Suwanee Magazine July - August 2019 by Suwanee Magazine

JULY / AUGUST ‘19

Best Wings in Suwanee Contest Last year we took on the challenge of finding the best tacos in Suwanee. This year we wanted to spice things up and went in search of the best chicken wings in Suwanee!

PHOTO BY KARL LAMB

Tanya Mendoza, the planning editor for FOX 5's “Good Day Atlanta,” samples one of the entries in the 2019 Best Wings in Suwanee Contest.

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Suwanee Magazine

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:

Suwanee Sports Academy

Suwanee’s premier multi-sports complex is in the business of building confidence by giving local youth the tools they need to play a sport.

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PHOTO BY CHIP HOGSED

LIVIN’ IT UP WITH LIZZY:

Exclusive Interview with

ATL UTD 2’s Patrick Okonkwo

We met up with ATL UTD 2’s Patrick Okonkwo to learn how he went from Nigeria to Jamaica to Suwanee before landing a spot with the Atlanta United franchise.

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 Crazy Dough’s Pizza is one of the new restaurants at Sugar Hill's SHINE District.

Sugar Hill City Buzz:

Sugar Hill’s New SHINE District Sugar Hill's new SHINE district is a nod to the history of moonshining on the ’Hooch and a highlight of the growing downtown focused on arts and entertainment.

BREWERY SPOTLIGHT:

Six Bridges Brewing We sat down with the father-son duo behind Six Bridges who are bringing their passion for craft beer to Johns Creek.

19 Investment Strategies

Suwanee’s Aileron Investment Advisors, a comprehensive financial planning firm run by father-daughter team Bill and Cindi Porter, has the tools you need to invest in your future.

20 Brand Aid with VDG

The do's and don'ts to keep in mind when building your website.

34 iCan Bike Gwinnett

The Guide Project, a local nonprofit that helps find inclusive activities for people living with disabilities, brings iCan Bike Gwinnett to Suwanee.

41 The Faces of Suwanee

We teamed up with The Faces of Suwanee to highlight conversations with people in our community. First up is Kevin and Donna O’Brien, founders of Cooper’s Crew.

48 Simply Done Donuts Duluth’s popular coffee and mini donut shop packs big flavor into bite-size packages.

50 Sippin' in the Sun

Suwanee’s Sip Happens breaks down which wines pair best with Georgia’s hot summer days.

Interview with StillFire Brewing’s Brewmaster, Phil Farrell Ahead of Suwanee’s new hometown brewery opening in September, we chatted with StillFire’s brewmaster about his favorite style of beer, craft brewing trends and his rubber chicken.

in every issue: 8 Editor’s Letter 11 Currently Loving 64 City Buzz 74 People & Places 80 Event Calendar

a note from our managing editor

• • • • • •••• •• • • • • • • • my job for many reasons. Every day I am surrounded by smart, creative people who constantly inspire me both professionally and personally. It’s also quite literally part of my job to immerse myself in the community and become familiar with the many people, places and things that make Suwanee and Gwinnett County such an incredible place to call home. And part of that includes partaking in all of the restaurant fare around town. (Hey, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do in the name of journalism.) One of the biggest perks I’ve found so far in my role here at Suwanee Magazine has been participating as a judge in our Best Wings in Suwanee Contest. We invited five restaurants in Suwanee to come to our office and put their best chicken wing forward to compete for the top honor. A seasoned group of judges including Courtney Spiess of Taste of Marietta, Skye Estroff of Taste of Atlanta, and Tanya Mendoza of Fox 5/ WGA TV were tasked with the difficult job of selecting their favorite wing based on appearance, taste and ON THE COVER: overall impression. It Cheeky Crafty Cantina's Agave Chipotle Lime Wings photographed was meaty, juicy, spicy by Karl Lamb on May 30th. and a little (okay, a lot) messy, but we were able to unanimously choose a winner. Find out who on p. 24. What goes better with wings than beer? Head over to p. 54 for a Q&A with StillFire Brewing’s head brewmaster Phil Farrell, who talks shop about his favorite style of beer to brew, craft beer trends, and why he carries a rubber chicken with him wherever he goes. (Hint: It has something to do with the Poultry Capital of the World.) We also caught up with the father-son team I LOVE

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PHOTO COURTESY BERT’S BIG ADVENTURE

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behind Six Bridges Brewing, who bring their passion for craft beer to Johns Creek. Read more about what they’re up to on p. 60. In addition to seeking out our city’s best wings, we also ventured over to downtown Duluth to spotlight one of my personal favorites: Simply Done Donuts. On p. 48, I go into more detail about why their simple yet nostalgic Fruity Pebbles donut has stolen my heart. Another perk of the job is meeting incredible people who have dedicated their lives to making our community a better and more inclusive place to live. Stacey and Dan Chaney are doing just that with The Guide Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding and creating opportunities for people with disabilities and their families. From July 15-19, the Guide Project brings iCan Bike Gwinnett, a national program that uses adaptive equipment and specially trained instructors to teach people with disabilities to ride a bike independently, to Suwanee. Read more on p. 34. Speaking of inspiring people, in this issue’s edition of Livin’ it Up With Lizzy, contributing writer Lizzy Kidney met up with ATL UTD 2’s Patrick Okonkwo to learn how he went from Nigeria to Jamaica to Suwanee before landing a spot with the Atlanta United franchise. Read the Q&A on p. 38. The greatest perk of all, however, is being able to connect with people in the community and tell their stories. Whether it’s leaving corporate America to open a donut shop, traveling the world with a rubber chicken in tow, or creating opportunities for people of all abilities, everyone has a story to tell, and we’re happy to highlight them here in Suwanee Magazine.

NOMINATE A DESERVING FAMILY FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME WITH BERT’S BIG ADVENTURE Bert’s Big Adventure is a nonprofit organization that provides an all-expenses-paid five-day trip to Walt Disney World® for children with a chronic or terminal illness and their families. They are now accepting applications and nominations for children to join the magic on the 2020 trip. In order to qualify, children must be between the ages of 5 and 12, be diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness, and have never been to Walt Disney World®. The family must prove financial need and live in the radio listening area of “The Bert Show,” a nationally syndicated morning radio show based in Atlanta. The complete application and nomination forms are now available online. There is also an option to anonymously nominate families. All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, September 10, 2019. The selection process is not based on votes, and only one nomination per child will be accepted. Families do not have to be nominated to apply. Families who are selected will be notified no later than Friday, January 10, 2020. ➤ For more information on how to nominate a child and/or family or apply for your own family, visit BertsBigAdventure.org/ nominate-a-child-or-apply.

LET'S BE FRIENDS

Join the Suwanee Magazine Community: facebook.com/ SuwaneeMagazine

ALICIA CARTER, MANAGING EDITOR

@suwaneemagazine on Twitter

Alicia@suwanee magazine.com

@suwaneemagazine on Instagram

ANGELA VEUGELER President / Editor-in-Chief angela@suwaneemagazine.com RANDALL VEUGELER Vice President and Publisher ALICIA CARTER Managing Editor TAMMY LUNEY Ad Manager ads@suwaneemagazine.com

Creative Director RANDALL VEUGELER Art Director ERICA ABRAMS Writers LIZZY KIDNEY NATALIE STUBBS • NICOLE FORDREE MADISON COATS

Production Manager DARREN OUELLETTE Web Editors WALT WOODEN • CLARKE GLIDEWELL Digital Marketing Manager PRISCILLA SALMASI Graphic Design APRIL MILLER • SHAY HARBAUGH BRIAN HASSINGER • LAURA HOLCOMBE RYAN THOMAS • VANESSA STUDEBAKER

Photographers KARL LAMB • JULIE PERDUE WALT WOODEN

JULIE PERDUE Executive Sales and Business Development julie@suwaneemagazine.com

Sales Development SUE BROWN PUBLISHED BY VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP 554 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Buford, GA 30518 SuwaneeMagazine.com

For SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES or BACK ISSUE ORDERS, call 678-482-2270. For ADVERTISING INQUIRES, call 678-482-2270, or email info@suwaneemagazine.com.

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. ©2019 Veugeler Design Group. The editors welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please email submissions to Alicia Carter at Alicia@suwaneemagazine.com.

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BEST GIFT

SMALL BLESSINGS

A friend recently gifted me a Blessings Bracelet from Sugar Hill’s Mint Juleps during a particularly difficult time in my life. The bracelet is meant to be worn as a reminder of all of the blessings in your life. Anytime you’re feeling defeated or if you find yourself concentrating on the negative, simply look at the four pearls on the bracelet and think of four people or things you are grateful for. It’s a daily reminder to concentrate on the good and to find the joy in life. MintJulepsShop.com - Alicia Carter, Managing Editor

Snapshots of the food, shops, events and more we’re loving around town.

BEST GIRL'S NIGHT

Summer Treats

A CUSTOM DIY EXPERIENCE My best friend booked a class at Board & Brush in Johns Creek as a birthday gift a little while back, and I’m so obsessed I’ve been four more times! Board & Brush offers workshops to build on-trend, farmhouseclassic, inspirational pieces of décor. The teachers walk you through the process step by step, making it fun and easy for anyone (whether you’re crafty or not!). With personal customization, holiday themes, and frequent new releases, there’s a different design for everyone and there’s always something you’ll want to return and make. Plus, who needs an excuse for BYOB girls’ night? BoardandBrush.com/johnscreek - Natalie Stubbs, Account Executive

Delicious “Queso-role” From the moment I saw a photo of Beto’s Tacos’ Choriqueso posted on their Facebook I knew that I had to try it. I mean — queso plus chorizo, need I say more? So I gathered a group of coworkers and an eager intern to head to the Suwanee restaurant to check it out. Pro tip: Use a fork, because it’s thicker than a traditional queso dip. We coined it a “queso-role.” It was delicious and unlike anything we’ve had around town. BetosTacos.com

BEST DIP

I recently heard a lot of buzz about the newest rolled ice cream place in Suwanee, Freezing Moo, so on the first day of summer break, I took my little brother to see what all the hype was about — and it did not disappoint! These delicious ice cream rolls are handmade with milk in a flavor of your choice, then poured over an ice grill where the ingredients are mixed in and rolled together. I highly recommend the Strawbella ice cream that features freshly sliced strawberries, Nutella, and graham cracker. It really is the perfect summer treat! FreezingMoo.com

BEST ICE CREAM

- Lizzy Kidney, Contributing Writer

- Alicia Carter, Managing Editor

suwanee business community news and info.

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES 1 9

BRAND AID WITH VDG: WEBSITE DESIGN DO's AND DON'Ts 20

B U S I N E S S

S P OT L I G H T

SUWANEE SPORTS ACADEMY Suwaneeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier multi-sports complex is in the business of building confidence. BY ALICIA CARTER / PHOTOS BY KARL LAMB

There’s a palatable kinetic energy at Suwanee Sports Academy. Not only is it present in the motion of the players on the court, but it’s also apparent in the drive of its leadership, who facilitate a safe space for students to learn, grow their skills, and establish a sense of self. “We are in the business of building confidence,” says Christy Howard, Suwanee Sports Academy’s assistant general manager and assistant volleyball director. “We give you the tools to learn how to play a sport and then build on that. One of our tag lines is to ‘build your future,’ and that’s what Suwanee Sports Academy helps to do. We help build you through the process.”

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➽ THE 100,000-SQUARE-FOOT multi-sport complex, featuring seven basketball courts, 11 volleyball courts, and an off-court training area, provides training and development programs for athletes of all ages. The coaching staff has decades of experience working with athletes to help mold them into competitive and productive teammates and individuals at all levels. “We invest in the coaches who will invest in the kids,” says Vincent Scales, SSA’s general manager. “Kids come here to learn. Whether they are training or coming here for summer camp or coming to play in a league, we focus on training and teaching every time they are on the court. It’s not about trophies or wins or losses, it’s about ‘did I get better?’ We want you to learn, develop, grow, and get better. We want to help prepare you for your future.” On a recent evening in June, the complex was teeming with energy as Howard and her team prepared for the start of SSA’s summer programs. As a line forms for the students to receive their official SSA volleyball shirts, the sounds of sneakers against the court’s floor, the slap of hands serving a volleyball, and the coach’s whistle piercing through the commotion signal that practice is about to start.

GROW I BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Suwanee Sports Academy’s Christy Howard watches on as the students participate in volleyball drills such as Snatch, a fun warmup exercise.

The SSA coaches lead the students through a series of stations that help improve their skills.

VOLLEYBALL

➽ On the court, a group of girls ranging in age from elementary school to high school, pair up with a volleyball placed on the floor between them. The girls squat into “ready” position with their hands out in front of them, each channeling a boxer waiting for the fight to begin. Cindy Young, director of volleyball, asks the group if they’re ready, and then begins her chant: “Shoulders! Head! Nose! Knees! Feet! Back!” The girls follow Young’s instructions, moving their hands in unison from their shoulders to their head to their nose, knees, feet and back. Finally, Young shouts, “Snatch!” and the girls all reach to grab the ball before bursting into laughter that fills the gymnasium. “This is a great warmup for the group,” Howard says. “If we asked

them to sit in squat position, many of them would say that their legs hurt, but when we turn it into a game like this, they’re able to get into those fundamental and strengthening positions without a second thought. It makes it fun for them.” And this is a big part of what SSA strives to do: create an environment of learning while also making it fun for the students. “We focus on individual training so each player receives the proper fundamental training to help foster a love for the sport of volleyball,” Young says. “Our coaches have years of playing and coaching experience, and we hire coaches who are passionate about mentoring young women and making a positive impact on their lives.” On this day on the court, it’s clear that the coaches are passionate about what they do and the students they teach. As the girls break out into groups, there’s a sea of high-fives and pats on the back before the serious work begins. SSA offers year round volleyball training programs and competitive leagues for girls of all skill levels, from elementary to high school. Players are divided into skill groups that challenge them according to their individual needs. SSA also offers elementary training programs that include technique training and modified competitive games that serve as a great introduction to the sport of volleyball.

BASKETBALL

➽ Across the building there are more sneakers squeaking on the court, but this time it’s a co-ed group practicing basketball drills: layups, free throws, three-point shots and more. The group is participating in the summer basketball camp, which provides players in grades 4-10 with the skills necessary to strengthen their confidence, improve their skills, and take their game play to the next level. Beginning in August, SSA will offer two training programs for students looking to improve their skills and grow within the sport. The Rookies program is geared toward elementary school students who are just getting

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Suwanee Sports Academy is home to a number of basketball programs to help students grow their skills and love for the sport.

into the sport. “We focus on building fundamentals through stations, fun competitions and controlled game play,” says Nadiya Miller, SSA’s operations manager and assistant basketball director. The Future Stars program, however, is targeted toward elementary and middle school kids who want to advance their skills and competitiveness. “The program is designed so players are put through a combination of training stations and controlled game play,” Miller says. “This allows them to apply what they’ve learned through the stations to game situations, and also prepares players to try out for their school’s feeder program or school team.” While the focus is always on improving skills and building confidence on and off the court, SSA strives to also be a place of inclusion, especially in an area that is known for its outstanding and competitive sports leagues and athletes. “We provide an environment that takes some of the pressure away,” Scales says.

“Everybody wants to feel like they matter. Here you can be a part of a team and you matter to these people. You belong to something.”

MYSPORT

In addition to the basketball and volleyball programs, Suwanee Sports Academy also offers MySport, an after-school program that’s ideal for parents looking for something

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different from traditional after-school care. There is time set aside for homework, as well as an opportunity to learn the sport of the day. By offering the chance for kids to participate in different activites, it opens the door to a lifelong love of sports and creates another opportunity to get kids moving and active, promoting a healthy lifestyle and instilling confidence. When it comes down to what sets Suwanee Sports Academy apart from other similar sports complexes, everyone agrees that the staff is

really the heart of the operation. “Each of us genuinely enjoys what we do and the evidence can be seen all around — every smiling face after a made jump shot, ace served, and dodgeball victory is the very spark that ignites the flame here at Suwanee Sports Academy,“ says MySport co-directors Alexis Moore and Morgan Rooks. “We open our doors each day at the chance to make a positive and lasting impact on our community. The families who participate in our programs are the very heartbeat of who we are and we are incredibly grateful to be a part of their lives.” ■

Suwanee Sports Academy is located at 3640 Burnette Road in Suwanee. For more information, visit SSASPORTS.com.

INVESTMENT S T R AT E G I E S

BY: Bill and Cindi Porter,

AILERON INVESTMENT ADVISORS

HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT TO SEE IF A NEW PRODUCT OR SERVICE WILL BE A FINANCIAL SUCCESS, BEFORE I INVEST? Much less than in the past.  A challenge that we face today as investors is

that the time frame cycle for new investments keeps getting shorter and shorter. For example, let’s consider the historical timeline for nine common products. The measure will be the number of years it took from its introduction to the point where 80% of U.S. households owned or used the item or service:

1878 - telephone – 91 years 1902 – air-conditioning – 86 years 1880 – electricity – 69 years 1903 – automobiles – 67 years 1941 – television – 46 years 1982 – computer – 29 years 1984 – cell phone – 25 years 1990 – internet – 21 years 2007 – smart phones – 10 years1

The speed of innovation and the speed at which it is adapted by consumers are both accelerating rapidly. As a result, the time for identifying new investment opportunities, before their prices reflect widespread popularity, is shrinking. For example, Netflix, which seemingly replaced Blockbuster overnight, became a staple in American households in just seven years. In 2012, Netflix stock sold for as low as $7.70 a share. In 2018 – just 6 years later – the stock sold for as high as $408.25 a share.2 As is so often the case, investing sooner was clearly better than later. However, the shorter assessment window can potentially make investing more stressful and riskier. Not all, or even most, new ventures are a big success. The Small Business Administration reports that approximately 20% of new businesses fail in the first year.3 Buying stocks involves calculated risk taking – not sure thing taking. New opportunities and their inherent risks provide a good topic of conversation for you and your trusted advisor. 1. www.oppenheimerfunds.com/advisors/article/conversations-compelling-wealth-management 2. www.morningstar.com/stocks/xnas/nflx/quote.html 3. www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/advocacy/Frequently-Asked-Questions-Small-Business-2018.pdf

Securities and advisory services offered through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor. MAS and Aileron Investment Advisors are not affiliated entities. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal.

Send your investment questions to: submissions@ SuwaneeMagazine.com

BRAND-AID

MARKETING TIPS FROM

VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP

Website Design DOs and DON’Ts echnology is a fickle thing — one minute you’re chugging along on cruise control in the HOV lane, bypassing the poor souls stuck in rush-hour traffic, and the next minute you’re failing to merge back into the main lanes after a sudden road closure. Even digital marketing professionals can sometimes have trouble keeping up. But as algorithms, design trends and strategies change, there are tried-andtrue fundamentals that we can always count on — and come back to when we need to catch our breath. And as thankful as we ALICIA are for those fundamentals, CARTER, CONTENT it’s crucial to make sure you’re MARKETING MANAGER, on the right side of them, and VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP not unintentionally holding on to bygone strategies that can  Alicia applies her decade of actually hurt your bottom line. experience working in content While most of our articles focus creation and social media to help clients create a digital on what you should do, this marketing strategy to reach one will also focus on what more customers and generate not to do. When speaking leads. She blogs regularly for Veugeler Design Group about with small businesses and topics ranging from digital evaluating their current marketing strategies and digital marketing strategies website optimization to social media tips and strategies. and web design needs, we come across many of the same mistakes again and again. These mistakes aren’t necessarily the fault of those businesses, however, but of their holding on to archaic strategies and design ideas that no longer apply in the current digital landscape.

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DO: Incorporate responsive design A responsive website responds well to all of the different devices a person will use to view your website — mobile, tablet and desktop. These websites are designed to adapt to all screen sizes to ensure a good user experience no matter what device they’re using. And since customers are viewing your site on a number of devices and screen resolutions, of mobile users say they need to be able to properly view, use and that a seamless navigate your website experience across

83%

all devices is very important. - IMPACT

no matter which they choose to use. Your site’s design and navigation must flow seamlessly between all devices or else you risk driving customers away. According to Iron Paper, nearly 8 in 10 customers would stop engaging with content that doesn’t display well on their device. A few years ago, businesses only had to concentrate on desktop and mobile, meaning they would just build a separate design for each device. These days, that line of thinking doesn’t cut it. There are many web-capable devices on the market, and it isn’t practical to create a separate design for each of them, which is why having a responsive design is so important.

DON’T: Hide CTAs What if your website design is good enough to draw people in, but prevents them from staying on the site longer to dig for more information? They’ve read your content and are interested in the services you offer, but there’s no way for them to search deeper into the site. Because of this, they leave your site and you’ve missed an opportunity to convert the lead. Without clear and effective calls to action (CTAs), a potential customer has no way to gather more information before making the decision whether or not to do business with you. It could be as simple as a “Click For More Information” button, which takes them to a contact form. Or it could be a CTA to download an offer such as a guide, whitepaper, or something else of value to the customer. By submitting their name and contact information, they can receive a content offer that shows them that you’re a leader in your industry. Plus, obtaining their contact info will allow you to follow up with them in the future.

Marketers who use video have reported growing revenue

DON’T: Fail to link to social media Outside of your website, it’s important to connect with potential (or current) customers where they are spending their time. And these days, that means social media. If a person is interested in a business, he or she is likely to “like” it on Facebook, or follow it on other channels such as Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, among others, to keep up to date on the latest information about the company. And in today’s social world, it’s important to be present and active on the different social platforms, especially considering 92% of marketers say social media is important to their businesses. Knowing this, it would be a rookie mistake to exclude links to your social accounts on your website. Make sure they’re prominently displayed not only on the homepage, but also on your “contact us” page.

49%

faster than non-video users. - WordStream

DO: Incorporate video on your site While well-written content is extremely effective and an important piece of your website, visual marketing is an increasingly desirable and game-changing marketing tool. It's been reported that marketers who use video grow revenue 49% faster than non-video users. And let's not forget that videos qualify as content, so they can help with your SEO and Google rankings in the same way a blog post can. Incorporating video on your website allows you to showcase your business’s personality, help boost your Google ranking, and positively impact your ROI. In fact, 51% of marketing professionals worldwide name video as the type of content with the best ROI.

These do's and don’ts are just a few things to consider when setting out to create a successful website. If you’d like more information about how to ensure your website will work for your business, visit vdgatl.com.

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Veugeler Design Group

THANK YOU GWINNETT! For naming us the Gwinnett Daily Post Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice

2019 BEST WEBSITE DESIGN FIRM

Call or email us f or a FREE, no-s tringsattached w ebsite assessmen t.

Veugeler Design Group 678-482-2270 / info@vdgatl.com / VDGatl.com

WEBSITE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

BRANDING

GRAPHIC DESIGN

DIGITAL /INBOUND MARKETING

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Friends American Grill’s House Wings

Spice Wing’s Kickin’ Bourbon Wings

Taco Mac’s Beer-Brined Asian Sweet Heat Wings

Banana’s Kickin’ Lemon Pepper Wings

Cheeky Crafty Cantina’s Agave Chipotle Lime Wings

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SUWANEE MAGAZINE ANNUAL FOOD ISSUE

Last year we took on the challenge of finding the best tacos and margaritas in Suwanee, but this year we decided to spice things up and tasked ourselves with finding Suwaneeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best chicken wing.

BY LIZZY KIDNEY PHOTOS BY KARL LAMB

THE JUDGES: COURTNEY SPIESS

THE CONTEST: Suwanee Magazine invited local restaurants with chicken wings on their menu to participate in our Best Wings in Suwanee contest. In the end, five restaurants pulled through and delivered the biggest, sauciest, most mouthwatering wings to our office. We then gave the task of picking a winner to four distinguished individuals from the greater Atlanta area. We also gave our Suwanee Magazine staff the incredibly difficult task of voting for the “People’s Choice Award” winner. When all was said and done, we discovered that Suwanee has some delicious wing options — but in the end, only one could be crowned the winner!

JUDGING : C R I T E R I Ased

dged ba Each wing was ju ries: on three catego

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MARKETING AND PR COORDINATOR FOR THE MARIETTA VISITORS BUREAU ➤ Courtney Spiess moved to Atlanta a year and a half ago and is the current Marketing and PR Coordinator for the Marietta Visitors Bureau. In addition to promoting tourism, you will find Courtney coordinating Taste of Marietta, Cobb County’s longest running and largest food festival. She loves trying new restaurants in and around metro Atlanta and serves as a volunteer Young Life leader at Marietta High School.

ALICIA CARTER

MANAGING EDITOR SUWANEE MAGAZINE ➤ As managing editor of Suwanee Magazine, Alicia Carter’s job is to know the city of Suwanee inside and out, including all of the organizations, people and businesses who call it home. Throughout her 10-year career in media, she’s met a number of people doing amazing things, but it wasn’t until landing a job at Suwanee Magazine that she experienced the true power of community. In addition to her role with the magazine, Alicia is part of the marketing team behind Suwanee Beer Fest and Suwanee Wine Fest.

TANYA MENDOZA

GDA PLANNING EDITOR FOX 5/WGA TV ➤ Tanya Mendoza is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has worked in local news for more than 20 years. She has worked at FOX 5 as the planning editor for “Good Day Atlanta” for 13 years. Mendoza books all guests for the show and also assists in setting up all anchor stories. Through her unique position, she is able to meet A-list guests including actors, recording artists and authors. Mendoza also books all cooking segments and coordinates the Burgers with Buck segment, where she seeks out unique burgers throughout Atlanta for anchor Buck Lanford to feature each week. When she is not at work she is usually at a Zumba or Pilates class. Her longterm goal is to write her own cookbook and travel the world.

SKYE ESTROFF

MARKETING AND MEDIA MANAGER FOR TASTE OF ATLANTA ➤ Skye Estroff is the marketing and media manager for Atlanta’s largest and longest-running food festival, Taste of Atlanta. Skye manages all television, radio and print media relationships in addition to strategizing and planning all social media. She is an Atlanta native, a University of Georgia grad, and an expert in Atlanta’s best food. Taste of Atlanta has been Atlanta’s premier food and beverage festival for 16 years straight, featuring more than 90 local restaurants. This year’s festival is set to take place October 18-20.

Friends American Grill’s

HOUSE WINGS

These wings are fried to a crispy finish and tossed in Friends American Grill’s signature Buffalo Cajun Sauce.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “I love the taste and the nice kick of spice at the end!” “I really liked how these wings were seasoned!”

Taco Mac’s

BEER-BRINED ASIAN SWEET HEAT WINGS

Recently winning the 40th Annual Taco Mac Wing Competition, these wings are air fried, not oil fried, for a healthy alternative. Brined in Slow Pour Brewery’s Lager Jammin’, these sweet tasting wings end with a spicy zing.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “I really liked the unique flavor these wings had!” “I really enjoyed the little crunch and the sweet and spicy combo was a nice touch!”

Banana’s

KICKIN’ LEMON PEPPER WINGS

These wings are marinated in a lemon pepper brine and then tossed in a house seasoning mix before frying. Boasting a combination of Buffalo and Lemon Pepper Sauces, these wings are sure to please.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “The flavor combination is awesome!” “Left me lickin’ my fingers!”

Spice Wing’s

KICKIN’ BOURBON WINGS This special Bourbon sauce is a spiked alternative to the normal buttery hot wings. Starting sweet but ending with a kick, they will leave you wanting more.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “The sweetness is the bomb! I would definitely order these again!” “Loved the sweetness to this wing! Definitely made it different from the others!”

Suwanee Magazine

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Just two hours away from Atlanta, Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge is welcoming those with a thirst for nature and adventure this summer! The property is nestled in the Chattahooche National Forest and offers a rustic mountain-top lodge, cozy wooded cabins and unique campsites for an adventure getaway. With gorgeous views of the 729-foot Amicalola Falls and outdoor adventure activities like hiking, 3-D archery, GPS scavenger hunts and ziplining, there are endless options for thrill-seekers of all ages. The Maple Restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new summer menu features mouthwatering barbecue with classic Southern sides, perfect for a delicious meal accompanied by stunning views of Amicalola Falls State Park. For your favorite local craft beer, hand-selected wines and spirits, visit the Mountain View Bar to enjoy a glass with a gorgeous view.

AmicalolaFallsLodge.com 1-800-573-9656

THE RESULTS: CHEEKY CRAFTY CANTINA’S

AGAVE CHIPOLTE LIME WINGS RUNNER UP: Spice Wing’s Kickin’ Bourbon Wings

PEOPLE’S CHOICE FOR BEST WINGS WAS ALSO

CHEEKY'S AGAVE CHIPOLTE LIME WING!

PEOPLES’ COMMENTS: “One of the best wings I’ve ever had!” “The perfect ratio of spice to flavor!”

RUNNER UP: Taco Mac’s Beer-Brined Asian Sweet Heat Wings

E E N A W U S S G N I BEST W

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Since 2007, we have been making Scratch Margaritas made to order! H o m e o f t h e $ 2 . 5 0 Te c a t e Ta l l B o y ! Pour Your Own Beer!

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E a t A t C h e e k y. c o m Suwanee Magazine

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Cheeky Crafty Cantina’s

AGAVE CHIPOTLE LIME WINGS

These wings are fried to perfection and tossed with a sauce that starts sweet but ends on a spicy note. This succulent sauce is made from scratch with blue agave nectar, smoky chipotle peppers, and fresh lime.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “The spice is bold yet flavorful!” “They were nicely plated, spicy, and perfectly saucy to where you definitely needed some napkins!”

THE FACES OF SUWANEE your health,

wellness and happiness

LIVIN' IT UP WITH LIZZY: ATL UTD 2'S PATRICK OKONKWO 38

A GUIDING LIGHT The Guide Project, a local nonprofit that helps find inclusive activities for people living with disabilities, brings iCan Bike Gwinnett to Suwanee. BY ALICIA CARTER

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GUIDE PROJECT

➽ BECOMING A parent is filled with many joys, some fears, and a whole lot of love. Becoming a parent of a child with special needs, however, comes with its own unique set of joys and fears, but there’s also equal amounts of unwavering and unconditional love. Stacey and Dan Chaney are a testament to that. As parents to two sons, one with disabilities and one without, they know all too well the challenges — and joys and fears and love — that come with parenting children with diverse needs. One of those challenges arose whenever they looked for enrichment opportunities for both of their sons, such as camps, sports, and other similar activities. “In our parenting journey, we realized that the opportunities that Stacey and Dan Chaney were available to each of them were quite different,” Stacey says. “Programs that would be a good fit for my son with disabilities were much harder to find.” In light of this, Stacey and Dan set out to fill a void in the community with The Guide Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding and creating opportunities for inclusion for people with disabilities and their families. “We want to give them choices, opportunities, and some of the life-enriching experiences that others may take for granted,” Stacey says.

A MISSION OF INCLUSION

➽ While The Guide Project works to find and foster inclusive opportunities for people with special needs, it also looks for activities to pair people with disabilities with those without. They believe that while it’s important to find enriching experiences that connect those with similar abilities, it’s equally important to highlight activities that connect people of all abilities.

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iCan Bike Gwinnett uses adaptable bicycles to teach people with disabilities to ride a bike independently.

“We really believe that everyone benefits from inclusion,” Stacey says. “Our neurotypical son learns just as much from his brother as he teaches him, and we see that every day. Their relationship is truly and genuinely mutually beneficial, and we want that to be the way of the world.” Stacey notes that Gwinnett County offers many great programs for people with disabilities, and her family has utilized many of them. The Guide Project’s overall mission is to highlight these programs so that others are able to participate in them as well.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GUIDE PROJECT

THRIVE I NONPROFITS

Guide Project looks for in an inclusive event for the community. “I spoke to a mom of a child who completed the program several years ago, and she said she had only one word to describe it: magical,” Stacey says. “That just confirmed what we already knew: iCan Bike had to come to our community.” With iCan Bike, The Guide Project is fulfilling its mission to find and create opportunities for people of all abilities to join together. And while the ultimate goal is to highlight these opportunities for people living with disabilities, Stacey notes how important it is for their families as well. “Raising a child with disabilities can be very isolating, - Stacey Chaney especially if their only options are programs that keep them separate from people without disabilities,” she says. “We think inclusion will help everyone.” ■

iCAN BIKE

➽ One such program is iCan Bike, which uses innovative, researchbased methodology and specially trained instructors to teach people with disabilities to ride a bike independently. When Stacey first heard about iCan Bike, she knew she wanted to bring it to Gwinnett. “It touched on one of the things at the core of what we were trying to accomplish — ensuring people with disabilities don't miss out on those life-enriching experiences,” she says. “Even if you're not an avid cyclist, it's likely that bicycling plays some role in your memories: riding bikes with neighborhood kids, going on family bike rides, or renting Zagster bikes in Suwanee.” The five-day camp takes place at Suwanee’s George Pierce Park from July 15-19, and while there have been other iCan Bike events in Georgia, this will be the first to take place in Gwinnett. Using adaptable bikes, campers spend 75 minutes a day working with specially trained instructors to learn to ride a conventional bicycle. iCan Bike represents everything that The

“I SPOKE TO A MOM OF A CHILD WHO COMPLETED THE PROGRAM SEVERAL YEARS AGO, AND SHE SAID SHE HAD ONLY ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE IT: MAGICAL.”

The Guide Project works to ensure there are opportunities for people of all abilities in our community.

To learn more about The Guide Project and iCan Bike Gwinnett, along with volunteer and sponsorship information, visit GuideEachOther.org.

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ATL UTD 2’s

PATRICK OKONKWO BY LIZZY KIDNEY / PHOTOS BY CHIP HOGSED

ON A SUNNY day in 2017, surrounded by more than 45,000 Atlanta United soccer fans, Patrick Okonkwo's entire journey came full circle. From losing his father at a young age in Nigeria to moving to Jamaica and eventually arriving in Suwanee after the Morton family adopted him and his brother, Okonkwo has now found his home with the Atlanta United franchise. Known as one of five “homegrown players,” Okonkwo graduated from the team’s youth academy before receiving a professional contract with the league. After spending a year on loan with the Charleston Battery, the club announced in April that Okonkwo would be loaned out to its own USL Championship affiliate, ATL UTD 2, meaning he would not be going far from home this season. We had the chance to meet up with Okonkwo at the club's training facility to learn more about his journey to becoming a pro-athlete.

...WHEN I GOT THAT PHONE CALL FROM TONY ANNAN ASKING IF I WANTED TO PLAY FOR ATLANTA UNITED, IT REALLY WAS A DREAM COME TRUE.

Out of all the sports, why soccer? That’s easy. When I was back in Nigeria I played soccer every day. I’d get in trouble and beaten up over a game of soccer, which is something that normally happens in Africa when you love a sport and just want to play every day. When my dad passed away, I saw soccer as something to hold on to and motivate me to keep going. My dad really is the reason I played soccer so much as a kid and I didn’t want to stop doing it after he was gone.

How long have you been playing? with Lizzy Livin’ it up with Lizzy is our newest feature in which contributing writer Lizzy Kidney gets a behind-the-scenes look at different local experiences. Follow Suwanee Magazine’s Facebook page for exclusive videos!

Suwanee Magazine

Although I have been playing my whole life, my professional career really just started. I’m still trying to continue to work hard and learn as much as I can from this incredible team.

What position are you playing this season? This season I am mainly playing center forward. I love working with my teammates in order to score goals, and as long as I can help my team win I am happy.

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How did you get involved in the Atlanta United youth soccer program? It really all started back when Georgia United was here and I had great moments training and learning with them. I then got the call that the Atlanta United franchise was coming and was immediately excited to be a part of that. Being a homegrown player is awesome because I came up through the club’s Academy system and it’s great that they support local players.

THRIVE

immediately called my entire family. I was with my family when I signed the papers and that was a moment I will never forget.

Who has been your biggest supporter and role model throughout your soccer career? You know what, aside from Tony Annan and Dave Smith, I would have to say my mother, Sue Morton. Whenever there’s a situation outside of or involving soccer she’s the first person I call. My mom really is my best friend and she gives me this sense of pride and encouragement to keep moving forward even when things seem tough.

What’s it like getting to witness and now play for an organization who won the MLS Cup? I was blessed to be in an environment like that. When I was in Jamaica, I had played in a championship, but never won it. It was a blessing getting to be there with those guys who trained and worked so hard all season, and to see that the work they put in paid off made me want to work even harder. Being there to witness it and help celebrate with them is another one of those moments I’ll never forget.

What kind of message or advice do you have for young soccer players looking to be in your shoes one day?

Describe the moment you found out you got a pro contract and what this opportunity has meant to you? It’s crazy to think of how far I’ve come and where I am now. Before all this started, working hard to be the best player I could be had always been my number one priority. I never expected to get a contract at such a young

age, but when I got that phone call from Tony Annan asking if I wanted to play for Atlanta United, it really was a dream come true. Even when I got a preseason call-up it was amazing and I realized then that I was going to be among and have the opportunity to continue learning alongside these amazing guys and players. When I got that call my heart dropped and I

Don’t fall out of love for it. If you love something be willing to give your heart to it and know the reason why you started in the first place. If you love something you need to keep putting effort into it and keep moving forward. When my dad passed away that was also a strive for me to keep going. Life is short and you don’t know how long you’ll be here for so keep moving forward and make the most out of it. ■

Visit our Facebook page for a video of our interview with Patrick Okonkwo at Facebook.com/SuwaneeMagazine.

THRIVE

TheFacesOfSuwanee.com

plifting the community is a big part of what we do at Suwanee Magazine. That’s why we are so excited to partner with the Faces of Suwanee, which features a series of conversations with the residents of our town. From former mayors to business owners and city officials, the Faces of Suwanee shines a light on people who live and work here. You can read all of the interviews at TheFacesofSuwanee.com, and even nominate someone you think should be featured on the site. Be sure to follow Suwanee Magazine's Facebook page where we’ll be sharing new interviews weekly.

KEVIN AND DONNA O’BRIEN, FOUNDERS OF COOPER'S CREW INTERVIEW AND PHOTO BY JULIE PERDUE

Donna and Kevin are perhaps the most well-known couple in Suwanee and once you know them, they are very hard to forget. Together they founded Cooper's Crew, a Suwanee-based nonprofit formed in memory and honor of their son, Cooper O’Brien, a North Gwinnett Middle School student who lost his battle with Clear Cell Sarcoma in 2014 at the young age of 14. The O'Briens, along with the community, have taught us just how important it is to love and support one another. What inspired you or led you to your current career? DONNA: I thought I wanted to be a secretary, but I enrolled in radiology school after high school. KEVIN: I have always been self-employed under the franchise umbrella. I'm drawn to being my own boss — customers become your boss. It has always worked for me.

What is your favorite restaurant in Suwanee and what do you love there? DONNA AND KEVIN: Cheeky. It was our oldest son’s favorite and they have been great partners with us with Cooper’s Crew.

How long have you worked or lived in Suwanee? DONNA AND KEVIN: 24 years.

What has kept you here? DONNA AND KEVIN: The great schools. We landed here because of Suwanee being halfway for both our jobs, but found the community to be more than we ever expected.

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met in Suwanee? DONNA AND KEVIN: When we think of who has inspired us the most, it's Mayor Jimmy Burnette. He went to high school here, has a business here, and is now the mayor. He has small-town charm. We also think of the Tate family.

What advice would you give a crowd of people? KEVIN: Be kind, think of others before yourself, inspire others, speak to strangers and thank people in everyday life, like the bus driver driving your precious child to school. DONNA: Have the courage to be different and not always follow the crowd. Go sit with someone who is not in the crowd.

What is something on your bucket list? DONNA AND KEVIN: Nothing specific – we feel very blessed. Maybe a future trip for our 25-year anniversary. Our bucket list is planning for our retirement when we can travel.

What is your favorite music? Are there any bands you would like to see? DONNA: ’70s KEVIN: Van Halen and Def Leppard. I've been listening to more country music these days. Also, Nickelback, Bob Seger, Neil Diamond, Cher, Journey.

What local business makes you the most nostalgic about Suwanee? DONNA AND KEVIN: Sunshine Chinese, Tanner's, Ippolitos, and Dick Cunningham, who is very charitable.

What is your favorite thing about Suwanee? DONNA AND KEVIN: The people.

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? DONNA AND KEVIN: In Florida, retired, with some tie to Suwanee. We will be back because we have grave plots here!

What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you? DONNA: I am bossy and shy at the same time, and a behind-thescenes organizer. KEVIN: I'm an average Joe from Wisconsin - more normal than you think!

Tell us more about Cooper's Crew. DONNA AND KEVIN: Cooper’s Crew is community-driven and people who keep it dear to their hearts will sustain it for some time. We keep following that light that people provide to us. We pick up where the community left off when Cooper passed and continue his legacy as a kind, considerate person. We would like for Cooper’s Crew to stand for kids who need help along the way (with the scholarships) and for kids and adults who are diagnosed with Clear Cell and other types of Sarcoma for the research to give treatment options. People are suffering and need help. Private funding may make the biggest difference. ■

Read more interviews with members of our community online at 42

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TheFacesOfSuwanee.com.

, k a e r b to d r a H , t e e v g o r o F o L t o t e l b i s Easy s Im p o

A s We L ook Back

As we look back over time We find ourselves wondering…… Did we remember to thank you enough For all you have done for us? For all the times you were by our sides To help and support us…. To celebrate our successes To understand our problems And to never accept defeat? Or for teaching us by example, The value of hardwork, good judgement, Courage, family and integrity? We wonder if we ever thanked you For the sacrifices you made. To let us have the very best? And for the simple things Like laughter, smiles and times we shared? If we have forgotten to show our Gratitude enough for all the things you did, We’re thanking you now. And we are hoping you knew all along, How much you meant to us.

Daddo

John J. McCullough, SR “Daddo” 1 2

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1 1 •5 6

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4 •9

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1 9

Our dad was most definitely one of a kind. But so was his love. He gave his all to help anyone he loved. Let’s all try to be a little more like Daddo. Live wild, free and always help someone in need.

With heavy hearts,

Mindy, Abby, Jeff & the entire Allsouth Family

local food. craft beer. wine trends.

SIPPIN' IN THE SUN!

INTERVIEW WITH PHIL FARRELL 54 / SIX BRIDGES BREWING 60

Simply Delicious DULUTHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SIMPLY DONE DONUTS PACKS BIG FLAVOR INTO BITE-SIZE PACKAGES. BY ALICIA CARTER PHOTOS COURTESY OF SIMPLY DONE DONUTS AND ATLYS MEDIA

Man Bait Donut

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT:

DULUTH’S SIMPLY DONE DONUTS

Suwanee Magazine

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A LOT OF people dream about quitting their 9-to-5 to pursue their passion, but very few people actually act upon it. After all, it’s risky, and not to mention scary, to venture out on your own in pursuit of your passion project. That risk becomes a lot less intimidating, however, when it’s dipped in frosting and topped with sprinkles, or toasted coconut, or cookie crumbles, or peanut butter, or … you get the idea. Karissa Tuttle decided to take that risk in 2015 when she left corporate America to launch a food truck — or “donut wagon,” as she calls it — selling mini donuts throughout Atlanta. At the time, there were very few mom-andpop donut shops in the area, and a food truck was a nice stepping stone to opening a brick-and-mortar shop. “It allowed us to get our feet wet without all the overhead,” Karissa says. After a year and a half of splitting their time between their day jobs and nights on the truck, Karissa

and her husband, Joey, opened Simply Done Donuts in 2017. Since then, the pair have been busy whipping up mini bites of heaven at their bright and colorful donut and coffee shop in downtown Duluth. From the cheerful logo of a cup of coffee sitting atop a donut-wheeled bicycle to the variety of ingredients that make up their mini creations, Simply Done stands out from the crowd with its playful approach to food. Their donut toppings run the gamut of a child’s (or adult’s) flavortown dreams with standouts like the Smorelicious, inspired by the campfire classic; the Elvis, featuring the King’s favorite flavor combo of chocolate, peanut butter, banana and bacon; and the Samoa, a

Joey and Karissa Tuttle, owners, Simply Done Donuts

SAVOR I RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Donut Milkshake

vanilla donut topped with chocolate icing, toasted coconut and a caramel drizzle. Picking a favorite is no “Apple Pie is our most popular to date,” easy task: “ Karissa says. “My husband, Joey, and our team think the PB&J is way underrated, which it is! You won't go wrong with any of them.” A personal favorite, however, would have to be the Fruity Pebbles Donut.. On the surface, the construction is simple — a vanilla cake donut topped with vanilla frosting and Fruity Pebbles cereal — but the flavor combination will blast you back to the early ’90s, when it was acceptable to down a bowlful of multicolored sugar crisps while watching Preppy and the gang on “Saved by the Bell.” And if the yabba-dabbado of the Fruity Pebbles donut doesn’t send you on a nostalgic time warp, maybe the crackle and pop of the Oh Snap will do the trick — a vanilla glazed donut topped with Rice Krispies and marshmallow drizzle. The menu doesn’t stop at donuts, though. While you’re there, indulge in a Donut Milkshake, in which three plain donuts are blended with vanilla ice cream and whole milk topped with whipped cream and your donut of choice. Simply Done has also partnered with the sustainable coffee company Three Tree Coffee Roasters to offer an assortment of caffeinated beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, cold brews, frappes and more. “It was really important for us to teach folks about our coffee and the mission behind it,” Karissa says. “It is good to know your purchase goes to paying farmers way above average, working with organizations to help end human trafficking, all while staying local. All this stuff matters. It is not just a cup of coffee; it has a purpose and reach.” In April, the Tuttles announced they’re expanding their mini donut empire with a second Simply Done location to open in Tampa. So it seems that taking that chance back in 2015 is paying off big for Karissa and Joey. So why not 3550 W. LAWRENCEVILLE stop by their Duluth shop, pick ST., SUITE 340, up a six-pack of minis, and congratulate the pair on all of IN DULUTH their success? Tell them we SimplyDoneDonuts.com sent you! ■

MY HUSBAND, JOEY, AND OUR TEAM THINK THE PB&J IS WAY UNDERRATED, WHICH IT IS! YOU WON'T GO WRONG WITH ANY OF THEM.”

SIMPLY DONE DONUTS

in the

LAURIE COLLINS CEO and Co-Founder Of Sip Happens Wine Shoppe

During the warmer months, lighter reds, rosé and white wines take center stage. HEN LOOKING

for white wines that pair perfectly with the outdoors, well, the world is your oyster! Choose varietals that are clean and crisp with great acidity or minerality. Sparkling wines are always a playful addition to summertime. Keep it light and refreshing with sparkling wine from Spain. A Cava, like True Colours, is a perfect bubbly for the outdoors — and partners wonderfully with orange juice for a tasty mimosa. Looking for something without bubbles? There are plenty of other options. Sauvignon Blanc is a delightful choice. French Sauv Blancs are refreshing and mineralPascal Jolivet’s driven. Pascal Jolivet’s Attitude Attitude or Sancerre are lovely choices. If you prefer fruit-driven, grassy notes, you won’t go wrong with a

Suwanee Magazine

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New Zealand selection like Peter Yealands, with a hint of jalapeño. Ready to try something new? White varietals keep it fun in the sun. How about a Vinho Verde, Vermentino or a lovely un-oaked Chardonnay? If you’re ready to get crazy, try a Muscadet, Picpoul, Arneis, Grenache Blanc or a Rioja Blanco. All of these varietals are excellent Peter Yealands selections to Sauvignon chill things Blanc down and pair beautifully with seafood dishes. When talking about wines that keep you cool, we cannot forget to mention the Queen of Summertime Wines — Rosé! Did you know that Rosé is made from red varietals? Their color is determined by the amount of time the juice

SAVOR

spends in contact with the grape skin; which is why some are a delicate, pale color and others are a more vibrant pink. We’re crazy about Rosé! Try Rosé made from all kinds of varietals: Andis Rosé, made from Barbara; Solarce, made from Tempranillo — Rioja; or Kokomo Grenache Rosé. If you’re in the mood for a red wine, take heart. There are plenty of options to enjoy in the summertime heat. Stay

away from heavier, high alcohol reds with big tannins. You’ll fare better with red wines that maintain good acidity and have lower tannins. Pinot Noir fans will always be in a happy place on a warm day. With delicate berry flavors and high acidity, this light to medium bodied wine is a perfect fit. Pinots from Willamette Valley, like Illahe Estate or R. Stuart Love, Oregon, are always a wonderful choice. Old World wines offer an amazing array of choices when it Kokomo comes to lighter reds. Grenache Rosé From France, try a Gamay from Beaujolais. You’ll never go wrong with a Côtes du Rhône.

These beautiful blends of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre are summertime perfection. Stephane Ogier’s Les Temps est Venu or Château du Trignon are excellent selections. There are a dizzying array of choices from Italy as well. Though not as well-known as Chianti, Brunello, and Barolo, a Valpolicella like Brigaldara, from the Veneto region or a Nerello Mascalese from Sicily are lovely selections. These wines maintain good acidity, low tannins and pair well with most grilled foods. Don’t fret — if your palate prefers to lighten up in the summertime, Sip Happens has you covered. Our goal is boutique wine, simplified. With over 400 wines to choose from, we are happy to help you find the perfect wine to keep the good times rolling! ■

WINE FEST RETURNS!

SAVE THE DATE: The 7th annual Suwanee Wine Fest returns to Town Center Park this November!

TICKETS ON SALE

INE LOVERS will once again have the opportunity to spend the day sampling wines from all over the world as Beverage Superstore has hand-selected more than 150 premium wine selections to create a tasting experience that everyone will enjoy. Several Georgia wineries will be in attendance with winemakers on site to educate the audience about their wines as they are tasting. Not a wine lover? No problem! Beer lovers in the crowd can hang out at the “Georgia Beer Garden” and enjoy craft beer samples while catching a game of college football on TV. Along with the abundance of wine samples, attendees can also dance to live music from local bands, browse products for sale from vendors and artists, check out cooking with wine demonstrations, and taste delicious food from some of the area’s most popular restaurants. Suwanee Wine Fest is set to take place on November 2nd, 2019. Tickets

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AUGUST 23RD AT NOON! go on sale on August 23rd at noon at SuwaneeWineFest.com. Suwanee Wine Fest organizers will also be in attendance at the August Concert and WIng Festival at Town Center Park on August 10th selling discounted presale tickets! General Admission tickets start at $49 per person for unlimited samples of beer and wine in the park beginning at 1 p.m. VIP tickets start at $99 per person and boast early admission to the park at noon along with other perks such as access to the private dining and tasting tent, exclusive wines, a catered meal, and a VIP goody bag that includes the official 2019 Suwanee Wine Fest T-shirt. Don’t wait: VIP tickets are extremely limited and are expected to sell out quickly! ➤ For more information about the festival, to purchase tickets, or to sign up to volunteer, visit SuwaneeWineFest.com.

AHEAD OF SUWANEE’S NEW HOMETOWN BREWERY OPENING IN SEPTEMBER, WE CHATTED WITH STILLFIRE BREWING’S NEW BREWMASTER ABOUT HIS FAVORITE STYLE OF BEER TO BREW, CRAFT TRENDS, AND THE LEGEND OF HIS FAMOUS RUBBER CHICKEN.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

BY RANDALL VEUGELER / PHOTOS COURTESY PHIL FARRELL

MMBEER license plate check. Brewery logo cap - check. “I Beer” T-shirt check. Massive beer belly? Not on Phil Farrell. You would think after judging over ten thousand beers, the Cumming, Georgia resident would at least sport a little sumpin’ sumpin’ around his midsection but there is nary a hint of a bulge on his slender frame. The genetically blessed brewer has some impressive creds having judged every preeminent beer contest in the world: The Great American Beer Festival, The World Beer Cup, Copa Cerveza (Mexican Beer Cup), The Great British Beer Festival, etc. As a Grand Master Level V Beer Judge of the BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program), Phil is ranked in the top 12 in the world. He can also brag of sampling beers in every state in the Union (including U.S. territories), every country in Europe, and places as far flung as Vatican City and Turkey in his never-ending quest to

Suwanee Magazine

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educate his palate about the precious liquid. That wealth of beer knowledge served him well when he competed in and won the prestigious Wynkoop Brewery “Beer Drinker of the Year” contest in 2011 earning him beer for life at the Colorado brewery. After nearly four decades of beer adventures, Farrell has guest brewed batches of beer with some of the world’s top breweries including Sierra Nevada and Rogue. He calls heavy hitters in the brewniverse friends: Charlie Papazian, "The Godfather of Homebrewing." author, Michael Jackson, and Mitch Steele of Stone Brewing (and now of Atlanta’s New Realm Brewing). As a home brewer, he has won over 500 awards including Mid-South Home Brewer of the Year (twice) and is the only home brewer to win a gold medal at the U.S. Open Beer Championship beating all the pros in his category. As I sat down to chat with Farrell over a pint of his delicious Glory Haze IPA (which will soon be available at StillFire Brewing), it was immediately clear that Suwanee has a lot to look forward to with him manning the tanks at Suwanee's new Hometown Brewery.

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PHOTO BY CHIP HOGSED

A chicken walks into a brewery - finish the joke.

In 2005, the AHA Convention was in Baltimore. I drove there not really The chicken with ➤ The chicken says: “I’m having what the late Michael thinking that I would do Phil is drinking.” Jackson, an anything with the rubber English writer Since my homebrew club was The chicken. Once I arrived there, best known as Chicken City Ale Raisers, it seemed “The Beer Hunter” I "hatched" the idea of and original to me that a rubber chicken was an having as many homebrewers founder of The appropriate mascot. The club got that Rare Beer Club. touch the rubber name because the founder lived in chicken as I could, Gainesville, Georgia. All of the major gaining maximum mojo. chicken producers have a plant in When I asked Charlie Gainesville, so they produce more Papazian, probably the chicken than any other city in the USA. single most brewing Detroit is Motown, Nashville is Music mojo-laden individual at City, and Gainesville is Chicken City. the conference to hold I started taking the rubber chicken to the rubber chicken, he club meetings for good luck. I thought had a simple question. if I waived the rubber chicken over beer He asked how would we were brewing, the chicken mojo anyone know he had would make the beer better. It did. held the chicken? I Some would say it was because we were didn’t have a good learning the skills necessary to be good answer even though I brewers. I say it was the chicken. never doubted people In 2004, I brought the fledgling would believe me. rubber chicken to our annual club Charlie was also a Oktoberfest party. The kids there photographer, so he decided to play tug of war with him, posed with the rubber leaving me with two legs, a breast and chicken for me to a neck. The “new” rubber chicken then document the moment. started to travel with me, avoiding all From that point forward Fritz Maytag, "The Godfather of Craft Beer" and small chicken destroyers, and making its I would photograph the former owner of Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco way to breweries with me. I would try to poses proudly with Farrell's chicken. chicken with various bring a little mojo back from each trip. homebrewers, brewers, My beer kept getting better. and beer celebrities. ago I thought brewing professionally would give me more resources brewing After homebrewing professionally than I had at home. That really wasn’t true. Larger equipment and for decades, what larger batches maybe, but in some ways made you decide I had more freedom at home because to become a only one person had to like the beer professional brewer? I made (me!). I never gravitated to Why StillFire beers that only I would like, though, Brewing? because I am not wired that way. I ➤ I think I always thought it think I always want to make beers that would be really cool to brew impress other brewers. professionally. I have so many When I was approached by the friends in the brewing industry StillFire team, I listened to their vision, it just always seemed like I and I was immediately sold. I would was missing out. I didn’t jump be able to brew recipes I have been earlier because I had the best perfecting for 20 years, and at the of both worlds where I had a same time try to brew beers I heard great day job and I would get about 20 minutes ago. I would get a invited to a friend’s brewery NASCAR ride and there was going to to brew a recipe with them, Charlie Papazian, founder of the Homebrewers be no restrictor plate. The one thing Association and the Brewers Association and author and leave before all the hard that I didn’t like about the production of the home brewing bible, The Complete Joy of work started. A long time brewery experience in Georgia was Homebrewing offers his "mojo" to Farrell's chicken.

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SAVOR I WHAT'S BREWING Jim Koch, founder and President of Boston Beer Company, the creator of Samuel Adams Boston Lager offers Farrell's chicken a taste.

Rogue Brewing's Brewmaster, John Maier blesses his equipment.

Farrell celebrating after winning “The Beer Drinker of the Year” award at Wynkoop Brewing Company.

taken care of with a really important recent law change. Production breweries used to load their beer on a truck and only occasionally bumped into a customer after their beer had spent weeks on trucks, shelves, and in warehouses. At StillFire, I will get to speak to our customers every day. Just like our brewing team collaborates on each brew, I want to hear feedback from the people drinking our beer to always make the best beer humanly possible. We are committed to continual improvement as well as innovation. Our team is chock-full of beer enthusiasts and home brewers who rather than hide behind WHY, instead ask WHY NOT?

Which brewery/brewer has inspired you the most? ➤ Like many of my contemporaries, I read Charlie Papazian’s Joy of Homebrewing,

Dave Logsdon, the first head brewer of Full Sail Brewing, founder of Wyeast Laboratories, and Logsdon Farmhouse Ales (left), with John Palmer, chemist and brewing author.

then copied the technique and recipes. I read a few of Fred Eckhardt’s early works also. Dave Miller, Schlafly Beer's first head brewer and founder of Blackstone Brewing Company, added ideas I had not been exposed to and Greg Noonan, cofounder of Vermont Pub and Brewery, gave me the clues I needed to make my lagers work. Randy Mosher, the author of Radical Brewing, several times gave me unconventional ideas to create new beers rather than stay on the tracks where the rest of the railroad cars were. I started looking for breweries on every trip I took. Ken Grossman and Steve Dressler at Sierra Nevada gave me Americanized versions of English classics I could shoot for such as Pale Ale, Porter, IPA and Barleywine.

John Maier at Rogue for knowing what he wants to do and doing it well. Dick Cantwell, originally at Elysian, who always had a wide variety of tasty beers. Alan Sprints at Hair of the Dog and Sam Calagione at Dogfish Head for numerous unconventional beers. Vinnie Cilurzo for taking both IPAs and sour beer to the next level. Gabe Fletcher, Barb Miller, and Ben Johnson at

There’s a fire in all of us. A dream. A puRpose. If you haven’t found that flame burning within you, what drives you, then life lacks meaning. At StillFire Brewing, we’ve found our firE. We are fiercely passionate about boundary-pushing and innovation. ABOUT EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS and setting new standards. ABOUT crafting new relationships and supporting OUR community. Guided by curiosity and excitement, we bRew beeRs to spaRk the fire in youR belly.

To help you find yOUr fire!

COMING FALL 2019 TO SUWANEE TOWN CENTER

STILLFIREBREWING.COM

Over the years, Farrell has had the opportunity to brew with and learn from some of the most successful breweries in the world.

PHOTO BY CHIP HOGSED

Midnight Sun for making me part of the family there. All of these brewers inspired me to set my goals high, not be afraid to experiment, and trust my palate to tell me what is good. They always gave me great ideas and lots of encouragement. As John would say, “When all else fails, add more hops!”

What is your favorite style to brew and why? Will it be available at StillFire Brewing? ➤ That question would be like me telling you which child or dog is my favorite. I have a lot of favorites and YES, if I think it is good, I will brew it at StillFire for you to try. I am partial to Scotch Ale, English Barleywine, German Lagers (especially Bock, Helles, and Oktoberfest), American IPAs, especially West Coast versions, barrel-aged anything, Milk Stouts, Belgian Abbey beer, and Saison. We will do simple Kettle soured beer, and as time goes on, add a sour barrel program. We will have access to four sets of brewing equipment to make small batches from one gallon to four barrels (124 gallons). We will use all for recipe development before we brew a recipe on our primary 20 barrel system. We will brew seasonal beer styles, have special beers, and rotate many popular beers in and out. I want there to be both a wide variety of flavors as well as new things as often as we can brew it.

Pliny the Elder, the original test batch for Hunahpu, and any time I taste Westvleteren 12. I would call all of them life altering beers for me. As far as beers that I always go back to, I love Duval, and a great Helles or fresh Weissbier. I could drink a Pilsner winter or summer. I am currently exploring the simple lactic fruited sours, because many give the impression of fruit juice without a lot of alcohol or calories.

“At StillFire, I will get to speak to our customers every day. Just like our brewing team collaborates on each brew, I want to hear feedback from the people drinking our beer to always make the best beer humanly possible.”

What's your all-time favorite beer? What are you digging now? Why? ➤ I was really blown away by my first Thomas Hardy, my first bourbon barrel-aged Dark Lord, the first fresh

What’s the next big thing in craft beer?

Barb Miller co-founder of Midnight Sun Brewing Co. (left) and Marcy Larson, co-founder of Alaskan Brewing join Farrell at the Alaska Beer and Barleywine Festival.

➤ There will always be fads, just like there have always been novelty songs. I couldn’t even begin to predict the next beer fad, because there will be a little bit of a bandwagon effect as people try to get on board early to get the label as a trendsetter, only to ride it down when it turns out to be literally just a fad. Tropical beers, specifically IPAs came about because of the new tropical hop strains. In contrast, the introduction of onion and garlic hop strains didn’t start a trend. The tropical hops helped to

create the subset of Tropical IPAs that are hazy that we know today as New England IPAs, abbreviated as NEIPA. I would never have predicted it to have been a trend or that it would last so long. Part of the reason this blew up is that a lot of people who thought they hated IPAs suddenly were fans of NEIPA. To answer the question, I think drinkers will start to again be taken by lagers. Well-crafted lagers with both classical roots and new twists will never go out of style and garner a lot of new fans. Drinkability, balance and nuance will be the keys to riding this wave. ■

Read an extended version of our Q&A with Phil Farrell at SuwaneeMagazine.com.

HE LONGTIME dream of Charles and Clay Gridley has grown into Georgia’s first father-son owned brewery. Six Bridges Brewing features open ceilings, a long bar with plenty of seating, and large communal tables that encourage conversation, adding to the cozy, familyoriented atmosphere. Since opening in December of 2018, Six Bridges has made waves in the local craft beer scene, bringing home a gold and silver medal at the BJCP competition and placing second in the Georgia Brew Battle contest at the 2019 Suwanee Beer Fest. We recently had the chance to catch up with Clay Gridley to learn more about the experience Six Bridges is bringing to the local craft beer scene. How did you and your father get into the craft beer industry?

A FAMILY AFFAIR Father-son duo bring their shared passion for beer to Johns Creek with

Six Bridges Brewing

BY LIZZY KIDNEY / PHOTOS BY KARL LAMB

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Founders Clay and his father, Charles Gridley.

My dad worked as an engineer for Coors back in the early ’80s, and that kind of sparked his passion for craft beer. My dad used to have this pipe dream of opening a brewery out West with all three of his sons and naming it “My Three Sons Brewing.” Unfortunately, my brothers loved drinking beer but neither really developed a strong passion for brewing it. However, I got involved in the industry and developed a love for homebrewing. When I mentioned opening a place of my own, my dad jumped on board and it all grew from there.

SAVOR I WHAT'S BREWING

Left to right Grayson West (Cellerman), Lauren Channing (Account Manager), Alex “Chewy” Ciaburri (Headbrewer), Clay Gridley (Founder), Tyler Zari (Taproom events and social media director)

What made you choose Johns Creek as the location for your brewery? Our team did studies in the area and the City of Johns Creek really just jumped off the page for us. We knew that we would be a great complement to this wonderful city and everyone here has been so supportive and welcoming.

How did you come up with the name Six Bridges Brewing? The City of Johns Creek actually came up with it. The name symbolizes the six different bridges that were built by the Native Americans and settlers to help cross the Chattahoochee with their goods and livestock. We had been looking around for local landmarks and tossing around ideas with the city and this was a suggestion that everyone seemed to love.

Clay Gridley inspects a glass of Shelby Golden Ale.

How did you find your head brewer? Alex “Chewy” Ciaburri was a brewer in the Atlanta craft beer scene and he actually reached out to me when he found out we were opening the brewery. His knowledge on a big scale really complements my dad and I’s knowledge on a small scale, making us the perfect team.

Tyler Zari pours a glass of the popular Sour Continuum.

Six Bridges Brewing's taproom features warm wood accents and long communal tables.

What makes Six Bridges Brewing unique? We are the first father-son owned brewery in Georgia, and that has had a big hand in helping us brand our beer. There’s a little more at stake with a family-owned business and we try to be really competitive with our beers and make some world-class stuff that everyone will love. We want our taproom to be a gathering spot for the community. We like to use local artists for our artwork throughout the taproom and provide a place where people can get together and not have to worry. We also have a “pour it forward” wall in the brewery where customers can come in and purchase a beer for someone. That person’s name then gets put on the board and when they come in they have a free beer waiting for them!

What is your biggest seller in the taproom? I would say our two biggest sellers are our Shelby Golden Ale or the Medlock IPA.

Tell me about Charity Wednesdays.

Definitely our Sour Continuum with pink guava. It is light, crisp, fruity, tart

How has the response been since opening? The local community has really surprised us with how much they love local beer. I’ve had people walk in and say, “You are exactly four-tenths of a mile from my house,” and that’s really flattering. Beer is one of those things that can be made locally with local products and it’s great having the community embrace that.

If you could recommend a summer beer, what would it be?

and it’s only 4.3% alcohol so it won’t zap you in the heat. A lot of people who have come in and tried it said it is going to be their go-to pool beer.

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On Wednesdays, we have pint nights with rotating charities like Senior Services North Fulton, the Symphony, Historical Society, and more. We take $1 from every pint purchased that night and donate it to the charity

JUL / AUG 19

of that week. We have also been involved with events like a polar plunge for the Special Olympics and even held a Crawfish Boil for Senior Services North Fulton.

Where else can local residents find your beer? We recently started distributing so right now our beer is in places that are within 5-10 miles of the brewery like Taco Mac, Max’s Bottle Shop, and Marlow’s Tavern. ■

Six Bridges is located at 11455 Lakefield Drive, Suite 300, Johns Creek Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday, 12:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

THE

THE LATEST FROM IN AND AROUND SUWANEE

Best Mother In Suwanee Contest Winner Receives Makeover IN MAY, Suwanee Magazine featured Julie Huizer as our 2019 Best Mother in Suwanee contest winner. Her daughters, Lindsay, Ally and Gwen, wrote an incredible essay to highlight their mother. In addition to a number of gift cards from local businesses, one of Julie’s prizes was a makeover courtesy of Salon Greco in Suwanee. Dedicated to great customer service and personalized services, Salon Greco is a local favorite for spa-goers. No matter what, you will receive the best salon experience by a team of highly trained professionals at Salon Greco. Julie received her makeover from the staff at the salon and we are so impressed with the results — and most importantly, Julie was pampered for the day and left feeling refreshed. We are so grateful for Salon Greco’s contribution to the 2019 Best Mother in Suwanee contest. Check them out at SalonGreco.com.

Beto’s Tacos Celebrates Grand Opening ➽ On May 28, Beto’s Tacos celebrated their grand opening with free tacos! The celebration was a hit, attracting many to come and enjoy a taste of their delicious food. Beto’s Tacos is a new, authentic Mexican street taco restaurant offering a variety of Mexican flavors located at 3463 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road in Suwanee. In addition to tacos, Beto’s offers specialty tortas, nachos, traditional dishes, and much more. There is something for everyone at Beto’s! Learn more at BetosTacos.com or call them at 678-288-9622.

Suwanee Magazine

SUWANEE HEALTH AND FITNESS FESTIVAL COMING TO TOWN CENTER IN AUGUST ON SATURDAY, August 24, stop - Terry Gateway, Owner, by Town Center for the Suwanee Physique Refinements Health and Fitness Festival hosted by local gym Physique Refinements. Owned by Terry Gateway, Physique Refinements has served Suwanee since 1998. In 2018, the gym was voted “Best of Gwinnett” and Gateway was also featured as one of Suwanee Magazine’s 2019 Get Fit Challenge trainers and went on to help his contestant lose nearly 30 pounds and 2.2% body fat over the course of the three-month challenge. The daylong Suwanee Health and Fitness Festival will feature several fun events, including a 5K run/walk, a wheelchair race, a Kids Fun Run, a Tough Obstacle Adventure course, Zumba class, hula hoop class, the Dirty Paw Challenge and more! Best of all, admission is free. The first race/walk will begin at 9 a.m. Food and health vendors will also be in attendance. For more information visit Facebook.com/SuwaneeHealthandFitnessFestival.

Second-Annual Noble Clay 2K Row Takes Place this August BEN AND LAURA DAVIS opened No Excuses CrossFit in

conjunction with Kyle Maynard, a Suwanee native and quadruple amputee who is a speaker, author, and mixed martial athlete (not to mention he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro!), in Suwanee several years ago with the vision to better lives, one person at a time. They have since moved on from No Excuses and recently moved to Atlanta. Keeping the same vision in mind, they started a nonprofit fitness program out of their garage called Noble Clay. This new endeavour was in response to their realization of the “fitness deserts” and “food deserts” within Atlanta, and their goal with this program is to provide fitness coaching at a professional level to anyone that wants it, no matter their income. The second annual Noble Clay 2K Row will take place August 17 at 9 a.m. at The Shed at Ponce City Market. This event is working to combat chronic disease in every household in America. For more information on Noble Clay, visit NobleClayFitness.com.

COOPER O’BRIEN SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO NGHS GRADUATES THIS YEAR, Kevin, Donna, and Parker O’Brien presented two North Gwinnett High School graduates with the Cooper O’Brien Scholarship Award. The award is given to seniors from North Gwinnett each year in honor of the O’Brien’s son, Cooper, who lost his battle with Clear Cell Sarcoma in 2014 at the age of 14. Students Madeline Franz and Aiden Brooks were interviewed by Kevin and Donna O’Brien along with a scholarship committee. The $3,000 scholarships were awarded to each student for facing adversity or hardship with perseverance. Madeline is attending the University of Georgia and will pursue a career as a Psychologist. She was involved in many leadership activities at North Gwinnett and Gwinnett Church and is an Honor graduate. Aiden will be attending Georgia Gwinnett College and pursuing a career as a Youth Pastor. While at North Gwinnett, he belonged to the FCA club and is a small group leader at Gwinnett Church. For more information about the Cooper O’Brien Scholarship, visit CoopersCrew.com.

NORTH METRO BAPTIST CHURCH HOSTS AUBURN TIGERS COACH GUS MALZAHN NORTH METRO BAPTIST CHURCH in Lawrenceville is

hosting Gus Malzahn, the head football coach of the Auburn Tigers, on Thursday, July 25, at 7 p.m. Malzahn has led the Auburn Tigers to a 53-27 record, two SEC West Division titles, an SEC championship, and four New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day bowl games in five seasons. Malzahn will talk about his experiences with football, including leading the Auburn Tigers, to bring inspiration and strategy to the young athletes in attendance. Malzahn graduated from high school in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and went on to play football at Arkansas and Henderson State. He now is married and has two daughters. North Metro has invited 30 high school football teams and their coaches to this event and are expecting more than 2,000 high school football players for a dinner prior to the talk with Malzahn. North Metro is looking forward to this event as they bring local football teams together for encouragement and inspiration just in time for the beginning of the fall season. The event is open to the public and admission is free.

Summer Meals Program Coming to Gwinnett Parks A PROGRAM to ensure children have access to healthy meals during summer break is coming to three Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation locations. The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on May 7th approved a memorandum of understanding with the nonprofit Georgia Nutritional Services Inc. to serve as the sponsor for the federal Summer Food Service Program at no cost to the county. Georgia Nutritional Services Inc. will secure Meals for Kids to serve as the food vendor for the program and meals will be offered at Best Friend Park Gym, 6224 Jimmy Carter Blvd. in Norcross; Lilburn Activity Building, 788 Hillcrest Road in Lilburn; and Rhodes Jordan Park, 100 East Crogan St. in Lawrenceville. The Summer Food Service Program will be available for children age 18 years and

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younger and those age 19 years and older who have a physical or mental disability. The program will provide a free daily meal and snack for summer camp attendees and will be open to the public as well. The program will run weekly from July 8 to August 2 (no service July 1-5). Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and snacks from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information about Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation, visit GwinnettParks.com.

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LOCAL WOMEN REPRESENT AT 2019 MISS GEORGIA PAGEANT MISS COBB COUNTY Alexa Gilomen, 22, a 2018 graduate of the University of Georgia and Suwanee resident, was crowned runner-up at the 2019 Miss Georgia Pageant on June 15. In her spare time, Alexa focuses on her community service outreach initiative by promoting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and music education programs in Title 1 schools. She was recently recognized for her work highlighting small businesses in Cobb County through her #ExploreCobb Facebook video series. Her extensive background in music led her to become a Top 50 finalist for “American Idol” in seasons 12 and 13 as well as perform the National Anthem for many events, including two Atlanta Falcons games. Miss Historic Buford - Alexa Gilomen Holly Haynes was presented with the Preliminary On-Stage Interview Award, the Women in Business Award, the Overall Evening Wear Social Impact Award, and was named third runner-up at the 2019 Miss Georgia Pageant, earning more than $3,300 in scholarships. A resident of Sugar Hill, Haynes grew up in the area and graduated from North Gwinnett High School in 2014.

- Holly Haynes

StillFire Brewing's Aaron and John Bisges at Suwanee Beer Fest

LOCAL STUDENTS CREATE HOMEGROWN ZOO ➽ A GROUP of Rivermoore Park residents ages 6-10 recently channeled their inner zookeepers. Over the last few months, the kids have worked diligently researching animals indigenous to Suwanee’s Rivermoore Park, collecting them in various habitats, and caring for them throughout that period with a goal to protect them from their natural predators. The children unveiled their hard work at a small event in May, where they showcased what they’ve learned about the different species, the care and upkeep of the animals, and their environments. Students Noah and Logan spearheaded the effort. “Noah wanted to catch animals and I wanted to start a business, so we decided to start a zoo,” Logan said. The zoo consisted of 15 species of reptiles and amphibians from the neighborhood, including turtles, snakes, lizards, salamanders, and more. In addition to learning about the animals, the group did a lot of research online and created a business plan for their zoo ahead of the grand opening.

LOCAL AUTHOR PUBLISHES NEW BOOK TO HELP BEAT CARDIOMETABOLIC DISEASES

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ARTERIES IN HARMONY, a new book by Suwanee resident and cardiologist, Dr. Anthony Pothoulakis, aims to educate people on why healthier choices need to be implemented into our daily lives to fight obesity, diabetes, and cardiometabolic diseases including heart attacks and strokes. According to Dr. Anthony’s website, with adult obesity in the U.S. almost tripling over the last 50 years; more than two out of three adults are now obese or overweight. Type 2 diabetes has increased five times during the same period and statistics for obesity and diabetes in children are growing just as fast. Dr. Anthony hopes that Arteries in Harmony will be an important tool that helps readers understand the impact of life choices in order to prevent diseases and improve overall well-being. Arteries in Harmony is not just about losing weight and managing diabetes - the goal of the book is to help raise awareness and teach readers how not to become another statistic. Prevention of this epidemic is necessary to living a healthy and more fulfilling life. During his live events, Dr. Anthony captivates his audiences with everyday topics and turns the tables on what we know as traditional health care. Attendees leave feeling educated and empowered to take their health back into their hands, and help their family and friends make changes through his teachings. To learn more, purchase the book or view upcoming events, visit ArteriesInHarmony.com.

CITY BUZZ I THE BUZZ Daniel Miller

STUDENT AWARDED 1ST EVER TECHNICAL THEATER SCHOLARSHIP LOCAL STUDENT Daniel Miller has dedicated much of his time to the Suwanee Academy of the Arts’ internship program for technical theatre. He has created lighting designs, programmed boards and assisted with training teammates on top of performing with the Suwanee Ballet and as a lead in the Community Art Players’ productions. “Daniel is the first one to the theater and often the last to leave,” says Elise Etherton, director of the AIM Program. “He is an amazing asset to each production that he is involved with.” All of his hard work did not go unnoticed as Daniel was recently surprised with a college scholarship after his last performance.

Suwanee Ballet Artists Take Honors

Through the help of donations, Suwanee Performing Arts, a Suwanee Academy of the Arts affiliate, established a Technical Theater Scholarship in Daniel’s name. He marked the first-ever recipient of the Daniel T. Miller Scholarship for Technical Theater and was presented with a $1,000 college scholarship on stage. Suwanee Performing Arts will continue to collect donations for the scholarship fund in hopes of rewarding this technical theater scholarship each year. If you would like to contribute to the fund visit SuwaneePerformingArts.org and click the donate button.

THE SUWANEE BALLET provides quality dance

performance opportunities to young dancers in the Suwanee area who range in age from six to eighteen years old. Kaitlyn Garland Each Suwanee Ballet member is an athlete who learns to be a positive role model to others, a team player, to have selfdiscipline, sensitivity, and passion. These qualities along with years of hard-work have recently paid off for two long-time students. Kaitlyn Garland has been dancing with the Suwanee Ballet for over eight years now and was recently selected to attend the Governor's Honors program for dance this summer at Berry College in Rome, GA. This fourweek-long program is open to only a select number of finalists from all over the state, in which Matthew Jacome students will have the unique opportunity to participate in a wide variety of social and instructional opportunities. Matthew Jacome has also been awarded a full scholarship to The School of Nashville’s Ballet Summer Intensive. This five-week session will allow Matthew to study under lead Artistic Director Paul Vasterling and alongside the Nashville Ballet for the duration of the summer. If you are interested in learning more about the Suwanee Ballet visit suwaneeperformingarts.org.

S U G A R

H I L L

CityBuzz Sugar Hill’s new SHINE District is the city's destination for entertainment, the arts and culinary experiences.

Central City Tavern offers an upscale sports bar feel anchored by a diverse lunch and dinner menu featuring items like grouper tacos, burgers, and wings of all flavors. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite and a beer after work.

landmarks, is the destination for THERE’S A buzz going traditional entertainment and the arts around about the sweet as well as the culinary and brewing and savory city on the arts. Sugar Hill’s City Council passed hill. You know about local ordinances allowing for the Gwinnett’s best concert venue, entertainment district last year and The Bowl amphitheater that brings with new businesses concerts like Joan Jett and a brewery opening and the Blackhearts in downtown, this and Collective Soul summer will be the to downtown Sugar first time the SHINE Hill. You’ve heard District is in full effect. about the gorgeous Patrons may purchase Art Deco-style Eagle alcoholic beverages from Theatre and the $2 local downtown vendors Tuesday movie series, within the SHINE District concerts, and live and take their SHINE performances. You drink anywhere within may have visited the the district, including the beautiful E Center Bowl, Splash Park, or E and your kids have Center plaza. probably asked you Rushing Trading Company serves Sugar Hill’s downtown to take them to the gourmet coffee as well as breakfast, lunch, dinner and creative cocktails is also full of unique Splash Park. But throughout the week. You won’t dining options perfect for have you gotten a want to miss brunch on Saturdays pairing with all palates. taste of the sweet and Sundays either. Rushing Trading city’s new shine? Co. has been serving up gourmet The recently introduced SHINE coffee, biscuits, soups, salads, and District represents “Sugar Hill’s sandwiches, charcuterie trays, and Intersection of Neighborhoods cocktails since opening this January. and Entertainment.” It's a nod to Stop by for breakfast, lunch, dinner, the history of moonshining on the or a great cocktail in a cozy setting Chattahoochee with a highlight of (or take it to-go). the growing downtown focused on Nearby, recently-opened Central the arts and entertainment. City Tavern offers an upscale sports The SHINE District, which bar feel anchored by a diverse lunch incorporates the E Center, Splash and dinner menu featuring items like Park, Bowl, and other downtown

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I I

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/CityofSugarHill

@CityofSugarHill

@CityofSugarHill_

Central City Tavern is a place where you can get together with friends to hang out and watch the game, or play some yourself.

Crazy Dough’s Pizza serves up artisan pizza for lunch and dinner by the slice or by the pie. With originals like the “Smokehouse” or a pimiento cheese based pizza, these aren’t your average pies.

grouper tacos, burgers, and wings of all flavors. Their creative cocktail list, as well as an extensive range of brews on tap, combine with large screen TVs and outdoor dining space to create the perfect environment to watch the game or catch up with friends and neighbors. Crazy Dough’s Pizza opened earlier this year and has been serving up artisan pizza for lunch and dinner. Flavors like their smokehouse pizza incorporate unique ingredients including pulled pork, and pimento cheese,

but even lovers of classic cheese or pepperoni pizza will want to grab a slice or a whole pie to share (or not). The long-awaited Indio Brewing opened in June with creative brews including a double dry-hopped IPA as well as a solid stout and sour to

round out the menu. With dining options for all tastes and a slate of summer events, Sugar Hill brings together culinary classics and community experiences for a taste of summer that is sure to please. ■

citybuzz

Woofstock

Saturday, May 4th & Sunday, May 5th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE

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ON THE SCENE

Big Artsy

Saturday, June 15th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE

Common Ground Music Fest Saturday, May 18th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

North Gwinnett Co-op Ribbon Cutting Thursday, April 25th PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE

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people & places

Great Strides 5K Saturday, May 18th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

SBA June Meeting Wednesday, June 12th SOLIS

PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE / ANGELA VEUGELER

Jazz Fest

Saturday, June 8th SUWANEE CITY HALL

PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE

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JUL / AUG 19

Suwanee Beer Fest Volunteer Party Friday, May 10th

VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP

PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE

city

buzz A R E A

E V E N T

July

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY _____________________

4TH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS:

5:30 p.m. _____________________

Town Center Park

GWINNETT STRIPERS GO GREEN NIGHT ___ __________________ 7:05 p.m. ____________________

Cool Ray Field

FANTASTIC FOURTH CELEBRATION

9:30 p.m.

Stone Mountain Park

Laser show and fireworks. More information at StoneMountainPark.com.

PRELUDE TO THE 4TH 5 p.m.

DULUTH CELEBRATES AMERICA

7 a.m. _______________________

5:30-10 p.m.

Duluth Town Green

Town Center Park _______________________ More information at runsignup. com/Race/GA/Suwanee/ BroadwayinthePark5k.

SPARKS IN THE PARK 6 p.m.

E.E. Robinson Park

STAR SPANGLED SNELLVILLE 4 p.m.

Snellville Town Green

BACK TO SCHOOL BUBBLEPALOOZA __________________ __

MALL OF GEORGIA’S 17TH ANNUAL STAR SPANGLED FOURTH

Free event with bubbles for the kids, large games, a DJ for entertainment and more.

CELEBRATE BRASELTON 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL 5 p.m.

Braselton Town Green Suwanee Magazine

Suwanee Town Center

August

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS DOUBLE FEATURE _______________________ ___

7 p.m. The Lego Movie 2 / 8:45 p.m. Captain Marvel _________________________

Town Center Park

suwaneemagazine.com

JUL / AUG 19

AUGUST CONCERT & WING FESTIVAL __ __________________ 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. ___________________

Town Center Park

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. _____________________

Town Center Park _____________________

BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS

_______________________ ___ 8 p.m. _________________________

The Bowl at Sugar Hill

SUWANEE HEALTH & FITNESS FESTIVAL _____________________

Duluth Town Green ___________________

Mall of Georgia

7 p.m. ____________________

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. ___________________

3 p.m.

BROADWAY IN THE PARK PRESENTS DISNEY’S FROZEN JR. __________________ ___

BROADWAY IN THE PARK 5K AND FUN RUN _____________________ ___

Lawrenceville Lawn

26 27th thru

Fun for the whole family featuring a 5K run/walk and a certified Tough Obstacle Adventure. More info at suwaneehealthandfitness festival.com.

SAVE THE DATE!

NOVEMBER 2ND

SUWANEE WINE FEST TICKETS ON SALE _____________________

TICKETS ON SALE AT NOON! _____________________ Save the Date! Suwanee Wine Fest is Nov. 2nd! For more info and to purchase tickets, visit SuwaneeWineFest.com.

Clay Walker with High Valley &__________________ Matt Stell __ 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. ___________________

The Bowl at Sugar Hill