ro s s o a d s C R Official newsletter of the September 2005 Police department, chief shine at state law enforcement confere n c e The Suwanee Police Department and Chief Michael Jones both stood out at the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police summer conference held in Savannah at the end of July. Chief Jones was elected fourth vice president of the state chiefs association, and the Suwanee Police Department was a finalist for the Dr. Curtis McClung Award of Excellence. As a result of his election, Jones will be the Ge o r g i a Association of Chiefs of Police president in five years. “ I ’m ve r y humbled and excited about the opport u n i- ty to help enhance law enforcement in the state of Police Chief Georgia,” says Jones. “One thing that we need to work on Mike Jones as an organization is to have a more unified, stronger voice. We need to speak as one, particularly to the legislature. We have to speak in a stronger vo i c e about the laws, or the tools if you will, that we need to make our citize n s , communities, and roadways safer. ” Also during the conference, Jones was recognized for his graduation from Command College at Columbus State University, an advanced training Celebrate program for police executives and administrators, through which he complet- ed his master's degree in public administration. Suwanee Day Meanwhile, Suwanee's community policing philosophy and associated on September 17 p rog rams made the City's police department one of three finalists for the McClung Aw a rd, which honors programs that, among other things, are Come to Town Center Park to celebrate i n n ova t i ve, impact quality of life within the community, promote commu- community with your friends, neighbors, nity relations, and enhance law enforc e- ment pro f e s s i o n a l i s m . and others who enjoy a parade, arts and Suwanee's community policing philoso- crafts, free entertainment, an assortment phy supports several programs that provide of food, rides and attractions for children, specialized training to residents and an evening concert, and fireworks. Look enhance relationships between officers and citizens. These relationship-building pro- inside, pages 6-13, for details. grams are designed for neighborhoods, teen drivers, elementary students, and citizens interested in police work and are credited for the small decline in Suwanee's calls for Inside this issue: Proud to serve Suwanee Police service last year, despite the community's Your vote counts ...... p. 2 Chief Mike Jones, center, and continued growth. City tax rate declines ...... p. 3 Sgt. Jeff Dickens accept the Dr. The Griffin Police De p a r tment was pre- Curtis McClung Finalist Award sented the 2005 McClung Aw a rd for its Suwanee’s sign posse ...... p. 4 from Louis Dekmar, president of Watch & Pray program, and the Po rt e rd a l e City employees moonlight as ‘zebras’ . . . .p. 5 the Georgia Association of Chiefs De p a rtment also was re c o g n i zed as a finalist. of Police. Page 2 August 2005

City Council election to be held November 8 The City of Suwanee will hold an election on November 8 for three City Council positions for which Poll workers needed terms will expire at the end of this year. The posts up for Poll workers are needed for the November 8 election and the Councilmembers currently serving in them Suwanee City Council municipal election. Poll are Post 3, Alan Landers; Post 4, Jace Brooks; and Post 5, workers must be at least 16 years old. For salary Carol Hassell. and other information, contact Elvira Rogers at [email protected] or 770/945-8996. Suwanee's City Council election will take place from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at City Hall, 373 Buford Highway. While Councilmembers are elected to specific posts, each position is voted on Citywide. Also, City of Suwanee elec- tions are non-partisan. Qualifying for candidates begins at 8:30 a.m. Mo n d a y, September 12, and ends at 4:30 p.m. We d n e s d a y, September 14. The qualification fee is $108. Candidates may qualify at either City Hall or Suwanee's Crossroads Center, 323 Buford Highway. In order to run for City Council, prospective candidates must reside within the Suwanee City limits (and have been residents for at least six months prior to qualifying) and be a registered voter. This municipal election will be conducted and votes tabulated using Accu- Vote TS equipment. Gwinnett County has upgraded to this state-approved elec- tronic voting system, and City of Suwanee voters will be testing the new system. The deadline to register to vote in this election is 4:30 p.m. Tu e s d a y, October 11. Information about voter registration is available at the Georgia Secretary of State's website, http://www.sos.state.ga.us/elections/elections/voter_information. Voter registration applications may be picked up at City Hall, Suwanee Crossroads VOTE Center, or the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. If only one candidate qualifies for each City Council position, then no elec- tion will be necessary as state law assumes that that candidate will "win" the post: "Each such unopposed candi- date shall be deemed to have voted for himself or herself." (Georgia Election Code 21-2-285) Suwanee adds to open space inventory The City of Suwanee added 8.5 acres to its growing open space inventory in July when it purchased a tract located on McGinnis Ferry Road, adjacent to the City's Suwanee Creek Greenway, just across the street from the Suwanee Sports Academy. The purchase price was $155,100. The parcel is mostly wetlands and, at this time, the City has no development plans for it. Since beginning its award-winning, voter-approved Open Space Initiative three years ago, the City of Suwanee has acquired more than 240 acres of open space, created three new parks, and extended the Suwanee Creek Greenway. This newest property had three previous owners, one of which donated his portion to the City. In addition, the sellers gave the City 1.1 acres of the nearly 9.7-acre origi- Mo re space Su w a n e e’s newest parcel of open space is located just nal parcel in 2002 for use as part of the Greenway. west of the Suwanee Creek Greenway on McGinnis Fe r r y Ro a d . August 2005 Page 3

www.suwanee.com Masino elected to lead Council approves metro mayors group lower tax rate Suwanee Mayor Nick Masino has been elected chairman of the Metro Atlanta Mayors Association At its August 16 meeting, (MAMA). Elected at the Georgia Municipal City Council approved the 2005 Association's annual convention in June, Masino millage rate at 5.77 mills. T h i s assumed leadership of the group in July. m a r ks the third consecutive ye a r MAMA consists of mayors from 62 cities in 10 that Su w a n e e’s millage rate has counties in metropolitan Atlanta. The association d e c reas ed. Last ye a r’s millage rate has an 11-member executive committee with mayoral representatives from was 5.81, and the previous ye a r’s each of the 10 counties as well as the immediate past president. rate was 5.89 mills. MAMA's goals are to foster communication among cities in the metro One of the City's largest Atlanta region; support public policy decisions beneficial to local govern- expenses is annual payment of ments; coordinate activities that benefit the entire region; and relate needs to vo t e r - a p p roved bond funds that federal, state, and regional agencies and organizations as well as to citizens. s u p p o r t the City’s award - w i n n i n g “One of MAMA's primary goals this year,” says Masino, “will be to work Open Space In i t i a t i ve. T he pay- with the Georgia Department of Transportation to create more walkable ment due in 2005-06 is communities. We'll need DOT's cooperation and assistance to fully imple- $1,228,500, re p resenting about ment the pedestrian-focused vision that many communities are in the process of creating through programs such as the Atlanta Regional Commission's 14 percent of the City's total Livable Centers Initiative.” b u d g e t . One of the reasons that City officials have been able to decre a s e New ordinance imposes the tax rate while acquiring addi- tional open space and cre a t i n g graffiti clean-up n ew parks, maintaining a high City Council adopted at its July 25 meeting a new anti-graffiti quality of service, and underw r i t- ordinance that requires the timely removal of graffiti from public and ing initiatives such as the commit- private property, including walls, rocks, bridges, buildings, fences, gates, ment to historic Main St reet is the signage, other structures, and trees. Modeled after the City of Lilburn’s a vailability of SPLOST funds. ordinance, the new law Su w a n e e’s anticipated share of represents a proactive “It’s been demonstrated that Gwinnett County SPLOST funds measure rather than a prompt removal of graffiti serves over the next four years is approx- as a deterrent to future defacement response to a serious imately $6.6 million, $1.5 million and reduces the likelihood that in the coming ye a r. problem within the City such defacement will reappear.” of Suwanee. S P LOST funds, notes City “It’s been demonstrated,” says Suwanee Police Capt. Janet Moon, Manager Ha rdin Watkins, will “that prompt removal of graffiti serves as a deterrent to future deface- a l l ow Suwanee “to addre s s ment and reduces the likelihood that such defacement will reappear.” i m p o r tant capital needs without The new ordinance requires that property owners take measures to placing more demands on the remove the graffiti within two business days of notification from the general fund or our City pro p e r- City that such defacement exists. If the property owner does not ty taxpaye r s . ” respond in a timely fashion, then City staff members or private contrac- City of Suwanee tax bills will tors will remove the graffiti at the property owner's expense. be mailed later this fall. Pa y m e n t “We’re interested in compliance with this ordinance, not punish- is typically due by the end of the ment,” notes Public Works and Inspections Director James Miller. ye a r. Gwinnett County bills “We’re willing to work cooperatively with any property owner who is p r o p e rty owners separately. making strides to clean up.” Page 4 August 2005 www.suwanee.com Police team to take CODE CORNER 9-11 Olympix Sign enforcement a ‘sign of the times’ by storm A group of citizens designated as the "Gwinnett Sign Posse" has been in the news recently for its efforts to re m ove illegal signs from roadways thro u g h- Suwanee Storm, a team of six Suwanee out the county. The City of Suwanee also feels strongly about enforcing the police officers led by Officer Tory Bell, was regulation of illegal signs, so much so that it, too, has a sign posse—of one. set to compete, as this newsletter went to Susan Carpenter, Suwanee's part - t i m e press, in the Foster Children's Foundation’s codes enforcement officer, spends about a annual 9-11 Police and Fire Appreciation t h i rd of her time addressing issues re l a t e d Day and Olympix, scheduled for Saturday, to and enforcing the City's sign re g u l a t i o n s . September 10. This annual community Offering a variety of "opportunities" to event features teams of police, fire fighters, find cheap health insurance, work at home, and emergency services personnel from buy a bigger and better house, sell an ugly across Gwinnett County competing for house, etc., illegal signs are a visual blight “gold” and is a fundraiser for the Foster on the landscape and, if not re m oved, can Children's Foundation. undermine the attractive visual character In addition to Bell, Suwanee Storm that is part of Suwanee's reputation. In team members include Rob McCoy, Cpl. addition, illegally placed signs block drive r Alan Russell, visibility and pedestrian access as well as compete with important traffic contro l Chad Roberts, signs for driver attention. Sgt. Chris Illegally placed signs are subject to immediate removal and disposal by Robinson, City of Suwanee staff and/or fines up to $200 per sign. " We don't distinguish signs based on content,” says Carpenter, "so any and back-up sign that is illegally placed will be picked up. We can't allow any wiggle ro o m team member or we'd open the floodgates. Robert "You really can notice the impact of Suwanee's strict sign enforcement,” Stewart. Also, she adds. "Just drive outside the City limits and you'll notice a crop of signs.” Bill Gentry, owner of Carpenter offers some tips and further information related to signage: • Signs advertising garage sales, real estate, etc. may be placed only on private Wild Bill’s, property with the resident's/owner's permission. The size of these signs was to be should not exceed 3 feet in height and 2.5 square feet in face. Suwanee Storm’s guess athlete. • Signs should never be placed in the right-of-way, which generally includes As part of the 9-11 Olympix, the team the area between utility poles and the roadway, islands, and sidewalks. was to compete in several events, including • Signs must not be placed on traffic signposts or utility poles. a donut relay, tug of war, pants on fire, and rock climbing. At press time, 11 teams Other examples of illegal signs include those that flash or blink, portable signs, variable message signs, and wind-driven devices. were set to vie for the “thrill of victory” from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Scott Hudgens Park "Code enforcement really is all encompassing,” says Carpenter, who has at 4545 River Green Parkway in Duluth. served as Suwanee's codes enforcement officer for two years. "The whole pur- “This event's a good way to meet other pose of having and enforcing codes is to ensure and maintain the health, safe- officers and fire fighters, raise money for ty, and cleanliness of our community.” the kids, and remember those who died on For more information about sign regulations, please refer to the City of 9-11,” says Bell. Suwanee Sign Ordinance, which is part of the City's Zoning Ordinance. A Pa rt of each team's standing was to be copy of the sign ordinance can be purchased at City Hall or downloaded as part of the Zoning Ordinance available on the Growth/Reports & Regulations based on funds raised. As of press time, page at www.suwanee.com. Or contact Carpenter at 770/945-7034 or Suwanee Storm was leading in points and [email protected]. had been sponsored by the Suwanee Bu s i n e s s Alliance, Wild Wing Café, Wi l l i a m s Editor's note: Code Corner will be a regular column in CrossRoads and will Brothers, and Williams Consulting. address a variety of codes enforcement topics. August 2005 Page 5

www.suwanee.com City workers share tales from their lives as ‘zebras’ Rodney Beck and Tony Rich are comfortable working in "controlled chaos" situations. They've come to expect the unexpected. They're thick-skinned and are accustomed to hearing complaints when things don't go as others' expected. These traits have served them well, both as supervisors in Suwanee's public works department and as part of officiating crews on football fields throughout northeast Georgia on Friday nights. Beck, who heads Suwanee’s public works department, is in the midst of his 17th football season, while Rich, public works crew leader, is enjoying his first season of "retirement" after 21 years of officiating baseball, basketball, football, and softball. As members of the Lanier Football Officials Association, they work—or in Rich's case, worked—not to determine which team wins, but to ensure that both teams play by the same set of rules and that one doesn't receive an unfair advantage. “There's nothing like walking onto a field on a High school officials earn a whopping $68/game, the parents and Friday night, the smell of fresh-cut grass, a chill fans are louder and fouler than eve r, and politics play too significant a role, but both men say that they've stuck with it for so long because in the air, and the sound of the band.” of the kids playing the game. “It’s fun being around the kids,” notes Rich, "watching them develop from an uncoordinated 5-year-old to a high school player who might have a chance of making it in college.” “It's exciting for me to see the excitement on their faces or at least in their eyes 'cause that's all you can see through the hel- mets,” says Beck. “There's nothing like walking onto a field on a Friday night, the smell of fresh-cut grass, a chill in the air, and the sound of the band. If that don't give you chills, then it's time to quit.” Rich’s goose bumps grew fewer and he decided after last season that "enough was enough.” But after 21 years, he's got some great memories and some terrific stories as does Beck. And once the two of them get started, there's hardly any stopping them. Rich was behind the plate during the 1997 AAAA girls state softball championship. He also recalls calling out on strikes (once) Parkview's Jeff Francoeur, now an Atlanta Braves rookie with a red- hot bat. Beck recalls the opening night of football season about five years ago, when he spoke with the Commerce coach before kick-off. "What kind of team you got this year?” he asked. The coach proceed- ed to bellyache about his young team. "We'll be lucky to be in a game the whole season.” Eight games later, Beck officiated in another game with the same team, who was undefeated. "Do you believe this—?” the coach wondered aloud. His team went on that year to the second round of the playoffs and won the state championship the following year. The night he broke the Georgia high school rushing record, Monte Williams ran down the field right by Rich, who was head linesman that night. While umpiring a men's major softball world tournament in 1995, Beck called out the first batter on strikes. And this is slow pitch softball! The coach dashed out of the dugout, turned his cap Double duty Last year, Rodney Beck, left, and Tony Rich took a backwards, got right in Beck's face, and said, “Good call, ump.” “I break from their Suwanee Day duties to assume officiating duties. The pair have worked many a Friday night football game. Last didn't realize it then,” says Beck, “but both teams were testing me to September, Hurricane Ivan caused many games to be postponed see if I'd have the gumption to do what needed to be done.” to Saturday. A high school football player, Beck took up officiating as a way to stay connected to the sport he loved. Rich says he was a typical fan at recreation baseball games, occasionally arguing calls with the umpire. When one offered, “If you think you can do better…,” Rich thought that he could. And if they've done a really good job, both men say, when they walk off the field, no one knows that they’ve been there. Hmmm, that, too, sounds a little like their “day” jobs with Suwanee's public works department, where when they've done a good job, often working behind the scenes, few people are aware that they've been there. Surely, though, on the football field and in Suwanee's parks, greenway, roadways, and public facilities and at community events, it would be very quickly evident if Beck, Rich, and their colleagues weren't there quietly and consistently doing a good job. Page 6 August 2005 www.suwanee.com

Suwanee Day 2005 Schedule of Events

9 a.m. Free Shuttle Transportation Begins

10 a.m. Suwanee Day Parade

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Festival Vendor Booths Open

11 a.m.-10 p.m. Continuous Free Entertainment (See Entertainment Schedule on page 10 for details)

5-10 p.m. Select food vendors will remain open

8 p.m. Classic Rock All Stars Concert Presented by Bowen Family Homes

10 p.m. Fireworks Display

11 p.m. Shuttle Transportation to Offsite Parking Ends August 2005 Page 7

www.suwanee.com Parade is ‘lookin’ good’ The annual Suwanee Day parade, the traditional kick-off to the Suwanee Day festival, will be looking pretty spiffy this year. For the first time, all parade participants are required to decorate their entries or to provide an entertainment value. “We realize that we’re asking a bit more of our participants,” says Suwanee Day parade chairperson Benita Marshall. “However, we felt that we were willing to sacrifice a little parade length for better quality. We hope that this change will make the parade more enjoyable for both the participants and those watching it.” Among the themes that participants can select for their decora- tions are Suwanee history, recreation, and education. The 10 a.m. parade also will have a new route this year, travel- ing along both Main Street and Buford Highway. The 1.25-mile route will travel north from Russell up Main Street and then south along Buford Highway, ending at Russell Street. A grandstand will be estab- Debi West lished along Buford Highway, where bands and other groups in the parade can pause for performances. This year’s Suwanee Day parade grand marshal is Debi West, the 2005 Gwinnett County Teacher of the Year, and a visual arts teacher at Level Creek Elementary. West, who owns a chil- dren’s art studio in Buford, also is the 2005 National Elementary Art Educator of the Year. During the parade, Buford Highway from McGinnis Ferry Road to Lawrenceville-Suwanee, Main Street, and eastbound traffic on Suwanee Dam Road from Peachtree Industrial to Buford Highway will be closed to vehicular traffic.

photo by Bill Rubin/Vision Quest Page 8 August 2005 www.suwanee.com Suwanee Day market offers marvels, trinkets, one-of-a-kinds

Like arts and crafts? Love to shop? Oh, boy, are you going to enjoy this Suwanee Day! The 2005 Suwanee Day market is the place for you…to find that something special for your home, wardrobe, or an early start to holiday gift-buying. Paintings? Suwanee Day's got them, on canvas, wood, glass, furniture, and tiles. There will be original paintings and reproductions of country folk art, abstracts and other fine art genres as well as carica- tures. Pottery more your thing? You can select from pottery that's functional or ornamental, traditional or raku. Looking for accessories for your home? Suwanee Day vendors will offer frames, candles, sun catchers, chimes, floral arrangements, baskets, quilts, and clocks. How about accessories for you? There will be jewelry made of dichroic glass, Swarovski crystals, beads, sterling silver, gold, semi-precious gems, and even raku pieces. There'll even be jewelry boxes in which to store your new pieces. And more personal treasures, too: bath and body items, handbags, belts, decorative luggage, and hair accessories. Looking for items for kids? You'll find baby quilts and layette items, mobiles and clothing, candy art and hand puppets, soft sculpture dolls and inflatable toys. Alicia Colby, a 2000 University of Georgia interior design gradu- ate, will be traveling to Suwanee Day from North Augusta, South Carolina, bringing along with her whimsical paintings for children's rooms as well as painted furniture and lamps. Colby, who is originally from Snellville, says that her customers are particularly attracted by the fun, bright colors and themed items that bring out their child's personality, such as a cowboy theme for a rambunctious little boy. She began painting items for kids' rooms when she did design work for model homes. “It was always hard to find children's art work for the bedrooms, so I'd create my own for the models,” says Colby. “People began to ask me to do them for their homes.” Colby's items range in price from $8-$60. Bright colors also attract people to Nina Beaver's artwork. A Suwanee area resident, Beaver, also a UGA graduate (1995, art) creates stained-glass mosaics and mixed-media pieces. “You see mosaic things around,” Beaver notes, “but you don't often see them as art work hanging on walls.” Small pieces of Beaver's works range in size from "teeny tiny" to wall size and in price from $30-$800. August 2005 Page 9

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While some of her work is on exhibit at a gallery in Dahlonega, Suwanee Day will be her first festi- val. With two young children, Beaver says, “I've just started to get enough done to have a collection together.” In trying to explain her creative drive, Beaver says, “I've always done art since I was a little kid. It's a part of me, I couldn't ever not do it…. It makes me really happy to see bright colors. I feel like it makes the world look better.” Lisa Dempsey and Vicki Fife will each offer items that make women feel that they look better, prettier. Through her Facets in Art business, Dempsey offers bracelets, necklaces, and earrings in unique designs made of dichroic glass and Swarovski crystals. Her jewelry ranges in price from $12-$50. Vicki Fife's AllStars booth will feature sterling silver jewelry and purses as well as col- legiate items. Fife exhibited at Suwanee Day last year and says, “It was my best festival all year.” The festival stood out for her not only because she did a brisk business but also, she says, because of the venue. “The setting with the park is much nicer than most places we set up,” she says. “It's a wonderful fes- tival for anybody who A dazzling design wants to bring their family and enjoy fellowship with Buford resident Patricia Gee created the winning design in the Suwanee their neighbors and just Day 2005 design competition. The design was officially unveiled at an get together.” And, of August 2 “art reveal” event for festival sponsors and planning committee course, perhaps make a members as well as participating artists. few strategic purchases. The Suwanee Day design competition was spon- sored by Richport Properties, who also hosted the art reveal event at one of its Old Suwanee townhomes. Eighteen artists submit- ted 31 designs through the competition. All designs will be on exhibit and many will be available for purchase at the festival at Richport Properties’ Suwanee Day booth. Gee’s design will be featured on black t-shirts available at the City of Suwanee/Festival Information booth for $10 as well as on plastic water bot- tles, which are available for $3. T-shirts also are available at City Hall prior to the festival. At the festival, Suwanee Day staff members and volunteers will be wearing lime green shirts featuring the design; look for these folks if you need assistance. Page 10 August 2005 www.suwanee.com Variety of musical, dance perf o rmances will give Suwanee Day crowd something to ‘cheer’ about

The 2005 Suwanee Day entertainment line-up features an array of local, regional, and national talent. The free performances throughout the Suwanee Day 2005 day range in style from hip-hop to ballet and Southern rock to Andean Entertainment Schedule rhythms to bluegrass twang. The eclectic Suwanee Day entertainment line-up finishes up with a 11 a.m. Ernest Foley Band bang, featuring fireworks and the day's headline performers, Classic 12 p.m. Atlanta Cheer Source Rock All Stars, a quartet of musicians representing some of the top bands from the ‘60s and ‘70s. See article on page 12 for more information 12:30 p.m. Starz of Suwanee about Classic Rock All Stars. 1 p.m. Joshua Reid Band The following performance groups will appear on the Town Center stage during the September 17 Suwanee Day festival: 2 p.m. Sugarloaf Performing Arts Dance Company 2:45 p.m. Llajtasuyo–Music from the Andes Ernest Foley Band– 11 a.m. Named after two of the biggest names in country/bluegrass music, 3:30 p.m. seventyfive south the Ernest Foley Band, hailing from Madison, has thrilled audiences all 4:45 p.m. Pulse Dance and Exercise over Georgia and is sure to make your toes tap. This talented group of 5:45 p.m. Andy Velo musicians is made up of young professionals. See if you can figure out which band member is the airline pilot, attorney, insurance representa- 6:30 p.m. Jessica Urick & 4 Story tive, school superintendent, and teacher. 8-10 p.m. Classic Rock All Stars Atlanta Cheer Source–noon 10 p.m. Fireworks You’ll tumble for the skill and energy demonstrated by the young All performances are free and will be at the Town Center Park athletes of Atlanta Cheer Source. Located in Cumming, Atlanta Cheer stage. This schedule may be subject to change. Source offers training in competitive cheerleading.

Starz of Suwanee–12:30 p.m. A summer performance group made up of 14 talented young peo- ple who live in and around the Suwanee area, the Starz of Suwanee offer an upbeat show featuring a variety of musical numbers that range from current Top 40 hits to classic oldies. Joshua Reid Band–1 p.m. When Joshua Reid takes the stage, some hear the lyrical genius of Dave Matthews, others the growling blues of Jimi Hendrix, but all agree that Reid's style is all his own. The son of a Broadway trumpeter, Reid is talented by blood, but unlike his father, Reid bleeds a fusion of rock and blues. Reid currently is promoting his debut album, Something for Sarah. August 2005 Page 11

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Sugarloaf Performing Arts Dance Company–2 p.m. Local youngsters taking an array of dance classes at Sugarloaf Performing Arts will wow you with their grace and poise. Their performances will demonstrate modern, jazz, tap, ballet, and tumble techniques.

Llajtasuyo– 2:45 p.m. The musicians who comprise Llajtasuyo (pronounced Yak-ta-su- yo) offer a dynamic, contemporary interpre- tation of the folkloric and traditional music of the Andes region, which includes Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. seventyfive south–3:30 p.m. A group of four musicians who played together for several years in Michigan before recently moving to the Atlanta area, seventyfive south leans toward a modern rock sound, a la U2 and Switchfoot. These talented musicians played from their repertoire of cover and original material at Town Center Park earlier this summer as part of the Gig on the Grass event presented by Big Sky Community Church. Pulse Dance and Exercise–4:45 p.m. Feel the pulsating beat and enjoy the energy and enthusiasm as mem- bers of Pulse perform a variety of dance styles, including jazz, tap, hip- hop, ballet, and lyrical.

Andy Velo–5:45 p.m. A Suwanee hometown boy, Andy Velo, who began singing at age 12, has developed quite a following in and around North Gwinnett High School. This talented singer has been asked to perform at Nashville’s world-famous Bluebird Café on November 13. We’re proud to have him performing his brand of country at the Town Center Park stage.

Jessica Urick & 4 Story–6:30 p.m. Jessica Urick, 19 and a Grayson resident, is an up and coming alternative coun- try rock artist. A singer and songwriter, Urick recently won the local spot representing KICKS 101.5 radio in the Colgate Country Showdown, the largest country music talent search in the United States. County music stars Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, LeeAnn Rimes, and Martina McBride all kick- started their career through this contest. Page 12 August 2005 www.suwanee.com Classic rock and sparkly pops to punctuate Suwanee Day The 2005 Suwanee Day festival will come to an end with the pulsing rhythm of a musical nostalgia trip that spans several decades and millions of record sales and the pop-bang of a spectacular fire- works display orchestrated by Atlanta Pyrotechnics International. Classic Rock All Stars, a quartet of musicians who represent some of the top bands from the ‘60s and ‘70s and who have played in 20 states this past year, including at Centennial Olympic Park on July 4, will be this year's Suwanee Day headline performer. The band will take the Town Center Park stage at 8 p.m. The Classic Rock All Stars' performance is sponsored by Bowen Family Homes, who is building the Shadowbrook at Town Center neighborhood adjacent to the park. Classic Rock All Stars includes: • Jerry Corbetta, founder, keyboardist, and former lead singer with Sugarloaf (“Green-Eyed Lady,” “Don’t Call Us, We’ll Call You”). Corbetta also performed with Frankie Vali & The Four Seasons and wrote hits songs for Grace Jones and Belinda Carisle as well as the Roberta Flack/Peabo Bryson classic “You’re Lookin’ Like Love to Me.” • Peter Rivera, original lead singer and drummer or the ‘70s super group Rare Earth, (“Get Ready,” “I Just Wanna Celebrate,” “Losing You”). • Mike Pinera, an original singer and guitarist for Iron Butterfly (“Ride Captain Ride”) and The Blues Image (“In a Gadda Da Vida”). Pinera also played with Alice Cooper on two tours and two albums. • Dennis Noda, a funky rockin' bassist with Cannibal and The Headhunters (“Land of a Thousand Dances”). He was an in- demand musician performing with many others, including Chuck Negron, Edwin Starr, and Otis Day and the Knights.

With Classic Rock All Stars performing the greatest songs from each of the bands its members has been associated with, it's like seeing several groups at once in an interactive, hit-after-hit performance. “To be able to listen to your favorite songs from five different groups all on stage at one time was a dream come true. A definite crowd pleaser, and I would recommend [Classic Rock All Stars] to anyone,” says Jody Griffey of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The concert is free. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics if you wish, but no alcohol please. Several Suwanee Day food vendors will remain open throughout the evening. Bounce, spin, climb, slide The fireworks display, which will be visible from Town Suwanee Day will offer “bounce-iful” fun for youngsters. Center Park, will begin about 10 p.m. Teens, too, will enjoy several of the attractions. For youngsters, Suwanee Day will feature six inflatable rides, including a 45-foot obstacle course, two spacewalks, an 18-foot giant slide, and inflatable zoo. Armbands, available at the festival for $5, secure unlimited fun on the inflatable rides. For those whose sense of fun runs a bit faster or reaches a bit higher, there are several heart-pumping options. The giant Gyro Wheel will spin you silly while the ever-popular rock climb- ing wall will take you to new heights. In addition, the festival will include a virtual NASCAR experience. Each of these attractions will be ticketed individually. August 2005 Page 13

www.suwanee.com Park and play Festival Sponsors Avoid the congestion around Town Center Park on Suwanee Day by parking at one of sever- Our “celebration of community” is made al off-site parking locations. Then, take a convenient, air-conditioned shuttle to the Suwanee Day possible each year by our incredible, generous festival site. The free shuttle service will run between Town Center Park and the designated off- sponsors. Thank you! site parking locations continuously from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Pillar Hanicapped parking for those with disabilities is available at Suwanee City Hall, 373 Buford Highway, and the Suwanee CrossRoads Center, 323 Buford Highway. Suwanee Day off-site parking locations are available in strategic locations throughout the City: Platinum Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints 4833 Suwanee Dam Road Level Creek Elementary School 4488 Tench Road Gold AL Grading Publix at McGinnis Crossing Gwinnett Daily Post Pre-Press to Printing McGinnis Ferry and Peachtree Industrial Primrose Schools of Suwanee Whitehall Homes Shawnee North Business Center Silver 305 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Allied Waste across from Smithtown Road Avon Products Inc. Bob Wood Realty Co. Systemax/Global Computer Chandler & Britt, LLC 120 Satellite Boulevard Dentistry 4 Kids Duluth Montessori School Gutter Helmet of Atlanta Shuttles have storage space for Gwinnett Community Bank strollers and will travel non-stop to their Hyatt Family Chiropractic & Wellness Center designated parking area. Industrial Developments International Inc. Jay Medical Clinic Karate World Knowledgepoints Legacy Academy On your mark, get set, run Live Oak Baptist Church Main Street Bank The annual Suwanee Day 5K Classic, sponsored by BodyPlex Fitness Adventure, is off People’s Bank & Trust and running earlier than ever this year: As this newsletter went to press, the race was sched- Publix uled for 7 p.m. Friday, September 9. The 5K race course, which runs through historic Old Quantum Bank R Ranch in the Mountains Town, begins and finishes at Town Center Park. Robins, Eskew, Farmer & Jordan, CPAs If you’re reading this newsletter Salyer Orthodontics Scott & Debbie Dovel on or before September 9, you can ScreamFree Parenting, LLC register for the race onsite beginning Self Realty Professionals at 5 p.m.; the registration fee is $20. Toyota Mall of Georgia Wal-Mart Enjoy Suwanee Day 5K Classic festiv- Wild Wing Café ities, including free inflatable rides Bronze for kids, food, and live music, from Gwinnett Federal Credit Union 5-8:30 p.m. Horizon Bank photo by Bill Rubin/Vision Quest Mednet America Patton & Fletcher, LLC Page 14 August 2005 www.suwanee.com Stormwater Management 101 As the City of Suwanee has grown over the years, its waterways have become more susceptible to the h a z a rds of stormwater ru n o f f. Lu c k i l y, its residents, business owners, and government officials also have become more aware of issues related to stormwater runoff and strategies to reduce associated pollution. Stormwater runoff is an issue that affects all metro residents. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) website, www.atlantaregional.com/water/faqs.html, posts answers to frequently asked ques- tions about stormwater runoff. The information below is excerpted from the ARC website: What is stormwater runoff? Stormwater runoff is the rain that hits the ground and flows off streets, rooftops, and lawns. Stormwater flows into storm drains and drainage swales and from there into streams, rivers, and lakes. Why is stormwater runoff a problem? Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants and debris as it flows across rooftops, lawns, streets, and parking lots. These pollutants include oil and grease, harmful bacteria, fertilizers, toxic chemicals, and heavy metals. These pollutants can harm both people and aquatic life. A common misconception is that water running off streets and into a storm drain goes to a wastewater treatment plant. It does not. It usually goes directly into a stream. What is the source of all these pollutants? We all are! The fact is that all of us are part of the stormwater pollution problem. Many of the things that we do every day— taking care of lawns, driving our cars, washing our vehicles, and walking our pets—can contribute to stormwater pollution. In addition, several types of business activities can pollute stormwater runoff. Hence, we are all a part of the problem. The good news is that we all have the opportunity to be a part of the "solution to stormwater pollution.” What are some ways that stormwater pollution can be controlled? • land use planning/better site design • stream buffers and protection of open space • stormwater management facilities (wet ponds, constructed wetlands, sand filters, etc.) • source controls (erosion control, street sweeping, pesticide application controls, etc.) • public education What can ordinary citizens do? There are many ways that all of us can help reduce stormwater pollution. We can pick up after our pets to keep harmful bacte- ria from washing into a storm drain. We can bag or compost grass clippings and other yard waste. We can fix oil leaks in our cars. We can apply fertilizers and pesticides properly. The City of Suwanee has stormwater standards in place. If you have questions or would like more information about these standards, contact James Miller, public works and inspections director, or Josh Campbell, City planner, at 770/945-8996.

Trek or treat When a new event turns out to be popular and a lot of fun, the City of Suwanee typically makes it an annual one. Such is the case with Trek or Treat. Once again this year, the City will host a Trek or Treat event at Suwanee Creek Park from 12-2 p.m. Saturday, October 29. The event will include traditional fall festival activities, such as bobbing for apples, dangling donut challenge, spooky sto- rytelling, and trek or treating along the Suwanee Creek Greenway. As the event draws closer, more details will be available at www.suwanee.com. August 2005 Page 15

www.suwanee.com Welcome to City Hall Suwanee resident Amy Doherty has jumped from the frying pan into the fire, so to speak. Doherty, who is serving as the 2005 Suwanee Day committee YIELD chairperson, a community volunteer position, is the City’s new part-time events coordinator. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Doherty has SIGNS worked previously in internet banking and as an education and development coordinator with Rape Response, Inc. in Gainesville. She came onboard in late August, assuming responsibility for coordinating all of the City’s special events, including the myriad events at Town Center Park. Chuck Simmons of Flowery Branch also joined the City of Suwanee last month as a communications officer with the police department. Simmons worked previously for eight years as a communications officer with the City of Snellville. Appointed to serve City Council at its July 25 meeting appointed or re-appointed three individuals to Suwanee’s Urban Redevelopment Agency: Meredith Chastain, Bill Thee, and Sandra Watson. The Urban Redevelopment Agency has been instrumental in obtaining financing for the commercial development parcels at Town Center. At its August 16 meeting, City Council appointed James Miller, Suwanee’s director of public works and inspec- tions, and the Rev. Araminta Lett of Suwanee Parish First United Methodist Church to vacancies on the Jackson Street Cemetery Committee. The committee, made up of citizens and City officials, is working to restore and main- tain the small cemetery that was deeded to the community in 1919 and is the final resting place for many African- American Suwanee citizens. New tag office opens in North Gwinnett The Gwinnett County Office of the Tax Commissioner has opened a new North Gwinnett Tag Office. The address for this new office is: North Gwinnett Tag Office 2735 Mall of Georgia Boulevard Buford, GA 30519 The office is open 8:30 a.m. -5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. The office is closed Sunday and Monday.

The state of Suwanee Mayor Nick Masino delivered Suwanee’s State of the City address at the Suwanee Business Alliance’s August meeting. About 70 people turned out for the mayor’s message, which focused on the effectiveness of the Suwanee Police Department, competence and profes- sionalism of the finance department, Town Center progress, and Open Space Initiative results. Masino said that the City’s successful year was verified by two sources: the more than one dozen awards the City of Suwanee received from a variety of regional, state, and national organizations and the acco- lades received from citizens and others with whom the City worked over the past year. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE CITY OF SUWANEE PAID ATLANTA, GA 373 U.S. HWY. 23 PERMIT NO. 349 SUWANEE, GA 30024

CrossRoads – Your Official City of Suwanee Newsletter Calendar September December 9 Suwanee Day 5K Classic & Carnival (TCP) 5-9 p.m. 3 Caboose Lighting (Burnette-Rogers Pavilion) 5:30 p.m. 10 Farmers Market (TCP) 8 a.m.-noon 6 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 p.m. 12-14 Candidate Qualifying: City Council Posts 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 8 City Council Workshop 5:30 p.m. 14 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 p.m. 14 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 p.m. 16 Downtown Development Authority 12 p.m. 15 Downtown Development Authority 12 p.m. 17 Suwanee Day (TCP) 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 20 City Council Meeting* 7 p.m. 20 City Council Meeting* 7 p.m. 22 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 p.m. 22 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 p.m. 24 Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am.-noon TCP=Town Center Park *Public hearing begins at 6:30 p.m. October 4 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 p.m. 6 City Council Workshop 5:30 p.m. 12 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 p.m. 19 City Council Meeting* 7 p.m. City of Suwanee, Georgia 20 Downtown Development Authority 12 p.m. MAYOR: NICK MASINO ...... 770/945-4607 ext. 555 27 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 p.m. 29 Trek or Treat (Suwanee Creek Park) 12-2 p.m. COUNCIL: JACE BROOKS ...... 770/831-0499 JIMMY BURNETTE ...... 770/945-3492 November CAROL HASSELL ...... 770/945-3111 1 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 p.m. ALAN LANDERS ...... 770/271-4382 3 City Council Workshop 5:30 p.m. JEANNINE RISPIN ...... 404/375-6095 8 City Council Elections 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. CITY MANAGER: HARDIN WATKINS ...... 770/945-8996 9 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 p.m. POLICE CHIEF: MIKE JONES ...... 770/945-8995 15 City Council Meeting* 7 p.m. 17 Downtown Development Authority 12 p.m. NEWSLETTER EDITOR: LYNNE BOHLMAN DeWILDE ...... 770/945-8996 24 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 p.m.