March/April 2024

10

Bitzel’s Chocolate

Suwanee's new “Glass Chocolate Factory" stands as a testament to the belief that chocolate isn't just a treat; it’s an experience.

20 2024 Cutest Pup in Suwanee Contest

Meet this year's winner, Belle, an adorable 15-year-old pup with a gummy smile.

21 Ask Fanny Sugar Hill Animal Hospital's mascot answers questions about pet health.

30 A Change of Art

Meet the artist behind the new mural at Old Town Suwanee's Pierce's Corner.

35 Off the Rails Mexican Cantina

Downtown Buford’s newest restaurant combines Mexican cuisine with history for a unique dining experience.

On

letter

a note from our managing editor

Suwanee in Bloom

OPEFULLY BY the time you pick up this issue, spring will be in bloom with pretty yellow daffodils dotting the landscape welcoming a new season. We hope that like spring, this issue is a warm hug that melts the last remnants of a very cold winter, ushering in a much-needed sense of renewal. It’s always around this time each year that my daughter starts waxing poetic on why spring and summer are the superior seasons. Never a fan of coats or long pants, my 9-year-old always longs for the warmth of the sun on her skin and days spent outside. And it makes sense, she’s named after a flower that among other things represents rebirth: a lily. So like a dormant lily ready to once again bloom, my Lilly counts down to springtime.

For many of us, especially our kiddos, we may also already be counting down to summer. This is why we always include our Summer Camp Guide in the spring issue. This year, our guide is jam-packed with a number of wonderful camps that specialize in the arts, sports, and STEM activities, as well as sleepover camps where campers can get the full camp experience. Turn to p. 23 to find the perfect camp for your kids this summer!

Along with a new season, this issue highlights some new businesses in our community, such as Bitzel’s Chocolate , which is making Suwanee’s Willy Wonka dreams come true! The new chocolate factory is crafting delicious chocolate confections and giving patrons a behind-the-scenes peek at the entire process. Known as the “glass chocolate factory,” Bitzel’s peels back the curtain so that each step of the chocolate-making process is in view, from growing and harvesting to sorting, molding, packaging and more. Learn more about the new chocolate experience on p. 10.

Off the Rails Mexican Cantina opened in downtown Buford this past October, bringing a new

Mexican restaurant to the area. Created by the husband-and-wife team behind the popular Bare Bones Steakhouse, Off the Rails offers traditional Mexican cuisine in a setting filled with history. A visit to Off the Rails is a true delight for all the senses, from the taste and smell of the delicious food it serves to the sight of all of the amazing memorabilia they've collected over the years. Turn to p. 36 to learn more.

Another reason we eagerly anticipate the spring season is for the return of Suwanee’s favorite day, aka Suwanee Beer Fest . The festival returns to Town Center Park on March 16th with unlimited samples of more than 400 craft beers, along with live music, festival games, vendors, and more. This year, the festival celebrates 13 years, so it’s sure to be bigger than ever. Check out our handy guide on p. 42, filled with all the info you need to know before you go.

As you peruse the pages of this issue, exploring new businesses and planning summer adventures, we hope that the anticipation of springtime brings a renewed sense of energy and excitement. So let's savor every moment, knowing that just like the blooming daffodils, we're on the brink of something beautiful!

ALICIA CARTER, MANAGING EDITOR

Alicia@suwanee magazine.com

Chocolates photographed at Bitzel’s Chocolate on January 31st by Paul Perdue.

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

Suwanee Magazine is published bi-monthly by Veugeler Creative. 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. © 2024 Veugeler Creative. The editors welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please email submissions to Alicia Carter at Alicia@suwaneemagazine.com.

SEIZE THE CLAY

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

IN ADDITION to its ongoing exhibitions and art for sale, the Suwanee Arts Center also offers yearlong art classes to help nurture your inner artist. We’ve been loving the Beginner Pottery Wheel class, where students learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing and glazing, as well as decorating their creations as they advance. They also offer classes in drawing, painting, photography and more. Be sure to check out their upcoming summer camps on p. 23. The Suwanee Arts Center is located at 3930 Charleston Market St., Suite B6, in Suwanee Town Center. Find a full schedule of classes at SuwaneeArtsCenter.org.

- Tiffany Belflower, Events Director

Choco-lit!

BEST CHOCOLATE TREAT

THERE’S SO much to love about Suwanee’s new chocolate factory, Bitzel’s Chocolate, but we can’t stop dreaming about their delicious schnappers. It’s almost as if someone took a traditional praline but turned it up a notch, combining salty butter-roasted Georgia pecans with caramel for a decadent filling encased in Bitzel’s extraordinary chocolate. Chef’s kiss! Read more on p. 10. Bitzel’s Chocolate is located at 453 Northolt Parkway across from Main Event. For more information visit BitzelsChocolate.com.

- Alicia Carter, Managing Editor

SHOP

Chai New Things

SUWANEE’S NEWEST coffee shop, Warm Waves, is located at Town Center next to Thrive Coworking — and it couldn’t be cuter! The cozy space is charmingly eclectic with classic board games and other nostalgic memorabilia nestled among flowers, coffee goodies, and artisan goods for sale. Our favorites include the chai, vanilla lavender latte, and iced matcha. With its laid-back vibes and delicious drinks, this is our new favorite go-to spot for a midday pick-me-up! 500 Buford Hwy., Suwanee. WarmWavesCoffee.com.

- Alicia Carter, Managing Editor

SLURPS UP!

LOCATED OFF Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee’s Umaido is a hiddengem ramen bar where you can pick the spice level from 1 to 10, adapting the heat to fit your own palate. Their delicious homemade noodles hold their texture in a rich and savory broth that will have you coming back time and time again. We recommend the Ultra Spicy Ramen and Green Ramen. Umaido is located at 2790 LawrencevilleSuwanee Road, Suite 140. Learn more at Umaido.net.

BEST RAMEN

- Tiffany Belflower, Events Director

BEST ART CLASSES

BEST NEW COFFEE

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:

Suwanee's new “Glass Chocolate Factory,” Bitzel's Chocolate stands as a testament to the belief that chocolate isn't just a treat; it’s an experience. By Alicia Carter

Photos

by

Paul Perdue and Karl Lamb

ARTOONIST CHARLES

M. Schulz once said, "All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.” And it’s true. Chocolate is a universal language capable of conveying a number of emotions — from expressing love and tempering sadness to articulating the great complexities of the world. (Because life is, in fact, like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.) Sadly, many of us have never experienced the true essence of what chocolate can be when it’s crafted with love and care by people who appreciate it not just for what it is, but also for its potential. These “dreamers of dreams,” as author Roald Dahl once called them, elevate chocolate-making to a true art form.

Ray and Yolanda Bitzel, owners Bitzel's Chocolate

Lucky for us, a team of those dreamers, including chocolatier and entrepreneur Ray Bitzel and his business partner Dave Rose, handpicked Suwanee as the perfect location for Bitzel’s Chocolate, a new state-of-the-art chocolate factory that opened this past January. The facility, which spans 7,000 square feet and is affectionately referred to as "The Glass Chocolate Factory,” stands as a testament to the belief that chocolate isn't just a treat; it's an experience. Ray Bitzel's vision is clear: to provide not only an unparalleled chocolate product but also an educational journey that unveils the magic behind every cacao bean. In short, it’s a whimsical chocolate experience that would give Willy Wonka a run for his money.

A True Chocolate Experience

The factory, with its walls comprising 70% glass, invites visitors to peel back the curtain and witness firsthand the meticulous steps involved in transforming raw cacao into heavenly chocolate confections. This “Journey of Chocolate” includes a literal trail that guides visitors through an artificial cacao forest as they learn about the growing and harvesting of cacao from family farmers in Ecuador and Uganda. As guests follow the trail, they get to witness the cutting-edge, automated production process, from fermentation, drying and sorting to bar molding, panning, spinning, enrobing, and packaging.

“We're here to create a chocolate experience and to create a chocolate product that doesn't cost a fortune,” Bitzel says. “That's unusual these days. For families to be able to come in and see everything — to see all the equipment that you're never going to see anywhere else. That's pretty cool."

This educational aspect of the facility allows visitors to see and taste the nuances of chocolate production. The transparency of the process, from the machinery whirring with activity to the stages of chocolate refinement, offers a multi-sensory experience. "How many times can you do that with science?” Bitzel says. “You can see it a lot of times, but can you smell it? Can you taste it? We're hitting all the senses."

Next Level Chocolate

Bitzel ’s passion for creating affordable yet exceptional chocolate is evident in Bitzel’s Chocolate’s commitment to quality by using real ingredients, debunking the notion that indulgence must come at the cost of health — or your bank account. Their chocolate stands apart by avoiding unnecessary additives, so they’re not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to the mass-produced chocolates lining grocery store shelves. In an era where ingredients can be a mystery, Bitzel emphasizes using not only the finest cacao from family farmers, but also real fruits like raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and cherries.

Another factor that sets Bitzel’s Chocolate apart is the team Ray has assembled, each member contributing a wealth of experience and expertise. Pastry Chef & Chocolatier Priscilla Dos Santos boasts an impressive tenure as the former Executive

Suwanee’s new chocolate factory offers visitors a behind-thescenes peek into the chocolate making process, from cacao bean to chocolate bar.

Pastry Chef at Macaron Queen. Ray Bitzel himself, the visionary founder, honed his craft at Le Cordon Bleu alongside the renowned late Jean-Pierre Wybauw, the No. 1 chocolatier in the world. Ray’s wife, Yolanda, adds layers of finesse with her time spent at the prestigious Chicago Chocolate Academy. Together with business partners Dave and Jackie Rose, whose keen business acumen played a pivotal role in bringing Bitzel’s Chocolate to fruition, the team's combined training and experience form a

delightful blend that rivals the prowess of e ven Willy Wonka's skilled confectionery artisans.

Chocolate and Beyond

Bitzel’s retail store serves as a tempting showcase of all the magic created behind the glass walls and features an array of treats such as chocolate bark, chocolate-covered fruits and nuts, truffles, and other intricately molded chocolate products. Bitzel's signature touch lies in its diverse chocolate offerings, spanning milk chocolate, dark chocolate, caramel chocolate,

and the exquisite ruby chocolate, a unique confection crafted from ruby cacao, ensuring a taste experience unlike any other. Kids will love the Monster Tails — large marshmallows dipped in milk chocolate and topped with candy like mini-M&Ms. Parents will want to pick up a few Schnappers to take home. These addictive treats are like traditional pralines but better, made with butterroasted, salted Georgia pecans and caramel, then dipped in Bitzel’s extraordinary chocolate.

LEFT: Bitzel’s state-of-the-art equipment was flown in all the way from Italy. BELOW: The cacao trees featured in Bitzel’s are actually real trees, sent off to a preservation company to preserve, replace the leaves with faux leaves, and add realistic looking cacao pods.

Be sure to treat your special someone to a box of delicious assorted chocolates, while kids will want to take home one of Bitzel's plush mascots, Ruby.

WHILE THE star of the show is the chocolate, another reason to visit Bitzel’s is their amazing selection of house-made gelato. Home to the only continuously churned gelato machines in the United States, Bitzel’s gelato has a soft, velvety texture that is the closest you can get to the authentic Italian tradition. The menu of rotating flavors includes chocolate, vanilla, salted caramel, coconut, butter pecan, espresso, and strawberry, among others, to which you can add a sauce and crumbles (brownie brittle crunch, coffee crunch, and more), along with other toppings and syrups. Don’t miss the forrest berries topping, which includes blueberries, raspberries, and black currant.

Events & More

Staying true to providing an immersive experience for visitors, Bitzel’s Chocolate also features a “Chocolate Theater” for special events like chocolate-making classes, tastings, and pairings, which are also available for private and corporate events. Soon, they will also host field trips, so local students can get a behind-the-scenes tour (and taste!) of the chocolate-making process.

Bitzel's Chocolate also sweetens community connections by teaming up with businesses and organizations to create custom corporate gifts as well as branded chocolates for the hospitality industry. These can include chocolates adorned with edible 4K-printed logos, branded packaging, and other

personalized customization designed to enhance guest experiences.

A recent example is Bitzel's partnership with the Gwinnett Gladiators for their Valentine’sthemed Hearts & Hockey event, where attendees received a Gladiators-branded box of Bitzel’s assorted chocolates upon entry, as well as a photo op in the arena's "Love Lounge.” Through these partnerships, Bitzel’s furthers its commitment to creating moments

of connection that linger long after the last bite of their delicious chocolate.

Suwanee’s new chocolate landmark is a tribute to the limitless possibilities of passion, dedication, and the magic that unfolds when dreamers unite. Charles M. Schulz's words echo through the richness of each chocolate creation — love is indeed the essential ingredient of really, really good chocolate. Bitzel’s Chocolate isn’t just a

factory, it's a testament to the dreams that elevate chocolatemaking into an art form and a journey guided by the belief that every chocolate should be an experience. ■

Bitzel’s Chocolate is located at 453 Northolt Parkway in Suwanee. Learn more online at BitzelsChocolate.com and follow them on Instagram: @bitzels_chocolate and Facebook: @ bitzelschocolate

Custom box designed for the Atlanta Gladiators' Hearts & Hockey event this past Valentine's Day.

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

BY: Bill and Cindi Porter, AILERON INVESTMENT ADVISORS

Which is a better stock investment, investments in larger companies, or in smaller ones?

At different times the answer would vary.

Sarah Hansen of Morningstar recently wrote, “The stocks for small companies are at some of their cheapest valuations in recent history. After years of underperformance in this area, this could be a sign that it’s time for investors to back up the truck.”1

P/E ratio — the price of a stock divided by its earnings — is a common metric to determine the value or priciness of a stock. The higher the P/E ratio, the more expensive the price.

“Relative to history, U.S. small-cap stocks are cheap. The S&P 600 Index’s forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio was 12.6 as of November 21, 2023. This ratio had only dipped below 13 twice since the turn of the millennium — in 2008, during the global financial crisis, and in 2011, when sovereign debt concerns weighed heavily on global stock valuations.”2

In general, small cap stocks bring the potential of more risk and possibly more reward.

Large cap stocks have a market capitalization of over $10 billion.3 Small cap stocks have a market capitalization of $250 million to $2 billion.4 The size difference brings different dynamics, risk levels, and market performance when economic circumstances change.

In general, small cap stocks bring the potential of more risk and possibly more reward. Tesla was a small cap stock early on. Investors who put money into that small relatively unknown company — but one that had a unique proposition — made a lot of money. But if Tesla had failed the opposite would have been true.

Conversely, AT&T would be hard pressed to double its value quickly (like Tesla) but it also is highly unlikely to go bankrupt. Its large size restricts both upside and downside.

A conversation with your trusted advisor should help you determine a prudent choice of positions for your portfolio. ■

1https://www.morningstar.com/markets/markets-brief-is-it-finally-time-buy-small-cap-stocks

2https://www.troweprice.com/personal-investing/resources/insights/how-attractive-are-us-small-cap-stocks.html

3https://www.fidelity.com/insights/investing-ideas/glossary-large-cap

4https://www.fidelity.com/insights/investing-ideas/glossary-small-cap

Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (“MAS”), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. MAS and Aileron Investment Advisors are not affiliated companies. AEWM and Aileron Investment Advisors are not affiliated companies.

This is

Send your investment questions to: submissions@ SuwaneeMagazine.com

THIS YEAR’S Cutest Pup in Suwanee Contest had over 90 entries and more than 2,500 votes cast, so to say people love their dogs would be a huge understatement! All the pups who entered the contest are adorable and received so many votes, but in the end our readers crowned Belle, a sweet 15-year-old bundle of love as the 2024 winner! And we must say that we are so happy to see a senior dog win this year!

FIRST PLACE:

Belle

“We are so thrilled that Belle won the Cutest Pup in Suwanee. Thank you to everyone who voted for our sweet toothless girl! Belle first joined our family in September 2008 after being abandoned in a box on the side of a road with her four sisters — the Disney Princesses. We are forever grateful to her rescuers and are so blessed to have had her in our family for 15 and a half wonderful years. She is our sweet gummy girl who loves everyone, and we can’t imagine life without her!”

— Sandy Izaguirre

Photos by Melissa Manderson

A special thanks to our sponsor:

We’d also like to thank the local businesses that donated amazing gift baskets and treats to spoil our winners:

2024 WINNERS!

SECOND PLACE:

Lucy

Lucy is a 12-and-a-half-year-old rescue dog. She was pulled from the Henry County shelter by You Lucky Dog Rescue less than 24 hours before she was to be put down. She was pregnant from her first heat. She was terrified and none of her puppies survived. We adopted her six weeks after her rescue, and she has been a cherished family member ever since. She developed an auto immune condition when she was six and requires multiple daily medications, but she is a true Cinderella story and is loved unconditionally.

Submitted

by

Kristen Shappert.

Chevy THIRD PLACE:

Chevy has tons of personality!

She loves to play, but when it’s time to sleep, she likes to burrow under the covers and is known to grunt as she drifts off. She has vivid dreams — it looks like she’s running, and she kicks all four legs. She must have the best dreams!

Ask Fanny

The mascot of Sugar Hill Animal Hospital answers about your pet’s health

Submitted by Chris Hermansen.

Q: My four-month-old Goldendoodle, Teddy, is fearful of other dogs and barks at our houseguests — what can we do?

- Rebecca J. (Suwanee)

A: We saw many fearful pets during COVID due to lack of socialization. I recommend getting Teddy into a Doggie Daycare program once he is fully vaccinated. Dogs are naturally pack animals and they thrive in social settings. I usually recommend three days each week for three weeks to provide positive reinforced socialization, although most dogs love daycare long-term. Also, a proper daycare will help with basic obedience, house training, and release of “that crazy puppy energy.”

Q: My dog, Ranger, a Chocolate Labrador Retriever was diagnosed with a torn ACL injury in his knee. However, my vet doesn’t do this surgery and it will be several weeks before a specialist can see him. Help!

- Joe P. (Sugar Hill)

A: More and more animal hospitals now refer out non-routine surgeries like orthopedics. At Sugar Hill Animal Hospital, our experienced surgeons perform surgery every weekday, including orthopedics and other advanced surgeries. We can usually schedule your pet for the next day. Please call to schedule a consultation ASAP.

Q: Oreo, my 12-year-old cat needs dental work badly and has terrible breath! However, I’m scared of putting him under anesthesia. Any advice?

- Taylor S. (Flowery Branch)

A: After a thorough physical exam and a pre-op blood panel, anesthesia for a feline dental procedure is safer than leaving the mouth with gingivitis and diseased teeth. At Sugar Hill Animal Hospital we use Sevoflurane, a very safe anesthetic that provides a “twilight” level of sleep for your pet. Along with a safer and a faster anesthetic recovery, we also include dental x-rays, and advanced dental procedures. Remember, cats hide their pain and after most dental procedures, owners tell us that their cat is acting like a kitten again. Nobody likes a toothache!

Q: My very spoiled Yorkshire Terrier, Fiona, hates her monthly heartworm prevention. Is it really necessary?

- Monica F. (Buford)

A: We still diagnose heartworm disease several times each week. Living near Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River, mosquitos that spread heartworm disease are everywhere. See if your vet clinic, like Sugar Hill Animal Hospital, offers ProHeart 12 — a full year of heartworm prevention in one simple injection. Never worry about giving a heartworm pill again!

Fanny’s helper this month is West Hamryka, DVM from Sugar Hill Animal Hospital. Dr. Hamryka is past president of the Georgia and Gwinnett Veterinary Medical Associations and is a guest lecturer at various veterinary colleges.

SUWANEE MAGAZINE

GUIDE 2024

Now is the perfect time to prep for the summer days ahead, when the kids are home from school and in need of enriching activities to keep them active and engaged. That's why we always dedicate space in our spring issue to spotlighting a variety of summer camps that specialize in science, coding, sports, the arts, and more! Join us in exploring the many local summer camps (and some only a short drive away) that will guarantee a summer filled with fun, learning, and growth!

770-682-5333

Barbie Camp: June 10-14 Bring your favorite Barbie doll and join Sugarloaf Performing Arts for a wonderful week filled with dance and creative movement! This camp experience will be filled with dance classes, crafts, videos, snacks and more activities your dancer is sure to enjoy! Ages: 3-7 (Pre-Ballet Levels 1-3). Full Day: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Dancers are required to bring lunch.) | $260. Half Day: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | $145.

Camp Moana: July 8-12 Dive into a magical week in the world of Moana through dance and creative movement! This camp experience will be filled with dance classes, crafts, videos, snacks and more activities your dancer is sure to enjoy! Ages: 3-7 (Pre-Ballet Levels 1-3). Full Day: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (Dancers are required to bring lunch.) | $260. Half Day: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | $145.

Mini Dance Intensive: June 10-14 or July 8-12

Modern, and Jazz techniques are the focus of this exciting camp for our young, but serious dancers. With so many things to learn and explore your dancer will leave each day excited for more. Ages: 7-10 (Rising Pre-Ballet 3A, Current Ballet 1, and Current Ballet 1A). Time: 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (no lunch needed) Cost: 1 Week - $245.00, 2 Weeks-$410.00.

Ultimate Dance Camp: June 10-14

and Hip-Hop techniques are the focus of this enriching camp for beginning-level students. With various dance styles to explore, each day will show your student a new aspect of the wonderful world of dance. Great for students with little to no previous dance training! Ages: 11 & up. 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (no lunch needed) | $245.

Mini Tumble Camp: July 8 – 11 & July 15 - 18

Tumbling, strength building, conditioning, jumps, acrobatics, and stretching. Feeling stronger yet? Increase your stamina and build your strength. Mr. Howard, their tumble instructor, has over 25 years of experience coaching elite-level gymnasts, dancers, and cheerleaders. Ages: 5 & up. Beginning (Ages 5-7) 5:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m. | $110. Beginning (Ages 8+) 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m. | $145. Intermediate/Advanced 7:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.| $145

Join Threaded From Heaven for an unforgettable Summer Sewing & Creative Camp. Experience unique projects, new friendships, and endless fun in their 7th year! Don't let your child miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn a valuable lifelong skill and gain self-confidence through sewing! Sign them up now for an experience that will spark creativity, teach practical skills, and create lasting memories. Spaces are limited, so secure your child's spot today before it's too late! Empower your child with valuable skills and lasting friendships through sewing.

1145 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suwanee, GA 30024 678-765-0791

5 Week Summer Intensives: Sugarloaf Performing Arts offers a five-week evening class schedule. This abbreviation of their fall schedule is an ideal opportunity for beginning and intermediate dancers, as well as exploration of new dance styles. They also encourage those new to our studio to come dance with them!

their creative potential this summer. They will build confidence

craft and learning new technical skills. Camps Stop Motion Clay Animation, Jr. Film-makers, Picture Book Creation, Mural Painting, and more. Each camp is an adventure in creativity, hands-on projects, and endless fun.

678-878-2818

SuwaneeArtsCenter.org

SugarloafPerforming Arts.org

Imagine splashing in an icy cold mountain stream, climbing ridges to an unbelievable view, or discovering the wonders of nature through handson explorations. At Tremont Institute’s summer camps, campers chase their curiosity while living and learning inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Overnight camps are available for kids ages 4-17.

9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN 865-448-6709

GSMIT.org/camps

A horse lovers’ paradise since 1954! Atop Lookout Mountain, for 50 girls ages 8-17; 1 to 8 weeks, 600 acres, English, Western, Barrels, Vaulting, and Trails. CHA instructors teach beginner to advanced riders. Spend up to 6 hours a day riding and caring for your OWN camp horse. The Jones family are third generation horse lovers, camp administrators, and equine educators making girls' dreams come true!

706-862-2231

ValleyViewRanch.com

Calling all budding performers and kids and teens who love the spotlight! One-week Theatre, Dance, Music, Comedy, and Filmmaking camp themes include TAYLOR SWIFT POPSTAR CAMP, PERCY JACKSON, YOUTUBE CAMP, WILLY WONKA, FROZEN SUMMER, BARBIE, HARRY POTTER, MEAN GIRLS, IMPROV, MURDER MYSTERY PARTY, and TROLLS! Teens will love their full-scale Summer Stock production of FOOTLOOSE, performing current hits in their BROADWAY NOW teen revue, or the COUNSELORS-IN-TRAINING leadership program. Each week culminates in a big Friday performance! June-August. Half-day and full-day options for ages 4-18. Extended care available 8 a.m.-6 p.m.Attend 5 weeks and your 6th week is free! Register today. 10+ locations.

770-864-3316 / ForefrontArts.com

Offering Summer half and full day Sports Camps, as well as evening & Saturday leagues, i9 Sports focuses on FUN! i9 Sports will exceed your expectations by providing convenient, organized, safe sporting opportunities in a friendly atmosphere that teaches sportsmanship & increases self-esteem. Save $10 by July 19th, Promo code SUMFUNSM24.

470-655-6370

Jennifer.jordan@i9sports.com i9sports.com

Imagine a camp where your child feels secure, welcome, and reassured. That’s Camp Woodmont! Located in northwest Georgia, Camp Woodmont is a traditional overnight camp for boys and girls ages 6-15 that features horseback riding, highropes/climbing, sports, dance, crafts, canoeing, archery, and more! Accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). 423-472-6070

CampWoodmont.com

SCAN TO REGISTER >

2024 GUIDE

The Best STEM camps start at Club SciKidz! Each summer, Club SciKidz offers over 70 themed camps for grades PK-8. Themes include Astronomy, Meteorology, Sea Adventures, Climate Change, Veterinary Medicine, Robotics, Marvel Stop Motion Animation, Save Our Oceans, Chemistry, Rocketry, American Doll, Wizarding World (Harry Potter), Medicine, and Surgery, to name a few! Club SciKidz is also your gaming headquarters, with three different Minecraft camps, ROBLOX, and a Video Game Factory. They offer the best coding and programming camps, such as Kibo, Ozobot, Sphero, and LEGO Robotics.

678-294-9504

Atlanta.ClubsciKidz.com

Code Ninjas’ 2024 camp lineup is the best yet! They have Minecraft (Modding & Redstone), Roblox dev, Digital Art, 3-D Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, and more! This summer, join them on an exciting learning adventure through coding, crafting, engineering, designing, problem-solving, logic, collaboration, and much more!

Suwanee: 770-353-9946

Hamilton Mill: 770-284-1056

CodeNinjas.com

Bodacious

Princess Camps: June 3-7 or June 17-21

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Price: $220 (Sign up before April 1st for $199). Your princess will have a magical adventure beginning each day at the castle. You will delight in watching her twirl and dance with Miss Bernie, sing with Fairy Godmother, and create lovely crafts with Rainbow Fairy. The week concludes with a Royal Ball with parents as the honored guests.

Burger Camp: June 10-14

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Price: $375 (Sign up before April 1st for $325). Where campers will accept the challenge to be Bold, Brave and Bodacious as they explore their hidden potential through singing, dancing, acting, games, and some special sauce! An “All-Swim” for budding young artists ages 6-12, with no experience necessary. Campers will rotate between singing, dancing, acting, games, and a surprise session. Each day will end with time on stage. The week concludes with a performance on a real stage for family and friends.

678-482-6333

SuwaneeAcademy.com

Spark your child’s creativity and confidence with the new Camp Invention® program Illuminate! Children in grades K-6 will team up and take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. They’ll design a light-up ball game, star in a prototyping game show and more! Visit invent. org/local to secure your spot! Use promo code LOCAL25 by 3/27 to save $25.

800-968-4332

Invent.org/Local

Each week is a new language immersion experience with a different theme so you may enroll your child in as many weeks of camp as you would like. Campers will enjoy handson learning through arts and crafts, outdoor activities, science experiments, singing, dancing, face painting, water activities and much more while developing their language skills in Spanish. Camps are staffed by The Spanish Academy preschool teachers who create a fun and educational environment while immersing your child in Spanish. Camps are designed for all students (beginner through native speakers) and all themes and activities are age-appropriate.

4 ATLANTA LOCATIONS: Buckhead, East Cobb, Emory & Suwanee

TheSpanishAcademy.com

Microbiology-all about germs

Fun with water & bubbles.

Build skills, make friends, and have the best time at NGLA Summer Camp! North Gwinnett Lacrosse Association Summer Camp is the perfect solution to give parents a break and let kids have fun in a safe, enjoyable environment. NGLS Lacrosse summer camps are for girls and boys with all ability levels — brand-new and existing lacrosse players. Equipment is available for new players on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVED basis. Ages: K-8th grade camps for boys and girls will be held during the months of June and July.

For details and to register, visit NorthLAX.com

Summer just got more fun at The Actor’s Scene!

TAS Summer Acting Camps provide an opportunity to learn various aspects of acting, film, improv, and comedy. Students build confidence, focus, presentation, and teamwork skills through fun acting games and exercises!

4484 Commerce Drive, Suite A Buford, GA 30518

770-904-6646

TheActorsScene.com

This experience will open your kids to the wonderful, magical world of science and realize that science can be fun and exciting. There will also be outdoor time where kids can run and play and make new friends, after all, it’s

10 weeks of fun!

Science, engineering and tinkering!

Ages 3-12 years old.

Each week offers a great opportunity for kids to investigate a specific topic: Coding and programming robots, engineering design the human body, chemistry-edible science, a visit from the Atlanta Zoo, mission to space, microbiolog - all about germs, fun with water and bubbles. This experience will open your kids to the wonderful, magical world of science and realize that science can be fun and exciting. There will also be outdoor time where the kids can run and play and make new friends, after all, it’s summertime!

Full-day (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) and half-day (9 a.m.-1 p.m.), early drop-off (8 a.m.-9 p.m.) late pick-up (4-5 p.m.)

Explore different art mediums and create one-of-a-kind projects. Join Eye Candy Art Studio for their summer art camp for a fun exploration through different art mediums, such as clay sculpture, tie-dye, canvas, pottery painting, and much more! Located in Historic Downtown Duluth. Perfect for ages 6+, $245/week or $55/day. MondayFriday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free Eye Candy shirt with full week enrollment.

678-714-5683

summertime!

Full day (9am-4pm) and half day (9am -1pm), early drop off (8am-9pm) late pick up (4pm-5pm)

9550 Nesbit Ferry Road

Alpharetta, GA 30022

770-282-6891

Satapos.com

Visit a hands-on learning environment at Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (INK) in Gainesville. Museum admission is $9/person and is good for one of the play time blocks. Check out their gift shop and pottery studio. INK offers scheduled group rates and birthday parties. Monday through Saturday with two-hour play time blocks: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday with two-hour play time blocks: 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

999 Chestnut St. SE, Gainesville, GA

770-536-1900

A Change of Art

The City of Suwanee partnered with local artist Shannon Lake for an out-of-this-world mural on Pierce’s Corner in Old Town Suwanee. By Alicia Carter / Photos Courtesy City of Suwanee

YOU MAY have noticed that Old Town Suwanee is looking a little different lately. The City of Suwanee has been working to revitalize the downtown area and recently collaborated with local artist Shannon Lake and his family to bring a new captivating mural to Pierce’s Corner.

 Built in 1910, Pierce’s Corner was most notably known as “the shop of many things.” It began as a 6,000-square-foot general store but later functioned as a silent movie theater, dentist office, antique store, and gas station, with the second floor once housing a Masonic Lodge. The city purchased the building in 2005

to renovate and preserve this piece of our history. The Suwanee Downtown Development Authority (DDA) took on the expense of the current renovation as its approach centers on strengthening the economic viability of downtown through various initiatives, including aesthetic improvements and historic preservation.

In a forward-thinking move, the Suwanee DDA sought to enhance the beauty of the building with large-scale, unique public art. To achieve this, the city received a matching funds grant from the Gwinnett Creativity Fund. The resulting mural, “Futurist” by Shannon Lake, spans a wall that measures 97 feet long and 30 feet high. Featuring vibrant abstracts

alongside the familiar beauty of flowers, the mural's focal point is an astronaut — a symbol of hope and forward-looking optimism. Sponsored by the Suwanee Public Arts Commission and the Suwanee DDA, “Futurist” adds yet another impactful public art piece to Suwanee's extensive offerings and further enriches the cultural landscape of the city.

We recently had the opportunity to catch up with the artist about the meaning behind the mural:

Tell us a little about your artistic background. I am a mural artist and Georgia native. I have been painting murals for about 30 years.

Suwanee’s newest mural, “Futurist” by local artist Shannon Lake, is a 97-foot by 30-foot work of art that represents hope and forward-thinking optimism. The mural is a big step forward in the revitalization of Old Town Suwanee.

I work with my wife, Tamara, and my son, Lofton. We focus on large exterior artworks. My father was a sign painter, so I grew up painting large signs in public spaces. This eventually led to more creative works — art for public consumption. We are inspired by typography, vintage illustrators, and modern street art.

What was the thought process behind the mural?

Tell me more about why you chose the elements you did for the piece. The concept or design intent for the Suwanee project was to create something everyone could enjoy with a positive message about moving forward to new beginnings. We chose brightly colored abstracts and familiar organic forms. The young astronaut was a well-received concept.

Our thought was that astronauts symbolize hope. Hope for what is out there, hope that we are not alone, hope in our capabilities and ingenuity, hope that by working together humans can push impossible boundaries and achieve success.

What drew you to this project? We really enjoyed working with the City of Suwanee. They gave us a lot of artistic license and really encouraged us to think outside the realm of typical “historic murals.”

Tell us about working with your wife and son on the project. We enjoy working as a family of artists and work well together. It was my son, Lofton, who first came up with the concept of an astronaut. To my surprise the city went for it, loving the unexpectedness of it all. ■

Local artist Shannon Lake worked with his wife, Tamara, and son, Lofton, to complete the mural.

Lofton Lake

GAMING OVERLOAD:

Signs and strategies to help deal with excessive gaming

BY: Jennifer Wilmoth, LMFT, Thrive Forward Therapy

In today’s interconnected world, gaming has become more than just a hobby — it’s a lifestyle for many. The allure of immersive virtual worlds, social interactions, and thrilling challenges draws millions of players into the gaming landscape daily. However, as with any form of entertainment, moderation is key.

As a therapist specializing in family digital well-being, I’ve observed the impact of excessive gaming on mental health and overall quality of life. Parents and partners often ask me these three questions to understand the signs of excessive gaming and try to find strategies to help balance gaming habits and routines in their family.

How do I know when gaming is a problem or excessive?

There is a lot of information we could cover here but the simple answer is when gaming is taking priority over relationships, responsibilities such as work or school, basic functioning such as eating and sleeping, or other hobbies. Often gaming happens late at night which makes tasks and responsibilities more difficult the next day, so there are a variety of ways it can get in the way of functioning and responsibilities. If someone is unable to reduce or stop gaming when they try, that is a clear indication gaming is on the

pathway to becoming excessive and causing problems with physical and mental health.

How do I start a conversation about excessive gaming?

Start by asking questions to more fully understand how your loved one is using gaming in their daily routine. Once they tell you the details of their routine use you can ask if they think it is getting in the way of other interests, friends/ relationships, or responsibilities. They may already be aware they are gaming excessively and want to make changes. If they are unaware, then you can ask what behaviors they think would let them know they are excessively gaming. If they start to do these behaviors in the future, you can remind them of their concerns about excessive gaming from the previous conversation. For children, parental controls and gaming time limits might be needed to help teach and monitor gaming limits while their brain is still developing regulation skills and time management.

How do we make changes to our family gaming routines?

Start with discovering what psychological needs gaming is meeting for your loved one and what role it is playing in their life. Is it easier to socialize through games or do they feel successful as they reach the next game level? Whatever psychological needs gaming is meeting for them, look for ways this need can be met in the physical world. Start to encourage adding in new interests or more time connecting with friends and family in their daily routines. As they spend more time in other activities, they naturally have less time to spend on gaming. It is much easier to add something to routines than to try to solely focus on taking something away. ■

MEXICAN CANTINA

ALICIA

Downtown Buford’s newest restaurant combines Mexican cuisine with history for a unique dining experience.

BY

CARTER / PHOTOS BY CAMIE PEW

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

A VIBRANT ADDITION TO THE LOCAL CULINARY SCENE WITH A UNIQUE BLEND OF MEXICAN CUISINE AND HISTORICAL CHARM.

DOWNTOWN BUFORD’S newest culinary gem, Off the Rails Mexican Cantina, has emerged as a vibrant addition to the local culinary scene with its unique blend of Mexican cuisine and historical charm. Spearheaded by the visionary duo behind the beloved Bare Bones Steakhouse, Buddy and Gaye Maughon, the restaurant pays homage to the downtown area’s rich history while also bringing a much-needed Mexican restaurant to the area. Plus, Buddy’s extensive knowledge and experience with delivering quality meat, as evidenced by Bare Bones’ popularity and stellar reputation, adds another layer of refinement to the menu.

The Maughons’ keen eye for quality and a penchant for honoring local history is evident in the collection of artifacts and memorabilia peppered throughout the space. Stepping into Off the Rails is like stepping back in time, as patrons are surrounded by an impressive assortment of objects from the building's storied past, such as one surprise Buddy stumbled upon:

a collection of manuals for a 1922 Fordson tractor found tucked away in the building.

Ever the treasure collectors, Buddy and Gaye were able to track down the exact tractor from the manuals — the very tractor that is now secured above the bar, acting as a grand centerpiece to the dining room. Other treasures include large stained glass panels filling the windows of the front of the building that Gaye found at an architectural salvage facility in Springfield, Tennessee; theater lights from an old theater in Cleveland, Ohio, that date back to the ’20s; a canoe hand-carved by Native Americans dating back to the 1700s; a portion of a railroad track from the very

tracks across the streets that have found a home below the bar; and in a nod to the building’s original tannery history, leather pieces that Buddy found in the building now hang framed on one of the walls. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Maughons have truly crafted an eclectic space that allows diners to discover something new at every visit.

Authentic Flavors

Complementing the historical ambiance is the culinary stewardship of Chef Leticia Ozuna, whose traditional recipes transport diners to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Dishes include staples such as fajitas, tostadas, burritos,

Buddy and Gaye Maughon, owners Off the Rails

Mexican Cantina

Clockwise from top left: One of the many historic pieces found throughout the restaurant, a 1922 Fordson tractor hangs above the bar; Chef Laticia Ozuna has crafted a menu of traditional Mexican dishes like burittos, quesadillas, fajitas and more; Off the Rails’ menu is also a reflection of owner Buddy’s love of quality meats.

and quesadillas, as well as chile rellenos, barbacoa, and flautas. Be sure to start your meal with the Cowboy Queso, topped with black beans, chorizo, and ground beef. It’s a hearty take on the classic queso starter. The street corn, featuring roasted corn and peppers topped with Mexican crema and queso fresco, is another don’t-miss item on the menu. Kids will enjoy quesadillas and tacos, corn dogs, and chicken tenders.

Buddy's decades-long experience in the meat industry ensures top-quality dishes. “Buddy's a meat man with 65 years experience in the meat industry,” Gaye says. “So we knew that we could bring really good meat to a Mexican restaurant. At Off the Rails, you can order your meat to your desired temperature, which is rare for a Mexican restaurant. Everything comes in fresh and we make everything from scratch.”

AS BUDDY AND GAYE MAUGHON LOOK TO THE FUTURE, THEY ENVISION OFF THE RAILS BECOMING SYNONYMOUS WITH EXCEPTIONAL FOOD AND HOSPITALITY, JUST AS THEY’VE ESTABLISHED AT BARE BONES STEAKHOUSE.

Off the Rails also has a fantastic bar program featuring some of the best margaritas in town. They approach their drinks in the same way they approach the food menu, using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Each day, the staff juices fresh fruits to be used in all of the drinks — another reason why the margaritas have already garnered a fantastic reputation.

As Buddy and Gaye Maughon look to the future, they envision Off the Rails becoming synonymous with exceptional food and hospitality, just as they’ve established at Bare Bones Steakhouse. "We just want to be known for really great food and great service," Gaye says. With its blend of culinary excellence, historical charm, and warm hospitality, Off the Rails is poised to do just that. ■

THE

#1

2024 SUWANEE BEER FEST GUIDE

IN THE UNITED STATES

RETURNS TO TOWN CENTER PARK

he countdown to the 2024 Suwanee Beer Fest has begun and a nticipation is bubbling over like a freshly poured pint.

On March 16th , Town Center Park will once again transform into a craft beer lover's paradise for the 13th annual installment of the festival, affectionately referred to among locals as “Suwanee’s favorite day.” Sip your way through more than 400 unlimited craft beer samples from over 100 breweries while enjoying the company of your 5,000 closest beer drinking buddies.

St. Paddy’s Fun:

Voted the #1 Best Beer Festival in the Country by USA Today readers

Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest is an experience that transcends the ordinary beer festival. It’s an epic celebration of craft beer, community spirit, and St. Patrick's Day festivities. Not a fan of beer? No problem. Attendees can also enjoy readyto-drink cocktails, seltzers, meads, ciders, wine, kombucha, and select spirits. Consider the next

Live Entertainment:

 The 2024 Suwanee Beer Fest will host two bands to keep you entertained all day long! As the gates open, Sucker Punch takes the main stage to welcome festival attendees to the event. Formed on the mean streets of Dunwoody in 2016, Sucker Punch cranks out rock hits from the ’90s and early ’00s. Known for their energetic performances, you'll hear hits from bands like Green Day, Weezer, Blink 182, Third Eye Blind, Sublime, Bush, The Offspring, and so many more. Headlining this year’s festival is Chicago's premier Southern and classic rock cover band Whiskey Thunder. The all-star lineup covers songs by beloved artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, .38 Special, Rolling Stones, Elvis, The Doors, and many more. They’ve garnered a reputation for being quite possibly the best bar band in the country and they’re ready to rock out at Suwanee Beer Fest!

Chicago's Whiskey Thunder

Sucker Punch

New to the Fest: CRAFT BEERS

OVER 400 OVER 100 BREWERIES

Bruzze Brewing Eatonton, GA

Bruzze Brewing makes beer that embodies the spirit of lake life. Their mainstay brews, Lakelife Lager and Summer Bruzze IPA, are perfect for any occasion and are brewed with the utmost care. With a focus on using the finest ingredients and innovative brewing techniques, Bruzze Brewing creates beers perfect for sipping on Lake Oconee.

Contrast Artisan Ales Chamblee, Georgia

Contrast Artisan Ales opened its doors in December of 2018 by Suwanee native Chase Medlin, who got his start brewing at the popular Twain’s Brewpub & Billiards in Decatur. From the delicious highgravity beers and wine-shaped beer glasses to the modern white and grayscale taproom and vibrant standout fox mural at the Chamblee brewery, Medlin’s passion is evident in every beer brewed at Contrast.

Crooked Culture Brewing Cumming, Georgia

After almost two decades spent mastering brewing techniques and serving as an integral part of two startup breweries that both went on to wild success, Patrick Leonard, along with business partner Nick Estes, opened Crooked Culture Brewing in 2022. The 7,000-square-foot brewery has 14 beers on tap and visitors can watch the game or enjoy time on the rooftop bar, outside patio seating, lounge area, or two-story main bar.

Freedom Brew and Shine Cumming, Georgia

Freedom Brew and Shine is a family-owned and operated craft brewery and distillery. Founded in October of 2020 when owner, Chase Wales, took his passion for for craft beer and love for his country and turned it into a local brewery and distillery with “freedom” as its core value. From the beer flavors to the unique taproom, this brewery embraces the freedom to push boundaries and create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere in North Georgia.

River Remedy Brewing Co. Rome, Georgia

River Remedy Brewing Co. was founded by a group of Rome, Georgia, locals who are passionate about good beer and helping their community. In fact, they give a portion of every pint sold to local charities, supporting everything from environmental causes to veterans to the arts and more — as long as they help the northwest Georgia region in some way. They want their beers to be a “remedy” for local causes!

Fun & Games

 This year’s festival will see the return of the festival staples Giant Jenga and Peach State Cornhole, as well as crowd-favorite giant beer pong. The 2024 festival will also see the return of mini golf along with a new game: giant Connect Four! Be sure to grab your buddies for some friendly competition between all the beer samples!

The VIP Experience:

 This year’s VIP tent is designed with the true beer aficionado in mind. The festival has partnered with Dimensional Design, a local design and branding firm, to create a one-of-a-kind VIP experience featuring high-end finishings, comfortable seating, and live music (noon-1 p.m.). Plus, there will be an exclusive selection of more than 30 beers that won’t be available to general admission. Marlow’s Tavern will once again cater the VIP tent, serving up three delicious courses starting when the gates open. With an hour early entry, a meal catered by Marlow’s Tavern, exclusive beers, music, and incredible atmosphere, the VIP experience is sure to set a standard for beer festivals everywhere.

The Homebrew Contest:

 The 2024 Suwanee Beer Fest Homebrew Competition will see more than 300 unique home-brewed beers entered this year, all within the category of Suwanee Beer Fest’s Dark Beer Homebrew Competition . This means that all beers entered will be dark beers including stouts, brown ales, black IPAs, porters, dark European lagers, and more! Home-brewed beers in this competition are judged based on a strict set of criteria, including mouthfeel, aroma, appearance, flavor, and overall impression. The winners will compete for Best in Show on the day of the festival, and the winner will be crowned on stage.

Five Tips for Navigating Beer Fest Like a Pro

Insider tips to help you cheers to a day filled with delicious brews and good company.

1) Fuel Up with a Homemade Pretzel Necklace

Prepare for a day of beer tasting by making your own pretzel necklace ahead of time. String some pretzels onto a piece of string or twine, and voila – you've got a convenient snack to munch on in between samples. Not only will it keep hunger at bay until you’re ready to swing by all the awesome food trucks, but it'll also help cleanse your palate between beers.

2) Stay Hydrated

With all the beer flowing, it's crucial to stay hydrated throughout the day. Luckily, the Spiffy Bin tent has you covered with free water to help keep your hydration levels up.

3) Map it Out

The Cause:

 The Suwanee Beer Fest team is dedicated to giving back and supporting the community. This year, a portion of event proceeds will benefit Cooper’s Crew, a Suwaneebased organization created in honor of Cooper O’Brien, who lost his battle to a rare form of cancer at the young age of 14. Cooper’s Crew provides funding for research and development to find a cure for childhood cancer as well as scholarships for young men and women facing challenging circumstances. Your participation in the festival helps support the Cooper’s Crew Fund and the Cooper O’Brien Scholarship Fund, which grants scholarships to graduating seniors at North Gwinnett High School each year who have overcome unique hardships. Please join us in raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer and to celebrate Cooper’s legacy.

Don't let the excitement of Suwanee Beer Fest overwhelm you – plan your route ahead of time by downloading the festival map at SuwaneeBeerFest.com. Knowing where your favorite breweries, food vendors, and attractions are located will help you navigate the crowds with ease and make the most of your time at the festival.

4) Vote for Georgia's Finest Brew

5) Stock Up on Festival Swag

Get in on the action and cast your vote in the Georgia Brew Battle. Upon entry, festival-goers will receive a token that you can use to vote for your favorite Peach State brewery. Make sure to drop off your token by 4 p.m., as the winner will be announced at 4:45 p.m. It's your chance to support local breweries and crown the ultimate Georgia beer champion! Last year, Liquid Nation Brewing took home the title. Who will win this year?

Don't forget to swing by the Suwanee Magazine tent to snag a 2024 Suwanee Beer Fest shirt. The folks at this tent are also super helpful and can answer any questions you may have to ensure you have the best festival day possible.

Meet the Brewers:

Alex "Chewy" Ciaburri HEAD BREWER From The Earth Brewing Company

What sparked your interest in brewing, and how did you develop your skills to become a professional brewer?

A natural curiosity of the various styles in brewing led me to seek out and experience a wide range of beers. The memory that sticks out the most is brewing with a good friend of mine at home. I remember discussing becoming brewers and one day opening our own brewery. Shortly after, I was hired by Jekyll Brewing. That was almost a decade ago.

Can you describe the signature style or philosophy that defines your brewing approach?

I can’t say I have a signature style. I’ve had a passion for Saison and Farmhouse beers. I think my personal philosophy when it comes to brewing is to make what makes people happy.

Can you tell us about a particular beer you're especially proud of and what went into creating it? Brewing Nothin' But Flowers was certainly the most memorable brew day I've had in a long time. Nothin’ But Flowers is our 6.7% Fresh Hop Pale Ale brewed with Idaho 7. From the moment the large brown boxes of fresh whole cone hops arrived at the brewery, I was captivated and intrigued. I was certainly eager to have any part in the process. Only being able to brew with fresh hops once a year contributes to a special brew day.

What sets your brewery apart from others?

From The Earth is a unique culmination of beer, food, and music that draws in a wide array of people.

What trends in the brewing industry are you currently excited

Kevin Wright  HEAD BREWER Fire Maker Brewing Company

Can you share a bit about your journey into the world of brewing?

I began drinking craft beer at 21 when I could purchase my own alcohol. I'll never forget the six-pack of Stone Ruination IPA I got to bring to a party. That beer blew my mind and definitely set my course for craft beer love. I moved to Portland, Oregon in 2010 and was inundated with all the craft beer available in the capital of craft in the U.S. at the time. This eventually led to some Google searches of how beer is made and then into a black hole of brewing research and techniques. I got extremely lucky with my father (a winemaker) having connections to the brewing industry so I was able to work my way into a brewing job at Widmer Brothers Brewing with no experience. This large-scale brewery is where I learned to brew — 7,750-gallon batches at a time!

about, and how do you see them shaping the future of the industry?

The craft beer industry is being challenged by consumer choices. Trends seem to be cyclical. Lager and light beer seem to be here to stay. Brewers certainly have opened themselves to being creative with RTD cocktails and seltzer.

Describe the signature style or philosophy that defines your brewing approach. My approach to brewing is very balanced. I like to make beers within style guidelines. I like them to be approachable by all types of people. I always want to make sure that the "beer" flavor is dominant and any adjunct additions accent the original flavor and don't ever mask it.

Tell us about a beer you are especially proud of and what went into creating it? I love when the vision of a recipe perfectly presents itself in a glass. This was the case in 2021 when I first started at Fire Maker. My first recipe was a Dunkelweizen. I had just left a contract brewing facility where we made a ton of German lagers so I had been in a strong German phase at the time. As usual for me the recipe was pretty simple, and the brew day went smoothly as well. It was just so satisfying to be at my new brewery, with a new start, and that first beer came out exactly as I wanted it. It was a great feeling drinking that at the bar!

What sets your brewery apart? I truly feel like Fire Maker is a brewery for the people! We are constantly listening to our customer base and adjusting our strategies, products, and practices to try and make something for everyone. Our partnerships with the Georgia, Florida, and Carolinas sections of the PGA also give us unique opportunities in the golf world. We will soon be distributing in those states and hoping that you will be able to find a Calamity Jane at most golf courses in Georgia and around the Southeast.

What sparked your interest in brewing, and how did you develop your skills to become a professional brewer?

It all started back on my 21st birthday at Stone Brewing in San Diego, California. My interest in craft beer sparked while studying chemistry in undergrad to become a pharmacist at the time.

How I developed my skill didn't happen overnight.

I realized I didn't want to become a pharmacist after graduating. I started doing construction work and building koi ponds after school ended and enjoyed a lot of aspects from that. But, I still wanted to incorporate it with my chemistry degree in my work life.

One of my best friends became a head brewer at a local brewery in my hometown in West Virginia called Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company. I started working there at the bottom as a keg washer. Then I moved up through the packaging team running a canning line, then to cellarmen cleaning tanks, cold side fermentation, and transferring beer through a centrifuge. Then I moved to night shift brewer where I mastered all aspects of the brewing process to that point.

I took my talents to Three Notch'd Brewing Co. based out of Virginia, and after that I got into brewing sake in the basement of Three

Notch'd at North American Sake Brewery. It was a great experience, and I learned a lot about the sake brewing process. From there, I wanted to get back into the beer brewing world. I took my talents down to Atlanta to brew at SweetWater Brewing Company, where I got to experience what mega brewing was all about and transferring mass quantities of beer.

After that I started working at Line Creek Brewing Co./Bus Barn on the southside of metro Atlanta where I was the pilot brewer and got to create a new beer each week to keep my creative side going. I wanted to be closer to home, so I took a job with 6S Brewing Company. I have only been here for a few months, but I am enjoying my time here getting things up and going and I hope to have a successful future with them.

Can you describe the signature style or philosophy that defines your brewing approach? The philosophy behind it for me is to be my creative self and create a masterpiece that everyone who enjoys beer gets to enjoy — it definitely brings a smile to my face.

Can you tell us about a particular beer you're especially proud of and what went into creating it? It's more of a style for me. It's called a Gose. It’s a German wheat sour beer that is dosed with sea salt and coriander and it can be consumed like that or dosed with many different flavor combinations to give it a unique flavor profile. This beer is usually kettle soured, which adds a few more steps to the brew process. Once it is transferred to the kettle after sparge, it gets boiled for 10 minutes to kill off any impurities in the wort. Then we bring the temperature down 100 degrees to be able to add bacteria and a blanket of CO2 on top of the wort to help sour the beer and bring the beer's pH down to the 3.6-3.4 range, which usually

takes 24 hours or more depending on pH readings. Once achieved, you bring the temperature back up to a boil to kill off all the bacteria to make the beer safe to drink. Then for 60 minutes you add your hops and coriander and sea salt. Then, send it to the fermenter with some yeast and a normal fermentation time frame for an ale. After fermentation is complete, you can keep it as a base gose or you can add different fruit purées for different fruit combinations to give your gose some flare and style for fellow beer lovers to consume and enjoy.

What sets your brewery apart from others? 6S Brewing Company is a communityfocused brewery dedicated to building a vibrant culture of craft beer. We are cozy and quaint with a family atmosphere. We offer a different variety of beers to try to accommodate all beer lovers in the Duluth and Gwinnett area.

What trends or developments in the brewing industry are you currently excited about, and how do you see them shaping the future of craft beer?

I see the love of lagers is coming back. Sour craze is still going on with the endless possibilities for the flavor profiles offered today in the craft industry, as well as hard seltzers being brewed in breweries now and ready-to-drink mixed cocktails as well. Non-alcoholic beers are starting to gain traction in the industry. These are all great things for craft beer; it keeps the creativity flowing throughout the industry. Especially grabbing different types of drinkers and keeping people with sobriety happy to still be a part of the fun with what the craft industry has to offer.

Can you share a bit about your journey into the world of brewing? What sparked your interest in brewing, and how did you develop your skills to become a professional brewer? I began working in restaurants when I was 16 in the kitchen and ended up moving into front-of-house serving and bartending. Years later, I walked into the Porter Beer Bar when they first opened in 2008 and was blown away by craft beer having known very little about it. I was overwhelmed with curiosity and found myself completely devoted and began homebrewing. Weeks later, I was employed by the Porter as a cook and server, and I also got a job working at a homebrew supply shop. From those two jobs I was very involved with the beer scene, not only as a server at one of the nation’s best, but also working hand in hand with homebrewers across the state. I eventually moved on to work at Wrecking Bar Brewpub as part of the opening staff. I then moved on to Max Lager’s in Downtown Atlanta learning German-style brewing. From there, I went on to open my own brewery that was short lived and left weeks before the pandemic. I had small jobs at Twain’s and Dry County before I came back as Brew Master of Wrecking Bar Brewpub in 2022.

Frankie Weinberg  HEAD BREWER 6S Brewing Company

Tim Schiavone BREW MASTER Wrecking Bar Brewpub

Can you describe the signature style or philosophy that defines your brewing approach?

I believe every single style should be brewed respectfully in the ways it was originally created to honor the beer gods. I also don’t like putting fruit or candy in beer. Not my jam.

Can you tell us about a particular beer you're especially proud of and what went into creating it?

Timmy’s Czech Pils. It’s a style that can’t hide anything! The simplicity of the style promotes very clean brewing and any small flaw in sparging temp, boil time, fermentation temp, oxygenation rate, etc., will definitely be picked up!

What sets your brewery apart from others? We are a brewpub! A very delicious brewpub as well. Our food is stellar — a perfect match of casual fine dining with your average burger and fries, but also entrées like bison steak, trout, duck, etc. We also have a very extensive wine and cocktail program. Beer, wine, food and cocktails — we do it all!

What trends or developments in the brewing industry are you currently excited about, and how do you see them shaping the future of craft beer? Trying my best not to be opinionated, but as of right now there aren’t many trends happening. The only trend I see is trying to stay alive and in business. For the longest time it was trend after trend after trend and a lot of breweries fell victim to never finding a true identity considering they were always changing direction. It has hurt the brewing industry greatly. So now, without trends, we can see what breweries are really about.

What sparked your interest in brewing, and how did you develop your skills to become a professional brewer?

I started enjoying different types of beer while working in my dad’s pub and traveling in the Air Force in the '70s.

I homebrewed with a few friends in the '80s while trying out some of the first craft beers when I could find them. A Christmas Homebrew Kit from my wife in the '90s started my home brewery that grew in sophistication over the years. I entered contests, won, and started judging beer in the 2000s. Making friends all over the craft beer world enabled me to learn skills and gain experience on equipment like I use today.

Can you describe the signature style or philosophy that defines your brewing approach?

Process and discipline is important for consistency in brewing, however, flavor impact for me is key. I start by envisioning a beer based on what flavors I want to be in the finished beer. I then figure out if those flavors will come from the grain, hops, yeast, spices, fruit or some combination I plan to use in the recipe. Sometimes one flavor will dominate, however, I really try to make a beer that balances several different complementary flavors. If I

can’t taste something or it doesn’t improve the beer in my opinion, then I will leave those ingredients out the next time. I like symphonies but a good guitar solo is cool, too.

Can you tell us about a particular beer you're especially proud of and what went into creating it? Orange Diva. I was trying to craft a summer beer that everyone would want to drink yearround. I started with the best Belgian Witbier I could make then had my wife critique it. She loved it but when asked how I could make it better, she wanted more orange. I tried more and different orange peels and juices with nothing approaching a “wow” improvement. When I added blood orange to the beer, her eyes got big and she said I nailed it. Orange Diva became our first Great American Beer Fest medal winner, won a Gold Medal in

Australia, and is still one of our most popular beers.

What sets your SillFire Brewing apart from other breweries? We try to brew every style imaginable to always have a wide range of beers available in our taproom. Beyond that, we love to twist classic beers to try and give our customers a new treat.

What trends or developments in the brewing industry are you currently excited about, and how do you see them shaping the future of craft beer? There are a lot of new flavorful hops being introduced and customers are more likely to try a beer brewed with something new or a nontraditional ingredient. We can be creative and surprise our customers at the same time.

Phil Farrell BREW MASTER StillFire Brewing

Festival Vendors:

Ales to Trails

The perfect brand of clothing and accessories for people who love craft beer and outdoor adventure. A small business based out of northern Michigan, all items are designed and printed in-house using the best quality materials. They offer beer lovers the most incredibly soft and comfortable tees, made for drinkin' beer and outdoor adventure. Life is a brewtiful adventure, sip back and enjoy every moment.

231-459-6808

AlestoTrails.com

Andretti Karting

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is Buford’s premier entertainment/ event destination featuring high-speed electric superkarts on multi-level tracks, state of the art arcade, racing simulators, laser tag, duckpin bowling, 7D Xperience Dark Ride motion theater, and Hologate, a full sensory immersive four-player VR experience. Fuel up in their Grill serving American favorites or at their Main or Patio bar serving craft beer and cocktails with a 15-foot projection screen showing all your favorite matches and games! Looking to wow your guests with an unforgettable event? They have over 6,000-square-feet of event space with inhouse catering, free WiFi and A/V. Take your entertainment to the next level today at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games! AndrettiKarting.com/ buford

Angels Among Us Angels Among Us Pet Rescue (Angels Rescue) was founded in February 2009 by a small group of individuals committed to saving the growing number of unwanted, abandoned, abused, and stray dogs and cats in animal control facilities and other atrisk situations across Georgia. With the help of donors, fosters, and other volunteers, in just 10 years, this organization has saved the lives of over 20,000 dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. Their efforts are funded by tax-deductible contributions from compassionate people and organizations who care. The mission of Angels Among Us Pet Rescue is to “Rescue One Until There Are None,” and dog by dog, and cat by cat, they strive to live this philosophy every day.

AngelsRescue.org

Atlanta Motor Speedway

Atlanta Motor Speedway is a race track and entertainment facility. It has annually hosted NASCAR Cup Series stock car races and also welcomes other types of events throughout the year. AtlantaMotor Speedway.com

Benny Things

Artisan hot sauce and retail products. All items are made small batch with fresh ingredients. Chef owned and operated.

BennyThings.com

Bubble Sip

An African-American owned, sole proprietorship beverage company in the USA. Bubble Sip LLC offers competitive products that are subjected to a Seven Stage Purification process followed by Reverse Osmosis and Ozonation. Additionally, their premium water products have electrolytes and minerals added for proper hydration and enhanced flavor. Bubble Sip’s premium waters are offered in a patented and ergonomically superior bottle. XeniWaters.com

Capital Vacations

Capital Vacations believes in the importance of moments. They deliver memorable moments to all guests through flexible travel programs that give them the security, affordability, and professionalism to make vacationing a regular part of their lifestyles. As a resort management, development, and vacation club sales company, they create a foundation for their guests to create adventures, bonds, stories, memories and more, all through the experience of traveling. Explore curated beach, mountain, and attractionfilled destinations, from coast-to-coast to the Caribbean.

407-417-7576

CapitalVacations.com

Chattahoochee Riverkeepers (CRK)

A 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the protection of the Chattahoochee River, its lakes, tributaries, and watershed for more than five million people who depend on it for drinking water, electricity, crop irrigation, and recreation. For 28 years, CRK has worked with its 10,000+ members to protect the watershed's health and promote river stewardship.

205-434-0252

Chattahoochee.org

Chris Robinson

State Farm

Chris and State Farm's mission is to have lasting relationships with customers and families while giving them exceptional and professional service. They want to be the first and preferred choice for customers' insurance and financial services. They focus on auto, home, business, and life insurance and strive to provide a remarkable insurance experience.

678-889-8423

AgentChris

Robinson.com

Daily Grit

Daily Grit is a boutique clothing shop perfect for those in search of unique clothing and jewelry. Their jewelry is imported and made to meet all of your everyday needs.

DailyGritOnline.com

Duluth’s Psychic and Spiritual Healing Studio

Psychic offering tarot card readings, chakra balancing, and reiki healing. Also sells homemade candles, crystal, and jewelry.

678-598-3197

duluths-psychic-andspiritual-healingstudio.business.site

Endless Links

Offering permanent jewelry to attendees. They provide customized bracelets, necklaces, anklets, rings, and earrings. Options include solid 14K gold, goldfilled, and sterling silver. EndlessLinksJewelry.com

Excel Federal Credit Union

Established in 1952, Excel Federal Credit Union’s goal is to be their members’ most trusted financial partner. As a community-based credit union, their financial products and services are offered to anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, and Hall counties. They’ve got you!

ExcelFCU.org

Explore Gwinnett

The county's official tourism and film office is dedicated to marketing Gwinnett as a great destination to visitors. Mark your calendar for March 19-25 for their annual Gwinnett Burger Week with $10 burgers created by local chefs available for one week only. Experience Gwinnett’s 12 great breweries through their beer tours with Southern Culinary Tours.

770-623-3600

ExploreGwinnett.org

Festive Water

The best Paddle Sports Sales and Rentals company on Lake Lanier, they rent and sell kayaks, paddle boards, floats, and all the accessories to go with them. With delivery available to either a boat ramp, park, or house on Lake Lanier they make it easy for you. Offering 4-, 8-, and 24-hour rentals as well as discounts for VRBO and AirBnB customers. If you want to have some fun on the water, give them a call.

404-422-9569

FestiveWater.com

Georgia Chic Boutique

Georgia Chic Boutique is the newest familyowned women's clothing store that has cute and affordable fashion for all ages. You can find adorable clothing for any occasion. Georgia Chic Boutique also offers other items including tanning lotion, Swig drink holders, and accessories.

GeorgiaChicBoutique.com

Gitts Bajan

Pepper Sauce: The Ultimate Sauce!

An authentic Bajan Pepper Sauce in three deliciously flavorful heat levels: mild (no heat), medium heat, and hot. Tasting this sauce is like tasting a piece of the Caribbean.

GittsPepperSauce.org

Kreative Kandles

Kreative Kandles was built out of a passion for custom scents, classy aromas, and the desire to have candles that burn clean. All candles are created with soy wax, organic cotton wicks (or wood wicks if you desire), and customcreated scents.

Etsy.com/shop/ kreativekandlesbyDT

LeafGuard

LeafGuard® brand gutter, a patented onepiece leaf and debris shedding gutter system. The LeafGuard gutter system revolutionized the industry by providing an innovative one-piece system for residential and commercial application, with a lifetime, clogfree guarantee. Today, the LeafGuard brand continues to be a trusted source for quality and reliability, backed by the Good Housekeeping seal. LeafGuard.com

Madison O’Brien’s Art

Add some whimsy to your decor with the colorful cocktail- and beer-themed creations of local artist Madison O’Brien. Instagram: @madisonobrien.art MadisonOBrien.com

Mini Kitty

Drawing inspiration from nostalgia, color, and all things cute, Lisa designs playful earrings and home goods.

ShopMiniKitty.com

Mellow Bear Honey

Honey is both medicinal and a super food while cannabis is known for its healing properties. A local beekeeper has combined these two ingredients to create the ultimate remedy for your ailments!

706-201-3482

MellowBearHoney.com

Post Meridiem Spirit Co.

Atlanta's hometown cocktail company! They make full-strength, barquality canned cocktails using real ingredients at the proper proportions.

PostMeridiemSpirits.com

Puppy Haven

Puppy Haven Pet Resort’s Veterinarian-recommended facilities that have been a trusted home-awayfrom-home for more than 10 years. Whether your dog joins them for overnight lodging, dog daycare, or a trip to the dog spa, they wag differently from the rest!

PuppyHavenATL.com

Quality Ortho Care

North Georgia's most experienced Invisalign provider! Check out what makes them different. Treating all ages with Invisalign and traditional braces. Call today for your free consultation. 770-664-6003

QualityOrthoCare.com

Real Cajun

Stop by and see this family-owned company that makes authentic Cajun food. Specializing in handcrafted artisan smoked sausages, sold by the pound.

RealCajunMarket.net

Renewals by Andersen

Renewal by Andersen is the window replacement subsidiary of Andersen Corporation, a company that has revolutionized the window and door business for more than 110 years. Drawing on the Andersen tradition of over 100 years of quality, innovation and craftsmanship, Renewal by Andersen was founded with the objective of creating a different and better window and door replacement experience for homeowners like you.

RenewalBy Andersen.com

Southern Girls Hat Bar Co.

Welcome to Southern Girls Hat Bar Co.! A brand-new pop-up bar where you and your friends become the designer and create oneof-a-kind trucker hats. Book a private party or follow on social media to see where they will pop up!

SouthernGirls HatBarCo.com

States of Brew

States of Brew is a creative design team that specializes in craft beer maps, bourbon signs, and custom artwork. At States, they work hard and play harder! Do what you love, and love what you do — that’s their motto!

StatesofBrew.com

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters

The Brothers That Just Do Gutters understand how necessary it is to make the smartest decision possible to achieve the best results. Their goal has always been to become a communityfriendly, consumerfocused gutter company providing reliability and a great client experience.

BrothersGutters.com/ ne-atlanta-ga

The General’s Hot Sauce

Full flavor hot sauce! USAgrown peppers using sustainable practices, all veteran owned. A portion of proceeds go back to veterans’ groups and families. All natural ingredients. A great sauce for the greater good.

GeneralsHotSauce.com

Tresors Par Moi

Tresors Par Moi, a boutique jewelry brand, specializes in exquisite handmade beaded jewelry. Curating pieces that blend elegance and modernity, their collection includes delicate necklaces, statement rings, and more. Each item reflects a commitment to quality craftsmanship and timeless design.

TresorsParMoi.com

Vacation and Travel Group, LLC

Vacation and Travel Group LLC is a marketing company that sells vacation packages to fit the individual wants and needs desired for vacation as well as taking into consideration each individual's budget.

VacationandTravel Group.com

Vacation Play

VacationPlay.com is the leader in vacationing and travel packages to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Their other reservation services and travel destinations rank among the top in the nation. Their network of hotels, resorts, affiliates, and guest services has provided value-added vacations to thousands of vacationers. At Vacation Play, their mission is to become the leading provider of value-added vacations. It is their intention to

introduce you and your family to the benefits of vacation ownership. With a network of GOLD CROWN developments at prominent vacation destinations, they have designed promotional travel packages.

VacationPlay.com

War Horn

Makers of Viking drinking horns, blowing horns, and horn mugs! Come get the world's only Hornucopia, the horn of plenty of drinking!

Facebook.com/ WarHornLLC

Wild Ice Jewelry

All handmade: Football/ baseball/collegethemed signature wrap bracelets in sterling silver metal finish, earrings/necklaces. Seasonal stone/crystal wrap bracelets in silver and gold metal finish. Repurposed Louis Vuitton handbag material made into earrings, necklaces, bracelets, keychains, and hairpins.

WildIceJewelry.com

Young Lane

Young Lane was founded for ALL women who know you'll radiate confidence when wearing their hand-selected pieces. Women are not one size fits all, so why should your clothes be? They understand women come in different sizes, shapes and colors. It's what makes each one unique.

ShopYoungLane.com

Food Vendors:

Beto’s Tacos

Owner Roberto "Beto" Correa is passionate about making food and sharing a piece of his culture with all his patrons. Although the street tacos are the most popular item, Beto's Tacos has a vast menu with plenty to choose from — enchiladas, tortas, soups, and more!

678-288-9622

BetosTacos.com

R&R Boiled Peanuts

Boiled original and Cajun peanuts along with roasted peanuts. Two sizes: 20-ounce and 32-ounce cups.

The Inked Pig

Classic barbecue with a new age twist.

TheInkedPig.com

Love at Wurst Sight

Best food truck in Atlanta! They have been in business for 20 years and have a wide variety of items on their menu with super fast service. Specializing in serving large crowds.

LoveatWurstSight.com

Fowl Play

Offering a diverse menu for almost any appetite. From very tender Halal Lamb chops to crispy wing flavors and hand-cut fries all cooked with LOVE and cooked to order! That is the difference between FowlPlayAtl and the rest!

FowlPlayATL.net

Tiff’s Treats

Meet Tiff's Treats, the original cookie delivery company! On their Treats Truck, they serve warm, always baked fresh cookies in a variety of flavors, brownie bites, ice cream, Tiffwich ice cream sandwiches, milks, sodas, and more! Seasonal items include winter hot cocoa and summer ice cream floats. Delicious treats you can smell from a mile away!

CookieDelivery.com

< Eggroll Boyz

EggRoll Boyz, often hailed as a “new food trend,” has taken the culinary world by storm with its “world famous gourmet eggrollz.” These delectable creations are the result of a culinary team inspired by their global travels and rich heritage.

EggrollBoyz.com

Wild Caught Seafood

Fresh seafood such as hot and cold lobster rolls, shrimp/oyster/grouper/crab cake po-boy sandwiches, shrimp/oyster/grouper baskets, alligator pork sausage, alligator on a stick, Key lime pie, clam chowder, crab and shrimp boils and crawfish boils.

WildCaughtSeafood.com

Lisa’s Creperie

Lisa’s Creperie is a French crépe and coffee truck that was just recently featured on Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race” season 16.

LisasCreperie.com

The FreshTruck

FreshTruck seeks to always live up to its name in consistently bringing the highest-quality, freshest ingredients in preparing food items for its customers. All of their meats are purchased fresh, not frozen, and prepared by hand.

FreshTruckATL.com

PLUS!

Makara’s Mediterranean

Makara's has been serving their fantastic gyros, Polish sausage, fries, grilled chicken salads, and falafel since 1997. You've had their fresh brewed tea and lemonade in 32-ounce cups time and time again. Stop by and say hi — it's their first year at this event!

Suwanee Beer Fest

Spiffy Bin is your solution to the nasty, dirty, bacteria-laden garbage bins at your home or business. Getting a clean bin couldn't be simpler! Spiffy Bin will come to your home after trash collection (monthly, bimonthly or quarterly) and use 190° high-pressure hot water to thoroughly clean, sanitize and deodorize your bin. They dry them and even walk them back to your garage doors! The dirty water is collected and taken away by the truck. Call or sign up online today to get your bins Spiffy. 100% satisfaction is guaranteed! Mention the discount code "SuwaneeBeerFest" at sign up and your second service is $20 off!

855-GET-SPIF  SpiffyBin.com

For more than a decade, Level Minds’ Shiloh and Nelson, a wife-and-husband team, have focused on helping others. From their early start with alternative therapies in weight loss, pain therapies, and breaking the addiction to cigarettes, their combined experiences help humans and pets alike find relief — relief that traditional medicine hasn’t provided for thousands of their clients. For Level Minds’ founders, hemp is life and here to stay. After all, it’s one of the greatest gifts Mother Nature has to give.

678-765-2228

LevelMindsCBD.com

Located in the heart of downtown Sugar Hill’s “Shine District,” Sugar Hill Distillery is the first distillery in the nation to manufacture and produce both fine spirits and German-style beer in the same equipment. Add a full-service restaurant to the mix and you have the perfect place for a relaxing and memorable day or evening of delicious Euro-inspired treats, fine spirits, and delicious craft beers.

470-589-1775 / SugarHillStills.com

TopShelf Beverage offers an extensive selection of spirits, beer, and wine, including many exclusive store-picked bourbon, whiskey, tequila, and rum barrels; rare, boutique and small production wines; and a large selection of local craft beer. Certified, experienced and knowledgeable. Awardwinning location in Suwanee, Georgia.

678-714-9962 / SuwaneeTopShelf.com

Their mission is simple: connect people and play cornhole! Each league consists of 8 weeks of matches and playoffs. Top teams at each location are eligible to compete in a statewide tournament. Join them for a fun, social, and competitive experience with old and new friends! They also host corporate tournaments, charitable events, and social events. Stop by their tent to practice on one of their sets.

PeachStateCornhole.com

In just over four years of operation, the team of world-class brewers at Suwanee's StillFire Brewing have earned over 30 national and regional awards (including two bronze medals at the Great American Beer Fest and a silver medal at the International Beer Cup). StillFire is THE BEER FOR PEOPLE WHO KNOW GREAT BEER!

StillFireBrewing.com

Brew Depot has been Georgia's No. 1 home brewing store since 1997 and has a huge product selection in their 3,600-square-foot store. Same-day shipping is offered on most orders. Brewing classes are available in their dedicated brewing facility.

770-645-1777 / Brew-Depot.com

BEER & WINE BREWING SUPPLIES

Sponsors

770-408-7000

Suwanee Beer Fest wouldn't happen without these folks!

Bulldog Bike Law was formed by Chris Howard, with partner Jared Mitnick, after a lifelong passion for motorcycle riding. Many lawyers claim to be “Motorcycle Lawyers,” but just use tricky advertising to get bikers’ business. Chris and Jared are real riders on the street and track, and real lawyers who fight hard for their clients, instead of settling for less. Check them out on Facebook and Instagram for big wins in the courtroom, cool custom bike builds, and big wins on the track!

/ BulldogFirm.com / @Bulldogbikelaw

Specializing in the short to medium production run of graphics, signage, and banners for POP (point of purchase) display; QSR (quick service restaurant) signage; visual merchandising, sporting venues, special events, trade shows, and fleet graphics. They create, print, pack, and ship to provide a complete graphic solution.

ExpressColor.com

Veugeler Creative is an award-winning digital marketing and design agency focused on delivering compelling work that gets you noticed, tells your story, and attracts and converts the customers you want. They are the proud marketing and design team for Suwanee Beer Fest!

678-482-2270 / VDGATL.com

678-376-1150

/

Dimensional Design is an integrated design and branding firm focused on an array of marketing tools such as trade show exhibits, retail displays, marketing and corporate interiors, signage, and graphics. They create brand-focused designs and take them from the creative brief through design, fabrication and implementation.

Enjoy award-winning wings, tons of craft beer on tap, and the best sports watching environment at Taco Mac’s neighborhood restaurants. Come by. Hang out.

678-730-0941 / TacoMac.com

White Claw® Hard Seltzer is the nation's leading hard seltzer known for pure, crisp refreshment. Crafted with quality ingredients, White Claw® is made from a blend of seltzer water, gluten-free alcohol, and a hint of fruit flavor. 100 calories per 12 fl oz., 5% alcohol, 2g carbs and gluten free. White Claw® Hard Seltzer Black Cherry is spiked sparkling water with a hint of black cherry.

WhiteClaw.com

NEITHER SHAKEN NOR STIRRED. DISCOVER PREMIUM PREPARED COCKTAILS. Created with the adventure life in mind, Cayman Jack is a handcrafted, ultra-premium malt beverage that blends delicious flavor and just the right bite. Cayman Jack only uses real ingredients, made with 100% agave nectar, pure cane sugar, and organic limes. Cayman Jack has created a margarita with an alcohol level that's the perfect balance of strength and refreshment.

Cayman Jack has 5.9% alcohol by volume and is sold in six-pack 11.2-ounce bottles and 12-packs of 12-ounce cans.

CaymanJack.com

SBF Sponsors (cont.)

Located in Cumming, Georgia, this can’t-miss distillery is making a name for itself in a big way. Opening their doors, three days before the initial COVID-19 shutdown, the distillery weathered the storm and came out strong. Boasting a distilling process that utilizes quantum purity technology, Legends has won 69 awards worldwide. Stop by their tent to sip on their award-winning vodka and take delight in 123 Bourbon. Whatever quenches your thirst, they have the spirit for you.

Advanced Medical Spa is passionate about offering services to help you feel better, look great, and love your life again! With three convenient locations in Braselton, Cumming, and Duluth, they can help determine what your body actually needs in order to perform better. Offering advanced aesthetics technology treatments, skincare, and injectables, they are guaranteed to help boost your confidence and achieve your best personal appearance. Advanced Medical Spa prides itself on its personalized care and treatment plans offered for all patients.

AdvancedMedicalSpas.com

A&M Cold Storage and Trailer Leasing has been in operation since 2006 and specializes in the rental, lease, and sale of refrigerated containers and trailers. A&M offers one of the widest varieties of cold storage solutions in the industry. They own a large fleet with late-model equipment that is reliable, economical, weather tight, eco-friendly, and easy to operate. A&M provides units nationwide and can bring them right to your door. They offer temporary or long-term solutions based on your needs. A&M has a friendly, professional, and knowledgeable staff and provides the best service the industry has to offer. It is easy to see why small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike have put their trust in A&M.

Roofserv is a veteran-owned, faith-based residential roofing company serving the entire Southeast. They are a full-service roofing company with all 5-star Google reviews. They are the only double-certified roofing company in GA with Master Elite® certification from GAF and Preferred certification from Owens Corning. They strive for excellence every day by employing only highly skilled roofers who are committed to delivering highquality workmanship on every job they complete. They provide high-quality installations with extended warranties and offer FREE roof inspections & on-site estimates.

Mr. Mister Mosquito Control is proud to be Atlanta’s top-rated mosquito control company. In addition to effectively managing mosquito populations through safe solutions, they believe a large part of their continued success stems from relentless attention to customer service. As a locally owned company, their customers are essentially their neighbors and treated as such. If there is one place you and your family should feel safe, it’s your home and yard. Mr. Mister’s mosquito control services are designed to help add that extra layer of safety. With the increase in mosquito-transmitted diseases like Zika, West Nile, and Chikungunya, it’s important to be safe and protected from mosquitoes.

Brew Master’s Trip Report: ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

By Phil Farrell, Brew Master StillFire Brewing

LASKA HAS always been a place close to my heart. Even after 25 years, this trip was the most special of all. The Great Northern Homebrewers’ Club and the Alaska Brewers’ Guild asked me to be their Keynote Speaker at the annual industry night. Add in brewing a collaboration DIPA with Midnight Sun, an epic seven-course beer dinner at Humpy’s, brewery tours, and judging Best of Show at a two-day Beer and Barley Wine Festival, and a visit doesn’t get any better than this.

doesn’t get very high in the sky this far north in the winter, so half of the daytime looks like sunset or sunrise.

Brew day went well, and we headed over to Humpy’s for the evening beer dinner.

I arrived in Anchorage on a Monday night this past January after two flights and 12 hours of travel. There is a fourhour time change, but with the short winter days, it was dark, snowy, and cold when I arrived. This year included record weather since Anchorage usually benefits from being a port city with much more moderate temperatures (for Alaska) due to the ocean. Not this trip, though. The mercury dipped below the -20⁰ Fahrenheit mark numerous times and there was a lot of snow. A typical year would be 30⁰ F warmer (typically 10⁰ F) with half as much snowfall. A few years ago, there was grumbling when the city had to cart some snow downtown for the ceremonial start of the Iditarod in February so the dogsled teams wouldn’t trail sparks. This wasn’t the case in 2024 as Anchorage officially hit 100 inches of total snowfall — the earliest date since they started keeping official records. The wind was light or else it would have been brutal outside. For the most part, there was simply more dry snow and unusually clear skies. The sun

My first task was to prep on Tuesday for our collaboration brew with Midnight Sun, a Double IPA named Arctic Chicken. If you read my article about the origins of the rubber chicken mascot in Suwanee Magazine’s March/April 2022 issue, then you already know this rubber chicken was especially embraced by the Anchorage beer community. I met with the Midnight Sun team of brew master Lee and head brewer Sean to finalize our brew. We decided to create a lighter hued Double IPA that featured the so-called “C-Hops” that were the O.G.’s of West Coast IPAs — Columbus, Centennial, and Chinook.

The next day was brew day, and I was reminded of the unique challenges of brewing on the last frontier. The mash tun, for example, was the same one I saw at the original brewery with over a dozen modifications to increase capacity. Most of the fittings were fabricated by welders in Alaska. Built before mash mixers and rakes were common in smaller brewing systems, removing the grain required a custom-made hoe with specially shaped head and a 10-foot stainless steel handle. There is no need to have a Cold Liquor (water) Tank as we have at StillFire since the city water comes into the building cold enough to chill the heat exchanger. The hot spent grain disappears into a cloud of steam once the garage door is opened to take it to the yard. We cover our grain to keep small pests out until a local farmer takes it for animal feed. Midnight Sun has attracted a local moose who reacts to the steam like a dinner bell.

Billy Opinsky, owner of Humpy’s Great Alaskan Ale House, has sponsored a lavish beer dinner during beer week for many years. This year was special for several reasons. Besides featuring seven courses paired with seven Midnight Sun beers, it also included the reopening of the Sub-Zero Lounge, a specialty beer bar on the same block in the same building around the corner from Humpy’s. The chef and his staff outdid themselves and considering the strength of the beers paired with each course, I went back to the hotel just before midnight to hibernate.

The next day was the annual industry gathering at 49th State Brewing. This brewpub is massive with four floors, including an upstairs observation deck that is packed in the summer as well as a large theater for big events like this one. The home and commercial brewers shared their creations, and there were a few StillFire stowaways that were shared with the crowd. I was honored to be their Keynote Speaker. I joined a list of some of my most revered craft beer legends including Michael Jackson, Fred Eckhardt, Charlie Papazian, and Ken Grossman, founder of Sierra Nevada. Having been in that same theater many times when the talks got a little too dry for the mood in the room, I turned to personal stories (and hundreds of photos) to recall the brewing lessons I learned in Alaska and some of the epic stories about the rubber chicken in Alaska. The highlights included the year the rubber chicken was kidnapped, ransomed, and then released at the awards ceremony at

Midnight Sun Brewing

Post brew meet-up at Midnight Sun Brewing

the beer festival. There was also another year when due to a lost bet, a brewer at Midnight Sun, along with his MSB backup singers, had to belt out Journey’s “Faithfully” to the rubber chicken on the local karaoke stage.

Friday was the first evening of the Beer and Barley Wine Festival, as well as round one judging. The judging is unique in my experience because it starts as a giant Best of Show where entries are divided into either barley wine or “winter warmer.” Every entry is evaluated by two different panels of judges in each of the two rounds in randomized groups. Both panels need to reject an entry for a beer not to make it to the second round. After a repeat of the first round, the second round determines the beers that make it to the Best of Show round. Awards are determined in that third BOS round on Saturday then awarded at the afternoon session. Unlike Georgia, there is no 14% alcohol limit on beer, so some of the barrelaged offerings approached 20% and were truly like sipping Cognac or other fine spirits.

The festival name has evolved over the years due to sponsorship. The festival moved after COVID to the main hall of the Dena’ina Center. It still features a Friday evening session with two additional sessions on Saturday. It is a beer festival, however, and the exhibiting breweries like to showcase their strongest specialties, including at least one very strong barley wine. Most of the breweries and exhibitors are from Alaska, however, a few national brands make an appearance on the floor. The Saturday afternoon session kicked off with an appearance from the Pipe and Drum Corps. Local bands would play then take a break at 3 p.m. when the winners were announced. The trophies are appropriately golden colored Yukon miner’s gold pans.

Anchorage has every winter activity imaginable, but I concentrated on brewery tours. There is enough information there for another future article. Soon, StillFire will release our version of Arctic Chicken DIPA that we brewed on Fat Tuesday. I am sure you will agree after you taste it that it was worth the trip. ■

Cheers! - Phil

PHIL

Phil

UPCOMING EVENTS AT STILLFIRE BREWING

2

MAR MAR

Beer Chaser 5K After-Party

Keep the party going after the 2024 Beer Chaser 5K at the OFFICIAL AFTER-PARTY at StillFire Brewing. There will be live music all day kicking off with Drew Ashworth at 12:30PM and Micah Wilkerson starting at 5PM.

6

MAR

Sports Trivia

Test your knowledge of sports trivia for a chance to win 4 tickets to Atlanta United's 1st game - 1st row above Supporters' Section!

Georgia Beer Day / Dueling Pianos

Get to StillFire Brewing for your Georgia Beer Day beer glasses (while supplies last) and stay for a ridiculously fun all-request sing-a-long music and comedy show from the Andrews Brothers that is definitely not for kids. Seating is first come, first served. Show starts at 8PM.

9 MAR

15

16 MAR

St. Paddy’s Weekend Kick-off

The green beer will be flowing at this year's annual St. Patrick's Day bash. Enjoy live Irish music from Keltic Kudzu Band starting at 8PM.

Suwanee Beer Fest After-Party

The St. Paddy's weekend shenanigans continue at the OFFICIAL SUWANEE BEER FEST AFTER-PARTY at StillFire Brewing. Head over after the fest for more great beer and music from Gregg Erwin Band 5-8PM.

17 MAR

5 APR

St. Paddy's Day Party Celebrate St. Paddy's Day with Biscuits N Brunch starting at noon and live music with Sammy Shepard starting at 3PM.

Atlanta Braves Trivia Night

Get to StillFire Brewing for Atlanta Braves Trivia and a chance to win 4 tickets to the Braves home opener on Friday, April 5th.

For more information and more events, go to StillFireBrewing.com/Events.

FARRELL, BREW MASTER STILLFIRE BREWING

Farrell brings nearly four decades of world class brewing experience to StillFire Brewing. He is a Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) Grand Master Level 6 beer judge (one of the top 10 ranked judges in the world) and previously served as a member of the Board of Governors for the American Home brewers Association. He calls many of the biggest names in the craft beer community friends and has guest brewed at some of the world’s top breweries including Sierra Nevada and Rogue. Known by all as “The Chicken Man” because of his mascot; a rubber chicken he uses to channel the mojo of heavy hitters in the brewniverse he meets during his travels. Farrell's dedication to his craft has earned him over 500 awards including Mid-South Home Brewer of the Year (twice) and he 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 Brew Master at StillFire Brewing, Phil and his team have earned over 30 national, international and regional awards (including two bronze medals at the Great American Beer Fest and being named Georgia Brewery of the Year from the NY Intl. Beer Competition).

Girdwood

NATALIE GARRETT

Party Hacks with Nat

The glorious spring months hold great promise. It’s a peek into warmer weather, a ramping up of outdoor activities, and an overall sense of rejuvenation spread by the blossoms among us. As we’re climbing out of hibernation and looking forward to this much anticipated season, you’ll probably find yourself more motivated to plan for the festivities ahead. And when that spark of ambition fueled by sunshine and chirping birds hits your soul, I encourage you to consider relishing the moment with a garden party. Let’s dig into my ideas that will help you discover the charming potential this theme holds!

Setting the Scene

➽ WHILE YOU might envision a mystical walk through budding rose bushes and overgrown wisteria, an elaborate garden is most certainly not required to host a garden party. Despite the name, a garden party has the capacity to emerge exquisitely in any outdoor area, and can even be well executed indoors. All you have to do is enhance the florals, elevate the greenery, and sprinkle in delicate details that transport your guests into a world of enchantment. Here are a few tips to kickstart your imagination:

Table Runners: I recommend a chiffon or cheesecloth type fabric. This is a super efficient way to achieve

a more upscale look and draw the eye toward your tablescape. They’re typically available in a plethora of colors and serve as a great base for your centerpieces.

Centerpieces: Now that you have your table runner laid out, you can ordain the material with all things beautiful and botanical. Vines of greenery, flower arrangements, lanterns, and candles will quickly take up space, creating an inviting and captivating atmosphere.

Place Settings: If you’d like your guests to enjoy a seated dining experience, I’d suggest dedicating some attention to the individual place

Contributing Writer

Suwanee Magazine's official party queen shares insights on making your next event a smashing success!

Set the scene for your upcoming garden party with a stunning table runner, blooming floral centerpieces, delightful place settings, and other personal touches to add a sprinkle of whimsical garden charm!

settings. Prioritizing better quality plates, eating utensils, napkins, and drinkware will make each seat feel a bit more intentional. (Now, that doesn't have to mean expensive… there are some fabulous options for party supplies that appear high-end, without the premium price!)

Flower Petals: Don’t underestimate the power behind a flower. Grabbing a box of artificial flower petals will definitely pay off in the end! When you’re finished setting everything up for the party, take a final lap and fill in any empty holes with a touch of petals. This could be around the bottom of a welcome sign, across the floor in front of a photo prop, throughout the table among the food spread, within a tub of ice that’s holding drink cans (or champagne bottles), covering the ground of the entrance, and countless other sneaky spots to provide a sense of completion.

Twinkling Fairy Lights: This is another wildly affordable way to make the overall environment feel magical. Battery operated lights can dangle in front of a backdrop, be added to clear or painted jars for another decorative piece, be intertwined with strands of greenery, and much more! ■

WHAT’S THE OCCASION?

If you’re searching for an excuse to throw a garden party look no further. I’ve outlined eight reasons to bring your dreamy garden visions to life this spring:

BSt. Patrick’s Day March 17th

Leprechauns are commonly known as solitary fairies, so you might be encroaching on their territory... but if you dare, emphasize the greenery to highlight this beloved Irish tradition.

CEaster Sunday March 31st

You’re already embracing the outdoors by hunting for eggs, so use that as your gateway into a garden picnic the family will never forget.

DEarth Day

April 22nd

Why not honor our wondrous planet by immersing yourself in the aweing nature of it?

EDerby Day

May 4th

2024 marks the 150th Kentucky Derby! Put on your big, fancy hats and cheers with an iconic Mint Julep.

FMother’s Day

May 12th

Marvel the most special women in your life by treating them to a thoughtful and elegant affair.

GBridal Party

Theme: “Get Ready to Par-tea!”

A garden tea party is the definition of class for that bride-to-be with timeless style.

HBaby Shower

Theme: “Baby in Bloom.”

A mom-to-be would adore welcoming her bundle of joy with this graceful and refined shower.

IBirthday Party

Theme: “Celebrate our Wildflower.” A true fairytale birthday for the sweetest girly girls.

Spring Berry Sangria

➽ If I’m not opting for a mimosa bar, my other favorite batch cocktail to craft and serve to a group is red sangria. Deep in both color and taste, it sits pretty in a glass dispenser or pitcher and releases just enough sweetness to please most palates. This rich and refreshing beverage packs a powerful punch and is sure to complement any garden party menu! Here’s my tried-and-true recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 (750 mL) bottle dry red wine

• 1/2 cup brandy

• 1/2 cup triple sec

• 1/3 can frozen lemonade concentrate

Directions:

• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar

• 1 of each sliced into rounds: orange, lemon, and lime

• Assortment of berries: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries (halved), and raspberries

Simply mix all ingredients together in an air-tight (or covered) container and refrigerate overnight to sweeten and marry the various flavors. When it’s party time, just transfer the sangria to your serving pitcher or dispenser and you’re ready to go! You can also set out some additional fresh fruit and/or soda water or Sprite for guests to top off their individual drinks with some garnish and fizz. Cheers!

*Note: This recipe can easily be doubled to accommodate more people! If you’re concerned with it becoming too sweet, you can always omit the extra sugar and keep it at 1/4 of a cup while multiplying everything else.

Wishing you all the springtime bliss!

- Natalie

THE LATEST FROM IN AND AROUND SUWANEE

Hussmann Corp. Holds Ribbon Cutting for CO2 Lab

HUSSMANN CORPORATION held a ribbon cutting on February 13 at its Suwanee production facility. The event was attended by Gwinnett County executives. As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of refrigerated merchandisers and refrigeration systems, Hussmann is leading the way in new Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant technologies. The ceremony celebrated its stateof-the-art engineering lab that is capable of testing refrigeration systems at extreme temperature conditions and demonstrates Hussmann’s commitment to more sustainable and more environmentally friendly refrigerants including R-744 (CO2) and R-290 (propane). The Suwanee facility employs more than 300 employees and celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this year.

 Visit Hussmann.com to learn more.

State-of-the-Art Yoga Studio Opens in Suwanee

REAL HOT YOGA is Suwanee’s newest state-of-the-art hot yoga studio. Their more than 1,000-square-foot yoga rooms feature a heating system designed specifically for hot yoga. It offers precise temperature and humidity control, plus a UV air filtration system that removes 99% of germs, bacteria, viruses, and odors from the air.

Real Hot Yoga believes that yoga is for everyone. There are many physical, mental, and emotional benefits of yoga. When the mind and body come into sync and we find ourselves in the present moment, we can experience more joy, gratitude, and happiness while feeling less stressed and able to think more clearly. Real Hot Yoga wants those benefits to happen naturally and organically for you. If you choose to just focus solely on the physical workout, that’s okay, too. They are a 100% judgment free zone and

believe yoga is for everybody — all ages, all shapes, all sizes, and all experience levels are welcome.

Whether you’ve never stepped foot on a mat, or have been practicing yoga for years, Real Hot Yoga Suwanee has a class for you! There’s a wide variety of classes for every level.

Need new yoga gear? Calm the mind, get in shape, and soothe the soul with some shopping! They’ve got everything you need to look and feel great while you practice. They sell Real Hot Yoga custom logo mats, towels, and apparel.

 Real Hot Yoga is located at Laurel Springs Village at 3590 Old Atlanta Road, Suite 205A, in Suwanee. For more information, call 470-239-8674 or visit RealHotYoga.net/location/ suwanee.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Brian Greer - Engineering Manager, Portfolio Solutions; Muhammad Chandasir - Engineering Lab Manager; Chris HardinEconomic Development Manager, City of Suwanee; Dan Conrad - Director, Engineering Quality, Test & Reliability, Portfolio Solutions; Mike SchafferVP Core & Distributed Cases, Portfolio Solutions; Dave Martin - SVP & Chief Commercial Officer, Sales & Portfolio Solutions; Craig Gaddis - Suwanee Plant Manager; Commissioner Matthew Holtkamp - District 4, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners; Lianne Tombol - VP, Systems; and Joni Zangari - Chief Engineer, Portfolio Solutions.

Rainbow Village Welcomes Four Leaders to its Board of Directors

WITH A mission to transform the lives of families experiencing homelessness by providing help, hope, housing, and healing, Duluth’s Rainbow Village strives to instill initiative, self-development, and accountability that will foster meaningful growth in the lives of all who encounter the nonprofit organization. That meaningful growth isn’t limited to the families it serves alone but also includes its team and board members. As new members join its Board of Directors, the nonprofit’s CEO hopes they will also bring meaningful growth to the organization. Given their impressive careers and dedication to serving the community, the most recent additions to Rainbow Village’s governing body are well-poised to bring positive change. Rainbow Village recently announced the addition of seasoned leaders Dean Collins, Janis Martinez, Linda Watson-Hills, and Cheryl Deluca-Johnson to its Board of Directors for 2024.

 To learn more about Rainbow Village, volunteer to support its mission, or make an online donation, interested parties are encouraged to visit RainbowVillage.org.

LANIER ISLANDS HONORED WITH TWO PRESTIGIOUS WEDDING AWARDS

LANIER ISLANDS was recently recognized with not just one but two awards for its wedding services and venues: The Knot Best of Weddings 2024 and the 2024 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award. While both awards are based on positive reviews from 2023 brides and grooms, Lanier Islands already has its sights set on surpassing the expectations of 2024 couples.

“On behalf of the entire staff at Lanier Islands, I’d like to thank The Knot and WeddingWire for providing a forum for couples to share their reviews and experiences with other up-andcoming brides- and grooms-tobe,” said Matthew Bowling, Vice President of Islands Management Company. “Both awards are based on those reviews, so clearly, we’re doing something right, which makes these recognitions incredibly validating. We absolutely love the fact that an ever-growing number of couples select Lanier Islands as the spot to start their journey. Years after their vows have been shared and they’ve danced their first dance, those couples often return to our resort and bring their children. While we are truly honored by the awards, it’s most rewarding for our team to know that we have such a special place

in the hearts of ‘our’ couples and their families.”

Marking Lanier Islands’ sixth Knot Best of Weddings Award, this honor represents the top local wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples on The Knot, a digital wedding planning authority and one of the largest wedding Vendor Marketplaces in the U.S.

The 2024 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award represents the sixth year in a row that Lanier Islands has received this accolade, recognizing the top local wedding professionals who demonstrate superiority in quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism from the trusted wedding vendor directory. Winners for both are identified following the analysis of user reviews on each platform received between January 1 and December 31, 2023.

 To learn more about weddings at Lanier Islands call 770-945-8787 or visit LanierIslands.com.

Lanier Islands offers a variety of beautiful wedding sites to choose from including multiple lakeside venues.

Gwinnett Adds 10 New Glass Recycling Sites

GWINNETT COUNTY and Gwinnett

Clean & Beautiful, in partnership with Ripple Glass, have added 10 new glass recycling locations across the county. Gwinnett’s glass recycling program provides residents with the opportunity to drop off glass for safe and sustainable recycling.

“One of our strategic priorities is to promote sustainability and stewardship, and the expansion of our glass recycling program aligns with that priority,” said Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “We listened to our residents and have more than doubled the number of glass recycling drop-off sites in the county — allowing community members to take an active role in our collective vision for a more sustainable Gwinnett.”

Look for the purple glass recycling containers at the following locations: Bogan Park in Buford; Duncan Creek Park, Harbins Park (baseball entrance) and Rabbit Hill Park (football entrance) in Dacula; Bethesda Park and Collins Hill Aquatic Center in Lawrenceville; Lucky Shoals Park in Norcross; Lenora Park (football entrance) in Snellville; Mountain Park Aquatic Center in Stone Mountain; and Peachtree Ridge Park in Suwanee.

The new locations join three prior glass recycling sites at

E.E. Robinson Park in Sugar Hill, One Stop Norcross, and Pinckneyville Park in Norcross.

 For more information on glass recycling in the county, visit GwinnettCounty.com.

The City of Suwanee and Veugeler Creative Win Big at 2023 Kaleidoscope Awards

THE SOUTHEAST Festivals and Events Association (SFEA) recently recognized the City of Suwanee’s events with five Kaleidoscope Awards at its annual conference in February. The awards include Best Photo Op - Silver for Suwanee Fest Bob the Statue Man; Best Event Photo - Gold for Suwanee Fest; Best T-shirt - Gold for Suwanee Fest's Not My First Rodeo staff shirt; Best Social Media Campaign - Golf for Merch Madness; and Best Art Activation - Gold for the Ultimate Participation Trophy.

Big South Productions, the Veugeler Creative company that organizes Suwanee Beer Fest and its sister events, also took home three awards at the conference, including Best Website - Gold for Suwanee Beer Fest; Best Photo Op - Silver for Suwanee Wine Fest's grape stomping station; and Best Social Media - Bronze for Suwanee Beer Fest.

Designed to recognize the marketing, programming, and overall event, the SFEA Kaleidoscope Awards acknowledge the highest level of achievement in the festival and event industry throughout the southeastern United States. Festivals and events from five states are recognized for originality, creativity, media impact, volunteer programs, and the overall impact to the community.

The Southeast Festivals & Events Association (SFEA) is a 501 (c)6 membership-based organization comprised of festival and event planners, venues, and industry service providers. SFEA was founded in 2009 to strengthen the festival and event industry throughout the southeastern United States by hosting educational sessions, networking opportunities, award recognition, and additional events throughout the year, allowing for continued professional growth within the festivals and events industry.

Local Life Scout Builds Accessible Picnic Tables for Suwanee Parks

THE CITY of Suwanee park pavilions received some new tables courtesy of Life Scout Katie Brown, a member of Scouts BSA Troop 5109, who recently completed four wheelchair-friendly picnic tables as her Eagle Scout project. The tables were specifically constructed with an accessible, longer tabletop so that wheelchair users can more easily enjoy a meal alongside their friends and family.

"I really wanted to do this project because it's been a passion of mine since I was little — to better the lives of those with disabilities," said Katie, a Junior at Peachtree Ridge High School. "This project was a perfect fit because it was about a cause I feel very passionate about! I love seeing the community making improvements to better the lives of all of its residents!"

Two of the tables are currently accessible at Suwanee Creek Park. The final two tables will be available for use at the PlayTown Suwanee pavilion upon its reopening.

CREATING CLOSER community is a big part of what we do here at Suwanee Magazine. That’s why we’re proud to bring you The Faces of Suwanee. Suwanee is a great community with great people. We’ll be featuring conversations we have with members of our community as a way of telling the story of Suwanee, one smiling face at a time. The Faces of Suwanee shines a light on the 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 website. Be sure to follow Suwanee Magazine’s Facebook page where we’ll be sharing new Faces of Suwanee interviews regularly.

Jessica Rantamaki

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST AT GEO-HYDRO ENGINEERS

Jessica was nominated twice for The Faces of Suwanee! She is an amazing woman who overcame great adversity, went back to school to build her career, volunteers, and is very active in our community. She also serves on several charitable boards. She is an all-around great person to know and someone to truly admire!

Interview by Julie Perdue / Photo Rick Rantamaki

PLEASE TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. My husband, Rick, and I live with two adopted tiny dogs — a chihuahua named Beyonce and a rat terrier mix named Ruthie. I have a stepson, Chase, who lives in Dacula.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT AND PAST CAREER. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT IT? I’ve worked in the construction industry since 2002 and at GeoHydro Engineers since 2016. Our firm provides environmental, geotechnical materials testing and special inspections for commercial construction projects. We help clients in both the public and private sector mitigate risk and keep their projects moving forward. I have learned a lot about the construction process, and specifically how what we do helps the construction team avoid potential pitfalls and recognize issues early in the building process. We also perform testing on existing buildings that may be contaminated with lead, asbestos, or other hazardous materials. The thing I love the most about my job is the people, our clients, and people I am privileged to call coworkers. Our clients see the value in what we do and use us repeatedly for their projects. That says a lot about our reputation in the industry.

I also work with some of the smartest individuals I have ever met. Our engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, and technicians deeply care about what they do and are always willing to share their knowledge with me. Clients always tell me a big part of why they love doing business with us is because we are extremely responsive and solution driven.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED OR WORKED HERE?

Rick and I moved here from Sugar Hill in 2018. My firm worked on the Solis Suwanee project, and we were downsizing from a house and wanted to rent in a mixed-use community with great walkability. I knew that project was a top-notch product, so we took the tour, and my husband was sold on apartment living.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SUWANEE?

There are so many reasons why I love Suwanee. It is the place I met my husband on our first date after meeting online. Since we are both avid outdoors people who like to run, Suwanee offers us a beautiful greenway right outside our front door. I have been able to train for everything from 5Ks to half marathons on our greenway.

Suwanee is also a wonderfully walkable community. Even though we moved from the apartment to a new townhouse down the street in 2020, we can still walk downtown. Suwanee’s commitment to the arts and public art is another reason we love this city. Since my first visit I was drawn to the creativity of the public art installations, the arts center, and the numerous creative events that Suwanee holds every year.

WHAT CURRENT OR FORMER BUSINESS, OR PLACE, MAKES YOU FEEL THE MOST NOSTALGIC ABOUT SUWANEE? Ah yes, the place that I hold most dear in the entire world is the very place Rick and I met in 2014, the Suwanee Creek Park parking lot that leads to the Greenway. It was our first date. I wanted to go running

on our first date and he suggested we meet there. He was 15 minutes late because he got lost! (And by the way, he is the one who suggested we meet there.) But he finally showed up and we ran for a bit and then he kindly asked if he could see me again for another date and I said … how about now? “I am hungry, so is there a place to eat around here?” He mentioned the Town Center, so we drove over and found Brown Bag Deli. Every single time I pass the entrance to Suwanee Creek Park my heart flutters. We even organized a run there the morning of our wedding with a few friends.

IF YOU COULD TAKE ANYONE TO LUNCH, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD THAT BE? My

maternal grandmother Grace Savino. She died in 1997 of lung cancer and I miss her greatly. She played a huge part in raising me. She was the first generation born in the U.S. after my great grandparents immigrated from Italy. She is the woman who taught me how to cook, and I must say I feel I am pretty good at it. I’ve been cooking since I was a small child making sauces, meatballs, chicken Parmesan, and many other Italian dishes. She also taught me about hard work. She loved working since she began her career as an assembly worker during WWII. My grandfather served as a paratrooper in the United States Army and was present at Normandy on D-Day. My grandmother was holding down the fort, so to speak, at home working every day. She worked almost up until she died and loved every minute of it. I am sad that she never got to see how good my life turned out and I still wish I could tell her how big of an impact she had on me.

TELL US SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW. My husband and I almost died in 2017. It was a police chase in Sugar Hill that ended with the car we were riding in getting hit by a stolen vehicle. I was hospitalized for almost three weeks and ended up with multiple intestinal perforations and a spinal fusion to fix broken vertebrae. It took three months of physical and psychological therapy to get me back to work and living life again. The only reason we are alive today is because we both wore our seatbelts as back seat passengers. PSA as a back seat passenger you should ALWAYS wear your seatbelt. Not only will you save your life, but the life of those in the front seats.

EmBARK

on an exciting adventure with your four-legged friends and explore the City of Sugar Hill! Begin your journey at mile zero of the greenway at Cornerstone Park, where a paved trail ensures a peaceful walk that won't be "ruff" on your pets' paws. Five miles of the planned 16.5-mile trail are completed, connecting downtown to neighborhoods, schools, and parks.

A PAWS-itively Sweet

Gold Mine Park

History buffs should start at mile marker 3.7 at Gold Mine Park to view the entrance to the gold mine. Here, you can learn more about Sugar Hill's mining history and enjoy the scenic route of the greenway.

Ridge Lake Park

If you're looking for a spot to relax, visit Ridge Lake Park, where your dogs can unleash their energy in the dedicated dog park. With dogfriendly water fountains, Ridge Lake Park offers a "paw-some" experience for you and your canine companions.

The Promenade

Take advantage of outdoor seating on the Promenade in Downtown Sugar Hill, allowing you to savor a meal with your pet at one of our local restaurants. For a special experience, visit Sugar Hill's Small Business Community Champion, Indio Brewing Co. This brewery has a diverse selection of beverages and welcomes your adorable pups, inviting them to enjoy a refreshing "pawgarita." One of the area's major perks is its status as a Shine district. This means you can carry a beverage within the downtown area, provided you have a Shine sticker on your cup.

But the excitement doesn't stop there! Join in the festivities to celebrate...

Sugar Hill's 85th Birthday

March 24 at 1 p.m. in Downtown Sugar Hill

This dog-friendly event promises local vendors, food trucks, caricatures, inflatables, and a special surprise. Bring the whole family and discover what the sweet life in Sugar Hill is all about!

➔ All of Sugar Hill's perks don't just reside downtown. This vibrant district is home to many events that will keep you entertained throughout your visit. Explore the City of Sugar Hill by visiting CityofSugarHIll.com for a complete list of upcoming events and parks to see with your furry friends. ■

City!

ON THE SCENE

Saturday, January 13th

Suwanee Sweetheart Sprint

Saturday, February 10th

TOWN CENTER PARK

Chilly Willy 1/2 Marathon

TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY MELISSA MANDERSON

PHOTOS BY MELISSA MANDERSON

Happy Feat’s Night to Shine

Prom

Friday, February 9th

GWINNETT CHURCH

PHOTOS COURTESY HAPPY FEAT