official newsletter of the city of suwanee, ge rgia

www.suwanee.com september2013 insidethis issue… Photo by David Douglas

We’re 15 Downtown Development Authority 7:30am excited to be 15 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30pm New logo, recognized as the“ 18&19 Terror on the Trail (Sims Lake) 7pm new look! “ 19 Korean Festival (TCP) noon 2 Suwanee makes best small 22 City Council Meeting 6:30pm town in 25&26 Terror on the Trail (Sims Lake) 7pm Georgia… 26 Trek or Treat (Suwanee Creek Park) 11am-1pm Money’s 2013 Best Places list Money magazine has once again named the City of Suwanee one of America’s best places to live. Number 33 on Money’s 2013 list of best small towns, Suwanee is the highest-ranked 5 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30pm community in Georgia. 6 Public Arts Commission 7pm 7 City Council Workshop 5:30pm Independent Money’s 2013 list of Best Places to Live focuses on towns with populations of 10,000-50,000. 10 Suwanee Classic Car Show (TCP) 10am film series Starting with a database of more than 1,300 towns, the magazine considered median family 11 Harvest Farm Managing Board 4:30pm 4 income and home values; education and crime scores; quality-of-life factors such as health 15 Downtown Development Authority 7:30am returns care, arts, and leisure; and intangibles like community spirit. 19 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30pm 19 City Council Meeting 6:30pm “It’so great t receive national recognition for our 28&29 Holiday: City Hall Closed community through such a rigorous process and from such a prestigious publication,” says Suwanee Mayor Jimmy Burnette. “We’re excited to be recognized as the best small town in Georgia and committed to continually improving our community and the quality of life for our residents.” Suwanee Day! When asked on Facebook what they loved 10 about living in Suwanee, several people, like Molly McCormick Berger, mentioned parks. Plus, check out Berger posted: “The friendly people who live here, the free concerts, Food Truck Friday, the page 5 for fall Greenway, the parks....” events! continued on page 9 Photo by Bill Mahan Visit suwanee.com to see full-color logo.

A new logo for City, new look and name for newsletter Photo courtesy of Adventure Advertising Suwanee’s brand is bubbling with researched municipal logos, we found change as the City has adopted a new that many cities use their city hall or a logo. In addition, the official City of dome or a clock tower. And that’s great, Three Council Suwanee newsletter, with this issue, but we wanted Suwanee’s logo to gets a new name and a new look. stando out, t be more than a visual ode posts to be on to an edifice.” City Council voted unanimously at its Nov. 5 ballot July 23 meeting to adopt the new logo With a new logo in hand, the time created by Hein van der Heijden, an seemed appropriate for the City to Candidate qualifying for the three Atlanta-based, award-winning designer update its newsletter as well. The City Council posts scheduled to be with 25 years' experience. logo has been incorporated into on the ballot this fall was to take the masthead design and the name place August 26-28. "Suwanee is an uncommon city," says changed from CrossRoads to Connects. van der Heijden. "Its residents have Provided that more than one fun living there and there's a lot going “With the newsletter’s new name we candidate qualified for a post, on. I wanted the community's logo to were again looking for something that the City Council election will take reflect that. I used a mix of lowercase would intimate activity and vibrancy,” place from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, and uppercase letters and dropped the says DeWilde. “Connects seemed a November 5, at City Hall. (Voting capital S in the logo's word art to help good indication of our ultimate goal, to on the Gwinnett County SPLOST suggest the community's originality connect with the community through referendum will take place at county and playfulness. The graphic offers a the newsletter itself as well as with polling locations.) Check suwanee. bird's-eye view of Suwanee, bubbling topics addressed in the newsletter.” com for more information about the with color, activities, and energy." City Council election and a list of Suwanee began the logo redesign qualified candidates. The City's new logo replaces one process in the spring. After receiving that featured a lamp post and had 28 statements of qualification from Suwanee City Councilmembers are been used since 1998. The Suwanee design professionals, mostly from elected at-large, and all registered S, another branding mark utilized by metro Atlanta but also from six other City of Suwanee voters may cast a the City, will continue to be used along states, the City selected six finalist ballot for each post. with the new official logo. firmso t participate in a design competition. Each finalist presented The last day to register to vote in "Suwanee has changed a lot since three or more Suwanee logo design this election is October 7. Voter 1998," says Public Information concepts. registration is available at City Hall, Officer Lynne DeWilde. "We felt that public library branches, and the the lamp post no longer offered As a result of the competition, the Gwinnett County Elections Office at an accurate representation of our City selected van der Heijden, a 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, in dynamic community. Our goal was to native of the Netherlands who came Lawrenceville. The voter registration create a logo that is more unique and to the United States four years ago. form also is available at the Georgia remarkable, that better represents Principal at his Atlanta-based DesHein Secretary of State’s website, Suwanee's personality today, and visual design service firm, van der sos.ga.gov. Residents may verify that indicates that our community is Heijden's "bucket list," had until voter registration and state and focused on the future." recently, included creating a city logo. county polling locations at the same website by clicking “Elections” and Initially, there was some thought that The new logo generated a lot of buzz “My Voter Page.” the City’s new logo might feature on the City’s Facebook page. A post City Hall. But, DeWilde says: “As we continued on page 9

2 www.suwanee.com ‘Remembrance’: 9-11 Sales tax program on dedication ceremony set Nov. countywide ballot

The City of Suwanee will hold Gwinnett County voters will determine in November a brief dedication ceremony whethero t extend the current one-penny sales tax at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, program. September 11, for an artistic/historic Gwinnett County has proposed a three-year 2014 display created to SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) memorialize 9-11- program through which the county would commit 2001. The display 70 percent of anticipated funds to countywide features a damaged, transportation projects, 7.5 percent to parks and twisted relic from recreation projects, and about 1.5 percent to senior one of the World facilities. If passed, the county anticipates the 2014 Trade Center towers, SPLOST would generate up to $498 million for capital which was given to projects over a three-year period. Suwanee a couple of years ago by the Port About 21 percent of funds generated would be allocated Authority of New York and to Gwinnett County municipalities. The City of Suwanee New Jersey. would receive up to $8,043,745, of which the City would designate 90 percent for transportation projects and Since unveiling the artifact two 10 percent for parks and recreation enhancements. years ago, the City has worked to Transportation funding would be used for new determine a permanent location and create an appropriate construction projects, resurfacing, sidewalks, and drainage display for the artifact, which, according to the Port and safety improvements. Authority, was part of an exterior steel panel from floors 101-104 of one of the twin towers. Since 2005, the City of Suwanee has received more than $15 million in SPLOST funding. Funds have been used Late last year, the Public Arts Commission solicited to resurface 13.4 miles of roadway, construct the police proposals and ultimately contracted with Statesboro artist training center in the Suwanee Gateway and renovate Marc Moulton to create the permanent display, which in the former City Hall for police expansion, rehabilitate the late August, as this newsletter was going to press, was Suwanee Creek Greenway, purchase playground equipment being installed at Town Center Park in a raised area near the for Sims Lake Park, streetscape the I-85 area, install shade brick outer wall along Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road. structures at several parks, construct a public restroom facility at Martin Farm Park, reconstruct Eva Kennedy Road, In addition to the 1,628-pound World Trade Center artifact, fill gaps in the City’s sidewalk system, install radar street which stands to the side, the Remembrance display includes signs, and renovate the Crossroads Center for municipal a 9-11 historical timeline with stainless steel numbers and court, among other projects. letters embedded in a cement pad. An inverted conical sculpture, with the lower Manhattan cityscape cut into it, The current 2009 SPLOST is scheduled to end March 31 next stands in the middle of the pad. At night, a light-shadow year. If passed in November, the 2014 SPLOST would begin impression, which offers an aerial view of the cityscape, will April 1. Voting on the SPLOST referendum will take place at be projected onto the pad. county polling locations, not at City Hall. Registered City of Suwanee residents will vote at City Hall only for City A sculpture professor at Georgia Southern University, Council posts, if an election is required. Moulton has created public art projects for more than 20 years, but Remembrance is the first with such historical significance.

“I’ve never done anything quite like this,” Moulton says. “I hope that it will provide a sense of respect and remembrance for the world-altering events it marks. And for those who weren’t born yet, I hope the display offers a little bit of the history of 9-11.”

The dedication ceremony is planned for dusk so that attendees can get a sense of how Remembrance will appear continued on page 9 Photo courtesy of Adventure Advertising

www.suwanee.com 3 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Independent film series returns to Suwanee

Southern food traditions, public art, and wine harvesting will Tavern. After that film, though, he was hooked and looked be the first topics featured when the Southern Circuit Tour forwardo t attending each and every one of the screenings.” of Independent Filmmakers returns to Suwanee this fall. In all, six independent films will be screened at Movie Tavern as part of the visual arts program, and attendees will have Pride & Joy an opportunity to discuss each film with the award-winning September 9 filmmakers. Six years and more than 5,000 highway miles in the making, Screenings will be at 7 p.m. on the scheduled dates. Tickets are Pride & Joy is an introduction to the foodways of America’s available at Movie Tavern, 2855 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, most delicious region. The hour-long documentary explores and via the theater’s website, movietavern.com. Individual the South’s food culture, presenting intimate portraits of tickets are $6 each; a six-film package also is available for people and places and offering insights into the region’s $30 and includes a complimentary glass of complex history and bright future. wine. Filmmaker Joe York hails from Glencoe, The first film will be screened on Alabama. He received a bachelor’s September 9, with additional films to degree in anthropology from Auburn be shown monthly through April, with a University and a master’s degree in break in December and January. Southern studies from the University of Mississippi, where he currently is This is the City of Suwanee’s second year senior producer of documentary projects. participating in the Southern Circuit Pride & Joy Named Food Filmmaker of the Year at Tour of Independent Filmmakers, which the New York Film Festival in 2009, York is a program of South Arts. Southern has won a bevy or other accolades at film Circuit screenings are funded, in part, by festivals in the South and beyond. a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Bending Sticks Bending Sticks October 8 “If folks would give these independent films a chance, I think they’d be really Bending Sticks: The Sculpture of Patrick impressed,” says Toni Shrewsbury, Dougherty celebrates the 25-year career of special projects coordinator. “There the internationally renowned environmental was this couple last year. Apparently, artist. Doughtery’s projects invite the husband, when he learned that collaboration and engage communities in his wife had ordered tickets to the making and viewing of his very public the circuit, told her that he hoped art. The film follows the artist and his she would be taking one of her collaborators over a year as they transform friends. She then informed him that Harvest he would be going with her, and he griped the entire way to Movie 2013-14 Southern Circuit Tour If folks “ would give these of Independent Filmmakers independent films a chance, I think they’d September 9...... Pride & Joy February 24...... Bidder 70 “ be October 8...... Bending Sticks March 18...... Perfect really November 12...... Harvest Strangers impressed. April 9...... The Retrieval

Screenings are at 7 p.m. at Movie Tavern and will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker. Individual tickets are $6. 4 www.suwanee.com Kenny Dalesheimer Joe York & Penny Maunsell John Beck piles of sticks into energetic lines and exuberant forms in five different communities.

Bending Sticks was created by award-winning filmmaker, cinematographer, and editor Kenny Dalesheimer and award- winning producer Penny Maunsell. Dalesheimer, who has a master’s degree in anthropology from Duke University, creates locally inspired documentaries, produces nonprofit Treat yourself to videos, and teaches youth video workshops. Maunsell travels all over the country and internationally making recruitment frightfully fun, and fundraising films and videos. spooky events The City of Suwanee will offer fun thrills and spooky chills Harvest through its annual Halloween events. November 12 Youngsters are invited to dress in costumes and come Forget swirling, sniffing, and sipping, Harvest takes a look enjoy festival games, inflatables, dance competitions, and at the back-breaking manual labor and 2 a.m. night pickings pictures with Parker at the City’s Trek or Treat event from that go into harvesting grapes and making wine. The 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, October 26, at Suwanee Creek Park. feature-length documentary follows five family wineries in A free hot dog lunch will be available while supplies last. Sonoma County, California, during the 2011 harvest, which This event is free and open to the public. turned out to be the worst in that region in 50 years. Across town, frightful storytellers will return to Sims Lake John Beck spends his time directing and producing Park when the Aurora Theatre brings Terror on the Trail documentaries, shooting promotional videos, and writing as to Suwanee on Friday and Saturday evenings during the a freelance journalist. The winner of numerous film festival last three weekends of October. Teenage zombies have awards, Beck was born in Nashville but now lives in the San charged six captive souls with dispensing tales of terror as Francisco Bay area. listeners warily make their way around the park’s seven- acre lake.

The Terror on the Trail website warns: “It is the season More Fall Events of horror and, if you dare to hear these tales, a living nightmare awaits you. Not in some cozy haunted house, Four privately organized festivals and events will but in the dark, in the woods, be hosted at Town Center Park in October and around a lake.” November. The zombies take over Suwanee Wine Festival I October 5 @ noon the normally idyllic suwaneewinefest.com Sims Lake Park beginning at 7 Taste of Suwanee I October 12 @ noon each evening. The tasteofsuwanee.com haunted tours last about 75 minutes. More information Korean Festival and tickets are October 19 @ noon available at atlantaradiokorea.com or koreanfilmfestival.net scarystroll.com/ tot.html. Suwanee Classic Car Show I November 10 @ 10 am ngaa4arts.com

www.suwanee.com 5 Suwanee PD seeks national reaccreditation A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) arrived in Suwanee August 18 to examine all aspects of the police department’s policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services. The on-site assessment was part of the department’s efforts to earn national reaccreditation from CALEA.

Says Suwanee Police Chief Mike Jones: “Verification by the assessment team that the Suwanee Police Department meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation, a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence.”

The Suwanee Police Department hopes to receive its reaccreditation in November at the fall CALEA conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Accreditation is for three ‘Everybody’s feeling good!’ years. Suwanee first earned national CALEA accreditation in 2010 and has been certified by the Georgia Association Video contest winner of Chiefs of Police since 2000. Of more than 500 law enforcement agencies in Georgia, only 47 are currently sings and dances way accredited through CALEA, including three of 11 agencies in Gwinnett County. through Suwanee

“The Suwanee Police Department must comply with Look out Psy, Suwanee’s Cray Beavers are taking their approximately 418 applicable standards in order to gain shot at the newest dance craze. In a loose, light- accredited status,” says Jones. “CALEA accreditation is hearted parody of the Gangnam Style phenomenon, the benchmark for the professional standards a law Neighborhood Watch (Me Dance) features the Cray enforcement agency needs to meet today.” Beavers singing and dancing their way throughout the Suwanee community. The approximately three-minute video was the winner in the City of Suwanee’s 2013 video competition.

Neighborhood Watch (Me Dance) may be viewed via YouTube and suwanee.com; look under “Video” on the City of Suwanee homepage. The video is available for purchase through iTunes.

The Cray Beavers are singer-rappers Collin Baxter, Jake DeMaris, and Michael Cornelius, all of whom worked this past summer at Camp All-American.

“We were really impressed with Cray Beavers’ original song and excited that they developed the video for Suwanee’s competition,” says Public Information Officer Lynne DeWilde. “We love the beat and light- hearted fun featured in the video and, of course, the Suwanee backdrop.” Impressive Chief Mike Jones, center, reports that CALEA assessors Bob Morgan and John Tucker, wearing suits in the photo above, were “very impressed with our department, personnel, and City” during their Collin Baxter and the Cray Beavers will perform at site visit last month. 6 p.m. September 21, at Suwanee Day.

6 www.suwanee.com for business A ‘real’ glimpse The following companies received new business behind the licenses from the City of Suwanee from May through July. badge

Are you a cop show junkie? Can’t • American Veteran Enterprises • MFC Sweet & Savory* wait for the new seasons of Law & 495 Horizon Drive 3635 Burnette Park Drive Order, CSI, or NCIS? Well, you may be interested in a real-life “behind • Benefit Personal Training 1300 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard • Nation’s First Home Mortgage the scenes” program being offered 530 Highland Station by the Suwanee Police Department: • Bliss Hair Boutique 3675 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road a hands-on, eight-week course • 1DA Portfolio that promises to be more realistic, • Booker Oral Surgery & Implant Center 780 Buford Highway 335 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard personal, and impactful than • Public Storage watching a really good television cop • The Brand Banking Company show. 1000 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard 3900 McGinnis Ferry Road • Catering for Atlanta* • Pur Arua The Suwanee Police 3635 Burnette Park Drive 3245 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road Department will • Country Pepper offer its popular 686 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard • Rainbow of N. Georgia Citizens Police 2855 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road • Curavita Academy from 970 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard • REA Kitchen & Rentals* 6:30-9 p.m. • Direct Appraisal Group 3635 Burnette Park Drive Tuesday evenings 671 Main Street beginning • Dreamy Gelato & Chocolates* • Scout and Henry* October 1 at the 3635 Burnette Park Drive 3635 Burnette Park Drive Police Training Center at 2966 • Eastern China Taste • Squash Blossom Kitchens* 1000 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard Lawrenceville- 3635 Burnette Park Drive • Express Weight Loss Suwanee Road. 3675 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road • Sreedevi Vaalapalli, MD, PC Those wishing to participate must • Fabulous Finds Estate Liquidators 950 Scales Road 1300 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard provide notarized applications • Suwanee Service Station by 5 p.m. Friday, September 20. • Fletcher’s Provisions* 3237 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road 3635 Burnette Park Drive Applications are available at • Sweet Tooth Frozen Yogurt & Treats suwanee.com. Applicants must be • 4 Paws Pet Food Store at least 19 years old, and City of 960 Scales Road 2855 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road Suwanee residents receive priority • Go Waiter • Tae Kwon Do placement. 950 Scales Road 3131 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road • Golden Wok The program offers participants a 3255 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road • Taekwondo America Taeguekwon better understanding of the day-to- • Grow Heal Live Lead 302 Satellite Boulevard day functions, risks, and experiences 4411 Suwanee Dam Road • Terraces at Suwanee Gateway of Suwanee police officers. Topics • Housworth Construction Services 481 Northolt Parkway addressed include crime scene 1300 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard processing, traffic stops, building • Ivy League College Prep • Tracy’s Tasties* searches, crime prevention, and 950 Scales Road 3635 Burnette Park Drive narcotics identification. • JNJ Logistics • Worldwide Motorsport 659 Main Street A 2012 Citizens Police Academy 3890 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road • K-Pop Sushi participant said in an evaluation: 960 Scales Road • Zone Electronics “The program is very informative, and it helps to bridge the gap • Legacy Lighting 3580 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road 470 Satellite Boulevard between the community and law enforcement.” • MC Automotive *Business rents kitchen facility by the hour. 3445 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road

www.suwanee.com 7 connections to City Hall! WelcomeAdam Edge sis the City’ new downtown North Gwinnett High School graduate and business development manager Jarred Landers has joined the public in the economic and community works department as an equipment development department. An Atlanta operator. Landers previously worked native, Edge most recently worked for the City of Sugar Hill and Quality with the Atlanta Regional Commission Foods. He resides in Sugar Hill. and, before that, with the Association Director earns of County Commissioners of Georgia. Alina Pataca has come onboard In the He has a bachelor’s degree in political financial services department as an theology certificate science and master’s degree in public accounting analyst. She received her After several years of attending administration from Georgia State bachelor’s degree in accounting last summer and Saturday classes, College and University. With a belief year from Rasmussen College. She was Administrative Services Director that “running is good for the soul,” if previously employed with Assurant in Elvira Rogers has earned her not the knees, Edge is training for his Duluth. Pataca and her husband live in certificate of completion of the second marathon. Buford. basic course of study from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. The certificate is a requirement of local pastors in the Computer courses United Methodist Church. Rogers “moonlights” as pastor at Mount offered for ages 50+ Calvary United Methodist Church in The Gwinnett SenioR Learning Center (GSRLC) Lawrenceville. will offer computer classes for adults 50 and older at George Pierce Park this fall. Classes begin the week of September 16. For course PIB speed limit listings, visit gsrlc.org. Registration for classes will take place from 10 a.m.-noon lowered to 45 Wednesday, September 11, at the George The speed limit on Peachtree Pierce Park Community Center. Industrial Boulevard (PIB) through Suwanee has been reduced to 45 The GSRLC is seeking volunteer instructors and coaches to maintain and mph. PIB is one of several roadways expand its course offerings. Information about volunteering is available via throughout the county for which the “Join Us” link at gsrlc.org. the Gwinnett County Department of Transportation has reduced the speed limit.

September is Thrombosis Awareness An August 12 article in the Gwinnett Daily Post notes that factors Month in Georgia considered included commercial Working with the North American year and account for up to 100,000 growth and a desire for consistency Thrombosis Forum and State Sen. deaths, according to the Centers for throughout jurisdictions. The Renee Unterman, Suwanee resident Dr. Disease Control and Prevention. roadway’s 45-mph speed limit Atul Laddu was instrumental in having will apply from State Route 141/ September recognized as Thrombosis Laddu was joined at an August 2 Peachtree Parkway to Highway 20/ Awareness Month in Georgia. Deep ceremony at the State Capitol by Sen. Nelson Brogdon Boulevard. vein thrombosis, which involves a Unterman and his grandson Rajan blockage in the vein in the calf, and Laddu, a freshman at Washington Suwanee police officers will issue pulmonary embolism, which is a University, who had a pulmonary warnings for violating the 45-mph blockage in blood vessels in the lungs, embolism two years ago. speed limit along PIB until October 1. affecto up t 600,000 Americans each

8 www.suwanee.com connections

A new logo for City - continued from page 2 revealing the logo generated 250 “thumbs up” likes and 63 comments. Thirty-four of the comments expressed a dislike for the new logo or preference for the previous one.

Glenn Levin posted: “I MUCH preferred the old logo. It was more traditional and classic.”

Julia Wright however, liked the logo, posting: “I think it is a very cool logo! I applaud fresh design. GREAT JOB. Usually town logos are 2014 Harvest Farm applications boring and this one has some real vibe to it.” accepted October 14 The City is phasing in use of the new logo with the official launch/celebration taking New gardeners who wish to have a plot at the City of Suwanee’s place during the 30th Suwanee Day festival Harvest Farm Community Garden next year should apply in on September 21. Look for logo-branded items, October. Applications will be available at harvestfarmsuwanee. including reusable bags and t-shirts, to be com by October 1 and completed applications will be accepted given away or available for purchase. from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, October 14, at White Street Park, 752 White Street. Applications will continue to be accepted after Suwanee makes Money’s 2013 Best Places list October 14 until all 76 plots are claimed. City of Suwanee residents - continued from page 1 and property owners receive priority assignments and a 25 percent discount on plot fees. Alicia Grdinich Cooper posted: “Love our center of town and how it brings us together for music and festivals. The initiative to support art and artists is wonderful….”

Suwanee has been included on Money’s list of Best Places to Live in previous years, ranking #10 in 2007 and #35 in 2009. Earlier this year Family Circle magazine ranked Suwanee as one of the nation’s 10 Best Towns for Families and last year Kiplinger.com ranked Suwanee #3 on its list of best places to raise children.

Other Georgia cities on Money’s 2013 Best Places list are Evans at #43 and Peachtree City at #48.

Rememberance - continued from page 3 during the day and at night. “We anticipate that the display is going to look and feel very different depending on the time of day it’s being viewed,” Suwanee artist included says Economic and Community Development Director Denise Brinson. “We hope that people in Art of Georgia exhibit will come experience the display both during the “Working Beauties,” a painting by Suwanee resident Vickie day and at night. We expect that each will be Johnson, was selected to be part of the Art of Georgia exhibit at powerful in its own way.” the State Capitol. More than 250 works were submitted by artists from throughout metro Atlanta; only 30 pieces were selected to The dedication ceremony is free and open to the be exhibited. Johnson is president of the North Gwinnett Arts public and will take place at the Remembrance Association and an art teacher at Central Gwinnett High School. display site at Town Center Park.

www.suwanee.com 9 30th celebration of Suwanee Day

For the 30th time, the Suwanee community – and several thousand others – will gather to celebrate Suwanee Day Suwanee Day. Part art festival, part Schedule of Events music/entertainment festival, and partly a fun-for-all-ages event, this year’s Saturday, September 21 Suwanee Day will be held Saturday, Free shuttle transportation from September 21, at Town Center Park. The off-site parking begins: 7:30 am day’s festivities also include a parade, Parade I 9am yummy festival food, inflatable rides, Arts & Crafts Exhibitors I 9am-5pm free Fastball concert, and fireworks. Inflatable Rides, Children’s Activities I 9am-7:30pm “Weo like t say that Suwanee Day is the best one-day festival around,” says Free Entertainment I 10am-10pm Events Manager Amy Doherty. “We pack Fastball in Concert I 8:15pm an awful lot into 13 hours. Thanks to our Fireworks I 9:45pm generous sponsors and hard-working Free shuttle transportation to volunteers, each festival seems to get off-site parking ends: 10:30 pm just a little bit better.”

10 www.suwanee.com 2013 Suwanee Day Entertainment Line-Up Main Stage 10am I The Atlanta JayHawks 11am I The Drake School of Irish Dance 11:45am I Sugar Hill Christian Academy Traveling Praise Team 12:30pm I Priceless Performers Dance and Theatre Arts Co. Dance like it’s 1998 1:15pm I Jahara Phoenix Dance Company 2pm I North Gwinnett Middle School at free Fastball Guitar Ensemble 2:30pm I Southeastern Snake Encounter concert 3pm I Stone Mountain Dance like it’s 1998 at the free Fastball concert, which Barbershop Chorus will begin at 8:15 p.m. Formed in Austin, Texas, the alternative rock band skyrocketed up the Billboard 4pm I R&B, Inc. music charts with its second album, All the Pain Money Can Buy. The album went platinum in just six months, 5pm I Steel Dreamin’ and hits included “The Way,” “Out of My Head,” and “Fire Escape.” 6pm I Collin Baxter

Grammy-nominated Fastball includes Tony Scalzo on 7pm I Scott Walker Band vocals, bass, keyboards, and guitar; Joey Shuffield on drums; and Miles Zuniga on vocals and guitar. The 8:15pm I Fastball band has continued to tour and produce music across 9:45pm I Fireworks two decades, releasing its latest single, “Love Comes in Waves,” earlier this year.

“…[W]e’ve gotten way better as songwriters,” says Children’s Area Zuniga on the band’s website. “I now know how to tell a 10am-5pm I Reptile Wagon story in three minutes and how to really stick the knife in! Our records are just better with maturity, but we still 10am-7pm I Western Trails know how to rock, so it’s all there.”

Recently, Fastball has toured with Smash Mouth, Sugar Roaming Entertainment Ray, and the Gin Blossoms. Parrot Productions

There’s a

Lend a hand, get a cool T-shirt large number of wonderful Suwanee Day has quite a reputation – for set up and break down and that the volunteers… “ offering outstanding, friendly assistance, nearly 50,000 attendees enjoy a safe and Everyone“ is nice and that is. creative festival environment. happy, Each year, Suwanee Day relies on the Visit suwaneeday.com otoday t volunteer even though they’ve probably been here assistance of more than 200 volunteers for the 2013 festival. It’s a great way since 6 a.m… to help pull off Suwanee’s largest event, to connect with and give back to the ensuring that vendors have access to community. Plus, all volunteers receive a – Paula Chambers, helping hands and smiling faces as they free, super-groovy festival t-shirt. J&P Art Glass

www.suwanee.com 11 12 hours of nearly non-stop entertainment Priceless Performers The 2013 Suwanee Day entertainment line-up Dance & Theatre Arts Co. features Irish dancers and belly dancers, rhythm 12:30pm and blues performers and cowboys and Indians, Based in Norcross, the Priceless as well as a reptile man and parrot lady. A full Performers studio provides dayf o on-stage entertainment begins at 10 a.m. exceptional dance instruction and will conclude with a free concert by Fastball through an array of classes and and a fireworks display. performance opportunities.

In addition to performances on the main Jahara Phoenix Dance stage, Western Trails will offer demonstrations Company I 1:15pm in the children’s area throughout the day With creativity and a dynamic and Parrot Productions will provide roaming sense of history, Jahara entertainment. Phoenix company members perform tribal and world fusion bellydance. Their unforgettable performances offer a wide range of dance styles, all with theatrical flair. Dancers often perform with The Atlanta JayHawks props, including baskets, swords, 10am and fans. Duluth-based JayHawks cheer and dance team North Gwinnett Middle School members will wow you with I 2pm their enthusiasm. Members Guitar Ensemble More than 150 students in six separate groups are part range in age from 3-18 of one of Gwinnett County’s and compete locally and first middle school guitar nationally throughout the performance ensembles. The year. group focuses on a classical playing approach with The Drake School of exploration of alternative I 11am Irish Dance styles, including blues, jazz, Since being founded in rock, and classical solo Atlanta in 1990 by Ireland performance. native Karl Drake, this Irish dance school has become one of the most prestigious Southeastern Snake I 2:30pm in the country with branches Encounter Slither your way to this live reptile throughout the southern show presented by Jason Clark, U.S. and in Mexico and China. a nationally recognized reptile Dancers from the Flowery handler with more than 25 years Branch location will perform wildlife experience. Clark has at Suwanee Day. starred in an Animal Planet reality show revolving around Sugar Hill his family life and the 150 Christian reptilest tha he houses. Academy Traveling Stone Mountain Praise Team Barbershop Chorus 11:45am 3pm These young Directed by Dylan Oxford, the performers charm Stone Mountain Barbershop audiences with their Chorus represents one of the praise and worship songs and choreographed dances. few musical art forms native to

12 www.suwanee.com the United States: close four-part a cappella harmony. The Lash LaRue, Hopalong 2010 Dixie District Chorus Champion’s performances include Cassidy and Calamity choreography, dramatic interpretation, and vocal Jane will all be on distinction. hand. Enjoy roping demonstrations by R&B, Inc. I 4pm Potshot Parker and An Atlanta-based, nine-piece Hopalong Cassidy soul and funk band, R&B, Inc. with Chuck Wagon specializes in “feel good” music. Knowledge by Doc The band has performed with Griffin. Music will be artists such as The Family provided by award- Stone, The Association, Mother’s winning western duo Alias, Smith & Owens. Finest, The Zombies, and Atlanta Rhythm Section. Reptile Wagon I 10am-5pm Check out Jason Clark’s more than 20 displays and diverse Steel Dreamin’ I 5pm group of reptiles. Steel Dreamin’ features powerful vocals; the distinctive ringingf o steel drums; an array of percussion instruments, Parrot Productions I Roaming Entertainment guitars, and keyboards; and some of the most laid-back Since the early 1980s, Brenda Bean has trained parrots. musicians in Atlanta. The band has been entertaining She has 14 species of parrots, who will pose for pictures audiences with its unique brand of Caribbean Rock since and perform many tricks 2004. Come sing along and dream of the islands as Steel ranging from throwing Dreamin’ performs traditional island music, pop cover ao ball t giving a kiss. tunes from the past 50 years, and world music favorites. Bean and her feathered friends have appeared Collin Baxter I 6pm at the Fernbank Natural Raised in Atlanta and History Museum, now living in Nashville, University of Georgia, Collin Baxter was and many area schools. formerly a worship leader at Perimeter Church, where he wrote and recorded many of the songs he plays today. Baxter also will perform “Neighborhood Watch (Me Dance)” with the Cray Beavers; the video for the song won the City of Suwanee’s 2013 video competition.

Scott Walker Band I 7pm A proven crowd- pleaser, the Scott Walker Band has been electrifying audiences Parade route changes since 2006 with its A parade will kick off Suwanee Day festivities as usual, performances of jazz, but participants will march to a different route. The R&B, classic rock, and parade will begin at 9 a.m. at Stonecypher Road heading pop tunes. You’ll be up Main Street, then east on Suwanee Dam, and down mesmerized by the Buford Highway, in front of Town Center Park, and ending vocal ability of the at Chicago Avenue. frontline as well as the accomplished This year’s parade theme is: 30 Years of Celebrating musicianship of the rhythm section. Suwanee – Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present, Looking to the Future. Western Trails I 10am - 7pm Robert Brooks, better known to his saddle pals as Fuzzy Q. The deadline for parade applications is September 11, Jones, is gathering the best of the West here in the East. and participants must attend a mandatory September 12 (Look-a-likes) Annie Oakley, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, meetingo t be held at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

www.suwanee.com 13 Practice the ‘fine art’ of shopping

Shabby chic or traditional? Sudsy or edible? Beaded or of Tizo Designs can. Grover’s twisted? A gift for mom or Fido? Whatever you’re looking father and brothers are for, the hundreds of unique hand-crafted items at the 2013 fishermen, so at an early Suwanee Day festival are sure to tempt you. age she learned how to tie knots in fishing nets This year’s Suwanee Day planning committee had to be while growing up in the more selective than ever as the festival received almost Canadian province of Nova twice the number of exhibitor applications as there are Scotia, where the seeds of her spaces.e “W really feel that the quality of craftsmanship handcrafted jewelry were sown. and creativity are going to be better than ever,” says Suwanee Events Manager Amy Doherty, “The 2013 festival Beginning with a single strand of will offer a fabulous, eclectic array of everything handmade metal or silver, Grover creates contemporary wearable from soaps to signs and edibles to earrings. I can’t wait to art, sometimes with a clear vision of how the piece will shop myself!” turn out and “sometimes,” says the artist, “I close my eyes and just let it happen.” Grover’s pieces can come to life in Below are features on a few festival exhibitors, each of as little as 15-20 minutes or may require a day or two to whom will be experiencing their first Suwanee Day. complete.

Metal pieces with personality Grover has a home studio where she creates her “shabby chic” art wear. “I’m committed to being reasonably priced Terry York enjoyed for everyone,” she says. Her pieces at Suwanee Day will a successful career range from $22 to $70. in retail for 20 years, culminating with a How cool is that? position as regional manager for Godiva Glen Haney of Suwanee Chocolatier. “I loved retail had no idea that keeping and retail loved me,” says drinks cool and stylish the Tennessee native who, would become such a hot like so idea. many others in 2009, found himself in need of a new career. In March, working out of his garage, Haney York filled part of his time helping others by going into sketched and built his first their homes and organizing their things. He came across so cedar cooler per his wife’s many unused items in basements and attics; with a spark request, along with her alma mater, Oklahoma State, logo of creativity, he realized that the items could be reused and on the front. It turned out so well that she wanted to give given new life. For York, a new hobby, of sorts, was born. oneo t her best friend, also a Cowboy alumna, as a birthday gift. While delivering the gift, her friend’s mom asked if he From his Marietta garage, with his dog, Sebastian, and cat, could create one for her with an Atlanta Falcons logo on it. Simon, looking on, York creates whimsical face-like pieces He did…and the business has taken off like a rocket ever out of recycled metallic items. He finds elements for his since. creations at Atlanta-area scrap yards, thrift stores, and gun shops. Door knobs for eyes, cookie sheets for faces, dryer Haney’s primary business, Titan Home Services, provides vents for noses are just a few of the items he uses. residential repairs so he had all of the tools and craftsmanship necessary to start his part-time hobby. He When asked how he found his way to Suwanee Day, York uses cedar to create the coolers because “the natural flaws says: “I heard such good things about Suwanee Day from in the wood really bring out its character.” other artists that I decided I should apply.” Prices for York’s personable pieces range from $65 to $95. Not only will this be Haney’s first Suwanee Day appearance, it’s his first festival entry ever. He plans to From fishing knots to fine art bring 10 or so completed units to the event, but will have pictures of other designs and will be taking orders. The Not many people can claim artistic influences that include coolers range in price from $185 to $295. Canadian fishing nets and Celtic traditions. Rhonda Grover

14 www.suwanee.com Burlap meets sunshine

Meg Stephens and her friend and co-worker ReBecca Eagleson are full-time hair stylists at Suwanee’s Genesis Salon – a job that they both love. Both women also love extending their artistic nature outside of the salon.

Each had independently started her own art business: Stephens’ was called A Little Piece of Sunshine and Eagleson’s was A Burlap Boutique. When they joined forces, aso a way t maximize artistry and take advantage of creative camaraderie, A Little Piece of Burlap was born. Photo by R. Scott Quady

Their work can be described as custom and very rustic – “country glam,” according to one of their customers. The Get an early ‘start’ women buy old furniture at various thrift shops and yard sales, put it through a “distressing” process, and create to Suwanee Day new, functional pieces of art. Furniture pieces include The annual Suwanee Day Classic will be run the week small tables, bedside nightstands, and full-size dining before the festival. Participants may choose between a room tables. Beyond furniture, they 5K route or 10K run or even do both. Race-day sign-up also create folksy wreathes that will be available for the September 14 runs. The on-site can be monogrammed and When they registration fee is $35 for the 5K, $40 for the 10K, and wall-mounted wine bottle joined forces, as a “ $50 for both races. vases. Recently, one of the most way to maximize popular items has been rustic- “ Hosted by the Suwanee BodyPlex, the 5K race will begin … looking wedding signs that artistry at 7:30 a.m. and the 10K at 8:30. There’s also an 8:35 a.m. direct people to the reception. A Little Piece of Burlap was born. Fun Run. Items range in price from $35 to Proceeds will benefit the Fellowship of Christian $50 for wreathes and $45 to $150 Athletes and Quinn House. Each runner is asked to bring for distressed furniture. a can of food for Quinn House.

Off-site parking is available at:

Shadowbrook Baptist Church 4187 Suwanee Dam Road

Shawnee North Business Center 305 Shawnee North Drive (at Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road)

Southeastern Freight 3655 Windsor Park Drive (Near the intersection of Buford Highway & McGinnis Ferry Road) IMPORTANT: Enter from Buford Highway only.

Parking for people with disabilities Limited parking for guests with disability parking permits Park off-site, is available at the Suwanee Police Department at 373 Buford Highway, across the street from Town Center Park, take the shuttle except during the parade from about 8:45-10:30 a.m. Avoid traffic hassles and catch a ride to Town Center Park. Additional parking for those with disabilities is available Off-site festival parking is available at three convenient at Shadowbrook Baptist Church; a wheelchair-accessible locations. Free shuttles will run from 7:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. shuttle bus will provide transportation to Town Center Please note that bus service will be very limited during Park. the parade, from 8:45 a.m. to approximately 10:30 a.m.

www.suwanee.com 15 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SUWANEE, GA PERMIT NO. 242

330 Town Center Avenue Suwanee, GA 30024

upcoming events official newsletter of the city of suwanee, ge rgia 15 Downtown Development Authority 7:30am 15 Zoning Board ofAppeals 6:30pm S September 18&19 Terror on the Trail (Sims Lake) 7pm 9 Harvest Farm Managing Board 4:30pm 19 Korean Festival (TCP) noon 11 Remembrance Dedication (TCP) 7:30pm 22 City Council Meeting 6:30pm 12 City Council Workshop 5:30pm 25&26 Terror on the Trail (Sims Lake) 7pm 14 Suwanee Day Classic (TCP) 7:30am 26 Trek or Treat (Suwanee Creek Park) 11am-1pm 14 Farmers Market (TCP) 8am-noon 17 Downtown Development Authority 7:30am 17 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30pm N 21 Suwanee Day (TCP) 9am-10pm November 5 6:30 24 City Council Meeting 6:30pm Planning &Zoning Commission pm 6 7 28 Farmers Market (TCP) 8am-noon Public Arts Commission pm 7 City Council Workshop 5:30pm 10 Suwanee Classic Car Show (TCP) 10am 11 Harvest Farm Managing Board 4:30pm O October 15 Downtown Development Authority 7:30am 19 6:30 1 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30pm Zoning Board of Appeals pm 19 6:30 2 Public Arts Commission 7pm City Council Meeting pm 28&29 5 Farmers Market (TCP) 8am-noon Holiday:City Hall Closed 5 Suwanee Wine Festival (TCP) noon-4pm 10 City Council Workshop 5:30pm 11&12 Terror on the Trail (Sims Lake) 7pm Unless otherwise noted, City of Suwanee public meetings are at City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue. Dates subject to change; check 12 Taste of Suwanee (TCP) noon suwanee.com for updates. 14 Harvest Farm Managing Board 4:30pm

City of MAYOR Jimmy Burnette 770/945-3492 CITY MANAGER Marty Allen 770/945-8995 Suwanee COUNCIL Dan Foster 678/404-9641 POLICE CHIEF Mike Jones 770/945-8995 Georgia Dick Goodman 678/446-7520 EDITOR Lynne Bohlman DeWilde 770/945-8996 Beth Hilscher 678/546-3388 Doug Ireland 770/265-0880 Kevin McOmber 770/271-5427