Suwanee’S Millage Rate at 5.77, the Same Rate As the Previous Seven Years

ross COfficial newsletter R ads of the September 2009 photo by David Douglas David photo by Millage rate remains the same

City Council voted at its August 25 meeting to set Suwanee’s millage rate at 5.77, the same rate as the previous seven years. The millage rate is used to calculate City property Get your groove on at taxes. “These are obviously difficult economic times,” notes Mayor Dave Williams. “The City worked diligently, sometimes mak- Suwanee Day ing tough decisions to put off worthy programs or purchases, to establish a fiscal year 2010 budget that would not require a Saturday, September 19 tax increase. The City is pleased to have avoided passing along any additional financial burden to our citizens.” 10 am-10 pm City of Suwanee tax bills will be mailed October 1 with payment due by December 20. Gwinnett County bills sepa- Town Center Park rately for county (including school) taxes. Even though the City’s tax rate remains unchanged, resi- Schedules and more details beginning on page 8. dents may notice a slight increase in the billed amount. Due to State of Georgia financial strains, the Georgia General Assembly did not fund the Homeowner’s Tax Relief Grant INSIDE THIS ISSUE… (HTRG) for 2009, which may result in an increase in property HAWK watches tax bills. Residents can determine the amount that might have over peds...p. 7 been saved through HTRG by checking the “State Homestead Exemption” amount on their 2008 City of Suwanee tax bills. The maximum tax credit in 2008 was $32.72. For more information about the millage rate or City taxes, contact the financial services department at 770/945-8996 or Trek or see the Understanding your property tax bill brochure available Behind the on the City & Other Services/Information about Taxes page at Treat...p. 16 www.suwanee.com. badge...p. 3 Page 2 September 2009 www.suwanee.com Service delivery Downtown website dis-agreement continues to launch on Suwanee Day As reported frequently in local newspapers, Gwinnett’s 15 cities and Gwinnett County have Downtown Suwanee is getting its own website address. On been unable to reach agreement on a new Service Suwanee Day, September 19, the Downtown Development Delivery Strategy (SDS), even following court- Authority will launch www.downtownsuwanee.com. ordered mediation. It appears that the matter will The site will focus exclusively on Suwanee’s downtown dis- be resolved with the help of the Superior Court of trict, both Town Center and historic Old Town, and will be Gwinnett County. A judge has been asked to the go-to site for information about downtown Suwanee address some key areas of disagreement in an effort shopping, eating, and activities. to facilitate an eventual agreement. “If you want to know what to do, where to eat, or where The state-required SDS determines which serv- to shop in downtown Suwanee, then this is the site for you,” ices are provided by the county and which by the says Downtown Manager Catherine Dixon. “You can also cities and how that impacts the division of taxes save money using downtownsuwanee.com as businesses will and other fees that city residents and businesses pay to Gwinnett County and the cities. be able to offer coupons via the website.” To simplify a very complex issue, city officials In addition to its focus on fun, the website has an “all busi- throughout the county are concerned that their ness” component as well. Information about how to open a residents face double taxation for primarily police, business in downtown Suwanee, a directory of downtown transportation, and planning and development businesses, and Downtown Development Authority agendas services while the county believes that certain taxes and minutes are all included on the site. and fees are unfairly benefiting residents who live Dixon notes that the site is designed to be highly interac- within municipal boundaries. tive. Users can upload photos or information about their “This is a complicated, but important, issue,” events. And, in the future, users will be able to load informa- notes City Manager Marty Allen, “because the tion about commercial properties for sale in the downtown final agreement will impact who provides certain district. services and the allocation of taxes for the next Visit www.downtownsuwanee.com beginning September decade. Progress has been slow, but we will get it 19 and find out more about what there is to discover and completed.” The last SDS agreement was formu- delight in in downtown Suwanee. lated in 1999.

Suwanee receives national recognition for financial reporting, performance management The City of Suwanee recently received recognition from two national organizations for its efforts in performance management and financial reporting. According to the awarding agencies, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the City’s efforts in these areas demonstrate a high level of accountability and transparency. Suwanee is among only 18 jurisdictions from throughout the country to be recognized by ICMA with a Certificate of Distinction for its efforts and results in performance measurement and management, which includes reporting performance data to the public, verifying efforts to ensure data reliability, staff training, and using performance data in strategic planning and decision-making. “We started using performance measures to enhance our budget practices,” says Financial Services Director Amie Sakmar, “and to help link resources to productivity, goals, and outcomes. However, as an added bonus, we’ve found that the information we obtain through measuring our performance is useful in other areas as well.” For the sixth consecutive year, the City of Suwanee has received a Certificate of Achievement from GFOA for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR), this time for the 2008 CAFR. This certificate represents the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. “We really try to go the extra mile in our annual financial report,” says Sakmar. “We feel that it should tell a story and explain to the reader who Suwanee is and what happens during the fiscal year. We try to encourage read- ers to open the report with our engaging cover and to maintain their interest throughout the report.” September 2009 Page 3

Get a glimpse behind the badge If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to wear a badge, the Suwanee Police Department is offering an opportunity that’s much more interactive, realistic, and fun than watching episodes of even your favorite criminal drama. The police department’s eight-week Citizens Police Academy begins September 29. The program offers Suwanee residents and business owners a fun, exciting way to get a glimpse behind the badge and to develop a better understanding of the issues, tactics, and risks associated with law enforcement. “I came away with a much better understanding of what our officers deal with on a regular basis,” says past participant Kevin Ward. “I would recommend the class to others for two rea- sons: it is very informative…and it was fun, too!” Karan Harp, who also is a Citizens Police Academy graduate, says: “I sleep better knowing these people and knowing that they are between me and the bad guys. ‘To serve and protect’ is not something [simply] painted on a car, it’s a genuine, heartfelt mindset.” Classes, which will held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, cover a variety of topics, including crime scene processing, traffic stops, responding to burglary calls, crime prevention, narcotics identifica- tion, and motor vehicle stops. Hands up Citizens Police Academy participants act out a The deadline for notarized applications is Friday, September 18; applica- traffic stop gone dangerous. tions are available online at www.suwanee.com. Applicants must be at least 19 years old; preference is given to Suwanee residents or to those who work in the City of Suwanee. For more information, contact Ofc. Elias Casañas at [email protected] or 770/945-4607, ext. 327.

New downtown manager working to build connections Since joining the City of Suwanee team last month, Downtown Manager Catherine Dixon has been busy working to build connections among business owners and between the two distinct areas that comprise downtown Suwanee. “This managerial position cements the City’s commitment to a vibrant downtown,” says Economic and Community Development Director Denise Brinson. “We’re excited to have Catherine join our team. She’ll be working with the Downtown Development Authority [DDA], businesses, residents, and others to ensure that downtown Suwanee, both historic Old Town as well as Town Center, serve as vibrant commercial and community centers of activity.” Welcome to City Hall Dixon’s initial priorities include Also new to City Hall are three police officers. launching a downtown Suwanee website, Michael Chavez comes to Suwanee from the scheduled for September 19, and finding University of Georgia police department, where he a buyer or use for the Pierce’s Corner worked for more than eight years. He has a bache- building, which is owned by the DDA. lor’s degree in criminal justice from the University A Suwanee-area resident and Lilburn of Georgia. native, Dixon worked for 8 years with Hoschton resident Tina Harmon served in the Equifax in various roles, including nation- U.S. Army eight years and has six years law al account executive and business solu- enforcement experience in Bartow County, tions consultant. She also has real estate Oakwood, and Auburn. experience. Dixon earned a bachelor’s Michael Troutman, who resides in Catherine Dixon degree in business administration/finance Lawrenceville, was previously with the Hinesville from the University of Georgia. police department for more than three years. “This position offers an amazing opportunity to be part of and give Troutman retired from the U.S. Army after more back to my community,” Dixon says. “I look forward to working with our than 20 years of service. downtown businesses and supporting their success.” Page 4 September 2009 www.suwanee.com City sowing seeds for creation of Harvest Farm at White Street Park

The harvest at Suwanee’s community garden this fall will come in the form of infrastructure, barn renovations, sidewalks, and parking areas as construction gets underway at the 7-acre site along White Street. In July, City Council approved the master plan for Harvest Farm at White Street Park, the newly adopt- ed name for yet one more park to be created largely through the open space initiative approved by voters in 2001. The design is unique in that the consultants, Team Agro- Engineers, were asked to create a garden within a public park. The finished product, to be built in phases, “will definitely be one of the nicest in the state, if not the country,” community Garden tour Members of the community garden Founders farming expert Daron Joffe (aka Farmer D) told the group of 35 Committee visit Oakhurst Park in Decatur. area residents at the July 22 unveiling of the master plan. “It’s a grand vision for what the site can be, and it can be phased in over a period of years.” Phase one of the park is expected to begin late this fall and will focus on the community garden and infrastructure. Sixty-seven gardening plots, including six raised plots for those with disabilities, will be created and are expected to be ready for planting in the spring. In addition to installation of irrigation, sidewalks, walkways, and parking spaces off White Street, the existing barn will be renovated. Work on the barn will include re-siding and re-roofing as well as the addition of a concrete floor, public restroom, secured storage, and an area for small community gatherings. In order to stretch the relatively small budget of approximately $250,000 as much as possible, the community will be invited to volunteer time and muscle before construction begins and after it is completed. See story on the next page for more information. While work on design and construction of Harvest Farm has moved forward, the 17-member Founders Committee also has been working diligently to draft policies and rules for the garden’s operation next year. The committee spent a rainy day in July touring five community gardens in the metro area. Gardens visited were Lanier Community Garden in Buford, Oakhurst and Scott parks in Decatur, Mulberry Fields in Atlanta’s Candler Park, and the Alpharetta Community Garden at Wills Park. Five Founders Committee members traveled even further – all the way to Columbus, Ohio, the first week of August to attend the American Community Gardening Association annual conference, where they participat- ed in workshops and toured additional gardens. Early on, consultants advised the City that community support would be the key to a successful garden, and so far the Suwanee community has not disappointed. Lead consultant Sean Murphy, landscape architect with SEI, says: “We’ve never seen such over- whelming community support for a public project.” Stay tuned, and read the story on the next page, there will be many more opportunities for community support and involvement as Harvest Farm comes into bloom. September 2009 Page 5

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Farmers Market, PlayTown Suwanee voted best in metro Atlanta Community muscle needed The “radishest” veggies in metro Atlanta can be found at the Suwanee Farmers Market, according to to get garden underway Nickelodeon’s 2009 Parents’ Picks Awards. And, when their little ones want to swing and slide, parents’ favorite A critical component to establishing strong spot is PlayTown Suwanee. roots at Harvest Farm at White Street Park – and From May 5 – July 15, parents all over the country to ensuring that the community garden stays on were invited to vote online for their favorite local family- schedule and within budget – will be community friendly places. Suwanee locales were ranked tops in the support and muscle. Before construction can begin two categories, best farmers market and best playground late this fall, volunteers are needed to help demol- or park, in which they were included. ish and remove old fences, stumps, and barn sid- Atlanta runners up in the farmers market category ing; clear underbrush, and clean out wooded areas. include Decatur, Peachtree Road, and Glenwood Park. Volunteer work days will be scheduled for The playground category included Brook Run, Best October. Please check www.suwanee.com for Friend, Swift-Cantrell, Centennial, East Cobb, and more information or contact Assistant to the City Manager Jessica Roth ([email protected] or Piedmont parks. 770/945-8996). Volunteer opportunities are suit- able for individuals or groups. The City anticipates that additional volunteer opportunities will be available in the spring, once construction is completed. These opportunities will likely include landscaping as well as construction of garden plots, a treehouse in the children’s play area, and animal coops. Also, donations of picnic tables, benches, and other furnishings as well as materials for coops and shelters for chickens and rabbits would be greatly appreciated. Please consider helping out and putting real meaning into the community aspect of Suwanee’s new garden and park. Page 6 September 2009 www.suwanee.com Suwanee CARES Traffic enforcement program reduces accidents, crime

The police department’s Suwanee CARES traffic enforcement program, implemented throughout May and June along Lawrenceville- Suwanee Road, sparked a 20.5 percent reduction in accidents and led to 56 related arrests. “Studies have shown,” says Capt. Cass Mooney, “that enhanced traffic enforcement correlates to a reduction in crime and accidents. That’s certainly been borne out in Suwanee.” Through the Suwanee CARES (Corridor 317 Accident Reduction and Enforcement Strategy) program, Suwanee police officers over a two-month period concentrated patrols along Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, one of the community’s most heavily traveled roadways, focusing in particular on seat belt violations and red light infractions. The total number of accidents in Suwanee in May and June 2008 was 195; during the same time period this year, the number of accidents totaled 155. (The accident rate had been increasing in the first part of 2009.) In addition to helping to reduce the number of accidents, Suwanee CARES led to 56 arrests – for outstanding war- rants, marijuana use, suspended or no driver’s license, and DUI – that may not otherwise have been made. In addition, a stolen car was recovered and two escapees from an Augusta youth detention center were detained during this period. “Sometimes you can pull someone over for not wearing a seat belt,” says Sgt. Robert Thompson, “and you end up taking them to jail for something else [more serious]. Traffic enforcement helps get a lot of crime off the streets.” Chief Mike Jones concurs, noting that, through July, felony crimes throughout the City are down about 19 percent this year compared to last. “Suwanee CARES had an impact on this decline in felonies,” he says. Gateway ‘TEE’ team takes on eyesores, code infractions, and grime As part of its efforts to improve and rejuvenate the Suwanee Gateway, the area around I-85, the City has resurrect- ed its TEE (Total Elimination of Eyesores) initiative first implemented in 2006. Through TEE, teams of City staff members turned a critical eye – and cameras – on the Suwanee Gateway one day this summer. The teams noted and documented 198 items that need to be addressed – mostly on private property – including tall weeds and dead trees, faded and broken signs that need to be replaced and others that violate City codes, sidewalks and parking lots in need of repair, graffiti, broken and dirty dumpsters, and more. Now Toni Shrewsbury, special projects coordinator in the economic and community development department, is working with various City departments, other local agencies, and private businesses to address the identified issues. “The City can and will address several of these fixable items,” Shrewsbury says. “But the majority of issues we noted are on private property. I’ll be contacting those business owners and encouraging them to make the necessary changes to improve the appearance of their property specifically and of the Gateway as a whole.” After initially undertaking the TEE program in late 2006, the City spent the next 18 months working with others to address issues. A few examples of the improvements made then include replacement or patching of several parking lots, removal of graffiti and repairs to a detention fence on Crestridge Drive, correction of erosion issues at the Courtyard Marriott, and replacement by the Georgia DOT of several faded signs and a damaged guardrail. September 2009 Page 7

www.suwanee.com HAWK watches over pedestrians After a few weeks of operation, both pedestrians and drivers are beginning to get the hang of the new HAWK pedestrian signal at Buford Highway and Town Center Avenue. The HAWK (High Intensity Activated Crosswalk) beacon, developed initially in Tucson, Arizona, is the first in Georgia and is being utilized in Suwanee to provide safer pedestrian accessibility between Town Center and historic Old Town. The HAWK uses a unique configuration of flashing lights and symbols to signal drivers and pedestrians. To signal oncoming vehicular traffic, two red indicators are placed next to each other horizontally with one yellow indicator beneath them. Step-by-step descriptions of how the HAWK operates are provided below, but based on usage so far, says Capt. Cass Mooney, it appears that Suwanee pedestrians and drivers need to be made aware of two important factors. First, in order to activate the signal, a pedestrian must press the button on the signal pole; until that button is pressed, the HAWK will remain unlit. And, drivers, Mooney says, need to know that once the two red lights begin to flash back and forth at the end of the HAWK’s cycle after the pedestrian has crossed, it’s OK for them to proceed so long as they’ve already stopped and the pedestrian has cleared the crosswalk. “It really relates back to driving 101,” he adds. “With a yel- “It really relates back to driving 101. low light, you need to slow down With a yellow light, you need to slow and be prepared to stop. A solid down and be prepared to stop. A solid red light always means stop. The flashing red light indicates that red light always means stop. The flashing vehicles should stop first, but red light indicates that vehicles should then may proceed if it’s all clear.” stop first, but then may proceed if it’s Here’s what to expect when all clear.” approaching the HAWK signal: – Capt. Cass Mooney • When not activated, the indicators are dark or unlit, and the pedestrian signal displays a solid DO NOT WALK symbol. Vehicular traffic Safe crossings Administrative Services may proceed normally. Director Elvira Rogers and her granddaugh- ter, Jalecia, cross Buford Highway with the • When a pedestrian activates the beacon by pressing the button, the signal for assistance of the HAWK pedestrian signal. vehicles flashes yellow for several seconds before changing to solid yellow. • Next, two solid red indicators illuminate, signaling vehicular traffic to stop, and the pedestrian indicator displays the WALK symbol. • As the pedestrian clears the crosswalk, the red signals begin to flash back-and- forth, and the corresponding DO NOT WALK signal also begins to flash and countdown how many seconds remain to cross. During this phase, drivers may proceed, after first stopping, if the pedestrian has cleared the crosswalk area and it is safe to do so. • Then the HAWK beacon goes dark once again and the DO NOT WALK pedestrian signal returns to solid until activated by another pedestrian. Vehicular traffic travels through normally. Studies have found that use of the HAWK signal in Tucson has reduced accidents involving pedestrians and that the beacon is one of the most effective means utilized nationally to assist pedestrians in crossing busy streets safely. Page 8 September 2009

www.suwanee.com From ‘tip of the spear’ to head of Suwanee Day parade by Todd Renner, Suwanee Day Marketing Chair

It’s a long way from the tip of the spear, leading the famous “March to Baghdad” in 2003, to the head of the 2009 Suwanee Day parade. But that’s the journey being made – and back again – by soldiers of the 2nd Battalion 69th Armor Division (2-69 AR) stationed at Fort Benning. Lt. Col. Robert Ashe and about 50 other “panthers” from the 2-69 AR will serve as honorary Suwanee Day grand marshals. The 2-69 Armored Regiment has a long and storied history, having played a significant role in military campaigns during World War II, the Korean War, Lt. Col. Robert Ashe and Vietnam War, during which it dis- Free shuttle transportation tinguished itself as the most decorated armored unit in the from off-site parking begins at 9 am U.S. Army. Since 2003, the unit has been deployed to Iraq on three separate occasions. Shortly after Suwanee Day, the 2-69 AR will be deployed to the Middle East once again. Parade ~ 10 am Lt. Col. Robert Ashe took leadership of the 2-69 AR last year. A highly decorated veteran, Ashe received two Bronze Arts & crafts exhibitors ~ 10 am-5 pm Stars, five Meritorious Service Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and Inflatable rides, children’s activities the Combat Action Badge. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Albany State University and a master’s 10 am-7:30 pm degree in military science from the Army’s School for Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Old Town Trolley Tours ~ 11 am-5 pm Ashe’s wife, Andrea, and their two sons will join him at the festival. In addition to marching in the parade, the 2-69 soldiers Free entertainment ~ 11 am-10 pm will enjoy a full slate of festival activities, including a special flag ceremony for which Conder Flags of Suwanee is provid- Blessid Union of Souls ~ 8 pm ing 1,000 American flags. In the evening, Ippolito’s will host the soldiers for a special dinner. The 2-69’s attendance at Suwanee Day Fireworks ~ 9:45 pm is made possible through the efforts of Angie Doerlich and the impressive Hugs Free shuttle transportation for Soldiers organization. A mission of Duluth First United Methodist Church to off-site parking ends at 10:30 pm since 2003, Hugs for Soldiers sponsors a variety of programs to support soldiers and their families. Learn more at www.suwaneeday.com www.HugsForSoldiers.org. September 2009 Page 9

www.suwanee.com Parade grand marshals always Some roads closed ‘root, root, root’ for home teams during parade While soldiers from the 2-69 Armor Division at Fort Several roads around Town Center will be closed Benning are Suwanee Day’s honorary grand marshals and spe- during the Suwanee Day parade, from approxi- cial guests, two familiar – and furry – faces are serving as the mately 9:45 -11 a.m. Please plan accordingly – or parade’s official grand marshals and head cheerleaders. These better yet, plan to be parked before then and come grand marshals, Chopper of the Gwinnett Braves and enjoy the parade as it makes its way up Buford Maximus of the Gwinnett Gladiators, know a thing or two Highway and down Main Street. about how to “root, root, root for the home team,” which is the 2009 parade theme. Roads affected are: The hardest working • Buford Highway from McGinnis Ferry Road groundhog in all of baseball, to Suwanee Dam Road Chopper at 6’2” tall and 2’6” • Suwanee Dam Road eastbound between Buford wide maintains his healthy Highway and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard 225-pound weight by eating a • Main Street lot of salads. According to his During the parade, parking for individuals with online bio, Chopper loves disabilities will not be accessible at the Suwanee when fans at the new Gwinnett Police Department, across the street Stadium do the tomahawk from Town Center. Handicapped chop, but he doesn’t like his parking will be available at shadow. Luckily for Chopper, Shadowbrook Baptist there’s been much to cheer Church throughout the about during the Gwinnett day, including during ROAD Braves’ inaugural season as the the parade; a wheel- team was in first place heading chair-accessible shuttle CLOSED into the playoffs. bus will provide transportation to Town Center The fiercest lion on two legs, Park. the Gwinnett Gladiators’ Parade line-up will begin about Maximus is making a return 7:30 a.m. along Stonecypher Road. appearance to the Suwanee Day parade, but this Run, Suwanee, run time he’ll be riding up front. With the The 9th annual Suwanee Day Classic will be run on Saturday, heart of a lion and September 12. On-site registration is available. The race is organized a mane to die for, by BodyPlex Fitness Adventure with sponsorship support from Maximus is looking Optimum Health and Suwanee Family Dentistry. forward to another Participants may choose from a 5K route through historic Old rip-roaring season Town or a 10K route along the Suwanee Creek Greenway. Both races for the Gladiators as begin and end at Town Center Park. The 10K begins at 8 a.m., with they prepare to take to the ice at the Gwinnett 5K runners taking Arena. off at 8:30 a.m. The 10 a.m. parade is the traditional kick-off Race-day regis- for the Suwanee Day festival. The approximately tration begins at 1.25-mile parade route travels north from Russell 6:30 a.m. and is Road up Buford Highway, briefly along Suwanee $20. T-shirts will Dam Road, and then south along Main Street. be given to onsite Cash prizes will be awarded to parade entries in registrants while a variety of categories: best of show, most creative, supplies last. best reflection of theme, and most entertaining. Page 10 September 2009 www.suwanee.com The art and soul of Suwanee Day by Todd Renner, Suwanee Day Marketing Chair

The 2009 Suwanee Day festival will welcome more exhibitors than ever before. Among the sponsors and food ven- dors, non-profit organizations and children’s activities will be almost 100 artists and crafters eager to share their heart- inspired, handcrafted creations with the 40,000 people who attend the festival each year. Part of the fun of arts and crafts festivals like Suwanee Day is the opportunity to talk with the artists and crafters about what inspires them, how they make their pieces, and what they enjoy most about the creative process. Until you have that opportunity on September 19, here’s a brief introduction to three of Suwanee Day 2009’s first-time creative exhibitors.

Art at 35,000 feet “Jewelry with a message that will touch your heart or make you smile” is how University of Georgia graduate and Inman, South Carolina, resident Linda-Marie Miller describes her work. A self-described metal-smith and fabricator, she fashions – entirely from scratch – organic, handcrafted pieces imbued with a “new age”-like message. Her primary materials are metals, ranging from copper to bronze, sterling to gold, and a new medium called metal clay, which begins as clay but, after being heated in a 1,800-degree kiln, turns into metal. As a student at UGA, Miller was a fine arts major until her fourth year when she “freaked out, thinking I would starve.” She decided that she’d be better off earning an accounting degree. Miller’s success in the world of corporate finance meant that she had little extra time to pursue her passion for art. But during long international business flights to Europe and South America, she started to bring small watercolor kits along to pass away the time during the nine-hour flights and to give her creativity an outlet. On more than one occasion, her seatmates became intrigued enough to ask if they could give it a try, so Miller would find herself provid- ing watercolor lessons at 35,000 feet. Finally in a position to hop off the corporate treadmill three years ago and at her husband’s urging, Miller retired from the world of finance to pursue her artistic endeavors. She and her husband share a building filled with creativity – she has her jewelry studio in one half, and her husband, a music engineer, has a recording studio in the other. Miller only participates in 10 shows each year. Suwanee Day’s growing reputation in the area of art jewelry com- pelled her to exhibit at this year’s festival. Although some of her private gallery pieces can be substantially more, Miller’s one-of-a-kind pieces available at the festival will range from $25 to $250. Find more information about her work at www.harmonicjewel.com.

Glass fusion Mike Bennett’s passion keeps the kiln in his Dacula basement where he creates “functional and usable” artwork fired up almost every day of the year. For three years, Bennett has worked with glass to create pieces that not only can be displayed for their beauty but also used for their functionality. With his wife’s encouragement, Bennett took a class at a local studio to develop his love of glasswork. His work has evolved from melted glass to creating fused glass pieces through a multi- step process. Initially the colored art glass is cut into shapes and placed in the kiln for 24 hours. As it heats, the chemical structure of the glass is changed and various pieces melt together. The next step gives the fused, flat glass its functional shape as pieces are put into molds to create bowls and plates and then left in the kiln for another 24 hours at a lower temperature. In addition to fused glass, Bennett has turned wine and other alcohol bottles into cheese plates. He also has created clocks that he’s fashioned out of those same types of bottles. Bennett attends 25-30 exhibits in Georgia each year, but this is his first time at Suwanee Day. He will exhibit a wide range of fused bowls and plates, glass vases, and bottles as cheese trays or clocks; all of which generally cost between $25 and $50. View Bennett’s artwork at www.mbartglass.com. September 2009 Page 11

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Accountant gone mild “After working 70-hour weeks as an accountant,” chuckles Suwanee resident Diana Bailey, “some of my old friends have a Suwanee Day hard time believing me when I tell them I love making cards Parking Locations all day.” Peachtree Industrial Boulevard

Shadowbrook Bailey has been making one-of-a-kind, handmade cards for Baptist Church family members and friends for many years. But her hobby took Windsor Park Drive

a turn a few years ago when the owner of a fabric and quilt store Southeastern Freight (Access off Buford Highway via Windsor Park Drive) in Bailey’s hometown of Hanibal, Missouri, came across one of McGinnis Ferry Road Buford Highway Town Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road Center her creations and asked Bailey to make 25 cards for a 4th of July Park Smithtown Road Shawnee North event. The success of those initial 25 cards led to another 25, and Business Center

the rest, as they say, is history. Shawnee North Drive For the past three years, Bailey has focused her considerable Satellite Bouldvard energy on card creation and has now converted a rather large room in her home into a studio, which she says is covered “floor I-85 Exit 111 to ceiling with my materials.” Her three cats serve as her “helpers” and have appeared on some of her cards, too. Parking made easy; Bailey’s greeting cards incorporate a variety of media, ranging from water- take the bus! color and acrylic paints to fabric to ribbons to, in one of her favorite Off-site festival parking is available at three conven- cards, a feather boa and pearls. ient locations. Free shuttle buses will transport you While Bailey occasionally makes between designated off-site parking areas and Town cards that look similar, the majority of Center Park from 9 a.m.-10:30 p.m. her cards are one of a kind. If she’s used a similar design previously, a sin- Off-site parking is available at: gle card requires approximately 90 Shadowbrook Baptist Church minutes to complete. A new design 4187 Suwanee Dam Road that is particularly intricate can take anywhere from four to eight hours. Shawnee North Business Center One particular card for a beach-loving 305 Shawnee North Drive friend became so intricate with ribbon palm trees, grass skirts, (at Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road) and leis that it took Bailey two-and-a-half days to finish. Bailey has worked diligently this summer to create more than Southeastern Freight 100 cards to exhibit at her first Suwanee Day festival. Cards typi- 3655 Windsor Park Drive cally fall into one of four categories: birthday, get well, sympathy (Near the intersection of Buford Highway & and thank you, but she also may bring along some Halloween McGinnis Ferry Road) cards. Most cards are $5 and usually fit into standard envelopes IMPORTANT: Enter from Buford Highway only. for easy mailing. Limited parking for guests using motor scooters or When asked if she had considered returning to accounting, wheelchairs will be available at the Suwanee Police Bailey says, that although she’s been doing some temporary con- Department (the former City Hall) at 373 Buford sulting work since the first of the year, “I really would like to Highway, across the street from Town Center Park, continue to make cards all day.” Check out Bailey’s cards at except during the parade. Additional parking for www.handcraftedbydiana.com. those with disabilities will be available at Shadowbrook Baptist Church; a wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus will provide transportation to Town Center Park. Page 12 September 2009

www.suwanee.com Festival entertainment starts and ends with a bang Suwanee Day entertainment kicks off with a rat-tat-tat of the drums, features the promise and freshness of several budding performers, and ends with the bang and sizzle of fireworks.

Entertainment Schedule North Gwinnett Percussion Ensemble – 11 am Jordan Humphrey – 11:30 am Full Circle – 12:10 pm Rachel Little – 1:15pm The Royal Dance Academy – 2 pm North Gwinnett High School Taiwanese Cultural Troupe – 4:15 pm Percussion Ensemble – 11 am Jordan Gonzalez Band – 4:40 pm Suwanee Day is proud to have “snared” once again Hank Bird and the Borderline Band – 5:30 pm this popular and talented percussion ensemble from North Gwinnett. The high school’s Advanced Richard Smith Band – 6:30 pm Percussion Ensemble has been selected to perform Blessid Union of Souls – 8 pm at two other upcoming events: the 2010 Georgia Music Educators In-Service Conference and the Fireworks – 10 pm 2010 January High School Band Festival at the University of Georgia.

Jordan Humphrey – 11:30 am More homegrown Suwanee talent will take the stage in the form of North Gwinnett sophomore Jordan Humphrey. An award-winning singer with a country flair, Humphrey was named the Georgia Country and Gospel Music Association’s 2008 Male Vocalist of the Year and was a national winner in the 2008 CMT Rising Stars competition. Humphrey has performed with Kenny Rogers, Joe Nichols, Mark Wills, Jake Owen, and Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum.

Full Circle – 12:10 pm This six-piece Duluth/Suwanee-based band covers music from the ’60s to today. Full Circle plays hits by artists as diverse as the Beatles, Santana, Tim McGraw, and Stevie Wonder.

Rachel Little – 1:15 pm Dacula native Rachel Little has the poise and talent to really connect with her audiences. She co-wrote several of the songs on her CD Look in the Mirror, which address issues faced by many young people today, from the potential of young love to bullying.

Royal Dance Academy – 2 pm Students from the Royal Dance Academy will bring a little grace and fun to the festival. Located in Suwanee, the Royal Dance Academy relies on a core syllabus from the Royal Academy of Dance headquarters in London, the largest and most influential dance education institution in the world. September 2009 Page 13

www.suwanee.com Taiwanese Cultural Troupe Drum Performance – 4:15 pm In Taiwan, drums are used by farmers to bring on rain, but the young people performing at Suwanee Day have pledged not to summon the rain with their heart-pounding performance. With extensive knowledge of both classical and Taiwanese music, this group has performed throughout metro Atlanta, including at the Dogwood Festival, Centennial Park, and Gwinnett Civic Center.

Jordan Gonzalez Band – 4:40 pm A guitar-playing phenomenon, Jordan Gonzalez has twice won the People’s Choice Award at the Atlanta Blues Society Challenge as a member of various bands. Only 17, Gonzalez plays guitar and writes songs with a sophistication beyond his years.

Hank Bird and the Borderline Band – 5:30 pm ‘Blessid Union of Souls’ highlights For nearly 20 years, Hank Bird and the Borderline Band have been playing their brand of “rock and roll country festival entertainment line-up blues” all over the metro area, from numerous small Blessid Union of Souls will cap off Suwanee Day 2009 when clubs to Wild Bill’s, the largest club venue in the it brings its rural soul sound to the Town Center stage for a free Southeast. 8 p.m. concert. Founded in 1992 in Cincinnati, Blessid Union of Souls Richard Smith Band – 6:30 pm (BUOS to fans) takes its name from a line in an episode of the A Renaissance man, guitarist ’70s hit TV show M*A*S*H. The first word is misspelled in Richard Alan Smith has experience order to ensure correct pronunciation. as an Emmy Award-winning docu- The band recorded three albums in the mid to late 1990s, mentary film composer, sideman on which produced a string of hits, including its two biggest: world tours with the likes of Earth 1995’s “I Believe” and 1999’s “Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me for Wind & Fire, actor in the Academy Me).” Another recording, “Let Me Be The One,” reached the Award-winning film Ray, and ses- Top 40 charts and was featured prominently on the soap opera sion guitarist with artists such as All My Children. Aretha Franklin and Lynyrd Recently, BUOS changed management companies and record Skynyrd. Offering up a soulful per- labels. The band’s latest album, Close to the Edge, was released formance that includes improvisational jams, the late last year. Despite some artistic and personnel turmoil, Blessid Union of Souls has remained a steady, driving force on Richard Smith Band weaves a tapestry of blues, soul, the music scene. jazz, funk, fusion, and world music. Performing in Suwanee will be BUOS faithfuls Eliot Sloan, songwriter and lead singer, and bassist Tony Clark along with musical veterans guitarist Bryan Billhimer and drummer Shaun Schaefer. Reviews are universally positive and describe the band’s music as “country-spiced alternative rock” or having a “rural soul sound.” The band’s biography describes lyrics “that reflect subtly Christian sentiments” without being “overbearing or preachy.” In a Concertlivewire.com review of a BUOS performance in Chicago earlier this year, Andy Argyrakis praised BUOS’s intensity and “ability to blur genre lines.” He also deemed Sloan’s “underrated but exceptional songwriting” as “the most socially conscious songwriting to come out of the last decade.” Page 14 September 2009

www.suwanee.com Suwanee Day FESTIVAL FOOTNOTES It’s not too late to help out by the numbers You offer a couple of hours of your time and assistance and, in exchange you receive an awesome Suwanee Day t-shirt, our eternal gratitude, and an 3 intangible but pow- Deployments of Honorary Grand Marshal – the 2nd erful sense of hav- Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, at Fort Benning – ing done something to Iraq since 2003. The unit’s fourth deployment will special on behalf of take place shortly after this year’s festival. your community. Pretty good deal. Each year, the 20:00 Suwanee Day festi- The time, in military lingo, val requires the that Blessid Union of Souls will perform. (That’s 8 p.m. for those who haven’t completed boot camp.) assistance of some 200-plus volunteers. While all student volunteer positions have been filled, we could use a few more 26 big, strong adult hands and muscles. Suwanee Day festivals held, including this year’s. Please register to volunteer at www.suwaneeday.com. 35 Another way you CAN help Suwanee’s ranking in Money magazine’s 2009 list of Remember, admission to Suwanee Day is free, but you can help “Top 100 Best Places to Live” (small cities). others by bringing canned food to the festival. Canned goods col- lected at Suwanee Day will be donated to the North Gwinnett Food Co-op. Drop-off receptacles will be located at the Festival 81 Information booth and near the stage. The canned food drive is Entries submitted to the 2009 Suwanee Day design organized by the Gwinnett Municipal Association. competition won by Suwanee’s Shannon Scheels. T-shirts for sale Official 2009 Suwanee Day t-shirts may be purchased at the fes- 127 tival information booth September 19 and the week before the fes- Average number of daily visitors to tival at City Hall. The festival’s groovy 2009 logo was created by www.suwaneeday.com Suwanee resident Shannon Scheels. Shirts are available in youth 364 and adult sizes for $10 each. Days between Suwanee Day 2009’s September 19 Ding, ding, ding goes the trolley celebration and the 2010 festival on September 18. For the first time this year, merchants in the historic Old Town Don’t miss out; it’s a long time to wait. area will offer free trolley rides during Suwanee Day. The trolley will run between Town Center Park and historic Old Town beginning at 11 a.m.; free tickets will be available at the Old Town mer- 40,000 chants’ booth in the festival shade tent. Attendees at last year’s festival. Suwanee Day’s favorite color: green Help Suwanee Day and Advanced Disposal, our festival waste 4,872,651,001 management partner, keep Suwanee green. Advanced Disposal will Estimated bounces produced by kids in the children’s provide recycling receptacles throughout Town Center Park for the inflatables area sponsored by Primrose Schools. disposal of cans and other recyclable materials. Please take just a (OK, it’s only a guess.) few seconds to think before you toss out your waste to be sure that trash makes it into trashcans and aluminum cans in recycle bins. September 2009 Page 15

www.suwanee.com Hooray for Suwanee Day sponsors We couldn’t do it without them! Please be sure to thank the 2009 Suwanee Day sponsors listed below by stopping by their booth on September 19 and/or supporting these generous local businesses. Presenting 2009 Suwanee Day Planning Committee –––––––––––––––––––––––– Melissa Fernandez, Chair

Entertainment Patty Beelan Alison Cain Ray Esparolini LaDonna Greiner Primrose Schools of Suwanee, Suwanee Ronda Smith West, Buford, Lawrenceville North, Scott Snead and Dacula at Hamilton Mill Donna Wilkes, Chair –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Silver Platinum Advanced Family Eye Care Exhibitors ALTA Johns Creek Janis Beavin AMLI Residential Mark D'Angola, Chair BB&T C. Kay Fuino Burnette Insurance Mike Fuino Costco Rosie Rainieri Dentistry for Children Marketing Wild Wing Café Direct Satellite TV/Worldly Concepts Dish Network Todd Renner, Chair –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Dixie Homecrafters Gold Everdry Waterproofing Parade Garden Plaza/The Bridge Cathy Bergwall Advanced Disposal Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan Drew Bergwall Gwinnett Daily Post Gwinnett Gladiators Ryan Neilan, Chair Delta Community Credit Union Ippolito's Pre-Press to Printing Karate World Sponsors Main Street Merchants Association Bill Thee, Chair Noble Village at Sugarloaf Optimum Health Transportation Owens Corning Living Solutions Doug Schwendy, Chair Panda Express Quantum Bank Volunteers Rhonda Hogan, DMD, PD Marcia Massey Road Atlanta Kim Towne, Chair Sugar Hill Family Chiropractic Suwanee Sports Academy Military Assistance Taylor Construction Angie Doerlich, –––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Hugs for Soldiers Bronze Chandler, Britt, Jay and Beck Clark Patterson Lee Robins, Eskew, Smith & Jordan PC Page 16 September 2009 www.suwanee.com October events feature Italian feast and so much fun it’s scary The City of Suwanee will host two fun community events in October – one designed primarily for grown-ups and the other for boys and ghouls. You’re invited to Suwanee’s Festa della Pasta at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, October 10, on Main Street in historic Old Town. Sponsored by the Suwanee Downtown Development Authority, the event is a traditional spaghetti dinner, only better, because it will be catered by Ippolito’s Italian Restaurant and it’s al fresco. Tickets for the Festa della Pasta are $10/person and include spaghetti dinner, salad, roll, dessert, and tea or water. A cash bar will be available for purchase of beer and wine, and entertainment will be provided as well. Purchase your tickets beginning September 19 at the Main Street merchants booth underneath the shade tent at Suwanee Day. After that, tickets will be available at City Hall and select businesses on Main Street. On Saturday, October 31, the City will host its annual Trek or Treat event from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Suwanee Creek Park. The young at heart are invited to wear their Halloween costumes and enjoy fall festival-type games and activities. Hot dogs and fun will be served up. This Additional upcoming fall events event is free and open to the public. Three additional events planned by private organizations will be hosted in Town Center Park this fall. Amigos for Christ: Celebrate Service Music Festival September 26 – 10 am For more information, call 770/614-9250 or visit www.amigosforchrist.org.

Taste of Suwanee October 24 – noon For more information, visit www.northgwinnettbasketball.com.

Skylar’s Run 5K Race November 7 – 9 am For more information, call 678/234-4195 or email [email protected].

Also, please note that the final Farmers Market of 2009 will be held October 17. The market will be open from 8 am-noon every Saturday until then (except for September 19). September 2009 Page 17

www.suwanee.com Groups working to bring public art to Suwanee Two groups are working hand in hand to make life in Suwanee just a bit more colorful, a bit more, well, artful. The City Council-appointed Public Arts Commission was established just a little over a year ago to work with and encourage developers to include public art as a component of new projects and to create programs that bring and pro- mote public art in Suwanee. And, just a couple of months ago, the Suwanee Arts Partnership was launched to raise funds for and build community awareness of public arts initiatives. The two groups are now working to develop and fund an art-on-loan program, through which an exhibit of origi- nal outdoor sculptures will be displayed throughout downtown Suwanee. Modeled after a successful program in Columbus, Georgia, this initiative will feature sculptures in a variety of styles, materials, and sizes to be loaned to the City by the Suwanee Arts Partnership to host artists, who, in turn, will receive a small stipend. art ‘auction’ of sorts at Suwanee Day The City hopes to launch the program next summer, with sculptures to be on exhib- To help raise funds to support the art-on-loan program, Suwanee it for one year. Arts Partnership is hosting an auction of sorts for artwork created by “These types of programs have drawn local artists. Tickets available for purchase at the partnership’s Suwanee quite a bit of interest in other communities,” Day booth will be used to enter a drawing for the desired art piece(s). notes Denise Brinson, economic and commu- Several local artists have donated pieces of their artwork. At the nity development director. “The Public Arts Suwanee Day festival, interested individuals will drop purchased tickets Commission and Suwanee Arts Partnership into coffee cans, to be decorated by Collins Hill National Art Honor believe that the art-on-loan program will be a Society and Art Club students, which will be placed in front of each great way to introduce a significant number donated piece of art. At the end of the festival, a drawing will take of public art pieces to the community and place to determine winners of each piece. Winners will be contacted via will offer yet one more interesting reason to telephone and may come to City Hall the following week to pick up visit downtown Suwanee.” their artwork. Suwanee area residents Carrie In addition, the Suwanee Tankersley and Natalie Shore are co-chair- Arts Partnership will be styling ing the Suwanee Arts Partnership, which up “crazy hair” at their already has 37 members. Both women Suwanee Day booth. were drawn to supporting the community’s efforts by their love of art. “I love being around art,” says Shore. “It brings out the best of a community.” “I have this insatiable love for things that are beautiful,” says Tankersley, who grew up in California, where arts and festivals abounded. “When I moved to the South [10 years ago], that seemed to be lacking.” Be sure to stop by To help ensure that public art finds a the Suwanee Arts prominent place in Suwanee, the two arts Partnership booth to enthusiasts and other members of the arts learn more about partnership are kicking off fund-raising Suwanee’s public arts efforts at Suwanee Day; see story at right. initiatives, enter for Money raised will be used to support the art- your chance to win on-loan program. pieces created by local If you’d like to be involved with the City’s artists, or to go a little public arts initiatives, you may become active wild with a fun, new, with the Suwanee Arts Partnership; simply and temporary hairdo. contact Carrie Tankersley at carrie.tankers- [email protected]. Currently, there is an open- Spotlight on art ing on the Public Arts Commission; submit These photographs by Dick Goodman (top) and Mac Hackney (directly your letter of interest to Denise Brinson at above) will be two of the pieces available at the Suwanee Day drawing. [email protected]. Page 18 September 2009

www.suwanee.com Police department working toward state re-certification The Suwanee Police Department is working to earn statewide re-certification YIELD from the Georgia Chiefs of Police Association. In order to earn and maintain certification, law enforcement agencies must meet 118 established standards and pass an on- SIGNS site assessment. Suwanee’s assessment is scheduled for October, and certification is expected to be awarded in January. “The certification process,” says Chief Mike Jones, “ensures that agencies develop and maintain good standard operating procedures. In addition, certification requires that we keep policies up-to-date as laws and policing procedures change.” The department also is working toward national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, which requires compliance with more than 400 professional standards. State set to begin work on McGinnis Ferry extension The long-anticipated McGinnis Ferry Road extension, which will help relieve traffic congestion in the Suwanee Gateway area, is set to get underway this fall. The Georgia Department of Transportation recently awarded the contract for the project to ER Snell Contractor, Inc. of Snellville. The $20.4 million project includes a 2.6-mile, four-lane extension of McGinnis Ferry from Satellite Boulevard to Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road near the Super H plaza with a bridge over I-85 as well as an extension of Northbrook Parkway from east of I-85 to Lawrenceville-Suwanee. Completion is expected at the end of September 2011. Grant to help create tree inventory The City of Suwanee has received a $7,500 matching grant from the Georgia Forestry Commission through the 2009 Urban and Community Forestry Program. The grant will be used to help conduct an inventory of trees located on public property throughout the City. “We’ve never had a comprehensive inventory of our trees, the various species, their health, and maintenance needs,” says Wes Rogers, senior environmental planner. “This survey will allow us to catalog information about the trees, provide better care, and develop a management plan for our urban forest.” Openings on public arts, downtown boards Suwanee’s Public Arts Commission and Downtown Development Authority currently have openings. The positions are appointed by City Council and may be filled by City residents or county residents with a business or business interest in the City of Suwanee. Email Denise Brinson at [email protected] for more information or to submit a letter of interest by September 30.

H20 advisor Senior Environmental Planner Wes Rogers has been appointed to the North Georgia Water Planning District Upper Chattahoochee Basin Advisory Council. The council provides input on development of water-related comprehensive plans and policies for the 15-county metro area.

for business

The following new businesses were issued licenses by the City of Suwanee in July: Catering by Chef Jerry Kopy Kat Printing 706 Charles Street Catering Service 3635 Burnette Park Drive 80 Horizon Drive 3635 Burnette Park Drive –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Eleven 15 Events Lickety Split Southeastern Sleep Services 80 Horizon Drive 315 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. 3449 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Emission Pass Outrageous Interiors Specialty Engraving Co. 3154 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road 335 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. 3655 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Jacqueline’s Gems & Treasures Posh Boutique 602 Buford Highway 1300 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. September 2009 Page 19

www.suwanee.com Call for nominations Swan-ee Awards recognize ‘wow factor’ The City of Suwanee is seeking nominations for projects that offer a “wow factor.” You know what we’re talking about, those new buildings, renovation or landscaping projects that make you pause and admire or make you feel good about your community. The Swan-ee Awards program is the City’s way of recognizing folks who’ve achieved excellence in creating aesthetically attractive facilities that benefit the entire community. The annual awards will be presented in December to individuals, businesses, and organizations who have created architectural “swans.” Recognized projects may include, but are not necessarily limited to, new construction, renovated buildings, landscaping, sustainable/long-term developments, “clean-up” projects, and public art. Nominated projects must be located within the Suwanee municipal limits, have been completed within the last two years, and include exterior/façade improvements. Last year’s Swan-ee Awards honored a renovated residence on Davis Street, a makeover for Revival Salon on Main Street, the expansion and renovation of Suwanee Dental Care on Suwanee Dam Road, and the new Zebra Construction Co. headquarters in Swiftwater Park. Nomination forms are available online at www.suwanee.com. The deadline for submitting nomination forms is October 16. For more information, contact Toni Shrewsbury at Swan-ee success Last year's Swan-ee Award winners with [email protected] or 770/945-8996. Mayor Dave Williams (in back).

Shades of blue and gray Police department finds more space at former City Hall Many of the furnishings will be recycled and much of the carpeting will remain, but when the former City Hall building is renovated this fall to provide some much needed space for the Suwanee Police Department, the mauve trim has “gotta go,” says Chief Mike Jones only half-jokingly. “Police officers don’t do mauve or whatever color that is. We’ll have blues and grays.” Renovations to the former City Hall, more than half of which has been vacant since the new City Hall opened in February at Town Center Park, will begin in the next few weeks. The additional, renovated space will provide a more professional environment for Suwanee’s 44 police department staff members, 36 of whom are sworn officers. The police department’s current space, adjacent to the former City Hall at 373 Buford Highway, measures 4,490 square feet. Once renovations are completed, the department will more than double its space, utilizing the building’s full 10,660 square feet. In addition to needed office space, the renovation will create professional uses that the police department hasn’t previously had sufficient space for, including a training room, interview room, squad roll call area, and small lab as well as expanded evidence and equipment storage spaces. “This will help us do our job better,” Jones says. “We’ll have facilities that we’ve never been able to have before.” Security of the facility will be upgraded with the addition of surveillance cameras. The communications center was upgraded two years ago and will remain as is; wi-fi will be made available throughout the building. Also, the building will get a new roof as the current one is leaking. Renovations, expected to be completed by the end of the year, are budgeted at $500,000, with funding provided through the 2005 SPLOST program. 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

Calendar November September 3 Voting: City Council Election 7 am-7 pm 3 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 pm 9 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 pm 3 Suwanee Arts Partnership 6 pm 10 City Council Workshop 5:30 pm 5 Public Arts Commission 5:30 pm 12 Suwanee Day Classic – 5K & 10K (TCP) 8 am 11 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 pm 12 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 12 City Council Workshop 5:30 pm 15 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm 17 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm 17 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am 19 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am 19 Suwanee Day (TCP) 10 am-10 pm 24 City Council Meeting* 7 pm 22 City Council Meeting* 7 pm 26-7 Thanksgiving Holiday: City Hall Closed 26 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon Unless otherwise noted, City of Suwanee public meetings are at City Hall, 330 Town Center Avenue. Location for Suwanee Business Alliance meeting varies from October month to month. 1 Public Arts Commission 5:30 pm * Public hearing begins 6:30 p.m. TCP=Town Center Park 3 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 6 Suwanee Arts Partnership 6 pm City of Suwanee, Georgia 6 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 pm MAYOR: DAVE WILLIAMS ...... 770/831-1530 10 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon COUNCIL: JACE BROOKS ...... 770/831-0499 10 Festa Della Pasta (Old Town) 6:30 pm JIMMY BURNETTE ...... 770/945-3492 14 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 pm DAN FOSTER ...... 770/614-5750 KEVIN MCOMBER ...... 770/271-5427 15 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am JEANNE RISPIN ...... 404/375-6095 15 City Council Workshop 5:30 pm CITY MANAGER: MARTY ALLEN ...... 770/945-8996 17 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon POLICE CHIEF: MIKE JONES ...... 770/945-8995 20 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm NEWSLETTER EDITOR: 27 City Council Meeting* 7 pm LYNNE BOHLMAN DeWILDE ...... 770/945-8996 31 Trek or Treat (Suwanee Creek Park) 11 am-1 pm