Suwanee Magazine June-July 2013

BEFORE AND AFTER - MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST WINNERS RECEIVE MAKEOVERS

Community. Culture. Lifestyle.

suwaneemagazine.com

JULY / AUG 13

MORNINGVIEW

SUWA E RATED AS ONNEE OF THE

1T0OWBNSEFOST R

MANTA RAYS SWIM FOR A CURE

FAMILIES 2013 - FAMILY CIRCLE

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT:

GULF COAST GRILL

lusive Pics c x E : 3 1 0 2 k Woofstoc

Splash into Summer at

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Plus, the finals in Las Vegas will be professionally filmed and later broadcast across the U.S. on the Fox Sports Network.

SUWANEE QUALIFIER

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Ages: 16+ Format: 5 on 5 (up to 8 on the roster) Winner: $100 Sky Zone gift card & t-shirts to each winning team member

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We’re honored to serve you It’s an honor to be recognized as the nation’s leading hospital for maternity and newborn care.

Look a little closer and you’ll discover that Northside performs more surgeries and diagnoses and treats more breast and gynecologic cancer than any other hospital in Georgia. While people choose Northside for our expertise, they also know us for our exceptional compassionate care.

Visit us online at www.northside.com

letter

A Note From Our Editor

Executive Editor Angela Veugeler

Managing Editors Laura Lane Darcy Seyller

Features Editor

Tana Suggs tanasuggs.reporter@gmail.com or tana@suwaneemagazine.com

Creative Director Randall Veugeler

Summer has always been my favorite time of year. Summer break from school and having a summer birthday probably had something to do with that. Growing up in Michigan, I always loved walking outside after being in an air-conditioned building (where I was always freezing) and feeling the warm, humid air surrounding me and instantly making me feel comfortable again. Here in Georgia, it’s easy to take that for granted because we have so many hot days. Mornings and evenings are beautiful for getting some fresh air and exercise. Sometimes the middle of the day is almost too hot- luckily there is plenty to do in and around Suwanee. Spending the day at LanierWorld is a great way for the whole family to stay cool and have fun. Read about the new additions on page 28.

This issue is full of great recipes, restaurant ideas, businesses and people.

See our Mother’s Day contest winners after their makeovers on page 24. As always, our People & Places and City Buzz sections capture many of the great things happening and fun being had in our community.

Here at Suwanee Magazine, we wanted to give a warm welcome to Shea Nolan and Rachel Fasig. Shea attends UGA and is working as a summer intern. Rachel recently joined our team as an Account Coordinator.

We also wanted to thank our entire team for making this and every issue of Suwanee Magazine come to life and our advertisers for making Suwanee Magazine possible! Have a wonderful summer and great start to the school year!

BEFORE AND AFTER - MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST WINNERS RECEIVE MAKEOVERS

Community. Culture. Lifestyle.

suwaneemagazine.com

JULY / AUG 13

MORNINGVIEW

FREE!

MANTA RAYS SWIM FOR A CURE

TAKE ONE

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT:

GULF COAST GRILL

ON THE COVER: Rousseau Lee Smith photographed Splash into Summer at

by Steve Glass LANIERWORLD! aton LanierWorld June 11th, 2013.

Exclusive Pics Woofstock 2013:

INSIDE LAKE LANIER ISLANDS RESORT’S PREMIER WATERPARK

Visit suwaneemagazine.com for some great web only articles and frequent updates.

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TO ADVERTISE, PLEASE CONTACT US @ 678-482-2270

Art Director

Erica Abrams

Production Manager Laura Payne

Graphic Design April Futey Shay Taylor Jon Rogers Brian Hassinger

Photographers Karl Lamb Julie Perdue Steve Glass Walt Wooden

Web Editor Walt Wooden

Sales

Julie Perdue julie@suwaneemagazine.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

President

Angela Veugeler

Publisher

Randall Veugeler

Corporate Office

554 W. Main Street Suite 400 Buford, GA 30518 Phone: 678-482-2270 Fax: 678-730-0691 Suwanee Magazine is published bi-monthly by Veugeler Design Group.

Opinions expressed by the contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Suwanee Magazine. The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or ommissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. ©2013 Veugeler Design Group.

The editors welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please visit us online at SuwaneeMagazine.com for submission guidelines, or email us at info@suwaneemagazine.com

In this issue:

27

Features:

Mother 24 Best in Suwanee Makovers

27 LanierWorld

Departments: 4 Business

4 Suwanee Business Alliance 5 Investment Strategies 6 GoWaiter.com

8 Style

8 Summer Hair Trends

12 Charity

12 Orange Out Swim Meet

20

16 Food

16 Glorious Grilling 20 Spotlight: Gulf Coast Grill

34 Health

34 Eye-Q Quiz

36 City Buzz 40 Schools 42 Arts

42 Broadway on the Park 43 SculpTour

44 What's Brewing 46 People & Places 52 Calendar

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Suwanee Business Community News & Information

business ness

Annual SBA Charity Golf Tournament a Big Success!

BY: Ed Szczesniak, SBA Vice President and

Owner/Designer – Georgian Landscape Design

ere’s a little quiz for golfers and those of you who follow golf (or at least those of you who like quizzes). When is 85 a GREAT golf score? Well, the answer is when you combine 78 local (lets call them) “golfers” with seven generous local sponsors and you end with more than $6,000 raised to support local charities that serve our community. That is a GREAT SCORE!!!

In April the Suwanee Business Alliance held the 12th Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Hamilton Mill Golf Course in an on-going effort to lend a helping hand to those in the community who don’t ask for help, but sure could use a bit from time to time. Thanks to the growing list of sponsors, the SBA event raised the much appreciated funds. This year’s sponsors included around 40 companies and local businesses who purchased Tee & Green Signs, donated prizes and/or funds, not to mention the large cadre of SBA members and friends who spent countless hours planning, running around town

gathering support, signing up sponsors and players, manning the tournament tables and about 100 other things, all to help make the day a great success!

The money raised, along with the annual membership dues of $60 a year, goes to provide local assistance to groups such as Veterans Sentinels, Suwanee Performing Arts, Rainbow Village, The Quinn House, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, GaGa for TaTas, The American Red Cross, Suwanee SPCA, Annandale Village, Foster Children’s Foundation, and others in our local community.

If you missed this year’s event don’t worry – we’re deep into planning for next spring’s outing. In the meantime, consider visiting the SBA as our guest at the next SBA meeting and find out why more than 200 local business folks consider us their home for business development, meeting new friends, cultivating old freindships, and helping out our community – all while having a LOT of fun.

“There are those who care and those who just expect others to do the caring” For more information please visit us at www.Suwanee.org. ■

The SBA meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at different business locations in town. For more info: Suwanee.org.

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MAR/ /AUG APRIL 13 13 I JULY

business BY: Bill and Cindi Porter Aileron Investment Advisors

I left my old job. Should I still leave my 401k there or move it to an IRA? If you are younger than age 77, you should probably move it into a personal IRA (Individual Retirement Account).

If you were born before 1936, the ten-year averaging rule is available for lump sum distribution from a 401k, but not for IRAs. Also, unlike IRAs a 401k may allow for loans. Otherwise there are several advantages to moving your retirement funds to your own IRA. When you left your old job the main advantage of a 401k (that employers will usually match part or all of an employee’s contributions) was lost. The two main disadvantages of a 401k are first, a limited investment menu, and second, the possibility of additional 401k fees not found in other retirement accounts.

The most compelling reason to transfer your old 401k money into an IRA is that you would now have the entire menu of the investment world to choose from instead of just the limited number of subaccounts in a typical 401k. Nearly all mutual funds, bank CDs, REITs, MLPs, annuities and other investment options are available in IRAs – but not normally in a 401k. Many retirees and pre-retirees prefer to reposition there old 401k funds into a series of different IRAs. This provides them with real diversification and the ability to stagger their retirement income over the years in order to Send us your adjust for inflation. investment Many times a 401k is only one piece of a person’s questions to overall investment plan. answer: info@ Decisions should be made suwanee only after assessing its magazine.com effect on the entire portfolio.

Professional advice may be beneficial.

The views expressed in this article are not necessarily that of Suwanee Magazine.

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business

GoWaiter.com

Food on the Fly

Stay In & Dine Out. Service Delivers Your Favorite Restaurant's Food Right to Your Door

Deliveries generally take about 45 minutes to an hour, from the time the order is placed until it reaches your door.

BY: Shea Nolan

ou’re stuck in traffic, tapping your fingers on the steering wheel as you impatiently wait for cars to start moving again. You had hoped to have dinner ready by now, but thanks to rush hour, by the time you get home, it will be too late to start cooking – not that you even feel like stepping foot in the kitchen. But it’s either that or feed the kids fast food for the second time in three days.

Sound familiar? Though family dinners have long been considered one of the pillars of a happy home, these days it can be hard to get the family together around a home cooked meal.

That’s where GoWaiter can help.

GoWaiter is a time-saving service that places an order at your favorite restaurant and delivers it right to your front door.

On those nights when there’s no time to cook a family meal, GoWaiter is a fast and easy way to put food on the table.

The process is simple. To place an order, a customer visits GoWaiter.com, enters a zip code, chooses a restaurant, and selects the menu items to be delivered. GoWaiter then contacts the restaurant, places the order, and picks it up. Deliveries generally take about

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JAN / FEB AUG1313 I JULY

45 minutes to an hour, from the time the order is placed until it reaches your door. GoWaiter even sends you email updates until your order arrives! Orders can also be placed by way of a phone call.

Owners Tom and Laura Vooris, who first came across the service after Laura gave birth to the couple’s triplets, recently brought the service to Suwanee and the surrounding areas.

“We were and still are customers and loved the concept,” Tom Vooris said.

While the residents in the Suwanee community are still getting familiar with GoWaiter’s service, Vooris said he plans to have a grand opening this summer to help spread the word.

If business continues to grow, Vooris said he would like to own several franchises in an effort to create jobs. He also said he sees the business as something he can pass on to his children.

The owners plan to use the business as an opportunity to give back to the community.

business business

The couple contributes to Scamper Against Cancer and Poverty is Real, as well as the Atlanta Fire Soccer Association, an organization that takes donations to help children that otherwise couldn’t afford to play soccer. They also intend to use GoWaiter’s Suwanee headquarters to start a nonprofit organization benefiting children.

“We are and will always be involved in community events,” Vooris said.

GoWaiter.com is your source for lunch and dinner delivered to your home, business meeting, and/or event catering. Visit gwinnett.gowaiter.com for more information and a complete and up to date list of the zip codes served. ■

GoWaiter.com 678-819-4982

7

Local businesses helping you look your best

style

Summer

Hair Trends With Your Friends at Image Makers Salon & Spa BY: Tana Christian Suggs

tana@suwaneemagazine.com

Leslie McCoy,

Owner Image Makers Salon & Spa

ow that the long, hot, sultry days of summer have arrived, along with the season comes the hottest trends in fun and carefree hairstyles. From new and fun coloring techniques to long, sexy waves blowing in the summer breeze, there’s a trend to fit everyone’s unique style. To find the biggest trends in hair for summer 2013, Suwanee Magazine turned to Image Makers, and owner Leslie McCoy shared her top tips for great style trends for summer.

Tousled Waves The tousled wave effect suggests that the hair wasn't really "done" at all, but left loose and flowing with a natural bend.

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style

Making the Braid

There's something endlessly appealing about a braid, especially when shown in so many ways this season. Try the waterfall, headband, fishtail, French and traditional, just to name a few!

Your Image Is Our Business

Ombre Melt

SUITE STYLE SALON EXPERIENCE, EACH SUITE IS INDIVIDUALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

This trend has taken over the color world and became so popular because it takes little-to-no maintenance. Using your natural color at the root and melting lighter at the ends, this style gives a gorgeous pop of color and frames the face. From drastic to subtle, Ombre is here to stay!

Based on your everyday life, personality, and profession ...let’s recreate “you”.

Dip Dye It’s fun and easy. Just liven up your ends and make a statement with bold vibrant colors.

Undone Updo Whether pinning your hair up into a twist, pulling it into a bun, or wrapping it into a ponytail, there's something to be said for not making things too tidy. The look is cool and casual with a hint of elegance.

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style

PHOTOS BY: Katrina Krom

Image Makers Salon & Spa

Salon offers stylists the chance to own their own salon without the expense BY: Tana Christian Suggs

tana@suwaneemagazine.com

Image Makers, owned by Leslie McCoy and her husband Rob, opened in Suwanee in October, 2012. Located on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, the salon offers a unique feature of salon suites that McCoy said allows stylists to capture the dream of owning their own salon without the huge expense while customers relax in the cozy atmosphere the suites provide. Since opening, the salon has grown to 11 suites.

- Leslie McCoy McCoy said she fell in love with Suwanee shortly after moving to the community from Alabama in 2002.

“Suwanee is definitely a small town with a huge heart in the community,” she said, adding that the community has been an amazing part of the growth of the salon.

For more information about Image Makers, visit the website at imagemakerssalonsuites.com. ■

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Meagan Turner, Melanie Maynard, Heather Reiss, Carly Rojas and Leslie McCoy of Image Makers Salon & Spa

Image Makers Salon & Spa

3675 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd. 678-758-5857 imagemakerssalonsuites.com

style

Psycho Sisters

Trendy Consignment Shop Comes to Suwanee A popular and trendy consignment boutique, Psycho Sisters, with several locations around Atlanta including Sandy Springs and Little Five Points has come to Suwanee, bringing with it some fun and trendy styles in clothing, shoes, and accessories.

The consignment boutique, now located on LawrencevilleSuwanee Road near IHOP, opened in early May. Owner Angie Boger said she is excited to bring the trendy shop with a funky fashion sense to Suwanee.

And when you visit the boutique don’t be surprised if you see Boger’s 10-year-old daughter, Ari Kassatly, behind the counter. Ari has been helping her mother with the Suwanee location since the planning stages.

Visit Suwaneemagazine.com to read the full article. ■

11

Organizations & individuals Who are Giving Back

Elena, Cole and Abby at the Orange Out.

An Orange Army Swims for a Cure

Orange Out Swim Meet raises funds and awareness for CURE Childhood Cancer BY: Shea Nolan

PHOTO BY: Colleen Carter

Andy Boone (right) and his buddies wait to watch his sister Abby, Cole, and Elena swim.

hirty-six kids are given a new cancer diagnosis each day. With that in mind, it is a little less surprising that three children in the same neighborhood should be diagnosed within less than ten years.

What is, perhaps, more amazing is the response of their community.

Cole Carter, Elena Tate, and Abby Boone were each diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Cole in 2005, Elena in 2007, and Abby in 2010, and they all swim on the community swim team – the Morningview Manta Rays.

Last year the team decided to hold a swim meet/fundraiser to show their support. The event is called the Orange Out in honor of the orange awareness ribbons that represent Leukemia.

The success of the event led the team to make the fundraiser an annual event. This year, the team members, ages 3 to18, began fundraising June 10, selling T-shirts and rubber-ducky raffle tickets. On the day of the Orange Out the activities multiplied: the team gave orange manicures for donations and brought in crafts and baked goods to sell. The funds raised this year will go to CURE Childhood Cancer, an organization that contributes to cancer research and therapy as well as crisis support for families of patients.

PHOTO BY: Mike Howard

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charity

PHOTOS BY:

Mike Howard

Kim Boone, Abby’s mother, organized the event last year and was also a coordinator for this year’s event.

“For everybody to come out and support the three children in our neighborhood like they have, by supporting us and our crazy ideas and our ducks and our orange T-shirts and just everything, is just… we live in a wonderful place,” Kim Boone said.

Morningview Swim Team Assistant Coach Ryan Loke shows off his Orange Out spirit.

For everybody to come out and support the three children in our neighborhood like they have, by supporting us and our crazy ideas and our ducks and our orange T-shirts and just everything, is just… we live in a wonderful place.

- Kim Boone

PHOTO BY: David Cofheart

25 13

PHOTO BY: Mike Howard

charity

Madison Brown (center) and her friends are all smiles at the swim meet.

This year Melanie Creviston, who has a background in fundraising and worked with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, joined Boone in coordinating the event. Creviston said she first heard about the event after moving to the community and she immediately wanted to be involved. Her own family has been touched by childhood cancer – her cousin lost a daughter to the disease.

“It’s a great way for the kids and the families to do something beyond – bigger than swim team… this is a way for us to give back,” Creviston said.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www. curechildhoodcancer.org. Visit the Morning View Manta Rays Swim Team on Facebook. ■

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I JULY / AUG 13

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The Best Culinary Experiences Suwanee Has To Offer

food

Tips for getting the most out of your grill this season from your friends at THE FRESH MARKET BY: Nicholas Mann

Assistant Deli Manager, The Fresh Market

he sun is out, the days are long, and grilling season is upon us once again. There‘s something magical about gathering around an open flame with those closest to us, conjuring images of ancient past, when a tribe gathered around a fire and cooked that day’s quarry while telling stories of the hunt. Indeed, grilling is a technique as old as mankind, and there are many reasons it has endured. Grilling, beyond being a wonderful communal experience, is one of the tastiest ways to cook and is also one of the healthiest since the fat drips away from the meat while adding loads of flavor. And, the lack of substantial amounts of oil in the grilling process means less calories and fat without sacrificing taste. With that in mind, let’s explore some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your grilling experience...

Safety First Grilling and the handling of raw meats can be dangerous, so it is important to remember a few simple rules to keep everyone safe. If you are grilling multiple types of meat, be sure to separate them to avoid cross contamination. Marinate the meat in the refrigerator or a cooler at 40 degrees fahrenheit or below to keep bacterial multiplication to a minimum. Grills can get extremely hot. If you have children around, make sure their curiosity does not get the better of them. Grilling should always be done outdoors in well ventilated areas. Lastly, keep a squirt bottle of water handy. This will tame any flare ups and keep your food from getting too charred.

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food

Hot! Hot! Hot!

To get the best performance, it is important to preheat the grill to the proper temperature.

Lighting or starting your charcoal 20 to 25 minutes before you plan on cooking is typically sufficient.

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home food

Charcoal vs. Gas

Charcoal or gas is an age old debate. Gas burns cleaner and is therefore better for the environment but does not provide the same flavor level as cooking over hot charcoal. For many avid grillers, it’s that smoky, rich flavor that charcoal imparts that’s quintessential to grilling and is therefore the only choice for those seeking to reach their grill’s maximum potential. An additive-free, lump charcoal is recommended, as it is the most environmentally and user-friendly option available to the charcoal griller. The easiest and most efficient way to start a charcoal grill is with a chimney starter, which uses crumpled paper in the bottom to light a stack of charcoal on top. These usually take 15 to 20 minutes to heat. When your coals are covered with a thin layer of grey ash, they’re ready.

Hot! Hot! Hot!

To get the best performance, it is important to preheat the grill to the proper temperature. Lighting or starting your charcoal 20 to 25 minutes before you plan on cooking is typically sufficient.

The hottest area should be around 400450 degrees fahrenheit, medium areas at 300-400, and low areas at 250-300 degrees, and can be checked with an infrared thermometer or by the hand test, placing your hand about six inches above the grill rack (be careful). If you have to move your hand in two seconds, you have a high-heat area, all the way up to 10 seconds for a low-heat area.

Clean Grates

Once the grill is heated properly, be sure to give it a thorough brush to remove any charred food particles and to provide a clean grilling surface, and when done, using a pair of tongs to run an oiled towel dampened with vegetable oil over your grill racks to help prevent sticking and to achieve grill marks. As a side note, grill marks are best achieved by placing your meat at a 45 degree angle to your racks, then when ready, turn the meat 90 degrees clockwise. Moving the meat anymore than that will run the risk of uneven cooking and decrease the food’s aesthetic value.

Is it done yet?

The best way to check is with an instant-read probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat, near the bone if one is present. Poultry and pork are safe to eat at 165 degrees fahrenheit, while beef is safe from 150 degrees, and fresh fish from 145 degrees. Avoid cutting your meat to check doneness as you will lose much of its moisture.

When done, place on a clean platter and tent it with foil for 10 minutes to allow the moisture to redistribute. Resting your meat is an often overlooked step, but it is very important to keep your meat tender, juicy, and succulent.

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JULY//JUNE AUG 13 13 I MAY

Now let’s put the fundamentals of grilling into practice with a couple of great recipes that will please any crowd, from the most steadfast carnivores to the cleanest, greenest vegetarians:

Ribeye Kabobs with Pineapple Balsamic Glaze

2 rib eye steaks cut 1” thick 1 large red bell pepper 1 large sweet onion 1 lb. white button mushrooms 1 pineapple, peeled and cored 8 ounces pineapple juice 4 ounces balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup cornstarch slurry (1 part cornstarch 1 part cold water) for thickening

Soak wooden skewers in cold water for an hour before making your kabobs. Dice the bell pepper, onion, and pineapple into 1” pieces. Slice whole mushrooms in half.

Trim excess fat from steaks and cut into 1” by 1” cubes.

The ingredients can be placed on skewers in any order, but remember the flavors of each ingredient will marry heavily with those next to them. Place pineapple juice and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, then slowly add the cornstarch slurry a little at a time. The sauce will thicken almost instantly, so be careful not to add too much at a time. When desired thickness for the glaze is reached, set aside and keep warm. Prepare the charcoal and preheat the grill between 450 and 500 degrees fahrenheit.

After basting each kabob thoroughly with the glaze, place on the grill rack and cook, turning to cook all four sides, until vegetables are tender and meat reaches the desired doneness. The glaze can also be used as a dipping sauce, just make sure to keep the dipping sauce separate from the basting liquid. This recipe is great served over saffron rice, or with Sabra hummus and fresh flatbread.

food

Vegan Escalivada

The Catalan word escalivar means “to roast over ashes or embers�, and is one of the most delicious grilled vegetable recipes from Spain. There are vegan and vegetarian variations of this, and both are provided here to suit either lifestyle.

4 small eggplants 4 spring onions or large scallions 2 green and 2 red bell peppers 2 tomatoes 1 bunch asparagus 3 cloves garlic, sliced thinly Olive oil for brushing, plus one third cup Optional: 6 ounces goat cheese, crumbled 1 Fresh Market French baguette, sliced diagonally, 1/2 inch thick

Prepare the charcoal and preheat the grill to between 450 to 500 degrees fahrenheit. Wash and dry your vegetables, then brush them with olive oil before placing them directly over the fire. Grill, turning the vegetables frequently until the skins are blackened and vegetables are tender. Be careful to mind the tomatoes and asparagus, as they will finish cooking first and need to be removed promptly. Traditionally escalivada is served at room temperature. To cool the vegetables while roasting them, wrap them in newspaper and placed in plastic bags, then allow to cool for one hour. The vegetables may also be served hot off the grill. Remove the outer layers of the onion and discard them along with the skins of the eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers. Also discard the seedy core of the peppers. Slice vegetables into one-inch wide strips and add them to a bowl with 1/4 to 1/3 cup of olive oil, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss to mix well and serve. Alternatively we can place the prepared vegetables upon lightly grilled slices of baguette bread, or melt goat cheese crumbles on top of these for a flavorful touch.

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food

Restaurant Spotlight

Gulf Coast Grill Seafood restaurant serves up fresh surf in Suwanee

BY: Shea Nolan

s soon as the temperature hits about 80 degrees, many find their toes start to itch for the sand and the seashore seems to be calling. As much as we’d all like to, it’s not likely we can run off to the beach for the summer. You can, however, eat seafood cuisine in an atmosphere that would make Jimmy Buffet feel at home. Gulf Coast Grill, owned by husband and wife Mark Deschaine and Amy Fitzpatrick, is bringing fresh seafood and a “beachy” atmosphere to Suwanee.

Deschaine, who is originally from the Gulf Shores, Ala. area has an appreciation for good seafood and wanted to bring it to the neighborhood. The couple resides in Duluth, but was drawn to the environment in Suwanee.

“We have friends who live here and we love the family atmosphere that Suwanee provides,” Deschaine said. He also said he appreciates the opportunities for success that the growing community offers.

Gulf Coast Grill opened in September 2012 and offers delicious seafood and excellent customer service in a relaxed setting. Specialties include shrimp and grits, oysters on the half shell, and bayside fish tacos. To ensure freshness, the menu includes dishes prepared using as many local sources as possible, and all of the desserts are made in-house.

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food

PHOTOS BY: Walt Wooden

Sit back, relax We got this.

- Gulf Coast Grill Motto

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food

Gulf Coast Grill’s laid-back environment provides an opportunity for patrons to stop and relax, like a mini-vacation as the restaurant’s décor transports diners to a beachfront boardwalk. The patio is the perfect place to hang out on a warm summer evening to dine al-fresco, and for diners with a competitive spirit, they can even participate in a game of cornhole.

“We want this to be a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life,” Deschaine said. “This is conveyed from the moment the door is opened for you by our host staff to the server taking your order and the kitchen staff making your meal. The lifeguard shirts they wear say it all – “Sit back, relax - We got this.’”

The atmosphere of the restaurant is made complete by the special activities it holds: trivia on Thursdays, live music on Friday and Saturday nights, and a crawfish boil on the first Saturday of each month. There is also an entertainment room to keep kids occupied while families wait to be seated, or while mom and dad have a little alone time as they finish their meal.

Deschaine said the reception from the community has been enthusiastic.

“We have been blessed to be welcomed into the Suwanee community and they have been truly supportive,” he said. “We have many guests that we enjoy seeing every week.

They have become our friends and an extension of our Gulf Coast family.”

Gulf Coast Grill is located on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, near Gulf Coast Grill Satellite Blvd. For more information, visit 3463 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road www.gulfcoastgrillsuwanee.com. ■ 678-765-8270

gulfcoastgrillsuwanee.com

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Thomas Eye Group Welcomes Dr. Glenda Brown A difference you can see.

When it comes to your eyes, why choose anything less than the most experienced eye care professionals? At Thomas Eye Group, we adhere to the very highest standards while also taking the time to listen to your needs and fully explain your options.

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%

OFF

first pair of glasses* *Cannot be combined with insurance.

Offer expires 9/15/13.

Glenda Brown, O.D.

Also seeing patients in Suwanee: Alan Brown, O.D. | Jeffrey A. Carlisle, M.D. Kenneth R. Neufeld, M.D | Jeri S. Salit, M.D

Suwanee, 770.809.3366 1120 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., #101 Suwanee, GA 30024 www.thomaseyegroup.com

Mother’s Day Contest Winners’ Makeovers Suwanee Magazine's Mother's Day contest winners were treated to a day of pampering with a makeover from Salon Greco, the European Day Spa, located in Suwanee. The contest winners were selected from a number of essays written by family members explaining why their mother is "the best mother in Suwanee." After reading all the entries, Suwanee Magazine staff members could tell that Suwanee

mothers are loved and appreciated and hope the winning moms felt that love and appreciation on their special day!

HAIR DESIGN BY: Cathie Fennell HAIR COLOR: Brittanie Rubner, Blair Key MAKE-UP: Jairo Menendez

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Charlene Riggs Charlene’s beautiful long, dark hair had been packed with dark color and lacked shine and flexibility. We stripped sections of her original color around the face and overplayed it with a Red Violet toner and a clear glaze for shine. Her hair was left long with disconnected layers and a side fringe, so she can curl it to create a sexy look. The final touch was the smoky eyes and sultry glossy lips.

THE W ALSO RE INNERS CEIVED A $ DONATE D RESTAU BY SUGO R JOHNS C ANT IN REEK!

50 GIFT CARD

PHOTOS BY: Katrina Krom

Gayle Traina

Jane Puckett

The object of Gayle’s makeover was to show her that with a little strategic color placement and a few products she can get the volume she desires for her hair.

We applied a darker color at the nape and a warm shade glaze at the crown to create depth, then highlighted the fringe area to brighten up her face.

Her makeup was kept minimal and natural so she can easily duplicate the look herself.

Jane has thick, course hair that needed a total transformation. We added golden hues to her natural color and a few blond streaks around the face to elongate the overall look. Her angular cut was thinned and texturized to control the thickness and create a modern look. Since Jane is a minimalist her makeup was kept simple yet refined.

A BB cream was applied all over the face to even her skin tones; a soft lip gloss adds definition to the lips and top eyeliner outlines her beautiful eyes.

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Not all communities can boast about being just minutes away from a premier water park and a world-class resort. But residents of Suwanee and the surrounding area can...

at Lake Lanier Islands Resort’s

LanierWorld! & Glassr e v e t gele S BY: S PHOTO gela Veu An

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ith just a short drive to LanierWorld, area residents are just a stone’s throw away from a day of some serious fun in the sun at a park that features thrilling water attractions, beach amenities, live performances and food.

This year, in addition to more than a dozen wet and wild water attractions, a beach with a lifeguarded swim area, a nautical obstacle course, Coca Cola® Floating Stage, a lakeside miniature golf course, carnival rides, regular concerts, and a slew of restaurants and food stands, LanierWorld is proud to introduce the following for the 2013 season:

Funtime Players and the Funtime Band

“The Boardwalk Comes Alive” daily with the help of these talented street performers. In addition to regularly scheduled live performances on the NEW Boardwalk stage, the Funtime Players will frequently enlist the aid of LanierWorld guests for interactive theatrical vignettes as they travel from Family Fun Park to Big Beach to Sunset Cove and back.

Newly Expanded Boardwalk

The boardwalk at Big Beach is not only bigger – it’s BETTER with the additions of the Dockside Bar, the Boardwalk Stage, more carnival games, and several new food outlets, including the Sunset Cantina and the Scoop Shack.

Kate Davis, marketing and public relations coordinator at Lake Lanier Islands Resort, said they expect around 300,000 to 400,000 visitors during the 2013 season.

“Our season pass sales have been consistent with a slight increase over the past few years,” Davis said. “Our biggest draw to the park is that we are able to accommodate and provide a unique experience for all different ages.”

Kid-friendly attractions include the Big Beach Aquatic Adventure and movies on the beach and in the wave pool, and all of the water attractions. And for adults, there is the night life with entertainment on the new Sunset Cove stage and the Coca Cola Big Beach stage.

“Overall, we are able to provide an experience that is enjoyable for a range of ages, which keeps our guests coming back time and time again,” Davis said.

Full-Service Beach Amenity

This new exclusive access stretch of beach boasts umbrellas, reclining chairs, and a private swim area – as well as a team of servers who are eager to deliver an ice-cold beverage or tasty treat right to a LanierWorld guest’s lounge chair. Seating is limited and availability will be on a first-come-first-served basis. Guests can also reserve their lakeside lounge chair online for a nominal fee prior to arrival.

Wake the Lake Cable Park

Through the use of an utterly unique pulley system, everyone from beginners to experienced daredevils can wakeboard, water ski, kneeboard or tube safely without the use of a boat.

Tranquility on the Water This revolutionary

floating spa docked at Sunset Cove offers the ideal opportunity for guests to send their cares and woes floating away on a lakeside breeze.

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Brandy Mazurek, Braselton

cover story

Hogsed , Mobbs , Koa of Buford se a h C s, b b o d Zoe M i Hogse bs & Malach Cooper Mob

My favorite thing about coming out to the waterpark is it is entertaining for the kids.

Taylor Coggins & Shelby Wilkin s of Buford

- Barbara Rinker, Hoschton

Taylor Patrick

We have season passes and our kids just enjoy it. It's easy and family friendly!

- Dana Whitmore, Suwanee

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cover story

We are super excited! We just wanted a fun day where the three boys could play and hang out. We saw they have a lot of kid-friendly activities and they don't have to be super tall, and that's helpful. This is our first time and we're loving it!

We're having a blast!

- Jessica Bourcier, Buckhead

n, r, Jacob Mora ie rc u o B w re ier, And Jessica Bourc Roberts, Grant Statham ra Sa Lana Spraley

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cover story

“In LanierWorld, we are expecting anywhere from 300,000 to 400,000 visitors during the 2013 season.�

- Kate Davis Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator Lake Lanier Islands Resort

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Local Businesses Dedicated To Keeping You Healthy

health eye-

Take This Quiz About Your Child’s Vision

what’s your

Q? How much do you know about vision?

By Dr. Chip Reddy & Dr. Kristen Daniel, Suwanee Vision Center

The answers might surprise you!

1

According to the World Health Organization, up to ____ percent of a person’s lifetime exposure to UV is received by age 18. a) 20 b) 40 c) 60 d) 80

2 The American Optometric Association states that children are at greater risk of UV damage because the __________ of their eyes are more transparent. a) Corneas b) Lenses c) Retinas d) Optic nerves 3 Cataract, macular degeneration and other eye problems have been linked to __________ exposure. a) Visible light b) UV c) Video game d) Junk food 4 Progressive changes in a child’s nearsightedness (myopia) can occur very quickly and is primarily linked to __________. a) Reading too much in dim light b) Excessive video game usage c) Computer use d) Who your parents are (genetics) Two recent studies found that under-correcting near-sightedness with glasses caused __________ versus those that were fully corrected. a) Slightly less near-sightedness b) Slightly more near- sightedness c) No change d) Dramatic decreases in near-sightedness

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6 Astigmatism or warpage of the cornea or lens in the eye is normal in small amounts in most children and poses no vision problem.

However, medium to high amounts can cause headaches, blurred vision and eye strain. a) True b) False 1 Reading an eye chart at schools and pediatrician’s offices is sufficient to pick up all but the rarest eye disorders. a) True b) False 8 Children that are holding reading material extremely close to their eyes most certainly are near-sighted. a) True b) False c) Possibly but this is normal for many kids 9 Many girls between five and ten years of age actually pretend their vision is poor so that they can (hopefully) get some fashionable eyewear. a) True b) False c) Not MY kid, I’m too smart for them to trick ME! 10 Boys between five and ten years of age commonly blink excessively due to a behavioral tic that isn’t related to any real eye disorder. a) True b) False c) My kid wouldn’t do that unless he had a real eye problem!

Answers: 1. D 2. B 3. B 4. D 5. B 6. A 7. B 8. C 9. A 10. A

health

A little back-to-school and summer advice: All children need routine vision exams starting no later than age four.

Sunglasses should ALWAYS be worn outdoors ESPECIALLY on kids.

Only a trained professional can assess vision problems accurately.

o Kids wishio n need v n must io correctm ed at a x be e t ein y leas vre! r yea

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Kim Lewis and Veronica Vasilik

Mitsubishi Electric Celebrates Continued Growth with Facility Expansion

Mitsubishi Electric US Cooling & Heating Division, America’s No. 1 selling brand of ductless cooling and heating technology, celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters in Suwanee, at 1340 Satellite Blvd on April 17. As the division’s fifth headquarters in Gwinnett County since it began operations here in 1992, the facility represents the Cooling & Heating division’s strong growth and continuing long-term investment in Gwinnett County and the greater Atlanta region.

Mitsubishi Electric US Cooling & Heating Division plans to hire more than 100 engineers, warehouse workers and others locally over the next three years to add to its approximately 300 U.S.-wide employee base. The 550,000-square-foot facility is nearly twice the size of the Cooling & Heating Division’s former space and now includes the division’s headquarters, an engineering center, a professional training center and warehouse space.

Crowd Gathers for Suwanee Memorial Day traditions

This year, to celebrate Memorial Day weekend, the city of Suwanee held back-to back events on Friday and Saturday in Suwanee Town Center. Friday night kicked off at 7:00 p.m. with an aerial demonstration by the Aero X team. Aero X is made up of active duty, veteran, and civilian personnel. University of West Georgia’s Concert Band which includes the school’s most advanced woodwind, brass, and percussion players, also performed.

The following night, Suwanee residents came out to support the Atlanta Braves and cheered them to a 6-0 win. The Braves took on the New York Mets and area residents got a prime seat to watch the game on a big inflatable screen. The evening included entertainment with Full Circle band as well as inflatables, games and activities, and even an appearance by the Braves Mascot, Homer.

A Piece Of History Reaches Suwanee

Outside Suwanee City Hall stands a block of concrete approximately 13 feet high. One side is naked and grey, the other covered in brightly colored graffiti art.

This 8,000-pound block is a section of the Berlin Wall, and has been on display in Suwanee while it waited to be auctioned off. It is both a work of art and a piece of history. The barrier was erected by the German Democratic Republic in East Germany to contain the dangerous western ideas that had spread to West Berlin.

The barricade served to restrict emigration from communist Eastern Germany, but it also served as a metaphor. Those inside the barrier expressed their thoughts and feelings on the wall itself, creating the mural we know today, while those on the east side were prevented from even nearing the wall by the “death strip.” The Western side of the section of the Wall on display in Suwanee features images of a building, people, and the American flag. It was found in an East Berlin work camp and has been in the Atlanta area since 1991, but has rarely been on display. At the May 25 auction it was bought by Ray Stanjevich, a local businessman.

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city buzz

MORE PICS IN PEOPLE & PLACES PG. 46

Arts in the Park Makes a Splash

The annual Arts in the Park event took place May 18 at Suwanee Town Center. This year’s festival featured about 60 different artists who displayed, demonstrated, and sold their works. Types of art varied from painting and photography to jewelry and pottery to elemental. Patrons were encouraged to get involved through a chalk art competition. In addition, there were also several performance artists that provided entertainment throughout the day. Artisans included musicians and bands, dancers, magicians, and even a Captain Jack Sparrow impersonator. Local food vendors showed their culinary creativity. Eight different restaurants and food trucks attended, providing a diverse assortment of flavors.

The festival was organized and sponsored by the North Gwinnett Arts Association and the city of Suwanee.

Suwanee PD Celebrates Clyde Byers The Suwanee Police Department celebrated Captain Clyde Byers’ retirement with a reception held on June 7. Byers’ retirement comes after 22 years of service with the Suwanee PD. Congratulations and best wishes to Captain Byers!

Woofstock: Hounds Pound Town Center Park MORE PICS IN PEOPLE & PLACES PG. 48

On May 11, Star 94 held its annual event to celebrate man’s best friend – and all other pets. The people of Suwanee and their four-legged counterparts showed up at Suwanee Town Center for the free event. From noon -7 p.m. residents and their furry friends watched dog exhibitions, participated in pet contests, and listened to live music. There were also inflatables for children, and plenty of vendors, including animal rescue and adoption groups. The musical entertainment was provided by Departure, a Journey tribute band, Gareth Asher, and The Dave Matthews Tribute Band. Food and beverages were also provided by Town Center restaurants and food vendors.

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city buzz

September is Thrombosis Awareness Month in Georgia More than 600,000 people in the United States are estimated to develop venous thromboembolism or clots in the veins every year.

Of these, about 400,000 people develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the legs. Pulmonary embolism, a serious and potentially fatal complication of deep vein thrombosis, affects at least 200,000 people in the United States annually. The Surgeon General has declared that 100,000 to 180,000 Americans die each year due to pulmonary embolism.

Two years ago Atul R. Laddu, MD, PhD, FACC and Jayashree A. Laddu of Suwanee started working with a national organization called North American Thrombosis Forum in an effort to increase the awareness of these two deadly conditions in Georgia.

Through their efforts and the efforts of other volunteers, Sen. Renee Unterman of Buford, became involved with the cause.

On Feb. 1, 2013, Unterman and several others proposed Senate Resolution 133 which was accepted

by Gov. Nathan Deal, and as a result, the governor will declare the month of September as Thrombosis Awareness Month in Georgia.

For more information about the conditions, visit NATF at www.natfonline.org.

Fitch Confirms Suwanee’s AA+ Rating

In June, Fitch Ratings affirmed Suwanee’s general obligation bond rating: AA+. This grade is based on Suwanee’s responsible management of the $19.6 million in general obligation and revenue bonds, which were used to acquire greenspace and develop parks, as well as for the construction of the City Hall. It was also influenced by Suwanee’s sizeable business presence, healthy spending practices, decreased tax rate, pension management, and commercial growth. Fitch Ratings praised Suwanee for its conservative budget, maintenance of reserves, and meticulous financial monitoring and forecasting. They also declared Suwanee’s debt level to be moderate and predict that it will decrease as there are no major spending projects on the horizon.

Fitch Ratings is a company that analyzes financial structures to provide ratings from AAA to D to corporations, institutions, and markets.

GuideOne Insurance Golf Tournament Raises $$$$ for Leukemia Research GuideOne Insurance in Suwanee held a golf tournament at Hamilton Mill Country Club in Dacula on May 13 and raised $1,894 for When Everyone Survives, a leukemia research foundation based in Duluth.

Alison Foskey, Greg Hensley and Joy Booth

Senator Renee Unterman on March 4, 2013 when the Lt. Governor of GA presented the proclamation

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Everett’s Music Barn Helps Local Families Overcome Poverty

On May 17th and 18th, Everett’s Music Barn – also known as the Suwanee Music Barn – raised funds for Family Promise of Gwinnett, a local organization that helps local families overcome poverty and homelessness.

Attendees had the opportunity to listen to live jazz and bluegrass music, attend a cookout, participate in a silent auction and a variety of family friendly activities – all for a great cause. The weekend was just one example of the Music Barn’s long-standing commitment to serving the Suwanee community.

Everett’s Music Barn is located at 4055 Stonecypher Road, Suwanee, GA and hosts live bands every Saturday night.

Annandale Idol Contest Annandale Village held its first Annandale Idol contest on June 8.

Residents participated in a singing competition belting out their favorite songs.

Happenings In The Suwanee School Clusters

schools

So You Want to be a Vet?

Week-long Summer Camp Teaches Children About Veterinary Science any kids think they want to be a veterinarian when they grow up, but most of them have no idea what vets really do.

That’s why Tiger Tails Animal Hospital decided to put together a week-long summer camp for 9-12 year olds. The hospital’s receptionist, Leslie Scarpa, is a former educator and wanted to show students what being a veterinarian is all about.

During the morning sessions, campers were visited by Positive Practice Dog Trainers, the Georgia SPCA, Merial Heart Guard and Frontline manufacturers, and the Gwinnett County K9 unit.

Afternoons were spent with owner and veterinarian Dr. Zach Mills and the rest of Tiger Tails’ staff learning how to read x-rays, run fecal exams, and even observing a surgery. Scarpa intended to limit the camp to ten students, but demand was so high, she raised the limit to fourteen. After the success of this year’s camp, the hospital intends to continue the camp next summer.

For more information and to view a video about this year’s camp, visit Tiger Tails’ website at www. tigertailsanimalhospital.com. ■ Dr. Maryann Vande Linde, Tiger Tails Animal Hospital

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13 JULY//JUNE AUG 13 I MAY

schools

Playground with a purpose Elementary School raises funds for new equipment BY: Amy Wilson alnut Grove Elementary School in Suwanee is home to two very special new pieces of equipment. The school has been working to raise funds for a new playground for their special needs students, and with a recent grant from the Collins Hill Educational Foundation (CHEF), crosscategorical teacher Caroline Little said they have installed two new pieces for the playground.

"One of them is called a Gator Walk,” Little said. “This will help students develop core strength, balance, and coordination. We are receiving this particular piece of equipment through the CHEF grant. The second piece of equipment is the Harry Hippo. It will promote students' gross motor skills by crawling and climbing."

Safety for students is of the utmost importance, and for students with special needs, there are added concerns, so having a playground with equipment

suited to their needs is important. And accordingly, the school wants to make sure the equipment is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) approved.

"This playground is for fun, but serves a bigger purpose," Little added. "We want every piece of equipment to serve as a tool to help progress our students' delays. The next phase will include a sensory playground. This will help our students with specific sensory needs."

The sensory playground area will include equipment that swings, twirls, jumps, and bounces.

The playground fundraiser has been going on for the past two and a half years, and past events included an auction at Trailblazer Day, the school’s yearly fall festival.

Donations are still being accepted, and donations may be mailed to Walnut Grove Elementary School, 75 Taylor Road, Suwanee, Georgia 30024.

Camp Ecology held in June at Level Creek Elementary

Radhika Kulkarni, Ali McCutcheon, Zahra Uddin, Hannah Yi

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The Latest From The Suwanee Art World

Suwanee Performing Arts to bring ‘Shrek The Musical’ to

Broadway in the Park uwanee Performing Arts is preparing to once again bring the freshest Broadway musical production to the community. This year’s annual Broadway in the Park (BiP) feature will be DreamWorks’ “Shrek the Musical,” only becoming available for amateur productions in June 2013. SPA will also be producing “Shooby Doo,” an original one-act parody of an iconic crime solving group of teens and their dog. This familyfriendly, free event is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. July 26 and July 27 - rain or shine - at Town Center Park.

In keeping with SPA’s mission of bringing opportunities to local artists to practice their craft, SPA is excited to showcase the creative output of very talented college students, in addition to featuring the amazing performers found in local middle and high schools. This year, exceptional college interns will be taking the lead in set design, costume design, makeup and stage direction. And SPA is fielding its largest Broadway in the Park cast to date - more than 70 singers, dancers, and actors will take the audience to faraway lands full of mystery and adventure.

“Shrek the Musical,” based on the Oscar® winning DreamWorks film, sees the return of Justin Hermosilla, who portrayed Prince Eric last summer in BiP’s presentation of the Little Mermaid Jr. In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre (Hermosilla) — not a handsome prince — shows up to rescue a feisty princess (Caroline Reynolds). Throw in a donkey who won't shut up (Trey McKeithen), a bad guy with a “short” temper (Brian Wittenberg), a cookie with an attitude and more than a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero.

Luckily, there's one on hand...and his name is Shrek. Full of allnew songs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, Shrek the Musical” is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone!

“Shooby Doo,” written and produced by SPA Founders Berneta Bock Davis and Patricia Etherton, will captivate the audience with humorous spoofs,

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Suwanee Magazine

daring adventure and lots of singing, dancing, and laughter.

“When we heard that “Shrek the Musical” was going to be released for amateur production, I was reminded of how much I loved the movie,” Etherton said. “The humor is unparalleled from the short-statured Lord Farquaad to the chatty dramatic donkey to the sarcastic big-hearted ogre… there is humor for all ages, on top of an overall terrific story. We are tickled to be able to be the first amateur production of this musical in Georgia.

Folks should come prepared to have a really good time!”

Admission is free but plan to make it a family day at the park. Arrive early to claim seats on the lawn and dine at local restaurants. This year, in addition to the traditional reserved table seating for corporate and patron sponsors, there will be a space reserved near the front of the stage designed for families with small children in mind. Audience members can purchase wrist bands for this up-front, blankets-only (no coolers or chairs) space on a first-come, first-served basis at $10 per person beginning at 4:00 p.m. on the day of the show. For more information visit the organization’s website at www.suwanee performingarts.org. ■

NGAA awards NGHS Student Art Scholarship On May 23, the North Gwinnett Arts Association presented the first Rosemary Benavides Williams Student Art Scholarship of $1500 to Skyler Kratofil.

Skyler recently graduated from North Gwinnett High School and will be attending Savannah College of Art & Design.

The award was presented to Skyler by Mayor Jimmy Burnette and President of the NGAA Vickie Johnson. ■

arts

2013

SculpTour

New Suwanee Walking Art Tour Provides Artistic Take On Nature, Family, Human Body & More

Dancer 10 by Jack HowardPotter

rranged as a walkable art encounter, the 2013-15 Suwanee SculpTour pieces offer artistic interpretations and reflections on a broad range of topics, from nature to the human body, from love of family to an appreciation for well-worn tools.

Officially opened at the May 18 Arts in the Park festival, the SculpTour exhibit is arranged as a walking tour through and around Town Center Park.

The exhibit will remain on display through March 2015. Suwanee SculpTour, coordinated by the Public Arts Commission and funded through private donations, is part of the City's public arts initiative.

Pieces included in the exhibit are:

Iron Canopy

by Phil Proctor

Aplomb

Watch for a series on the current SculpTour in several upcoming issues of Suwanee Magazine

Luke Achterberg, Lexington, Kentucky

Music from My Father

Jack Howard-Potter, New York City

Mountain City, Tennessee

Blue Trees and Sky Fred Ajanogha, College Park, Georgia Cathrin Hoskinson, Brooklyn Pick Andrew T. Crawford, Atlanta Crescendo Gregory Johnson, Cumming, Georgia Reflection Michael Russell, Athens, Tennessee Crossing V Christopher Newman, Chicago Ring Bound Davis A. Whitfield IV, Dancer 10 Fay

Cecilia Lueza, St.Petersburg, Florida

(Note: This piece will be installed within the next few weeks)

Crescendo

by Gregory Johnson

Giraffe by Jonathan Bowling

Giraffe

Jonathan Bowling, Greenville, North Carolina

Vertigo

Robert Cordisco, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Who Let the Dogs Out?

Jim Collins, Signal Mountain, Tennessee

Iron Canopy Phil Proctor, Atlanta

More information about the 2013-15 SculpTour is available at www.suwanee.com/whatsnew.sculptour.

Website visitors also may vote for their favorite current sculpture. At the end of each exhibit, provided funding allows, the Public Arts Commission purchases at least one sculpture to be added to Suwanee’s permanent public art collection; unique daily votes are among the factors considered in making the decision of which piece to purchase. â–

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What's New in the World of Craft Beer

what’s ’s

brewing brew brewin ing ing

BY: Curtis Stockwell OF THE BEER GROWLER curtis@thebeergrowler.net

ost beer enthusiasts don’t know too much about these interesting flowers, but they do know one thing for sure: they either like what they do to beer, or they don’t. Hops are unfortunately pegged as only making a beer bitter; on the contrary, they have so much more to offer! I’m going to touch a little bit on the science behind what hops are used for in the brewing process, as well as dissect the hop varieties in a few beers that you most likely have had before!

To start we must understand that almost all beer contains hops, but when we are thinking of hoppy beers, we are typically referring to “hop forward” brews such as India Pale Ales (IPAs) and Pale Ales. With more than 80 hop varieties, brewers are able to implement almost any flavor into their beers. Hops are a natural preservative with flavors generally described as herbal, floral, citrus, or spicy. Hops, or Humulus Iupulus, are a vine with males and females flowering on separate plants. The flowers themselves look like little pinecones. We are only concerned

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with the female flowers, as they are the only ones used in the brewing process.

The three major components of hops used in brewing are categorized into: alpha acids, beta acids, and essential oils.

Alpha acids are associated with bitterness. During the brew process alpha acids are converted into iso-alpha acids and turn into the beer’s primary bittering agent.

Beta acids on the other hand do not isomerize during the brew process but do provide a little bitterness, numerous flavors, and have antimicrobial properties. Most of the flavor and aroma from hops comes from their essential oils, and since they are quite delicate, they are added late in the brewing process so they aren’t lost along the way. As you probably could have guessed, hops

what’s brewing

high in alpha acid and low in beta acid and essential oils are used for bittering, which means that hops high in beta acids and essential oils and low in alpha acids are used for flavor and aroma.

As we have come to find with many aspects of brewing there are always exceptions, and hop varieties are no different. Some varieties such as Centennial, Cascade, and Warrior serve both to provide aroma and flavor as well as bittering properties.

To finish this brief introduction to hops let’s look at two local beers to see what kind of hops are used so you have an idea of what you’re getting into next time you grab one!

To start, we’ll discuss Sweetwater 420… perhaps most of you have enjoyed a pint or two of this brew before. Centennial and Cascade hops are used in its brewing process and bring a nice crisp hop character.

Centennial hops offer over-the-top citrus flavor and aroma as well as some floral aroma notes. Cascade hops are very floral, smelling of citrus and sometimes grapefruit. Cascade hops are very popular in American Pale Ales. Terrapin Hopsecutioner is an IPA (my personal favorite) and uses a few different varieties of hops: Warrior, Chinook, Centennial, Simcoe, Amarillo, and is dry hopped with Cascade. Warrior hops offer a clean smooth bitterness. Chinook hops bring an herbal, earthy, smoky, piney character with a dash of citrus on the side. Simcoe offers pine, wood, and citrus bitterness. Amarillo hops are semisweet and supercitrusy, almost orange-like.

So next time you grab a 420 or a Hopsecutioner you will know a little bit more about what’s going on with each sip. Remember to keep trying new beers, you will be surprised with what you find! ■

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people & places Fireman 5K

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Upcoming Suwanee Area Events

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July 2013

3 Farmers Market

Every Saturday 8am-12pm & Tuesday 4pm-7pm Town Center Park

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2013 Sparks in the Park Wednesday, July 3rd E.E. Robinson Park, Sugar Hill

Duluth Celebrates America Wednesday, July 3rd Scott Hudgens Park, Duluth

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Prelude to the 4th Wednesday, July 3rd Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, Lawrenceville

Independence Day! Suwanee Business Alliance Meeting Wednesday, July 10th 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Frank's Place

Broadway in the Park Friday, July 26th & Saturday, 27th 7:00 pm Town Center Park

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August 2013 2

3rd annual Miss Suwanee @ Annandale Village

14

Wednesday, August 14 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Image Makers Salon

Saturday, August 3rd Annandale Village

7

First Day of School for Gwinnett County Students

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Food Truck Friday August 2nd 7:00 pm Town Center Park

August Concert Eve 6 Saturday, August 10th 7:00 pm Town Center Park

Suwanee Business Alliance Meeting

17

Blimpie Fit Fest Saturday, August 17th 7:30 am Town Center Park

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Movies Under the Stars

The Croods Saturday, August 24th 7:00 pm Town Center Park

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SOCCER

Our soccer leagues run throughout the year for both Youth and Adults. We have leagues for both recreational and experienced.

• SUNDAY- COED • TUESDAY- 35 & OVER • WEDNESDAY- WOMEN’S OPEN • THURSDAY- COED REC • FRIDAY- MEN’S OPEN

After-school program will include time for the kids to do their homework. Activities including soccer, football, kickball, P.E. games, relay races, and inflatable’s will give kids an opportunity to develop their athletic abilities, while also emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, and most importantly, fun.

FOOTBALL

Suwanee Indoor has the best Indoor Flag Football League in Gwinnett.

We offer youth and adult leagues all year long. Our Monday night adult league has two levels of competition • D1 ELITE DIVISION FOR THE EXPERIENCED FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYERS • D2 RECREATIONAL DIVISION FOR THE GUYS THAT JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN WITH IT.

BIRTHDAYS

Suwanee Indoor offers party packages to help you make your next birthday, team party, special event, or corporate celebration unforgettable and TONS OF FUN! Our parties are held on our indoor turf fields to give you a party that you can eat, drink, and work up a sweat.

4285 BROGDON EXCHANGE | SUWANEE, GA 30024 PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OR EMAIL FOR DETAILS ON ANY OF OUR PROGRAMS:

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Forty-threesh interactive fountain at Big Spla Find more reasons to love Suwanee and share yours at www.suwanee.com/100reasons.