Snellville Spirit Winter 2016

Where Everybody is Proud to Be Somebody WINTER 2016

35th Annual Snellville Christmas Tree Lighting and Lighted Parade November, 26th | 5:00 pm ~ 9:00 pm

Big savings for safe drivers.

Get a discount up to 50%.

I can help lower your premium through Drive Safe & Save™.

Get to a better StateÂŽ. Get State Farm.

"Let's Compare, You'll Be Glad You Did!" Ronnie Cail, Agent 2850 Main Street West Snellville, GA 30078 Bus: 770-979-8600 ronnie.cail.bxbq@statefarm.com

Hablamos Espanol

3

Winter 2016 - Volume 24 Snellville Spirit Magazine is produced by: Snellville Tourism & Trade Association

P.O. Box 669 • Snellville, GA 30078 Website: www.snellvilletourism.com We are entering what I always think is a special time of year. With Thanksgiving upon us, and Christmas, Chanukah and the New Year just around the corner, it’s a time to reflect on 2016 and to be thankful for the many good things we have here in Snellville.

I’m thankful that Snellville Tourism and Trade had its biggest and best year ever. We added two new events to our schedule, the Taste of Snellville and the First Annual Snellville Festival of Trees. In addition, we expanded and grew our other events, including the most well attended and successful Live on the Lawn series. The entertainers were excellent and the concert series received great reviews from all who attended.

I’m especially grateful for the many volunteers that helped make these events possible. I’d like to specifically thank the members of the STAT Board of Directors Gretchen Schulz, Kathy Emanuel, Jamey Toney, Alice Snipes, Brian Pendley, Susan Chappelear, Tom Morris, Stephen Brust and our Executive Director Kelly McAloon. These board members have worked hard during the past year, and their contributions to our organization can’t be appreciated enough. This board, in concert with the awesome volunteers, have made us all proud of Snellville.

I also want to thank our event sponsors in 2016. A big thanks to our keystone sponsor Eastside Medical Center and to Choices To You who was our presenting sponsor for the Concert Series and the Fall Festival.

We had several additional sponsors this year. Please look for them listed in this issue and on our website. Without their generous support, we couldn’t do all the things we do, and I hope you will consider taking advantage of the products and services they offer.

I’m looking forward to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on November 26th at the Towne Green and the 1st Annual Festival of Trees. Hundreds of families from throughout South Gwinnett will gather to celebrate the season, and I hope to see you there. Be sure to vote for your favorite Christmas Tree at City Hall with canned goods, toys or a monetary donation from Nov. 26 through Dec. 17 Have a safe and happy holiday season, and best wishes for you and your family in 2017.

Don

Don Britt, President, Snellville Tourism and Trade

Connecting our Community to Celebrate Snellville 4

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody

Snellville Tourism and Trade Association’s mission is to promote business, tourism and events in the City of Snellville.

President Don Britt Vice President Gretchen Schulz Secretary Kathy Emanuel Treasurer Jamey Toney Board Member Alice Snipes Board Member Brian Pendley Board Member Susan Chappelear Board Member Tom Morris Board Member Stephen Brust Executive Director Kelly McAloon Mayor of Snellville Tom Witts City Council Barbara Bender - Mayor Pro Tem, Bobby Howard, Dave Emanuel, Cristy Lenski and Roger Marmol City Website: www.snellville.org Magazine Design by Brian Arrington, Perry Cox, Kathy Emanuel, Auveed Cawthon and Kelly McAloon Magazine Cover Design by Perry Cox Thank you to Bill Rhodes Bakery for supplying the cookies on the front cover.

Contributing Writers and Photographers: Kelly McAloon, Eric Van Otteren, Don Britt, Brian Arrington, Tom Witts, Gretchen Schulz, Jon Richards, Deborah Puette and Cindy Quinlan

CONTENTS 15

8

22

23

6

WITTS’ WORDS

Mayor Tom Witts updates residents city happenings.

20

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

7

AROUND TOWNE

22

WORKING ON FITNESS

8

SEASONAL LIGHTING

24

BOOTING HUNGER

10

HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS

28

GARDEN GOODNESS

12

HOUSE RULES

30

CENTER OF ATTENTION

14

TIME FOR CLASS

32

FESTIVAL OF TREES

15

SIGN OF THE TIMES

34

FALL FESTIVAL THANKS

16

SPRING GREEN

35

SCARY STUFF

18

OUTDOOR FUN

39

GIVING THANKS

Snellville police and public works update.

The annual Christmas parade and tree lighting is Nov. 26.

Santa will be having a breakfast and accept letters locally.

What kind of housing options are residents looking for?

Brookwood School Cluster continues pursuit of excellence.

Snellville getting new signage at entry ways.

Get ready to ring in the spring with this event.

What’s happening at Briscoe Park?

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody

Looking for something to do? Look no further.

Briscoe Park offers an intense exercise boot camp.

The charitable food organization is gearing up for 2017.

Rental applications are available for the Community Garden.

New and exciting plans are revealed for the Towne Center.

City Hall will be the site of the Festival of Trees.

Thanks to all who made the Fall Festival a huge success.

Results of the 2016 Snellville Scarecrow Contest.

Snellville Tourism and Trade gives kudos for support.

5 5

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

By Mayor Tom Witts

The brisk mornings and chilly evenings are a sure sign that fall is here and winter is right behind it. It also signals the arrival of my favorite time of the year, the holiday season.

The holiday season is steeped in tradition, and here in Snellville we certainly have a few, some over 40 years old and some more recent.

For me the season kicks off on Veterans Day. Those of you who know me are aware of my dedication to my fellow veterans.

We are blessed to live in a city with the heart that exists here in Snellville. I am so honored to be your Mayor.

Three years ago we began a new tradition of lighting the sky over the Towne Green with a lighted balloon launch Two weeks after that we will celebrate Thanksgiving, where family and friends will travel miles and prepare food for days. In Snellville that weekend will mark the 35th WITTS Anniversary of our Christmas Tree Lighting.

This year along with our lighted Christmas parade we will have a Festival of Trees in City Hall and a very special surprise when we light our tree on the Towne Green. The lighting of our Christmas Tree and the arrival of Santa Claus makes it official that Christmas time is near.

We are blessed to live in a city with the heart that exists here in Snellville. I am so honored to be your Mayor.

As your Mayor may I be the first to wish you a Happy Holiday Season from Veterans Day through Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza and the New Year.

There are many options you can choose rather than to drink and drive. Councilman Bobby Howard and the Snellville Cop Cab are asking you to think before you drink and drive this Holiday Season.

WWW.SNELLVILLECOPCAB.COM

CHOOSE YOUR RIDE! 66

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody

AROUND TOWNE

By Jon Richards

It’s getting to be that most wonderful time of the year, as many of us take time away from our regular routines to celebrate the holidays.

Let’s take a look and see how the city is celebrating and serving during this joyous season.

A long-running holiday tradition continues again this year when the Snellville Commerce Club holds its annual Toys for Tots luncheon on December 6 at Summit Chase Country Club. Snellville Tourism Tourism & Trade and Trade members and their guests are encouraged to bring unwrapped toys to the meeting that will end up being distributed to children who otherwise wouldn’t have any Christmas gifts. And again this year, the club expects to have Marines on hand to accept the toys and talk about their service to the country.

SNELLVILLE

If the Snellville Christmas Parade and tree lighting isn’t enough to satisfy your appetite for holiday cheer, head over to the Historic Gwinnett Courthouse on Thanksgiving night to celebrate the lighting of the county’s great tree. Activities beginning at 5:30 p.m. include music in the gazebo, dance team performances, and things for kids to do.

The Snellville Police Department will help make Christmas brighter for several families of students at W.C. Britt Elementary School. On December 7, the department will hold its annual Shop with a Cop event, where selected Britt students will visit Walmart with a member of the department to pick out gifts for themselves and their families. It’s a highlight of the year for the students for sure, but we suspect the participating officers get a lot out of it as well.

Not everyone gets to have a police officer on hand as they do their Christmas shopping, and for those of us who don’t, Chief Roy Whitehead has some advice to protect both yourself and the things you buy. Much of it is common sense – keep the car doors locked, and don’t leave things visible inside the car’s cabin. But, criminals know that a lot of big ticket items are purchased this time of year, and are organized enough to follow you to your car, so that when you go back to the store for more shopping, they can break into your trunk. Make sure you’re not being followed, and keep in mind that you may be better off taking your purchase home and securing it before returning to shop.

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody

City residents, if you go out of town for the holidays, feel free to call the police department and let them know when you’ll be gone. They will take some extra time and drive by your home periodically to check for anything that’s amiss.

And, when the holiday is over, make sure you don’t leave big boxes outside for trash pickup. Labels on these boxes can be a dead giveaway that you have new, valuable items in your home. Instead, cut them up, or take them to the recycling center for disposal.

Congratulations to the members of the Brookwood Broncos Marching Band, who will travel to London to march in London’s New Year’s Day parade on January 1.

Half a million spectators are expected to be on hand to watch.

Follow the band’s progress at brookwoodband.org.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day are official holidays for the city’s trash haulers. With Christmas and New Years on Sunday this year, those days won’t be a problem. But if your normal pickup day is Thanksgiving Thursday, your trash will be collected on Friday, November 25. If your trash is collected on Black Friday, it will be pushed back to Saturday, the 26. And while there’s no change to the Christmas collection days you might want to plan ahead and purchase some blue trash bags at city hall or area grocery stores to hold the extra trash that accumulates over the holidays. The trash hauler will not collect anything not in your trash cart or in a blue bag.

As we go to press, Snellville is at the height of leaf season, which typically lasts through early December. What to do with all those leaves? First of all, don’t blow your leaves down the nearest stormwater drain. That’s considered bad form. What you can do is bring yard debris to the Recycling Center on Marigold Road in Briscoe Park. One pickup truck load per day is free to residents, while additional loads on the same day are $15 each. The recycling center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday.

You may be tempted to burn your leaves. Due to the drought, the danger of fire is extremely high, so before starting that fire, check the Gwinnett County Website (Search for “Outdoor Burn Ban”) to see if burning is allowed that day.

Also, it is illegal to burn leaves and debris on Sundays.

The Public Works Department will be closed on the following days to celebrate the holiday season: November 2327, December 22-26, and January 2. The Recycling Center will be closed November 24-27, December 23-26, and January 2.

7

7

35th 34 th Annual SNELLVILLE

CHRISTMAS

TREE LIGHTING SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26th 5 - 9 p.m.

On the Towne Green

Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. at Wisteria Plaza and ends at the Towne Green.

Third Annual Lighted Christmas Parade!

By Kelly McAloon It’s the most wonderful time of the year sharing the holiday experience with family and friends. Experience the joy and laughter as Snellville celebrates our 35th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and 3rd Annual Lighted Christmas Parade.

We invite you to join us at our 3rd Annual Lighted Christmas Parade which will kick off the festivities for our event. The parade will start at Wisteria Plaza at 5:30 PM and end by the Towne Green. Thousands of people lined the streets last year to watch the many lighted floats, tractors and trucks that passed by. And of course, Santa will be found at the end of the parade riding up in a horse-drawn carriage.

The Snellville Tourism and Trade mascot, STAT the CAT will be joined by many other mascots in the parade this year including: Chopper, Hope and Will from Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Stevi B, Chick-fil-A Cow and many others.

Be good boys and girls and visit Santa November 26th!

Celebrate the holiday tradition with an evening full of family fun and activities for the entire family.

•Cookie Decorating sponsored by Bill Rhodes Bakery •Roasted S’mores sponsored by Tom Wages Funeral Services •Build-It Activity sponsored by Home Depot •Illuminated Rock Wall and Bungee Jump •Illuminated Giant Bounce House •Caroling Hay Rides •Horse Drawn Carriage Ride •Lighted Horse Drawn Cinderella Carriage Ride •The Big Red Radio Flyer Wagon Ride Just before 7 p.m., the crowd will light candles and sing “Silent Night.” Then, Santa and Mayor Tom Witts will throw the switch, and the tree will shine bright with thousands of lights through the holiday season. Joyful Christmas music will fill the air until 9 p.m.

Thank you to our sponsors: Keystone Sponsor - Eastside Medical Center Silver Sponsor - Walton EMC, LaQuinta Inn & Suites and Crestwood Suites.

Bronze Sponsor - The Gwinnett Citizen Friends Sponsor - Wild Wing Cafe, Summit Chase Country Club, Hill Top Pawn, Securlock Storage Wages Funeral Services, Bill Rhodes Bakery, Home Depot, Choices to You and Printing Trade Company

Snellville Tourism and Trade and Chick-fil-A on Highway 78 will host ...

Breakfast with Santa November 26 • 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Chick-fil-A, 2932 Main Street West

Check out the Hot Chocolate Bar - $1 Make your own Ornament and write a Letter to Santa!

Drop off your Letters to Santa at Snellville City Hall during City Hall hours Monday Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - November 26th through December 17th. Please make sure you include a return address on the envelope, so Santa can answer all the wishes from the children.

 

C A T E R I N G O F S N E L LV I L L E

ORDER ONLINE: cfarestaurant.com/Snellville ORDER BY PHONE:

770-979-7912

ORDER IN PERSON: 2932 Main St W Snellville, GA 30078

Economic Development Winter 2016

HOUSING IN SNELLVILLE Missing options - We heard you

By Eric Van Otteren, Director of Economic Development Let’s talk about housing for a minute. The 2016 Community Survey data counted 7,431 housing units in Snellville. By 2021, the Community Survey projects Snellville will offer 7,927 housing units.

That is an additional 496 houses. What will those units offer? The times are changing and Snellville leadership is looking for ways to respond to the demand for walkable suburban living.

Well-designed housing options unify the walkable streetscape as they greatly diversify the choices available for households of different age, size, and income. Smaller households tend to eat out more, helping our neighborhood attract wonderful restaurants. Diverse households keep diverse hours meaning we have more people out walking our streets at more varied hours—keeping them safer.

Over the last few years, city leaders at a number of public meetings have asked residents what they want new housing units to look like in the future. The response has been in pictures as you see on this page.

Folks, young and old, want smaller, more well-appointed homes on the inside. On the outside, you want walkable areas with close proximity to the amenities you want. You want to ditch your car whenever possible and walk, push a stroller (think grandkids) or bike. You want to be able to walk to a variety of experiences. Some of these housing types have names like courtyard cottages, townhomes, live/work homes, bighouses and cluster homes.

The Towne Center @ Snellville is being envisioned to be just such a place. A walkable, experiential place where you may truly live, work and play without getting in a car. You may join the conversation at the city’s website, Snellville.org/the-conversation.

12

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

This Christmas, take care of your family.

770-962-0100 . 10 Lumpkin St., Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046 www.webbtannerpowell.com The lawyers and staff at Webb, Tanner & Powell, P.C. want to help you give your family peace of mind this year. If you have not updated your Will or healthcare directive since 2014, or you have any other legal questions, then schedule a free half-hour consultation with the experienced attorneys at WTP. We look forward to hearing from you.

Ashley Scarpetta, attorney

Nathan Powell, attorney 13

Economic Development Winter 2016

EDUCATION IN THE CLASSROOM Brookwood Cluster takes entrepreneurship to new level

By Cindy Quinlan, Ed.S. GCPS Entrepreneurship Program Specialist Work-Based Learning Coordinator “My second grader is running her own business,” was one response to learning about the entrepreneurship opportunities in the Brookwood Cluster.

Education must constantly change to meet the demands of the dynamic world around us. A partnership led by Brookwood High School and the City of Snellville has taken entrepreneurship opportunities to the next level. The program shows K-12 students how to create their own earning opportunities in the entrepreneurial spirit of self-employment. With entrepreneurial skills, students will always be able to create their own jobs now and in the future. This philosophy is the reason why developing students into teenage entrepreneurs has become our focus over the past few years.

In recognition of the innovation taking place in the Brookwood Cluster engaging entrepreneurship, the Gwinnett County Public School System recently awarded the cluster $250,000 to further the development of the program, deploy the program to all Brookwood Cluster schools and provide necessary tools and supplies.

The Brookwood Cluster Schools are leading entrepreneurship education by growing authentic entrepreneurs through innovative instruction and experiential learning. BCS students are transformed through a vertically aligned integrated pathway teaching entrepreneurial concepts while promoting social awareness, fiscal responsibility, and self-discovery. The entrepreneurial implementation takes shape differently within each school of the cluster.

At the high school level, students develop their own real business that can be started within a week and with minimal costs. Through an “Entrepreneurship Alliance” with the City of Snellville, each student business is provided local mentorship

and the opportunity to pitch for venture capital. To date, nearly $10,000 has been awarded and over 20 viable student-operated businesses have been launched out of the program.

As of 2015-16, the program now offers students an opportunity to simultaneously earn their language arts course credit along with various CTE credits during each of the three years of the program.

At the middle school level, through project-based-learning, students study entrepreneurship by developing a real business concept to be critiqued by community business leaders who act as venture capitalists. Every student composes a detailed business plan and pitches their idea for advice. Through this process, each student embarks on a road to self-discovery while developing essential social and employability skills needed for their future.

At the elementary school level, students learn basic entrepreneurial concepts through real-life experiences that are integrated across the curriculum. A token economy is used as students create jobs and interview for positions throughout the school. Weekly salaries are earned by students for performing their job duties and responsibilities. Students explore their interests in order to start their own small business venture.

Students create a plan to market and launch their business. An Entrepreneurship Expo serves as a culminating activity where students showcase their knowledge of entrepreneurship through their business venture.

Moving forward, all Brookwood Cluster schools will continue to transform teaching and learning to meet the diverse needs of all students, while growing authentic entrepreneurs.

14

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Economic Development Winter 2016

CITY SIGNAGE Gateway monument next phase of wayfinding project

By Eric Van Otteren, Director of Economic Development Out with the old, in with the new This statement is not always true. However, there are opportunities, especially in community imaging, when new is welcoming. The Downtown Development Authority of Snellville (DDA) is moving forward with the Wayfinding program approved by the DDA Board one year ago. This past spring the new sign program was introduced though the signage on the Towne Green and the ‘SNELLVILLE’ gateway sign. The next step has been to find a location for the first primary gateway monument sign to further promote Snellville.

The west edge of Snellville was selected as the location for the first monument. The Welcome to Snellville monument sign at the west edge of the city has been demolished to make way for the first primary gateway monument. There are numerous complications that have come to light regarding this location. The first issue was obtaining an easement from the building owner to work on their property and prepare the site for the new sign.

The second is fitting the monument in between the utilities in the ground along Hwy. 78.

After viewing a mock-up on site, the DDA Board is looking at additional options so that Snellville can put its best foot forward. The DDA is getting close. Over the next several weeks the DDA Board will be reviewing revised monument configurations and working with Gwinnett County Water Resources to create a solution to some of these challenges.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

15

We’re Expecting!

1800 Tree Lane, Suite 300 • Snellville, GA

Gwinnett Gynecology is now Gwinnett Gynecology & Maternity Our practice has delivered women’s healthcare with excellence in the Atlanta area since 1973. We are pleased to announce that we will now be offering both obstetric and gynecology services right here in Snellville.

Our mission is to provide the most advanced, evidence-based medical care for women of all ages.

Voted Atlanta Top Doctor!

Welcome!

Dr. Peter C. C. Mann

Dr. Vonda Ware

Urogynecology

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Specializing in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery

For more information, please call 770-972-6464 or visit Gwinnett-Gyn.com

Parks & Recreation Winter 2016 T.W. Briscoe Park ~ 2500 Sawyer Parkway Briscoe Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Park Office is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more info on registrations, rentals, & activities,check out Parks & Recreation Department on Snellville’s website www.snellville.org or call 770 985-3535

YOUTH ACTIVITIES YOUTH SOCCER Recreational soccer for boys and girls ages 3 – 17 Fall soccer ends in November.

Games on Saturdays, practices on weeknights Registration for spring will begin in January 2017: snellvillesoccer. com or 770-466-7177 UNDER 10 QUICK START TENNIS Contact: Coach Jones - 404-642-8393 QuickStartTennis@yahoo.com

ADULT ACTIVITIES BOOT CAMP Monday-Thursday and Saturday at the Park Office Five week sessions, various hours available Contact: Alvin Hill - 678-920-4136; gimmiesomesports@yahoo. com Introductory Adult Tennis Group Lessons Thursday evenings 6:30 to 8pm/starts Nov 10th 8 weeks/USPTA Certified Tennis Professional Residents $10/Non-residents $15 per week (4 week minimum) Register at Park Office/Information—tpalman@snellville.org OUTDOOR TENNIS & BASKETBALL COURTS Available on a first-come-first-served basis without lights (daily, 6 a.m. to 10pm) Tennis courts can be reserved or reserved with lights for a fee, call the office 770-985-3535.

Daytime: $5 per hour (city limit resident); $10 per hour (nonresident) Evening (w/lights): $10 per hour (city limit resident); $20 per hour (non-resident) ADULT KICKBALL AND SOFTBALL LEAGUES Fall Leagues end in November.

Tuesday - Men’s Softball Wednesday - Kickball Thursday - Co-ed softball Friday - Co-ed softball Prices and registration forms on the website for the Spring Season.

18

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody

Home of Snellville’s Hot Wings, Cold Beer & Good Times

Weekly Specials MONDAY $5.99 Burgers 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

TUESDAY Two For Tuesdays

Buy 6 Wings, Get 6 Wings FREE Buy 12 Wings, Get 12 Wings FREE 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY $5.99 Salads

from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Wednesday Trivia Night from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

THURSDAY Great Food, Fun & Acoustics!

FRIDAY

Great Food, Fun & Entertainment Live Band from 10 p.m. - 1 p.m.

SATURDAY Limited Time Burgers College Game Day Bud Light/Yuengling 22oz. $3.50 SUNDAY

Limited Time Burgers NFL Sunday, don’t miss the action!

Bud Light/Yuengling 22oz. $3.50

Seniors Eat

15% OFF Monday-Friday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Expires 12-31-16 • For 55 and over

1250 Scenic Hwy, Lawrenceville • The Shoppes at Webb Gin • 678.822.9464 • wildwingcafe.com

Snellville Holiday Happenings - Where to go & what to do!

CHRISTMAS CANTEEN Presented by Aurora Theatre November 17–December 23 Performances: Tuesday–Saturday at 8:00pm Saturday & Sunday at 2:30pm Wednesday Discount Matinees December 7, 14, 21 & 23 at 10am An Aurora Theatre original and Gwinnett’s longest-running theatrical holiday tradition, CHRISTMAS CANTEEN 2016 returns to the Aurora stage for its 21st season run!

CHRISTMAS CANTEEN 2016 is a variety show that should be on every person’s Christmas list!

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER Presented by New London Theatre December 2-18, Friday 8pm, Saturday 8pm and Sundays at 2:30pm.

In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids—probably the most inventively awful kids in history.

You won’t believe the mayhem and the fun when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!

770.559.1484 - newlondontheatre.org

678.226.6222 - auroratheatre.com

GRACE SNELLVILLE GATHERING TIMES: Sundays at 9:00AM, 10:45AM, and 5:15PM Wednesday Night (Kidzlife and LUG) 6pm-8pm THE NUTCRACKER Presented by Gwinnett Ballet Theatre December 2 -18 Celebrate the season with Gwinnett Ballet Theatre’s 35th Anniversary performance of THE NUTCRACKER. A Gwinnett County holiday tradition brought to life by the artists of Gwinnett Ballet Theatre accompanied by the Gwinnett Ballet Theatre Orchestra. A classic version of the original Tchaikovsky ballet, Gwinnett Ballet presents the tale of a young girl’s Christmas dream come true!

770.237.0046 - gwinnettballet.org

GRACE FAMILY OF CHURCHES Grace Snellville is part of the Grace Family of Churches. We are local bodies of believers who are united in our convictions yet unique in our communities, continually working out how to teach the Bible, worship God, and make disciples in the neighborhoods, nations, and next generation to which we are called. If you are looking for a church in Snellville or in the metro Atlanta area, we would love to meet your family.

770.979.9676 - gfc.tv/snellville/

ST. OLIVER PLUNKETT CATHOLIC CHURCH St. Cecilia Sing! – St. Oliver Plunkett Catholic Church A Special Mass for Pastoral Musicians on the Feast of St. Cecilia. Beautiful music in honor of St. Cecilia, the Patron Saint of Musicians.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 – 7:00pm St. Oliver Plunkett Advent Parish Mission “Preparing for the Continued Coming of the Lord of Mercy” December 5, 6 & 7, 2016 – Each evening at 7:00pm Invitation to a Miracle St. Oliver Choirs and special guests combine to present a special choral worship experience to celebrate the season.

Thursday, December 20, 2016 – 7:00pm Advent Penance Service Tuesday, December 13, 2016 – 7:00pm Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Eve 4:00pm 6:00pm - English 6:00pm – Mass in Spanish 8:00pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day Schedule 10:00am 11:30am – Mass in Spanish 770.979.2500 - stolivers.com

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SNELLVILLE

SNELLVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Laughin’ Around the Christmas Tree Women’s Christmas Dinner Thursday, December 8th 6:30p | $15 per person Comedian JustPeppi Music featuring Mandy Stertzbach

We invite you to “Come to the ManNovember 20 at 7:00pm, ger” this Advent season! Join us for the Westminster Sanctuary – four weeks of Advent.

Community-wide Thanksgiving Worship Service Sunday Worship

“Never the Same” Christmas Presentation Saturday, December 3rd Sunday, December 4th - 6p | FREE Featuring our Children’s choir, Student Choir, Adult Choir & Orchestra Modern Day Depiction of Nativity Christmas Eve Service Saturday, December 24th 5p | Worship Center Family Christmas Day Service Sunday, December 25th 11a | Worship Center “Come, bring the children and celebrate Christ with us” 770.978.7000 - fbcsnell.org

12 STONE CHURCH Christmas Eve Services Times: Saturday, December 24th at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm!

678.990.9601 - 12Stone.com/Snellville

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

8:30am & 11am – Traditional 9:30am – Contemporary 11:50am – Hispanic Latino

November 27 at 10:30am, Westminster Sanctuary – Advent Communion Worship Service

Deck the Halls Sunday, November 20th - 2pm - 5pm Help us prepare the church for the season. A fun afternoon of decorating, festive music, and fellowship.

November 30 – 6:00pm Dinner in the Youth Center; 6:30pm – Hanging of the Greens in the Sanctuary

Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 10th 9am – 10:30am Family Event! $3 per person. Join us for a pancake breakfast with Santa!

Journey to Bethlehem Saturday – Monday, December 3rd – 5th | 6pm - 8:30pm Experience the night Christmas began in this free indoor/outdoor production as you follow your guide through ancient Bethlehem.

December 4 – 10:30am – Christmas Cantata, “The Great Mystery” – followed by a Christmas Cookie Reception December 7 – 6:00 Dinner in the Youth Center; 6:45pm – Advent Service of Healing and Wholeness in the Sanctuary December 11 – 10:30am – Advent Worship Service – Sanctuary December 14 – 6:00pm – Dinner in the Youth Center; 6:30pm - Advent Service Project and Christmas Caroling

Festival of Music (Nursery Available) Sunday, December 11th - 6pm Celebrate with us through songs, December 18 – 10:30am hymns, carols and a live Nativity scene. Advent Worship Service – Sanctuary Christmas Eve Candlelight Services December 24 – Christmas Eve 4:00pm- Traditional in the Chapel Candlelight Service 5:30pm- Traditional in the Sanctuary (Time to come) 7:00pm- Contemporary in the CLC December 25 – 10:30am (Nursery Available 4, 5:30 & 7pm) 11:00pm- Traditional in the Sanctuary Christmas Day Worship Service – Sanctuary with communion Christmas Day Service | 10:30am January 1, 2017 – 10:30am – Come celebrate the birth of Christ and Epiphany Communion Worship worship together as one church family! Service – Sanctuary 770.972.9360 - snellvilleumc.org

770.979.9676 - wpcsnellville.org

T.W. BRISCOE PARK Boot Camp a mainstay at city park

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer On any given day, in the basement of the Park Office of Briscoe Park, you can find Alvin Hill leading a class of people determined to stay fit.

Hill is the fitness instructor and personal trainer at Gimmie Some Sports, LLC, and has run the “boot camp� at Briscoe Park since 2010.

He received his certification in nutrition and as a personal trainer. He was the owner of a nutritional store for five years before starting up his own boot camps having 15 years in his field. Alvin has experience working with a wide variety of populations through many different fitness domains including weight loss, strength and conditioning, wellness coaching and endurance training. He has been involved in team sports throughout his life. He currently enjoys roller skating and kickball as he coaches a team at Briscoe Park.

He has a loyal following of both ladies and men who have achieved significant weight loss and improved health through his diet and exercise programs. He runs his camp Monday through Thursday morning and evening and Saturday mornings.

With the support of each other and Hill, the determined people who take part in boot camp at Briscoe Park have lost hundreds of pounds and seen health problems diminish or disappear altogether.

For more information, contact Hill at 678-920-4136.

Get in Shape with Boot Camp @ Briscoe Classes (one-hour sessions) Monday through Thursday Morning Class 9 a.m.

Evening Class 7 p.m.

Saturday Mornings 9 a.m. $55 per person monthly - attend any session $15 per person weekly - attend a.m. or p.m., one session only $7 per person - Drop-in sessions 22

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody

H WIT E E F T F E CO EAKFAS E E R F BR HAS ANY PURC TE AM PLA AM - 8 . ONLY 6 RS THU .

MON

w/ Coupon. Can Not Combine Expires: Dec. 31, 2016

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

Crestwood Suites of Snellville

■ Clean, well-lit property with beautiful grounds and plenty of free parking ■ Exclusive in-lobby coffee bar

1784 Presidential Circle ■ Snellville, Georgia 30078

770.982.5250 www.CrestwoodSuites.com

You Can Help If you’re like most people living in the Grayson/ Snellville area, you or your children have probably never been forced to miss a meal because you had no food and no money to buy any.

You may not even know of anyone who faces hunger on a regular basis.

Yet, many local families are in that unfortunate situation.

Two years ago, In an effort to help increase awareness and raise donations Snellville and Grayson challenged each other to see which city could raise the most donations for the Southeast Gwinnett Food Co-Op. This year both cities are again challenging each other to help Give Hunger the Boot.

The challenge begins in mid-November and ends January 16, Martin Luther King’s birthday. This date was chosen to honor Dr. King’s focus on helping others, as referenced in his statement, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?”

hunger on a 24/7/365 basis. The Co-Op’s mission is to help people by serving as a bridge over a financial gap, not to build a dependency lifestyle.

In Snellville, there are many opportunities to donate.

Some of the locations accepting food donations include:

Snellville City Hall Snellville Public Works United Community Bank Snellville Gwinnett Animal Hospital (McGee Road) and Fast Signs (Highway 124).

According to Laura Drake, director of the Southeast Financial donations may be made at the above Gwinnett Food Co-Op, January is one of the locations and at: months when the need for donations is most critical. Awareness of the need to help others is Legacy Beverage Center (Hwy 78, Loganville) relatively high during the Thanksgiving and Main Street Restaurant Christmas holidays, but then drops dramatically.

Mellow Mushroom Snellville and Unfortunately, many people have to deal with Dr. Simmons’ Dental office.

Last year, Snellville won the challenge.

Let’s see if we can do it again this year.

24

TENNIS • GOLF • SWIMMING • DINING • SOCIAL GREAT FACILITIES... GREAT FAMILIES... GREAT TIMES...

B e o n e b i g h a p p y f a m i l y a t S u m m i t C h a s e ; Ad d y o u r g r a n d c h i l d r e n f o r f r e e !

Ye a r r o u n d g o l f , t e n n i s , a n d s w i m m i n g p r o g r a m s f o r t h e e n t i r e f a m i l y.

F a m i l y, C o r p o r a t e a n d I n d i v i d u a l M e m b e r s h i p s a v a i l a b l e .

N O I N I T IAT I O N F E E

YO U R FA M I LY B E L O N G S H E R E !

For monthly membership special, additional information or to schedule a facility tour, contact Carol Sapp Zamzow.

3197 Classic Drive Snellville, GA 30078

770-979-9000

summitchasecc.com info@summitchasecc.com

Parks & Recreation Winter 2016 T.W. Briscoe Park ~ 2500 Sawyer Parkway

SPECIAL EVENTS BRISCOE PARK COMMUNITY YARD SALE Next sale is November 19, 2016, 8am to noon.

Please stop by the office to register. $10 for one space; $15 for two spaces.

PARK RENTALS PARK RENTALS (REQUIRE 14 DAYS NOTICE) We now rent facilities, except the Betty McMichael Room, on all holidays.

OUTDOOR PAVILION RENTALS (Includes picnic tables and benches) We have four outdoor open air covered pavilions holding 35 to 50 people & one gazebo holding 10.

Rental times: 8 to 10 a.m.,10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1 to 3 p.m., 3:30 to 5:30pm and 6 to 8pm Price per two-hour block: NON PROFIT OR INDIVIDUALS Snellville City Limit - $40 (M to T) / $45 (F to S) Gwinnett County - $55 (M to T) / $60 (F to S) Outside Gwinnett County - $65 (M to T) / $70 (F to S) BUSINESS/FOR PROFIT Snellville City Limit - $75 (M to T) / $80 (F to S) Gwinnett County - $90 (M to T) / $95 (F to S) Outside Gwinnett County - $100 (M to T) / $105 (F to S) INDOOR RENTALS (air conditioned and heated) Rent any four-hour time period from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.; rent 26

and deposit are due up front. Deposit is refunded after the rental if all conditions of the rental are met.

COURTLAND WILLIAMS PAVILION - HOLDS 35 PRICES PER FOUR-HOUR BLOCK, $100 refundable deposit plus: NON PROFIT OR INDIVIDUALS Snellville City Limit - $90 (M to T) / $100 (F to S) Gwinnett County - $120 (M to T) / $130 (F to S) Outside Gwinnett County - $130 (M to T) / $140 (F to S) BUSINESS/FOR PROFIT Snellville City Limit - $140 (M to T) / $150 (F to S) Gwinnett County - $165 (M to T) / $175 (F to S) Outside Gwinnett County - $175 (M to T) / $185 (F to S) Includes six 6-foot rectangular tables and 35 chairs; microwave; refrigerator and sink BETTY MCMICHAEL ROOM/ PARK OFFICE-HOLDS 100 - $200 refundable deposit plus: NON PROFIT OR INDIVIDUALS Snellville City Limit - $205 (M to T) / $220 (F to S) Gwinnett County - $265 (M to T) / $280 (F to S) Outside Gwinnett County - $275 (M to T) / $290 (F to S) BUSINESS/FOR PROFIT Snellville City Limit - $340 (M to T) / $355 (F to S) Gwinnett County - $400 (M to T) / $415 (F to S) Outside Gwinnett County - $410 (M to T) / $425 (F to S) Includes 12 8-foot rectangular tables and 100 chairs; microwave; refrigerator and sink For room/pavilion rentals call the park office at 770-9853535; field rentals Tommy Palman 770-985-3532.

We accept cash, check, money order, Visa, or MC. Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody

770-809-5241 1573 Athens Hwy Grayson, Ga Www.Securlock.com



Heated and Cooled Units



Boxes and Packing Supplies



Reserve/Pay/Manage Account on Line



1 Year Rate Guarantee



Private Coded Access



Free Truck use with Move In

Don’t miss our monthly moving box sales this winter.

Call our store for the November, December, and January featured box size of the Month!

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

Mention this ad for 25% off 2 month months rent

Where You Are News

Sign up for GC eNews @ gwinnettcitizen.com for your local news

COMMUNITY GARDEN @SNELLVILLE Now accepting bed rental applications

By Gretchen Schulz It may seem early to start thinking about fresh, red-ripe tomatoes that are bursting with flavor. Or just-picked yellow or zucchini squash or okra. How about fresh herbs like basil, oregano and rosemary that add a punch of flavor to many dishes? You can also brighten your home with colorful zinnias and sunflowers. All of these—and much more—can be grown in a bed at the Community Garden @ Snellville.

The garden, which is located across from the city’s Recycling Center in Briscoe Park, is accepting applications from gardeners who wish to rent a bed. Priority will be given to current gardeners who wish to maintain their bed. Then new gardeners are assigned to any remaining beds. The garden year starts on April 1st. Beds are available in two sizes: 4’ x 8’ and 4’ x 12’.

In addition to maintaining their bed, all gardeners are expected to contribute some time to the maintenance of common areas of the garden. Work sessions lasting about two hours are scheduled every couple months.

For additional information and an application, please go to the garden website: www.snellvillecommunitygarden.com.

The Community Garden @Snellville is located between Briscoe Park and the city’s Recycling Center off of Lenora Church Road.

21

Spotlight on Snellville Seniors Snellville Senior Center ~ 2350 Oak Road ~ Snellville, Georgia 30078 ~ (770) 985-3580 The Snellville Senior center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

CLASSES AEROBICS – FREE with Membership Mondays & Thursdays 9:15 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.

PILATES – $3 per class Tuesdays & Fridays 10 a.m.

PAINTING CLASSES $25/4 Classes Thursdays - 1 - 3 p.m.

(Instructor can provide supplies for additional $25) CROCHET & KNITTING GROUP Tuesdays at Noon – FREE with Membership SPANISH Mondays: Established Beginner Spanish - 10:16 a.m. $5 per class This class started August 1st, however if you have had some Spanish, you may be able to jump right in. Call for more information.

Tuesdays: Accelerated Beginner - 10:15 a.m. $5 per class Must have already had some Spanish for these classes.

Mondays & Thursdays: Intermediate - 9:00 a.m. and Advanced - 11:15 a.m.

CARD MAKING CLASS $5 per class Enjoy the fun and fellowship while learning the art of making one of a kind cards.

COMPUTERS & SOCIAL MEDIA Beginner Computer Class Basic computer skills will be taught using Microsoft Windows operating system. You will learn about navigating the internet, creating and accessing email, using a mouse, basic hardware and software information.

Photo and Video Class Using Cellphone or Tablet You will learn how to take photos and videos using your phone or tablet. Topics will include, but not limited to focusing, uploading, copying, printing, and creating albums.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Facebook and Messenger Class Using Cellphone, Tablet or Computer Overview of Facebook including setting up an account, searching for friends, posting and responding, attaching photos, security features, and more. You MUST have an email address for this class.

Call or check newsletter for current dates, times and cost for these classes.

The Senior Center offers other classes in conjunction with our regularly ongoing scheduled classes. Please stop by our center or visit our website at www.snellville.org to view our bi-monthly newsletter located under Parks and Recreation for these additional classes and events.

BILLIARDS/POOL

The Senior Center welcomes members to come try out the pool table.

We have pool sticks onsite for your use or you can bring your own.

MEMBERSHIP

2016 Senior Center Annual Memberships (January 2016) Senior Center Annual Memberships (January- December) Snellville City Limit Residents $15, Gwinnett County Residents $25; Out-of-County $30.

Join after July 1 the cost for the remainder of the year is $9 for City Residents; $15 for County Residents; and $18 for Out-of-County Residents Additional persons from the same household receive a $5 discount

ACTIVITIES AND TRIPS

The Senior Center offers day and overnight trips as well as special events. Information is updated bi-monthly in our Spotlight Newsletter which includes a current calendar of events. Newsletters can be picked up at the center, found on our website at www.snellville.org or mailed to your home once you join. Contact the Senior Center at 770-985-3580 to register and for additional information.

BINGO

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

29 29

Towne Center Library, City Market Plans revealed

By Brian Arrington, Public Information Officer A standing room only crowd heard the city’s plans for a library and city market for the Towne Center on Oct. 19.

It is the next step in the process of creating a vibrant, walkable downtown Snellville, complete with shops, attractions and residential space.

City leaders announced their desire to move the Elizabeth H. Williams Library to a new facility in the city’s planned Towne Center. The new library would be located in a more centralized and convenient location on Wisteria Drive near the Police Department and City Hall and be a real driver for the Towne Center.

The city has invested wisely in property for future development on Wisteria Drive, and Mayor Tom Witts, fellow councilmembers and city officials stated that they had begun a conversation with county officials regarding the potential of funding for the construction of the new library in the county’s 2017 Special Local Option Sales Tax renewal.

Plans for the library would be developed in a partnership with Gwinnett County much like the new Lilburn library. The city’s vision also includes a connected City Market that would be home to retail market space, restaurants, bistros, outside dining and pedestrian space and patterned after ultra-successful market developments such as Krog Street Market and Sweet Auburn Curb Market which have revitalized their adjacent neighborhoods.

630

City officials also believe new construction should include open building space that would be available for uses from education to civic events.

City leaders hailed the proposals for the library and City Market as vital catalysts for moving Snellville’s Towne Center Plan forward. The projects will serve as big steps and major anchors for the future Towne Center. The crowd in attendance agreed wholeheartedly through their positive comments and input.

The announcement is the latest regarding the future of the Towne Center. The Livable Centers Initiative Study funded by the Atlanta Regional Commission was completed in 2003 and Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody

provided the first real plan for the Towne Center. In 2005, the construction of the new City Hall and Senior Center was complete and the city was awarded a $2 million LCI grant from the ARC to construct sidewalks and other downtown improvements complete with trees, underground utilities and on-street parking, in the planned Towne Center area.

This project was finished in the summer of 2005. In 2006, city leaders moved forward to demolish the small retail strip center fronting Highway 78 on what is now the Towne Green. In 2008, the city bought 8.5 acres of property on Wisteria Drive which was proposed to be a mixed-use residential and commercial development. In 2011, more credence was given to the Towne Center plan and it is now the top priority of city officials.

Also at the meeting, residents learned of the future of the Georgia Department of Transportation intersection project.

While right of way issues came up, city officials made clear it is the state, not the city, which is responsible for all property acquisition and the construction of the planned Divergent Left Turn intersection. Scott Shelton of Gresham, Smith and Partners, the lead engineer for the project, said actual construction could take two years to complete.

Currently the state and landowners are in land acquisition talks and construction is slated to begin next summer.

Shelton’s presentation, which concentrated on explaining how traffic would flow in the new design and the history of the project, can be found at www.snellville.org.

A Plan for a New Library in Snellville • A Vital Step In Moving The Towne Center Vision Forward • New State of The Art Facility and Equipment • Funded By Potential SPLOST Dollars • More convenient location

About the New Library Proposal For years, the residents of Snellville have asked for a new library in a centralized and convenient location for all citizens to enjoy.

The city of Snellville has proposed moving the Elizabeth H. Williams Library to a new facility as part of its Towne Center plan.

The city currently owns property on Wisteria Drive and has requested that Gwinnett County devote funding from the 2017 SPLOST for the construction of the facility if the SPLOST is renewed.

The city looks forward to more detailed discussion with county and library officials.

A City Market In addition to a potential new library, the city has plans for a City Market that would be home to retail market space, restaurants, bistros, outside dining and food trucks.

Catalyst for the Towne Center The proposed library relocation and new City Market will serve as a vital catalyst in moving Snellville’s Towne Center Plan forward as they will be the first step and major anchor for the future Towne Center.

UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE RENOVATION

When Snellville’s Development Code Renovation process kicked off July 12, the sizable crowd of residents and business owners in attendance were given opportunity to fill out comment cards reflecting their own ideas and concerns about future growth in Snellville.

Those comments have now been compiled and are available for your review - at www.snellvilledevelopmentcode.org.

We’re cleaning up the inconsistencies in Snellville’s existing regulations, simplifying content, i ncreasing flexibility, and encouraging the kind of redevelopment — like our Towne Center plan — envisioned by the community, all in one unified, user-friendly ordinance.

Taken collectively, the comments collected reflect a mix of hopes, aspirations, and concerns. But they also demonstrate the trade-offs often required to achieve a wide range of strategic objectives.

For example: On the one hand, concerns over traffic lead some to call for limited or prohibited development, particularly as it relates to density. But other residents differ, stating “I would like to see more mixed use development.

Live, work, play.” And “would love to see retail with loft above.” And “condos, townhomes for empty-nesters.”

Such conflicting interests demonstrate exactly what planning is all about: An effort to reconcile competing priorities in ways that result in the widest array of win-win scenarios.

Perhaps the answer is not so much about prohibiting denser development as it is about making sure that such development occurs in the right places — places that contribute to city goals (like a walkable, mixed-use Towne Center) while allowing for the preservation of existing neighborhood character in other areas of the city.

This is the balancing act that needs to be perfected over the next 12 to 14 months. Successfully accomplished, we’ll emerge with a set of updated and revised development rules tailored to, as we say, “building a better Snellville.”

Stay tuned. The Towne Center portion of the UDO is slated to be voted on Dec. 12.

31 7

1st Annual Snellville Festival of Trees Snellville Tourism and Trade presents

A New Holiday Tradition!

The 1st Annual Snellville Festival of Trees will be on display at Snellville City Hall from November 26th through December 17th.

We invite you to stop by during the Snellville Christmas Tree Lighting (November 26th between 5:00 - 9:00 pm) or anytime City Hall is open (Monday-Friday, 8:00 am through 5:00 pm) through December 17th and vote for your favorite tree.

Each non-perishable food item or toy placed under the tree of your choice will register as a vote for your favorite tree. To make a monetary donation, go to the snellvilletourism.com website from November 27th through December 17th and vote for your favorite tree. The tree with the most donated items and monetary donations will be awarded BEST CHRISTMAS TREE at the 1st Annual Festival of Trees.

All money, canned goods and dried food will be donated to the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op through “Give Hunger the Boot� and all toys will stay in our community through the Snellville Secret Santa program.

Please help us embrace the true meaning of the Christmas season and make a difference in the lives of others by voting for your favorite tree with your food and/or money donations.

For more information: Kelly McAloon at kelmca comcast.net 32

Retire in style – your style COUNTRY Financial® has a number of ways to help you plan for the retirement you want.

Best of all, we offer products and services that can fit a range of budgets too.

Find out more today!

Jamey Toney CFP®, ChFC® Financial Representative 2148 Main St E Snellville, GA 30078-3496 www.countryfinancial.com/jamey.toney jamey.toney@countryfinancial.com

(770)985-9757 Auto, home and business insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Casualty Insurance Company®. Life insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Life Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®, Bloomington, IL. Registered Broker/Dealer, offering securities products and services: COUNTRY® Capital Management Company, 1705 N. Towanda Avenue, Bloomington, IL 61702-2222, tel (866) 551-0060. Member FINRA and SIPC. Annuities issued by COUNTRY Investors Life Assurance Company®, Bloomington, IL. Not all financial representatives are licensed to offer all products and services.

Investment management, retirement, trust and planning services provided by COUNTRY Trust Bank®

0415-553HC-17663-3/3/2016

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Country Financial!

PAWN BROKER | FEDERAL FIREARMS | LICENSED DEALER

QUICK & EASY CASH LOANS $25 - $10,000 We are a family-owned, full-service pawn broker/retail merchant, located in downtown Snellville. We first opened our doors in 1994, and have served thousands of customers.

TVs nics/ ms o r t c Ele ite People come from all over Georgia to take ON: ercial • ny more N A O m a advantage of our great deals and WE L ols /Com • And m s To ns • ing Good n e u great customer service.

G t • r ingto any mor s o p m S e ond : R • m m ts r• nd E IN & Dia men IALIZ H • Ruge sson • A C E Gold cal Instru P WE S ster • FN ith & We Musi a m ushm rmory • S B • c A e t l • Ke ngfield WE BUY Glock al • Spri c i n h GOLD & s Tec Spike

SILVER!

For specials, visit us on Facebook — Hill Top Pawn, Inc. 1882 Athens Highway (Hwy 78) | Snellville | Beside QuikTrip | 770-978-7079

Many Thanks...

... to our Sponsors, Volunteers, Police Department and Public Works Department, for helping make our 7th Annual Fall Festival so successful.

Special thanks to First Baptist Church Snellville for doing an outstanding job organizing the Fall Festival Trunk or Treat this year and for signing up over 90 cars and trucks from the First Baptist Church. We also want to thank St. Oliver’s Catholic Church and Church of Christ for participating in Trunk or Treat. Trophies were awarded to the Top Ten Best Decorated Trunks out of the 100+ cars that participated.

Snellville Fall Fest ival Trunk

r Treat Winners!

To everyone who participated, you are all “Winners” in the eyes of our children! — Thank You, Snellville!

34

4TH ANNUAL SCARECROW CONTEST WINNERS Snellville Tourism and Trade is proud to announce that $10,625 was raised in the 4th Annual Scarecrow Contest to benefit the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op.

1st Place - Summit Chase Country Club with “Louise - the Friendly Witch from the North.”

2nd Place - Carolyn’s Communication with “Carecrow.”

3rd Place - Oak Road Dentistry with “Dr. Fangs-A-Lot.” Special Thanks to Carolyn’s Communication for bidding $10,000 on their Scarecrow to benefit the Southeast Gwinnett Co-op, and to each winner who donated their winnings back to the co-op.

Many thank to all who participated in making this community activity successful.

1st Place 2nd Place Summit Chase Country Club Carolyn’s Communications Louise - the Friendly Witch from the North Carecrow

3rd Place Oak Road Dentistry Dr. Fangs-A-Lot

The Family Tree Garden Center Gnomeo and Juliette

Just Fitness 4 U Fit-Nessie

Cobble Creek Studios Art Academy Vincent Van Scare Gogh

Mellow Mushroom Hay Dude

Charles Minter Karate Smashing Pumpkins and Counting Crows

Eastside Medical Center Crazy Joe

Girlfriends Cancer Foundation Sheryl

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Jack

Archery Learning Center Archie

The Yoga Source Studio Yogi Scareananda

Westminister Children’s Weekday Ministries Ms. Hay Leigh Joy

Snellville Senior Center Exercise Elsie

Snellville United Chick-Fil-A - Hwy. 78 Methodist Church Autumn Angus Preschool and Kindergarten - Pokemon

Tropix Tanning Salon Scarlett

Curious Possessions Danny

35

TASTE OF SNELLVILLE Thanks to Keystone Sponsor

DEPARTURE CONCERT - A JOURNEY TRIBUTE BAND PRESENTED BY CHOICES TO YOU

OUR AWESOME PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Thanks for all you do to make Snellville a great place to live!

36

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody

TIP A COP

PUBLIC SAFETY NIGHT

HALLOWEEN BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

PRESENTED BY SNELLVILLE TOURISM AND TRADE, GREATER EASTSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE HEART OF GWINNETT

Thank you to Summit Chase Country Club for hosting our event and many thanks to Bonefish Grill and Philly Connection in Loganville for sponsoring our food.

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody

37

From some of our favorite cooks!

Winter Favorites

BAKED MEAT-FILLED EMPANADAS Yield 8-10 empanadas 45-60 minutes Ingredients For the filling: 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup) 2 tsp. minced garlic, or 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper 1/8 tsp. salt 1/2 lb. ground beef All-Purpose seasoning to taste For the dough: 1 pkg. frozen puff pastry dough for turnovers, thawed 1 egg, lightly beaten with 2 tsp. water Directions Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions; cook until soft and translucent, about 7 minutes. Add garlic, salt and pepper; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds more.

Add ground beef to onion mixture. Cook, stirring and breaking up meat with wooden spoon, until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Season meat mixture with all-purpose seasoning.

Heat oven to 400˚F. Place dough round on work surface. Put about 2 tablespoons filling in the center of each dough round.

Using pastry brush, paint edges of dough with egg wash. Fold dough into half-moon shape; gently press down edges with fork to seal. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

PEPPERMINT BROWNIES Bottom of brownies 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup margerine (softened) 4 eggs 1 cup flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups chocolate syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla Mix all ingredients together by hand Bake 350 degrees (spray pan) in a 10x15 pan for 20-25 minutes Middle of brownies 3 cups powdered sugar 3/4 cup margarine (softened) 3 tablespoons peppermint flavoring Red food coloring (optional) Cream together with electric mixer. Add red food coloring and spread over cooled bottom of brownies.

Top of brownies Melt 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips Melt 6 tablespoons margarine Mix together and pour over top Crush 6 peppermint and sprinkle on top Let cool and cut into squares Karen Williams, Bill Rhodes Bakery, Snellville

Divide empanadas among non-stick baking sheets, leaving 1½” space between each empanada. Brush tops of empanadas with remaining egg wash. Cook until pastries puff, turn golden brown and filling is hot, about 15-20 minutes.

Marlene Temple, administrative assistant, Snellville Planning Department 38 38

Snellville, Where Everybody is Proud to be Somebody

THANKS TO OUR 2016 SPONSORS AND TO OUR SNELLVILLE SPIRIT ADVERTISERS Eastside Medical Center Choices to You La Quinta Inn and Suites Crestwood Suites ER Snell The Gwinnett Citizen Walton EMC Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Wild Wing Cafe Summit Chase Country Club Hill Top Pawn Gwinnett’s Greenest Lawns Georgia Sand and Stone Bill Rhodes Bakery The Home Depot WOWNOW Office Depot

Lowe’s City of Snellville Securlock Storage Tome Wages Funeral Services Snell’s Pharmacy STA Apparel and Printing Family Tree Garden Center Main Street Restaurant First Baptist Church Snellville State Farm - Ronnie Cail Dollar Bonanza Country Financial - Jamie Toney Webb, Tanner, and Powell PC Pollo Tropical Philly Connection Fresh Market Bonefish Grill

Snellville Tourism & Trade would like to say thanks to all of our event sponsors for 2016. Their support, whether financially or through in-kind contributions, makes it possible for us to put on so many quality events for our community.

Many thanks to the Snellville Public Works Department for all they do to prepare the city for events throughout the year and to the Snellville Police Department which continues to protect and serve at our events and our community throughout the year.

We could not have such successful events without all of our wonderful volunteers.

VOLUNTEERS are the HEART of the CITY!

*********ECRWSSEDDM****

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

Great care...

Close to home.

PR O U D LY S E RV I N G GW I N N E T T CO U N T Y FO R OV E R 35 Y E AR S

From the everyday to the unexpected, choose Eastside Medical Center for all of your healthcare needs.

Our hospital is nationally recognized for patient safety and our

EASTSIDE SPINE & WELLNESS CENTER

staff is committed to providing you with excellent care and an exceptional experience at all of our convenient locations.

124

Comprehensive services include: • Primary Care

• Specialty Care

• Women’s Services

• Emergency Care

• Surgical Services

• Diagnostic Services

EASTSIDE MEDICAL CENTER

EASTSIDE BREAST & DIAGNOSTIC CENTER EASTSIDE WOUND CENTER EASTSIDE MEDICAL CENTER South Campus

EASTSIDE IMAGING CENTER

At Loganville

EastsideMedical.com

81