.m. at the Farmers’ Market.

Saturday evening, the Atlanta Seventeen Band will take the stage from 6-9 p.m., playing music through the decades.

Come listen to music from the Roaring 20s to Soul, R&B, Jazz and Rock. You won’t want to miss this fun arrangement of music planned for the Centennial. The second night of the Snellville Performing Arts Ghost Tour starts immediately after the concert at 9:15 p.m.

At 8 p.m. the giant centennial City of Snellville birthday cake surrounded by 100 sparklers will be brought to the front of the stage by the Masons from the Masonic lodge for a Happy Birthday sing-a-long. Cake will be served to the community in attendance.

We look forward to celebrating Snellville’s 100th birthday with YOU! For more information regarding the centennial weekend, please visit www.Snellville.org.

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Summer 2023 - Volume 56 Publisher/Editor: Kelly McAloon Editor: Brian Arrington

You’ll want to be in Snellville for all of the summer fun!

With summer upon us, Snellville is the happening place to be.

In our 14th season, Experience Snellville is having record crowds flocking to the Towne Green to enjoy the many events that are held on the Green including the Snellville Farmers’ Market. The events are packed full of fun activities for all to enjoy and the award winning Farmers’ Market offers a wide selection of vendors selling produce, eggs, jams, homemade breakfast sandwiches, Ranger chickens, fresh meats, fresh shrimp for the Georgia Coast plus much, much, more. Be sure to stop by the Farmers’ Market and pick up some of the sweet succulent silver queen corn and red ripe tomatoes along with your weeks supply of other produce.

Watermelon anyone? Pick up a fresh watermelon at the market for your summertime picnics.

Get ready for Star Spangled Snellville on July 4 featuring Rhythm Nation Band who will keep you on your feet and watch one of the best fireworks shows in the Southeast that will start approximately at 9:30 p.m. We have a huge kids zone to keep the kids entertained for hours as well as a wide variety of food vendors that will line Oak Road.

As we continue to celebrate Snellville’s centennial throughout the year, the big Centennial Celebration weekend will be held on Aug. 18 and 19, with fun activities for the entire community to enjoy. Enjoy food, fun, music and even a ghost tour that will be hosted by Snellville Performing Arts. You won’t want to miss out on singing Happy Birthday to Snellville on Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. as a giant birthday cake surrounded with 100 sparklers will be brought to the Green for the community to enjoy!

Look forward to see all of YOU on the Towne Green!

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 Cover photo by KTJO-Covington, Ga. Contributing Writers and Photographers: Kelly McAloon, Don Britt, Brian Arrington, Gretchen Schulz, Barbara Bender, pcoxcreative, Melvin Everson, Meghan Meegan, Greg Perry, Lisa Sperling, Franchesca Thompson, Dorothy Jarrett and Craig Barton

CONTENTS 16

36

MAYOR’S MESSAGE FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY 6 Mayor 23 Which Barbara Bender reviews the recently passed budget. mobile eateries are coming to the Towne Green.

PUBLIC WORKS 6 City gets new entryway signs at various locations.

COMMERCE CLUB 25 Commerce Club names annual award recipients.

SNELLVILLE POLICE 7 News, accolades and pictures from Snellville’s finest.

RUN THE REAGAN 26 Road race leads to $52,000 in donations to community.

STAR SPANGLED SNELLVILLE 8 Get ready for an Independence Day to remember.

COMMUNITY GARDEN 27 There are tons of vegetables growing in the local garden.

GROWING AT THE GROVE BROOKWOOD NEWS 10 What’s 28 End-of-year new at the city’s cornerstone development project. from the home of the Broncos.

CONCERTS COMING UP SOUTH GWINNETT NEWS 13 There 30 The are three nights of music on tap on the Towne Green. latest from South Gwinnett High School.

SUMMER CAMPS PARKS AND RECREATION 15 There 32 Children are plenty of options to keep kids busy this summer. getting their kicks at T.W. Briscoe Park.

FARMERS’ MARKET 16 The Snellville Farmers’ Market is in full swing.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 34 Gwinnett Tech is creating student-to-business-bond.

QUALITY OF LIFE 18 Code enforcement unit shows resident compassion.

FOR THE CAMERA! 36 ASMILE photographic recap of recent Snellville events.

SHARK TANK RIBBON CUTTINGS 19 Annual 38 City contest crowns a winner in the business challenge. officials welcome two new businesses to the city.

THINGS TO DO 20 20 We’ve got plenty of options to keep you entertained.

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

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Mayor’s Message - Mayor Barbara Bender Summer time is budget time in the City of Snellville. The City Council passed the budget for fiscal year July 2023-June 2024 as proposed by City Manager Butch Sanders. The $15 million dollar general fund budget shows just a 4 percent net increase in expenses with most of the increase due to police and other salaries. As with most businesses today, hiring and retaining talented people is a challenge and I am pleased to say that the police starting salary increase has helped to attract qualified officers to the department. The budget proposes no change in the property tax millage rate so you will not see a tax increase unless the county reassessed your property this year.

Work is underway in T.W. Briscoe Park on two separate projects. The lake was lowered to accommodate repairs to the lake wall that had collapse some time ago. The project is in full swing and is moving well. In addition, grading is underway at the back of the park near the public works building for construction of a new park maintenance building. Once complete, the old building located in the middle of the park can be demolished. This will provide a noticeable facelift to that area of the park.

Wisteria Drive and North Road. We hope to receive a Georgia DOT grant to help fund the construction and once complete, the project should help move traffic through that intersection better.

On another transportation note, North Road between Wisteria Drive and Oak Road opened to two-way traffic June 1. For those that travel that area, you will know that section of road has been one-way for a number of years.

The library will be opening very soon but no date has been set yet. Please check our website at Snellville.org or our Facebook page to keep up with current happenings. We would love to see a large turnout for the ribbon cutting on this beautiful project.

Happy Summer!

The budget proposes no change in the property tax millage rate so you will not see a tax increase unless the county reassessed your property this year.

Plans are underway for a needed intersection improvement at

Snellville Public Works Snellville Public Works was busy earlier this month installing ‘Welcome to Snellville’ signs at entrances to city limits. The 18 signs use the city’s signature maroon and gold, acorn logo and Italian Old Style font.

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Blue Bag Garbage Procedures The city provides residents a 65-gallon garbage cart at no charge. Any garbage overflowing or around the can will not be picked up unless it is in special blue garbage bags. The blue bags can be purchased at Public Works, Publix and Kroger located on Scenic Highway in Snellville. Go to the information desk at both Publix and Kroger for assistance. The blue bags are imprinted with the city seal and the cost of the bags covers the cost of the extra garbage pickup. They can be used for extra garbage bags or to attach to bulk items such as furniture and other large items. When needed, the blue bags should be placed alongside the cart on your regular scheduled day. Please call Public Works at 770-985-3527 in advance of placing bulk items at the curb for instructions and pick up scheduling. The cost of the bag is $1.51 per bag. They are sold only by the bundle. Each bundle contains bags and sells for $30.20 per box.

Garbage outside your 65-gallon cart will not be picked up if it is not in a bag.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Police Department Police Officer Bullock, Police Officer Davis, and Sergeant Swain took the initiative to perform some cleanup activities.

They identified an area in the woods that juveniles were hanging out, and involved in non-productive activities such as spray-painting property and drug use. Through the commandeering of a Public Works truck, the officers did some cleanup of the area to make it less appealing to loiter during the school day. ‘We appreciate the initiative of these officers in identifying problem areas, and taking steps to solve the problem. We commend them for their actions,’ said Chief Greg Perry.

Officer completes Georgia drug recognition expert program In April 2023, Police Officer Z. Todd completed the rigorous 240-hour Drug Recognition Expert program. The Georgia Public Safety Training Center, with funding from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, designed the DRE program to keep Georgians safe by removing impaired drivers from the roadway.

The course consists of 160 hours of classwork, long evenings of studying, out-of-state field training, and a comprehensive written examination. Law enforcement officers who participate in the program can identify drugs and drug categories as well as detect the signs that impaired drivers display when under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Todd is putting this training to effective use as a member of the Snellville Police Department’s H.E.A.T. Unit.

Snellville Police Department names officers, supervisors of the month Since the beginning of the year, the Snellville Police Department has recognized several officers for their outstanding achievement. Each month, an officer and supervisor are awarded officer/supervisor of the month, as well as an arrest of the month.

Below are the current winners of these awards: January – Officer A. Templeton (Officer of the Month), Lt. D. Boone (Supervisor of the Month), Lt. B. Rankin and Sgt. C.

Matyac (Arrest of the Month).

February – Officer S. Berry (Officer of the Month), Sgt. A. York (Supervisor of the Month), Ofc. M. Hercules, Cpl. A. Devries, and Ofc. A. Templeton (Arrest of the Month).

March – Officer N. Moore (Officer of the Month), Sgt. A. York (Supervisor of the Month), Cpl. D. Nguyen (Arrest of the Month).

April – Officer Z. Todd (Officer of the Month), Sgt. M. Finney (Supervisor of the Month), Cpl. A. Thomas (Arrest of the Month).

Sadly, rain canceled Public Safety Night June 6 but not before Sgt. Scott Smith battled the monsoonlike weather which ripped through Briscoe Park just before the event was scheduled to start. PSN will back in 2024.

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2023

By Kelly McAloon Executive Director, Experience Snellville

Train Rides

Rock Wall

Gaming Bus

Virtuix Omni

Join us as Experience Snellville presents a fabulous Fourth of July experience in the heart of Snellville on the Towne Green as we celebrate the independence of our nation.

Star Spangled Snellville is a free event to attend and begins at 4:00 p.m. as Kriss Johnson kicks off the celebration singing our National Anthem from the main stage on the Towne Green.

Family friendly entertainment, including the tastes and smells of some of your favorite festival foods along with a large playground of inflatables, the BIG KAHUNA water slide, train rides, rock wall, 9-hole mini golf and the gaming bus with virtuix omni.

KIDS ZONE ACTIVITY BAND ONLY $15.00, RIDE AS OFTEN AS YOU LIKE. Ticket booth will close promptly at 8:00 p.m. due to the large crowds.

We will have a wide variety of food vendors on site to satisfy any appetite. Food vendors include: Rey’s Cuban Café, Fratelli’s, Fingerz, Beren’s Frozen Custard, Chick-fil-A, Quatro Amigos, Ms. Jay’s Funnel Cakes, Hole in the Wall, Frozen Sweets, The Funnel Cake Guys, Dolphins Water Ice, Fruit Goddess, Frozen Sweets, Desserts by Jewelz, Island Style Jerk and Ting, Sweet Mama’s Fresh Squeezed Lemonade and many more. Stop by for some of the favorite festival foods like hot boiled peanuts, grilled corn on the cob, fresh squeezed lemonade, funnel cakes, and your favorite flavored shaved ice.

DJ Lee will keep you entertained with music, fun and games from 4 – 6:30 p.m. and RYTHMN NATION will take the stage from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. followed by one of the best Fireworks shows in the Southeast that will be accented with patriotic music at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Come in your best red, white and blue, and bring your blankets and chairs to assure your seats for the music and fireworks show. Get to the Green early as space on the Green and surrounding areas fill up quickly.

Experience Snellville would like to thank Snellville Church on Main for its continued support and sharing their property to stage the fireworks.

We also want to thank Snellville United Methodist Church for allowing residents to park in their parking lot during the July 4th festivities. Our partnership within the city is what makes Snellville such a great place to live.

Thank you to our 2023

Big Kahuna

HKeystone SponsorsH Rythmn Nation

ALL DAY ACTIVITY BAND – $15

Includes: BIG KAHUNA Water Slide, Inflatables (2 dry slides, obstacle course, bounce house and Shoot the Hoop Basketball), Rock Wall, Trackless Train, and the infamous Gaming Bus with Virtuix Omni.

The ticket booth will be open from 4-8 p.m. and will CLOSE PROMPTLY AT 8:00 PM.

HOur HotelsH

HHHHHHHHHHHH

Event Schedule ▼ 4:00 PM

Kriss Johnson: National Anthem DJ Lee: Music, Fun & Games ▼ 6:25 PM

Introduction of Dignitaries and Keystone Sponsors ▼ 6:30 PM

RYTHMN NATION ▼ 9:30 PM

FIREWORKS!!

The Community Blood Bank will be on site July 4th for those of you who would like to give a pint of blood. The Community Blood Bank services those in need in our local area.

A big thank you to all of our volunteers, public works department and police department who help make all of our special community events on the Towne Green so successful. THANK YOU!

HHHHHHHHHHHH DJ Lee

The Grove at Towne Center

The Grove keeps growing ... and growing Construction for Snellville’s new community, The Grove at Towne Center, is well underway with several exciting developments. Mid-April, the one-of-a-kind mosaic surrounding what will soon be the splash pad was installed, and the library with THRIVE | Coworking space is beginning to come together as well.

Jennifer Freeman, the artist that designed and crafted the mosaic, began working on the project a little over a year ago. After providing the city council with three designs to choose from, they selected the nature-themed mosaic, as a nod to the lush outdoor community spaces they were planning to create at The Grove.

A unique element of the theme is the wisteria flowers included within the mural, which were requested by the city as the green space is located on Wisteria Drive.

While Freeman has completed several other public projects, the mosaic bench at The Grove is by far her largest at over 200 square feet. While the piece took about a year to create, the installation process alone took about 6 days to complete, as they painstakingly arranged each piece of the project along the bench.

“The reaction to the piece is unbelievable,” said Freeman.

“Seeing city and construction workers and pedestrians walk by 10

and admire it and what it brings to the area is so rewarding to see.

Some people even think it’s a painting upon first glance, so it’s nice to be able to introduce a new art form that adds a special sort of beauty and uniqueness to the space.”

Beauty is also being brought to the development with the stateof-the-art Gwinnett Library building. The first floor of the building will be a traditional county public library, and the second floor of Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

The Grove at Towne Center

the building will be home to THRIVE | Coworking, an Atlantabased hybrid workspace company. The THRIVE portion of the building will house 26 private offices, three conference rooms (the largest will seat 24+), phone booths, efficiency offices and free parking. The space plans to open later this year.

“As one of the fastest growing suburbs of Atlanta, Snellville offers all the amenities that THRIVE looks for when opening a new coworking location, including an accessible downtown, community activity spaces, and a business-friendly perspective,” says THRIVE | Coworking Chief Revenue Officer Chris Smith.

The first floor of the building will house the Gwinnett County Public Library Snellville branch in its approximately 24,000-square-feet of space, which is twice the size of the previous branch. The library will feature a meeting room with a capacity for 120, collaboration room with seating for up to ten, two learning labs with sound attenuation, 20 computer stations, three group study rooms, 128 parking deck spaces, Amazon lockers and 39 hours per week of Open Access time outside regular branch hours.

“The craftsmanship is exceptional,” said Cathy Chisholm, Director of Facilities for Gwinnett County Public Library. “The architect went above and beyond their initial vision, and it is simply stunning.”

A unique detail of the space is the granite featured on the exterior, which is locally sourced and was installed by the locally owned and operated Sement Construction of Snellville. The stonework pattern was developed by architect TSW of Atlanta and the five masons employed at Sement hand-cut each stone onsite with rock hammers. This intentionality and hard work came together to create a space that is truly a work of art.

Other updates on The Grove include the apartments at The Tomlin are over 95 percent occupied and sod has been installed in the green space. Current fencing around the grass will allow it to grow and establish roots before opening for public use later this year. More exciting news to come as the team works tirelessly to pull together all the elements this community has to offer.

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Come in and take full advantage of our NEW mid year trade show inventories and special summer sizzling prices on ALL pre-owned firearms.

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.

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We loan money on just about anything with amounts up to

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

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SNELLVILLE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2023

JULY 22

AUG. 26

SEPT. 23

Landslide Fleetwood Mac Tribute 7 p.m.

Chi-Town Transit Authority

Who’s Bad

Chicago Tribute 7 p.m.

Michael Jackson Tribute

Chi-Town Transit Authority is an eight-piece Landslide – A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac will Chicago Tribute band based out of Atlanta, Ga. take you on a ride back in time to an era when dedicated in reproducing the “Chicago” Concert the greatest music in rock was being made and experience! They feature a tight horn section the careers of the legends we all love today were along with the dynamic vocal harmonies that born! Paying homage to one of the greatest and Chicago is famous for and perform all of the most popular bands in music history, LANDSLIDE familiar and famous songs covering over four recreates the hits from yesteryear, taking fans decades of steady hits written and recorded by on an electric journey through Fleetwood Macs’ Chicago. incredible catalog of music, including the hits from their solo-careers. Because of Landslide’s genuine love and reverence for Fleetwood Mac, they spare no effort in captivating fans with an authentic concert experience.

James Anthony 6 p.m.

Samer 6 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

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.

Johnny Porrazzo 6 p.m.

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

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Summer Intensives and Camps fill up QUICKLY, so please register ASAP to make sure you reserve a spot!

Registration – https://www.snellvilleperformingarts.com/summer

Snellville Farmer’s Market Spend Saturday mornings on the Towne Green at SFM

By Gretchen Schulz Councilwoman Market organizer Summer season at the Snellville Farmers Market has arrived! Markets are held every Saturday morning, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Towne Green, 2342 Oak Road. This summer we have more than 60 vendors approved…our largest participation in the 14-year history of our market.

And to make it easier for you to roll out of bed and get to the market we have several vendors who are offering breakfast foods.

For those of you who need a jolt of caffeine to start the day, make your first stop at Black Bean Coffee. Shelbey and Michael March’s coffee trailer has become one of our most popular vendors at our “extended season” market.

They offer hot as well as iced coffee by the cup, lattes, mochas, frappes, and a variety of teas.

Petersen’s Bakery sells their tremendously popular made-to-order breakfast sandwiches. The sandwiches are served on a homemade roll and include two eggs, American or provolone cheese, and sausage or two strips of John F. Martin and Sons bacon, a naturally hardwood smoked bacon that comes from Lancaster County in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch area.

How about a breakfast pizza to start your day at the market? Lil Pizza Truck, a longtime vendor at our market, makes his pizza using fresh dough that he cold-proofs for 48 hours. Toppings that would be especially appealing for breakfast include local eggs, bell peppers, red onion, chopped bacon and Cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Jason Feenan, who has 15 years of pizzamaking experience, brings his mobile wood-fired pizza oven to the market and crafts his pizzas to order.

Shawnee Coward is returning to the market this year after taking some maternity time off. She offers a variety of vegan items including white, whole wheat and spelt breads. She will also be offering warm cinnamon rolls and plans to have avocado toast every other Saturday. Shawnee will also be making vegan waffles and burritos to order at the market and selling breakfast plates that will include waffles or burritos with sides.

Just Be Organic is a new vendor this year who will be offering smoothies, smoothie bowls and acai bowls—a great nutrient-packed way to start your day at the market. For example, their Be Peaceful smoothie bowl includes a variety of healthy ingredients, including mango, pineapple, kale, almond milk, sea moss, mint, honey and spirulina, all topped with almond butter toppings.

The Snellville Farmers Market is THE place to be on Saturday mornings in Snellville. Start your day with a great breakfast at the market and then enjoy shopping with our large variety of vendors. For information about the market see our website: www.snellvillefarmersmarket.com. To subscribe to our weekly newsletter send a request to snellvillefarmersmarket@gmail.com.

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From top: Black Bean Coffee trailer; a Petersen’s Bakery breakfast sandwich; and Lil Pizza Truck’s mobile woodfired pizza oven.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Exceptional care

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Piedmont Eastside Medical Center in Snellville

piedmont.org/eastside

Quality of Life Compassion before compliance: Snellville’s Quality of Life Unit

By Brian Arrington Public Information Officer When Snellville Code Enforcement Officer Johnny Greene knocked on his door, 79-year-old Joseph Jones expected the worst.

Greene, who received a citizen-initiated Quality of Life complaint about Jones’ Summit Chase Drive home, climbed the rickety staircase of the corner lot. When he got to the door, Greene’s foot went through the wooden porch outside Jones’ front door.

The porch and the house were riddled with more rotten boards, bare wood and overgrown weeds – violations of city Quality of Life regulations. Jones lives alone in the house and is strapped with medical bills. He was looking at about $3,000 in repairs and maintenance to bring his home up to code.

But instead of slapping Jones with a lengthy of list of violations, Greene gave the help the widowed man desperately needed.

“He said, ‘I could fine you but I don’t want to,’” Green said.

“It was very clear under his circumstances that he would never be able to fix everything that needed to be done,” Greene said.

“There was no way he’d be able to finance what needed to be done. If I’d issued citations, it would’ve been another burden on him. He would be put on probation and making payments from here on. That wasn’t what needed to be done so I started looking at other solutions of being able to help him without creating another hinderance.”

Greene called his contact at Habitat for Humanity, and soon after, Jones’ home was being refurbished by a crew of 20 or so

volunteers from the charitable organization.

“I presented it to Mr. Jones who just really hated to ask somebody for help,” Greene said.

Eventually, Habitat for Humanity met with Jones and determined he did qualify for assistance. A plan was put into motion to rehab his dilapidated house exterior and even some needed repairs inside his home that aren’t regulated by Code Enforcement. The floor in the kitchen was rotted due to a leaky refrigerator he wasn’t able to fix.

Work began in winter with the inside of the house and by March the outside was repaired as well.

This was the second time Greene called on Habitat for Humanity to help someone in need – the first being an elderly woman who lived alone on North Road. Greene also contacted the Rotary Club of Gwinnett Sunrise to help clean up Jones’ yard.

“It feels good,” Greene said. “A lot of people think Code Enforcement is about making money and that’s totally the opposite. The city would rather have voluntary compliance than having you pay fines. Being able to help someone who needs it, that is a citizen of Snellville, that really does make you feel good.”

Jones said he was grateful for Greene’s help. The result has been a friendship between the two.

“The relationship we’ve made, I’d consider him a good friend now,” Greene said. “He knows when he sees me out and about, I’m here to help. Flag me down any time … call me any time.”

For more information about the city’s Quality of Life Unit visit www.snellville.org/planning-development/quality-lifecodeenforcement.

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Shark Tank

Students shine in Shark Tank business competition

By Brian Arrington Public Information Officer Five young entrepreneurs got a financial boost to start their own businesses last month during the city’s annual Shark Tank competition.

A total of $2,000 was awarded to the students by judges representing the Snellville business community. The five students – four from Brookwood High School and one from Grayson High School – worked on their businesses all school year, culminating with a pitch for seed money at the competition mirroring the popular ABC television show “Shark Tank.”

“The City of Snellville is committed to providing our young people the opportunity to grow their own businesses,” said Assistant City Manager Matt Pepper. “We want to bolster the future of these young entrepreneurs, and by supporting this program, the city is building relationships with students who happen to be starting their own business, hopefully with the intent of opening one in Snellville some day.”

Judges crowned Brookwood High School student Zaira Bhatti Entrepreneur of the Year and granted her $500 to be used to fund her social media consulting business MarketRight.

Addison Curtis of BHS was also awarded $500 to go toward her swim lesson business Dolphin Academy; Elizabeth Lachance

Judges crowned Brookwood High School student Zaira Bhatti Entrepreneur of the Year and granted her $500 to be used to fund her social media consulting business MarketRight. of BHS was awarded $400 for her business Cursive Cake ‘n’ Bake; GHS student Ava Hosey received $350 for her business Desserts by Ava; and Madison Worsham of Brookwood High School was given $250 for her family photography business Capture Photography.

Judges who donated their time, expertise and money were: Tim Samuel and Dwayne Walker of Sparketh, Kelly McAloon of Snellville Tourism and Trade; Ashlie Franklin and Sara Hodge of Walton Gas; Renae Johnson of the Renae J Group; Kathy Emanuel of Random Technologies; Katisha Henry of the Wing Suite; and Jessie Mullins of Powell and Edwards, LLC. This year’s Shark Tank was coordinated by Pepper, student education business owner Marianette ReFour and Public Information Officer Brian Arrington.

19

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.

Dragon Queen Winery - 1 mi

Lincoln Fill Station - 0.9 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.

Niko’s Wine Corner - .9 mi

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.

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 easyto-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.

Stars and Strikes Entertainment Center/Bowling - 5.4 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.

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.

Monkey Wrench Brewing - 17 mi Monkey Wrench is a local neighborhood brewery! Stop by and enjoy craft beers, rum and vodka slushies, food trucks, live music and more!

We are a dog friendly brewery and have access to The Suwanee Greenway.

Nothing but positive vibes at Monkey Wrench!

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.

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games - 16 mi 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!

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!

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(Pizza not included. Must show ID.)

470-375-4701

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

Salt Cave Float Therapy Massage

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

2023 Snellville Food Truck Fridays • 4-8 pm facebook.com/ExperienceSnellville

Experience Snellville is proud to showcase the July & August Food Truck Friday line-up.

Keystone Sponsors:

Hotel Sponsors: Hampton Inn & Suites, LaQuinta Inn & Suites and the InTown Suites

JULY 7

Gyro Chef Mediterranean Vietnamese Truck Atlanta Seafood Paradiso Wood Fire Pizza Hungry Hippo Eats Yaardie Eats Frozen Sweets Dolphins Water Ice

Join us for a wide variety of food trucks, music, fun and games with DJ Lee.

AUGUST 4 Lobster Dogs 6-Pack Subs Vietnamese Big House BBQ Love at Wurst Sight Grandma Maboul Ms. Jay’s Funnel Cakes Fingerz Kona Ice

THANK YOU for making our first two Food Truck Friday’s in May & June a BIG SUCCESS! 23

PARKSIDE

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Snellville Commerce Club The Snellville Commerce Club, the business arm of Experience Snellville, awarded two college-bound students $1,000 FBLA/ DECA scholarships each to be used toward their tuition. Jonathan Isiah Bell from South Gwinnett High School and Naomi Asefaw from Brookwood High School were awarded the scholarships. They were joined by school administrators, teachers and family at the May meeting of the Snellville Commerce Club.

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Run the Reagan Run the Reagan is an annual community event which features a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K fun run down Ronald Reagan Parkway in February. This year four recipients received over $52,000.00 from the Run the Reagan proceeds - The Lilburn Co-op, The Southeast Gwinnett Co-op, The Brookwood Cluster Foundation and the South Gwinnett Cluster Foundation. The funds given to each organization definitely makes a difference in our community.

Registration for the Feb. 10, 2024 run will begin early Fall of 2023. Sponsorship information is available at runthereagan.net. Pictured is the presentation to the South Gwinnett Cluster Foundation at the May 22 Snellville City Council meeting. Left to right are Melvin Everson, Ron Weber, Greg Bender and Kelly McAloon.

The City of Snellville and Experience Snellville salutes our graduates!

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Community Garden @ Snellville

NEW BUSINESS

Community Garden sprouts veggies for Co-op

By Brian Arrington,

By Gretchen Schulz Public Information Officer Councilmember Garden organizer A five-story, 102-room Hampton Inn & Suites will be built in the

across the street from the Snellville Recycling Center. The garden is a project of Experience Snellville and is supported solely with bed rental fees and proceeds from spring and fall plant sales at the Snellville Farmers Market. For information see the garden website: www.snellvillecommunitygarden.com.

city following a unanimous vote by the Mayor and Council earlier Summer is officially here and the garden beds at the Community this year.

Garden @ Snellville are filled with tomato plants. The beds are filled with tomato plants that are already a fewinfeet height and The 64,400-square-foot building will be located ParkinPlace, becoming weighted down with tomatoes almost ready for picking. a development located at the corner of Pharrs Road and Scenic There are also beds filled with squash, snow peas and lettuce Highway which recently saw the grand opening of Cracker Barrel, that areZaxby’s ready for well as zinnias and other flowers to Inn & Suites by Hilton within the city. Finally, Hampton Inn & Freddie’s, andpicking Aspen as Dental. brighten the gardeners’ homes.

Suites, under the Hilton (Hotels) umbrella, has a reputation for being There had been concerns the hotel would cause traffic issues at the a high-quality brand and product that would be an asset to the city garden also has some beds todaily producing busy The intersection, but, according to thededicated developers, trips would for many years to come.” vegetables for the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op, with deliveriesfor be reduced by nearly two thirds of what was previously approved scheduled to beginrestaurant. as the crops become available. And this a 12,000-square-foot And just this month, summer the gardeners are involved in a new project for the Co-op. paperwork was filed They have beeningrowing plantslimited-service in buckets and when the “There is a need the city tomato for a quality hotel to bring an Outback plants have maturedCommercial to the pointCorridor of beingasalmost ready in the Scenic Highway there are veryto produce Steakhouse to Park thetravelers plants are delivered the Co-op forarea,” distribution to fewtomatoes, options for to utilize whiletostaying in the said Place. clientsand to continue nurturing andJason enjoying at home.

(Left) Annie Pearce and Nora enjoy working in their bed at the Planning Development Director Thompson.

“Eastside Community Garden. (Right) Glenda Patterson will be enjoying Medical Center, adjacent restaurants, retail businesses and The Community Garden @ Snellvillle is located in Briscoe Park lettuce from the garden. neighboring residents could all benefit from having a nice Hampton ■ Affordable nightly, weekly and monthly rates

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

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Brookwood High School Brookwood High School Class of 2023 academic highlights Brookwood’s Class of 2023 had 858 graduates, the largest among Gwinnett County Public Schools. Graduates included 261 AP Scholars, 23 Dual Enrollment Scholars, 382 Honor Graduates, and 159 graduating with a 4.0 GPA, and 58 National Honor Society graduates. Additionally, there were six National Merit Semifinalists, four Presidential Scholars, a Posse Scholar, and a Quest Bridge scholar. During their sophomore or junior year summers, 13 participated in the Governor’s Honors Program.

The Academic Team qualified for Nationals, largely by winning first place in two individual events by scoring highest in the National Geography Bee and the U.S. History national qualifying exams at Region. Brookwood’s Georgia Odyssey of the Mind won the state championship. Brookwood’s Readers Rally won the Division I Championship in a field of seven teams.

Brookwood Marching Band performed at the January 2023 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. Two students earned a Scholastic Art Competition Gold Key at the national level.

2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

4 COUNTY TITLES 10 REGION TITLES

Football

14

Cross Country

4

Softball

3

Volleyball Swim and Dive

1 1

49 COLLEGE SIGNINGS 4 COACHES OF THE YEAR

Joseph Leslie - Berry College Bryce Dopson - GA Institute of Technology Cory Elliott - University of Virginia at Wise Noah Holton – Tuskegee University Shaman Lewis - Fort Valley State University Dylan Lonergan - University of Alabama Solomon Jones - Point University Correy Mays - Georgetown University Ian McGill - Reinhardt University Malcolm McCain – Univ. of Miami (Ohio) Jordan Edole - Gordon State College Myles Parker - Tennessee Tech University Taylor Smith - Charleston Southern University Jovany Garcia-Brake - Georgia Military College Allie Wardle- UNC Charlotte (and track) Macy Felton- Georgia Tech (and track)

Marshall Bray - Augusta University Peyton Harley - GA College and State Univ.

Rachel Clark - Fort Valley State University Thalia Martin - Auburn University Jessica Newsom – Rose -Hulman Institute of Technology Hannah Sanders - Delaware State University Nolan Patterson – Gardner-Webb University Diana Collins - Ohio State University Jade Weathersby- Univ. of Alabama, Birm.

Kailynn Richard - Agnes Scott College Kennedy Daniels - East Georgia State Jason Johnson - Reinhardt University

Basketball

5

Cheerleading

1

Baseball

2

Soccer

4

Anabelle Campos for Life University Remi Okunlola Clemson

Lacrosse

6

Triniti Cassidy - Belmont Abbey College Leah Brown - Delaware State University (Honors College) Zoe Calendine - North Greenville University

Track and Field

8

Elle Bass - Liberty University Madison Campbell - Univ of Kansas Peyton Harley - GA College and State Univ. (and XC) Allie Wardle- UNC Charlotte (and XC) Chloe Perryman - Middle Tennessee State University Antonio Vickerie Brewton - Parker College Macy Felton- Georgia Tech (and XC) Josh Crum – University of South Florida Marshall Bray Augusta College (and XC)

Kennedy Commings - Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) Ethan Reyes - Mississippi Valley State

Kedean Madden - Andrew College Brycen Sterling Ogelthorpe Alexander Walker Emmanuel Janiyah Hanna - Oglethorpe University Mack Trentini- Auburn University Elijah Bryant- Virginia State University

2022-2023 STATE CHAMPIONS Girls Basketball, Esports 2022-2023 COUNTY CHAMPIONS

Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Girls Swim and Dive, Girls Track and Field 2022-2023 REGION CHAMPIONS Volleyball, Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Girls Basketball, Competitive Cheerleading, Boys Tennis, Girls Tennis, Girls Lacrosse, Boys Soccer, Girls Track and Field 2022-2023 COACH OF THE YEAR AWARDS Volleyball - Stacey Bennum, Boy Cross Country - Ben Dehnke, Girls Cross Country Lauren Harrison, Girls Basketball Courtney Mincy

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Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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South Gwinnett High School Farewell from South Gwinnett High School Principal Doroty Jarrett Dear South Gwinnett High School Community, It is hard to believe that I am ending SY2022-2023, but also, I am ending this chapter of my education career.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support since my return to South Gwinnett High School in May 2019. Although we faced a few challenges, mainly a pandemic; we continued to persevere. We, the Class of 2023, finished strong.

I decided to retire at the end of this school year to join my family in London, England.

I cannot express the sadness I feel leaving SGHS, but I feel so much happiness to be able to spend more time with my grandchildren. The work we have done at SGHS has given me the greatest joy in my 26 years as an educator. The successes we have achieved over the past four years is due to our dedicated staff, students, and parents. We have worked together to build

our community capacity and to develop SGHS where our students are #PROUD2BComets. Our Cluster motto, “Working Together, Winning Together PreK-12” has guided our cluster work facilitating a stronger vertical alignment. I know we have had our challenges, but we have continued to achieve greatness and put children first as evidenced by the record number of academy pathway completers, record number of students taking Advanced Placement courses and a DOROTHY JARRETT record number of students earning Honor Grad status by maintaining an average of 90 percent or higher. #PROUD2B! It has truly been an honor to serve you, your children, and our community as the Proud Principal of South Gwinnett High School.

Sincerely, Dorothy Parker Jarrett South Gwinnett High School’s Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education students have accomplished a major educational milestone this year. On May 18, students were recognized for completing their CTAE Pathways. South Gwinnett hosted students, family members, and community leaders for the CTAE Pathway Completion Ceremony held to recognize students who have completed their CTAE Pathways.

Georgia’s Career Clusters allow students to choose an area of interest in high school from 17 career clusters. Students take classes tailored to their career cluster, which includes multiple career paths which help them navigate to greater success. At the end of their coursework, they can take an End of Pathway Assessment. Students that have completed the course work and passed the EOPA will receive the Pathway Diploma Seal and Certificate. The diploma seal is a signal to employers that a student is prepared to participate in the workforce. ‘We are super excited about the many opportunities our students have to rekindle their spark and shine!’ SGHS Principal Dorothy Jarrett said.

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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 31

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.

Registration for programs, leagues and rentals is now online at www.snellville.recdesk.com/Community/Home Please “like” our Facebook page for more information on our upcoming events and happenings: www.facebook.com/SnellvilleParks.

Briscoe Park Pool is open until Monday Sept. 4. Pool hours are Monday-Thursday 12-6 p.m., Friday-Sunday 12-7 p.m. After Aug. 2 pool will be open Saturday and Sunday only. Swim Lesson spots are still available.

Pool Party @ Briscoe Park Pool will be held on Friday, July 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Admission is $1 and concessions are available Summer Sports Camp at Briscoe Park for ages 7-14. Weekly sessions are available from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for $200 per child.

Chess Camp at Briscoe Park July 17th-21st & August 14th-18th.

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

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. Fall registration coming soon!

Adult sports including softball and flag football visit www.quickscores. com/snellville.

Jazzercise is held Monday & Thursday from 5:00-6:00pm and Saturday 8:45-9:45am at Briscoe Park. For more details email jazzercisesnellville@gmail.com.

Martial Arts is held at Briscoe Park on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00pm.

Call 770-354-1510 for more information Outdoor tennis courts are available on a first-come-first-served basis without lights daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Not all of the courts may be available at all times if tennis Instructor or ALTA teams are utilizing the courts.

32 32

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Parks and Recreation Kickball now being offered at T.W. Briscoe Park Kickball is now at T.W. Briscoe Park.

Basically baseball using a large rubber ball instead of a hardball and kicks from feet rather than a swing of a bat, the sport has been a playground staple for generations.

The program began in the fall of last year and is growing by leaps and bounds. The current Summer 2023 youth kickball has 50 participants. The group was split into four teams of all age groups of children combined.

“Our goal is to be able to have enough participation where we can separate the age groups and have multiple teams in each age group,” said Snellville Parks and Recreation Program Coordinator Meghan Megan.

SPRD will offer a Fall 2023 youth kickball league starting in September. Registration will open at Snellville.recdesk.com in July for those who want to play.

Registration is only $45 per child and includes a league T-shirt.

There is a regular season and season-ending tournament.

-Brian Arrington Public information officer

Register for kickball at T.W. Briscoe Park by scanning this QR Code.

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.

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 33 33

Economic Development

Opportunity knocks when you least expect it Economic Development Opportunities are born out of unusual and unchartered waters.

Such as the case with KICCHHOFF Automotive. It was October of 2020 during the height of the pandemic, a meeting was held at Gwinnett Technical College consisting of representatives from Georgia Department of Economic Development, Partnership Gwinnett, Georgia Power, Gwinnett Technical College Economic Development and the main partner KIRCHHOFF Automotive Leadership Team Members.

KIRCHHOFF presented their proposal and others in attendance shared what resources were available here in Gwinnett County.

On March 8, 2021, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that KIRCHHOFF Automotive, a German-based company had selected Gwinnett County as the site to open their assembly facility. This was exciting news for Gwinnett County, not only for the benefit of attracting international partnerships in manufacturing to Georgia, but also providing employment opportunities for Georgians with the creation of 150 new jobs.

Since the announcement, KIRCHHOFF Automotive has made Dacula their home. Manufacturing complex metal and hybrid structures, crash management systems, chassis applications, and cross car beams that are innovative, economical, and lightweight products ensuring optimal protection in case of an accident. The 34 34

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Dacula location, led by Erika Montiel, Plant Manager, focuses on spot welding, projection welding, and assembly.

On May 23, 2023, KIRCHHOFF Automotive was welcomed to the community with a grand ceremony and ribbon cutting.

Melvin Everson, Vice-President of Economic Development had the pleasure of meeting J. Wolfgang Kirchhoff, Global Chief Executive at the event and making a connection with the KIRCHHOFF Automotive management team.

He stated,

“Connections like these are important in building our economy and it is the mission of Gwinnett Technical College’s Economic Development Presently, KIRCHHOFF Automotive is working with Gwinnett Technical College and the Economic Development and Continuing Education department department to teach every individual under the leadership of Melvin Everson on some developmental initiatives. and serve every business one Congratulation KIRCHHOFF Automotive and welcome to Gwinnett County. community partner at a time.”

“Connections like these are important in building our economy and it is the mission of Gwinnett Technical College’s Economic Development department to teach every individual and serve every business one community partner at a time.”

- Melvin Everson vice president of economic development Gwinnett Technical College

Information to Property Owners We are glad you have chosen to make Snellville your home where, “Everybody is Proud to be Somebody.” This is a review of some of the most often asked about and commonly violated rules and regulations when it comes to housing. This is not a complete list so please contact the Planning and Development Department at 770-985-3500 if you are planning making any changes to your property.

1. Any alternations to existing homes to create more rooms or livable spaces is not allowed unless permitted with the Department of Planning and Development. The conversion of single-family homes to multifamily home is also not allowed.

2. All new construction must be permitted with the Department of Planning and Development, including but not limited to, roofed accessory structures, decks, pools, driveway additions, and any alteration of an existing structure.

3. Collective residences, such as group homes, care homes, and other non-single family living arrangements require an approved Special Use Permit from the Department of Planning and Development.

4. Please call the Snellville Public Works Department to set up your commercial or residential trash account.

5. The keeping and raising of livestock is prohibited unless the property is greater than 5 acres. Please contact the Planning and Development for more information.

6. Please be aware that small creeks, streams, ponds and lakes including dried up streambeds, may be classified as “State Waters” or otherwise have buffers that limit any kind of land disturbance.

Please contact the Planning and Development Department prior to any disturbance closer than 200 feet from the water source.

7. The parking of commercial vehicles, on the street or on a driveway in residential neighborhoods is prohibited.

8. Vehicles must be parked on paved surfaces and any vehicles not enclosed in a garage must be operable and properly registered with the State and insured.

35 35

Were You Caught on Camera ...

May/June Food Truck Fridays

Memorial Day Program

36

Many thanks to Team Snellville Volunteers,

... Having Fun in Snellville?

Beach Blast

Bennie and the Jets - May Concert

Snellville Police Department and Public Works

37

Ribbon Cuttings Experience Snellville and city officials welcomed a new business to the city with a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 6. Zoe Tacos, located at 2624 Cindy Lane and Highway 78, offers authentic Mexican food.

Experience Snellville and city officials had a ribbon cutting at Lamber on Main Business Center at 2356 Main St. E. on May 5.

City News Microtransit program, new bus route coming to Snellville

and Lawrenceville. By calling 770-822-5010 or using the MyStop app, those interested in traveling to a destination in the area of Snellville can request a pick up. Rides are $3.

Transportation services will be expanded in Snellville in the coming months. The Snellville Microtransit program, which was piloted by Gwinnett County in 2019, will begin in August and is designed to offer an alternative to ride-share services to and from locations in the city. And a new bus route will be added next month which will take riders from the parking lot at the corner of Wisteria Drive and Highway 78 to the Indian Creek MARTA Station.

On-demand microtransit is a flexible curb-to-curb shared-ride demand-response mode of passenger transportation, according to Gwinnett transportation officials. Riders request a vehicle — typically a small van or shuttle — through a mobile application or by calling a dispatcher to pick them up and drop them off at a location within a designated microtransit zone. The zones will have connections to fixed route service.

To address the lack of connectivity within the Gwinnett County, Ride Gwinnett has expanded microtransit services in Snellville 38 38

Route 70, which will allow riders to access all MARTA services, is slated to begin operating late next month, possibly early June.

Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

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

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 JULY

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

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.

Lighted Christmas Parade 5:30 p.m.

AUGUST

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

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

Food Trucks Antique Car Display Ghost Tour hosted by Snellville Performing Arts at 8:30 p.m.

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 Ghost Tour hosted by Snellville Performing Arts at 9:15 p.m.

Aug 26 Live on the Lawn 6-9 p.m.

Chi-Town Transit Authority Chicago Tribute

Celebrate Snellville’s Centennial

100 Years of History

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

1ST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH

(MAY - OCTOBER)

AWARD WINNING SNELLVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET

2023 KEYSTONE SPONSORS

FREE SUMMER

CONCERT SERIES

40

*All events are subject to change

8:30 AM - 12:30 PM (JUNE - SEPTEMBER)