Suwanee Magazine September October 2017

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SUWANEE FEST EXCLUSIVE GUIDE *

SUWANEE’S 34TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF COMMUNITY

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Fall’s Collins Hill: Jada Rice & Peyton Woulard

2017

Peachtree Ridge: Devin Vassell & Mary Kathryn Knott North Gwinnett: Erin Wilbur & Warren Ericson

SUWANEE SENIOR IMPACT PLAYERS

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Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique

Full-service grooming and pet salon offers holistic, high-end food and other pet supplies.

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Fall’s Best Fests

Festival season has returned with a vengeance! Explore the area’s best festivals this fall, including: Suwanee Wine Fest, Suwanee Fest, Taste of Atlanta, Duluth Fall Festival, ALIVE! Expo, Sugar Rush and Suwanee Jazz Fest.

56 Sandy Yeung, Owner, Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique

Suwanee High School Senior Star Athletes Q&A with six top senior athletes in Suwanee, including football, cross country, basketball and softball stars.

grow 16 Suwanee Business Alliance News

A network of friends and business professionals impacting our community.

17 Investment Strategies Aileron Investment Advisors addresses the concern of government regulations affecting your investments.

18 Brand-Aid with VDG

Veugeler Design Group explains why blogging needs to be part of your marketing strategy.

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North Gwinnett's Star Athletes, Erin Wilbur and Warren Ericson

 Fresh Strawberry N Cream donut from Sublime Donuts at Taste of Atlanta

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2017 Suwanee Fest Exclusive Guide

Everything you need to know about Suwanee's biggest celebration of community ever.

24 thrive 43 Pumpkin Power

Fit Mom shares seven amazing health benefits of fall’s favorite squash.

47 Life Hacks for a Fulfilled Life

Scott Mawdesley, Founder of “Write One Line” and 12Stone Church Pastor, gives tips on how to live a “full"filled, not just full life.

50 Family Matters

Family Matters: Laura Lebovitz, LMFT, answers the question, “Should you push your kids to play sports?"

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69 learn

Peking Restaurant

Peking Restaurant celebrates 10 years of serving the Suwanee community their authentic and traditional Mandarin and Cantonese food.

64 Back to School Pics

From Pre-K through middle school, readers shared their kids’ “first-day-of-school” pics.

66 New High School Football Coaches

Get to know the new Head Football Coaches from Collins Hill, Peachtree Ridge and North Gwinnett.

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7 Must Try Wines at This Year’s Suwanee Wine Fest

in every issue: 8 Editor’s Letter 73 Restaurant Guide

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82 The Buzz

Josh Turner Concert EXCLUSIVE PICS

PHOTO BY: NATALIE STUBBS

88 People & Places 94 Event Calendar

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letter

a note from our managing editor

, Happy Fall,Y all!

Fall also means festival season is here! Just ask our Ads Manager, Natalie, who starts planning her "fall festival lineup" in July with a festival on her calendar nearly every weekend from September through November.

If you want an inside glimpse into some of the best festivals in our area, including Suwanee Fest, Duluth Fall Festival, Sugar Rush, Suwanee Jazz Fest, ALIVE! Expo and Suwanee Wine Fest, then check out our fall festival section on page 20. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or need a wine-fueled girls day out, we’ve got you covered.

Rachel Pillow

Managing Editor rachel@suwaneemagazine.com

Being in the South, we can’t possibly mention the word “fall” without talking about football. We recently had the chance to take a behind-thescenes tour and get on the field of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium before it opens to the public. To say we were excited would be an understatement – that place is amazing. Check out the insane video footage of the stadium at our new YouTube channel and be sure to subscribe to it while you’re there.

think I say this every year as we send the September/ October issue to print, but fall is by far my favorite time of the year! As soon as Starbucks' PSL (that’s Pumpkin Spice Latte for you non-pumpkin fanatics) hits stores, I know my favorite season is underway. In this issue I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my favorite fall food also happens to be great for me. Check out local Lawrenceville trainer, Ruth Ungerer, aka Fit Mom’s article about the health benefits of pumpkin on page 43. Pumpkin pie smoothies, anyone?

Every year we get pumped to cheer on our Falcons and to also cheer on our local schools. This year we asked the Athletic Directors at Collins Hill, Peachtree Ridge and North Gwinnett to send us their top male and female senior athletes…and these kids who are gracing our cover are incredible! They’re winning awards, being named All-State, getting dozens of scholarship offer letters, getting good grades and leading their teams. We can’t wait to watch them in their final year before they head off to college.

Check out the Q&A with these amazing athletes on page 56.

Fall is here, y’all, so let’s embrace it. Be sure to check out our calendar on page 94 so you can create your own festival lineup, Natalie-style.

ON THE COVER: Suwanee's Senior Star Athletes photographed by Paul Perdue

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BEHIND THE SCENES: Check out our YouTube channel for behind the scenes footage from our cover shoot on August 10th.

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ANGELA VEUGELER President / Editor-in-Chief angela@suwaneemagazine.com RANDALL VEUGELER Vice President and Publisher RACHEL PILLOW Managing Editor rachel@suwaneemagazine.com NATALIE STUBBS Ads Manager ads@suwaneemagazine.com

Creative Director RANDALL VEUGELER Art Director ERICA ABRAMS Production Manager LAURA PAYNE Web Editors WALT WOODEN • CLARKE GLIDEWELL Digital Marketing Manager PRISCILLA SALMASI Account Executive MICHELLE FASIG Graphic Design APRIL MILLER • SHAY HARBAUGH BRIAN HASSINGER • LAURA GRANT Photographers KARL LAMB • JULIE PERDUE WALT WOODEN

Sales JULIE PERDUE julie@suwaneemagazine.com

PUBLISHED BY VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP 554 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Buford, GA 30518 SuwaneeMagazine.com

For SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES or BACK ISSUE ORDERS, call 678-482-2270.

For ADVERTISING INQUIRES, call 678-482-2270, or email info@suwaneemagazine.com.

Suwanee Magazine is published bi-monthly by Veugeler Design Group.

Opinions expressed by the contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Suwanee Magazine. The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or ommissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. ©2017 Veugeler Design Group. The editors welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please email submissions to Rachel Pillow at rachel@suwaneemagazine.com.

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BRAND-AID: WHY BLOGGING NEEDS TO BE PART OF YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY

grow suwanee business community news and info.

SBA NEWS 16 /// INVESTMENT STRATEGIES WITH AILERON INVESTMENTS 17

Scruffy

Fluffy

to

Full-service grooming and pet salon, Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique offers membership subscriptions for unlimited bath, dry and brush services for your best friend. STORY BY: RACHEL PILLOW / PHOTOGRAPHY BY: KARL LAMB

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B U S I N E S S

S P O T L I G H T

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique, located on the corner of McGinnis Ferry and Old Atlanta Road, is celebrating its two-year anniversary this November.

Owner, Sandy Yeung, opened the location in Suwanee because of its central proximity to Suwanee, Johns Creek and Cumming neighborhoods, and because it is such a family-friendly, pet-loving area that is still continuing to grow.

Splash and Dash is a fullservice grooming and pet salon with a boutique storefront that offers holistic, high-end food and other pet supplies. “It’s important to me that the food we carry is made in the USA and something that you won’t find in a big box pet store,” said Yeung.

Aside from offering products that you won’t find in a big box retail store, their business model is also something that sets them apart in the industry. Splash and Dash is known for their signature membership subscriptions that start at $39.95 per month for unlimited bath, dry and brush services. The Splash and Dash program allows you to bring your pup in as many times as you want or need, in between full grooming appointments.

Bathing a dog at home can be a harried (or at least hairy) experience, so Splash and Dash

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Owner, Sandy Yeung

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“YOUR DOG IS GOING TO BE HEALTHIER OVERALL WHEN YOU HAVE A GROOMING SCHEDULE.” - Owner, Sandy Yeung, Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique

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looks to alleviate that stress and mess. Yeung emphasized the importance of keeping up with your dog’s bathing and grooming schedule. “Many people don’t realize that when the fur gets matted it can actually cause serious skin issues,” she said.

“It’s also important to get into a daily routine of brushing them. Just like our own hair, we have to take care of it every day.” She recommends a full groom every six to eight weeks, a bath about every three weeks, and a nail trim every two to three weeks. Regular upkeep is important even for short-haired dogs, as it helps minimize shedding and keeps their skin and coats healthy.

“Your dog is going to be healthier overall when you have a grooming schedule,” Yeung advised. But the beauty of the Splash and Dash membership option is that pet owners do not have to worry about being tied to a specific schedule and can come in as often as they want or need. The bath program gives pet owners the flexibility to let their dogs “be dogs” and play outside in the water, mud and red Georgia clay without worry.

Splash and Dash has two fulltime groomers on staff, Lisa Phillips and Naoko Abe, who each have The Splash and Dash Groomerie & 10-15 years of Boutique's signature membership experience in program includes unlimited monthly bath professional & brush services, so you can bring your grooming dog in for a bath as often as needed. services. They are constantly learning the new techniques and trends in the industry by attending classes, shows and seminars.

The latest trend they specialize in is one that has been making its way to the states in recent years – “Asian Fusion Grooming” – a style that often makes the dog’s fur resemble a stuffed animal. Lisa and Naoko also stay up to date on all of their pet first aid certifications to ensure that your dog is in the safest hands possible during grooming.

Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique prides itself on keeping dog foods and treats simple. “No ingredients you can’t pronounce and based on the diet your dog evolved to eat,” stated Yeung.

“The best thing about this job is getting to pet and play with dogs every day when I come into work and I have met some great customers that have become friends,” said Yeung. At Splash and Dash they are also committed to giving back to the community that supports them. They have sponsored the North Gwinnett Middle School baseball and swim team, and they have also hosted pet adoptions at their store. When somebody fosters a rescue dog, Yeung will offer them special rates and discounts as well as a free bath and grooming session when the dog is adopted and about to go to its “forever home.” Yeung has also donated food and services to local shelters. “These people are being so selfless by taking in animals in need, that’s the least I can do to give back,” she said. ■

SPLASH AND DASH 7784 McGinnis Ferry Rd • Suwanee, GA 30024

(470) 719-8713 Suwanee.SplashandDashForDogs.com

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SU WANE E BU SI N E SS A LLI A NC E :

A Network of Friends and Business Professionals Impacting Our Community

BY JULIE PERDUE President, Suwanee Business Alliance

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t our monthly meeting last week at Friends American Grill, a member of a neighboring alliance, asked me: “How do y’all do it?” What he meant was, how do we have a great turnout each month with new members joining all the time, get amazing hosts and have a board of volunteers who care deeply about our alliance and being part of our great community?

There are too many reasons to list but it might have something to do with the fact that we raise thousands of dollars each year to give directly to local charities where we can make the most impact where we work, live and play.

This past spring, our charity golf tournament at Bear’s Best course, which had nearly 100 golfers and tons of volunteers, raised over $10,000! We donate to organizations like Annandale Village, Rainbow Village, The Quinn House, Cooper’s Crew, Foster Children's, and many other great organizations in our community. Or, it could just be because dues remain at $60/year and include great eats and cold refreshments at our monthly meetings where we talk about ways to positively impact the businesses that call Suwanee home.

If you would like to find out for yourself "how we do it," please see our website and plan to attend our next meeting. All are welcome and encouraged to bring a friend, a door prize to promote your business, and a commitment to meet new people and have a wonderful time. We love guests and encourage you to come see what we are all about! Imagine what you could contribute to the rest of us to make it even better! JOIN US TODAY! ■

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INVESTMENT

Strategies BY: Bill and Cindi Porter, AILERON INVESTMENT ADVISORS

Can government regulations affect my investments?

Reasonable regulations are necessary and provide consumers with layers of consumer protection. However, every regulation can be an expense, and that extra cost is added to the price of every product or service being regulated. We pay for every regulation: so common sense is (or should be) part of the decision process whenever the government imposes regulations.

If an American industry becomes too heavily regulated and their foreign competitors are much less regulated, the American firms may be put at a distinct price disadvantage because of extra expenses. Monitoring regulatory expense is one of many items to consider when assessing investment options.

The Wall Street Journal reported that as of 2005, Federal regulations cost the U.S. economy over $1 trillion a year, or about $8,000 for every household. That is a trillion dollars not spent on products or services, or creating the jobs necessary to produce those products or provide those services. Converted to time, the government estimates that Americans and their businesses spend over 10 billion hours a year just to fillout government forms.

Other industries are perhaps underregulated and are also needlessly expensive. For example, The Wall Street Journal reported that America’s lightly regulated legal industry costs nearly $1 trillion a year – a “tort tax” of $9,827 for a family of four – every year. That is great for lawyers but not so good for everyone else. In Europe, many countries limit the legal burden by requiring the losing party to pay all costs. Those regulations have significantly lowered the number of lawsuits.

Regulations are necessary but, extensive, expensive, and on the rise. A conversation with your advisor about how regulations may impact your investments may be time well spent.

This is for education only. Before using this information in any way discuss it with a financial professional. There are many risks associated with stock trading. You may lose some or all of your financial investment. Securities offered through Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through Integrated Financial Planning Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Dempsey Lord Smith, LLC.

Send your investment questions to: submissions@SuwaneeMagazine.com All the information in this letter is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information is strictly at your own risk.

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BRAND-AID

MARKETING TIPS FROM VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP

4 Reasons Why Blogging Needs to be Part of Your Marketing Strategy By: PRISCILLA SALMASI, Digital Marketing Manager/ Veugeler Design Group

Blogging is arguably the most critical component of content marketing when it comes to generating organic traffic and being found by online search engines. Today, blogs are one of the primary ways that research is conducted and that information is consumed on the web.

Cranking out content on a consistent basis is key, but just remember: while blog posts do not necessarily need to be lengthy, they do need to be relevant and serve as an informative source that your potential customers will find valuable. Here are four reasons why blogging needs to be part of your marketing strategy:

Blogs are inexpensive Blogging is an inexpensive way to interact with current or potential customers. Most likely, you have already invested in a website and are actively engaging in social media, two things that are necessary to get your content in front of the right audience. And, if your website is built in WordPress, it will come with the capability to start blogging right away – as WordPress is the largest blogging tool in the world.

Blogs Help Drive Traffic to Your Website Think about how many pages you actually have on your current website. How often are you actually updating those pages with new content and on a regular basis?

The answer is probably not that often. Users regularly visit websites for new content and search engines consider a website that is regularly updated as a more valuable source to show in the search results page.

Well, blogging tackles both these issues! Each time you update a blog post, it typically shows up as an indexed page on your website. This means that with each

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blog post you have the opportunity for your site to show up in more search engine results, in effect driving more traffic to your site. Blogging also helps to drive traffic to your site through the use of social media. Every time you create a post, you are creating content that can be shared on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter, which exposes you to yet another audience, (HubSpot) widening your reach.

Companies that blog receive 97% more links to their website.

Blogs Can Convert Website Traffic into Leads With all this new traffic coming into your website you want to make sure you’re capturing those visitors and converting them into leads (actual, potential customers.) You’re probably wondering how? One way is by adding a lead-generating-call-to-action to

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every blog post. A “call-to-action” is a button for a free offer such as an e-book, a how-to-guide, free trial, etc. By placing a call-to-action button on your blog page, visitors will read the great content (wanting more valuable information from you) and click the button, which will send them to a landing page where you will request information such as their name, phone number and email address.

They will then hopefully fill out their information to receive your (HubSpot) offer, in the process becoming a lead for your sales team to follow up with.

Marketers who prioritize blogging are 13x more likely to see positive ROI.

Blogs Drive Long-Term Results After a blog post is published, it may generate a hundred views and a few leads in the first month, but as it becomes more popular, is shared through social media and begins to rank on the search engine results page, leads will continue to grow. If the content does not age – or is not time sensitive information, you may continue to generate leads for many months to come. Blogs serve as an important way to offer information and answers during the initial awareness and consideration stages in a buyer’s journey. It is important to identify who your target audience and customers are before you start blogging.

By identifying your target audience, you’ll have a better understanding of what type of content to create, what tone to use, what your customers’ pain points are and how your business helps solve them.

It can be difficult to start the blogging process and know how to create relevant content. Consult with a marketing professional to come up with a content marketing strategy that targets your individual goals and needs. ■

PRISCILLA SALMASI, Digital Marketing Manager/Veugeler Design Group ➜ Priscilla handles the digital strategy for clients in a wide variety of industries, helping them to reach more customers, generate leads and increase their ROI. Whether creating a new website design or building out landing pages, email marketing campaigns, or social media ads, Priscilla works closely with clients to recommend and execute the best digital marketing tactics for their business.

Ready to take the guesswork out of marketing?

Call today and schedule a

FREE

30

MINUTE MARKETING ASSESSMENT

Talk to our experienced team to learn what types of improvements can be made to your marketing efforts to increase leads and drive results.

Veugeler Design Group 678.482.2270 / VDGatl.com

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...you don’ t want to miss this Fall!

Believe it or not, fall is just around the corner. With the return of pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters and cooler weather also comes the much-anticipated festival season.

As the festival calendar quickly starts to fill up with events, we compiled a list of the can't-miss festivals this season...

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Lesa Prontaut enjoying ยน wine samples on a beautiful fall day at the 2016 Suwanee Wine Fest in Town Center Park.

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Fall’s 2017 Sublime Donuts

Honeysuckle Gelato

TASTE OF ATLANTA OCTOBER 20TH - 22ND / HISTORIC FOURTH WARD PARK For three days, from October 20th22nd, thousands of hungry food aficionados will descend upon Historic Fourth Ward Park to eat their way through Taste of Atlanta Festival. Celebrating their 16th year, the festival will feature more than 100 local restaurants from all corners of the city, dishing up the best of the best with their sips and small plates.

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his epic threeday festival kicks off on Friday night with an event hosted by locally famous culinary experts, Jonathan and Justin Fox of Fox Brothers BBQ. The Friday Night Kick-Off Party is all about going big, all out, and completely over the top. This “sweet sixteen” party will have displays from Sublime Donuts, Sprinkles Cupcakes, High Road Ice Cream and more. The fun begins at 7:30 pm and is an all-inclusive block party with tastes from more than 20 of Atlanta’s favorite chefs. No

party is complete without live music and drinks, and the Friday Kick-off is no exception. This ticket is the hottest at the fest, and only a select number of tickets are available. Grab yours while you can because food, drinks and music are sure to be in abundance.

The next two days will bring around 40,000 people to the park, and some may argue that is when the real feast begins.

Restaurants like Hampton + Hudson, Nakato Japanese Restaurant, Nine Mile Station, and Poke Burri line the park eager to serve

 Festival attendees participate in The Kitchen Workshop: a cooking class taught by renowned local chefs who provide step-by-step instructions and a hands-on cooking experience.

the hungry masses.

General Admission tickets start at $25 and get you 10 Taste Points to be redeemed at any station. One bite costs 1-3 points, but your wristband can easily be reloaded at multiple stations throughout the festival. For the true foodie there is the Grand Tasting Experience.

For $75 attendees get 20 Taste points, main festival access and entry into the Grand Tasting Experience tents for tastes from additional restaurants served alongside beer, wine and specialty cocktails.

No food festival in Atlanta would be complete without our local favorite, hot, fried chicken. This year, there

is plenty of it. Last year's Best of Taste winner, Gus’s Fried Chicken, will be onsite serving alongside local favorite, Rock’s Chicken & Fries, and Atlanta new-comer and current Nashville hot-spot, Hattie B’s.

Atlanta native and world-famous rapper, Ludacris, is even throwing his hat into the ring with dishes from his new restaurant, Chicken and Beer.

When you’ve finally had your fill of amazing food represented from all over this true foodie city, check out some of the activity they have on four different stages at the festival. On the main stage, future chefs ages 11-14 battle it out in a “Future Chef Food Fight,” a “Chopped” style competition cooking up the best dishes they can with a mystery ingredient. At the Kitchen Workshop, both home cooks and skilled cooks are invited to roll up their sleeves for a hands-on cooking experience that has each class leaving with leftovers and a new recipe. The Grill Stage invites attendees to watch as the city’s top Grill Masters get fired up for the ultimate cookout, giving festival attendees an opportunity to really learn how to champion a grill.

From live music, to amazing food, fun workshops and much more, this festival is a one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed. So, be sure to come hungry and leave happy! ✱

Tickets on sale now at

TasteofAtlanta.com

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SUWANEE WINE FEST NOVEMBER 4TH / SUWANEE TOWN CENTER PARK

Organized by the team behind the award-winning Suwanee Beer Fest (Gwinnett Daily Post Reader’s Choice Best Festival in Gwinnett three years running) and Gwinnett Beer Fest, this festival continues a wine experience for novices and experts alike. With unlimited samples of over 150 wines from around the globe hand-selected by the wine experts at Beverage SuperStore, this wine festival truly boasts unique and exciting selections. Each wine region of the world is represented, giving festival attendees the opportunity to drink their way around the world in a single afternoon! Recognized as one of the premier wine events in the state of Georgia, the Suwanee Wine Fest gets bigger and better year after year. As attendees drink their way through the park, they have the opportunity to shop from local vendors and artists,

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Hand-selected by the wine connoisseurs at Beverage SuperStore  in Suwanee, the wine list boasts an amazing selection from the top wine-growing regions in the world.

taste delicious food from some of the area's most popular food trucks, participate in backyard games like giant Jenga and listen to live music from local bands. There is even an opportunity for the beer lovers in the crowd to make their way over to the

beer tent for some craft brews and to catch the live football game on TV! The Early Bird price starts at $49 per person for unlimited samples of beer and wine in the park from 1:00 – 4:30pm with the price increasing to $55 on October 21st.

Fall’s 2017

Over 2,000 wine lovers stroll through Town Center Park enjoying unlimited tastes of wine from around the world, food samples, live music, local art vendors and a college football & beer tent.

The Suwanee Wine Fest would not be ď ° possible without its wonderful volunteers who get to pour wine and have fun with friends. To sign up to volunteer visit suwaneewinefest.com/ volunteer.

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Fall’s 2017

The VIP Experience

S U WA N E E W I N E F E ST F E AT U R E D P E R FO R M E R :

Joe Hall

he great state of Georgia has been a hotbed for producing some of the most highly acclaimed country music artists in recent years, and singer/songwriter, Joe Hall, is on his way to making a name for himself both in the Peach State and across the country.

Born and raised in Dacula, Georgia, a small town of 4,400 whose name originates from letters in nearby Decatur and Atlanta, Joe grew up in a home with a passion for music. When he was 15, Joe picked up his dad’s guitar and asked his father to show him a few chords. So began Joe’s love for the guitar, which was soon followed by his joy of writing songs. An avid baseball pitcher in high school, Joe jokingly says, “My fastball was slow enough that I knew music was my calling.”

Joe began playing at clubs and other events in the Atlanta area. He and his band are drawing crowds at Red Clay Music Foundry, Tavern 120 and Wild Bill’s in the Atlanta area, and word is spreading beyond the state line.

He felt he had something to say with his songs and knew Nashville was the place to grow in his writing. Weekly trips to Music City led to developing relationships with some of the most

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successful writers and producers, including Derek George (Randy Houser), Mark Bright (Carrie Underwood) and Scott Davis (ASCAP’s Song of the Year in ’08 and BMI’s Song of the Year in ’11.)

In 2016, Joe went into famed Starstruck Studios (owned by Reba McEntire) in Nashville with his drummer, Rod Allred, and producer, Scott Davis, to lay down tracks for his debut album. The result is Girlfriend (acoustic versions), 10 tracks all co-written by Joe and recorded in an acoustic setting with Hall on guitar and vocals and Allred playing a modified cajon-like trap set. All of the songs were recorded live to tape with no overdubs, using vintage reel-to-reel technology.

“Ever had a guy or girl you were crazy about?” Joe asks. “Ever had one drive you crazy? Me, too. This collection of songs is all about relationships, the good, the bad, and well…if you’ve been there, I’m sure you know what I mean.”

As Joe Hall begins to tour nationally, he’s been opening for Kane Brown, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Sara Evans, Chase Bryant, Easton Corbin, Joe Nichols, Parolee and more. And as awareness for Joe grows and the fans he nurtures from stage expand with each performance, Georgia is poised to send one of its newest sons out to a national stage.

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 VIP ticket-holders enjoy one hour early admission to the park at noon where they can try everything in General Admission, plus have access to a private dining and tasting tent.

VIP tickets are extremely limited and include: higher-end, exclusive wines; a delicious, gourmet food spread matched to complement the wine and catered by Marlow’s Tavern; and a VIP goody bag that includes the official 2017 Suwanee Wine Fest shirt.

The event organizers are committed to continuing to create the best wine-tasting experience while giving back to the local community. A portion of the proceeds will directly benefit Annnandale Village: a Suwanee organization that provides care and life assistance to adults with developmental disabilities or traumatic brain injuries, and enables them to maintain their independence in the least-restrictive environment possible.✱

GO TO PAGE 76 FOR

7 WINES AVAILABLE AT THE 2017 SUWANEE WINE FEST!

Tickets on sale now at

SuwaneeWineFest.com

SUGAR RUSH OCTOBER 21ST / DOWNTOWN SUGAR HILL  One of their many “sweet” and successful events, the City of Sugar Hill anticipates the return of their annual fall festival, Sugar Rush, on Saturday, October 21st. Join them in downtown Sugar Hill between 11:00am and 7:00pm to enjoy live music in The Bowl, delicious food trucks, and an assortment of vendors. Bring the whole family as fun for the kids includes a pumpkin patch, ferris wheel and inflatables - and don’t forget the activities for your dogs, too! Featuring a juried art show hosted by the Sugar Hill Arts Commission, also be sure to check out some of the amazing talent being showcased.

If you would like to be a part of the festival, contact the City of Sugar Hill to become a volunteer or vendor: CityOfSugarHill.com. ✱

SUWANEE JAZZ FEST OCTOBER 14TH / TOWN CENTER PARK  The North Gwinnett Arts Association (NGAA), alongside jazz radio station, WCLK, and partner, the City of Suwanee, is excited to announce a new music event on the green in Suwanee Town Center this fall. Suwanee Jazz Fest will bring together five of the area’s smoothest and most eclectic solo and group jazz artists Rhythm Jets for a night of sounds, tastes and experiences under the stars on Saturday, October 14th from 6-10pm.

Joining NGAA are sponsors Explore Gwinnett and Thomas Eye Group. Featured artists include Carol Albert, vocalist; Eric Thomas, saxophone player; Rhythm Jets, jazz band; Anita Canada, vocalist; and Orchestra Lighting, eclectic jazz band.

Local restaurants, food trucks and vendors will be crafting some delightfully special food, beverages, and to-go cocktails that add to the atmosphere for the perfect evening out.

NGAA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation of local art through exhibition, festivals and other arts education.

Suwanee Jazz Fest is one of three events the NGAA hosts each year,

Lighting Orchestra

along with Arts in the Park and Suwanee Classic Car Show. These events draw large audiences and the proceeds fund student art scholarships and NGAA art initiatives.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring chairs and a cooler (no glass, please) and arrive ready to relax and enjoy some divine entertainment! For more information, please visit ngaa4arts.com. ✱

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Fall’s

DULUTH FALL FESTIVAL

2017

SEPTEMBER 30TH - OCTOBER 1ST / DOWNTOWN DULUTH

Duluth Fall Festival has been an annual event for 35 years. With more than 400 volunteers dedicating their time, Duluth Fall Festival was chosen last year by The Southeast Festivals & Events Association as the “Best Large Festival in the Southeast.” Block off your calendar for the last weekend in September, as Downtown Duluth will be taken over by this extravaganza!  Business and vendor booths appealing to every member of the family will be open from 9am to 7pm on Saturday and 9am to 5pm on Sunday. The weekend’s events and entertainment will kick off with a parade at 10am on Saturday morning, followed by an Opening Ceremony at 11:30am. Day 2 of the festival will begin

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with a 5K Road Race at 8:00am, followed

by Worship on the Green at 10am. Backto-back entertainment and carnival fun will continue both days, plus free shuttle buses throughout the entire festival!

All funds Sponsoring raised by the several other festival are events throughout contributed the year, the Festival to the is also improvement Committee hosting a free of Downtown festival concert on Saturday, Duluth, totaling over September 23rd, featuring $2.5 million ‘Departure’ the dollars so far. Journey Tribute Band. The concert will be held at the Duluth Festival Center, beginning at 6:30pm.

The festival consists of a group of people whose common bond is their love of Duluth. This, more than anything else, has kept the wonderful small town spirit of Duluth alive.

Visit DuluthFallFestival.org for shuttle locations, special carnival offers, schedule of events and more! ✱

ALIVE! FESTIVAL OCTOBER 21ST / TOWN CENTER PARK  Alive! Festival is an annual non-profit, green-living, eco festival that is family-friendly and features green and eco vendors, an artist market, live music, food, giveaways and a family fun zone with activities for children of all ages! This year the festival is adding a Taste of BBQ where you’ll be able to taste a variety of goodies from participating vendors. Tickets for food samples will be sold onsite and samples will cost between one and five tickets each. The event is free to attend for all.

The Alive! Festival benefits Project Green, which is a 501c3 non-profit in Atlanta whose mission is to invest in "A Green Tomorrow."

Project Green will develop and launch an annual "Back to Basics" Summer Camp program for underprivileged children, teenagers and kids in the foster care system. Back to Basics will teach kids and young people how to interact with one another, focusing on building self-esteem and awareness of the environment by incorporating challenging and fun activities.

Additionally, Project Green will invest in and protect green space initially within the Southeastern United States with plans for expansion into other regions.

For more information call 770-806-7492. ✱

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CAUTION: FUN!

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SuwaneeFest.com THANKS TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: T H A N K S T O O U R P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R S :

SUWANEE FEST 5K/10K CLASSIC 9.9.17 31

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770.497.5100 • AtlantaGladiators.com 7, ________________________________________________________________ _ 8 Join the Atlanta Gladiators Hockey team this October as they kick off their 15th Anniversary Season! Call their office to see how you can become a part of Glads Nation!

NEW THIS YEAR TO SUWANEE FEST Man Cave presented by Topgolf This year, Topgolf is taking the Man Cave to the next level. In true Topgolf fashion, we’re bringing people together to have fun in a ton of different ways: • Compete to win a $500 Topgolf gift card on games such as Topgolf’s World Golf Tour on giant tablets, the Topgolf Toss, and more!

• Big-screen TVs showing the day’s football games • Topgolf giveaways, including coupons to visit Topgolf Alpharetta or Topgolf Atlanta-Midtown • Enter the Topgolf “Top That!” Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to Topgolf Las Vegas!

Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater r’s highly anticipated

The stars of this summe d y Lightning McQueen an threequel, the one and onl LY. ON AY ND SU on t wanee Fes Tow Mater, will be at Su photos e tak d an oes her ir the et Young fans can come me s. itie ebr cel ney Dis the h wit

“Community at Work” It’s tremendously fitting that the designer of the Suwanee Fest: Community at Work logo should just happen to also be an architect. In mid-February, the City of Suwanee issued an open call for designers, artists, and creative people of all ages, amateur to professional, to submit logo designs for Suwanee Fest. Jacob Miramontes’ design was chosen out of dozens of submissions as the official logo for Suwanee Fest 2017.

“This year’s theme made me relate community unification to a building construction process,” said Miramontes. “Like a building, a community needs to be based on a strong foundation and be raised with all of its elements working together. The smallest element is as important as the largest, and each particular difference is what makes structures and communities solid and unwavering.”

BOOTH LeafFilter.com _________________________________________________________________

FREE ESTIMATES www.LeafFilter.com Promo Number: 99

$

250 OFF

FULL HOME INSTALLATION Must present at time of estimate. Not valid with any other offers. 100ft minimum.

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Rated the Nation’s Best Gutter Protection System! Never clean your gutters again. Use promo code “99” for $250 OFF whole home installation.

480 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. • Suwanee BOOTH 770.963.9224 • TheBrandBank.com _________________________________________________________________5 With more than a century of service, BrandBank is a fullservice financial institution, combining a tradition of trust and personal service with the convenience of up-to-date technology and innovative products and services.

MEHVAC.com _______________________________________________________________BOOTH __

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For more than 30 years, Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating has innovated technologies designed to enhance your home and your life. Their advanced Zoned Comfort Solutions™ empower you to create your own personalized room-by-room comfort – without compromise.

135 Prominence Court, Suite 150, BOOTH Dawsonville, GA 30534 27 706.410.2335 FarmersAgent.com/CDeSalvo _________________________________________________________________ Let us help with all your insurane needs! Home – Auto – Life – Business

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Larabar.com ________________________________________________________________17 _ Pure. Simple. Delicious.

Gwinnett Campus & Buford Campus BOOTH FreeChapel.org ________________________________________________________________20 _ Pastor Jentezen and Cherise Franklin invite you to join them each week for an incredible worship experience and lasting community. No matter where you are in your life, there is a place for you at Free Chapel.

BOOTH

www.homecraftinc.net ________________________________________________________________11 _ Need gutter covers? We specialize in the best gutter cover protection available. We use a stainless steel micro-mesh system.

BOOTH 770.614.6686 •ssasports.com _________________________________________________________________

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Our coaching staff has decades of experience of training athletes into competitive and productive teammates and individuals at all levels. We are excited about playing a part in the building process for everyone that comes through Suwanee Sports Academy’s doors.

2605 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. • Duluth BOOTH 770.817.9565 • TigerTailsAnimalHospital.com _ ________________________________________________________________13 Proud sponsor of Parker’s Pals Pet Shade Area. We supply water, shade and a place to cool off for all of our four-legged friends!

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SUWANEE FEST RETURNING FAVORITES

875 Pickens Industrial Drive • Marietta BOOTH 770.419.9111 • AquaGuard.net 10 _________________________________________________________________ AquaGuard provides customers peace of mind with sensible solutions for waterproofing, foundation and concrete support.

FoodShouldTasteGood.com BOOTH _________________________________________________________________ Super long name. Super delicious chips.

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Tiger Tails Pet Tent

BOOTH

LiberteUSA.com 16 _________________________________________________________________

Men have the Man Cave tent, kids have the Family Fun Zone, and pets have the Tiger Tails Pet Tent. The staff from Tiger Tails will be providing shade and water for “over-festivaled” pets, and Dr. Zack will be on-hand for any first aid issues.

“We came up with this idea after several years of HOT festivals,” said Tiger Tails Marketing Manager, Amber Boling. “We saw a need for a cool-off area for all the over-heated pets, and wanted to provide this service for all of our four-legged friends in Suwanee.”

Look for us in the yellow section!

We do what we think is right. We let our inspiration lead us, and we never compromise. It's why we're organic. It's why we're delicious. It's why we're Liberté.

3465 Duluth Highway, Duluth, GA 30096 678.802.9950 • DistrictAtDuluth.com BOOTH _________________________________________________________________

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Now pre-leasing for Fall 2017 move-ins! Brand new, mixed-use urban-style apartment community featuring studios, 1 & 2 bedrooms with luxurious amenities located in the heart of Downtown Duluth.

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770.442.1911 ________________________________________________________________3 _

Shuttle Trivia

Complete Comprehensive Healthcare at Georgia’s Most Awarded Practice. Same-day appointments and walk-ins 6 days a week.

1455 Satellite Blvd., Suwanee, GA 30024 BOOTH 770.913.6600 13 _________________________________________________________________ Suwanee is now home to the newest collection of high-end apartments - Overlook at Huntcrest - just minutes from the Mall of Georgia and Sugarloaf Mills. Select from one, two or three-bedroom floor plans where no detail is overlooked.

BOOTH

9,10 PeachSkinSheets.com _________________________________________________________________

Piling onto a bus with 55 of your neighbors (plus dogs this year!) for a silent, sweaty ride to Suwanee Fest is not how you should start your day.

The Suwanee Youth Leaders will once again serve as cruise directors for the shuttles, asking Suwaneethemed trivia and giving out Parker dog tags to those who know their city best! This is the ONLY place you can get the coveted dog tag featuring our lovable mutt (this year, decked out in construction gear), so bring your A-game to the bus!

PeachSkinSheets are great for hot sleepers! Ask us about special pricing for Suwanee Fest.

BOOTH

888.736.6335 • www.powerhrg.com _______________________________________________________________2 __1 Make The American Dream A Reality - Windows, Roofing, Siding, Doors

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(678) 835-0793 • ImagixDental.com _________________________________________________________________20 Imagix Dental of Suwanee specializes in creating beautiful smiles. Our practice takes into consideration today’s busy lifestyles and has multi-specialty providers to make dental visits convenient for parents, kids and those needing orthodontic treatment.

Info@InfinityFinancialAdvisor.com 678.730.7030 • InfinityFinancialAdvisor.com _________________________________________________________________ Infinity Financial, a division of Forrestall CPAs, proudly serving Gwinnett families and businesses since 1978. Stop by our booth and new clients receive a voucher for $100 off your next tax return preparation fees.

BOOTH

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Rides and Games Our massive, kid-friendly rides and games area returns this year, providing non-stop fun for kids of all ages, and child-free shopping for mom and dad. Tickets will be available for purchase on-site for inflatables, small rides, and carnival-style games. Ticket sales will end Saturday at 6:30 pm; rides will close at 7:00 pm.

Sunday ticket sales end at 4:30 pm; rides will close at 5:00 pm.

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Kerry Granger ............................................ 10 Kudu Klip Designs...................................... 19 Kusnea Deetee Akoma Designs .................... 9 Linda's Stitches ......................................... 20 LMarie's Candle Spa .................................. 22 Lose A Finger ............................................. 22 Love My Hair Bows ...................................... 8 Lynnie's Art .................................................. 6 Lynn's Gourmet Hot Sauce ........................ 27 Maddox Wood Design ............................... 21 Maeday Gourmet Sauces And Rubs ........... 25 Miss Bee Haven Honey Bones .................... 28 Mitch Palmer.............................................. 41 Nailed To The Cross ................................... 27 Nature Of Reaction ..................................... 29 Nectar Of The Vine ..................................... 28 Nick's Nack ................................................ 11 Not Just Nuts, LLC ..................................... 26 Oden Creations .......................................... 30 Painted Expressions Face Paint & Henna ... 31 Pop's Shop Woodworking ......................... 29 Purple Unicorn Pottery .............................. 16 Rowland Pecan Company .......................... 11 Sally's Famous ..................................... 16, 17 Sew Nice Sports......................................... 19 Simonelli Woodworking ............................. 42 Simple And Pure Natural Products............... 7 Southern Essentials ................................... 32 Stitch Art .................................................... 24 Stitchintwins .............................................. 38 Strother Magic & Airbrush Tattoos ............ 32 Stuffy Shirt Dog ......................................... 15 TagUrItCreations ........................................ 18 The Altered Artist ......................................... 3 The Bruce's Eye View .............................. 5, 6 The Guided Path Of The Wolf ..................... 12

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Achieve Make Believe ................................. 30 All About Hummingbirds............................ 49 Antique Glass Wind Chimes ......................... 2 Artistic Bottle Art And Pampered Hearts .... 28 B & B Enterprises....................................... 42 Barks & Bites Co. ................................. 20, 21 Beemaiden Soap ........................................ 13 Brenda's Designs ......................................... 4 Butterfly Stitches And Gifts ........................ 15 Cattywampus Crafts ............................. 20, 21 Clean Stitches Embroidery ................... 35, 36 Cultured Creations Of Jean ........................ 14 Designs By R And K ................................... 17 Diane Atkinson ........................................... 29 Do Host Family Services- Origami Smiles .. 30 Ellen Meade Boutique................................. 31 Estelline Designs .......................................... 4 Farmhouse Poundcakes ............................. 12 Fine Woodworking LLC ............................ 3, 4 Flowerpot Friends ........................................ 7 Forget Me Nots .......................................... 15 Four Corners Of The World ........................ 16 Four Little Bubbles ................................ 38,39 French Silver LLC ....................................... 17 Ganger Woodworks ................................... 36 Georgia Tie-Dye Company.......................... 21 Glass Stone Creations & Window Art ........... 2 Glendon D. Withrow..................................... 3 Glitter Sisters ............................................... 9 Honey On The Hill ...................................... 24 Jack's Yard Art ........................................... 50 Jazzitee's Babies ........................................ 32 Jordan's Cookies ......................................... 4 Justice Abrielle ........................................... 18

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Parker PURPLE Big Splash BLUE GREENways Harvest Farm YELLOW RED Caboose

The Humble Hutch ..................................... 41 The Quesnell Group ............................. 18, 19 The Travelling Tea ........................................ 1 Tutu Cutesy Boutique ................................. 22 Twister Woodworks ..................................... 5 Uncorked Candles ...................................... 43 W.A. Hill Designs........................................ 26 Wilson Custom Knives ............................... 46 Wood Craft Toys ........................................ 14 Yardstix ...................................................... 11 Yellow Rock Farm ...................................... 39 Zeebows............................................... 26, 27

FINE ARTS A Measure of Clay, Richard Shivers pottery . 1 Anne Bradham's Fine Art ........................... 33 Artemus Blue ............................................. 34 Faith Clay ................................................... 33 Manami Art ................................................ 23 Masterpiece Mixers .................................... 23 Nancy's Pottery.......................................... 13 Pottery by Mac ........................................... 24 Uncommonality Dolls................................. 35 Yoga of Pottery .......................................... 42

FOOD TENTS & TRUCKS Aw, Shucks! ......................................... 15, 16 Cattywampus Grill ...............................TRUCK Cool Hawaiian Ice......................................... 2 Country Pepper .......................................... 18 Daddy O'Brien's Irish Ice Cream Pub ......... 20 Dandy Cotton Candy .................................. 19 Dippin' Dots .............................................D, F Dunwoody Cafe .......................................... 17 Five Finger Philly .................................TRUCK

Granny's Lemonade ............................ A, C, G Greek Tavern .................................... 2, 3, 4, 5 Henry's Concessions ........................... 21, 22 Hillbilly Bob's Soda .............................. 18, 19 Hobie Pop Kettle Corn ................................ 24 Johnny's Pizza ............................................. 6 King of Pops ............................................E, H Marco's Pizza ............................................. 25 Reys Cuban Cafe ........................................ 14 Rita's Italian Ice ................................... 27, 48 Runaway Pigs ............................................ 23 T's Concession.............................................B Tatata Smoothies ................................TRUCK Tex's Tacos .........................................TRUCK Twisted Taco .............................................. 26 The Atlanta Burger Truck.....................TRUCK Williamson Bros BBQ ............................... 7, 8 WOW Waffles and More ............................. 13

JEWELRY Backstory Designs ..................................... 23 Bjeweled13, LLC ........................................ 40 BricksWithFriends ...................................... 33 Carol's Jewelry Creations........................... 17 ChickenStix ................................................ 40 Crystal Collage ART Wears......................... 37 Designs by Anne ........................................ 29 Lifetree Studio............................................ 22 Like Sisters, Inseparable (LSI) ................... 34 LKY Glass, LLC ............................................ 6 Mack's Beads ............................................. 12 Mini-Pictures Dimensional Jewelry .............. 9 Mom & Me Hand Stamped......................... 37 My Pretty Broken Things............................ 10 Paracord Sports/Survival ........................... 41 Sparkle! Designs .................................. 19, 20 SPOONZ created by Estle & Janice ............ 14 Stones to Wear ............................................ 5 Yuki Takahashi ............................................. 8

NON PROFIT Annandale Village....................................... 23 Georgia SPCA ...................................... 15, 16 Georgia Thrombosis Forum ....................... 40 Gwinnett County Public Library ................... 2 Gwinnett County Public Schools ................ 38 Just One Africa........................................... 39 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses... 30, 31 National Art Honor Society ........................... 8 North Gwinnett Arts Association, Inc. ........ 22 Peach State Chili Cookoff ........................... 48 Project Green ............................................. 47 Sugarloaf Ballet ............................................ 1

Suwanee Business Alliance ........................ 27 Suwanee First United Methodist Church .... 28 The Humane Society of the U.S., GA .......... 14

OTHER Medieval Times .......................................... 43 Tainos Hidden Treasures ............................ 25 The Gemstone Chronicles .......................... 26 The SandArt Cart........................................ 18

SPONSORS 12Stone Church ........................................... 1 Aquaguard Foundation Solutions ............... 10 Atlanta Gladiators..................................... 7, 8 BrandBank ................................................... 5 Children's Healthcare of Atlanta ................. 25 Costco...................................................... 7, 8 Craft and Wood Design ............................ 5, 6 DeSalvo Agency ......................................... 27 District at Duluth ........................................ 10 Food Should Taste Good ............................ 15 Free Chapel ................................................ 20 Freedom Family Chiropractic ..................... 34 Gwinnett Medical Center ............................ 13 Gwinnett Urgent Care .....................FIRST AID Homecraft Gutter Protection ...................... 11 Imagix Dental of Suwanee.......................... 20 Infinity Financial ......................................... 24 Larabar....................................................... 17 LeafFilter North of Georgia, LLC ................... 6 Liberté Yogurt ............................................ 16 Mitsubishi Electric...................................... 12 Mongram Crafty ....................................... 5, 6 Natalie's Orchid Island Juice ................ 27, 28 North Atlanta Primary Care .......................... 3 Overlook at Huntcrest ................................ 13 PeachSkinSheets ................................... 9, 10 PNC Bank ..................................................... 9 Power Home Remodeling .......................... 21 Quantum National Bank ............................. 12 Renewal by Andersen................................. 26 Road Atlanta ........................................ 44, 45 Sandbox Marketing .................................... 29 State Farm.................................................. 14 Suwanee Dental Care ............................... 1, 2 Suwanee Magazine .................................... 11 Suwanee Sports Academy ......................... 21 Taylor Construction .................................... 24 Tiger Tails Animal Hospital and Cat Clinic .. 13 Topgolf USA Alpharetta, LLC .........MAN MAN CAVE Travel Resorts of America .......................... 25 True Source Family Chiropractic ................ 23 Whitney Orthodontics .................................. 4

SUWANEE FEST SCHEDULE S A T U R D A Y

SEPTEMBER16th 8 AM – 8 PM

FREE SHUTTLE PARKING FROM/TO OFFSITE PARKING

9 AM

PARADE

10 AM – 7 PM

ARTS & CRAFTS EXHIBITORS, INFLATABLE RIDES, FAMILY FUN ZONE, FOOD VENDORS

10:30 AM – 7 PM

FREE ON-STAGE ENTERTAINMENT

5:30 PM

THE MOLLY RINGWALDS S U N D A Y

SEPTEMBER17th 11:30 AM – 7 PM

FREE SHUTTLE PARKING FROM/TO OFFSITE PARKING

NOON – 5 PM

ARTS & CRAFTS EXHIBITORS, INFLATABLE RIDES, FAMILY FUN ZONE, FOOD VENDORS

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THESE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS! Members of the Suwanee Fest Committee tell us a little about the vendors they are most excited to see at Suwanee Fest 2017!

Origami Smiles The Humble Hutch

Take what you think you know about gourd and paper mache sculpture and throw it out the window. Dahlonega artist, John Lundy, makes the most unique, creative, whimsical designs for your home and garden. Whales, angels, and flying pigs are just the tip of the iceberg.

Shabby chic meets folk art – these handcrafted items created with rustic and vintage charm are not to be missed.

– Janis Beavin, Vendor Chair

Origami Smiles is a business built with the purpose of selling hand-made origami and donating the proceeds to children in need around the world.

Founded by an international student right here in our community, Origami Smiles sells decorations, key chains, dream bottles, and more, all created by high school students. Stop by their booth during Suwanee Fest for a fascinating demonstration!

– Robin Sullivan, Vendor Chair

Nectar of the Vine

Prepackaged gourmet wine slushy mixes in over 20 delicious flavors.

That’s really all you need to know.

– Michelle Budd, Entertainment Chair

Flowerpot Friends

They may begin life as a lifeless fencepost, but these whimsical, handturned garden decorations are full of heart and soul. Enjoy your morning coffee with these little guys fishing, hunting, hiking, gardening, panning for gold, and chopping wood on your patio – they’re sure to put a smile on your face.

Nailed to the Cross

Egyptian artist Amir worked in the family agriculture equipment business until religious turmoil in his homeland forced him to flee with his family and seek refuge in the United States in 1998. After living through this religious extremism, Amir regards each day of peace as a gift. His work with hand-made nails and crosses celebrate religious freedom and his testimony through art. Integrating farm equipment parts such as bolts and washers allows a personal expression of Amir’s heritage and pilgrimage to the United States.

- Rachel Rawlings, Member at Large

- Marcia Massie, Volunteer Chair

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All About Hummingbirds

Twister Woodworks

Woodworkers are a knotty bunch (see what I did there?). Using a variety of tools that run the gamut from extremely sharp to rather blunt, they take everyday tree pieces and turn them into wooden works of art. Do yourself a favor and stop by the Twister Woodworks booth, for the detail, precision, and at very least, for some good conversation.

- Donna Copeletti, Children’s Area Chair

Whimsical yet practical, these hummingbird feeders are individually handcrafted using polymer clay to sculpt the flowers.

The smaller size of the feeder ensures that the hummingbirds can reach the bottom and leave no sugar water behind (did you know a hummingbird’s tongue is as long as its beak?). We love that this is a small, South Carolina home-based business that started out as a seasonal hobby and blossomed into a year-round business.

- David Sullivan, Member at Large

Wilson Custom Knives

As President Nixon once said, “The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire.” A one-man knife-making machine, this North Carolina artist’s motto is “Your design or mine” – from the forging to the stock removal, all Wilson Custom Knives are one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces of useful art.

- Paul Beavin, Sponsorship Chair

Bricks With Friends

Stepping on your kids’ Legos barefoot for the umpteenth time – not awesome. Wearing Lego jewelry – totally awesome. This Buford artist creates handmade jewelry out of classic toys. Need a party favor, stocking stuffer, or just want to add a little fun to your accessory wall? Your kids and your never-gonna-growup, slightly geeky friends are going to be impressed.

– Kim Towne, City Liaison

WE HOPE YOU'RE

DIGGING

SUWANEE FEST! FILL OUT THIS COUPON AND BRING IT TO THE CITY OF SUWANEE TENT IN FRONT OF CITY HALL DURING SUWANEE FEST FOR A PRIZE!

First & Last Name: ______________________________________________ Zip code: _________________________ If you’re interested in receiving the City of Suwanee newsletter, please provide:

Your Address: __________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ If you’re interested in receiving event emails from the City of Suwanee, please provide:

Your Email: ______________________________________________________ Please note that this information is for the City of Suwanee use ONLY; your information will never be sold or given out.

THANKS FOR COMING TO SUWANEE FEST 2017!

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Shop Costco.com for electronics, computers, furniture, outdoor living, appliances, jewelry and more. Or visit our local store!

1550 Mall of Georgia Blvd. • Buford BOOTH www.Costco.com _______________________________________________________________7, __ 8

Elegant Wedding Gifts, Home Décor, Nursery Décor and Wall Hangings.

www.monogramcrafty.com 5, 6 _________________________________________________________________

BOOTH

Gwinnett Medical Center is a not-for-profit health care network that provides high-quality services and facilities to Lawrenceville, Duluth, Hamilton Mill, Johns Creek and the metro Atlanta area. In 2014, our system was recognized by Georgia Trend as the top large hospital in the state.

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www.gwinnettmedicalcenter.org BOOTH _________________________________________________________________

We are committed to providing a natural, preventative approach to healthcare in a world that is literally dying for better answers. Striving to give you the tools to unlock the highest level of health & performance.

11 Buford Village Way, Suite 127/129 • Buford 678-541-5483 _________________________________________________________________

Personal and Business – Checking – Savings – CDs – Money Markets – Commercial Lending – SBA Lending

Serving our hometown of Suwanee for over 20 years.

For all your personal and business needs, we are “Your Banking Partner for Success.”

Suwanee • 505 Peachtree Ind. Blvd.

BOOTH 770.945.8300 12 Milton • 2905 Bethany Bend 678.889.4700 Buckhead • 3438 Peachtree Road, Ste. 150 678.889.4540 _________________________________________________________________

We love to see you smile!

770.945.2015 • WhitneyOrthodontics.com _________________________________________________________________

5:30-7 PM THE MOLLY RINGWALDS

3:30-4:30 PM BROWN DOG BAND

2:45-3 PM KOREAN CULTURAL CENTER TRADITIONAL DRUM PERFORMANCE

1:30-2:15 PM SCOTT BRANTLEY & THE BIG COOLER CREW

12:30-1 PM DAE TWON & BOYS II BOW TIES

11:45-12 PM NGMS GUITAR ENSEMBLE

11:15-11:30 AM SOUTHERN BELLES DANCE COMPANY

10:30-11 AM NORTH GWINNETT PLAYERS

10-10:15 AM SUWANEE BALLET

SEPTEMBER16th

S A T U R D A Y

SCHEDULE

ENTERTAINMENT

Hailing from Sheffield, England, this legendary quintet – known as The World's Greatest 80's Experience – has combined their very formidable talents to create the true essence of the most radical decade ever. The Molly Ringwalds create

How can you possibly resist a band whose logo is a dog wearing sunglasses? The Brown Dog Band is Atlanta’s premiere rhythm and blues review, featuring talented soloists who perform the standards, as well as lesser known material from a highly revered era in American musical history.

Self-described as ‘countrycountry,’ expect some real boottappin’ tunes from the Georgia Country Awards Artist of the Year and three-time Georgia Country Awards Band of the Year.

Fresh off of their appearance on Little Big Shots, this step group will perform alongside their director, Atlantic Records R&B artist, Dae Twon.

NGHS students will perform song and dance numbers from their fall production.

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3:30-5 PM CRASH WALKER & THE MYSTIC ROOSTER

2:15-3 PM J. KYLE REYNOLDS

1-1:45 PM DISTINCT GRACE

12:30-12:45 PM ZOETIC DANCE ENSEMBLE

This four-piece band with a serious love for classic rock and the blues has been heavily influenced by fellow Georgia artists such as The Allman Brothers, Otis Redding, and Travis Tritt, to name a few. Go ahead, admit it…you’re curious about a band with the name “Crash Walker & the Mystic Rooster.”

the quintessential 80's experience with make-up, hair, and the musical genres of the decade. From their days of building a following at a pub located in a large portion of a big city near a small village located south of a place you've never heard of, to selling out large venues in the United States, The Molly Ringwalds are an indescribable act. Luck and circumstance brought these young lads together. The rest is the history of the 80's.

The annual Suwanee Fest Parade will roll through the streets of downtown this year on Saturday, September 16! The traditional kick-off to the two-day celebration of community, the approximately one-mile parade begins at 9 a.m. at Main Street, then travels along Suwanee Dam to Buford Highway, ending in front of the judges’ station at Town Center Park.

This year’s parade grand marshal is former NFL and University of Georgia linebacker, Randall Godfrey. He was drafted in the 1996 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys with the 49th overall pick, and also played for the Tennessee Titans and the Seattle Seahawks.

Godfrey was a three-sport athlete (football, basketball, and track) at Lowndes High School and an All-American linebacker, as well as a member of the All-SEC team at the University of Georgia.

In 1997, Godfrey founded the Randall Godfrey All-Star Football Camp in his hometown of Valdosta. The main purpose of the camp is to give professional players a platform to

speak to the kids about all the trials they’ve been through and the mistakes they’ve made along the way, with the goal of preventing today’s youth from making some of the same mistakes.

“I wasn’t fortunate enough to have NFL players coming back and speaking to me, encouraging me and motivating me each and every summer, but I feel it’s important,” Godfrey said.

After the tragic death of his sister in 2005, Godfrey committed himself to helping those suffering from domestic violence. Today, the Randall Godfrey Foundation provides an alternative to living in a violent situation and educates women about resources necessary for prevention, and to help victims make healthier choices for themselves and their families.

Godfrey retired from the National Football League in 2008 and now resides in Suwanee with his wife, Rhonda, and their three children. He has served as the Director of the Peachtree Ridge Football Association, and his two sons currently play for the North Gwinnett Football Association.

Suwanee Fest Parade Rolls into Town, led by former NFL Linebacker Randall Godfrey

CMA recording artist and Loganville native, J. Kyle Reynolds’ southern drawl mixes with a bluesy feel to create true southern twang country.

Don’t miss this band made up entirely of military veterans, dedicated to raising awareness for widows and children who have lost a spouse or parent in service to our country.

12-12:15 PM ROYAL DANCE ACADEMY

SEPTEMBER17th

S U N D A Y

PARKING AND SHUTTLES ORANGE LOT Shadowbrook Church, 4187 Suwanee Dam Road

› Orange Lot Shadowbrook Church, 4187 Suwanee Dam Road *This lot features wheelchair-accessible shuttles

fo rd Bu

YELLOW LOT Shawnee North Business Center, 305 Shawnee North Drive

GREEN LOT Southeastern Freight, 3655 Windsor Park

› Yellow Lot Shawnee North Business Center, 305 Shawnee North Drive at Lawrenceville Suwanee Road

le vil ce d en e R wr ne La uwa S

H w y

Su Da wa m nee Rd

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Parking is unavailable at Town Center during Suwanee Fest, and traffic in the Town Center area can be congested throughout the day. Please plan on taking the free shuttle for a hassle-free Suwanee Fest parking experience. Off-site festival parking and complimentary shuttles are available at three convenient locations:

› Green Lot Southeastern Freight, 3655 Windsor Park off of Buford Highway e Satellit Blvd

The air-conditioned shuttles will run from 8am-8pm on Saturday, and from 11:30am-7pm on Sunday.

Please note that bus service will be very limited during the parade, from 8:45am to approximately 10:30am.

NEW THIS YEAR: DOGS ARE WELCOME ON THE SHUTTLES!

THESE FOLKS MAKE IT HAPPEN!

A volunteer committee works hard all year long to make sure that Suwanee Fest is the best it can be, year after year. Thank you, Suwanee Fest Committee members, for your time, enthusiasm, creativity, energy, dedication, and hard work!

Sponsorship - Paul Beavin • Entertainment - Michelle Budd, Donna Copeletti, Jennifer Daniel • Parade - John Joseph, Kate Fanale, Kelli Rodriguez, Oscar Rodriguez • Vendors - Robin Sullivan, Janis Beavin • Food Vendors - David Sullivan • Transportation - Mauro Marcillo, Eric Wolman • Volunteers Darcie Johnson, Marcia Massie • At-Large Committee Members - Cathy Karlick, Rachel Rawlings

WHAT COULD HAPPEN? Once a year for six years, 12Stone® Church has proudly partnered with the city of Suwanee to create an incredible experience for the community called, “Suwanee Fest.”

Families and friends gather to enjoy a weekend of food, fun, shopping and entertainment. Long before the parade hits the pavement, hundreds of people have been hard at work dreaming, planning, recruiting, and figuring out logistics.

So why do we do it? Why does the church and the city invest the time, money and manpower?

To add value to the community and bring people together.

After all, isn’t that the type of place where people want to put down roots and raise families? Isn’t it why Suwanee is a sought-after city for homebuyers? Suwanee has become the pattern for surrounding cities on how to engage and unite people. It’s why Suwanee is expanding and building infrastructure for that growth.

And while our end goal may look different, the heart to make room and unite people is a vision we share.

That goal is why 12Stone continues to build and make room for people who want to explore faith and find the full life Jesus promised. It’s why thousands of volunteers work throughout the week and wake up at the crack of dawn

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to prepare for the worship services at eight campuses.

It’s why 12Stone invests deeply in the area by partnering with more than 39 local organizations, supporting their mission and expertise. It’s why we combine faith and fun in teaching series like “AT THE MOVIES”. People need to know they matter to God and they matter to us.

“Powerful things happen when a life is changed for Christ,” says Senior Pastor Kevin Myers. “That transformation ripples from the one changed, to family, friends, co-workers and even where they live.”

But it all begins with the one. One Matters.

As we live in a time when the news reports would have us believe our communities are coming apart at the seams, what could happen if we became more tightly knitted? If our differences wove a diverse tapestry more than discord and trouble?

What could happen if everyone in the greater Gwinnett area, and in Gwinnett’s houses of faith decided to join forces to add value to the community and be a part of bringing people together?

What could happen if the first thought about Gwinnett County wasn’t people in traffic, but people transforming an entire region through kindness and unity?

What could happen?

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OCTOBER 21st - A Green Living Festival filled with Eco Vendors, Artists, Live Music, Food, and a Kids Zone. Get your Taste Buds Ready for Alive! Festival’s new addition “Taste of BBQ”. Bites are 1 to 5 tickets. BBQ tickets sold onsite. Festival is free to attend.

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your health,

wellness and happiness

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LIFE HACKS FOR A FULFILLED LIFE 47 /// FAMILY MATTERS: SHOULD YOU PUSH YOUR KIDS TO DO SPORTS? 50

K P IN M U

In honor of Fall, Fit Mom shares

SEVEN AMAZING HEALTH BENEFITS of the versatile squash STORY BY: Ruth Ungerer, aka Fit Mom

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1

f all the seasons, fall is my favorite: cooler weather, football, leaves falling, delicious food and pumpkin everything! I have to admit, I may go a little crazy incorporating this superfood into my daily menu. But, with good reason! Did you know that as great as pumpkin tastes, it also packs a ton of nutritional benefits, too?

3

PUMPKIN MAY REDUCE THE RISK OF CANCER Like carrots, sweet potatoes and butternut squash, pumpkins contain that rich orange color which is associated with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that may play a role in cancer prevention. Food sources seem to be more effective than supplementation, so look for those bright orange veggies and try using them as a savory side.

2

PUMPKIN HELPS KEEP YOUR SKIN GLOWING & LOOKING YOUNG

PUMPKIN AIDS IN WEIGHT LOSS

One of the key factors in weight loss is consuming plenty of fiber.

With 3 grams per one cup serving and at only 49 calories, it will keep you feeling satiated without the extra calories!

The same free-radical neutralizing powers of carotenoids in pumpkin that may keep cancer cells at bay can also help reverse UV damage and improve skin texture.

It’s also packed with vitamin C, which promotes collagen production.

4

PUMPKIN SEEDS CAN HELP YOUR HEART Nuts and seeds are naturally rich in phytosterols which reduce LDL, the bad cholesterol. They are also loaded with antioxidants and are a great source of magnesium, zinc and fatty acids – all of which keep your heart healthy.

PUMPKIN SEEDS CAN BOOST YOUR MOOD

Pumpkin seeds are rich in the amino acid, tryptophan, which the body uses to produce serotonin and melatonin – the hormones that help you sleep and increase happiness.

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PUMPKIN HELPS WITH POST-WORKOUT RECOVERY

A cup of cooked pumpkin has 25% more of the refueling nutrient potassium than a banana.

Extra potassium helps restore the body's balance of electrolytes after a heavy workout and keeps muscles functioning at their best.

7

Pumpkin Keeps Your Eyesight Sharp

A cup of cooked, mashed pumpkin contains more than 200% of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin A!

➜ For some delicious, pumpkin-filled recipes, visit: suwaneemagazine.com/pumpkin Ruth Ungerer, aka Fit Mom

➜ Ruth has been training women in the Lawrenceville area for the past 16 years! Her passion is connecting with women, teaching them how to live a healthy lifestyle and empowering them to be the best version of themselves.

She trains her clients both locally and online, providing them with dynamic workouts, a detailed meal plan and tremendous support, so they are equipped with everything they need to be successful.

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thrive

Life Hacks For A Fulfilled Life

BY SCOTT MAWDESLEY Founder, Write One Line

often meet people who are stressed out and overwhelmed by the speed and complexity of life. Maybe you can relate?! In fact, in over two decades of coaching and developing people, I have discovered that living a “full” life doesn’t always translate into living the “full”filled life we all hope for.

It’s easy to run hard and fast into a full life, but never find the fulfilled life we are truly looking for. For many years, this was true of my own life until I discovered some important keys in moving from the full life I had chosen to the fulfilled life I wanted.

HERE ARE SOME TECHNIQUES I HAVE LEARNED TO HELP YOU MOVE INTO MORE FULFILLED PLACES IN YOUR OWN LIFE:

1

If you want to say yes to the right things, you must say no to most things

The most practical way I have learned to do this is “nice to” vs. “need to”. When an opportunity comes my way, I always ask, “Is this something I absolutely need to do?” If so, I do it, if not I usually say no because I want to keep my time free for the things that matter most.

2

You need to get clear about what matters most

If you haven’t written down the things that matter most to you then you might be missing the opportunities that could lead to fulfillment. Take some time today to write down the things that are most valuable to you and then start making decisions to invest in those things!

3

If you add something to your life, you need to take something away

Most people I know excel at adding things to their lives but stink at taking things away. If you don’t keep a “stop-doing” list alongside your “start-doing” list you will be become ineffective and ultimately burn out. If you want to live fulfilled you need to stop doing some things today.

To explore some practical thinking and ideas about living a fulfilled life, here are a couple great resources to lead you deeper in that direction:

Scott Mawdesley, Founder, “Write One Line”

➜ Scott has invested over 2 decades of his life in helping others grow to deeper places spiritually.

He is presently a pastor at 12Stone Church and an advocate for the deeper life through his company Write One Line, which he founded to provide soul care for leaders through coaching, training and contemplative retreats - www.writeoneline. com. He lives with his wife and two children in Buford, GA.

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HENRY ANSWERS ALL YOUR PET-RELATED QUESTIONS...

K

HENR Y

AS

Q: I have a friend who

took their dog hiking and he got sick a few days later. The doctor said the dog may have gotten sick from drinking lake water while on the hike. I hike with my dog in the same area. Could my dog be at risk also?

A: I got sick once from drinking lake water and I felt terrible! I had such a bad tummy ache. My dad found out that I had picked up a parasite called Giardia that can be found in stagnant water.

Luckily, he brought me to the vet right away and they tested me right in the office and found out I had the parasite. It also turns out that I could get other things from lake water: parasites, like Coccidia and Cryptosporidium, and an infection called Leptospirosis. My dad had me vaccinated against Lepto that very day so now I feel much safer going to Lake Lanier, but I am still careful not to drink out of puddles and other small areas of water. Dad brings a bottle of water from home for me to drink

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When you take your dog to the lake try to bring him his own container of clean drinking water to help prevent him from getting Giardia.

thrive

now. If you want to be really safe, I suggest you bring a bottle of water for your buddy next time you go hiking and be sure to protect him against Leptospirosis. If he gets sick after you have been hiking, bring him right in to see your vet. Trust me, the treatment for Giardia doesn’t hurt a bit!

Q: I have an adult cat and I just got

a new kitten. My older cat doesn’t seem to like the new kitten I have adopted. Do you have any ideas to help with the transition so everyone can get along?

A: Oh, those pesky cats - why can’t they seem to get

along like us dogs? We know right away who our friends are! I had to ask my housemate, Zelda the kitty, to help me with your question. She says that it is hard for an older cat to trust a new one right away so you have to give them time to adjust. She suggested keeping the new addition in a small room by itself with a litterbox, food and water. This room should be one that the established cat does not use very often. The door to this room should be kept closed initially so that the cats can just smell and hear each other. During this time it is helpful to have a product called a Feliway diffuser to put in several places around the house. This diffuser releases a pheromone that makes cats feel safe. It also helps during this time to mix the scents of the cats by petting each one after the other without washing your hands in between and maybe swap their bedding with each other to get them used to the other’s scent. After a few days, open the door but leave a tall gate in between so they can’t get too close, or put the new kitten in a dog crate with a blanket over part of it so it feels safer. Make sure you supervise their interactions initially. A few days later, you can let the new kitten explore the rest of the house but be sure to keep an extra litterbox available so they don’t have to share and make sure the older cat has a place to escape from the rowdy kitten if she needs to be alone. Sometimes it helps to feed them both yummy treats in the same room so they have a positive experience to associate with their new friend. The important thing is to let them get to know each other at their own pace. Good luck!

Henry’s helper for this issue was Dr. Seibert from Sugar Hill Animal Hospital Dr. Seibert is a 1989 Graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Seibert continued her studies with an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Cornell University. Dr. Seibert is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Georgia Veterinary Medical Association and the Gwinnett County Veterinary Medical Association. Away from the hospital, Dr. Seibert stays busy with her husband and four children. When she does find spare time, she loves to watch college basketball, cheering for her Alma Mater, Duke.

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FAMILY MAT TERS

By Laura Lebovitz, LMFT, Grow Counseling

Should You Push Your Kids to Do Sports?

Playing sports, whether on a team or just as an individual, have so many wonderful benefits for children. Studies have shown that kids who play sports are more likely to have healthy lifestyles, learn effective problem-solving skills, and perform better in school. It is easy to see why you would want your kids to be involved in sports! However, the decision to play or not can get more complicated when your kid does not want to participate...

So, how can you help yourself decide to push your kids or not? Here are some questions that could be helpful for you to think about when trying to make that decision.

Why are they hesitant? It is important to try to determine why your kid does not want to play. If your child is just feeling nervous about trying something new or worried they won’t succeed, you have a bit more room to encourage them to play. If they aren’t interested at all in the sport you’d like them to try, have them consider another possible extracurricular activity they would be interested in. Your kids will receive more benefits from trying something new if it is something that they are interested in.

What is your motivation to push them? Our history

with sports impacts how motivated we are to have our children play. If you loved playing a sport growing up, it would be really tempting to push your child to play to help give them those happy memories you cherish now. While those memories are great, they are not the best reason to push your kids to do a specific sport. Instead, try to find opportunities that your kids will enjoy so that they can build meaningful memories of their own.

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How much is too much?

Look at the rest of your schedule before deciding to add another activity. Be realistic about what the potential activity would add to your calendar. If your calendar is really full, maybe it is ok to pass on this opportunity and focus on something else with less of a commitment. Your kids will have a hard time gaining the benefits of playing a sport if they are too time-crunched to enjoy it! Make sure that the activity will be a fun, positive experience for the whole family by avoiding over-loading.

Read more Family Matters articles @ SuwaneeMagazine.com

LAURA LEBOVITZ, LMFT Laura is a licensed marriage and family therapist who works in the Suwanee area at GROW Counseling.

She received her Masters of Family Therapy from Mercer University School of Medicine. She works with children, adolescents, young adults, and families dealing with a variety of concerns. She specializes in working with anxiety, autism, self-harm, life transitions like divorce, and building healthy relationships within families.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

W

COLLINS HILL

e asked the Athletic Directors at North Gwinnett, Collins Hill and Peachtree Ridge high schools to give us the names of the top male and female athletes to look out for this year. These award-winning students have made it to the top, being named All-State and AllCounty several times over the course of their high school careers.

But, not only do they display incredible athleticism on the field, court and track –they exemplify My advice for leadership younger athletes who and hard want to excel is to work in other areas of their work hard, always do lives as well. the extra work that As they enter sets you aside from their senior other players. year, they hope to make it their best yet and leave a legacy for the younger athletes rising up behind them.

PHOTOS BY:

PAUL PERDUE

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Q:

What are you most looking forward to your senior year?

A: Other than graduating, I look forward to

POWER FORWARD

JADA RICE 2017 ALL-STATE STATS :

Q: When did you

21

HIGHEST PTS.

start playing and when did you realize your potential?

5

HIGHEST ASSTS.

A: I started playing in the

14

HIGHEST # OF REBOUNDS

30

FREE THROW %

8

HIGHEST # OF BLOCKS

5th grade and when I started getting letters of interest and scholarship offers I realized that this could be more than just a game for me.

Q: What is your

favorite basketball memory?

A: Hearing my mom

in the stands, whether it was getting after me for not performing my best or whether she thought my coach wasn’t doing something right, you were always going to be able to hear what she had to say.

winning State this year!

Q:

Best words of advice from your coach?

A: Coach gives us advice every day, but I think the best is: “Play every game like it’s your last.”

Q: Funniest team memory?

A: We have so many, but one of my favorites is the hype after we win a game. You should see us on video – we look like we’re absolutely crazy!

Q:

How do you make sure you are balancing academics and sports?

A: After playing for so long you learn to develop great time management skills. I make sure that before anything I finish schoolwork first.

Q: Any game day rituals?

A: I don’t really have rituals, but usually a Chick-fil-A breakfast is on my to-do list.

¹ Jada has received scholarship offers but has not committed to a school yet.

Q&A WITH SUWANEE’S HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR IMPACT PLAYERS 57

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

SHOOTING GUARD / TEAM MVP

Devin VasselL

FIRST TEAM REGION 6AAAAAA, PLAYED IN THE GACA JUNIOR NORTH SOUTH ALL STAR GAME 201 6 STATS:

16.7

6.1

AVG. PTS./GAME

REBS./GAME

Q:

When did you start playing basketball and when did you realize that it could be more than just a hobby for you?

A: I started playing on a team

when I was 6 years old. There were no 6-year-old teams, but I made a 7-8 year-old team. From that point, until I got into high school, I always played one or two years older. It was around the age of 10 that I really developed a love for the game.

Q:

How do you balance academics and sports?

A:

I make sure that I pay attention in class and complete my homework as soon as I get home from school.

¹ Devin has committed to Florida State.

“Devin has worked hard throughout his career at Peachtree Ridge. He has gradually gotten better each year and now he is one of the best players in the state of Georgia.

He is a great student and an even better person.”

COACH KEITH ARRINGTON

PRHS Head Boys Basketball Coach

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My advice for younger athletes who want to excel is to work hard and don't ever be comfortable where you are always work to do better.

COACH MATT ADAMS

PRHS Head Cross Country Coach

“Mary Kathryn is a very talented and hard working runner. She has all the intangibles you look for in an athlete: competitiveness, drive, responsibility, and coachability.

She's a great teammate to the girls in the program, and she's becoming more and more of a leader.”

CROSS COUNTRY / TRACK

Mary Kathryn Knott

2X GWINNETT DAILY POST SUPER 6, 2016 GWINNETT COUNTY RUNNER OF THE YEAR PR TIMES:

2:25

5:15

11:12

18:41

800M

1600M

3200M

5K

Q:

When did you start running and when did you realize you were really good at it? cross country race my freshman year, everyone on the team thought I wasn’t very fast but then I surprised everybody by finishing with a 13:39 finish in a 2-mile race.

That race placed me 8th on the team, which made me realize I was pretty good at this sport and have a chance to run in college.

Q: Your biggest accomplishments?

A:

Receiving 14 letters of interest from colleges. And, in 2016 my best accomplishments individually were winning first place in the 4A Area Championships, getting third place at the State Championships, and being named Gwinnett Daily Post Runner of the Year. For the girl's team, it was getting ninth in the 7A State Championships.

Q: How many miles a week do you run?

A:

As a team, we practice about 15 hours a week and before I fractured my hip I ran about 35-40 miles a week.

However, I am healed now and getting back to running full mileage.

¹ Mary Kathryn has received scholarship offers but has not committed to a school yet.

My advice is to stay consistent with your training and work hard. There are a lot of naturally good runners but if they don't put in the work then they won't be the best they can be. Some of the best advice I’ve received from my coach is to go out with the top runners in the race and then out-kick them in the end.

PEACHTREE RIDGE

A: I started running in middle school. Before my first

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS My advice for younger athletes is to never listen to people who say you can't, instead prove to them that you can. Whatever you set your mind to, you CAN do.

SHORT STOP / 3RD BASE

Erin Wilbur 2017 STATE CHAMPION, ALL-STATE AND ALL-COUNTY CAREER STATS:

.413

.525

26

13

AVG.

ON BASE %

HITS

RBIs

Q: When did you start playing?

A: I started playing t-ball when I was 4,

but I’ve been around ball fields since before I could walk, when my brother played baseball.

Q:

At what point did you realize that this could be more than a hobby?

A: My dream since I stepped foot on the

field was to play college softball, so it has always been a goal of mine. But I realized that softball was something I could actually excel in around my 8th grade year, when travel ball started to get really serious.

Q:

NORTH GWINNETT

How do you balance academics and sports?

A:

The biggest thing I do right when I get home from practice is to get my homework done. When we have games I try and do it either in the locker room before, or if I don't have time before, it is the first thing I do when I get home as well. I also look for opportunities for tutoring and study groups with my peers.

Q:

What are you most looking forward to as you start your senior year?

A:

I'm looking forward to getting out on the field with my teammates and making this last year of mine the best year it can be be.

¹ Erin has committed to the University of Louisville.

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OFFENSIVE GUARD

Warren Ericson

4 STAR PROSPECT, ALL-AMERICAN CANDIDATE: TOP 300 PROSPECTS IN THE NATION, 1ST TEAM ALL-COUNTY

6’4” 317 LBS

STATS:

96%

GRADE

100

PANCAKE BLOCKS

Q:

When did you start playing?

A: In the 4th grade. I realized

football could be more than a hobby though in 7th grade when my coach, who was a former NFL Offensive Lineman said I had serious potential.

Q:

What do you want to study in college?

A:

I enjoy science and am going into the Sports Medicine field.

Q:

What does game day look like?

A: I don’t really have any rituals, I just go out and play my hardest.

¹ Warren has committed to the University of Georgia.

Never quit! No matter what, never stop working towards your goals.

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

SAFETY

Peyton Woulard STARTED EVERY GAME SINCE SOPHOMORE SEASON

6’1” 175 LBS CA R E E R STATS :

79

2

1

TACKLES

INTs

TDs

Q:

When did you start playing and when did you realize you had potential to go far in football?

A: I started playing when I was 6 years old.

But, when I had the opportunity to start as a sophomore and was the only sophomore out there, I realized this could be more than a game, that I could play in college and maybe even professionally one day - and I took it more seriously.

Q:

What’s your favorite football memory?

A: Scoring my first touchdown when I was 7

COLLINS HILL

years old. It was the first game of the season.

That first time I got the ball I took it 80 yards and just fell in love with the sport right then and there.

Q:

What are you most looking forward to your senior year?

My advice for younger athletes is to push the starters to play well. And if you have the opportunity to get on the field, take it, go at it 100% every time.

Make sure to have a positive attitude. I know getting named JV can be discouraging but stick it out and you can make Varsity!

A:

Going out with a bang, having fun with my brothers, making the school happy and hopefully winning the State Championship!

Q: Any game-day rituals?

A:

I wear my lucky necklace, a green cross, every Friday. I always wear the same underwear, too (but I wash it every week!)

¹ Peyton has committed to Wake Forest 62

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learn news from the suwanee schools universe

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MEET THE NEW COACHES

COACH BILL STEWART

COACH LENNY GREGORY

COACH REGGIE STANCIL

¹ Bill Stewart was Defensive Coordinator at one of NGHS’ Region 6-AAAAAAA chief rivals, Mill Creek. But, when the Bulldogs’ former Head Coach, Bob Sphire, stepped down to become Head Coach at Camden County, the position proved to be a great fit for Stewart. “North has a great tradition and the community support here in Suwanee is like no other,” said Stewart. “Our goal is to improve daily and I want our players to represent themselves, this community and North in a first class way – in a way that represents the pride of North Gwinnett.”

¹ Lenny Gregory is back in Gwinnett County to replace the Eagles former Head Coach, Kevin Reach. Gregory was the Grayson Assistant Coach from 2008-14 before relocating to Centennial in Fulton County. “I missed coaching football in Gwinnett.

In my opinion, Gwinnett County Football is the best in the country,” he said. “We are focused on one day at a time.

Our goal will always be to win a State Championship, but I’m most excited about improving every day and raising the standard for Collins Hill Football.”

¹ Reggie Stancil, left his position as Norcross’ Quarterback Coach to replace the Lions’ former Head Coach, Mark Fleetwood, and said, “I have always wanted to be a Head Football Coach and when all of the Gwinnett County jobs opened up I knew Peachtree Ridge was the one I wanted.” His motto for the Lions football program: “Do the little things right: both on and off the field.” His goal is to help prepare his athletes for life, not only for football…and of course, “making the playoffs and playing the 15th game of the year where the Falcons call home.”

North Gwinnett High School

Peachtree Ridge, North Gwinnett and Collins Hill all got new Head Football Coaches this year and we are excited to see what they can do this season and beyond!

Collins Hill High School

Peachtree Ridge High School

➜ For an in-depth Q&A with each coach visit suwaneemagazine.com/welcome-suwanee-coaches

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7 MUST TRY WINES AT THIS YEAR'S SUWANEE WINE FEST

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

local food. craft beer. wine trends.

Mongolian Beef: This popular, signature dish has sliced, tender beef with onions and scallions in a delicious, sweet Mongolian sauce, garnished with crispy rice noodles.

WOK ART RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: PEKING RESTAURANT

Of

Peking Restaurant celebrates 10 years serving an impeccable dining experience of traditional Mandarin and Cantonese food to the Suwanee community. {STORY BY LIZZY KIDNEY / PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB }

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R E S T A U R A N T

S P O T L I G H T

Peking Restaurant 360 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. / Suwanee, GA 30024 restaurant. Whether he is making in-house sauces or bringing your children lollipops after their meal, Sonny makes sure each of his guests have an impeccable dining experience.

Sonny brought Peking Restaurant to Suwanee in 2007 where it quickly became a local favorite.

Open seven days a week, Peking Restaurant has the reputation for serving traditional Mandarin and Cantonese food at a very affordable price.

“Here you would pay half the price for a traditional meal than you would at other name brand Chinese restaurants,”

or the night when you don’t feel like cooking, and you want something fresh and delicious that doesn’t break the bankPeking Restaurant is the perfect solution. Offering take-out, delivery, and dinein services; this restaurant located in Suwanee is celebrating 10 years and has become well known for their delicious Chinese food.

On a typical day at Peking Restaurant, you can find owner and operator, Sonny Wong, with his hands in all facets of the

All lunch items are served with an Egg Roll, choice of Fried or Steamed Rice, and Choice of Egg Drop, Hot & Sour, or Won Ton Soup

said Sonny. “I have built relationships with all of my customers over the last 10 years and we truly love being able to serve the Suwanee community.”

Restaurant ownership runs in the Wong family and has had a large impact on the way Sonny Wong operates his business. After watching his father open one of the first ten chinese restaurants in the metroAtlanta area in 1970, and learning how to cook from his father-in-law back in Hong Kong, Sonny has been able to provide four different counties with a traditional, familyoriented restaurant experience.

“I make all of my sauces in-house myself, do not use any MSG in any of my food, and my chicken broth is freshly made from chicken bones,” Sonny points out as he excitedly heads to the kitchen

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and returns holding a bottle of cooking wine.

“This is unavailable in Atlanta, so I have it shipped directly to the restaurant from California to add to my chicken broth and certain sauces.”

Along with serving traditional food, Sonny prides himself on having a family-like relationship with not only his customers, but his employees as well. In the kitchen, you will find two chefs who have been with him for over 30 years, and in the front of the restaurant you will find the same wait staff that he has had since 1980.

“I am glad most of my customers know me by name,” Sonny states.

“My customers can call or talk to me anytime if something is wrong and it lets me know that they care and love this restaurant just as much as I do.”

savor

PEKING RESTAURANT FAVORITES:

I truly want to thank the Suwanee community and my customers for being so loyal. I want them to know that when they are hungry and do not feel like cooking, that I am always there for them.

Mongolian Beef

-Owner and operator, Sonny Wong

General Tso’s Chicken

Jum Bon Soup

Spicy noodle soup served with shrimp, scallops, pork and vegetables.

Sesame Chicken & Broccoli

Mention you are going to Peking Restaurant and frequent customers will quickly tell you to try the Mongolian Beef, General Tso’s Chicken, or the number one familyfavorite, Sesame Chicken.

Sonny also swears by their 8-spice Fried Chicken Wings.

But, if you are looking for a more traditional Mandarin or Cantonese dish, Sonny recommends you try the Jum Bon Soup, a spicy noodle soup served with shrimp, scallop, pork and vegetables.

“I truly want to thank the Suwanee community and my customers for

being so loyal,” says Sonny.

“I want them to know that when they are hungry and do not feel like cooking, that I am always there for them.”

This authentic, familyfriendly restaurant has been a Suwanee mainstay for ten years now and no doubt will be a favorite for generations to come. ■

8-spice Fried Chicken Wings

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GUIDE BEST AREA DINING OPTIONS FROM FINE DINING TO FUN FAMILY FARE Dollar signs indicate the typical cost per person for meal, includes one non-alcoholic drink, tax and tip. $ UNDER $10 $$ $11 - $30 $$$ $31 - $50 $$$$ MORE THAN $50

La Madeleine 2 LOCATIONS:

1795 Mall of Georgia Blvd I Buford I 678-714-2773 2255 Pleasant Hill Rd I Duluth I 770-814-0356 LaMadeleine.com I $$ La Madeleine is a cozy, casual French bakery and café serving authentic freshly-made fare from time-honored recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their handcrafted menu items include omelettes, crêpes and quiche for breakfast, homemade soupes, salades and sandwiches for lunch, as well as dinner entrées and authentic French pâtisseries, viennoiserie and breads.

Valentino's Bakery

3294 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Ste. 1004, Duluth 678-878-4772 ValentinosBakeryInc.com I $ Chef Valentino is treating the US with his pastry talents brought all the way from Venezuela. With over 50 years of experience in the baking industry, Chef Valentino carefully crafts goodies not only full of flavor, but attractive in appearance. Stop by his bakery in Duluth to try his famous milhojas, flan, and fruit tart or any other decadently created pastry or dessert!

Bare Bones Steakhouse

115 E. Main St., Suite C-12, Buford 470-266-1890 I BareBonesSteakhouse.com $$$

Located in the Bona Allen building of downtown, historic Buford, Bare Bones Steakhouse provides an atmosphere of character and originality. This classic, traditional steakhouse restaurant and bar also offers a comfortable lounge and additional space to host your next party or event. Stop by Tuesday through Thursday to add a free cheesecake dessert to your dinner and half priced appetizers from 4-6pm!

WANT MORE? STAY CONNECTED WITH SUWANEE MAGAZINE. FOLLOW, TWEET, SHARE >

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ITALIAN

Suwanee Pizza Tavern

1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd I Suwanee I Suite 150 678-546-0823 I Facebook.com/SuwaneePizzaTavern.com I $$ Suwanee Pizza Tavern is known for their made-from-scratch, wood-fired pizza, garlic knots, wings, sandwiches, pastas, and friendly atmosphere. The open pizza pit showcases their wood-fired oven where you can watch their pizza chef create your pizza. The dining area is perfect for a family outing, or you can head over to their signature bar with your friends to watch your favorite sports on the flat screen TVs. Visit Suwanee Pizza Tavern, your local upscale pizza tavern!

AMERICAN

The Diner at Sugar Hill

4500 Nelson Brogdon Blvd I Buford 770.831.0180 I TheDinerAtSugarHill.com I $$ Visit The Diner at Sugar Hill for all your breakfast, lunch, and dinner hometown grill favorites! Choose from an extensive selection of comfort foods and gourmet entrees and top off your meal with a cocktail. The Diner at Sugar Hill also offers both on-site and off-site catering services for you to enjoy hosting at your own location or in their private dining area.

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MEXICAN

Cinco

1500 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suite 100 I Suwanee 678-541-0645 I CincoRestaurants.com I $$ Check out After Five's new food, new drinks and new team! Enjoy hand-crafted margaritas, an extensive tequila list, daily food and drink specials, Sunday brunch and live entertainment!

CHINESE

Peking Restaurant

360 Peachtree Industrial Blvd Suite 101-A I Suwanee 770.271.3778 I PekingOfSuwanee.com I $ Serving the best Chinese food in Suwanee since 2007! Offering a full lunch and dinner menu with an abundance of options including appetizers, soups, fried rice, pan fried noodles, seafood, egg fu young, poultry, lo mein, chow mein, and vegetables. Call Peking Restaurant for your Suwanee delivery or carry-out order or dine-in to enjoy a beer or wine beverage!

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BY: KARL FUREM BEVERAGE SUPERSTORE

Attention wine lovers: What do you have planned for November 4th?

We are going to be at the Suwanee Wine Fest in Town Center Park! The wine experts at Beverage SuperStore are working hard to create an incredible wine list with some some of the most popular wines from last year and some that we are sure will become your new favorites. What new wines you ask? Well, let’s introduce you to a few of them, just to wet your whistle a bit...

The Luigi Righetti Winery’s “SOL” This wine is an awesome Italian red. 60% Corvina, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 10% Pondinella, and 10% Shiraz. As soon as you pour the dark garnet red wine into your glass you are greeted with intense dark fruit aromas.

The first sip leaves you tasting layers of big fruit giving way to each other, followed by a hint of vanilla on the earthy finish. $21.99 / bottle.

All of the wine at Suwanee Wine Fest will be available for purchase at Beverage SuperStore Suwanee.

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At This Year’s

SUWANEE

WINE FEST

Nothing Gold Can Stay

2011 Aluvion from Bezana Winery in Chile

Chablis - Domaine Long Depaquit

2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Back to California for Tank Garage Winery’s Chardonnay. The nose is full of citrus and vanilla.

On the palate, oak and butter notes give way to pineapple, pear, honeysuckle, and custard flavors. All ending in a crisp, refreshing finish. $29.99 / bottle.

53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Syrah, 15% Petit Verdot, and 10% Carmenere brings this big boy red to life. Big red and dark fruit flavors intertwine around the nice tannic structure and balanced acidity leading to a lingering finish that is amazing. This is one of my favorite wines I have tried in the last couple of years. $30.99 / bottle.

From Albert Bichot Winery in France, this classic Chablis is crisp and refreshing. A beautiful floral nose gives way to subtle notes of fruit, almond, and a pleasant minerality. $20.99 / bottle.

From Promemio Winery in Mendoza, Argentina, this wine is a great value. This great little Cabernet pours nice ruby red. The nose is big, full of fruit with layers of pepper and maybe paprika behind it. On the palate, there are lots of big fruit and hints of vanilla with wonderful tannins.

A full and lingering finish makes this a major winner. $12.99 / bottle.

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Paraduxx Red Blend This bold Napa Valley wine is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Zinfandel, and 5% Merlot. This wine is incredibly interesting, with a nose full of aromas of cherry and strawberry.

After it hits your mouth you taste dark berry fruit, black cherry, and a hint of nectarine. It has a bit of spice with well rounded tannins and a nice full finish. James Suckling rated it 93 points saying, “Extremely floral and beautiful with crushed raspberry and rose-petal aromas. Medium body, super integrated tannins and a fine texture.” $44.99 / bottle.

California’s 2014 Barrel Road Red Blend Red wine finished off in Bourbon barrels, the nose is full of cherry and molasses. This is followed by blackberry and plum flavors. The bourbon finish comes in giving us hints of toffee and caramel with a bit of sweet smoke on the finish. $14.99 / bottle.

These are just a few of the 150 great wines that will be available at Suwanee Wine Fest. We hope to see you there!

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5th ANNUAL

2O17 SUWANEE TOWN CENTER PARK

U N LI M ITE D S A MP LE S O F

OVER 150 WINES HAND-SELECTED BY THE WINE EXPERTS AT BEVERAGE SUPERSTORE. PLUS, A CRAFT BEER & COLLEGE FOOTBALL LOU NGE!

NOV. 4TH

1pm4:30pm

HURRY! TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST!

LI M IT E D TICKETS ON SALE NOW! GENERAL ADMISSION EARLY BIRD PRICING: $49 ($55 starting Oct. 21st) LIMITED VIP TICKETS: $99 2017 SUWANEE WINE FEST SPONSORED BY:

Tickets and More information available @ SuwaneeWineFest.com

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VRX GAMES OPENS IN SUGAR HILL news and

events from in and around suwanee.

THE BUZZ 82 /// PEOPLE & PLACES: ON THE SCENE 88 /// EVENT CALENDAR 94

Broadway in the Park

Suwanee Performing Arts’ annual Broadway in the Park production returned to Town Center Park on July 28th and 29th with a musical theatre presentation of Disney’s The Lion King Jr. and an opening act of Madagascar, A Musical Adventure Jr. EXCLUSIVE PICS PG. 92

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Kevin O'Brien

Suwanee Magazine Tours New Mercedes-Benz Stadium ■ In August, our staff at Suwanee Magazine had the opportunity to tour the new Mercedes -Benz Stadium before it opened to the public.

In addition to being home of the Falcons and Atlanta United, some of the upcoming events the stadium will host include Chickfil-A kick off games FSU vs. Alabama and Georgia Check out Tech vs. Tennessee, the 2018 the video college football championship, from our tour the 2019 Super Bowl and the at Suwanee 2020 NCAA Final Four. The Magazine's stadium is also available for YouTube private events. channel.

3rd Annual Cooper O’Brien Memorial Golf Tournament Returns to River Club ■ On Tuesday, September 26th, golfers will head to The River Club for the 3rd annual Cooper O’Brien Memorial Golf Tournament. Golf will be in scramble format and the event will also include a putting contest, family friendly dinner, awards ceremony, music and silent auction at the River Club Lodge. The tournament is organized by Cooper’s Crew, a 501c3 formed in memory and honor of Cooper O’Brien, a North Gwinnett Middle School student who lost his battle to cancer in 2014 at the young age of 14. To date, the Cooper O’Brien Scholarship Fund has donated over $25,000 in the form of scholarships for other students who have shown great strength in the face of hardships. They are also dedicated to providing funding for research and development to help find a cure for childhood cancer. Cooper’s Crew has partnered with CURE Childhood Cancer to help fund research projects specific to Sarcoma cancers. All proceeds from this event go directly to the Cooper’s Crew Fund and the Cooper O’Brien Scholarship Fund. To hear Cooper’s story, or to register for or sponsor the tournament, visit cooperscrew.org.

North Gwinnett Arts Association Awards Scholarships ■ The North Gwinnett Arts Association (NGAA) presented the Rosemary Benavides Williams scholarship checks to recipients Abigail Robertson and Kaylee Boyd on Thursday, August 17th at the NGAA Center for the Arts. The students shared how they became interested in art and why it is important to them. The scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who plan to major in a field of visual arts, such as painting, drawing, sketching, sculpture, art  Rosemary Benavides education, architecture, computer graphics, or Williams scholarship recipients, Abigail Robertson other creative art fields. The scholarship was and Kaylee Boyd with established in 2012, in honor of NGAA member Suwanee Mayor, Jimmy Burnette. Abigail will be Rosemary Benavides Williams (1945-2012). attending Brenau University, studying Studio Arts with a Rosemary was a watercolorist with a passion concentration on drawing and and love for art. She always encouraged others painting. She is a graduate of Heritage Academy, now to live out their dreams through their art. For Lanier Christian Academy. more information on NGAA or the Center for the Kaylee is attending SCAD and plans to study Sequential Art. Arts visit ngaa4arts.com.

She is a graduate of Artios Preparatory.

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Solis Town Center, a 240-Unit Mixed-Use Apartment Development Project Breaks Ground ■ The City of Suwanee Downtown Development Authority, along with developer Terwilliger Pappas and Carlyle Realty Partners, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, June 27th for Solis Town Center, a 240-unit mixed-use apartment development situated adjacent to Suwanee Town Center. Set on six acres, the property will also feature 12,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 71 for-sale townhouses, and a parking garage around which the mixed-use structure will be built.

“This project will bring more residents, commercial opportunities, and energy to Town Center’s vibrant 'live, work, play’ lifestyle. This will be a win for all of us,” said Mayor Jimmy Burnette.

Previous city master plans- dating back to the 2002 Old Town Master Plan and through the 2015

downtown Suwanee Master Plan Update– helped to create a vision for this property. The project also addresses several goals in the 20/20 Vision Strategic Plan, including extending Town Center, ensuring lifetime housing, and promoting a mixture of housing types.

“We have a proven track record with Town Center of master planning our vision and then working with the private sector to implement that vision,” says City Manager Marty Allen.

The elements of this project’s design, connectivity, community, and sense of place will extend down a pedestrian-friendly Buford Highway, setting the stage as to what is expected of future development for the updated Buford Highway corridor.

“I’m proud to break ground on this project as it represents another step our community is taking toward further realizing its vision of having a vibrant, connected, and pedestrian-oriented downtown with a clear sense of place,” said Mayor Burnette.

Virtual Reality Arcade Opens in Sugar Hill ■ On July 15th,, VRX Games celebrated their Grand Opening in Sugar Hill. VRX is a virtual reality gaming experience, where players can pay for an all day pass or rent a bay and explore the planet with Google Earth VR, punch out the beat in SoundBoxing, save humanity with Serious Sam, battle friends in a game of virtual dodge ball in Smash Box Arena, experience on-the-job skills in Job Simulator and much more.

Each of the gaming bays is equipped with the latest in custom built gaming PCs and the HTC Vive virtual reality system. The arcade features both single and multiplayer virtual reality games and welcomes individuals, families and friends of all ages. They also host events such as birthday parties and corporate events. Whether you are a beginner or experienced gamer, the VRX staff is there to help you navigate the equipment and games. There is also a dance floor, live sports TV and food delivery available from a variety of local restaurants. For hours and to learn more, go to vrx.games or on Facebook.com/ VRXGames.

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Cinco Celebrates Grand Re-Opening of After Five

■After Five at Cinco Mexican Cantina hosted a grand re-opening celebration from July 7th-9th. They debuted a brand new tapas menu, new specialty drinks, new staff and live entertainment with popular, local acoustic and rock artist, James Patrick Morgan. After Five is an upscale, 21 and over, tapas and cocktail bar directly adjacent to Cinco Restaurants in Suwanee, open from 5pm – midnight. They host live entertainment and specials throughout the week, ranging from Latin Night on Thursdays to Half Off Wine Wednesdays and Trivia Sundays. Visit cincorestaurants.com for more info and an entertainment/event lineup.

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the buzz

■ Dan LeBlanc is a U.S. Navy Veteran who is no stranger to physical fitness. Now a Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist, LeBlanc hopes to restore the fitness industry back to its roots of hard work, raise the standards of gyms nationwide, and provide everyone with results that are simply unmatched.

This is why he opened Crux Fitness on Moore Road. His classes began on June 12th, 2017 and the gym offers group training, one-on-one training, nutrition counseling, pre and post workout supplementation, as well as weekly and monthly community events.

“Crux was founded on what every other gym does wrong. Most gyms only focus on physical movements, Crux is different because we go “beyond physical,” said LeBlanc. “We utilize a system, High Intensity Resistance Training, (H.I.R.T), unique to Crux, that combines explosive movements with free weights, in a way that gives members muscular strength, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular endurance, all at once.”

The gym offers 11 classes a day, starting at 5am, and the last class starting at 7pm, and is open to members who want

PHOTO BY: JULIE PERDUE

Navy Veteran Opens High Intensity Resistance Training Gym in Suwanee

to workout on their own between those hours as well. Crux keeps their classes small in order to allow each trainer to give the members the specific attention that they need to remain safe, maintain the correct form/technique, as well as push their members outside their comfort zone.

LeBlanc’s philosophy is different than most in that he wants to help each member realize what they are capable of by helping them adopt a brand-new mentality. He truly embodies the Crux motto of “Beyond Physical” and strives to help create that change in everyone who comes to Crux Fitness.

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Northside Hospital and Gwinnett Health System Combining Operations ■ Northside Hospital and Gwinnett Health System (the parent company of Gwinnett Medical Center) have submitted their proposed merger agreement to the State of Georgia Office of the Attorney General for review and approval. Depending on the review process, the five-hospital NorthsideGwinnett Health combined system could be operational in early 2018.

Northside Hospital and Gwinnett Health System are both driven by quality patient care and satisfaction, strong medical professionals, health care innovation and unparalleled patient access.

Anchored by Northside Hospital in Sandy Springs and Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville, the new health system also will include hospitals in Canton, Cumming and Duluth, as well as cancer treatment centers, imaging centers, urgent care centers and other outpatient locations throughout the state. Altogether, the Northside-Gwinnett combined system will have 1,479 beds, nearly 21,000 employees and 3,500 physicians on staff.

Phoenix Community of Atlanta Opens the Doors of New Suwanee Location

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■ "Don’t go to church.

Come and be the church.”

That is the motto of Phoenix Community of Atlanta, a network of churches that focuses on welcoming and serving the broken or hurt. With services in Duluth, Buford, Gainesville and now Suwanee, Phoenix has helped to transform many lives since its humble beginnings ten years ago.

This is a place where you can freely admit your struggles, a place where you will connect with people in real, raw, radical ways, where you will be encouraged to be involved in your community and show the love of Christ through action over words.

Phoenix Community invites you to gather with a different kind of church in Suwanee. Weekly worship will launch on Sunday, September 17th at 10:30am at Artios Academy, 415 Brogdon Rd, Sugar Hill, GA 30024. More information at phoenixatl.org/suwanee.

SEPT / OCT 17

citybuzz

ON THE SCENE

August Concert and Wing Festival Saturday, August 12th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

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Josh Turner Concert Saturday, August 12th THE BOWL AT SUGAR HILL

PHOTOS BY: NATALIE STUBBS

VIEW MORE PEOPLE & PLACES PICS @

suwaneemagazine.com

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August Suwanee Business Alliance Meeting Wednesday, August 9th FRIENDS AMERICAN GRILL

PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE

July Suwanee Business Alliance Meeting Wednesday, July 12th QUANTUM BANK

PHOTOS BY: ANGELA VEUGELER

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VIEW MORE PEOPLE & PLACES PICS @

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Broadway in the Park F riday, July 28th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

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A R E A

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THINGS TO DO THIS SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

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Thru Sept. _____________________ SUWANEE FARMER'S MARKET _____________________

VALENTINO’S BAKERY 2ND ANNIVERSARY EVENT____ ____________________

8:00am - Noon _____________________

Town Center Park

All day beginning at 9:00am ____________________ ____

Product sampling, free cupcakes & gift card raffles

Sept. 2017

1

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY

________________ ____ 5:30pm-9:30pm __________________

Town Center Park __________________

Food trucks start at 5:30pm, music begins at 7pm.

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SUWANEE FEST 5K/10K CLASSIC & 1 MILE__________ FUN RUN _____

Sat. Parade begins @ 9am, booths and entertainment until 7pm / Sun. 12pm-5pm ____________________ ____

Town Center Park

___________________ _____

23 21 For more information, visit suwaneefest.com.

8:00am _______ ________

Town Center_____ Park ___________

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ANNUAL BATMAN DAY

PINK RIBBON CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT SHOPPING NIGHT ____ ____________________ 5:00pm-8:00pm ____________________ ____

6:00pm-8:00pm ____________________ ____

All Inspired Boutique

Friendship Auto

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Duluth Festival Center

SUWANEE FEST! ____________________ ____

SUWANEE BUSINESS ALLIANCE MEETING ____________________ ____

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DULUTH FESTIVAL CONCERT

__________________ _________ 6:30pm Opening Act, 8:00pm Departure: The Journey Tribute Band ________________ ____________

16&17

To register, visit suwaneefest.com/race.

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suwaneemagazine.com

5950 State Bridge Road, Johns Creek

I

SEPT / OCT 17

________________ _________ Begins at 11:00am ________________ ________

Joe’s Garage

2855 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road Suwanee ______________________

Celebration of Harley Quinn’s 25th anniversary.

LAKE LANIER ISLANDS TRIATHLON _____________________ 7:30am _____________________

Lanier Islands Resort _____________________ For more information, visit: gamultisports.com/ lakelanierislandstriathlon.

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COOPER O'BRIEN MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT ________________________

Golf begins at 7:30am / family friendly dinner, awards ceremony, music and silent auction begins at 5:30pm ________________________

The River Club ________________________ To register for or sponsor the tournament, visit cooperscrew.org.

301st

thru Oct.

DULUTH FALL FESTIVAL _____________________ Sat. 9am, parade begins @ 10am / Sun. 5k @ 8am, booths open @ 9am _____________________

Duluth Town Green

30

PEACH STATE CHILI COOKOFF TO BENEFIT THE GIFT OF ADOPTION FUND____ ________________ 12:00pm-6:00pm __________________

Town Center Park

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SEOUL OF THE SOUTH WITH EXPLORE GWINNETT ____ ________________ 11:00am–3:00pm __________________

Traditional Trolley Ride and Korean Food Tour _____________________ For more information, visit: exploregwinnett.org/seoulof thesouth/tour-details.

Oct. 2017

3

PINK RIBBON CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT

#1 American Cancer Society Ladies Golf Tournament in the United States

________________ ____ 8:30am ____________________

The River Club, Suwanee ____________________ For more information, visit: PinkRibbonClassic.org.

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TASTE OF SUWANEE FESTIVAL & 5K ____ _______________

10:30am-6:00pm __________________

Town Center Park __________________

Race kicks off at 10:30am.

Community fundraising event for the North Gwinnett High School Basketball Booster Club features over 30 food vendors.

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BARK IN THE WATERPARK ____________

11:00am5:00pm ___________

LanierWorld ___________

For more information, visit: lanierislands.com / bark-inthe-waterpark.

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SUWANEE BUSINESS ALLIANCE MEETING

_________ _____________ 6:00pm- 8:00pm __________________ ____

Main Street Pavilion, Old Towne Suwanee

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ALIVE! FESTIVAL AND FUN_____________________ CLUB 5K RUN/WALK 10:00am-6:00pm _____________________ Town Center Park ___________________

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For more information call 770-806-7492.

28 JONNY AND XENA “SPREAD THE WORDS” 5K RUN/ WALK/FUN RUN

________________ ____ 9:00am-11:00am ___________________

SUWANEE JAZZ FEST

_________________ ____ 6:00pm-8:00pm ____________ _________

Town Center Park

28 21 14 Town Center Park

5TH ANNUAL THIN MINT SPRINT ____ _________________

7:30am-12:00pm ____________________

Town Center Park

SUGAR RUSH ____ ________________ 11:00am-7:00pm __________________

Downtown Sugar Hill

28 TREK OR TREAT

________________ ____ 1:00pm-3:00pm __________________

20 22

Sims Lake Park

HALLOWEEN COMICFEST (HCF) ____ ___________________

Begins at 11:00am ___________________

Joe’s Garage

2855 LawrencevilleSuwanee Road, Suwanee __________________

Free comics! Features a whole new selection of 30 comic book titles for the industry’s most anticipated fall event taking place at participating comic shops worldwide.

HalloweenComic Fest.com.

TE! A D E H SAVE T

thru

TASTE OF ATLANTA ____________________ Historic Fourth Ward Park_ ___________________ To purchase tickets visit TasteofAtlanta.com.

SUWANEE WINE FESTIVAL NOV. 4th / 1pm-4:30pm / Town Center Park

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit suwaneewinefest.com.

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