2020 Summer Issue

AN INSIDE LOOK AT CLEVELAND’S NORTH GEORGIA ZOO COMMUNITY. CULTURE. LIFESTYLE.

SUMMER 2020

BREWING UP HOPE

GOOD NEWS GWINNETT

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SUWANEE, BUFORD, SUGAR HILL, JOHNS CREEK, LAWRENCEVILLE & DULUTH!

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NORTH OF ATLANTA PAIN CLINIC

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North of Atlanta Pain Clinic

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Duluth clinic offers a full scope of pain management options for chronic and acute pain.

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A Zoo Like No Other From fainting goats to howling wolves, there’s never a dull moment inside Cleveland's North Georgia Zoo, home to more than 400 animals and 80 different species.

Our guide to the best outdoor activities for the type of adventure you crave!

S U W A N E E M AG A Z I N E

PHOTO BY DANIEL ANGULO

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2020 Travel & Adventure Guide

AN INSIDE LOOK AT CLEVELAND’S NORTH GEORGIA ZOO COMMUNITY. CULTURE. LIFESTYLE.

SUMMER 2020 NORTH GEORGIA ZOO •

BREWING UP HOPE

RESTAU RANT SPOTLIGHT: BOTTLES & BON ES

BOTTLES BONES

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SUWANEE, BUFORD, SUGAR HILL, JOHNS CREEK, LAWRENCEVILLE & DULUTH!

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE G U I D E

ON THE COVER!

Suwanee Magazine team member, Natalie Stubbs' skydiving adventure.

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Bottles & Bones

Good News Gwinnett

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18 VDG Brand-Aid

The marketing team at Veugeler Design Group on why now is a good time to reevaluate your online presence and conduct a digital cleanup.

22 7 Tips to Help Your Home Beat the Summer Heat

Matthew Holtkamp from Suwanee’s Holtkamp Heating and Air Conditioning offers seven top home cooling tips to help boost comfort and energy savings.

25 Investment Strategies

Suwanee’s Aileron Investment Advisors, a comprehensive financial planning firm run by father-daughter team Bill and Cindi Porter, address how the stimulus programs can affect future investment strategies.

47 Family Matters

Grow Counseling’s Laura Lebovitz offers some ideas on how you and your family can not only survive but thrive during stressful times.

Our newest feature, Good News Gwinnett, highlights all of the good news happening in and around our community.

48 Faces of Suwanee: Class of 2020

We partnered with The Faces of Suwanee to help highlight some of Suwanee’s Class of 2020.

50 Heal Yourself 360: Posture and Health

Suwanee Spine and Healing Center’s Dr. Lauren Millman explains the vital importance of spinal posture and alignment for overall health and performance.

60 Brewing up Hope

Local breweries emerged as the unexpected beacons of hope during a difficult pandemic.

64 Braselton Brewing Company

Historic Braselton cotton gin transforms into local watering hole.

STILLSCAPES PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO

Suwanee’s new modern chophouse boasts old-school service and an upscale, lively lounge.

68 Suwanee Beer Fest Update

Gwinnett’s favorite day was rescheduled to August 29th but we’re going to party like it’s March 17th!

IN EVERY ISSUE: 8 Editor’s Letter 11 Currently Loving 76 The Buzz 82 Sugar Hill CityBuzz 84 Event Calendar

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a note from our managing editor to sew face masks for friends and families. Over time, we transitioned Good News Gwinnett from a makeshift home broadcast to a weekly blog roundup that we’ll continue to post online for the foreseeable future at SuwaneeMagazine.com. If you happened to miss the videos, turn to p. 41 for a recap of some of our favorite Good News Gwinnett stories.

Speaking of heartwarming news, we were so excited to see our neighborhood breweries emerge as some of the unexpected standouts of quarantine. Breweries such as Slow Pour,

StillFire, Six Bridges, NoFo, Good Word

Summertime in Suwanee HE PAST few months have been a

difficult and trying time, to say the least. As we faced a worldwide pandemic, cities across the country announced stay-at-home orders and, as a result, many of our beloved local businesses were forced to close temporarily, leaving many to face an uncertain future.

In response to sheltering in place, schools, churches and even gyms transitioned online. Parents were tasked with overseeing their children’s school days as teachers and students adjusted to virtual classrooms.

(And may we say, God bless our teachers.) Many of us who were lucky enough to continue working either traded conference rooms for Zoom calls or adapted to a laundry list of safety protocols in order to keep our families and communities safe.

In the wake of all of this monumental change, however, an interesting thing happened: Good news began to emerge from every corner of our community. Families spent more time together.

Our collective focus shifted from the trivial to what’s truly important. We sidelined celebrities and sports figures for new heroes: doctors, nurses and all of the health care professionals putting their lives on the line to keep us safe. Communities rallied together to support local businesses. Most importantly: We took care of each other.

In response to the influx of all of the good coming out of a bad situation, we created Good News Gwinnett, a weekly video series on our Facebook page that highlighted some of the top “good news” stories in our community. We covered all types of good news, from larger stories such as businesses going above and beyond to provide goods and services to those in need to smaller, more sentimental stories like families learning

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MY TOP 3 SUWANEE SUMMER PICKS:

Suwanee Beer Fest on Aug. 29th at Town Center Park. Get all the details on p. 68.

An ice-cold drink from Planet Smoothie on a hot Georgia day. Plus, they’re celebrating 10 years in Town Center this year. Read more on p. 76.

A four-pack of Stillfire Brewing’s Peach Hard Seltzer to sip on by the pool. See how the brewery helped out during the pandemic on p. 63.

and others rallied around their communities in a number of ways. From creating hand sanitizer during a worldwide shortage to transforming into a soup kitchen to help feed those in need, we’ve highlighted many ways breweries stepped up on p. 60.

As stay-at-home orders were lifted, the urge to get out of the house was felt tenfold.

To prepare to welcome patrons again, many businesses, community spaces and organizations are working toward safely reopening. Suwanee’s newest restaurant, Bottles & Bones, is one such business that is excited to once again welcome patrons. Described as an updated version of the American chophouse with an upscale yet approachable menu, Bottles & Bones offers not only a delicious array of food and drinks, but also a fun atmosphere with live music in the lounge. Read more on p. 56.

The timing also couldn’t be better for our annual Travel and Adventure Guide on p.

26 as many of us are itching to explore. We also visited Cleveland’s North Georgia Zoo, p. 36, home to more than 400 animals and 80 different species and often referred to as a “zoo like no other” and “my favorite zoo” by many of its visitors.

We’re also excited to announce that our website recently received a brand-new look.

Our ultimate goal with the redesign was to create a user-friendly experience with a clean design that would make browsing our stories online an easy and enjoyable experience, and we hope you find that to be true! Check it out at SuwaneeMagazine.com and let us know what you think.

As life slowly returns to normal — albeit a slightly new normal — it makes us proud to live in a community that supports one another through trying times. If anything, the past few months have taught us that we, as a community, are stronger than we think. Not only is Suwanee a great place to live, work and play, it’s also a great place to thrive.

ALICIA CARTER, MANAGING EDITOR Alicia@suwanee magazine.com

Tank TaP S T I L L F I R E

B R E W I N G

EACH AND EVERY ONE OF STILLFIRE BREWING’S AWARD-WINNING BEERS IS HANDCRAFTED ONSITE BY LOCAL BREWERS IN OUR 20-BARREL BREWERY. ONCE PERFECTED, IT IS SENT DIRECTLY TO SERVING TANKS WHERE IT IS THEN POURED FROM ONE OF OUR 25 TAPS INTO YOUR GLASS. BECAUSE NOTHING SCREAMS #DRINKLOCAL THAN ENJOYING FRESH BEER THAT WAS BREWED 20 FEET FROM YOUR TABLE. STILLFIRE BREWING TANK TO TAP

ANGELA VEUGELER President / Editor-in-Chief angela@suwaneemagazine.com RANDALL VEUGELER Vice President and Publisher ALICIA CARTER Managing Editor TAMMY LUNEY Ad Manager ads@suwaneemagazine.com

Creative Director RANDALL VEUGELER Art Director ERICA ABRAMS Writers LIZZY JAMES • NATALIE STUBBS Production Manager APRIL MILLER Web Editors CLARKE GLIDEWELL • CHRIS LEGG Graphic Design SHAY HARBAUGH BRIAN HASSINGER • LAURA HOLCOMBE VANESSA STUDEBAKER

Photographers KARL LAMB • JULIE PERDUE GARY DOWD

JULIE PERDUE Executive Sales and Business Development julie@suwaneemagazine.com

Sales Development SUE BROWN 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. ©2020 Veugeler Design Group. The editors welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please email submissions to Alicia Carter at Alicia@suwaneemagazine.com.

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BEST NEW BURGER

Snapshots of the food, shops, events and more we’re loving around town.

THE SCORPION KING BURGER AT BUFORD'S OVER THE TOP BURGER

Suwanee Drive-Through Art Campaign BEST SAFE FAMILY EVENT

THE CITY of

Suwanee launched the “I Arted in the Car” campaign in May as a way to get families out of the house to safely enjoy the city’s public art collection.

Visit Suwanee.com to view an interactive map of the city's art pieces that are visible from the safety and comfort of your family car.

THERE IS very little not

- Alicia Carter Managing Editor

BEST SUMMER CHILL

Margaritaville at Lanier Islands

SET ALONG more than a half-mile of white sandy beach

on beautiful Lake Lanier, Margaritaville is a lakefront paradise where you can take full advantage of those hot Georgia days. Chill on the beach, soak in the rays and grab a drink at Landshark Bar & Grill, then close your eyes and suddenly you’re transported into the lyrics of a Jimmy Buffett tune. It’s a little piece of paradise right here in Gwinnett County. #LakeLife!

LanierIslands.com/Margaritaville

- Alicia Carter, Managing Editor

to love about Buford’s newest burger joint, Over the Top Burger.

The name speaks for itself with delicious burgers like their “Scorpion King" which features two allbeef patties topped with mango salsa, melted goat cheese, flash fried sweet plantains and a Moruga scorpion chili glaze.

Finish it off with an oreo bomb milkshake or their delicious funnel cake fries!

2685 Buford Hwy. N.E. in Buford / 678-482-7655 OvertheTopBurger.com - Lizzy James Contributing Writer

The Suwanee Coloring Book DURING THE height of the quarantine, we enlisted the help of the talented graphic designers of Veugeler Design Group to create The Suwanee Coloring Book, featuring printable coloring pages of some of our favorite Suwanee landmarks. From City Hall and the Suwanee Farmers Market to local hangouts like Cheeky, Mellow Mushroom, Tequila Mama and more, there are a number of pages to choose from that will help you flex your creative muscle. Check it out at SuwaneeMagazine.com.

BEST KID CRAFT

- Alicia Carter, Managing Editor

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BRAND-AID DIGITAL

MARKETING DETOX

business suwanee business community news and info.

BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT page 22 II INVESTMENT STRATEGIES: STIMULUS PROGRAMS page 25

TREATING CHRONIC PAIN AT THE ROOT ACCORDING TO the Center for Disease Control, chronic pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care and is linked to a number of issues, including decreased mobility, restrictions in daily activities, anxiety, depression and a reduced quality of life. It’s been reported that 20.4% of the U.S. population (or 1 in 5 adults) lives with some degree of chronic pain.

For many people, chronic pain is a very real condition that affects all aspects of their life. Thankfully, there are treatment options available to not only manage chronic pain, but to also effectively treat the root of the problem.

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B U S I N ES S S POT L I G HT:

North of Atlanta Pain Clinic DULUTH CLINIC OFFERS A FULL SCOPE OF PAIN MANAGEMENT OPTIONS FOR CHRONIC AND ACUTE PAIN.

By Alicia Carter Photos by Karl Lamb

INCE 2017, North of Atlanta Pain Clinic has been serving as Gwinnett and Forsyth counties’ go-to resource for pain management. The team is overseen by Dr. Jae Yoo, who graduated from the Catholic University College of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree. Dr. Yoo went on to complete an internship at Nassau University Medical Center and a residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, both in New York, as well as pain fellowship training at The Medical College of Georgia before landing at North of Atlanta Pain Clinic in Duluth. To help oversee patients, Dr. Yoo enlisted

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the help of Olga Colac, a certified nurse practitioner who has years of experience in patient care at Scottish Rite Hospital, Northside Hospital and Piedmont Healthcare.

Improving Patients’ Quality of Life

 Dr. Yoo and his team are focused on not only helping to manage their patients’ pain, but they work hard to improve their overall quality of life. Dr. Yoo doesn’t want his patients to simply survive; he wants them to thrive. “What matters most is our patients’ quality of life,” he says. “If they have pain, they can’t enjoy their life.

That’s the reason I went into this specialty — to help them achieve that quality of life.”

North of Atlanta Pain Clinic treats a number of conditions, including back and neck pain, arthritis, neuropathic pain, spine issues, migraines, work-related injuries, fibromyalgia and more. In order to best help his patients, Dr. Yoo says they try to figure out the etiology of the pain.

“We try to fix the problem,” he says.

“There are many ways of managing the pain, including physical therapy or occupational therapy, and also counseling, education and home exercise programs. We also offer medication management to help control the pain. Sometimes we do interventional pain management, which is an injection treatment.”

Injection Treatments  Regenerative therapy utilizes stem cells, the body's natural

BUSINESS

healing mechanism, to treat various conditions, such as degenerative conditions of the shoulder, knees, hips and spine, as well as various soft tissue and bone-related injuries. For this type of treatment, stem cells are collected by aspirating bone marrow from the back of the patient's pelvis. The bone marrow aspirate contains mesenchymal stem cells, platelets and other types of growth factors.

The bone marrow is then placed into a machine called a centrifuge, which spins at a fast speed causing the stem cells and platelets to separate from the rest of the blood products. This concentration of stem cells is then injected back into the injured area.

Patients generally feel improvement within weeks.

A second regenerative treatment offered at North of Atlanta Pain Clinic is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), a non-operative treatment option that relieves pain by naturally promoting longlasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions by incorporating platelets, which contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors that promote the healing of injuries. PRP therapy involves separating platelets from other blood cells to form a concentrated platelet mixture that is then injected into the injured area. PRP therapy is especially good for athletic injuries, and many

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is especially good for athletic injuries, and many patients say it has helped them return to their regular activities and sports with little to no discomfort.

At North of Atlanta Pain Clinic, Dr. Jae Yoo uses a number of techniques as well as state-of-the-art equipment to provide the best care possible for his patients.

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patients say it has helped them return to their regular activities and sports with little to no discomfort.

North of Atlanta Pain Clinic offers patients more opportunities outside of their primary care physician when it comes to comprehensive and interventional pain management. Serving a diverse clientele, the clinic offers easy booking, a wide range of experience and knowledge, flexible schedules and state-of-theart equipment to provide the best care possible and, ultimately, to get to the root of their patients’ problem.

“Nowadays, people are more interested in fixing the problem rather than just patching it up,” Dr. Yoo says.

“This is why we offer regenerative therapy, including stem cell therapy and PRP, at our clinic in addition to our other services.” This assortment of treatment options sets North of Atlanta Pain Clinic apart, and provides much needed relief so patients can get their lives back once and for all. ■

North of Atlanta Pain Clinic is located inside the Crescent Building at 3473 Satellite Blvd., Suite 120N, in Duluth. The clinic is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call 770-5598385 or visit NOAPainClinic.com.

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Dr. Jae Yoo

BRAND-AID

MARKETING TIPS FROM

VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP

A s we enter summer, many of us are taking stock of our overall health. With visions of beaches, lakes and relaxing poolside floating around in our heads, we’re doing everything we can to get “summer ready.” Hopefully, we took advantage of the unexpected downtime to prioritize our physical and mental health. The same could be said for digital marketers. Did we use this extra time to reevaluate our online presence, assess the strategies we implemented at the beginning of the year, and conduct a digital cleanup?

D I G I TA L MARKETING DETOX BY

ALICIA CARTER C O N T E N T M A R K E T I N G M A N A G E R , VEUEGELER DESIGN GROUP

As businesses grow so does their digital space, which means things can get a little neglected — our email databases can become outdated if not checked regularly; our website and social media channels can sometimes be overlooked as we shift our focus to other areas; and our overall brand presence can become stagnant as we tread the waters of growing client needs.

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CONSIDER UPDATING YOUR WEBSITE

HERE ARE TIPS TO HELP GET BACK ON TRACK: CLEAN UP EMAIL LISTS

Most marketers and business owners acquire multiple email lists over time, which can include active customers, potential leads and other contacts. Without regular maintenance, however, these lists EMAIL LISTS can quickly become outdated as people DECLINE BY change jobs, emails 20-30% go unopened, or EVERY YEAR. worse, your emails find their way into - Stirista spam folders.

This is why it’s so important to check your email lists regularly, especially since it’s been reported that email lists decline by 20 –30% every year. The best way to do this is through email scrubbing, which includes removing unengaged subscribers from your email list so that you can market only to people who want to receive your emails.

The basic steps to email scrubbing include removing or fixing bad email addresses, which include bad formats (does the email address omit a period, contain a misspelling, or include other incorrect information?); incorrect domains (has the domain name changed?); or outdated accounts (has this contact left the company?). It’s also important to remove generic email addresses, which include any addresses that are not attributed to a specific person, but instead act as a catch-all location and typically begin with info@, admin@, support@ or other generic terms. Finally, it’s the perfect time to remove any inactive subscribers, aka, those contacts who aren’t opening or interacting with your emails.

GIVE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILES A FACELIFT

Even if you’re regularly posting on your social media accounts it’s also important not to neglect basic profile information such as profile photos, bios and any links or business information associated with

 When was the last time you updated your company’s website? Three years ago? Five?

Possibly more? It’s no secret that having a mobile-responsive, modern website is a must for all businesses. After all, your website is your virtual front door and, in many cases, the first impression a potential customer will have with OF PEOPLE WILL STOP ENGAGING your business.

WITH A WEBSITE IF THE CONTENT/ In order to maintain a LAYOUT IS competitive edge in today’s UNATTRACTIVE. marketplace, it’s imperative - HubSpot that businesses have optimized websites that enhance the user experience. Consider updating your company’s website if the images are outdated; the load times are slow; the design isn’t mobile-friendly; or the content has remained stagnant over time.

38%

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72% of consumers

your page. Has your profile photo been the same since 2017? If so, it’s time for an update, even if it’s simply to resize the photo to fit the updated dimensions for each of your social channels. Even a small change like this can have a

- Stirista big impact.

Take a look at your “about us” section on each platform. Is your bio outdated? Does it reference something from years ago? Chances are it could use a good fact-check and update. Other small details like the business hours, phone number and address should be checked for accuracy. Taking the time to make sure your information is up to date will help ensure prospective customers can easily find the information they’re looking for.

say positive reviews make them trust businesses more.

FOLLOW UP ON REVIEWS

Reviews are essentially the digital version of “word of mouth,” and as it’s been said, word of mouth is the

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single most effective form of marketing. More and more, consumers are considering online reviews — whether on Google, Facebook, Yelp, or elsewhere — when making their purchasing decisions. When is the last time you checked or responded to your online reviews? There are probably reviews out there you didn’t even know about that could be affecting your online reputation.

Make sure you respond to negative reviews immediately. Most people who leave a negative review are just looking to be heard, so let them know that you hear their feedback and offer to do everything in your power — within reason — to make it right.

On that note, respond to every review. No matter if the feedback is positive or negative, it’s important to take time to respond to each review individually.

Engaging with your customers shows other potential customers that you care about their experience.

It is important not to neglect your digital presence. Taking time to dust off your digital space will help you present the most up-to-date and best version of your business to customers new and old. ■

2019 GWINNETT DAILY POST READER’S CHOICE

GWINNETT’S BEST WEBSITE DESIGN FIRM

Call or email us fo ra FREE, no-s tringsattached w ebsite assessmen t.

A mobile-responsive website is a must in today’s economy. Veugeler Design Group builds award-winning, lead-generating websites, landing pages, micro-sites, web banners and more, all optimized to turn online visitors into customers and maximize brand equity.

Veugeler Design Group 678-482-2270 / info@vdgatl.com / VDGatl.com WEBSITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

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7 Tips to Help Your Home

Beat the Summer Heat

WHILE CORONAVIRUS HAS HAD QUITE AN IMPACT ON OUR COMMUNITY, ONE OF THE SILVER LININGS HAS BEEN FAMILIES SPENDING MORE TIME TOGETHER AT HOME. WITH SUMMER TEMPERATURES HEATING UP, THESE SEVEN TOP HOME COOLING TIPS WILL HELP BOOST YOUR COMFORT AND ENERGY SAVINGS.

1. Regularly Change Your Filters

BY MATTHEW HOLTKAMP

Matthew Holtkamp is the President of Holtkamp Heating & Air Conditioning which provides awardwinning air conditioning and furnace/heat pump repairs, replacement and maintenance to Gwinnett County and surrounding areas from its Suwanee headquarters.

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The easiest thing you can do to help keep your system running smoothly is changing your HVAC filters at least every 60 days. If you have pets, consider changing filters every 30 days.

Your system needs strong air flow, and fresh filters let your system “breathe” cool air into every corner of your home.

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2. Manage Your Windows Keeping your blinds, drapes, shutters or shades closed during the peak heat of the day (mid- to late-afternoon) will help keep your home cool, especially for southfacing windows.

3. Make Sure to Keep Cool Air Flowing Be sure your air vents and returns aren’t blocked by couches, tables, curtains or other obstructions. Your home’s HVAC system was designed to allow for maximum air flow, and covering the vents prevents proper cooling of your rooms.

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4. Consider Alternative Ways to Cook Keep your home more comfortable by firing up the grill instead of heating up your oven or cooking on the stove. The longer days and beautiful evening weather make outdoor cooking a breeze. Cooking in an Instant Pot also cuts down on residual heat in your home. Check out our website for many tasty family recipes, including some flavorful Instant Pot dishes.

5. Give Your Outdoor Unit Maximum Space

YOUR HVAC SYSTEM WAS DESIGNED TO HAVE PROFESSIONAL MAINTENANCE PERFORMED TWO TIMES PER YEAR.

Keep your outdoor unit clear of all vines, brush, leaves and other yard debris.

Provide at least 18-24 inches of space for proper air flow and maximum efficiency.

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6. Schedule a Professional Tune-up Imagine driving your car for 50,000 miles and never changing the oil.

It wouldn’t perform very well, and without proper maintenance, neither will your air conditioning system.

Holtkamp Heating & Air Conditioning’s highly trained HVAC

techs will get your system in tiptop shape with a comprehensive 21-point precision tune-up. In fact, your system was designed to have professional maintenance performed twice per year.

After an extensive tune-up, your A/C’s performance and efficiency will drastically improve, providing you with cooler air and lower energy bills.

7. Explore New Energy Efficient Systems If your system is 10 years old or older and you know it’s about to kick the bucket, don’t waste money by repairing an old unit that will soon fail.

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Modern systems are significantly more efficient than units built even just 10 years ago, costing much less to operate while delivering better comfort. Plus, they’re whisper quiet when operating. There are options for every budget and convenient financing for qualified customers. ■

Holtkamp Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to be Suwanee’s leading HVAC provider and appreciates the opportunity to help your family enjoy maximum indoor comfort. For a 21-point tune-up or a free system replacement estimate, please call 470-223-1176. For more information about Holtkamp Heating & Air Conditioning, visit HoltkampHVAC.com.

INVESTMENT S T R AT E G I E S BY: Bill and Cindi Porter, AILERON INVESTMENT ADVISORS

Q: HOW MIGHT THE STIMULUS

PROGRAMS AFFECT MY FUTURE INVESTMENT STRATEGIES? MULTIPLE CONSIDERATIONS CAN BE IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER. First, is the reminder that the markets do experience major setbacks from time to time. After 11 years of a generally up market, many people forgot that “risk taking” is a real concept. For long-term investors who have the emotional strength, adequate alternative liquidity, and the understanding that the stock and bond markets can be a roller coaster, “risk taking” has generally been a rewarding option. However, it is not for everyone, and for those who do plan to use the markets going forward, the important question is: How much of my portfolio do I want to have “at risk,” and how much should “not be at risk”? The answer is unique to each investor, but it is imperative that one consciously answers those questions AND adjusts as circumstances change.

Second, and seemingly contradictory to the first consideration is the main answer to the reader’s question. The federal government is spending trillions (that it does not have) to help deal with the fallout from the Coronavirus. The government and Federal Reserve are simply writing IOUs, so it can “look good on paper”. However, the extra unfunded trillions are future inflation seedlings being spread across America. As a result, investors may need to earn returns that will exceed the future rate of inflation – or potentially lose purchasing power. Banks are currently paying nearly nothing in interest rates, but historically the stock market has outpaced inflation1. While the rollercoaster may be uncomfortable for many investors, some level of long-term market exposure may become a necessity just to help protect the value of the money you already have. Fortunately, there are multiple investment tools available.

A serious conversation with your trusted advisor about various options is highly recommended. ■ 1 http://fedprimerate.com/outpace-inflation.htm

Securities and advisory services offered through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor. MAS and Aileron Investment Advisors are not affiliated entities. All investments are subject to risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Any references to protection, guarantees or lifetime income generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investment products. Insurance and annuity product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

Send your investment questions to: submissions@ SuwaneeMagazine.com

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2020 TRAVEL &

ADVENTURE GUIDE

choose your own adventure edition

YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR THE TYPE OF ADVENTURE YOU CRAVE! or the last few months our community has been forced to hunker down indoors in an attempt to keep our families healthy and safe. As we begin to emerge from our homes the desire for adventure is stronger than ever, that’s why we’ve created a handy guide to help steer you toward the best adventure activity for you!

Just follow the steps in our Choose Your Own Adventure story, then flip over to the Adventure Guide on p. 32 for a list of local places you can flex your adventure muscles!

PHOTO BY DARREN QUINN

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START HERE SECTION 1:

Do you have a need for speed?

YES

STAY ON SECTION 1

A DV E N T U R E R AT I N G :

More information at SixFlags.com/overgeorgia

ZIPLINING

NO

GO TO SECTION 2

There’s nothing quite like your first zipline experience. You pop on a helmet and a harness, clip in, and stand at the edge of a platform. Somehow, it seems to be a lot higher from up there than it looked from the ground. But after working up the courage, you take a deep breath, grip the handles, and leap from the platform. You fly over the treetops before the brakes kick in, and the guides pull you safely onto the next platform. Exhilarated, you can’t believe your first zipline ride ended so quickly – and you’re ready for the next one.

More information on p. 33

After waiting in line for any substantial amount of time, you finally make it to your seat in the car, strap in and wait for the slow climb up that first hill. As you ascend the track with the telltale “clink-clink-clink” soundtrack of one of the few slow portions of the ride, your heart beats faster, hands raised in the air as you anticipate that first free fall. Finally you reach the peak of the hill and as the nose of the car slowly tips over to the other side you suddenly race down the track while your body feels like it hovers in space, then you twist, turn and loop-de-loop before the ride finally ends with a subtle jerk to a stop right back where you started. You jump out of the car and race to the next one ready to do it all over again.

GIVE IT A TRY: Six Flags Over Georgia

A DREN A LI N E RU S H

GIVE IT A TRY: Treetop Quest

ROLLER COASTERS

ADVENTURE R AT I N G :

ADREN ALIN E RUSH 27

SECTION 2:

Do you mind getting wet?

NOT AT ALL

WHITE WATER RAFTING

Forward! Backward! Lean in! Not only does one need to be seeking an ultimate thrill to go white water rafting, one must also be a good listener (if you weren’t nervous STAY ON before, are you now?). You’re suited up and grouped up in an inflatable raft and SECTION 2 positioned along the left and right sides, with your guide in the center of the back.

The guide is reading the waves and shouting commands for you to follow (which are rehearsed and perfected before you even get near the water, don’t worry!).

You’ll quickly get the hang of the motions and working together as a team while anticipating who might get ejected from the raft — or the possibility of flipping the entire raft. After speeding down the river in what feels like no time at all, dodging rocks and dipping into waves for a refreshing splash, you’ll wish the river never ended.

GIVE IT A TRY: Nantahala Outdoor Center

For more information go to NOC.com/Plan-your-trip/chattahoochee-river-metro

ADVENTURE R AT I N G :

A D RE N ALI N E RUSH

SCUBA DIVING The ultimate way to explore what lies below the water’s surface! For this adventure, you will need professional training and certification if you haven’t already had it. From the stern of the dive boat on a small island in the Caribbean, take a giant stride into the ocean and slowly descend. What a wonderful feeling of weightlessness! At the bottom, you find a giant puffer fish looking for food, then shine your light at the coral to find a green moray eel hiding in a cave, discover a tiny arrow crab in a giant purple sponge and look to your left to see a pair of spotted eagle rays digging in the sand.

Such a sense of wonder and adventure! After 45 minutes of exploration, it’s time to slowly ascend. Perform your 15 ft. safety stop for three minutes and back onto the boat it is. This surface interval can’t pass fast enough so you can get back into the water and see what awaits on the ocean floor for your next dive!

GIVE IT A TRY: 20,000 Leagues Scuba and Aquatics More information on p. 35

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2020 TRAVEL & ADVENTURE GUIDE

KEEP ME DRY MOVE TO SECTION 3

SECTION 3:

Feet on the ground or flying through the air?

A DV E N T U R E R AT I N G :

ADRENALINE R USH

TUBING BEHIND A BOAT Who would have thought being dragged across a lake and launched off into the air when you can’t hold on any longer would be so fun? At first glance, tubing is like riding a roller coaster on the water. You put your life jacket on, jump onto your tube, and prepare to hold on as the boat takes you in circles and over waves. With varying thrill levels, this no-skill-required water activity is perfect for people of all ages.

ON THE GROUND STAY ON SECTION 3

HIKING

Just put one foot in front of the other as you navigate the trail — whether you opt for a more relaxing summit with great views or a rugged terrain with a steep incline, hiking is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors and all the spoils of Mother Nature. If it’s a more leisurely hike, take the time to identify plants, spot wildlife or find hidden treasures along the way. Adventurous hikers can find spots to rappel, places to climb or steep trails to navigate. Be sure to count your steps and whatever you do, invest in good hiking boots!

FLY LIKE A BIRD GO TO SECTION 4

GIVE IT A TRY: Stone Mountain Park More information on p. 33

GIVE IT A TRY: Aqua Sports Adventures More information at AquaSportsAdventures.com

A DV E N T U R E R AT I N G :

EASY PEASY

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SECTION 4:

HOT AIR BALLOON An exciting alternative to sight-seeing — views from a floating basket! Even enjoyable for those with acrophobia (and/or claustrophobia), hot air balloons are often much larger in person than they appear, which offer ample room for movement and personal breathability space. You can stand toward the outside if you dare, or more toward the inside — whichever makes you feel more comfortable. The heat fires up, the ropes are untethered, and you begin to very slowly lift into the air.

Your 360-degree views begin to widen as you gradually rise and you take a deep inhale as all of the noise and business of life on the ground fades away, leaving you able to soak in the beauty around you. You’ll gradually lower back down until you’re anchored back to the earth, and jump out of the basket feeling a sense of renewal.

GIVE IT A TRY: Balloon Atlanta More information on p. 34

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BUNGEE JUMPING ADVENTURE R AT I N G :

The idea of putting yourself into a situation in which you feel uncomfortable (but still safe) is a strange but exciting thing. Bungee jumping is truly an adrenaline rush like no other. You go through a training course on proper ways to jump and listen to the instructor tell you best practices, but honestly, nothing prepares you for the actual moment. You build up courage to walk out and stand on that platform, and your knees suddenly feel weak as you look down 160 feet. Giving into your fear may seem like the best thing to do, but before you know it you are off that bridge and free falling toward the river below, bouncing upward just as you are about to hit the water.

ULTIMAT E TH R IL L

GIVE IT A TRY: Track Recreation Center in Pigeon Forge More information at FunattheTrack.com

SKYDIVING

ADVENTURE R AT I N G :

You excitedly (or anxiously) wait, seated in a small aircraft, as the pilot takes you higher and higher above the clouds. Once you’ve reached an elevation of 14,000 feet, the aircraft door opens and you slide toward the door and position yourself seated, facing outward, with your legs hanging over the edge. You begin to rock back and forth — 1, 2, 3 — then you tuck your head and arms in close to your core and roll forward into the open air. As soon as you flip and are facing the ground, you extend your arms and legs out and float in what mimics a strong wind tunnel, not even feeling the descent. Once you’ve free fallen for about a minute, you pull the ’chute, which forces your legs to drop so you can then glide, enjoy the incredible views, and steer the ’chute toward the ground to prepare for a smooth-as-possible landing.

Your feet hit the ground and then you’re guaranteed to be ready to do it all over again!

ULTIMAT E THRIL L

GIVE IT A TRY: Skydive Spaceland Atlanta More information on p. 32

PHOTO BY NICHOLAS LOTT

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2020 GEORGIA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL FEAST, SHOP, AND PLAY LIKE ROYALTY Each weekend this fall from October 10 through November 22, you can step inside the gates of Newcastle and find yourself transported back to 16th-century England! The 2020 Georgia Renaissance Festival’s 32-acre village is filled with over 150 artisan craft shoppes, 10 stages of endless entertainment, wonderful pubs and taverns, plus food galore! You’ll laugh at the antics of the costumed characters, try your skill at carnival-style games, and enjoy human-powered rides for kids of all ages. Did we mention food? Giant roasted turkey legs, fish and chips, hearty ales, mead, and more – a feast fit for Royalty! It’s a full day of fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family. The 2020 Georgia RenFest – Get into it!

(770) 964-8575 6905 VIRLYN B. SMITH RD. FAIRBURN, GA 30213

GARenFest.com

SKYDIVE SPACELAND THE SKYDIVING THRILL OF A LIFETIME Family-owned and operated Skydive Spaceland Atlanta is a completely remodeled, high-capacity skydiving center just 55 miles northwest of Atlanta.

Noted as one of the world’s most progressive skydiving training centers, Skydive Spaceland Atlanta offers the thrill of a lifetime with gorgeous views of the North Georgia hill country! Jump out of a perfectly good airplane from up to 14,000 feet and then freefall at 120 mph! Skydive Spaceland offers group rates as well as a special rate for military (active and retired), first responders (police/fire/EMS), and healthcare workers: $169 (reg. $219). Gift certificates are available.

PHOTO BY DANIEL ANGULO

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770-748-2200 / 1195 GRADY RD. • ROCKMART, GA 30153

SkydiveSpaceland.com

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TREETOP QUEST CLIMBING FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY Treetop Quest’s two metroAtlanta adventure parks offer a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Tucked into the forests of Buford (at the Environmental and Heritage Center) and Dunwoody (inside Brook Run Park), both locations are conveniently located for an adventure close to home.

The parks feature a multitude of treetop elements including zip-lines, sky bridges, Tarzan swings, cargo nets and other obstacles.

Treetop Quest boasts a “challenge by choice" motto so participants can climb at their comfort level. Courses start low and easier for kids as young as 4 and advance gradually, reaching heights of 60 feet with

challenging obstacles for adults. During the entire course participants wear a harness and use a belay system that stays connected to the lifeline.

At Treetop Quest Gwinnett there is an additional harnessfree activity, Spider Quest, with 25 obstacles, tree houses and a giant slide suspended above a giant safety net.

The Gwinnett park in Buford also features a free-fall from the end of a course and Level 5 for the boldest climbers. The most loved zip-lines are 200 feet long and are sure to summon the excited adventurer out of the whole family, sullen teenagers included!

Leave your screens for a few hours and enjoy some time with friends and family immersed in nature.

Treetop Quest is open weekends from March through November and daily during the summer.

TREETOP QUEST GWINNETT

(404) 277-6113 gwinnett@treetopquest.com 2020 CLEAN WATER DRIVE BUFORD, GA 30519

TREETOP QUEST DUNWOODY

(770) 365-0356 dunwoody@treetopquest.com 2341 PEELER ROAD DUNWOODY, GA 30338

TreetopQuest.com

STONE MOUNTAIN PARK ONE OF THE TOP HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS IN THE COUNTRY IS ALSO GEORGIA’S MOST POPULAR ATTRACTION Home to the world’s largest freestanding piece of exposed granite, Stone Mountain Park also features a historical Memorial Carving, the world’s largest relief sculpture. The 3,200-acre park includes more than a dozen attractions, historical and Dinosaur Explore natural sights, two Marriott hotels, Georgia’s largest campground, two championship golf courses, and expansive natural woodlands with hiking trails. Minutes from downtown Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is directly off U.S Highway 78 and is easily accessible from Atlanta.

After a 65- to 230-million-year hiatus, a few Jurassic giants are returning to Georgia’s most visited attraction this spring. Families can choose their own adventure at the all-new Dinosaur Explore, a prehistoric creature experience at Stone Mountain Park.

Guests will step back in time and embark on an exciting adventure at Dinosaur Explore which features more than 20 life-size dinosaurs moving and roaring like their ancient ancestors. Located on wooded trails, this captivating creature collection includes many prehistoric favorites: a giant Tyrannosaurus Rex, a gentle, plant-eating Brachiosaurus towering overhead nearly two stories tall, a Stegosaurus known for its powerful spiked tail, a three-horned Triceratops, a winged Pteranodon and more!

The all-new Dinosaur Explore is included with an AllAttractions Pass, Mountain Membership or Pre-K Pass.

All-Attractions Passes also include access to the park’s family fun attractions such as Summit Skyride, Geyser Towers®, SkyHike®, Scenic Railroad, Historic Square and Farmyard, Discovering Stone Mountain Museum and more. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit StoneMountainPark.com.

(770) 498-5690 1000 ROBERT E. LEE BLVD, STONE MOUNTAIN, GA 30083

StoneMountainPark.com

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BALLOON ATLANTA SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS OF ADVENTURE IN A HOT AIR BALLOON From skimming across a lake to floating thousands of feet in the air, Balloon Atlanta offers balloon flight adventures that you’ll love! Covering the North Georgia area from Douglasville to Gainesville, including Alpharetta, Marietta, Canton, Roswell, and Cartersville, Balloon Atlanta pilots are professional, safe, and fly for the love of flying balloons. It’s their passion!

(770) 928-4426

BalloonAtlanta.com

MITCHAM FARM

REAL FARM, REAL FOOD, AND REAL FUN FOR ALL AGES!

In the fall, family activities include exploring a giant corn maze, visiting the pumpkin patch, enjoying the hayrides, petting zoo, play area, bonfire pits, mountain slide, giant bounce pillow, delicious food, and more. In the spring and summer, you can pick your own strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or peaches. The farm market has fresh produce, homemade ice cream, fresh donuts, boiled peanuts, kettle corn, and more! Groups are welcome. Check their website for upcoming festivals and event info.

(770) 855-1530 797 MACEDONIA CHURCH ROAD OXFORD, GEORGIA 30054

MitchamFarm.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY 20,000 LEAGUES SCUBA AND AQUATICS

20,000 LEAGUES SCUBA AND AQUATICS A FULL-SERVICE SCUBA DIVING EXPERIENCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY 20,000 Leagues Scuba and Aquatics are your certified pros in the scuba diving community. They offer a full-service scuba diving experience with a unique combination of technical expertise, business expertise, fun and water! Their motto, “Dive Buddies for Life,” comes from their passion to share what they love with all of their new dive buddies.

20,000 Leagues faithfully serves the greater Atlanta area for all of its diving and snorkeling needs. Their instructors have been teaching for a combination of more than 100 years and are willing to dive anywhere that has water — from the dark waters of Cooper River to the pristine water of the Red Sea. Look for their brand-new location in Alpharetta, opening in mid to late 2021 on Flynn Crossing Drive next to the Flynn Crossing Shopping Center with the expanded 20,000 Leagues Scuba and Aquatics retail store and the brandnew Splash Aquatic Center!

(770) 752-0002 info@20000leaguesscuba.com 5184 MCGINNIS FERRY ROAD ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA 30005

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A Zoo Like No Other From fainting goats to howling wolves, there’s never a dull moment inside Cleveland's North Georgia Zoo, home to more than 400 animals and 80 different species.

BY LIZZY JAMES Photos By Lizzy James and Courtesy Of North Georgia Zoo

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North Georgia Zoo raises awareness for animal conservation through up close and personal animal encounters.

he North Georgia Zoo & Farm (NGZ), referred to by many as a “zoo like no other” and “my favorite zoo,” was first known as an outreach program, Wildlife Wonders - Zoo to You, which started in 1995 and offered unique and handson experiences in an effort to raise awareness for animal conservation. After traveling and hosting more than 800 conservation classes a year, Wildlife Wonders opened the 50-acre North Georgia Zoo & Farm in 2010 to give guests an opportunity to come see the animals at one location. In the last 10 years, NGZ has continued to evolve,

but its passion for raising awareness for animal conservation remains the same and it continues to offer opportunities for visitors to get up close and personal with the animals.

Guided Wildlife Walks One way the staff works to raise awareness is by taking visitors on Guided Wildlife Walks. These walks are provided during regular business hours and offer a chance for visitors to learn more about cougars, lemurs, kangaroos, wolves and other animals. Visitors even have a chance to see some of the “famous” animals who have made

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appearances in several Georgia-filmed movies and television shows such as “The Originals,” “The Walking Dead” and “Ozark.” For the animal lovers who want to take it one step further, the zoo also offers the option to sign up for unique encounters with some of their most popular residents. Enjoy a reptile encounter and get hands-on with everything from alligators to large snakes. Slow down with the sloths and break through some of the myths surrounding these adorable creatures.

Head into the kangaroo exhibits to get a closer look at the different kangaroo species, or take a wagon ride to see exotic livestock, learn about the rare breed livestock breeding program, and even feed the camels!

The petting zoo and farm animal area is another low-cost option that is great for both kids and adults. Here, visitors are introduced to more than a dozen different farm animals (hello, baby goats!), a giant tortoise, deer, parrots, and even a few camels.

VISITORS EVEN HAVE A CHANCE TO SEE SOME OF THE “FAMOUS” ANIMALS WHO HAVE MADE APPEARANCES IN SEVERAL GEORGIAFILMED MOVIES AND TELEVISION SHOWS SUCH AS “THE ORIGINALS,” “THE WALKING DEAD” AND “OZARK.”

COVID-19 Protocols

Like so many other small businesses, North Georgia Wildlife Park & Zoo has experienced the effects of COVID-19 over the past few months. Typically, its spring and summer seasons are filled with educational programs, where zoo staff take animals to schools,

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Animal lovers can participate in a wildlife walk where they can get up close with many different species.

libraries and churches in an effort to teach people about caring and connecting with wildlife. Almost all of these programs were canceled, however, leaving the zoo with the challenge of feeding and caring for hundreds of animals on a restricted budget.

“We’re a privately owned zoo, so we don’t get any kind of government or state funding,” says Jeff Powell, North Georgia Zoo’s director of operations. “That being said we’ve had to furlough almost half of our staff.” Despite this setback, furloughed staff have continued to volunteer their time

to help care for the animals, and community members continue to donate food and money. “It has really been wonderful to see how people have stepped up,” Powell says. “A lot of times it’s folks we’ve never met. Some restaurants brought food over, and local deer hunters even contributed venison to help feed the zoo’s serval cougar, lynx, and wolves when the grocery stores were low on meat.”

In other efforts to keep animal lovers connected, the zoo staff welcomed visitors through virtual encounters, including a series of daily Facebook videos called Wildlife Wonders. The videos featured visits with alligators, camels, and even a one-year-old twotoed sloth. And while those videos were posted for free, the zoo also featured some paid virtual encounters such as one-on-one zookeeper chats where kids were able to ask questions and see their favorite animals from home. In addition to virtual fundraisers, the team launched its Drive-Through Zoo in May. The drivethrough is located on the “other side” of the zoo, where visitors can see more than 80 animals, including zebras, camels, water buffalo, warthogs and llamas, as well as farm animals like sheep and goats from the comfort of their vehicle. The drive-through is 100% free, but donations are appreciated and food is available to purchase for the animals, which you can toss to them from your car window.

In the months ahead, the North Georgia Zoo will continue to offer its free Drive-Through Zoo Thursday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is taking reservations for the Wildlife Walk and animal encounters.

“We really do feel like it’s not just our zoo, it’s everyone’s zoo in this area,” Powell says. “The people of North Georgia are good-hearted people. We just want to say, ‘Thank you.’” ■

North Georgia Zoo offers specialty tours and animal encounters throughout the year by reservation. Zoo admittance is seasonal and offered on select days. To view dates, prices, options and more visit NorthGeorgiaZoo.com.

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THE FACES OF SUWANEE:

THE CLASS OF 2020

health &

wellness

 FAMILY MATTERS: HOW TO THRIVE DURING STRESSFUL TIMES page 47 II  HEAL YOURSELF 360: POSTURE AND HEALTH page 50

Good News Gwinnett We are proud to get to live, work, and play in a community that rallies to support one another during difficult times. Over the past few months we’ve been inundated with an overwhelming amount of bad news, so we decided we wanted to share some good news. In April, we introduced Good News Gwinnett (GNG), a project in which we asked the community to send us their good, uplifting news. We asked for all types of stories, big and small, then we shared those stories via a weekly video “broadcast” on our Facebook page.

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rom essential employees going above and beyond to communities rallying around local businesses, we highlighted all of the good news that has happened in and around our community. Here, we’ve compiled some of our favorite stories that represent the strength and compassion of our great community.

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Charlotte’s Chalk Adventures

CHOA Nurse Returns from Japan to Help

ONE GWINNETT family’s art project has brought joy nationwide

MANY BRAVE

during these difficult times. Suwanee resident Abbey Tucker created #charlotteschalkadventures featuring chalk drawings she drew that feature her youngest daughter, Charlotte, doing fun and creative things like riding roller coasters, dressed up as a Cabbage Patch doll, and more! To see more of Charlotte's Chalk Adventures, visit Facebook.com/AbbeyTucker.

doctors and nurses are putting others' needs ahead of their own as they work to help their patients.

One Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta nurse has gone above and beyond her call of duty. Last year, Brianna hung up her stethoscope and moved to Japan to support her husband's career. When coronavirus began making headlines, her limited ability to speak Japanese rendered her unable to work at patients' bedsides. So she and her husband packed up and returned to the only place she wanted to be during a crisis: CHOA’s hospital halls. Her colleagues welcomed her with open arms — and by that, we mean air fist bumps.

Free Ice Cream For Assisted Living Residents TIM COOPER, a Sugar Hill

resident who frequents Daddy O’Brien’s restaurant, started out buying 100 servings of their homemade ice cream and giving it to local emergency medical services workers and Suwanee police officers. When he was looking for another place to donate ice cream from the restaurant, Daddy O’Brien’s owner Lori O’Brien suggested the retirement home where her mother lives. O’Brien hadn’t been able to see her mother for weeks, as the elderly are at higher risk for catching coronavirus, and she thought some ice cream would cheer up the residents. Cooper and the team were able to provide all 130 residents at the Mansions at Sandy Springs assisted living facility with a free scoop of ice cream. What made it even sweeter? For the first time in weeks, O’Brien was able to stand in the same room as her mom.

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Feed Our Heroes Project TO FEED the medical professionals on the front lines of

the coronavirus pandemic, Lawrenceville’s Universal Joint reached a major milestone in its Feed Our Heroes Project. After spending the past several weeks donating meals to Northside Hospital Gwinnett, the restaurant announced it had delivered more than 2,000 meals to hospital staff. The owners accomplished this incredible milestone in just three weeks, and publicized efforts by Atlanta Fire United Youth Soccer Club, which hosted a competition to collect donations for meals, and Mountain View Athletic Association Lacrosse, which donated refunded fees to the restaurants’ project. Universal Joint even announced it will be throwing the contributing teams an ice cream party as a thank you once this is all over.

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Front Porch Photo Project SUWANEE’S STILLSCAPES Photography Studio offered free photo sessions

as part of its Front Porch Project, in which families receive a free front porch photo session but were asked to make a donation to a local charity.

Over the course of a few weeks, the studio took photos of almost 300 families and raised $10,000 to be donated to The Giving Kitchen and Fully Furnished Ministries.

North Gwinnett High School Seniors Parade

Small Town Big Heart Project

ALTHOUGH THE end of their senior

LOCAL NORTH Gwinnett High

School student Avery Tam launched the Small Town Big Heart Project in an effort to help community members in need.

This project is aimed at alleviating food security problems for those in the community by collecting donations from kind donors and bringing them to the North Gwinnett Co-Op. Avery was overwhelmed by the community's support and has enjoyed watching everyone rally around to help support those in need.

CHOA Nurses Leave To Help Others WHEN HOSPITALS greatly

impacted by COVID-19 put out calls for help, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta nurses responded in a big way. Nearly 100 of its nurses have traveled all over the country, from across the street at Emory to the heart of New York City to help healthcare teams in five states manage surging volumes.

year looked a little different this year, North Gwinnett High School still found a way to celebrate its 2020 graduates. Community members were encouraged to line the streets as a caravan of seniors wearing their caps and gowns drove through a parade route set up throughout the city of Suwanee. Family members and friends made signs, brought cowbells, and cheered as they passed by in an effort to celebrate the class of 2020.

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Biscuits for Heroes Feeds Hospital Workers and First Responders

Supporting Health Care Workers TO SHOW their appreciation to the hardworking doctors,

SUWANEE-BASED nonprofit Do Something

Incredible partnered with Maple Street Biscuit Company to provide Biscuits for Heroes. With the generous donations of many, they were able to provide 220 lunches to hospitals, police stations, and fire stations all over Gwinnett County. The group also delivered 24 dozen donuts to nearly all of the Gwinnett Fire/EMT stations. They even organized a drive to help stock the shelves of the various food pantries around Gwinnett as well as to provide diapers, wipes and formula to parents who need assistance.

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nurses, and medical staff who were working around the clock to keep them safe, community members all across the state gathered in their cars outside of local hospitals to pray for the staff and patients inside, as well as organized and dropped off food and other donation items. Tammy Whitworth, a local art teacher at Greater Atlanta Christian School, and her daughter Laura Anne, chalked words of gratitude and encouragement alongside one of Eastside Medical Center’s hospital sidewalks to show their support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Want more good news? We are posting weekly Good News Gwinnett roundups on our website, SuwaneeMagazine. com. Do you have good news to share? Submit it online at SuwaneeMagazine.com/good-news-gwinnett.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

FAMILY MAT TERS

By Laura Lebovitz, LMFT, Grow Counseling

How to Thrive During Stressful Times During uncertain or stressful times, it can be really hard to get your bearings.

Normal routines are shifted, and there may not be a clear timeline on when things will start to feel easier. While there is no cure for stress, there are some ways to make it feel more manageable.

Here are some ideas on how you can not only survive but thrive during stressful times: Be predictable. All of us are able to function better when we have an idea what is going to happen next. Create a schedule or routine that you can stick to. Get input from your kids on what they would like to see included, too!

It’s OK if this needs to shift over time as your family’s needs change. Once you have an idea of the schedule, post it where everyone can see and go over it as a family so everyone has an idea about what is to come.

positive stories to highlight for your family. Look for examples of people helping others, examples of charity work, or even just a cute dog video!

Connect. Feeling disconnected from others can intensify feelings of stress. You also may feel like your conversations start to revolve primarily around the source of stress. It is important to not only get creative about ways to stay in touch with loved ones but also make sure you are talking about fun or silly things, too! Call family and friends. Write goofy letters to your kids and neighbors. Set up video play dates for your kids or dinner dates with friends. Allow yourself to take a break from trying to have the perfectly cleaned house and have a chore vacation every now and then. Take the opportunity to build fun, happy memories with your family by having a themed movie night complete with a pillow fort. With a little creativity, we can all make the most out of more family time.

Try to find the balance between being informed and knowledgeable and having a break to recharge.

Find a balance.

Having the news on 24/7 or trying to digest every article you see online is enough to make anyone feel anxious and stressed. Everyone is a little different and our capacity for taking in news may even differ on a day-to-day basis. Try to find the balance between being informed and knowledgeable and having a break to recharge.

Recharging is just as beneficial as being informed! When taking in a lot of news at once, try to make a point of finding

Check in with yourself. It is normal to feel overwhelmed and emotional yourself as you are trying to be strong for your family. Recognize when you

are reaching your limits, and find ways to put that burden aside for a bit. Journal, do some yoga, or even set up a phone or video session with your therapist. Prioritize taking care of yourself so that you can continue to show up for the ones you love.

Remember to go easy on yourself.

Some days will feel harder than others and that is OK! Take good care of yourself. While washing your hands and cleaning surfaces is important, you also have to take good care of yourself mentally and emotionally. Get some sun, play a game as a family, learn a new craft, or even read a book. Prioritizing sleeping, eating well, and getting regular exercise helps everything feel more manageable.

For more ideas about healthy coping and resources for families, go to GrowCounseling.com/resources. ■

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.

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Needless to say, students missed out on a lot this year, but it was our high school seniors who were probably hit the hardest. From canceling prom, graduation, the anticipated senior trip and more, it felt like their high school career came to a rather anticlimactic end. That’s why we partnered with The Faces of Suwanee to help shine a light on Suwanee’s Class of 2020. Over the course of the last few months, we highlighted

Kylie Bennett

North Gwinnett High School Georgia Southern University

Nathan Gabriel Deogracias North Gwinnett High School

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Shivani Desai

North Gwinnett High School George Washington University

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some local seniors on The Faces of Suwanee website and Suwanee Magazine’s Facebook page.

We decided, however, that online interviews just weren’t enough. Here, we’ve highlighted the Faces of Suwanee Class of 2020. To read the full interviews with each student, visit TheFacesofSuwanee.com.

Kirsten Carroll

North Gwinnett High School Oglethorpe University

Abigail Garland

North Gwinnett High School University of Georgia

Wright Deas

North Gwinnett High School Georgia Southern University

Pierce Garland

North Gwinnett High School Georgia College

Hannah Deedy

North Gwinnett High School Case Western Reserve University

Karen Greene

North Gwinnett High School Oglethorpe University

Savannah Gora

North Gwinnett High School University of Kentucky

Mina Kim

North Gwinnett High School Georgia State University

Charlotte Mann

Providence Christian Academy Samford University

Rucker Robinson

North Gwinnett High School Wake Forest University

Caitlin Tunstill

North Gwinnett High School University of South Carolina

Maddie Hahn

North Gwinnett High School Honduras Outreach International Internship

John Kirchner

North Gwinnett High School Georgia State University

Kendall McCarthy

North Gwinnett High School Texas Christian University

Avery Saylor

North Gwinnett High School Georgia Southern University

Rebekah Turner

North Gwinnett High School Georgia Southern University

Chloe Hendricks

North Gwinnett High School Georgia State University

Makenna Kulzer

North Gwinnett High School Georgia Southern

Isabela Miqueli

North Gwinnett High School Kennesaw State University

Avery Schimmel

North Gwinnett High School

Mason Turpin

Collins Hill High School Columbia State Community College

Palmer Kahren

North Gwinnett High School University of Alabama

William Long

North Gwinnett High School University of Georgia

Cole Moore

North Gwinnett High School Georgia Institute of Technology

Alexis Sereno

North Gwinnett High School Mercer University

Harrison Ward

North Gwinnett High School Auburn University

Blaine Kantor

North Gwinnett High School Georgia Institute of Technology

Savannah Luney

North Gwinnett High School Georgia Institute of Technology

Grace Rivord

North Gwinnett High School Columbus State University

Cassidy Thomason

North Gwinnett High School Georgia Gwinnett College

Skyler Wegmet

North Gwinnett High School Jacksonville University

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POSTURE AND HEALTH Why is a Chiropractor Talking About Health and Healing?

BY DR. LAUREN MILLMAN

GREAT QUESTION. I GET THAT A LOT. Few health professionals recognize or acknowledge the vital importance of spinal posture and alignment for overall health and performance. The human body craves proper alignment, and optimal body function depends on it. Without proper alignment, your body will always be working against itself in everyday tasks and eventually wear and break down much faster.

In order to be healthy, heal and function optimally, humans require clean, fresh water, proper nutrition, a positive mindset, adequate movement and exercise, proper rest and proper nervous system (nerve) flow. When any of these factors are lacking, particularly for any length of time, health — your body’s overall well-being and healing ability — will drastically decrease. In other words, improving spinal alignment and posture should be less about “standing up straight,” or minimizing back pain, and more about improving overall health and healing.

Poor alignment and balance are physical stressors to your body and your brain. It is an indicator of how unhealthy, sick or slow to heal you are, or likely to become. Proper spinal alignment affects how well you bounce back from injuries and directly relates to strength and resiliency of your immune system. There is undoubtedly a direct correlation between poor

health and poor spinal alignment, just as much as there is a correlation in proper alignment and maintaining good health.

When you are properly aligned and balanced, you feel healthier, have more energy and move gracefully, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Proper alignment allows for proper nerve and mental impulses to return back to the brain, resulting in optimal function.

Feeling better, pain alleviation, and having more energy is only the byproduct of your body functioning better. Proper body alignment and balance ranks right at the top of the health priority list, just as important as eating right, exercising, getting proper rest and proper detoxification.

Without proper alignment, you cannot be truly physically fit. In fact, you stress your spine (and your body) every time you exercise in an unbalanced frame.

Physical activity in an unbalanced body will deteriorate your joints at a faster pace. Would your car’s tires wear down faster if it was driven with poor alignment? Of course they would.

Improving balance and alignment builds strength, both inside and out.

Addressing the nervous system through structural alignment is oftentimes the one thing that initiates healing.

This is because it is foundational.

Anytime you improve body function on a foundational level, you will initiate healing on many levels.

It seems simple, right? That’s because it is. There isn’t some secret code you have to crack to get well. Just simple, basic concepts practiced consistently.

Seek answers that initiate healing.

There is hope for you to not just feel good sometimes but to feel better all the time.

Dr. Millman is the founder and upper cervical chiropractor of Suwanee Spine and Healing Center, author of The Ultimate Healing Handbook, and recently voted Best of Gwinnett 2019. For more information, visit DrLaurenMillman.com.

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SUWANEE BEER FEST YOUR GUIDE TO THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

fooo

local food, craft beer & wine trends

 WHAT'S BREWING: BREWING UP HOPE page 60 II BRASELTON BREWING COMPANY page 64

Bone Appétit BOTTLES & BONES, SUWANEE’S NEW MODERN CHOPHOUSE BOASTS OLD-SCHOOL SERVICE AND AN UPSCALE, LIVELY LOUNGE

BY ALICIA CARTER / Photos By Tina Rowden Photography

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FOOD &DRINK

Bottles & Bones is a new modern chophouse in Suwanee serving an upscale yet approachable menu in a stunning setting at Siena Town Center.

R E S TA U R A N T S P O T L I G H T:

Bottles & Bones ATHERING TOGETHER to

share a meal has always been at the heart of families, friendships and communities.

Lately, however, during a time when instant gratification is king, the art of the old-school fine-dining experience seems to have taken a backseat. But as we enter a renewed summer in Suwanee, simple pleasures are experiencing a renaissance, and this is good news for Rob and Jennifer Taranto, who’ve made hospitality their life’s work.

The husband-and-wife team has been well-known in the Atlanta dining scene for years. Rob grew up in the industry and worked as a server and bartender before transitioning to the hotel business, where he spent time as a banquets manager, catering manager, and then food and beverage manager. He then went on to develop several successful bar and nightclub concepts in Buckhead before moving his family to Park City, Utah.

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Over time, Rob and Jennifer made their way back to Georgia and settled here in Suwanee.

“We love this tight knit community and all our friends here, but we missed the fine dining options that you can find in the city,” Rob says. Seeing a gap in the local restaurant offerings, Rob and Jennifer set out to create the kind of restaurant they wanted to dine in – one that they felt the neighborhood needed.

Enter: Bottles & Bones.

Located in the heart of Suwanee at Siena Town Center, Bottles & Bones is described as a modern American chophouse that focuses on an impeccable menu combined with old-school service. “With Bottles & Bones, we are passionate about providing upscale and approachable hospitality to the Suwanee community and beyond,” Rob says.

Jennifer worked closely with Lawrencevillebased Z-Space Design to design the 165-seat restaurant and create a space that’s both elegant and inviting. The result is a departure from the traditional, dark steakhouse design.

In its place, the space features a rich and warm color palette with an open kitchen, 36-seat formal private dining room, and a lively lounge.

As for the food, Rob describes the menu as upscale but familiar. “Our menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and approachable offerings featuring aged prime steaks sourced from Nebraska, daily fresh seafood and a wide variety of glutenfree selections,” he says. “In addition, there is an extensive appetizer menu, a robust cocktail and wine menu, and stand-out side dishes.”

“Given our name, our steaks are, of course, a favorite,” Rob continues.

Owner Rob Taranto & “Our 20-ounce bone-in ribeye GM Emile Blau prime steak is a top choice among guests, as is our 12-ounce filet. For a lighter fare, I recommend our North Carolina stuffed flounder over grilled asparagus.”

Other dishes include a lemon herb roasted half chicken, pan-seared yellow fin tuna, and stuffed flounder, as well as more modestly priced dishes such as the bacon cheeseburger and grilled salmon and prime rib sandwiches served with fries.

Charcuterie and Cheese Board

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Lawrenceville's Z-Space Design helped to create a space with a rich and warm color palette featuring an open kitchen, formal private dining room, lounge and 16-seat bar.

Baked Oysters Appetizer

Crab Cake with Pickled Vegetable Slaw and Chive Mustard Sauce

FOOD &DRINK

Bottles & Bones is also one of the few restaurants in the Southeast using Josper grills and ovens, produced in Barcelona, Spain. Josper offers the opportunity to grill over wood charcoal, which seals in juices and adds a specific and subtle flavor to fresh seafood, prime meats and small plates.

To round out the Bottles & Bones experience, the Tarantos enlisted Emile Blau to serve as general manager. “Emile Blau came to us with years of experience running the finest steakhouses in the country – most notably, a 22-year career at Bones Steakhouse in Atlanta,” Rob says. “We are fortunate to have him at the helm, treating guests to impeccable, old-school service. Our pedigreed management team provides an experience that is approachable and appealing for a weeknight bite, craft cocktail in the lounge or weekend celebration.”

In addition to exquisite service and a standout menu, Bottles & Bones is also home to the 40-seat “Lounge at Bottles & Bones,” which the team designed for entertainment, and features a 16-seat bar and baby grand piano.

Guests can enjoy live music regularly as the lounge welcomes local, established artists.

When Rob and Jennifer Taranto set out to bring a new dining experience to Suwanee, they certainly didn’t expect to be met with a worldwide pandemic that hit Georgia just weeks after they originally opened in February. But they aren’t letting it hold them back. “It has been a whirlwind,” Rob says. “We are grateful The B&B Meatball Appetizer for our community's enthusiasm since launching and for their continued support throughout the pandemic.

Most importantly — we are thrilled to safely serve the Suwanee community once again.” ■

 Bottles & Bones is reopening mid-June for dinner starting at 4 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday. New lunch hours available after Fourth of July weekend and brunch launching soon. Stay tuned for updates on their website and social media. BottlesandBonesGA.com.

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BREWING UP HOPE

Local breweries stepped up to offer support during the pandemic.

BY: Tiffany Belflower and Alicia Carter

T’S NO SECRET that the spread of

COVID-19 has had a detrimental impact on local businesses, leaving the restaurants, shops, and other businesses we typically frequent facing uncertainty. During quarantine, many were forced to either close down completely or remain open with limited staff for to-go orders only. Among the deluge of stressful news that we’ve encountered daily for the last few months, our local breweries emerged as unexpected beacons of hope and rallied around their communities. Here, we’ve highlighted a number of our favorite Georgia breweries and how they went above and beyond for their staff and community during this pandemic.

WILD HEAVEN BEER

Wild Heaven Beer, located in Avondale Estates and West Atlanta, created a special case deal to raise money for its furloughed staff. The brewery set aside nearly 200 cases of beer sold at $30 each. Wild Heaven employees received 50% of the sales.

OCONEE BREWING CO.

Oconee created a “send a six-pack” campaign in which people could go online and purchase a postcard for someone. Oconee then mailed the postcard which the receiver could turn in for a six-pack at the brewery. Local residents jumped on the bandwagon and purchased postcards for frontline workers.

NOFO BREW CO.

NoFo is supporting the local community by giving away gift cards to local restaurants and has launched a campaign to benefit Meals By Grace in Forsyth County with a $25,000 matching gift.

FIRE MAKER BREWING COMPANY

Fire Maker gave free beer to all first responders with ID. Also, first responders receive 15% off everything at Fire Maker.

A portion of all to-go beer proceeds were donated to local charities Bottleshare and the Giving Kitchen.

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SCOFFLAW BREWING CO. Scofflaw made and sold hand sanitizer ($7/ bottle) with 100% of the proceeds going to service industry workers in the form of grocery store gift cards. The brewery also partnered with Bottleshare, The Giving Kitchen, Kulture City, and the South Carolina Lodging and Restaurant Association to raise funds for craft brewery employees in Georgia and South Carolina.

SLOW POUR BREWING Lawrenceville brewery Slow Pour produced Thank You Note, a beer to say “thank you” to front line workers, who receive a free six-pack of the special beer when they show their badge at purchasing. Slow Pour also hosted virtual bingo nights raising money for the Giving Kitchen and the service industry.

CREATURE COMFORTS During a worldwide hand sanitizer shortage, the Athens-based Creature Comforts produced “Clean Creature” hand sanitizer and sold refillable bottles ($8.49/bottle) through their drive-through at the brewery. Purchases of Clean Creature helped the brewery keep 100% of its staff employed at full pay and helped them to provide free hand sanitizer to partners of its flagship community outreach program, Get Comfortable, including shelters, food co-ops and more.

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AKADEMIA BREWING CO.

To feed those less fortunate, Akademia Brewing Co. teamed up with the nonprofit BottleShare to form the outreach program Think We Not Me, which aims to feed the needy in the Athens area. In March, the brewery kicked off its efforts by donating 150 hot meals to Our Daily Bread, a local community kitchen. Since then, Akademia Brewing has contributed more food through partnerships with Family Promise of Athens and The Salvation Army. To donate to the Think We Not Me program, visit charity.gofundme.com/ akademia-outreach-program.

PRETORIA FIELDS COLLECTIVE

To aid the community in the fight against COVID-19, Pretoria Fields Collective, a farm brewery out of Albany, has repurposed its operations to mass-produce hand sanitizer. The product follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s guidelines and was overseen by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, according to an article by the Albany Herald. The brewery distributed the hand sanitizer among first responders, those in the health care field and others in Albany.

DALTON BREWING

Dalton Brewing increased bartender pay by 50% to help make up for lost pay and hours and has partnered with a local coffee shop that did not have to-go capabilities.

The coffee shop used Dalton’s canner for its cold brew coffee to-go orders, which helped keep the coffee shop in business.

SIX BRIDGES BREWING

Six Bridges hosted a blood drive that maxed out on donations. The brewery also provided their spent grain to a local nature preserve, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve in Johns Creek, to help feed their animals.

MONDAY NIGHT BREWING

Monday Night Brewing in Atlanta launched a to-go program to help support its employees. The brewery donated 25% of all sales and 100% of tips to its nearly 50 furloughed staff members. The brewery even made “quarantine kits,” which included a pack of beer, roll of toilet paper and a Monday Night glass.

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THE ALL TOGETHER IPA PROJECT Other Half Brewing Co. out of New York encouraged craft breweries to come together to support those in the hospitality industry who have been adversely affected by the pandemic. This massive collaboration stands behind a project called “All Together,” which offered an open source recipe for an IPA created by Other Half Brewing. Breweries from around the world were encouraged to use the base beer recipe for All Together — which is designed to be made at a low cost — and add their own twist to it. Stout Collective contributed the free-to-download label artwork, and Blue Label Packaging Co. pledged to print the labels at their own cost for participating breweries.

Sam Richardson, Matt Monahan and Andrew Burman, founders of Other Half Brewing, asked that breweries donate a portion of their All Together beer’s proceeds to supporting hospitality professionals in their community, and contribute the rest to keeping their respective breweries alive. “At the end of the day, this is about what it’s always been about — community,” said Other Half Brewing’s founders in a statement. “While we may not be able to come together in person right now, that spirit can never be taken away from us.”

So far 10 Georgia breweries have answered the call from Sandy Springs, Savannah, Valdosta, Atlanta, Athens, Johns Creek, Decatur and Avondale Estates. Each chose different organizations or fundraisers to help, including The Giving Kitchen out of Atlanta, which provides emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and a network of resources. Others, including Wild Heaven Beer, Pontoon Brewing and Six Bridges Brewing, have committed to donating a portion of their All Together funds toward Bottleshare, a Kennesaw-based nonprofit that aids craft beverage industry workers who have experienced extreme hardships outside of the workplace. The organization selects one grant recipient per quarter and awards them with $5,000.

FOOD &DRINK

STILLFIRE BREWING StillFire Brewing released a Quarantine Survival Beer in which a portion of all proceeds went to support local restaurants and provide meals to hospital workers in Gwinnett County. Since its release, the brewery has been able to provide hundreds of meals to nurses, doctors, and medical staff at Gwinnett Medical and Northside Gwinnett hospitals.

Four-packs of Quarantine Survival Beer are available at the brewery’s to-go window as well as in package and grocery stores across the state.

RED HARE BREWING

GOOD WORD BREWING Good Word Brewing & Public House in Duluth temporarily closed its usual operations and transformed its business into a makeshift soup kitchen and made soup to serve for free to those who are hungry or in the restaurant industry. If people are interested in offering support to Good Word, the brewery recommends purchasing a gift card, giving funds to its GoFundMe that supports its hourly staff, or donating to The Giving Kitchen, a local organization that aids Georgia restaurant workers in need.

The Marietta, Georgia-based brewery partnered with a local T-shirt company to create a Red Hare T-shirt design with all proceeds benefiting both Red Hare Brewing and the T-shirt company employees.

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BREWERY SPOTLIGHT

BRASELTON BREWING COMPANY WHAT WAS ONCE A HISTORIC COTTON GIN BUILT IN THE EARLY 1900S HAS BEEN REPURPOSED INTO A BREWPUB IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN BRASELTON. WITH 15 CRAFT BEERS ON TAP AND A FOCUS ON TAVERN CUISINE, BRASELTON BREWING COMPANY’S FOUNDERS STRIVE TO PROVIDE A TRUE BREWPUB EXPERIENCE. WE RECENTLY HAD THE CHANCE TO SIT DOWN WITH FOUNDER CHIP DALE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE THEIR TEAM BRINGS TO THE LOCAL CRAFT BEER SCENE.

BY LIZZY JAMES

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRASELTON BREWING

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO OPEN A BREWPUB? I really liked the idea of being able to serve food to people along with their beer. In this area, there wasn’t a middle ground for people to come and hang out — it was either fast-food restaurants or nicer sit-down restaurants. A brewpub allows us to provide the community with a local hangout spot where they can come and enjoy a more relaxed meal with their craft beer. My wife and I love to travel and we had visited Colorado and the Pacific Northwest, and my last job had me in Seattle a lot. While we were

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out there we got to visit the craft brewpubs, and we loved their vibe and family-friendly environment.

I decided this is something the Braselton community needed, so I approached my wife with the idea and she said, “Go for it!”

HOW DID YOU DEVELOP A PASSION FOR CRAFT BEER? I am an accountant by trade and I was working for a pharmaceutical company back in the ’90s. One of my co-workers there was Belgian and he showed me how to brew my own beer. I’ve been homebrewing ever since, and it has become a hobby and passion of mine.

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The brewpub has 15 beers on tap at a time with seven year-round staples.

FOOD &DRINK

Braselton Brewing's taproom and brewhouse are set in a repurposed cotton gin.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS BRASELTON LOCATION? When we began talking to the city about opening a brewpub, we kept driving by this location. It is a historic cotton mill that was built and owned by the Braselton family back in 1905.

A portion of it was damaged by storms in the 1940s, and it hadn’t really been touched in years. The town put me in touch with the owner of the building and it turned out he also wanted to open a brewery or distillery. Our dream became a reality after that and we worked to maintain as much of the feel of the old building as possible during renovations.

HOW HAS THE COMMUNITY RESPONSE BEEN SINCE OPENING? The community response has been great! I’ve been surprised by the wide range of age groups that come in. We get crowds of younger kids as well as crowds of the older generations. It has turned into a community gathering place, and people really love it.

Creating a brewpub allowed the team to provide the community with a local hangout where they can enjoy a relaxed meal with their craft beer.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER LOCAL BREWERIES AND BREWPUBS? In the immediate area what sets us apart is the fact that we serve food.

Within a 20-mile radius, there’s nothing really like us in that aspect. We are also in a very unique building that ties

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into the local aspect of the town. For example, we ended up keeping the old roof underneath the new roof, so the ceiling you see inside the restaurant is actually the original roof from the 1900s.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BREWMASTER. We actually have two brewmasters.

Our first, Harrison Clark, is in the Georgia Guard and is currently deployed. He had originally interned with Left Nut Brewing Company, and Jason Ford the head brewer there recommended him to our team. When Harrison got deployed, we brought in current brewmaster John Lane. He came to us after brewing at Terrapin in Athens and has been running the brewing operation since late February 2019.

HOW MANY BEERS DO YOU HAVE ON TAP AT ONE TIME? We typically have 15 beers on tap at a time. We like to offer a variety of different beers both style-wise and in alcohol content. We have six or

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seven beers that are year-round staples, and we also rotate in seasonal beers.

I decided this is something the Braselton community needed, so I approached my wife with the idea and she said, “Go for it!�

- Chip Dale, Founder, Braselton Brewing Company

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SELLER IN THE TAPROOM? Our Fast Flyer Cream Ale is definitely one of our lighter beers, but it has been the most popular since day one. The name comes from one of the brand names for flour that the Braselton brothers produced in their mill. Another popular seller is our Jederzeit Lager, which is clean and refreshing with a nice moderate malt backbone.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR OTHER DRINK OFFERINGS. We purposefully made the choice not to do hard liquor when we opened.

Instead, our operations manager is very skilled at blending beers with other ingredients, so we decided to offer beer cocktails. We can create beer cocktails that resemble Bloody Marys, margaritas, screwdrivers and more. We also have a wine menu featuring wines from Georgia wineries.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST POPULAR FOOD MENU ITEMS? Our hamburgers are by far our No. 1 seller. Our All American Burger, which features an all-beef patty, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion and your choice of cheese, is definitely a crowd favorite. Our house-brined chicken tenders are also very popular and are served with remoulade dipping sauce and your choice of a side. We like to describe our menu as taverntype food that is meant to pair perfectly with craft beer.

DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE PARTIES AND EVENTS? The second floor of the taproom and the outside patio are prime spots for parties and events.

When the weather is bad we can fit 30-35 people up top, and on nicer days we can fit about 50 on the outdoor patio. We have a dedicated event director who helps coordinate events from Christmas parties to birthdays and even rehearsal dinners.

DO YOU HOST ANY OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS? We host trivia on Tuesdays, and when the weather is nice we host it up on our patio. We also host a brewski day on Thursdays, offer 10% discounts to military and first responders, and have even hosted toy drives for an organization called Off the Chain. We are currently running a charity event for Frankie and Andy’s Place, which is an organization in Winder that rescues senior dogs from shelters and takes them to visit senior homes.

We are big dog people and we encourage people to bring their pups and hang out with us on the outside patio. ■

Braselton Brewing

Your support through these difficult times has meant the world to us.

Plus! Your purchase of our Quarantine Survival Beer has allowed us to donate meals to hundreds of hospital workers while also giving back to local restaurants through the Meal Bridge Program. Now available on tap in our taproom and available in 4-packs from our to-go window!

Company is located at 9859 Davis St. in Braselton and is open TuesdayWednesday, 4:30-9 p.m.; Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information visit BraseltonBrewing.com.

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GWINNETT'S FAVORITE DAY HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO AUGUST 29TH BUT WE ARE GOING TO...

PARTY LIKE IT’S MARCH 17TH!

YOUR EXCLUSIVE SUWANEE BEER FEST UPDATE  69

THEY CAN’T TAKE ST. PATRICK’S DAY AWAY FROM US! - Everyone

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Originally scheduled

for March, the 10th annual Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest is now set to take place at Suwanee Town Center on August 29th. Like many others, the festival has had to adapt and change its original plans, but for event organizers, their goal still remains the same.

“Even in light of current circumstances, our mission is still to throw the best craft beer festival in the Southeast, while also giving back to the community who has supported us not only through the pandemic but by choosing to attend year after year,” says Event Director Tiffany Bellflower.

“Now more than ever, we are excited to celebrate 10 years of bringing the Georgia craft beer community together.”

Sessions, Belgians, IPAs and pilsners live in harmony at Suwanee Beer Fest.

The highly anticipated event features unlimited samples of more than 350 craft beers from around the nation as well as over 40 Georgia breweries who come to compete in the annual Georgia Brew Battle competition.

Each year festival organizers work to one-up the previous year's event, and as they celebrate 10 years, they're certain to have a few new surprises up their sleeve — from new breweries and ticket holder perks to exciting live entertainment. Keep reading for your exclusive update on everything set to happen at the 10th anniversary.

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S UP 0 E 2 SUWANEE AMERICAN CRAFT

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UPDATE

THANK YOU! Festival organizers have come up with a special way to say thank you to ticket holders who have held onto their tickets since the original festival date. Dubbed “Super Supporters“, these individuals will have a tent dedicated especially to them.

THE SUPER SUPPORTER TENT WILL FEATURE: ■ Exclusive beer tastings.

■ Suwanee Beer Fest swag.

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■ Supporter “survival area” with sunscreen, bottled water and refreshing treats to beat the summer heat.

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PLUS! FOUR LUCKY SUPER SUPPORTERS WILL

WIN VIP TICKETS TO THE 2021 SUWANEE BEER FEST!

Suwanee Beer Fest’s music lineup has continued to set it apart from other festivals for over a decade, and this year’s event is no exception. With a new date, organizers had to make some adjustments to the lineup, and are excited to welcome ’90s tribute band Suckerpunch and Bon Jovi tribute band Slippery When Wet to the Suwanee Beer Fest main stage.

THE ULTIMATE BON JOVI TRIBUTE BAND

SLIPPERY WHEN WET  Slippery When Wet has

played more than 1,500 shows throughout the U.S., headlined more than 60 cruises on the Royal Caribbean cruise line, and even played the pre-game concert of Super Bowl 48. In 2019, Slippery When Wet was hand-picked to perform on the Runaway to Paradise Cruises with Jon Bon Jovi himself.

Their drive, musical ability, showmanship and dedication to duplicating the Bon Jovi live experience simply cannot be outdone.

SUCKER PUNCH  Founded in Dunwoody, Georgia, in 2017,

Sucker Punch has quickly ascended to the top ranks of ’90s tribute bands in the Atlanta area. While the band considers ’90s rock hits as its "bread-andbutter," they will venture into any modern decade to pull hard-hitting rock tunes. From Zeppelin to Rage, Blink to Metallica and Green Day to 311, these fellas bring talent, energy and a rock-show mentality to every event they play.

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OUR MISSION IS STILL TO THROW THE BEST CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL IN THE SOUTHEAST!" - Event Director, Tiffany Belflower

FUN & GAMES

This year’s festival will see the return of everyone’s favorite beer drinking activities — Giant Jenga, Peach State Cornhole, and Xtreme AirBalls. However, festival organizers have also added Giant (and we mean GIANT) beer pong and mobile axe throwing to the mix! Axecessive Force will be on site with their mobile axe throwing cages, giving attendees a chance to (safely) test out their axe throwing skills. So grab a beer, your best pong partner, and maybe even an axe or two, and get ready for some friendly competition! Just don’t spill your beer!

STAYING COOL

Suwanee Beer Fest has partnered with some awesome sponsors to help make sure their attendees stay cool during the festival. Attendees can get out of the heat for a moment at the Margaritaville “License to Chill” Island or at the Classic Tents and Events misting station. Grab a sip of water, stand in front of the misting fans, and don’t forget to reapply that sunscreen!

VOLUNTEER

Did you know that it takes more than 200 volunteers to make Suwanee Beer Fest a success?

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Most volunteers will be assigned to a specific table and asked to help pour beer to festival attendees during the event while others may be asked to assist in helping with set-up and/or breakdown.

Other volunteer opportunities include helping with ticketing and VIP check-in. A high level of professionalism is required and a basic knowledge of beers being served is welcomed. Volunteers will receive an awesome, limited edition Suwanee Beer Fest volunteer shirt, will have access to private bathrooms, receive lunch and complimentary waters in the Volunteer Zone, and have the opportunity to meet fellow beer enthusiasts in the community.

The best part is that you are volunteering for a good cause! A portion of all Suwanee Beer Fest proceeds will be donated to local nonprofit Cooper’s Crew.

LODGING:

Comfort Inn& Suites in Suwanee. Festival attendees receive an exclusive discounted rate of $89 per night. Just mention Suwanee Beer fest when booking! ■

BEING SAFE!

The 2020 Beer Fest organizers are dedicated to the safety of all festival attendees, and want to ensure safe travel for everyone.

Designated Driver tickets are available for purchase with a general admission ticket.

These $10 add-ons make it so your friends can enjoy the games and vendors inside the festival, while also ensuring you have a safe ride home.

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Many volunteers return year after year to serve delicious craft beer tastings with a smile.

2020 SUWANEE BEER FEST

Tannery Row Ale House will run a shuttle to and from the festival and offer free parking at the restaurant. Be sure to stop by their tent at the festival where Creature Comforts will be pouring delicious beer samples.

UPDATE

THE VIP EXPERIENCE

 Event coordinators continue to make

The VIP Experience bigger and better each year — and this year might just be the biggest yet! Dimensional Design, a local design and branding firm, returns as a sponsor of the VIP tent and has partnered with festival organizers to bring a one-of-a-kind experience to the festival. From beautiful floral arrangements from Suwanee Towne Florist to Dimensional Design’s highend finishings, the VIP tent is the place to be if you’re a true beer connoisseur.

Featuring more than 30 beers, including one-offs, casks, specialty brews and more, this exclusive festival experience is not to be missed.

MARLOW’S TAVERN

Marlow’s Tavern, known for featuring the “best of the best” in American tavern fare, is returning once again with a unique menu designed just for VIP patrons: Appetizers:

• Beer and cheese fondue • Artisan pretzel bread • Roasted garlic hummus • Tuna Poke: Fried wonton chips, avocado, scallions, poke sauce • Charcuterie platter Entree: • Herb marinated chicken with a shitake and crimini mushroom cream sauce • Shrimp and grits with a tomato beurre blanc • Andouille sausage, peppers, onions with a creole sauce • Marlow’s Tavern Salad: Artisan lettuce blend, carrots, pumpkin and sunflower seeds & Maple Sherry Vinaigrette • Dirty rice • Smashed red potatoes with olive oil and herbs • Fresh Seasonal Vegetable Dessert: • Homemade honey bourbon bread pudding with a Jack Daniel’s cream sauce • Classic cheesecake with berries • Chocolate cake with fresh whipped cream

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TICKETS ON FOR GWINNETT’S BIGGEST AND BEST CRAFT BEER

OVER 300

CRAFT BEERS TO SAMPLE! S&S

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FESTIVAL AND BELATED ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY!

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M5PM

(VIP GATES OP EN AT NOON!)

Amy Doherty Named SFEA Event Director of the Year THE LATEST FROM IN AND AROUND SUWANEE

MOBILE BOUTIQUE DRIVES INTO SUWANEE

 IN MARCH, the City of Suwanee announced that Event & Outreach Manager Amy Doherty was named Event Director of the Year by the Southeast Festivals and Events Association (SFEA). Doherty has produced nearly 500 events in the last 14 years for the City of Suwanee.

“Amy has been responsible for ensuring the success of 40-plus events in the nearflawless manner that the citizens have come to expect from Suwanee’s events department,” said Suwanee City Manager Marty Allen. “In all, we estimate over 250,000 people enjoy Suwanee events annually — not including those who frequent the weekly farmers market stalls year-round.”

The best and brightest of the event industry were spotlighted at the 17th annual SFEA Kaleidoscope Awards in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, held in conjunction with the SFEA Annual Conference. Top festivals and events throughout the Southeast were recognized for their outstanding contribution to the events industry, including multiple Suwanee events such as Silver Awards for Best Poster Design for Suwanee Fest 2019 and Best Creative Idea for Parker’s Passport, among others.

“Our event team spends hours upon hours behind the scenes planning memory-making events for our citizens,” said Doherty. “It’s nice to be recognized as being among the best in the Southeast for producing some amazing events that make Suwanee a great place to live and play.”

 RIDING IN STYLE is a family-

owned, mobile boutique that features the latest styles of clothing and accessories — and best of all, they come to you! The boutique-inspired clothing and gifts are available without the boutique prices. There are many ways to shop with Riding in Style: shop online with free shipping or free home delivery; shop with friends at your home; or schedule a personal shopping experience.

You can even host a party or Riding in Style will host one for you with free gifts, giveaways and other fun experiences.

Party themes include “Brunch, Bubbly and Browse,” “Lunch and Laughter,” “Sip and Shop” and more.

Find Riding in Style on Facebook or Instagram at @Ridinginstyle or online at RidinginStyle.net. You can also call them at 404-550-4737.

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PLANET SMOOTHIE CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY  FORMER TEACHERS Karen Hendrix and Kristin Scott decided to trade school days for smoothies when they opened Planet Smoothie in Town Center in May of 2010. And it seems to have paid off because this year they are celebrating 10 years in business! Karen and Kristin are standout members of our community: both live in Suwanee, are members of Gwinnett Church, and love volunteering in the community and always try to give back in any way they can. They have carried that passion over to their business and during the past 10 years, Planet Smoothie has been involved with the local schools through the sport teams, band, chorus and more. "We love Suwanee and look forward to serving the community for another 10 years!

Thank you for supporting our locally owned small business!"

Planet Smoothie is located in Suwanee Town Center. For more information call 770-945-8785.

Patient Centered Pharmacy Opens in Suwanee

Photo by Karl Lamb

Brown Bag Deli Celebrates 10 Years SUWANEE STAPLE Brown Bag Deli & Café serves up delicious breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts, coffee, beer, wine and more to hungry Town Center patrons. This August, the popular cafe is celebrating 10 years in business! When owners Dave and Rita Patel originally opened Brown Bag, they were rookies in the restaurant industry. Over the last decade, however, the pair has grown Brown Bag into the go-to community coffee shop and lunch cafe where early morning bagel runs are made, professional lunch meetings are held, and moms stop with their kids after running errands. If you can, stop by the restaurant, pick up a sandwich or coffee, and tell them congratulations for a successful 10 years!

For more information, visit BrownBagDeliandCafe.com.

THREE GWINNETT CITIES CANCEL EVENTS THROUGH JULY 10TH  ON MAY 1, the City of Suwanee announced that three Gwinnett County cities, Duluth, Lawrenceville and Suwanee, collectively agreed to halt hosting large-scale public events on city properties through July 10, 2020. The cities made the decision in an effort to further reduce the community spread of COVID-19.

“As a result of the requirements to maintain physical distance, we are taking further actions to safeguard our community,” said Lawrenceville City Manager Chuck Warbington. “We greatly appreciate

 SUWANEE PHARMACY is a fullservice pharmacy providing prescriptions, over the counter products, durable medical equipment, health screenings and personalized services.

“The city of Suwanee finally has its own pharmacy and we are very excited to be an integral part of the healthcare community,” said owner and boardcertified pharmacist Dr. Karl Simon.

“Suwanee Pharmacy is designed to be patient-centered with patients receiving more value at the same or reduced cost versus using a larger pharmacy.”

Suwanee Pharmacy accepts most health insurance plans and offers a free discount prescription plan for under or uninsured members of the community.

The pharmacy has a drive-thru window, a private consultation room and offers free basic health screenings. Additional enhanced services include unit dosed bubble packaging, medication synchronization, medication flavoring, compounded medications for humans and pets and home delivery.

Suwanee Pharmacy is located

at 2027 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road (next to Sherwin Williams and Domino’s). For more information and hours visit SuwaneePharmacy.com or call 678-878-2082.

the ongoing cooperation and support of our citizenry in order to reduce the risk.”

City officials continue to closely follow events associated with the outbreak and spread of COVID-19, as well as recommendations from public health officials and state and federal government.

“The need to modify this date will be evaluated in mid-June,” said Suwanee City Manager Marty Allen.

“Should circumstances change we will respond appropriately and adjust accordingly.”

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Premier Event Space Opens in Downtown Buford  PLANNING A party, private event or business gathering to celebrate a special milestone? Be sure to check out Room 99, an elegant new event space available in Downtown Historic Buford.

Laurie Attaway, former owner of the legendary local restaurant Aqua Terra Bistro, is excited about her new adventure that will be the perfect spot for parties, birthdays, receptions, seminars and more.

Featuring exposed brick walls, beautiful bamboo floors and flexible seating options, Room 99 is the perfect canvas to be personalized with flowers and other décor for your event.

Laurie’s partner in this private event space, Brian Legault, former Executive Chef of Aqua Terra Bistro, has crafted a wide-ranging catering menu ranging from charcuterie boards to full buffet dinners.

Whether you’re looking for down

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home comfort or high-end elegance, Room 99 offers customizable menus for every style of event from Southern Comfort to Little Italy, Tex-Mex and everything in between.

With a deep list of boutique wines and craft beers served by an experienced party staff, the team will take care of your attendees while you simply enjoy your event.

Conveniently located to the new parking garage in Downtown Buford, Room 99 is built to simplify every step of your party planning.  Visit Room99Events.com and their social media for a calendar of live music events. Come enjoy some tunes by talented local musicians while you relax in this gorgeous new event space.

For more information, visit Room99Events.com or call 470252-6913.

GEEKSPACE GWINNETT MAKES PPEs FOR LOCAL HEALTHCARE WORKERS  DURING THE pandemic, employees at Geekspace Gwinnett have been creating protective face shields and masks for brave healthcare workers. At the time of printing, the nonprofit makerspace had made more than 2,000 shields for local physician offices, urgent care facilities, and Gwinnett Medical Center. Geekpsace members have donated their time and talent; the organization has received $4,000 in donations for materials, as well as plastic sheeting from The CocaCola Co. “There is a greater need for supplies than we could ever hope to fulfill,” said a Geekspace representative.

“We will continue this effort for as long as is needed and as materials allow.

With more funding, we can increase production and purchase materials to make many more shields and supply more locations.”

Visit Geekspace Gwinnett’s

Facebook page, facebook. com/GeekspaceGwinnett, to learn more about making a financial contribution toward this project.

SUMMER 2020

THE BUZZ

KidsFull Yoga Offers Online Yoga Classes To Local Youth  KIDSFULL YOGA offers 30-minute yoga classes for kids up to 13 years old with the goal to raise more mindful children and help them to adopt good habits at an early age.

Due to COVID-19, KidsFull Yoga is currently offering virtual classes with a 10-family limit per session to keep the classes ...you will be interactive amazed how and to ensure fast they learn kids are about poses getting the full and improve benefits from their focusing this program. skills.”

Each session includes - Meric Mizrakli, founder of active yoga, KidsFull Yoga relaxation and breathing techniques.

KidsFull Yoga ends each class with a yoga game or yoga book.

The founder of KidsFull Yoga, Meric Mizrakli, is a mother of two young children and has been practicing yoga for eight years. Meric is specifically trained and certified to teach yoga to kids and babies. “It is a huge passion of mine to share this beautiful practice with children,” Meric says. “We enjoy every moment and you will be amazed how fast they learn about poses and improve their focusing skills. There is a confusion that flexibility is needed to do yoga, but actually it is not. We are

discovering our bodies, trying to be more mindful. The nature of this practice is being noncompetitive so it is always good to see the kids while they are relaxing, letting the stress of school/homework/some issues go and they also grow their social skills, too."

For more information, visit their Facebook page: Facebook.com/pg/KidsFullYoga.

CITY OF SUWANEE'S SPRING BREAK APPAREL RAISES FUNDS FOR LOCAL CHARITY THE CITY of Suwanee’s Spring Break 2020 design was such a hit online that the city produced T-shirts, tank tops, and crop tops with the design to raise money for the North Gwinnett Co-Op. After just a week of sales, the co-op received a check for $1,250 to support its efforts during the pandemic.

The classic airbrushed spring break design was art directed

by City of Suwanee staff and executed by Veugeler Design Group. Local T-shirt printer EM Local volunteered to produce the shirt at no cost and donate all profits to support the good works of the co-op.

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Suwanee Receives $160K Grant for Loop Trail Study  IN MAY, the Atlanta Regional Commission announced it had awarded a $160,000 Livable Centers Initiative grant to Suwanee to draw up conceptual plans for a pedestrian and bicycle loop around the city. The loop will connect Suwanee neighborhoods to the Suwanee Greenway and downtown Suwanee, as well as connect downtown to other planned regional trails. Lawrenceville was also awarded $150,000 to update its Downtown Master Plan.

Lawrenceville and Suwanee are two of 11 LCI grant recipients from across metro Atlanta, but are the only two from Gwinnett County.

“The [LCI] grants are designed to help communities become more vibrant, walkable places that offer increased mobility options, encourage healthy lifestyles, and provide improved access to jobs and services,” Atlanta Regional Commission officials said. “Upon completion of the studies, communities will be eligible to apply for federal transportation funding for projects such as sidewalks, multi-use trails and smart corridor improvements that help implement their plans.”

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SUMMER 2020

Dinosaurs Spotted In Gwinnett County Parks  DINOSAURS ARE returning to Gwinnett County’s parks as part of the “Meet Me at the Park” program which encourages families to use parks for fitness and exploration.

Statues of eight dinosaurs will be placed in Gwinnett County parks, and clues to their locations will be shared on Facebook and Instagram @GwinnettParksandRec. Park patrons are encouraged to take selfies with the dinosaurs and share them with the hashtag #MeetMeAtThePark.

Prehistoric celebrities that may be found in the parks include Citipati, Daspletosaurus, Maiasaura, Pachycephalosaurus, Pterodactyl, Dilophosaurus, and Stegasaurus.

The dinosaur scavenger hunt is expected to last throughout the summer, so there’s plenty of time to join in the fun. Those visiting the parks are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and practice social distancing.

The “Meet Me at the Park Play Spaces” grant program is a collaboration between the National Recreation and Park Association and the Walt Disney Company. The grants are awarded to park and recreation agencies that submit the best ideas to help make outdoor play accessible to children and families in underserved communities.

A map of Gwinnett’s parks can be found at GwinnettParks.com.

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CityBuzz Summer in the Sweet City

S

ummer is nearly here. The days are longer, school is out, the sun is shining, and the warm weather is inviting you to get outside and make the most out of your summer months in the sweet city! Sugar Hill may be a growing city, but we know that places to play are just as important as places to live and work.

GARY PIRKLE PARK

Gary Pirkle Park, located just off Suwanee Dam Road, offers plenty of space for play and programming. Pirkle Park is home to the largest synthetic turf fields in the Southeast as well as a shaded playground, two miles of paved and lighted walking trails, and the Sugar Hill Community Garden.

THE SUGAR HILL GOLF CLUB

Just down the street, The Sugar Hill Golf Club has earned an established reputation as one of the most beautiful, and challenging, public courses in the North Georgia foothills. With some of the most spectacular golfing vistas, the unique course offers plenty of daily tee times as well as regular tournaments and a club house available for special events.

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SUGAR HILL SPLASH PARK

Kids can cool off and splash around at the Sugar Hill Splash Park in the heart of Sugar Hill. The exciting water feature offers free fun for all ages and is open seasonally from late spring to early fall. Located directly behind City Hall, the Splash Park offers familyfriendly fun with dancing water fountains and lights as well as plenty of local restaurants within a five-minute walk. Grab something to go or enjoy your own treats at shaded picnic tables or soak up the sun on the plaza surrounding the fountain.

/CityofSugarHill

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THE SUGAR HILL GREENWAY

Amid decades of remarkable growth, Sugar Hill remains committed to the preservation of green space and new ways to connect with the community.

The Sugar Hill Greenway (currently under construction) creates a trail network designed for pedestrians, cyclists, joggers, and other non-motorized users. Once completed, the paved pathway will link key places throughout our city including The E Center, Gary Pirkle Park, and Sugar Hill Elementary.

GOLD MINE PARK

Scheduled to make its debut in 2020, the new Gold Mine Park on Level Creek Road features ruins of a longdormant gold mine, preserving the history of early Sugar Hill residents who mined in the area of our modern-day downtown. The 9.2-acre park will also serve as a trailhead for the Sugar Hill Greenway.

Come enjoy summer in the Sweet City where there is plenty of fresh air, room to explore, and exciting discoveries waiting for you in nature! 

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buzz JUNE / JULY / AUGUST EVENTS

BUTTON DOWN DASH 5K/10K ____________ _______

June

7:30 a.m. _______ ____________

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Town Center Park ____________ _______

BROADWAY IN THE PARK ____________ _______ 7 p.m. ____________ _______

SUWANEE FARMERS MARKET ____________ _______ Continues every Saturday through September.

8 a.m.-noon ____________ _______

Town Center Park

July

4

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Town Center Park ____________ _______

Get more information at SuwaneePerformingArts.org

More information at ButtonDownDash.com

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AUGUST CONCERT &____________ WING FEST_______

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MOVIES UNDER THE STARS DOUBLE FEATURE ____________ _______ 7 p.m. ____________ _______

Town Center Park

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY ____________ _______

5 p.m.. ____________ _______

Town Center Park

5:30 p.m. _______ ____________

ST. MONICA’S ARTS AND CRAFT _SHOW ____________ ______

Trucks open at 5:30 p.m.; Music begins at 7 p.m.

The Catholic Church of St. Monica

Town Center Park ____________ _______

9 a.m.-4 p.m. ____________ _______

1700 Buford Hwy. in Duluth

26 SUMMER PORCH JAM VIRTUAL CONCERT SERIES ____________ _______ 7-7:30 p.m._______ ____________

City of Suwanee Facebook Live_______ ____________ Details at facebook.com/ CityofSuwaneeGA

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MOVIES UNDER THE STARS DOUBLE FEATURE ____________ ______________ 7 p.m. ____________ ______________

Town Center Park

KIWANIS SHAMROCK 5K ____________ ____________ 8 a.m. ____________ ____________

Suwanee City_Hall ____________ ___________ Sign up at RunSignUp.com

29 SUWANEE AMERICAN CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL ____________ _______________ 1____________ p.m. - 5 p.m. _______________

Town Center Park ____________ _______________

More information and tickets available at SuwaneeBeerFest.com

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