Suwanee Magazine March - April 2020 by Suwanee Magazine

Suwanee’s Sweetest

From cupcakes to cookies to waffles and more, we went bakery-hopping through Suwanee in search of our favorite local sweets.

MARCH / APRIL 2020

62 10 YEARS OF BEER:

Suwanee Beer Fest

Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest celebrates its first decade on March 14th. Get the lowdown on what to expect at this year’s festival with our exclusive guide.

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Guide to Glamping in Georgia Looking for a fun alternative to camping? We’ve highlighted five Georgia attractions where you and your family can “glamp” this year.

2020 Guide to Summer Camps

Your ultimate resource for local camps for the athlete, scientist, artist, techie or princess in your life.

DKS Esthetics

Suwanee’s DKS Esthetics is a one-stop beauty shop that offers advanced skin care treatments and other specialized services for men, women and teens.

21 Investment Strategies

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

24 The Decluttering Trend

How lessening your emotional attachment to “stuff” can improve your mental health and overall wellness.

28 The Faces of Suwanee

Suwanee Mayor Jimmy Burnette loves his community and cares for its people.

Suwanee Academy of the Arts

Suwanee Academy of the Arts is a cherished performing arts studio for young artists to hone their craft and build confidence.

30 2020 Cutest Pup in Suwanee Contest The people have spoken and crowned a winner.

33 Family Matters

World Down Syndrome Awareness Day fights to reduce the stigma that disabilities can have and to teach kids to understand and appreciate differences.

35 Building a Strong Foundation

Suwanee Spine and Healing Center’s Dr. Lauren Millman explains what building construction has to do with a healthy human body.

58 Gate City Brewing

Downtown Roswell’s Gate City Brewing has been producing delicious craft beers while also building a sense of community for more than five years.

IN EVERY ISSUE: 8 Editor’s Letter 11 Currently Loving 84 The Buzz 90 People & Places 95 Sugar Hill CityBuzz 96 Event Calendar

letter

a note from our managing editor

Springtime in Suwanee ACK IN February, Georgia’s light-sensitive, prognosticating groundhog General Beauregard Lee predicted we’d still be experiencing winter by the time this issue hits stands, but we didn’t let that dampen our spirits. For us, spring is most certainly in the air! From the budding jonquils dotting our yards to the anticipation of warmer temperatures, we’ve definitely got a pep in our step when it comes to our spring issue, which is packed with so much great stuff we had to create two separate covers! First up, our annual Summer Camp Guide on p. 41. Let’s face it, most kids are already counting down to summer break. But before the impending boredom hits, check out our handy guide featuring a number of local camps that will keep them busy this summer. Studies show that camps build confidence, encourage personal growth, foster relationships and teach new skills, among many other benefits, and our community has so many amazing ones to choose from. From science, coding and sports to the arts and more, there’s sure to be a camp that will cater to all of your child’s interests. In an effort to highlight businesses and organizations that are inclusive to all, we took a trip to Winder’s Camp Twin Lakes Will-A-Way location to learn more about how the nonprofit offers fully adaptable camps to children and young adults with a range of diverse needs. Will-A-Way is home to a variety of camps that can serve a range of medical diagnoses and other challenges, such as heart defects, brain injuries, weight challenges, cerebral palsy, spina bifida,

juvenile arthritis, foster care and so much more. Read more about Camp Twin Lakes’ mission on p. 49. Let’s face it, camping isn’t just for kids. Check out our Guide to Glamping in Georgia on p. 39. In a nutshell, glamping is a term used to describe “glamorous camping” where you can explore the great outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of a hotel. Who would’ve known that Georgia is home to so many glamping opportunities, from yurts and treehouses to geodesic domes. Sure, it may sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but we promise it’s an experience like no other. Speaking of unique experiences, spring hasn’t truly sprung in Suwanee until the annual Suwanee Beer Fest sets up shop in Town Center Park. On March 14th, Suwanee Beer Fest celebrates its 10th anniversary — that’s a decade of highlighting American craft beer by serving up more than 350 craft beer samples alongside Irish flare as one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day events in metro Atlanta. This year, event organizers have a few tricks up their sleeves with new breweries and new games (giant beer pong, anyone?) joining the festival. Turn to p. 62 for an exclusive guide of what all to expect at the 2020 festival.

In this issue, I come to terms with my addiction to clutter on p.

23. From knick knacks to souvenirs, Grow Counseling’s Laura Lebovitz explains why so many of us — including me — have a hard time letting go of stuff. I also came to terms with my sweet tooth on p. 54, where we put Suwanee’s Sweetest on display. Looking for a good boozy cupcake? We

SPECIAL 2 COVER ISSUE!

Suwanee Academy of the Arts students photographed on February 14th by Karl Lamb.

Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest photo by Karl Lamb.

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found one. Have a hankering for a sugartopped waffle? Check! Spring is also a good time to refocus on skin care. Turn to p. 19 to learn more about DKS Esthetics, an appointmentonly solo spa in Suwanee where Denise Gray offers an array of services to men, women and teens, including signature facials, advanced skin care treatments, peels, waxing and more. Finally, our spring issue is also when we get to announce the Cutest Pup in Suwanee Contest winners! There were more than 50 submissions, and only a few votes separated first, second and third place. Turn to p. 30 to see who took home the coveted crown. We’d say he’s pretty darn lucky.

ALICIA CARTER, MANAGING EDITOR Alicia@suwanee magazine.com

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

Creative Director RANDALL VEUGELER Art Director ERICA ABRAMS Writers LIZZY JAMES • NATALIE STUBBS Production Manager APRIL MILLER Web Editors CLARKE GLIDEWELL • CHRIS LEGG Graphic Design SHAY HARBAUGH BRIAN HASSINGER • LAURA HOLCOMBE VANESSA STUDEBAKER • ASHLEY EMRICH

Photographers KARL LAMB • JULIE PERDUE GARY DOWD

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

Sales Development SUE BROWN Published by VEUGELER DESIGN GROUP 554 W. Main Street, Suite 200 Buford, GA 30518 SuwaneeMagazine.com For SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES or BACK ISSUE ORDERS, call 678-482-2270. For ADVERTISING INQUIRES, call 678-482-2270, or email info@suwaneemagazine.com.

Suwanee Magazine is published bi-monthly by Veugeler Design Group. Opinions expressed by the contributing writers and editors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Suwanee Magazine. The publisher will not accept responsibility for submitted materials that are lost or stolen. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication. However, the publisher cannot assume responsibility for errors or ommissions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission. ©2020 Veugeler Design Group. The editors welcome unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please email submissions to Alicia Carter at Alicia@suwaneemagazine.com.

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POKE BOWLS AT SWEET OCTOPUS

Glow in the Park BEST FAMILY EVENT

GLOW IN THE PARK

is one of Suwanee’s most beloved events. The annual lantern parade features a glowing sea of kids and adults marching through Suwanee decked out in illuminated costumes and handmade lanterns led by a strolling jazz band. It’s familyfriendly fun with food, games and activities for all ages. This year’s parade ends with a live concert by ’80s band Electric Avenue at the Town Center Park stage. April 18 at dusk. More information at Suwanee.com.

- Alicia Carter Managing Editor

BEST NEW RESTAURANT CONCEPT

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

Burgers at Craft Burger BEST NEW BURGER SPOT

visited one of Suwanee’s newest restaurants, Craft Burger, to see if the hamburgers live up to the hype. Good news: I tried their basic craft burger with a side of fries and it was delicious! The burger was made with high-quality beef and had scrumptious flavor. I would definitely go back again! 315 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Suwanee.

I RECENTLY

- Julie Perdue, Executive Sales and Business Development

Sweet Octopus is a new restaurant in downtown Duluth with the unique concept of several different restaurants under one roof — thai, sushi, empanadas, Asian burritos, ramen and bubble tea and the best poke bowls! 3559 W Lawrenceville St. in Duluth. 678-825-2990. SweetOctopus.com. - Tammy Luney Ad Manager

Photos at the “Love, Suwanee” Sculpture TOWN CENTER is home to many things — great restaurants, shops and fun events — but one of the things I love most is the abundance of public artwork throughout the park. My favorite piece has to be the big “Love, Suwanee” sculpture. The large red letters spelling out LOVE are part of the 2020-2021 Suwanee SculpTour and create the perfect photo opportunity on a beautiful day. I recently took my daughter to the park and she climbed up to sit in the “o” in the sculpture. I snapped a quick pic and now it’s one of my favorite photos.

BEST PHOTO OP

- Alicia Carter, Managing Editor

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: DKS ESTHETICS

business

suwanee business community news and info.

INVESTMENT STRATEGIES WITH AILERON: THE SECURE ACT

The Gift of the Arts

SUWANEE ACADEMY OF THE ARTS IS A CHERISHED SANCTUARY FOR YOUNG ARTISTS TO HONE THEIR CRAFT AND BUILD CONFIDENCE.

By Alicia Carter â&#x20AC;¢ Photos by Karl Lamb

THE FOUNDATION of Suwanee Academy of the Arts was built upon the 20-year friendship of Patty Etherton and Berneta Davis. When they met in church back in 1999, Patty, a realtor by trade, and Berneta, affectionately Berneta Davis (left) and Patty Etherton known as Miss Bernie by her students, instantly bonded over, of all things, a roll of duct tape.

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 At the time, Bernie was putting together a Christmas pageant for the church and Patty had taken over the children’s choir, who were set to perform before the show. During rehearsal, the children in the choir were dressed in costume as donkeys, sheep and the other animals of Bethlehem because they, too, would be performing in the pageant. The night before the show, however, Patty told Bernie that the choir should be dressed in choir robes. “I didn’t know her from Adam, and I’m looking at her like I want to kill her,” Bernie laughs. “Tomorrow’s the show and she wants me to go home and make 12 robes all night long?” That’s when Patty grabbed a roll of duct tape. “Patty takes an adult robe and she turns it inside out, grabs a roll of duct tape, turns

up the hem, duct tapes the hem, takes up the sleeves, turns it inside out and puts it on one of the kids and says, ‘There!’ And I said, “Give me a roll of duct tape!” That night they altered the robes together, bonding over their mutual love of the arts. The pair share a laugh reflecting on their initial meeting. “You don’t have to put that in the article,” Bernie jokes, but the story is a perfect reflection of their relationship. It showcases Patty’s problem-solving gusto married with Bernie’s dedication to the craft. When they’re together, their energy lights up the room. Their passion for the arts is contagious. After speaking with them, you leave wanting to twirl and recite dramatic monologues — anything to flex your creative muscle.

BUSINESS

DISCOVERING THE ARTS  Both Patty and Bernie were transformed by the power of the performing arts at a young age. Patty was a shy child who loved to sing. In seventh grade, she was encouraged by her friends and teacher to perform a solo in the state competition. Patty’s mom found a voice coach to help her prepare for the performance. “She set me up with a voice teacher who was actually just a piano teacher who played the song over and over again and taught me to sing to the trees in her front yard,” Patty says. “So I would make eye contact with all the trees in the yard and sing.” When it came time to perform for the class, Patty remembers being incredibly nervous. It was a lot for a shy child to stand in front of the class and sing. “When it was my turn, I remember the panic I felt, but I started singing and I just imagined all the people in my class as trees,” she says. “When I finished singing

there was this silence and then suddenly everybody started cheering because I had this voice that no one knew I had.” Within just a matter of weeks, Patty had gone from being a shy introvert into a proud extrovert, and she never looked back. For Bernie, the studio has always been a sanctuary. “High school was terrible for me, but I knew I was going to go to the dance studio every day after school,” she says. “It is my sanctuary to this day. It is love and home; it’s where I like to come and want to spend my time.”

BUILDING THE ACADEMY

Suwanee Academy of the Arts offer classes dedicated to dance, drama, music and also hosts summer camps such as its popular Princess Camp.

 Bernie and Patty continued to work together to produce shows for their church, and that quickly evolved into discussions about opening a studio of their own. At the time, Bernie was commuting to and from a studio in Buckhead, but it made sense to consider building a business in Suwanee. “We started writing up a business plan on a napkin at the mall, and it was one of those wake up calls,” Patty says. “Why don’t I do what I love doing every day?” “We would walk in the morning and sit by the pool and dream up what this school was going to look like and what it was going to feel like,” Bernie says, “and what we wanted and why.” One thing they both agreed on was that it would not be a competition studio. “Art shouldn’t

Art shouldn’t be about competition because it takes away the beauty of art and sharing art.” - Patty Etherton Co-Owner, Suwanee Academy of the Arts be about competition because it takes away the beauty of art and sharing art,” Patty says. "So we stayed firm with that decision in terms of creating the studio.” In 2003, Patty and Bernie opened Suwanee Academy of the Arts (SAA), a comprehensive performing arts academy in downtown Suwanee. “We chose the word academy because we wanted to be known for quality, and we wanted to offer that technique where you can really get good at something but in a nurturing space,” Patty says. “There’s a difference in this school because we’re not all about our trophies or all about competition — we’re really about teaching and inspiring these kids.” Since opening, Suwanee Academy of the Arts has blossomed into one of our community’s most cherished institutions. Combining Patty and Bernie’s talents, the school offers classes in dance, drama and music, which includes Kindermusik, solo lessons and group lessons. On a busy Saturday morning, young girls in pink tutus scatter about as young teenagers hang out in groups discussing the upcoming show. A young girl walks through the door with a guitar case and heads toward the back of the building for lessons. Moms peek through the open doors of the studios sneaking photos as the kids chassé in unison. Posters hang on the walls announcing upcoming shows while

Patty and Bernie can be seen checking on classes. The young ballerinas are especially excited to see Miss Bernie, who they hover around as she acknowledges each by name with an excited smile. Together, Patty and Bernie have no doubt succeeded in what they set out to create: a safe place for young artists to nurture their craft and build confidence. “One of the things we love is when parents come up to us and say, ‘You know our kids just want to live here! I can’t get them to come home!” Patty says. “And we’re like that’s good! Wouldn’t you rather them be here than not know where they are? They’re safe here! When they’re here, they’re pretty darn busy. We keep them going, we keep them working!”

SUMMER FUN

This summer, SAA is once again hosting one of its most beloved camps: Princess Camp. Taking place June 1-5 and June 15-19, Princess Camp is the perfect opportunity for kids to live in a world of make believe and dance. Each day the young princesses, all dressed in costume, will have enchanted adventures with their Fairy Godmother. Campers will create works of art with fairies and go on an adventure with a different princess each day. Perfect for kids ages 3-7, Princess Camp is a chance for kids to live in their imagination with their friends and the SAA staff, who truly bring the whole experience to life. At

the end of camp, there will be a grand Ball where the young princesses will perform for their parents. SAA is also hosting a brandnew camp this summer called the Bodacious Broadway Burger. Held June 8-12 at Lanier High School, this camp invites kids age 6-12 to “be bold, brave and bodacious as they explore their hidden potential through singing, dancing, acting, games and some special sauce!” Campers will rotate between stations focused on singing, dancing, acting and more, with each day ending with time on stage. Patty and Bernie hope the camp will help pull kids out of their shell and give them each a chance to shine. In the end, Suwanee Academy of the Arts has become a refuge for young artists. Here, they can be themselves — or discover themselves, whatever the case may be. Patty and Bernie should both be proud. They’ve truly built a foundation for the arts here in Suwanee. “Everyone has their talents and everybody brings their talents to the floor and gives the best that they have,” Bernie says. “That’s where the magic happens.” ■

Suwanee Academy of the Arts is located at 341 Main St. in Suwanee. For more information, call 678-482-6333 or visit SuwaneeAcademy.com.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Anti-aging is a huge part of my business and a lot of my treatments are focused around that such as micro-needling and dermaplaning.â&#x20AC;?

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BUSINESS

DKS Esthetics Suwanee’s DKS Esthetics is a one-stop beauty shop that offers signature facials, advanced skin care treatments, peels, waxing and other specialized services for men, women and teens with all skin types. BY ALICIA CARTER

Denise Gray works with a number of tools and products to help clients reach their skin care goal. While working with a client, Gray uses cold rollers to apply under eye serum.

PHOTOS BY KARL LAMB

success in both the medical and dental DENISE GRAY is a standout fields, Gray took on the role of COO at a business owner in company in Johns Creek. However, just our community. As a nine days before Christmas in 2016, hardworking, self-made Gray was laid off. female entrepreneur, Gray’s “I thought I was at the peak of my career story is one of grassroots — I thought everything was determination and a great,” she says. “It hit me passion for health that hard. I didn’t know what to took her from serving in do with myself.” After some the military to opening soul searching, she realized her own business right she had strayed from what here in Suwanee. she originally sought out to Gray grew up in the small do: help people. “I thought, town of Barstow, California, ‘What can I do so that I’m and from a young age she still on the entrepreneurial knew she wanted to help side but also able to take people. In high school, care of people?’ I decided Gray was awarded a small to go back to school to nursing scholarship but it become an esthetician.” wasn’t enough to pay for Gray excelled at school college, so at 17 years old and graduated top of her she joined the Navy. “My class with honors from Paul mom was a single parent Mitchell the School of Esan and joining the Navy was Gray applies beard oil to a client during her in 2018. The following year the best option to get out popular beard facial treatment. she opened DKS Esthetics, of that little town,” Gray an appointment-only says. “I was a medic in the solo spa where she focuses on clinical Navy for over 10 years. When I got out I esthetics, addressing aging skin, acne, went back to California and I challenged hyperpigmentation, sun damage and the California State Board of Vocational sensitive skin for all skin types for men, Nursing, and by challenging the state women and teens. board I was accepted and passed all the When choosing a name, Gray was drawn exams and became a licensed vocational to the three generations of women she nurse out there.” treats and pulled the initials from the As a practicing nurse, Gray decided to names of her mother, herself and her go back to school to get her RN degree. daughter to form DKS. “I treat all three From there, she segwayed into healthcare of those generations of women,” she administration and began climbing the says. “I think that it’s important that as corporate ladder, which landed her in we age we find confidence and comfort Georgia as a regional manager for a large in continuing our skin care education.” orthopedic bracing company. After finding

Individualized Service

Located in a nondescript building off of Suwanee Dam Road, DKS Esthetics is an intimate solo spa that provides individualized service without the revolving-door feel of a big-box chain. As part of her services, Gray doesn’t just treat clients, she also dedicates a lot of her time to educating them, which really sets DKS apart. “I listen to my clients but then I educate them, so it’s not a quick sell,” she says. “If anyone comes to see me I always tell them to bring whatever they use at home. I don’t just sell them products because they could have great products at home that may or may not be right for their skin type or what they are looking to achieve. I like to fill in the gaps.” As a one-stop beauty shop DKS Esthetics offers a number of specialized services, including signature facials, advanced skin care treatments, peels, waxing and services for men such as beard facials. One of Gray’s main focuses, however, is anti-aging. “Anti-aging is a huge part of my business and a lot of my treatments are focused around that such as micro-needling and dermaplaning,” she says. Together micro-needling and dermaplaning treat uneven skin tone and texture, large pores, fine lines, unwanted facial hair and acne scars. By dermaplaning before micro-needling, topical products are better able to penetrate deeper into the skin layers, allowing clients to achieve the most desirable outcome. Although most spa services are thought of as relaxing, Gray customizes her services to each client so they are therapeutic as well. “I want to ensure that when my client leaves, I’ve made a positive difference for them, whether enhancing their skin or building a long-term regiment for a specific goal they have in mind, even collaborating with other small businesses to achieve this so we really work on the ‘whole’ person,” she says.

A Community-Centered Business

Gray says that the most rewarding part of opening DKS Esthetics is that she’s been able to connect with so many people in the community. “It has truly given me a community of friends I would have never imagined having,” she says. “The wealth of knowledge I’ve gained personally and professionally has been priceless.” Gray takes great pride in being a female business owner, especially in a community that she has grown to love. “I enjoy being based in Suwanee and being part of the Gwinnett business community,” she says. “As a disabled woman veteran, I’m incredibly honored to stand here and say I came from a very small town in California that had nothing, was able to faithfully serve my country for 10 years and now feel privileged to be able to serve my community. I’m passionate about what I do and the support of my community is amazing.” ■

DKS Esthetics is located at 4411 Suwanee Dam Road, Suite 635 in Suwanee. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call 678-249-9493 or visit DKSEsthetics.com.

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INVESTMENT S T R AT E G I E S BY: Bill and Cindi Porter, AILERON INVESTMENT ADVISORS

Q: WHAT SHOULD I KNOW

ABOUT THE SECURE ACT, THE NEW TAX REFORM LAW?

THE SETTING EVERY COMMUNITY UP FOR RETIREMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT, commonly referred to as The Secure Act, was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Dec. 20, 2019. This was a bipartisan effort to assist Americans who are preparing for retirement. Space does not allow us to review all the aspects of the new law, but below are a few of the key provisions that may affect many of our readers. ■ Repeals the maximum age for traditional IRA contributions, which used to be 70½ as long as you are still working. ■ Increases the required minimum distribution (RMD) age for retirement accounts up from 70½ to age 72 for those who attain age after 12/31/2019. It remains 70½ for those already taking RMDs. ■ Beneficiaries of an inherited IRA or 401(k) must withdraw the assets within the 10 years following the death of the account holder (not over your lifetime as before). ■ Allows long-term, part-time workers to participate in 401(k) plans. ■ Permits parents to withdraw up to $5,000 from retirement accounts penalty-free within a year of birth or adoption for qualified expenses. ■ Allows parents to withdraw up to $10,000 from 529 plans to repay student loans. A periodic portfolio review is always a good idea. However, after Congress changes the rules (again), a financial checkup with your advisor should probably become a top priority. Securities and advisory services offered through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC and a Registered Investment Advisor. MAS and Aileron Investment Advisors are not affiliated entities. Neither the firm nor its agents or representatives may give tax advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified professional for guidance before making any purchasing decisions.

Send your investment questions to: submissions@ SuwaneeMagazine.com

FAMILY MATTERS

WORLD DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY

health &

wellness

28 THE FACES OF SUWANEE: MAYOR JIMMY BURNETTE

30 CUTEST PUP CONTEST: THE RESULTS!

THE

DE-CLUTTERING trend

HOW LESSENING OUR EMOTIONAL ATTACHMENT TO “STUFF” CAN IMPROVE OUR MENTAL HEALTH AND OVERALL WELL-BEING

BY ALICIA CARTER

HEAL YOURSELF 360: BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION

 Call them what you will — doodads, knickknacks, keepsakes, bric-a-brac, souvenirs — when we lift the veil of cutesy nicknames it all boils down to one thing: clutter. And in this new modern age of minimalism, that simply won’t do. Ever since “Tidying Up” premiered on Netflix in January of last year, the show has inspired a wave of people to pare down the clutter to create more orderly spaces, including tossing out all belongings that no longer "spark joy.”  23

Tchotchkes, your days are numbered!

Hi, I’m Alicia, and I’m a clutter-holic.

Marie Kondo effect, but the minimalism trend has only grown in popularity. Decluttering influencers are now peddling 30-day decluttering handbooks and calendars all across social media. Bullet journaling has evolved scrapbooking into an organization system. There’s even a new trend called “Swedish death cleaning” — we won’t get into it. On a more personal note, this mere writer has now been assigned the task of waxing poetic on the joys of sparse, clean spaces. I wouldn’t exactly say I’m an expert on the subject. ALL IT THE

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If you saw my workspace you would know that I have a thing for stuff. For example, my daughter gifted me a lovely craft of a turkey made out of a pinecone (yes, a pinecone). This craft has sat on my desk since Thanksgiving 2017. Following a content meeting that landed this hot topic in my lap for this issue, a sweet and extremely organized co-worker walked me through the process of eliminating some of the “stuff” on my desk. A hand-me-down keychain from a friend? Gone. The box that a sweet gift from co-workers came in. Toss it. But what really tipped me over the edge was when this co-worker, as well-meaning as she was, asked me to part with my dear, sweet turkey made out of a pinecone. I could’ve cried. Did this turkey bring me joy? Yes. Was it still clutter? Unfortunately, yes. That’s when I realized this whole decluttering trend goes beyond simply cleaning up your space. As “collectors,” as I like to call my people, we tend to have an unhealthy attachment to stuff. In many cases, this emotional attachment can cause us to figuratively drown in a sea of, as yet another dear co-worker put it, crap. (But really, really sentimental crap, you know?) The question remains: How do we escape from this emotional attachment to things?

HEALTH & WELLNESS “We attach meaning and memories to material things which is why it can be hard to say goodbye to them,” says Laura Lebovitz, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Grow Counseling in Suwanee. “It’s important to remember that we are actually attached to the memory connected to the item more so than the item itself. The emotions and memories live in our heads and in our hearts. They do not need the physical item to continue to exist.” It makes sense. It wasn’t the actual turkey made out of a pinecone I was attached to, it was the memory of my daughter so excited to show me what she created. As sweet as it was, it was time to let it go. After all, if we’re not careful, this unhealthy attachment to stuff can ultimately have a negative effect on our mental health and emotional well-being. “Our brains crave organization and routine,” Lebovitz says. “Seeing clutter can be really distracting and can make it harder for you to focus on a task at hand. Studies have shown that clutter can also make you feel more stressed, anxious and depressed. Clutter increases the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, that we have in our bodies which over time can make us feel like we are constantly in fight or flight mode. Too much clutter can also make you more likely to isolate yourself from others which can affect your sense of connection and overall sense of well-being.” So maybe this decluttering trend isn’t so bad after all. In fact, it actually comes at a pretty timely point in my life as I’m currently planning to pack up my house to move in the near future. Recently, I was looking around my house and I started to feel extremely overwhelmed by all of the stuff surrounding me. (Anxious. Palms sweaty. You know the feeling.) Boxes of art projects, drawers of clothes I hadn’t worn in years, and not to mention probably every single toy my now-5-year-old daughter has ever owned. Did all of it bring me joy? Maybe not the stuff, but the memories certainly did.

“

Our brains crave organization and routine. Seeing clutter can be really distracting and can make it harder for you to focus on a task at hand.” Laura Lebovitz, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with Grow Counseling in Suwanee

This is the house my high school sweetheart and I bought after getting married. Its walls are filled with the memories of bringing home our first child and all the sleepless nights that followed. Nights I never thought I would get through but now look back at and desperately wish I could go back to, if even for just a moment. It’s where I first learned of my son’s diagnosis (on the phone in the kitchen) and the tears that filled every inch of that house. It’s also home to the pure joy that followed when we brought him home from the hospital only to see him finally smile at six months old while I was giving him a bath — the same bathtub in which my daughter discovered her love for bath bombs. Sure, all these memories are important and have made me the woman I am today, but does that really mean I need a random Hamburglar toy from McDonald’s that my kids will never truly appreciate (let alone understand the reference)? Nope. So out it goes. Lebovitz goes on to say that the first step to addressing this emotional attachment is to start with something small or an area that feels the most cluttered and work your way up. “It’s important to first try to connect with why you want to hang on to that item,” she says. “What emotions, experience or memory does it represent? Accessing those helps you to recognize that you are attached to those memories and not actually connected to the item itself.” If you’re ready to let go of some of the stuff cluttering your home, there are many local organizations who would be happy to take it off your hands. The North Gwinnett Co-op, HOPE for Domestic Violence, and Quinn House are all charitable organizations in need of donations. The Kidney Foundation, No Longer Bound and Habitat for Humanity will all come out to your house to pick up donations if you’re unable to make it to a center. And there’s always old faithful: Goodwill. In an age of overconsumption, getting rid of unnecessary items can bring people a sense of personal relief, pride and even a little joy — this pessimistic clutter-holic included. ■

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TheFacesOfSuwanee.com CREATING CLOSER community is a big part of what we aim to 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 weekly.

Suwanee Magazine

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JIMMY BURNETTE

MAYOR OF SUWANEE INTERVIEW BY JULIE PERDUE

Finding the chance to sit down with Suwanee mayor and lifelong resident Jimmy Burnette is time well spent. It’s clear throughout our conversation just how much Jimmy loves his community and cares for its people. He can tell you about the old days as well as how Suwanee has evolved into a vibrant and successful town because of the people, planning, and insight that has helped Suwanee grow into one of the best places to live, work and play!

HEALTH & WELLNESS

WHAT INSPIRED YOU OR LED YOU TO YOUR CURRENT CAREER? As mayor, I grew up here and felt inspired to follow in my father’s footsteps who was on City Council for 32 years. He worked so hard to keep Suwanee on the map and moving forward. I also have a part-time residential remodeling business.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN SUWANEE? There are many – Ippolitos, Golden Seven, Mori House, Fukulala, and Friends American Grill. All good food!

Suwanee Mayor Jimmy Burnette loves the diversity of Suwanee, which he says adds to its uniqueness and high quality of life.

IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHY? Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, England, Scotland. The food, the history.

WHAT IS THE FIRST MOVIE YOU REMEMBER SEEING IN A THEATER? Old Yeller.

What advice would you give a crowd of people? I would encourage people to get involved with the city by volunteering their time and being part of what is going on.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED OR LIVED IN SUWANEE?

WHAT IS SOMETHING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

All of my life.

Traveling.

WHAT HAS KEPT YOU HERE?

IF YOU COULD TAKE ANYONE TO LUNCH (DEAD OR ALIVE) WHO WOULD THAT BE AND WHERE WOULD YOU GO?

I always thought I would come back here after being raised in Suwanee. In 1974, after graduating college, we came back and there were no jobs, nothing to rent, and we had no money to buy. In 1978, the current mayor told me that he was proud I had come back. Once I joined City Council in 1996 and then became mayor, I knew it was the right thing for me and it is important that we keep Suwanee a great place to call home and return to.

HOW BIG IS YOUR FAMILY? I have two grown sons, their wives, and two grandchildren who are 9 and 8 years old.

WHO IS THE MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU’VE MET IN SUWANEE? I have met so many interesting people: George Pierce, Wayne Hill, Coach Clark Hill, Coach “Mac,” and Leona Williams, my second grade teacher.

Jimmy Carter. I would take him to one of my favorites in Suwanee.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC/BANDS? Southern rock — Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, Queen, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT SUWANEE? Our diverse community adds to our uniqueness and high quality of life.

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I WOULD ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE CITY BY VOLUNTEERING THEIR TIME AND BEING PART OF WHAT IS GOING ON.” Mayor Jimmy Burnette

I like to cook and I enjoy eating exotic foods.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 10 YEARS?

 Read more interviews

Hopefully alive! [laughs] ■

with interesting Suwanee residents online at TheFacesOfSuwanee.com.

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And the Winner is...  This year’s Cutest Pup in Suwanee Contest had more than 50 entries and, we must say, all of the pups were pretty darn cute. It was a tight race, with only a few votes separating first, second and third place. In the end, the people have spoken and crowned Lucky, a 7-year-old Havanese Toy Poodle Mix, the 2020 winner!

2020

1st Place:

LUCKY Lucky is a 7-year-old, 7-pound (lucky sevens!) Havanese Toy Poodle Mix (Havapoo) who loves to sing and howl when the kids play their instruments. Lucky also enjoys tossing his rope toy in the air himself and catching it. Lucky is a talented pup who likes to dance on his hind legs. We’re sure he’ll be doing an epic happy dance after winning our 2020 Cutest Pup in Suwanee Contest. Congratulations, Lucky!

Thank you to our sponsors who donated amazing gift baskets and treats to spoil our winners:

Suwanee Magazine

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2nd Place:

Freckles Freckles the Shih Tzu doesn’t seem to realize she is a small dog. One of her favorite things to do is find a stick to take on family walks — the bigger the better! She is very sweet and quite sassy, and her family loves her very much.

3rd Place:

LULU

Lulu, an Olde English Bulldog, is a very active puppy who loves to wrestle and play fetch with her three (human) sisters, Kaitlyn, Sydney and Taylor.

FOR PICS FROM THE AWARDS CEREMONY AT STILLFIRE BREWING, GO TO PAGE 92 31

FAMILY MAT TERS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

By Laura Lebovitz, LMFT, Grow Counseling

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Awareness Day World Down Syndrome Awareness Day fights to reduce the stigma that disabilities can have and to teach kids to understand and appreciate differences. Here are some easy practical ways you can join the advocacy movement and support people with Down syndrome: Use People First Language. When referring to people with disabilities by their disabilities, you are indicating that their disability is their total identity. How limiting is that! I would hate to have my identity narrowed down to one aspect of who I am. Instead of saying the Down syndrome boy or Downs kid, try describing them as the person with Down syndrome. One small change like this can make someone feel so much more included!

HAVE THE best little sister in the world. I’m not bragging though … this is just a fact! She’s kind, caring, a great dancer, a huge fan of slapstick humor, and a devoted employee at the Johns Creek Police department. She also happens to have Down syndrome and a bonus 21st chromosome. I celebrate and love on my sister all of the time. World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, March 21st, is an extra excuse to celebrate her and bring awareness to everyone who has Down syndrome.

End the use of the r-word. The word retarded is incredibly hurtful for people with disabilities and their families. It is an outdated medical term to describe people with disabilities that has unfortunately been turned into an insult. Eliminating the r-word can help to create more accepting attitudes and inclusion for all people with disabilities. Take the pledge with your family to end the r-word at www.r-word.org! Join the community. Connect with the larger community! Inspire those around you to make changes to make the world a more inclusive place for people with disabilities. Get involved in the community with organizations like the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta or the Buddy Walk. Don't let fear keep you from connecting. People with disabilities have more

in common with you and I than they have differences. We all have big dreams, a desire to connect with others, and feelings. Don’t let fear or uncertainty keep you from connecting with a person with a disability. Ask questions respectfully, be open, and make adjustments as you need to. Take the time to explain differences or things they might find strange to your kids. If you are uncertain about where to begin, find a book about a disability and read it with your kids to learn together.  Awareness is important to help reduce the stigma that disabilities can have and to teach kids to understand and appreciate differences. Most importantly, help your kids understand that you should be a friend to everyone! Talk about ways to include everyone at recess, say hi to everyone at school, or even plan a playdate. Your kids may even be able to make a new friend! For more ideas on how to celebrate, check out worlddownsyndromeday.org. ■

LAURA LEBOVITZ, LMFT Laura is a licensed marriage and family therapist who works in the Suwanee area at GROW Counseling. She received her Masters of Family Therapy from Mercer University School of Medicine. She works with children, adolescents, young adults, and families dealing with a variety of concerns. She specializes in working with anxiety, autism, self-harm, life transitions like divorce, and building healthy relationships within families.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION What could building construction possibly have to do with a healthy human body? The two concepts aren’t as far-fetched as you may think. BY DR. LAUREN MILLMAN ANY OF you already know me as your local chiropractor. I practice a unique and lesser known healing modality known as upper cervical chiropractic with an emphasis on structural correction. We have proudly served the Suwanee area since 2012, and this year, we are beyond excited yet humbled to move into our new location off Buford Highway in April.

UNDERSTANDING THE HEALING PROCESS

 Although quality and effective chiropractic ca re i s u n d en i a b ly foundational to any health equation, it’s certainly not the only component. The biggest challenge I face as a health and wellness practitioner is a lack of understanding by patients on just how the body functions and heals when sick or hurting. Without a basic understanding of the healing process, many people find their results to be incomplete or lacking in their health routine or feel as though something is missing without knowing what else

t h ey ca n d o . S o me t i me s a si mp l e c h a ng e i n p e rsp e c t ive i s a l l t ha t i s n ee d e d . I often use the analogy of building a house when describing how to establish a healthy and resilient body. With our new location currently under construction, this analogy is all too appropriate for us these days. When you are building a house (or in our case, new office), it’s understood you have to pour the concrete first, then build the frame, followed by the drywall, long before you start painting and hanging pictures. In other words, you can’t start putting up drywall and hanging pictures if you’re still on a dirt floor. It makes sense to establish a solid foundation for the building first, just like building a healthy and resilient body starts with a balanced and aligned frame.

EMPOWERING THE BODY TO HEAL ON ITS OWN

 When people are seeking resolution to a health challenge, I often find people may do the right healing modalities, but in the wrong o r d e r. O r, e v e n worse, they are misinformed about the best foundational option available. I find the biggest challenge with conventional healthcare is that people are given recommendations to simply treat symptoms as o ppo sed t o empowering the body to heal on

 Dr. Lauren Millman at the future site of Suwanee Spine and Healing Center.

its own. If you attempt to treat only t h e s y m p t o m s , re s u l t s a re o f t e n short term. What does that even mean, “doing the right things but in the wrong order?” It means getting healthy is most effective and permanent when you begin with the basics. It means we need to establish a strong and optimally functioning brain and body before we start enhancing the pieces and the parts. It means that your back pain may not be due to simply tight muscles or poor posture. This is where chiropractic comes in to play. When your body is in alignment and balanced, it moves efficiently, brain function is enhanced, healing time is significantly reduced, and emotional and physical stress is reduced. In a balanced state, your body simply functions better. At our practice, we believe chiropractic is less about treating neck and back pain and much more about creating healthy bodies that are resilient, efficient and stronger. Sure, many people have sought us out because they were in pain or hurting, but we have never been focused on pain management. Pain reduction is a welcomed result of enhanced body functioning. This is our definition of modernday healing. We are changing the way people heal, because healthy changes everything. ■

Dr. Millman is the founder and upper cervical chiropractor of Suwanee Spine and Healing Center, located off of Buford Highway. Voted Best of Gwinnett. She is the author of The Ultimate Healing Handbook. For more information, visit DrLaurenMillman.com.

GUIDE TO GLAMPING IN GEORGIA Looking for a fun alternative to camping?

We've highlighted five Georgia locations where

you and your family can “glamp” this spring.

Your accommodations on Little Racoon Key include a 26 X 15 foot weather-proof Luxury Canvas Tent with a memory foam mattress and pillows, fresh linens, a wood burning stove and more. An outdoor shower and a toilet are located outside of the tent. Fresh towels and sustainable toiletries are provided.

f “roughing it” isnt exactly your idea of a good time, you can still explore the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of a hotel. Glamping, or “glamorous camping,” can include staying in yurts, cabins, cottages, teepees, treehouses and so much more. So, if you love nature but hate camping, this guide is for you! BY LIZZY JAMES

Suwanee Magazine

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STAY IN LUXURY ON YOUR OWN PRIVATE ISLAND AT

LITTLE RACOON KEY

SLEEP UNDER THE STARS IN A GEODESIC DOME AT

ELATSE’YI MOUNTAIN RESORT

ONE OF the most unique ways to glamp in Georgia is by sleeping under the stars Rick Lucas Photography inside a geodesic dome. Ellijay’s Elatse’Yi Mountain Resort rests on a 6-acre farm MyCurlyMess Photography surrounded by forests, streams and trails, making it perfect for outdoor adventurers who like to hike, bike, stargaze, paddle and fish. The domes feature a private bathroom, bathtub, and a fantastic outdoor shower. While there, take a picnic out to Carters Lake where you’ll find almost 65 miles of undeveloped shoreline to explore. NorthGeorgiaGlamping.com

AlexasMartinPhotography

LITTLE RACOON KEY is a reef island off the coast of Georgia with abundant marine, land and birdlife that make the unspoiled island one-of-a-kind. The best part? The island only accepts one booking at a time, guaranteeing you’ll have the entire island to yourself during your stay. Little Racoon Key’s luxurystyle tents feature accommodations like a memory foam mattress, string lights covering the ceiling, a wood-burning stove, board games and books, as well as fresh towels and toiletries. Your glamping experience also includes a Mini-Dolphin Tour to and from the island, chef-prepared meals upon request, ancient oyster reef lessons and more. LittleRaccoonKey.com

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME INSIDE A CONESTOGA WAGON AT

THE ROCK RANCH

THE ROCK RANCH, located an hour south of Atlanta, offers families an Oregon Trail experience complete with overnight stays in old-fashioned Conestoga wagons. The 1,500-acre working cattle ranch features eight wagons that hold eight bunk beds each making them perfect for families, youth groups, Scouts, birthdays and more. The fenced campground includes picnic tables, portable toilets, drinking water and fire-building supplies. Although these wagons are three times the size of those originally used by pioneers, they still give campers a taste of what it was like to be home on the range. TheRockRanch.com.

Suwanee Magazine

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SPEND THE NIGHT IN A YURT AT

STONE MOUNTAIN

YURTS HAVE CAUGHT on as a popular alternative to camping and are perfect for outdoor lovers looking for a different kind of adventure. Yurts fall somewhere between tents and cottages and are often made out of wood and insulated canvas. Stone Mountain Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lakeside yurts feature outside decks, heating and air conditioning, potable water spigots and more. The cozy log-style furniture, queen-size bed, bunk beds, and futon make these yurts a comfortable alternative for campers who want to explore the outdoors without sleeping in a tent. StoneMountainPark.com.

GET A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW IN A TREE HOUSE AT

BANNING MILLS LOCATED ABOUT 40 minutes southwest of Atlanta, Banning Millsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tree houses provide a fun lodging experience for those seeking a substitute to ground-floor lodging. Each treehouse features a king-size bed, gas log fireplace, jetted tub for two, private bathroom and shower, and a covered back deck that overlooks the gorge. Rentals also include a homecooked country breakfast each morning of your stay. Did we mention the tree houses are only accessible by sky bridges? HistoricBanningMills.com.

PHOTO BY KYLE WERNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Suwanee Magazine

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your head on what to do with the kiddos this summer? Don’t panic! Our annual Summer Camp Guide is jam-packed with local camps that will cater to all of your child’s interests — and even teach them a new skill or two! From sports camps to nature, science, art camps and more, our guide is a handy resource for keeping the kids happy and occupied during summer vacation. CRATCHING

YOUR CHILD WILL FLIP OVER GGA SUMMER CAMP

A ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE: AVIATION SUMMER CAMP Aviation Summer Camp June 15-19 open to youth ages 12-18. Introduction to all things aviation with hands-on projects and involvement. Professional pilots, engineers and educators provide a rewarding experience for any youth interested in aviation. For more info please visit EAA690.org or call Gay Roberts 770-6308567 Email: researcher.r@comcast.net

Open to boys and girls ages 4 to 13. Camp will run Tuesday, May 26th through Friday, July 31st. The GGA camp experience includes structured gymnastics instruction and recreational games and activities. Half-day and fullday sessions are available.

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770-630-8567

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School Name, Phone Number, & Website

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, glass fusion, tie-dye, canvas and pottery painting, and much more! Located in Historic Downtown Duluth. Perfect for ages 6+, $190/week or $45/day. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free Eye Candy shirt with full week enrollment.

678-714-5683

770-945-3424

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SUGAR HILL • 770-831-2588

CRITICAL SKILLS LEARNED THROUGH STEAM GoddardSchool.com Children learn best through experience. The GoddardSchool.com Goddard School embraces this philosophy by

helping children explore and discover their interests through play. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) provides well-rounded learning opportunities in a safe, nurturing environment.

770-831-2588

I GoddardSchool.com

OVERNIGHT CAMP FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IN NW GA

SUMMER CAMPS 2020

Imagine a home away from home 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 6-14. It features horseback riding, high-ropes/climbing, sports, dance, crafts, canoeing, archery and more! Camp Woodmont is accredited by the ACA (American Camp Association).

423-472-6070

I CampWoodmont.com

X-TREME SCIENCE AND STEM CAMP Taught by degreed professionals for grades 1-6, campers will explore: robotics, chemical reactions, fossils, rockets, virtual reality, engineering games, stop-motion animation, forensics, space, geysers, tech lab, touch real cow hearts, kidneys, eyeballs and brains and more!

770-667-9443 I ScienceMadeFunATL.net

Nationally Recognized

Kids 4 Coding Summer Tech Camps

GUIDE TO

Ages 7-16

Kids4Coding.com 42

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IMAGINATIONS WILL SOAR IN THE ALL-NEW CAMP INVENTION® PROGRAM, ELEVATE! Campers in grades K-6 will collaborate in hands-on STEM activities exploring concepts of flight, Earth’s ecosystems and sports innovations. Visit Invent.org/camp or call 800-968-4332 to register. Use promo code LOCAL25 to save $25 (expires 3/31) or LOCAL15 to save $15 (expires 5/12).

800-968-4332

I Invent.org/camp A DYNAMIC CULINARY EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS 8-16 YEARS

Campers stay for one- or two-week sessions where they enjoy themed programming including culinary competitions, hands-on cooking lessons, master classes, outdoor sports activities and interactive challenges. Past contestants of MasterChef and MasterChef Jr. assist campers by giving culinary support. Join them at one of their five locations in the U.S.

754-301-8885

I CampMasterChef.com

SUMMER CAMP ROCKS AT ADRENALINE CLIMBING! Age-appropriate outdoor adventures! Ages 8-13. Each one-week program is jam-packed with field trips.

770-271-1390

I AdrenalineClimbing.com PRINCESS CAMP ADVENTURE 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.

678-482-6333

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A JEWISH DAY CAMP LIKE NO OTHER Sports, waterplay, art, ropes course, music, field trips, dance, cooking, and more – ITC's progressive programming allows campers to choose their activities, while forming strong connections to each other and Jewish role-model counselors. Three locations offered – Intown, Sandy Springs, North Fulton with before/after care and FREE bus. Discounted rates until 4/30!

404-698-1134

I inthecitycamps.org

CHILDREN'S THEATRE DRAMA CAMPS Ages 4-14 can perform, sing, dance and create this summer, with 6 camp shows to choose from. Sing, dance and act in ANNIE, FROZEN and DESCENDANTS. Hone your acting and comedic skills in HARRY POTTER, STAR WARS and IMPROV. Learn from professional theatre instructors in a supportive environment! Multiple locations: Lilburn, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Johns Creek.

770-864-3316

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SUMMER PRODUCTION OF GODSPELL FOR TEENS Perfect for young artists looking for in-depth training and specialty workshops with professional directors and performers, or a new-to-theatre but passionate artsy teen who wants to take part in a ground-breaking artistic experience this summer! Over a two-week period, students will stage this epic show and perform it for the community. Audition info on website.

770-864-3316

I ForefrontArts.com/Godspell

HAVE A BLAST THIS SUMMER AT CODE NINJAS! For kids ages 7 to 14. From Minecraft and Minecraft modding, Roblox to themed Game Building Clubs like Harry Potter and Pokemon to building a website and learning Python, they have something for everyone! Download their complete guide at Camps.ninja.

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Keen Academy STEAM K-5 Summer Camp offers two models: All summer at a Gwinnett County School location (TBA) or a 2-week immersion experience in their Suwanee location. Each include math, ELA, science experiments/concepts, technology, arts and crafts, field trips and much, much more. 3555 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Suite 402.

678-908-0023 KeenAcademy.org

678-775-8113

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MYSPORT SUMMER CAMPS Each week kids have an opportunity to experience a variety of sports and activities in a fun safe environment, with nearly 100,000 square feet of indoor air-conditioned space to play! A weekly field trip is also included in the fun! 3640 Burnette Road, Suwanee.

ATTENTION ASPIRING VETERINARIANS: TIGER TAILS HAS THE WORKSHOP FOR YOU! Visit their Future Veterinarians Workshop to interact in an animal hospital setting and learn more about animal science. Dive in, dig deeper and learn more about what it takes to become a veterinarian. For more information please email amber@tigertailsanimalhospital.com.

770-817-9565 I TigerTailsAnimalHospital.com

THERAPEUTIC SUMMER CAMPS FOR ALL AGES Mind and Motion offers six weeks of summer camps for all ages and abilities. Each week will address an important skill set through participating in meaningful activities with their peers. The groups are led by occupational therapists and the themes/dates can be found on Mind and Motion’s website. 5050 Research Court, Suite 800, Suwanee.

678-749-7600

I MindMotionCenters.com

770-614-6686

SUMMER CAMPS 2020

Georgia Dance Unlimited offers fun themed camps at several locations in Gwinnett County. The 2020 themes include Beautiful Ballerina, Magical Princess, Rainbows and Unicorns, Big Bows in a Candy Store, Hair Up, Rotten to the Core and more! Day and evening camps available for ages 2 and up.

GUIDE TO

FUN THEMED CAMPS FOR CHILDREN AGES 2 & UP

KEEPING ACADEMIC SKILLS SHARP, AND STIMULATING YOUR CHILD’S CREATIVE AND TECH ABILITIES

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FUN FOR YOUR KIDDO OR TEEN THIS SUMMER AT THE ACTOR’S SCENE! TAS Summer Acting Camps provide an opportunity to learn various aspects about acting, film, improv and comedy — all while having a blast in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Join them! 4484 Commerce Drive, Buford.

770-904-6646

I TheActorsScene.com

LEGACY ADVENTURE SUMMER CAMP

"The Best Summer Camp in Gwinnett."

$99/WEEK Rates as low as

FIELD TRIPS DAILY !

• Fun Field Trips Daily • Sports • Arts & Crafts • Optional Martial Arts • Group Games Register now at LegacyMMAClub.com

S UGAR H ILL, BU FORD & BR ASE LT ON! 45

YOUTH INDOOR MULTI-SPORTS CAMP Attend the best multi sports camp in Gwinnett this summer. They cover all ability levels and wrap it in an action-packed, fun-filled day. Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30p.m. Cost: $180 (field trip included) *Extended hours an additional $25 (7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.). Camp kicks off May 26th. #Thebestplayhere

678-714-7454

I SilverbacksIndoor.com SEWING & CREATIVE CAMP Specialty camp of sewing and handson activities. Learn to develop a life skill that will be valued for many years to come. During morning sessions, campers will learn how to use a sewing machine and sew themed projects. Afternoon sessions consist of creative crafting, games and more. No experience necessary. Half-day and full-day camps. Supplies included with registration, sewing machines provided. Ages 8-14. Limited spots available.

THE BEST CAMPS FOR STEM Club SciKidz offers four themed camps for grades PK-5. This year's themes include: By the Beautiful Sea, Cosmic Cookie Dough, Robot Rumble and Coding Kaleidoscope. American Girl camp is available for campers grades 1-5. Campers in grades 5-8 can choose one of the ivy league camps from their Tech Scientific division. Concentrations include: Veterinary Medicine, 3D Printing, Chemistry, Rocketry, Drones, Stop Motion Animation, Harry Potter, American Girl, Minecraft with Java Programming, Advanced LEGO Robotics and more. Each day campers rotate through four classes which incorporate science, technology, art and an exciting outdoor component. Pre-camp and Post camp hours are available.

GUIDE TO

SUMMER CAMPS 2020

678-493-5651

Camps, Leagues And Clinics offered throughout Gwinnett County.

Save $10, promo code SUMMER20. Code expires July 19th, 2020.

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FUN AND CONVENIENT - THE WAY YOUTH SPORTS SHOULD BE

470-655-6370

678-765-0791

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OVERNIGHT EQUESTRIAN CAMP FOR GIRLS Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp in Cloudland, Georgia has been a horse lovers’ paradise since 1954. Overnight camp for girls ages 8-17. Located on 600 acres offering riding in English, Western, Barrels, Vaulting, and Trails. CHA instructors teach beginner to advanced riders. Spend up to six 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

I ValleyViewRanch.com

LEARNING IN A “NEIGHBORHOOD” ENVIRONMENT INK has been a mainstay in the community for 18 years, as a venue for children, their families and educators to play, learn, imagine and grow in a “neighborhood” environment. Through play, children are motivated to learn and develop life skills that will shape the adults they will become. Children of all ages, abilities and experiences can develop their full potential through exciting, hands-on learning. New exhibits include a revamped bank experience presented by Pinnacle Bank and a nod to manufacturing and HR with ZF Industries. Hours are Monday – Saturday, 10:00am-5:00pm, and Sunday 1:00-5:00 pm. Admission is $9.00 (including tax) per person Monday – Saturday & $6.00 (plus tax) per person on Sundays. 999 Chestnut St., Suite 11, Gainesville, GA

770-536-1900

I INKFun.org

ACTIVE PLAY. ENRICHING EXPERIENCES. TRUE RELATIONSHIPS From day camp to dozens of specialty camps, GAC offers something for every camper from the age of 3 to 18. Sign up today: GreaterAtlantaChristian.org/summer-camp Questions? Email summercamp@greateratlanta christian.org or call 770-243-2275.

770-243-2275

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I GreaterAtlantaChristian.org/summer-camp

PHOTOBY BRITTANY DUBAY

PHOTOCOURTESY CAMPTINLAKES

PHOTOBY BRITTANY DUBAY

A CAMP FOR ALL CAMP TWIN LAKES WILL-A-WAY SERVES CHILDREN WITH A RANGE OF SERIOUS ILLNESSES, SPECIAL NEEDS AND OTHER LIFE CHALLENGES

By Alicia Carter

PHOTOBY BRITTANY DUBAY

CAMP TWIN LAKES WILL-A-WAY

OR MANY CHILDREN, SUMMER CAMP IS A RITE OF PASSAGE. IT’S A WEEKLONG ADVENTURE AWAY FROM HOME WHERE THEY CAN SLEEP IN CABINS, LEARN NEW SKILLS AND CRAFTS, BOAT ON THE LAKE, ZIPLINE THROUGH TREES AND FOSTER FRIENDSHIPS THAT CAN LAST A LIFETIME. SUMMER CAMPS PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE, ENCOURAGE A CONNECTION TO NATURE, TEACH RESILIENCE AND BUILD SELF-ESTEEM. WITH BENEFITS LIKE THESE, IT’S NO WONDER PARENTS WOULD ENCOURAGE THEIR KIDS TO ATTEND ONE IF POSSIBLE.

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 IMAGINE however, that your child has significant medical needs and requires a level of care that is outside the realm of what a traditional summer camp can provide. Imagine that your child uses mobility devices such as a wheelchair, braces, prosthetics or crutches that make navigating the rugged terrain nearly impossible. Perhaps your child has strict dietary restrictions that would eliminate nearly all typical camp foods — or any other number of special needs that would likely make a trip to camp impossible. Prior to Camp Twin Lakes, there was no single camp in Georgia for children with special needs. Without a permanent location, camps moved around from summer to summer with several camp organizers all competing over the same temporary spots. Noted Atlanta businessman and philanthropist Doug Hertz recognized this lack of adequate facilities to support camp programs for children with diverse needs. After his mother was diagnosed with cancer in the early ’80s, Hertz attended a board meeting of Camp Sunshine, a summer camp for kids with cancer, that amplified his desire to help find a permanent location for this type of camp. After more than a year of searching and planning, Hertz called upon the support of Atlanta philanthropic groups and local business leaders to open Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Georgia, in 1993. Now, more than 25 years later, Camp Twin Lakes has

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PHOTOBY JASONHALES

Camp Twin Lakes has grown into the leading network of recreational, therapeutic and educational camps in Georgia, with camp locations in Rutledge, Warm Springs and Winder.

grown into the leading network of recreational, therapeutic and educational camps in Georgia, with camp locations in Rutledge, Warm Springs and Winder, and is one of only a handful in the nation designed exclusively for children with various medical needs. In fact, the nonprofit organization provides year-round, fully adaptive, and deeply impactful camp experiences to nearly 10,000 of Georgia’s youth ensuring that no one misses out on the joys of childhood because of their circumstances. “My first summer I was paired with a cabin where one of our girls had just gotten a rotationplasty surgery on her left leg. She was super selfconscious and refused to ever take off her prosthetic,” says Carole Lea Parker, who worked at Camp Twin Lakes’ Rutledge location from 2016 to 2018. “By my third summer, not only was she super comfortable in her skin and would happily take off her prosthetic for things like going in the pool, but she was also sillier. She would sometimes joke, and use it as a hat, or if she really liked you, she would ‘bless you with her nub.’ The growth and confidence that I saw in her was amazing. The smile and confidence exuding from her was a powerful force. Camp made her not feel like an outcast and instead be proud of her body and all that it had overcome.”

ACCESSIBLE IN ALL WAYS

Many families of children with diverse needs are met with a lot of financial strain. Between doctor visits, hospital stays, therapies, medications and more, the cost to raise a child

IT IS TRULY LIFE-CHANGING FOR THESE KIDS, MANY OF WHOM WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN CAMP IF ONE LIKE THIS DIDN’T EXIST, LET ALONE MEET A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE WHO ARE JUST LIKE THEM.

SUMMER CAMPS 2020

Only 25 miles north of Suwanee at Fort Yargo State Park in Winder sits Camp Twin Lakes' Will-A-Way location, a fully inclusive camp that serves children with a range of serious illnesses, special needs and other life challenges, such as heart defects, brain injuries, weight challenges, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, juvenile arthritis, foster care, celiac disease, diabetes, abuse and more. These campers, who many times feel isolated at home, have the chance to meet and connect with kids their age who are facing similar challenges. As Camp Twin Lakes says in its messaging, the impact of camp reaches beyond one week, beyond the simple joys of childhood, and beyond fond memories of summer camp. It’s truly life-changing for these kids, many of whom would never be able to participate in camp if one like this didn’t exist, let alone meet a community of people who are just like them. The 100-acre campus is home to 19 cabins, which sleep about 14 campers apiece; a state-ofthe-art swimming pool with a ramp for easy entrance, aquatic wheelchairs, and a water slide; a newly renovated arts and crafts building; gymnasium; lakeside amphitheater; as well as many adaptive activities such as zip lining, rock climbing, ropes course, horseback riding, archery, a wheelchair accessible garden and more. Will-A-Way also has an on-site medical lodge, known as the “health hut,” where camp partners’ medical staff can administer medication and address other needs to keep campers healthy and safe while at camp.

with special needs can be astronomical. Sending a child to camp should not be a financial burden for parents. While Camp Twin Lakes estimates the cost for each camper to be close to $1,000, the support of generous donors and partner organizations funds the Camper Scholarship Program, which allows each child to experience camp at little to no cost to their families. “We subsidize 70% of each camper’s cost through our Camper Scholarship Program, and our partner organizations are responsible for the remaining cost,” says Brittany Dubay Gaddis, Camp Twin Lakes’ Marketing and Communications Specialist. “Most of our campers attend camp at no cost at all! Our goal is that camp would be as financially accessible as it is physically and medically accessible.” To help care and mentor the nearly 10,000 children and young adults who attend camp each year, Camp Twin Lakes relies on about 3,500 volunteers, which include doctors and nurses, who donate their time at the camps. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities for groups and individuals with a range of interests and abilities, including camp counselors, corporate work days, special events and more. Former campers have even returned to camp to serve as counselors. “Our biggest need right now is for volunteer counselors, especially males,” says Gaddis. “Don’t worry — you don’t need any special medical knowledge to volunteer.” So what does a camp like this mean to a child living with extraordinary needs? In a world that often ostracizes people who are different from us, Camp Twin Lakes welcomes them with open arms, offering a place where they fit in and are able to experience the joys of summer camp no matter their needs. Here, their challenges are no longer limitations. At Camp Twin Lakes, they become limitless. ■

GUIDE TO

HOME AWAY FROM HOME: WILL-A-WAY

Camp Twin Lakes Will-A-Way is located at 210 S. Broad St. in Winder at Fort Yargo State Park. For more information or to learn how you can volunteer, call 770-8676123 or visit CampTwinLakes.org.

58 WHAT'S BREWING: ROSWELL'S

GATE CITY BREWING

fooo

local food, craft beer & wine trends

FROM COOKIES TO CUPCAKES TO WAFFLES — YES, WAFFLES! — WE WENT BAKERY-HOPPING IN SUWANEE TO FIND OUR FAVORITE SWEETS.

SUWANEE’S BY LIZZY JAMES

PHOTOS BY GARY DOWD

ON A PARTICULARLY CHILLY DAY BACK IN FEBRUARY, A SWEET TOOTH THAT COULDN’T BE SATISFIED SWEPT THROUGH SUWANEE MAGAZINE HQ. FINDING OURSELVES TEMPTED BY INSTAGRAM PHOTOS FEATURING SPRINKLECOVERED DONUTS, HOMEMADE WAFFLES AND COSMIC-COLORED MACARONS, A COUPLE OF US DECIDED TO BAKERY-HOP THROUGH SUWANEE. THE FOLLOWING ARE THE GOODIES WE COULDN’T RESIST.

Cafe Mozart Bakery 2790 LAWRENCEVILLE-SUWANEE ROAD, SUITE 120 678-482-9645 I CAFEMOZARTBAKERY.COM CAFE MOZART BAKERY blends European-style breads and confections along with unique Asian flavors and ingredients. Their pastries, cookies and other baked goods can be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere with oversize booths, soft lighting and inviting decor. We recommend trying a slice of red velvet cake paired with a specialty tea or coffee.

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FOOD & DRINK

Drēm Waff le + Coffee Bar 3590 OLD ATLANTA ROAD, SUITE 200 678-807-7346 I DREMWAFFLES.COM DRĒM WAFFLE + COFFEE BAR is a popular Suwanee coffee shop and restaurant

that serves up a variety of European waffles, pastries and desserts for both breakfast and lunch. Their menu is filled with delicious sweets, including the Banella Waffle (topped with Nutella, banana, and powdered sugar), the Waffle Parfait (featuring yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola), and even breakfast waffles topped with over-easy eggs and bacon or smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and dill. We recommend trying a Fruity Pebble waffle topped with whip cream and delicious fruity cereal.

J & J Donuts 415 PEACHTREE INDUSTRIAL BLVD. I 678-926-3763 JANDJDONUTS.COM J&J DONUTS crafts freshly made donuts every morning and features everything from the simple, but delectable glazed donuts to sausage rolls and breakfast sandwiches. The bakery will even do custom donuts with certain colors, toppings, and shapes upon request. We recommend trying the s’mores, vanilla frosted or chocolate and cake crumb donuts!

Luna’s Cookie Studio 2870 LAWRENCEVILLE-SUWANEE ROAD, SUITE C1 678-717-9965 I LUNAS-COOKIE-STUDIO.BUSINESS.SITE IF YOU’RE A macaron lover, look no further than Luna’s Cookie

Studio. The French cookie and coffee shop specializes in nothing but French desserts. Their cakes and macarons are made fresh daily with ingredients like nuts, almonds, pecans, dried cranberries and so much more. We recommend trying the cookies and cream, hazelnut Nutella, or chocolate macarons the next time you’re craving something sweet!

8Sweet Treats 864-477-9049 I 8SWEETTREATS.COM KRISHNA DALIA, owner of 8Sweet Treats, is serving

delicious baked goods with a twist to the Suwanee community. Aside from offering regular bakery items such as custom cakes, cookies, and brownies, she has also perfected the art of making alcohol-infused baked goods. The company also offers catering and dessert bars for parties, bridal showers, corporate events and more. We recommend trying their boozy margarita cupcakes!

Freezing Moo 991 PEACHTREE INDUSTRIAL BLVD. SUITE 122 I 678-765-0663 I FREEZINGMOO.COM FREEZING MOO has taken the city of Suwanee by storm with its delicious Thai fried ice cream rolls. These delicious ice cream rolls are handmade with milk in a flavor of your choice, then poured over an ice grill where the ingredients are then mixed in and rolled together. We recommend trying the Strawbella roll that features Nutella, freshly sliced strawberries, graham crackers, and is topped off with Pocky sticks.

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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BREWING

FIVE YEARS OF CRAFTING UNIQUE BEERS

Suwanee Magazine

GATE CITY I

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FOOD & DRINK

Gate City Brewing has been producing delicious craft beers while also working to build a sense of community BY LIZZY for more than five years now. The JAMES taproom, located in a former auto PHOTOS COURTESY GATE CITY BREWING body shop, features a two-story 30bbl brewhouse that cranks out and serves up to 20 houseHOW DID YOU GET brewed beers on INVOLVED IN THE CRAFT draft at a time. Since BEER INDUSTRY? My partner Pat Rains and I met opening in 2015, the through the Roswell Rotary Club. brewery has continued to grow We had both been entering homebrew contests and we built each year purely out of a passion a friendship off of that. We started for creating craft beers that bring homebrewing together and our beers started to win some awards. the community together. We had We were both entrepreneurial the chance to driven and opening a brewery was a pipe dream of ours, but we meet up with also had full-time jobs. We decided to begin doing research and slowly co-founder Brian looking at Georgia laws to see if there Borngesser and was a chance to make it happen. We started checking off boxes, and hear more about finally jumped off that ledge and how Gate City is decided to open Gate City. making waves WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND in the Georgia THE NAME GATE CITY? Roswell is a very historic place, and craft beer we wanted a name that reflected community. that. In the early 1800s Atlanta OWNTOWN ROSWELL'S

Gate City Founders Pat Rains and Brian Borngesser

BREWING

was nicknamed “Gate City” due to it being the center of commerce in the South, serving as a hub for railroads heading north and ports going south toward Savannah. We thought that was interesting and that it could tie into Roswell’s history as well.

WHAT HAS THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT BEEN LIKE? The community support has been amazing since day one. We wanted to first and foremost build a place

that the community could come and spend time at. Our distribution has continued to reflect that as our primary focus has been making sure our beer is being distributed within a 20-30 mile radius of the brewery. Pat and I are also very philanthropic, and we knew before we were even profitable that we wanted to give back to the community. We’ve made sure we are involved with charitable organizations since day one, and I think that has really helped strengthen our involvement and perception within the community.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER GEORGIA BREWERIES? Roswell is a very historic place, and I think our space is a big thing that sets us apart. We are very family-friendly with a big open taproom space. We started Gate City when

we had young families of our own, and we wanted it to be a place where people can bring their younger kids and hang out. I think something else that sets us apart is the beer we produce. They are unique in the fact that we skip a lot of classic styles and put our own twist on them. We constantly

try to figure out ways to make more interesting beers in a subtle way that people will enjoy. We’ve also just recently released nitro-infused cocktails in the taproom so that non-beer drinkers have something to enjoy as well.

WHERE DID YOU FIND YOUR HEAD BREWERS? Corey Regini has a pretty long legacy in the craft beer industry. She started out brewing in Colorado, where Terrapin reached out and recruited her to come to Georgia. She loved brewing at Terrapin but ultimately missed the smaller brewery feel, so we jumped at the opportunity to bring her on board. Our co-brewer, Pat Leonard, and I went to college together. He was a head brewer at another local brewery a few years ago and had actually gotten out of the craft beer industry. We reached out to him when opening to see if he would sit down and give us some advice, and he ended up coming on part-time with us.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR FREEDOM FIGHTER IPA. One of our connections through the Roswell Rotary Club is on a national

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task force to end human trafficking. They reached out and asked if we’d be interested in throwing a party to help raise funds for human trafficking. We loved the idea and decided to brew a beer and release it for the party in October. A few months later, Delta reached out to us and said that they were interested in having our Freedom Fighter IPA served on over 40 of their flights throughout the entire month of January in honor of human trafficking prevention month. Having one of the largest companies in the world ask to serve our beer was definitely a real pinch us moment.

WHAT GATE CITY BEERS WILL YOU BE POURING AT THIS YEAR’S SUWANEE BEER FEST? Our beer lineup at Suwanee Beer Fest is going to include our Copperhead Amber, Citras Maximus India Pale Lager, and our Raspberry Tarty McFly sour. ■

Gate City is located at 43 Magnolia St. in Roswell. For a complete beer list and to stay up to date on taproom events, visit GateCityBrewingCompany.com or follow them on social media.

10 YEARS OF

BEER

SUWANEE AMERICAN CRAFT BEER FEST CELEBRATES ITS FIRST DECADE ON MARCH 14TH BY LIZZY JAMES

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OUR MISSION IS TO THROW THE BEST CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL IN THE SOUTHEAST, WHILE ALSO GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY WHO HAS SUPPORTED US BY ATTENDING YEAR AFTER YEAR. - SUWANEE AMERICAN CRAFT BEER FEST EVENT DIRECTOR TIFFANY BELFLOWER

SESSIONS, BELGIANS, IPAS AND PILSNERS live in harmony at this massive St. Paddy’s Day throwdown set to return to Suwanee Town Center Park on Saturday, March 14th. The festival features unlimited samples of more than 350 craft beers from around the nation as well as over 40 Georgia breweries who come to compete in the annual Georgia Brew Battle competition. Each year festival organizers work to one-up the previous year's event, and as they celebrate 10 years, they're certain to have a few new surprises up their sleeve — from new breweries and backyard games to exciting live entertainment. Keep reading for your exclusive guide to why you don’t want to miss out on the 10th anniversary.  64

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2020 SBF GUIDE

SUWANEE AMERICAN CRAFT BEER FEST 10 YEAR STATS:

NUMBER OF BREWERIES WHO HAVE ATTENDED:

832

OUNCES OF BEER POURED:

4,008,485

TICKETS SOLD ONLINE:

# OF MILES A BEER LOVER HAS TRAVELED TO ATTEND:

SEATTLE WASHINGTON 2637

2622

DENMARK 4453

CHICAGO ILLINOIS 1478

SAN MATEO CALIFORNIA 2468

33,664

NUMBER OF DIFFERENT BEERS SERVED:

BANGOR, MAINE 1302

SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA 2481

PACOIMA CALIFORNIA 2194

115,54O POUNDS OF ICE USED:

128 559 FUNDS RAISED FOR LOCAL CHARITIES:

$ DRINK FOR A GOOD CAUSE

HILE DRINKING

delicious beer is a highlight of Suwanee Beer Fest, event organizers are also dedicated to giving back and supporting the community. Year after year they have donated thousands of dollars to local charities and organizations in the Suwanee community.

This year a portion of festival proceeds will benefit Cooper’s Crew, a Suwanee-based 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. Cooper O’Brien lost his battle with a rare form of cancer at the age of 14, inspiring his parents to create the nonprofit Cooper’s Crew.

NEW GEORGIA BREWERIES THIS YEAR:

GLOVER PARK BREWERY:

Located just steps away from the Marietta Square, Glover Park is a space where the community can gather and kick back while enjoying locally crafted beers. The team has been working closely with Kevin McNerney, co-founder of SweetWater Brewing, to create traditional mainstays like ales, IPAs and stouts, while also offering up seasonal brews.

GEORGIA BEER CO.: Known

as “Georgia’s Southernmost Brewery,” Georgia Beer Co. is a brewery and taproom in Valdosta that specializes in seasonal ales, stouts and IPAs using locally sourced ingredients. They brew most of their beers true to traditional style, but with as many Georgia-grown ingredients as they can get their hands on.

TANTRUM BREWING COMPANY:

In March 2018, familyowned craft brewery Tantrum Brewing Company broke ground in the mountainside of Cleveland, Georgia, seeded by a single dream of creating a community around beer. Tantrum CEO Ross Crumpton’s love of home brewing quickly grew into a passion for craft beer. Tantrum Brewing Company was founded on the uncompromising values of hard work, family and community. TantrumBeer.com.

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SCHOOLHOUSE BREWING:

Located in Marietta, Schoolhouse Brewing is owned by former teachers —hence the name! The taproom features 20 rotating beers on tap, a home brew shop with grains, hops, yeast and supplies, a private events room referred to as the “Detention Room,” and a dog-friendly, fenced-in patio with games like frisbee golf.

SOCIAL FOX BREWING:

Norcross’s first craft brewery, Social Fox is slated to open in spring of 2020. They seek to be the next symbol for the town of Norcross, to give back to the community, and most importantly perfect the art and science of brewing quality world class craft beer.

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SUWA NEE B EER FEST I S A LW AY S A HIGHLIGHT OF OUR YEA R . WE LOOK FOR WA R D TO K ICK ING OFF THE B EER FEST SEA SON WITH SUCH A WELL RUN E V E N T. ” - Andrew Lorimer, Eagle Rock Distributing

BREWERIES IN THE

2020 SBF GUIDE

GEORGIA BEER GARDEN

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: JOURNEY TRIBUTE BAND

DEPARTURE RETURNS AFTER 10 YEARS! THERE ARE two types of lineups that have set Suwanee Beer Fest apart for over a decade. The first is a great lineup of new and unique beers. The second is a lineup of live entertainment that is sure to turn your drinking shoes into dancing shoes! After playing the inaugural festival, DEPARTURE is set to return to the Suwanee Beer Fest main stage. Ten years later, DEPARTURE is the most respected Journey tribute band in the nation, replicating the look, sound and feel of the original ’80s rock supergroup. Their incredibly high-energy stage show is sure to have Beer Fest patrons up on their feet dancing!

ST. PATRICK’S DAY ACTIVITIES HAT BETTER way

to kick-off St. Patrick’s Day week than with unlimited samples of craft beer?! This year, there will be tons of holiday fun to be had, complete with costumes, kilts, Irish dancers, live music, and more. For those feeling extra festive, there will also be an Irish beer tent that will serve up nothing but green beer!

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Bagpipe Player

Everyone’s favorite bagpipe player will return to welcome festival attendees to the park with the sweet sounds of bagpipes. Get into the festive spirit as you make your way to your beer destination.

Costume Contest

For those of you coming decked out in your St. Paddy’s gear, enter yourself and your friends into the 2020 Suwanee Beer Fest Costume Contest. In order to participate, sign up at the Social Lounge Tent by 2:30 p.m. on the day of the event. The contest will officially kick off at 3:00 p.m. and be based on the following categories: best beard, best costume (male and female), best kilt, and best-dressed couple. Winners will be announced at the Social Lounge Stage and will receive prizes from local vendors!

St. Paddy’s lovers can don their best Irish attire for a chance to take home prizes in the annual Beer Fest costume contest.

2020 SBF GUIDE

Carpenter School of Irish Dance

What’s a St. Patrick’s Day party without a little Irish dance? Head over to the Social Lounge Stage at 2:00 p.m. to enjoy a live performance by The Carpenter School of Irish Dance. The Carpenter School is one of the most prestigious Irish dance schools in the United States, and its dancers hold competitive achievements including Regional and National Championships and are World Medal holders.

Daddy O’Brien’s

Festival attendees will be able to enjoy delicious menu items such as Irish Stew, Shepherd’s Pie, and even alcoholinfused ice creams from local Irish pub, Daddy O’Brien’s.

THE VIP EXPERIENCE EVENT COORDINATORS

continue to make The VIP Experience bigger and better each year — and this year might just be the biggest yet! Dimensional Design, a local design and branding firm, returns as a sponsor of the VIP tent and has partnered with festival organizers to bring a one-of-a-kind experience to the festival. From beautiful floral arrangements from Suwanee Town Florists to Dimensional Design’s high-end finishings, the VIP tent is the place to be if you’re a true beer connoisseur. Featuring over 30 beers, including one-offs, casks, specialty brews and more, this exclusive festival experience is one not to be missed.

Marlow’s Tavern

Known for featuring the “best of the best” in American tavern fare, Marlow's Tavern is returning once again with a unique menu designed just for VIP patrons.

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2020 SBF GUIDE

This year’s VIP Experience will be bigger and better than ever with more than 30 exclusive beers, American tavern far provided by Marlow’s Tavern, floral arrangements by Suwanee Town Florist and more!

Grab your drinking buddies for a round of giant Jenga, Xtreme Airballs, giant beer pong and other fun activities.

THE CIT Y LOV E S HOSTING THE SUWA NEE B EER FEST B ECAUSE IT B R INGS SUCH A GR E AT A UD IENC E TO TOW N CENTER PA R K . THE ENER GY A ND ENTHUSIA SM THIS FESTIVA L GENER AT E S ADDS SOM ETHING T R U LY F U N A ND UNIQUE TO OUR EV ENT SCHEDULE.” - Denise Brinson, City of Suwanee

FUN & GAMES festival will see the return of everyone’s favorite beer drinking activities — Giant Jenga, Peach State Cornhole, and Xtreme AirBalls. However, festival organizers have also added Giant (and we mean GIANT) beer pong and mobile axe throwing to the mix! Axecessive Force will be on site with their mobile axe throwing cages, giving attendees a chance to (safely) test out their axe throwing skills. So grab a beer, your best pong partner, and maybe even an axe or two, and get ready for some friendly competition! Just don’t spill your beer!

THIS YEAR’S

 Marlow’s Tavern returns again this year with a delicious menu designed exclusively for VIP attendees.

2020 GEORGIA BREW BATTLE THE QUEST TO FIND GEORGIA'S BEST BEER! ACH YEAR,

Suwanee Beer Fest puts the power in the people’s hands when selecting their annual Georgia Brew Battle winner. Local breweries will offer up their most popular brews and compete for the title of Georgia’s Best Beer. Festival attendees will receive a voting token when entering the festival that they can use to cast their vote with their favorite brewery after sampling their beers in the Georgia Beer Garden. The winner will take the coveted Golden Cup Trophy back to their taproom where it will reside until next year’s fest. May the best brew win!

Suwanee Magazine

2018 WINNER:

SLOW POUR BREWINGʼS

NOSTALGIA IPA “The fact that voting was placed in the hands of the Suwanee Beer Fest attendees made winning the Brew Battle really special for us. It’s an honor to win any award but when the public are the ones doing the voting, it’s that much sweeter.” — John Reynolds, Founder of Slow Pour Brewing

2020 SBF GUIDE

2015 AND 2016 WINNER:

JEKYLL BREWINGʼS

HOP DANG DIGGITY & PEAR INFUSED BIG CREEK KOLSCH “Winning the Brew Battle and being a part of the Suwanee Beer Fest has connected us with the community in an unprecedented way. It’s been an honor and privilege to participate and we look forward to attending for years to come!” — Joe Yakacki, Director of Sales & Marketing

2019 WINNER:

SCOFFLAW BREWINGʼS

F**K CANCER

“We were really excited and honored to win the Brew Battle in 2019. Winning with one of our most special beers, F**K Cancer, felt like not only a huge win for Scofflaw as a brewery, but for everyone who has been impacted by what our F**K Cancer IPA symbolizes. We brew this beer once a year and have started a tradition by hosting a F**K Cancer event every February to help us raise money to donate to cancer charities. When we brew and drink F**K Cancer, we toast to all the loved ones lost and all the people fighting and conquering cancer today. We will be back again for the 2020 Suwanee Beer Fest with our 2020 version of F**K Cancer and many more delicious brews. We hope to earn the Brew Battle trophy again in 2020 and keep it displayed in our brewery tasting room for another year!” - Kristina Kroon, Scofflaw Brewing

2017 WINNER:

DRY COUNTY BREWINGʼS

NEON BERRIES

“Suwanee Beer Fest is always one of my personal favorite events each year. Being a brewery that prides ourselves on only selling our beers in our home state of Georgia, and the fact that this fest attracts folks from all over the Southeast, made winning in 2017 even more special. It was certainly an honor for our NeonNeon Sour Series to be recognized while we were still such a young brewery, and I look forward to participating again this year! Congrats to Suwanee Beer Fest on 10 years!" — Trey Sincair, Founder of Dry County Brewing

SBF SPONSORS Event organizers would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to the wonderful businesses that contribute greatly to this event’s success. Please support event sponsors and stop by their tents while at the festival — many of whom are giving away free samples and hosting awesome contests and giveaways!

Brew Depot Georgia’s #1 home brewing store since 1997. Brew Depot has a huge product selection in their 3600 sq. ft. store. Same day shipping BEER & WINE BREWING SUPPLIES on most orders. Brewing classes are available in their dedicated brewing facility. 770-645-1777 Brew-Depot.com _______________________________________________________________ Dimensional Design

An integrated design and branding firm, focused on an array of marketing tools such as tradeshow 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. 678-376-1150 DimensionalDesign.net _______________________________________________________________

Guinness Made of More. Discover

THE SUWA NEE B EER FESTIVAL IS A FA B ULOUS E V E N T. N O T O N LY D O THEY OFFER FL AV OR FUL A ND S AV OR Y LIB AT IONS , B UT THE AT M OS P HER E IS ENERGETIC AND W ELC OM ING. A S A SPONSOR , WE A RE A B LE TO P E R S O N A L LY M EET THOUSA NDS OF POTENTIA L PAT IENT S , FA CE TO FA CE , A ND P R OV IDE S U B S TA N T I A L INF OR M AT ION A B OUT OUR SERV ICES.” - Kasey Lumpp, The Smile Generation

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GUINNESS - The World's Most Iconic Beer. Brewed In Dublin Since 1759. Rich. Pair Food With A Beer. Smooth. Creamy. Types: Milk Stout, Irish Wheat, Nitro IPA, Blonde Lager, Draught. Guinness.com _______________________________________________________________

Smile Generation

Smile Generation connects you with trusted local dentists. As a trusted source for dental recommendations, they connect you with great dentists in your area who are dedicated to comprehensive, modern care with proven technology. Like CEREC single-visit crowns, digital X-rays, and more. Let them help you find the right fit for your schedule. Your budget. And your smile. 1-800-764-5343 SmileGeneration.com _______________________________________________________________

Margaritaville Lake Lanier Islands

Set along more than a half-mile of white sandy beach on beautiful Lake Lanier, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands is a lakefront paradise where visitors can escape the everyday and embrace a lifestyle of relaxation and ease. Relax on the beach, partake in a host of water activities, or rev up the action with water slides and ziplines, surrounded by the sights, sounds and tastes of Margaritaville. Guests can slip their boat in for the day, reserve a slip at the new marina docks, or bring an RV to set up camp for a Margaritaville vacation. Parrot Heads can find a spectacular range of entertainment from beachfront restaurant, LandShark Bar & Grill at LandShark Landing, Tiki Bar, water sports, boat rentals, beach fire pits and more. Additionally, find seasonal attractions including License to Chill Snow Island and Magical Nights of Lights throughout the winter, and the Water Park open throughout the summer. 470-323-3440 LanierIslands.com/Margaritaville _______________________________________________________________

Taco Mac Enjoy award-winning wings, tons of craft beer on tap and the best sports watching environment at our neighborhood restaurants. Come by. Hang out. TacoMac.com _______________________________________________________________ Express Color Since 1995, Express Color has

specialized in full service large format digital printing, finishing and custom installation services throughout the southeast. They utilize the latest LED UV printers and print in sizes up to ten feet. Their arsenal also consists of finishing equipment CNC routers, cutters, plotters, guillotine, laminators, an indoor spray booth and a staff with combined experience of over 100 years. 404-505-1800 ExpressColor.com

2020 SBF GUIDE

White Claw

White Claw®, The Purest Hard Seltzer in the World®, brings the simplicity that is pure seltzer water, along with a spike of alcohol and a hint of natural fruit, to create a refreshing hard seltzer with 5% ALC/VOL. At only 100 calories, White Claw® is low carb, gluten-free and made with all-natural flavors. Available in Black Cherry, Ruby Grapefruit, Natural Lime, Raspberry and Mango flavors, each White Claw® Hard Seltzer delivers a splash of crisp, refreshment. White Claw® can be purchased in individual 6-packs, 12-pack variety packs and single 19.2 ounce cans. WhiteClaw.com ________________________________________

Spiffy Bin

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 Bins will come to your home after trash collection (monthly, bi-monthly 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 discount code "SuwaneeBeerFest" at sign up and your second service is $20 off! 855-GET SPIF SpiffyBin.com ________________________________________

Slow Pour Brewing

Slow Pour Brewing Company, which opened its doors in September of 2017, began as a conversation and a what-if between Marty and his brother-in-law John, and they haven’t looked back since. A gift exchange that resulted in a home-brew kit was the beginning of this adventure. SlowPourBrewing.com ________________________________________

NoFo Brew Co.

What started as an idea from three friends who love craft beer and their community has grown into NoFo Brew Co., a microbrewery that officially opened its doors in North & Forsyth last September. The team has SS since created a unique environment centered around SS great craftHardware beer where new ideas and friendships are &Mower brewed. NofoBrew.co Hardware &Mower ________________________________________ SS

S&S

Hardware

Mower

Hardware

SS &

&Mower S&S Hardware

S & S Ace Hardware has served SS markets from Suwanee to Jefferson Hardware Hardware Hardware with its stores in Buford and &Mower &Mower &Mower Braselton. Specializing in paint, backyard and barbeque supplies, they offer outdoor power and lawn & garden products, hardware "fix and repair" items and supplies for the home and business. They provide personal service, combined with the best brand products like Benjamin Moore, Big Green Egg, Weber, Treager, Stihl , Toro, Honda and more. Come see why "Ace IS the Place!" 770-932-1458 SSAceHardware.com S&S

EXTRA SUWANEE BITTER Extra Special Bitter 5.7% ABV

THOROUGHLY GOOD SCOTCH ALE

Bourbon Barrel-Aged Scotch Ale 12% ABV

OLDE CHIEF INSPECTOR BARLEYWINE English Barleywine 10.5% ABV

Born from a love for community and a love of killer beer, StillFire Brewing focuses on bringing award-winning beers to the Suwanee community and beyond. Stop into our taproom and try one of our 18 world-class beers today!

343 US-23, Suwanee, GA / STILLFIREBREWING.COM

2020 SBF GUIDE

Cayman Jack

NEITHER SHAKEN NOR STIRRED. DISCOVER PREMIUM PREPARED COCKTAILS. Created with the adventure life in mind, Cayman Jack is a hand-crafted, ultrapremium 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 oz bottles and 12-pack of 12 oz. cans. CaymanJack.com _____________________________________________

Suwanee Top Shelf Beverage

Offering 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. Award winning location in Suwanee, GA 678-714-9962 Facebook.com/TopShelfSuwanee _____________________________________________

Level Minds CBD

Level Minds CBD was established in 2015 by Shiloh and Nelson Bigles a local Gwinnett husband and wife team. They both have been alternative health business owners and were ecstatic when Hemp CBD became legal in January 2015 and began R&D for Level Minds CBD. Fast track to 2019 they opened Level Minds CBD Health Club in the heart of Suwanee! 2020 Has been an exciting year so far with the release of the Primo CBD Flower line! 678-765-2228 LevelMindsCBD.com

NO M AT T ER I F I T 'S S U N N Y OR R AINING THE SUWA NEE B EER FEST B RINGS IN A LA RGE GROUP OF FUN A ND ENERGETIC PAT R ONS T HAT A LW AY S M A K E I T A G R E AT E V E N T !.” - Brian Egger, Montford Misfits

VOLUNTEER! DID YOU know that it takes more than 300 volunteers to make Suwanee Beer Fest a success? Most volunteers will be assigned to a specific table and asked to help pour beer to festival attendees during the event while others may be asked to assist in helping with set-up and/ or breakdown. Other volunteer opportunities include helping with ticketing and VIP check-in. A high level of professionalism is required, and a basic knowledge of beers being served is welcomed.

So Why Volunteer?  You will receive an awesome, limited edition Suwanee Beer Fest volunteer shirt!  You will have access to private bathrooms, receive lunch and complimentary waters in the Volunteer Zone.  You will have the opportunity to meet fellow beer enthusiasts in the community.  You are doing it for a good cause! A portion of all Suwanee Beer Fest proceeds will be donated to local nonprofit Cooper’s Crew.

“

I have chosen to volunteer for the Suwanee Beer Fest each year because this festival exemplifies what Suwanee is all about. There is a sense of community, friendship and fun all while having the opportunity to give back and support local charities. Many people don’t know that the proceeds from the festival go to help great local organizations like Cooper’s Crew. To be able to support organizations like this while tasting great beer and meeting new people — it’s a privilege to be able to volunteer each year.” — Denise Harris, Suwanee Beer Fest Volunteer

SBF VENDORS

Beer Guys Radio

Craft beer podcast and talk radio show covering the world of craft beer with interviews, news, and new brews. BeerGuysRadio.com

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Bigfoot Outfitters

WINNING JAMES HENRY BOURBON

Bigfoot Outfitters Whitewater Rafting Company offers professionally guided whitewater rafting trips down the Ocoee River in East, Tennessee. We also offer camping, bunkhouse rentals, frisbee golf, and a Bigfoot GPS Hunt Game. 423-225-5000 BigfootOutfitters.com

AND RYE WHISKEY

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Moonrise Distillery ARTISAN SPIRITS HAND CRAFTED IN SMALL BATCHES

404-304-7250

MoonRiseDistillery.com HOME OF TRIPLE GOLD AWARD

Bourbon Whiskey: Earning a 96 rating with Tasting Panel Magazine in 2019 the flagship produce continues to build its pedigree. Gold medal winner - Global Spirit Awards, Gold Medal - Micro Liquor Spirit Awards and Gold Medal - Great American International Spirits Competition. Everything about this bourbon whiskey speaks caramel and rich vanilla. Available in 86, 90 and 120 proof it offers an aromatic experience for a broad range of bourbon whiskey enthusiasts.

Camp Gladiator A life-changing

fitness movement dedicated to transforming lives through dynamic, fun and challenging workouts led by amazing, independent trainers who inspire you to discover your best self. 817-583-3611

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Rye Whiskey 2019 saw Moonrise Distillery's Rye Whiskey earn recognition as a top 25 Rye Whiskey in the United States. Finishing at number 13 it is also awarded the "Best Rye Whiskey in Georgia" at the 2019 Georgia Trustees Wine and Spirits Competition. Our Rye Whiskey also holds Gold medal - Global Spirit Awards, Gold Medal - Micro Liquor Spirit Awards and Silver Medal - Great American International Spirits Competition. The Rye Whiskey retains precious caramel while introducing the flavor spices of malted rye grain. Vodka Moonrise Distillery's Vodka was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2019 Georgia Trustees Wine and Spirits Competition. The annual event celebrates the top producers of wine and spirits across Georgia. Their distillation method, exceptional local ingredients and focus on quality produces an extremely smooth vodka with a wonderful mouth feel and lacks the typical bite of mass produced vodka. Their goal is to create vodka with a rich texture and mouth feel that is more pleasing and viscous to the palate.

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Cutco Cutco.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. 714-785-4453 .................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Heart of a Gypsy Soul

This eclectic mobile boutique offers hand-made Boho chic clothing and jewelry made with both heart and soul.. 706-525-1169 .................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Homecraft Put and end to gutter cleaning! HomeCraft is the largest gutter guard company in the southeast. They provide the most effective debris-blocking gutter protection system on the market. 470-289-2861 HomeCraftGutterGuard.com

I MAR / APR 20

Dooleymack Constructors of GA Wanna build a brewery? DooleyMack has a wide range of brewery construction experience and would love to help you with your construction needs. DooleyMack was established in 1992. Their team believes building relationships with clients enables them to better understand their needs. At DooleyMack, being a full-service contractor is of utmost importance. 770-945-0696 DooleyMackConstructors.com .............................................................................

Epic Travel Atlanta

Epic Travel Atlanta is a full-service travel agency with access to travel worldwide that’s committed to providing unbeatable customer service and creating custom itineraries tailored to your business or vacation needs, personal interests, and budget concerns. They pride themselves on being honest,committed to their customers, and hold themselves to a higher standard. Whether you are embarking on a vacation or simply traveling for business. Epic Travel Atlanta’s mission is to provide world-class service while catering to your needs and creating the trip of a lifetime. 470-326-5633 EpicTravelAtlanta.com .............................................................................

Explore Gwinnett

Explore Gwinnett, the county's official tourism organization, is dedicated to strengthening Gwinnett County’s economy by marketing the county as a destination for conventions, group travel, meetings and leisure travel through sales, marketing and promotion. Explore Gwinnett offers free services to people who are planning an event utilizing local hotel rooms. Burgers and Brews is back! Mark your calendars for March 15-21 for the best year yet with more burgers, more brews and more Burgerhead. 888-494-6638 ExploreGwinnett.org .............................................................................

Pinnacle Home Improvements Specializes in Installation of House Siding, Roofs, Windows & Gutter Guards! Expert Installation. Durable Products. Great Financing Options. Free @ Home Consultation. Services: Vinyl Siding, Vinyl Windows, Replacement Windows, Roofing, Gutter Guards. 770-343-6181 PinnacleHomeImprovements.com

2020 SBF GUIDE

Montford Misfits They are a creative Design team that specializes in craft beer maps and custom artwork. At Montford Misfits they work hard and play harder! Do what you love, and love what you do…that’s their motto! 607-382-7370 MontfordMisfits.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. ................................

Peachstate Corn Hole 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 event and social events. Stop by their tent to practice on one of their sets! PeachStateCornhole.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. ................................

Recycled Thread Vintage Bring a little nostalgia to your life. Recycled Thread Vintage curates and collects vintage clothing and home pieces, giving them another life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. ................................

Hello Fresh

Hello Fresh is a healthy meal-kit delivery service that delivers farm fresh ingredients to your door. HelloFresh.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. ................................

Premier Martial Arts A martial arts training studio that also promotes discipline, character development, selfesteem, respect and bully awareness. 912-844-4329 PremierMartialArts.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. ................................

Renewals by Anderson Renewal by Andersen is the fullservice window-replacement division of 112-year-old Andersen Corporation, the most trusted family of window brands in America. RbA is committed to giving you the best customer experience, through the perfect combination of the best people in the industry, a superior process, and an exclusive product. 404-947-5300 RBAatlanta.com .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rockotto, LLC Since 2017, MyRockotto.com has started a new tradition. They fuse unique sauce techniques from ancient Peru achieving an awesome balance of spice and flavor. Using only great ingredients and unique Amarillo, Rocoto and Limo Chiles. In addition, their Sauces are naturally hand-crafted in small-batches in Lawrenceville, Georgia. MyRockotto.com .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rudolph Foods Company Southern Recipe the Tastiest Crunch in the South! Stop by the Southern Recipe booth to taste our world famous pork rinds, made fresh in Lawrenceville, Georgia. 770.778.3952 RudolphFoods.com .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Siena Suwanee An exclusive part of Suwanee Town Center, Siena Suwanee is your perfect launchpad for making the most of it all. Offering studios, one, two and three bedroom apartment homes, Siena Suwanee is the definition of luxury living. 678-821-9797 SienaSuwanee.com .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rally Patch The new standard in Party Wellness! Founded in Nashville, they have one mission- Never let a long night turn into another long morning. 253-273-2670 TheRallyPatch.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. ................................

State Farm StateFarm.com

Sprint A communications services company that creates more and better ways to connect its customers to the things they care about most. Sprint served 53.9 connections as of September 30, 2019. Learn more by visiting their website. 941-929-2117 Sprint.com

Southeastern Roofing One of the fastest growing reputable companies in the Southeast. With over 20 years experience in the insurance restoration industry, their skilled team of tradesmen can handle any type of interior or exterior renovation project. Residential homes, full scale resorts or commercial, they have you covered. Schedule your free roof inspection today. 470-2280766 SoutheasternRoofing.com ........................................................................

Sport Clips Sport Clips is like no other place to get your haircut. TV’s everywhere are playing sports and your guy-smart stylists know how to give you the haircut you want. You will walk out feeling like a MVP. 470-589-1030 SportClips.com/ga141 ........................................................................

Suwanee Towne Florist Because you are sending more than just flowers, Suwanee Towne Florist brings your personality and sentiment into each arrangement. Their one of a kind arrangements are the perfect complement to the message you would like to convey. Using only the finest blooms, they make every occasion a special occasion. Now offering monthly and weekly floral subscriptions. 678-482-0229 SuwaneeTowneFlorist.com ........................................................................

Tannery Row Ale House The home of the best barbecue, pizza, sandwiches and libations on this side of the tracks! Located in the Historic Tannery Row building, our menu features modern comfort food inspired by the history and culture of their surroundings. Be sure to check out their Suwanee Beer fest after-party! 678-765-8979 TanneryRowAleHouse.com ........................................................................

Treetop Quest This aerial adventure park will challenge you physically & mentally as you maneuver from tree to tree through obstacles and zip lines. A thrilling adventure for the whole family. 404-277-6113 TreetopQuest.com

2020 SBF GUIDE

T-Mobile

This full service wireless retail store offers a wide range of products and services to cater to everyone’s needs. Open 7 days a week. 991 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Suwanee, GA. 678-714-1212 T-Mobile.com . . ..........................................................................

Vino’s Chick

Chick Rocks by Vino’s Chick®️ (CRXVC) introduces you to our collection of handcrafted wine and beer accessories, specializing in beer can covers and coasters made from eco-friendly materials. VinosChick.com . . ..........................................................................

XTreme Airballs

Xtreme Airballs provides great family fun in a competitive but exciting way! They have 25 AirBalls for all different ages and sizes to get into, knock around, roll around, play contact soccer & other fun games! They are available to book for many different events and parties! You’ll have Xtreme fun 937-272-3517 XtremeAirballs.com

HOME BREW CONTEST Sponsored by Brew Depot

FOOD VENDORS

ATTENTION HOME BREWERS!

WIN A CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR BEER BREWED AT STILLFIRE BREWING!  THE SUWANEE Beer Fest Home Brew Competition sees

over 300 unique home-brewed beers entered each year, with categories such as Light Lager, Pilsner, Light Hybrid and a Speciality Beer. Homebrews entered into this competition are judged based on a strict set of criteria, including: mouthfeel, aroma, appearance, flavor and overall impression. The highest score possible is a 50 – which judges have yet to award. Judging for this BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) begins on Saturday, March 7th, at From the Earth Brewing. The “Best in Show'' victor will be crowned on stage at the festival, and the winner will have the unique opportunity to have their beer brewed across the street at StillFire Brewing. For more information on how to enter the competition, visit SuwaneeBeerFest.com.

A BEER FEST LOVE STORY BY NICK STAVRAKIS

It was five years ago, in 2015, when I went to my first ever Suwanee Beer Festival. One of my best friends, who doesn't even live in the Atlanta area, wanted to get a group to go for his birthday because he had so much fun at the event during a previous year. At one point, there were about six or seven of us in the VIP tent looking for a place to sit and eat when I noticed four ladies sitting at one of the large round tables. Ever the outgoing type, I volunteered to go over and see if the extra chairs were up for grabs. Approaching the table, I flashed a charming smile and inquired about the extra chairs. The ladies all smiled back and said that the chairs were indeed free to use. As I motioned back to my friends, I was waved off and left hanging! While I was on my mission, they had found a smaller standing table.

BE SAFE!

Nicole Wise and Nick Stavrakis

Playfully annoyed yet undeterred, I figured that despite being abandoned by my friends I would sit for a moment with the ladies at the table. For one thing, there was a very attractive redhead that I was eager to talk to some more. And for another, there was no room for me at the smaller table anyway.

Her name was Nicole and mine was Nick (uh oh.) As we sat and chatted about our day, our friends, our eclectic outfits, I found myself enjoying the conversation so much that I didn't realize that I had been talking to her for almost 30 minutes. My friend Anthony, whose birthday we were celebrating, even came over at one point to teasingly let Nicole and her friends know that, if I was bothering them all they had to do was say the safe word "pineapple" and he would come back to drag me away and out of their hair. He warned them how gregarious I could be and that they might actually take him up on that. We all laughed, I reminded myself to thrash him later, and he left Nicole and I to chat some more. Not too long after that, we realized that we should both probably get back to our respective friends but we exchanged numbers so that we could maybe chat again sometime soon. This year (to the day - 3/14/15 to 3/14/20) we celebrate 5 wonderful years together dating and I am the luckiest guy in the world. And Anthony is still saved in Nicole's phone as "Pineapple" though, thankfully she has not had to use it yet. We love the Suwanee Beer Fest and have been back, together, every year since.

The 2020 Beer Fest organizers are dedicated to the safety of all festival attendees, and want to ensure safe travel for everyone with the following options:

Bring your Sober Friend: The festival has

Designated Driver tickets available for purchase with a general admission ticket. These $10 add-ons make it so your friends can enjoy the games and vendors inside the festival, while also ensuring you have a safe ride home.

Free Shuttles: Tannery Row Ale House will run a shuttle to and from the festival and offer free parking at the restaurant. Be sure to stop by their tent at the festival where Creature Comforts will be pouring delicious beer samples, and then join them after the festival for their St. Patrick’s Day party with live music, food, drink specials and more. Lodging: Comfort Inn & Suites in Suwanee is offering festival attendees an exclusive discounted rate of $89 per night. Just mention Suwanee Beer fest when booking! 678714-7707 2945 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road 82

Suwanee Magazine

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I MAR / APR 20

THE LATEST FROM IN AND AROUND SUWANEE

ANNANDALE VILLAGE’S JAZZY THING RETURNS

THE SUWANEE nonprofit organization, Annandale Village, is scheduled to host its annual fundraiser, Jazzy Thing, on April 25th from 6:30-10 p.m. at the Duluth Town Green. Recognized as one of the largest and most respected charitable events in metro Atlanta, more than 900 supporters will come together to experience an evening of exquisite cuisine, world-class casino games, an exciting silent auction, live entertainment, dance, music, and unique and beautiful artwork created by people with developmental disabilities and other local artists. This year the event is Derby themed, in which attendees can dress in their best derby attire, enjoy “live” horse racing, bourbon tastings, a photo booth, and more. Proceeds from Jazzy Thing ensure that Annandale Village can continue to provide excellent care to its Villagers through state-of-theart programs and impactful services in the least restrictive environment possible. Tickets and sponsorships are available at Annandale.org/jazzy.

Suwanee Magazine

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ROCKET IT CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH NEW SUWANEE LOCATION  IN HONOR OF Rocket IT’s 25th anniversary and new headquarters unveiling, members of the metro Atlanta community joined Rocket IT team members at their new Suwanee location to celebrate this momentous achievement on January 30, 2020. Highlighting the significance of these accomplishments, congratulatory speeches were provided by Chairwoman Charlotte Nash, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, and Jeremie Kubicek, CEO and Co-Founder of GiANT Worldwide. Founded in 1995 by the organization’s CEO, Matt Hyatt, Rocket IT’s origins were the result of a lifelong dream and a passion

for entrepreneurship. But despite beginning as a one-person operation in the desktop building and sales industry, Hyatt quickly innovated the company’s services to facilitate the ever-changing needs of the community it served. Today, Rocket IT is home to more than 25 team members, offering businesses the technology-based strategy, security and support needed to thrive. And while the organization has relocated within Gwinnett County over the course of 25 years, Hyatt’s recent procurement of the organization’s Suwanee location reaffirms that Rocket IT is here to stay.

For more infomation about RocketIT, visit RocketIT.com.

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful receives Governor’s Circle Award  BACK IN December, and on the cusp of its 40th anniversary, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful was awarded a 2019/2020 Governor’s Circle Award. The award was presented by the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation during its 2019 Awards Luncheon in Atlanta, and recognizes exemplary performance in litter reduction, waste minimization, and community greening. Requirements to qualify for the Governor’s Circle Award include conducting an annual litter index, calculating the affiliate’s cost/ benefit ratio, and engaging volunteers in taking greater responsibility for their community spaces. “We believe that everyone deserves to live in a clean, green, and beautiful environment,” said Natalie Johnston-Russell, executive director of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation. “The recipients of this award have proven themselves to be dedicated to that cause, and we’re thankful for the work they do every day to move our mission forward across Georgia.” For more information about Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, visit GwinnettCB.org.

I MAR / APR 20

Bottles and Bones is Bringing a Modern American Chophouse to Suwanee  ROB AND JENNIFER TARANTO bring their lifelong passion for hospitality to modern American chophouse Bottles & Bones, which opened in downtown Suwanee this past February. The duo is passionate about providing upscale hospitality to the Suwanee community and beyond, and treats diners to impeccable, old-school service in an upbeat and lively environment. The restaurant’s pedigreed management team, led by General Manager Emile Blau, provides an experience that is approachable and appealing for a weeknight bite, craft cocktail in the lounge or weekend celebration. In essence, the husband-andwife team has created the kind of restaurant they would want to dine in — one that they felt their neighborhood needed. “We look for the community to embrace us whether it’s for date night, casual late-night bites or a wonderful experience in our lounge, featuring nightly live entertainment,” said Rob Taranto. “Our private dining room is available for celebrations or the perfect place for a business dinner.”

Executive Chef Ryan Smith, formerly of Watershed on Peachtree and Food 101 concepts, worked closely with the Tarantos to create fresh, bright ingredients and approachable offerings. The menu features aged prime steaks sourced from Nebraska, daily fresh seafood and a wide variety of gluten-free selections. In addition, Bottles & Bones features an extensive appetizer menu, including a housecured charcuterie board. Other stand-out dishes include the sweet potato souffle and roasted brussels sprouts with bacon jam vinaigrette. Diners can expect nightly specials as well as an inclusive prime rib dinner on Sunday and Monday nights, and the house specialty prime dry-aged porterhouse for two on Friday and Saturday nights. Bottles & Bones is located at 400 Buford Highway N.E., Suwanee, GA 30024. For more information, visit BottlesandBonesga.com.

TOWN CENTER PARK'S FIRST DOG WEDDING  FROM Suwanee Beer Fest to Glow in the Park, Suwanee Town Center Park is home to some of the city’s most popular events. On February 15th (in the spirit of Valentine’s Day), Town Center Park was home to a more unconventional event... a dog wedding! Organized by the mother of the bride, Alana Korol, a French bulldog named Gigi married her French bulldog sweetheart, Henley. “I know this dog wedding may seem silly,” says Korol, “but in a time like this, being funny and silly is just what this world needs!” The bride and groom were surrounded by their closest pup friends and their families as Gigi wore a beautiful couture doggie wedding dress and Henley dressed in a dapper all-black suit with a red bow tie. There was even a reception that included mimosas and a beautiful wedding cake. Congrats to the happy couple!

PHOTOS BY RICKFENDER

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL BECOMES SANCTIONED HIGH SCHOOL SPORT IN GEORGIA

ATLANTA FLOORING DESIGN CENTERS MERGES WITH JUST-IN FLOORS  ATLANTA FLOORING DESIGN CENTERS (AFDC) recently announced a merger with JUST-IN FLOORS. The new partnership enhances AFDC’s approach to the custom home market segment and creates a large team of experienced staff and installers who are dedicated to serving the detailed and specialized needs of custom home builders that JUST-IN FLOORS is known to ensure. “For us, it will always be about the customer,” says JUST-IN FLOORS founder Justin Atcheson. “We assure you that our pricing, product and support procedures will remain unchanged for now, and we intend to incorporate the best features of all our product lines in the future.” Suwanee-based Atlanta Flooring Design Centers is the ninth largest retail flooring company in the United States. It services residential, custom home and builder flooring and cabinet markets throughout the Southeast. While its commercial division serves a national market. AFDC President Donny Phillips stated, “Adding JUST-IN FLOORS will immediately expand our approach and knowledge of the custom home flooring market. Justin and his staff are regarded as one of the best at providing sales and service to the custom home builder. We are thrilled with this new endeavor.” For more information visit AtlantaFlooringDesign.com.

Suwanee Magazine

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I MAR / APR 20

 JUST AHEAD of the girls flag football Summit and championship games in December, it was announced that Georgia has become the fourth state to make girls flag football an officially sanctioned high school sport in the state of Georgia. “The Falcons organization values diversity and inclusion on all levels,” said Morgan Shaw Parker, vice president and chief marketing officer for AMB Sports & Entertainment. “This is just another example of the Falcons' continued commitment to empower women in sports and provide opportunities for girls to be involved in the game of football both on and off the field.” With the help of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the Falcons have funded the sport for more than three years. In 2018, the Falcons partnered with Gwinnett County Schools to pilot the program. Because of the interest shown 2018 for the sport, five additional counties implemented girls high school flag football in their schools in 2019, bringing the total to six total participating counties: Cherokee, Forsyth, Henry, Muscogee, Rockdale and Gwinnett. “Football teaches teamwork, resiliency and the committed pursuit of shared goals,” said Falcons owner and chairman Arthur Blank. “All of which build character and help shape important life skills for boys and girls.”

NORTH GWINNETT BOYS BRING HOME CLASS AAAAAAA SWIM TITLE NORTH GWINNETT’S

boys swimming and diving team unseated four-time defending champions Brookwood High School to bring home a state championship win on February 8th. The boys showed true teamwork as they secured the title without a single individual winner, or even an athlete placing in the top 3. Perhaps the race that was a true game changer was the 400 relay, in which North didn’t need to win, but instead had to make sure they were within at least two places of the Broncos. The group made up of Mikael Getahoun, Ethan Dawidowicz, Ayden Meierarend and Nathan Han finished fourth in the relay, one place ahead of the Broncos who came in fifth. In a joint effort, the team rallied together to earn 319 points at the Georgia Tech’s Aquatic Center, beating out the defending champs by a mere 14.5 points.

Do You Have The Best Mom In Suwanee?  DO YOU think your mom deserves a day of pampering, shopping and relaxation? Being a mother is simultaneously the most rewarding and difficult role in life, and we hope that every mom feels celebrated this Mother’s Day. Submit a short essay and tell us why your mother, daughter, sister, wife, grandmother or friend is the best mother in Suwanee! We will be accepting entries at SuwaneeMagazine.com now through April 1st. The most deserving mothers will be chosen based on the content of the essay that tells why your nominee/mother should be selected. The winner will be notified shortly after the entry deadline and will be featured in the May/June issue of Suwanee Magazine. To be eligible, mothers do not necessarily have to live within the city limits of Suwanee to win, but she must live in the vicinity of Suwanee or in a surrounding area. This includes: Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Buford, Sugar Hill, Duluth and Johns Creek.

Contest Winners Receive:

 A makeover from a local salon  Gift cards to shop at local stores  Featured in the May/June issue

Of Suwanee Magazine

THE BUZZ

Château Élan Winery & Resort unveils $25 million comprehensive renovation ON JANUARY 14, Château Élan Winery & Resort unveiled its $25 million comprehensive renovation. As the first major renovation since its inception in the mid-’80s, the full redesign ushers in the newest chapter in its storied history by introducing a fresh, yet timeless and modernized design, while still honoring the existing estate’s 16th century-style charm. During the ninemonth project, Atlanta-based interior and architectural design firm BLUR Workshop was tasked to lead the multimillion-dollar renovation, formulating a design concept representative of the resort’s vast Southern locale and inspired by the surrounding rolling hills and lush vineyards. The transformation includes a complete overhaul of 251 guestrooms and 24 suites, four new food and beverage outlets, the winery, as well as the resort lobby, and a facelift to the existing pool terrace and immersive spa. “As we complete this renovation, it is clear how every decision was

made to positively impact our guest experience,” said Neville Erasmus, Château Élan’s general manager. “We’re beyond proud to bring this vision to life and reintroduce the new Château Élan to our beloved repeat and new guests alike.” The 3,500 acre resort offers guests a unique destination experience accessorized by lush vineyards and marked by its unmatched luxury, distinguished offerings and amenities. Home to one of the most awarded wineries on the East Coast, 10 bars and restaurants, 40,000 square-feet of meeting space, a 35,000 squarefoot European spa, 45 holes of championship golf and a golf club and tennis center, Château Élan invites guests of all preferences to explore and enjoy the property’s picturesque land and architecture. _________________________________  To learn more about Château Élan Winery & Resort or to make a reservation, visit ChateauElan.com or call 678-425-0900.

City of Buford and the Buford Business Alliance host Spring Fling on April 25th THE CITY OF BUFORD and the Buford Business Alliance present the Buford Spring Fling on Saturday, April 25th, 2020, on Main Street in downtown Buford. The family-friendly event, held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., is an annual community gathering that features local vendors and food trucks as well as highlights the local businesses of Buford. The City of Buford and the Buford Business Alliance invite the community to come out to enjoy a day in beautiful historic Buford. For more information, visit VisitBuford.com/events/springfling.

Greater Atlanta Christian Students Raise Awareness for END IT Movement  ON FEBRUARY 12TH, Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC) welcomed END IT Movement to campus. Students and teachers joined together with speaker Dani Luckey to bring awareness to modernday slavery by drawing red X’s on their hand and posting to social media. February 13th marked the END IT Movement’s eighth annual “Shine a Light on Slavery Day,” in which celebrities, athletes politicians, incluencers and more spread awareness together. Since 2013, the END IT Movement has led the charge for raising awareness and rallying for change in an effort to end one of the most significant human rights issues of its time for good.

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“Ending slavery is one of the few things we can all agree on as a nation. No matter your political beliefs, slavery is a fundamental violation of human rights, and we must END IT,” said Jenni Brown, END IT Movement Campaign Director. “Each year this campaign grows in awareness and we are gratified to see this issue receive the widespread global attention it deserves.”

THE BUZZ

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LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES CELEBRATE...

National SIGNING DAY FEBRUARY 5TH marked National Signing Day for high schoolers across the nation. Local communities, school administrators, teachers, family, and friends came together to celebrate local students for making the decision to pursue their athletic careers at a college level, while also making plans for continuing their education. While we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feature them all, we are proud and excited to highlight a few of the local athletes who celebrated National Signing Day in our community.

ON THE SCENE

Snow Day 2020 Saturday, Feb. 8th

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Night to Shine Prom Friday, Feb. 7th

GWINNETT CHURCH

Suwanee Magazine's Cutest Pup Awards Tuesday, Feb. 11th STILLFIRE BREWING

PHOTOS BY: ANGELA VEUGELER

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StillFire Brewing New Year's Eve

PEOPLE & PLACES

Tuesday, Dec. 31st STILLFIRE BREWING

PHOTOS BY: GARY DOWD

Suwanee Half Marathon Sunday, Feb. 9th

TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: JULIE PERDUE

Sweetheart Sprint Saturday, Feb. 15th TOWN CENTER PARK

PHOTOS BY: KARL LAMB

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S US G U A G RA RH IHL I LL L

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A Taste for the Sweet City on the Hill THERE’S A BUZZ going around about the sweet and savory city on the hill. You know about Gwinnett’s best concert venue, The Bowl amphitheater, that brings concerts like Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and The Commodores to downtown Sugar Hill. You’ve heard about the gorgeous Art Deco-style Eagle Theatre and the $2 Tuesday movie series, concerts and live performances. You may have visited the beautiful E Center and your kids have probably asked you to take them to the Splash Park. But have you gotten a taste of the sweet city’s shine?

Ask for your drink in a to-go cup branded with the official SHINE sticker and enjoy it anywhere within the SHINE District.

THE SHINE DISTRICT

The SHINE District represents “Sugar Hill’s Intersection of Neighborhoods and Entertainment.” It's a nod to the history of moonshining on the Chattahoochee with a highlight of the growing downtown focused on the arts and entertainment. The SHINE District, which incorporates the E Center, Splash Park, Bowl and other downtown landmarks, is the destination for entertainment and the arts as well as culinary and brewing crafts. Local ordinances’ decision to allow for the entertainment district gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy their beverage from new businesses and Indio Brewing. The idea is for patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages from local downtown vendors within the SHINE District and ask for those libations to be poured into a to-go cup branded with the  In addition to their continuously official SHINE sticker. updated beer menu, Indio Brewing also Once they’ve been hosts a full calendar of unique events like goat yoga and themed trivia. given that branded cup, they are free to take their SHINE drink anywhere

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within the district, including the Bowl, Splash Park, or E Center plaza.

UNIQUE DINING OPTIONS

And Sugar Hill’s downtown is full of unique dining options perfect for pairing with all palates. Rushing Trading Co. serves up gourmet coffee, biscuits, soups, salads, and sandwiches, charcuterie trays and cocktails. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or a great cocktail in a cozy setting (or take it to-go). Nearby, Central City Tavern offers an upscale sports bar feel anchored by a diverse lunch and dinner menu featuring items like grouper tacos, burgers and wings of all flavors. Their creative cocktail list as well as an extensive range of brews on tap combine with large screen TVs and outdoor dining space to create the perfect environment to watch the game or catch up with friends and neighbors. Knuckies Pizza and Hoagies makes gourmet hoagies and delicious pizza. Swing by

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Knuckies for a hoagie anytime. Pizza by the slice is available during their lunch hours or take home an entire pie to share (or not) for dinner. This sweet corner restaurant is all about the community and those in it and would love for you to stop in to say hello with a “knuckie” fist bump. Indio Brewing continues to flourish with an exciting and continuously updated beer menu. Alongside their beer catalog comes a full calendar of unique events like goat yoga and themed trivia to participate in while enjoying a cold beer. Whether it’s their Sour Patch Sour or Tangerine Haze they’ve got the brew for you.

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

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SIP & SWINE BBQ FESTIVAL ____________ _______

3-9pm on Friday, 10-6pm on Saturday ____________ _______

Coolray Field _______ ____________ FREE admission! Details at SipandSwine.com

ATLANTA UNITED 2 HOME-OPENER VS. CHARLESTON BATTERY ____________ __________ 3:30pm ____________ __________

Fifth Third Bank Stadium at Kennesaw State University

GAC ART EXTRAVAGANZA ____________ __________

PARTY IN PARADISE ________________ ___ 6pm-9pm ________________ ___

LandShark Bar & Grill at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands ___ ________________ Featuring a foam party, live entertainment and a Low Country Boil.

5pm-7pm ____________ __________

The Art and Design Center at Greater Atlanta Christian ____________ __________ Art Show opening, light appetizers and live entertainment

SUWANEE KIWANIS SHAMROCK ____________ _5K _________ 8am ____________ __________

Town Center Park 96

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SUWANEE AMERICAN CRAFT BEER FEST’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY! ____________ __________

13 14 30 19 1pm-5pm ____________ __________

Town Center Park ____________ __________ For more information and to purchase tickets visit suwaneebeerfest.com

thru

SUPER MAGICAL BREAKFAST ____________ __________ 8:30am-9:30am ____________ __________

INK Interactive Neighborhood for Kids ____________ __________

Come dressed as your favorite super hero! More information at inkfun.org

ATLANTA HUMANE SOCIETY RUN FOR THE RESCUES 5K & FUN RUN __________ ____________ 8:30am ____________ __________

Town Center Park

thru April 3

GWINNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS SPRING BREAK

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CLASSIC ____________ _________ TPC Sugarloaf Country Club _________ ____________

MitsubishiElectricClassic.com

April

6 1 12 EASTER SUNDAY COMMUNITY SUNRISE SERVICE ____________ ________ 7am ____________ ________

Town Center Park

GWINNETT STRIPERS HOME-OPENER VS. NORFOLK TIDES ____________ __________ 7:05pm ____________ __________

Coolray Field

18 25 GLOW IN THE_______ PARK ____________ 5pm ____________ _______

Town Center Park ____________ _______

Community lantern parade of light, music, and color through Suwanee, ending at a concert at Town Center Park

RACE TO CURE SARCOMA ATLANTA ____________ __________ 8am ____________ __________

Town Center Park

RIDE AWAY MUSIC FEST ____________ __________ 3pm ____________ __________

Town Center Park ____________ __________ For more information visit parkerkillianmoore.com

ANNANDALE’S

JAZZY THING

________________ ___ 6:30pm-10pm ________________ ___

Duluth Town Green ________________ ___

For more information visit annandale.org/jazzy

25 25 26 SUWANEE SOIRÉE ____________ _______ 6pm-10pm ____________ _______

The River Club_______ ____________ To purchase tickets visit ngaa4arts.com

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GWINNETT MARCH FOR BABIES__________ ____________ 10am ____________ __________

Town Center Park ____________ __________ For more information visit marchforbabies.org

NORTH GEORGIA ARTS GUILD PRESENTS CELEBRATE CLAYTON ____________ _ _________ 10am ____________ __________

Downtown Clayton ____________ __________ celebrateclayton.com