ross COfficial newsletter R ads of the September 2011 9/11 artifact to be unveiled at commemorative event

Candlelight, bagpipes, and goose bumps will be on order when Suwanee remembers loss, courage, and resilience dur- ing a 10th anniversary 9/11 commemorative ceremony to be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, September 10, at Town Center Park. Area residents are invited to attend this free event at which the 1,638-pound World Trade Center artifact that the City of Suwanee has acquired will be unveiled. The City obtained the artifact, which has been named Remembrance, from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in July. The piece, an exteri- or panel from the 101st-104th floors of CELEBRATE Community! one of the World Trade Center towers CELEBRATE Suwanee Day! that collapsed on September 11, 2001, 10 am–10 pm is described as the Saturday, September 17 lower one-third of three columns, but is Town Center Park so twisted and damaged that it’s difficult to distinguish the three columns. The piece is one of 236 structural steel ele- Details, line-ups, and schedules ments studied by the National Institute of Standards and beginning on page 6. Technology to determine probable causes of the post-impact collapse of the towers. In addition to the unveiling, the September 10 candlelight remembrance ceremony will honor public safety officials and INSIDE THIS ISSUE… others. Police, fire, and EMT officials from throughout Gwinnett County have been invited to the event. Fire trucks City lowers tax and police vehicles will be on display as part of the ceremony. rate…p. 5 “We’re planning a respectful, reverent, spine-tingling event,” says Office Administrator Billie Marshall, who, along with police and fire officials and other City staff members, has organized the ceremony. “We really want to pay homage How will to our public safety officials, our community, and this sacred your garden Greenway: Detour artifact.” ahead…p. 2 grow?...p. 17 Continued on page 2 Page 2 September 2011 www.suwanee.com

Gwinco Blvd. becomes Celebration Drive Artifact… The City of Suwanee is renaming Gwinco Boulevard in the continued from page 1 Gateway area. The road’s new name, Celebration Drive, will Following the ceremony, Town become official when the Georgia Department of Transportation Center Cinema will show World Trade (GDOT) project to extend McGinnis Ferry Road across I-85 to Center, a 2006 Oliver Stone movie Old Peachtree Road is completed. While the bridge across I-85 starring Nicholas Cage. The movie is recently opened, the entire project is expected to be finished at rated PG-13 for intense and emotional the end of September. content, some disturbing images, and “The City has for several years had a vision for this particular language. If you’re staying for the section of the Suwanee Gateway to serve as a hospitality hub,” movie, bring chairs and blankets. Food says Special Projects Coordinator Toni Shrewsbury. “A compo- and non-alcoholic beverages will be nent of our plans called for changing the road’s name. This available for purchase; no alcohol may seemed like an opportune time to do so with the conclusion of be brought to the park. this significant road project that’s really going to improve traffic Remembrance will remain on exhib- flow and safety in the area.” it at Town Center Park at least through When the GDOT project is completed, McGinnis Ferry will Suwanee Day on September 17. The extend over the interstate to Old Peachtree Road. Celebration City currently is considering perma- Drive will connect to Old Peachtree as the road did previously, nent locations for display of the artifact but with one-directional access. A new road, Celebration and will work with artists and planners Connector, also will connect Celebration Drive and Old to create an appropriate base or setting Peachtree, north of the Courtyard Marriott. for the display. Greenway section to be closed for improvements beginning this fall This is one of those good news/bad news stories, and the bad news comes first. Approximately one-mile of the Suwanee Creek Greenway, from near Martin Farm Road to Suwanee Elementary, will be closed beginning this fall for a minimum of seven months. The good news? When the work is finished, area residents will have a better Greenway. This oldest section of the Greenway, installed in the 1990s, will be completely rehabilitated, with existing asphalt and boardwalk demolished and new concrete and boardwalk installed. Concrete rather than asphalt is being used, says Capital Projects Manager Russell Small, because it’s more durable, particularly considering that this section of the Greenway is in the floodplain. Because it is in the floodplain, this part of the Greenway still will flood, says Small, but changes are being made to minimize as much as possible the impact of that flooding. For example, where possible the trail will be moved to higher ground (6-18 inches higher) so that floodwaters will recede from the trail surface first. The project manager explains that the trail can’t be completely moved from the floodplain because that would require it be moved to private property, nor can the trail be easily or inexpensively raised using fill material because of federal regulations. The rehabilitative work, currently being bid, will require at least seven months, depending on how much rain and flooding occurs over the con- struction period. While this segment of the Greenway is closed, it’s impor- tant for safety reasons that residents heed the “closed” signs and stay out of the construction area. “When we’re done,” says Small, “it’s going to be a better Greenway. It will have a more durable surface and should last a long time.” Funding for the project will be provided through SPLOST and open space bond monies. Need a little more good news to get you through the closing of this sec- tion? If not already completed, work on the Gwinnett County trail section from the Greenway to George Pierce Park will be finished soon, and the trail is expected to be re-opened this fall. photo by M. Michael Farr September 2011 Page 3

www.suwanee.com 20/20 Vision Strategic Plan Open House ideas shared; small-group conversations getting underway

The City’s 20/20 strategic planning process has shifted gears. Some 435 people offered their input and ideas at the strategic plan open house over a five-week period throughout July. Now about 300 people are ready to begin a series of facilitated roundtable discussions through which, it is hoped, information gleaned from the open house can be fleshed out and ideas explored more thoroughly as the community works to create a vision for the Suwanee of 2020. Approximately 25 roundtable groups of 8-12 people each will meet four times each through the end of the year. Groups are meeting every day of the week in homes, restaurants, and community locations; the earliest meetings start at 7:30 a.m. and the latest at 7 p.m. All of the groups will discuss the same topics. “We want to build on what we heard through the open house,” says Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Roth. For example, she offers, eco- nomic development was the number one priority identified by participants through the do-it-yourself budget exercise at the open house. “We want to flesh that out, find out more about what the community is think- ing and how this topic should be addressed in the coming decade.” In the collaborative map exercise, in which residents identified where they live, their favorite place in Suwanee, and where money should be spent for improvements, Town Center blew it out of the water as the favorite location. The Suwanee Gateway was easily the number one place where residents feel improvements are needed, receiving about double the number of “votes,” or stickers, as historic Old Town and Town Center, which tied for second place. Through the open house process, Roth says, about 35 percent of ideas and suggestions related to “the desire or need for more things to do and more places to go.” Another 25 percent of comments dealt with parks and recreation. A lot of comments and suggestions also related to increased services and opportunities for youth. The exercise that involved writing a postcard from the Suwanee of 2020 gen- erated some creative ideas as well. Consider this excerpt: “Took the trolley bus to dinner tonight at a new place called Just Adults. Wow – we love children, but sometimes you just need a break…. You’ve got to come out Sat[urday], they’re having a masquerade for the 1950s. Come dressed up! Oh! My teens are jamming at Pierce’s Corner – super fun!” To keep up to date with the 20/20 Vision strategic plan or to share your ideas, visit www.suwanee2020.com. Page 4 September 2011 www.suwanee.com Serving up a varied menu of fall events Suwanee’s signature event is coming up the third Saturday of September, but Suwanee Day isn’t the only opportu- nity for some community fun this fall. Several additional City and privately sponsored events are planned throughout September and October. Antique cars and Elvis featured at Sept. ‘Toast’ While we can’t promise a pink Cadillac, both Elvis and antique cars will be featured at the September 22 Toast @ Town Center event. A monthly happening, held from 6-10 p.m. the fourth Thursday of each month through October, Toast @ Town Center is a regular event through which merchants offer special deals, entertainment, and in- store events. Town Center Avenue is closed and a street-festival atmosphere is created. Patrons may purchase drinks at Town Center restaurants – coffee, sodas, beer, and wine – and take them from shop to shop and within the park. Check www.suwanee.com for more information. Hey gumba, try the cannoli Cannoli as well as Ippolito’s pasta and salad will be served up al fresco at Festa della Pasta on Friday, September 30. This annu- al dinner event under a festive tent on Main Street in historic Old Town makes for a great date night! The Festa begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person and available for purchase at City Hall and Ippolito’s Italian Restaurant. Dinner includes pasta, bread, salad, dessert, and tea or water. A cash bar also will be available. In addition to live musical entertainment, this year’s Festa will include an exhibit of photographs of Italy by Amber Rushing. Costumes encouraged Spooky, funky, silly costumes are encouraged for the annual Trek or Treat event at Suwanee Creek Park Saturday, October 29. The 11 a.m.-1 p.m. event will include dance and costume competitions and lawn games, weather permitting. Hot dogs will be served while supplies last; sorry, once the 500 hot dogs purchased are gone, they’re done. This event is free and open to the public. Party with Parker What a difference 10 years and six parks make! A decade after the 2001 open space bond referendum vote, the City of Suwanee will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the vote that made its award-winning open space and parks initia- tive possible with Parker’s Parks Party. “The idea,” says Events Manager Amy Doherty, “is that this event will be structured similar to a progressive dinner, with par- ticipants traveling from park to park to enjoy a different ‘course’ of fun.” Activities will be available at different times throughout the day at PlayTown Suwanee, Sims Lake Park, Town Center Park, and White Street Park. Festivities will conclude at Town Center, where hometown boy and rising country sensation Andy Velo will per- form. Check www.suwanee.com as the date for Parker’s Parks Party approaches for more details and times. September 2011 Page 5

www.suwanee.com Badge of honor The next session of Suwanee’s Citizens Police Academy will begin Tuesday, October 4. This eight-week, hands-on program allows partici- pants a chance to get to know many of Suwanee’s officers personally and provides a better understanding of the responsibilities and risks of being a police officer – plus it’s a lot of fun! Consider these comments from two participants in last fall’s program: “I particularly enjoyed the building search and burglaries [activities]. Overall, the entire program has made me more aware and smarter about my environment.” “[Citizens Police Academy] is a great way for the citizens of Suwanee to become educated about the police and to help support them.” The deadline for applying to the program is September 23. Applications are available at www.suwanee.com. Class sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Suwanee Police Department, 373 Buford Highway. Some of the topics covered include crime scene processing, traffic stops, building searches, crime prevention, and narcotics identification. For more information, contact Ofc. Elias Casañas at [email protected] or 770/904-7612. More upcoming events City lowers tax rate – again For the second consecutive year, the City of Suwanee has low- Celebrate Service Music Festival* ered its millage rate for property taxes. At its August 23 meeting, Presented by Amigos for Christ City Council approved a millage rate of 5.65 for fiscal year 2012, Featuring Atlanta Rhythm Section a slight reduction from last year’s rate of 5.70. In 2010, the rate October 1 – 9 am was 5.77. Town Center Park “As the tough economy lingers, we’re pleased to be able to For more information, call 770/614-9250 or visit lower our tax rate for our citizens and businesses for the second www.amigosforchrist.org/events.html. year in a row,” says Mayor Dave Williams. “There aren’t very Suwanee Farmers Market many communities that have done that.” The City began the 2012 fiscal year on July 1 with an $11.8 Remains open 8 am-noon million operating budget, which is about $420,000 less than the Saturdays through October 1 adjusted 2011 budget. (with the exception of Sept. 17) Suwanee’s Town Center Park strong and sta- Taste of Suwanee* ble fiscal stand- October 8 – noon ing, says City Town Center Park Manager Marty For more information, Allen, is due in visit www.tasteofsuwanee.com. large measure to the City’s 3rd Annual Korean Festival* history of care- October 15 & 16 – noon ful and conser- Town Center Park vative fiscal For more information, call 404/547-1859. policies and practices. This Toast @ Town Center spring, photo by Dick Goodman photo by October 27 – 6 pm Standard and Town Center Poor’s upgraded the City’s credit rating from AA- to AA. Suwanee’s millage rate has remained level or been decreased *Denotes events that are privately sponsored and not every year since the 2003 fiscal year after voters approved open associated with the City of Suwanee, but use of City space bonds that have financed acquisition and construction of facilities has been approved. All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. more than 300 acres of parks and open space and an extension of the Suwanee Creek Greenway. Page 6 September 2011 www.suwanee.com

Suwanee Day Classic Just do it! 2011 Festival Schedule It’s not too late to just do it! Registration for the Suwanee Day Classic 5K and 10K, to be run on Saturday, September 10, is available Saturday, September 10 online via www.suwaneeday.com/race.html through Thursday, September 8. Runners also Suwanee Day Classic may register in person at the Runners Expo from 4:30-8 p.m. Friday, September 9, at City 5K • 8 am Hall and beginning at 6:30 a.m. at Town 10K • 9 am Center Park on race day. The registration fee is now $25 for the 5K, $30 for the 10K, and $35 for both races. Participants enjoy a challenging community Saturday, September 17 run and receive a race t-shirt. Both races start and end at Town Center Free shuttle transportation from off-site parking begins at 9 am Park. Getting underway at 8 a.m., the 5K route takes runners through historic Old Town and then up a memorable hill in the Parade • 10 am Brushy Creek neighborhood. The 10K race begins at 9 a.m. and goes along the Suwanee Arts & crafts exhibitors • 10 am-5 pm Creek Greenway, ending with another notable hill back up to Town Center. Inf latable rides, children’s activities 10 am-7:30 pm Free entertainment • 11 am-10 pm The Lovin’ Spoonful in Concert • 8:15 pm Fireworks • 9:45 pm

Free shuttle transportation to off-site parking ends at 10:30 pm September 2011 Page 7

www.suwanee.com Parks and pageantry featured in 2011 parade

Suwanee resident and Miss Georgia USA Kaylin Reque is the 2011 Suwanee Day parade grand marshal. Another parade special guest is a group that’s accustomed to marching: Georgia Army National Guard members from the 121st infantry regiment in Lawrenceville. The 131 soldiers that comprise Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployed to Iraq in 2005-06 and Afghanistan in 2009-10. The theme for this year’s parade is "Parks Perfect the Place” in celebra- tion of the 10th anniversary of the 2001 bond referendum vote that made Suwanee’s award-winning open space initiative possible. Beginning at 10 a.m., the parade serves as the traditional kick-off for Suwanee Day. To encourage participation and creativity, Suwanee Day provides cash prizes to parade entrants who are the best in a variety of cate- gories as determined by a distinguished panel of judges. Categories include: • Best in Show • Most Creative • Best Reflection of Theme • Most Entertaining

The approximately 1.25-mile parade route trav- els north from Russell Road up Buford Highway, briefly along Suwanee Dam, and then south along Main Street. DETOUR: Roads closed for parade

Several roads will be closed during the annual Suwanee Day parade. Please be aware that the following roads will be closed from approximately 9:45-11:15 a.m. Saturday, September 17: • Buford Highway from McGinnis Ferry Road to Suwanee Dam Road • Suwanee Dam Road eastbound between Buford Highway and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard • Main Street Page 8 September 2011 www.suwanee.com

Suwanee Day arts & crafts sampler by Todd Renner, Suwanee Day Marketing Chair

Sure, the food is yummy, the rides are bouncy, and the on-stage performances can be electrifying, but the real stars of the Suwanee Day show are the artists and craftspeople who each year offer an eclectic array of items crafted from metals (precious and otherwise) and mettle, paint and passion, and their hands and hard work. Among the nearly 200 exhibitors and vendors at Suwanee Day will be about 30 food vendors, a dozen stones from Turkey, and flagstones from the southeastern rides to entertain the elementary and middle school sets, United States, including the nearby North Georgia a few dozen generous community sponsors, and more mountain region. Securing hardwoods for the candle than 125 artisans and craftspeople. Represented among bases has proven to be a bit challenging locally, but the latter group this year are candles in the wind, Norris has found several regional saw mills that have been screaming sisters, and a mom on a mission. excellent resources. Creating the candles can be a slow process, sometimes Candles in the Wind taking up to two weeks to complete. “I try not to rush Lawrenceville resident Alan Norris remembers the the process,” Norris says, “as the art just sort of forms in moment well: He was in a small-town art gallery a cou- your hands. Upon completion, you can really see how the ple of years ago when he saw his first rock candle. “It natural beauty of the stone takes center stage.” was cool,” he says, “but I thought that you could really Norris exhibits at only a couple of shows each year, do some- typically in the fall. While this is his first Suwanee Day as thing an exhibitor, he has attended the festival a number of more times. He will display flagstone, agate, and tumbled stone unique candles ranging in price from $45 to $75. For additional with it.” information, visit www.heavenlycandles.net. With that inspira- ScreamingSisters tion, Heavenly Do the sisters really scream at one another? Despite Candles the name of their joint alphabet photography venture, was born, ScreamingSisters, Peggy Riggs says: “All of us get along and the Cisco software development manager started on really well. We took the name from the way we were his path to becoming an artist. raised – to have a voice and stand up for ourselves.” Heavenly Candles, the company that Norris and his The four creative sisters – Donna, Beverly, Jennifer, wife, Robyn, own, mixes hardwoods like maple, hickory, and Peggy – love to take pictures, and it was while look- and black walnut with natural stones to create beautiful, ing through their lenses that they realized that letters of one-of-a kind oil candles. “I try not to bother the stones the alphabet can be found in a multitude of places and too much,” says Norris of the candle creation process. things. The sisters take pictures of nature, architecture, While he doesn’t have any formal art training, Norris says that he does have an eye for recognizing beauty in nature. “It’s not my creation,” he says. “I’m just putting His pieces together.” Norris sources his elements both locally and interna- tionally. He imports agate stones from Brazil, tumbled September 2011 Page 9

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and everyday items that resemble letters – like the Googling ingredients. Surprised at some of the ele- rooftops of buildings to represent the letter A, for example ments used in those creams, Wheeler started thinking – and use the letter-photos to create words. that the answer may lie in natu- The sisters initially channeled their creative energy into ral, rather than pharmaceutically making handcrafted jewelry, but their love of photography created, ingredients, “you know,” – and the enrollment of two of the sisters in a 12-week she says, “stuff that grandma used photography to grow in the garden.” course – After much trial and error, The sisters take pictures of nature, soon steered Wheeler struck on a lotion for- architecture, and everyday items their creative mulation that demonstrated passion in a marked improvement in her son that resemble letters – like the different Kameron’s skin. She began using rooftops of buildings to represent direction. the creams herself with similar the letter A , for example – and use “At another results. Her co-workers with show this Gwinnett County Police the letter-photos to create words. year,” says Department 911 soon started tak- Riggs, “a ing notice and asked if she could vendor told make cream for them as well. us that our love of photography really shows through our As the requests for her products increased, Wheeler work,” providing vindication that the sisters were, indeed, began to wonder: Should she charge people for these? on to something. When her friends told her that they absolutely would The sisters’ production process is fairly straightforward. pay for the They sharpen, tweak, and crop their photos, but no creams, Photoshop-type alterations are made to enhance the alpha- her hobby Surprised at some of the elements betic images. The photographs are saved as black-and- became a used in those creams, Wheeler white images, printed, and framed with black matting. business Each year, a “sisters’ trip” provides new scenery for as she started thinking that the answer their alphabetic photo shoots. Typically, they travel some- “stepped may lie in natural, rather than where they’ve never been before with a preference for out on pharmaceutically created, beach locales. Riggs is excited about heading soon to faith” and ingredients, “you know,” she says, Biloxi and New Orleans. “I’m looking forward to seeing in 2007 what the Garden District and Bourbon Street have to created “stuff that grandma used to grow offer us,” she says. Naturally in the garden.” The Screaming Sisters are making their first appearance For You. at Suwanee Day, attending the festival on a recommenda- Her first tion from a vendor at another show. Pre-framed and cus- customers were her co-workers at the 911 service center tom photographs will be available at the festival, starting who purchased individual and gift packs for family and at $55 for three letters and topping out at $164 for nine friends. letters. The sisters’ redesigned website should be available “Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and you by Suwanee Day, so for additional information, visit need to feed it every day,” Wheeler says. “Whatever www.screamingsisters.com. you put on your body goes inside your body, so why not use every day, natural ingredients?” Naturally For Mom on a mission You products may be purchased in vegan and gluten- free formulas. The mother of a Down Syndrome child with really At Suwanee Day, Naturally For You will offer indi- rough skin, Sharalene Wheeler was having no luck reme- vidual items and gift packs, ranging from $6-$45. dying her son’s psoriasis. Tired of trips to dermatologists More information about these products is available at and spending money on over-the-counter creams that http://naturallyforyousoaps.com. were expensive and hard to apply to an uncooperative patient, she longed for a better solution. Wheeler began reading labels more closely and Page 10 September 2011 www.suwanee.com Yisian Guzheng Ensemble – 11:30 am Founder Shu-Fang Chen and an ensemble of 16 members promote the beauty and knowledge of traditional Chinese music through their use of guzhengs. A member of the zither family, the guzheng is an ancient Chinese string instrument that is plucked with four plectra (picks) attached to the fin- gers. The instrument creates sounds of cascading waterfalls, rippling waters, and thunder. The Yisian Guzheng Ensemble has performed at numerous international events since 2008. Susan Chambers A celebration of talent Dance Company – by Sarah Douglas 12:15 pm The Susan Chambers Dance The 2011 Suwanee Day festival boasts a performance Company offers pre-professional line-up that is heavy on local talent and entertainment dancers artistic opportunities in the value. Area talent will be celebrated throughout the day fields of classical ballet, tap, jazz, and with a wide array of artistic performances, ranging from musical theater. Students train for hum-inducing family fun at a kazoo concert to toe-tap- the professional world of perform- ping numbers from dance troupes to rockin’ vocals ance at one of two locations, from local bands. More than a dozen performers will Suwanee or Alpharetta, and many go take the main stage throughout the day to provide an on to dance on Broadway, receive scholarships to attend top universities, or become members of prestigious dance compa- outstanding day of community fun. nies. The Suwanee dance troupe is proud to present selec- This year, Suwanee Day also will host a children’s tions from various performances and fields of dance. stage, featuring Radio Disney, Rick Hubbard's Kazoobie, Suwanee Choi Kwang Do, Reay Kaplan with the Center for Puppetry Arts, and more. Featured Gymnastix Training Center below are performers appearing on the main Suwanee and Cheer Athletix – 1 pm Day stage. Enhancing children’s self-confidence, physical fitness, and athletic ability through A “Kazoobie” Experience quality sports instruction, the Gymnastix Training with Rick Hubbard – 11 am Center and Cheer Appealing to adults and children alike, Rick Hubbard Athletix was voted “Best brings new meaning to the term “family fun” with his of Buford” in 2010. “kazoobie” concerts. “Kazoobie,” a word created by Competitive gymnastics Hubbard to describe his performances, means “excep- and cheer students will tional, fun, and involving everyone.” In essence, he pro- entertain festival-goers vides a fun and positive experience for the whole family with tumbling and stunts sure to impress. Also, as part of World Gymnastics Day, the using his signature kazoos as well as audience involve- gymnasts will participate in a worldwide attempt to break the ment, assorted musical instruments played by Hubbard Guinness Book of World Records for most people in most himself, and computer-generated musical tracks that locations simultaneously doing a handstand. Be sure to have accompany his performance. your cameras ready! September 2011 Page 11

www.suwanee.com Jahara Phoenix Royal Dance Academy – 4 pm Dance Company – Committed to dance education, Royal Dance Academy 1:30 pm emphasizes the importance of building strong technique in all aspects of dance. Whether a dancer is preparing for The Jahara Phoenix future opportunities at professional levels or simply look- Dance Company is a theatri- ing for recreational training, this Suwanee-based academy cal, world fusion troupe ded- offers quality dance classes in classical ballet, modern, jazz, icated to bringing the and more. Students will demonstrate the art of dance ancient art of belly dancing through samplings of the Academy’s classes. to life on stage. The group’s tribal style relays a more Grafted By Grace – 5 pm mystical side of belly danc- ing and conveys an understanding of the Eastern spiritu- Six men who share a love for al concept. The Jahara Phoenix dancers will light up the music, the green industry, and a rela- stage with their energy, grace, and passion. tionship with Christ have united to form the band Grafted By Grace. Suwanee Performing Arts Originating in Ft. Valley, Georgia, the band’s music ministry is a unique – Selections from Hairspray – 2:15 pm blend of contemporary Christian, Tap your feet and do-wop along as the talented young gospel, and blues. Grafted By Grace has released several cast from Suwanee Performing Arts presents selections CDs, including No Time To Rest, Still Standing, and from the popular Broadway musical Hairspray. Not only Unified By Grace. does this “hair-raising” story of love and acceptance in 1960s Baltimore continually delight fans, but the home- Eli Carlan Band – town production also showcases some of Suwanee’s 6 pm finest performance artists. A full production of Hairspray recently was staged as this year’s Broadway in In 1995, Eli Carlan the Park production. and three of his fellow musically inclined bud- North Gwinnett Schools Foundation dies came together for the sole purpose of play- – ‘15 Minutes of Fame’ – 2:55 pm ing great rock and roll In her third appearance as the “15 Minutes of Fame” music and providing feature, Claire Willingham will once again belt out some quality entertainment. Today, the Eli Carlan Band of amazing tunes. The 13-year-old singer and songwriter Commerce, Georgia, cranks out a mix of blues and began singing at age 3. In addition to performing artisti- Southern rock cover and original songs at festivals, parties, cally, Willingham also performs athletically in softball and events across the state. Never Too Late, Can’t You See, and basketball. “15 Minutes of Fame” is a favorite auc- and There’s Something Missing are among their popular tion item at the annual Big T’ Do fundraiser held by the music collection. North Gwinnett Schools Foundation. The Ken Rhyne Band – 7 pm Kick the Robot – 3:30 pm An accomplished blues, blues rock, and Southern rock Alternative rocksters Dylan artist, Ken Rhyne has achieved near musical perfection Hansen, Daniel Remel, and Jesse over the past 30 years with his high-energy harmonica and Scarpone bring new energy to the well-crooned tunes. Celebrated for rock ‘n’ roll/pop genre with their his 2008 chart-topping album outstanding vocal, instrumental, and Caught You White Handed, the artist songwriting talents. This young has showcased his sounds in night power pop trio, who formed Kick the clubs, juke joints, taverns, and casi- Robot in 2006, has been on the road nos throughout the United States playing gigs throughout metro and Canada. The Ken Rhyne Band Atlanta and in the studio developing a full-length CD. currently is performing around the The group will rock out several favorites from its CD at Eastern seaboard and completing its Suwanee Day. new album, One Last Time. Page 12 September 2011 www.suwanee.com The Lovin’ Spoonful rocks British Invasion – and Suwanee Day by Todd Renner, Suwanee Day Marketing Chair

As the British Invasion was taking the United States by storm in the 1960s, at least one American band refused to yield, cranking out hit after hit over a four-year span in the second half of the decade. Now that Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, The Lovin’ Spoonful, is taking a stand at Suwanee Day, offering a retrospective of its greatest hits. The Lovin’ Spoonful is headlining a full day of free enter- tainment with an 8:15 p.m. performance. As the British Invasion was hitting American shores, Kids can bounce two rockers from Long Island and two “folkies” from Greenwich Village came together to form The Lovin’ all day long Spoonful. In the peak years of its commercial success, from 1965-69, The Lovin’ Spoonful (Steve Boone, Joe Butler, Zal Yanovsky, and John Sebastian) was as success- Three Guys Entertainment will operate about a ful as nearly any American rock band, cranking out 12 dozen bouncing, spinning rides during the Suwanee Top 20 hits. Day festival – enough to entertain elementary and Combining the best of folk music with rock and roll, middle school children and tweens practically all day and adding just a long. The rides will be open from 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. touch of country, For $15, a child can have unlimited access to the The Lovin’ rides. Family discounts are available, with full access Spoonful created provided for the second and third child in the same hits including Do family for $10 each; any additional children in the You Believe in same family may ride for $5 each. Single-ride tickets Magic?, Daydream, also will be available. Children ages 3 and younger You Didn't Have to bounce free. Be So Nice, In addition, Adrenaline Climbing will provide a Nashville Cats, and rockwall for free. the anthem for a hot July evening, Summer in the City. All of these hits were produced over a four-year span during which the band released five albums. In addition, band members wrote and performed two soundtrack albums for two well- known film directors who were then early in their careers, Woody Allen for What’s Up Tiger Lily? and Francis Ford Coppola for You're a Big Boy Now. Original members Zal Yanovsky and John Sebastian left the group to pursue solo careers in 1967 and 1968, respec- tively, and were replaced by Jerry Yester. The band has continued to perform across the country and around the world over the years, reaching out to whole new audiences. The legacy of The Lovin’ Spoonful was solidified with its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2000. For additional information about the group, visit the band’s official website at www.lovinspoonful.com. photo by David Douglas September 2011 Page 13

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Don’t get in a jam: Use off-site festival parking

Art. Music. Food. Fun. That’s what Suwanee Day should be all about, and not getting stuck in slow traffic around Town Center and stalking parking spaces. To help ensure that your Suwanee Day experience is enjoyable and hassle- free, off-site parking locations and a free shuttle service are available. Suwanee Day festivities take place at Town Center Park, located at the intersection of Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, with off-site parking available at three convenient locations: Shadowbrook Baptist Church 4187 Suwanee Dam Road (Parking and transportation for individuals with disabilities available here) Shawnee North Business Center 305 Shawnee North Drive (at Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road) Southeastern Freight 3655 Windsor Park Drive, near the intersection of Buford Highway and McGinnis Ferry Road (IMPORTANT: Enter from Buford Highway only.)

Free shuttle buses will transport attendees between designated off-site parking areas and Town Center Park from 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Limited parking for guests using motor scooters or wheelchairs will be available at the Suwanee Police Department at 373 Buford Highway, across the street from Town Center Park, except during the parade from about 9:45-11 a.m. Additional parking for those with disabilities will be available at Shadowbrook Baptist Church; a wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus will provide transportation to Town Center Park. Page 14 September 2011

2011 Suwanee Day Committee

These are the hard-working, fun-loving folks who have met, brainstormed, planned, and labored through- out the year to bring the 2011 Suwanee Day festival to the community. If you see one of them, give ‘em a hug of thanks! Kim Towne, Chair Entertainment Cris Koenigs, Chair Come to Suwanee Day Kendra Alley Marketing with a ‘Can Do’ attitude – Todd Renner, Chair Parade and food donations Ryan Neilan, Chair Lauri Young

Food donations for the North Gwinnett Food Co-op will be Transportation accepted at the City of Suwanee/Festival Information booth Doug Schwendy, Chair until 8 p.m. Donations are being collected as part of the Doug Ireland Gwinnett Municipal Association’s Can Do initiative. Those who Vendors donate at least five canned goods or nonperishable items will Janis Beavin, Chair receive a free reusable City of Suwanee bag. (A $5 cash donation Janette Derucki to the co-op also earns the contributor a Suwanee bag.) C. Kay Fuino Among items that are always in need at the North Gwinnett Food Co-op, which serves families in need from Suwanee, Volunteers Buford, and Sugar Hill, are pasta, sauces, canned fruit, tuna and Pascha Dudley, Chair other canned meats, peanut butter, jelly, boxed meals, hot cere- Marcia Massie als, and soups. Other needs include laundry detergent, dish detergent, larger sized diapers (sizes 3-5), deodorant, toothpaste, Sponsors and soap. Rhonda Hogan

It’ll be rainin’ fun @ Suwanee Day! Don’t miss an arm-wavin’, booty-shakin’, uber-fun surprise about 4 pm September 2011 Page 15

www.suwanee.com Memorable Suwanee Days Remember when…

For the volunteer and staff veterans who have worked Suwanee Day from year to year to year, each festival has something about it – weather conditions, unprintable insights gleaned from vendors, kindnesses, and oopses, for example – that make it memorable. Below are some of the things that have made recent Suwanee Day fes- tivals indeed unforgettable – and that often underscore staff’s and volunteers’ motto that it’s better to laugh than cry. 2001 Held on September 15, just four days after terrorists attacked New York City and Washington, D.C., this festival stands out for the keen sense of community that was evident. The City had considered canceling the festival, but ultimately decided to carry on. After days glued to the horror unfolding on their televisions, area resi- dents seemed to need the embrace of community. 2004 Not only was this the first year that the festival took place at the then new Town Center Park, it’s also the first year that Suwanee Day had a delayed opening. Thanks to the unwelcome arrival of Hurricane Ivan-spawned rains and tornadoes the Thursday before the September 18 festival, the festival was postponed and didn’t get started until noon, at which time weather conditions were beautiful. Ironically, the t-shirt design that year featured a stylization of the new park’s elliptical walkways; in light of the weather conditions, it might also be viewed as a representation of a hurricane. 2005 There wasn’t a hurricane this year, but during set up on Friday a sudden, explosive gust of wind sent tents, and even weights, flying. One weight was blown into the windshield of a then-City Councilmember’s Mercedes. 2006 Somehow, port-a-potties never got delivered to the parade line-up area on Main Street. Yeah, we heard about that one! That’s an “oops” that hasn’t been repeated. 2007 After much discussion, the Suwanee Day planning committee opted to pass on yet another “up and coming” band as the headline entertainer. The band? Lady Antebellum. 2009 The silver lining in the clouds over the 2009 festival was that tear-down was the smoothest, easiest ever! It rained nearly all day long, making for a smaller-than- usual crowd and vendors who were eager to get home and get dry. While Suwanee Day is a “rain or shine” event, we’ve been fortunate to have much more sunshine than rain. Based on past weather patterns, staff figures that the festival should be good rain-wise at least through 2016. What stories will we have to tell about the 2011 festival? photo by David Douglas Page 16 September 2011 www.suwanee.com Sponsors are festival, community heroes

You may have noticed, it’s a tough economy out there! That’s why were more grateful than ever for the generous, community-minded businesses and organizations who have sponsored Suwanee’s 2011 “celebration of community.” Please thank them with your patronage.

Platinum

Silver AAA Auto Club Friends of the Festival Chandler, Britt, Jay & Beck Charter Communications Clark Patterson Lee Costco Wholesale, Mall of Georgia Sunpass Delta Community Credit Union Dentistry for Children DeVore and Johnson of Suwanee GutterGard Gwinnett Community Bank Gwinnett Daily Post Gwinnett Gladiators Hockey Gwinnett Medical Center Gwinnett Urgent Care Imagix Dental and Orthodontics illy issimo/United Distributors Ippolito's Italian Restaurant Liberty Mutual Insurance Lowe's of Suwanee Optimum Health Rehab & Wellness Peachtree Suwanee Dental Associates PETCO Prepress to Printing Primrose School of Suwanee West Quantum National Bank Red Oak Sanitation Rhonda C. Hogan, DMD, PC Road Atlanta St. Bernard Family Chiropractic Southeast Retractable Systems/Clearview Suwanee Family Chiropractic Suwanee Family Dentistry Suwanee Magazine Suwanee Sports Academy T-Mobile Taylor Construction Verizon Wireless photo by David Douglas September 2011 Page 17

www.suwanee.com 2012 community garden Suwanee recognized applications available for distinctive management The International City/County Management Association Applications for plots at Suwanee’s Harvest (ICMA) knows a thing or two about local government manage- Farm community garden next year may be ment, and the organization is suitably impressed by practices in downloaded at www.suwanee.com. The dead- the City of Suwanee that it awarded Suwanee, for the third line for current gardeners who wish to apply straight year, with a Certificate of Distinction for “superior per- for the 2012 season is September 26; applica- formance management efforts.” Suwanee is one of 47 jurisdic- tions from new gardeners will be accepted on a tions throughout the country to be recognized through ICMA’s first-come, first-served basis beginning from certificate program and one of 11 to receive the Certificate of 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, at Distinction, which represents the middle level in the certificate White Street Park. program. Fees range from $50-$100, depending upon “We know that people’s eyes probably glaze over when we get the size of the plot geeky about performance data, comparisons to other jurisdic- requested and whether tions, and operational decision-making,” says Amie Sakmar, or not the applicant Suwanee’s director of financial services. “But for Suwanee, these is a City of measures and practices are important components in effective Suwanee resident. decision-making. They help us to know that we’re headed in City of Suwanee the right direction and provide us with red flags on those occa- property owners sions that we’re not.” and residents According to ICMA, performance management encourages receive priority. accountability and transparency and aids in cost reduction, pro- Harvest Farm at gram prioritization, and quality improvement. White Street Park, “Through our certificate program,” says Michael Lawson, Georgia’s largest organic community garden, director of ICMA’s Center for Performance Measurement, “local governments are recognized for exceptional commitment opened in 2010. Over the past two years, the to continuous learning and improvement. The criteria on which garden has been at 100 percent capacity with a the certificates are based serve as a checklist of effective, results- waiting list. oriented management practices.” From Suwanee, with love Postcards of some of Suwanee’s favorite spots now available for purchase at City Hall “Over the years, we’ve gotten a lot of requests for postcards,” says Public Information Officer Lynne DeWilde. “So, we figured why not? We’re fortunate that we have many great photos from around the City, and they’ve made lovely postcards.” Five postcards were produced; four

are standard-sized and one is oversized. photo by Edna Grosskipf The postcards feature City Hall in the spring, Harvest Farm at White Street Park, the red caboose in historic Old Town, Main Street after a snow, and the Big Splash interactive foun- tain at Town Center Park. Standard postcards are 50 cents each, and the oversized postcard

(of Big Splash) is $1. photo by David Douglas David by photo Page 18 September 2011

www.suwanee.com Stroll…roll…and chill Imagine…instead of the laidback, natural area that is Suwanee Creek Park, this 85-acre parcel might be home to large warehouses and manufacturing plants. It could have happened had it not been for Suwanee’s award-winning open space initiative. This year, the City of Suwanee is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the historic open space bond referendum vote that has made Suwanee Creek Park and five others possible since 2001. Opened in August 2004, Suwanee Creek Park arguably remains the community’s most “chill” park. The 85-acre property purchased in 2002 was the first to be acquired by the City through the open space initiative. While, as the trailhead to the Suwanee Creek Greenway, the By the Numbers park has a restive side, it’s primarily a place to relax, partake in a picnic, and observe nature (and perhaps people-watch those Suwanee Creek Park using the trail). The annual Trek or Treat event is held at this park each year, but it’s not the only party going on. 85 Resident Beth Sudderth Acres wrote the City in 2009: “My family rented the Alder Pavilion for my son’s birthday 2 party…. The park and pavil- Pavilions ion were so well-kept and clean – even the bathrooms were great! Your staff does a $1.7 million wonderful job keeping the Cost for property in 2002 park beautiful.” Currently Suwanee Creek Park’s more active side is con- $70/$100 Pavilion rental cost for 2 hours for photo by David Douglas David photo by nected to the Suwanee Creek Greenway, which starts at the Suwanee residents/non-residents park and meanders 4 miles through wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife habitats to its current terminus at Suwanee Elementary Suwanee Creek Greenway School. The greenway has additional access points in between. Once Suwanee’s best-kept secret, the greenway’s popularity with area residents exploded when an open space-financed 3- 5 mile extension, from Suwanee Creek Park to Martin Farm Parking areas/access points to trail Road, was opened in May 2004. The original approximately one-mile trail, from Martin Farm Road to Suwanee Elementary, was constructed in the 1990s. This section of the greenway will 2007 be closed and re-constructed beginning this fall (see story, page Year the connector at Town Center opened 2). A soft surface section was opened near Suwanee Creek Park in 2007. Each spring, the City of Suwanee hides unique art pieces 400 along the Suwanee Creek Greenway and at other parks as part Acres of parkland of its art-loving, nature-boosting Art on a Limb program. This connected by the Greenway spring, Garry Gerard wrote the City to say: “Over the past sev- eral years, I have often looked for the hanging Art on a Limb, but never found anything. Today, I wasn't looking and found 372 the John Wareham lantern. Perhaps there is a lesson there.” Number of pieces of art found to date He goes on to say: “The Greenway is a great asset to Suwanee along the Greenway and at other parks and the area. I run on the Greenway often. It has become a very through the Art on a Limb program. popular trail for people to walk, bike, and run.” September 2011 Page 19

www.suwanee.com Cast your ballot The mayor’s position and two City Council posts as well as YIELD a resolution to allow off-premises alcoholic beverage sales on Sunday will be on the ballot November 8. City of Suwanee SIGNS citizens may vote at City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 8, or from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. via early/absentee voting October 17- November 4. For information about the election or poll workers, contact City Clerk Elvira Rogers at [email protected].

Want to extend a pat on the back? City of Suwanee employees strive to provide consistently excellent service, and recently the City has begun an annual employee awards program to celebrate those jobs particularly well done. Employees may be nominated for recognition by colleagues or citizens. If you’ve had an especially positive encounter with a City of Suwanee employee over the past year and would like to nominate him or her for a “pat on the back,” please send an email by October 1 naming the employee and explaining why you feel she or he deserves to be recognized to Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Roth at [email protected]. Suwanee receives grant for Brushy Creek trail project The City has been notified by the Georgia Department of Transportation that it has received a federal Transportation Enhancement grant for $450,000. The grant will be used for a long-term project to construct a green- way along Brushy Creek, connecting to the Gwinnett County Public Library and PlayTown Suwanee. Welcome to City Hall Two new employees joined the City of Suwanee in July. Conyers resident Christopher Buchanan came on board as equipment operator in the public works department. Buchanan has a varied background in water line repair and equipment operation with DeKalb County Water, Coca-Cola Enterprises, and Newton County. Rene Gilbert, of Snellville, is Suwanee’s new part-time custodian. She has experience in contract building services, office management, and radiation technology. Gilbert is continuing her education, recently completing a course in web design. Moving on up in the finance department Susan VanNus, formerly special projects analyst in the financial services department, has been promoted to budget analyst. In her new position, VanNus will be responsible for monitoring the annual budget and managing Suwanee’s performance measurement program. A four-year City employee, she worked previously as an internal auditor with the State of Florida and H&R Block. A resident of Lawrenceville, VanNus has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida Atlantic University. Lawrenceville resident Wendy Budd has taken over the special projects analyst position. An accounting analyst for the past four years with the City, Budd has more than 20 years of accounting experience and a bachelor’s degree in social services from Lebanon Valley College. In her new position, she will assist with preparation of annual financial documents and preparing the tax digest from Gwinnett County for the City’s use. More recognition for municipal court’s paperless system Suwanee’s Municipal Court has received an additional award for implementa- tion of its paperless court system last year. The Council of Municipal Court Judges presented the Special Recognition Award at its annual conference in Savannah in June “for program innovation and the creation of software for improvement of the efficiency and productivity of the municipal court.” PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SUWANEE, GA PERMIT NO. 242

330 TOWN CENTER AVENUE SUWANEE, GA 30024

CrossRoads – Your Official City of Suwanee Newsletter

September November 6 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 pm 2 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 pm 10 Suwanee Day Classic 5K & 10K (TCP) 8 am 3 Public Arts Commission 7 pm 10 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 5 Parker’s Parks Party (Various parks) Noon 10 9/11 Commemorative Ceremony 7 pm 8 City Council Election 7 am-7 pm 14 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 pm 9 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 pm 15 City Council Workshop 5:30 pm 15 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am 17 Suwanee Day (TCP) 10 am-10 pm 15 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm 20 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am 17 City Council Workshop 5:30 pm 20 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm 29 City Council Meeting* 7 pm 22 Toast @ Town Center 6 pm 24 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon Meetings and events subject to change; check www.suwanee.com for updated information. 27 City Council Meeting* 7 pm Unless otherwise noted, City of Suwanee public meetings are at City Hall, 330 Town Center 30 Festa della Pasta (Old Town) 6 pm Avenue. Location for Suwanee Business Alliance meetings varies monthly. * Public hearing begins 6:30 p.m. October 1 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon City of Suwanee, Georgia 4 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 pm MAYOR: DAVE WILLIAMS ...... 678/923-7898 5 Harvest Farm Applications Accepted 6:30 pm COUNCIL: JACE BROOKS ...... 770/831-0499 6 Public Arts Commission 7 pm JIMMY BURNETTE ...... 770/945-3492 12 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 pm DAN FOSTER ...... 678/404-9641 13 City Council Workshop 5:30 pm DICK GOODMAN ...... 678/446-7520 18 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am KEVIN MCOMBER ...... 770/271-5427 18 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm CITY MANAGER: MARTY ALLEN ...... 770/945-8996 25 City Council Meeting* 7 pm POLICE CHIEF: MIKE JONES ...... 770/945-8995 NEWSLETTER EDITOR: 27 Toast @ Town Center 6 pm LYNNE BOHLMAN DeWILDE ...... 770/945-8996 29 Trek or Treat (SCP) 11 am-1 pm