Crossroads 8-07 Ed's

ross COfficial newsletter R ads of the August 2007

INSIDE THIS ISSUE…

Sister Hazel to rock Suwanee Day is Suwanee…page 2 Sept. 15…page 8

Going, going, gone…page 3

Money magazine confirms Suwanee is one of nation’s best places to live

Suwanee residents may have known for some time, but the rest of the country Suwanee is tops! found out only about a month ago: Suwanee is one of the nation’s best small cities in which to live! The August issue of Money In celebration of Suwanee’s Money magazine ranks Suwanee as number 10 on its magazine rating as one of America’s 2007 list of best places to live. best places to live and in gratitude “Money magazine has let the whole country to Suwanee citizens, Mitsubishi in on our not-so-well-kept ‘secret,’” says Mayor Electric HVAC and the City of Nick Masino. “Our residents have known for a Suwanee have enclosed a special gift long time that Suwanee is an incredible place to in this issue of CrossRoads. live. And that’s because our community truly Additional decals for your second cares about quality of life and is willing to put its vehicle or business are available muscle and time behind working to make while supplies last at Suwanee City Suwanee the best that it can be. We’re thrilled to Hall, 373 Buford Highway. be recognized nationally and to represent all of Gwinnett County as one of the country’s best places to live.” In compiling this year’s list, Money initially considered a list of 2,876 small cities with populations between 7,500 and 50,000. That list was cut to a group of 466, of which the finalists are included and top 10 “winners” are featured as part of “100 Great American Towns” in the magazine’s August issue. Factors considered by Money included economic opportunity, good schools, safe streets, things to do, and a real sense of community. photo by M. Michael Farr M. Michael photo by Continued on page 2 Page 2 August 2007

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Money magazine… continued from page 1 Suwanee was among 25 finalist cities to be visited by Money reporters, who were dispatched to determine if the real things matched up to their impressive stats. Jennifer Merritt, a Money magazine editor, told a Gwinnett Daily Post reporter: “To get into the top 10 was a mix of statistics plus looking at that sense of community. Do people feel like they’re a part of something? Suwanee really had that.” Other 2007 high-ranking Georgia communities include Peachtree City (#64) and Growth Spurt Martinez (#76). With 1,472 people moving into the “Suwanee has City limits between 2005 and 2006, a lot of great things going on: our emerging Town Center, new parks, and according to U.S. Census estimates, the City’s commitment to mixed-use development, to name just a few,” says Masino. “As I’ve said over and over again, Suwanee’s accomplishments Suwanee is the fastest-growing com- have been made possible through a team effort among elected officials and munity in Gwinnett County. City staff as well as the involvement and commitment of our residents.”

BAM! Sister Hazel to rock Town Center Park They’ve sold over 2 million albums. They’ve produced six top-30 singles. They’ve performed more than 15,000 live shows over the past decade. And now the five musicians who are Sister Hazel are bringing their brand of roots rock to Suwanee’s Town Center Park. On Saturday, August 18, Sister Hazel will perform in a free concert, which opens with Five Star Iris at 7 p.m. Best known for hit songs “All for You,” “Change Your Mind,” and “Champagne High,” Sister Hazel released Absolutely late last year. The prolific songwriters’ most recent release, BAM! Volume 1, is a B-sides follow-up to Absolutely. “Our music…connects and gaps generations,” says rhythm guitarist/vocalist Drew Copeland. “We see people of all ages in our audiences.” The Gainesville, Florida-based band also is known for devoting time to fans and charity events. The band helped create the popular Rock Boat, the world’s largest floating music festival, and founded the cancer charity Lyrics for Life. Sister Hazel Five Star Iris is an up-and-com- ing Atlanta-based quartet recognized for its soulful rock melodies, sharp songwriting, and searching lyrics. Lead singer and guitarist Alan Schaefer won the prestigious 2005 United Kingdom Songwriting Contest. The band’s current debut album is self-titled. Bring low-back chairs and blankets to Town Center Park for this concert. You also may bring your own picnic dinner and snacks; however, no alcohol may be brought into the park. Food and beverages, including beer and wine, will be available for purchase. Parking at Town Center is limited. Off-site parking and complimentary shuttle transportation are available. Off-site parking is at Shawnee North Business Center, 305 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road. Shuttles begin running at 6:30 p.m. Five Star Iris August 2007 Page 3

www.suwanee.com Hewell house items will be going…going…gone to highest bidders at August 25 auction

This auction is definitely not your typical government surplus sale. Consider just a few of the more than 900 items that will be available at the upcoming City of Suwanee public auction: a queen mahogany bed, Chinese alter table, Welch cup- board, Singer sewing machine console, German grandfather clock, a pair of Chinese teakwood armchairs, two 19th century Kutani bowls, and some 380 kitchen items. Before construction of the first phase of Sims Lake Park can get underway this fall, the City must dispose of all items inside the former residence of Rae Hewell. Most of the items, the overwhelming majority of which are Public Auction: unique and valuable, will be sold to the highest bidder at a public auction to Hewell Estate & take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 25, at Pierce’s Corner. The auction City of Suwanee will be managed by Anne’s Estate Auctions, Inc., a division of the Wayne Evans Auction Company, based in Columbus. Surplus Items Items may be previewed from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, August 24, at Pierce’s Corner, locat- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ed at Main and Saturday, August 25 Scales streets in his- “Mr. Hewell’s estate holds some very Pierce's Corner toric Old Town. neat and unique items, including Main & Scales streets Bidders may pay for items with cash, antiques, artwork, handcrafted furniture, Preview Day: cashier check, per- and natural collections.” Friday, August 24 sonal or business —Suwanee Intern Kimberly Larson 10 a.m.-4 p.m. check accompanied with a bank letter of Auctioneer: Anne's Estate guarantee, or credit Auctions, Inc., a division of card. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover will be accepted; a Wayne Evans Auction 3 percent buyer’s premium will be added to credit card purchases. “Mr. Hewell’s estate holds some very neat and unique items, including Company antiques, artwork, handcrafted furniture, and natural collections,” says More information: Suwanee Intern Kimberly Larson, who has cataloged the 900-plus items to be auc- www.suwanee.com or tioned. “He www.weaci.com was a world All items to be sold as is, where is traveler and with no guarantee expressed or given. had sou- venirs from many places. It’s obvious he traveled extensively in Asia.” The late Rae Hewell co-founded Peachtree Windows and Doors with his brother in 1959. According to a 2005 column by Gwinnett Forum’s Elliott Brack, he constructed his home in Suwanee in 1980. The City of Suwanee purchased the 62-acre property in January 2003 as part of its Open Space Initiative, and Hewell died in May of that year. The Sims Lake Park master plan, approved last Continued on page 7 Page 4 August 2007

www.suwanee.com Fiscal conditioning Suwanee starts new budget year in good shape The City of Suwanee began a new budget year on July 1 in excellent fiscal condition. The $11.5 million operating budget, approved by City Council June 28, is balanced and requires no additional taxes. Council voted July 24 to maintain the City’s millage rate, used to determine personal property taxes, at 5.77. Suwanee’s millage rate has remained the same or been reduced each of the past five years. “Suwanee is in a very healthy pattern,” notes Interim City Manager Kristi McCarley. “Due to a continued economic boom “Suwanee is in a very healthy pattern.” in residential and commercial building permits, an increase in new —Interim City Manager Kristi McCarley businesses in the City, and a growing tax digest, our budget projects a substantial revenue growth.”

The annual bond payment of $1.67 million for the award-winning open space initiative and the new City Hall project is one of Suwanee’s largest expenditures. It accounts for about 15 percent of the total operating budget. New operating expenditures in Suwanee’s 2008 budget will allow the City to undertake initiatives in three key areas that will improve community aesthetics and enable the City to provide enhanced services into the future. • Suwanee will undertake a comprehensive study of its water system and plan improvements to that system as well as stormwater services. • The City will continue to undertake improvements in the Suwanee Gateway, including com- pletion of a branding campaign, maintenance for new landscaping to be installed in the I-85 area, and planning for creation of a Tax Allocation District. • The Suwanee Police Department will undertake a national accreditation effort, which will include the hiring of an accreditation manager. Other new positions funded by the budget include 2007-08 General Fund Expenditures a police detective, finance administrative assistant, two equipment operators in the public works department, assistant to the public works director, and part-time administrative assistant in the economic and community development division. The 2008 budget funds 105 full-, part-time, and appointed positions. “Suwanee is a vibrant and growing community with changing and expanding needs,” says McCarley. “Our staff growth is a reflection of City efforts to maintain and enhance the high quality of services provided to citizens.” Additional new general fund expenditures include the City’s 2030 comprehensive plan ($50,000) and an employee wellness program ($45,000) designed to improve employee health and reduce health care costs and workers’ com- pensation expenses. The City’s nine capital projects funds account for another $21.9 million. These funds include allocations for construction of the new City Hall, expansion of the public works yard, phase one development of Sims Lake Park, and improvements to pedestrian access and connectivity throughout the City. A portion of Suwanee’s capital funds are provided through the Gwinnett County SPLOST program. The one- cent sales tax income, says McCarley, has had an enormous positive impact on the City’s ability to accomplish major capital projects without burdening the annual general fund budget. Suwanee’s 2007-08 budget is available on the City website, www.suwanee.com. August 2007 Page 5

www.suwanee.com Three Council posts on November ballot City of Suwanee voters will determine who holds three City Council positions in a November 6 general election. The positions up for election include that of mayor and Council posts 1 and 2, currently held by Jimmy Burnette and Jeannine Rispin, respectively. Suwanee’s mayor for the past 8 years, Nick Masino, who accepted a position earlier this year as vice president of economic development with the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, is not seek- ing re-election. Candidates interested in running for City Council must file a “notice of candidacy” at City Hall. Qualifying begins at 8:30 a.m. Monday, August 27, and closes at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 29. The qualification fee is $108 for City Council positions and $180 for mayor. The voter registration deadline for this election is October 9. Voter registration is available at City Hall, public library branches, and the Gwinnett County Elections Office at 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, in Lawrenceville. The voter registration form also is available at the Georgia Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.ga.gov. More election information will be available in the September issue of CrossRoads or contact Elvira Rogers at [email protected] or 770/945-8996. Cowabunga! Some colorful creatures have taken up residence at PlayTown Suwanee. The community-built playground at 425 Main Street became home last month to four painted, life-size fiberglass cows. “The cows add another dimension of interest and fun to our super playground,” says Suwanee Intern Bill Barnes. “We want folks to be aware, though, that our cows are meant to be public art, not additional recreational equipment. For the enjoyment of everyone, please be gentle with them. And, no riding the cows!” Suwanee’s herd came to the City through a variety of means. Chattamoochee, who had grazed in the City Hall lobby for the past several years, was a CowParade Atlanta cow purchased for the City by the 2003 Suwanee Day committee. Created by Shannon Brickey, Chattamoochee represents the ever-changing landscape of the nearby Chattahoochee River. Two of the cows are covered with handprints of community residents and were created last year as a fundraiser for Suwanee’s sister city, Hurricane Katrina-stricken Long Beach, Mississippi. The cows, Dottie and Blue Bell the Butterfly Cow, were designed by local artists LaTrecia Raffety and Anita Stewart, respectively. (Stewart also designed another cow, Bessie the Bus, which was a CowParade Atlanta cow and was featured in the 2003 Suwanee Chattamoochee Day parade.) The fourth cow at PlayTown Suwanee is Matilda. She was created by Monika Ruiz and donated to the City of Suwanee. She is painted with scenes depicting the integration of diverse cultures in Atlanta. “We’re happy to have found an appropriate home for our herd,” says Barnes. “We hope the public enjoys them as much as we have.” Page 6 August 2007 www.suwanee.com Alternate transportation plan makes right connections

City Council adopted at its July 24 meeting an Alternate Modes Transportation Plan that furthers the City’s goal of creating a walkable community. The plan provides an overview of existing conditions of Suwanee’s non-vehicular transportation system, identifies and prioritizes potential improvement projects, and provides schedul- ing and funding strategies. “The projects identified in the alternate transportation plan will be implemented over a period of several years,” notes Planning and Community Development Director Marty Allen. “The plan identifies potential sidewalk,

photo by M. Michael Farr M. Michael photo by greenway, bikeway, and trail projects that ultimately will connect pedestrians and bicyclists to destinations that currently are inaccessible as well as improve safety for pedestrian and bicycle travel. As Suwanee continues to grow so does the need for enhanced connectivity.” The alternate transportation plan was developed over a period of several months by StreetSmarts, a Duluth-based planning and transportation firm. In developing the plan, the company collected data on existing conditions, interviewed key stakeholders, conducted an online survey (197 responses), developed a list of potential projects, hosted an open house to obtain citizen feedback, prioritized projects, and developed an implementation plan. Throughout the community involvement process, a recurring theme was the importance of enhancing connections to Suwanee’s main attractions, including Town Center, Old Town, the library, PlayTown Suwanee, George Pierce Park, and Suwanee Creek Park. Another key community concern was improving the safety of pedestrian crossings, especially along Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. The Alternate Mode Transportation Plan prioritizes some 34 projects based on factors such as connectivity, level of use, safety, feasibility, cost, and availability of outside funding. To view the entire plan, visit the Reports & Regulations – Strategic Planning Efforts page at www.suwanee.com. Current projects underway Construction is progressing on a bridge that will connect the Town Center area and Suwanee Creek Greenway. The bridge, which is visible to drivers along Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, will be completed by the end of this year. The first enhancement to Suwanee Creek Park since its opening in 2004 will be completed this fall. The City is adding about 3,500 feet of soft sur- face trail at Suwanee Creek Park. This trail will include three small bridges and will connect to the Suwanee Creek Greenway at three different points. This new trail will begin near the public restrooms at Suwanee Creek Park. The City has received final approval from Norfolk-Southern Railroad and expects to be able to begin construction late this fall on the 62-foot pedestrian underpass that will connect the Town Center area and Old Town. The underpass, which is about 13-feet in diameter, will run beneath the railroad track from behind City Hall to across the street from the library. A work in progress When completed, this bridge Construction is expected to take about six months. The project, funded will help connect the Town Center area to the in large measure by a nearly $1 million Livable Cities Initiative grant from the Suwanee Creek Greenway. Atlanta Regional Commission, will include pedestrian enhancements to Main Street. Pedestrian enhancements at Buford Highway are on the City’s short-term (five-year) work plan. By the time this newsletter is published, work is expected to have begun on widening of McGinnis Ferry Road from about the Chattahoochee River to the Sargent Road intersection, more than 5 miles of roadway. This project is funded by Forsyth and Fulton counties as well as the state. These agencies along with Gwinnett County will provide funding for construction of a new bridge over the river. These projects are scheduled to be completed in 2010. August 2007 Page 7

www.suwanee.com Suwanee recognized as City of Ethics and for downtown development excellence The City of Suwanee received a double dose of recognition at the Georgia Municipal Association annual convention in Savannah June 23-26. Suwanee was recognized as a certified Georgia City of Ethics. In addition, the City received accreditation from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street program. Over the past year, the City of Suwanee has adopted an ethics ordinance that establishes procedures for deal- ing with ethics complaints and outlines prohibited conduct by City officials and staff. Suwanee also established a citizen-based Ethics Board to investigate ethics complaints and make recommendations to City Council. These efforts were undertaken in order to meet specific criteria established by GMA to be officially certified as a City of Ethics. Says Sen. Renee Unterman, chair of the state Senate ethics committee: “Suwanee has been a city of ethics in practice for a long time. I’m proud that they’ve taken measures to be officially recognized as such by the Georgia Municipal Association.” Also at the GMA conference, Suwanee was one of 78 Georgia cities recognized for downtown development excellence. This is the fourth consec- Downtown dynamos City of Suwanee officials and Georgia utive year that Suwanee has been certified as a Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Mike Beatty, national Main Street city. far right, celebrate Suwanee’s fourth consecutive designation as a “This annual accreditation is not something national Main Street city. Representing the City of Suwanee are, that Suwanee takes for granted,” says Suwanee from left, Denise Brinson, economic and community develop- Downtown Manager Jane Keegan. “As we contin- ment director; Mayor Pro Tem Jimmy Burnette; and ue to build Town Center and work to re-energize Councilmember Dan Foster. our historic Old Town, it’s critical that Suwanee employ the proven strategies championed through the Main Street program. The result will be a vibrant, people-friendly, and successful downtown.” The Main Street program, implemented in Suwanee through its Downtown Development Authority, uses a comprehensive revitalization process that seeks to integrate a locally driven management strategy with a focus on physical improvement of buildings and public spaces, aggressive promotion and image-building, and economic development of the downtown area.

Going, going, gone…continued from page 3

year, calls for removal of the nearly 30-year-old home. The citizen-based committee that developed the master plan determined that the rehabilitation, reno- vation, and maintenance costs for the home were prohibitive and that other services/structures would better serve Suwanee residents. A portion of the trail to be constructed in the park’s phase-one development this fall will pass by where the house currently stands; a future phase calls for a large pavilion to be built on the home site overlooking the lake. Proceeds from Hewell estate items will be used by the City for future open space and parks projects. In addition to the treasures from the Hewell house, about 50 City surplus items will be available at the auction. Among these items are a pick-up truck, office furniture and equipment, military generators, and walk-behind mowers. For a full list of all items available at the auction, visit www.suwanee.com. Page 8 August 2007 www.suwanee.com Get ready for Suwanee Day 2007

A fun look for 2007 festival Amanda Savage, a 2007 Oconee County High School graduate, won this year’s Suwanee Day design competition with a festive entry. Savage’s design was selected from among 57 entries received from 44 individuals. For her efforts, Savage won $500. Savage’s design will be used on official 2007 Suwanee Day t-shirts and other festival promotional materials. T- shirts are available for free to festival volunteers (see next page for how to volunteer) or for $10 at Suwanee City Hall after Labor Day or at the festival itself on September 15.

Run, Suwanee, run The Suwanee Day 5K Classic is getting an early start this year and, by popular demand, has a “faster” course. The race has moved to the Saturday before Suwanee Day. This year’s race, presented by BodyPlex Family Fitness and HomeAmerica Mortgage, will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, September 8, at Town Center Park, where the race will finish as well. The modified course avoids some of the hills that have slowed runners down in previous years. The entry fee is $17 if received by Saturday, September 1, and $20 thereafter. T- shirts are guaranteed for all runners registered by September 1 and will be available while supplies last to all others. To register or for more information, call BodyPlex at 770/614-6140 or visit www.suwaneeday.com. Rides for kids, music, group fitness classes, food, and more fun will be available at Town Center Park throughout the morning as well. Above ‘Average’ entertainment Suwanee Day offers a full day—and night—of free entertainment. This year’s headline performer is Average White Band. Widely regarded as one of the best funk bands in history, Average White Band (AWB) will perform at 8 p.m. in Town Center Park. Some of AWB’s biggest chart-toppers include “Pick Up the Pieces,” “Cut the Cake,” and “Let’s Go ’Round Again.” The band’s hey-day was in the mid-70s, but AWB continues to crank out great albums and entertain with performances of their classic hits, timeless instrumentals, and authentic funky sound. Average White Band August 2007 Page 9

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Parade theme features parks The Suwanee Day 2007 parade presents “A Day in the Park.” Most parade participants will be required to decorate their float or parade entry in a way that celebrates or highlights Suwanee’s award-winning, smile-producing parks. Awards will be presented in three categories: Best in Show, Most Creative, and Best Reflection of Theme. This year’s new parade route, essentially a reversal of the route used the past few years, is approximately 1.25 miles long. The route commences at Russell Road and Buford Highway, travels north on Buford Highway, and then onto Suwanee Dam and south along Main Street, where it will end at Pierce’s Corner. Parade applications are due by Friday, August 24. Visit www.suwaneeday.com for more information and an application. Help us out and get a coveted free t-shirt Suwanee Day is a lot of fun, but it also is a lot of work. The Suwanee Day Committee seeks volunteers with good organizational and people skills, lots of energy, and a healthy sense of fun to help out on Saturday, September 15. The festival relies on more than 200 volunteers each year. Volunteer opportunities are available in a variety of areas, including parade, exhibitors, marketing/promotion, sponsors, set up and clean up, volunteer organization, and transportation. Visit www.suwaneeday.org/volunteer.html for more information and to sign up.

Back to school Sure, school’s just started, but it’s never too early (at least for the students) to start thinking about the next break! The Gwinnett County school calendar—and a lot of other schools-related information—is available in the Community section of the City of Suwanee website, www.suwanee.com. 2007-08 Gwinnett County Public Schools Calendar Labor Day ...... September 3 Student Holiday ...... October 15 Early release for elementary and middle schools ...... November 14 & 15 Thanksgiving Holiday ...... November 21-23 Early release for high school exams ...... December 18-20 Winter Break ...... December 21-January 2 Martin Luther King Day ...... January 21 Visit Early release for elementary and middle schools ...... February 13 & 14 Student/Teacher Holiday ...... February 18 www.suwanee.com Student Holiday ...... March 10 for complete, up-to-date Student/Teacher Holiday ...... March 21 school and other Spring Break ...... April 7-11 community information. Early release for high school exams ...... May 19-21 Last Day of School ...... May 21 Page 10 August 2007 www.suwanee.com Perceptions of Suwanee Gateway vary Meet new As part of the City’s overall efforts to improve the Suwanee Gateway Suwanee area, redpepper, a marketing company with offices in Lawrenceville and Nashville, has done a lot of talking with—and listening to—a variety of Councilmember people over the past couple of months. The company, redpepper, has been Ruby Forest resident Kevin hired by the City to develop a branding/marketing strategies campaign for McOmber won a City Council seat the area around the I-85 interchange. in a June 19 special election. As part of its analysis, redpepper has spo- ken with City of Suwanee officials and staff, McOmber business owners, residents, and visitors as well received 306 as conducted a competitive analysis with sur- votes while rounding interchanges. Interestingly, the Andy Duncan Suwanee Gateway is perceived somewhat dif- obtained 99 ferently by the various groups. votes. Responses from Suwanee officials and resi- McOmber dents indicate that there is a disconnect was elected to between the image of the Gateway area and fill a City the rest of Suwanee. These groups communi- Council post cate a strong desire for the Gateway to better formerly held Kevin McOmber represent its larger community. by Alan Data collected from phone surveys of 250 Suwanee residents indicate Landers, who resigned this spring that while shopping, eating, and work bring people to the Gateway area, when he moved to another metro the overwhelming perception of the area is generally not very positive. In Atlanta county. The term expires in fact, when asked to provide one word that described the Gateway area, December 2009. only 3 percent of respondents used positive words; the most common About 5 percent of registered terms used were congested, traffic, busy, and crowded. In contrast, only 5 City of Suwanee voters cast a ballot percent used negative words to describe the City of Suwanee; the most in the special election. commonly used words included nice, peaceful, growing, and family. As vice president of Clark While business owners interviewed, too, perceive a disconnect Patterson Associates, McOmber was between the the project manager and lead engi- Gateway and the When asked to provide one word that neer on Suwanee's award-winning larger Suwanee, Town Center design. McOmber has they also report described the Gateway area, only 3 a bachelor's degree in civil engineer- that their busi- percent of [Suwanee residents] used ing from Rochester Institute of nesses are healthy. Technology as well as associate And, redpepper’s positive words…. Gateway visitors, on degrees in architecture and con- competitive the other hand, generally were very struction engineering from Alfred analysis at inter- complimentary. State College. state exits 115 and A Suwanee resident since 1995, 108 indicate that McOmber is a member and deacon Suwanee’s 111 competes well in terms of available amenities, if not aes- thetically. Business owners felt that the Gateway area could benefit from at Shadowbrook Baptist Church. the addition of child-oriented activities, corporate offices, more restau- He also is an active member and rants, and entertainment. past director of the Kiwanis Club of Gateway area visitors, on the other hand, generally were very compli- Suwanee and was a founding mem- mentary. They find the Gateway area to be conveniently close to work ber of the Suwanee Downtown and used words like green, friendly, pretty, and trees to describe it. Development Authority. All of these varying perceptions and insights gleaned will be carefully McOmber’s family includes wife, considered by redpepper as the company continues its work to create a MaLisa, and two children, Marissa brand for Suwanee’s next hot spot. and Andrew. August 2007 Page 11

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Last chance to catch YIELD ‘Impressions of Summer’ Seven local artists gloriously capture the splendors of summer in SIGNS an exhibit of paintings on display through the end of August at the City of Suwanee Crossroads Center. “Impressions of Summer” is an exhibit of 21 paintings in a variety of styles and mediums that celebrates the artists’ surroundings. Artists featured in the exhibit are Sally Evans, Nancy Everett, Cathy Fowler, Robin Garrison, Kay Hibbard, Maggie Mayer, and Judi Moore. Their paintings are done in oil, pastel, acrylic, and watercolor. “Maine” by Sally Evans Get a glimpse behind the badge The City of Suwanee will offer its popular Citizens Police Academy beginning Tuesday, September 25. Classes for this seven-week, hands-on program will begin at 6:30 p.m. each week at the George Pierce Park Community Center. Topics covered include crime scene investigations, firearms safety, traffic stops, crime prevention, and motor vehicle enforcement. Participants also have an opportunity to run radar, ride along with an officer, practice traffic stops, and search buildings. Applications are available at www.suwanee.com. Preference is given to those who live or work within the City of Suwanee. The application deadline is Friday, September 14. For more information, contact Sgt. Elias Casañas at [email protected] or 770/945-4607, ext. 327. SBA honors Maya Moore The Suwanee Business Alliance has established an award in honor of former Collins Hill Eagles basketball stand- out Maya Moore, the national high school (female) athlete of the year. The annual Maya Moore Award will be presented to the Collins Hill student who exemplifies Moore’s lofty levels of competition, sportsmanship, and contribu- tion to the school and community. In addition, the SBA will contribute $500 annually in Moore’s name to the Collins Hill High School Tip-Off Club. Read all about another reason to be proud The Gwinnett County Public Library was one of two library systems in the nation to receive a 2007 Award of Recognition from Family Friendly Libraries. Welcome to City Hall Jefferson resident Joe Carter is Suwanee’s newest police officer. He also

photo by M. Michael Farr M. Michael photo by is in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Pomp and Circumstance Public Works Crew Leader Tony Rich recently earned his associate degree in public works civil technology from Lanier Technical College. Urban Redevelopment Agency appointees City Council reappointed three citizens to the Urban Redevelopment Agency at its June 28 meeting. Carol Hassell, Bill Thee, and Sandra Watson were reappointed to terms that expire in August 2009. Also, Alex Stone was re-appointed as URA chair and Thee as vice chair. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SUWANEE, GA PERMIT NO. 242

373 U.S. HWY. 23 SUWANEE, GA 30024

CrossRoads – Your Official City of Suwanee Newsletter Calendar August 22 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 11 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 25 City Council Meeting* 7 pm 11 Macho Movie Night: Raiders of the Lost Ark 8 pm 29 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 16 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am Unless otherwise noted, public meetings are at CrossRoads Center, 323 Buford Hwy. 16 City Council Workshop 5:30 pm *Public hearing begins 6:30 pm TCP=Town Center Park 18 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 18 Sister Hazel in Concert (TCP) 7 pm For more information about 21 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm 23 2030 Comprehensive Plan Work Group 6:30 pm community events, meetings, (George Pierce Park Community Center) and more, visit 25 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon 25 Hewell House/Surplus Auction 10 am www.suwanee.com (Pierce’s Corner, Main Street) 28 City Council Meeting* 7 pm City of Suwanee, Georgia

September MAYOR: NICK MASINO . . . . .770/945-4607 ext. 555 1 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon COUNCIL: JACE BROOKS ...... 770/831-0499 4 Planning & Zoning Commission 6:30 pm JIMMY BURNETTE ...... 770/945-3492 7 Suwanee Smooth Jazz 107.5 Concert (TCP) 7 pm DAN FOSTER ...... 770/614-5750 KEVIN MCOMBER ...... 770/271-5427 8 Suwanee Farmers Market (TCP) 8 am-noon JEANNINE RISPIN ...... 404/375-6095 8 Suwanee Day 5K Classic & Kids Carnival (TCP) 8am INTERIM CITY MANAGER:KRISTI McCARLEY ...... 770/945-8996 12 Suwanee Business Alliance 6 pm 13 City Council Workshop 5:30 pm POLICE CHIEF: MIKE JONES ...... 770/945-8995 15 Suwanee Day 10 am-10 pm NEWSLETTER EDITOR: LYNNE BOHLMAN DeWILDE ...... 770/945-8996 18 Zoning Board of Appeals 6:30 pm 20 Downtown Development Authority 7:30 am